The
pair stayed with their friends on the blankets until it was curfew
and the others all left them lying on the blanket together loving and
touching with whispered words of affection. In the wee morning hours
clothing was shed and they made love under the starlight near the
fires in the cool night air as the dew was falling and the nightly
fog drifted over them from the waters. When the passions were sated
hours later they covered with the warm blankets and held each other
throughout the night until the dawn talking about everything in the
world and enjoying the passing minutes. They slipped on their clothes
and walked to the lake sitting huddled together to watch the sunrise
over the waters. All was at peace on this morning as they sat and
listened to the early morning song of the birds and the calm lapping
of the waves. “I
will love you until I draw my last breath,” Harry whispered
onto Draco’s neck from behind him. “I promise you that,
my precious dragon. You are everything to me. You are a part of me.” “And
you are a part of me,” Draco said tipping his head back to kiss
Harry’s cheek and along his jaw line until Harry claimed his
lips once again and poured himself into the kiss he gave. “I
don’t want to live without you, Harry.” Harry felt the
twinge of panic set in. “Don’t
say that,” Harry said softly holding Draco a bit tighter. “No.
I mean it,” Draco said. “I wouldn’t want to live if
you weren’t here with me. I can’t imagine my life without
you in it. It wouldn’t be worth living if I didn’t have
you.” Harry’s breath caught just for a moment. “Draco,
life is worth living,” Harry said. “Mine
isn’t. Not if I didn’t have you,” Draco smiled up
to him. Harry’s heart almost broke at the words. “Promise
me that you’ll live until you’re a hundred,” Harry
asked. Draco laughed softly. “I
can’t do that,” Draco teased. “What if I die at
ninety-nine?” “Then
promise me you’ll live until you’re ninety-nine,”
Harry said. “Promise me.” “Fine.
I promise you I’ll live until I’m ninety-nine,”
Draco laughed. Harry snickered softly but a burden was lifted from
him if only just a bit. “You’ll probably outlive me
anyway. You always win against me, you know.” “Are
you ready for breakfast? It’s in an hour,” Harry said.
“We could go take a hot bath before the meal.” “That’s
a good idea,” Draco said. “Maybe we could sleep today.
I’m tired since we didn’t sleep all night.” “Whatever
you want I’ll give you,” Harry said. “If you want
to sleep we will.” “We’ll
decide after our bath,” Draco said. “You could fragment
us and we wouldn’t have to walk all that way.” Harry
laughed and fragmented them all the way to the den where they
undressed and had their long hot bath and loved in the bubbles. The
pair dressed and headed toward breakfast with arms around waists
walking slowly enjoying the freedom to touch as they wanted in the
hallways. When they turned the corner into the Dining Hall each
stopped at seeing Marshall Halls back again with the Minister of
Magic himself, Cornelius Fudge standing at the head table with Albus
who stood behind the table. Albus looked around them to Harry who let
go of Draco’s waist.
“Go
sit at my table,” Harry said softly.
“Is
everything okay?” Draco asked. “Everything
is fine,” Harry said. “They won’t touch me I
guarantee it.” “Harry?
Could you come up here, please?” Albus asked. Harry nodded
shortly and watched Draco walk to the Gryffindor table and sit down
by Seamus before he walked casually up to the head table. “Yes,
sir?” Harry asked of Albus never paying any mind to the two who
stood with him. “The
Minister was here to check on your health,” Albus said. “How
kind,” Harry said. “Perhaps you’d like to see
Madame Pomphrey. She has all my medical records.” “No,
I think I’d like to see you,” Cornelius Fudge said
coolly. Harry reached down and tugged off his shirt to show his skin
covered in the purple veining. “How
is that, sir?” Harry asked coldly. “Is that enough
evidence that I’m dying or do you actually have to witness me
take my last breath?” “That’s
enough, Harry,” Albus said kindly with sadness. “I
have Rothslid Degenerative disease, Minister,” Harry said with
great sadness. “I will submit to any test you’d like but
I hardly see the point. I have less than a month and a half at best
then you’ll finally be rid of me once and for all. Perhaps you
could find it in your heart to grant the last wish of a dying
child…and leave me the hell alone.” Harry turned and
walked back toward his table while tugging on his shirt again. Harry
sat with a flop at the table and began to pile up his plate noticing
that no one was speaking. “What now?” Harry spat harshly
at them all. “Nothing,”
Draco rubbed his arm. Harry dropped his fork and swallowed before
putting his head in his hands and his elbows on the table. “Dammit,”
Harry said with his eyes closed. “This shit gets old after a
while. I don’t need anymore stress today.” “Why
what’s happening today?” Ron asked lightly as he ate. “Nothing,
alright?!” Harry practically yelled and knocked over his juice.
Harry was breathing heavy as he felt embarrassed. “Sorry. I’m
just…a wreck seeing the Minister.” Hermione took in
every word said as she ate silently. “You know…just…the
feast and all that today.” Harry made excuses. “Yeah,
I can see that,” Neville agree. “It’s okay, Harry.
We’ll help out.” “Thanks,
Nev,” Harry said and then sighed as he rubbed his eyes. “You’ll
feel better after a bit of sleep,” Draco said. “After all
I did keep you up all night.” “Yes,
you did,” Harry said with a tiny sad grin. “And I’m
glad you did.” Harry took Draco’s hand and Hermione
noticed it looked like pain on Harry’s face for him to even
touch Draco. Harry held Draco’s hand tightly before he kissed
it just a second too long. “I’m not all that hungry
anyway.” Harry pushed his food around on his plate as Draco and
the others ate. “Come
on,” Draco said as he took the last swig of his juice. “Let’s
go to the den and rest a while. Then you’ll feel better.”
Harry nodded a bit and followed Draco from the hall of leaving
students. “Why
can’t the Ministry just leave him the hell alone?” Ron
asked. “I
think it’s more than that, Ron,” Hermione said with a
scowl. “Harry never gets too upset when the Ministry comes here
for him. But today…he’s just…stressed out about
something.” “Well
you heard what Draco said,” Seamus said. “Keeping him up
all night. Maybe he’s just tired and all.” “Or
weakening a bit,” Dean said softly. “I know the stress
alone of knowing that he’s…” “That’s
enough,” Ron said harshly. “I…I don’t want
to hear it. I’ve thought of nothing else and…I just
don’t want to think about him…well…you know.” “I
agree, Hermione,” Ginny said in thought. “Harry is acting
as if…something is happening today or something.” “It
is,” Neville said. “The feast is tonight.” “But
that wouldn’t upset him like he is now,” Hermione said.
“If anything that would cheer him up a bit not make him…all
…jumpy and nervous.” “I’m
sure he has his reasons,” Ron said. “We’d better
get to class.” The students filed out and went their separate
ways. Harry and Draco went to the den. After they’d stripped
off all their clothes they cuddled up together and took a long nap
until it was lunchtime. A
tongue and warm breath on his calf muscle woke Draco who was on his
stomach. The kisses and gentle rubbing of Harry’s face on the
skin of his leg made Draco grin. Harry continued up behind Draco’s
knees and up to his thigh. “What
are you doing?” Draco whispered. “Loving
you,” Harry whispered onto Draco’s skin. “Worshiping
every single inch of you. Just lie still and let me.” Draco had
no objection to the magnitude of Harry’s pampering of him
constantly; in fact, he had never felt so loved and complete. Harry
continued to kiss up every single inch of skin on one leg and then
started at his feet on the other and had kissed, licked and touched
every inch of skin on the other until he’d reached the top of
his left thigh. The tiny kisses over his bum made Draco grin until
Harry slid his tongue down the crevice of Draco’s ass and
flicked over the sensitive pucker there. “Oh
god,” Draco said. “That felt incredible.” Harry
took much time in his exploration of his lover’s most sensitive
spots with his tongue. Harry spread Draco’s perfect ass cheeks
and probed his tiny hole deeply with his tongue repeatedly getting
rewarded with hisses and gasps of pleasure from his dragon.
Eventually teeth and lips sucked and tugged on the sensitive area for
what could have been hours of pleasure. “Harry,
sweet Merlin have mercy,” Draco pleaded. “You’re
about to make me come by doing that.” “Then
come. I don’t care,” Harry said never relenting on his
own pleasure of playing with Draco’s body. “I could do
this the rest of the day.” “Oh
god,” Draco begged. “Harry, please…” “Please
do? Okay,” Harry teased with a grin. Draco whimpered audibly.
With the last of his tonguing probe, Harry kissed up Draco’s
back slowly using his hands to rub the skin he couldn’t reach
with his mouth. Eventually Harry was tugging gently between kisses at
the skin of Draco’s neck. “You
are insatiable,” Draco said. “Harry we’ve done
nothing but have sex for over a week. Almost constantly.” “Do
you want me to stop?” Harry asked as he sucked a tender spot at
Draco’s nape. “No,”
Draco whispered. “Don’t stop. I just…don’t
know if I can…produce any more sperm. I’m drained.”
Harry chuckled a bit. “Would
you like to try?” Harry asked never relenting his kissing,
licking and nibbling all over Draco’s shoulders and neck. “Yes,”
Draco said with his eyes closed. “Top me.” Harry rose up
and turned Draco over so that they could lie flush with the other
front to front. The kiss was painfully slow and filled with memory
making tenderness. Harry kept up his worship of every inch of Draco’s
body by kissing down over his throat, over his chest, stomach and
abdomen. Draco’s cock was twitching in anticipation but Harry
bypassed the organ in search of more skin to kiss and pay homage.
After he’d properly given attention to each inch of Draco’s
thighs and legs on each side, Harry kissed back upward to the now
straining erection. Harry licked over Draco’s balls completely
never missing a single spot. “Oh fuck…that’s
great.” Harry’s
tongue started at the base of Draco’s cock and licked up the
shaft several times before twirling his tongue around the head to
taste the tiny drops that had seeped from the slit. Finally the
pulsing organ was swallowed inch by inch deeply embedded into Harry’s
hot throat as Draco writhed in pleasure. Draco’s hands weaved
their way into Harry’s dark hair and assisted Draco to plunge
his hard cock deep into Harry’s constricted throat time and
time again. “Harry…oh
god…oh fuck yes…hold up…stop a minute…”
Draco said pulling Harry up from his cock that was straining for
release. “I don’t want to come yet.” Draco moved
down to kiss the slightly swollen lips of his lover and to roll him
over flat on the bed. Draco took Harry’s cock into his own
mouth and began his own deep throating of his lover. Harry almost
cried at the feeling of Draco’s warm mouth pleasuring him in
such a way. Fingers wound into the silky platinum locks to push and
pull Draco’s head deeper and more like they both wanted. After
several minutes of this mind numbing bliss, Harry pulled his cock
from Draco’s mouth and kissed him hungrily back up to lie on
the bed. Within seconds, Harry was lying flush on Draco again wrapped
around each other. When lubrication was added, Harry’s hips set
a slow and deep penetrating rhythm as he made love for an eternity to
his dragon whom he worshiped with every breath and kiss onto his
skin. They joined their bodies together for hours setting the other
afire with passion and begging once again their spent bodies for
release of any trace fluid that lingered within. Both were covered in
sweat, bruises and love bites as they worked together finally as the
end of their pleading for mercy of their flesh was near. “Yes…finally
oh god…I’m close, Harry…” Draco breathed in
exhaustion. “Come on, baby…” “Yes…oh
god yes,” Harry continued thrusting into Draco’s body
tiredly after so very long. “Stroke your cock, Draco…let
me watch you…I love to watch you…” Draco did as
asked and took his tender cock in his hand and began to give the long
hard strokes that Harry liked to watch. “Oh yeah that’s
it…do that…oh fuck that’s so good…come for
me this last time…make it good for me, dragon…scream my
name when you come…please…please do it…” “Yes…come
on…fuck me…I’m close, Harry…” Draco
breathed hard as he begged and fisted his overworked cock harder
trying to force the liquid relief from him. “I
love being inside you,” Harry said with his eyes closed as he
gave the thrusts harder and as deep as he could go relishing and
savoring every second. “I want to remember this moment
forever…oh god yes…I’m going to come, baby…let
me hear it…tell me…tell me, Draco….” “Oh
god…yes….Harry! Harry! Harry!” Draco screamed in
tears as the long awaited orgasm swept through his throbbing cock and
into his very veins. His lover screaming his name was enough to sate
him through eternity and Harry mentally burned the moment into his
conscience forever. “Yes,
dragon…oh yeah…here I come… Draco! I love you!
