A/N: To all those who have left their emails while Sealed Kiss was in progress, if you would still like to be on the email list, leave your email in the review once more; I'm starting a brand new email list. All thank you notes are going to be at the end of this chapter.
Hermione and Ron stayed quiet as they looked back at Harry. Neither one of them said a word. It seemed as if they didn't want to break it to Harry again, that Draco passed away 7 years ago. Hermione bit her bottom lip, her brows furrowed, thinking hard. Ron shifted un-easily in his seat, waiting for someone to say something. Harry sighed.
"You must think I need therapy, but I don't."
"What exactly made you believe Draco is still alive?" Hermione asked cautiously, not wanting to strike one of Harry's nerves again.
Harry glanced down at the table, "I think I saw him...well, not really, I heard his voice and it seriously did sound like him. I'm not crazy or anything."
"We know you're not crazy but it just seems a bit..."
"Impossible," Ron fit in the last word for her.
"Yeah," Hermione agreed quietly.
"They never found his body, it couldn't have just disappeared into thin air. There's only one possible explanation, and that is he got away," Harry said. "I just don't know where he is."
"Think about it Harry, there were a lot of un-identified bodies that were buried, don't you think Draco was included?" Hermione asked.
"But those bodies belonged to the Death Eaters," Harry reasoned.
"You told us yourself the spell hit him, and you saw him on the ground."
Harry dismissed the memory, "I know, but then he disappeared. Someone must have saved him."
There was a still silence until Hermione got up from her chair.
"Let's say someone did save Draco, he is most likely to come back to you, but he hasn't. It's been 7 years Harry; I don't think there is even aone percentchance of him coming back."
Harry slammed his fist on the table, causing both of his friends to jump a little. They looked at him alarmed.
"You're wrong," Harry snarled atHermione.
"Harry, calm down!" Ron tried calming him down.
Harry's green eyes flashed angrily at Ron as he advanced on him. Ron tried to look calm, but he was failing miserably. He now looked as if he regretted interrupting Harry. Hermione stood very still, not knowing what to do.
"Calm down? You want me to calm down?" Harry glared at Ron, who slowly nodded his head. "No onehas proof to whether Draco's dead or not. Everyone knows a Malfoy when they see one, so there was no mistake in the burial. Draco's still alive."
Hermione opened her mouth to speak.
"Shut that mouth of yours Hermione. For 7 years I had to listen to you nag every single day at me. Do you think I enjoy it? Sometimes I wish I could shove a knife down your throat to shut you up, permanently. You're lucky I haven't yet."
Harry threw Hermione and Ron another deadly glare as he left the kitchen. This was the last straw; he wasn't going to listen to his 'best friends' un-supportive comments anymore. The only way to do thatwas by leaving their house. To be completely honest, Harry have been deeply annoyed by Hermione's daily nagging ever since day 1. But now he didn't have to stay here any longer. He had enough money in his drawer right now; he could go to a nearby hotel and stay there until he found a job. Harry headed upstairs to his room and got out a suitcase from the closet. He started shoving his belongings inside it as quickly as he can so no one could stop him. In 10 minutes he was packed and ready to go. There was a feeling as if he forgot something. He thought for a moment. He had his clothes, money, and some other accessories...
"My wand," Harry muttered and left the room. He walked to Hermione and Ron's room and started searching through the drawers. Hermione's knickers...no, Ron's socks...no. No matter where he looked, he still couldn't find it.
"What are you doing?" Ron spluttered as he came in, looking around at the once clean room.
"Where's my wand?" Harry demanded instantly, dismissing Ron's question.
"Y-Your not going to hurt us are you?" Ron asked looking nervous.
"I don't need a wand to hurt you," Harry said in a deadly tone.
"It's under the bed...inside this shoebox of Hermione's," Ron replied, his voice cracking as he spoke.
