Lucky Balance

by melibelly

Nothing is going to plan. The Order is three days late to pick him up and Lucius Malfoy has somehow managed to get out of Azkaban. Remus always wants to talk, but Harry can't bring himself to even think of what happened in June. It was time to face facts: Harry's life belongs to the cause and his own feelings don't matter. Begins after Order of the Phoenix. Eventual Drarry.

42. For The Best

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I am just borrowing the characters for some fun.

Warning: This story will contain swearing, scenes of torture and sexual innuendo. Slash.

Summary: Nothing is going to plan. The order is three days late to pick him up and Lucius Malfoy has somehow managed to get out of Azkaban. Remus always wants to talk, but Harry can't bring himself to even think of what happened in June. It was time to face facts: Harry's life belongs to the cause and his own feelings don't matter. Begins after Order of the Phoenix. Slash.

Chapter 42: For the Best

Harry trailed behind Remus, Narcissa and Snape down the hallways of Hogwarts like a lost toddler in a storm. Being a healer had felt so right, until he had remembered who he was and what he had to do. How was healing people supposed to help him kill Voldemort? The one last thing that they had, the ace in the hole, was gone. He had failed them all and now he may as well start the countdown until their death.

Remus kept looking back at him anxiously and Harry didn't even have the energy to put on a smile. It he could have it his way he would go back to bed, cover his head and just wait for Voldmort to come kill him. But no, it was tradition to celebrate after the Ingenium and Narcissa had insisted he join them for a drink in Snape's quarters. With any luck they would let him down firewhiskey like Lucius had on his birthday.

Snape opened the door to his quarters and stood back to let them enter. The potions master's face looked like he was being held at gunpoint; clearly this had all been Narcissa's plan.

Remus immediately went to get glasses and pulled a bottle of champagne from somewhere. Narcissa sat down on the couch, her posture perfect as ever, and stared at the fire in the hearth. Harry slouched down into one of the arm chairs and Snape settled in the other chair opposite him.

The champagne made a pop and no one even flinched. Harry stared despondently as Remus handed out the glasses.

"To Harry!" Said Remus holding up his glass and smiling. "Soon to be one the best healers in the wizarding world!"

"To Harry." said Narcissa raising her glass.

Snape motioned with his cup and started forward.

Harry put his glass down. "You don't need to do that. I know what you're all thinking. I've bullocksed this up. I bet you're wishing you didn't change sides about now."

"I am thinking no such thing." Said Narissa, putting down her glass. "Healer is a very respectable ingenium. In fact it is one of the more coveted powers."

"Harry you're much too hard on yourself." Said Remus "I think being a healer suits you perfectly."

"Except for the fact that it's the exact opposite of a power that will help me kill Voldemort. By definition most healers keep people alive." Snarked Harry. He fell back into the chair. "There is nothing to celebrate. We'll all be dead by this time next year. Great let's drink to that." He downed the champagne in one gulp.

"Oh for God's sake, Potter, suck it up." Snape had already downed his glass of champagne and was moving towards the cabinet that held what appeared to be some nice firewhiskey. "I told you months ago that we don't expect you to kill the Dark Lord single handedly and that has not changed."

"What happened to ' do you know how much is riding on this, Potter?'" countered Harry.

"And, indeed, it was important for you to get your ingenium." Said Snape. "It appears if only to remind you that you are not a killing machine."

"Exactly." Said Remus. "So much of you life has centered around the war, not by choice, of course. But imagine, this could be something you do for you. Something that isn't related to the war. You're more than just fighting. "

"Are you serious!?" Shouted Harry. "If I don't fight in the war and win, I can't very well do anything else can I?"

"Harry," Narcissa's voice easily cut through the brewing storm and lowered the pressure in the room. "Healers are chosen quite selectively and there are very few ingenium healers. I haven't heard about one in over a decade. It takes a very special kind of person to be chosen for this power. You should be proud."

"Proud?" Harry gave a chuckle of disbelief. "Proud of what? I'll get us all killed. I'll dishonor everything my parents and Sirius ever fought for and get us all killed in the process."

"Your mother would be proud." Snape was standing in front of him holding out a glass of firewhiskey. The man seemed to be trying to shutter his emotions, but not quite succeeding. "A healer is exactly the kind of person Lily wanted her son to be."

