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
Harry had spent the whole night next to Draco, he would talk to him form time to time and write a letter in between those times. Only five more hours and Draco would be taking the potion, the thought of finality that action came with scared him shitless.
Guess the end is getting close… I wonder… Will I really be able to just stay away?
He had preferred not think of it, but now it was impossible, and he felt his heart breaking slowly as each hour passed. The sky was starting to get clearer and he calculated it would six in the morning more or less; he would need to wake Draco up and get started with preparations.
"Here Potter, I'm sure you need it"
He had been so immersed in his thoughts that he had not heard Pansy get into the room; he smiled weakly and accepted the coffee she offered him.
"Thank you"
Pansy sat on the bed next to Draco and moved some strands out of the blonde's face.
"You don't really need to go you know? Snape can't really stop you form staying"
"He can"
She looked up at him startled, not really understanding why the man had such a strong power over Harry. Not because he was the 'saviour' of the wizarding world, but because he was a strong person.
"How come? This is just a verbal agreement isn't it?"
"It isn't… I made a wizard's pact with him, it's magically based and cannot be broken unless both parties agree to it"
Her expression passed from surprised to furious in an instant.
"You really are a stupid one… So is he"
"You don't understand Pansy… This is how it must be"
She stood up and clenched her fists, not caring if she waked Draco or not, this was just too much.
"You're right! I don't understand! And I don't want to understand such stupidity! This is just hurting everyone!"
"Calm down Pansy, please… For Draco's sake"
"Draco's sake my arse! If you really are worried then stay! For his sake and for Charlie's too!"
He looked at her confused for a moment but finally understood her words.
"I can't do anything for him Pansy… I love him, yes, Charlie was there when I went through the worst moment of my life, but he knows I am not in love with him… And I'm doing this for Draco's sake"
"Charlie is still hurting because of his feelings, but he's learning to cope… What I meant was that you should honour his actions; he stepped aside for you to go to Draco… And as for Draco, what you're doing wont do him any good…"
He turned his face; he wanted to believe her words but it wasn't so easy, he still doubted he could be so lucky, to have the love of his snake.
"I'm sorry Pansy"
"Don't say that to me-"
She was going to keep going but they felt the movement form the bed and turned just in time to see Draco open his eyes. He seemed confused but it was only natural, however when his eyes met Harry's he seemed to get more focused, though also a bit restless.
"Draco?"
"You… Real?"
Harry smiled with a mix of happiness, sadness and nervousness, but nodded at his question.
"Pans?"
"Yes, he is the real one love…"
Her tone had changed completely and her voice was now soft and steady, he smiled and focused on Harry, slowly he moved his arm and stretched it towards Harry.
"Need… to know"
Draco was fighting the curse and was winning, his movements were slow and it was obvious he was struggling with himself, but the fact was that the real Draco was more in charge than ever.
"Take his hand"
"I shouldn't"
Pansy growled and before Harry could do anything she took his hand and forced him to take Draco's, the effect was immediate Draco's eyes opened wide and his whole body tensed, Harry tried to pry his hand out of the grasp but it was too strong.
"Pansy! Help me!"
"No! This is good, it's helping him!"
But for Harry it looked like Draco was in pain, he kept trying to pry his hand but only managed when once again Draco passed out. Pansy helped the boy to get in a more comfortable position and then turned to look at Harry.
"If he asks you to do something you do it! Are we clear?!"
Her tone said it clearly; a lot of physical pain would come if he didn't.
"Now, drink your coffee and stay put… He may wake up again"
Harry nodded and saw how she disappeared into the kitchen.
-.-.-
Snape was ready, he had more than enough potion already bottled and was waiting for Remus to get going, in less than an hour everything would be fine and Draco would be the same as always, he felt tired but mostly he felt sad. He had been waiting but Harry did not do as he expected, as far as he had seen Harry had failed completely and more than just two people would suffer the consequences.
"Severus, it is time"
He turned towards the voice and nodded, Remus took the vial with the potion and stashed it into a protective bag, they took their cloaks and left the office and then the grounds. They had decided to use Thestrals to travel, since broom was dangerous and floo could damage the potion.
-.-.-
Draco had woken up again and was holding Harry's hand for dear life, Pansy and Neville were there ready to help in case Draco got a seizure or got too agitated, Charlie and Blaise were in the kitchen preparing something to eat and getting things ready in the case Draco developed a fever or something. He couldn't take any potion right now and they couldn't perform magic around him either, he needed to be clean from magic as much as he could.
"Draco, please hang on, Snape will be here soon you'll see… Everything will be alright"
The blonde was sweating and was a bit restless but was hanging, his inner fight against the curse was very tiring but he would fight as hard as he could to keep his right mind in place.
"Harry…"
"Yes, I'm here Draco… I'm not going anywhere"
Even though they were there, neither Pansy nor Neville said a word, they wanted Draco's attention completely focused in Harry and would interfere only in case of an emergency.
"Don't… Don't leave"
He knew he was lying, but he needed to keep Draco calmed down.
"I'm not leaving Draco"
He felt his hand being tightly wrapped by him, and tired eyes looked defiantly at him.
"Promise"
He couldn't and so he stayed silent.
"PROMISE!"
Harry turned his face, closed his eyes and fought the tears threatening to fall. Draco moved and sat up on the bed, stressing his body with it but not really caring.
"You MUST!"
"He can't Draco, don't keep asking"
They all turned their faces to look at the owner of the voice, Snape was standing there and next to him Remus was holding the vial with the much needed potion. Draco's eyes, half clouded were looking at him with loathe and Remus was grateful, for the first time, that Snape was unable to see that expression.