Draco! Oh Draco!” Harry screamed loudly with a crying sob of
his own as the hardest orgasm pounded through his body and pulsed the
hot semen from him deep within Draco’s body. Harry’s body
racked with sobs and tears as he fell into Draco’s arms crying. “Baby,”
Draco held him as each breathed hard onto the other. Harry’s
sobbing cries took Draco off guard. “Harry…” Draco
held him tightly and stroked his hair and back gently. Draco moved a
bit. “No.
No, hold me,” Harry said almost desperately. “Please.
Just…hold me a bit longer. Please?” “Of
course,” Draco said. “I love you.” “I
love you. I love you, Draco,” Harry said. “I will always
love you. Maybe I’ve always loved you in some sense. But…I
will always be yours for eternity. I hope you know that.” “Yes,”
Draco said. “Yes, I know that. And I will also be yours
forever, Harry. I’ll tell you that every day.” Harry
nodded a bit as he held Draco tightly nuzzling into his neck for
security. “Are you okay, baby?” “Yes,”
Harry whispered. “I have you and…right now I’m
fine in your arms. Just hold me for a while longer.” “I
will always hold you,” Draco said. “I will hold you every
night as you drift to sleep in my arms. And I’ll hold you every
morning when you wake.” Harry’s tears were hot on Draco’s
skin. “Harry, are you sure you’re okay?” “Just
hold me, Draco,” Harry whimpered through his tiny sobbing
voice. “Just hold me.” Draco held on tightly with a bit
of unease in his mind. Harry held on tighter than ever before as if
he were drowning and needed Draco to save him. The hours went by and
they’d long since missed lunch. The last classes of the day
were over and in about two hours would be the feast, but Draco dared
not speak or let go while Harry cried and eventually just laid as if
he was drawing every drop of love from Draco that he could. “Harry,
the feast is just over an hour and a half,” Draco said. “I
think we may need to…get a bath and…get ready. Don’t
you?” “Yes,”
Harry whispered. “I guess you’re right. A bath. Yeah.” “We
don’t have to go to the feast if you’d rather not,”
Draco said. “I’ll stay with you here in the den if you
don’t feel like going.” “No.
No, I…I need to go,” Harry said. “I just…I…well…” “What
is it?” Draco said pulling away and looking at Harry’s
red puffy eyes. “Harry, what is it?” “I
just love you,” Harry whined as a few tears spilled over the
edges of his eyes. “I love you so much that I can’t take
it sometimes. I feel like it swallows me up and I can’t breathe
because I love you so much.” Draco kissed Harry’s
forehead and held him closely. “And
I love you just as much, Harry,” Draco said. “I love you
more than anything. I can’t even breathe when you’re not
near me.” Harry pulled away and held Draco’s hands as he
became serious. “Draco,”
Harry said, as he looked Draco in the eyes with every ounce of
resolve he owned. “Promise me that you will never hurt me.
Promise me that you would never do anything to hurt me.” “I
promise,” Draco said equally as serious. “I would never
hurt you, Harry. Never. I would never do anything that I knew that
would hurt you.” Harry grinned just a bit. “Thank
you,” Harry said and sighed in some type of relief. “Thank
you, Draco.” This line of questions and Harry’s emotional
nature of the afternoon was wearing thin on Draco who was concerned
but there was seemingly no reason for concern. “I
worry about you,” Draco said. “You’ve been so…so
very emotional today.” “Yeah,”
Harry said softly. “I guess.” Draco nodded and waited on
more of an explanation but none came. “Well…let’s
get a bath,” Draco said. “Do you want to?” Harry
nodded and followed Draco to the hot bath that they took quickly
before dressing. Draco had a house elf bring his best outfit and
robe. Harry opted for his black fighting pants and his favorite
shirt. “Why are you wearing those pants? You should dress
nicely for the feast.” “We’ll
be outdoors,” Harry said. “If there is anything that
should happen like…well, a Randar…or something that
might come out of the forest, I…I need to be ready for it.”
Draco wasn’t satisfied with the answer but shrugged anyway. “Okay,”
Draco said. The pair made their way outdoors where all the students
were gathered in clumps all over. Harry found Hagrid and the house
elves and helped them to levitate the hogs onto the tables where the
house elves sliced and prepared the platters of meats. Albus had
Harry conjure the house tables outdoors so that the house elves could
put all the rest of the foodstuffs on the tables for the feast. The
large fires around the perimeter of the forest were large bon fires
with students gathered around each of them. Merriment and excitement
was in the air. Draco went to be with the Slytherins as Harry
assisted Hagrid with the last of the hogs. When that was done, Harry
spotted Ginny and Michael with their friends and he walked over to
give her a tight hug. “What
was that for?” Ginny asked with a grin. “Oh
just because,” Harry said with a grin. “You know I think
you’ll be a great Charm maker one day, Gin.” “Thank
you, Harry,” Ginny said. Harry shook Michael’s hand.
“And
you be good to her,” Harry told Michael who nodded. With that
Harry moved away in the direction of Neville and Debbie with the
Ravenclaws. “What
was that all about?” Michael asked Ginny. “Who
knows? He’s just like that, I guess,” Ginny said as they
turned back to the Ravenclaw group. Harry slipped a hand around
Debbie and gave her a quick hug. “Oh!”
Debbie said not expecting it. “Harry. You surprised me.” “Sorry.
I just wanted to tell you that you’re a good friend, Debbie,”
Harry said. “And Neville, you’ve always been a good
friend.” Harry shook his hand with a grin. “Thanks,
Harry. You’re a good friend, too,” Neville said with a
proud grin. Harry moved in the direction of Seamus and Dean who were
standing and picking at the sweets near the end of the table. Harry
put his arm around each of their shoulders. “Hey,
guys,” Harry said. Each looked to him with a mouthful. “You
two are so funny. You’ve always made me laugh in the dorms ever
since first year. I want you to know that you are two of my closest
friends and always have been.” “Thanks,
man,” Seamus said. “Want one?” Seamus held up the
chocolate truffle. “No,
thanks,” Harry said. “I just wanted you to know that I
think you two are good for each other. And it took you both long
enough to get together. I’ll see you.” Harry left them
and scanned the crowd for the two he sought. Ron and Hermione were
speaking with Professor Lupin so Harry walked slowly in their
direction. When he came a bit near, Lupin had turned and walked over
to Hagrid and Albus. Ron and Hermione stood looking at Harry who
dared not move for a few moments and then crossed the distance
between them slowly. “Harry,”
Ron greeted. “Ron,”
Harry said quietly. “Hermione.” Hermione nodded. “I
love you guys.” Harry couldn’t hold back a few tears as
he hugged them both. Ron and Hermione let go of the tears they had
held in all day and each cried together for a few moments. “We’re
pathetic, you know.” “So
what?” Hermione said with a sniffle as Harry pulled away from
the hug and wiped his eyes. “You
both have been my best friends in the world,” Harry admitted
with one single tear running over his cheek. “And…my
closest family for years. Even though I treated you like shit the
last year because I was on dope and pushing you away, you were there
when I needed you. You will never know how much each of you mean to
me.” “As
much as you mean to us,” Ron sniffled. “Harry,
we love you,” Hermione said. “You’re the best
friend we could ever have.” “Thank
you,” Harry said. “We’re the infamous trio then.”
The three laughed softly at the overused term. “You be good to
her.” Harry told Ron who nodded and tried not to cry. “And
you make more Weasleys. Do you hear me?” Harry told Hermione
who gave a short laugh through her tears. “Alright then. I need
to speak with Lupin. See you later.” The two nodded to him and
watched him walk away. “Why
do I get a feeling that…?” Ron said. Hermione sniffled. “I
get that same feeling,” Hermione said. “Was that a
goodbye?” Harry walked to Lupin and punched him lightly on the
arm in play. “Harry,”
Lupin said brightly. “These hogs are great. My mouth is
watering already.” “Yeah,”
Harry said. “I wanted to tell you something.” “Oh?
What is it?” Lupin said as he finished and put down the platter
and wiped his hands on the towel there. “That
you are family to me,” Harry said. “You have always been
very close, Remus. And…I love you. I hope you know that.”
Remus pulled Harry in for a big hug and Harry hugged back. “Of
course, I know that,” Remus said as if it were silly to think
otherwise. “And I love you, too, Harry. You’ve been
almost like a nephew to me with me being so close to your parents
years ago.” “You’ve
helped me through a lot, Remus,” Harry said. “And if it
weren’t for your teachings, I may not have survived this long.
You’re a great teacher and I don’t want you to stay alone
forever. Find someone who will love you, please. But you still need
to get laid.” “Harry,
shh!” Remus said looking about. “Don’t say that
here. For pete’s sake what if a student heard that?” “Then
they’d agree with me,” Harry grinned and squeezed Remus’
hand. “See you later.” Remus nodded as Harry walked away
toward Albus. Albus turned as if he knew Harry was coming. The pair
of wizards locked gazes as Harry walked closer to where Albus was a
bit alone from the others. “Harry,”
Albus said knowing why he was there. “Albus
Dumbledore,” Harry said quietly. “How do I make you see
what you mean to me?” “You
are who you are,” Albus said. “That is proof enough to
me.” Harry nodded a bit. “I
owe you my life a million times over,” Harry said. “And
in giving it I hope that you see that this is the way I need for
things to be. You understand that.” Albus nodded. “You
are the warrior,” Albus said. “It’s who you are and
have always been. Fated and favored by the gods even. Anri lives in a
noble one worthy of such a gift. I have never doubted you and I still
do not. You have been a pleasure to me, Harry. From the moment of
your birth I have known that your battles would be many. And you have
fought the fight of the righteous and good. You are the hero that
you’ve always been. The legend will tell your tale in its
glory.” “The
legend?” Harry asked with a snort of laughter. “Yes, I
suppose. That means nothing to me. But you do. You mean the world to
me, Albus. You are everything I ever wanted to be. And if I am only a
flicker of the light that you are to so many, then I have reached
that goal I sought. I want you to know that you’ve been closer
than a father could have ever been to me. And I love you very much.”
