A/N: Sorry that this took longer than I expected…life stuff, you know? The good news is that it's finally here, and that wonderful warning of slash comes back into play! No good steamy details though, playing it safe with it just me, or are their rules getting out of hand?

More good news you say? There is NO CHARACTER DEATH in this chapter! Can I get a woot woot!

Disclaimer: So that there is no confusion...these characters DO NOT belong to me, they belong to JKR. I would never presume to have her gift for the written word.

Chapter 8

Introductions

3 months ago

Yes, it was Draco.

And I stood there like an idiot, unable to move.

As so many people do when faced with this type of situation, I was over-analyzing.

Why was he here? What if he wasn't here for me? What if he was here for me? What does he want? Why now? What will he say? What will I say? I ran through each scenario, articulating my responses with the perfected art of internal dialogue.

My heartbeat was rapidly accelerating. God help me, but, I was actually nervous.

Hermione was watching me, waiting for me to do what was expected in polite circles…open the door.

Honestly, I could not be bothered with such intricacies.

About the time my brain made the connection that I would not be able to deliver any of my practiced speeches unless Draco was actually invited in, Hermione gave up waiting. With a roll of her eyes, she reached over and opened the door.

I couldn't breathe.

I stand

My skin, dipped in dew

My heart, the wings of a hummingbird

With expressions of innocence

I speak

Why do things move in slow motion in moments of great anticipation? My lungs were burning with trapped air, my heart was pounding, and that damn door took its sweet selfish time to reveal its prize.

Finally, I saw him.

Hermione rushed forward, throwing herself into him and wrapping her arms around him. He responded warmly, returning the affection.

When they broke apart, Hermione glanced my way, mumbled something about checking on Ron, and scurried out of the kitchen.

Draco and I were alone.

And I was still standing there like an idiot.

He cautiously approached me, looking equally awkward, unsure what to do or say next. But like all great loves do, we spontaneously and simultaneously pulled each other into an embrace.

They say it's the small things that matter. That proved to be true when such a simple act confirmed my need for him. All humans do crave companionship, to find that one person who not only exists in your heart…but becomes your heart.

Why did I let this go? How can I get it back?

As much as I wished we could skip all the hard parts; the rebuilding of trust, the discussion of the dissolution of our relationship, the confrontation of how I failed him. So much to review and so many details to scrutinize, so much blame on me and my actions…could he pretend it all didn't happen?

It would have been nice, but I knew that he would not let me off the hook that easily.

I understood.

Now was as good a time as any.

After a brief "hello" to Ron and a nod to Hermione, we migrated outdoors to get some air, get some explanations…get through the hard parts. We settled on the ground, not too far way from each other, but far enough to know there is still distance.

"What happened to you Harry?"

What kind of question is that? Should I make a list? Where should I start?

It was as if he could read my mind.

"You know what I mean."

Yeah…I did. I just wasn't ready to jump into that shame spiral quite yet. I had my reasons for my behavior, ones that I felt very self-righteous about, but I knew that I had no justification for my actions or attitude. How do you articulate that?

How do you explain the feeling that you no longer have a soul because everything and everyone that made you who you are is gone? How do you paint a picture of steadfastness in the face of adversity only to have it fragment because you can't handle it, then having to fake it for everyone else?

How do you say all this and not make it sound like excuses?

I took a deep breath and began.

I told him how scared I was at the pleasure of seeing my aunt's family murdered.

I told him how shattered I was at seeing all my father's friends ripped away from me, taking him farther away from me.

I told him how furious I was at the Ministry for suspending me after the brutal treatment of a Death Eater. If anyone deserved it, they did.

I told him how confused I was, to the point where I could not organize my thoughts and emotions because things were happening too fast.

Then I dropped the bombshell.

I told him how unnecessary it had all been. The prophecy that bound me to Voldemort was not true. He's dead, I did not kill him, so what was the point of all of it? All those people gave their lives for a prophetic moment that never came.

My monologue ended with the statement of how undeserving I was…to have all those people lay down their lives for mine.

