Pairings: HP/DM SS/RL NL/BZ RW/HG PP?
Rating: R, drama, angst and sap. Post Hogwarts
Warnings: R, bad language. All flames will be made fun of! THIS IS SLASH! How many times will I have to say that for you homophobic guys understand that you shouldn't be reading these kind of fics I don't know… But you have been warned so I again tell you… All flames will be made fun of!
AN: This is not the first Harry Potter fic I've written, but the first I've ever published.
Disclaimer: I asked Dumbledore to magically give me the rights over Harry potter and crew, so now he has been arrested for plagiarism and fraud! Now I own nothing but the story T.T
Getting you back.
By Black Komagoro
The first thing he did was visiting Charlie, he owed him an apology for what he had to go through with his family.
"I'm really sorry Charlie… Should have known they wouldn't be happy"
"Come on, don't you worry, yes this is the first time I had to come to St. Mungo's, but it's not the first time I get into a fight with my brothers… Besides, I got something from it they all feel quite bad and have been spoiling me"
The redhead said smiling widely, Harry was sitting on one side of the bed.
"But still…"
"Just forget it… Now, tell me everything"
Harry smiled but started telling him what had been happening, about Draco's state, Snape's condition and what they were doing. What really happened during the fight and everything else. Charlie laughed sometimes, frowned at others, got really angry about the promise and felt really sad about others.
"I can't believe that bastard, that's just not fair"
"It doesn't matter anymore, Draco will be back and I'll be able to live peacefully… Just knowing he's alright"
Charlie sighed and took one of Harry's hands on his, yes he loved the man but knew that it would never be reciprocated.
"Do you really? Harry you love that man more than your own life, are you ready to live knowing that he'll be able to continue living and having his friends, while you're away not only from him but your family?"
"It's small price Charlie… I won't be entirely happy, but I won't be torturing myself either about his death"
Charlie sighed and took Harry into his arms.
"Just so you know, you're always welcome to live in my house…"
Harry smiled sadly.
"Thank you"
They talked a little bit more, Harry told his friend about what he would be doing and all the things he had to get ready. Charlie said he would help, that way everything would be ready and Harry would have more time for the really important things. They didn't know how long he had before he would have to go, and Harry wanted to spend all his time between his family and Draco. Unknown to Charlie, Harry had noticed the changes in him, and suspected about his feeling but he couldn't do anything. Even though he loved the older man dearly, it was not the strong feeling he felt for Draco, he didn't want to hurt him and so, he didn't say anything.
"I have to go, I know you'll be leaving tomorrow morning… So I'll go visit the burrow during the afternoon"
"I don't know if I'll stay with my family, I do have to go back to work, and Norbert doesn't like to be alone"
He was smiling but fooled no one, or at least not Harry.
"At least stay for the night?"
Charlie nodded and then let go of Harry.
"Good luck Harry… And Take care"
"You too, and if they try something, do punch them back ok?"
"I will, but you will have to give explanations then"
Harry laughed lightly and kissed him in his cheek.
"Bye Charlie, see you tomorrow"
"Bye"
Harry left and Charlie closed his eyes, stopping the tear from falling. All that Norbert thing had been a lie, the dragon could very well be alone and be happy, and even though he had to go back to work he had permission to stay a couple of days. He just couldn't, knowing he would never have Harry, and he also felt horrible for feeling a little bit glad the other man had to leave, because he saw an opportunity to have him close again.
I'm disgusting…
-.-.-
Harry appeared in his place and opened a few windows, then started cleaning and getting some things into boxes. Cleaning the house and getting his things delivered would be the easiest thing to do, what he knew would take a long time to do was calling his costumers and telling them he would be closing the workshop. He would have to explain why he was closing and would also stay open to let people go get his electronics, he would repair everything and once everything was gone he would close.
Ok, let's see…
He frowned trying to remember the spell Mrs. Weasley had taught him to clean and pack. Once he got it he practiced it a few times and then started packing. He transfigured old newspapers into cardboard boxes and enchanted the packing tape to seal them once they were full. He was covering the armchairs and the big couch with white sheets when his phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Mr. Harry Potter… Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes… Are happy to tell you… That you have been selected… To be one of the few lucky ones… That will tests our latest… incredible and never seen before… products"
As always the twins were talking one continuing the phrase of the other, but Harry was not amused, he was actually scared.
"You're expected to… be at the shop… in three more days… our best regards… Gred and Forge Weasley"
He didn't have the time to even answer them when they had already hung up the phone.
I'm screwed…
Harry sighed and hung up too, he turned and continued packing his things and covering his furniture with sheets. Once everything was covered he went to the kitchen, all the not perishable food was being packed in a box and the rest he would take with him to the burrow. He put some water to boil and made himself a tuna and lettuce sandwich, it wasn't much but he wasn't really hungry, he sat on one of the kitchen's chairs and looked at the blank parchment in front of him, how was he going to start? What would he say to Draco, how would he knew what was good and what not?
