A/N - I'm truly sorry about the wait, but I've been working 24/7 and had hardly ten minutes to myself for anything, let alone writing, and I so wanted this chapter to be good since it's the last. So thanks again to everyone who reviewed and who left me encouragement and kind words, I appreciate it all so so much! So on with the story...


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We don't speak a word as we both slip back into our cold and filthy uniforms. Morning has finally come, as it must, and in a few minutes we will once more be subjected to the monotonous routine of this prison.

I reluctantly tie the laces on my trainers and stand up; physically ready to go, but deep down knowing that I would never leave this sanctuary if I had the choice.

"Harry?" Draco's voice comes suddenly out of the dark.

"Yeah?"

My reply leads him to me, and I am immediately enfolded into his arms from behind. I lean my head back on his shoulder and close my eyes, my hands coming up to clasp his arms around my chest. Draco rocks me slightly from side to side as we stand together.

"How long do you think we have?" I ask quietly.

The harsh sound of metal screeching and bolts being released reverberates from above us.

"Not long," he says into my ear.

I turn around very quickly and press my lips against his. The kiss is rough and frantic, a scrabbling of hands and tongues as we try to hold onto the last seconds of our freedom.

Then the Box is flooded with a painfully bright light and we break apart.

I can already feel the loss of Draco's warmth.

"Alright boys," one of the guards yells down, "your punishment is over."

I squint my eyes against the onslaught of light as I haltingly make my way up the ladder. I emerge into the room above the Box and try to keep my hands from shaking as the Vark locks handcuffs back onto my wrists, my arms twisted tightly behind my back. I bite my lip against the pain and concentrate on Draco's blond head appearing from below.

As much as I hate the idea of leaving the one place where we can be free together, I have to admit that it is nice to see Draco's face again. Once more I marvel at how someone like him wants to be with someone as ordinary looking as me, no matter how many times he's told me that I'm beautiful. I just hope he feels the same once we're on the outside again and he has his pick of men other than old and worn inmates.

There are some insecurities you just never get over, I think.

We both have them: mine is that I'm afraid of losing love, and he's afraid of being in love. Yet somehow, we are still together, and I don't think that'll ever change.

Draco smiles at me as though he's not being manhandled into a heavy pair of metal handcuffs. I smile back, all other thoughts suspended.

My legs are stiff and sore as I am forced along ahead of the guard, back through the dark corridors. I sniff and hope that I haven't caught a cold while being down in the Box. Although, by all rights, I should be sick from that dank and horrid place. Maybe if Draco and I are both hit with the flu, we will get to spend some time together in the infirmary. That would be nice. I sniff again and trudge onwards.

"Where are we going?" Draco asks sharply.

I look up and frown as we are turned down a corridor leading away from the cell block and dining hall.

"Visitor," the Vark grunts shortly.

I glance back at Draco and raise my eyebrows questioningly. He lifts his shoulders in an answering shrug.

"Eyes front, Potter!"

I let a yelp slip past my lips as the guard hits me upside of the head with his club.

"Hey!" Draco shouts angrily. "What the fuck is your problem?"

I freeze as my guard stops and whirls to face him.

"What was that, Malfoy?" he whispers threateningly.

"Draco…" I shake my head desperately, begging him not to do anything foolish.

Draco merely smirks. "I said, you pig-headed lout, what the fuck is your problem?"

My guard raises his club again, and, without thinking, I quickly run my shoulder into his arm and knock it down.

The Vark spins to stare furiously at me.

"Harry…" Now Draco looks worried.

The guard sneers at me, then grabs me around the throat suddenly, pushing me back against the wall.

"Harry!" Draco calls out and tries to reach me, but his captor has him firmly in hand.

"You think you're special, Harry Potter," the guard whispers into my face, his putrid breath causing me to wince. "You're just another prisoner in here, Potter. People are going to forget about you soon enough, and then where will you be? In prison without your precious fame and legions of fans. You're nothing, a thing of the past. No one here gives a fuck about you, Potter. And I will personally make sure that the rest of your stay here is very…memorable."