Harry breathed in the scent of his new home for the time being. The hotel looked shabby and old on the outside, but Harry knew to not judge a book by its' cover. The price was a great deal too. He could stay in the hotel for at least a month. During that time, he'll have to find a job. Harry settled the suitcase on the other bed, and sat down. He looked around his surroundings. How did his life turn out to be like this? Oh yeah, the stupid war. Ever since Draco disappeared, Harry could hardly pay attention to his schoolwork. It was amazing to find out he passed and got to graduate. Draco...it was a puzzle Harry could not figure out, a maze in which Harry did not know whether to go right or left, whether to believe Hermione or not. But he didn't want to believe Hermione's theory, even though it had a slighter chance of being possible. Harry hated being alone, it was the only time where all the complicating problems in his life came rushing into his head. He ran a hand through his hair and lied down on the bed. He closed his eyes, his mind still buzzing with un-wanted thoughts.
The next morning, Harry waited until Hermione and Ron went to work before entering the house. He knew they kept a spare key under a pot of fake roses. The reason why he came back was for the newspaper. There, it had a list of wanted ads; therefore, Harry could find a job. He found the newspaper on the kitchen counter with a cup of half full coffee. Harry picked it up and flipped through the paper, scanning through it quickly. He flipped to the next page and stopped when something caught his eye. They were hiring an editor for some newspaper he never heard of. The address to the building was quite close to the hotel too. This was perfect. Harry smiled to himself and left the house, taking a taxi to the building right away.
Upon entering the shiny building, he almost got run over by a pack of people rushing by, chattering about something Harry didn't quite catch on. He looked around and sensed the busy atmosphere. For some reason, Harry started to feel nervous, but the air conditioning cooled him down. A man walked up to him, talking very fast in French on a cell phone. He gave Harry a quick glance, and pointed towards a large counter without saying anything to him. Harry nodded thanks, which the man ignored. Harry muttered, "Rude bastard," and walked towards the counter. A woman filing her nails looked up and examined him. A grin appeared on her face as she put down the nail filer.
"Yes?" she said with keen interest in her eyes.
Harry began to feel uncomfortable under her stare, "I'm uh- I mean, I noticed that you guys were hiring."
"Yes we are," she raised an eyebrow and started checking him out.
"Yeah, well erm, I would like to-"
"Hold on," she said and picked up the phone, which has been ringing for a while. "Hello Daytime London, Rosa speaking...ah yes...you noticed too?" She let out a loud and shrill chuckle that made Harry wince. "Yummy one ain't he? Mmhmmm...should I send him to Jimmy...what about Mr. Crawford? Oh...they're the same person? I never knew that...yes...uh huh...yes, okay, bye darling."
Harry waited patiently while Rosa wrote down something, which she gave to Harry.
"Give that to Mr. Crawford's secretary," she said.
"Uh...okay."
"Take the elevator to the 9th floor, turn right and keep walking until you see a office."
"Thanks," Harry mumbled and walked away.
Rosa chuckled again and eyed Harry's butt as he hurried away. Harry waited for the elevator for a long time until it finally came. The doors slid open and 3 men came walking out, carrying a stack of papers. He looked at them hoping he wouldn't end up with a pile of work like that. Harry waited until the way was clear before stepping into the elevator, which smelled strongly of cologne. There was music playing softly in the background, calming downevery oneof Harry's jumping nerves. He pressed the number 9 button and tried to relax. A soft 'ding' and a voice saying 'level 9' got Harry ready to meet his future boss. As Harry stepped out of the elevator, more people rushed past him to get in. Harry turned right and started walking down the hall, giving some paintings hung up on the walls a quick glance. Just like what the woman said, he soon found himself inside a large office. A radio was playing some sort of pop tune Harry had never heard of. There was a large glass counter with a woman typing away on a computer behind it. Harry walked up to her and waited for her to stop typing. She finally looked up and cleared away some paperwork.
"Hello, and you are?"
"Harry Potter."
"I see...and you're here because?"
"This woman downstairs told me to come here," Harry said, handing her the note.
