Smells Like Teen Spirit

A/N: Hiya! Hope you all had a good Christmas. This is for LittleThingsToMakeYouSmile and esinger, my favourite pm person, and my favourite reviewer respectively. Thanks guys!

And before you say anything, yes I have aged Gabrielle Delacour by about three years, but that is only so it seems more likely that she will be present. :)

BOY WHO LIVED SPEAKS OUT!

Harry Potter, defeater of the darkest wizard to ever walk the Earth, has spoken out about his new friend; ex-Death Eater, and former school rival, Draco Black (formerly Black).

Yesterday morning, I was approached by Mr. Potter as I worked away in my office. He informed me that he wanted to tell the world exactly what happened during the final eighteen months of the War, and what is currently going on with his new friend, and that I was to not ask questions, rather just listen and write down what he said. Of course I said yes, knowing that for one, it was the most famous man in the whole of the UK asking me to do this, and that secondly, you, my dear readers, all want to know what really happened. So here it is. I present to you, 'Potter's Account':

"A year before Dumbledore's death, I was told by him of a prophecy, a prophecy created about Voldemort and his downfall. It said that a boy, born as the seventh month dies, to parents who had thrice defeated him, with powers he knows not, would defeat him, as neither could live while the other survived. This prophecy related to either me or my friend, Neville Longbottom. Voldemort chose me over Neville, but still set Bellatrix Lestrange on his parents to torture them into insanity. Either way, it was that night, as you all know, that I defeated him, but only because my mother's love for me, and her sacrifice for me, protected me and made his spell rebound. In the 10 months before his death, he told me of the way that Voldemort kept surviving: horcruxes. For those of you who don't know, a horcrux can be any object, but it encases a part of a person's soul after they have torn it apart through murder. He told me that Voldemort had split his soul into seven pieces, made seven horcruxes, and that the only way for me to end him was by destroying these bits of soul. And so it began, the hunt for them. Two had already been destroyed: a diary, which I had destroyed in my second year in the Chamber of Secrets; and a ring which used to belong to Salazar Slytherin himself, and through bloodline, Voldemort's grandfather Marvolo Gaunt. The night Dumbledore was murdered, we had gone in search of another, Salazar's locket, only to find it was a fake. After his funeral, my friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and I agreed that we would skip school the next year and search for them. Basically, we would go on the run. But only after we went to the wedding of Bill Weasley, Ron's brother, and Fleur Delacour. That was, unfortunately, when the problems started.

"During the reception of the wedding, the congregation were interrupted as a Patronus flew in. I'll always remember what the lynx said. It said, in the voice of none other than our dear minister 'The ministry had fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They are coming.' At that moment, Death Eaters stormed the place. Hermione apparated us out of there, and for the next nine months, we ran, hid, and hunted down horcruxes, destroying Salazar's actual locket, and finding the cup of Helga Hufflepuff. We then realised, well, I found out through mind link, that the next one, the lost diadem of Ravenclaw, was hidden at the school, and that we would have to go back there. I eventually found it the Room of Requirement just as Ron and Hermione found me after destroying the cup in the Chamber with a Basilisk fang. We were confronted by Draco Malfoy, Gregory Goyle, and Vincent Crabbe. Crabbe unfortunately started a Fiendfyre and it consumed him. We managed to get Draco and Greg out, and in the process, destroyed the diadem. I knew by that point that I had feelings for Draco, but saving him when he was a Death Eater confused me. It wasn't until we were safe that I realised that he didn't want to be one. I was there the night Dumbledore was killed, and I saw the hesitation in Draco's eyes, followed by the hope that he might be able to be safe. We were kidnapped by snatchers in May, and taken to Malfoy Manor. Draco refused to identify me as me. Then, in the Room, I saw the fear in his eyes as he held me at wand point. I saw the look of hope when I went back to rescue him. What I saw in him made me realise how much he didn't want to be a Death Eater, and that is what made me testify against his case and save him. To be classed as a Death Eater, in my mind, you are to have wanted it from the start. Draco was forced to take the Mark. That, to me, is not a Death Eater. That is a scared young boy who just wants help.

"I had another vision then, and realised that the last horcrux, or what I thought was the last, was Voldemort's snake, Nagini. We, that is to say, Hermione, Ron and I, went down to the boat house where Voldemort and the snake were. There, we saw Nagini attack Severus Snape and saw both snake and master flee. Going in to try and help him, Severus made me take his memories and watch them. What I saw frightened me. When Voldemort tried to kill me that night in Godric's Hollow, and his spell rebounded, the bit of soul that was inside him latched itself onto the only living thing in the room. There was a reason I had the mind connection with him, a reason why I could, and still can, talk to snakes. Unknowingly, Voldemort made me his last horcrux. The only way to destroy it was for me to die. So I went to the forbidden forest, where he was, and stood in front of him, wandless. I let him kill me, or at least, kill the part of him that was inside of me. When I came to, I remained still whilst someone checked to see if I was still alive. When she realised I was, Narcissa Malfoy asked me if Draco was still alive, and after I said he was, she lied to Voldemort and told him I was dead. He paraded me to the school, claiming that I was dead and that he had won. Everyone defied him, and there, Neville killed Nagini with the sword of Gryffindor, as you all know. From then on, well, it's been documented enough for you all to know what happened. I defeated him. He killed himself with his own spell as the Elder Wand would not betray its master: me. After it was all over, and after all the funerals, I testified at the Malfoys' trials. Lucius had, again as you all know, refused arrest and had been killed by Aurors. Narcissa was given house arrest and Draco was pardoned of all crimes. As you know, Narcissa unfortunately killed herself as she couldn't cope without her husband.

