A loud POP pulled Lance from his slumber the morning after their arrival in London. He sat up abruptly searching around for the cause but saw nothing. At least not until Hermione Weasley stepped into their bedroom. Lance stared at her still too tired to give much thought to how she'd got there. Her hair was done up in a tidy bun and she wore a long dress that looked more like a robe. In her hand she held two clothing bags and when she saw them still in bed she pursed her lips in annoyance.
"Oh do get up!" She snapped reaching out and shaking Harry who had remained asleep through her arrival. Harry jolted up with a shout looking around with wild eyes until he spotted Hermione and scowled up at her.
"What d'ya wan'?" he demanded speech still slurred from sleep.
"Don't look at me that way Harry James! I've brought your clothes and you should have been up at least an hour ago." she scolded. The frown didn't leave Harry's face but he rolled from the bed and walked toward the bathroom. Much to Hermione's embarrassment, Harry was still too tired to realize he was completely naked having fallen asleep after several bouts of particularly enthusiastic sex the night before. Lance watched Harry go before turning to a red faced Hermione.
"Err. . .do you mind I also need to shower?" he asked gesturing for her to turn around. With a startled choking sound she promptly spun on her heel and left the room. Lance laughed before following Harry into the bathroom.
Hermione was waiting for them in the small sitting room that was attached to their hotel suite. She'd regained her composure and was no longer flushing red. Instead she was tapping her foot impatiently. Harry sent her an apologetic grin and ran a hand through his hair.
"Sorry Mione didn't mean to flash you." She pursed her lips but let the comment pass by in favor of brandishing the clothing bags.
"Yes well I've brought your robes and some for Lance so he doesn't stand out too terribly." Harry accepted the bag she handed it and peeked inside as Lance did the same. "Go get dressed and then we can head to Hogsmeade."
Harry took Lance's hand and pulled him back into their bedroom before pulling a long flowing robe from the bag. Harry's was green with black accents and when Lance removed his he saw it was black with green accents. Harry laughed at the sight.
"Look she matched us. Here just put them on over your slacks and just a white shirt is fine. No tie." Harry explained as he pulled the robe over his head and began to fasten the two dozen small buttons on its front. Once he was done he came and helped Lance straighten his fixing the spots where Lance had twisted the fabric incorrectly.
"So why are we wearing robes?" Lance asked.
"It's a formal event." Harry responded in a tone that suggested it was obvious. Lance supposed to Harry it probably was. "Hmm a few rules before we go. Don't talk to anyone unless I personally introduce you. It would be bad if you talked to the wrong person. I would hate for you to give away that you don't belong and risk causing a problem."
"Okay I understand," Lance nodded as he followed Harry back out to Hermione. "You said a couple rules though and that was only one."
Harry grinned at him and Lance thought he looked equal parts sexy and terrifying.
"No matter what happens, try not to look surprised." Harry told him. Hermione's eyes suddenly widened.
"Wait! Do you mean you haven't told him yet?!" She cried in dismay but Harry just winked at her and took hold of Lance's arm. There was a tight squeezing sensation and suddenly Lance was standing in the middle of a village. People were milling about, only a few took any notice of their sudden appearance. Lance spun on Harry taking in his wide grin.
"What-" Lance started but stopped at the sight of Harry's raised eyebrow.
"Don't look surprised?" Lance asked and Harry nodded still smiling widely as if he'd just played a massive joke. A loud POP sounded and Hermione appeared out of thin air beside them. Lance managed to only a small facial twitch as he tried hard to remain neutral as everything he knew about the world was being destroyed.
"How could you bring him here without explaining?" Hermione demanded in a quiet hiss as she glanced around to ensure no one else was listening in.
"He's clever, he'll catch on soon enough. Besides I would never dream of breaking the Statute of Secrecy." Harry told her even as he dropped Lance's arm to take his hand instead. Hermione rolled her eyes but seemed to decide it wasn't worth the argument.
"Well come on then, Ron Floo'd in with his mum and dad, we'll want to find them before the ceremony begins. I've also got some cards for you to look at. Talking points for your speech." she told them as she set off with long strides toward a train station where Lance could see several carriages waiting.
As they drew closer Lance couldn't help but hesitate. What from a distance had appeared to be horses, clearly weren't. Harry squeezed his hand gently and sent him an understanding smile.
"Sorry I should have warned you, I wasn't sure you'd be able to see them but they won't hurt you. They're just thestrals." he told him and Lance nodded accepting the reassurance even if he didn't know what a thestral was.
"Why wouldn't I be able to see them?" He asked instead, deciding to embrace this strange new world Harry had introduced to him by learning as much as he could.
"Well you're a muggle but also you have to have see death to see them." Harry explained.
"Oh-"Lance replied "Before I was put in the system my mother was an addict. I saw her OD when I was a child."
"I'm sorry," Harry replied before laying gentle kiss on Lance's lips. "I've been able to see them since I was fifteen. After Cedric died."
