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Tomorrow Will Come
Chapter 19: Chapter 19

By: Kimberjingle

 
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Chapter 19: The Next Treatment, Dragon Songs, Sex In The Wing

Yes,” Albus said sadly. “Last year we found out that Harry had the Rothslid Degenerative disease. He took the first set of treatments and the disease vanished with no trace. With Harry being so very unique as he is, no one could explain it. He hadn’t shown any sign of the disease at all until yesterday. If these treatments take effect as they did last time the disease may be gone for good.”

And if they don’t take effect?” Dean asked.

Then Harry will die,” Albus said quietly.

When will we know if the treatments were successful?” Hermione asked.

In three to five days,” Albus said. “When Harry returns here tomorrow, he’ll have to stay in the wing. I’m sure he won’t give much resistance because he’ll be so weakened that he won’t be able to move. If you all go to see him in the wing, be prepared for what you might see. Harry will be pale and all the pink lines of his veins and capillaries you saw today will be blackened by tomorrow. He won’t want you all to see it, but you have my permission to visit. It embarrasses him greatly.”

We won’t say anything about it to him, sir,” Neville asked.

I will,” Ron said. “I’ll tease him about it like I do everything else. He expects that from me and I’m not stopping just because he thinks he’s going to die…because…well, he’s not.” Ron turned and walked away from the group quickly.

Harry is his best friend in the world,” Michael said. “I know this is hard on him.”

Yeah, but what about Draco? I mean now that they’re married and all can you imagine how he’s going to feel if Harry dies?” Dean asked Michael. Albus tilted his head in question.

Um, Dean?” Ginny said noting Albus gaze. “I don’t think you were supposed to open your mouth about that.”

Married?” Albus asked.

Yes,” Hermione took it upon herself to explain. “Harry and Draco have given each other vows of dedication to the other and even rings to signify that vow. And no matter what anyone says to them, they feel as if they are indeed married.”

And they’re very happy about it,” Neville said. “I’m glad they’re married, too.”

I see,” Albus said. “Interesting. I’ll have to give that more thought. That doesn’t sound like something Harry would do.”

I think Draco made him,” Ginny said with a grin and the other students snickered a bit.

So is Harry named Harold James Potter Dumbledore Malfoy now?” Seamus asked and the students laughed.

Yeah, but think. Draco is Draco Lucius Malfoy Potter,” Ginny said.

Good heavens,” Albus said as they all walked up to the school and entered the hallway.

Harry, Draco and Remus came into Harry’s hospital room where Harry defragmented them and immediately fell onto his bed in exhaustion never noticing the two doctors and nurse standing in the doorway. As Lupin explained to the doctors what had happened and why they were gone, Draco pulled Harry’s legs up onto the bed to make sure he was comfortable and then covered him up with the sheet and light blanket. In only minutes, Harry was sleeping on his side. Draco lay beside him and draped an arm over him not caring that the doctors were in the room or not. When Lupin was finished explaining the events with the Death Eaters, the doctors understood and left them to rest. It was just after half past nine at night and the nurse came back with a large meal for Lupin and Draco who eagerly took it.

What about Harry? He’ll need something,” Draco asked her.

When he wakes, he is welcome to come to the food center on the third floor and eat anything he wishes. If he’s too tired to walk there on his own, one of you can alert me and I’ll send him a tray,” the kind nurse said. “I’m leaving these four vials of medication that Harry will need to take within the next two hours. If he doesn’t wake on his own before then and take them, I’ll be back at that time to see that he does.”

Will those make him sick?” Draco asked of the potions.

No. These are to help with ridding the virals in his body tomorrow,” the nurse said.

So they’ll make him sicker tomorrow after the treatment,” Draco restated.

Unfortunately yes,” the nurse said with concern. “But the staff is hopeful that this will be the last treatment Harry may ever need.”

I bet,” Draco said. “If this one doesn’t work then…he dies anyway.”

Have faith,” the nurse said as she touched Draco’s hand. “This is Harry Potter we’re speaking of. He’s defied just about everything from what I been told of him. I’ll leave you two to have your meals. There will be a few house elves here to take your trays when I return. They’ll also want to change the sheets and tidy the room at that time.” The kind nurse left. Draco and Lupin ate and talked. After they’d eaten they waited for the two hours as Lupin told Draco about the Marauders when he was in school and Harry’s parents. The nurse came in to see Harry still sleeping.

I hate to wake him,” Draco said. The nurse nodded her agreement but she shook Harry’s shoulder gently and he woke.

Hello sleepy head,” the nurse said.

Paula, leave me alone,” Harry teased as he pulled up the covers. “And no I’m not taking any potions. Go away.”

Are you trying to get me fired? I was given explicit instructions to have you take these potions,” Paula teased back. “And I need my job, Harry. You’d hate it if I had to resort to other means to support myself and my two kids, wouldn’t you?” Harry threw back the covers.

You’re guilt tripping me?” Harry asked as he sat up and Paula handed him the first vial.

Whatever works,” Paula grinned.

What is this crap anyway?” Harry asked before he swallowed the first two vials.

These will help you tomorrow,” Paula said. “They’re cleansing agents that will assist to remove the virals after your treatment tomorrow.” Harry swallowed the last two and made a horrible fase.

That tasted like raw sewage,” Harry almost gagged.

It will taste better coming back up tomorrow,” Draco teased. Harry flipped him off.

You’re welcome to go down to the food center and eat if you want,” Paula said. “Or I could bring you a tray of food. You also have the option of having a mild sleeping draught to help you sleep if you wish it.”

Can I go down to the staff lounge and watch television?” Harry asked wiggling his eyebrows.

You know you’re not allowed there,” Paula said with the look.

And you think the staff will tell me no?” Harry asked as he stood up and stretched.

For the record I told you that you weren’t allowed there,” Paula said. “I’ll be back every four hours to give you medications. Try to sleep tonight.”

I will. Thanks,” Harry said as she left. “Do you want to go watch some television?” Harry asked Draco and Lupin.

Yeah, let’s go,” Draco said as the little house elves came in to tidy the room.

Well, since the house elves are cleaning, I suppose I should go with you,” Lupin said as he stood. “Lead the way.” Harry walked slowly and weakly down the hall toward the staff lounge. He peeked inside and no one was there.

Good. They’re not here,” Harry said as the three entered. The television was turned on and flipped through every channel until they all agreed to watch a variety show. There were only a table and some uncomfortable chairs in the lounge. “Move back.” Harry shooed Draco and Lupin to the side and with a bit of concentration Harry moved his hands and conjured them a large comfortable sofa in front of the television.

You shouldn’t be doing much magic, Harry,” Lupin said. “You know it makes you weaker.”

After what I did with the DEs today, this was nothing,” Harry said as he sat on the sofa. “Let’s not talk about that. Let’s just enjoy this tonight. Draco, would you like some popcorn?”

Sure,” Draco said following Harry to the lounge kitchenette.

Harry, maybe you shouldn’t be…” Lupin started and then just sighed and sat down on the sofa. Harry took the bag of muggle microwave popcorn and with a small heating spell, he’d heated it to perfection so that the warm smell of buttery popcorn filled the room.

There,” Harry said with a smile to Draco. “Come on.” The pair went to sit and cuddle up on the sofa as they all three shared the popcorn and watched television. When Paula entered about four hours later, Harry was sitting in the middle of the sofa watching a movie. Lupin was asleep on one side and Draco on the other.

What on earth are you doing?” Paula asked.

Oh. Hey,” Harry said. “I’m watching this great movie. Do you want to watch it with me?”

I’m sure I can’t do that,” Paula said. “And…good heavens. Did you conjure this sofa?”

Well…I sort of had to. There wasn’t any place to get comfortable,” Harry said with a grin.

You need to go to bed,” Paula said. “It’s after one in the morning, Harry.”

I know, Paula,” Harry whined. “I just want to enjoy this movie and then I’ll go straight to bed. I never get to watch television at Hogwarts. This is real treat for me.” Paula relinquished, knowing Harry would be under much stress and pain the next day.

Alright,” Paula said. “Just this movie and then straight to bed. Will you need a sleeping draught?”

No, I think I’ll be okay,” Harry said. “I’m tired now, but…I wanted to watch the rest of this before I went to sleep. Thanks.” Paula left and Harry watched the rest of his movie in silence. When it was over he was sorely tempted to watch more, but he’d promised Paula so he woke Draco and Remus. “Come on you two. We have to go back to my room.”

Sounds good to me,” Draco said with a grin as he was waking and stretching.

I didn’t realize I’d fallen asleep,” Remus yawned.

Well you did,” Harry said. “But that’s okay. I know you were tired and I sort of had a six hour nap today.” Harry vanished the sofa and the three retired back to the room. All were fast asleep in minutes. During the night, Paula woke Harry every four hours to give him potions for the next day, but the other two never woke.

Harry, wake up,” Draco said as he shook Harry’s shoulder and nuzzled into his neck to place tiny kisses there. “Wake up, baby.”

Mmm,” Harry hummed at feeling Draco’s warm breath and lips on his skin. “Let’s stay in bed all day.” Harry was teetering on the edge of sleep.

Harry, wake up,” Draco said. Without opening his eyes Harry turned over to wrap himself around Draco in his sleep. “Harry. Come on…open your eyes.”

No,” Harry whispered. “I’m tired.”

I know that, baby,” Draco said kissing his forehead. “But you have things to do today.” Harry stilled and then groaned at remembering where he was.

Draco, no,” Harry whined. “I don’t want to go through that again. I can’t do it. Please no….”

I know you hate it,” Draco said holding him tightly. “I hate it, too. I wish you didn’t have to take it either, Harry. But look, you had a delivery of flowers from the council this morning.”

I did?” Harry asked and then rose up. Draco handed Harry his glasses and he looked over to see a vase of dead flowers.

They sent dead flowers on purpose. They were already dead when they arrived because they knew that live plants around you tend to get that way anyway,” Draco said. Harry burst out into laughter and kicked his feet in the bed in his fit of humor.

Oh god that is so classic,” Harry grinned. “That had to be Hermione’s idea. Was there a card?”

Yes, here,” Draco pulled the card and handed it to Harry who read it aloud.

Get back here before we kick your ass,” Harry said the words on the card and laughed again. “Everyone signed it, too. How cool. That was very sweet of them. They’re great.”

Yes, they are,” Draco said with a grin at their friends’ humor. “Do you think you could eat anything? You look a bit thin.”

Hell no,” Harry said as he folded the card and looked around. “Where’s Remus?”

He decided to eat breakfast in the food center a while ago,” Draco said with a grin. “I told him that you and I might like a few minutes alone.” Draco pushed Harry gently down onto the bed and moved over to lay flush on him. “What do you think of that idea?”