Harry took the hug when offered and they held each other tightly in
this goodbye. “I
love you, too, Harry,” Albus said. “And…if you
change your mind and come back to us…it’s okay.” “Thank
you,” Harry said but with the tone that it would never happen.
Ron and Hermione had watched the display with Lupin and Albus when
they looked to each other and realized that Harry was giving his
goodbyes. They rushed toward Ginny, Michael, Neville and Debbie. “Have
you spoken to Harry?” Hermione asked Ginny quickly. “Yes.
Why?” Ginny asked. “What
did he say? Did he sound…weird?” Ron asked. “Well,
he hugged me unexpectedly and told me that I’d be a good Charm
maker one day,” Ginny said. Ron and Hermione looked to Michael. “And
he shook my hand and told me to take care of Ginny,” Michael
said. “So?” “And
then he hugged me and told me that I was a good friend,” Debbie
said with a smile. “And
he said I had always been a good friend to him,” Neville said.
“Harry is just so nice.” “Yeah.
Nice,” Ron spat. “Where’s Draco?” “Where’s
Albus?” Hermione said spotting him. Hermione set off in his
direction with the other students following on her heels. Draco
spotted Hermione moving toward Albus who moved back a bit from
hugging Harry. Draco scowled just a bit and started walking slowly in
that direction as Harry was walking away. “Harry!”
Hermione said loudly as the group walked up. “Why are you
saying goodbye?” “What?”
Harry asked with less conviction than he needed. “I
know what you’re doing,” Ron said. “You’re
telling us goodbye. I want to know why.” “Ron,
please,” Harry said. “You don’t know what you’re
saying.” “Oh
no?” Hermione accused. “We know what you’ve told us
all. You’ve told us all goodbye. What are you doing?” “That
is none of your concern,” Harry said. “Don’t worry
about it. And here comes Draco. Don’t you dare say a word.” “I
will because I want to know what you’re doing,” Hermione
spat. “Hermione,
I mean it,” Harry whispered loudly. “If you hurt me I
swear I’ll never forgive you. Don’t hurt Draco like
this.” “Then
what are you doing?” Ron asked in a huff. “Fine.
I’m about to go kill Voldemort in about fifteen minutes,”
Harry said with a glare of death on his face. “And you’d
better not mention a word to Draco or I’ll kill you all before
I go. It won’t matter to me one way or the other after tonight
anyway.” “Harry?”
Draco asked as he walked over. “What’s going on?” “Nothing,”
Harry grinned as he pulled Draco in front of him to wrap his arms
around him. “Nothing at all, baby. I was just speaking with the
council about the feast. Wasn’t I, Ron?” “Yeah.
The feast,” Ron tried to grin. “Great
food,” Seamus said looking down and swallowing. Draco wasn’t
buying it. “I’m
not stupid, Harry,” Draco said. “You weren’t
speaking about the feast. What is it? You’ve been… weird
all day. Please tell me.” “It’s
nothing,” Harry said. “I was just…excited about
the feast. And…you know I said that everyone is leaving
Hogwarts since it’s the end of term and all. I’ll be here
all alone for the summer.” “No,
you won’t,” Hermione said. Harry gave her the glare.
“Is
someone staying with you?” Draco asked Harry from in front of
him. Harry never answered. “Harry, is someone staying here at
Hogwarts with you is that why you won’t be here alone for the
summer?” “No,”
Ron said. Harry gave him the look. “Ron,”
Harry warned. “Don’t. Don’t do this.” “Don’t
do what?” Draco turned around and grabbed Harry’s biceps.
“What the hell is going on with you?” “Tell
him,” Ginny said. Harry gave her the look. “Stop
this,” Harry spat. “All of you. You don’t know what
you’re doing. So shut the fuck up.” “Tell
me what?” Draco asked. “Dammit, Harry! Tell me what?!” “That
he’s leaving,” Hermione said. Harry jerked his arms free
from Draco’s grasp. “You’re
leaving?” Draco asked in confusion. “Leaving what? The
feast?” “Yeah,”
Seamus said. “Harry has somewhere else to be.” “Where?”
Draco asked. “I’ll come with you.” “Stop
it!” Harry yelled at the top of his lungs. “I can’t
believe you all would hurt me like this.” “This
is nothing compared to the hurt you’ll cause if you don’t
tell him,” Hermione pointed to Draco. “Did you stop to
think about that? Hmm? Think about what he’ll think.” “What
the hell is she rambling on about, dammit!?” Draco yelled at
Harry who swallowed and bit his lip. Harry grabbed Draco’s
biceps and held him in a vice grip as he drilled Draco’s eyes
with his own pleading ones. “You
promised me that you’d never hurt me,” Harry said
directly into Draco’s eyes. “Did you mean that?” “Yes…of…of
course I did,” Draco panicked. “Why? What did I do?” “You
did nothing,” Harry said. “But…I have to go,
Draco. There’s…I have to…at Godin Castle
Voldemort’s leagues have gathered. Tonight. Right now, in
fact. And I have to go there and…and do my duty…” “You’re
leaving now?” Draco asked with wide-eyed fear and dread.
“When…when will you be back?” Harry swallowed and
tried to keep that tear from sliding over his cheek that answered for
him. Draco breathed heavier and heavier and Harry shook his head just
a bit making known his intention. “No…Harry,
no…please…please don’t do this…” “I
had the test, Draco,” Harry cried. “I still have the
Rosthslid. I have less than a month and a half. And…I don’t
want to die lying in weakness. I am a warrior. I deserve my death in
battle.” “No!”
Draco yelled with wide-eyed terror. “I won’t let you!
Harry, no!” Draco screamed. “Please, Harry!” “Draco!”
Harry yelled and shook him hard to get his attention. “Don’t
do this. You promised you’d never hurt me. Don’t ask me
to stay or come back because I can’t. And if you ask me to
stay…you’ll rip my heart out and hurt me like a thousand
knives. I’m begging you please…please, don’t say
anything else because…I have to go.” “No!
Harry…oh god no, please!” Draco held onto him
desperately as the other council members cried. “Harry please!
Don’t go. Or…let me go with you! Please! I want to be
with you.” “No,”
Harry spat. “I am fighting this battle so that you can live.
Can’t you see that? Don’t make my death in vain by ending
your life early or everything I’ve ever worked for was for
nothing. You must live. You must live for me. Make my life count for
something by living and proving to me that you can.” “No…no,
Harry, please…” Draco wailed and cried as his tears came
and he screamed in his misery and overwhelming agony at having to
witness the one he loved leave at this moment and never return. “Ron,”
Harry said. “I need to go. Michael?” Ron and Michael came
to hold Draco’s arms and pull him back as Harry let himself
free. Draco struggled with them as Harry backed away. Draco tried to
fight off Ron and Micheal as he reached out toward Harry with his
desperate fingers and wails of pain. “Draco,
I love you,” Harry said with tears streaming his cheeks as he
backed away. “I will love you until my last breath. Goodbye my
dragon.” “Nooooo!”
Draco screamed as he lunged toward Harry and tried to embrace him
just as Harry fragmented and vanished. “No! Oh god no…!”
Draco knelt in the grass and screamed until Albus came. “Albus!
Please help him! He’s gone!” “Yes,
Draco. I know that,” Albus said. “Harry chose his own
way. You should be very proud that he died the way he chose. As a
proud warrior.” “You’re
fucking insane!” Draco yelled as he got to his feet. “Go
after him! Stop him! Please, oh god no…Harry, nooooo…”
Draco wailed and groaned in his heartache and pain as he fell onto
his knees again defeated in a slump of misery and wailing tears.
Albus motioned for Professor Snape to come tend Draco where Snape
gave Draco a small pocket vial of a strong calming draught and then
another. The council members were all in tears and Albus pulled them
all aside. “Harry
asked me to let you all assist me with the Tahinu ritual of the
Manihea which is a death ceremony to celebrate the freeing of the
spirit,” Albus said. “Harry is a great believer in that
the spirit only dwells in the shell of a body and that death is only
a passage into the next realm of existence where the spirit remains
in peace with those that have gone on before. Harry wanted you all to
be at peace knowing that he is there in the Oasis waiting for you
all. It was his wish that I share the ceremony with each of you and
allow you to participate. The ritual is done the day after the death
of the warrior allowing the spirit rest until it’s time for
passage into the next realm. I will set up the ceremony for tomorrow
evening at this time in my own quarters. You are not forced to attend
if you don’t wish it, but Harry requested each of you attend.
And know that Harry is doing what he believes is the right thing. And
we must support him in his decision.” Albus walked away quietly
leaving the council members sniffling and Draco standing in stillness
almost catatonic from the strong vials of calming draught and his own
mental shock. “He’s
gone,” Draco whispered unblinking as he stared into the fire.
“He’s gone.” “Draco,
Harry didn’t want you to know he was leaving,” Ron said.
“And…we forced him to tell you. I’m sorry if we
hurt you.” “Harry…”
Draco whispered still not blinking or hardly breathing. Draco only
stared into the flames and never moved as he stood so very still. The
feast had begun and all the students took their house tables and
began to eat. The teachers sat amid the students at the tables as
Draco stood unmoving, unblinking, uncaring hypnotized by the
firelight. Numb. All
the students were having a good time with much merriment and
laughter. Joyous courses of song broke out filled with laughs and
giggles. It was a loud affair except for a few students who knew more
than just the feast was going on at this moment. Suddenly
a large roll of an earth quake shook the entire school with a loud
rumble and the heavens flashed a bright gold for only a moment of
lightning which streaked across the sky as if a final goodbye making
everyone gasp and one lonely student scream his dispair at the top of
his lungs. Even the stars in the night sky shook for just a moment.
Everyone stared at Draco Malfoy who stood screaming into the night
with wails of grief, agony and tears. Lupin and Snape came to him and
led him into the school as the council members wept for their friend.
Their hero. Draco
was taken to the infirmary where he was in severe mental shock. Poppy
gave him doses of many potions and covered him up as he drifted to
sleep. Professor Snape and Lupin stood and watched Draco twitch in
his sleep. A bit later Albus arrived and explained to them both what
Harry had done. Lupin cried and Snape nodded and even gave his
compliment to Harry’s bravery. The three watched the tear roll
from the side of Draco’s eye onto the pillow in his slumber. “He’ll
get over it in time,” Snape said. “I
hope you’re right, Severus,” Albus said. “Draco and
Harry were married. It’s not easy to lose a spouse.” The
twinge in Severus’ gut turned the knife stuck there. “I
know all about that, Albus,” Severus said coldly. “Then
maybe you are the one to help Draco deal with his loss,” Albus
said. “Even though they were only together for a short time
unlike you and Robin years ago, Draco will still feel the pain of
loss of his spouse to which he was joined just as much. Draco will
need you. I hope you will be there for him.” Snape turned and
walked from the hospital wing without another word. “He
is so bitter,” Lupin said with tenderness. “And
alone,” Albus said. “Severus could use comfort as well.
