Hullo!
YAaaaayyYYAYAYAYAY! We finally made it. The last chapter of Closure of the Prophecy. Sad? Melancholy? Angry? Depressed? Thats alright. I'm getting together a little therapy group to aid in the departure. We'll meet on Thursday nights, bring a casserole of your choice.
I just have to rant here though real quick. I slaved over this chapter. I was editing and re-editing and even ran this through a beta. So, hopefully, all the holes are filled in and everything's more or less explained. If not, you guys have my email, just drop a question and I'll get back to you soon as I can (which'll be pretty damn soon figuring I check my mail everyday). Why did it take me so long to post this? Well, many reasons, three of which I'm bothering to mention so you guys can shower comments and praise for my chivalry. 1- I was busy doing some massive refurnishing to the house friday and saturday. (I.E. putting up a fence, painting the living room, doing the trim to the bathroom, cleaning up the dump of a backyard) . 2- Sunday was my girlfriend and mine's 2-year anniversary. (You try getting out of spending every friggin' waking second of that day NOT with your girlfriend.) and 3- Yesterday was my birthday! WEEEEEE!!! So, yes, I expect a 'Happy Birthday Emerin!' in every single one of your reviews. And so you guys know, I'm 20. Gah, I'm old....::pouts::
Ok, enough of the small talk, here comes the replies and the last chapter. See you guys in the Trequel!!!
Shinji-Higurashi: I'm quite proud of the way I brought Sirius back. As SOON as I read in OotP that Sirius took a great fall, I've been plotting how to bring him back. I just love him too much to allow him to stay out of the running for long. VIVE LE SIRIUS! WOOOO!
HoofsTails Gal: Again...Smooches...YAY!::quickly hides from Suspicious-Girlfriend-on-a-Rampage::
skittles-07: Ok, so, what i got out of that review was basically "YAY Harry! BOO Voldie! BOO Jimmy!" ...Right? Ok, good...I hear there's a train leaving Denial Land on the 31st of September, I'd book right away, that one fills up fast. Look forward to hearing your diverse reviews in the future! ::Cha-Cha's away::
MoonWinged-Faerie: I never get tired of hearing how people love me. I mean my stories. ::grins cheesily:: Thanks for the compliments, a writer never bores of hearing those sort. Especially with a group of Jimmy-Haters lurking round every bleeding chapter. ::scowls at skittles-07::
Slowly streaks of light began to penetrate his comfortable darkness, making its path of consciousness straight to his brain. Though he fought against it, the awareness won over and brought him back into his own body. First thing he noticed was a great amount of soreness up and down his muscles and a horrible stinging lacerating his forehead and ending in his gut. His eyelids felt incredibly heavy, but he tried to lift them all the same. Intense light overwhelmed his eyes. With a low groan, he quickly shut them again. Sooner or later though he'd have to look around, for his curiosity was getting the better of him. So, much more carefully this time, he opened his eyes.
Great blobs of white light hit his vision, making him squint. But slowly, the single streak of light became various smudges of color. As his eyes adjusted to the brightness, he began to focus in on a number of objects touching his aching skin. He was between warm sheets and, as far as he could tell, they smelled sterile. Slowly but surely, his senses were returning to him. Like a slap in the face, the events that occurred before his time of blackness hit him. Fighting. Death. Voldemort. Harry...
He peered down as something soft brushed against his hand. An unruly head of raven hair was snuggled up against his side, soft noises of deep sleep emerging from it. He smiled weakly, reaching up to gently pat down the locks of black that were sticking up haphazardly. The head immediately stirred.
"Heeeeey. You're awake," Harry slurred, his voice still thick with sleep.
"Likewise," Jimmy replied hoarsely, his voice completely breaking before the word had left his lips.
"You've been out for seven days straight now, I was starting to get worried."
Jimmy let his brother slip his hand through his own and tried not to wince as he squeezed it.
Harry's brows knitted together as he leaned forward, thankfully blocking the bright sunlight from Jimmy's sore eyes. "Do you remember what happened?"
Softly, Jimmy nodded.
"Well, if its not obvious by now, we won," Harry said without a trace of a smile.
Jimmy lightly dug his fingertip into Harry's hand.
Harry looked down, feeling tears well behind his eyes yet again. He couldn't. He just couldn't. Not yet. "You'll never guess who I found."
Jimmy rose his eyebrows.
"Sirius," Harry answered, a light smile gracing his pale lips.
Jimmy returned the smile.
"Yeah. Turns out, you were right. All I had to do was think of him and him only, and POOF, there he was tumbling straight into my lap. Litterally. He's at St. Mungo's Intensive Care right now, in a coma. They don't know if that's good or bad since there hasn't been a case like his since...well, ever." Harry knew he was stalling, but he simply could not bring himself to telling Jimmy. Hell, he'd only just woken up, the boy needed a break at least. "So, how do you feel?"
Jimmy shrugged slightly.
"Can't complain, eh? Madame Pomfrey managed to clean you up pretty good, but..." Harry trailed off, his eyes fluttering up to the bandage across his brother's forehead.
Jimmy sighed.