"Your fault… Why?!"
Snape didn't answer he just walked carefully towards the bed and taking the vial from Remus hands he gave it to Harry. It was amazing that even blind he still knew what was happening around him.
"You do it Potter, as he is, he will not accept anything coming from me"
"Don't talk… Like I'm not HERE!"
"I'm sorry Draco"
But it was not Harry's apology the one Draco wanted, it was Snape's. Draco, still more or less in his right mind decided to take matters into his own hands.
"Won't drink…"
"What?! Draco you have to!"
He shook his head; they were forcing him to do this, to behave like a toddler who would throw a tantrum because he was not getting what he wanted.
"Only… If you… Promise"
And Harry decided that he would treat Draco like the child he was pretending to be, so he opened the vial and took a large amount in his mouth. Now the room was full, everyone looking at Harry's actions, or somehow sensing them in Snape's case.
"Harry…"
He heard his name softly called by Remus but he paid no attention to it, he took Draco by his face and kissed him, forcing him to drink the potion he so much needed. Draco gulped, not having any other choice, he didn't have enough strength in his body to fight Harry and if he was true to himself, he liked it.
"There… Guess now we have to wait… Well, you have to wait"
He sighed, still feeling the bittersweet taste of the potion in his tongue, and stood up. He had not unpacked anything and so was ready to go right away, but he was stopped, Draco's hand was still holding his and wouldn't budge for anything.
"Come on Draco, let me go"
He tried to pry his hand but it was useless, Draco's grip was firm and he now was starting to convulse, Harry forgot about his dilemma and in a flash was next to the blonde.
"What is happening?!"
"He's convulsing, the potion and the curse are fighting each other… Do not release his hand Potter, he needs an anchor"
Harry hated the controlled tone Snape used even in this situation but had no other choice than to obey. Draco's eyes opened wide and turned to look at his, it was impressive how the look in those silver eyes started to change to the clear one everyone knew already.
"Ahhhh!"
Draco had his eyes open and his hand was gripping Harry's, but his mind was not really there. Inside that brain there was a fight, between a realm that never was and one that he didn't want to acknowledge as real. His fake-father overpowered by his real one, his fake-Potter being vanished by the real one, the whole fake world he had been living in was being erased by the one he didn't want to come back to. Then his point of view changed and he wanted to come back to the world in which his father was a bastard and where he had lost two years of his existence.
"The convulsions are subsiding"
"He has won the fight, now he must put some order into his mind"
Draco slowly closed his eyes and his breathing calmed down, soon he was sleeping again and his grip on Harry's hand loosened. The man looked at him, and finally let the traitorous tears fall form their prison. This was the end, Draco was fine and he had nothing else to do there, so he stood up and walked away from the bed, his fists clenched and his eyes red.
"It's over… He's fine"
He was relieved and happy, at least as much as he could given the circumstances. The rest could only watch as how Harry looked at Draco one last time and the left the room. Snape clenched his fists, even though he was happy Draco was finally back he knew happiness was not even close.
"Charlie go get some tea please… We still have to wait till he wakes up"
Charlie nodded, he was shocked by Harry's actions, he knew that man and what he did was just not him.
-.-.-
Kingsley Shakebolt was difficult to surprise, but when someone not announced, who happened to be no other than Harry Potter, entered his office like a wild hippogriff he had a fair reason to be startled.
"Harry… Please knock next time… You scared me"
"I'm sorry"
He sat down and took a parchment from his pocket, putting it over the desk in front of him.
"That is the conference line-up, it will be hold tomorrow at midday"
"Why the hurry?"
"I must be gone before five in the afternoon and I have the feeling this particular conference will be prolonged"
"Gone? Harry why is there any reason for you to leave the country?"
He looked down and sighed, why no one could just simply accept without asking questions?
"There is, but I can't tell you what it is… Leave it at personal reasons"
Shacklebolt sighed but said no more, it was not his right to pry into the man's life.
"You will be missed Harry, a lot of people loves you, not just because of your part during the war but because they actually care for you"
"I know, that's why this time I will keep in touch… I'm not going to disappear the same way I did before, I don't want to make the same mistakes"
The minister nodded and smiled sadly at him.
"I wish you all the luck you can get Harry, and I hope you decide to come back someday"
"I hope that too minister…"
Harry stood up at the same time the other man did it, they shared a hug and then he let Harry go. With one last good bye Harry disappeared in the fireplace, Shacklebolt stayed looking at the empty chair and closed his eyes.
Are you condemned to never have a normal life Harry?
With a sigh he set everything in motion to get all ready for the next day, given the little time he was given a lot of people would have to run to send notifications and get aurors to make a schedule for the conference.
-.-.-
"Harry!"
Ron's voice surely was heard in Hogwarts, or at least that was what crossed Harry's mind.
"Hello all, I'll stay just for a while I still have some things to get ready… And I wanted to tell you that Draco finally took the potion"
Ron's good mood vanished at the same time with the others, Fred and George looked at each other with worried expressions and Hermione felt her chest constrict. Molly just gripped her apron tightly, they all knew exactly what those words really meant.
"I… I'll be leaving tomorrow in the afternoon, right after the end of the conference… I've decided to go to Italy… I'll send notice once I get there, and the address"
He wouldn't dare to look them in their eyes, he felt ashamed somehow, for he knew that it was not fair for them.
"You don't have to go Harry"
"He has to mom… It's a wizard's pact"
Molly felt her heart stop for a second, she knew perfectly well what the meant, her eyes were open wide and her hands were shacking. When you made a wizard's pact you signed with your magic and life, if you even though of breaking it the consequences would be disastrous.