And sometimes it’s good to take a risk, Remus.” Albus
said wisely giving Remus a small look before he left the wing. Remus
stared at Draco for a long time thinking of Draco and Harry’s
relationship, which was so new and fresh. Vibrant and alive. Remus
also remembered Harry’s words of concern to him just under an
hour ago. Don’t stay alone forever. Remus thought for a long
time to consider the consequences of the risk before he left the wing
walking in the direction of the dungeons. What is life without a bit
of risk? The
next day the council members all received notes to be allowed to miss
classes for the day with a reminder of the Tahinu ritual of the
Manihea to be held in Albus’ quarters at half past eight. The
rest of the day the council members either stayed in bed and in their
common rooms in sadness and reminiscing the night before and all the
happiest memories spent in Harry’s presence. At
the evening meal the members sat eating quietly when the doors of the
school burst open and a host of Ministry officials rushed in. The
announcement was made that Voldemort and his Death Eaters had been
destroyed in some grand explosion which created a hole in the earth
and had destroyed everything within a mile radius of Godin castle and
left nothing but a few pebbles of the entire structure. The Hall
erupted into fits of glorious celebration except for the council
members who paid silent tribute to the one who gave his life for the
celebration. Draco was still in the hospital wing and the council
members left the hoopla after a while to see after him. The students
peeked in to see Draco lying on the hospital bed facing away. “Should
we go in?” Dean asked. “Come
on,” Ron said leading the way in. “Draco needs to know.”
The students gathered around Draco’s bed and he turned to look
at them. Draco’s eyes were red and almost swollen shut from his
tears. “What
do you want?” Draco said with his stuffiness and obvious
calming draughted state. “We
came to tell you that Voldemort and the Death Eaters are all dead,”
Hermione said. “The Ministry just confirmed it and there is a
large celebration in the Dining Hall, Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley at
this moment.” “Fine,”
Draco said flately as he rolled back over away from them. “That’s
great.” “He
did it, Draco,” Ron said. “Harry fulfilled his destiny
and freed our world as he knew was right. He would want you to
celebrate that.” “I
don’t feel like celebrating, Ron,” Draco cried with a
whimper. “I don’t feel at all. My heart has died without
him.” “Draco,
you need to get up and do what Harry would have wanted you to do,”
Hermione said. “I know it’s not easy on you and I can’t
imagine the pain of losing a spouse, but…he was our best
friend for years and…he deserves this.” “Leave
me alone, Hermione,” Draco said. “Just go.” “No,”
Ron said pulling Draco over. “I won’t let you lay here
and mock Harry’s deed. I won’t let you make what he
sacrificed himself for in vain. You will get up and you will get your
ass out of here and let it be known that you support Harry in what he
did.” “I
don’t support what he did!” Draco yelled as he sat up
with a start and a wide-eyed rage. “I don’t support
anything of what he did! He left me again! He took what was mine and
he ripped my heart out and never told me what he planned to do! At
least he could have told me!” “And
what would you have done?” Ginny asked. “He didn’t
tell you because he knew it would hurt you.” “And
Harry would never hurt you, Draco,” Neville said. “He
would have cut off his own arm before he’d ever have hurt you
intentionally,” Michael said. “But
Harry had to do it,” Hermione said. “He was the only one
who could have destroyed Voldemort and you know that.” “But
he could have come back to me after he did it,” Draco cried.
“Why didn’t he just come back?” Draco wailed and
groaned his grief. “Because
he’s Harry Potter and that is his way,” Ron said. “You
know Harry is a warrior. It would be unfair for you to ask him to
gradually weaken and become some invalid. He deserved better than
that. And he took his battle and died in giving his life for what he
knew was right. You should respect his wishes.” “I
understand, Ron. I do,” Draco cried and sniffled. “But
he’s gone. Can you understand that? A part of me is gone with
him. The place in me where he should be is missing and the pain that
fills that hole inside me will never be filled again until I draw my
last breath. And…I swear to you that…he…I can
still feel him here…like…I can feel his presence on me
and…just around me somehow and…it hurts.” “That
will take time, I suppose,” Debbie said in her tiny voice
trying comfort. “But Draco, Harry loved you more than anything.
It was so plain to see. He breathed you for his very life and I think
you made Harry’s last days worth living.” “That’s
something to be proud of,” Neville said. “I had never
seen Harry as happy in all the years I knew him than when he was with
you, Draco.” “So
get your sorry ass up out of this bed,” Ron said. “And do
the right thing for Harry if not for yourself. Come and show that you
are proud of him and what he did for you and everyone else. You are
his chosen mate and everyone knows that, Draco. Show them how much he
meant.” Draco knew they made sense. With a trip to the restroom
to clean up with a shower and heal his swollen eyes and to put on
clean clothing, Draco came out a pristine example of his arrogance as
he held his chin high. “You
look great,” Hermione grinned. “Of
course I look great. Don’t restate the obvious,” Draco
drawled with a sad grin and the other students joined him. “Please
don’t tell me that the Weasley twins have infiltrated this
celebration with their trademark foolishness and attempts at firework
humor.” Draco led the other students from the wing and each
patted him on the back for support as they walked toward the Dining
Hall. Draco was saluted and cheered, complimented on Harry’s
accomplishment as he nodded and took the gratuities for his lover’s
feat. The celebration at Hogwarts grew and grew as more and more
merrymakers from Hogsmeade came to celebrate with the students and
staff. Soon everyone was chattering and talking when Albus called the
rowdy group to order. “Could
I have your attention? I wish to make a statement please,”
Albus’ commanding voice came across the hall and everyone
hushed. “Draco could you come up here with me, please?”
Draco walked through the crowd and joined Albus on the platform at
the front. “It is with great joy that I announce the
destruction of Voldemort and those who followed him in the darkness.
But it is with a very heavy heart that I also announce the death of
the one who brought about his destruction. Harry Potter alone gave
his life in the effort of Voldemort’s defeat.” A murmur
of hushed whispers fluttered throughout the Hall at the news and
Draco looked down to the floor and swallowed hard to hold back the
tears. “Harry was stricken with Rothslid Degenerative disease
only last year but he fought that battle as best he could.
Unfortunately the disease took its toll and Harry was only recently
given two months to live. And knowing his time was short, he
instituted the effort to go and destroy Voldemort and his leagues
since they’d gathered at Godin Castle. The last days Harry was
with us he was filled with a joy like I had never seen in my many
years. Those of you who knew Harry best will agree when I say Harry’s
joy was due to his newfound love of one who he chose above all others
to take to his heart. Draco Malfoy. The most unlikely pair of
students ever in the history of Hogwarts, I’d imagine.”
The crowd all chuckled and even Draco grinned a bit. “For years
they fought tooth and wand at every opportunity, and…I have to
admit that they never quite stopped…” Albus paused as
the crowd gave another small snicker at the humor. “But Draco
was monumental in this victory for the side of light. Draco’s
courage and strength uplifted those around him in times of trouble.
Draco was by Harry’s side at each moment of his illness giving
support, love and encouragement. There were times when Harry relied
on Draco’s love alone to survive one more day. And I toast
Draco Malfoy as a joint hero along with the legend of the boy who
lived. Harry Potter.” Albus
raised his goblet as did the hundreds in the Hall and the toast to
the pair was given. Draco let the tear roll over his cheek but he
refused to break down in front of a crowd. It just wasn’t
allowed of a Potter to do such things. Draco grinned inwardly to
himself at his new name. The celebration lasted into the wee hours of
the morning until all the students were sent to their dorms and the
others sent off to Hogsmeade. The night was long for those who missed
their friend and especially long for one who missed his lover. An old
man sat alone with Brandy and toasted his son’s victory. The
next morning at breakfast the Daily Prophets were delivered and
everyone read about the defeat and the massive explosion. The
Ministry had claimed a partial part of the victory for themselves and
it was listed that Harry Potter had indeed fulfilled his duty to
Wizarding kind earning it’s sincerest gratitude and respect as
a true legend. Draco showed up for breakfast in his best, as usual,
looking stunning as ever and wearing his ring proudly. Classes were
cancelled for the remaining three days of the term. Draco spent the
day with Ron, Hermione and the council members on the lawn until the
evening meal where he sat with the Slytherins who toasted and
congratulated him continuously. Draco’s heart ached for his one
who was now gone but in Harry’s memory, Draco promised to carry
on and live his life. When the evening meal was almost over several
Ministry officials and Aurors came in rushing toward the head table.
All of the students paused to watch and listen as Albus’ eyes
went wide. Draco’s heart beat loudly in his chest. “Ron,
Hermione, Draco, could you come up here for a moment?” Albus
asked. The three rushed up to the head table to hear what Albus had
to say. “Do any of you know of a spell Harry was working on for
the final battle?” Ron and Hermione shook their heads. “Yes,”
Draco said as they all turned to him. “Harry had an idea for a
spell. He felt great guilt at having to destroy any Death Eater that
was only operating under the Imperius curse and who otherwise would
have no true intent to harm him. He mentioned that all the other DEs
with intent in their hearts toward malice would be destroyed, but
those that had no darkness would not be harmed with the spell. Why?” “It
seems as though Harry’s spell worked,” Albus grinned.
“These Aurors were the ones that the Death Eaters captured at
Azkaban and who were forced with the use of the Imperius curse to
serve and give information to Voldemort for the final battle against
Harry. These Aurors along with many DEs that were only operating
under the Imperius were saved.” “He
did it,” Draco grinned. “I knew he could. Harry is a
genius.” “We
witnessed Harry’s spell,” Lockerly said. “Harry
arrived at Godin Castle and was amazing. He dodged every spell thrown
at him from over a hundred DEs. I’ve never seen anything like
it in my life. He was truly amazing.” “Then
he just walked up to Voldemort as if it were nothing,” Cokern
said. “They talked for a bit and then…something
happened.” “Harry
took the dark mark,” Pockson said. “I saw it. He allowed
Voldemort to give him the mark.” “He
did not,” Ron said. “I
just know he did,” Draco said. “Harry was always obsessed
with the dark mark. The idiot. He had mentioned that he might do
that. Why did he do that? I’ll kick his ass.” “But
after he took the mark, he and Voldemort…they argued and then
Harry did something…I’m not sure what it was. It was
like…something came out from him like…light or …some
spell from him that…it just…it was very bright.” “And
it hit Voldemort was the last thing I saw before I felt myself being
tugged away like…almost like being apparated or portkeyed
away. Then I woke up in a field miles from the castle.” “So
did I. But I woke up miles in another direction,” Pockson said. “We
were all scattered and made it back to the Ministry with similar
tales,” Cokern said. “I think there may be other Death
Eaters around that…that weren’t harmed but we haven’t
located any of them yet. I think they may fear prosecution for their
actions even though they were under the Imperius.” “Amazing,”
Albus said with a grin. “He spared those with no true intent.
Simply astounding.” “Harry
is amazing,” Hermione said confidently. “He was always
amazing and even in his death he is still amazing. I can’t get
over it.” “Thank
you, gentlemen for your testaments to us and congratulations on
surviving a historic battle,” Albus said. “Harry
saved us,” Pockson said. “Anything I can do for him or
his own, I will do it.” “Just
knowing that you give him credit is enough,” Draco said. “Harry
deserves that.” The Aurors all agreed to give total credit to
Harry for their very lives before they left. The
Tahinu ritual of the Manihea was held in Albus’ quarters that
evening. A small table with a stone bowl filled with the purest water
was placed in the center of the room. A platter of fruit was sliced
and placed on the table with the bowl. Each person was to take two
pieces of the fruit in which they’d eat one and give the other
to the bowl of pure water. The fruit represented the flesh and the
water was to represent the purification of the flesh so that the
warrior could enter the next realm pure from the earth. Every
participating member was giving the second piece of fruit to the bowl
as a ritual of letting go of the spirit of one who had to have their
permission to be freed. Each partaker of the fruit was told to
remember Harry in the way that he would wish them to remember him as
they placed the fruit in the bowl. After everyone had taken part in
the simple ceremony. Albus waved his hand over the bowl and gave the
incantation that vanished the fruit and the water into a swirling
golden smoky light that lingered above the bowl for a moment and then
dissipated upward and vanished. That was the ceremony. “That
was so simple,” Ron said. “Harry
was simple,” Hermione said. “He needed very little and
what he did have he cherished very much.” “I
have to inform you all that Hogwarts will be the location of Harry’s
funeral,” Albus said. “The ceremony for that will be
tomorrow evening where there will be an urn presented in Harry’s
memory on display for those who wish to do so can pay their respects.
