Chapter 29
Draco watched with wide eyes as Harry, as if in slow motion, turned to face Dumbledore. As the raven haired boy tremblingly raised his wand, and yelled out, 'HSINIF!'
'That stupid git.'
Draco turned to look at the older man who had spoken. Touching his god father's arm and asked, 'Why is he stupid? What spell is it?'
Snape never turned to look at the blonde as he spouted,
'HSINIF
This spell is primarily used by extremely powerful wizards and/or witches who need a more powerful death spell than the AVADA KEDAVRA. It is used on witches and/or wizards who have created horcruxes, or who may have achieved higher magical capabilities then that of their birth.
It is labeled as restricted because of the side effect on the caster. When used the HSINIF spell uses up a majority, if not all magic. This usage usually leads to death of both the recipient and the caster…'
Finishing his explanation Severus pointed out onto the Quidditch pitch and said in a trembling voice, 'Look.'
Draco's eyes were watering as he thought of Harry, his Harry, giving up his self for the rest of their kind. Following Snape's arm he was shocked to see the auburn haired boy standing in the midst of three swirling colors. From his neck strained an amulet and it seemed that the colors were coming from the amulet.
'It's my fault. It's all my fault. I made him write that stupid essay as a means to try and instill a sort of threat for his misbehavior. I made him write out the paper, and he's obviously remembered it, 'Snape's voice was strangled with a sob.
Draco watched, feeling helpless. The teenage boy he felt a strong liking for, no, more than like, love. The boy he loved, was about to die, and he was helpless. Looking to the ground Draco felt a tear slide down his cheek.
Hearing a harsh scream, one that would leave the throat raw, Draco looked up to see blood rivuleting from the corner of Harry's mouth. Shaking his head he stood up, but he was quickly caught by Snape.
'No, your interference could only make it worse. Your magic will throw him off and that could kill him. This way there's a,' choking the man continued on, 'This way there's a chance he could survive.'
Draco looked into the inky eyes of his godfather and said, 'I can't stand by as he dies trying to save us.'
Severus looked back onto the pitch and said in a hollow voice, 'There's not much else we can do.'
Letting his wrist slide back to his side he had a second to think before another scream ripped from Harry's mouth. Turning to the others crouched in the wood's he seen the whites of their eyes as they turned to look at him.
'Harry looked alive when he was singing. When we had that party and he stood up on the stage he felt invincible. He sent off an aura of extreme prowess and power. Tonight, let's help him feel that power again.'
After finishing his little speech Draco noted the nodding of heads of his friends; Pansy, Crabbe, Goyle, Blaise, Elizzabeth. Thinking for a moment he said, 'It's a muggle song, like all our others, but it's perfect for this moment. We played around with it last year, now we need to sing it this year.'
Turning to look ahead again he stared at Harry as he let the words pour from his body, his heart, his soul.
'Look at us here today
Lots of talking with nothing to say
And if I seem somewhat afraid
I'm surviving, that's all I am
I'm surviving to be a better man
I'm surviving, that's my plan
Just surviving…'
Draco smiled as the other's joined in with him, their voices moving together, as if with a magic of their own. Twisting to fold into one powerful voice.
'…Yesterday, I was sure
But today I don't know anymore
Thought I was brave till I saw
My frightened reflection in a dark corridor
Now I'm surviving to be a better man
I'm surviving with an emotional plan
I'm surviving, so please understand
I'm surviving, surviving
There are millions of people out there
Trying to get by in a world that don't care
People smiling through clouds of despair
Protecting the wounds until they repair
They're surviving the best way they can
They are surviving every woman and man
Just surviving with an emotion plan
So keep surviving…'
Draco's eyes were closed, so he missed the sudden brighten of the glow about Harry, how he shifted to stand more aggressively, how he seemed to suddenly throw off an extreme aura of power.
'…Maybe it's my shattered pride
That's why I get scared of emotional ties
Don't let them in, otherwise
You'll smile like a fool
But you'll be hurting inside
So I'm surviving through the insecurity
I am surviving, I got hope inside of me
So I'm smiling through all the insanity
I'm surviving, surviving
I was moved by the way that you said
Don't be afraid, I won't leave you for dead
You took my soul and mixed up my head
You left me alive
You should have killed me instead
Now I'm surviving, that's all I am
I'm surviving to be a better man
I'm surviving, that's my plan
I'm surviving, surviving
Surviving.'
