It was near dawn as Draco and Harry sat close together against a tree, Draco sitting in front of Harry his back to Harry's chest. They had been sitting here since the incident with Draco's father, neither one really wanting to back to Italy where the inevitable questions would start. Draco leaned in closer to Harry as he stifled another shiver, thinking, despite the circumstances, that he would like nothing better than a hot shower and a soft bed.
Harry on the other hand was currently thinking that he had never been so hungry and tired in his life. Well except for those horrible summers spent at the Dursley's. Harry voiced the question floating in both the men's minds.
"Should we go up to the school...?"
"...I don't know." Draco sighed pulling Harry closer to him and shifting his position so that his side was pressed against Harry's chest. "I honestly don't know."
"Well... I'm hungry, and I know your dying for a shower." Harry smiled into Draco' s hair.
"Oh shut-up."
"Well it's true isn't it?" Harry felt Draco's head nod against his chest. "It can't be that bad, I'll bet that McGonagall is headmaster by now. No one else was as qualified as her. Most of the old teachers will still be there – it's where their loyalties lie even after Albus' death." Harry looked down at Draco. "It won't be so bad, Draco."
"But what are people going to think when they see us together? For all they know we're still on a killing eachother basis."
"Well by the looks of it, you don't seem quite ready to tear his head off, Mr. Malfoy." Came a tired voice from behind the tree line.
Draco jumped up in alarm and squinted towards the bushes, thinking that who ever it was, they were coming because of Lucius' dead body. Harry, simply shifted his position so that he was facing the forest, a small smile played on his lips.
"Hello Remus." He said.
Draco looked sharply at Harry before taking a deep breath, "You know him?"
"Draco, he was our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher in third year," Harry said as he reached his arm out and took hold of Draco's hand, "is your memory that bad?"
Draco pursed his lips and replied, "I... didn't recognize him, that's all."
Remus laughed and came into view. Harry saw that his godfather's dearest friend had a few more scars on his face and was limping a little more than he used to, but other than that, he looked the same as he had when Harry had been thirteen.
"How have you been Harry?" Remus spoke softly as he stopped a few feet shy of the couple.
Harry shrugged, "Okay, I guess. You?"
"I've been well. It's so good to see you again." The Professor smiled as he looked towards Draco. "And you? How have you been?"
"...I've been alright." Draco smiled slightly as he pulled Harry up beside him, holding his hand tight.
"You've changed." Remus said softly looking down at their linked hands. "For the better."
"Harry has a lot, if not everything to do with it." Draco slipped his hand out of Harry's, and slid it around Harry's waist smiling and holding his body close.
"It's amazing what love is capable of doing."
Harry saw the quick look of longing within Remus's eyes, knowing that his old professor was still grieving over having lost Sirius close to five years ago. Harry had also known that their 'friendship' had been something more than that, but never really gave it much thought.
"How are you doing?" Harry asked as Remus suddenly looked away from the couple, "really?"
Remus looked up and smiled sadly at Harry, "I should take you to see the Headmaster," he paused as he walked passed Harry and Draco, placing a hand on both their shoulders, "it's nice to have you here with us again."
The walk through the Forbidden Forest was rather uneventful, for the only dangerous beast they met had been a Thestral. Forty minutes later, Draco and Harry were walking along behind Remus as he led them to the familiar Griffon statue.
"Belkin." Remus spoke softly.
The statue moved slowly, bringing with it the circular staircase. The three men stood close together as the stairs moved, stepping off the stone stairs as soon they had stopped. Looking up, Harry recognized the person who sat infront of him.
He watched as her breath caught in her throat as she stood. "Harry...?"
"Yes, Headmaster." Harry smiled and let go of Draco's hand as the woman advanced towards him. Harry took the woman in his arms and held her tightly. When the embrace ended, he spoke softly to her. "It's nice to see you again, Headmistress McGonagall."
"Nonsense! Please, call me Minerva." She smiled a rare smile and motioned for Harry, Draco, and Remus to take a seat.
Draco gladly accepted, after hugging her, and sat down in a great huff. "Ohhh... it feels nice to sit in a comfortable chair..."
Harry took his seat, and Remus politely turned it down. Minerva sat down at her chair, and folded her hands together as she lent forward. "What brings you here...?"
"Oh... we just missed it." Harry quickly lied.
"Yeah. We haven't been here in a long time, and it was nice to see it again." Draco agreed, stealing a quick glance at Harry.
"Oh I see. There have been many changes though." She said softly as she cleared her throat.
"Like what?" Harry asked crossing his legs loosely.
"Well Remus resumed his position as DADA teacher, of course... Severus and Dumbledore have passed on." She paused slightly at the hurt that crossed over Draco's features, then continued. "...And Hagrid,"
"Is he still working here?!" Harry said brightly as he lent forward.
"No..."
"You fired him?" Draco asked his old Slytherin charm seeping into his voice.
"Will you let me finish, Mr. Malfoy?" She scowled as she looked over at Draco. "Hagrid was killed in the war."
"You're lying..." Harry said quickly as he took a sharp breath.
"Oh no Mr. Potter... I would not lie about such a thing." Minerva spoke softly, "I am deeply sorry for your loss."
Harry's gaze fell to the floor as he ran a hand through his hair. Hagrid was dead now too, who else was going to die?
"Your scar..."
"Is gone." Harry finished for the old Professor sadly. "It started disappearing after I killed Voldemort. It fully disappeared about a year ago."
"Curious... Would you mind if I took a look at it?"
"Yes. Because there is nothing to look at." Harry said hotly as he looked to the ground.
Minerva was about to retaliate when Draco stood up holding a finger in the air. "Question?"
"...Yes, Mr. Malfoy?" Minerva narrowed her eyes slightly at the Slytherin man.