"She tried, but...it won't heal. Some Aurors came by and they did the best they could for the pain. I'm sorry Jim but, it seems you'll be stuck with that thing. I guess its a small price to pay since you're ALIVE. I was sure since Voldemort ...yanno...You would be too. Dumbledore thinks its because Voldemort may still be alive, or something like it, somewhere in the world beyond the Veil."
Jimmy looked down with a little nod.
"Hey, but other than that, you're looking good. The soreness should go away in a few days, but until then Pomfrey's anal about you staying in bed."
Jimmy scowled indignantly, or atleast, TRIED to.
Harry gave a soft chuckle," Yeah, tell me about it. Its a miracle she allowed me to stay here with you."
Jimmy's eyes darted to behind Harry then along the rows of beds.
Harry grimaced," Oh, uh, they released the others a while ago. Hairline fractures, scrapes, bruises, things like that. Nothing serious. Hermione's been in and out due to chronic nightmares, but thats to be expected I guess, after all she's been through...They're at lunch right now."
Jimmy looked expectant.
"Er, well, I'm sure they'll come by right after."
Jimmy stared at his brother critically.
With a sigh, Harry looked down. Damn him and his twin intuitions. He had to look up as Jimmy dug his finger into the top of his hand again," Ah, look...W-why don't you get some rest before they get here...You need it."
Jimmy frowned, pressing his finger as hard as he could into his kin's skin.
"Jimmy...please...Get...Get some-"
"Whwrung?"
Harry pressed his lips together gazing down at Jimmy. He looked awfully vulnerable in that bed. Bandages covering his head and hand, standard Hogwarts PJ's and looking so pale from the loss of his blood and Voldemort's.
"Wahs wung?" Jimmy asked again through his clenched throat and an awfully heavy tongue.
"Look...ah..." How could he put this without having it hurt...? He couldn't. " Jimmy...Back in the cave, when Voldemort tried to kill me after I had said no to his deal, something...something happened..."
Jimmy pressed him on with an arched brow.
"You-you.. know how much Skye loved you, right?"
Jimmy's eyes went stony.
"Jimmy...She..." Taking a deep breath, Harry finally rose his gaze to meet his twin's anxious ones," Skye leapt in front of us as the death-curse was being performed. She...She was killed."
Harry could barely keep himself together as tears instantly trickled from Jimmy's horrified eyes." She gave her life to save ours. Don't be angry with her, she did what she felt was best."
Jimmy pushed himself upright with strength he didn't know he had and buried himself in his brother. Harry clenched his jaw as he held onto the brunette firmly, letting him convulse with heart-wrenching sobs. The Infirmary walls soon echoed back the hysterical cries of anguish.
------
Jimmy crouched down, his jeans pulled taut around his thighs as he gently set down a bouquet of crimson roses atop freshly packed earth. A tear escaped his stony resolve and he roughly brushed it away. Getting up, he threw a glance at the others. Ginny Weasley was cradled in Ron's arm, Harry stood besides a grim Draco and Hermione Granger lingered behind them all. He knew they'd all show up, they were just like that. Of course, he let himself half hope they didn't...This was important to him, yes, but with them there he knew he couldn't lose control again. She may be gone, but he'd be damned if anyone thought him weak. He was a Potter afterall, he could get through this...He had to...Harry shifted away from the others, walking over to his brother. Looking into the boy's face was painful, to say the least, but just because it was painful didn't mean Harry would stop doing it," Ready?"
Jimmy gave a solemn nod and took a step back away from small hill of dirt, looking down at the black marble tombstone that had on it, in wispy white letters,
'Skye S. Riddle
6th of February, 1987 25th of April, 2004
May she breathe now '
His heart gave a god-awful pang as tears instantly leapt to his already puffy eyes. Licking his lips and summoning what strength he kept buried deep down inside for rare occasions, Jimmy pulled from his back pocket a folded piece of parchment. With trembling fingers, he opened it and handed it to Harry who had perched himself atop a cold stone bench besides the grave. Harry took it, passing it onto Ginny who seated herself besides him. Holding the paper poised up , Ginny watched as Harry slid the guitar that had been draped behind him to his front, settling it on his lap and giving it a gentle thrum. Looking up, Harry nodded at Jimmy whose eyes had fluttered down to the coal slab of rock at his feet.
Ron and Draco sat down beneath the willow that hunched in front of the gravesite. Hermione stayed where she was, arms folded, eyes downcast with guilt.
Jimmy took a slow, deep breath as he closed his eyes. Skye's grinning face immediately flashed across the black of his eyelids, making his stomach clench. Gently clearing his throat, he parted his lips, singing in the best voice he could muster despite his lack of talent for the craft.
'There's a verse that's inside of your soul
Its the one that you've tried to write over and over again
You told me you wake in infinite cold
So I'll sing to you over and over again
Lay your head back down
And take your time
There's nothing left to lament
The battles won so you can rest
Close your eyes now
And Breathe
So Eden sank to grief
So dawn goes down to day
Sadness is just brief
Dance with your angels
Laughing and laughing
In golden fields of May
Lay your head back down
And take your time
There's nothing left to lament
The battles won so you can rest
Close your eyes now
And Breathe
You captivated me
By your resonating light
Sleep now
Please
And breathe for all of us
Lay your head back down
And take your time
There's nothing left to lament
The battles won so you can rest
Close your eyes now
And Breathe'
His voice cracked and tapered off into nothing. Finally opening his eyes, Jimmy found his vision bleary and his face frigid against the night air. He looked down, sniffling softly as he heard the others rousing from their respective silences.