Snape had delivered a one two punch to his gut. Harry stared at the drink in the outstretched hand. He knew that the conversation with his parents had all been part of the hallucinogens, but it had felt so real. It felt so strange to have Snape be nice to him with no snark attached. He took the firewhiskey and took a sip. "Thank you."

"You are exactly the kind of person James and Lily would want you to be." Said Remus. "You could never dishonor them. Least of all by, how did you put it, keeping people alive?"

Harry looked sheepishly at the ground. "Yeah okay you got me."

"What did you feel when you first learned you Ingenium?" Said Narcissa, "Before you remembered everything else?"

"I felt-It just felt right. Natural. Like it had been in front of me all along." Said Harry, he took a small sip of firewhiskey. "I told my guide- or hallucination, or whatever you want to call it- that I wanted to help people. When I found out I was a healer it felt perfect and obvious."

Narcissa looked pained for a moment and took a sip of her champagne. Harry was reminded that she was just getting used to not having her powers, and winced. He should have toned it back.

"Remember that feeling Harry." Said Remus. "I think wanting to help people is a very noble goal. And it goes with your saving people thing quite well."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Oh shut it."

"The complex is rather obvious, and woefully Gryffindor." Said Snape, as he sat back down in his chair.

Harry opened his mouth to counter that he had almost been sorted into Slytherin and blow Snape's mind, but Narcissa spoke first.

"Have you started to notice anything yet? I have heard Healers can see when someone is hurt, just by looking at them."

"Um..no. Not a thing." Harry furrowed his brow and concentrated. Was that something by Snape or just a trick of the light?

"I'm sure it will come. We can take you to see Madam Promfrey in the morning and she can begin your training." Said Remus

"I thought you said there weren't many healers like this?" Said Harry

"You are a different type of healer than Madam Pomfrey, a natural so to speak." Narcissa agreed, "But don't discount her knowledge. You have a lot to learn before you are experienced enough to heal someone."

Harry groaned. "Great, In between extra defense classes, normal classes and Quidditch practice, I'll just squeeze that in."

"Please, it feeds that Gryffindor complex of yours. Self sacrificing idiots." Snape rolled his eyes.

"Actually, " Harry gave a mischievous grin, "The sorting hat almost put me in Slytherin."

Remus laughed so hard he swallowed the wrong way and started coughing.

"Perish the thought." Snape's eyebrow almost touched his hairline. "I have been telling Albus for years he ought to retire that hat."

"I would have quite enjoyed the years of Severus complaining about that." Said Narcissa with a wide smile.

Harry chuckled. "Yeah, but you probably would have complained about the part where Draco and I tormented each other all day."

"Oh, I hardly think the sorting prevented that." Narcissa had a gleam in her eye.

"I have officially heard it all." Said Remus. "I can die knowing that I have lived a full life."

"Well, that's good, because did you hear that Potter is a healer now, so we'll all be dead by this time next year?" Said Snape blandly.

Harry almost spilled his drink, and smiled at his teacher. "Sod off."

Just like that, the tone of the night had changed and Harry felt more optimistic. Maybe being a healer wouldn't be so bad. That feeling that it was right was still there, it was just buried under a pile of worry. But for tonight, he would celebrate with the people that helped him get there.

HPHPHP

Harry woke up on Snape's couch the next morning. It had been way past curfew by the time they finished their celebration and Harry had been exhausted. At first he had been shocked when Snape threw a blanket at him and told him to get comfortable, but he hadn't had the strength to argue.

"Let's go Potter. I am needed at Draco's ingenium in forty five minutes."

Harry yawned and sat up. The couch was actually pretty comfortable. "Coming, just give me a minute."

"Hurry up. I want to take you to Madam Promfrey myself."

"I'm still in my clothes from the ceremony."

A pile of material hit him in the head.

"I had a house elf pick up a uniform." Said Snape. "Now, move."

Harry untangled from the blanket and sat up slowly. He was still tired and would have liked to sleep even later considering he didn't have classes. "Where's the toilet?"

"Down the hall and to the left. Second door." Snape sat down at the chair with the daily prophet. "You have 5 minutes before I leave without you."

"And leave me in your quarters unattended all day?" Said Harry raising his eyebrows. His eyes were drawn to the black and purple glow coming off of Snape's left arm. "Hey, What's that on your arm? Is it glowing?"

Snape didn't even look up. "4 minutes."