"...Draco. Please..." Draco narrowed his eyes back at her and stepped closer to Harry, placing a hand to his shoulder. "I would like to know if both of us, us meaning my partner and I," Draco squeezed Harry's shoulder and put emphasis on the word partner. "Would be able to have something to eat, shower, and have a place to stay for a while."
"Your partner?" Minerva raised an eyebrow crossing her arms. "I do not see a reason why you have anything to do with Mr. Potter-"
"We have a lot to do with eachother, I assure you." Draco smiled stiffly, and then continued. "And as for being my partner, we've been a couple since June."
"Yes... Draco is tired, hungry, and dirty – and that does not make it easy on my part. I would greatly appreciate it if you would supply us with a room for the night. We won't take up much of your time, Headmistress." Harry added as he stood up, placing a protective arm around Draco's waist.
Minerva cleared her throat, looking away for a moment before she answered, "Harry... Draco..." she paused and frowned at using Draco's first name, "I'll be more than happy to let you stay here. I'll get one of the house elves to bring you something to eat while you clean up," she smiled as she walked out from behind her desk, "you can stay in one of the old teacher's quarters."
Both Harry and Draco nodded at her.
"Thank-you, Minerva." Draco said.
Inclining her head towards the blond man, Minerva smiled tightly, "Think nothing of it. Now, if you'll excuse me," she said as she went over to a small brown owl that Harry and Draco had not seen when they had entered the room, "I'll just send a note to one of the prefects who will show you to your room."
"Thank-you. We'll wait downstairs in front of the Griffon then." Harry said tightly as he turned to walk towards the exit, rotating his head to the side slightly as he spoke. "I apologize for my behavior. But you know how it is when you have lack of sleep."
"...Certainly. Mr. Hawkins will be with you in a moment."
"Alright." Was the response as Minerva heard the door shut.
Draco and Harry waited at the entrance to the Headmaster's room for only 5 minutes before a tall, brown haired boy stood infront of them.
"Good Morning... I have been told that I am to take you to one of the old Professor's rooms, is this correct?"
"Yes." Harry answered simply as he turned to follow the boy down the corridor.
They walked in silence for a moment, before the tall boy spoke again. "Have you ever been here before?"
"...Yes. Once a long time ago." Harry said simply, walking briskly.
"Oh really? When was that?"
"I don't recall conversation being on the agenda when you were told to take us to our room." Draco snapped at the boy, obviously irritated because he was wearing Hufflepuff colors.
The boy stopped for a moment and readjusted his posture standing straight as he began to walk forward again. "Certainly. This way then."
"Thank-you." Harry said as they rounded a corner.
They arrived at the room only a few moments later, the boy holding the door open for them to enter. "Enjoy your stay, then."
"Thank-you..."
"Allen."
"Allen... thank-you Allen." Harry said simply as he shut the door a few seconds before the boy was about to speak again.
"God but he was annoying..." Draco said as he walked towards the already lit fireplace. "I've forgotten how insufferable most of the people here are."
"You're so close minded towards Hufflepuffs." Harry laughed as he stepped up beside Draco.
"Yes... well... that boy just goes to show why I don't like them." Draco huffed as he crossed his arms.
Harry shook his head at his boyfriend, kissed his cheek, and then headed in the direction of the bathroom. That was the best part, he thought, of being a teacher. You got your own personal bathroom.
Stripping out of his dusty, and in some parts, bloody clothing, Harry turned on the hot water. Setting his glasses down on the white marble counter, Harry sighed and smiled to himself before stepping under the water. It wasn't long before he heard Draco enter the room and start to shed his own clothing. They showered quickly together, doing nothing more than scrubbing each other's backs, as they didn't have the energy to do much else. Once dressed in pair of pajamas that presumably the house elves brought up to them, Draco and Harry went back into the bedroom.
Breakfast was waiting for them on a small table beside the fire, and both Draco and Harry flopped down gratefully into the two overstuffed chairs opposite each other. The food was delicious - consisting of sausage, scrambled eggs, toast, and hash browns. There was coffee, to which Draco drank mostly to himself, enjoying the caffeine greatly as he made little noises. Harry watched his lover and laughed, bringing a smile to Draco's face when he did.
"You're so cute in the morning," Harry said, taking a bite of his toast, washing it down with orange juice, "even if you haven't slept in almost twenty-four hours."
Draco grinned and leaned back in his chair, "Coffee is heaven," then looking towards the inviting bed, added with a dreamy expression on his face, "but sleep is God."
Harry laughed once more as he set his food down and stood up, coming around to Draco who now looked as though he would fall asleep any moment. Taking the coffee mug from Draco's hands, Harry placed one arm under Draco's knees and one around his lover's waist, lifting him with hardly any effort. Draco loosely held on to Harry's neck, not even bothering to complain that Harry was carrying him like a child. For the moment, he was happy knowing that he would soon be sleeping.
Setting Draco gently on the feather mattress, Harry un-tucked the covers and pulled them up around his lover. Draco sighed deeply, smiling as he shut his eyes, nestling further into his pillow. Gently shaking his head, Harry went to the other side of the large bed and slipped under the blankets, pulling Draco close to him as he shut the curtains around the bed with a wave of his hand.
On the second day that they had been staying at Hogwarts Harry, and Draco decided to attend one of Remus's classes, ignoring of course the protests, which Remus gave them. Settling themselves to sit on a wooden counter at the back of the class, Draco and Harry watched with delight as Remus began to teach the class of 2nd years, complied of Slytherin and Ravenclaw students.
"As you can see class, we have ourselves some visitors," Remus stated as he motioned to the couple, "I would like you to meet Harry and Draco."
The class murmured a sketchy hello before turning back to face Remus, a few of them casting apprehensive looks back at Harry and Draco. Harry waved at a small girl with bright blue eyes and blonde hair, she immediately bust into a round of giggles at the wave.
