Pairings: HP/DM SS/RL NL/BZ RW/HG PP?
Rating: R, drama, angst and sap. Post Hogwarts
Warnings: R, bad languageAll 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
They looked as Draco raised his arm and let the Owl land on it, he took the letter and gave the white owl a treat. The animal nipped his finger gently and then left as fast as he had come. The waited expectantly, this was the fourth letter and by Draco's shining eyes, they knew he was with them, only if just for a few minutes.Hello Draco,
I'm here once again, with another letter and with it another year, fourth year to be precise. Fourth year was when everything started going down I think, for all of us. I remember you saying something about your father almost sending you to Dumstrang, be thankful he never did it.
You also teased Ron constantly because of the robes his mother had sent him, he wanted to turn you into a pulp, me too. Hermione on the other hand, oh she looked beautiful, yes I know what you used to think about her back then. Or what you made everyone think you thought, I don't care, she looked amazing you can tease Ron for that when you see him if you want. He had the brilliant idea of noticing that she was a woman way too late and in just not the right moment.
I know you will never believe this but I never put my name in the goblet, it was someone else. I actually though the same way you did, Cedric was the real champion. I was tricked and Cedric paid the highest price for that. You made those badges that I hope you still have, because soon you'll need them again.
Fourth year was not what I would have wanted, but once again I saw something in you, something different when you thought no one else was looking. I don't know if you'll remember this but you looked scared, of what I really didn't know, but I hoped it was of the path you were supposed to take later.
Draco, You said and did a lot of awful things then, your interviews with Rita Skitter, your constant teasing and finally taunting me about Cedric's death, I must admit I wanted to kill you back then. You reminded me about my bad choices, about not going with you back then in the train. Now that I think of it, I'm sure you were more scared than I was, for at least I had a certain freedom.
I'm sorry for not noticing earlier, maybe things would have been different.
Sincerely yours,
Harry James Potter.
Draco's eyes were full of tears, the letter now was on the floor and he was covering his face with his hands.
"I'm so sorry!"
Pansy wanted to go, but Snape wouldn't let them approach him unless Draco said something first, he had his magic linked to Draco's. He could feel all the changes and smiled, Remus had a hand over his shoulder but he was shaking.
"I didn't have any other choice… They wouldn't let me…"
Draco turned his face and noticed the group of people, his eyes widened when he focused his sight on Snape.
"Severus… I didn't want to, but he was watching me!"
"I know Draco, he knows too… He doesn't blame you anymore"
Snape was talking about Harry and Draco knew it.
"Please help me Severus…"
"I will"
Draco's eyes turned to Remus and then to the others, he was still crying but even though his face showed pain he held just there.
"Pans, Blaise…"
His friends smiled sadly and he turned to look at the other two, tears falling non stop, because he remembered.
"Harry… Oh, please no… He's"
He was gripping the armrests of his wheelchair so tight that his knuckles were white.
"NO! He's not... He can't be!"
He looked at them with fury in his face and also determination, but tired and trembling, Draco was losing the battle finally.
"Tell me… he's not… Dead!"
Three voices answered at the same time, Remus', Severus' and Neville's.
"He's not"
It was as if someone had turned off a switch with those words, Draco looked at them one final time, with relief in his face and he fell unconscious again. Neville, Blaise and Pansy moved quickly and put Draco on the transfigured bed.
"This is the longest he has managed… And he remembered, he knows the war's over…"
Snape approached the bed with the help of Remus and kneeled besides his godson. He tapped the side looking for his hand and when he found it held it for a few minutes. They all were in silence, waiting for his diagnosis.
"Potter's letters did what they should… Draco's mind is stronger now and is fighting, there's one more letter to send, after that he can visit, but not talk and even less touch him"
They all tightened their fists, except Remus who understood finally Snape's procedures. Harry was the key to Draco's recovery and for that it was the most dangerous.
"What if Draco talks to him? He's the real one and somehow I think Draco can sense that"
"Yes he can, for each and every one of us has a different magical code… But even though he knows that's the real Potter he can't make a difference between the one from his world and the one from the real world"
The nodded and stayed silent because Snape was right, they had seen it that day he came to see Draco, he seemed more alive but completely in other realm.
"Potter's presence will make the recovery faster, not talking or touching him will help Draco to know which realm is the real one"
They all wanted to ask the question of the million of galleons, what about after the potion? But they stayed silent, and Pansy actually thanked Charlie's reluctance to stay and watch. Snape closed his eyes and pointed his wand towards Draco once again, the rest just waited.
