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 day had come and as expected the last letter had arrived, Draco raised his head when he heard the now familiar wings of Harry's owl. He smiled, his real persona now taking control of the body, fighting the curse that was bested upon him.
Draco,
This might be my last letter, I feel troubled by this because I got used to write these for you. This year was the most complicated of the first five, a lot of things happened and you were in most of them.
You got to be prefect, that was the problem in itself, at least for my friends and me. You managed to take all the points you couldn't in the past, but that was not what affected us the most. It was the wrong use Umbridge the frog gave to that power of yours.
She used you and you happily accepted, and if I sound angry I won't apologise, of all the things you could have done with that badge helping her was not an option. Though, I guess you had your reasons I'm not whom to really question at the end.
Fifth year was horrible, and you were cruder than ever I knew you could hurt easily with just your sharp tongue, I never thought you could go that far though. I really felt like killing you, Draco you messed with something sacred to me, my mother and my family. I never cared what you said about me, but the moment you touched those precious to me I couldn't forgive you.
My parents were dead and you always were there to remind me of it, you mocked me about it and expected me to go sulking and start crying, I didn't and that pissed you even more. At the end of that year I had put you almost at the same level Voldemort was in, you yelled and threatened me with death for getting you father into Azkaban, you swore revenge.
But even though I saw all that and hated you more than ever before I had this part in my mind that urged me to think and analyze your whole situation, the problem was that the part of my mind that was still grieving Sirius' Death was stronger. I somehow also blamed you for that, for helping her to stop us, had I had the chance to keep teaching I might have been able to save him.
But all that is in the past now, from the moment we came back to school the next year everything started changing at full speed. I'm glad for that, and I'm glad I finally let that little part of my mind to overrule the other, for I thought and somehow understood.
This is my last letter and I know that by now you are ready, from now on everything depends of you, you have the strength and the spirit to do it. So do it Draco, fight it and win the battle, I hope to see you soon.
Love,
Harry James Potter.
He was crying more because of his own stupidity than the words in that parchment, Draco remembered but couldn't regret what he had done back then, he had to protect his house and his family, the only way to do that was doing what he was supposed to do.
"Please understand Harry, I had to"
He said to none in particular, the others were there not even moving just watching and waiting. Draco sighed and folded the letter putting it in the envelope once again. He looked at the fire, feeling the curse pushing against his mind trying to get control over the control once again.
"Severus…"
His voice was deep and clear, and had a tone that told Snape that whatever Draco was about to say would be an order not to be disobeyed.
"Yes Draco?"
"Go look for him, bring Potter here… I need to… speak to him"
His head hurt but he could still fight.
"I don't think that's wise Draco"
"Sadly, I don't care what you think right now… I need to see him as soon as possible, I know today won't be easy… Besides… I soon will be unable to keep fighting it"
The others just stayed silent, this was a confrontation they didn't want to be part of, Charlie lowered his eyes and turned his head because this reaction only meant that soon he would lose Harry forever. He raised his head very fast tough, when he heard his own name being called.
"Weasley, please help Severus with this, I'm sure he'll listen to you… Pansy, you know this house's procedures better than anyone… Make it give you the documents in my father's… personal… vault… Shit!"
His hands flew to his head, he was clearly in pain but they all stood right where they were, knowing the process had to take place if Draco was to be helped. He was panting now, but kept going.
"Once you have got them… take them to Francis Stoker, he's the only lawyer I trust… He'll know what to do… Do not… let him… alone… Oh for fucks sake!"
He closed his eyes and held the arms of the chair with great strength, digging in them with his nails.
"Stupid shitty curse… Pans, do not let him alone with those, I trust him… But I'm not stupid… Once he's finished with them take them back here and put them back… in the... vault."
Pansy nodded and left quickly, if Draco had told her to use her knowledge to get that, then it meant it should be done right away. Neville knew more or less about the house's tricks and spells, but he couldn't stop the expression of confusion on his face, Draco turned his face and looked at him, smiling gently.
"Thank you Logbottom, after everything I did to you…you could… have convinced him… to go with you…"
Blaise blushed knowing that probably was true, and was grateful he was never put into that situation.
"You were a bastard Draco… But I understood the reasons of your behaviour, I've forgiven you since a long time ago. Even before all this shit happened"
Draco smiled at him again and then looked at the others, he didn't have that much time, the curse was winning the battle and soon he would be out again, so he couldn't really tell everyone what he wanted. He knew Severus perfectly and he needed to tell him what had happened since he got the first letter.
"Severus… Since I got Harry's first letter I've been able to retain a bit of my own consciousness, I can… remember things that had happened… After the last one I even remembered things from before the letters… They were harsh… But truthful and I guess that is what… helped me…"
He felt his body was about to collapse, trying to maintain his mind alert let his body unprotected and the curse was taking control over it, his arms and legs wouldn't respond.