I think that’s a great start to a bad day,” Harry grinned. “But how long will he be gone?”

I put up four locking wards on the door along with two silencing spells and a stinger hex to anyone who tries over twice to get in,” Draco grinned.

Very clever,” Harry smiled. “Would you like to shower with me?”

Absolutely. Let’s get naked,” Draco wiggled his eyebrows and the pair stripped in the bathroom. The shower was small but there was a small bench like chair attached to the back wall. “I think we can work with that.” Both dug out their toothbrushes and gave a quick brushing to their teeth.

I totally agree about the bench,” Harry said. “What do you want? Top or bottom?”

We’ll be standing technically, but…you know what I want already,” Draco said with that look.

How could I guess?” Harry asked as the water was turned on and heated up.

Move, I need to pee first,” Draco said.

No! Wait,” Harry said. “You owe me anyway.”

I…I don’t know, Harry,” Draco said. “We’re in the medical center for pete’s sake.”

So? We’re in the shower. And you owe me,” Harry said pulling Draco into the shower and under the water to soak him. Draco spit out the water. “So do it.”

This is fucked up, Harry,” Draco said.

I know it is,” Harry chuckled as he sat on the bench.

You’re sitting?” Draco asked.

Yeah” Harry said as he leaned back against the shower and spread himself in a lounging position and began to stroke his cock. “Just piss all over me. Do it. I want you to.”

Oh god you’re insane,” Draco said as he moved over a bit and began to pee on Harry’s stomach and then over Harry’s own quickly growing erection that he was stroking.

Oh god that feels good,” Harry said of the warm liquid from Draco’s body. “What a fucking turn on. Holy shit, Draco that’s great.” Both enjoyed the show they were giving to themselves for a few more moments.

That is cool,” Draco said as the stream ended. “Okay. Oh hell that just fucked with my mind. Damn, we’re crazy.” Both got wet under the shower and rinsed off a bit before Draco pulled Harry over into a long, deep kiss while their hands played on the other with intimate touches. Draco turned to put his back to Harry’s chest as they continued to feel the other. “I want you so much I can hardly stand it. Let’s hurry. Sit down on the bench.” Harry moved to sit on the bench and Draco turned to sit on him.

No, turn to me so I can see you,” Harry said. “I love watching your face when I’m inside you.”

Oh god,” Draco almost went weak with hearing the words. “I…can you add a pair of handrails on either side of your head?”

Sure,” Harry said. “Show me where.” Draco put his hands on the wall where they’d need to be and Harry flicked a wrist and added them. “That okay?”

Perfect,” Draco said as he climbed onto the small bench holding onto the handrails. Draco squatted and Harry guided them both together to that they joined and each gave a gasp and a long sighing groan of pleasure at the contact. “You feel so good in me. Oh gods yes…do that again.” Harry pushed Draco back a bit and pulled him forward. The odd angle of the thrust felt a bit different than they’d ever experienced but it was so good.

This is good,” Harry said as he pulled and pushed Draco onto his hard cock. Draco held on to the handrails and used his leverage and flexibility to aid in the position. “Come on baby…oh yeah do it to me.” Draco dropped himself harder onto the thick cock plunging into him each and every time. Harry assisted with pushing up and Draco pushed down. “Oh fuck…hell yes…you do it and let me get you off.” Harry let go with one hand and began to work Draco’s cock the way he knew his dragon loved it.

Yes…oh god yes…just like that…holy fucking hell that’s incredible,” Draco panted as he felt his explosion on the way. After several more minutes each was growling with need of relief.

Oh fuck…yeah do it I’m going to come…come with me, baby,” Harry said as he speed up the thrusting of Draco’s torrid flesh. With the last of several strokes and grinds each spilled the fluid prize with sated moans of bliss. While still holding Harry’s hard flesh inside him, Draco let go of the handrails and Harry wrapped his arms around his lover.

I love you, Harry,” Draco said as he wrapped his arms around the one below rubbed his cheek on Harry’s wet hair.

I love you, too,” Harry as he kissed Draco’s chest up to his neck. “I could stay right here all day.”

So could I,” Draco whispered. “But…”

I know,” Harry said helping Draco off to stand.

Each enjoyed the hot water of the shower as they washed each other stealing kisses along the way. The shower was over all too soon for either of them and each dressed. Draco was in his regular clothing and Harry in the fresh pajama bottoms left for him. Draco took down the wards on the room and they curled up together on the freshly made bed again.

You know I’ll be sort of out of it for a day or two,” Harry said. Draco nodded. “I’ll be asleep the whole time probably, so you may need to go to classes and get back into the routine.”

No, I’ll want to stay with you,” Draco said. “I’ll be alright.”

No, I think you need to go to class,” Harry said. “Be with people and not just sit there and watch me sleep for two days. It’s okay. Either Ron or Hermione are in each of your classes and if I know Hermione, she’ll drag you out of the ward anyway.”

But I don’t want to go to classes, Harry,” Draco argued. “I want to be with you in the hospital wing. Don’t make me go.”

Draco, please,” Harry said. “There’s no need for you to sit and worry every minute. I’m asking you to go to class and I hope that you will. Do that for me. You can come after class or…you can even take meals in the wing if you want. But I want you to go to class. Promise me you will.”

I…I don’t want to,” Draco said but the pleading look on Harry’s face was too much. “I promise I’ll go.”

Thank you,” Harry grinned and snuggled up a bit closer as they lay facing with arms and legs tangled comfortably. Harry began to hum some song that he was enjoying in his head.

Sing to me,” Draco said softly. “Sing what you’re humming.” Harry grinned and laughed softly before he broke into a quiet song of what he was humming, which was “The Way You Are” by Billy Joel.

“…I would not leave you in times of trouble. We never could have come this far. Hmmmm. I took the good times, I’ll take the bad times. I’ll take you just the way you are,” Harry sang. “I need to know that you will always be, the same old someone that I knew. Ahhh…What will it take till you believe in me the way that I believe in you? I said I love you. That’s forever. This I promise from the heart. Hmmmm. I couldn’t love you any better. I love you just the way you are…”

I love it that you sing to me,” Draco whispered. “It’s so special to me.”

I’d do anything for you,” Harry said. “You know that.” A small knock came at the door. Just for fun Harry grinned. “Oh yeah baby give it to me! Yes! Yes! Yes!” Harry yelled into the room and Draco burst out into laughter. Lupin came in.

That wasn’t funny,” Remus said with a grin.

Yes it was,” Harry teased.

Draco, I brought you some breakfast,” Remus said.

You didn’t eat this morning?” Harry asked.

No, I wanted to stay with you for a while,” Draco said. “I’ll eat now.” Harry let Draco up and watched him eat.

Oh god,” Harry said of the food. “I’m starving, but I know if I eat I’ll just puke it all up.”

The nurse left you that pitcher of something to drink,” Remus said. “It’s…I forgot what it was.”

Nutriolis,” Harry said. “It’s enhanced with vitamins and carbohydrates to keep my body saturated and energized without the need for solid food.”

How did …” Draco shook his head as he ate. “Never mind. The flow told you that. I can tell.” Harry just smirked and took the glass offered from Remus with the nutritional liquid in it. After a while the three were chatting about current events in the school, when another knock sounded.

Good morning,” Doctor Grinkley came in wearing his tiny spectacles and carrying a clipboard. Giles was behind him ready to assist if needed. “I read the notes on your unexpected disappearance last night. You had the staff in a scramble to find you, Harry.”

When duty calls…” Harry said dryly and shrugged with a grin.

Yes, well, we understand,” Grinkely winked. “I hope you slept well and took all the potions last night. I saw a note from Paula on your chart this morning that you were in the staff lounge watching the muggle television novelty in there.”

I did,” Harry said. “Sorry about that. It was too much of a temptation.”

That’s quite alright,” Grinkely said kindly. “Now for the unpleasant part of my visit. We’ll need to be getting to the lab for the treatment in about a half hour. You did so well yesterday, Harry.”

Pardon my intrusion, sir, but…you know I’m an Occlumens/Legilimens,” Harry said. “And with you being so close to me in proximity I know every thought you’ve had since you entered the room.” Harry and the doctor locked gazes for several moments as Harry challenged for the truth.

Very well,” The doctor said sadly with a slight nod. “Your levels of the virals in your body were off the chart when you came here yesterday. If it were anyone else they’d be dead already. Even with yesterday’s treatment, your viral levels are still higher than we’d hoped. There may be the option of having the treatment today and then another in a week depending on how you fare today. The danger in that is with the constant pressure your body undergoes in the Nimbing Crux, or the glass coffin as you call it, your organs are overworked in that state. So in trying for the cure, we could be doing more damage.”

Great,” Harry said lightly with a snort. “That’s just great. Okay. Well, we’ll just wait and see then. Let’s get this shit over with.” Harry moved to the side of the bed and stood. Giles was there to assist. “I can walk, but thanks anyway, Giles. Come on, Draco.” Harry led Draco down the hallway and stopped at the door of the lab and took a deep breath as he looked at it. “I hate going in there. I just absolutely loathe this room.”

Take your time,” Grinkely said. “It’s important that you go in when you’re ready.”

Does that include never?” Harry asked. “Oh hell.” Harry opened the door and went inside as the others followed. Giles motioned to the prep table where Harry had to sit and get re-attached with the nodes. The nodes were all applied the same as the day before and soon Harry was sitting in the glass apparatus being wired up. He kept rubbing his sweaty palms on his pajama bottoms. Draco couldn’t take it anymore so he came over as Harry was being attached.

I’m here,” Draco said taking Harry’s slightly trembling hand. “It’s okay. Fifteen minutes is all. Just try to relax. I know that doesn’t help at all, but…I’m trying to be supportive.”

I know,” Harry said. “I just hate this. Draco, I hate it. Oh god it’s awful…” Harry was close to tears already and Draco held him tightly.

You are the strongest person I’ve ever known,” Draco said. “And I love you with all my heart and soul. Try to meditate for a minute while I hold you.” Draco kept giving Harry the soothing words as he gently stroked Harry’s hair and back with his hands giving him the calmness he needed. Soon Harry was breathing evenly and mildly calmed.

Whenever you’re ready,” Grinkely whispered to Draco who nodded but didn’t let go. For several more minutes Draco let Harry meditate into that place of serene calmness where the pain couldn’t come. Gently Draco pulled away and Harry slipped down into the glass to lie in his meditated state while Draco kept soothing him.