Harry rose from the bench, pushing the guitar back behind his shoulder as he crossed the grass. Gently, he reached up and gave Jimmy's shoulder a tender squeeze. Nodding to the others, Harry turned back to his brother, unable to ignore the look of pure grief impaled on his features. Jimmy took the parchment from Harry's hand and tucked it perfectly refolded inside the bouquet.
Draco led the way away from the grave alongside Ginny, Ron wrapping an arm around Hermione as he followed. Harry looped his arm round Jimmy's shoulder, softly guiding the comatose boy after the others.
A mild breeze passed over the cemetery then, as if some unknown force finally exhaled.
-----
May came round in a rush of warm sunny days and lungs filled with lighter air. The news of Voldemort's final demise spread quickly and widely. It was as if time had rewound and that fateful day seventeen years earlier had repeated. Owls flew by day, fireworks set off all over the world, and people walked the streets in strange cloaks and pointed hats. Whispers and gossip were muttered behind hands as Muggles passed, curious at the odd behavior. Though this time, there was no Vernon Dursley to get in a huff about it or a Petunia Dursley who knew more than she admitted.
Harry was very aware of both those facts by now.
The month passed in glorious bliss. All around the world, international members of The Order of the Phoenix had weeded out those still loyal to the Dark Lord's campaign. Naturally, most traitors tried to plead their way into innocence by deeming themselves insane or put under a spell. By now, Jimmy, Snape and McGonagal had created a truth spell specifically designed for those declaring outside influence of their actions. Many Death-Eaters now dwell in Azkaban and the three Order members have pretty gold plagues stating " Special Services to the Ministry ", on display in Hogwarts' Trophy Room
All fame of the newfound freedom naturally went straight to Harry. Despite his greatest efforts to spread the glory, all heads turned his way and all praise was aimed at him. All of his attempts landed him with countless awards, trophies and an Order of Merlin, 1st class, not to mention the brilliant likeness of himself set in stone that now stood in the lobby of the Ministry where an old wizard once was; an elf, a centaur and a witch looking fondly upon his face for all to see.
Draco had found this hilarious; Harry simply buried his face in his hands when he'd received the letter letting him know about the whole thing.
It was now the end of May, and the uproar over the defeat of the Dark Lord still hadn't subdued. Hogwarts in particular seemed to be at a constant upbeat demeanor, forgetting those who perished in the war and instead opting to turn all eyes on its own walls which held within the Savior of the Wizarding World, who at the moment, was trying to study for the upcoming N.E.W.Ts
"Honestly, if I don't get ATLEAST an hour of studying time in, I'm going to slaughter someone," Ron grumbled as he rammed his fists in his flaming red hair, nose buried deeper into his textbook.
"Well, you should've been studying more often the past few months, rather than skirting around it and procrastinating," Hermione said haughtily, licking her thumb to turn a page.
Harry couldn't help but grin behind his book as the two had quite a huffy row then, sighing a breath of relief at the familiarity of the situation. It felt utterly incredible to have things back to normal. But his happiness was soon put to an abrupt halt as he turned to look at his brother.
Jimmy was lounging in a chair with a book laid out on his lap in-between Hermione and Ginny, right in the thick of everyone's chatter, but his eyes weren't apart of the surroundings. Over the past few weeks, Jimmy had withdrawn inside himself without anyone's notice, even Harry's. Though he always put on a rather believable smile, no one saw the restless nights he suffered through behind his drawn curtains.
Now that Harry saw it, he felt horrible for not seeing it sooner. Jimmy was in horrible pain. Both mental and physical.
"So, what do you think our chances are at the Cup?" Dean inquired as an attempt to deter Ron and Hermione from their squabble.
"We're a sure thing, of course," Andrew Kirke replied as he drug his Charms essay towards him.
"Yes, there's no way we could lose. Dumbledore should just hand us the Cup right now and save Slytherin the embarrassment," Seamus added on, fumbling around the parchment littered table for his quill.
"We've had a remarkable year, we certainly earned it," Ginny put in with a smile.
"Yeah, and Merlin knows Harry doesn't have enough awards," Ron said through a smirk.
Harry scowled and threw a crumpled ball of paper at the Weasley, chuckling as it bounced off his head.
"But seriously, we're going to win, right?" Neville asked leaning over towards Harry.
Harry felt all eyes turn upon him. He should've been used to it by now, but he wasn't," Right."
Everyone grinned with the easiness of a carefree mind and launched into several discussions on the upcoming match for the Quidditch Cup, the N.E.W.Ts and the huge party being held in the Slytherin dungeons the night of graduation.
No one noticed when Jimmy slipped away and disappeared out of the common room.