Throughout the day there will be a stream of visitors wishing to pay
respects and give kind words. The funeral service will begin at
seven. There are reserved spots for each of you on the council and
for you Draco, as Harry’s chosen along with Professor Lupin and
myself on the front rows. I should wish that you all attend.” The
next day was a solemn one with everyone gathering throughout the day
to come by to see the urn which was placed on display in the Dining
Hall along with Harry’s photo, his Quidditch uniform, his broom
and wand so that everyone could view them. Draco stayed with Ron and
Hermione all day even though the Weasleys and Hermione’s
parents were in attendance. Everyone wanted to shake Draco’s
hand and tell him how thankful they were and give him encouraging
words, but the longer the day went on the more sickened Draco was of
every word of it. Buffets of endless tables of food were constantly
supplied in the three empty classrooms near the Dining Hall, which
was now filled with chairs for the funeral service. Only select
individuals were allowed at the funeral service including all Harry’s
friends, year mates, staff and their families, Moody, the Aurors,
Ministry officials, the high five council, a handful of Daily Prophet
reporters and other nobility. There simply wasn’t room in the
grand dining hall for all the hundreds who came throughout the day
for the final service. Everyone
had taken their seats when the minister began to speak of the plight
of life and the courage of one boy who gave all so that others could
live. There were a few tears being shed but Draco sat in a stony
numbness between Albus and Hermione on the front row. The minister’s
words were kind and soothing. A
faint glow of light in the domed ceiling of the Dining Hall was soon
catching everyone’s attention. The golden glow grew bigger and
bigger until it filled the whole dome. Within the golden light what
looked like several pair of huge white wings dipped down below the
light several times. “What
is that?” Ron asked Albus. “I
honestly don’t know,” Albus said softly. “What
the hell? Is that…wings?” Draco asked as everyone was
now standing and moving along the sides of the Dining Hall to get
away from the glowing bright light. With another low dip of the
humongous white wings what looked like large golden hand of light
descended from the golden glow and dropped something that fell into
the center aisle with a thud and a groan. “What
the hell?” Draco asked as everyone moved over to see Harry
Potter groaning and moving to sit up on the floor. “Harry?” “What?”
Harry asked holding his head. “Where…Draco?” Draco
came around to kneel and look at him. “Am…Am I dead?” “Um…I
don’t know,” Draco said as Harry stood up and ran a hand
through his hair as he looked around at all the wide-eyed nobility
dressed in formal robes. “Um…Draco?
Can you see me?” Harry asked. “Yes,
I can see you, stupid,” Draco said wide-eyed. Harry looked
around to see everyone again and he reached out to touch Draco.
“You
feel real,” Harry said. Draco poked Harry hard. “Ouch.
Stop it. Am I dead or alive? Albus?” “Harry,
I…” Albus came over to look at him closely as did Ron
and Hermione who were in shock. “What
is this? What’s going on?” Harry asked as he looked to
everyone. Harry turned to see the urn and his things. “Is
this…are you having my funeral?” Harry asked in dread
with a sickened look. “Well,
yeah. You sort of…died,” Draco said. “I
know I did,” Harry said. “I remember it. But…am I
a ghost?” Draco punched Harry in the gut. “Damn! What did
you do that for?” “Well,
my hand would go through a ghost,” Draco said. “You’re
solid.” “Well,
I know that,” Harry said. “Am I alive then? I can’t
be. I remember…I…I sent the spell…and…I
died. I remember it. I…I killed him…the DEs and then…I
died. I was…I was taken away and…then…it was
Aries. He told me…that the son wasn’t finished with his
good work and that I couldn’t stay. He carried me to my home.” “Harry,
what are you saying?” Hermione said. “You saw…you
spoke with the god Aries?” “Yeah,”
Harry said softly. “He was…big. And…then he
carried me in his hand. He had…like…wings. Big…big
white wings and he said I could go home because the son wasn’t
finished with his good work. That’s exactly what he said. I
swear it. I’m telling you the truth.” “Yes,
I know you are,” Albus said. “Amazing. Poppy?”
Poppy was standing near as she’d come forward slowly. “Can
you attest to the fact that this is Harry Potter and that Harry is
indeed living in human form? Well, as…as human as he gets.”
Harry gave Albus the look. “I’m
human,” Harry said.
“Well,
partly,” Draco said. “I
am human,” Harry snapped. “Shut up.” “Go
to hell, Potty,” Draco said with a scowl. “Make
me, ferret,” Harry spat. Poppy ran her wand over Harry from
head to toe. “He
is as normal as…well…as he…ever was,”
Poppy said. Harry gave her the look. “Oh
god. I can’t even die right,” Harry said. “What is
going on with me? And I swear if anyone in this room mentions the
words boy and lived in a sentence I will destroy this building. I’ve
lived through death plenty of times but I don’t know about all
of you.” “Boy
who lived,” Draco grinned with a laugh. Harry shoved Draco who
shoved back. “Shut
up!” Harry yelled in anger. “Make
me!” Draco yelled and Albus separated them. “Now,
now,” Albus said. “This is no place for that. I…I
think we need to…um…well, Harry I think we need to hear
how this…came about. What do you remember exactly?”
Every one of the two hundred guests was on edge and deathly silent at
listening to every word Harry muttered. “I…I
remember everything,” Harry said in his distraught looking to
them all. “I was here at Hogwarts at the feast. I had just…had
an argument with the coun…I mean…with my friends and
Draco then I left. I fragmented to Godin Castle where I knew
Voldemort and the DEs were. There were over a hundred eighty there. I
was walking toward Voldemort and the DEs were throwing these pitiful
spells at me and I was dodging and reflecting them like nothing. I
beat the crap out of about thirty of them with the Diatai. Then
I…well,” Harry grinned. “I sort of…was
talking to Voldemort a bit. Just…playing around with his head
and making derogatory comments about his questionable parentage…”
Harry cleared his throat as Draco snickered. “And then…I
asked him to give me the dark mark and he did.” Harry turned
over his arm and it wasn’t there. “Oh damn. Well, he did.
He gave it to me and it hurt like a bitch.” “Harry,
watch your language, please,” Albus said. Harry nodded. “Well,
anyway…I was telling him how much of a…of a pain he was
in select parts of my anatomy over the years and then he pulled his
wand on me and…I…” Harry stilled for a moment
before he reached down to his side pocket and into it. Slowly he
pulled out the wand and looked to it and handed it to Albus. “I
took his wand and then…I was working on this new spell that
would…” “Yes,
we know of your spell to spare the Imperius victims. Please
continue,” Albus said studying the wand. “I
cast the spell with full strength with brinking and a full draw-up
from my reserves and it came out from me like…well, you know
how I do that,” Harry said to Albus who nodded. “And then
the spell hit Voldemort and it happened so fast it was like just a
split second, but he turned into a bright light and then…the
light came directly at me like lightening and hit me and split
through my chest and…I just…I exploded and…all I
remember is something very, very loud like…thunder and then…I
was floating sort of. Then that’s when I heard Aries speaking
and he told me that the son had not finished his good work and that I
couldn’t be allowed to stay. He told me that I could go home.
And then I was…sort of lying in a pair of very large…like
golden light hands. And there were…wings. Large white wings of
Aries and he…he dropped me…and…and here I am.”
Harry looked to everyone in the room very slowly. “So…am
I alive?” “Yes,
you are alive,” Albus said. “I have no idea how you are
alive, but…you’ve been gone for days.” “Days?
I have? It only seemed like a few minutes,” Harry said. “It
only seemed like I left here a few minutes ago.” Harry said
softly as he looked back at everyone staring at him. “I think I
need to sit down a minute.” Harry backed up and sat in the
chair and breathed. “This is weird even for me.” “You
got that right,” Ron said. “Oh hell. I can’t
believe it.” “You
just can’t die,” Draco said as an insult. “If
you don’t shut your mouth I swear I will make you,” Harry
said. “You?
You’ve been dead for three days. What the hell are you going to
do?” Draco asked. “Draco,
I mean it. I’m in no mood to argue with you,” Harry said. “Potter,”
Moody said. “Good spell, lad.” “Um…thanks,”
Harry said. “It worked? My spell? It worked?” Harry asked
excitedly. “Yes,
it worked,” Moody gruffed. “We got the first squad back
in fine condition. And all the other scum that was under the Imperius
weren’t harmed at all. Those that died were true intents.” “I
can’t believe it,” Harry smiled. “That’s
great! How many? How many were saved?” “Only
about forty,” Moody said. Harry’s eyes fell and he
nodded. “Don’t worry about it kid. The dark will have who
it will have.” “I
didn’t think it would be so many,” Harry said sadly. “Harry,
you’re alive,” Draco said with glee. “You’re
alive!” Draco yelled. “Yeah,”
Harry said. “For now.” Harry gave Draco the saddest look
possible. “I
think we may need to re-test you, Harry,” Albus said. “What’s
the use?” Harry asked. “So I’m alive. I won’t
be in two months and …then we’ll have another funeral of
mine.” After a bit longer, the funeral patrons all came by and
gave well wishes, and the rest of the funeral goers eventually left
after all had clapped Harry on the back. The Daily Prophet was taking
photos all over and Harry was miserable. “Please get me out of
here.” Harry told Albus. “I…I need rest
or….something.” “Fine.
Draco, Ron, Hermione? Could you all escort Harry to my quarters
please?” Albus asked. The three nodded and practically dragged
Harry from the Dining Hall where Albus was telling everyone that
Harry needed rest. “I
can’t believe it,” Draco grinned to himself and staring
at Harry as they walked. “I can’t believe it.” “Don’t
stare are me,” Harry said in his exhausted state. “What
the hell…I mean…I…I died. I swear to you I did.” “We
believe you,” Hermione said. “Harry…it’s
amazing.” “We
were miserable,” Ron said. “But…damn. I don’t
know how you…?” “I
don’t know either,” Harry said softly. “I just…I
don’t know anything. I’m fucked up. I need…alcohol
or…a fix or something to calm my damn nerves.” “Hey,
I have a smoke,” Draco said pulling out a pack of cigarettes. “You
are wonderful. Give me one,” Harry said as the four went out
the side door and Harry flicked his wrist for flame as they all four
took drags from the cigarettes. “Smoking
causes lung cancer you know,” Hermione said with a grin. “It
could kill you, Harry.” The other three laughed. Harry gave her
the look. “Do
you think I just can’t fucking die?” Harry asked. “I
can. I’m telling you. I died. I remember it. And it wasn’t
bad at all. It was nothing.” “Thanks
for vote of confidence, but…I don’t want to try it,”
Ron said. “Harry,”
Draco said taking his hand giving him the look of total love that
turned into a scowl of hatred. “Oh god…I…I hate
you. You sorry fucker! What the hell is wrong with you leaving me
here? You promised you’d never do that again.” “What?