The bathroom was beautiful. Snape had a tub that rivaled the prefects bathroom and a seperate shower that was huge. Harry only took a moment to appreciate the luxury before throwing on his uniform. No time to shower, and using Snape's shower would have been too weird anyway.

The blanket had been folded and the couch cushions fixed when Harry came back in the room. Snape was standing waiting for him. "Fix your tie before I take points."

Harry rolled his eyes and reached up to his neck. "I was in a bit of a rush. Seriously, sir is your arm glowing?"

"Don't worry yourself over my arm." His teacher had already turned and opened the door to his office. Harry followed and Snape shut the door behind them.

The Slytherin set a grueling pace and they were at the hospital wing in minutes. Madam Pomfrey was in her office looking over potions and blaring Celestina Warbeck when they arrived. Snape spelled the wireless to stop and she turned.

"Mr. Potter, what trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?" Her hand was already hovering over what Harry recognized as a pain potion.

"For once, Potter is not injured. In fact, I think he may be of use to you." Said Snape. "It apprears that we have a healer."

"An Instinctus healer?" Said Pomfrey excitedly.

"A what?" Said Harry

She smiled broadly. "You have much to learn. Your ingenium was healing?"

Harry nodded.

"Excellent! There hasn't been a Instinctus healer in 20 years in Britain." She said. "That's the term for healers who have inherited an Ingenium."

"I am officiating Draco Malfoy's Ingenium soon. I trust I can leave him with you?" Said Snape,

"Go ahead Severus. I'll whip Mr. Potter into shape."

Snape moved towards the door. " Good luck. In my experience that is a singularly futile task."

"Hey!"

Madam Pomfrey's laugh boomed in the small office as Snape took his leave. "Come sit down Mr. Potter. We have a lot to discuss."

Harry tentatively sat down in one of the chairs across from her desk. The matron sat down opposite him. "So I guess you'll be training me?"

"Partially. There is really only so far you can go with me as your teacher." She said " I would certainly welcome your help as an apprentice during your last year at Hogwarts. It will be a good start for you and can be something to add to your applications for further training."

"Further Training?" Said Harry, confused. "What do you mean? Aren't I a natural or something?"

Pomfrey closed her eyes and gave a quick shake of her head. "Yes, your ingenium is healing, so of course you have a natural ability. However, that doesn't mean you don't need training. Your training will be different then a learned Healers, but it is just as important. Do you think we just take 17 year olds right out of Hogwarts and set them loose on patients with no further education? Of course not."

"Oh." Said Harry. That did make sense, he supposed, but more school sounded like the last thing he wanted to do. "You keep saying that I'm a different kind of healer then you. I don't understand."

She gestured around her office at the shelves of potions. "I use spells and potions to heal people. Most healers do. But you are an instinctus. That means that you will heal wandlessly and without the use of magical aids- like potions. You may also be able to detect pain or problems instinctively, whereas I have to rely on what people tell me. Most of what you will be doing is instinctive, but don't let yourself think you can get away without the training. You still need to learn the basics of biology for example. You'll also need to learn precision and how to control the power, healing magic can be quite draining. "

"I haven't noticed any kind of instinctive powers." Said Harry.

"It will come. It may take you time to understand them. Every instinctus healer's magic manifests differently." She shrugged. "That is one of the things I can't help you with. I can just tell you you'll know it when you see it."

"That's helpful." Said Harry sarcastically.

Promfrey smiled and brandished a reproachful finger at him. "Now, now, I'll have no cheek from you." She stood. "Come then Mr. Potter, I may as well show you where everything is and set you to work."

Harry spent the rest of the day working in the hospital wing and found that he really enjoyed it. It was a relatively quiet day, but he liked Madam Pomfrey. She always had the radio going and managed to make even the menial tasks seem entertaining. They had a first year come in for a calming potion before her exam and a third year who sprained his ankle on the moving staircase. Madame Pomfrey seemed very familiar with the fourth year who came in due to attempting a risky Quidditch trick. But Harry felt useful and he was helping people. Everyone who left the hospital wing left in a better condition than when they had come in. It felt productive and for the whole morning he managed to forget about Voldemort.