"If you… ugh! If you bring him here… This fucking curse… won't have… and chance, he's real… I… I need-"
His eyes were closing and his head was falling to one side, it was a matter of seconds now.
"I need him"
If it had not been because of the complete silence of the room they wouldn't have been able to hear those last thee words. Draco fell to one side completely unconscious, as all the other times they took him and placed him over the transfigured couch, Blaise approached him, and covered Draco with some blankets. He knelt next to him and caressed his hair, no trace of smile on his face, for he felt guilty knowing that he would have gone with Neville if the latter had asked him.
"I'm one useless friend Draco… I'm sorry"
"You would have gone with me"
"Bastard that I am, Slytherin to the root…"
Neville knelt next to Blaise and embraced him softly.
"You're just a human being Blaise, you want to be happy who could blame you for that? Besides, there's a huge difference between leaving and abandoning, and no matter how far I could have taken you I wouldn't have been able to make you abandon him…"
Blaise gave him a sad smile and leaned against him, feeling grateful for having someone like Neville next to him.
"You make me sick… I'm leaving"
They turned to see Snape turning on his heel and going to the main entrance, Remus following close. None did anything to stop him, Draco had been clear and there was nothing else Snape could do more than getting everything ready and fetching Harry from wherever he would be when the moment arrived.
"Bastard"
"But a bastard who knows what he's doing it seems… Or Lupin would have said something"
This time they turned to see Pansy standing on the stairs, holding a big folder with the Malfoy crest on it.
"Who knows, he has no other choice than to obey or Draco will have his head for not having Potter right next to him when he finally gets rid of that damn curse"
"Sometimes I wonder who the older one is in this relationship, usually you obey your godfather not the other way around"
They stayed silent looking at the girl and then busted in laughter.
-.-.-
He had everything ready, just left a few clothes out to change in case it took more time than expected. Once his bags and trunk were ready he took his invisibility cloak and his broom, he had decided where to go first and he would have to visit Dumbledore for advice in translation spells.
"Harry?"
He raised his head and noticed Ron, he had never seen his friend shine the way he had been doing since he proposed and smiled at him.
"Yes?"
Ron's shine didn't disappear but the man was sad looking at the bags and trunk, knowing his friend would soon be gone again.
"I wanted to see if I … Could convince you not to go"
Harry's face turned sadder even, for that was something he could not do.
"I'm sorry Ron, I can't stay… I made a vow, a wizard's pact and I can't break my promise unless the other party agrees with it…"
"That bastard will never do that Harry, you did nothing wrong… You just made a mistake"
"Some mistakes are just too big to overpass… I failed the most important test of my life Ron… I'm still amazed you all forgave me, I failed all of you"
Ron frowned that was not the way he saw it at all.
"You made a mistake Harry, but failed no one… Even thought you shouldn't have you fought Voldemort seven years and even before that! You fought and won, and freed us all, sometimes the good deeds are stronger that the sins"
"Thanks Ron…"
There was really nothing he could say at those words but there was nothing he could do about his leaving.
"I'll stay in touch Ron, don't worry and as soon as I settle myself I'll give you my address, so you can come visit me"
"I would prefer is you just stayed though…"
"Sorry"
Ron sighed and let himself fall over the bed, there was something he wanted to ask Harry and was afraid of the answer.
"Harry, there's something really important I must discuss with you…"
Harry looked at his friend a bit worried, it was rare for Ron to be like that and it meant whatever he was about to say was of utterly importance.
"Hermione and I agree that… Well, we want you to be our best man, but for that you have to come back…"
Harry understood Ron's seriousness and worry, but he smiled at his friend.
"I feel honoured Ron, and of course I want to be… I'll find the way to be there right on time"
Ron smiled more relaxed but not completely at ease, Harry's situation was complicated and he suspected that one way or the other Draco Malfoy would hear about Harry's presence in England. Though, he knew there was no point on worrying now, better wait till the moment came, besides he still needed to get some other matters settled.
"Are you going to visit Dumbledore before you go?"
That was another subject that had been set aside but obviously it couldn't wait anymore.
"Have no other option, I really didn't want to see him again but I can't deny his knowledge and wisdom, besides, even though I don't really want to it wouldn't be very polite from me… He was more or less a father figure to me, I do like him, I just don't want him in my life"
"Understandable… But, and I'm quoting Hermione here, don't be too hard on him. He's an old man and he cares about you Harry"
"I know that, that's way I decided to go…"
Ron smiled at his friend and sighed, the whole situation was just too complicated and no matter how many times Harry told them he was ok, they all knew how tense he was. Ron stood up and approached his friend and before Harry could say a thing the tall redhead embraced him.