"You have a significant other, stop hitting on small children." Draco drawled as he watched Remus show the students a Cornish Pixie.
"I'm not! She looked back at me and smiled... so I waved at her. I'm not going to be indecent. I'm still a nice person." Harry rolled his eyes as Remus turned to them. "Sorry, Professor. Carry on."
"Why are they here?" a Slytherin boy asked with the hint of a snarl on his voice. Draco smiled.
"Well, Derek, they are old friends of mine." The Professor said simply.
"Well I get that, but why are they here?" The boy spoke again, gaining a hard look from Remus.
"I will not tolerate you speaking to me in that tone Mr. Wright." Remus spoke as he narrowed his eyes. "2 Days detention." Right away, the boy snapped his mouth shut and looked down at his desk. "Does any one else want to venture to ask more questions?"
The class shook their heads, a few murmers escaping their lips. Harry lent over and whispered in to Draco's ear.
"He wouldn't have ever done that when we were here..."
"Yeah..." Draco nodded in agreement as he watched Remus assign pages for the students to read over and answer. He looked up and smiled quickly when he saw Remus approaching them.
"Are you enjoying the class?" He asked with a grin on his face.
"Yeah, it's great. Just like when we had you in 3rd year. Except-"
"For the detentions." Draco finished for him. "You never gave any of us detentions, and we were horrible students."
"Yes... well... That was my first year here. I didn't want to be mean to you."
"You didn't want to be mean...?" Harry stifled a laugh. "Only you would be worried about being mean to a student."
"Well that isn't the case anymore." Draco smiled as he looked at Derek. "Is he the most troublesome student then?"
"...More or less, yes." Remus said slowly as he raised an eyebrow. "He's a lot like you when you were young."
"Really...? May I go speak to him?" Draco asked with a hopeful look in his eyes.
"Well I would prefer it if-"
Before could finish, Draco was already on his feet and walking towards the student, calling back to Remus, he winked. "Great! Thanks."
"...Right." Remus cleared his throat and cast an apprehensive look to Draco who was now only a few steps away from the Slytherin boy.
"Ah he won't hurt him or anything, Remus. It'll be fine." Harry paused, "Unless he's giving him pointers...."
Remus raised his eyebrows and turned again to look at Draco, who had engaged the young boy in conversation.
"Hello."
"What do you want?" The boy looked up at him and a sneer appeared on his face. Draco smiled and crossed his arms, looking down at the boy. "What are you looking at?"
"My protégé." Draco smiled proudly.
"You're what...?"
"Protégé, it means that you are following in my footsteps."
"No offense... but who the bloody hell are you?" The boy snapped quickly, turning his position to face Draco.
"Draco, Draco Malfoy."
"...THE Draco Malfoy?!"
Draco cleared his throat as everyone in the Slytherin house turned to look at him. "I... Yes."
"WOW!" The boy fawned over him, "I've heard so much about you!"
"Ehm..." Draco looked around at the growing number of students. "Why...?"
"Look at this!" The boy pulled out a book with Draco's picture on the front.
"Uuuhh... where and why did you get and or make that?" Draco said quickly as he yanked the book out of Derek's hands.
"Oh! It's a documentation of all the things you've ever done at Hogwarts."
"How... how do you... everything?" Draco said as he looked through the book stopping at one page in particular. "How did you know about this...?"
The boy pulled the book down and glanced quickly at the page. "Oh that time you were attacked by the Hippogriff? Everyone knows about that." Derek stood up and sat on the desk. "About how you nearly lost your arm to the putrid beast, and how you nearly got that half-giant fired."
"Actually, what really happened was-" Harry called from the back of the room.
"SHUT-UP!" Draco yelled as he pointed at Harry. "You are NOT going to ruin this for me, Potter!"
"...Potter...?" Derek grabbed the book and flipped through the pages until he found a picture of a schoolboy with messy black hair and round glasses. "Hey you!" The boy snapped quickly and pointed to the ground near him. "Come here!"
Harry looked at Remus, then back to the boy. "Are you addressing me?"
Derek rolled his eyes. "Yes."
Harry looked down at his fingernails and began to pick at them. "Then you will address me as Mr. Potter, thank-you. And be nice about it when you call for me."
Derek looked up at Draco and was about to speak, before Draco cut in. "Just do what he says."
"Fine..." Derek took in an irritated breath. "...Mr. Potter... can you please come over here?"
"... You are a snotty little kid aren't you?" Harry spoke as he looked up from his nails. "You really should talk to this boy, Remus." Harry stood and walked towards the group of students who had vacated their seats and now were all clustered around Draco's legs. Harry stopped a few inches away from Draco and crossed his arms. "What do you want?"
Derek held up the book and glared at the pages, then looked up at Harry. He repeated the process three more times before he closed the book and loudly proclaimed: "This is Harry Potter."
"Uh-huh..." Harry looked down at the boy and raised his eyebrows. "And...?"
"You're Draco Malfoy's mortal enemy..." A girl spoke up as she pointed at him.
"Say's you." Draco spoke simply and moved closer to Harry.
"... I don't get it." Derek furrowed his eyebrows.
Remus spoke loudly from the back of the classroom. "Okay... everyone back to your seats," and when no one moved, he nearly screamed. "NOW!"
The students skittered away from their current positions and all fell into their chairs looking forward with their hands clasped infront of them, resting on the desktop.
"Impressive." Draco smiled as Remus walked to the front of the class. "You've trained then well."
"Indeed." Remus replied quickly.
"Right... to the back of the class, Draco." Harry quickly took his hand and led him to the wooden counter they were sitting on earlier. It still hadn't dawned on the students that they were a couple. "...Kids are stupid these days." Harry whispered into Draco's ear causing him to laugh aloud.
Draco quickly clamped a hand over his mouth as Remus shot him a look. "Sorry, Professor. Teach on."