I…” Harry tried to defend himself. “And
you didn’t even tell me about the test!” Draco yelled.
“What kind of spouse are you not sharing something like that?
Do you not know that we should share things with each other?” “But,
I was just…” Harry started. “And
another thing,” Draco said as Ron and Hermione turned their
heads to snicker silently. “The next time you start giving all
your little goodbyes to your friends when you’re jolleying off
to Voldemort, you will tell me first! That was very inconsiderate.
And you…you knew! You knew the whole week we were in Paris
that you had the test results and you never said a damn word!” “I
just didn’t want you to…” Harry started again. “You
don’t worry about me. I can worry about me,” Draco said.
“I am not a child. You will be honest with me. And I knew it
was something because I can feel it when you’re upset and you
kept on and on and on…” Draco rambled on and on and on
while Harry tried to hide his tiny smirking grin. “ …about
it. And don’t you dare smirk and grin at me.” “I’m
sorry,” Harry grinned. “You’re just so damn
adorable when you’re mad at me.” Draco threw up his hands
and paced the floor in a fit ranting and raving about how rude and
inconsiderate Harry was to die improperly as Ron, Hermione and Harry
grinned to the other at Draco’s fit. “Draco.” Harry
said in that way that melted Draco’s heart. Harry held out his
arms and took his dragon into a slow embrace. “I
swear if you die again I’m killing you,” Draco sobbed
into Harry’s neck as they held one another and wept at their
good fortune. After the smokes were extinguished and they’d
talked for a bit longer outdoors in the fresh air, the four walked
slowly to Albus’ quarters. Harry and Draco were barely walking
from holding and kissing each other in the hallways where they
refused to let go of each other. They stumbled inside Albus’
quarters in a heated kiss wrapped around the other and fell against
the wall in the mother of all kisses which would never have stopped.
Each was so enraptured and captured in the heat of their kissing and
embrace that they hardly heard a word. “Um…Draco?”
Ron asked. “I think you need to um…Draco, you might want
to see this.” “What?”
Draco asked but never came up from Harry’s embrace and lips
that he couldn’t get enough of. “Draco,
I think you need to turn around,” Hermione said. Harry and
Draco slowed and eventually stopped the lip lock so that each could
turn around. Draco and Harry’s eyes went wide at the sight.
Lucius Malfoy sat with Albus in the two chairs near the fire. “Father?”
Draco asked with a look of dread. “Draco,”
Lucius said coolly looking at him. “Harry Potter.” “Lucius
Malfoy,” Harry said in surprise. “I’m as surprised
to see you as you must be at seeing me.” “Indeed,”
Lucius said in his Malfoy way. “It
seems that Lucius was in attendance at the battle, Harry,”
Albus said. “He was nearest you in Voldemort’s presence.” “Yes,
I know that,” Harry said. “I detected his signature there
along with several other signatures of Death Eaters which I am
familiar. But…” Harry shook his head. “That would
mean that you…you were under the Imperius or…that
you…had no intent toward me.” “You
are correct,” Lucius said. “I had no intent of malice
toward you and I was also operating under the Imperius. When freed
from Azkaban thanks to your error, I sought to be released from the
brotherhood of Death Eaters. It was, however, not my decision and I
was placed under the Imperius by Voldemort himself.” “So…you’re
free,” Draco said. “You have no charge from the
Ministry?” “No,”
Lucius said. “No charges at all. The spell that Harry used, as
given testimony by the Aurors, was to destroy any Death Eater with
true intent and spare any who was only operating under the Imperius
such as I was. Harry, using that spell granted me a pardon by the
Ministry for past crimes as well. I’m sure that pleases you,
Harry.” “Um…yeah,”
Harry said. “Great. That’s great. But you’re the
last person I expected to be spared with that spell.” “I
am aware of that,” Lucius said. “Contrary to what you may
believe, not all Malfoys are evil.” “I
don’t know any,” Harry grinned. “But I’ve
never met Narcissa personally.” “Harry,
please,” Albus scolded gently. “No,
Albus,” Lucuis said with what could only have been deemed as a
smile. “Harry has sense of humor. A very morbid and tasteless
one, but he has one none the less.” Draco laughed softly. “It’s
good to see you,” Draco said. Lucius nodded curtly to Draco. “It
is good that you are well,” Lucius said. “And I read the
Daily Prophet about your…involvement with Mister Potter.” “Yes,”
Draco said lightly with a grin. “He’s great. Cute, rich,
powerful, masochistic…perfect for me, I’d say.” “Draco,”
Harry scolded and gave Draco the look. “Don’t tell people
that.” “It’s
true,” Draco said. “You are. It’s very sexy I
think.” “Oh
for pete’s sake,” Harry paced the floor. “You get
on my nerves.” “Shut
up, Potty,” Draco said. “Why are you here?” Draco
asked Lucius. “I
came for…um…well in the interest of financial matters,”
Lucius said. “You
want money,” Draco stated with his haughtiness. “In
the short of things, yes,” Lucius said. “If you remember
all my accounts were moved over into your name after my Azkaban
sentence was arranged. I simply wish to have them back.” “No,”
Draco said shortly getting an odd look from everyone. “I think
I’ll keep them in my name, but I will allow you a menial purse
of expenditure capital to use at your discretion. There will need to
be paperwork drawn to such effect and the allowance that I will give
you will need to be determined and placed into your own account for
whatever purpose you deem necessary. I’ll contact my lawyers
and have the paperwork sent to you. Where are you staying?” “At
the Manor. Where else?” Lucius was losing patience. “I’m
sorry. That will never work,” Draco said. “That property
is now in my name and you are technically breaking and entering by
being found there.” “Draco,
what the hell are you doing?” Harry asked. “This is your
dad.” “Yes,
I realize that,” Draco said. “And I’m being quite
generous because of that fact. Don’t you think?” Harry
snorted in insult. “Yes,”
Lucius smirked and nodded. “Very good, Draco. You’re a
Malfoy to the bone. If it were any other meager asking for your
assistance I would be quite proud of your behavior. However, since it
is I that seems to be on the pleading end of your mercies, I find the
lack somewhat disheartening.” “I
am what I have been made to be,” Draco said coldly. “Are
you proud of your son?” “Yes,”
Lucius said. “Then
I will give you your accounts,” Draco said. “There is
plenty of our fortune for the both of us. I wanted you to know that I
posses the ability to be as cold and calculating as any pureblood
Malfoy, but I choose as myself to be more than what I was to become.
I have learned that generosity is a virtue and by examples of others
that giving and not only receiving brings about joy.” Harry
beamed as Draco gave him a small glance. “I’ll owl
Gringott’s at once. Stay at the Manor if you wish. I’m
sure we could both live there for a hundred years and never see each
other if you wished it.” “But
I don’t wish it,” Lucius said. “When you come home,
you’ll see.” “If
I come home,” Draco said. “Because I plan to be wherever
Harry is because that’s where I want to be.” Harry took
Draco’s hand as they looked at one another with the fullness of
what they had together. Albus beamed. Ron and Hermione grinned.
Lucius nodded. “Very
well,” Lucius said. “I shall return to the Manor.”
Lucius stood to shake Albus’ hand briefly and then turn to
Harry who’s eyes he met. “You’ve grown so since the
last time I looked directly at you.” “Yes,
I was in fifth year the last time,” Harry said. “In the
Ministry building?” “Yes,
I remember it,” Lucius said. “You were always such a pain
to me, Potter. The number of pain curses I took because you simply
lived I can’t number.” “Sorry,”
Harry said with a grin. “I just keep living. I can’t help
it.” “Aren’t
we all lucky that you do so?” Lucius said shaking Harry’s
hand. “That
remains to be seen,” Harry said. “I haven’t
finished living yet.” Lucius nodded to that sentiment before
turning to Draco. Draco held out his hand but Lucius took him into
what may have been the first hug the man had ever given. Harry gave
Albus a look of shock and Albus shrugged slightly. It was all they
could do not to laugh at Draco’s expression before Lucius left
the quarters. “Holy
shit,” Draco said with wide-eyed wonder. “I think I’m
in some alternate universe. Harry came back from the dead and my dad
just gave me a hug on the same day. I don’t know which is the
greater miracle.” Everyone in the quarters laughed with Draco
over his statement. “I
can’t believe it,” Harry said. “I knew Lucius was
there beside Voldemort as his second in command. I saw him there
and…I just knew that…whoa. I can’t believe it.” “I’m
glad you didn’t kill him,” Draco said. “I can’t
believe I said that either.” “And
all this time you went on and on about what a creep he was,”
Harry said. “Now aren’t you glad you listened to me?”
Harry rubbed it in. “Shut
your hole,” Draco spat.
“I
think you have a gratitude problem,” Harry said. “I
think you have a dying problem,” Draco said as they all
laughed. “We’ll
see,” Harry said. “I still don’t know about the
Rothslid thing. And…I don’t even care. I’m
so…freaked out right now I think I’m hallucinating. I
still think I’m dead.” “You’re
not,” Albus said. “That
was a great thing you did with your dad,” Hermione said to
Draco. “Even
though the man scares the piss out of me,” Ron said. “That
is one scary looking man.” “I
think he’s nice looking,” Harry said. “I just have
this…Malfoy thing, I guess.” “Eww,”
Draco said. “Are you only with me because you think my dad is
hot?” “No,”
Harry said. “Well…maybe, but I don’t think so…”
Draco punched a laughing Harry in the arm. “Oh baby, you know
you’re the only Malfoy for me. Well, unless your dad is into
the threesome thing and then…” Draco pulled Harry over
and threw him into a chair hard. “Ouch. Damn. Stop it. I was
just kidding.” Harry laughed. “You’re
still mentally disturbed,” Ron said. “You know that,
right?” “Oh
I expect it,” Harry said. “I’m sure the Ministry
will be all over me tomorrow.” “We
have signed waivers if you remember,” Albus said. “Oh
yeah,” Harry said with bright eyes. “Oh my god. That
means…I’m free. Oh god…and…he’s
gone. Voldemort is gone.” Harry rubbed his scar and
concentrated for a moment. “He’s really gone. I can’t
believe it. I did that. How cool.” “He’s
losing it,” Hermione said with a grin at Harry’s
expressions. “Draco, take this lunatic to the den and get him
some sleep.” “There
will be no sleep in Draco’s immediate future,” Harry
said. “Harry,
please,” Albus said. “Go get some rest. I’ll see
you at breakfast in the morning. And don’t…just don’t…do
anything…just sleep and don’t go off the grounds
please.” “I
won’t,” Harry said with a grin. “I promise.”
Harry gave Albus a hard hug and held him for a moment. “And
you’re absolutely sure I’m alive?” “Yes,
I’m sure,” Albus said as the pulled away from the hug
with a grin. “You’re
sure?” Harry asked. “Are
you not sure?” Albus asked. “Me?