"I'll miss you mate…"
"I'll miss you too Ron, you were the first friend I ever had… And I'll keep in touch, so don't worry, you'll know about me in no time"
Harry had embraced him back and smiled sadly, Hermione was standing by the door having just entered the room and her watery eyes revealed her feelings clearly.
"You better keep your word Harry Potter, or I'll hunt you down and beat you to a pulp"
Harry had the decency to actually be scared, he let go of Ron and let Hermione embrace him too, it was a good bye and it hurt very deep given the circumstances of their friend's departure.
-.-.-
Harry had taken his things and shrunken them, and now was travelling by train back to the school he called home. He knew it would have been faster going by broom or simply use the floo network, but he had felt nostalgic and wanted to cross that same path once again, probably the last. On his way he couldn't stop thinking about the incoming press conference, he didn't know if Draco would be fine by then or not. He wanted him to, Draco deserved to be there and be recognized as the hero he was, he wanted everyone to look at him with the respect and gratitude the last of the Malfoy cast deserved.
He took a piece of parchment and a quill and started writing, it would be the last letter he would give to him. One that the blonde would read once he was recovered and would be able to fully process thecontents of those pages. Harry was so immersed in his task that he didn't notice the time, when he finally decided to stop for the day he noticed the train was slowing its speed, they were arriving at Hogsmeade station.
Here so soon? Guess I'll get back by train too… Want to enjoy de scenery, never did before…
Harry smiled and shook his head, now that he thought of it, he never really admired the view. They always were busy with something or the other, but he didn't regret it for those had been moments he would treasure till the day he died. He took his things and got ready to get off the train as soon as it had completely stopped.
Well, then… Got to face the musicHe sighed and got down a just for a moment, closed his eyes and smiled as memories of his first time coming to that place filled his mind. He opened his eyes again and sighed softly, turning in his heel Harry headed towards Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
-.-.-
Hermione was no needed anymore, the potion was ready and would be administrated even sooner than expected, only three days more and Draco would recover for good, problem was how to stop him from running after certain poor sighted lion. Snape was not a happy camper and Remus was quite aware of it, which was the reason why he was sitting on the couch as far away from his beloved as he could.
"Severus, if it worries you so much why don't you just let Harry stay? I understand the reason behind your actions, but it seems to be more trouble than it's worth"
Snape snorted and continued marking the essays the third years had given him, they just had bad luck this time.
"If you understand my motives then do not ask me to go back on my words Lupin… Help find a way to control that idiotic godson of mine"
Remus had the decency to control his laugh, as he saw it Severus didn't have the upper hand in this whole affair, Draco had it and as far as he knew the young man, Harry's departure would last less than a week.
"I don't see where's the joke Lupin"
"Well, sorry, but I do"
With that he stood up and went to check the state of the potion, Snape grumbled but stayed silent and continued with his maim on his students work. He knew there was nothing he could really do about Draco, and that worried him even more. Snape sighed and stood up, he needed to clear his mind and the dungeons was not the best place to do that, he walked towards the door and closing his eyes he left the room. Remus came back when he heard the door and not finding Snape there came back to the potion, knowing the man needed his time alone.
-.-.-
Harry had entered the school and started his way towards the upper levels and to Dumbledore's office, it was then that he heard the last person he wanted to see call his name.
"Potter!"
He turned around and looked at the tall man, keeping his face as calm as he could his time near Draco was running short and the reason behind that was right there in front of him. He understood his reasons, he actually considered him a bright and good man, but that didn't stop his anger for not being able to be, well, happy.
"Professor"
"I though I told you I would send a letter letting you know when you could go see Draco… What, in Merlin's name, are you doing here?"
Harry frowned and crossed his arms, for once feeling superior to the man in front of him.
"And what, pray tell, makes you think I came to see you?"
"Desperation, you have always been like that Potter"
"Shows you how little you really know about me then, professor… I came to see Dumbledore actually"
Snape was left silent, though his eyes said that if Harry didn't hurry and went upstairs quickly he would be in pain. Snape smirked when he felt the young man go in a hurry, he loved to still be able to scare others with just a look, even blind his eyes still inspired fear. The man continued his way out of the castle with a small smile on his lips.
-.-.-
Dumbledore was waiting, he had seen Harry from his window and his intuition told him the man finally had come to see him. However, the headmaster was not happy, he also feared that whatever news Harry was about to tell him would no be good. The old man closed his eyes and conjured two cups of tea and some pastries, hoping that for once his former student would accept them.