"Oh Harry"
Silence reigned in the house for a long moment, all of them processing the reality of the events. For them, a brother and a son was leaving for ever, without any chance of coming back.
"A wizard's pact can be broken"
They all turned to look at George, he was serious which was something quite unusual for the twins.
"It is made through words and words can stop it too"
"Yes, but there must be an agreement form both parties, and we all know that one of those won't accept to it"
Harry said not looking at them but at the fire, with every hour that came he felt every time more depressed.
"I know you will tell us not to do it, but as you know already Harry, we usually do as we want… So, rest assured that we will have a talk with him, and use any method to make him agree"
And Harry knew what Fred mean with that, he wouldn't permit it, he stood up abruptly and in a flash was standing right in front of the two he considered brothers.
"You two will stay as far from Draco as you can! Do not mess with this anymore! It was mi decision too, I agreed to it!"
"You may have Harry, but it doesn't mean is right! As I see it you are making a huge mistake!"
"After all that has happened, you really think we will stay put seeing as how you ruin your life?!"
They both were looking at him with defiant eyes, and Harry knew he better warn Pansy and the others.
"Harry, haven't you thought that you may be wrong with your reasoning? That maybe, just maybe, you choose the wrong answer? I've thought about this whole pact thing a lot, about Snape's reasons… I mean, I've been working with the man for a long while now… After hearing him talk, I think that you're not really understanding what he really is trying to do"
They all looked at Hermione with confused looks and even a bit angered at her words.
"Are you taking his side now Hermione?"
"No Fred, I'm just analysing this whole mess from another point of view, one that may have the correct solution for this problem"
Harry was the most confused one, her words stirred something within him and that something planted the seed of doubt in his mind. However, he still thought the right action was to leave.
"Please, just… Just leave it, what is done is done… I have to go now"
He lowered his face and walked to the door, once there he turned and looked at them sadly.
"I'll miss you all and will write as much as I can… I will come back for your wedding guys; I wouldn't miss it for anything… Please take care and…"
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to stop his growing need to cry.
"And be happy"
With that, and before anyone could say anything to stop him he closed the door behind him and apparated.
-.-.-
Draco opened his eyes, his mid was completely clear and for the first time it didn't hurt, his body felt very light though, and he knew he would have to need help to move for while. But al that didn't matter, his mind was completely focused in one thing, Harry Potter was leaving.
"Draco!"
He turned his head to see a crying Pansy, she was smiling but it didn't really reach her ears as some would say. Soon there three other people next to him, Blaise, Neville and Snape.
"Hello Pans…"
He tried to smile and it was then when he noticed how tired he was, his face hurt and he could do with a good massage.
"How are you feeling?"
He turned to look at his godfather and just then he really noticed the state of his former head of house.
"You're blind"
Snape frowned but nodded, not wanting to start that topic right then. Draco turned around and noticed the person standing at the kitchen's door, he was not hiding but wasn't completely out either.
"Weasley?"
Charlie looked at him and nodded lowering his eyes right after, Draco's next question was the one they all were expecting.
"Where's Harry?"
It was Charlie the one who answered but he didn't raise his eyes or stepped out of his place.
"Probably at my parent's house, if not then the school… Those are the only places I can think of"
"I don't think he's there Charlie… I know him enough to know that he's nowhere to be found… He's getting ready for tomorrow"
Neville spoke softly but loud enough, they all knew what those words meant, and they affected them all. Snape had to fight against his sudden desire to go look for the man and bring him back, to see Draco smile for once. However, he couldn't do anything of the sort, for it was something Harry needed to see for himself, if he didn't there was nothing Snape could do for them. Draco frowned and pushed the covers back, he wanted to move, to finally leave the bad and the chair and be able to go out and do what they clearly would not do.
"Where's my wand?"
Blaise went to the fireplace and opened the crystal case where they had put Draco's wand, but didn't give it to him right away.
"Draco, don't try to move just yet, your muscles are weak and you need to strength them first"
Draco extended his hand and looked at his friend with determination.
"I will not stay in bed Blaise, I will go to that conference and you will not stop me"
His words were final and they knew there was no way they would stop him, so better if they helped him. Blaise gave him his wand and Draco could feel the warmth extending from it to his own body.
"We will take you there… But please do not push yourself too much right now, it is not safe"
Draco looked at Neville seriously but then smiled softly, he had been an asshole and the man still stayed there with him, even if it was only to stay with Blaise.
"Why do you worry so much Longbottom?"
"Neville… And I worry because I care, after all this time I consider you a good friend, even if you do not"
Draco stayed silent for a moment but soon raised his face and looked at Blaise, smiling at him a bit more truthful.
"You're a lucky bastard Blaise, better take well care of this one… You won't find another like him"
Blaise smiled and nodded getting closer to his lover and putting a hand over his shoulder. Draco once again looked at Charlie and his smile disappeared, he knew why the man had come, but now that everything was fine he didn't understand why he still stayed, though, he wouldn't ask just yet.
"Draco, you should try to rest a little, and eat something… Your body is weak and needs to recover from the fight against the curse"
"I know Severus, but I really don't care that much… I spent these last two years 'resting' from reality, I don't want to stay in bed"
Snape was about to answer him when Draco left the bed and tried to stand alone, he lasted a few seconds but soon collapsed. His legs weren't working right and that frustrated him, it meant he would need to keep using the wheelchair.