I’m ready,” Harry said calmly. Draco backed away and nodded to the doctors who placed the lid on the box. Harry lay so still that it took Draco’s breath at seeing him in the glass coffin for thinking that he wasn’t breathing at all. Lupin tugged at Draco’s sleeve and they went behind the thick protective glass and the treatment began. For the first several minutes Harry only scowled at the pain but after several more the tears ran from his eyes and he began to writhe a bit from the pain of it. The last seven minutes were nothing but screaming agony. Draco and Lupin were both in tears by the end.

The treatment ended with Harry completely passed out in the box facing away from them. Every vein on his face and body were a purplish color from the extreme pressure. Draco walked slowly from his safe place to the box as the two doctors removed the wires and nodes from him. When Draco came closer he noticed the blood from Harry’s nose and mouth.

What is that? Why is he bleeding?” Draco asked in a panic.

The pressure causes some of the weaker capillaries to burst,” Grinkely said. “The ones in the nose are weaker than other parts of the body. As for the blood in his mouth, that is from his throat as he screamed. I have that quite often in patients requiring these treatments. I wish there was another way, but for now this is all we have. It only takes a simple healing spell to cure both the nose and throat and I can give that after he’s awake.” Draco took Harry’s hand and held it as he touched Harry’s face and traced the little purple lines all over his skin. For the forty-five minutes that Harry lay still recovering from the severity of the treatment, Draco touched him.

Draco…” Harry whispered with a raspy voice as the blood and saliva ran from the side of his mouth.

I’m here, Harry,” Draco said quickly. “You have a nosebleed and your mouth is filled with blood. So don’t move, okay? Grinkely is coming to heal it for you.” Harry nodded slightly but never moved. The doctor gave the healing spells with his wand as promised.

I can’t move,” Harry whispered so softly that Draco almost missed it.

Lie still,” Draco said. “You don’t have to move yet. Just relax. I’m here with you.” Harry lay for another fifteen minutes without moving and hardly breathing at all but Draco never let go of his hand or the soft soothing rubs on his skin. Lupin went to speak with Grinkely.

Doctor, when we know the result of the treatments?” Lupin asked.

In Harry’s case, it will be three days before a blood test will be taken,” Grinkely said. “I can allow Madame Pomphrey at Hogwarts to take that test and send my staff her findings.” Lupin thanked the man and went to sit beside Draco and Harry. After another half hour, Harry still hadn’t moved so he was levitated back to his room for a bit until after the nauseous stage would pass. Draco and Remus waited for another three hours as Harry slept on until the two doctors came in. “He’s still not awake so we’ll need to enervate him. Giles, please help him onto the stool in the bathroom when he…”

I’ll do it,” Draco said coming to Harry’s bedside. “He’ll want me there.”

Very well,” Grinkely agreed before he gave two spells to wake Harry a bit. “Harry, you need to wake, son. Come on now.”

Draco…” Harry whispered as he opened his eyes and reached for him. “Sick….” Draco helped Harry to move and stand. Giles helped Harry’s other side because he could hardly stand. Once in the bathroom Harry lunged forward to the toilet to throw up and Draco managed to help him onto the stool between bouts of gagging. For almost an hour, Harry stayed in the bathroom heaving and puking up what little was left of anything. After the last bout, Harry all but fell over into complete exhaustion as he blacked out. Remus levitated Harry back to the bed and the doctors were called in again.

He is safe to go back to Hogwarts now,” Grinkely said. “Please give Madame Pomphrey these instructions along with his medications. And…we’ll hope for the best. Good to see you again Mister Lupin and it was a pleasure to meet you Mister Malfoy Potter. If I can answer any questions you might have, feel free to owl me at any time here at the center.” After a few last minute things, Lupin pulled the portkey, muttered the port spell and he, Draco and Harry were tugged to the Hogwarts hospital wing where Harry arrived perfectly lying in his favorite hospital bed at the back left.

Poppy!” Lupin called into the wing announcing their presence. “We’re here with Harry!” Draco fidgeted with Harry’s sheets and sat on his bedside just to touch him and hold his hand. Lupin gave Poppy the vials and instructions before Albus came. The three discussed what had happened with the treatments over the last two days as Harry slept on. It was after two in the afternoon already and Poppy had sealed the ward doors to keep out any visitors since Harry was the only patient at that time.

Draco, Harry will sleep for another twenty four hours at least,” Poppy said kindly. “You may need to go and…just get away for a bit. Come back tomorrow around during your lunch break and I’ll have a tray here for you. Maybe Harry will be awake at that time.”

I hate to leave him,” Draco said looking on his one who slept so peacefully. “But…he wants me to go to classes and I promised I would. So…I’ll go to my dorm and rest a bit until the evening meal. I’ll be back tomorrow at lunchtime. If he happens to wake…”

I’ll send word immediately,” Poppy said. “I promise.”

Thank you,” Draco said as she left. Draco lay beside Harry in his bed for a moment just to hold him, nuzzle into his warm neck and kiss his cheek. “I’ll be back tomorrow at lunchtime, Harry. I promised you I’d go to class and I will. I love you, baby. I’m just a call away if you need me. I miss you so much. Hurry back to me.” With the last of kisses to unresponsive lips, Draco left Harry’s side and went to his room.

The next day at lunchtime, Draco came and Harry still hadn’t roused. Poppy reminded him to not worry that the rest would be very good for Harry’s body since he hardly ever slept anyway. After Draco had eaten and stolen more kisses from his sleeping lover, he went back to class. When it was time for the evening meal, Draco sat with the Slytherins who had been somewhat avoiding him. The topics were bland and tensed but Draco kept conversation with them light and to the point. For some reason he just didn’t feel comfortable here at this table anymore. Draco pondered how that he sat at this table for almost seven years and now only after so short a time he felt as if he’d never belonged here at all. Draco looked over to the Gryffindor table to see most of the council members and he suddenly felt alone. Ron caught Draco’s gaze and motioned to the door with his head so that no one noticed. Draco walked from the Dining Hall and stood in the hallway to wait on them. Ron, Hermione, Seamus and Neville came out.

Hey. We were going to see Harry,” Ron said. “You think that will be alright?”

He…well, he looks…not too good,” Draco said timidly. “So just…be prepared. Okay?” The all nodded as they set off toward the hospital wing.

Draco, tell me about the pressure treatments,” Hermione said. “I’ve read just one small text that was so vague that I have no idea what that would be like.” Draco explained everything that had happened to Harry with the treatments and the horrible screaming pain that he’d endured for two days, the nausea and the extreme exhaustion. The other four were taken back by Draco’s need to stand in the hallway still for a moment at just remembering it.

I would choose to die rather than have that,” Draco admitted honestly. “I swear to you that I wouldn’t do it. Ever. I don’t know how he is still living after everything that happens to him.” Draco opened the hospital wing door to see Harry sitting up with a glass of some orange liquid. They smiled to each other as Draco rushed over to sit on his bedside. “You little shit. Poppy said she’d alert me when you woke.”

I just woke a minute ago and was so thirsty,” Harry said. “She refused to give me a mirror, but I conjured one. I look like shit.”

Yes, you do,” Draco grinned. “But you look better than you did right after that last treatment. Oh god…that was bad.”

Bad? That was total living adulterated hell,” Harry said. “Worse than cruicio. I swear it. Not only did I have to lay there in pain, but I had to hold containment and take the pain willingly because if I didn’t I’d have exploded everything in the room…or…the building or whatever... Hey guys.”

Harry you should have taken your medication when you knew you needed to,” Hermione scolded. Harry gave Draco a look.

This is why I have a hidden room,” Harry told Draco. “She drives me insane.”

That just needed to be said,” Hermione said quickly. The students discussed a few other things and Poppy brought Harry his medication, which he took quickly.

You need to rest a bit more and whenever you feel like eating solid food you are allowed to have it,” Poppy said. “Can I get you some now?”

Um…not right now,” Harry said. “Perhaps in a few hours. Thanks. But I do feel better.”

Very good,” Poppy said giving him another check over. “Your purpled veins are beginning to fade just a bit. The color should wear off in another two or three days.” Harry nodded with pep and a grin. Harry leaned back against the headboard and pillows and Draco sat beside him on the bed comfortably holding hands as they visited with their friends. During the evening Michael and Ginny came as did Dean, Debbie, Professor McGonagall and Albus. The council all promised to come after the evening meal the next day to visit again shortly. Draco stayed the entire time. When it was nearing curfew Harry sent Draco to his own room to sleep and rest properly and Harry took sleeping draught and rested as well.

The next morning Harry woke feeling much better and he decided to have breakfast. As he was eating, Draco came in and visited before class. With a quick kiss Draco set off toward Transfiguration. Harry called for a house elf and gave explicit instructions for what texts he needed from the library. Harry had five books open at once all over the bed but he was slouched down reading one intently and absentmindedly twirling a quill between his fingers when Albus came in.

What on earth are you studying?” Albus sat in the chair beside him.

Oh. Not much. I had a thought for a new spell, and I just decided to research my ideas since I’m just sitting here anyway,” Harry said as he sat up and tried to cover up just a bit of what he was working on.

I see. How do you feel?” Albus asked. They discussed all that had gone on since the night the Death Eaters arrived at Hogwarts. Harry admitted to feeling better even though he didn’t look it too much. After a short visit and having given Harry a small vase full of his favorite lollipops, Albus was called away but promised to come after the evening meal to see him again. Harry worked and took notes until Draco arrived for lunch. The meal was hot and filling as they ate quickly. Before he had to go, Draco, at Harry’s request, crawled into bed with him for a long kissing session, which left them both wanting more.

I can’t wait to get out of here so we can go back to our room,” Harry said onto Draco’s lips between butterfly kisses. “I guess you need to go to class.”

I’ll come back before the meal and I’ll eat with you here,” Draco said. The last kiss was short and Draco left. There were no other patients in the wing, so Harry read for several more hours and worked on the spell he was creating. He had a few feet of parchment and had come up with what he though was the solution. He rolled up the parchments and moved the books to the side table for a short nap. When he woke, Poppy was there to give him more potions.

I need to go to St. Mungo’s for a few hours, Harry,” Poppy said. “There are several things I had on order that have arrived there. I’ll be leaving in a bit and Angela doesn’t come on duty until midnight. Will you be alright here alone for a few hours?”

I practically live in this bed, Poppy,” Harry said. “And I’ll stay here so don’t worry about me. I would like some fresh pajamas so I could take a shower.” The pajamas were brought and Harry took a nice hot shower while the house elves changed the bedding. Harry came back to bed and Poppy said her goodbye and left a potion for Harry to take later if needed. The quiet stillness of the wing was either soothing or irritating and Harry couldn’t decide which. Soon it was time for the evening meal and Draco came in smiling. “We’re here alone. Poppy is gone to St. Mungo’s” Harry wiggled his eyebrows.