"His magic is healthy, though he must be careful when he starts using it again. Draco has been accumulating it since he stopped using his wand. I am sure you all know all wizards and witches can perform wandless magic"
They all nodded, it was known fact since all wizards tended to do magic when they are children, when they still can't get a hold of their power.
"Usually that ends when they are given a wand and start using it to canalize their power, however, there are times when grown up wizards also show amazing displays of wandless magic… Like Harry for example, when he finished Voldemort, he did it without a wand"
Neville nodded at Remus' words, he knew why Harry used that way to do it.
"Their wands were twins… Harry's and Voldemort's wand had the same core. They were useless against each other, so in his rage and desperation Harry managed to ditch his wand and fire with just his hands…"
"Correct Longbottom, extreme rage, fear, sadness, even good emotions like love, friendship and happiness can give the wizard enough strength to perform wandless magic. However in this case is different, and if my calculations are not wrong, Potter has the same condition"
He made a spell that let everyone see Draco's magic, like and aura surrounding him, and it was huge, of a vivid green colour and it has some other colours in it. Some bigger than others, there were large spots of silver, red and gold. Black spots were everywhere, but they were not big, you could compare them with the spots of a Dalmatian dog. Just one other colour seemed to be almost as big as the green one, pink and Severus didn't look pleased to see it.
"As you can see Draco has a lot of accumulated magic and even though this size is huge, his normal size is not really that different, maybe a quarter smaller, half at much… Draco, as Potter, has a natural ability to do wandless magic"
Remus, even thought he felt bad for thinking it, felt relieved that Snape couldn't see him. He was covering his mouth to hide his silent laugh because of the face Snape made when he mentioned Harry, he knew the man hated having to admit the young man had some special skills.
"I know the meaning of those colours…"
They all looked at Blaise, he was looking at Draco with a face of pure fascination, Snape frowned he really didn't want him saying what those really meant, but he couldn't very well just shut him up or he would have a whining Pansy next to him.
"Green is determination, he's still the same Draco I've always known… Silver means his mind, even when he's unconscious, is in a state of continuous thinking. He's fighting with the curse so he looses the ability to focus on the present time and what is happening around him most of the time"
Pansy and Neville looked at him in complete interest, there was no way Snape could make him stop now, and he couldn't leave because there was something else he needed to tell them, to warn them about.
"The red means him fighting the curse with all he has, and his spirit is getting every time stronger. He's so focused and his magic's strength and energy is so big that the gold spots look almost solid… But the small black spots, Draco's scared and since this curse is creating a reality that never existed and that is fighting the present one, well it shows unbalance… They are small, which is good, but there are too many of them"
He finally focused in the last colour and looked at his old teacher.
"Professor, I know you hate this maybe even more because you can feel it… Each colour has its own frequency. Especially pink, one of the most powerful emotions a human being can feel…"
"What Draco feels doesn't change anything… I have my reasons for doing what I am doing, do not question me again"
Blaise frowned and had to restrain his urge to punch his former head of house.
"Those are your reasons professor, but love has its own rules… Just looking at this I know there's nothing any of us could do to stop it. Draco Malfoy loves Harry Potter so much, that even though he's scared, even though it hurts and most of the time it's torture, he is still fighting to come back… And no matter what you say, Draco will go after Potter, even if that means leaving the country, his friends and his home"
"Mr. Zabini, there is something I hope you never forget… I have more years of knowledge and experience… I know what I am doing, and if Draco really wants to get better, he will not go after Potter"
Blaise, Neville and Pansy clenched their fists, Remus just looked down sadly, he knew it was necessary, it just didn't make it less painful.
"Lupin, we must leave now, the potion is about to enter its final stage"
"Let's go then"
Remus saw Snape exit the room and then turned his face towards the other three.
"Why don't you do something?! Remus, Harry's now your godson, Sirius left you in charge, and even though he's not a child anymore he needs your support… Instead you just accept Snape's words as if nothing were wrong!"
Remus looked at Neville and smiled sadly, he understood him but he understood Snape even more.
"I am doing something Neville, I'm doing the best I can, but you all must understand that Severus knows what he is doing… As you all, he wants Malfoy to be happy, he has analyzed the situation carefully and thoroughly, and after all that he did what the results said he shall do. I follow his instructions because I know his calculations were right, because I was right there when he did them."