"One more interruption boys and you'll-"
"Find ourselves in detention?" Harry offered, with a smirk on his lips.
"Right... out of my class."
Draco burst out laughing and began to whine. "But Sir... I don't wanna..."
Everyone in the class began to laugh. Remus glared at Draco and Harry, causing the bench they were sitting on to snap in half, causing them to fall onto the hard stone ground. Harry cursed loudly as his butt hit the stone, receiving a collective gasp of shock from the students.
"As I said... out of my class." Remus crossed his arms. "Now, if you wouldn't mind."
"Yes Professor..." Harry drawled as he stood up rubbing his butt and helping Draco to his feet. "That really hurt."
"I expect that it would. Out Potter." The Professor scowled and pointed towards the door.
"We're moving as fast as we can with cracked tail bones, Remus!" Draco snapped back as he helped Harry towards the door.
The boys had left the room in a state of collective disarray. As they closed the door, they heard a girl repeat what Draco had said when Remus had asked them to open their textbooks – earning herself 2 days detention.
Harry and Draco spent the rest of the morning walking around the school and surrounding grounds before they heard the bell, which had sounded for lunch. When they had walked into the Great Hall, all of the students had turned to look at them.
"...This I don't like." Draco whispered into Harry's ear. "It's really creepy."
"...Yeah..." Harry nodded walking towards the front of the Great Hall, watching as hundreds of eyes followed them. "Look... over there." Harry pointed to two empty seats. "Looks like they've set up a place for us to eat."
"Mmm... why don't these kids look away?!" Draco said impatiently as he followed Harry.
A 7th year student grasped Harry and Draco's clothing. "Excuse me..." she turned to face them. "Is it true that you are Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy?"
"...Yes." Harry answered for the both of them in an irritated tone.
"Is it also true that you used to hate eachother?"
"...Yes..." Draco answered this time, then lent forward, and looked into her eyes. "Why are you asking so many questions?"
"Because I can. Just one more?" She smiled slyly, knowing they would have to answer.
"... I'd rather that you-"
She cut Harry off, "Are you a couple?"
Draco and Harry widened their eyes and looked at eachother then back at the girl.
"That's none of your business." Draco snarled at her.
"So it's true then?"
Harry rolled his eyes and grasped Draco's forearm, leading him away. "Yes. Now eat your darts."
"...Darts?"
"Means food. Stuff it in your face and shut up." Draco snapped at her, enjoying the look of shock on her face.
Once seated at the head table with the Professor's and Headmistress, Harry and Draco both reached for their plates, ignoring the looks they received from the students in front of them.
"This is just too weird..." Draco muttered as he took a drink of pumpkin juice.
"I know..." Harry replied.
Suddenly, a slightly high-pitched voice came from beside Draco, "I like the way you handled that son."
Draco turned, expecting to see a little old lady in a knitted sweater with horn-rimmed glasses, someone who would look a lot like Dolores Umbridge. He was shocked to see a relatively young man with short hair and hazel eyes staring at him.
"Excuse me?" Draco asked politely, trying to ignore the sudden image of the man in a purple knit sweater.
"I said, I liked the way you handled that girl," the young man said, "Halle is one of those girls that asks too many questions for her own good. She's constantly on the search for knowledge that astounds many scholars."
"Well... described that way, she sounds like... Hermione." Harry smiled sadly and looked back down at his food. "She would have liked to have been friends with that girl then."
"Hermione? Hermione Granger?" The man asked quietly.
"Yes... she died in the war."
"Are you certain? Because I just saw her this morning..." The professor said quite startled.
"...What?!" Harry coughed as he tried to swallow the rest of his pumpkin juice.
"Yes... she's taken over Professor Binn's position teaching History," the Professor said looking very concerned at Harry. "Are you alright? You've gone white..."
Harry stood abruptly. "Where is she?!"
"Fourth floor... but why would you want to go up there right now?"
"I just... it's..." Harry cursed and shoved his chair out of his way as he sprinted out of the Great Hall.
Draco calmly took a bite of his food and swallowed. "Old friend, he's fine. Moments away from having a heart attack... but he's fine."
"...Oh... good..." Came the meek response from the Professor.
Harry rounded the corner and ascended the stairs to the fourth floor, jumping over the trick step. His heart was in his throat as he got to the top of the stairs, looking left and right. He grabbed a passing student, "Where is Professor Granger's room?!"
The student squeaked in panic and pointed down the hallway. "2nd room to the left!"
Harry smiled and shoved her away, nearly causing her to fall to the ground. He then began to run down the hallway until he found the second door on the left. He stood still for a few moments, in order to catch his breath. Harry reached for the doorknob, and opened the door.
The sight that met him brought tears to his eyes. The woman sitting at the desk had familiar brown hair pulled into an intricate but loose braid, resting over her shoulder. Her soft brown eyes moved over the paper infront of her, her trademark look of disappointment crossing over her features. A look that she had given Harry and Ron a thousand times before when they had been in school.
A smile found Harry's lips as he felt a tear fall down his cheek. "...Hermione?"
Kylia: WOW!! OMG! Can you say cliffy much? We're tempted just to leave you with this chapter (grins manically), but I would be soo mean, so we're going to TRY and update before I have to go home (hangs head and pouts) I don't wanna go home...
Draco and Harry: (pats Kylia on the head)
Harry: We could keep you here; all we'd have to do is hide you in the closet.
Draco: (frowns) won't the people she works with start looking for her? Or the police?
Raei: (takes a puff of her cigarette)
Draco, Harry, and Kylia: (Look towards Raei and shudders) We don't want to know...
Raei: (takes another drag) Alright... fine.... (smiles in a satisfied manner) Kylia gets Thursday off, so if we don't get it posted today – it'll be posted Thursday. Is that cool?
Draco: ...You need to lay off of Patrick's stash man.