"I hope everything is alright Fawkes, I don't want to hear about more sadness in that boy's life"
He heard the knock and opened the door magically.
"Please come in Harry…"
"Thank you Headmaster"
Dumbledore smiled and pointed one of the chairs in front of his desk.
"Please take seat Harry, and there's no need to call me professor… You are not a student anymore"
"Thank you, and I prefer too keep the title… I don't think I can call you by your name, I'm sorry"
It was not that he didn't want to, but he had called Dumbledore that for so long that he was used to it.
"I understand Harry… Would you like some pastries and tea?"
Harry was about to say no, but decided that since it would be the last time they would see each other, it wouldn't hurt to indulge the man.
"Yes, thank you"
It was impossible not to feel the tension in the air, and Dumbledore knew that what Harry was going to say was not good. He poured the hot tea and served him a plate with pastries, once he was finished he sat back and looked him.
"I know your life is no one business now, and I completely agree with that, but I can't stop myself from asking what happened to you these last two years… I was worried"
"I know, and I'm sorry for troubling you, but as I said before, I had my reasons… Those reasons changed not long ago and I came back…"
Harry took a sip of his tea and lowered his cup, looking at the clear brown liquid inside of it.
"Actually professor… I came because I need your help with something, once again I can't tell you all my reasons behind my actions… So I need you to trust in my judgment, I'm not a child anymore this is my life and I chose to live it this way… I just need your knowledge with some special spells"
Dumbledore stayed silent for a moment, pondering if he should ask for more information or just give the man what he was asking for.
"Harry, I know I am not your father, I don't want to even try to be… But I feel that it is somehow my duty to see for your safety. You are a man now I will not deny that fact, but I can not stop myself from worrying. The way you talk, I have this feeling that I will never see you again"
"Because that is exactly what is it going to happen professor… That is the reason I came here, because I need your help with translation spells, I could not think of any other who could help me with that"
Harry felt guilty when Dumbledore's face fell in sadness, it was not his intention to hurt the man, but he was not going to explain further, Draco's life was in stake and he would not let Dumbledore interfere with that.
"I can Harry, but I would like to understand why do you feel the need to leave… Leave everything and everyone behind"
"Because it is necessary… My presence here is a problem for a lot of people, and because I need to separate myself from the boy who lived, I can't do that here"
It was a lie, at least in part, but Dumbledore noticed anyway, though he wouldn't ask anymore questions, if Harry felt the need to lie then, for once, he wouldn't intrude.
"I see… Just please do not let yourself get lost during your quest… Lest us know about you, just to know that you are doing alright"
"I will write professor, this time I am not escaping"
Dumbledore smiled, feeling a bit more relieved that this time Harry would not disappear, he moved his wand and a bottle with a deep blue liquid was levitated from one of his shelves, he took the bottle and gave it to Harry.
"This potion will help you, just put three drops on your tongue and say once word in the language you want to use, the potion will automatically translate everything you say to that language and you'll be able to hear everything they say in English"
"Thank you very much professor…"
"One last thing Harry…"
Harry noticed that the smile had disappeared and wondered what else could put Dumbledore in that state, he would have never suspected the words that would come from that mouth.
"If you have the chance, please try to visit Malfoy Manor…"
Harry's eyes opened wide and the shocked expression on his face told Dumbledore that maybe Harry knew more than he thought.
"Why would I need to do that?"
Dumbledore decided to indulge Harry and pretend that he didn't notice.
"There's a friend of yours living there, and I think young Mr. Malfoy would somehow appreciate the visit"
Harry frowned, so Dumbledore knew about Draco's condition and was unable to do anything to help him, but he decided to go on with his farce.
"I don't have any reason to visit Malfoy professor, he was not my friend, not even an quittance… And I don't really want to see anyone else, I'm leaving and I don't need more people trying to stop me"
"I see, I hope you change your opinion tough, I really think Mr. Malfoy would welcome you in his house…"
This was not good, and Harry decided not only to leave the office as fast as he could but also to go to the dungeons and talk with Snape. He stood up and used a sealing charm to prevent the liquid to spill out from it, he then put it inside the bag he was carrying.
"Thank you for your help professor Dumbledore, I can't stay any longer I still have a lot of things to do before I leave… And you may want to visit the ministry in a few days, I will give a press conference before leaving… There are some things I want to clarify before I go"
With that he took his leave and went out closing the door behind him, leaving a very impressed Dumbledore inside.
-.-.-
Harry went down to the dungeons as fast as he could and knocked the door to Snape's office, just to see Remus open it and no Snape inside.
"Harry? What are you doing here?"
"I need to talk with Snape, Remus this is really important"
"What is so urgent that you feel the need to bother me again, Potter?"