"And I would appreciate if you stayed out if this from now on…"
Draco looked at him and even though Snape couldn't see him, he knew perfectly how he was being looked. Draco's eyes showed no hate, but they were sad and angered, not only at him but at the whole situation. He didn't really understand, but knew that Snape had a lot to do with the current state of things with Harry.
"Severus, you are my godfather and I love you the way you love a father, but this is my life…"
He knew Harry was leaving and that Snape had to do with it, he didn't know what he had done or why he had done it though, and that thought made him uneasy.
"And I have lived longer than you Draco, you may not like my procedures but they have a reason… I suggest you not to pursue Potter, or it will be painful for the both of you"
Draco clenched his fists and closed his eyes, he needed to stay calm or he would end saying something that would hurt their relationship too deep to be fixed.
"Pans… Please bring the chair, I want to take a shower"
Snape felt like crying but it was something he would never do in front of anyone. Only one person had seen him cry and that had been Remus.
"I'm leaving now, I will come back tomorrow to take you all to the ministry… Be ready"
With that Snape turned around and left the room, Remus had been waiting outside and soon his steps joined those of the dark professor, soon the front door was opened and closed and they all were left in silence.
-.-.-
"Severus… I am confused"
"That would be a first Lupin… What is it?"
Remus let his body fall on the couch and sighed heavily.
"You… I thought this was what you wanted but you seem even more upset than before"
It really was unsettling for him, he knew Severus Snape more than anyone else but right now the man was a total mystery.
"That is because this is not precisely what I was looking for… I was expecting a very different turn of events"
"And that would be…"
Snape snorted and summoned two glasses and a bottle of firewhiskey; he let Remus serve both glasses and took a sip of his.
"Potter doing the right thing… He might be one of the most powerful wizards history has known, but his intelligence can be compared with that of a flobberworm, and the bug probably has more brains than him"
Remus closed his eyes, when Snape started with that kind of insults then things were quite complicated, and dangerous if you were the one at the end of those.
"Maybe if you gave him some kind of direction, or let me do it"
"No, he must find out by himself or it will not work"
The werewolf just sighed again and took a drink from his glass, he loved Harry but if things didn't get better his own life would be quite affected, particularly in the sex department. Snape had been quite distant lately and he knew it was because the time had been getting closer and Harry still had not done what Snape was expecting him to do, and now that Draco had woken up and Harry still had not done the right thing, whatever that was, Snape had become even more recluse.
"Severus… I ask you this hypothetically, but you better give me the right answer… What are you going to do if Harry doesn't get it at all and fails your test"
Snape raised and eyebrow, he knew his lover very well and also knew this was a tricky question.
"I still have not thought about it"
"Does it mean you still have hope?"
Snape juts shrugged, which per se was something he never did, Remus didn't like that answer.
"I'll take your room hostage if you don't find the correct answer to that question Severus, let's see how much do you like to sleep on the couch"
Snape sighed in defeat, for a man as patient and gentle as Remus he could be quite the sadistic bastard. That couch was not comfortable at all, at least not to sleep and he loved his bed, it was exactly how he liked it and it was the only place he could actually sleep well.
"You are being irrational Lupin"
"Go figure, I thought exactly the same about you, now if you excuse me I would like to get some rest, tomorrow is going to be a busy day and it's already past three in the morning"
He didn't say Snape couldn't go with him but the threat was clear in the air, the potion master sighed tiredly and closed his eyes. He asked to whatever god would hear him for Potter to understand, his own life would become an inferno.
-.-.-
Harry woke up, he was staying at a hotel near the ministry; he wanted to be alone and think, Hermione's words still fresh in his mind. His problem was the pact, he knew how those worked and that if he broke it, even in thought he would suffer tremendous pain and cold even lost his magic and his life. But had accepted, he had given his word to Snape and no matter what he felt for the man he respected him.
What are you going to do Harry?
He was currently in the bathroom taking a shower, but the hot water did nothing for the knots in his shoulders. He had finished writing what he would say during the conference and prepared himself for the most obvious questions he would be facing, and what to answer to Rita Skitter if she even dared to ask one single question.
He turned off the water and left the tub, wrapping a towel around his hips and drying his hair with the other. He finished drying his hair with a spell and washed his teeth, then combed the messy hair the best he could and finally left the bathroom to get into his pyjamas. His mind though, that was in a turmoil, looking for that hidden part in Hermione's words because there always was a hidden meaning with her.
He let himself fall over the bed, autumn was just starting so the nights were still not that cold. He wondered what would he do from now on, he could always open another repairing store, but that was not really something he would like to do for the rest of his life. Maybe if he tried a hobby, maybe painting or writing.
The Live and Lies of Harry Potter… Heh, it sounds like something Skitter would write… Better look for a better title.
He had thought about it before, writing a book about his own life, not because he wanted recognition but because he thought some of the things he had gone through could help wizards understand muggles a little bit more. May help to get a better relationship with them and that being a muggle had its pros too. He loved to be a wizard but he also liked a lot of things from the muggle world, and wanted the rest of the wizarding world to know about them and learn how to use them and enjoy them.
He closed his eyes and sighed softly, once again thinking about Hermione's words, that he might be taking Snape's words in the wrong way.
-.-.-
It was morning already, and Ron covered his head with his pillow at the constant noise that was his mother's voice calling his name over and over again. He moaned still sleepy and finally got up.
"I'm awake! Stop yelling please!"
"Then answer the first time someone calls you Ronald!"
He snorted annoyed, he hated when she called him that way, what was worst was that Hermione had gotten used to that. Every time she got mad at him she would call him by his full name.
"Whatever"
He stood up changed and went downstairs, he would eat breakfast and then would go take a shower. That day there was no practice for the Cannons, Harry's conference had been announced and almost the whole wizarding world had stopped its activities. It was amazing how his friend's name could put so many people out of service.