I’m not doing anything in this wing,” Draco said with a grin. Harry pulled Draco over onto him as they kissed hungrily for the other. A pair of house elves came and brought them trays of food and they ate and talked about the classes of the day. After the meal, Harry gave Draco a pillow and Draco lay back relaxed with his head on the pillow at the foot of the bed as Harry sat up at the head end. Draco took a lollipop and was enjoying it when Harry transfigured himself a guitar. “Are you going to sing to me?”

Yes, I thought I would,” Harry said. “Would you like that?” Harry strummed several things.

You know I would,” Draco said as he twirled the lollipop in his mouth. “Go ahead. Sing something good.” Harry strummed and had remembered a song earlier in the day that he wished to sing to his one.

Alright,” Harry said. “I’ll sing this to you. Thad was always a fan of Rod Stewart and he taught me this song just before he died.” Harry started to strum the angsty beginning of “You’re in My Heart” and Draco grinned a bit at knowing the song.

The council had all met after they’d eaten and had walked to the hospital wing. The closer they came to the door the louder the strumming was.

What is that?” Michael asked.

I think…I think Harry is playing the guitar,” Ginny said. Ron reached for the door but Hermione stopped him.

Wait,” Hermione said. “Let’s just peek to see first.” The door was silently cracked just a bit when Harry began to sing. The students watched Harry sitting on the bed cross-legged playing the guitar as Draco lounged on the bed with his socked foot on Harry’s knee shaking it to the music and twirling the lollipop as the enjoyed his serenade. It was evident that Harry was singing his heart out by his expressions and dramatic acting to Draco and meaning every single word. Albus came near and the students hushed him as he peered in to see the touching scene of the private concert of one who loved the other. All were grinning in amusement at Harry’s song to his lover.

Harry sang:

I didn’t know what day it was

When you walked into the room

I said hello unnoticed

You said goodbye too soon.

Breezing through the clientele

Spinning yarns that were so lyrical

I really must confess right here

The attraction was purely physical.

I took all those habits of yours

That in the beginning were hard to accept

Your fashion sense, Beardsly prints

I put down to experience.

The big bosomed lady with the Dutch accent

Who tried to change my point of view

Her ad lib lines were well rehearsed

But my heart cried out for you…”

The students were all snickering to the other as they watched Harry put everything he had into singing the words of the chorus he truly felt for Draco:

You’re in my heart, you’re in my soul

You’ll be my breath should I grow old

You are my lover, you’re my best friend

You’re in my soul…

My love for you is immeasurable

My respect for you immense

You’re ageless, timeless, lace and fineness

You’re beauty and elegance. (Draco flung out his arms to take the compliment and Harry laughed a moment before the next lines as they played together with the song.)

You’re a rhapsody, a comedy

You’re a symphony and a play

You’re every love song ever written

But honey what do you see in me?”

Sing with me,” Harry said to Draco who sang the next chorus with him since they were alone. The students all held in silent snickers at Draco singing. He wasn’t bad at all.

You’re in my heart, you’re in my soul

You’ll be my breath should I grow old

You are my lover, you’re my best friend

You’re in my soul…

You’re an essay in glamour

Please pardon the grammar

But you’re every schoolboy’s dream (Draco laughed hard at this)

You’re Celtic, United, but baby I’ve decided

You’re the best team I’ve ever seen.

And there have been many affairs

Many times I’ve thought to leave

But I bite my lip and turn around

cause you’re the warmest thing I’ve ever found.”

Sing!” Harry said loudly and he and Draco sang the chorus to the other. Draco sat up and straddled the bed so that he and Harry sang the words directly as they looked to the other. Each was singing with much emphasis on the words that they meant as Harry strummed loud on the strings almost carelessly never looking to the instrument for seeing only Draco.

You’re in my heart, you’re in my soul

You’ll be my breath should I grow old

You are my lover, you’re my best friend

You’re in my soul..

You’re in my heart, you’re in my soul

You’ll be my breath should I grow old

You are my lover, you’re my best friend

You’re in my soul…”

Harry let Draco sing the last chorus alone as he played the strings for him and smiled at his own serenade from his singing dragon.

You’re in my heart, you’re in my soul

You’ll be my breath should I grow old

You are my lover, you’re my best friend

You’re in my soul…”

As the song wound down they kissed lightly when they heard clapping. They pulled back quickly to see Albus clapping and all the council members standing behind him coming their way.

Oh my god,” Draco said and he fell back on the bed and covered his face with the pillow as Harry laughed loud and cackling.

How much of that did you see?” Harry asked them.

All of it. Every single word,” Ron said. Draco groaned loudly under the pillow in embarrassment. Harry rubbed Draco’s leg and Draco flung off the pillow.

I swear to you all if any of you ever mention this again I will kill you,” Draco said with pink cheeks.

You sing well, Draco,” Ginny said. “I thought you did fine.”

He does sing well,” Harry said.

That was just for you. I didn’t know I had an audience,” Draco told Harry.

When did you learn that?” Albus asked. “You never told me you know how to play an instrument.”

Well…I…it never occurred to me,” Harry said as he strummed lazily on the strings. “I can do things other than fight, you know. Sometimes it’s like nobody knows me. I can do other stuff besides maim and destroy.” Harry sounded almost offended.

Yes, I’m well aware of that,” Albus said.

What did you tell the students after we left after the DEs that night?” Draco asked of Albus.

The students were curious as to why you both were in pajamas, and Harry was covered in his vein bruising,” Albus said. “I told them that Harry was ill and that you had accompanied him to a treatment center.”

Harry, the students know you have Rothslid Degenerative,” Seamus asked. “I don’t know how they figured it out, but…everyone knows now. And…they also know about…” Seamus motioned to Draco. Harry and Draco gave a long look to the other as Harry kept strumming some tune not bothered by anything being said.

So what?” Draco said. “I don’t care. I got the impression that everyone knew anyway from all the stares I was getting in class and at meals.”

Oh well,” Harry said as he strummed something else. “With all the craziness that has been going on lately, it was bound to happen anyway.” Harry kept strumming the tune as he closed his eyes and enjoyed the melody.

I know that song,” Hermione said. “I love that song, Harry. ‘Iris’ has always been one of my favorites. Can you sing it?” Harry shook his head as he played.

Come on,” Draco said. “Sing it.”

No,” Harry said quietly.

I would like to hear you sing,” Albus said. Harry gave them all the look and knew that he would eventually end up singing the damn song anyway.

Fine. You know how I hate to disappoint my public,” Harry said sarcastically as he started the song over again. “This is ‘Iris’ by the Goo Goo Dolls.” The strumming was perfect and Harry began to sing the song in his perfect raspy singing voice pouring himself into the words and strumming the strings hard with his feelings about himself and life that the words of the song echoed.

And I’d give up forever to touch you

cause I know that you feel me somehow

You’re the closest to heaven that I’ll

Ever be

And I don’t want to go home right now.

And all I can taste is this moment

And all I can breathe is your life

cause sooner or later it’s over

I just don’t want to miss you tonight.

And I don’t want the world to see me

cause I don’t think that they’d

Understand

When everything’s made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am.

And you can’t fight the tears that ain’t

Coming

Or the moment of truth in your lies

When everything feels like the movies

Yeah you bleed just to know you’re alive.

And I don’t want the world to see me

cause I don’t think that they’d

Understand

When everything’s made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am.

And I don’t want the world to see me

cause I don’t think that they’d

Understand

When everything’s made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am.

And I don’t want the world to see me

cause I don’t think that they’d

Understand

When everything’s made to be broken

I just want you to know who I am.

I just want you to know who I am

I just want you to know who I am

I just want you to know who I am…”

The last delicately played strings left the students in awe at the perfect sentiments as they all watched his perfected motions of fingering the frets and strings of the instrument in his soft and pensive Harry way.

That song is so you,” Draco said softly.

Is it?” Harry asked as he picked the strings not looking to anyone for a few moments. Harry stopped his picking and looked to see everyone standing and staring. Harry flicked a wrist and conjured them all chairs and they took them. “Do you all forget that you can make chairs?”

No, we just…” Dean started. “I didn’t even think about wanting one.”

We were sort of…just listening to you,” Michael said.

How lucky of you,” Harry laughed as he put down the guitar beside his bed.

I loved that song, Harry,” Draco said.

Thanks,” Harry said reaching across for a lollipop for himself. “I like that song, too.” Harry opened it and lounged back against the headboard intertwining his legs with Draco’s who lay on the other side with his own lollipop.

Harry, is that how you feel? That you want others to know you?” Albus asked. Harry shrugged in a noncommittal of an answer before he snapped his head to Hermione and narrowed his eyes.

What?” Hermione asked. Harry nodded.

I asked her,” Albus said. “But you never volunteered the information, Harry. I have to admit I was surprised at hearing it.”

Were you?” Harry asked Albus but never took his eyes from Hermione.

What?” Hermione asked again in frustration. Harry wiggled his ring finger. “Oh. Um…well…”

Forget it,” Harry said with a smile. “ Draco and I like to throw Hogwarts for a loop every now and then. Don’t we?”

Absolutely,” Draco said. “How many loops do you think our little information will bring when it gets public?”

Oh I’d say the Daily Prophet will be called first thing,” Harry said. “And we’ll be drilled for every piece of information we have on each other. And I’m not saying a damn word just to piss them off.”

Harry, please,” Albus said. “Watch the language.”

Then we have a plan,” Draco said crunching the last bit of his candy. “Oh holy hell. Can you imagine what my father will do now that he’s out of Azkaban?” Harry laughed with the others.

He’ll come after me with that cane again,” Harry said. “I cannot imagine how he will react. He may just have a stroke on the spot and fall over dead.”

Oh well,” Draco said. “It’s not like he’d be a good in-law in any case.”

Yes, I can see that,” Harry said sarcastically.

I have to ask you both,” Albus said to Harry and Draco. “If you would like legal documentation of your marriage to the other. To make it legal?” Draco and Harry gave each other a wide-eyed grin of something.

Well?” Draco asked in bright-eyed excitement that he was trying hard to cover.

Well?” Harry asked with the same look and they sat in silence just starting at the other and Harry twirled the candy in his mouth.

What’s the difference?” Draco asked.

Whatever you want to do,” Harry said.

There will be much paperwork between the two of you,” Albus said. “With Draco’s accounts and holdings as well as your own mass of wealth, Harry, the law will require your signatures on many things. You’ll need to decide if you both want to keep your accounts separate or jointed and things such as that.”

