Hermione had just finished her day's work as a Ministry Consultant and was at the Terrier with her Husband, Ron and her sister-in-law, Ginny. They all had family diner at least once a week, however, that night Molly and Arthur were not here.
« So, did you find anything? » Asked Ginny.
« No, I haven't. » Sighed Hermione, « It's been five years, and we've searched and asked everywhere. No one's seen him, and no one's heard from him. »
It had been five years since Harry had decided to disappear into the wilderness without a trace, and without any news of him all these years. The Weasleys and Hermione - although Granger-Weasley now - had done all the research possible and imaginable, and had not stopped for the time being. - Probably would probably never stop, by the way. - Ron had become an Auror and Hermione an Consultant, leaving them free for research at the Ministry.
It's true that at first no one really worried about him leaving, Harry had lived more than seventeen years immersed in a war he had to win - or die in trying. - They figured he needed a vacation, some peace and quiet, and above all a place that hadn't been bathed in blood. Admittedly, they were a little disappointed and angry that the young man had not told them about his plans, but they could - more or less - accept it. However the weeks, then the months and finally the years had passed, and still no sign of him anywhere.
« He still could have sent word at least once, you know. Just to say that he was okay and that he was still alive. » Ron grunted.
« It's true. He could have. » Sighed Hermione.
Hermione's gaze fell on Ginny, who still hadn't recovered from Harry's departure. She tried not to show it too much, but everyone knew that the girl was still crazy about the green-eyed boy, and that she had been devastated by his absence. She still thought they were meant for each other no matter how long Harry was gone. Because they all knew one thing for sure, and that was that they would see him again. Hermione agreed with her, of course, herself being happy with Ron. Ginny and Hermione would end up married with children, it made sense, no matter how far behind the plans they had got.
Unfortunately for them, Harry didn't seem to want to believe in the same thing they did, and to want to do what was good for him. Hermione sighed, took a sip of his tea, and waited for all the other Weasleys to arrive so that they could talk about the meeting that was to take place soon. Wondering when she would see the man she still considered her best friend.
Every year a ceremony was held to celebrate Voldemort's defeat. This year would be the five-year ceremony, which was important. The Wizard's world from England was beginning to take shape again, constructions and reconstructions were mostly completed. Wizards and witches had started to really let go of the past and focus on the future.
The Weasley's and Hermione were on the committee that prepared the ceremony. Being war heroes themselves, and Harry not being there to do the speech and all that followed, it was up to them to do it. Especially since several members of the family worked at the Ministry...
They were all gathered in the living room of Ron and Hermione's house with the kids in bed.
« Here's the tea, » Hermione announced, « it's best not to beat around the bush. The ceremony is coming soon and I think it would be better to devote ourselves to it for the time being. »
« I couldn't agree more, » replied Arthur, « in addition to being part of the organisation, we're all guests as well, and it would be unfortunate to let certain things take over for the time being. This is an important ceremony. »
« Exactly, » adds Ron, « and let's not forget the meeting we have with Kingsley tomorrow morning. »
Kingsley was the new Minister for Magic. Ron having taken his place as Chief of Aurors not long ago.
It had been five years to the day since Harry left, four months after the war, when the Wizard's World was still ravaged by the damage it had done. His relatives had at least thought to see him at the ceremonies, after all, Harry was the person who had destroyed the Dark Lord, everyone wanted to see him, thank him, shake his hand... He never showed up.
Many people say that Harry had run away from his responsibility, despite the fact that he had done so much for them in the last few years. Others said it was a good thing he had taken a vacation... So opinions were mixed, but everyone wanted him back. One way or another. Hope was always present during these ceremonies, or the one held in his honour, as well as those held for those who perished on the battlefield. Hope that quickly faded away when he didn't show up. However, the search was far from over.
All were in one of the many meeting rooms at the Ministry the next morning, waiting for Kingsley to decide to speak.