Guess I could start from that day at Madam Malkin's, that was the first time we met…
He took a bite of his sandwich and started writing what he remembered of that day, about Draco's comments and his own opinion of those words. Even though it was not the best of memories it was the truth and he had to do it.
-.-.-
Charlie opened the door of the Burrow; he had left St. Mungo's earlier than planned, not wanting to bother other people. He had sent an owl though, just before he left, knowing the letter would get to the house before him and so they would know but couldn't stop him.
"Charlie!"
His mother was the first one to see him and he soon found himself being hugged and kissed repeatedly.
"Why didn't you wait for us to pick you up?"
She had finally let him go and was looking at him from head to toe, checking that everything was indeed alright.
"I didn't want to bother you mom, I'm fine really…"
"What are you saying Charlie?! You'll never be a bother! Now come here and eat something, your father will be home soon and Fred and George said they would visit"
Charlie sighed but smiled and followed his mother to the kitchen, as she said soon the twins appeared in the kitchen making him jump and spilling some of his food.
"Boys! How many times do I have to tell you not to apparate inside the kitchen!"
They just grinned and kissed their mother each on one cheek, she smiled happily and let them go for that time, the same way she did the time before and the time before that too. They let go of their mother and sat each one in one side of their older brother.
"Dear brother…"
"We need to talk to you in private"
Charlie just knew that was nothing good, they had gone to the hospital to see him and when asked about Harry he just knew they knew, he just couldn't stop it anymore.
"Just leave it guys"
They didn't even seemed surprised he knew they knew, which was not good at all because they would keep pressing.
"Oh no my dear Charlie… We can't just leave it, we already did something so there's no way back"
Charlie opened his eyes wide and before his mother could protest he had already taken the twins to the back yard and as far from the house as he could. The last thing he needed was for his mother knowing about his feelings, his unrequited feelings.
"What the bloody hell did you two do?"
They had the nerve to look at him with an innocent face.
"Oh nothing… Just collecting some favours… He did say he would help didn't he?"
"He did, and help includes testing…"
"Especially recently created products…"
Charlie couldn't believe it, his brothers were trying to protect his honour. He didn't want it, they always agreed in something, there were no attachments.
"You shouldn't have done that, what happened has nothing to do with anyone except us. We're not kids guys we just needed each other and that was all…"
"Who do you think you're kidding Charles?"
"Because not us… You love him Charles you should do something"
He turned to look at Fred and frowned.
"And what, pray tell, should I do? I don't know if you have noticed Fred but Harry is completely in love with Malfoy, so much he's ready to live unhappy the rest of his life, just so Draco can be sane again"
"Go with him then, don't let him be alone"
Charlie sighed.
"I already offered him to come back with me to Rumania… I feel disgusting though, for wanting him to stay with me. He doesn't love me"
Fred and George looked at him with a saddened expression; they knew that fact and couldn't really ask Harry to deny his feelings, after all those feeling where the reason they all were free now. So strong that gave him the power to overcome Voldemort and finish him once and for all.
"Guys, I appreciate your efforts and I'm happy to know you two care so much, but there's nothing I can do"
"I hate Snape… Even more"
"Maybe we should test our products on him?"
Charlie couldn't help the smile that came to his lips at the look on his brother's faces, Snape was definitely in grave danger and he was not going to do anything about it, he too thought the man deserved it.
"Just don't kill him guys, he's not worth going to Azkaban…"
-.-.-
Far away from the Burrow, in a manor as old as the family that lived there, a young man was starting to get annoyed.
"If he doesn't stop I'll throttle him myself Pans…"
Draco had started calling Harry a few hours ago and every time they passed near him he would try grabbing their robes, and would start pulling them and saying the name. As Snape had told them they didn't answer to him and that just made thing worse, as Draco started to get agitated and sometimes even yelling.
"You knew this was going to be hard Blaise, we need to be patient and wait… You'll see that everything will be alright…"
In a moment of distraction they had managed to get away from Draco, they would check from time to time on him but being careful not to be seen by the blonde. Neville turned when he heard the flapping of wings, and they knew that things had seriously started, it was Hedwig bringing the first of probably six letters and the start of an even harder time for them. Draco raised his head and noticed the owl, as Snape had predicted he recognised it and let the beautiful bird to rest in the arm of his chair.
"Hedwig…"
His voice was soft, lost the same way his eyes were, the owl noticed and nipped at his finger softly. Draco took the letter and raised a hand to pet the owl gently.
"Pretty"
The bird hooted and nipped his finger a second time before leaving, Draco took the letter and just looked at the sender.
