Everything is Burning

The feeling hard to tell,
A word can break the spell

"Hermione, you look beautiful."

"Oh, thank you, Harry. Do you think Ron will think so?"

Harry offered her a warm smile and a sure nod. Ron thought she looked beautiful in anything she wore and he would definitely think she looked bloody beautiful in her wedding dress. It held tightly, but not too tightly mind you, in all the right places. Somehow, Ginny and Harry had managed to talk her into a strapless gown. It had taken a lot but they had eventually talked her into trying the dress on. Harry grinned over at Ginny who looked like she was about to burst into tears. That dress shopping excursion had been months ago and here Hermione was, once again, wearing the dress and looking more beautiful than Harry had ever seen her before. He slung an arm across Ginny's shoulders and pulled her against his side. "We did a good job, Ginny." She quickly agreed and joked that he better get his arm off of her before Neville saw. Harry quickly pushed her laughing body away from his and smiled, once again, at Hermione. "Ron won't be able to speak when he sees you. And believe me when I say it's because you look absolutely stunning."

"He better be able to say his vows, if nothing else."

"I'm sure he'll be able to manage to spit those out."

Harry agreed with Ginny. "He won't mess up his chance with the woman of his dreams." Hermione's cheeks turned a rosy, pink color and she looked at herself in the full length mirror. Harry stepped closer and helped straighten out her veil. "There. Now you look even more perfect." Hermione smiled, lifting the veil for a moment to kiss him on the cheek. "How lucky I am to have my helpful, gay, best friend with me." Harry rolled his eyes and slapped her lightly on the bare shoulder. She laughed slightly and looked back at herself in the mirror. "No, really, thank you guys for all your help. I don't know what I would have done if I had only had my parents running me around. I probably would have gone insane. Not only are they dentists, they're slave drivers. If they had taken me dress shopping, I probably would have Avada Kedavra'd their arses."

"'Mione!"

Hermione grinned cheekily over at Ginny and shrugged.

"Well, it's true."

She paused.

"Or I could have gotten Harry to do it because he's had experience with using it."

Ginny smiled over at Harry. "Lucky for all of us." Harry shifted, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the turn in topic of conversation. Yes, it was true that Harry was gay. Everyone knew that he was. It was all over the sodding Daily Prophet. But, when it came to talking about the defeat of Voldemort that had happened a little over two years ago, well, he just didn't like talking about it. Thousands of people had died, including friends and professors, and the very thought of war made him feel like leaving a room. Hermione smiled warmly at him. "Yes, lucky for us all. Ok, now, you two better leave because the ceremony will start any moment now." She spun around and quickly faced the two of them, hugged Ginny and the two watched as the redheaded woman strode out of the room. Hermione turned to face Harry.

"I'm so nervous, Harry."

"Don't be. This is the best day of your life."

"Are you sure I look,"

"Yes, woman, I'm sure. Now, relax."

He leaned forward and kissed her lightly on the cheek and stepped back. "Good luck." She thanked him once more and he stepped out of the room just as Hermione's father stepped in. They exchanged hello's and Harry quickly made his way outside where the wedding was to be held. He would admit, this was probably one of the most beautiful weddings to ever be held. It was being held right next to the ocean. The waves were perfect and Harry was sure that McGonagal had taken it upon himself to make the ocean work in a way that would make the scenery perfect for Hermione's wedding. Harry, tugging at the tie on his suit - he loathed wearing suits but would do anything Hermione asked him to do concerning her wedding - made his way to his seat, which was right next to Ginny who was holding hands with Neville. They both looked very excited. There was an empty chair next to his and Harry was slightly curious as to who would be sitting there.

"Fifteen minutes, guys."

Hell. In fifteen minutes Hermione Granger would no longer be Hermione Granger. She would be Hermione Weasley. It was a startling yet wonderful thought. Harry smiled over at Ginny and Neville. "So, you two, when are you guys gonna tie the knot?" Ginny blushed a bright red and Neville did as well. They only shrugged. The two had been dating for three years but had yet to get engaged. Harry smiled slightly. When they did, there would be another wedding to plan. Not that he minded. He'd do anything for his friends. Harry turned away from his two, blushing friends and looked over the rest of the crowd. A few rows held other students from Hogwarts. Seamus, Dean, Fred and George, Charlie Weasley, Susan Bones, and a few others that they had befriended over the years when they had been at Hogwarts. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley sat in the very front row. Ron's mother was crying and it hadn't even started yet. Hermione's parents sat next to them, looking the happiest they had ever been.

Then there were friends and other relatives completing the crowd.

The seat next to him, however, was still empty.

"Five minutes."