He looked at the ceiling and then sighed.
"Severus is a good man, he, more than most people knows how powerful love can be and how much you can manage thanks to it. What I am about to tell you will probably shock you all and surely you will feel even angrier at him, but he, more than anyone needed proof… Severus always knew what gave Harry the power to destroy Voldemort, what triggered his rage and finally activated Harry's ability to do wandless magic"
"Then why is he trying to keep them apart?!"
He turned his face towards Pansy and answered.
"Because after Malfoy himself, Severus was the most affected by Harry's disappearing… He felt betrayed and mocked, he believed in him and Harry let him down. Malfoy, even when he lived with his parents never had a real one, except for Severus. I know you and Blaise don't know this, because Draco needed to protect Severus, the only way to do that was staying silent"
He looked towards the door Snape had left and closed his eyes for a moment.
"To him, Malfoy is as good as his own son, he had put all his faith on Harry, trusting him with the person he cared the most. After seeing such demonstration of pure and unadulterated love, as Harry had showed he also did the same. When Harry left the way he did, not even looking back, not contacting anyone, not until he learnt Malfoy was actually alive… Well, he felt betrayed by the one person he had trusted maybe more than Dumbledore himself, for him Harry's disappearance meant he really didn't care and that his explosion of power had only been the accumulated pain after so many deaths"
The three stayed silent, processing and trying to understand what they were being told.
"Harry's back, but Severus lost his trust in him and even though he knows Malfoy's love is real and strong he thinks Harry's nothing more than desperation"
He was about to say more, but that meant to reveal exactly what Snape was looking for, though he knew they would figure it out, he had not been subtle.
"Just one more thing before I leave… If you really want Malfoy to get better, everything I have told you now, you will not reveal to Harry… Believe me that if you do, Malfoy will never be completely alright, and I also will hunt you three and Charlie down during full moon"
They looked at Remus surprised and scared of what he may do about Charlie's presence in the house.
"Oh, don't you worry, I don't know what is he doing here but if you three let him stay then I know he won't do anything stupid… By the way, I assure you Severus knows too, you three will be yelled at once all this has finished… And remember, full moon"
He smiled when the three gulped scared, then turned around and exited the room waving with his hand.
-.-.-
Ron had wanted Harry to go with him for the practice held by the Cannons so he could demonstrate his abilities, but he had to decline. He had to be careful not to go into places too crowded with people before his interview, and those practices not only attracted fans, it also attracted the media. In his place the twins had gone with Ron to give him support and protection, for the Weasleys were known as the surrogate family of the Boy-Who-Lived, which Harry hated and annoyed the hell out of his friends. That was their private lives they had no right to interfere and ask stupid questions. Like right now.
"… And he lived with you also didn't he?"
Fred was fed up and took a few candies from his pocket, George grinned and took some more from his own pocket.
"I'm sure you people are tired and probably hungry, wouldn't you like a candy?"
They say at the same time, which actually helped them, as most of the female there smiled stupidly and took what was offered. Soon the crowd became much more smaller, as most of the female population in the place started screaming and running away, some throwing up and others with nose bleeding or other disgusting effects.
"We will be very happy to"
"Tests these in the next nosy reporter"
At the same moment they showed a pair of round dark objects, that cleared the crowd completely, which made the two men feel very proud of themselves.
"Well done Gred"
"Well done Forge"
They laughed and turned to see Ron talking to the players, showing them something on a whiteboard and making a lot of movements with his arms. Now that he had more tools to create a well prepared and carefully planned strategy he knew what to do to impress Dorkins and the players. If they followed his instructions just as he said Dorkins would hire him for a life time, and he better paid him what he was worth or they would send the record they were secretly doing to Puddlemere United.
"Fred, if they decide not to hire him or to pay him not enough, do you think he'll want to work for another team? Specially one that has defeated his favourite so many times?"
George looked at his twin frowning, they were determinate to get Ron what he really deserved, because Fred and George could be mean, and annoy the hell out of Ron, but they loved their brother and knew how hard had been for him not to do what he loved.
"I doubt he'll even have to think about it, they won't let him go if they know what's good for their future"
Fred said grinning and pointing the recording machine, it was a muggle device, but it worked better than magical devices and it couldn't be detected.
-.-.-
Harry was pacing from one side of the living room to the other, Hermione had stopped trying to make him take a seat and decided to sit and read a book. As she saw it, Harry was even more stressed than Ron when he left.