Raei: A high Raei is a happy Raei. (giggles slightly) Peace out, fools. (makes the peace sign and laughs again) Oh how I love his stash...
Kylia: Okay... eww.... FADE!
-FADE TO BLACK-
Reviews please!
Harry on the other hand was currently thinking that he had never been so hungry and tired in his life. Well except for those horrible summers spent at the Dursley's. Harry voiced the question floating in both the men's minds.
"Should we go up to the school...?"
"...I don't know." Draco sighed pulling Harry closer to him and shifting his position so that his side was pressed against Harry's chest. "I honestly don't know."
"Well... I'm hungry, and I know your dying for a shower." Harry smiled into Draco' s hair.
"Oh shut-up."
"Well it's true isn't it?" Harry felt Draco's head nod against his chest. "It can't be that bad, I'll bet that McGonagall is headmaster by now. No one else was as qualified as her. Most of the old teachers will still be there – it's where their loyalties lie even after Albus' death." Harry looked down at Draco. "It won't be so bad, Draco."
"But what are people going to think when they see us together? For all they know we're still on a killing eachother basis."
"Well by the looks of it, you don't seem quite ready to tear his head off, Mr. Malfoy." Came a tired voice from behind the tree line.
Draco jumped up in alarm and squinted towards the bushes, thinking that who ever it was, they were coming because of Lucius' dead body. Harry, simply shifted his position so that he was facing the forest, a small smile played on his lips.
"Hello Remus." He said.
Draco looked sharply at Harry before taking a deep breath, "You know him?"
"Draco, he was our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher in third year," Harry said as he reached his arm out and took hold of Draco's hand, "is your memory that bad?"
Draco pursed his lips and replied, "I... didn't recognize him, that's all."
Remus laughed and came into view. Harry saw that his godfather's dearest friend had a few more scars on his face and was limping a little more than he used to, but other than that, he looked the same as he had when Harry had been thirteen.
"How have you been Harry?" Remus spoke softly as he stopped a few feet shy of the couple.
Harry shrugged, "Okay, I guess. You?"
"I've been well. It's so good to see you again." The Professor smiled as he looked towards Draco. "And you? How have you been?"
"...I've been alright." Draco smiled slightly as he pulled Harry up beside him, holding his hand tight.
"You've changed." Remus said softly looking down at their linked hands. "For the better."
"Harry has a lot, if not everything to do with it." Draco slipped his hand out of Harry's, and slid it around Harry's waist smiling and holding his body close.
"It's amazing what love is capable of doing."
Harry saw the quick look of longing within Remus's eyes, knowing that his old professor was still grieving over having lost Sirius close to five years ago. Harry had also known that their 'friendship' had been something more than that, but never really gave it much thought.
"How are you doing?" Harry asked as Remus suddenly looked away from the couple, "really?"
Remus looked up and smiled sadly at Harry, "I should take you to see the Headmaster," he paused as he walked passed Harry and Draco, placing a hand on both their shoulders, "it's nice to have you here with us again."
The walk through the Forbidden Forest was rather uneventful, for the only dangerous beast they met had been a Thestral. Forty minutes later, Draco and Harry were walking along behind Remus as he led them to the familiar Griffon statue.
"Belkin." Remus spoke softly.
The statue moved slowly, bringing with it the circular staircase. The three men stood close together as the stairs moved, stepping off the stone stairs as soon they had stopped. Looking up, Harry recognized the person who sat infront of him.
He watched as her breath caught in her throat as she stood. "Harry...?"
"Yes, Headmaster." Harry smiled and let go of Draco's hand as the woman advanced towards him. Harry took the woman in his arms and held her tightly. When the embrace ended, he spoke softly to her. "It's nice to see you again, Headmistress McGonagall."
"Nonsense! Please, call me Minerva." She smiled a rare smile and motioned for Harry, Draco, and Remus to take a seat.
Draco gladly accepted, after hugging her, and sat down in a great huff. "Ohhh... it feels nice to sit in a comfortable chair..."
Harry took his seat, and Remus politely turned it down. Minerva sat down at her chair, and folded her hands together as she lent forward. "What brings you here...?"
"Oh... we just missed it." Harry quickly lied.
"Yeah. We haven't been here in a long time, and it was nice to see it again." Draco agreed, stealing a quick glance at Harry.
"Oh I see. There have been many changes though." She said softly as she cleared her throat.
"Like what?" Harry asked crossing his legs loosely.
"Well Remus resumed his position as DADA teacher, of course... Severus and Dumbledore have passed on." She paused slightly at the hurt that crossed over Draco's features, then continued. "...And Hagrid,"
"Is he still working here?!" Harry said brightly as he lent forward.
"No..."
"You fired him?" Draco asked his old Slytherin charm seeping into his voice.
"Will you let me finish, Mr. Malfoy?" She scowled as she looked over at Draco. "Hagrid was killed in the war."
"You're lying..." Harry said quickly as he took a sharp breath.
"Oh no Mr. Potter... I would not lie about such a thing." Minerva spoke softly, "I am deeply sorry for your loss."
Harry's gaze fell to the floor as he ran a hand through his hair. Hagrid was dead now too, who else was going to die?
"Your scar..."
"Is gone." Harry finished for the old Professor sadly. "It started disappearing after I killed Voldemort. It fully disappeared about a year ago."
"Curious... Would you mind if I took a look at it?"
"Yes. Because there is nothing to look at." Harry said hotly as he looked to the ground.
Minerva was about to retaliate when Draco stood up holding a finger in the air. "Question?"
"...Yes, Mr. Malfoy?" Minerva narrowed her eyes slightly at the Slytherin man.
"...Draco. Please..." Draco narrowed his eyes back at her and stepped closer to Harry, placing a hand to his shoulder. "I would like to know if both of us, us meaning my partner and I," Draco squeezed Harry's shoulder and put emphasis on the word partner. "Would be able to have something to eat, shower, and have a place to stay for a while."