I shudder and manage to keep the tears from showing, but I'm sure the fear is written plain as day on my face.

"Malfoy." My guard turns his ugly face to Draco. "You will be sent back to the Box for another two days after you've had your little visit this afternoon."

My mind races, trying to think of a way to get myself thrown back in there with him.

"As for you, Potter." He turns to me, his face mere inches from my own. "I have other plans for you."

He strokes a finger down my cheek and the touch makes me want to shrivel up and die.

Draco growls in the back of his throat as I try to shrink away from the Vark.

I am suddenly jerked forward as the guards begin to once more push us through the maze of corridors. I stare at the ground, the world around me blurred into the background. The last time I was threatened it was by other inmates, but what can I do this time? What can one do when it is the supposed protectors who are posing the threat?

Nothing, is my only answer.

Then we are at the door to the visitor's room. I blink and look up, the world refocusing as my handcuffs are released and I am pushed forwards through the open doorway.

"Remus!" I cry upon spotting the man. I rush forward and throw myself into his arms, not caring about anything at the moment but the need for something familiar and safe.

"Harry," Remus smiles and hugs me back.

Draco walks in behind me, rubbing his wrists. The Vark close the door, giving us our privacy.

I pull back and Remus smiles at me, ruffling my messy hair.

"What on earth have you two been up to?" Remus asks, perching on the edge of the metal table and crossing his arms over his chest, a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth. "I wasn't able to speak with you for a week."

I look at the floor in embarrassment, and Draco walks up behind me to wrap his arms around my waist.

"We had plans," Draco says secretively.

I laugh and Remus shakes his head in amusement.

"Well, I had some rather important news for you two and you made me wait an entire week."

I stare at him, unable to ask.

"What news?" Draco finally says, ungluing his throat.

Remus grins, and my hand finds Draco's and grips it tightly.

"You have been granted probation by the Ministry."

My body sags and Draco tightens his grip on my hand. I don't know what to say, I can't even comprehend what this means…my head is spinning...

"When? What are the conditions?" Draco asks in a rush.

I try to focus on what Remus is saying.

"You've both been granted asylum, as long as you stay within Hogwart's walls. You will not be allowed outside, unless it is imperative and you have at least two chaperones. You're not allowed contact with any outside members of society, so no sending owls anywhere, and all mail addressed to you will be confiscated. No contact with the media is allowed. You may also be periodically called upon to appear in court or at the Ministry of Magic for various reasons dealing with your case."

"So…inside Hogwarts, we can do…anything we want?" I ask, my mouth dry. "We can…go where we want, when we want, and without a chaperone?"

Remus smiles and nods, his brown eyes sparkling.

I let out a shaky breath and shake my head in disbelief. I glance over at Draco and he looks as shocked as I am – but happy.

In one instant, my heart suddenly soars and the meaning of what Remus has said becomes perfectly clear to my stunned mind.

I grin and turn to hug Draco as tightly as I can. Draco grunts in surprise as I practically bowl him over in my enthusiasm. I laugh and feel like dancing around the room.

Remus chuckles, watching. "I thought you might like that bit of information."

"We're leaving Grace…we're leaving Grace…" I joyfully exclaim over and over again.

Draco laughs and shakes his head.

I let go of him and turn to Remus. "When?"

"Today. Right now."

"Oh my god…" I sit down in the nearest chair.

Remus laughs again and pats me on the shoulder. "The paperwork is already done, they just need the two of you to go before the court one last time to make the announcement official. Hopefully, this will be the last time you see the press for awhile."

"Who else will be at Hogwarts?" I ask.

"Just the usual staff; Professors, Dumbledore, myself. Since it is still summer vacation, no students will be there."

"But…what will happen when classes do start up again in a few weeks?" I ask.

"I'm not sure yet," Remus answers, "but I have been reassured that you will not be sent back here."

"Good," I sigh in relief.

Remus stands and gathers up his brown leather bag from the table. "I'll give you boys a few minutes, then we must get going."