At every patient Madam Pomfrey would ask him to concentrate on them and see what he felt. To Harry's surprise he noticed that after a moment of focusing, they were glowing. The colors seemed to change and he hadn't quite figured that out yet, but the possibility excited him. He could see where people were hurt and eventually he would know how to make that pain go away. It gave him a sense of control that he hadn't realised he needed.

At noon Madam Pomfrey sent him for lunch and Harry practically skipped out of her office. He would have happily worked longer, but his stomach was rumbling a bit and Pomfrey had insisted he eat. Harry stopped in his tracks upon seeing Dumbledore standing at the entrance to the hospital wing sucking on a lemon drop.

"Harry, I hope you are enjoying your first day as a healer. Severus told me I could find you here. I was hoping we could have a word."

Harry sighed. He had known that he would have to face Dumbledore sometime, he had just hoped to put it off longer. But the old man had him cornered. "Alright then. No time like the present."

The headmaster smiled. "Excellent follow me up to my office. Have you eaten? I can send for some lunch while we talk."

Great, thought Harry, that meant he planned to keep him for a while. "I was actually just leaving for lunch, sir."

"I will send for some food then." Said Dumbledore as they left the hospital wing and walked towards his office.

Harry pushed down the nerves in his stomach. Last time he had confronted Dumbledore Snape had been there to back him, but this felt different. At least as of yet, the headmaster hadn't been confrontational. When he was riled up it was all too easy for him to stand up to Dumbeldore, but this felt almost friendly.

Harry waved at the portrait of Phineas Black as he came into the office and took a seat. He stared for a moment too long at the nick nack and gadgets on the table, and had to swallow a lump in his throat. This office was becoming a regular in his nightmares between the night Sirius died and his possession. It felt like a room that expected much of him and kept seeing him fail. A shiver went up his spine despite the warmth from the warm spring day.

Sure enough, a plate of sandwiches were sitting on the edge of the Headmasters desk. Harry hadn't seen him call for a house elf, but nothing surprised him anymore. Maybe Dumbledore's Ingenium was telepathy with house elves for all he knew.

"Please help yourself." Said the headmaster motioning toward the plate. "I am so glad we finally have a chance to speak. Harry, I know things have been hard recently, but I would like to extend my congratulations on your Ingenium."

Harry took a bite out the sandwich and chewed thoughtfully. At least he could pretend politeness to delay responding. "It's okay. You don't need to say that. I know being a healer was not exactly what you had in mind for me."

"The Ingenium ceremony is not about me." Dumbledore leaned back in his chair. "It is a reflection of you. And healing is a prestigious and much needed profession."

"Well it's not exactly going to help win the war." Said Harry. He glanced up through the fringe of his hair, not quite brave enough to make full eye contact. "I guess I'm not quite what you planned. And I know you're still mad about the battle."

"You are exactly the kind of young man I had hoped you would become." Said Dumbledore. "I disagree with your approach to the war, but that is a matter of perspective. I still believe you to be brave and kind, if perhaps a little naive and optimistic. I believe you believe you are doing what's best. But, I am proud of you Harry. You have grown into a strong young man who is willing to fight for his convictions."

Harry bit his lip. Somehow, after everything that had happened he still found himself caring about what Dumbledore thought of him. There would always be a piece of him that was that twelve year old boy who had pledged allegiance to Dumbledore and pulled a sword out of a hat. He didn't agree with Dumbledore and he didn't want to follow him any longer, but he still respected him. "Thank you, sir."

"Severus tells me that your occlumency shields are entirely impenetrable." The headmaster leaned back in his chair. "I was hoping that in the new school year, perhaps we could try those lessons again. I still have much to teach you."

"Is that wise sir?" Said Harry. He could still feel Voldemort grabbing control of his body. Could still remember the helplessness of watching himself strike Dumbledore down. The thought of it made him feel dirty and he scratched at his hands.

"It is perfectly safe. We are talking now without issue, are we not?" Dumbledore held his hands out as if to say 'that's that.' " The prophecy still hovers before us and there is information that is vital for you to know so that you can defeat Tom."

Harry found himself nodding. The more he knew the better he would be able to protect everyone. "Alright."

"We will start lessons next year." Said Dumbledore with finality. "I did have one other matter of business to discuss with you. Severus approached me with concerns about your family, he requested that you spend the summer at Grimmauld place."

"Right, he mentioned that." Said Harry. He looked everywhere but at the headmaster, which turned out to be a mistake because the curious looks of the portraits felt even more invasive. "What do you think, sir? Would that be okay?"