-------
For the Third year running, Gryffindor snatched the Quidditch Cup right out of Slytherin hands. The game had been fantastic, every player playing to their fullest ability with a lighter heart. It was indeed furious at times, certain Slytherins(who's fathers had been closet Death-Eaters) had been particularly adamant on batting bludgers at Harry and ramming top-speed into Jimmy. Their efforts, however, proved fruitless when Harry finally caught the Snitch, Gryffindor being 60 points in the lead.A week passed, and now all fifth and seventh years were consumed with the start of their exams. Tension was high, but an innocent sort that was subconsciously welcomed. Students were snappy, slipping off into other dimensions during classes and dozing right into their plates at dinner.
After the two week long tests came the biggest sigh of relief. Everyone was now at complete ease, settling into a joy they never thought possible.
Harry and the others now found themselves trekking out from their last exam ( D.A.D.A ) out onto the beautifully sunny grounds.
Arriving at the lake, Ron sunk into the grass besides Harry. Lavender Brown, Padma and Parvati Patil and Hermione perched themselves on a protruding rock, jabbering some nonsense about the graduation ceremonies and their dresses, while Jimmy and Draco leaned against the trunk of a nearby tree, casually chatting about the answers to the test and the summer to come.
Harry laid back, draping his arm across his face and breathing in deeply the scent of early summer and cool water. The voices of his friends made a small smile lift the corners of his lips. Never had he dared to hope things would be like this after the end of Voldemort. He always thought they'd go down together, his last heroic act taking the evil wizard to hell with him. But it didn't turn out that way...He was here, alive, enjoying a warm summer's afternoon after a long morning of practical exams. Harry was a regular teenager again, lounging by the lake of Hogwarts with his friends talking away all around him. There was no prophecy. No dark sorcerer bent on ending peoples' lives. No worries. No pain. No suffering. It felt as though the weight of the world had been lifted from his shoulders and he had finally drunk his first real breath of fresh air. He'd done what everyone expected of him and lived to see another glorious day.
Harry had his entire life to look forward to now, instead of living it day by day. He knew he could truly enjoy his life.
Ron looked down with a smile as he saw a grin of satisfaction slapped across his best friend's face," Alright there, Harry?"
Harry shifted his arm, gazing up at the amused red head," Never better."
Ron grinned in return.
-------
"Do I look ok?""How 'bout me?"
"Ohh, my hair's sticking up, lend me that brush."
"Anyone know any Hair Straightening Charms?"
"Bloody 'ell! It didn't do that five minutes ago!"
"Stop fussing or you'll wrinkle your dress."
"AH! There's a spot! Look, look! A SPOT!"
"This is fucking crazy."
Harry looked over at Jimmy, who was in the process of shaking his head and dodging out of the way of a Hufflepuff boy sprinting towards McGonagal to remove said spot. All seventh years were queued up in the antechambers of the Quidditch locker rooms. The Gryffindors happened to be waiting with the Hufflepuffs, while Ravenclaw and Slytherin were on the opposite end of the pitch in their own waiting room. Harry smoothed down the few pleads that had appeared in his black velvet robe, adrenaline causing his hands to tremble. Suddenly, warm hands enveloped his own. Raising his eyes, he met with Jimmy's emerald.
" It'll be fine, Harry. YOU'LL be fine," Jimmy said with a grin and a gentle reassuring squeeze.
Harry had been selected to be this year's Honorary Speaker. He was no good at words and he panicked in front of large crowds. But of course, Dumbledore and the other Heads of Houses decided, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Harry would be the best choice. Naturally, Harry almost passed out, but after a full weekend of Jimmy and Draco (Hogwarts infamous most eloquent students) walking him through his outline and revised it where it needed revision, Harry was left with a rather decent speech, if nothing else. Harry took a deep breath to steady his nerves and cast a glance round at the rest of his year.
The two houses had been separated into boys and girls. Everyone wore black velvet robes identical to his, though the cloaks were a different matter. Basic in design though still lovely, the cloaks had two different colors on each side. The boys of Gryffindor wore the deep burgundy on the top, gold underneath, whereas the Gryffindor girls it was vise-versa. Hufflepuff boys wore the black on top, gold underneath; girls the opposite.
Students had their black formal wizard's hats on, flopped over to the left. If Ron had been here, his outfit would've looked slightly different from the majority.. Being Head Boy meant he wore an ornate gold and crimson sash across his chest with black script letters declaring 'Head Boy', his gold badge and other buttons pinned beside it.
Harry had a sash as well, though considerably simpler, pinned on it were his Quidditch Captain badge, Order of Merlin badge, Honorary Dark Force Defense League badge, Honorary Speaker patch, Order of the Phoenix badge and Dumbledore's Army badge which Hermione and Ginny just recently created. All in all, his chest felt very heavy. Jimmy's sash was practically identical to his, minus the Quidditch and Honorary Speaker bit, which lightened his embarrassment at having so much on display. He hadn't realized how much they'd accomplished.
"Alright, lets line up ladies and gentlemen. Remember the order in which we practiced at rehearsal: One Gryffindor, one Hufflepuff. Now, off we go," McGonagal instructed as Professor Sprout ushered the students into the proper couples.