He smiled.

Not the reaction I expected.

"How did I know you were going to say that Harry? You have always been so quick to blame yourself. Events would have transpired the same, regardless of your involvement. Is your ego that huge to think that Voldemort's actions were because of you? That if you were never a part of the picture, he would have never tried to rule our world?"

Maybe he had a point. Not that I would ever admit that to him.

"Look at all the destruction he caused before you and that prophecy came along. Voldemort is dead, so what if you didn't kill him.Numerous people forfeited their lives for a better world, and you choose to remember them not by their bravery and self-sacrifice, but by feeling sorry for yourself? You think you are undeserving? I would have to agree, you don't deserve to grieve for those people if all you are going to do is make it all about you."

I was using every ounce of restraint not to punch him…again. I could feel the flush of anger in my cheeks and I knew that my eyes were flashing dangerously as fury boiled inside me. This was not the way it was supposed to go!

Suddenly, he grabbed my face, looked deep in my eyes, and smiled.

"There you are."

He leaned in, brushing his lips against mine.

Happiness and I met for the first time that night.

A perfect flower he gave me on the day we met

In a perfect pose

Its leaves and petals are still wet with scent

One perfect rose

For a while, things were good.

Too good.

Draco and I spent a lot of time talking, there had been so much to discuss. We yelled a lot, cried a lot, laughed a lot…until we could no longer hold back.

We rediscovered each other, became acquainted with the people we had become.

But his skin still felt the same.

We let our immaturity resurface, allowing ourselves to act the age we really were. We held hands under the table, made each other blush and giggle by whispering promised of sensations to come. We indulged in fantasies such as dark chocolate slowly devoured on wanton flesh, and any other kinky thing that the imagination would conjure.

Now, we were not completely introverted. Draco and Hermione had a special friendship, the kind that is born from years of intellectual rivalry and the acceptance of the other's talents. His first conversation with her offered his sympathy for her loss, and his pleasure for the disposal of his father. Together, the four of us spent countless time enjoying each other in a way that we had been unable to before, and may not be able to do again.

It was during one of our marathon conversations that we made a command decision.

We must turn and face

Our nightmarish fears

There is no reason to scream

There is no one who hears

We decided to recreate and conserve our world.

So much was lost when the Ministry collapsed, and the absence of so much of our culture forced us to take steps to insure that a part of this world would survive.

It was a brutal reality to face, but it was a reality.

If things continued on their path, and the wizarding world was officially expunged, something had to be left behind to tell our tale.

Simply put, someone may be completely successful at killing every single living witch and wizard, but no one can stop evolution. Someday, another person will be born with those special attributes and recessive genes that normally would have warranted an invitation to join the club.

But the club may no longer be there.

So the call went out to all whom would answer.

The remaining Hogwarts alumni convened at the school itself, and got to work immediately.

Representatives from each house were responsible for their founder's history. They poured over the depleted resources in the school library and recorded as many important details as possible.

Specialists of certain subjects worked diligently to create textbooks for possible future generations.

Draco compiled potion recipes, lists on how to identify their ingredients, and storage and maintenance of the completed product. Additionally, he inscribed instructions for various charms and spells, from wand movements to pronunciation. He would not accept any help on this project, choosing to work alone, that way he could monitor which spells and charms carried over. Some spells are better left forgotten.

Hermione was overextended, working on Ancient Runes, Arithmancy and Astronomy. She was the one to make the list alphabetical and start from the top. The rest of us just took what we were good at.

Crabbe assumed Herbology, taking photographs of the greenhouses and the plants they enclosed. He carefully described each plant with their properties and benefits, and how to handle the more volatile ones.

Millicent formulated a dossier on all the magical creatures and how to care for them. Even Charlie Weasley appeared briefly to offer information on dragons.

Ron would never let a new generation to exist without Quidditch, so he enthusiastically drafted parchment after parchment on broom maneuvers, strategy tips and the rules of the game. He included the history of the game and names of the more famous players. And because it fit in with the topic, he also covered how to fly a broom. This he did begrudgingly after Hermione pointed out that no one will play Quidditch unless they know how to fly a broom.

