Writer: Azure K Mello

Title: A Bond Never Dies

Part: 130 of 132 or part 45 of Part Three

Words: 868

They talked for three hours. James was honest, told his son about the deaths that would occur, told him that it wasn't going to be him or Sirius or Severus or Lucius. Harry felt the guilt James had expected but knew that the person who would die already knew the danger. James explained the plan in its totality. Nodding Harry felt ill as he listened and he said, "Is there nothing I can do?"

James nodded, "There is something," he said, "stay here and be safe. I can't speak for the others, I don't know what their motives are, but for me this whole war is about protecting you. I'm sure the others are doing it to save the world, or protect themselves and others, or for the greater good; but not me. So don't do anything foolish, don't try to sneak along and help. Stay here with Remus and be as safe as possible."

Harry understood and knew that he wanted to go along and try to protect them. His father's words shook him and he just said, "Alright. No heroics, I'll stay home like a kid."

"No," James said, "a kid would come no matter what. This is being adult. You save everyone. Realizing that makes you an adult. There's nothing you can do."

"I feel like an arse staying here when I know someone will die for me."

"They're dieing for themselves, not you. We've all put too much pressure on you. This is not about you."

And Harry smiled sadly, "You never meant to put that pressure on me. I put it there myself. I was never the boy who lived to you; I was your son."

"You are my son, don't put that in the past tense."

"Do you ever miss Mum?" asked Harry seemingly out of the blue.

"Every time you scrunch your nose before sneezing." He looked sad as he spoke, "She was a wonderful woman. We hated each other for years but then we were thrown into the scariest situation and she was the person right beside me, the woman who had my son, my best friend. She would be very proud of you. She loved you more than anything in the whole world. Will you be okay tonight?"

Breathing slowly Harry nodded, "But don't expect me to be productive though. I'll sit in front of the fire until your home."

"That's totally fine," agreed James. The rest of the day was spent confirming plans with people and making sure everyone knew their roles.

Lucius turned up with Draco in tow and when James' eyes widened the Malfoy said, "I wasn't having him at school or the manor tonight. If this doesn't go well I don't want the Dark Lord to know where he is." James had to see the wisdom in the thought and nodded.

"Fine," he said finally. And he sent Harry an apologetic look. "Home in an hour," he promised. They apparated away and left Remus looking at the two boys.

"Well," he said slowly, "I'm going and getting more coffee. I'll be in the kitchen. Um… I'll be back momentarily." He walked out leaving them standing awkwardly.

"Look, I'm an arse. I promise I won't try anything. I want that friendship."

"Alright. But don't do anything stupid."

"What's stupid?" asked Draco, "I want to know boundaries."

"I'm not dating anyone until this is over."

"So when they get back and tell us he's dead can I kiss you?" he asked with a smile expecting Harry to slap him down. He smiled but it wasn't a happy look.

Thinking for a minute Harry said, "I want to take stuff slowly."

"Is that a no?"

"No, it's a yes, but understand that I'm not ready for half the stuff you want."

"I'm not asking for you to be ready. I don't want anything you're not ready for. But kissing's okay?"

"Yes."

"Can I kiss you now?"

"Not yet."

"When?"

"When we know he's dead."

"So in an hour?" asked Draco.

"Yeah." Harry laughed, feeling silly for his regulation.

"Can I get a preview?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I said so."

"Can we sit on the couch and hold hands?" asked Draco reaching to take Harry's fingers in his.

"We can do that." Harry agreed and allowed himself to be lead.

"Can I kiss you on the neck?" asked Draco breathing against Harry's skin.

"Alright," He moved so he was leaning into Draco's touches.

"And your ears?" It was a whisper followed by a gentle kiss.

Panting Harry almost couldn't answer, "Yeah."

"And your forehead? Can I kiss you there? Where that scar used to be. Can I push your hair back and smell you?"

"Uh-huh. Can I stroke your arms?"

"Of course. I like it when you touch me. Can I kiss your mouth?"

"No."

"What?" Draco was shocked.

"No mouth kissing yet. Can I take off your shirt? I like your shoulders." Draco leaned up so that Harry could remove the offending garment.

Remus walked in and said, "Ew, teenagers. First your dad has sex in my bed, now you're stripping a Malfoy on my sofa."

Harry smiled and it was the first one he'd really meant.