She gave it a glance and eyed him too. Her thick-framed glasses made it took like she had very large eyes. She pressed the intercom button, her eyes never leaving Harry.
"Mr. Crawford? There's someone here for a job interview."
"Does he have a appointment," a voice talked back.
"Yes sir."
"You had to make an appointment?" Harry asked. "But I never-"
"Hush," she said sternly.
"What's his name?" the voice asked.
"Mr. Potter sir," she said.
"It's not written in my appointment book."
"Sorry, I forgot to tell you," her eyes traveled back to Harry and grinned. "It completely slipped my mind."
"Send him in then."
The lady smiled sweetly and indicated to the door behind her. Harry gave her a quick smile and knocked on the door.
"Come in," a voice boomed out from behind the door.
Harry walked in and closed the door after him. He looked at the man before him, and immediately took notice on how young the man was. The name Jimmy Crawford was displayed across a shiny golden nameplate.
"Sit," Jimmy said kindly.
Harry sat down slowly, looking at the large office. The armchair was surprisingly very comfortable, and Harry had a mad desire to stay in the chair forever.
"Comfy?" Jimmy asked, cracking a smile.
"Yes," Harry didn't know why, but he felt his cheeks heat up.
Jimmy looked at Harry, who looked back.
"How old are you?" Jimmy asked.
"24."
"Young."
"I know."
"Same age as me though," Jimmy said, leaning against his own chair.
"Really?" Harry asked, not believing it.
"Yes. Why? Is it hard to believe?"
"No...it's just that you look younger is all."
"Do I?"
Harry nodded. Jimmy tapped his desk with a pencil.
"I like you, we need more people like you in this company."
Harry raised an eyebrow, all he did was comment on how he looked younger then his age, and already he was getting off on a good start. Harry smiled, not believing the luck he was having today. Maybe this wouldn't be so tense after all, unlike his previous job. Speaking of previous jobs-
"Where did you work before?" Jimmy asked the second question.
Harry couldn't tell him he worked at the Ministry of Magic. He thought hard; he would just have to make something up, fast.
"I was...I was a...teacher," Harry finished lamely.
"Really? You have a teacher's degree?"
"Yes..."
"I see. Which school were you teaching at?"
"A school...in Canada."
"All the way over there?" Jimmy raised an eyebrow.
"Yes."
Jimmy continued tapping the pencil, making Harry start to feel a bit un- sure about the whole thing.
"Did you attend a university of any sort?"
"Uh..."
"You weren't a teacher were you?" Jimmy said smiling.
Harry turned red all over and fidgeted in his seat. What was he supposed to say now?
Jimmy chuckled, "It's okay."
"I'll just leave now," Harry said edging out of his seat.
"I have one more question for you," Jimmy said, standing up too.
"Okay..." Harry said.
Jimmy gazed at him for a second before asking, "Are you free this Saturday?"
Harry left the building in a daze. Not only did he leave with not only a job, but a date this Saturday too. The one thing Harry didn't understand was why did he agree? Somehow, Harry felt like he was cheating on Draco, but the word "yes," left his mouth before he could think it over. Was this wrong? Was he being un-faithful to Draco? But wasn't Draco dead? Harry had a feeling he's not. The one thing Harry was pondering about the most was how did Jimmy know he was gay? It wasn't that obvious is it? Maybe it was the clothes he was wearing?
"Watch it!" someone snapped.
Harry looked at the man . The man's face was completely hidden behind a large top hat. A black jacket hung loosely on the man, making him look shorter then his usual height. Harry noticed the oily black hair hidden partly until the hat. The man seemed to tense up for a moment as he looked at Harry.
"Sorry," Harry apologized.
The person turned around sharply and walked away. Something about that man gave Harry the chills. He shook his head and continued walking.