Harry turned on his heel and felt relieve to see Snape again, he was in a hurry and needed to do more than he thought.
"Dumbledore knows about Draco's state, he actually asked me to go visit him… I said there was no reason for me to go there, but he insisted… You said he didn't know anything, professor!"
Snape's expression told him the man was also surprised, and the frown that came later said even more.
"That meddlesome man…"
Snape sat down behind his desk and closed his eyes, thinking carefully about the whole situation.
"Did he say anything else?"
"No, just that there was a friend of mine living in Malfoy Manor and that I should go visit Draco"
"For the time being we will not do anything, as I told you before Potter, you will receive a letter… It seems the headmaster doesn't know that much, if that is the case then is better that way, if that is not the case… We will take care of that when the time comes, no before"
Harry understood, if they did something now Dumbledore would get suspicious, he clearly didn't know that much, or he wouldn't have asked Harry to go, but they could never be sure.
"I'll take my leave then, professor, Remus…"
Before they could say anything Harry left in a hurry, he wanted to catch the next train but before he wanted to say good bye to Hagrid and pay a visit to Minerva McGonagall, whom he had a deep respect for. Snape and Remus stayed silent for a while, but Snape knew Remus wouldn't stay that way for too long.
"You should have told him Severus, Draco was quite clear in his orders… I know you don't like it, but you can't deny him his wish, besides, I agree with him… Harry's presence is exactly what the potion needs to do its job properly-"
"I know"
Snape cut him right away, yes he knew he just couldn't get the will to do it, he would leave that to Charlie, just being there to give more weight to the young Weasley's words.
-.-.-
Ron was now fully working with the Cannons, but Hermione was the one with over stress, after all, she was the one trying to control two very stubborn women, her mother and her future mother-in-law.
"No, no, no… Roses are too cliché, and I think the invitations would look more elegant in dark blue with silver writing"
"But roses are the best for these occasions, and red and gold would mark their Gryffindor side!"
Oh yes, this would take a long, long time to sort out, clearly trying to get together a muggle and magical view of a marriage was something that seemed to require an engineer, or something.
"Mom, Mrs. Weasley… Actually Ron and I wanted to merge both celebrations, a bit of each side… Besides, there will be muggles that will come from my side of the family… We want to honour both sides without exposing either"
The two looked at her as if she had two heads and then continued with their discussion, Hermione sighed and continued trying to make them understand that it was her wedding and that she and Ron wanted to decide what would be done and what not. On the other side Arthur and Mr. Granger were actually getting along quite well, Hermione's father was pretty happy talking about dentist things and Arthur was more than eager to hear all about it.
At least I don't have to deal with those two also…
Fred and George were quite happy drinking juice and eating popcorn watching the two women argue and Hermione trying to placate them in vain. But they knew that the apparent peace would not last too long, there was not too much time left for Harry to leave and that was a heavy burden over everyone's back.
"George, do you think we could kidnap those two?"
"Oh, we definitely could… Though, I don't want to face Harry, Malfoy and Snape though, I don't think that would go very well"
They both sighed at the same time, knowing there was really nothing they could do, and this wedding would also bring the shadow of those who were not there anymore. They still mourned the lost of Ginny and Percy, and they knew they would for a long time, maybe they would never stop.
-.-.-
As Draco had instructed her Pansy had taken the papers to the lawyer and had watched his every move, and once all the signatures had been completed she had returned to the house. Now all of the Malfoy state belonged to Draco, and in the future to whomever he got married with. She knew that Draco was trying to get everything in order for when he woke up and if everything went the way he wanted, to persuade Harry to go live with him. On the other hand, Charlie had left, he had a task and needed to get ready to get into an argument with Harry over what was right and what was wrong, and maybe also try to convince him to help him kill Snape.
Pansy looked out the window and sighed, Draco had told her once, that her heart was just too much of a Hufflepuff for her own good, she had kicked him but knew he was right, she had been living for only a few days with the man and had already fallen for him.
"Pans, he'll come back…"
"Not to me… He's not here for me, or Draco… He's here for Harry"
Neville stood next to her and offered her a hot cup of tea, she accepted but didn't look at him.
"He came here because of him, but it doesn't mean he's blind or unable to like someone else. He's in love with Harry, yes, but he also knows there's nothing there for him. However, he's not closing himself to a new relationship"
"I guess I understand why Blaise loves you so much… You're an angel Nev"
"Nah, I'm just a lion with a nice temper"
She smiled and turned her head to look at him.
"More like a cub I would say… You can be all fluffy and cute, but you can also bite very hard"
"Do not call me cute, remember what happened the last time Blaise called me that"
"And that's why I say you can bite pretty hard"
She laughed softly and kissed him lightly on his cheek.