Hell no. I’m not sure of anything,” Harry said. “I
just dropped out of the ceiling at my own funeral and everyone tells
me I’ve been dead for three days. Would you be sure if you were
me?” “No,
I suppose not,” Albus said. “But we’ll check again
tomorrow when we get you to the hospital wing for a thorough check
up.” “I’m
afraid to sleep,” Harry said. “What if I don’t wake
up?” “Then
you’ll never know it, stupid,” Ron said. Harry rubbed his
face with his hands and then ran them through his hair, which stuck
up in every direction. Draco snickered at the sight. “I’m
just freaked out,” Harry said as he flung out his hand and
created a granka and began to twirl it around his finger. “What
if…what if I’m different? I mean…am I the same?” “You
look the same,” Hermione said. “Yeah.
You’re playing with dangerous weaponry for fun. That sounds the
same to me,” Ron said. Harry snickered and vanished the granka. ”I
just…I’m…” Harry stopped and just sat for a
few moments in deep thought as he stared at some undetermined point
near the ground. “What do I do? What now? What happens to me?”
The other three had no answer for the question as they all stood and
looked to each other in the strained silence. Draco took the
initiative as he walked over to pull Harry up from the chair. “Come
on. It’s late,” Draco said. “You need to sleep.” “I’ll
see you at breakfast,” Albus said. Harry nodded in his confused
state as Draco was dragging him along. Ron and Hermione followed. The
four walked in silence for a bit until they entered the den and each
sat. Harry was still in deep thought. “Well,
we’d better go,” Hermione said. “Harry…it’s…it’s
good to have you back.” Hermione hugged him and he returned the
affection. Ron also gave his manly hug with the shoulder squeeze. “Good
to see you, man,” Ron said with a tiny grin. Harry nodded at
them both. “It’s
good to…well, be living I guess…” Harry said.
“Although…I don’t remember not living but I
do…very …very odd.” “Just
get some rest,” Ron said. “We’ll see you at
breakfast.” Hermione waved as they both left. “Come
on,” Draco said pulling Harry over and tugging off Harry’s
shirt over his head. “You need to sleep.” Draco assisted
in undressing Harry and then himself as they slipped between the
sheets to wrap around the other savoring the skin contact. “Harry,
you don’t know how much I missed you. You don’t know how
much…how much I love you. The pain when you left was…oh
god…I…I’ve never had anything hurt so much.” “I’m
sorry,” Harry whispered. “No,”
Draco said. “No, don’t…don’t say that. I
know why you did what you did. I understand it. But…even
though I knew you did the right thing…it hurt because I knew…I
just knew I’d never hold you again. I just knew that I would
never…kiss you or look at you and it felt like a knife in my
chest because the part of me that is you was missing.” “I’m
here,” Harry whispered. “Draco, I’m…I’m
afraid. I don’t know…I mean…am I really here? I
just…I can’t believe it. It’s too…not
real.” “You’re
here, Harry,” Draco said before they kissed and held one
another for a while. “You are very here and I never plan on
letting you go again. Ever again.” “And
I don’t plan on going to…wherever it is you think I’m
going that you’d have to let me go,” Harry teased and
Draco snickered. Harry yawned big and nuzzled into Draco’s
arms. “Go
to sleep, Harry,” Draco whispered. Harry sighed and hummed his
contentment before each drifted off happy. Draco
woke to kisses at his nape and warm breath near his ear. Hands slid
slowly down his arm and over his thigh. “Good
morning to you, too,” Draco whispered eyes still closed as he
savored the feeling of his lover’s touch. “Good
morning,” Harry whispered onto Draco’s shoulder as he
pulled Draco back closer to him. Harry was spooned up against Draco’s
backside, his erection painfully evident. “Top
me before I die of wanting you,” Draco said. “And…hurry.” “Are
you impatient?” Harry asked with a grin. “Hell
yes I’m impatient,” Draco said. “Harry, please.”
Harry rolled Draco over so that they were spooned the same way but
facing the mirror on the wall. Each looked at their reflection as
Harry’s hands smoothed over Draco’s pale skin loving each
inch. “You
are so damn beautiful,” Harry said of the reflection taking in
every curve, dip and delectable part. Draco pulled up his leg and
positioned the tiny pucker of his ass so that Harry’s cock was
touching it as they watched in the mirror. They both laughed softly
at the imagery. “Very nice. Picture perfect.” “Get
inside me,” Draco said. “Let me watch.” Harry
created the lubrication and watched his own fingers circle the little
hole. A single finger slipped inside gently as they watched and felt.
After three fingers, Draco couldn’t wait another second.
“Please, Harry…do it.” Without need for further
encouragement, Harry positioned the head of his cock with help from
the mirror and eased himself inside just past the tightest ring of
flesh as they both hissed at the sensations. “Oh yes…you’re
cock is so damn thick…holy hell…yes, stretch me…give
it to me…” Harry inched forward until he was completely
inside his lover. Both stilled for a moment to enjoy the fullness and
tightness before Harry began to pull almost all the way out and then
fully inside again and again. “Oh yes that’s beautiful.
Are you watching?” “Yes,”
Harry said. “It is beautiful. It’s you and me…together.
Becoming one over and over.” Harry held up under Draco’s
knee for leverage as he kept up the pleasing pace for a long time
allowing them to enjoy the sight and feel of the other. After so long
a time, Draco began to give his own cock long even strokes which
Harry watched from the mirror. “Yes…just like that, my
dragon…oh god that’s so damn good…I love watching
you do that…” “Harry,
yes…” Draco said at watching and feeling everything
simultaneously. “I’m so close…” “Then
do it,” Harry said. “I’m close, too.” “Do
it harder…faster…I’m going to come…”
Draco said as he sped up the fisting of his own body as Harry
increased the speed and force of his thrusts. Draco was panting hard
and working his body for the prize. “Harry…yes…oh
god…Harry! Oh Harry!” Draco yelled Harry’s name as
he was swept over the edge into orgasmic bliss. At hearing his lover
screaming his name, Harry was taken over the edge. “Oh
yeah…Draco…oh god…Draco yes!” Harry
slammed into the hot body he held onto so tightly and spilled the
salty fluid within the recesses of his lover as his cock pulsed
jetting every drop into him. “Oh god…oh god…fuck
that was incredible.” “You
came back to me,” Draco said to Harry through the mirror. “You
came back.” “I
wish I could tell you that I had planned it,” Harry said.
“But….” Harry shook his head. “I still have
trouble believing I’m actually alive yet. I remember dying,
Draco. I did. And…it was peaceful. And…I don’t
know if I should say this.” “What?
What is it? Just say it anyway,” Draco said. “I…I
think I’m…I’m not sick,” Harry said. “I
don’t think I have the Rothslid anymore. I can…I mean, I
knew before I had the last test. I knew it. I knew I was dying of it
because I just knew. But now…I feel…like…it’s
not there. We’ll have to have the test to confirm that but…I
can almost tell you now that I don’t have it.” “Really?”
Draco asked with wide eyes. “Don’t
get too excited yet,” Harry said. “I mean hell, I was
just dead yesterday and now I’m not? I may have just lost my
mind just a bit so…don’t get too excited until we get
the results. I could be feeling after effects of whatever the hell
has happened to me. Even if I do still have the Rothslid, I’m
not afraid to die. It’s nothing. Just a passing over.” “We
took part in the Tahinu ritual of the Manihea for you,” Draco
said. “It was so simple and yet so…uniquely complex.
Very you. Appropriate even.” “Thank
you,” Harry said. “I believe in that ritual, Draco. The
Tahinu have beliefs that are simplistic in nature, but I do believe
like they do. I’d like to visit them again one day.” “We
will,” Draco said. “We will visit them.” Draco
smiled and took Harry’s hand and brought it to his heart.
“We’ll do lots of things together.” Harry grinned a
bit and nodded. “Oh
shit,” Harry said. “We only have a half hour until
breakfast and we need a bath.” The pair hurriedly had a quick
hot bath, dressed and practically ran to the Dining Hall where they
sat with the Gryffindors. The students gasped when Harry came in and
he froze. “They
sort of think that you were killed,” Draco said. “He
wasn’t.” Draco told them. “I
um…” Harry said and then looked to Albus for help.
Albus motioned Harry up to the front table where he walked noticing
everyone looking at him as if he had just come back from the dead.
Albus motioned Harry around to the back of the table and put his arm
around Harry’s back to hold his arms. “Students
and faculty,” Albus said. “A miraculous thing has
happened once again with Harry Potter. Although it was believed that
he had died in the battle with Voldemort, it seems as though his life
was yet again spared by circumstances that cannot be explained. It is
with great relief that I tell you all that he is here in the flesh.
Well, as close to flesh as he is…” “Don’t
say that,” Harry said. “I’m just…just a
plain, ordinary wizard just like everyone else. I just happen to…not
die somehow…again.” “Yes,”
Albus said. “That’s very true. Students, there is no
reason to fear Harry. It’s true that he does possess some
amazing gifts among wizard kind. Some so rare that they’ve not
been seen in millennia. Especially interesting is that…” “Dumbledore,
sir,” Harry said. “Just…I think that’s
enough. They can see that I’m…well, breathing and all
that. And I’d like to have some food since I’ve been sort
of …um…away for three days.” “Yes,
of course,” Albus said. “Go ahead. I just wish our
students to have no fear of you.” “Yes,
I’m sure they won’t,” Harry said sarcastically and
then reduced his voice to a whisper. “How many others do you
know that come back from the dead?” Harry walked to his own
table and sat with a flop at the silent Dining Hall. “Hey,
Ron.” Harry took the eggs and bacon and began to put them on
his plate. “Stop
staring,” Draco yelled at the Ravenclaw table who all turned
around and the chatter in the hall began. “Inconsiderate
ingrates.” “Thanks,”
Harry said as he began to eat. “Oh god that’s good. I’m
starving. And…dammit, I didn’t get any of the hogs. Was
it good?” “Excellent,”
Hermione said. “But…I didn’t eat that much. I
was…a bit upset at you.” “Oh…yeah,
I’m…sorry about all that, you guys,” Harry said.
“I just didn’t want Draco to know and you all forced me
to say things that I didn’t want to say.” “We
understand, Harry,” Seamus said with a mouthful of oatmeal that
came tumbling over his chin when he spoke. The table laughed a bit at
him. “Damn.” “How
are you feeling?” Dean asked Harry. “Um…well,
fine I guess,” Harry said. “A little freaked out, but…on
the whole, I guess I feel just normal…for me anyway.” “Harry,
are you being re-tested for the Rothslid today?” Hermione
asked. “Yeah,”
Harry nodded. “After breakfast.” “Can
I come with you?” Ron asked. Hermione nodded her request as
well. “Sure.
If you want,” Harry said barely interested in anything except
his plate of food which he was hauling in. “Slow
down or you’ll make yourself sick,” Draco said. “Did
you already eat all of that?” Harry nodded as he shoveled the
food in like a starving man. The breakfast was over after many
conversations where Harry had to repeat what had happened with
Voldemort at least three times. During the meal Harry caught Lupin’s
eye several times and Lupin grinned just a tiny bit and Harry nodded
but there was something very odd about Lupin’s composure and it
was unsettling to Harry who just shrugged it off as Lupin’s
relief at Harry being alive. “I
need to get to the hospital wing,” Harry said as he stood up.