The Headmaster's sigh was heavy. "Quite frankly I am surprised you are asking my opinion."

"I don't know." Harry shrugged. "You always seemed to think it was so important I go back there."

"It is important. The blood wards have protected you more than you could possibly realize. However, if you were adamant about spending your summer at Grimmauld place then I would allow it. You have made very clear in the past few weeks that you are now a young man, and I am ready to listen."

His clenched hands loosened. The Headmaster was not going to force him and actually seemed open to discussing things for once. Harry felt a sense of responsibility and freedom settle on him. "I would like to spend the summer at Grimmauld place, but do you think the blood wards would keep everyone safer?"

"I believe that you, and by extension everyone else, would be much safer if you stay one last summer at Private Drive." Dumbledore was looking at him through steeped fingers. "You are more acquainted with the old ways now, so you understand the power of old magic. Your mother died to protect you and her sister has offered you shelter, it is an ancient magic beyond what we can do with a spell. The wards also protect your family."

"The blood wards protect the Dursley's?" Harry looked up suddenly and focused on the man before him.

The headmaster didn't pause. "Yes, of course."

Harry drew his bottom lip into his mouth and bit down. He hated the Dursley's, yet he didn't want to cause their death. Without the wards they would probably be sitting ducks for Death Eaters attacks. They were horrible, but they had taken him in and he couldn't just leave them to die. He didn't owe them much, but he did owe them this didn't he? But then the image of his room at Grimmauld place came to his mind. He could have a summer making breakfasts with Remus and sleeping in a room that was truly his. If he was at Grimmauld place he could probably see Draco and continue his training. And really, wouldn't him training be a benefit for them all too?

He shook his head. "Can I think about it, sir? I'll write and let you know what I decide."

"Very well. Let me know at least two days before you leave school, so I can notify your aunt and uncle."Dumbledore's eyes crinkled around the edges in a genuine smile. "Regarding Grimmauld place, do you mind if the Order of the Phoenix continues to use it for meetings?"

"I don't think that I really have a say in that." said Harry

"In fact, " Dumbledore's eyes gleamed. "Narcissa Malfoy has made it quite clear to me that she is firmly in the Lightning Circle, and seeing as the property belongs to her I thought I should check with you."

"I'm sorry the Lightning what?"

"Lightning Circle." Said Dumbledore looking amused at Harry's bafflement. "I believe the lightning refers to your scar and circle refers to the positioning for most ancient spells. It is what they are calling your followers."

Harry groaned and leaned his head back. How had he never noticed that the ceiling in Dumbledore's office was the same as the great hall? "That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard."

"Well Dumbledore's Army hardly fits anymore."

"Haha." Said Harry sarcastically. "How long have you been waiting to use that one?"

"Altogether too long."

"How do I get them to stop doing that?"

"In my experience the resiliency of the human spirit can rarely be seen as voraciously as when we name things something that the person hates.

Dumbledore smiled and Harry couldn't help but smile back. "Of course you can use Grimmauld place." Said Harry "I refuse to call myself by that ridiculous name, but consider us allies."

The Headmaster nodded and held out a hand. "Allies."

HPHPHPHP

After the bizarre lunch with Dumbledore, Harry headed back down to see Madame Pomfrey. She had him get straight to work and tasked him with learning the ins and outs of the potions stores. By the end of the day, it would be Harry's job to give her every potion she requested, and she made clear that it was his head if she administered the wrong thing. When she finally let him go to dinner Harry's stomach was rumbling and his mind was spinning with information about the different colors and textures of potions. It had been more intense than any of Snape's classes.

Despite his stomach's protests, Harry decided he could eat later. His first order of business was finding Draco and seeing how his Ingenium went. Harry could tell that Draco had been more nervous then he actually let on. Lucius has been putting the pressure on and quizzing his son on the Familiae Haereditatem and the spell since before the battle. Draco pretended he didn't care, but the more cold about it he was the more Harry knew it made him nervous.

First he checked the Ingenium room, but it was empty. Somebody, probably a house elf, had put away all the pillows on the floor and it looked like it had been scrubbed clean. The room was ready for it's next set of Ingenium students.

