Chapter 3

He'd been suspended there for nearly half an hour; the shards remained stagnant as if held by a force field. Then, he saw a green rupture of light after which the shards fell to the ground immediately. He rushed back to the castle, in the castle there were wands lit, but generally confusion shined brightest. Due to the lack of windows, the harsh autumn winds blew hard and strong into the edifice.

I walked to the sinks and muttered "Granfauentare", the sinks parted and a platform took its place. Spiralling down, the base lights came on. I step upon the glass platform atop the tranquil waters and the path lights up with each step I take.

I've avoided this chamber altogether for eight months, I make a left turn and take slow steps to the rooms. I pass Draco's, and then reach hers.

I touch the doorknob, still dustless… the entire place is.

Must be the inner workings of Dob-

"Potter- sir, welcome home sir," said Dobby enthusiastically.

Speak of the devil, I just nodded in reply.

"Can I get you anything sir?" he asked tilting his head.

"Some vodka would be nice." I replied nonchalantly.

"Immediately," he disappeared and re-appeared in two ticks.

"Thank you. You can leave for now," I said taking the cup and wove him off.

"Yes sir," he said snapping his fingers then dissipated into thin air.

I took a deep breath before turning the knob with my free hand; I took a gulp of vodka before proceeding.

I pushed the door open.

"Anthea…" I said her name chokingly as she stood there awaiting me.

"Mind passing me that quill…" she said with an outstretched arm.

I look around for one, pick it up and put it into her hand.

"Thanks," she said smiling then returned to work.

I sat carefully on the bed, nursing my drink as I watch her in profound concentration.

Then she said, "You're awfully quiet…. Come here." She said holding her hand out to me.

I put my drink down then take deliberate steps to her chair.

I take her hand in mine, it was solid.

I felt tears quickly rush to my eyes, I put her hand on my cheek…"God"

I crawled into her lap, felt her hand caressing my head soothingly… then I felt her put a chaste kiss on my neck.

"Harry! Harry! You down here?" called Draco running down the path.

"Master Malfoy, Potter sir is in Missis Reeds chamber," said Dobby bowing humbly.

"Guessed as much Dobby, guessed as much…" said Draco as he headed for Anthea's room.

"Hey Harry," said Draco as he pushed the door open.

"Bloody hell! Dobby! Dobby! In here quick!" said Draco with apparent exigency.

"Can you not scream…" said Harry clutching his head.

"Damn you! I thought you were dead you moron," said Draco.

"I can only wish…"he mumbled.

"Come on, let's go eat. Dobby made a feast, he must have missed you," said Draco standing up.

"You go ahead, I'm content here," he said staring at his mild illusion.

"Okay, I'll see you later," said Draco giving his friend some space.

And when the door was shut….

"Though you are an illusion, a passing moment in my state of debauchery… thank you," he said as he held her hand in his.

"Thank you for being a break from reality, from the bleakness and darkness of my soul," he said as he softly nuzzled into her nape, cosseted, from himself.

Harry found Draco in the lounge in front of the roaring fire with a double whiskey in hand. He made his way to the bar for a re-fill then sat by the piano.

A single note pierced through the stillness of the night, followed by a sonata serenaded by the crackling of the fire, then it ended, just like it began… on a single note.

He took a gulp of his drink then said, "It's only been eight months…. How am I going to live for the next eight decades…?"

"Just keep breathing and one day you'll stop having to remind yourself to do so…. It gets easier with time my friend," said Draco taking a gulp of his whiskey before continuing, "In time my friend, in time." Said Draco staring straight into the crackling fire.

- End of Chapter 3 -