The others followed as expected. Harry took Draco’s hand in the
hallway. “And listen to me. If…I mean, if the results
are…well, not what we…think, then…it’s
okay. Okay?” “I’ll
deal with it when I hear the results,” Draco said calmly. “I’m
still on your emotional roller coaster that you seem to keep me on
most of the time.” “That’s
the truth,” Ron said. “Expect
the unexpected is Harry’s motto,” Hermione said. “And…I
swear to you all that…I just…I still held hope until
that funeral that you weren’t dead, Harry. I just could not
accept that you were dead. I just…knew or…something.” “So
did I,” Draco grinned. “When I was in the hospital wing
under every calming draught known to wizard kind I…I could
almost…feel you there. It was…very…just
strange.” “Really?”
Harry asked with a grin of amusement. “How interesting. I’m
beginning to think that you all think I just can’t die.” “That’s
exactly what I think,” Michael said. “Me,
too,” Debbie said. “Well,
I can,” Harry said. “I did, in fact. I remember it very
plainly. But the thing I remember just before is…” Harry
got a look of complete joy on his face. “I was thinking of…of
Draco and how good it was that I could send that spell and Voldemort
would never have him. Then I just…pulled up every bit of force
I had and wham! I nailed that spell in a major way. I can’t
wait to go see what kind of damage I did.” Harry laughed. “Oh
god. I just know I made a hole.” “You
did,” Ron said. “It’s a half mile hole and total
destruction for at least a mile around. You left nothing. Everything
gone. Destroyed.” “Wow,”
Neville said. “How did you…like…do that with the
spell thing?” “I
don’t know,” Harry said. “I just do it. I don’t
even cast it. It just…comes out from me like a ring of…magic
stuff. Very neat, but very dangerous if I’m pissed off like I
was at Voldemort. And that sorry fucker didn’t even try. I was
disappointed in him this time. I expected more of a challenge from
him. But he knew. He knew he was dead the minute I showed up. I felt
it all over him. Total fear. I almost hated to kill him. Almost.”
Harry chuckled as he slung open the hospital wing door. “Poppy!”
Harry yelled into the wing. “For
heaven’s sake,” Poppy peeped out from behind the doors at
the end of the hall. “Keep your voice down.” “Why?
There’s no other patients here,” Harry said as he walked
through the wing and sat on his bed. “Give me a test.” “Hold
on,” Poppy said. “I’m busy. I’ll be right
there.” The others took the few chairs that were around while
Draco, Ron and Hermione sat on the bed with Harry who took off his
shirt. “Do
you have some type of aversion to wearing a shirt?” Dean asked. “Not
that we mind,” Seamus said. Draco gave Seamus the look. Harry
smirked. “Yeah,
I guess,” Harry said. “I just got used to never wearing a
shirt. I stay here every summer and I never wear one and have
training every day where I never wear one. And when I’m in the
hospital I never wear one…so…that’s basically all
I ever do. Or…did.” Harry sat in confusion for a minute. “You
just don’t know what to do with yourself, do you?”
Hermione asked with a short giggle. “You are so damn confused
as to what the hell you’ll do now.” “That’s
exactly it,” Harry said. Poppy came over with a tray and took
two vials of blood from Harry and healed the tiny puncture mark. “Fifteen
minutes,” Poppy said. “Albus is also having me test you
for the Eppiox syndrome again as well as your other magic to platelet
levels.” Harry nodded as she left. “Eppiox
syndrome? What is that?” Draco asked.
“Oh,
it’s um…” Harry sat in thought for a moment. “It’s
a condition I have that relates to brainwave functions. Mine are a
bit…um…elevated and different that other wizards’
brain patterns. It’s not dangerous or fatal or anything. Albus
has it, too. It’s common in wizards that have strength levels
over thirty. It’s really not a syndrome at all, it’s just
something that…is.” “You
are so damn weird,” Draco said looking at Harry oddly. “Having
a strength level over thirty is a bitch,” Harry said. “There
are certain things I can’t do and other things I’m
expected to do. Certain things I can’t touch, or spells I can’t
cast in the vicinity of others…it’s just a pain. But
once I learned it, it’s okay. I just have to remember not to do
certain things and I’m fine.” “And
Albus has the Eppiox syndrome,” Hermione said. Harry nodded. “I
see. I think I understand now. That’s why you understand him
completely and nobody else has a fucking clue what the man is talking
about half the time.” “You’re
right,” Harry said. “Albus thinks in a certain way that
is sort of…well, backwards to the way others think. I can do
either. I think normally like you all most of the time, but I can
understand his thoughts and when he speaks so oddly sometimes, I know
what he means. Albus speaks in a form of dialect that is
simplistically complex in its nature. One word can mean hundreds of
words but that one word is enough to convey the complete thought.
It’s interesting in that I never had to learn what he meant, I
just…know it. Just another one of those fucked up things that
I happen to be cursed with.” “Are
you telling me that one day you’ll end up speaking like Albus
all the time?” Draco asked in a panic. “I can barely
understand you half the time now.” Harry grinned. “No.
I’ll never be as bad as he is,” Harry said. “During
the summer months, Albus rarely speaks at all. He and I don’t
require words to communicate so…when I’m here, we…sort
of…just…share this place of thoughts that we have. Even
though I would be in the forest and he would be in his quarters, we
have access to a certain…thing. A place where our thoughts
would mingle together sort of. Very neat, but very confusing. That
man has the absolute oddest thoughts you’ve ever heard. Once
while I was on drills I was trying to concentrate on something and he
was thinking of a pickle. He thought about pickles for days. Finally
I brought the man three jars of pickles from London to shut his
thoughts up. They were driving me nuts. He’s batty.” “I
think you’ll end up like that,” Ginny said. “I can
see where you’d be like Albus when you get old.” “Me,
too. I can see that,” Michael said. “Gee
thanks,” Harry said. “Draco, did anybody give you hell
when they thought I was dead?” “Yes.
The entire Wizarding world,” Draco said as the other students
laughed. “It was a nightmare. Everyone wanted to…shake
my hand and…touch me and pat me on the back. I nearly lost my
mind.” “Congratulations.
Fame is a bitch,” Harry said. “How’d you do?” “He
did fine,” Ron said. “Herm and me kept near him the whole
time to keep him from killing anybody since he wasn’t used to
that spotlight thing.” “I
refuse to live like that,” Draco said. “If
you’re planning on being anywhere near me, you’d better
get used to it,” Harry said. “The whole of the Wizarding
world thinks they own rights to me. And now you. Wherever we go
they’ll be there. Waiting like some beast ready to strike. It’s
unnerving sometimes until it phases out a bit. I just know that every
lunatic like Trelawney will come around now wanting me to…do
some crazy shit like give them a glimpse into the realm of death or
something. How stupid.” “I
can see that happening,” Hermione said. The conversation went
on until Albus, Lupin and Snape came in. Harry was lounging back on
the bed with Draco beside him talking to the students. “Yes,”
Harry said when Albus came near. Albus nodded. “Yes
what?” Draco asked. “Albus
wanted to know if the test was in process and I told him yes,”
Harry said. “He’s always doing that. He’s having a
conversation in my head right now. And will you please leave me
alone? I’ve told you all I know and get out of my head.” “I
can’t help it,” Albus said. “You have very strange
thoughts, Harry.” “Me?
You’re the one with the weird thinking,” Harry said. “And
what is up with the rainbow thing?” “Nothing,”
Albus said. “I was just wondering if you could do it.” “Of
course I can do it,” Harry sounded insulted. “That’s
easy.” Harry lifted a hand and swirled it around in the air and
snapped his wrist out to create a rainbow of light that hit the far
wall and bounced back to his hand. “What do you take me for?
Some first year?” “Don’t
be testy,” Albus teased. Lupin stood at the foot of the bed and
Harry looked at him and Harry sat up with a snap. “Please
no,” Harry winced. “Oh god no.” “What?”
Draco asked. Albus chuckled, Lupin grinned and Snape looked away with
a smirk. “For
the love of all that is holy please tell me I’m just insane,”
Harry said to Lupin as he looked back and forth between Lupin and
Snape. “Ugh! Oh my god no.” “What
are you talking about?” Ron asked. “Oh
god,” Harry put his head in his hands. “This is my worst
nightmare. Oh hell. I can’t believe it. I didn’t mean
that you should…I mean…I didn’t know that…oh
god, Remus.” “Harry,
we’ll discuss it later,” Remus said. “I took your
advice.” “That
was not my advice!” Harry said looking at Snape for a brief
moment and then shaking his head as he looked to the bed sheets. “Oh
god, stop thinking that, Remus, I mean it. I don’t want to
know.” “I
can’t help it” Remus grinned. “Stop
it!” Harry yelled. “Get away from me with your thoughts.
Eww! Stop. Oh god why didn’t I just die. Maybe I did. I think
I’m in hell.” Remus chuckled and Snape smirked larger. “Harry,
I think you should be happy for Remus,” Albus said. “Happy?”
Harry asked. “Yes. Happy. I’m just so happy. I’m
happy for you, Remus. You did…surprise me, but…that’s…well,
okay I guess since you’re so…pleased with the um…
development. I can sense how extremely pleased you are, in fact.
Sickening, but…if you’re okay with it. Just don’t
think about it around me. That’s something I don’t want
to ever know about.” “What
are you going on about?” Draco asked. “Remus?”
Albus asked. Remus looked to Severus momentarily who shrugged a bit.
Poppy came around the corner all smiles. “No
trace,” Poppy said. “There is no trace of any viral from
the Rothslid in your bloodstream, Harry. And not only that, but the
plasma shows no sign of the flux known to create the virals at all.
From what I can tell, it looks as if you’ve never had the
disease to begin with.” “Harry,
that’s great!” Ron yelled. “You
were right,” Draco smiled. Harry nodded. “But
why?” Harry asked. “Why now? Why is it gone? Why am I
living? Why am I here? What will I do? Who the hell am I?” “One
at a time,” Albus said. “What are you asking?” “I’m
asking…” Harry thought for a moment. “What do I do
now? Voldemort is gone. I have no purpose. No goal. Nothing to strive
for. I need a something to do.” Harry giggled a bit. “You
just live,” Debbie said. “You need to just learn to live,
Harry.” “Yeah.
Okay. And…how do I do that? Tell me what to do,” Harry
said. The others sat and thought of Harry’s question but none
spoke. “What do I do? Tell me how to do that. I need
instructions, please.” “You
just do,” Michael said with a shrug. “You just…wake
up and…do whatever.” “Yeah.
Just do what you want,” Neville said. “You
could get a job,” Hermione said. “I just know that Moody
would love to have you working with the Aurors.” “No
way,” Draco said. “We can travel this summer.” “I…I
guess,” Harry said. “What
do you want to do, Harry?” Albus asked. “You have the
freedom to choose anything you wish to do.” “I
have no idea,” Harry said. “That was never an option
before. I’m…I feel lost.” “You
don’t have to decide today,” Draco said giving Harry a
small kiss. “You have your whole life to decide what you want
to do now.” Harry stilled for a moment on the bed and then gave
a slight grin and a nod. It was over. Nothing but a real life was
ahead and the joy of that thought was overwhelming. “Yeah.
You’re right. We’re free. I’m free. And…my
tomorrow will come,” Harry grinned back to them all. THE
END
http://www.ficsavers.com
Tomorrow Will Come
Chapter 21: Chapter 21
By: Kimberjingle
Chapter 21: Goodbyes to Friends, A Warrior’s Final Battle, The Funeral, Tomorrows Will Still Come