How exciting. You could have a real ceremony,” Ginny said. “With a wedding party, cake and…all that.”

I don’t care,” Harry said. “Do you?”

I could care less,” Draco said with a scowl. “We’re loaded, baby. We’ll have everything.”

Yeah,” Harry said sadly. “Um…but, maybe we should wait another day or two until the test results are given, Draco.” Harry gave Draco an undetermined look. Draco lost his joy.

Do you know something?” Draco asked as he sat up.

No. No, I don’t but…well,” Harry stammered. “There is no…guarantee that these treatments did anything. You know that already.”

Don’t say that,” Draco pointed his finger to Harry who shrugged. “I mean it, Harry. Stop this. I don’t want to hear it.”

Fine. But I think you may need to give one moment of thought to the possibility that I might not be around much longer,” Harry said rubbing Draco’s knee lightly and Draco started to protest loudly when Harry put his hand over Draco’s mouth. Harry became quite serious. “There are things I must do, Draco and Voldemort is one of those. If my time is short, then…I’ll need to do that quickly. I could go right now and I could get to him easy, but…you need to think about the possibility of…well…me not being…here. Like this. You know? I won’t mention it, but…I think you may need to…think about that a bit. Okay?” Draco shook his head defiantly and moved Harry’s hand. The other students were almost frozen with the heaviness of the conversation.

No. I won’t,” Draco said firmly with determination. “You’ll be fine. I know it. And I don’t want to hear another word about it from anyone. That’s it.” Harry nodded a bit and then pulled Draco over to sit in the vee of his outstretched legs.

Alright,” Harry said. “When I get out of here, we can go to London or something if you want. Maybe to Rome.”

I can’t allow that, Harry,” Albus said.

I’ll go anyway,” Harry said.

I know you will, but it’s my duty as Headmaster to inform you that you can’t go,” Albus said.

Hereby noted that I have been so informed,” Harry said.

How can you be so calm about this?” Seamus asked Harry.

Seamus, don’t say that. It’s not polite,” Dean said scolding him.

It’s okay,” Harry said. “Think of it this way. I’m a product of things that should never have been combined in the first place. I’m ridiculous when you think about it. One wizard that can do everything I can do? That’s crazy. I was doomed from the moment of my conception and almost killed as an infant so I’ve been living on borrowed time for seventeen years, Seam. And with me it’s always been a matter of when and how I would die and not if I would at all. So…if possibly the treatments didn’t work, then I have a few things to do before I go.”

Harry, I told you I don’t want to talk about this,” Draco whined. “It’s…just don’t. You’re fine. I know it. So just shut up before I beat the crap out of you.”

Alright,” Harry wrapped his arm around Draco’s chest and kissed his hair. “Whatever you want. I never got to tell you about the Tahinu rituals.”

Ah yes,” Albus grinned. “Which one?”

The Manihea,” Harry said quietly. Albus nodded slowly.

The freedom of the spirit,” Albus said as he and Harry locked gazes for a brief serious moment. “A very interesting ritual indeed.”

Tell me then,” Draco said.

I…I think I’ll wait to tell you that one,” Harry said. “I was fortunate in that I was there to witness the ceremony of the Manihea. But I was told of the wedding ceremonies there, too. Very simple things. The tribal members who are to be joined bring a platter of fruit to the other and each slices and feeds a bite to the other. Then the couple are led over to the bonding stone which is a knee high stone in the center of the village. The Piaya asks them if they desire to be joined and they give their wishes to do so. Then the couple each circle the stone three times and enter their dwelling together. Then they’re married. That’s it.”

How simple,” Ginny said. “What tribe are you speaking of?”

The Tahinu,” Albus said. “Harry and I went with a few professors to visit this magical tribe before the beginning of term this year. Harry was immediately immersed in the whole culture. He even wore the loincloth as soon as he arrived.” Harry snickered.

I tried every way in the world to get Albus to wear a loincloth,” Harry laughed. “He wouldn’t do it. I even threatened him with sending him a spell to dissolve his robes, but…that hex he sent me deterred me from it.”

What did you do with the tribe? What do they do everyday?” Debbie asked.

Well, in the morning we woke with the sun, and hunted,” Harry said. “We would cook what we had caught or killed. The meats were prepared and some were dried in hot houses with low burning fires. Then…there was a waterfall that we’d go swim in and…there was lots of fruit to be picked and…it was…great. I loved it. I wanted to stay there with them.”

And you were asked to stay if I remember correctly,” Albus chuckled.

Oh yes,” Harry snickered. “It seems that Piaya, that was the sort of holy man person tribal member, his daughter Kayica was sort of stuck on me there for a bit.”

Piaya offered me four lion skins, a sword and three quivers of spears for you, Harry,” Albus said.

Wow,” Harry said impressed but teasing. “I’m flattered. Kayica was very beautiful, didn’t you think?”

Yes, of all the maidens, she was by far the most beautiful,” Albus said.

Is that so?” Draco asked. Harry snickered. “You are just a meat market, Potter. First it’s the offers to sire offspring by the dozens, and now you’ve been off jolleying with tribals?”

You’ve had offers to father children?” Ron asked. Albus grinned.

Yes, he’s had plenty of those,” Albus said. “I still have the letters of open invitation. And I’ve tried to encourage it.”

Hell no,” Harry said. “They only want one thing from me. Power. Can you imagine how totally screwed a child of mine would be? Oh holy lord. I would never curse the earth with an offspring of my own. I shudder to think what my own child would be cursed with.”

That would be so cool,” Draco said wistfully. “I think you should do it.”

Yeah, me too,” Seamus said. “A little Harry Potter Junior.”

Have you lost what very little sense you all collectively have?” Harry asked. “Think about this for a moment. Some of my strange crap would be genetically dominant lending my son or daughter the same abilities I have. I would never do that to anyone. Not to mention that any child I had would be…hunted down by the Ministry anyway. Potter name dies with me. Sorry.”

Not necessarily,” Lupin’s voice came from the door of the hospital wing as he entered. “I seem to remember someone else with that name.”

Who?” Dean asked.

Me,” Draco said. Harry laughed.

It’s true,” Lupin said. “At least that’s what Draco told Doctor Grinkely when he introduced himself as Draco Malfoy Potter. Isn’t that right?”

Yes,” Draco said with a bright smile and a tiny laugh.

You did not,” Harry said.

He did. I was standing right there and I heard him,” Lupin said as he sat on the end of the bed.

You did that?” Harry asked. Draco nodded. “You said you’d never be a Potter and then proceeded to tell me I was a bastard.”

I thought that since you aren’t too hot on the idea of being called a Malfoy, that I had no recourse,” Draco said. Harry hugged Draco hard from behind. “You’re choking me.”

Sorry,” Harry said with a bright smile.

You look much better,” Lupin said. “How do you feel?”

Fine,” Harry shrugged. “For me I feel normal.” Harry squinted hard for a moment and the whole school took a small jolt of an earthquake for a second. Harry grinned. “Yeah. Perfectly normal.”

Stop that,” Albus said with a scowl. “This school is very old. You could do structural damage.”

I checked for structural integrity before I did it,” Harry said. “You knew that. You’re connected to the flow right now. And did you get that surge of dark magic about two hours ago? That was him. He’s doing…some funky incantations or something.”

Yes, I felt it,” Albus said. “What kind of incantations do you believe Voldemort is inducing?”

Hard to say,” Harry said. “I felt it like…it was sort of…I’m not sure but it felt like something to do with power increases with elemental energies. I think he’s just trying out spells because he thinks he’ll be able to harness star magic. But…that’s not going to happen either.”

Oh, Hermione. You need to show Harry the waivers you created,” Ron said. Hermione picked up her backpack and dug into it.

She practically lives in that bag,” Ginny said.

Whatever hair-brained thing the three of us were working on, Herm always had at least four books, ten parchments, and fifty other pages of notes on something about it in that bag over the years,” Ron said. “Remember that thing with the pipes?”

The basilisk? How could I forget it,” Harry said. “I’ve seen its skeleton. Very cool.”

Don’t be down there,” Albus scolded. “Harry, for Merlin’s sake it’s dangerous down in the Chamber.”

No, dangerous would be when Tom Riddle was there with my wand pointed at me and the snake the size of a train was alive and chasing me when I was twelve!” Harry said loudly. “It’s just bones now so that’s not dangerous at all. Do you even know what dangerous means?” Harry teased.

I know you’re getting close,” Albus said with that disciplinary look. Harry smirked and nodded to his mentor.

Here they are,” Hermione said pulling out the stack of parchments and coming to sit beside Harry and Draco.

What are these?” Lupin asked. There were four copies of the waivers and one was given to Albus, Lupin, Harry and Hermione kept one as they all studied over the exact wording and clauses, amendments and reference articles.

This is fine work, Miss Granger,” Albus said.

The council worked from what Harry had already started,” Hermione said. “Basically he had all the information and research finished already. It just needed to be rewritten in a proper readable form.”

So let me get this straight,” Lupin said with a grin of amusement. “From what I’m reading here you are requesting the Ministry to not prosecute, follow up or hold you liable for any death or damage whether intentional or accidental when seeking to destroy any dark overlords that may come along?”

Right,” Harry said.

And you think that the Ministry will actually prosecute you for killing Voldemort?” Lupin asked as if it were insane.

Yes,” Draco said. “They will.”

I don’t believe this,” Lupin said snickering at the parchment. “You think they’ll sign it?”

No,” Harry said. “There are two things that could happen. Either my test results come back clean and I’m okay then I present the Ministry with this waiver. If they sign it, I’ll kill him straightaway. If not, then…I wait and torment the Ministry a bit more. If, however, my test results tell me I’m dead in two months, then I go right then, kill the bastard and not worry about it either way.”

What council were you speaking of Hermione?” Albus asked. Harry snorted in mockery.

Insubordination?” Ron asked.

Um…no,” Harry said. “I’m the hospital wing. You can’t discipline me here.”

Technically we can,” Draco said.

We’re the World Council,” Seamus said to Albus as the students nodded.

We each have departments which we cover and integrate between members to help Harry,” Debbie said.

To help Harry do what?” Lupin asked.

Rule the world,” Dean said flatly. Harry shook his head and sighed animatedly.

They’re insane,” Harry said with a grin. “Every single one of these idiots are insane.”

That is definitely insubordination,” Draco said. “Council member Potter, you are now turned over to Council member Weasley for your charge.”

Drop and give me twenty,” Ron said.

No,” Harry said. “I’m…I’m sick. Leave me alone.”

Now you lying, too? Okay. Make it thirty,” Ron said. “Move Draco.” Draco moved over and pushed Harry out of bed. Harry stood with a stumble and looked at them all as if they were nuts.