Harry pondered where to go next. Did he dare check the Slytherin common rooms? Or maybe Draco was in the library? But then he remembered how insistent Narcissa had been that they celebrate after Harry's Ingenium, and he realized that there was no way Draco would not be pushed into some kind of drink. He spun on his heal and spend up to head down towards the dungeons.

The knock on the classroom door echoed in the hallway and Harry waited impatiently. After a moment, he knocked again. He knew now that Snape had a system to see people at his door, so he wasn't leaving without talking to someone.

"Potter, What are you doing here? Have I not earned the right to 24 hours without your presence?"

Harry laughed. "Definitely sir, but I'm looking for Draco. I told him I would see him after his Ingenium."

There was a long silent pause. Harry leaned from foot to foot and debated knocking again.

"Fine. Enter into my office and wait there."

Harry rushed through the classroom and opened the office door to see Lucius walking through the bookshelf that lead to Snape's private quarters. The bookshelf swung closed behind him.

"Draco is not accepting visitors right now." Lucius's face looked drawn and detached. He seemed angry.

"What's wrong?" Said Harry "I told him I would come see him after the Ingenium. Did something go wrong?"

Lucius stared at him and for the first time in a long time Harry realized he was talking to Lucius Malofy. Ex Deather. "He is not taking visitors now."

Harry glared back. Two could play this game. "Is this coming from you or him? Because-"

"It is from both of us. He doesn't want to see you now, Potter. You will see him tomorrow."

Harry averted his gaze. Draco didn't want to see him. The fight had been worse than he could imagine. He had thought with all the flirting at the bonfire that everything would be fine, but maybe he had misread it all. Draco clearly was still mad, and probably had realised exactly how much danger his family was in by being with him. "Okay. Just-Is he hurt?"

"No." Said Lucius his face softening almost imperceptibly. "You will see him tomorrow."

Harry nodded and looked up. Lucius looked sincere enough. His eyes were drawn to the red and black fog floating around his forearm, just like Snape. He looked away. Had they all been in pain this whole time? "Actually, Can I ask you a question?"

"I believe you just did."

"Yeah yeah. I was just wondering, do you still have a summer home in France?" Said Harry, crossing his fingers.

If Lucius was confused by the question he didn't show it. "Yes. I fail to see what that has to do with anything."

"Well...I was hoping you would be okay with hiding some people who allied with me there. I promised them they would be safe and wouldn't have to fight."

The Malfoy patriarch looked heaven ward. "What a horrible strategic plan. We cannot use all our resources shielding people who give us nothing in return."

"They gave me information." Said Harry, determined. "And they believe in me. I promised them safety. Besides, we all know you have enough resources to run a small country."

"Wrong Mr. Potter. I have enough resources to run a large country." He sighed. "I will consider it. We can discuss it more later."

Harry smiled. "I can pay you rent. The Potter vault has a lot in it."

"Have I not made it clear I don't need your money Potter?" Said Lucius, "Now, if you don't mind I will go back to attend to my son."

"Wait." Said Harry, eyeing the black and red. It was so dark and Harry just knew he was in agony, even if he hid it well. "Can I see your arm?"

The blond gave a heavy sigh and made a show of holding out his right arm.

"Actually," Harry almost whispered. "Your left arm please."

"Oh for heaven's sake!" He switched arms. "Whatever you're doing, do it quickly."

Harry nodded. 'Sorry, I won't take long."

The arm was pulsing with magic. The red and black looked like smokey tendrils contorting in the air around his forearm. Harry tentatively reached out a hand and touched his fingers to the center of the pain. He could feel the pain, as if from a great distance. Like someone yelling at him through water. Moving instinctively his magic dove deeper. It wasn't a conscious thought, it was just what he was meant to do. He could fix this, or at least find out what was causing him so much pain.

Harry moved past the skin and past the pulsing black snake tattooed on his arm. He closed his eyes and it was as if he could see, or feel, inside of Lucius arm. He stopped when he reached a squirming mass of red and black twisted and writhing together as if in a battle. The long black tendrils were reaching out and pulling on nerves that would send shocks down his arm. Harry tentatively sent out his magic and was immediately pushed back by the black lines. Distantly he heard Lucius groan, but he stayed focused.