Draco looked up to see Harry; he glowed as if all the power in the world tried to escape through him. The tunnel of power connecting him to Dumbledore seemed to be almost substantial, as if one could reach out and feel the solid thrum of power. Unable to stop himself Draco let his eyes follow along the strain of magic to Dumbledore, almost instantly he wished he hadn't.
As he watched Draco heard the old man's scream turn into gurgles as blood frothed out of his throat. And his skin began to melt, and drip off of him as if melted wax. The bone and other internals showing through before the whole thing simply turned to ash, to float away on the soft breeze.
Draco looked from the spot were the powerful man had stood before, and looked to Harry. He felt his heart stop at the sight. His beautiful, strong Harry was standing as if an empty shell. The light was gone from his emerald eyes and he looked pale and drawn. Harry swayed for a moment before falling.
Rushing forward to try and catch the other boy Draco knew he wouldn't make it. Feeling his fall he was slightly happy when his lover was caught by anther before he could hit the ground. Harry had collapsed into Tom's arms, and Snape, his godfather, Harry's father, was running towards them from the woods.
'Severus, I do believe this is your-'
'Is he alright? Tom, is he dead?'
Draco himself was worried, too worried to care about his own curiosity at all that had happened. Standing up he walked over and pushed Harry's raven locks back from his face. He looked over the strong features of the tanned Slytherin and whispered beneath his breath, 'Don't leave me.'
xxxxXXXXXXXxxxx
The dark haired boy looked over at his sweetheart, his dark eyes following her every curve, and every movement. His ears catching her every word and sound. He smiled widely as she chewed her bottom lip, a sure sign that she was confused about something.
'Lily, what has you stumped now?'
He chuckled as emerald eyes looked up to his astonished, 'How did you know?'
Kissing her nose lightly he put an arm around her shoulders and gave her a gentle squeeze, 'Because you always chew your bottom lip when you're confused.'
Laughing softly she said, 'I just don't understand this charm. It is supposed to give you extreme luck, but it is very unlucky when cast upon someone.'
Severus smiled and said, 'It is lucky for the person the charm is cast upon, but the person who casts the charm is left with nothing but bad luck. You see, this charm is really just projecting one person's luck onto another, giving up their own luck.'
Her eyes shining in understanding the girl said, 'You know you should become a teacher, you're so good at explanations.'
FLASH
'…Do you Severus Snape, take this woman, Lily Evans, to have as your lawful wife? To love and to hold, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?'
Looking into the shining emeralds across from his jet he smiled as he said, 'I do.'
'With the power vested in me, I pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride.'
Dropping his lips to those of his now wife, he pulled her into his arms and ignored her blush at the whole of the wizardnig community that had gathered to watch them. Pulling back he smiled down at her and kissed her once more, gently, before saying, 'They're all jealous.'
Laughing softly she asked, 'Jealous of what?'
Chuckling softly he said, 'Jealous that you were able to snag me.'
Laughing with him she pushed him playfully.
A man clapped him on the shoulder, turning to look Snape smiled at his best man, 'Well Snape, I do believe it is customary that the best man gets to kiss the bride.'
Laughing Snape said jokingly, 'In most cases, but not when the best man happens to be Sirius Black, otherwise I might not get her back.'
Hearing laughter Snap turned to look and said, 'And neither does my little brother.'
Lupin shrugged and said playfully, 'Can't say I tried Lily. So now I guess you're stuck with him.'
FLASH
Lily held the small boy in her arms, she smiled as he reached out to the small orb that Lucius had hovering in the air. She could tell already that her boy would be adventurous. That could mean big trouble.
'Oh Lily, he's so adorable.'
Lily looked to her sister and smiled. Poppy Pomfrey had brought him into this world, but the woman still acted as though it was her first time seeing him.
'Yes. He and Draco will make all the girl's swoon.'
Lily chuckled with the angelic Narcissa, 'That they will. How could they not, what with their father's being Lucius Malfoy, and Severus Snape, who were sex gods themselves.'
Lily joked with her old friend, they had been very close at Hogwarts, and had both been two of the founding members of Rewop.
Placing the two children on the floor the adults continued in their talk of the two boys' future.
The blonde haired baby giggled with the brunette. They had grown up together so far in life. They were now friends closer than brothers.