You have got to be kidding me,” Harry said. “Look at me. I’ve had treatments and only two meals in four days. I can’t do that.”

Thirty push ups. Now, please,” Ron said. Harry looked to Draco who shrugged.

Sorry. You really need to watch what you say,” Draco said.

But…I…” Harry was speechless as he got onto the floor and did thirty push ups with straining the last ten before standing and sitting on the bed breathing heavy.

Oh god,” Harry said as he fell back on the bed.

That was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen,” Lupin laughed.

So you have your own council that guides you with world pressing decisions?” Albus asked. Harry sat up and gave the man a look.

I would tell you about it, but they keep telling me I’m insubordinate and they make me do push ups,” Harry said. “I’ve done about two hundred so far just for this…World Council crap…I mean, thing.”

Draco leads the council and we all have summoning coins to alert us to meetings,” Neville said holding up his and Albus took it.

Didn’t you use a similar coin for use with the DA in fourth year?” Albus asked. The members of Dumbledore’s Army of fourth year nodded. “Brilliant.”

But the council is very select,” Draco said. “The students here complete the membership. All of us are the council. We decided to limit the number of students to those immediately involved so as to keep word of any group Harry may be a member of that even dares to speak the words of world domination will not be found out by the Ministry.”

I just had a terrible thought,” Harry said. “Since the students know I’m ill that means the Ministry and the Daily Prophet will know if they don’t already. If that story hits the paper and Voldemort knows…he may try to hide from me and wait out my death and…I wouldn’t like that.” Draco moved over quickly to pin Harry to the bed and punch him in the gut with his fist. Harry groaned with the painful jab.

If you say one more word about that dying crap I will hit you again,” Draco said with every ounce of honesty he possessed. “I mean it! I’m not listening to it.”

Fine,” Harry grunted. “Draco, I sort of…that hurt.”

Good. Maybe I cracked a rib,” Draco said. “That was your warning.”

Okay,” Harry said. “I’ll remember not to mention it again. Sorry.” Draco moved off and sat on the bed before he shook out his fist that hurt from the jab. “What a week I’m having. Two treatments, push up punishment and an abusive spouse.” The students snickered and Draco gave Harry the glare of death. “I’m shutting up now.” Draco nodded.

This is very good, Hermione,” Albus said after he’d read the entire waiver. Albus and Lupin made suggestions on some of the wording, additional amendments and clauses that might want to be added. Hermione and Debbie took notes on all they suggested.

What on earth is going on in here?” Madame Pomphrey said as she entered to see ten students, Lupin and Albus sitting around the bed. “Harry the minute I leave you decide to have some sort of party in my hospital wing?”

Well…no, it’s not a party actually,” Harry said. “We didn’t have cake or anything.”

Are you trying to be humorous?” Poppy asked.

No. This is sort of a saving the world meeting thing,” Harry said.

Poppy, these parchments needed to be discussed and Harry was in the wing,” Albus said.

I see,” Poppy said. “Did you eat?” Harry nodded. “Did you take the potion I left?” Harry shook his head. “Have you slept?” Harry shook his head. “Did you know you’re a terrible patient?”

Yes,” Harry said. “They tell me that everywhere I go.” Poppy just shook her head and went to put away the things she got at St. Mungo’s. “I need to know if the Daily Prophet has any story on me ready to print. I need to know that. How can I get that story? I could go get it myself tonight, but…” Harry sat in thought.

Um, Harry…?” Draco said.

We’ll speak later,” Harry whispered into Draco’s ear before he kissed his cheek lightly. The waiver was discussed at length for the remaining hour that Poppy allowed the students in the wing. Harry was up walking around pacing the floor during the discussion. On the third time she had to come back to tell them it was time to go, Albus assisted.

Harry needs to rest,” Albus said as he stood. Harry did the Diatai move so quickly Albus flinched when Harry’s hand was only one inch from his nose.

You jumped,” Harry said in his stance with a grin. “You’ve never jumped when I’ve done that to you before.”

You caught me off guard,” Albus said pushing Harry’s hand away. “You’re supposed to be in bed.”

I’ve slept for two days,” Harry whined. “I’m not tired. I’m awake and…bored.”

And that always means trouble,” Ron said with a grin.

I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Harry teased as he walked the room.

Do you want Poppy to give you a sleeping draught?” Lupin asked.

No,” Harry said. “I’m tired of sleeping. I feel fine. Can I go to my own room?”

No. I think you need to stay here until tomorrow afternoon,” Albus said. “If I don’t tell you that, I may never find you again. You seem to be everywhere lately.”

I’m just…bored,” Harry said. “I’ve been in this room for three days straight. You know I can’t stay in one room for that long. I get…cupboard syndrome.” Harry grinned with a soft laugh.

It’s only until tomorrow,” Hermione said. “You’re a big boy. You’ll survive.”

But…” Harry whined and then sighed. “Alright. I’ll see you all tomorrow I suppose.”

Sleep,” Albus pointed at Harry with the command.

I’ll try,” Harry said as he sat dejectedly on the bed in a slump. Draco sat to put his arm around Harry as all the others left. As soon as everyone was out the door, Harry pulled Draco onto him and they wrapped up into a heated kiss and grope for several minutes until Poppy came.

My stars!” Poppy yelled at walking over to see the explicit scene of kissing. “Stop that in the hospital wing. This isn’t some cheap motel.”

You’re right. I wouldn’t be caught dead in a cheap motel,” Draco said.

Yeah. The hospital wing is much better. It’s free,” Harry said.

Enough with the smart remarks,” Poppy said. “Draco you’ll have to go so that I can argue with Harry for an hour about actually getting some sleep.”

Poppy…um,” Harry started. “I think that Angela is um…well, she fancies me a bit.”

A bit? She’s totally smitten with you,” Draco said. “I thought she would throw off her clothes and jump in bed with you when we were in detox.”

The reason I mention that is Angela is on duty tonight and I’m the only one here,” Harry said. “That could be a bit of a problem.”

For who? Her or you?” Draco asked.

I’m faithful to you, dear,” Harry teased with a grin. “But Angela is…I think that maybe you should not allow her here tonight since I’m the only patient.”

I see,” Poppy said. “She does talk about you all the time. I should have seen that before now.”

Perhaps I could break one of Draco’s bones and then he’d be a patient,” Harry suggested.

Not on your life,” Draco said as if it were stupid. “I’ve seen how you break other people’s bones and it’s…awful. You’re not doing that to me.”

How about if I curse you really bad?” Harry asked with a grin.

How about…no,” Draco said.

How about if I allow Draco to stay with you but in a separate bed?” Poppy asked. “Only if he is in a separate bed will I allow it.”

Fine,” Harry agreed quickly. “I just…need some company for a while. Thank you.”

I’ll tell Angela that I’ll be on duty tonight,” Poppy said. “I will go to my room and sleep so you can alert Draco to find me if you need anything. I’ll leave two house elves here on call for any emergency that may reveal itself.”

I’ll need some pajamas and a school uniform for classes tomorrow,” Draco said. “And a shower.” When Poppy turned away each of the pair grinned wickedly to the other.

This is great,” Harry whispered. “She’ll be gone and nobody will be in here but us.”

Calm down before she hears us,” Draco said in half whisper have mouthing. “Play along.” Harry nodded and lay back on his bed slipping under the sheet. Poppy came back to see Draco on the bed beside Harry’s taking off his shoes.

Here are your pajamas, Draco,” Poppy put them on the end of the bed. “ Harry, here is a sleeping draught for you. I know you won’t take it yet, but I’ll leave it for you here. Try to drink some of the water I left for you. You’re just a bit dehydrated with all the vomiting. How do you feel?”

Fine. A bit tired, but…I’m okay,” Harry lay back comfortably on the bed. “I think I’ll read a bit. I had the house elves bring me some select books from the library. I’m working on creating a new spell.”

Fine. That’s good,” Poppy commended his efforts. “Draco, I noticed that you don’t have your school books. Tell the house elf to get them from your room.”

I need them now, I think. There’s a Charms theorem I need to work on tonight before bedtime,” Draco said. Poppy nodded and called the house elf who was sent to retrieve the books and bag from Draco’s room.

Very well,” Poppy said. “Since you both will be studying and I’m no longer on duty, I’ll go to my room. I’m very tired. With a bit of luck no students will require midnight care and we can all rest a bit. See you both in the morning.” Poppy left the room and Draco held out his hands and took a bow. Harry clapped.

Good performance,” Harry said. “You’re quite the actor.”

I’m a great liar,” Draco said. “But you lied well about that whole creating a new spell garbage.”

No, that’s true,” Harry said. “I am working on creating a new spell.” Draco crawled over onto Harry’s bed and Harry sat up to flick a locking ward and a silencing ward on the room. With another flick he’d created a bubble over his own bed so that anything they said was private.

What’s with all the secrecy? Three silencing wards?” Draco asked.

The spell I’m working on is a bit private,” Harry said. “I thought of it while I was sleeping after the DEs where here that night. Remember how I said that I’d have to kill all the DEs to get to the only ones that truly intended harm?” Draco nodded. “Well, I thought that I could possibly come up with a spell that when I cast it, it would destroy any DE in the vicinity that had true intent toward me and spare those who are acting solely under command of the Imperius. Also I wanted to include within that spell the ending charm to the Imperius curses on those affected. What do you think of that?”

It’s an interesting idea,” Draco said. “But…it sounds so complicated. Can you do it?”

The only problem is I will have to include the killing curse within my spell,” Harry said. “I’ll destroy those DEs that are truly evil including Voldemort. And…I won’t be able to practice the spell until the actual situation because I can’t practice any spell containing the killing curse on anyone. It will be a one-time deal. Either it will work, or it won’t.”

I know what will work right now,” Draco said as Harry pulled him down onto him in a crushed mouth kiss of want. With a flick of his hand Harry put up a double strength concealment charm so that anyone who happened into the room would only be able to see a plain bed instead of two naked forms in throes of passion. The kiss lasted long and Draco broke the lip lock to trail kisses over Harry’s neck slowly and seductively taking time to nip the skin gently and lick it to keep interest. Harry’s low throaty moans fueled Draco’s desire for him. They tossed their clothing carelessly about the bed and floor quickly, and the searing touch of full skin contact after so many days was sensational.

I have never felt so good,” Harry said of feeling Draco’s warm skin and full weight in contact with his own. Draco slid his hands into Harry’s and laced their fingers bringing Harry’s hands up above his head to hold him there. “Do you want me to surrender to you?” Harry teased.

Never,” Draco said. “Never surrender.”