"If you make a hole in that floor Mrs. Weasley will kill you Harry, or at least make you suffer a lot"
"I can't stop it! I want to know!"
She sighed for the fiftieth time that evening and closed her book.
"Then you should have gone with them, you could very well used the invisibility cloak"
"Maybe but… it was just too risky, this is Ron's day and I will not ruin it with my presence there"
She couldn't really say anything about that, as Harry was right, if they saw him all their attention would be centred in him and not Ron. He was pacing back and forth again when a sudden pop startled him, Ron, Fred and George had apparated back, and for a few seconds they all stayed silent, till Harry couldn't bear it any longer.
"WELL?!"
Fred and George grinned like mad men and pushed Ron forwards.
"Here you have the brand new coach for the Cannons!"
Ron blushed and suddenly found himself being embraced by a bunch of people, he appreciated but it hurt, he still couldn't believe it himself.
"Huuuuuurtss!"
They all let him go at once and looked ashamed.
"Sorry!"
Was the general answer, but Ron couldn't be mad at them he was too shocked to be mad at anyone. He heard steps hurriedly coming form the stairs and saw his mother.
"And?"
"I'm in!"
Finally he seemed to process the reality of it all and felt dizzy, he fell down on one of the armchairs and closed his eyes.
"I can't… believe it… I'm in… I'm in… I'M IN!!"
As fast as he had sat he was up again, a huge grin and actually shacking in excitement.
"I'm working for the Chudley Cannons!"
They all laughed it was really funny to see Ron acting like that, but it was expected, all his life he had been living at the shadows of his brothers and sister, after the war he was just living, trying to go on after his loss and his injury, and now, for the first time after so many years he could actually fell complete.
"Congratulations Ron!"
"As if he would be turned down, come on!"
Hermione was right next to him and Ron turned his head to look at her, he finally could offer her something more than just him. He had a job that could actually give him enough money to do what he had been wanting to do since so long. Before he had left to the tryouts he had taken something from his room, something he had bought a few months ago after saving money from his job every month for the last two years.
"Hermione…"
She was smiling happily, not even suspecting Ron's next words. He took a small red velvety box from his pants and kneeled down in front of her.
"Hermione… Now that I can actually offer you something more than just myself… Would you marry me?"
That actually shocked everyone in the room, even those who were just entering the house. Bill, Charlie and Arthur. They stayed silent, no daring to say anything before the woman standing in complete shock looking down to his boyfriend of so many years. She raised a trembling hand and Ron noticed a few drops falling on said hand.
"Hermione?"
"I… I…"
The rest wouldn't dare to even move, they knew Ron had risked everything right now.
"I… Do! I definitely accept!"
She let herself fall down and hugged Ron tightly, and even though it hurt him he didn't stop her. A collective sigh was heard, they all had been holding their breaths Ron pushed her gently away and took her hand, placing the ring in her finger. It was a modest silver ring with a small brilliant in the middle with two smaller rubies in each side, it may not be big but it was beautiful nonetheless.
"You just… Made me the happiest man on earth Hermione…"
She blushed and just kissed him not knowing, for the first time in her life, what else to say. Molly applauded and soon the rest joined her, soon Ron found himself standing again being congratulated by his family, Hermione too found herself being hugged and kissed by what would be her new family.
"God… Oh GOD! My parents! I've got to tell my parents!"
"Then go! The two of you go and tell them!"
Molly was very excited it seemed that she had been waiting for this moment even longer than the two involved.
"Go and then bring them here! I'll prepare something to celebrate!"
She was already moving, going to the kitchen and setting the oven and pots with her wand to start cooking. Arthur shook his head but knew there was nothing they could do once she had set her mind.
"I'm really happy for the two of you"
Harry hugged them both and then steeped back.
"You took long enough Ronniekins!"
"Yeah, we were wondering if she would have to be the one to actually ask you"
Ron blushed and actually hit one of the twins, he had his reasons, he wanted to ensure a future for her before doing anything.
"Shut up…"
Hermione understood, his words had been quite clear but said nothing, at least she wouldn't tell him anything yet, that could wait. They both went out of the house and as his family had told him they left to tell Hermione's parents the news. Ron was scared but he knew that at least now he had something to offer their daughter, he just hoped it was enough and that they accepted him as his family accepted Hermione. Harry opened his eyes wide and then a malicious grin appeared on his face.
"Charlie, my dearest, you owe me ten galleons"
The redhead was actually about to go out when Harry called him, he was clearly trying to escape.
