A/N: OK this is my second fanfic. This story is going to cover the war with Voldemort after the trio is out of school. I won't tell you the ships... because I'm honestly not sure of them yet! Give me suggestions please! I really, REALLY need them. It's going to be kind of dark... we'll see.

Beautiful Disaster

Unexpected Slytherins

He who has a thousand friends has not a friend to spare,
And he who has one enemy will meet him everywhere
.

–Ali ibn-Abi-Talib, A Hundred Sayings

The war had begun. There was no denying that. Voldemort was gathering Death Eaters and dark creatures rapidly to build an army that caused a growing uneasiness among the Order and the Ministry. Mysterious deaths were occurring among many, muggles mostly. The last two years had been utter hell, the wizarding world in chaos and living in undisputable fear.

Perhaps that was a lie. Reactions to war have always been mixed. Those few directly affected felt anger, resentment, and lived in fear for their loved ones and themselves. Most people tended to say 'Oh dear, that's just too bad... oh! There's a sale at Madam Malkin's!' or some other lame, completely domestic idea. Why? Not because they were heartless, far from it! Everyone is the center of their own universe, and that it the truth.

Still, the Boy-Who-Lived was the center of more individuals' universes then people would have in ten liftimes.

Number Twelve Grimmauld Place had been daunting and obviously disgusting the first time Harry had experienced it. Wallpaper pealing off of the walls, cabinets that would surely kill you if you didn't lock them properly, and dark creatures running up and down the halls in the night. Unfortunately, two years later, the state of the place hadn't improved drastically.

However, one extremely hot summer's eve after his seventh year at Hogwarts, Harry Potter sat happily in the dining room of Grimmauld Place, only slightly woozy of butterbeer. He sat languidly, feeling more relaxed then he had in the last year. He had graduated, and finally left Privet Drive. He was surrounded by people that he loved dearly, and the euphoric aura of the room was intoxicating. Bottles littered the wooden table as he examined the group, all laughing at a certain redhead.

"Stop! Stop!" Ginny Weasley shrieked in laughter, clutching the stitch in her side. "It's just too funny!"

Ron grinned, but was only encouraged by the ravishing guffaws around him. "Seriously! I honestly think Snape fancies her! I mean, can you believe that? He got all puppy eyed when she asked," he put on a very sickening girly voice, "'Could you please tell me where my son is?' ick! Bloody hell, it's Malfoy's mom for Merlin's sake!" he soon gave in to a fresh burst of delectable laughter which had been hard to come by in the last year.

Harry gave a meek smile. He'd obviously gotten older. His face, thinner than it had ever been, was nonetheless handsomely so, in an odd fashion. He stood taller then he had imagined he would have been, considering the circumstances, nearly 6'0" which he thought of as quite the accomplishment. Still undeniably slender, it seemed that his sickly demeanor had faded slightly. His jade eyes had never faltered, which he thanked the heavens for never losing his one connection he shared with his mother. Yet, the round glasses and the rumpled raven hair were the same, and the lightning scar on his forehead still remained.

He stared at Ron, who was still joking animatedly. Ron had grown into a much more outgoing persona ever since he had started dating Hermione in sixth year. Always being incredibly tall, he had grown even more, so that it was ridiculously easy to pick him from a crowd, not that, that would have been a problem. He retained the flaming red hair and freckles that so endeared him to the Weasley family. His blue eyes shone as he turned to beam at the petite brunette holding his hand.

Hermione was much the same, yet, now that Harry stared at her, she seemed softer. He knew that wasn't true. She had been the same Hermione all during their last year, chiding them for leaving homework until the last minute and studying diligently in the common room basking in the firelight while Crookshanks purred on her lap. She had the same bushy hair, same clean face, free of makeup, and the same sharp voice. Yet, her face had softened with age, and she had turned into a nearly pretty girl, depending on who was looking at her. She was average to most, but to those who loved her, she was beautiful inside and out. Then again, he supposed, that went for everyone.

They had all finished laughing, yet Harry could see from their glazed expressions, the drunkenness was taking its toll. Hermione and Ron were now speaking in hushed tones, both smiling warmly. He was mildly surprised, as it was they didn't show such affection for each other often. He saw that they were both glowing, whispering softly, not taking their eyes off of each other. He felt a sudden surge of affection for his friends, but was soon pulled from his thoughts.

"I still can't believe you guys aren't going to be at school with me next year," Ginny said, plopping in the seat next to him. "It's going to be so... bizarre."