Do you want me to fight?” Harry asked.

No,” Draco whispered.

Then what do you want?” Harry asked with a grin.

Just you,” Draco said simply. “Nothing but you.”

Then have me,” Harry said almost breathless eyes heavy with passion. Draco leaned to kiss along Harry’s jaw slowly as Draco moved his hips slightly digging into Harry’s body making him spread his legs gently to allow Draco’s hold on him to continue. Draco was in control and he knew what Harry liked. Harry liked to be dominated. With the last of a few bites along Harry’s throat and collarbone, Draco pulled up and more forcefully than anything, turned Harry over onto his stomach. Harry was breathing a bit heavy at the anticipation. “What are you doi…” Draco slapped Harry’s ass hard with a pop that made Harry yelp unexpectedly.

Shut up,” Draco growled. Harry didn’t know if he crossed his eyes intentionally or if the hard twitch of arousal in him caused it. “You shut your mouth until I tell you to speak. Do you understand?” Harry didn’t know whether to answer or not but the hard smacking pop on his ass from Draco’s bare palm answered the question for him. “Answer me when I speak to you, bitch.”

Yes,” Harry whispered before the next hard slap came onto his bare ass. Harry couldn’t help but rub his palm on his ass. “Ouch…” Harry whined playfully.

You need to learn to obey,” Draco said taking Harry’s hands up behind his own neck. With a brilliant conjuring spell Draco had conjured the dog collar and had added two wrist cuffs to it to hold Harry’s hands in place behind his own head so that he was immobile. Draco had it on Harry quickly. “There. That will teach you to keep your hands to yourself, won’t it?”

Yes,” Harry whispered with his heavy breathing. “Oh fuck.” The hard slap on his ass cheek that stung was a bit expected, but Draco sliding down to spread Harry’s ass cheeks to lick him there wasn’t. “Oh my god…oh fuck…” Another smack onto his blood red bottom was hardly felt for Draco’s tongue. Draco’s fingers dug into Harry’s perfect cheeks and spread them as wide as possible as Draco’s tongue pierced the puckered sensitive hole repeatedly. Harry wanted to cry out in pleasure but was torn at having another smack on his sore bum.

You like that, don’t you, my little whore?” Draco asked.

Yes,” Harry whispered and then another hard smack came with a piercing pain that made Harry’s erection throb beneath him. Draco’s mouth was amazing. His hot wet tongue dug into Harry’s body deeper and circled the tight ring of sensitive flesh there that had never felt such overpowering bliss. Draco found that Harry liked it when he sucked the skin around the tiny hole and pulled on the skin gently with his teeth. Draco, who was also enjoying this experience more than anything he’d ever done, was on fire with wanting to touch every intimate spot on his perfect bronze specimen. For what could have been hours Draco experimented and played with his tongue, lips, teeth and fingers all along Harry’s genitalia giving every sensitive nerve ending much stimuli.

Draco, please…oh god…let me come…” Harry begged. “I’m about to burst…” Draco gave the hardest slap yet on the buttock that already had red handprints. With a vengeance Draco spread Harry apart hard and began to tongue fuck his hole while sliding his finger inside and giving a circular motion to his prostate. After a few moments of Harry’s throaty moans, Draco sent the tiny wandless magical spell of tingles into the nub. “Oh fuck!” Harry yelled as he felt the magical burst. After several quick minutes of this pleasure and Harry trying to buck against his hand wanting more, Draco raised up and lay on Harry’s back kissing his neck and over his shoulder. Draco’s hard erection lay sandwiched between Harry’s legs.

Give me lube,” Draco said as he put his hand in Harry’s to take the slick wetness Harry had created there. “Good boy.” Draco pat Harry’s head like some pet. Draco put the lube on his hard cock and slid his hand into the crevice of Harry’s ass. With a smooth motion Draco slid two fingers into Harry’s body halfway making him arch into the intrusion.

Oh hell yes,” Harry breathed as he closed his eyes with what he needed. “Give me more…”

Patience, baby,” Draco said only giving just a bit and very slow as he kissed and sucked over Harry’s shoulder blades. After several more minutes Draco added a third finger but only a bit and never all the way.

Fuck, Draco! Give it to me, please…” Harry begged. “Oh god I need something. Anything…please…”

I think you talk too much,” Draco said and then with the other hand conjured a small blue ball that he stuck into Harry’s mouth to gag him. “Now, if you remove the ball, I stop what I’m doing, jerk off in front of you and you don’t get to come at all. Do you understand?” Harry nodded and tried not to smile for not wanting to drop the ball. “Good. Very good. Do you want this?” Draco rubbed the head of his cock on Harry’s entrance slicked with lube. “Is this what you want?” Harry nodded eagerly. “You want me to fill you up with my dick? You want it inside you?” Harry nodded hard but dared not speak. “You want it to hurt? You want that pained pleasure, baby?” Harry nodded. “Yes, I know you do. You like it when it hurts. You like it when you surrender to me. Don’t you?” Harry nodded caught up in this erotic word play.

Draco could hear Harry’s heavy breathing as he was so aroused. “Do you like it when I do this?” Draco pushed his cock inside just a bit into the tiny pucker just to where the resistance started and the pain began. Draco held the spot. “Do you like that pain?” Harry’s breathing hitched and he nodded hard. “You want me to go farther into you?” Harry nodded a bit and Draco pushed the head of his cock past the tight ring of Harry’s muscle as Harry jerked just a bit uncontrollably at feeling him. “I want to hear you.” Draco took the blue ball from Harry’s mouth and Harry breathed hard for a moment. “Tell me how it feels, baby.” Draco pushed just a little farther into his body.

Full. It feels…so tight and full of you…like the pressure inside me is splitting me but you hold me together,” Harry said almost incoherent with the words.

Yes, I’ll hold you together,” Draco whispered onto Harry’s shoulder before he kissed it. “And now I want to be buried inside you as deep as I can go. Do you want that? Do you want me inside you all the way? Filling you?”

Yes. Oh god yes,” Harry said. “Please…please give me everything…I want you inside me more than anything…”

Then I’ll give this to you. Hold on, baby,” Draco said for effect as he bit down hard onto Harry’s shoulder almost bringing blood and with a hard grip to the headboard above with one hand and Harry’s shoulder with the other, Draco slowly forced himself deep into Harry’s ass with a low breathed moan of pleasure.

Yes!” Harry said loudly. “Oh god yes!” Draco began the series of the longest even strokes he could manage creating the long friction of his own cock against the spasming muscle contractions of Harry’s tight hole. Drawing back and diving in over and over into the heated depths of Harry’s body was overwhelming to both. At each upper thrust Draco was touching parts of Harry that only he had ever known. He was the only one that had ever been in this place. Draco picked up the pace just a bit at giving himself those erotic possessive thoughts. The thrusts became a bit more forceful sending Harry upward on the bed just a tiny fraction at each shove into him with Draco’s hard flesh.

I’m marking you,” Draco growled as he shoved inside again and again. “No one will be inside you but me. You’re mine.” Draco twisted his hand in Harry’s hair and held on tight as he plunged long and deep into the tightness wrapped around his cock. “Tell me.”

I’m yours,” Harry said.

Again,” Draco spat. “Tell me more. Tell me that it’s only me.” Draco pulled back and was diving as deep as possible with every thrust.

Yours…I’m yours,” Harry said almost incoherent with need to come but enjoying what he was being given so much that he couldn’t decide. “I’ve always been yours. You are claiming me. Marking me with yourself. No one will ever be inside me but you as it should be. I belong to you.”

Yes. That’s it,” Draco said. With another urge to experience, Draco wandlessly removed the collar and wrist binds and pulled himself from Harry who whined.

What are you doing?” Harry asked as if he were insane.

I want you another way,” Draco rearranged them so that Draco lay flat on his back and motioned for Harry to straddle him. Each assisted and soon Harry was sliding down gently onto Draco’s erection.

Oh god that’s so good,” Harry said closing his eyes at sitting on the impalement of flesh.

Now, ride me. Make it deep, baby,” Draco said as he began stroking Harry’s throbbing erection as Harry began to move up and down quickly on Draco’s cock.

Draco, I’m so close…” Harry said.

Then ride me hard and let me get you off. Come for me…come on,” Draco said. Harry began to pound himself onto the hard cock inside him as he felt the pressure inside built up to the crashing point. “I’m going to come, too…come on.”

Yes…oh do it…here it comes…oh god…yes….” Harry gasped and groaned as he shot a stream of hot white come up Draco’s stomach and chest with drops spilling onto Draco’s cheek and neck. Draco thrust upward with his hips and his hot come jetted upward into Harry’s tight body but Harry kept riding him on to drain each drop. Harry kept moving and Draco was enjoying the feeling of the sloshy wetness of Harry’s body filled with his juice.

Oh yeah…that feels good,” Draco said. Harry eventually slowed and stopped as they both breathed heavier. Harry leaned down to lick his own semen from Draco’s face and neck. Draco grabbed two fistfuls of Harry’s hair and guided his mouth to Harry’s to share the salty prize that they’d spilled together. Tongues played upon the other in the hungry kiss and Draco let his grip loosen as the kiss slowed and finally broke.

Oh damn that was good,” Harry grinned. “You maniac. What was that all about anyway?”

You make me crazy,” Draco said with a larger grin. “You’re mine and I don’t want you to forget it.”

I don’t think I’ll ever forget it,” Harry said. “How could I? We’re joined. Bound. Claimed by the other. You belong to me, too. You’re mine.”

I can live with that,” Draco said. “And I’m exhausted.”

So am I,” Harry said. “Let’s clean up and sleep.” Harry gave them each a cleaning up spell, and then they dressed in their pajama bottoms and crawled into Harry’s bed. After Harry had removed the wards in the room, Draco lay on his side and Harry spooned up against him with a protective arm over him. The sheet was pulled up over them tightly and each drifted off to sleep sated and content in the warm arms of the other.

Draco? Draco, wake up,” Hermione’s voice sounded as she shook his shoulder. “Draco, hurry. Madame Pomphrey will be here any minute!”

What? Okay, okay,” Draco said as he tried to sit up but Harry’s arms pulled him back down into the warmth of the bed. “He won’t let me go.” Draco said closing his eyes again and settling into Harry’s embrace. “And I don’t want to get up from here.”

It’s ten minutes until six in the morning,” Hermione said. “Poppy will be here in about six or seven minutes. If you’re okay with her finding you in Harry’s bed, then so be it.”

Harry? Baby, I have to go to my bed for a bit,” Draco said.

No, stay,” Harry slurred still sleeping.