"Damn, you remembered"
The twins looked at them amazed, not even them had had the audacity to bet over that particular matter.
"That's so unfair"
"I would had won at least fifty galleons by now"
"We'll never show our nice side ever again, it is not profit compatible"
The house actually burst out laughing, even Molly, who was about to scold them but decided to leave that for another occasion.
-.-.-
Hermione arrived at the dungeons just in time, Snape was not happy at this and actually scolded her.
"Granger, are you not aware of the importance of this potion? Did you forget that it must be made with extreme precision and utmost care?"
She wouldn't let the man put her down she was just too happy and would stay that way no matter what.
"I'm aware of that professor, I may have arrived just a few minutes before the next step but I did it and will do my job as it must be done…"
Snape snorted and let her go to the lab, Remus was there and that was a man she couldn't fool.
"Hermione, is there something you would like to tell me?"
He was smiling and even though he didn't know what exactly had her so happy he could tell it wouldn't go away anytime soon.
"Well yes Remus, as you know Ron had his tryouts for the Cannons today, well, after he came back he did something I had been waiting for a long time now"
She raised her hand and showed him the ring.
"He… Proposed?"
"Yes!"
The time charm warned them and she took the lid off the cauldron, the potion had taken a clear blue colour and that marked that last stage and the longer.
"Add the three ounces of powdered unicorn horn and stir two times to the left…"
Hermione did and as soon as she ended the second stir Remus added the last three drops of veritaserum.
"Now, fifty five stirs to the right and fifty to the right"
She started with the first half of the stirs and they stayed in silence while that process, they couldn't get distracted or everything would go down the drain literally. Snape was standing on the door, feeling the smell of the potion and waiting for them to stop so he could get close and feel some other things about the potion. Finally Hermione finished her part and Remus started with his, Hermione took the oak lid and got ready to put it as soon as Remus finished.
I can't believe it, it's finally done, let it boil three hours at minimum fire and then just let it simmer and cool, finally Harry will be able to be free, even if not completely happy, but worst is nothing… Damn you Snape
"Forty nine, fifty"
She put the lid and Remus lowered the fire while she put the time charm. She sighed and let herself fall over one of the armchairs, Remus did the same while Snape approached the cauldron and smelled the fumes and felt the heat.
"Once the fire's put off you can leave Granger"
She didn't answer, actually she wanted him to leave her and Remus alone so they could talk. Snape seemed to understand that and turned around leaving the room and letting those two talk in peace.
"You know why he didn't do it earlier?"
Remus was suddenly startled, till he finally remembered what they had been talking before the potion had to be completed.
"Why?"
"He though he wasn't enough… Now that he got the job he felt that finally he could ask me, knowing he could offer me something more 'than just himself' Stupid isn't it?"
She was crying, and Remus stood up and embraced her knowing she was angry and touched at the same time, something that could really confuse you.
"Ron has been poor all his life, in money at least… He was always rich when it came to what really mattered, but his life style affected him… He wanted to assure you a good life Hermione, one where you wouldn't have to worry about money and having to be a burden to you… I think that was the biggest problem for him, the fact that he's not, to his own eyes, what he used to be"
"He's not invalid Remus… I mean, as much as I hate him there you have Snape, the man's blind and still can do things like these"
She said pointing to the cauldron, yes they had physically done it, but was Snape who had directed them, so it was almost as if the man himself had done it.
"Yes, he still can, but you sure know that it frustrates the hell out of him not being able to do it himself, that's the same for Ron… Remember that he grew up in a house full of men, and they all always managed to do everything by themselves, he didn't want to be less"
"I know, but still… He should know by now that he can count on me for anything he needs"
"And Severus can do the same but he doesn't, you won't like what I am about to tell you, and be sure neither will them… But those two have more in common than what they think"
She actually made a face of pure disgust.
"No offence Remus but... Ewww"
He laughed not taking any offence in her words, and really if Snape heard him say that he would be sleeping in the couch for a month or more.
"Just so you know, Ron will not be young all his life, you better be ready to love him even when he has his wrinkles… And I'm not saying that Severus is old, just so you know"
She giggled and covered her mouth with her hand.
"That's for me or for yourself? I mean, you're not that young either and frankly he kind of looks younger and all that…"
"Good to know you're my friend, wouldn't want to know what would you do if you hated me too"
She didn't answer, it was a very complicated subject and she didn't want to get into an argument with Remus.