He flashes us a smile then exits the room, closing the door with a soft click behind him.

Draco and I stare at eachother.

"Please don't tell me I'm dreaming," I finally say, wondering if there's a chance that I actually am.

"Would you want me to wake you up, though?" Draco smirks.

I grin. "No."

Draco walks over and we lean side by side against the table, our shoulders just brushing.

"Well, this is it, Potter," he says.

I turn to look at him. "So what's next?"

He smiles, still looking straight ahead. "Lots and lots of sex."

"Pig." I roll my eyes with a snort.

"I didn't say with you," he says.

I laugh and bump his shoulder. "Good, that frees me up to go look for Jack and have my wicked way with him."

Draco chuckles and grabs a hold of my hand. "Not so fast, I think I might hold onto you for awhile, Potter. There's always the fame aspect to consider."

I stand and pull him after me. "Come on, you poncy git, we have a date to keep."

Draco presses a quick kiss to my cheek before releasing me. I walk over to the door and pause with my hand hovering just above the handle.

"This really is it," I whisper wonderingly.

Draco smiles and turns the doorknob for me. "Shall we?"

I smile at him and we walk through the door together.

"Ready?" Remus smiles when we emerge.

I nod and return the smile as Draco and I follow Remus down the hall towards the courtroom; our wrists free of restraints.

The three of us enter the same courtroom from our first incarceration. Draco and I are brought once more to the centre of the room and sat upon the waiting bench there. As I look around, I notice that there are far fewer officials gathered here today. Only a few members of the Wizengamot and Fudge seem to be present, and they all look extremely bored. The only commotion in the room is coming from the press box to the left-hand side of the room, where flashbulbs are going off every few seconds and reporters are writing furiously on their notepads.

I roll my eyes at them and turn my attention back to the Minister.

Fudge shuffles some papers on the table in front of him and clears his throat.

"Settle down, please," he says, throwing a meaningful glance towards the reporters. "Now, as you all know, we are gathered here today to officially release Mr Harry Potter and Mr Draco Malfoy on probation. The guidelines and rules of said probation will be henceforth read aloud to all members of this court, with a reminder to the defendants that these conditions must be followed to the letter or else they shall be returned to the Institute."

I nod in understanding, determined to be well-behaved this time around and not speak out of turn or argue with people who hold my life in their hands.

Draco is also silently nodding beside me.

Fudge's voice is clearly uninterested as he continues with the proceedings. "As I was saying, these rules must be abided by both parties…"

As the Minister dully drones on with the conditions of our probation, I see someone slip in a side door and walk over to Remus.

This man has my full attention now as I see Remus frown and begin to argue in earnest with the stranger. The man finally shrugs and strides up to the Minister, Remus glaring after him. Fudge stops speaking and leans in as the man begins to speak quietly into his ear.

I glance at Draco and see the blond narrow his eyes at the two whispering men. I lick my lips and switch my focus back to the stranger, straining to hear what it is he's whispering so intently into the Minister of Magic's ear.

After a few tense minutes, Fudge straightens up and clears his throat.

"It seems some new evidence has been brought to light concerning this case," he states authoritively.

My stomach lurches suddenly in fear. Draco stiffens beside me, his grip on my hand tightening. I can only watch and wait as these men decide whether or not to open the doors of freedom to us.

Fudge raises an arm and beckons to someone in the back of the room.

I swivel in my seat and see Malcolm Braddock striding towards the Minister, a smug smile plastered on his face, and a small rectangular box under his arm. I give Draco's hand a squeeze as he glares with barely controlled anger at his fellow Slytherin.

Fudge takes the wooden box from Malcolm and places it on the desk in front of him. Malcolm promptly exits the room, shooting me a triumphant look the entire way.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the court," Fudge starts importantly, clearly revelling in his position of authority, "this key piece of evidence was found early this morning."

I frown in confusion. If evidence has been found, then why is Remus so angry-looking?

Fudge lifts the top of the box and pulls out a single wand. My wand.