Saturday came faster then a speeding bullet for Harry. Before he knew it, Harry was throwing things out of his suitcase, trying to find something decent to wear. He ended up with a pair of ordinary jeans and a blue t- shirt. It would have to do for now, but he desperately needed to go shopping, and maybe get a hair cut too. Jimmy had hired Harry a driver, despite Harry's protests. He thought it was 'necessary'. The man that was hired didn't look too happy once Harry got in the car, but other then that, they didn't say a single word to one another. The driver drove him to a fancy looking restaurant, and as soon Harry walked in, he felt as if he just came back from outer space. His clothes definitely did not fit in with this crowd. It had been a while since he took a step into something as fancy as this. The last time was 8 years ago, when Draco took him to a restaurant in Hogsmeade.
"Excuse me sir, but are you Harry Potter?" A man wearing a white tuxedo asked.
For a minute Harry thought the man would go all happy if Harry said yes, but he realized he's in the muggle world; he's not famous here, no one recognized him here.
"Yes I am," Harry replied.
"Follow me, Mr. Crawford is awaiting you."
The man led him to a private room with a single table. Sitting there was the one and only Jimmy Crawford. He smiled at Harry as he walked in, and to Harry's relief, Jimmy was dressed up in everyday clothes too. The man bowed and left the room, closing the door after himself.
"Don't just stand there," Jimmy chuckled. "Relax and sit down."
"Oh...oh! Yeah, okay," Harry stuttered and sat down.
"How was the ride over?"
"Well it was fine, but that was some grumpy man."
Jimmy grinned, "I wouldn't give him a raise, so my bad."
Harry smiled nervously and took a sip of his water.
"I already ordered. I hope you don't mind."
"Not at all."
"I hope you like steak," Jimmy said.
"I haven't had steak in like a million years."
"Great," Jimmy said smiling widely, showing his set of white, but crooked teeth.
Harry tried not to grimace and forced a smile back. The steak came moments later. As Harry took a whiff of the smell, his mouth immediately began to water. Jimmy began to eat, and Harry stared as Jimmy chewed with his mouth open. Sure Jimmy was good looking, but he had no table manners whatsoever. Watching Jimmy eat reminded Harry on how clean and neat Draco was. Jimmy finally looked up and smiled sheepishly.
"So umm...tell me a bit about yourself," Jimmy suggested.
"There's really not much to say," Harry said, not wanting to fall into his past once more.
"Come on," Jimmy coaxed. "Tell me stuff, like which school did you attend."
Harry bit his bottom lip, "I uh...got home schooled."
"Really?"
"Yeah."
"Ah, I see."
Silence fell upon them until Jimmy started eating nosily again. Harry tried to ignore the bits of food spraying out of Jimmy's mouth, but it was beginning to get irritating. Harry listened to Jimmy talk about his childhood; zoning out was the best way to get through the long and boring story for 2 and a half hours.
"So after graduating I thought to myself..."
Is he ever going to stop? As much as Harry would love to get to know him, must he blab on and on for so long? Harry already had about 9 glasses of water, hoping his bladder would burst or something, so he could escape Jimmy's little story.
"...And the ad clearly stated a insurance along with financing service...all just a hoax...mom was so mad when she found out..."
"Uh huh," Harry would reply every now and then.
If Draco were here he would tell Jimmy to shut up, and maybe throw a couple of breadsticks at him. Harry smiled at the image of it; Draco pelting breadsticks while Jimmy cried like a little girl, hiding behind a chair.
"So how about you? Do you like children?" Jimmy asked, finally directing the conversation to Harry.
"Uh, yeah I guess," surprisedthe talkative manwas paying attention to him again.
"If I wasn't so wrapped up in work right now, I would have been tutoring children," Jimmy replied. "I received an ad that was sent to me to be posted on the next issue for tomorrow." He dug through his pocket and pulled out a small sheet of paper. "You look like the kind of person who would enjoy being around kids, so I thought you might be interested in this."
Harry glanced at it, he already had a job, and he didn't need another. It would only take up his energy and time.
"I'll think about," Harry said taking the ad and pocketing it.