He observed what he was seeing before making his next move. The black magic was definitely hostile. It was in control and seemed to be holding down the red magic. Harry reached out toward one of the red tendrils. A shock of power went through him. It was raw and proud, and did not want to fight him at all. In fact the red tendrils moved towards him and backed away from the black magic, as if to give him better access to the large knot in the center. With a jolt, Harry realised that the red must be Lucius's magic; red had been one of the colors in Lucius's magic when they had done the winter solstice. That would explain why Snape's arm shined with a different color, purple.

The black magic pulsed and curved up like a snake ready to attack. And then he realized that he recognized this dark magic too, it belonged to Voldemort. It has weaved itself into Lucius and was shocking his arm in pain for not obeying Voldemort's orders. Harry shook his head. He couldn't have that.

He dived forward and began to untangle the mess. The black magic would weave and tangle around him but Harry fended it off. The red tendrils helped when they could and backed to the side watching in eager anticipation to be free. The black magic's grip got tighter and harder to break the further Harry got. It lashed out and sent shocks his way, but Harry wouldn't be deterred. He poured more magic out of himself and into the wound. This blackness would go and he would heal Lucius, it was what he was meant to do. Harry could feel his own magic being released with joy and purpose. It knew exactly what to do, and it's soul longed to complete its task.

He could feel his body getting tired, as his magic became more energized. He worked faster, pushed harder. This blackness would release Lucius. He wouldn't live in pain anymore. Harry moved toward the last part of the knot. The rest of the black magic that had been freed wrapped around him and squeezed, trying to stop him. Harry pushed more and poured more energy forth. His body fell forward onto his knees, but he kept his eyes closed and focused on the knot.

This blackness would leave now. NOW!

And Harry shot forth the rest of his energy at the blackness and it exploded into little pieces of foggy dust. The red magic spread to take up all the space and cradled his power as if in thank you.

Harry smiled and opened his eyes to see that Lucius had also sunk to his knees. He was sweating and staring at Harry in disbelief.

"Potter, did you just...cure my Dark Mark?"

Harry blinked tiredly. "I...think so."

His body slumped forward, unable to hold his weight anymore and the world went black.

HPHPHPHP

The smell of pain potions and the particular soap that the house elves used on the hospital wing sheets assaulted his nose. Harry groaned and kept his eyes shut. His head was pounding and he felt like he had just run a marathon. A soft finger rubbed over his hand and Harry's eyes burst open.

"Draco."

The blond looked like he hadn't slept yet. He was still in the white clothes from his ingenium, and his hair was practically standing on end. He had pulled over a chair and seemed to have taken up camp in it. The hospital wing was dark and quiet. One other patient was in a bed across the way sleeping deeply.

"You're awake." Said Draco with a small smile. "It's about time."

"What time is it?"

Draco furrowed his brow. "After midnight. Not quite sure on the details."

"Are you okay?" Harry tried to push himself to sitting. "I couldn't see you after your Ingenium."

"You didn't have to be this dramatic if you wanted to see me." Drawled Draco. "You could have just waited until tomorrow instead of healing a bloody Dark Mark. I didn't even know that was possible."

Harry smiled. "It worked? That's great! Maybe I can get Snape and your mom to let me do theirs next."

"You fainted. You're magically exhausted and will require several days recovery." Said Draco. "I don't think you'll be trying that again for a while."

"Did you know they were in pain? All this time they've been suffering. And now I can fix it. Not only that it felt...natural. Like it's what I was meant to do. I guess now I understand Ingenium better. It's just...right, you know?"

Draco averted his gaze and focused on a point to his left. Harry thought that if he could have done it, Draco would have set it on fire with his eyes.

"Draco, What's wrong? What's going on?" Harry squeezed his hand and rubbed his thumb over the slytherin's knuckles.

The hand withdrew from it's embrace. "Thank you for what you did for my father. Even if it was stupid. He said he didn't feel any pain anymore."

"Don't change the subject. What happened?" said Harry

There was a long pause. Draco stared at the spot for answers. Licked his lips. "I-" He let out a groan and ran his hands through his hair. "I don't know how to tell you this! I don't know how to talk to you about this!"

Harry watched as Draco stood to pace and angrily pushed the chair out of the way. He had never seen Draco like this. All his cold composure was gone.

"You're freaking me out. Just tell me."

"Okay." Draco ran his hand over his face. "You know that the Malfoys are a dark family, right?"

" 'Course."

"So, some of the powers in my Familiae Haereditatem were bound to be dark." Said Draco.