"Hey!" I smile and stand up. "That's my wand! You found it!"

Fudge stares back at me, his eyes going cold. "Yes, Mr Potter. Your wand has been found – and was tested positive for the Killing curse."

"What?" I cry, my gaze skittering from Fudge to Remus, and back again. "It can't be! I…it's not real, I didn't do it! Someone else must have used it!"

Fudge gently places my wand back into the box. "I'm sorry, Harry, but I'm afraid there is too much evidence against you," he says, not looking sorry in the least. "I have no other choice but to sentence you based on the facts that we, the Wizengamot, have been informed of. You're history speaks for itself, and you have long been under suspicion as far as this court is concerned."

I feel myself slowly sink back onto the hard bench beside Draco.

"But…they're not even all here….this isn't a fair trial…" I say weakly, feeling as though everything is crashing down all around me.

Draco shifts over and takes a hold of my hand. I barely notice.

"Harry's right," Remus suddenly says loudly, standing, "this isn't a fair hearing."

Fudge appraises Remus with dislike. "When evidence of this nature has been collected, I'm afraid it leaves us with little choice."

"What choice?" I whisper, my voice wobbling with fear.

Fudge's distant brown eyes return to stare down at me with the same contempt he obviously holds for Remus.

"I have no other choice, Harry Potter, but to sentence you to Azkaban."

I open my mouth as gasps fill the room, but no sound emerges. Everyone is suddenly yelling all at once, and Fudge tries desperately to regain some semblance of control.

Draco pulls me to him and grips me tightly. "I won't let them, Harry," he whispers with determination. "I won't let them take you."

I blink and, as if in a daze, pull away from Draco and stand, looking to the flustered Fudge. The room quiets, waiting for me to speak.

"Does that mean…Draco's free?" I ask.

Fudge readjusts his robes and shifts his gaze to Draco. "Well…yes. He must be declared innocent of all charges and released. He is free to go."

"No…" Draco stands beside me and roughly takes me by the shoulders to turn me towards him. "Harry…"

I can see the pain in his face and I am sorry for that. I reach out and stroke a finger down his cheek.

"You're free," I whisper, so only he can hear. I can't stop the tears from welling up as I look into his eyes.

"You can't go to Azkaban, Harry," Draco whispers fiercely. "I won't let them."

I close my eyes bracingly, trying not to think of that place. That place of nightmares that strikes fear into the heart of all wizard kind. "Maybe I'll see Amari," I say finally, my voice trembling beyond my control.

Draco's face changes suddenly, a dawning in his eyes.

"What?" I say, wiping the tears from my face on my sleeve.

Draco merely looks at me for a second, then turns to face the Minister.

"Minister?"

"What is it?" he asks in irritation, impatient to get on with the proceedings.

Out of the corner of my eye, I can see two Ministry officials approaching me with a pair of handcuffs. Unconsciously, I sink to my knees and wish for death instead of this. Anything but this.

Draco's voice becomes urgent. "Minister, I have a confession to make."

"Yes?"

Draco gathers his strength and lifts his chin. "I did it."

My head snaps up and I stare at him open-mouthed.

"Did what?" Fudge asks slowly, eyes narrowing.

"I did it – I killed Severus Snape."

"You're lying…"

"I stole Harry's wand and then used my own to kill Snape the morning of our graduation party. I wanted Harry to take the blame – but he didn't have anything to do with it. It was me. He's innocent."

The room is deathly silent. The two officials are now at my side, gazing uncertainly up at Fudge, waiting. My heart is in my throat, my pulse racing -

"But how was the Killing curse found in Mr Potter's wand then?"

Draco's hands are clenched by his side. "I could only use Harry's wand for small doses of magic, or strong magic on small objects. I used his wand to kill two birds before hiding it away to be found later, so it would appear as though he'd used the curse on Snape."

Fudge glances to his left at one of his many assistants busily scribbling notes. "Bring me that photograph of the crime scene."