Jimmy grinned and continued eating, "Sho...mrmph...har did you mphcome across ra comparny?"
"Sorry?" Harry said confused.
Jimmy repeated the question with food flying all over the table. Harry looked at the small chunk of meat that flew out of Jimmy's mouth, and landed on his own steak. All of a sudden, Harry lost his appetite. He settled the fork back down on the plate.
"Wah wrong?" Jimmy asked.
Harry bit his tongue. Do not say anything, do not say anything, do not say anything, Harry kept saying in his head, but before he knew it, he opened his mouth and began to complain about Jimmy's horribletable manners. By the time he was finished, the room was very silent. Harry looked up at Jimmy, and was surprised when he noticed how Jimmy was shaking with silent laughter, when he was expecting him to be furious.
"Look, I'm sorry..."
"Sorry?" Jimmy said through his laughing fit.
"I shouldn't have said any of that," Harry said guiltily, yet bewildered.
Jimmy continued laughing loudly, tears of amusement spilt down. Harry raised an eyebrow and blinked. What was so funny?
"Never have I been so insulted," Jimmy gasped for a breath in-between the sniggering. "Ever!"
There was a moment of silence in Harry's mind, except for Jimmy's continuous laughs and snorts.
"Uh...I'm pretty much fired aren't I?" Harry asked.
Jimmy stopped laughing immediately, "You bet you are."
There goes Harry's 2nd job, and he haven't even fully gotten used to it yet. The words, 'screw up' kept flashing in his mind. Where was he going to find work now? He glumly shoved his hands into his pockets as he walked outside. Fiddling around, his fingers came across a piece of crumpled paper. He pulled it out and smoothed out the crumpled paper and started to read it. It was the ad Jimmy gave him! Harry never had much of an experience with children, but kids really are all right aren't they? The ad stated specifically for an experienced teacher who was willing to teach a 9 year old. Harry's eyes almost popped out when he saw how much the father of the child was willing to pay. He looked around and found a pay phone nearby. He must get this job no matter what it took. If he does get the job, he would be able to retire at the age of 40 with the large amount of money he would make. Harry stuck in a few coins into the slot and dialed the number. When it began to ring, Harry could feel his heart thumping fast in his chest. It took 5 rings until someone picked up.
"If you calling about some bloody donation-" the man said lazily.
"No I'm not, I'm calling to apply for the tutoring job," Harry quickly said.
"What's your name?"
"Harry Potter."
Harry heard a clunk on the other line, and a long sentence of swear words. When the man picked up the phone again, his voice sounded really tense.
"Mr. Potter you say?"
Harry knew there was something familiar about the way the man said, "Mr. Potter."
"Umm, I'm not trying to be rude or anything, but who are you?"
"I am Severus Snape."
"PROFESSOR SNAPE?"
"MUST YOU SHOUT? WHY IS IT SURPRISING THAT I KNOW HOW TO USE A TALKIE WALKIE?"
"It's a telephone Professor."
"Whatever," he snarled.
"So why are you living with this man, Sean Anderson?" Harry asked, giving the ad another glance to find out the man's name.
"None of your business. I think it will be for the best if you go look for another job."
"Why?" Harry asked.
Snape let out an exasperated sigh, "Just trust me."
"Since when was I allowed to trust you?"
"Don't get cheeky with me Potter! 5 points from Gryffindor."
"I don't attend Hogwarts anymore, I graduated years ago..."
"Damn you!"
"Are you...drunk sir?"
"I know you are but what am I?" came the bold yet slurred reply.
"Right..."
"Now if you want to be happy, stay away from this job."
"Why?"
"You'll get hurt."
"Do you care?"
"No."
"Exactly! So tell this Mr. Anderson I'm applying for the job."
"Fine," Snape said, burping loudly.
"Fine, thank you," Harry added in politely, feeling disturbed.
Harry hung up and walked out of the phone booth. As he crossed the street to his hotel, he thought about what Snape had said. How will he get hurt from an innocent little job?
TBC