"Your partner?" Minerva raised an eyebrow crossing her arms. "I do not see a reason why you have anything to do with Mr. Potter-"
"We have a lot to do with eachother, I assure you." Draco smiled stiffly, and then continued. "And as for being my partner, we've been a couple since June."
"Yes... Draco is tired, hungry, and dirty – and that does not make it easy on my part. I would greatly appreciate it if you would supply us with a room for the night. We won't take up much of your time, Headmistress." Harry added as he stood up, placing a protective arm around Draco's waist.
Minerva cleared her throat, looking away for a moment before she answered, "Harry... Draco..." she paused and frowned at using Draco's first name, "I'll be more than happy to let you stay here. I'll get one of the house elves to bring you something to eat while you clean up," she smiled as she walked out from behind her desk, "you can stay in one of the old teacher's quarters."
Both Harry and Draco nodded at her.
"Thank-you, Minerva." Draco said.
Inclining her head towards the blond man, Minerva smiled tightly, "Think nothing of it. Now, if you'll excuse me," she said as she went over to a small brown owl that Harry and Draco had not seen when they had entered the room, "I'll just send a note to one of the prefects who will show you to your room."
"Thank-you. We'll wait downstairs in front of the Griffon then." Harry said tightly as he turned to walk towards the exit, rotating his head to the side slightly as he spoke. "I apologize for my behavior. But you know how it is when you have lack of sleep."
"...Certainly. Mr. Hawkins will be with you in a moment."
"Alright." Was the response as Minerva heard the door shut.
Draco and Harry waited at the entrance to the Headmaster's room for only 5 minutes before a tall, brown haired boy stood infront of them.
"Good Morning... I have been told that I am to take you to one of the old Professor's rooms, is this correct?"
"Yes." Harry answered simply as he turned to follow the boy down the corridor.
They walked in silence for a moment, before the tall boy spoke again. "Have you ever been here before?"
"...Yes. Once a long time ago." Harry said simply, walking briskly.
"Oh really? When was that?"
"I don't recall conversation being on the agenda when you were told to take us to our room." Draco snapped at the boy, obviously irritated because he was wearing Hufflepuff colors.
The boy stopped for a moment and readjusted his posture standing straight as he began to walk forward again. "Certainly. This way then."
"Thank-you." Harry said as they rounded a corner.
They arrived at the room only a few moments later, the boy holding the door open for them to enter. "Enjoy your stay, then."
"Thank-you..."
"Allen."
"Allen... thank-you Allen." Harry said simply as he shut the door a few seconds before the boy was about to speak again.
"God but he was annoying..." Draco said as he walked towards the already lit fireplace. "I've forgotten how insufferable most of the people here are."
"You're so close minded towards Hufflepuffs." Harry laughed as he stepped up beside Draco.
"Yes... well... that boy just goes to show why I don't like them." Draco huffed as he crossed his arms.
Harry shook his head at his boyfriend, kissed his cheek, and then headed in the direction of the bathroom. That was the best part, he thought, of being a teacher. You got your own personal bathroom.
Stripping out of his dusty, and in some parts, bloody clothing, Harry turned on the hot water. Setting his glasses down on the white marble counter, Harry sighed and smiled to himself before stepping under the water. It wasn't long before he heard Draco enter the room and start to shed his own clothing. They showered quickly together, doing nothing more than scrubbing each other's backs, as they didn't have the energy to do much else. Once dressed in pair of pajamas that presumably the house elves brought up to them, Draco and Harry went back into the bedroom.
Breakfast was waiting for them on a small table beside the fire, and both Draco and Harry flopped down gratefully into the two overstuffed chairs opposite each other. The food was delicious - consisting of sausage, scrambled eggs, toast, and hash browns. There was coffee, to which Draco drank mostly to himself, enjoying the caffeine greatly as he made little noises. Harry watched his lover and laughed, bringing a smile to Draco's face when he did.
"You're so cute in the morning," Harry said, taking a bite of his toast, washing it down with orange juice, "even if you haven't slept in almost twenty-four hours."
Draco grinned and leaned back in his chair, "Coffee is heaven," then looking towards the inviting bed, added with a dreamy expression on his face, "but sleep is God."
Harry laughed once more as he set his food down and stood up, coming around to Draco who now looked as though he would fall asleep any moment. Taking the coffee mug from Draco's hands, Harry placed one arm under Draco's knees and one around his lover's waist, lifting him with hardly any effort. Draco loosely held on to Harry's neck, not even bothering to complain that Harry was carrying him like a child. For the moment, he was happy knowing that he would soon be sleeping.
Setting Draco gently on the feather mattress, Harry un-tucked the covers and pulled them up around his lover. Draco sighed deeply, smiling as he shut his eyes, nestling further into his pillow. Gently shaking his head, Harry went to the other side of the large bed and slipped under the blankets, pulling Draco close to him as he shut the curtains around the bed with a wave of his hand.
On the second day that they had been staying at Hogwarts Harry, and Draco decided to attend one of Remus's classes, ignoring of course the protests, which Remus gave them. Settling themselves to sit on a wooden counter at the back of the class, Draco and Harry watched with delight as Remus began to teach the class of 2nd years, complied of Slytherin and Ravenclaw students.
"As you can see class, we have ourselves some visitors," Remus stated as he motioned to the couple, "I would like you to meet Harry and Draco."
The class murmured a sketchy hello before turning back to face Remus, a few of them casting apprehensive looks back at Harry and Draco. Harry waved at a small girl with bright blue eyes and blonde hair, she immediately bust into a round of giggles at the wave.
"You have a significant other, stop hitting on small children." Draco drawled as he watched Remus show the students a Cornish Pixie.
"I'm not! She looked back at me and smiled... so I waved at her. I'm not going to be indecent. I'm still a nice person." Harry rolled his eyes as Remus turned to them. "Sorry, Professor. Carry on."