Ginny nodded excitedly. "I can't wait. This is the best thing Ron has ever done for himself." Harry didn't say anything but he agreed. This probably was one of the best life decisions that Ron had ever made. On top of accepting a position on one of the top Quidditch teams - the Chuddly Cannons. That had been a shock to the entire Weasley clan. Mrs. Weasley couldn't have been happier, though. Hermione owned a bookshop/cafe in Hogsmeade, which kept her extremely busy. But she couldn't have asked for a better job. Not only did she get her share of free coffee - which Harry was jealous of. Coffee was one of the best things to ever happen to mankind - but, she exclaimed, she got to be surrounded by books. Books, books, books. Ron had affectionately called her 'mental', which earned him a light smack on the arm and a roll of the eyes from Hermione. She had still smiled at him, all lovey-eyed and slightly sickening to those having to sit there and watch. As happy as everyone was for them, them acting like that still managed to make one want to puke. Or leave the room. Fast.

The traditional wedding music began to play.

The seat next to his was still empty. Maybe it was an extra?

Harry's guess was wrong. Very wrong for that matter. Because only a few seconds after the thought had cross his mind, the seat had been sat in. By someone that Harry had never suspected would be at Hermione Granger's - soon to be Weasley's - wedding. Of course, Hermione had told him and Ron time and time again to get over any feuds they had had in the past and to just allow themselves to become friends but, it was still quite the shocker that Harry hadn't been expecting. He hadn't seen the former schoolmate in the two years since the war ended. The last time Harry had seen him had been in the middle of a field full of still bodies, muddy ground from the rain, fallen down trees with mud and blood in his messy hair, the same substance on his clothes and his wand outstretched, dark mark glowing, wince on his face, as he beat down a deatheater before it struck Hermione. The act had unsettled him, shocked him, and, on top of that, caused his body and brain to momentarily stop working for a few seconds.

Long seconds seeing as every little tick of the clock could be his death.

He looked to be in a world of pain. The deatheater fell to the ground by the unforgivable that had just been cast upon him. Avada Kedavra. The one who did the murdering cursed, staggered a bit as he clenched his wrist with his other hand. Harry had realized just why the dark mark had been glowing. It was burning. And badly by the looks of it. Harry didn't know what had come over him but he had walked over, grabbed the man by the arm before he could fall to his knees, and had invited him into his circle of fighters - Ron, Hermione and himself. Now with the fourth addition. Malfoy. From that point on, Hermione had befriended him, much to Ron's dismay, and had been writing back and forth with him over the years. Sometimes she even went out for tea with him, again, to Ron's ultimate dismay. Harry was pretty sure that Ron always got a rise out of those outings because of one thing: He was jealous as hell. Harry hadn't seen Malfoy at all. He had made it a point not to go anywhere near Hermione's home if he knew that her and Malfoy would be going on an outing.

Ron had always told him about future outings.

Harry wasn't sure exactly why he didn't want to see Malfoy. Except for the fact that they had been worst enemies since day one. He knew, full well, that he owed Malfoy a huge sorry. After all, he had saved Hermione's life. His best friend's life. And, if it hadn't been for Malfoy, Hermione wouldn't be here right now, walking down the aisle next to her proud, smiling father. Harry blinked over at the blond in the seat next to him. Malfoy didn't even glance his way. He looked different, though, Harry noticed. Sure, Harry had seen him on the pages of the Daily Prophet. How could he not? For months and months after the war, he had been on the front page. He had betrayed Voldemort. He-who-must-not-be-named. It was a shocker for everyone. Especially for Malfoy's father, who now resides in Azkaban with plenty of other deatheaters who hadn't had the pleasure of dying during the war. Malfoy's father was in line for the Dementor's kiss, as were the others. It'd happen any day now, Harry read.

Anyway, Malfoy looked quite different and Harry guessed he shouldn't be surprised. Grainy, black and white pictures didn't do him justice. Now, sitting right next to Harry, he realized just how different Draco Malfoy looked. Swallowing, Harry looked over to Ginny with a questioning look to see if she knew that Malfoy would be here. By the look on her face, she did know. And she hadn't told Harry. His eyes flicked over to Neville. He, too, had the same look on his face. Harry couldn't help but feel slightly angry at the fact that no one had bothered to tell him that his worst enemy was going to be coming. Hermione must have told everyone not to tell him. Harry snuck another look over at the blond again. All through their school years, his hair had remained slicked tightly back with huge amounts of gel. It had been disgusting. Now, however, it was hanging free around his face in an unkempt style. Harry would admit, much to his dismay, that it looked one-hundred times better than it had.

'He looks a hundred-times better than he used to, for that matter.'