Walking out onto the pitch was as if Harry were transported back to his fourth year, entering the grass lawn towards his third task. The stadiums were packed full of family and friends, the usual banners for Quidditch houses taken down and replaced with elaborate runners stating, 'Congratulations Hogwarts Graduates'.
Harry marched in unison with a Hufflepuff girl alongside the back row of deep mahogany chairs till they arrived at the center aisle in which Harry continued on, accompanied by a Slytherin, and the Hufflepuff girl broke off to the left and took a seat in the Hufflepuff section, Ravenclaws besides them on the other side of the middle aisle.
Soon, he was gratefully settled into the first row, last chair in from the aisle. Jimmy gave him a grin as he sat down in the chair behind Harry's, Neville quickly filling in besides him. They waited until the rest of their year filed into their seats, an impressive foursquare block of house colors.
All too soon, the ceremony was underway.
Looking up, Harry scanned over the stage on which the school governors, Hogwarts professors, elected Ministry official and Head Boy and Girl were seated. Harry caught Ron's eye and smiled at him. Ron, who was looking a bit pale but not at all lacking in excitement, returned the gesture with an added thumbs-up. Harry chuckled softly and listened with half an ear as Dumbledore started his graduation speech. Harry soon found himself casually scanning the students behind him for his friends. Hermione was three seats over, Dean two rows back, and Seamus at the end of the last row. Spotting Draco amongst the silver and green-clad Slytherins was easy enough, that striking mop of white-blonde recognizable even at this distance. It was a realization that made Harry falter for a moment. Despite the war, and all the losses, they all made it here, includding himself. A feat he never once allowed himself to look forward to in the past, he was now experiencing. And that in itself was enough to make him swell with pride.
Looking up at the stands, however, dampened his good spirits. He knew there was no one there for him and Jimmy. Though the Weasleys counted for something, they just weren't there specifically for THEM. Now, more than ever, he wished he had parents still. Someone to wave idiotically at him from the raised stadium seats, someone to take an insane amount of pictures of him as he walked in, took the certificate, and everywhere in between. Completely lost in his reverie, he barely noticed several eyes turning to stare at him.
Jimmy reached forward and poked him hard in the side. "Harry, they're calling for you. Stop daydreaming and go," He hissed.
Harry started and immediately jumped from his seat. A soft rustle of sniggers rolled over the crowd as he walked hastily up the staircase to the left side of the stage and made his way over to Dumbledore at the podium. The old man gave him a twinkling smile and took his seat, leaving Harry alone to face the masses of faces. He didn't realize there were so many people...How could so many people show up all of a sudden? Damn those students with big families. A few coughs broke Harry from his silent scorn, and he fumbled with the cards Draco had meticulously written his speech on.
"Uh...er..."
His heart was pounding in his ears as the rumble of side-chatter began to filter throughout his audience. Oh no, he was losing them...Whoever thought this was a good idea should be burned, hanged, brought back to life just to burn again.
"Um, well...ah.."
" Go Harry!" Someone exclaimed from the students in front of him. A sudden uproar broke out amongst his peers; Hearty whistles, and shouts of encouragement calling out to him.
Harry couldn't help but grin. "Uh, well, thanks."
"WOOO!"
Harry gave a little chuckle, making a mental note to be Jimmy's personal slave after this was all through. "Out of your system now, Jim?"
" Hang on... WOOOO!!"
Laughter fluttered through the crowd as Jimmy leapt from his seat, fists thrust into the air. Almost as quickly, he sat back down, " Alright, you may continue now."
"You're too kind," Harry retorted, unable to contain his smirk as Jimmy saluted him. Sometimes he felt like the luckiest person in the world to have Jimmy as his brother. Sometimes." Well, I don't know if I have as much enthusiasm as my brother, but I'm still pretty happy to be here. I know very well most of us are."
Harry paused, straightening his stack of cards then looked up at the sea of faces he had grown to consider family.
" 'One generation opens the road upon another generation travels' says a Chinese proverb. No more has this saying been seen than in the seven years this class has witnessed. We've endured loss, blessings and hate, all derived from a past we were too young to do anything about.
"That fateful day, seventeen years prior, a devastation occurred that would forever be branded in our minds, and hearts. A true count of betrayal cost the lives of thirteen Muggles and the freedom of one man. From this deception branched an intricate web of suspicion, blind anger and ignorance. The name that the wizarding world had come to fear to speak was chided aside. A baby boy was given fame without ever earning it. A family in ruins, alliances shattered, and a friendship forged in adolescent days was instantly broken. All this, from a single decision made by a power-hungry individual.
Consequences. That decision of utter betrayal cost us our innocence in so many respects. Consequences. His mistake was our punishment..
"Muggle dictionaries define consequence as 'result or effect.' Therefore; We are left with nothing but results for each of our actions. Some results are for the better. Say, studying for an exam. The consequence of that studying allows the student to achieve a better grade.
Consequences are both good and bad. Ying and yang. Black and white.
" We live our days counteracting each consequence that comes of our actions, trying to balance out the good and the bad. If those we lost had known the consequences of their decisions, would they still be with us? That's a question that may never be answered.