A tall, skinny wizard, eager to please, leaps out of his seat as though burned and hurries from the room. In a matter of seconds, he returns with a sheaf of photographs. Fudge takes them from his assistant and flips through them, searching. He finally stops at one and stares at it.

"May the court bear witness to the fact that there are two dead birds lying by the deceased's body," he declares grimly.

I close my eyes and shake my head, still more tears falling from between wet lashes.

"This is still not enough to condemn a man…" Fudge starts slowly. "We do not have in our possession your wand, Mr Malfoy."

"I know," Draco nods gravely. "But you have my word – I swear to you that this is the truth. Harry Potter is innocent."

I open my eyes and look to Fudge, holding my breath.

Finally, Fudge nods, looking severe. "All charges will be henceforth relegated to Draco Lucius Malfoy. A sentence of imprisonment in Azkaban for life is the pronouncement. Harry James Potter is released."

"NO!" I shout suddenly, getting to my feet and taking hold of Draco. "You can't do this!"

Draco puts his arms around me.

"You're not guilty," I whisper into his ear with conviction. "I know it. You didn't do it."

Draco holds me close and pets my hair with affection. "I love you, Harry."

"No," I sob, fisting my hands in his shirt. "Don't say that - this isn't goodbye!"

All around us, the court is in a flurry of activity; Fudge has ordered the rest of the Wizengamot contingent to join them for the final pronouncement, as it can only be finalized with the entire group present. Remus is still arguing with Fudge, the media is in a craze; flashing pictures and shouting questions at us.

We don't hear any of it. It is only the two of us, just as it was in the Box.

"You can't go to Azkaban, Harry," Draco says soothingly into my ear. "You have a war to win – for all of us."

"But…I don't want to leave without you," I choke, pulling back slightly to look into his face.

He smiles softly and strokes my fringe back from my forehead. "Let me do the right thing for once, Harry. All my life I've played the villain, let me be the hero – just this once."

"No," I put my head back on his shoulder, fresh tears soaking the fabric of his dirty grey uniform. "Don't do this. Please. We'll find another way…"

"Harry," Draco's voice is quiet and strong, determined. "Remember the name Amari gave me?"

"Uzoma?" I reply, sniffling.

He nods. "Yes, do you remember what it means?"

"Of course," I say, my heart dropping. "The right road…"

He smiles and rocks me a little from side to side. "I think he knew, Harry."

I can only shake my head in mute refusal, my hands clenching in his shirt and my arms tight around his warm and familiar body.

"This is the right road, Harry. This is what I have to do, to allow you to do what you have to do."

It is then that I know he is right. I can't be locked away or Voldemort will win, this is bigger than just me and Draco. Defeating Voldemort is my path.

"I won't let them keep you there for long," I say with conviction. "When this is all over, I will make them set you free. I will find out who really killed Professor Snape."

"How do you know it wasn't me?" Draco asks, voice muffled in my hair.

"Because."

Draco smiles and drops a kiss on my head.

The rest of the Wizengamot is now present, and Fudge is speaking, reading out Draco's sentence and making it official.

As the guards prepare to place Draco in their custody, I quickly kiss him one last time. Vainly trying to memorize the feel of his lips on mine, so that I won't forget – ever. In the dark times to come, I'll remember what it is I'm fighting for.

The sudden sound of locking metal causes me to jump as they bind Draco's wrists together in handcuffs.

"I love you," I say in a rush, not wanting him to leave before I can tell him.

"I know."

He smiles at me and then they lead him away.

I crumple to my knees, watching his back as they take him from the room – and from me. Remus walks to my side and places a consolatory hand on my shoulder. I can't even fathom what this will mean; not seeing him or touching him or even talking to him for…for I don't know how long. Maybe forever…

I don't even remember leaving Grace. I don't know if it was sunny or raining when I stepped out of those doors and walked with Remus to a nearby Apparation sight…

You'd think I'd remember every detail of becoming a free man once more, but all I could think about was him. Draco made the ultimate sacrifice, and whatever happened with me and the war after that, would be because of him. That much I was sure of.