Harry pushed the unwanted thought out of his head. Yes, Malfoy was on the "good" side. Yes, Harry was gay. Yes, Harry knew, full well, that Malfoy was very attractive in his muggle suit - Harry couldn't believe that Malfoy was wearing muggle clothing. But that didn't mean he could have stupid thoughts about him looking gorgeous. Or anything stupid like that. Harry quickly looked back at the aisle and caught Hermione's mischievous eyes as she walked past, looking absolutely beautiful. She knew what he was thinking. She knew he was in shock about who was sitting in the seat next to him. Little witch. She had been going on for the last year about what a lovely, single, soul that Draco was. Harry remembered when he had visited her at her bookshop. She had leaned against the counter, seeing as there was no one waiting to make a purchase, with a glint in her eyes, brow raised and smirk on his face. "Not to mention, Harry, he's so completely and obviously gaaaayyyy!" He gave her a stern look, although what he really wanted to do was smile just because she sounded so funny practically singing the word 'gay.' A few people reading books had looked over, questioning looks on their faces.

"'Mione, you're wrong in the head, you know that, right? We hate each other, remember?"

"You have both matured, Harry. Well, he has anyway. He's not the little bastard that he once was, you know. Plus, he saved my life. I think he deserves something from you. After all, if it weren't' for him, I wouldn't be here right now advising you to go and get'em while he's still single. After all, there are a lot of attractive men out there and-"

"Hermione! Goodness. Not gonna happen. Though, I will admit, I do owe him something for saving your life. But it definitely won't be a date or anything else along those lines."

"I'm sure he's say yes, though, Harry."

Just to humor her, "You do, do you?" She nodded, excited that he was listening to her. He could see it in her eyes. "Of course. I talk to him about you all the time!" His eyes widened, "You WHAT?" A few people looked over at his loud outburst and Hermione quickly shushed him. For a moment, she reminded him of Madam Pince. Light bounced around in her chocolate eyes and the smile still curved on her lips. "You heard me." Harry shook his head.

"You are unbelievable, Hermione."

"So?"

"So what?"

"So, I'm pretty sure he thinks you're hot stuff."

Harry's cheeks burned. He shook his head.

"You're insane. I'm leaving. I have things to attend to."

"You mean keeping yourself holed up in the office doing paperwork?"

"Precisely."

Harry was brought back to the present when he heard the priest start to make his usual speech. Harry swallowed and kept his eyes focused on Ron and Hermione, who were smiling adoringly at each other. He began to fidget in his seat and he began to grow hot. This was bloody insane. He was going to kill Hermione. Harry did everything he could to distract himself from the person sitting next to him. He looked over at another row of seats and spotted McGonagal. She was crying and, Harry realized, this was the second time he had seen her cry. He was sure she had cried when she heard about Dumbledore's death. Everyone, mostly, had cried during that hard time. Harry felt the searing pain of grief run through his body before he looked back over at the two who were about to exchange rings. He needn't think about such things during a happy time like this. The time flew by. Soon they were kissing and everyone was standing up wanting to get a piece of the bride and groom to talk and tell them how happy they were for them.

Harry had to get away from Malfoy. And quickly.

Before Malfoy actually said something to him.

"Hey, Potter."

Too late. Harry bit his bottom lip for a moment before answering. He really, really needed to think of an excuse to get out of here. He knew he couldn't, though. "Malfoy." The corner of his mouth quirked like he found something amusing. Harry couldn't see what. Maybe he was just blind. "Surprised to see me, are you?" Harry quickly nodded, trying to slow down his quickening pulse. "Actually, yes." Malfoy shrugged, smirk falling onto his features. It was the same smirk he wore for all the years Harry had known him. Yet, somehow, it was different. Maybe it wasn't as callous and hateful as it had once been? Maybe. "Yes, well, it would be surprising from someone who's been avoiding me for so long." Harry didn't deny the fact that he had been avoiding him. He didn't see what the point would be in doing so. Harry only nodded, mouth suddenly very dry. Hopefully they had some firewhisky at the reception. He needed some. Now. Harry let out a quiet sigh and looked Malfoy straight in the eye.

His arms were crossed lightly over his chest.

Blond hair falling his eyes as a light breeze passed through.

"Look, Malfoy...Thank you."

"For what?"

Malfoy knew what. He was just being a royal pain the arse. Some things never do change, do they? "For saving Hermione." The smirk returned to his face. "Now, was that so hard to do?" For a moment Harry almost let himself smile. Almost. But he didn't. Instead, he pushed past Malfoy to join the throngs of people surrounding the newly wed couple.