"You better not be trying to steal my boyfriend Pansy…"
"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it… He's not colourful enough"
They laughed and continued with their talk, not noticing the small smile that appeared for a moment on Draco's lips. The blonde had been reacting from time to time, but it had always been unnoticed movements. The three of them turned at once when they heard the door open and hurried towards the entrance, but for once Snape was not the one to enter the house, Remus was alone and they understood what that meant.
"Tomorrow"
There was no need to say more, and suddenly they all felt scared and dreading the day, it was the moment they had been waiting for two years but the circumstances took a lot of happiness out of it. Remus closed the door behind him and once inside accepted the cup of tea Pansy offered him, unnoticed to them Draco's fingers were gripping the armrests of the wheelchair tightly.
"There's something I wanted to talk to you three about… Do not interrupt me and please understand and accept ok?"
Those words were what they feared the most every time they got together, they always meant more problems for Draco and Harry, but stayed silent and let him continue.
"As you may know already Ron Weasley is now working for the Chudley Cannons, and I'm sure you know how that came to happen… Harry will announce his presence back in England soon, he has already been seen by many and there is no way out of it, so he decided to do it his way"
Once again Draco's hand tightened on the armrest, Lupin didn't notice neither did the other three.
"He will announce the date as soon as he is sure Malfoy's alright, I'm sure he wants him to hear what he has to say…"
"He'll leave right after that isn't he?"
"I think so"
Just then they noticed the movement over Draco's side, the armrest was broken and Draco's fingertips were bleeding.
"Draco!"
Pansy was the first one to get to him, soon after her was Remus and the other two men.
"This is not good… He said he could keep some of his consciousness even during this state"
"He broke his fingernails, that's why he's bleeding… Neville, go get something to clean and stop the bleeding"
Neville nodded and left quickly, Remus stood up and took some floo powder, they had decided to connect the two fireplaces in case something happened, but had never used it.
"I must get Severus, things could get out of hands if we don't do anything now"
Neville came back with some potions and cotton, just in time to see Remus disappear in green flames.
"The time has finally come"
"That's right Nev, and now I'm more scared than before… I fear Draco's reaction"
At that comment dull grey eyes turned slowly to look at his friend, Blaise understood the look, even though the eyes didn't really say much.
-.-.-
"Severus!"
"What?!"
Remus opened the door to the lab and saw Snape smelling the potion, surely verifying the state of it, and the frown on his face said he was not amused with being interrupted.
"We must start the procedures now, Draco is more aware of his surroundings than we thought. I don't have the time to explain things right now, you must go and fetch Harry as soon as possible"
Snape turned his face towards his lover and his frown deepened.
"The potion's not ready yet, it still needs ten hours to be completed…"
"And you will need all the time you can get to bring Harry with you, for Merlin's sake Severus! If we don't hurry all this hard work will be in vain and we may lose Draco!"
It was the first time Remus talked about Draco as someone who affected him too and called him by his first name, that alone told Snape that the man was not being paranoid or exaggerated.
"Very well Remus, I will go for Potter, you keep an eye on this… I can not accelerate the process but we can start preparing Draco"
"Good"
Snape turned his head towards Remus one last and then left the lab, got his cloak and left the office. He hurried upstairs and then out of the castle, he needed to leave Hogwarts to apparate. Once he reached his destination he concentrated and left.
-.-.-
Harry was outside, he had finally come back from his short trip and was now talking with Charlie, the man had told him about staying in Malfoy Manor, Harry had understood and actually thanked him. However when he had mentioned about Harry going to the manor too this one had refused, so they started arguing and were quite surprised when they heard and saw Snape appear almost in front of them.
"What the… Professor?! What are you doing here?!"
"There's no time to explain things, I need you to get your things and come with me… You too Weasley"
They didn't need much more of an incentive, the tone said clearly this was not a false alarm. Harry hurried into the burrow and soon came back with his backpack Charlie didn't need anything, since he already had his things there.
"What's wrong? What happened to Draco?!"
"No time to explain anything Potter, just grab this and hold in tight"
He had taken an empty box of chocolates out of his robes and extended it for them to hold onto it, the portkey soon had taken them to Malfoy Manor's back yard, which had clearly seen better days.
"Come inside, we must start the preparations right now"
"Professor!"
This time was Harry's tone what put them on alert.
"What Potter? We can't waste time!"
"And I want to know what the fuck is wrong!"
Snape had to control himself before he strangled Harry, the man always found a way to provoke him.
"The potion must be administrated tomorrow, for that we need to prepare Draco before he takes it… And, he somehow asked for you to be here, now shut up and come with me!"