"Come on Ron, we need to get ready there's still too much to do before going to the ministry"
He nodded at Hermione, she had spent the night there and soon they would have to go to her parents' house to get them ready for the trip to the ministry. She had the feeling that her parents would like to hear what Harry had to say.
"I know… I'll go get a shower"
He stood up and left, the twins would be there soon and for once he wasn't scared of it; the two had been so down since the night before that they barely thought about using him as a guinea pig.
-.-.-
"It's everything ready?"
Blaise nodded and helped Draco to get on the chair, there was still two hours for the conference to start but given Draco's state they would have to leave early. They couldn't use brooms neither a portkey, and even though Draco could apparate it was not safe.
"The carriage will take us to the main road, there would be a muggle car waiting for us"
"Muggle Car?"
"Something muggles use to travel long distances, instead of magic they use something called gasoline, we saw that during muggle studies"
Draco nodded not really understanding, he had not taken that class just Neville and Charlie had. Neville just smiled and gave him a green and silver thin blanket for him to cover his legs.
"You'll see, and I have the feeling you'll like it"
Draco raised an eyebrow but shrugged, he didn't think he would like some muggle device when he could easily fly. Maybe not yet but soon he would go back to use a broom.
"Whatever, we better go already"
Blaise looked at Neville and smiled devilish to Neville; he knew Draco better than most and was sure that even if Draco denied it he would like the thing. Pansy sighed and just let it pass a male thing, though she also was for a surprise. They all got into the carriage and parted, the manor was far apart from any village since it had a lot of magic in it and it was not safe for muggles to get close. The trip to the main road was long but nice; the manor was surrounded by a large forest and now that autumn was starting the mix between red and green was beautiful.
"He would like it…"
"Uh? Whom?"
"Harry… He would like to see this, is almost if Gryffindor and Slytherin were merging…"
They stayed silent, the look on Draco's face said a lot without him saying anything, he was really affected by everything that was happening. After his recovery he gave precise and clear orders and he seemed calm and collected, but after what he went through and now knowing what was to come was something really difficult, it was clear he was not as controlled as he let the rest see.
"Slythindor… Or Gryfferin?"
They all turned to look at Blaise, he really looked to be thinking hard about it and the spaced out face he had was too much, they all started laughing hard. Blaise smiled at that, it had been stupid but it had worked out, the mood was not as sad as a moment ago. Charlie knocked the roof of the carriage to let them now they were about to reach the main road. Remus and Snape were waiting for them with the car, it was a BMW X5 Gama 2000 perfect for them given how many they were, it was a light metallic grey and Remus was the one behind the wheel, Snape was waiting for them with the door open.
"Wow… And you said this was called?"
"A car"
Draco looked at the thing amazed, it was really beautiful and he decided he wanted one and that he would make someone teach him how to use it. And it looked fast, even if he didn't know how it moved.
"Here, let me help you"
Blaise and Neville helped Draco out of the chair and into the car, while Charlie took the wheelchair and folded it to put it in the back of the vehicle. So Snape was in the front with Remus, in the back seat were Blaise, Draco and Neville and in the boot with the chair Charlie and Pansy, they weren't in the most comfortable place but it would do. Remus started the car and the faster it went Draco's face turned even more amazed.
"I'll definitely get one of these"
Snape turned to look at him with an eyebrow raised.
"I don't think that's a good idea Draco… It actually scares me, you using one of these"
"More the reason to get one"
He answered with a devious smile, and right then and there they all knew one thing, stay away from the muggle streets.
-.-.-
Harry arrived at the ministry one hour earlier and had been preparing his speech and his answer to possible questions. His mood was not the best, he had been thinking over what to do and what other choice there was.
"Harry?"
He raised his face and looked at Oliver who had just entered the room he was in.
"Yes?"
"You better get ready there's only half an hour before the conference starts"
He looked at his watch and noticed that it was true, it was already eleven thirty.
"Thank you, I'll be there right in time"
Oliver nodded and left, it was clear that Harry wanted to be left alone, he had been quite depressed since he arrived, and he suspected Harry had been feeling like that since a while now. Harry stood up looked at his reflection in the mirror and sighed, he used a concealing charm to hide the bags under his eyes and look a bit better. He took his notes and giving the mirror one last look he also left the room.
-.-.-
The conference room was full; two rows of journalists and one Rita Skitter were in the back of the room, leaving the front rows for those Harry cared the most for. The Weasleys were there, also Dumbledore, McGonagall, Hagrid and other of his teachers. His friends also were there. But there were six chairs that were still empty, Draco decided not to go to the front, he actually didn't want Harry to see him till the end of the conference, Snape stayed with him and thus Remus stayed with Snape. Pansy and Blaise also decided to stay behind and of course Neville was right next to his boyfriend.
"Good morning to you all, I'm glad to see that there is so many here today... Please be patient, the conference will start soon"
Kingsley had come to the podium and prepared it for Harry to use, he left quickly and once again the noise of murmurs started again. The tension in the air was almost unbearable and the minister knew that they better started soon or there would be problems, especially with the journalists and even more with Skitter. He looked at his watch and once again came to the podium.
"Silence please!"
All conversations stopped and they were now with their eyes fixed to the front.
"We are here today because a friend wants to say something. Harry Potter became a good friend; he is much more than just the man who finished Voldemort. So please respect him and let him talk, he'll answer questions at the end"
With that he left the podium once again and stood to the side, not too close, but close enough to act in case something might happen, there were too many people and it was better to be safe. Harry took a deep breath and then stepped out of the waiting room next the stage, he swore he would have heard a pin drop in that silence. He stood in front of the podium and closed his eyes for a second, when he opened them again his look was full of determination.
