Chapter Eight

Golden Boy

Harry sat back for a minute before starting his story.

"Okay, you know I left here with Sev. You know that Voldermort was killed and I did it. Sev came back shortly after that and I didn't. Now, here is what you don't know.

I commissioned for Godric's Hollow to be rebuilt when we were in our third year. It was finished shortly before the war began. I've been living there since the war ended. I'd either have Remus, Sev, Minerva or Albus with me most of the time. During the day, I spent my time studying for my NEWTS and took them when the time came. I passed all of them with flying colors. The only reason I didn't take Potions or Transfiguration was because it required too much practical knowledge and skill. I didn't have as much access to the teachers to help me with it. So, those I will be taking this year with you.

As for killing Voldermort, yes, I did it. I watched his eyes as the life left him. A reassuring feeling, yet one I have nightmares about most nights.

I could have come back last year when Sev did but I chose not to. I know it was heartless and insensitive but I wasn't ready to face all of this yet. I was in a bad place after killing that evil bastard. The war lasted longer than it needed to with more people getting killed. The Death Eaters wouldn't give up. They continued to fight even though Voldermort was dead. He'd been dead almost a week when we captured the last of them.

I found Voldermort the morning of the second day of the war. I kept him alive for over forty hours, torturing him. I killed him the third day. Word spread quickly about Voldermort being dead and this caused the Death Eaters to become even more hostile, if that can be believed.

It was over. I was done. Everyone was in jail that should be, the others were free. I went home to Godric's Hollow.

Sev followed me there. He knew I was in bad shape both physically and mentally. He stayed with me for the first two weeks, never leaving my side. He owled everyone that needed to be informed and got back up for my care. He knew I wasn't ready to return to school even after the physical ailments healed. He came back to teach and I stayed home. He visited me every night and most weekends. He was the only one I could talk to about any of this.

Sev and I ended up together a few months ago. He's a great friend to me and I wouldn't trade him for the world. It was awkward between us after a few months so we returned to a platonic friendship and are much better for it. He and I do still enjoy each other's company in the evenings if we've had a hard day. He's my friend and I won't hear anything about it from any of you."

Ron broke in, "You don't mean together, together, do you?"

Harry nodded, "You wanted the truth, I'm giving it to you. Yes, Sev and I were together in every sense of the word."

Ron shuddered, Hermione looked thoughtful and Ginny just stared.

Harry continued his epic, "Anyway, I spent my time healing. I did whatever I wanted. I found new charms to make things work in the castle that wouldn't previously. Truthfully, I made new charms so my gadgets would work. I was never idle. I was strengthening myself. I perfected my wandless magic and it got stronger. I visited muggle towns a lot. I get some piercings and tattoos whenever I felt the need for a reality boost. I went shopping. I got to buy what I wanted for once and it felt good. I reinvented myself to be just who I wanted to be and not who everyone else expected me to be."

Hermione held up a hand after a minute, "Okay, I get the reinvention and I understand about not being idle. But what do you have pierced and tattooed?"

Harry laughed, "I'll be right back. I think I need to change if you want to know this."

The three sat in silence as they waited to see what was going to be revealed.

Harry emerged a few minutes later in just a pair of shorts. "Okay, I have six piercings, all of which you've seen, I think. Two in my eyebrow, one in my cleft under my lip, the lip ring, tongue ring and one nipple pierced. That's all the piercings, so far. I'm thinking of a Prince Albert but that might hurt. As for tattoos, I've eleven areas tattooed. I have gotten thirteen different tattoos however. He pointed them out as he named them. Left wrist, an eternity band, reminds me that nothing ever ends. Left bicep it a tribal design of phoenix feathers and barbed wire. My right bicep is a stag and a lily to represent my parents. My right pec is a moon and black dog for Sirius and Remus. On my back is a lion on one shoulder and a cobra on the other, showing both my Gryffindor and Slytherin sides. The snake that lies on my lower back was done for Sev. My left calf is the green and silver phoenix rising out of red flames. My life started over, it felt right. On my left hip is a celtic cross and on my right is a celtic eternity knot. And finally, my left butt cheek are a crossed wand and sword. Both have helped me more than you'd even guess."

The girls were staring at all of Harry's tattoos with interest. Ron was almost drooling when Harry moved his shorts out of the way to show his tattoos on his hips and upper butt cheek.

Harry laughed, "Ron, you're drooling."

Ron shook his head, "Sorry mate. Are you aware of how hot you are?"

Harry smiled, "Seems I've been told that more than once since returning."

The girls returned to their earlier composure. Hermione was the first to speak, "Okay, so you spent the last year finding yourself. You've been living at Godric's Hollow, which you had built without telling us and now you're a teacher. Do I have that right?"

Harry nodded, "That about sums it up. Any more questions?"

"Since we can't say anything to anyone ever, yes. Are you dating Malfoy?" asked Ron.

Harry seemed to weigh his options and went for truth, "Yes. We started dating a few days ago."

Harry looked at the clock on his mantle and sighed, "I have to ask you to leave. I have a meeting with Sev in twenty minutes and I'd like to change before he arrives."

The trio left with a promise to return soon for another chat. They hoped their friendship could survive after everything that had happened.

Sev entered Harry's chambers right on time, not finding Harry in the sitting area of his rooms. He went to search his young friend out and found him in his bedroom sitting against the headboard.