With that said Harry helped Hermione into the carriage before climbing in himself and offering his hand to Lance. They appeared to be headed toward an old ruined castle. Lance saw several signs warning against trespassers. Lance turned to Harry.
"The memorial is in an abandoned building?" Lance asked. Harry gave him a confused look and Hermione let out a huff of annoyance.
"Honestly Harry! No Lance it only looks abandoned, you'll see the real castle once we pass through the gates."
Lance nodded and leaned back in his seat after a moment Harry leaned over and rested his head on his shoulder. He layed small kisses on Lance's neck before speaking almost in a whisper.
"I know it's a lot to take in. I just didn't know how to explain until you'd seen it for yourself." Lance turned toward him and kissed him on the lips before hesitating and asking the question that had been nagging at him since yesterday when the teacup had appeared from nowhere. It seemed impossible but he had to ask.
"It's magic isn't it? That's your secret. Magic is real." Harry smiled at him. His eyes warm and happy.
"Yes, magic is real." he confirmed but before he could say more the carriage came to a jerky stop and it was time to get out. They were on a wide patch of grass and off to the distance Lance saw chairs set out before a large stage with yet more chairs set upon it. Beyond that he could see what looked like a large white tomb surrounded by tall white stones at least fifty placed in circles expanding outward and each stone had a rose vine climbing around it. It reminded him a bit of stonehenge and Lance wondered if magic was the answer to that mystery as well.
People in robes stood all around most were talking but some stood before certain stones weeping silently. Near where the carriages had dropped them was a group of redheaded people all standing and talking in soft voices. Lance could recognize Ron, George and Charlie among them. He realized that these were the Weasley's Hermione had mentioned before. They walked at once toward them and it was only a few minutes before one of the men looked up and saw them coming. He smiled warmly and waved causing the rest to turn and look.
"Harry Darling!" A short plump woman whose red hair was shot with bits of grey cried moving forward and pulling Harry into a warm hug. Harry turned it with a smile.
"Hello Molly, it's good to see you." He told her softly. The woman pulled back and took a deep bracing breath as if fighting tears and Lance noted her eyes were already red rimmed and she had a handkerchief clutched in one hand.
"Let me look at you dear, still a bit thin. Be sure to come round after the ceremony I'll have luncheon for you all. I've made treacle tart as well dear, just for you." Harry nodded and muttered his thanks before gesturing to Lance before he could speak however Molly cut him off. "And you must be Lance! Of Course when Hermione told me our Harry had found himself a boyfriend I was so pleased and look at you! So tall! Oh and handsome though I admit dear you are a bit thin. No worries I'll be sure you get enough to eat when you come for lunch."
Lance laughed and held out a hand to shake but the woman simply pulled him into a warm hug. Then she leaned in lowering her voice to conspiratorial whisper.
"I don't mind that you're a muggle dear either. Since the war I've met several perfectly nice muggles and liked them all very much." Harry laughed at that.
"Lance this is Molly Weasley I've told you all about her of course. Molly did Hermione tell you Lance is a doctor?" Harry asked.
"Is that so? Do you do stitches?" This question came from a tall balding man who up until now had been hanging back but was now looking at Lance with eager curiosity. Lance shook his head.
"I'm not that kind of doctor, I'm a Psychologist." Lance explained. This received him a confused look and Harry put in.
"It's a bit like a mind healer only without the Legilimency."
"Ah I see," the man replied but his confused expression showed he really didn't.
"Lance this is Arthur Weasley Molly's husband. He's a bit of a muggle fanatic and will no doubt pepper you with dozens of questions." Suddenly a loud gong sounded causing everyone to turn and look toward the raised platform. A tall black man that Lance recognized as Kingsley stood at the platform.
"Oh it's starting! Come along Ron dear, Hermione you had better hurry and find your seats on the platform you too Harry! Lance can stay with me dear." Harry shook his head.
"No Lance has a seat next to me Molly, I already talked to Kingsley." he told her softly and for a moment Molly looked surprised but then smiled very warmly toward Lance.
"Oh of course how silly of me! Oh to be young and in love!" She replied with a sigh causing both Lance and Harry to blush a vibrant red.
Their seats it turned out were front and center on the platform. Harry was placed directly next to Kingsley with Lance on his other side, Ron and Hermione were next to Lance. Kingsley stood in front of them at the moment watching as hundreds of men and women in robes vied for seating or ended up standing. The first few rows of seats were all reserved something Lance realized was indicated by the slight glow and the fact that anyone who tried to sit in a seat that wasn't theirs jumped back up as if electrocuted.
Another gong sounded and all talking ceased as everyone turned to face Kingsley. The man held a stick before his face as if it were a microphone. The sight brought back the memory of his first night with Harry when he'd met Hermione in Harry's kitchen she had pointed a similar stick at him. A magic wand. He realized suddenly and he had to fight the urge to laugh because it was obviously not an appropriate time. Kingsley cleared his throat and the sound echoed across the lawn.