Harry turned to admire Ginny, who had probably changed the most out of the rest of them. She had grown a bit into her womanhood... to say politely. Her mischievous nature was addicting and radiated from her freckled face. He understood why she was the receiver of so much attention from the male population at Hogwarts. However, every time he looked into her big brown eyes, he only saw the frightened little girl lying unconscious in the Chamber of Secrets. Horrifically enough, this comforted him.

"You'll manage I'm sure," he yawned, absently trying to smooth his hair. "won't it be nice without us there? You can do whatever you want without worrying Ron is going to kill someone."

Of course he was referring to the many boyfriends she had, had. Michael Corner, Dean Thomas, Seamus Finnigan, and Terry Boot were only the beginning. She flicked a copper strand of hair from her face before speaking again.

"I haven't seen you smile in a while," she said seriously. "I missed it."

He grinned. "That's because I'm piss drunk."

She snorted, all the more causing her to feel like his little sister.

"Even so, I missed it."

"Are you implying that I should take up drinking heavily?"

"No, I'm simply implying that you should loosen up once in a while."

He began an angry retort, but she stopped him before he had the change.

"Forget it. I'm just worried about you... we all are."

Harry sniffed. Crossing his arms he tried desperately to look aloof. Then again, he had never been excellent at hiding his feelings.

"Don't. I have enough people all over me these days. I really don't need another."

She gave an exasperated sigh. Suddenly, she began digging in her purse, so quickly Harry was sure that he had seen the lightbulb flick on over her head. He stared at her, amused. He could always count on Ginny to pleasantly surprise him.

"Look!" she laughed evilly as she flung a copy of the Witch Weekly into his hands.

He read the cover carefully, holding back snickers. The garbage was littered with certain articles such as, "My Boyfriend's a Vampire... What Now!" "20 Magical Scents that will Put Him in the Mood (Warning: Use only around lovers or people you want)" and "Dress Like a Banshee!"

He groaned when he saw the article Ginny was pointing at.

"The 25 HOTTEST Wizards in the World"

He glanced down at the picture of himself. Colin Creevy had obviously caught him studying for his N.E.W.T.s, for he had dark circles under his eyes and looked extremely rumpled. His picture self was shaking his head and biting his lip nervously, as he was surrounded by books. When the black and white boy noticed that there was someone looking down on him, he blushed silver and waved awkwardly.

"Number 9," he read aloud, a hint of bemusement in his voice. "Well surely not!"

Ginny was in utter hysterics, latching onto him for support.

"Lord that's funny!" she grinned. "You look so helpless."

Harry shook his head. Flipping the magazine shut, he gave an enormous yawn.

"Bollocks that is..."

"I thought you'd enjoy it." she said knowingly.

"Thanks." her eyes lit up, as she gathered herself, folding her legs under he body.

Harry looked around. Nearly everyone had gone to bed, and he was sure if he closed his eyes and dreamily listened he could hear the heavy breathing of a full house. Almost all of the Weasleys were living here now, not to mention Remus Lupin and Tonks, who seemed in Harry's opinion, a bit too fond of each other for a platonic relationship. Plus, visits from others in the Order came daily, as it was, they were all preparing for that inevitable battle. He felt is stomach lurch.

No, he thought desperately, not thinking about that now.

He watched Ginny stand and give him a warm hug goodnight. Harry sat alone in the darkness, candlelight flickering wildly. He let his thoughts wander to Sirius. His mouth felt dry. Sirius... his godfather and friend. The man who had died on his merit.

As much as he was assured it wasn't his fault. That Sirius was a smart man, that his death was a terrible accident. Harry understood. No matter what, those he trusted were always in danger.

Story of my life, he figured bitterly. Someone's always in danger.

The doorbell jogged him to his senses. He jumped, shocked at the sudden volume of the noise. He only had a moment to wonder, Who the bloody hell would be coming here at this time of night!

Maybe it's apart of the Order.

Maybe something happened!

Maybe it's an enormous emergency that is going to affect the entire wizarding world!

He nearly hit himself. Maybe it's sodding Santa Claus, but you better answer the door you psychotic dolt!

He rushed to the door, preparing himself for the worst. Nothing could have prepared him for who was on the other side.

He flung the door open to see a small girl holding up a tall blonde boy who was so covered in blood, he was almost unrecognizable.

Almost.

The boy groaned and glanced at Pansy, who had a look of sheer terror plastered on her face.

"Fuck... it's Potter."

Harry was dumbfounded. He gaped at the one person who he was sure he wouldn't see for a very, very long time.

Draco Malfoy.

A/N: OK I really need reviews people! Otherwise I'm unlikely to keep writing this because I need your help on what ships do you think we should do... let me know!

Love you all!

Pooks