As the brunette began to cry the blonde crawled closer and held his hand, trying to quiet the other baby. If the parent's came that would only lead to one being taken home. And that wouldn't be good. Draco could sense it.
FLASH
'No! Leave my baby alone! Sev, get Harry!'
Severus ran to the crib where his son was peacefully sleeping, picking up the small toddler he bundled the soft skin in a blanket and said, 'Lily, you take Harry! Take him somewhere safe! I'll find you and-'
Before he could give his son to his wife, and have the two of them apparate out of there to safety he was cut off by his wife's scream.
'LILY!'
FLASH
Severus followed his old headmaster into the back of the funeral home, 'Dumbledore, can you hurry up please. I need to get my son back from Hagrid. Not that I don't trust him, it's just that I don't think he quite understands the definition between harmless, and harmful.'
Chuckling the older man turned to Snape and raised his wand, 'I'm sorry to have to do this Snape, but you are getting way too close to the truth.'
Snape had only a moment of confusion before his eyes widened ay the whispered, 'Memorandum Changeurion.'
xxxxXXXXXXXxxxx
Draco watched as the rest of the school slowly filtered in for breakfast, their happy chattering grating on his nerves. How could they still go about laughing and chatting with friends about dreams, boys, jokes, when Harry Potter could be dead?
Looking to the table top he tried to fight the burning at his eyes. He would not cry in public.
'Draco? Are you alright?' Elizzabeth put a comforting hand on his arm.
Am I ok? No, I'm not ok. I'll never be ok again, not until those horrible images have been erased, not until I have him back in my arms, warm and responsive, 'I'm fine'
Sitting to the side where Harry usually sat Pansy looked at him with worry flashing in her eyes, the eyes that still flashed with life, even though they were surrounded by dark circles. Wanting to ease the strain on her face Draco put his hand on hers and said, 'He'll be alright. He's Harry potter, he has to be.'
Seeing his friend give a small smile he said, 'It shouldn't be long now until Tom gives his explanations to the school.'
Nodding her head Pansy turned back to her cold cereal and pushed it around in her bowl, her eyes still filled with worry.
xxxxXXXXXXXXxxxx
Walking into the Great Hall Ron noticed that the usual position held by Dumbledore at the Head Table was now filled by a younger looking man; a man who looked quite presentable. Looking him over Ron felt a strange feeling that he hadn't felt since that summer with Harry.
Turning to Hermione Ron asked her, 'Who do you think that is?'
Hermione was busy looking over the table worriedly, but she still replied with a noncommittal, 'A substitute?'
Ron looked at her with disbelief before asking, 'What are you doing?'
Still worried but turning her attention to him Hermione said in a concerned tone, 'I don't see Harry anywhere.'
Ron glowered at the mention of his former friend's name, 'What do you care where that pratt is? He was probably up all night partying with his Slytherin pals. It is a Monday you know.'
Hermione gave him a look of disapproval before standing up and saying, 'If he was partying with his friends, why would they all be looking so worried? And besides that, Harry was still a good friend.'
xxxxXXXXXXXxxxx
Tom looked out at the students, they were all there; all except for the one laying in the hospital wing. Looking out he tried not to let his sadness creep into his voice as he began, 'I am sorry to let you all know that you have been deceived.'
Giving a moment he let them react; their shocked voices carrying up to him.
'Albus Dumbledore was a powerful wizard, it is sad to say that his power was not always used towards the good of all. Dumbledore spread large, fables about Tom Riddle. He said that Tom and the other members of Rewop-'
But he was cut off by several voices with the same question, 'What's Rewop?'
Hearing the questions Tom gave an acknowledging smile and said, 'Actually, Rewop is the true name of those that many of you have been taught to hate. To scorn. They're more commonly known as Death Eaters; a name given to them by Dumbledore.
Now, as I was saying many people have been touched by the dark side that was the true Dumbledore. And the majority of those people did not remember their encounter with Dumbledore that day, as the old professor would perform the MEMORANDUM CHANGEURION curse.'
Once again Tom gave a moment for the shocked voices to speak out again.
'Last night Dumbledore came to the Slytherin male dormitories, looking for one Harry Potter. Sadly enough he found the poor boy and lured him outside of the school walls, saying that Voldemort had come to finish off Hogwarts and the students.'