"Why are they here?" a Slytherin boy asked with the hint of a snarl on his voice. Draco smiled.
"Well, Derek, they are old friends of mine." The Professor said simply.
"Well I get that, but why are they here?" The boy spoke again, gaining a hard look from Remus.
"I will not tolerate you speaking to me in that tone Mr. Wright." Remus spoke as he narrowed his eyes. "2 Days detention." Right away, the boy snapped his mouth shut and looked down at his desk. "Does any one else want to venture to ask more questions?"
The class shook their heads, a few murmers escaping their lips. Harry lent over and whispered in to Draco's ear.
"He wouldn't have ever done that when we were here..."
"Yeah..." Draco nodded in agreement as he watched Remus assign pages for the students to read over and answer. He looked up and smiled quickly when he saw Remus approaching them.
"Are you enjoying the class?" He asked with a grin on his face.
"Yeah, it's great. Just like when we had you in 3rd year. Except-"
"For the detentions." Draco finished for him. "You never gave any of us detentions, and we were horrible students."
"Yes... well... That was my first year here. I didn't want to be mean to you."
"You didn't want to be mean...?" Harry stifled a laugh. "Only you would be worried about being mean to a student."
"Well that isn't the case anymore." Draco smiled as he looked at Derek. "Is he the most troublesome student then?"
"...More or less, yes." Remus said slowly as he raised an eyebrow. "He's a lot like you when you were young."
"Really...? May I go speak to him?" Draco asked with a hopeful look in his eyes.
"Well I would prefer it if-"
Before could finish, Draco was already on his feet and walking towards the student, calling back to Remus, he winked. "Great! Thanks."
"...Right." Remus cleared his throat and cast an apprehensive look to Draco who was now only a few steps away from the Slytherin boy.
"Ah he won't hurt him or anything, Remus. It'll be fine." Harry paused, "Unless he's giving him pointers...."
Remus raised his eyebrows and turned again to look at Draco, who had engaged the young boy in conversation.
"Hello."
"What do you want?" The boy looked up at him and a sneer appeared on his face. Draco smiled and crossed his arms, looking down at the boy. "What are you looking at?"
"My protégé." Draco smiled proudly.
"You're what...?"
"Protégé, it means that you are following in my footsteps."
"No offense... but who the bloody hell are you?" The boy snapped quickly, turning his position to face Draco.
"Draco, Draco Malfoy."
"...THE Draco Malfoy?!"
Draco cleared his throat as everyone in the Slytherin house turned to look at him. "I... Yes."
"WOW!" The boy fawned over him, "I've heard so much about you!"
"Ehm..." Draco looked around at the growing number of students. "Why...?"
"Look at this!" The boy pulled out a book with Draco's picture on the front.
"Uuuhh... where and why did you get and or make that?" Draco said quickly as he yanked the book out of Derek's hands.
"Oh! It's a documentation of all the things you've ever done at Hogwarts."
"How... how do you... everything?" Draco said as he looked through the book stopping at one page in particular. "How did you know about this...?"
The boy pulled the book down and glanced quickly at the page. "Oh that time you were attacked by the Hippogriff? Everyone knows about that." Derek stood up and sat on the desk. "About how you nearly lost your arm to the putrid beast, and how you nearly got that half-giant fired."
"Actually, what really happened was-" Harry called from the back of the room.
"SHUT-UP!" Draco yelled as he pointed at Harry. "You are NOT going to ruin this for me, Potter!"
"...Potter...?" Derek grabbed the book and flipped through the pages until he found a picture of a schoolboy with messy black hair and round glasses. "Hey you!" The boy snapped quickly and pointed to the ground near him. "Come here!"
Harry looked at Remus, then back to the boy. "Are you addressing me?"
Derek rolled his eyes. "Yes."
Harry looked down at his fingernails and began to pick at them. "Then you will address me as Mr. Potter, thank-you. And be nice about it when you call for me."
Derek looked up at Draco and was about to speak, before Draco cut in. "Just do what he says."
"Fine..." Derek took in an irritated breath. "...Mr. Potter... can you please come over here?"
"... You are a snotty little kid aren't you?" Harry spoke as he looked up from his nails. "You really should talk to this boy, Remus." Harry stood and walked towards the group of students who had vacated their seats and now were all clustered around Draco's legs. Harry stopped a few inches away from Draco and crossed his arms. "What do you want?"
Derek held up the book and glared at the pages, then looked up at Harry. He repeated the process three more times before he closed the book and loudly proclaimed: "This is Harry Potter."
"Uh-huh..." Harry looked down at the boy and raised his eyebrows. "And...?"
"You're Draco Malfoy's mortal enemy..." A girl spoke up as she pointed at him.
"Say's you." Draco spoke simply and moved closer to Harry.
"... I don't get it." Derek furrowed his eyebrows.
Remus spoke loudly from the back of the classroom. "Okay... everyone back to your seats," and when no one moved, he nearly screamed. "NOW!"
The students skittered away from their current positions and all fell into their chairs looking forward with their hands clasped infront of them, resting on the desktop.
"Impressive." Draco smiled as Remus walked to the front of the class. "You've trained then well."
"Indeed." Remus replied quickly.
"Right... to the back of the class, Draco." Harry quickly took his hand and led him to the wooden counter they were sitting on earlier. It still hadn't dawned on the students that they were a couple. "...Kids are stupid these days." Harry whispered into Draco's ear causing him to laugh aloud.
Draco quickly clamped a hand over his mouth as Remus shot him a look. "Sorry, Professor. Teach on."
"One more interruption boys and you'll-"
"Find ourselves in detention?" Harry offered, with a smirk on his lips.
"Right... out of my class."
Draco burst out laughing and began to whine. "But Sir... I don't wanna..."