"Harry"
His hands were trembling, because he knew Harry was in the house so there was no need for him to send him a letter, it just made no sense. He slowly broke the seal and took the parchments inside, opening them still trembling and stated reading.
Hello Draco,
You know, lately I've been remembering our time in school, when we first met and all that. I thought you may want to remember it too, so many things that happened.
I remember perfectly the first time I saw you, you were in Madame Malkin's getting your robes fitted. You looked regally while I felt completely out, I didn't know a thing about you world and you fitted so well in it.
I remember your words, they weren't nice though but you were the first magical boy my own age I ever met. The only one I knew was Hagrid, bad thing you insulted him. I remember perfectly well what you said that time.
'Yes, exactly. I heard he's a sort of savage - lives in a hut in the school grounds and every now and then he gets drunk, tries to do magic and ends up setting fire to his bed'
I wanted to hit you then, he was the first person who was sincere with me and told me the truth about my parent's death. Then you started talking about 'that other sort' not knowing you were talking to one of them.
Then we met again at the train, once again you managed to insult someone else who had being nice to me, yes I remember those words too.
'My father told me all the Weasleys have red hair, freckles, and more children than they can afford...You'll soon find out some wizarding families are much better than others, Potter. You don't want to go making friends with the wrong sort. I can help you there'
I then a there decided that the wrong sort were your kind, I didn't like you and from there on I hated you. I know that this is something you would prefer not hearing but you need to. I'm just doing what I have to do, you may not look at it this way, but it is for your own good.
You were so sure you would be a Slytherin, I didn't even know what that was not until I finally reached Hogwarts. Did you know I could have been one too? The Sorting Hat said I would have done well in there, but you were there and I asked it 'not Slytherin' and it put me in Gryffindor.
I'm getting sidetracked, sorry.
Draco was transfixed, he couldn't stop reading, even when he felt his heart aching. Neville, Blaise and Pansy wanted to go there and comfort him but there was nothing they could do; for he would see them as Harry and then the whole letter thing would be useless.
You challenged me to a wizards duel, I accepted but you didn't show up. Your intention was for me to get caught, you just managed that I found out about some interesting things, and a three headed dog. Maybe I should thank you for that, had you not done that we wouldn't have known were the entrance to the secret room was. Somehow you helped us to stop Voldemort from coming back, back then.
Then you managed to get us in trouble again, you told McGonagall that we were out of bed. Though you also managed to get yourself in trouble, I'm actually laughing at that, sorry. Do you remember the forbidden forest? When Hagrid said we had to find and injured unicorn? You asked to get Fang, the coward dog, that also made me laugh now that I think of it I'm happy I have some memories that can make me laugh.
I know this probably will be choking for you, but I think it'll help you if you know. That time, when we found the poor unicorn, do you remember the dark figure that was all over it? Sucking its blood? Well that, Draco, was Voldemort living in Quirrell's head. He needed the blood to keep living, but you know that when you drink unicorn blood you just manage to curse yourself to a half life.
I have to go now, I'll send another letter soon tough. Draco you need to read these because you need to remember, please.
Yours truly,
Harry J. Potter.
Draco's hands fell to the sides the letter slipped from his fingers and a few tears fell down his cheeks. However, what kept the other three from getting closer was the shine in those eyes for the letter had done what it should, make Draco's real self come back for a moment.
"I'm… Sorry"
And he once again fell unconscious, the curse shutting off the mind to once again gain control over it, but this time the curse had taken longer to act. For Draco could read the whole letter and the effort of his true self fighting the curse made him weak and once finished his mind succumbed.
"Merlin, Draco… I wish I could do more"
"I know Pansy… But none of us can, I've seen how Blaise and you look at him, and I want to too, but we would just be destroying the hard work done till now"
Pansy sighed in defeat and just went with the other two to help Draco lay in the couch and rest. They would make some tea and once Draco woke up would give him some, and then everything would go back as it used to be since two years ago.
-.-.-
"Add three drops of veritaserum and stir once to the right… Low the flame and let it rest for three days"
Two weeks had come and go, the potion was progressing perfectly, and even though Snape would never admit it out loud he knew it was because Hermione was there. Harry had sent them a letter telling them the first letter to Draco had been already sent and that he was staying with Ron and his family for the time being.
"Put the time charm Granger and then go a get some rest…"
She did as he said and then excusing herself she left, she really wanted to visit Ron and Harry and eat something good for a change. Snape was left alone, it was nigh already and Remus was spending the night in Shrieking Shack, since it was full moon and even with Snape's potions he still couldn't control it completely.
"Remus…"
He approached the window directing his useless eyes towards the place he knew his husband was right then; he had been working in his animagus transformation which, given his patronus, was a wolf. But his eyes presented a problem since he didn't know really how he looked, if it was perfect or not, it was not easy to become one and when you don't have one of your senses then it becomes even more complicated.