Charlie decided to just stay silent step aside, he was quite comfortable with being ignored, Harry was fuming but followed anyway, reminding himself that this was for Draco not him. Once they were inside Harry had to stop his urge to go and embrace the other man, from this point on Severus was the one who would give the orders.
"Pansy, how is his state?"
"Normal, but depending on what you say he will react or not"
"I see"
Snape motioned them to go out of the room and to the usual one where they always held meetings, Snape put a silencing charm and turned to look at them.
"Potter you will stay here for a while, but do not touch him.. You may talk to him but be careful if you see that he starts getting too agitated stop and leave the room till he has calmed down"
Harry nodded, at least he would be close to Draco, if only for a few hours once he knew the man was alright he would go with the conference and then leave the country, he had finally decided to start on France, probably would go to Italy next, from there he didn't know, he had a large amount of money and wouldn't have to worry for a long time about it..
"I will come back tomorrow and we will administrate the potion, Draco will be weak and since he had not used his legs for a long time probably won't be able to walk for a while. Don't let him use his magic too much, he has a great amount of it accumulated and could be dangerous, take him outside and make him practice again"
They all nodded, this would be hard but it meant Draco was going to be back to his normal self, or at least as normal as someone could after going through so much. Snape stood up and the rest followed suit, they entered the other room and Snape noticed the boy getting a little bit more relaxed.
"I am going now, I will be back tomorrow to give Draco the potion, please transfigure the couch into a bed, it will be more comfortable for him that way"
With that Snape took some floo powder and left, Harry stood there looking at Draco and felt suddenly lost, he didn't know what to do, what to say or how to say it.
"Potter, just talk to him I don't think it really matters what you say, as long as you say something"
Harry let his body fall on an armchair close to Draco and sighed.
"Draco?"
It was like someone had thrown cold water over his body, he tensed and then relaxed and then tensed again. He tried to open his eyes but his body was not responding, one tear rolled down his cheek and he was shaking a bit.
"Please calm down Draco, you don't have to force yourself to say anything… Just hear me out ok?"
The nod was too soft, but it was there.
"Tomorrow everything will be ok, it will be hard but I know you can do it…"
Draco had stopped shaking and just closed his eyes, letting Harry talk and feeling more relaxed hearing his voice.
"Once you are ok, I would like you to do me a favour… I know I don't have the right to ask you anything, but I would like it if you accepted"
Before Draco nodded Harry continued his explanations.
"Well, I would like you to go to the ministry, you see, I will give a press conference… And would really appreciate it if you were there to hear it, I want you to see and hear that moment, you deserve to be there"
The other four watched the 'reunion' with saddened expressions for they knew what would happen right after that conference. As they saw it Snape didn't really understand and Harry was completely mistaken. Draco would be lonely, he wouldn't be able to be completely happy.
"Lately I've heard things I feel awful for not knowing before, things that should be known by others too"
He wanted to touch him, to grab his hands and never let go, to embrace him and stay that way for the rest of his life. Draco's face contorted in pain and Harry knew he should leave for the moment, for the man he loved was struggling against the curse, he would come back later and would start again.
"Rest Draco, I'll come back later"
He stood up and left the room in a hurry, he also needed to calm down or he wouldn't resist the rest of the time. Neville went with him and Pansy got closer to her friend, Charlie and Blaise went to prepare to eat and get some coffee done too, it was late and they needed to be awake till the moment Snape came back with the potion.
"Don't worry Draco, he'll come back… Come, I think is better if you lay down again"
She helped him to get back in his original position, he didn't oppose and actually was grateful for being more comfortable.
"Go…"
She was startled by his soft voice, it clearly was difficult for him but Pansy understood that Draco had been right, he needed Harry here to finally get rid of the damned curse.
"Go? You want me to leave?"
"No…"
And she understood, and felt terribly sad for it, for Draco knew what was going to happen.
"I'm sorry Draco… Things should be different, but sometimes the situation just won't allow it"
He closed his eyes and turned his face to the other side, not wanting her to see him cry again, he felt weak and completely out of character. He wanted to scream, to get up and go to Harry, to hold on to him and never let go.
"But you know what? I have this feeling that at the end, things will just get better… Sometimes you just have to be patient and wait"
Draco felt a little more relieved, Pansy may not be aware of it, but when she had a 'feeling' she usually was right, and he put all his hope right then into that thought.
-.-.-
"Harry?"
"This is just too much Neville…"
Neville had followed Harry and Blaise had followed Neville, the man handed him two cups of hot coffee and then went back to the kitchen to help Charlie. Neville approached his friend and gave one of the cups to him.