"So much lost, yet so much gained. Seven years ago we were but children, still wet behind the ears and dumbfounded as we boarded those boats and sailed across the lake to see our very first sight of Hogwarts, as so many before us have done. Those who fought so we could at least have that awe inspiring moment as we climbed those stairs and were sorted into our families. The results of their actions gave us the chance to make some of our own. Whether good or bad, we were still free to make them.
" "One generation opens the road upon another generation travels.' As we continue our journey down our roads, joined by friends or parting from them, let us remember that the consequences of our actions pass down to those who will follow in our footsteps. By the blood, sweat and tears we shed, may our predecessors take full advantage of a life worth living.
My friends, my allies, my family. May you proceed into many great things, paving the road gold in your wake."
Harry exhaled realigning his cards into a proper stack. There was a brief pause after he finished, the crowd in a state of awe. Suddenly, there was glorious applause raking each body present. Harry gave a sheepish grin and a timid wave as he took his seat besides Ron, who immediately thumped him proudly on the shoulder.
"That was bloody brilliant, 'arry," Ron whispered loudly into his ear as the applause started to die down.
Harry gave a little shrug, pocketing the speech and settling back with a sigh. It was over and done with. The adrenaline was slowly leaving his body, causing his skin to tingle, but it was done. Now, he could sit back and enjoy the rest of the presentation.
The rest of the ceremony was a pleasant blur to Harry. The Ministry official gave a speech as well, though it wasn't anywhere near as pivoting as Harry's was. Somewhere along the line, Harry fazed out and found himself staring at Draco. The boy made an odd sort of face, making Harry chuckle in spite of himself, and in the process, getting a reproachful glare from McGonagal.
All too soon though, Dumbledore and the rest of the teaching staff were lined up alongside one half of the stage as the Ministry official was calling out names.
" Hannah Abbott, Hufflepuff....Blaise Zabini, Slytherin...Neville Longbottom, Gryffindor..."
Harry sat back as he watched the whole of his class received the roll of beige parchment tied with an elegant black ribbon, grinning as if it were their last facial expression. And he waited anxiously until the students onstage were hustled off to join the queue that was slowly dwindling behind the curtains. Harry and Ron exchanged a smile as student by student, they were progressing.
"This is it...Our last moment as Hogwarts students," Ron mumbled as he wrung his hands in nervous circles.
Harry smiled reaching over to settle the action," Yeah, so just make sure you don't trip and fall. Don't want our classmates' last memory of you being your bum sticking up in the air."
Ron paled and climbed the stairs. Harry sniggered behind his hand, feeling as if he could definitely give Jimmy, Fred and George Weasley a run for their money.
But before he could ponder in what way he would pull a prank on them, he was being ushered up the stairs and guided onstage. With one last deep breath, he crossed the platform.
"And last, but certainly not least: Harry Potter, Gryffindor."
Harry felt his cheeks prickle as a huge amount of applause broke out as he made his way along the line of teachers, receiving a hearty handshake from each. Even Snape summoned the smallest of smiles and gave his hand a little squeeze.
But finally, with a surge of pride and satisfaction he knew only came from accomplishing something grand, the cool roll of parchment was placed in his hand, and he happily shook hands with the Official. With one last picture, he was on his way back to the seated students, a grin planted on his face and a firm grip on his certificate. He could barely contain himself enough to sit properly in his chair and eventually Jimmy had to grab his arm in order to steady his Jell-O-like limbs.
Dumbledore took the podium one last time, a very satisfied smile on his wrinkled features, "I just wanted to say how dearly honored I am that I was allowed to watch over all of you. This year has endured the most of any before it. You all should be very proud of yourselves. Now, go forth and become the greatest witches and wizards this great world has ever known. Congratulations!"
As if they need not be told, the whole class leapt to their feet and screamed seven years worth of screaming. Students with their wands handy produced lavish fireworks and conjured beautiful banners that shot out into the air.
Harry and Jimmy were in the process of hugging each other and jumping up and down when the rest of their friends caught up with them.
Jimmy grabbed Ron and they did a dance of sorts, twirling each other round like mad drunks. Hermione was getting manhandled by Dean and Neville, but didn't seem to care. Seamus quickly joined Jimmy and Ron.
Suddenly, someone's hand gripped Harry's elbow and he was guided away from the entire hubbub.
Finally finding a semi-quiet corner in the back of the locker rooms, Harry turned and found Draco standing there, arms crossed and a solemn expression on his regal face.
"Geez, Malfoy, you could warn a guy before severing his arm off," Harry commented as he rubbed the spot where the blonde had dug his fingers into his arm.
"Sorry, I...I just had to speak with you."
Harry nodded skeptically and took a seat on a bench," Alright, shoot."
Draco walked over and sat down besides him," Well, I'm just going to come right out and say this; I'm leaving after the graduation party."
Harry looked over at him with raised brows," Oh? Where to?"
"Bulgaria. My grandfather got me into this program that I'll need for a job offer I've received."
"Well, that's great. What is it for?"
Draco's slate eyes left the Gryffindor's," I'm to become an Unspeakable."
Harry shifted," Well.That's...good...Isn't it?"