There wasn't any firewhisky at the reception, much to Harry's disappointment. There was wine, though and that would have to do for now. However, when he got home later tonight, he might actually get drunk. Or maybe he could have several glasses of wine and just get drunk now. But Harry couldn't. Not on Hermione's special day. She would be royally pissed and hurt if he got drunk at her wedding reception. So, he'd just stick to getting a little relaxed. Just a little. Harry decided to ride with Hermione's parents to the building where the reception was being held. He could have just apparated but he liked Hermione's parents and didn't mind riding with them. Plus, if he apparated when all the other wizards and witches did, he'd have to face Malfoy sooner than he wanted. Riding in a car was perfectly fine with Harry. Yes sir, it was. They arrived at the reception hall fifteen minutes later due to heavy traffic. Harry definitely wasn't complaining.

He helped Mrs. Granger out of the car, which earned him an "Oh, Harry, you're so polite, thank you." Harry stuffed his hands in the pockets of his dress pants and slowly made his way towards the building. The sun was lowering, quickly, and Harry could see everyone through the large windows. He could hear music pounding. The Christmas like lights - they were white, though, not multi-colored - gave the place a little glow. Maybe Harry could just sit outside? That way, he could avoid all contact with his enemy. But, were they really enemies, still? Harry didn't know. After all, this was the first time in two years that Harry had seen him. He didn't know how Malfoy was at all anymore. If he was still the same person, despite the fact that he had made it known he was on the good side. Harry stopped in the parking lot, took off his glasses to clean them just so he could stall a little bit longer. Mr. and Mrs. Granger walked past him and, as she did, she called out over her shoulder, "Don't dawdle now, Harry, Hermione will surely want to see you soon!" She was probably right.

Harry replaced his glasses, which were no longer huge and round.

For a birthday present - which was about two months ago - she had gotten him newer and more modern glasses. Harry hadn't been complaining about his old ones but Hermione had always detested them. His new ones were black rimmed, sleek, and skinny making him look slightly different. Hermione had been pleased with herself. "Next step," She had said the day she had given him the glasses, "Contacts. Or, if you trust me enough, a little spell that I found that I can do on you." Harry trusted her but, he would admit, he wasn't sure about her pointing her wand at his eyes and doing whatever was needed to do to him to make him see without glasses. Plus, the glasses kind of gave him something to hide behind, which was ridiculous since he really couldn't hide behind them. But they were kind of a security blanket for him. Harry finally entered the large hall and scurried to where Ginny and Neville were standing.

"Thanks for leaving me blind, guys."

Ginny looked slightly guilty, Harry was pleased to see.

"Hermione told us not to tell."

"I figured."

"We promised that we wouldn't."

Harry only nodded and looked around the hall with hand running nervously through his hair. Nervously? Why would he be nervous? He wasn't, he told himself. He wasn't nervous. Just agitated. Then there was Hermione, who was striding towards him in her brilliant dress with a smile on her face. When she was standing in front of him, he swept her into his arms for a hug. "Hello, Mrs. Weasley." Her eyes were bright with excitement as she pulled away and her cheeks were flushed. "I can't believe it. This is so...exciting." Harry nodded understandingly and a different smile erupted onto her face. A mischievous smile. "Did you notice the seating arrangement I created? And the guest list?" Harry shook his head and offered her his own smile. "Oh, yes, I did as a matter of fact. I was so relieved when I saw who I was sitting next to. Now I can go and get laid tonight." Hermione let out a small laugh.

"I didn't ask you to be sarcastic, mister."

"I didn't ask to be seated by...by...him but it happened anyway."

"Ah, don't be like that Harrrry!"

He smiled at her childish antics and rolled his eyes. "Don't worry. I'll be pleasant but just because this is your big night." She kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you, Potter." He pushed her gently away. "Ha, ha, very funny." She grinned. "I thought so." Smile still on her features, she walked away to talk to all the others who were waiting for her attention. Harry leaned against a wall and looked over at Ginny and Neville. They were standing very close together in, what looked to be, an intimate conversation. That was fine with Harry as long as they didn't start making out. As soon as the thought crossed his mind they started kissing. Feeling himself start to get sick, Harry pushed himself away from the wall and quickly walked away. No way was he going to stand there while the couple did their thing. Harry mingled through the crowd, pleased that he hadn't ran into Malfoy yet. Suddenly a girl, who Harry didn't know, tugged at the sleeve of his suit. "Hello, I'm Anna, Hermione's cousin." Harry shook her hand to be polite. She was pretty. She looked a little like Hermione, Harry noticed, though not as pretty.

"Nice to meet you, Anna."

"Would you like to dance?"