"I know, but it's just for a few more hours… He's going to get better"
"And I'll have to leave right after that… I don't know what he feels for real, I trust Pansy yes, but there's nothing like hearing it from his own lips… Besides, even if he does feels something for me, then leaving will hurt him"
Neville took a sip of his drink and looked up, they were in the backyard, it was quite late and the sky was clear.
"It will, but is these kind of things the ones that makes you stronger… No matter what Snape says I believe that you two will be together at the end"
"That's why I like you so much Neville, you always try to see the positive side of everything"
"It's better than letting depression take over you, is always better to see the glass half full"
"Very true…"
They stayed silent then just watching the stars and thinking about the past, the present and the future.
-.-.-
"Why don't you go to him?"
"Because I'm not the one he needs right now… Neville is a friend, I was his lover and he knows I still feel something for him"
Blaise finished cutting the tomatoes and was now washing the lettuce, they had sent the house-elves to the other side of the mansion and told them to not get close to this part. With them it was more than enough and he would be damned if didn't know how to prepare something edible by himself.
"I know, not everyone would get into the house of his rival to help him get better and give him the chance to get back with the one they love… But now that you have given up on him it is time to think about yourself, you love him very much, that cannot be denied, but you also deserve to be happy"
"Believe it or not, I am happy… You didn't see him when I took him away that day, for a man who had always been so strong and determined he was completely devastated and defeated… As he saw it, he had just lost everything, nothing was important to him anymore… I never told him, but the moment I told him Malfoy was alive I saw his face get a light I never saw before, if giving up to him can bring that back then I'm very happy to do it"
Blaise had stopped and was looking at Charlie in awe, the man was something you wouldn't find that easily.
"You will be happy Charlie, that I can promise you… Your kind is not that easy to find, Merlin knows it took me a long time to find one, I don't deserve Neville but he still stayed with me"
"You should get more faith in yourself then, you're not a bad person"
Blaise smiled and continued with his job.
"No, but I'm not a nice person either I can be very mean when I want to and hurt people with just some few words… Neville is different, he confronts his battles in a completely different way"
"Differences are what makes a relationship work at the end, take my parents for example… My mother can be so protective that it can actually get to your nerves, but my dad is really permissive sometimes, so they complement each other perfectly… The same goes to you two"
He put the vegetal aside and looked for a knife to start cutting it, while Charlie prepared the bread with mayonnaise and mustard.
"Well, I always though that was the reason Draco felt so attracted to Harry, they kind of represented two completely opposite sides… Even after we turned our backs to our parents and fought for the light, we still were different"
"See? So do not think you don't deserve Neville, you are a good man, you're just not a Gryffindor"
They actually laughed, continuing their preparations and talking about houses and other things.
-.-.-
Hermione was happy, she was going to get married and her fiancée had got something he had always wanted. However she was worried, Remus had visited them a while ago and told them about Draco's situation and that Harry was staying at Malfoy Manor for the time being. She knew what that meant and didn't know what to do, it was not something she could fix just visiting the library and the impotence of not being able to do anything was eating at her. Ron had seen her in that state and had embraced her and now the two of them were resting on his bed and trying to understand how did everything got so complicated so fast.
"There's something I still don't get…"
"About what?"
She sighed but didn't move from where she was, Ron was laying down and had her head over his chest, and was caressing her hair softly.
"Malfoy's condition… I mean, that curse is not useful during a battle… Why someone would do something like that during a moment like that?"
"Who knows… Revenge? Maybe they suspected he would come back alive from battle… Somehow"
She closed her eyes and grabbed one his hands on hers.
"Then the question is who?"
"There is a lot of people who would have liked to see him suffer like that Hermione, Malfoy was not the nicest person during school… He did do a lot of things that would surely grant you a few enemies"
"But in that case, they could have used the battle… You know, to kill him"
Ron understood her point, but he saw it in a different way.
"As I see it, death would have been too quick… This way he would suffer, and as you told me, the curse usually ends in death, I think this way is much more sadistic and horrible. In his place, I would prefer death to go through that"
"Are you feeling sorry for him Ron?"
"No, but Malfoy, even though he is a bastard, did fought for the light… I must admit that much, and now that we know what really happened, well, he was ready to kill his own father to protect Harry… He's a bastard, but not that much of a bastard"
"So, then again we have no answer… A Death Eater would have killed him, and he did prove his allegiance to us during battle, then who?"
Ron didn't answer, he had a theory but it was just too wrong, he didn't want to believe that someone who fought for the light could be that twisted and dangerous.
TBCAnd the mystery still remains… Mwahaha… Ahem, anyway, hope you liked this chapter too. Please let me know what you think about it through that nice little button at the end of the page!
Thank you all for your previous comments and I'm very grateful for giving this fic a chance!
See you next chapter!