"Good afternoon to you all, I am here today to talk about something very important, something that was, it seems, forgotten by many…"
He had lowered his face to see his notes and now he raised it to look at everyone quite serious.
"I am here, to talk about those who I consider the real heroes of the war"
Before he could keep talking he was interrupted by the only person he knew would dare to.
"Mr. Potter, people wants to know about your whereabouts during these last two years I-"
"Mrs. Skitter, if you don't stop now you will be forced to leave the room… As Minister Shacklebolt said, questions will be answered at the end… And I reserve the right to answer or not the questions, be careful on what you ask…"
He looked around, watching all the journalists in the room and continued.
"Remember that there is a reason behind you being given ministry standard parchment and quills…"
He had been quite clear about that, he already had the experience with Rita's special quill and would not repeat the same mistake.
"Now, as I was saying… I decided to stay hidden from the public eye for personal reasons, but I did see how you all focused on me only. Today I will fix that mistake, for I am not a hero and will not tolerate the wizarding world forgetting those who really are"
Rita didn't dare to say anything else, and the rest of the room knew better than to try.
"That night, I got away with just minor injuries… I'm not proud of that, because it was not the result of my skills but instead the sacrifice of many who fought to protect me, because I was 'The Boy Who Lived'"
Those four words were said with disdain and just a few could see the actual hate he felt for them.
"I am here to honour those men a women, people like Justin Finch-Fletchey, Vincent Crabbe, Dean Thomas, Ginevra Weasley, Percy Weasley, Pomona Sprout, Sibyll Trelawney and Narcissa Malfoy, among others… Also, those who died even before the battle, like Cedric Diggory and Sirius Black who died a guilty man when he had never committed a crime, Bertha Jorkins, Amelia Susan Bones and many more… All of them gave their lives to ensure we all got a better future and now they have been forgotten except by their families"
He took the glass of water he had next to him and took a drink, refreshing his throat and then continued.
"Also there are those who suffered permanent injuries during that battle, Ronal Weasley, Blaise Zabini, Rubeus Hagrid, Severus Snape, Draco Malfoy, Alice and Frank Longbottom, cursed during the first reign of Tom Riddle, Gregory Goyle who was used under the imperius curse to kill his best friend… And why not say it, Norbert the dragon too, he helped us when he had no obligation to do so"
He noticed the faces of the public, it was clear that his words had touched them deeply, for some were even crying now.
"All of them are the real heroes of the war, they are the ones who risked and sacrificed their lives, and you all are here now thanks to them. Some of them gave their life directly to protect a loved one, as is the case of Justin Finch-Fletchey and Narcissa Malfoy, both of them threw their own bodies to stop the killing curse to reach those they cared for… Pansy Parkinson was protected by Justin because she was protecting me, for me they both worth more than a hundred of the 'me' you peapole have created. Narcissa gave her life to protect her son and thus gave him the same thing my own mother gave to me the night she died… Protection like no other"
He knew Draco was there but didn't dare to look at him; he had this speech prepared and knew that it would be a shock for Draco to know exactly how his mother had died. Because he wanted the world to know about those people, to know that not all the Malfoys were bad people, that being a Slytherin did not make you a bad person just because.
"Ronald Weasley was hurt with a cursed sword and will never heal completely, he was protecting Hermione Granger, professors Trelawney and Sprout died protecting the students inside the castle, professor Snape was blinded by a curse while protecting people whom still doubted of his loyalty, Blaise Zabini lost an eye fighting fiercely against a troll, also protecting those who were unable to fight anymore… Rubeus Hagrid lost a leg fighting giants four times his size… I could continue but they are too many and we could be here for days"
People didn't laugh, and Harry was glad, it had not been a joke.
"For that reason I decided to finance a memorial for all of those who lost their lives in battle, also I decided to open the Sirius Black ward for special injuries in St. Mungo's for those who need help with their problems… I will also finance the Narcissa Malfoy's house for war orphans, they are the ones who need our help the most. They are only children who need guidance and parents who love them, they are the real victims of the war"
He took another drink of water and looked at the whole room so serious that it was almost scary.
"I ask you people not to forget the real heroes, they will forever live in my heart and I hope in yours too"
With that he put down his speech and waited, in a second the sound of applause was almost deafening and he was glad that now they all knew and that they would not forget and would let the rest of the world know the truth. He finally dared to look at Draco's direction and noticed the tears shining with the flashes of the cameras, he felt terrible for the pain the blonde would be going through but also felt glad Draco finally knew how brave his mother had been and the kind of gift he had been given.
"Mr. Potter!"
The applause subsided quickly and they knew it was the time for questions, not really what he wanted to do, but it was something he had to do. He nodded towards the man calling him and it was the cue to let him know he could ask.
"Why did you decide to do this now? Why not before?"
Harry smiled sadly but answered anyway.
"Because I am a big idiot, I made the biggest mistake of my life"
And it was clear he was not going to say another word.
"Mr. Potter, as I asked before… Why did you disappear during two years? And why the sudden public appearance?"
"I said it before Mrs, Skitter, there are questions I am not going to answer… Do not keep asking"
Before she could make another question a well known blond and long haired witch was now rising from a chair and looking directly at him.
"You mentioned people you used to dislike very much during school days, but you mentioned them as if they were your friends"
Harry smiled at her and decided to answer, just because it was her.