"By the way Remus, once the three hours have passed, well we want you to go to the celebration party in Ron's house. My parents will be there and I want all my friends to enjoy this moment with me…"
"I'll be happy to be there Hermione, I'm sure Severus won't mind and he could actually take the time to get some rest, Merlin knows he needs it"
She was a bit uncomfortable, Snape was Remus husband and it was unfair to let him out of his husband's activities, but maybe the only one who would not do something to Snape would be Harry, the rest was still way too angry and didn't really understand.
"You should rest too, Remus you look really tired and being alone during full moon is not helping any… We wanted to go with you, but well, I would be an otter and Ron is a terrier I think that would look more of a treat than friends…"
She didn't want to mention Harry, his patronus was a stag and he would bring too many sad memories to Remus. Besides, they knew it wouldn't be the same, she had wanted to ask Snape if he could but she knew the man would not answer or just tell her to mind her own business.
"Don't worry Hermione, it is not as bad as you think, Severus' potions are really good and I don't feel that bad after full moon…"
Besides, Remus suspected that Snape had been practicing being an animagus, he wanted to tell him something but suspected also that the man surely would try to avoid the subject or just deny it completely.
-.-.-
Harry had gotten a letter from Snape and was way too excited and shocked to say anything, he had been helping Molly and the others when the owl came and delivered the letter, once he saw who it was from he retired to the second floor and had not gone downstairs.
Mr. Potter,
As you very well know, I promised that if Draco showed signs of recovery you would be allowed to visit him. After your last letter he reacted just as I wanted to and the potion will not need more time to be ready.
Draco will be able to take the potion as soon as it is ready, that will take another ten days, once you send your last letter and I see the reaction you will know if you can really visit him or not till the potion has taken effect.
If I allow you to see him remember that you are not to touch him or talk to him, this last part of the process is the most difficult and delicate, his mind will be at risk there and we can not take any risks.
Once he takes the potion and I see the effects you will be required to leave as we agreed before this started.
Severus Snape,
Potions Master.
Harry sighed, he felt happy but at the same time a bit of anger got inside him. He couldn't really feel angry at the man, he had been right and his sacrifice had worked, Draco was getting better. He let his body fell on the bed and closed hi eyes, he wouldn't be able to be with Draco, but at least he could live the illusion. Downstairs he could hear people going and coming, getting everything ready to celebrate, Hermione had gone to continue with the potion and soon would be back with Remus surely.
He smiled a bit, Remus was the last of his father's friends still alive, Sirius had died at the hands of Bellatrix, Pettigrew had died at the hands of Ron.
He would never forgive him the treason, he took care of him, feed him and actually loved him as his pet, and the pet he had cared so much for had betrayed them. It was sick as far as Ron knew, and when he saw him fighting for that monster he just lost it. Ron, before he was hurt by the cursed sword had managed to hit Peter with the sectumsempra. He had talked about it with Harry a few weeks ago, he knew what the curse did and he had actually wanted to severe the silver hand the man had. But the battle was fierce and when he saw the rat attacking one of his friends he just lost it and fired, he cut the hand, but also cut deeper. Peter Pettigrew's death had been painful and slow, for Ron had punctured a lung.
His smile had disappeared at that thought, so many had died and so many that should still be here. He thought of Ron, of how much they still missed Percy and Ginny and how they would never recover completely. Percy had died not having the chance to say sorry, his family had forgiven him a long time ago, but they never got the real chance to set everything right. Percy had appeared once the battle had already started and after defeating a good amount of Death Eaters he was killed. Ginny would never accomplish her dreams, her mother and father would never have the chance to see her grow and enjoy the good moments of being the parents of a young girl.
I'm so sorry everyone… This was supposed to be my fight
Harry sighed, he knew he was being irrational but he still blamed himself for those deaths. If he had finished Voldemort earlier, if he had concentrated as he should have then maybe all those heroes wouldn't be dead now.
"There you are… You better not be thinking what I think you're thinking Harry. You cannot do anything about it and it was not your fault"
"I'm sorry Ron, but I can't help it"
"Mate, you have been blaming yourself since before it even started… I think it's time to just let go. Even Malfoy, after everything happens and he gets well, you'll have to go… Merlin knows I don't like it but I know you and you will do it… If all, you will have to learn to forget, it won't do you any good to live thinking of what you could have been but didn't"
Harry frowned Ron's words were contradictory in a way.