-.-.-
Hermione apparated in front of the Burrow, she was tired and hungry and also wanted a bath. She raised her hand to knock but the door was opened before she could even touch the door.
"Hermione!"
Harry embraced her and she just let her body fall over his, he helped her to get into the house and sat her down in one of the armchairs.
"God Hermione… You look like shit"
"Thanks Harry, I love you too…"
He was about to apologise when the door to the kitchen opened.
"Hey Harry, I heard you- Hermione!"
Ron's smile was wide and clearly showed how happy he was to see her.
"Hello Ron"
She was literally slumped over the armchair and it was difficult not to notice.
"Are you ok?"
He had kneeled beside her and had taken one of her hands in his, Harry decided it was better to leave them alone and entered the kitchen. He stopped Molly from going in there shaking his head and taking her by her hand.
"You're right Harry… Come, help me to prepare something for her I'm sure she's hungry"
"Of course… She looks really tired, I don't know how to repay her though her state is my fault after all… I asked her to help Snape"
"Harry, if she had asked you to do the same, based in the same conditions… What would you have done?"
And he understood for he would have done the same, exactly the same she did not caring the sacrifices.
"You're a good man Harry, and I'm sure Malfoy is too… You wouldn't have fallen in love with him if he wasn't"
She still didn't like Snape's methods but she had talked with Remus and understood, so all they could do now was to wait and see. They had finally prepared a nice homemade meal for all of them and set the table, finally Harry went back to the living room to call them for dinner.
"Hey… Dinner's ready"
He knew he wouldn't walk on them, Hermione's face said a lot of how tired she was. They both nodded and Ron helped her to get to her feet and then walked her to the kitchen.
"Here dear, this will help you get your strength back"
"Thank you Mrs. Weasley"
She ate slowly while Harry and Ron devoured their plates.
"How's everything there Hermione? Is Snape being too nasty?"
"No, actually we manage to work quite well… As long as I keep my book filled mind shut there's no problem…"
She actually laughed at that and soon the others followed.
"So he's not being all sour and behaving like a bastard?"
If you only knew Harry
They still wouldn't tell him and she had promised them to keep the secret, she wouldn't tell even if she hadn't promised, for that was something that concerned them, and them only.
"No, actually once you get used to him he can be quite interesting… Snape knows a lot of things and working with him like this I've learned new methods to make different potions and how many uses can you give some already made potions in others… It's quite fascinating"
Ron snorted as she knew he would.
"Only you would find working with him fascinating Hermione, sometimes I wonder if you're right on the head"
"Well, better than you Ron… You did got your head hit by bludgers more than once"
They all laughed, Ron conceded that one and while they talked and joked Harry decided his next move. There were some visits he needed to do, Ron deserved to be what he wanted to be or at least as close to it as he could.
"Ron… Have you ever considered being a quidditch coach?"
Ron stopped eating and looked at Harry with a mixture of resentment and curiosity, because he had to remind him of the blasted injury in his back but also was curious as to why he was asking.
"Not really, I always wanted to play but now that you mention it, that sound's good too"
Harry nodded smiling, because the first step was asking Ron if he would mind him using his 'fame' to help him.
"Why do you ask?"
"Well, I've been thinking and if you don't mind I can, for once, give my 'fame' some good use… Once I get into the light I know people would want at least one interview and I can use that attention to get the Cannons a new and decent coach… What do you think?"
He crossed his fingers, hoping Ron wouldn't take it as charity because it wasn't.
"And what makes you think I can be a good coach Harry?"
He was a bit annoyed but wanted to know that first, that would say if he got completely annoyed or not.
"I would think that the fact that you're an excellent strategist would be enough…"
His mother was looking at him nodding and smiling as she saw it was a very good opportunity and not taking it would be a huge mistake.
"Do you really think so? You're not saying it to make me feel better?"
He was still suspicious, Hermione decided not to intervene she was way too tired and this was just too deep for her right then.
"Ron, tell me just one time I have ever told you something not true just to make you feel better?"
"Guess you're right…"
He finally grinned and stood up in a flash to hug his friend.
"Thanks man… I thought I would stay in that shop for the rest of my life…"
"You're welcome… And don't worry Ron, I promise everything will go ok"
He smiled, somehow he knew that wasn't just about his future job.
TBC
Ok, I know I took a long time to post, but as I said in my other fic I had been working double shift last week and barely had time to write. I hope you liked this chapter, I'm not really happy though, maybe my pillow will help me with next chapter.
Thanks to all those who have put my story and name into your alert lists and your favourites. I hope to see reviews too, to know what you people think about this story.
See you soon!