A/N: Set during OotP but no real spoilers. Pretty gen, but with slightly slashy overtones? Again for 50lyrics.
33. your bones are sore and weak,
but your will is as strong as concrete - Morning - Kisschasey
They're both so different now. Life has not been kind to either of them these past 14 years. They were once both so young, so strong, so free. They never imagined they'd end up this way. Always thought that there was nothing they couldn't defeat…or when reality intruded too far reasoned that they'd burn out suddenly for a cause that at least they believed in. Never thought they'd still be fighting that war, a war conveniently forgotten by the rest of their world. Worn down by their lives, by the moon and by Azkaban both. Both constantly tired, ill and aching.
But still not giving in.
Driven ever onwards by an odd mixture of pride and determination. And anger. So much rage they both carry with them. At what they have lost. Not as individuals, caring for their own losses. But each caring for the other's loses. Grieving for those of the boy who is their only hope. Who has been their hope since before he was even born, before his destiny had even been prophesised.
The rage has no true form. It bubbles beneath both their skins, only tamed by their mutual exhaustion of spirit. But nevertheless the fire burns, it's flames damped but the embers glowing gently. Ready for when they are needed.
Sometimes the tiredness in their bodies seems to overwhelm the fire in their souls. Sometimes they cannot remember why they still fight on. Why they care for the fate of a world that has long ceased to care about theirs. When the ache of their bones, and the weight of the horrors they have seen seem to make even breathing an effort of Herculean proportions.
And then they find each other. So long as they have each other no hardship, no loss, no degredation is unbearable. As long as they know love, can love and be loved in return they shall not break. They remember what has been lost, but having found their way back to one another after everything, they know also that things lost can sometimes be found. All is not yet lost. And until it is they will keep fighting.
When the time comes they will be ready. And they will not be found wanting.