"I thought we had a meeting?"

"We do. I just figured we could be comfortable while we had it. You know you're staying here tonight as well as I do, so go ahead and change." Harry watched as Sev undressed and put on the pajamas lying on the end of the bed. "I told Hermione, Ron and Ginny about what happened in the war tonight."

Sev looked up while slipping the silk pants over his hips, "What? Are you sure that was wise?"

Harry shrugged, "I guess. I didn't divulge details but I gave them a short summation. They know I'm gay and I rebuilt Godric's Hollow."

Sev nodded, "I supposed you cursed them enough not to tell anyone anything about what was said and then they know about me as well."

Harry smiled, "You know me too well. I cursed them and told them about us. They seemed okay with it. Did you know Ron's gay?"

Sev stared at Harry before sliding into bed, "Ron Weasley? I thought he and Hermione…"

Harry laughed, "No, much to everyone's dismay. He's with Seamus."

"Finnegan too? Are there any straight guys in Gryffindor?" asked Sev with a laugh.

Harry chuckled, "Yeah, I think there are a few. So, what is so important that you had to see me tonight?"

"Remus is driving me nuts. He only replied that he was still thinking about my question and he'd get back to me soon." Sev whined as he sat against the headboard.

Harry looked at him, "One question, what is the question?"

"I want him to date only me. I want to see if we can have a real relationship."

"Oh, I see." Harry said. "What do you want me to do about this?"

Sev shrugged, "I don't know. I just wanted you to make me feel better."

Harry kissed Sev on the cheek, "You are a great catch, Sev. We didn't work out because I'm too young for you and I wasn't ready for that. It became awkward for us and I'm sure you felt it too. The sex was great, that never changed but we were just too good of friends to last romantically."

Sev laughed, "Yes, the sex was good. I can't believe I was your first. You definitely have natural skill. What do you say, one more time for history's sake?"

Harry shook his head, "I'd love to, Sev, but I'm dating someone. I don't want to risk it. Know I'll always love you and you'll forever be my first."

Sev looked shocked, "Who are you dating?"

"I'm only going to tell you this because you are my good friend and I trust you won't do anything with this information. I'm dating Draco."

"Malfoy? My godson. That Draco. The Slytherin prince." Sev said in complete disbelief.

Harry nodded, "The one in the same. He's a great guy, Sev. I really like him."

Sev wrapped his arms around Harry and kissed his forehead, "I'm happy for you. Just be sure not to break his heart. It could prove to ruin a perfectly good friendship for me."

Harry laughed as he cuddled with his friend. They chatted about their day and Harry revealed more about his meeting with his friends earlier. They fell asleep in an easy peace and slept until morning.

Wednesday morning dawned bright for the new Gryffindor trio. They were well on their way to having Harry back. "I've a meeting with him tonight as head girl. I'll see if we can have another chat soon, the four of us," Hermione said on her way to breakfast.

Sev and Harry got up as usual. Sev flooing to his rooms and Harry going straight for his shower. They met up again at the head table for breakfast.

"Are you seeing anyone special this evening?" inquired Sev quietly.

"Yes, I have a head boy and girl meeting tonight. I'm hoping for some quality time," Harry said equally quiet.

Sev nodded and looked at his godson. He'd seen the boy grow up into a fine young man. He was worried that if the war hadn't ended when it did, Draco would be pressured into following his father. He didn't want to see that happen. He looked back at Harry and gave him a private smile that said a thousand thoughts.

Harry smiled back at Sev in response before exiting the hall to go to his classroom.

His day flew by with lessons and grading. He waited in his rooms for Hermione and Draco to show up for their meeting. He was so anxious he jumped three feet when a knock was sounded on the door.

He pushed open the portrait and smiled at his friend and boyfriend. Once the door was firmly closed again, Hermione giggled.

"Something funny, Hermione?" inquired Harry.

"Oh, just go ahead and kiss him hello," Hermione said gleefully.

"You just want to see me kiss him," Harry accused.

"Of course but you know you're dying to do it anyway," Hermione retorted.

Draco watched the scene with a mild confusion, "She knows?"

Harry nodded, "But she's been hexed to where she can't communicate about anything said in here with our friends. So come here and let's give her a small show."

Draco smirked at him, "I don't really feel like it."

Harry pinned Draco up against the wall and rubbed a hand down his chest. "Are you sure I can't convince you?" he whispered in the perfect shell like ear.

Draco shivered and lightly parted his lips as Harry moved back up to kiss his lips.

The kiss started tame and then turned a little hotter. The boys were really starting to forget themselves when Hermione cleared her throat.

"Sorry boys, but as hot as this is, I really don't need to see any more."

The boys blushed a brilliant shade of crimson. Harry served the tea after moving away from Draco and started the meeting.

After a half hour the meeting ended. Hermione left and Draco remained, still worked up from the kiss earlier.

"I thought she'd never leave."

"We had to have a legit meeting or this wouldn't be possible," Harry explained.

"I know but I've missed you the last few days."

"And I've missed you but I've had a few things to settle at home and then here." Harry said pulling the blonde closer to him.

"So should we retire to the couch?" asked Draco.

"That depends, are you expected back in the common room tonight?" inquired Harry.