Everyone in the class began to laugh. Remus glared at Draco and Harry, causing the bench they were sitting on to snap in half, causing them to fall onto the hard stone ground. Harry cursed loudly as his butt hit the stone, receiving a collective gasp of shock from the students.
"As I said... out of my class." Remus crossed his arms. "Now, if you wouldn't mind."
"Yes Professor..." Harry drawled as he stood up rubbing his butt and helping Draco to his feet. "That really hurt."
"I expect that it would. Out Potter." The Professor scowled and pointed towards the door.
"We're moving as fast as we can with cracked tail bones, Remus!" Draco snapped back as he helped Harry towards the door.
The boys had left the room in a state of collective disarray. As they closed the door, they heard a girl repeat what Draco had said when Remus had asked them to open their textbooks – earning herself 2 days detention.
Harry and Draco spent the rest of the morning walking around the school and surrounding grounds before they heard the bell, which had sounded for lunch. When they had walked into the Great Hall, all of the students had turned to look at them.
"...This I don't like." Draco whispered into Harry's ear. "It's really creepy."
"...Yeah..." Harry nodded walking towards the front of the Great Hall, watching as hundreds of eyes followed them. "Look... over there." Harry pointed to two empty seats. "Looks like they've set up a place for us to eat."
"Mmm... why don't these kids look away?!" Draco said impatiently as he followed Harry.
A 7th year student grasped Harry and Draco's clothing. "Excuse me..." she turned to face them. "Is it true that you are Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy?"
"...Yes." Harry answered for the both of them in an irritated tone.
"Is it also true that you used to hate eachother?"
"...Yes..." Draco answered this time, then lent forward, and looked into her eyes. "Why are you asking so many questions?"
"Because I can. Just one more?" She smiled slyly, knowing they would have to answer.
"... I'd rather that you-"
She cut Harry off, "Are you a couple?"
Draco and Harry widened their eyes and looked at eachother then back at the girl.
"That's none of your business." Draco snarled at her.
"So it's true then?"
Harry rolled his eyes and grasped Draco's forearm, leading him away. "Yes. Now eat your darts."
"...Darts?"
"Means food. Stuff it in your face and shut up." Draco snapped at her, enjoying the look of shock on her face.
Once seated at the head table with the Professor's and Headmistress, Harry and Draco both reached for their plates, ignoring the looks they received from the students in front of them.
"This is just too weird..." Draco muttered as he took a drink of pumpkin juice.
"I know..." Harry replied.
Suddenly, a slightly high-pitched voice came from beside Draco, "I like the way you handled that son."
Draco turned, expecting to see a little old lady in a knitted sweater with horn-rimmed glasses, someone who would look a lot like Dolores Umbridge. He was shocked to see a relatively young man with short hair and hazel eyes staring at him.
"Excuse me?" Draco asked politely, trying to ignore the sudden image of the man in a purple knit sweater.
"I said, I liked the way you handled that girl," the young man said, "Halle is one of those girls that asks too many questions for her own good. She's constantly on the search for knowledge that astounds many scholars."
"Well... described that way, she sounds like... Hermione." Harry smiled sadly and looked back down at his food. "She would have liked to have been friends with that girl then."
"Hermione? Hermione Granger?" The man asked quietly.
"Yes... she died in the war."
"Are you certain? Because I just saw her this morning..." The professor said quite startled.
"...What?!" Harry coughed as he tried to swallow the rest of his pumpkin juice.
"Yes... she's taken over Professor Binn's position teaching History," the Professor said looking very concerned at Harry. "Are you alright? You've gone white..."
Harry stood abruptly. "Where is she?!"
"Fourth floor... but why would you want to go up there right now?"
"I just... it's..." Harry cursed and shoved his chair out of his way as he sprinted out of the Great Hall.
Draco calmly took a bite of his food and swallowed. "Old friend, he's fine. Moments away from having a heart attack... but he's fine."
"...Oh... good..." Came the meek response from the Professor.
Harry rounded the corner and ascended the stairs to the fourth floor, jumping over the trick step. His heart was in his throat as he got to the top of the stairs, looking left and right. He grabbed a passing student, "Where is Professor Granger's room?!"
The student squeaked in panic and pointed down the hallway. "2nd room to the left!"
Harry smiled and shoved her away, nearly causing her to fall to the ground. He then began to run down the hallway until he found the second door on the left. He stood still for a few moments, in order to catch his breath. Harry reached for the doorknob, and opened the door.
The sight that met him brought tears to his eyes. The woman sitting at the desk had familiar brown hair pulled into an intricate but loose braid, resting over her shoulder. Her soft brown eyes moved over the paper infront of her, her trademark look of disappointment crossing over her features. A look that she had given Harry and Ron a thousand times before when they had been in school.
A smile found Harry's lips as he felt a tear fall down his cheek. "...Hermione?"
Kylia: WOW!! OMG! Can you say cliffy much? We're tempted just to leave you with this chapter (grins manically), but I would be soo mean, so we're going to TRY and update before I have to go home (hangs head and pouts) I don't wanna go home...
Draco and Harry: (pats Kylia on the head)
Harry: We could keep you here; all we'd have to do is hide you in the closet.
Draco: (frowns) won't the people she works with start looking for her? Or the police?
Raei: (takes a puff of her cigarette)
Draco, Harry, and Kylia: (Look towards Raei and shudders) We don't want to know...
Raei: (takes another drag) Alright... fine.... (smiles in a satisfied manner) Kylia gets Thursday off, so if we don't get it posted today – it'll be posted Thursday. Is that cool?
Draco: ...You need to lay off of Patrick's stash man.
Raei: A high Raei is a happy Raei. (giggles slightly) Peace out, fools. (makes the peace sign and laughs again) Oh how I love his stash...
Kylia: Okay... eww.... FADE!
-FADE TO BLACK-
Reviews please!