"None of this is new information." Said Harry "I did know you your first 5 years at Hogwarts. I figured out that the Malfoy family was dark on my first day."

Draco gave him a pained smile. "This is-This is- My father is mad, or terrified. Even he thinks this is too dark. Thinks it will ruin the family reputation if it gets out. My father. The Death Eater."

"Former Death Eater." Corrected Harry.

"I don't think your taking this seriously. My father-"

"It's hard to take it seriously when I don't know what we're talking about." Said Harry lightly.

Draco crossed his arms. "I'm a necromancer."

"Oh." Said Harry, suddenly speechless. "Draco it's okay. It will-"

"Mr. Malfoy. I have been looking for you everywhere!" Nearly Headless Nick was floating toward them, looking happier than Harry had ever seen him. "I need your assistance. I need you to decapitate me."

Draco looked as if he was too tired and worn and angry to understand a word that had come out the ghost's mouth. "Excuse me?"

"I need you to decapitate me." Repeated Nick. "I have to be a part of the headless hunt next year. I just have to! And you're the first necromancer in 400 years, which means you're my chance to get in. Your the only one who can change my corporeal form. I'll show Sir Patrick Delaney-Podmore whose head is separated from his body!"

Draco looked toward Harry for answers, but Harry just shrugged.

"How in the blazes should I know how to do that!?" Snapped Draco.

"Well you had better get to work figuring it out because if I am not in the headless hunt next year I will be haunting you in a most unpleasant way." Said Nick, he pulled his head from his neck. "It's just a little decapitation is all."

"I was in the middle of a conversation." Said Draco, as if he were talking to a two year old. "Go away."

The ghost snapped his head back on fully. "Very well. But next time we speak, you had better have some ideas."

Nearly Headless Nick zipped across the hospital wing and through a wall.

Harry laughed. "He seemed pretty serious. In second year I-"

"This is a disaster." Said Draco. "You don't understand. I. am. a. necromancer. They all go dark and mad and try to take over the world. It's all over the history books. Father and Mother are so ashamed."

"That can't be right." Said Harry. "I saw in my Familiae Haereditatem that we had a necromancer too. Her biography almost put me to sleep. Nothing exciting at all."

Draco looked down at his hands. "I have terrible powers. It's not natural. It's not what I want. Even talking to you the veil is so thin, I can see them all there; waiting to come to me."

Harry felt a shiver up his spine. He didn't want to think of all the deaths he had caused and seen. The idea of them all there waiting for him and watching made his skin crawl. "Draco. stop. I don't care about that. It will be okay. I know you. You're not dark. You're just not, even though you've had every opportunity to be. It's just not who you are. Bellatrix couldn't teach you crucio for God's sake. I'm more of a danger to you then you are to me."

Draco shook his head. "Sure, being with you is dangerous, but only because Voldemort is after you. You're not understanding. I'm dark to the core. If anyone were to find out you were dating a necromancer it would totally ruin you. I am ruining my family reputation as it is, father is not pleased. If you were to stay with me you probably would have to kill me in 10 years when I start making armies of the dead. I'm the next Voldemort. Necromancers always go dark. "

"Well If you were to stay with me you and your whole family probably won't be alive in 10 years. I'm a bloody healer who is supposed to fight Voldemort; there's no way that ends well." Said Harry. " And once I'm gone he'll just torture you until you'll wish you were dead."

Draco started forward unseeing. "I'm not what you need. We're bad for each other. We're just betting on who kills the other first. Being with you will probably kill me and my parents. And for you, being with me will probably kill you. We should end this."

"You want to break up." Harry gulped past the lump in his throat. "This is about the battle. You're still mad about your mom getting hurt. You still think it's my fault."

"No. but I-" Draco closed his eyes. "Yes, Yes it's for the best."

Harry looked away and blinked back his tears. He had known this day would come. He had known every since they started this. For a minute there he had thought Draco was different, that maybe he understood or loved him enough not to care, but self preservation had finally won out. The battle had changed everything, and there was no going back. "You're right, it's for the best."

A/N: Thanks for much for reading! Sorry to leave you at such a bad spot (okay, not sorry enough not to do it!). The next chapter may take a little longer to come out. I am on a roll with my writing, but I want to put out the next two chapters at the same time. So, the wait will be longer but you'll get two chapters. I'll do my best to write quickly. Have a good rest of your weekend!