"Welcome, today we have gathered to remember the lives that were lost four years ago today. Over fifty witches and wizards fought and died at the Battle of Hogwarts. Glad to give their lives in pursuit of a better world. A world free of the evil that had gripped it. It was their sacrifice, their courage that allowed the Dark Lord Voldemort to be destroyed on these very grounds. Today we remember and honor not only those that died that day but all those whose lives were lost due to the evil of those times.
There is not one of us who can say they were not touched by loss at the hands of Voldemort. Many lost family, others friends. Some may have been forced to choose between their safety and their morality. In the years since Voldemort's defeat we have worked to rebuild and heal the scars of those dark times. We have worked together to rise above the prejudices that created a situation where such evil can take hold. Together we must work to teach our children that every person be they muggleborn, half-blood or even muggle has value.
Now there is one person who we all must acknowledge sacrificed more than the rest. Our Saviour who at the tender age of just seventeen faced the Dark Lord Voldemort and came out the victor. Harry doesn't like to have people fawn over him and we all know how he feels about the press but he has never failed to honor those who gave their life for the cause and it is with that purpose he has agreed to speak to us today.
Ladies and Gentleman I give you Harry Potter The-Man-Who-Conquered" The applause was deafening and Lance turned to stare at Harry. Even with all he knew of Harry it wasn't until that moment he'd understood the magnitude of what Harry had done. Beside him Harry was blushing very red and trying to simultaneously stand and shrink into his seat. Lance took his hand and squeezed it encouragingly.
Harry looked at him his eyes wide with worry and Lance gave him an encouraging smile. Trying to communicate without words that none of this changed his opinion of him. Harry smiled weakly back before releasing his hand and stepping forward. Lance watched as his shoulders straightened and when Harry spoke his tone was confident and assertive.
"Thank you Minister," Harry said with a nod of his head before turning to the crowd. "Hermione wrote me a speech, but I'd probably just mess it up" He told them getting several appreciative smiles. "Every year the Wizengamot chooses a few brave souls to honor for their contributions during the war. This year there were ten recipients whose families will no doubt speak later but there is one who sadly has no one to speak for him. I decided to do so in his families place.
Geoffrey Greengrass was twelve years old when he fell in the final battle. His sister Astoria wrote to me when she learned he would be receiving an Order of Merlin. She was afraid to come herself because as I'm sure at least some of you realize Astoria and Geoffrey were both Slytherins. Astoria was among those that evacuated when the battle began and Geoffrey was supposed to be with her. However as they headed to the evacuation Geoffrey realized his best friend, a boy named James was still trapped with the first years in the dungeons.
He slipped away from his sister and his classmates determined to protect his friends. Those that saw Geoffrey that day say he fought as bravely as many other students. He saved more than one life using only the spells he had at his disposal. As a second year he had mastered the stinging hex as well as the jellylegs jinx and he used both against any death eater he saw. Geoffrey made it almost to his friends when he came across Fenrir Greyback-" Harry paused clearing his throat and wiping his face with his sleeve. "He did not survive that encounter. However his bravery was enough to delay Greyback who had been headed for the dungeons. Geoffrey did succeed in protecting his friends he was the only student below sixth year to be lost.
Today I raise my wand to honor Geoffrey Greengrass who gave his life to protect his friends." As Harry spoke he removed his wand from his sleeve, much to Lance's surprise as he hadn't seen it there. Harry moved away from the platform and down to a white stone with a small rose curled around it. Lance along with all those watching stained to see him as he pricked his finger and held it over the rose. As his blood dripped onto the flower it bloomed wildly growing to wrap around the white stone. Then Harry pointed his wand into the air and a jet of golden light shot into the sky.
"Today I raise my wand to honor all those who died protecting friends, loved ones and the world they hold dear. I Honor them with My Magic and My Blood." As if on queue every person stood holding similar wands and shot a jet of light. Repeating Harry's words.
"I Honor them with My Magic and My Blood"
Kingsley stepped up to the platform again.
"Now will be the reading of the names of the fallen by Hermione Weasley. As the names are read you are free to enter the Garden of the Lost and honor your loved ones by giving your blood to feed the flowers that guard them."
Hermione stepped up and cleared her throat. As she began to read all the people moved among the stones dripping blood onto the roses. Some stopped at each but others sought specific stones. Lance watched in wonder and was startled to find Harry beside him suddenly. His face was pale and his eyes were rimmed. Lance pulled him into a tight hug and held him as the names were read. Noting that sometimes a certain name would send a shudder through his lover.
"Remus Lupin. . . .Nymphadora Tonks Lupin. . .. Fred Weasley. . .. Lavender Brown. . . . Colin Creevey. . ."
Author's notes: Whew emotional chapter! I hope you liked it! Please Review!