"Because I finally grew up Luna, and because I could see deeper than the mask they used… I can't say we are friends, but I respect them deeply and if one day I can finally call them my friends, then I will feel the most fortunate man in the world"
"We missed you Harry, I'm glad you're back"
"Thank you Luna, I'm very happy to see you again"
Some of the audience laughed and even applauded, and some were looking at him with a bit of good eyes once again.
"How long will the new ward and the orphanage will be ready?"
"I hope within this year, and I want you people to help in any way you can… They need us now more than ever, especially the children remember that they are our future"
Kingsley smiled remembering the meeting Harry had with him about those subjects, he had come to his office with two folders with all the details about the projects and was more than happy to go on with them.
"Mr. Potter, who are these people you respect so much? And why you do so?"
"They know who they are and I will not expose them to vultures like you Mrs. Skitter"
The witch was feeling every time more and more angered about the man's treatment towards her but knew she could do nothing about it, Hermione still had that piece of information about her animagi form and she knew better than going against Harry now, so she decided to remain silent and do what she could with what he was answering now.
"What are your plans from now on?"
"I will be in constant supervision of the two projects and will help as much as I can aside from donating the money to start them, but I also plan to travel and visit other countries and hopefully learn new things from other wizarding cultures"
"Are you going to give more interviews from now on?"
"No, this is the first and last… This conference's sole purpose was to let the whole world know about those I consider the real heroes"
He looked at all of them and smiled slightly.
"I would like to thank you all for coming today, and I hope to see the news soon in the streets… Take care and good bye!"
With that and before they could react to it he left the podium, Kingsley took his place and managed to make them to focus on him.
"I also thank you for coming today, for those who left things with the aurors please go to the entrance hall to get them back"
With that he also left the podium, Molly was still crying and Arthur could only let her take refuge in his arms. Fred and George were holding hands and just looking down in silence, Ron was being held by Hermione. Bill was with Fleur and their newborn baby, little Percy, the baby was not crying but he could feel the sadness his parents were going through and he also felt the same. Many of the audience, who had also been there during the war were deeply affected by Harry's words and wouldn't move form their seats yet. The journalists, even though they also shared the feeling, left quickly for they had work to do, Skitter was the only one who didn't seem affected. Luna stayed though, since the paper she wrote to was her father's she knew he would not mind if she didn't come back right away.
"Draco?"
The blonde raised his face, his eyes red and tears still fresh in his cheeks and looked at Pansy.
"She sacrificed herself for me, she gave her life to keep mine… And it's my fault for not being more aware of my surroundings, and Lucius' fault for not being the Malfoy he was supposed to be"
"Please Draco don't blame yourself, you couldn't have known"
"Draco"
He turned to his godfather and noticed the great sadness that showed in his face.
"Your mother fought bravely and knew perfectly well the risks, and even knowing she went into battle. Narcissa gave her life to protect her son's and if you start blaming yourself you would be diminishing her sacrifice"
His voice was deep and collected, but Draco knew the man was as affected as he was, for Severus Snape had considered her more than a friend, and that's why Draco was now his godson.
"He said she gave me the same thing his mother gave to him… Protection, what does it mean?"
Snape clenched his fists and claming himself more he kneeled next to Draco, not wanting others to hear them.
"As Lily Potter did, you mother gave her life to protect you, that pure act of love created a strong magical protection… You, as well as him, are protected by pure love Draco, if Voldemort had tried to kill you after that you would have become the new boy who lived… And I think it was that protection the thing that caused your father to miss that night"
Draco had started to cry again, it was just too much.
"I want to go visit her grave, I want to talk with her…"
Pansy nodded and started to move him out of the room, Luna saw them but didn't follow, she actually wanted to see Harry again and so she stood up and went to look for him.
-.-.-
"Malfoy"
Her voice was soft and carried no a bit of anger or hate; he looked at her and dried his eyes preparing himself for a battery of questions.
"Yes Granger?"
She approached to him but Pansy gave her a look that clearly said stop, she did and crossed her arms nervously.
"I just wanted to ask a favour from you… You probably will think I'm insane for asking you of all people to do this, but… Well, I have the feeling that you are the only one who can do this"
He finally calmed himself and looked at her with suspicious eyes.
"And what 'this' could be?"
She looked at him in the eye but instead of hate she found real curiosity and a bit of worry.
"Please stop Harry from leaving, I'm asking you now that Snape is not here because I know he wouldn't permit this… Please, help me"
Draco was speechless, out of al the things she could have asked this was not the one he was expecting.
"Believe me Granger, I don't want him to leave, but he will do so anyway…"
"Please, just talk to him… If you tell him, if you say what he needs to hear…"
Draco knew very well what she was talking about, but it was something just too hard it would break him if Harry decided to leave anyway.
"I can't, he'll leave even if I say it…"
"So there's no way out? You will just let him go? This will destroy you both…"
Draco looked down, he knew very well it would, he loved him and would lose him without saying anything, but there was nothing he could really do.
"Draco"
He looked at Pansy and knew he had lost; he could fight against Hermione, but not against Pansy, even less against both of them.
"She's right Draco, no matter what, you must tell him; do not let him go without knowing… Potter needs to hear it from you; he wouldn't let me or any other tell him about your feelings… There's nothing like hearing it directly from your loved one's lips"
"Pans, he won't stay…"
"You don't know that"
"I heard, I was still somewhat conscious when Lupin talked to you… He's bound by magic"
"Magic that can be undone, come on Draco, Snape is not that sadistic!"
Draco stayed silent, she was right and he knew it, but admitting it out loud was not easy, besides, if Harry still decided to go that would break his heart and there would not be potion which would take him out of his depression.