« Good morning everyone. » He began, « I know that all the preparations are going well and that this meeting has surprised many people. Furthermore, I have full confidence in the Auror Chief, Ron Weasley, to take care of all the security issues during the event. » He continued quickly, hoping to ease some of the tension that filled the room, « However, as you know, the British Ministry is trying to reconnect with magical communities around the world. »
He paused until everyone calmed down and stopped making wild assumptions, and began to listen to him so that he could explain himself.
« After many requests, and interviews via the fireplace, the U.S. Department has agreed to send a representative to help us with the preparations and to represent their community during the ceremony, » he continued, « I don't know who will be sent to us any more than you do, but I want you to know that I expect the utmost respect from you, is that clear? » Everyone agreed, « well, now that all this has been said, the representative should have arrived by now. »
Just as he was finishing his sentence, the door began to open and all the heads in the room turned towards it, eagerly waiting to see who would enter. The person who came in left them all speechless, his head was somewhat lowered, and therefore left no way to see him, yet his stature was upright and noble, this person had confidence in him and it was obvious. He must have been in his twenties, certainly the same age as Hermione and Ron.
Hermione, Ron, Ginny and the others had their eyes wide open, staring at the American representative, at the sight of his build he must have been an auror, or at least must have been working in something physical. He was very well developed, wearing the V-neck sweater that seemed to stick to him like a second skin, dark green - or forest green. - which brought out the muscles of his torso which seemed to be well defined, as well as those of his biceps and forearms. Black trousers that were just as tight, which brought out his shapes without being vulgar, adorned with a belt with a silver buckle in the shape of a snake, and to finish the whole, boots made of dragonskin just as dark as the rest. He had half-long hair, which had to reach to his shoulders - a bit like Charlie Weasley's - and it was loosely tied up and was jet black, which made the whole thing even more attractive than it already was.
But what most shocked those present was not the newcomer's more than advantageous physique, nor the way he was dressed, which was not formal but nevertheless attractive and not vulgar, but the aura that surrounded him. An extremely powerful aura, full of power that emanated from him, yet everyone saw that all this power was under control, and calm, leaving them all speechless.
The said person went and stood calmly by Kingsley's side, his face still partially hidden, showing only his mouth, and formed what appeared to be a grin. This man was powerful and he knew it.
« Here comes the American representative, » said Kingsley awkwardly.
« Oh, but last time I checked I was just as English as you are. » Retorted the foreigner in a deep, calm voice.
Before anyone could answer, the young man began to raise his head, which revealed a straight nose, and a pair of emerald green eyes surrounded by a pair of black-framed rectangular spectacles which brought out even more of the green in his eyes, which now seemed bright, but showed no sign of emotion. A unique green, which they had only seen on one and the same person.
All the eyes widened even more, if that was even possible, recognising exactly who was in front of them.
« Harry, » Hermione whispered, « Harry, it is you! »
« Where the hell have you been? We've been looking everywhere for you! Why didn't you tell us you were leaving?! » Ron exclaimed.
Harry looked at them, his face blank, no emotions betraying his thoughts, which left them perplexed. Harry was known to have his thoughts marked on his face, in his eyes. Not the other way around. The green-eyed young man raised an eyebrow, which was twice as disturbing, before turning to the Minister.
« If I'm not mistaken, shouldn't we be talking about preparations for the ceremony for the five years since the end of the war, Minister? » He asked, ignoring all the others.
« Um... Yes, yes, of course! »
All were puzzled by Harry's calm indifference, they said nothing, however. The meeting went off without major problems. Harry was professional. It took another hour or so before Kingsley decided to leave them alone, the tension in the room having become close to unbearable.
« Harry! » exclaimed Fred after the door was closed, « It's good to see you again, mate. »
« Totally, you look fine, » George continued, « even extremely fine, judging by what is in front of me. »
« It's good to see you too, Fred and George. Never been better. » Harry replied with a sincere smile. The first one since he arrived.
The other Weasley's and Hermione, having finally come out of their stupor, approached the other three.