Naturally, I took Defense Against the Dark Arts.

My favorite part was when the "Golden Trio" cataloged all of our exploits…happy to horrible. However, whether our more amusing adventures acts as an encouragement or a deterrent, remains to be seen.

All of us who thus far survived made every effort to certify our legacy, to pledge that our voices will be heard, someday.

Hopefully.

A dream is an illusion that we are given when born

We live in happiness, knowing nothing of scorn

If only we could find that lost salvation

And wake up from this nightmare of extermination

After a month of intense work, we looked at the fruits of our labor and enjoyed a moment of celebration. We even allowed a small seed of hope to bury itself into our dismal future.

We gathered it all, and went in search of the perfect locale. We picked a spot in muggle London, close to New Diagon Alley, to conceal our treasure. Included with all the knowledge we possessed, we placed brooms, wands, pranks, robes, the latest copy of the Daily Prophet, preserved candies, currency, our house flags and the school banner.

At the last second, Hermione threw in her copy of "Hogwarts, a History".

The cleverest witch of our age placed a series of spells to affirm that the right person would find the cache. As I understand it, if someone who carries the wizard gene happens to be within a one-mile radius of that spot, they will hear the sweet song of the phoenix. That melody will draw them to our past and their future. Hopefully, they will use that information to reintroduce the magical world.

It was all we could do.

Only time would tell.

One thing is for certain; it was wise that we did what we did when we did it.

Things went from bad to worse.

The fear in everyone

Clearly shows

For evil is coming

And everyone knows

A/N: Don't think I am going soft…there will be loads more angst in the next chapter. I was just feeling benevolent and decided to give some people a stay of execution.

Thank you for reading, please let me know your thoughts by leaving a review?

Starlollie: Yay! You're back! I was afraid I lost you…crisis adverted. I wrote this chapter almost exclusively for you, lots and lots of good news. Actually, it's more of a peace offering, since things are likely to turn ugly again. Thank you for always pointing out specific things that you enjoy! Can I admit that I cried when I wrote that part with Mrs. Weasley? Well, I guess I just did…thank you again for all your help and wonderful reviews!

Silver Emerald Eyes: I could be corny and provide two separate responses to your two separate reviews…but I didn't.

Part 1: Seeing that I got a second review, I assumed that you survived your tennis lesson with sleep. As much as I hate to contribute to the delinquency of anyone, part of me was quite gleeful that you sacrificed your sleep for me…wait…did I say I hate to contribute to delinquency? Scratch that…

As for my brother, he is older…three years to be exact. While I think he would be brilliant at writing a story of his own (he has fantastic ideas), he really REALLY likes being "backstage" and helping me with mine. Aren't I lucky?

Part 2: To be honest, my Hermione scared the crap out of me, but remember my brilliant brother? It was all his idea, but necessary in character development for something that will play out later. People say to watch out for the quite ones, and in this case it is certainly true.

And look! My update only took over a month this time! Raise the roof for me!

P.S. You can ask as many questions as you like, for you I will answer as many as I can. Thank you for being a constant source of sunlight for me!

Morniea Inglorion: Thank you very much for your delightful review! Your wonderful words about my writing are really appreciated, and I hope you continue to read more.

Dragenphly: Oh no! Never happy again! Please tell me the feeling was temporary! While a part of me is flattered that the story has such an impact on you, I feel terrible of you had even a moment of prolonged sadness. As for Harry and Draco ending up together….ummmm…I am going to cop out and say that you will have to wait and see. Also, it's a sneaky way to keep you reading….

Charmina: I am still beaming from your review! Thank you so much for your words of praise and I am honored that you are enjoying the story. What makes it so lovely is that I have read your work, and to get a compliment from you is truly wonderful!

The poems? Mostly they are my brothers…about 85 percent. The good ones are his and the crappy ones are mine. I hope you enjoy this chapter as well and that you continue to enjoy the rest of the story.