I have to go,” Draco said as he pulled himself free from Harry’s arms and walked across the tiny way to another cold bed and shivered. Harry slept on. Hermione cast a warming spell on the sheets and Draco slid underneath them. “What are you doing here this early anyway?”

I had a feeling that either you’d be in Harry’s bed or he’d be with you somewhere this morning,” Hermione said. “This is what I do. Harry saves all of our necks and I save our asses.”

Ah. I see,” Draco said. “The trusty sidekick.”

Sidekicks,” Hermione corrected with the plural. “Ron and I do a lot more than people think when it comes to Harry Potter. Little things no one sees. But Harry knows we love him.”

He’s so lucky,” Draco said. “Good friends like you and Ron are very, very rare. But to have found two at once…he’s lucky.”

Miss Granger,” Poppy’s voice was harsh. “Visiting hours are not until after ten in the morning. I would appreciate it if you would heed those hours. I gave Mister Malfoy permission to remain here last night, if you please.”

Yes, Madame Pomphrey,” Hermione said. “I was only checking to see how Harry was this morning when Draco woke. I’ve only been here for a few minutes.”

Your concern is touching, but I’m afraid I must ask you to go,” Poppy said. “Harry may be expecting you for meals as normal when he’s in here.”

No, I don’t think he will this time,” Hermione looked at Draco. Poppy nodded. “It seems that Harry has moved Draco into that closest slot to him now. Ron and I have been bumped down to second and third.”

I wasn’t aware it was a competition,” Draco said.

Good thing. Because Ron and I wouldn’t stand a chance,” Hermione smiled. “See you later.” Hermione turned and left the hospital wing carrying her book bag loaded with books. Draco just had the inclination that she was headed toward the Library. Since he was awake, Draco decided to get up about a half hour later and put on his school uniform while Harry slept on. When he was fully dressed, it was a half hour until breakfast.

Harry?” Draco sat on the side of Harry’s bed and rubbed his arm. “Harry, I’m going to breakfast.”

No,” Harry whined and then opened his eyes a bit. “Don’t go.”

I have to go eat before class,” Draco said. “I also have three tests today and no idea about the material on any of it.” Harry sat up quickly.

What subjects?” Harry asked with the sheet pooled around his middle.

Advanced Transfiguration, Potions and Astro-Arithmancy,” Draco said.

Get out a quill and parchment,” Harry said.

Why?” Draco asked.

I’m going to give you the answers,” Harry said with a grin.

You’re going to cheat?” Draco asked.

I never cheat,” Harry said. “But I’m helping you to cheat.”

Fine,” Draco said as he dug out his quill and parchment. Quickly Harry tapped into the flow and took the answers to the quizzes of the day repeating them to Draco verbatim.

Now, you can’t make all straight marks on these tests or Albus will know that I’ve given you the answers,” Harry said. “He’s a sneaky bastard like that, so…do well, but…don’t make them perfect.”

But I’m perfect. I can’t help it,” Draco said with a grin.

Yes, you are,” Harry said sweetly giving Draco a hug and a sweet kiss to his cheek. “Oh and Flitwick is in a very bad mood today. So don’t play any pranks with Goyle in class.”

Okay,” Draco said. “Anything else I may need to know?”

Um…” Harry squinted for just a few moments. “Pansy and Devin are sleeping together and Danny doesn’t know it, and Snape has a head cold.”

Oh joy,” Draco said. “I don’t know which is worse. I’d better go. I love you and I’ll be back for lunch.”

Good. I love you, too, my dragon,” Harry said before the chaste kiss of lips only which Draco broke as he took his book bag and left the infirmary.

Harry slouched for a few minutes on the bed when he was gone, but the house elves had brought a fresh change of jeans and his favorite red and beige plaid button up shirt, so Harry changed clothes. He was sitting cross-legged on the bed working totally engrossed on his new spell when Hermione, Ron, Draco, Albus, Lupin and the council members came bursting through the doors. “My, my. The Daily Prophet sure works fast, don’t they?” Harry grinned to them all.

You won’t believe this,” Draco snapped walking hurriedly to the bed and throwing Harry the paper.

Of course I will believe it,” Harry said. “Everyone knows that anything printed in the Daily Prophet is absolutely the truth.” Harry’s sarcasm could be cut with a dull blade. “Oh look. There we are on the front page, Draco. How nice. Catchy headline.”

Harry Potter Dying; Consoled by Lover Malfoy,” Ron said. “That’s one of your best headlines yet, Harry.” Harry snickered. Draco paced the floor back and forth.

This in insane,” Draco snapped in irritation. “How can they print that?”

Fame’s a bitch, isn’t it?” Harry laughed. “What happened to you wanting to stand on the Gryffindor table and shout at the top of your lungs?”

The Daily Prophet,” Draco answered. Harry took the paper and began to read the lines.

The Daily Prophet has learned that Harry Potter, boy who lived, is suffering from Rothslid Degenerative Disease. Potter’s illness, identified by the obvious appearance of colored weak veining as a result of treatment in the final stages, is terminal. The unstable youth in his grief has turned to his new lover-once-enemy Draco Malfoy for comfort during his last days. Malfoy junior is none other than the son of convicted Death Eater escapee Lucius Malfoy, whom Potter has been accused of freeing from the prison recently. Could the heist of the senior Malfoy from Azkaban been the plan of the malicious son who is playing on the distraught emotions of the dying Potter? Sources tell us that a barely functional and weakened Potter was involved with the detaining of ten Death Eaters at Hogwarts only days ago. While the prognosis for Potter’s illness is bleak, the Daily Prophet has learned that Potter with the ever-present company of Draco Malfoy, who are rarely seen separately anymore, still participates actively in student activities including Quidditch, private classes, and house functions. The Ministry of Magic denied comment on the darkened situation for the hope of wizard kind having learned of Potter’s dismal imminent fate. The Daily Prophet will keep updates on Potter’s fatal condition in future issues,” Harry read. “Hmm. Interesting. Draco, are you playing on my…um…what was it? Oh yes. My distraught emotions?” Harry grinned at him.

That’s not funny,” Draco said with a sneer crossing his arms.

You’re quite a mastermind there Malfoy,” Harry said. “You got me to break your dad out of Azkaban and I fell for that. You’re a genius.”

Shut up!” Draco yelled as he ran a hand through his hair. Harry giggled.

There are a few things in the story that can be to your advantage,” Albus said. Harry nodded to the agreement.

Yes, I agree,” Harry said. “Voldemort will think I’m weak and come after me. That will be great.”

Great?” Hermione asked. “I hardly think that will be great.”

It’s perfect,” Harry said. “He’ll come sooner than later, I think and he’ll bring all his DEs with him to witness him killing me because I’m so sick. Perfect for me. But not so good for Draco. Guess what, baby? Your dad knows about us now. Aren’t you glad?”

Oh yes. Thrilled. I can’t tell you how much I want to jump for joy,” Draco said thickly with dread.

The Ministry didn’t comment,” Lupin said. “That means that they are debating on what to do about your situation, Harry.”

The Ministry may decide to drop the whole thing against you since they think you’ll be dead soon anyway,” Ron said.

Which gives them no reason not to sign the waiver,” Albus said. “When presented with a waiver to not prosecute you after the fall of Voldemort and thinking that you’ll never survive anyway, I’m sure they’ll sign.”

Yes. I’m sure,” Harry said sadly. “But I fail to see the need for the waiver now if…”

Stop it!” Draco yelled. “I told you not to say it.” Harry nodded to Draco’s sentiment. “I don’t want to hear that from you. You’ll be fine. I just know it.”

Of course,” Harry tried to smile and then took a deep breath. “Well, we could send the Prophet our wedding announcement.” Harry flung out a hand with a small chuckle, conjured a mirror and looked at himself in it. The light purple spidery veining all over his face, neck, arms and hands was lightening just a bit but still painfully evident. “Oh well. I was just checking to make sure I look as sick as they say I am because I just know we’ll have Prophet reporters and Ministry officials here today.”

Yes, I agree,” Albus said. “They’ll want a press conference for your statement. What are we going to tell them?”

I think I’ll lay here in this bed and pretend to be sicker than I am,” Harry said. “That way not only will Voldemort get word of how easy a kill I’d be, but Draco can stay with me and console me all day. I think I need consoling right now.” Harry wiggled his eyebrows at Draco. “Draco, would you like to console like bunnies?” Harry joked.

I think not,” Lupin said.

But since the Ministry knows of your weakness, Harry, they may try to apprehend you today,” Hermione said. “Are we considering that?”

There aren’t any outstanding charges at this point,” Albus said. “I’m sure you’ll both be questioned as to the nature of why Harry allowed the group of Death Eaters to escape.”

That was a really bad decision on my part, wasn’t it?” Harry asked. “I never should have let them go. Oh well. I’ll deal with that later.”

If the Daily Prophet and Ministry hold true to their form, they should be here within the hour,” Hermione said. “So you’ll need to put on your pajamas again and…be all sickly looking.”

I think I can do that,” Harry said. “But I love this shirt.”

I can’t believe we are asking you to take off a shirt,” Albus said. Harry took back off his shoes, socks and clothing. Hermione and the other girls turned around when Harry slid into his baggy pajama bottoms and slid into bed under the sheet again. “Very good.”

Do I look sick enough?” Harry asked giving his weakest look.

Yes,” Lupin said. “You look awful.”

Thanks,” Harry said. “You know that the end of term is in two weeks. Remember when we planned on having the outdoor cook out instead of the leaving feast? I could hunt the trudhogs and dig the pits to prepare them. Can we still do that?”

I suppose we could if you’d like to do that,” Albus said. “We need to decide now if that’s what we want to do. What do you think, Remus?”

I think it’s a wonderful idea,” Remus said. The other students agreed and a few plans were made.

And I’d like to take Draco with me on the hunt for the trudhogs,” Harry said.

I’d like to go with you, too,” Ron said. “You said the hogs were easy to hunt.”

I’d like to go,” Seamus said.

Can I take a few students with me on the hunt?” Harry asked Albus. “It’s fairly harmless and during the day anyway.”

I will allow it,” Albus said with a nod. “Anyone from this council can go with you if they’d like.” Harry nodded with a grin. The discussion was then moved to the statements that Albus and Harry would need to give to the press and the Ministry later. Hermione, Ginny and Debbie were working on the final revision of the waiver to make sure it was completed before the Ministry officials would come later in the day. Draco, Harry and Albus were working on what to tell the press about Harry and Draco’s relationship. It was decided that their vows to the other would be kept silent for the time being until they could get legal paperwork of their seeming marriage to the other. Lupin snickered at the whole situation of Potters marrying Malfoys.

 
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