"Ron, you thought it too… And look at you now, if you had let it go then you wouldn't be here right now"
"I did the best I could mate, if you had not come back I wouldn't have this chance… Until you mentioned it, I was certain I would never get the chance to be something better… To offer her something better"
Harry sighed, he had raised and was now sitting cross-legged over the bed.
"Ron, will you even understand that Hermione doesn't care about that? I think she was actually mad at you for waiting so long and for something like that. If I had not appeared again, would you have ever asked her?"
"That's mean Harry… There is not correct answer for that question"
"No, there is one…"
Ron approached the bed and let himself fell on it, making Harry actually jump a bit over it.
"I know, and I would have… Though she doesn't deserve a life like the one I would have given her, she's intelligent, kind and beautiful. She deserves someone at her same level, even now, I think she deserves better… Someone at least as intelligent as her, what do I really have to offer more than my love and now a more or less decent life?"
He was looking down and had his hands clenching each other, he never noticed the one standing on the other side of the half open door.
"Tell me Ron, would you let her go if she found someone else? Would you step aside if you saw that she would be happier?"
He looked at his friend and smiled sadly.
"Of course I would Harry, I'm ready to do whatever it takes to see her happy"
They both looked startled towards the door when it was completely opened and a female voice spoke to them.
"And you still cannot figure out why I love you Ron?"
"Her… Hermione! I, I was… I wouldn't , I didn't"
Harry snickered, it was something so Ron to stutter like that that it was actually funny.
"Very coherent of you Ron"
"Shut up Harry"
He did as she told him, the look she gave him promised years of pain.
"Ron, if there's something you have that I treasure the most, is your love…"
She embraced him and before he had the time to start stuttering again she kissed him, Harry took that as his cue to leave and so he did, he still had a lot of things to think about and another letter to write, he stood up left the room and closed the door gently.
-.-.-
"Can I help you with anything Pansy?"
She turned and looked at the redhead, giving him a smile she nodded.
"Usually the house elves prepare the food, but Draco's food must be special, help me with those tomatoes please"
She explained to him that Draco barely ate and so their food had to be carefully prepared with the most nutritive combination possible and then added some potions to keep his bones and muscles fit.
"I've seen him eat once or twice, he doesn't seem very focused on the task though…"
"He doesn't even know…"
She checked the rice and lowered the fire, then turned around and cut some bread to accompany the food.
"How so?"
"Professor Snape taught us a less invasive version of the imperius curse. We use it to make Draco eat at least three times a day, you have never saw cast it because it doesn't need a special wand movement, so we hide the wand under our robes or the sleeve and use silent casting"
Charlie was speechless that was something he was sure was too close to illegal, but he knew there surely was no other option, Draco wouldn't eat by himself.
"Doesn't that affect his state?"
"No, the spell is not that strong… It is designed to control not the mind but the body, you take control of the muscles and nerves, not the thought"
He nodded and continued helping her, he felt bad for those three, he was sure they also desired to do something else. Taking care of Draco was almost a full time job, they couldn't have a life of their own.
"You three have endured so much…"
"Yes, but we don't mind really… Blaise and I would never abandon Draco, Neville would never leave Blaise and after living so long here he now sees Draco as another of his good friends, he would never leave him alone either…"
He wanted to know though, what they would have liked to do if everything had gone differently, what they would do once Draco recovered.
"Once he's fine, what are you three planning to do?"
"Stay of course, there's no way we will leave him alone now… Draco will recover, but Potter's absence will be difficult on him. He loves him Charlie, and now that he will be lucid it will hurt him more than ever"
He nodded, he knew things would be difficult but that was not what he was asking. He finished with the tomatoes and put them aside in a bowl, she passed him a few carrots and he started peeling and cutting them.
"Ummm, That's not what I meant Pansy… I mean, you won't have to take care of him the same way you are doing now. Is there anything you would have liked to do after school?"
She stopped peeling the potatoes and looked up, thinking about the question.
"Well, I know Neville wanted to work as a herbologist he just loves plants too much"
She actually laughed at that, the boy would be the best paid if he ever started his own green house.
"Blaise wanted to become and Auror, he might still have the chance… As for me, I wanted to work with magical creatures, I like dragons the most"
He smiled happily at her, at least he could help one of them to reach their goals.
"I don't know if you knew, I don't think so… But I work in a reserve in Rumania, once everything is settled I can help you there, Merlin knows we need more expert hands"
She looked down, she would love that but for the moment Draco was her priority, the recovery was not the last step.