« Harry, » began Hermione, « Where have you been for the last five years? Do you realize how worried we've been? »
Harry's face closed, resuming his initial indifference. He was going to answer, but before a sound could come out of his mouth, his arms were filled with a Ginny Weasley who decided that huddling in his arms was the best idea she'd ever had. He reached out but did nothing to make her leave. Nor did he hug her back.
« Harry, you're here to stay, aren't you? » Asked Molly, being sure Harry was back for good, « Oh, of course you're staying in England! I'm sure you've only just come back, come to the Terrier, we'll be happy to welcome you there until you can find yourself a home! »
She didn't say it, but everyone understood the implication: "That you find a house where you can live with Ginny. " Harry sighed and stuck his hands in her pockets, silently pulling Ginny out of his arms.
« Right now I already have a place to stay for the duration of my stay here, Mrs. Weasley. » He replied in an unemotional voice, missing the warmth that was once there when he spoke to Molly.
« But, Harry, you can't even think you can be alone! »Retorted Molly, outraged, « I'm sure you won't eat well, and besides, why stay alone when you have a family to stay with. » She seemed to have decided she didn't understand why Harry wasn't in London to stay.
« Exactly. Besides, don't you think you owe us an explanation for the way you acted? » Said Hermione.
Harry didn't answer for a while, looking into the void, and everyone thought he was going to give in, and go back with them. Where they could talk quietly, and reconnect, and get things going again. Just as it was meant to be and as it was written.
« I owe you absolutely nothing, » Harry said curtly, « I have a place where I can stay until the ceremony, and I intend to stay there whether you like it or not. » He continued, sighing.
There was a shocked silence in the room. Harry didn't seem bothered by it in the least.
« Can we at least go with you? I'm sure Mom would love to make you some food, and I could help her. You'll feel less lonely! » Ginny asked, full of hope. Harry, her Harry was back, and there was no way she was going to let him get away a second time.
« I don't think I said I was alone. » Harry replied, tense.
He sighed again, something he hadn't done in a long time.
« Still, I'm glad to see you're all right. You've finally become Auror. You saw that was the career for you, didn't you? » Said Hermione, hoping to ease the tension that seemed to be returning.
« I am by no means Auror, Hermione. » Harry replied, to everyone's shock.
He took a few steps back and folded his arms. The light in the room seemed to focus on a piece of metal on Harry's finger.
« Harry, is that what I think it is, on your finger? » Asked Hermione.
« It's a ring, Hermione, you can say it, » replied the jet-black-haired young man.
« Which means you're... Married? » Almost choked Ron.
« Indeed, that's what it means. »
« That's impossible, » cried Ginny, « you're supposed to marry me, Harry. I know you took some time to rest, but now that you're back, everything can go back to normal. Our wedding can happen any time now. »
« I don't owe you anything. I'm under no obligation to marry you, Ginny, you should know that. A marriage can only take place when both parties want it, and I don't remember ever saying I did, » replied Harry in a cold voice, « I'm married and happy to be. » He looked at his ring and smiled, with a real smile, as if he was thinking of the person who had the twin ring to his own, « I'm not here to answer your questions. I'm tired, it's been a long journey, even by Portkey, I'd like to go home and go to bed. I'll see you later in the week for further preparations. Good night. »
That said, Harry left, leaving the others at a loss for words. Their Harry had changed. Grown and matured. He'd moved on, and it seemed he'd started a life he was happy with. Which wasn't supposed to be possible without them. It wasn't. He couldn't be happy if they weren't with him, it must have been a joke.
« You know, » says Fred, « the fact that Harry is determined to go on living, and to move on, is a good thing. »
« The fact that you don't accept it means that you've stayed partly in the past. And while that may sound reassuring, it's not necessarily a good thing. » Ends George.
Weeks went by without anyone being able to talk to Harry. He'd come in to do what he had to do, and then leave without giving anyone time to say anything. Of course, everyone knew he was back as an American representative, but that was it. And the whole Weasley family was frustrated. Why didn't Harry talk to them? Why didn't he give them an explanation? What had changed so much?