"Yes, its a very prestigious career, and I'm grateful I have the opportunity, given my, erm, indiscresions."
"But..."
"But, it means I'll have to be away most of the time and keep to myself mostly and concentrate solely on my carrer, so I won't have time for-"
Realization hit Harry like a ton of bricks," For friends."
Draco nodded, somehow keeping the guilt off his porcelain face," I'm sorry, Harry. I know I promised to help you and Jimmy get on your feet with your own place, but...I have to do this. I'm the only Malfoy left and I refuse to let that name burn to hell just because my father made stupid social decisions."
Harry nodded, "So...when will I see you again?"
"I should be back within a year, but with the training and exams and such from the Ministry..."
"Next day after never?"
Draco sighed," I'm so sorry, Harry...I..I just needed to tell you and...and..."
"And?"
"And let you know how much your friendship has meant to me. No one has done as much as you have...You've pushed me to be better than I thought I could be. Even back when we were lads, I was always going that extra distance just to show you up, just so I could keep up with you. You were my match...I was always used to getting what I wanted and being better than everyone around me, it got boring. I never had to push myself because I just didn't have a reason. Then you showed up on the train and I couldn't help myself. I wanted so badly to prove that I was just as good as you were, if not more. And all the while, you just kept getting better and better, forcing me to do the same. You...well...You were my mentor, Harry. Even if you were the same age as me, you always pushed me to be the best, and I'll always be grateful for that..."
Harry looked up from his spot on the concrete to meet with the Slytherin's moist gaze.
"You became my best friend when I thought everyone would turn away from my weakness. You shared your life and your heart with me...You openly gave yourself each and every time, and even when I betrayed your trust, you still forgave me and allowed me to be apart of your inner circle. Because of you I know what it feels like to be truly wanted...To love and be loved. You showed me the little bit of Gryffindor that I never knew resided in me..." Draco paused, shakily brushing away his tears with nimble fingers." You just gave me this...this PASSION. The kind of passion I always envied from afar, but now have. And somewhere along the line, you stopped being this romanticized hero I made you out to be, and you turned into Harry. Just...Harry...and its as if we were friends for ages...And that was worth more than all the Galleons in the world."
Harry bit his lip against the onslaught of feelings. Suddenly, he found himself in an emotional tangle of arms and tears.
"Thank you so much for being my friend. And when I get back, I promise I'll find some way to repay you."
Harry smiled, gently patting the boy's back," You've done enough for me, Draco. The whole time you were being pushed, I was being pushed as well; By YOU. Cause of your incessant taunting, I was always forcing myself to be one step ahead of you. So, all the growing, all the developing, it was a mutual thing."
Draco pulled back, swallowing hard," Honestly?"
Harry grinned and nodded, "I had to be better than you, you spoiled git."
Draco laughed, wiping his face dry with the sleeves of his robe," Alright then. I just needed to tell you all that before the party...Didn't want to go to pieces while half my body mass is alcohol. People would think we're lovers or something, and I care about you Harry, just never like that." Taking a deep breath, the blond gathered himself to properly face the world."I guess we should go and get back to everyone, huh?"
Harry nodded and rose to his feet.
"Oh, speaking of the party, I was wondering if you could keep this for safe keeping." Draco reached beneath his robes and dug into his designer pants' pocket, pulling out an envelope."Its for Jimmy. I don't want him knowing all about me leaving until AFTER the party. The guy needs atleast a few drunken hours in pure ignorant bliss."
Harry took the letter, noting the intricate care Draco took to write out Jimmy's name." Sure, no problem."
Draco nodded and led the way out.But just as they were making their way out of the locker room doors, Draco turned to Harry.
"I promise I'll find a way to repay you though. No one gets away with putting a Malfoy indebt."
Harry chuckled and thumped the blonde on the back, shoving him in the direction of the chaotic happiness exploding from the pitch.
------
Harry climbed out from the driver's seat, reaching into his cutoffs and pulling out his keys. With a deep breath, he crossed the once manicured lawn that was now over run by crabgrass and approached the door. He meant to put that key into its hole, but missed by a few inches and nicked the paint off the door. A hand reached round him, taking the keys, and unlocked the door.
Harry looked behind him at Jimmy, who nodded him in with a grim smile.
Walking inside was like wandering into a memory. The scent of the place hadn't changed, though added to it was an unnerving pinch of must. Aunt Petunia would've never let the house smell stale else she shave her head bald and call herself Madame Sputnik. Harry grimaced at the mental joke, walking further into the house.
Number Four, Privet Drive hadn't changed for the most part. Everything was as it had been when he left it two summers ago. Sad really, that no one had bothered to come visit or move anything since the decease of the family. It had all just been left solely to the surviving resident to deal with. Harry fumed at the Dursley lineage all over Britain who were hiding out and buying their time until the will was discovered and treasures bestowed. If Harry had his way, everything in the house would go to charity, but lawyers were set in their ways and no amount of magic could sway them otherwise. Harry sighed and looked about the entryway. The absence of three Dursleys left the house feeling...empty. Incomplete.
"So...where do we start?" Jimmy sighed, taking a look at the perfect living room.
