Hi all. First post as a college student! As such, I'm feeling a bit sad/homesick. So, reviews would make my day even MORE than usual. 3

Oh, warning: This chapter contains character death (not a major character, though).

Stone

His fingers trailed over the stone, roving over the indented letters as if they were Braille. He traced the swirling patterns that exactly mimicked the gates at the Manor.

Eventually, he stopped and just rested his palm against the cool surface, eyes clamped shut against the tears threatening to fall. One or two managed to leak out, but a warm, rough fingertip brushed them away.

He hadn't even heard him approach. "I can't believe he's really gone."

"I know," and he could hear the comforting smile in Harry's voice. "It does get easier, though, over time."

"I feel… resigned. Not happy, not sad, just resigned."

"Well, no one expects you to be happy that your father died."

He'd kept his eyes firmly on the headstone the entire time, but now he looked into the emerald eyes of his lover. "Everyone else is."

"That's not true. He just… made some mistakes. Chose wrongly a few times." He raised an eyebrow, and Harry smiled sheepishly. "Alright, most of the time. But he's your father. It's right to mourn."

He heaved a huge sigh. "I know it is. It's just… he did so many awful things. I did so many awful things, because of him. But, I.. I can't…" I can't hate him, he couldn't bring himself to say.

But Harry knew what he'd silenced. "That's all in the past. Just think on the good memories, and not the bad ones. He wasn't evil, Draco, no more than you are."

They sat in silence for a few more minutes, the warmth of Harry's palm replacing the cold of stone under Draco's hand. "I just can't believe he's gone."

"I know," said Harry again, softly kissing his forehead. Draco squeezed his hand once, before reluctantly pulling free and slowly walking away.

Harry watched the dark-cloaked form of his lover as it retreated towards the exit. Then, he turned to the stone in front of him, focusing on the name engraved there. "I know we were enemies," he said softly. "But I can't hate you, either. Without you, I wouldn't have Draco. So, thank you."

Harry turned around and followed Draco, heart surprisingly light, because he honestly hoped that Lucius Malfoy would rest in peace.