Many people had given small gasps or screams at the name of Voldemort.
'Now, I hope you all know that Voldemort was never real, Dumbledore had merely taken that name and made all fear it, and the harmless person behind it.
As I was saying about last night, Harry was taken outside of Hogwarts walls to the Quidditch pitch. On the Quidditch pitch Harry did meet the terror of the wizarding world. And the poor fool got rid of him.'
Lifting his eyes from the podium to the students he asked in a soft, yet clear voice, 'How many know of the HSINIF spell?'
At his words many of the students merely stared dumbstruck, where as all the seventh years paled considerably, a few letting out screams.
'Yes, Harry Potter attempted the HSINIF spell last night, and as of right now he is in critical condition. There is a high chance that he will not make it to this Christmas, and I am sorry for all who were connected to him.'
At these words the entire populations of the school began to talk amongst themselves.
'Harry did this for us?'
'Why would he risk his life like that?'
'Why wouldn't he make it to Christmas?'
Draco stood up dully and walked to the head table, his back straight and proud. As he walked he heard murmurs swirling about him, but not paying attention he made it to the head table. Turning back around he waited for silence before speaking.
'Harry Potter has for his whole life been labeled the wizarding savior, the boy who lived, the golden boy; and now he has proved himself worthy of this title not because everyone expected him to, but because he cared and no one else had stepped forward. Now this boy lies up in the hospital wing of the school he was trying to protect, and I have to ask all of you. How many of you are going to visit him and pay well wishes?'
Looking out over the sea of faces he then stepped down from the head table and walked out the doors of the Great Hall.
xxxxXXXXXXXxxxx
Draco walked into the Hospital Ward and made his way over to the bed that contained his raven haired beauty. Coming closer he noticed that Severus was sleeping; his head lay on Harry's bed.
'Sorry to interrupt the family reunion, but I need to speak with Harry.'
Sitting down in the chair opposite Severus, beside Harry, Draco reached out one hand and ran it over the boys cheek gently, 'I miss you Harry. Your laughing, your camaraderie. Nothing is the same without you. But worst of all, I miss you in my bed. I hate how worried I am over whether I will ever get to tell you that I love you.'
Draco sighed sadly and then began to sing in a soft voice,
'If I knew that this would all
Come down to a sad goodbye
I would see it through
Till the tears burned my eyes
Cause the loving that you give to me
So true and profound
Is the sweetest gift I have ever found
If I had to fight fire
You know I'd find a way
For a love that is sacred
I would fight until my last day
I couldn't find another man
Who loves me like you do
I couldn't hold another hand
That holds me quite like you
Such a love is heaven-blessed
Couldn't find another man
Only you can set my heart on fire
Or fill my life with pain
And no matter if I laugh or cry
I love you just the same
Cause the moment that I hold you close
I see in your eyes
With a silent stare, you turn your eyes
If I lost every pleasure
Of silver and gold
I would still find my treasure
With you there to hold
I couldn't find another man
Who loves me like you do
I couldn't hold another hand
That holds me quite like you
Such a love is heaven-blessed
Couldn't find another man
If I lost every pleasure
Of silver and gold
I would still find my treasure
With you there to hold
I couldn't find another man
Who loves me like you do
I couldn't hold another hand
That holds me quite like you
Such a love is heaven-blessed
Couldn't find another man.'
Smiling sadly Draco looked into the emerald eyes of his lover and took the boy's hand, 'I, Draco Malfoy, promise to always be there for you. I promise to be more understanding about your motives, and your problems. And I promise, most of all, to continue loving you.'
xxxxXXXXXXXxxxx
Harry felt himself falling, falling through the memories. Not his, or were they? Whose memories were they? Why was he seeing all of this? Was he dead? Why wasn't anyone trying to find him in this ever falling darkness?
But these memories, they aren't bad memories; most of them were ones that he was glad to now know. Every single one of them was important. And he was glad that for whatever reason, he had them. He was glad that he could now know the truth; no one could try to lie and make him feel insecure about his family.
Now he just had to try and make his way back to the living world. Back to his friends, his father, and his lover.
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Ok,this is absolutely the final rendition of this chapter. It will not be changed again. And so I will now start on the final chapter. I'm not sure as of yet how long it will be, but please be patient as I try to wrap it up as painlessly as possible.