Harry chewed on his lip as he unfolded the will. Vernon Dursley had been a tyrant of a man, but he certainly wasn't stupid. The two brothers had only just received the will via Muggle post a few days before leaving Hogwarts. Harry hardly dared believe the cruel man left him anything besides a nasty comment or two. But low and behold, here was the last will and testament of Vernon Dursley in Harry's clutches, giving him ownership of quite a few odds and ends.
"Lets see...Well, all of my things in my old room, of course."
Jimmy bowed a bit," Of course."
"Annnndd....The pink china tea set, the Queen Mother silverware, the smoothie maker, coffee bean grinder and the Christmas set of dish towels."
Jimmy rose a brow as he set down a big cardboard box in the middle of the kitchen," PINK tea set?"
Harry scowled," Oh shut up and just pack it."
"Alright," Jimmy shrugged turning his cap backwards and gave his wand a flick, the said items levitating and carefully packing themselves into the box.
"After this, we do the living room."
"Did your uncle-"
"He's YOUR uncle too."
"Fine, OUR uncle, really organize by room?"
"Yeah. He was meticulous like that."
Jimmy snorted as he added bubble wrap to the china and silverware," Sounds like a regular party animal."
"He wasn't so bad..." Harry mumbled walking to the living room, not seeing the frown that developed on his brother's face.
"What goes in here?" Jimmy inquired as he pushed the box towards the couch.
Harry referred to the paper," Er...Lace doilies, Grandma Dursley's pink and yellow crocheted throw and the small side-table.We'll wait on the side-table and just put it in the backseat of my car."
"Works for me." Jimmy replied, packing the doilies and blanket.
The boys worked their way through the hall, bathroom and linen closets before finally getting to Harry's bedroom. The mere sight of it made Harry's stomach spasm and his throat clench. It looked as if it had never been touched since he left it. Each article of clothing was still lying in its haphazard state while his bedclothes were still strewn all about the floor. His cupboard door was still open, jumpers and sweaters too ugly to be seen in public still hanging out from it. His cell phone laid unused on his desk as the tiny shelf that contained what little books he owned was devoid of any such item.
"Wow...you're a pig."
Harry shoved Jimmy's shoulder before pulling out his wand," Pack!"
All his clothes, parchments, blankets and everything else jumped to life and began to float down to the fresh box Jimmy had opened up."Here..take the will and get the last of it from their rooms."
Jimmy's frown went unnoticed as he took the paper and left.
In reality, Harry had outright refused to step foot in the Dursleys' bedrooms. He had had to force himself to cope as they worked downstairs, but not their bedrooms. The last remnants of their lives. Their smell, their way of life, all contained in those two rooms. Harry didn't think he could've dealt with walking in them and seeing things half way done, as if they'd just left them there to finish later. Lives so harshly ended, and for what?
Some stupid payback? What little satisfaction Harry had was that he had had the last laugh. He had killed Voldemort and in the process, gained a bit of absolution for himself. But he certainly wasn't strong enough to walk into those rooms.
"Which guitar is the 'Smeltings Musical Society' one?" Harry heard Jimmy call from the adjacent room.
"The blue one," Harry shouted back, closing the flaps of the box over his things.
A few minutes later, the brothers were loading the boxes into the trunks of their cars, preparing themselves for loading Harry's cupboard, bed, desk, the side-table and Aunt Petunia's antique mirror in as well. The items ended up fitting quite well into their backseats, since Mr. Weasley had magically lengthened them earlier that day.
And all too soon, they were packed and ready to go.
Harry turned and paused on the driveway, looking back on the house that had been his home for sixteen years. Despite all the horrible memories, the last year he had been there wasn't so bad. A tingle crept up his throat as his eyes began to well. He allowed a few tears to slip out before roughly wiping them away. Hastily, he thrust his wand forward and mumbled a spell. The grass shrank back into a perfectly aligned square and each and every flower brightened with renewed life. The hedges cut away to return to their original linear form as bright green ivy crept up the low stone wall separating Number Four from Number Two.The oil stain on the driveway disappeared and the welcome knocker on the door gleamed with fresh polish.
Harry gave a tight nod before continuing on his way back to his car.
Jimmy smiled solemnly at him and climbed in his car, starting the engine. Harry sighed, looking at the house that gave him a place to stay all of his life. It had been pure torture years before, but now...Now it was yet another lost memory he'd add to his pile. A past he'd outgrown and conquered.
Harry's eyes drifted to the porch, almost seeing the wicker basket containing a bundle of rumpled blankets. A note that sat atop the lot, within its words stating a tragedy that tore so many peoples' lives apart. A path that would be followed...A savior that would grow up in those walls and save countless people in the years to come...
That porch...Where it all started.
Harry brought his engine to life and pulled out, tailing behind Jimmy into the beautiful June afternoon.
That porch of Number Four, Privet Drive where it all began seventeen years ago, was now where it all ended.
Thats it people! Do you love me or not? =D Worry not my friends, for the Great Emerin has the Trequel underway. He's just editing the shit out of it cause it kinda sucks. Anyways. Amuse yourselves with my other works. Vederlo dopo!
-Emerin