"I would love that Charlie, but I don't think that will be possible… I can't leave Draco alone. I have no one, Blaise and Neville have the right to be happy too, together. I will let them have that, they have a better future than mine and it would be cruel of me to stop them from getting it"
"You too have the right to be happy Pansy, and I'm sure you won't be alone for too long… If you don't mind me saying it, you are a very kind and clever woman, and very beautiful too… Why wouldn't someone want to make you happy?"
She blushed and Charlie knew that face would caught any sane man attention, it was catching his after all. Pansy had lost the pug-like face, she was a fine woman and even tough she was not the most beautiful woman in the world she was very pretty.
"Stop it Charlie… I don't really think I'll ever leave this house… Draco needs his friends, Potter will leave because he gave Snape his word. Only Merlin knows what went through that man's head when he said that, but the thing is that that damned man keeps his word till the end"
"Malfoy won't stay put, if everything you have told me is real, then I really doubt Malfoy will accept Harry's absence and stay here… I don't know what Snape plans to do, but he definitely won't manage to stop him. And once those two meet, believe me, you will have the chance to do whatever you please"
She noticed the sad look he had in his eyes, and wondered what the hell that guy had that made people fall for him like that.
"What about you? I think you too deserve to be happy, as far as I've seen you're not a bad person at all… You're even giving the one you love up for his own happiness, I think you deserve better too"
"I'll learn to forget, I love him yes, we lived a year together and after that I always visited him… But he was never mine to start with, I always knew that I was fighting a ghost and now I would be fighting a living person… I have no chance to win, so I'll keep going, I'll never forget the time we spent together though. I'll treasure those memories, but won't let them keep me from going after my own happiness"
She smiled at him and nodded, she had finished with the potatoes and went to turn off the rice and put a new pot with water and salt to boil.
"Love is an estrange thing, it can make you the happiest person in the world and can also destroy you completely… But we still want it…"
She turned to smile at him, more relaxed and actually kind of hopeful.
"You know what? Once Potter and Draco get together, because that will happen one way or the other, I'll take your offer… Besides, I've never been to Rumania and now I have even a free guide"
He raised and eyebrow and laughed.
"And what makes you think it will be for free?"
-.-.-
The party had been perfect and even though Hermione's parents still felt awkward when surrounded by so many wizards and witches they felt happy and congratulated their daughter and as expected threatened the soon to be son in law.
"I may not be magical but I still have my methods Mr. Weasley"
Ron smiled and raised his hands in a protective way, Harry laughed together with the others and Hermione scolded her father, all in all it was a normal party for that group of people. Charlie, though, seemed a bit distant and Harry thinking that it was because of what had happened between them didn't dare to get close to him. The twins knew the reason though, Charlie had took to them when he needed to talk with someone and even though they used to laugh they did understood.
Charlie was lonely and missed Harry deeply but understood that it was no use, and as Ron said before, he would let him go if that's what made him happy. He wouldn't hold him against his will and his feelings.
"Come on Charlie, here drink some of this, it'll make you feel better"
He accepted the drink and thanked Merlin for his crazy brothers. The party continued without problems, Remus approached Harry and told him about the potion and how well everything was going, they decided to leave any comment about Snape out of the conversation and enjoy the moment there. He was happy though, Draco soon would be recovered and ready to make all the mayhem he could, specially after being out for so long.
Harry finally decided it was enough for him and got back to the house, he needed to get the letter ready to send it the next day and starting to prepare his leaving, he preferred to get that ready now and be over with it, he had several options. The United States was one option but not his favourite, another one was Australia. He also had thought about France or Italy but the problem with those was the language, maybe he would have to visit Dumbledore after all, the man could be annoying sometimes but he knew very useful spells. He sat down and started writing what would be his last letter to Draco.
TBC
I give you people my most sincere apologies, I had a lot problems with my computer and was unable to post sooner. The power supply died and had to be replaced, problem was that I had to use the insurance and they took more than two weeks to fix it, you know, bureaucratic shit. Then the Windows explorer also died and had to go buy a second hard drive to use as the main one, so I wouldn't lose everything, but that meant to install everything again and I needed a friend to do it because I don't know how.
But now everything is alright and I'm back!
Weird chapter, dunno there's something off with it, anyway, I hope you liked it and will be waiting for your comments on it. Thank you all for your reviews and for choosing this fic as a favourite.