99. Departure
Harry greatly enjoyed the Hogwarts graduation ceremony. It was a rather nice send off for the most memorial portion of his life. A bittersweet sense of accomplishment filled him as he thought on his time in the castle. This had been one of his earliest tastes of freedom and friendship, outside of Death of course.
Speaking of Death, she had joined the likes of Weasleys to celebrate his graduation. Death had showed up in a dark skirt suit that went well with her hair. Said hair was held together with hairpin Harry had gifted to her so long ago. The appearance she wore was one that was a touch younger than the norm. She appeared a year or two older than him.
Death was all smiles as she struck easy conversation with Mrs. Weasley, "It's so lovely to meet you and your family. I'm glad to put a face to the wonderful people Harry always told me about. Thank you all for taking such good care of him." She nudged Harry playfully and teased him, "It doesn't look like you did too poorly in finding friends after all."
Harry's eyes widened as his features flushed at the motherly smile Mrs. Weasley flashed his way.
Ron blinked in surprise at that reveal.
"So, when did you and Harry meet?" Hermione asked with deep curiosity. Her eyes begged for details and gossip.
Death was happy to oblige, "I've known Harry since his youth. He had quite the crush on me since back then. Harry even willingly joined me in private tea parties." She gave off a light gasp, "Have you been planning to pull my heartstrings from even that young age. How blind was I not to notice your devilish ulterior motives?"
She playfully kissed him on the cheek, "With charms and cunning like that, I guess it was a forlorn conclusion."
"Everything went according to plan," he added with a wink.
"Oh," she said in challenge, "Just like your plan to run away from the Dursleys?"
At this point, Mrs. Weasley felt it necessary to add her own grievances, "Harry dear, you gave me quite the fright during your little escapade. I was sure that horrid uncle of yours had done away with you."
"I'm sorry for worrying you. I thought if I told you, you would try to talk me out of it. I really didn't think you would be so bothered by my absence," he admitted.
Mrs. Weasley's expression softened and grew saddened, "Of course I would care. You'll always be welcomed into our household."
Harry nodded and smiled at thanks for her kind words and gesture.
"A question, if I may," Mr. Weasley who had been standing next to his wife chimed in, "Where did you squirrel yourself away to?"
"Ah, he popped into my place. He was very pleasant and welcomed company," she said with an innocent smile that Harry found too beautiful to argue against.
Ron, to Harry's amusement, was far too approving, "That's awesome."
Not a second later Hermione smacked him on the arm, "Get your mind out of the gutter."
"I meant it's awesome that he has someone he can turn to even if he's going off the deep end," he retorted in defense.
Neither Hermione, his mother, nor Ginny quite believed him.
Death finally stopped enjoying the results of her statement and decided to have pity for her lover and smooth things over, "I hope it was comfortable. My brother did give him a lot of grief during his stay. I wouldn't mind doing it again, helping Harry is its own reward. Besides, he has the cutest sleeping face."
"Alright," Harry interrupted with a clap, his features flushed, "How about some drinks?"
As Harry made his strategic escape, they shared a light laugh.
"Don't tease him too much," Mrs. Weasley reprimanded. Her words would've had more weight if not for the suspicious curling up of her lips.
"I'll try," Death lied blatantly.
Death's expression grew more sincere as she moved to more earnest topics, "I want to thank all of you. The Dursleys were just horrid to him and having you all accept him meant the world to Harry. He would spend hours just talking about how great you guys were. Though, those household spells he learned didn't hurt. I hope you continue showering him with all the affection he was derived growing up."
Mrs. Weasley held back tears, "It was our pleasure. Harry's a sweet boy."
The ceremony continued with an air of happiness.