-.-.-
Luna found Harry in the hall that lead to the Department of Mysteries, she knew him more than people thought and would always find him.
"Harry?"
He looked at her and smiled, her presence always relaxed him.
"Luna, it's so good to see you"
"I'm happy to see you too Harry… It's been a while"
He nodded and looked down at his shoes, he didn't know what to say and he had the feeling that it wasn't even necessary.
"You know Harry… That some of the most vicious creatures don't live in the forests? Most of them live inside those who live in constant remorse… When they stop themselves from doing or saying things that represents the deepest desires of their hearts"
She usually talked that way, and most of the times he never understood, but this time he knew perfectly well what she was trying to say.
"Sometimes those things can hurt people Luna… So I guess is better to keep those creatures well hidden inside"
"That's never an option, for those creatures will end eating you alive… And if those words or actions hurt others then people should look for a way to stop them from doing it… Sacrifice is never easy"
He smiled sadly, and let her get closer and embrace him.
"I've always known, your eyes have always been crystal clear but most of those who surround you don't know how to look at them… Or his for that matter, your eyes and his make the most beautiful combination I've ever seen… Free yourself form your vicious creatures Harry, sacrifice yourself and you'll find what you're looking for"
"It's weird, how confusing you can be and how easy it is to understand you Luna…"
She let him go and smiled at him happily.
"My boyfriend said the same to me once, right after that he proposed…"
"Lucky man that one…"
"Don't change the subject Harry…"
He looked towards the doors to the place where he saw his godfather for the last time and then closed them.
"I am already doing it, and it will not give me what I really want…"
"You're not doing it Harry, that's why it hurts so much, because the real sacrifice is not the one you think… Don't think with your head, think with your heart and you will find your answer"
He looked at her confused, for him leaving was the hardest thing he could do, because it would hurt too much, because he loved him just too much to let him go.
"I have to go Harry, I do need to start writing my article, dad won't be happy if I don't finish it in time…"
She took his head in her hands and kissed him softly in his forehead, she was smaller than him and had to stand on her tiptoes. Once she did that she let him go again and started walking away, and before she turned on the corner of the hall she turned around to look at him one last time.
"By the way, you are expected to be at my wedding… Three weeks from now, and wear bright happy robes!"
With that she left, leaving him even more confused than ever, between Hermione's words and now Luna's he was starting to think that he really might have made a mistake. He sighed and started to go back, there was still a bit of things he needed to do before leaving and he was running out of time.
-.-.-
Draco was at the entrance of the Ministry, next to the fountain and waiting for Snape and Remus to come back, he wanted to go home as soon as possible and just got o sleep, and if he was lucky never woke up. He turned his wheelchair exasperated ready to go back and fetch the two, he never expected to get face to face with Harry, well, not really face to face but that was not the problem.
"Malfoy..."
"Potter"
They stayed in silence, just looking at their eyes, so immersed in it that none of them noticed that Snape, Remus, Pansy and the others had already arrived. Snape was about to go and interfere but Remus stopped him.
"They need to talk Severus, do not make things worse than they are"
"That was not my intention, but the pact will affect Potter if he doesn't get away from Draco now"
"He knows that already"
And for a moment Snape smiled, not in a cruel way but in satisfaction. They stayed away, waiting and praying for things to go the right way.
"I'm glad to see you are ok, I was worried…"
"Why would you be? We're supposed to hate each other isn't it?"
Harry stayed silent, clenching his fists feeling lost and not knowing what the right thing to do was.
"I don't hate you then… As I said before, you are a hero and I respect you"
"And what if I told you I fought for my own benefit?"
"You still fought for the right thing, and lost more than I did…"
Draco frowned and felt angry for not having his wand; he still needed to get rid of the excess of magic in his body.
"That's what I hate the most about you… You decide things on your own, for once in your life ask before getting your own conclusions… Why don't you ask me more, why don't you yell at me for being egoistic?! Why don't you tell me what you really want to say?!"
He stayed silent for a moment, he couldn't look at him in the eye and he was starting to feel the effects of the pact. His body hurt and he was feeling dizzy.
"Because that will hurt both of us Malfoy… I am about to leave, I don't want to leave feeling angry…"
I don't want to leave having the expression of pure hatred on your face in my mind.
"Well, too bad, because I don't fucking care… Say what you really want to say, as I said before I am an egoistic bastard, I don't care if you don't want to leave feeling angry or sad or depressed… Just say what you need to say and be done with it!"
Finally Harry looked at him in the eyes and he couldn't stop himself.
"I love you"
And before Draco could tell him anything Harry started walking away from him, Draco managed to react finally and yelled at him, not caring that there was people hearing also. The entrance hall was empty, just those close to the two boys were there.
"Bastard! Coward! Fucking retarded Gryffindor!"
He started to follow him as fast as he could in his chair and managed to catch him right when he was getting into one of the fireplaces. He looked at him in the eye and as serious as he could manage he answered him.
"Just so you know, scar-face, I feel the same… You fucking asshole!"
And Harry disappeared between the green flames, Draco turned around with shi chair and looked at Pansy.
"Pans! Take me home"
And it was all he would say, she approached him and knew that no matter what they said he would manage to get someone to apparate him back home, so it was better if she did it rather than an estranger.
TBC
Thank you for your reviews people, those are the fuel I need to keep going... Yes, I'm bribing you all, review and you may have another chapter soon... Mwahahaha!!!
As you all can see now the story is getting nearer and nearer to its end, I hope to satisfy your taste and if I didn't, then I'm sorry, this was my idea from the start :p
Bye!