The ceremony was supposed to take place that night. And Harry wasn't there. Kingsley had managed to get Harry to give his first real speech in years, but he wasn't at the dinner. He wasn't anywhere. By the time he got to the podium, everybody was in a panic... Panic quickly subsided when the big doors opened to let him in. He was gorgeous, wearing a midnight blue dress with silver trim. He had become a man, and was no longer the little teenager who had had to fight a war and was scared and lost. He went up to the podium and the room quickly became quiet. At last... At last their Savior was about to speak.
« Good evening to all, » he began in the same deep and calm voice, full of confidence, « first of all I want to apologise for being late, I was held up somewhere. » He continued easily. When did Harry become so good at public speaking? « We're here tonight to celebrate five years since the end of the war. It's a joyous occasion and everyone should have a good time. However, in the last few weeks I've discovered several things that have shocked me somewhat. »
Everyone looked at each other, wondering what had shocked the savior of the sorcerer's world. Hermione was sad, wondering how long her best friend hadn't needed his advice, or hadn't spoken to her with an open heart when they were in the same town.
« Please understand that I am happy to be able to be with you and celebrate what has been one of the most best moments of my life. However, as I have said in the past, I was not alone. Ceremonies in my honour should not take place, at least not as much. I never asked to be the one who would save the wizard's world, however it was my duty to destroy Voldemort, » everyone trembled at the thought of that name. He sighed, « it's only a name, don't be afraid of it, all my childhood made me believe that magic didn't exist, and when I learned that I was a wizard, I was told that a raving lunatic was after my life. I'm not happy with what I've been asked to do. I'm not happy that everyone thinks they have the right to tell me what to do and what to become. The war is over, » he says, « and I have all the rights to do what I want to do. Thank you for coming tonight, and don't let my speech stop you from having fun. After all, that's what we're here for. » He ended with an amused smile.
The room remained silent for a long time, before everything resumed its course. Harry stayed until the end, but spoke no more than he should. When the festivities were over, Harry left, though this time the Weasley family wouldn't let him get away with it, so they began to follow him as quietly as possible. They wanted answers, and they would get them. Harry went to a little part of London, the houses were huge and very well protected. They were always in the magical part of London. The lights were all still on, it wasn't very late. Harry went into one of the houses, the farthest one, where the lights were also still on. The Weasleys wasted no time, and knocked on the door. It was Harry who opened the door.
« I knew this would happen, » he sighed, « come in. »
So they went into the house, which was not warm or even inhabited, but they remembered that Harry had made it clear that he would not stay here. Not for the time being, anyway.
They all sat in the living room with a cup of tea in their hands, and Harry waited for one of them to speak. Hermione decided to start, when a noise caught their attention.
« Gab' is in bed, he wanted you to read him a story but... » The voice interrupted entering the living room, « I missed something, it seems. »
« What... Malfoy? » Ron cried out, « What the hell are you doing here? »
« It would be more my place to ask you, Weasley. »
Indeed, at the entrance of the room was Draco Malfoy in all his glory. He, too, had matured physically. Even though he still carried the aristocracy he had always had.
« Care to explain? » he asked Harry, ignoring all the others.
« They followed me. I told you this would happen before we left for home. » Harry replied with a smile.
« Harry? » Asked Hermione.
« You already know Draco, he's my husband. »
« You can't be serious? » Says Ron, slightly green.
« I'm dead serious, Ron, » replied Harry.
As protests erupted from all sides, the room cooled a few degrees, Harry stood up, The face cold, Draco standing beside him, an arm around his waist, and his face just as cold, looking at their... Guests, before saying, in a sharp voice...
« If you don't lower your voices and wake up our son, I'll kick you out of my house, understand? » He said.
Harry had changed. Harry was a powerful wizard, and nothing would stop him from living his life in peace and protecting his family. And the Weasleys were beginning to understand that.