Suddenly he realized just why this girl was coming up to chat. She probably wanted to drag him off by his tie and do things to him that would, surely, if he thought about it, make him puke. He offered her a sympathetic smile and shook his head. "Um, no thank you. Not much of a dancer." Which was a lie. He liked to dance. In his room. Alone. He quickly walked away before Anna could ask him to do anything else with her and he made his way where the tables were sitting. He saw Susan Bones and Dean in conversation. Seamus was there too drinking a glass of wine. A lot of guests were dancing to the beat of a song that Harry had never heard before. He sat down at an empty table with his own glass of wine. His tie still bothering him to no end, he quickly took it off and set it on the table. Suddenly his eyes caught Malfoy striding out of the bathroom, hands stuffed deep into the pockets of his pants and his eyes scanning the crowd.

Harry watched as he made his way to Hermione with a smile on his face.

Yes, folks, a smile. Harry wasn't sure what to think except 'wow.' He could smile. Harry never knew that Malfoy could smile. He especially didn't know that Malfoy had a smile that looked like that. As much as Harry hated to admit it, Malfoy's smile was extremely gorgeous and it maddened him. Why did Malfoy have to be so perfect? In looks anyway. He watched Hermione kiss the blond on the cheek and hug him tightly. He hugged her back, arms encircling around her waist as he whispered something in her ear. At least, he figured Malfoy was whispering. He was too far away to be sure. He pulled away just as Ron was walking over. Harry expected there to be some kind of fight but, surprisingly, the two exchanged some words without Ron attempting to curse him or punch him and Malfoy stepped away from the couple as Ron asked Hermione to dance with him. Harry's breath caught in his throat when Malfoy's eyes met his. Then he cursed when Malfoy began making his way towards him looking the part of a model that should be in the pages of a tux magazine.

Why, God, why?

"Hello, Potter."

Harry looked at Malfoy strangely for a moment.

"Malfoy."

There. He had acknowledged him. Now he could go away.

"Mind if I sit?"

Since when did Malfoy ask for permission for anything? He usually did whatever the hell he wanted to do. Harry only shrugged and watched as Malfoy settled himself in a seat. The two had a staring contest before Harry made himself look away from his eyes. Those eyes. Harry pushed the thought away as quickly as it had come. He thought he heard Malfoy let out a small laugh but he wasn't sure. It was pretty loud inside with the music and people. "Not ready to let go of the past, are you?" Harry, slightly shocked at the question, returned his gaze to Malfoy. Was he? He hadn't yet. But could he? Possibly. Malfoy looked like he was expecting an answer but Harry honestly didn't know what to say. He nodded and shrugged. "I guess not, Malfoy." Malfoy nodded as though he had been expecting this answer.

"Maybe you should."

"Why's that?"

Harry raised an eyebrow.

"Because I have."

"Really."

"Really."

"Then why call me 'Potter' instead of my name?"

A smile slowly climbed onto Malfoy's face. It was even more breathtaking up close. Harry quickly averted his eyes and tried to concentrate on Ron and Hermione dancing happily together to the song 'You and Me.' "You want me to call you by your name?" Harry looked back over at Malfoy and noticed that there was a look in his eyes. Harry wasn't sure what it was but it was there. Harry shrugged, thinking it over. Did he want Malfoy to call him by his name? To be honest, Harry didn't really care. "Do you want to call me by my name?" This time Malfoy shrugged. "I'll call you whatever you want me to call you." Since when was Malfoy so compliant and polite? Merlin, this wedding was just too much for Harry.

"Then call me Harry."

"Alright, Harry."

Harry mentally kicked himself when he told himself he actually liked it coming out of Malfoy's mouth.

"Can you call me by my name?"

"I suppose. Draco."

Malfoy shifted in his seat. "Maybe we can start over?" Harry suddenly realized Malfoy's outstretched hand. He suddenly flew back in time, remembering when Malfoy had first outstretched his hand out towards him and Harry had rejected it. What a harsh blow to the blond that had been. That's what started all of this mess of being enemies. Most of it anyway. Malfoy being evil had something to do with it, too. Harry met Malfoy's eyes again and then looked back down at his hand. Sighing, Harry nodded and reached out to take Malfoy's hand in his own.

"Alright, sure."

"Friends?"

Harry paused. Friends? With Malf-Draco?

Then Harry nodded.

"We can try."

They shook on it and Harry caught Hermione smiling over at him.

Witch.

I've had this written for a while and I wasn't sure if I should put it up or not. I wasn't sure if anyone would like it or whatever. So, I guess I'm about to find out.

Lyrics: Song 'Black Lines to Battlefields' by 'Acceptance'