"As for Draco, well, through the summer, we decided to put all differences aside and try to be civil to each other. When we got to school we, along with the rest of our year who had returned, were named as 'eighth years'. We were placed in a common room all to ourselves, and me and Draco were made to share a room. At first we refused and protested, but after being placed together in Defence Against the Dark Arts as partners, we decided that we should just be friends. Will we get further than that, who knows? All I know is that we both have feelings for each other but we don't want to rush into things. And I'm sure all I've mentioned, as much as I, would appreciate it if we could have some privacy over this. No questions. No conversations. Just privacy. Thank you."

So there you go folks. Written word for word, Harry's story to the world. Make of it what you will, but I know that I for one will do exactly what the Boy Wonder asks and give him, and his friends some peace. I strongly urge you all to do the same. This is Kirstie Devey, reporting for the Daily Prophet.

Draco put the paper down silently fuming. When he found out two days ago that Harry was going to go to the press about everything regarding the War, he was supportive. However, the way Harry had spoken about him, it made him seem weak. And not once did Draco believe Harry would mention their true feelings towards each other! If Draco had have known that was what he intended to do, he would have stopped the other boy. He'd had read enough. He didn't want to start feeling the stares, so he stormed off up to his room, waiting for Harry. He could look out when he arrived back…

xxxDHDHxxx

Harry finished reading the article with a smile on his face. Everything was how he said it, word for word. That Kirstie Devey was certainly better than Rita Skeeter. He felt a nudge to his side and looked up straight into the smirking face of his best friend.

"So this is what you said? Well done mate, I never knew the Prophet could actually print the truth. Though, if I had of been you mate, I would have described the bit where you died in full detail. Everyone loves a bit of drama surrounding their favourite pin-up!" Ron teased.

"Ha ha, very funny. I wanted everyone to know the truth Ron, not a soap opera."

"A what?"

"Muggle reference, you wouldn't understand. Though I can't help but wonder where Draco is…" he pondered aloud, his eyes straying over to the Slytherin table.

"He went storming off to the dorm, I saw him leave earlier." Lavender provided.

"What? Why?"

"Surely that's obvious Harry?" Hermione questioned. Under his confused look, she shook her bushy head. "Whenever you mentioned him in the article, you said stuff that I'm sure he would have wanted to have been kept quiet. You said that stuff without finding out if it was ok first. Imagine how let down he feels."

Harry just stared in shock. "Shit. I never thought of that…"

"Of course you didn't. Now I strongly suggest you go and talk to him. Ron and I will keep everyone out of your way."

"Thanks Hermione." He gave her a quick hug, waved goodbye to his friends, and rushed up to the dorm.

When he got there, the door was wide open. He stepped inside, to find the dorm was empty. Suddenly, the door slammed shut and locked behind him, and he turned to find Draco stood against the wall, hiding where the door had been, wand in one hand, Map in the other. He looked disappointed and angry.

"How could you?" he asked in a low menacing voice. "How could you Potter?"

"I'm sorry. I didn't think…"

"No, you didn't." Draco strode purposefully further into the room. He threw the Map down onto Harry's bed and spun around to face the latter, wand still clenched tightly in his hand. "What the hell were you thinking? Saying stuff like that? Not only have you made me look like a coward by saying I was scared, but you've also told everyone how I feel about you! You know I was scared about that! I told you two nights ago, the night before you did this interview! You knew, yet you still said it anyway! Yes, I know it was you who told them, and I know you asked everyone to give us all some privacy and to leave us alone, but that won't stop some people! They'll still say something! But even that doesn't bother me. The thing that bothers me the most is that you never asked me first! I trusted you Harry! I trusted you not to say something, yet you still did! If you really wanted to mention it you should have asked me first! I trusted you and you broke that trust! You've broke my heart!" The last word was stabbed with hurt and emotion. Draco's voice actually cracked as he spoke, and suddenly, he was crying. Crying, again, in front of stupid Harry fucking Potter! He flung himself down on his bed face down, and let the tears flow freely.

Harry just stared stunned. When he did the interview, he never realised just how hurt Draco would be. And now, to see him physically break down and start crying, that was really, really bad. Four words echoed in his mind however. You've broke my heart. Harry never once intended to do that. He felt he had to make it up to the other boy somehow, so he cautiously approached him, aware of the wand still in his hand and what he did the last time Harry caught him crying. He stooped next to the bed, gently laying a comforting hand on his shoulder. "Draco? Draco I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I just…I got the idea and just ploughed right through it, never once thinking how it would have repercussions. Call it my stupid Gryffindor tendencies, but I simply act before I think. Like I said, I never meant to hurt you. You know I would never do that intentionally. I love you too much to do that."

Draco picked his head up slightly and looked him in the eye. "I know you wouldn't do it intentionally, but the fact that you still did is enough. I just wish you would have spoken to me about it first. I thought that's what you did when you loved someone. You discuss things like this with them first."

"I know Draco, and I'm sorry. Please, forgive me. "

Draco slowly sat up on his bed and indicated that Harry sit next to him. When they were both sat down, Draco turned to Harry, steeling himself first before speaking again. "Just promise me that you will not do something like this again. Promise me that if you have any stupid ideas to do something like this again, you will ask me first."

"I promise. I'll never do something like this again without your permission. Can I ask you something?" Harry asked cautiously.

"Of course."

"You said that I broke your heart." There was an unasked question in that, and Draco knew it.

"Yes. And?"

"Do you mean what I think you mean?"

"Depends on what you think I mean."

"Do you…um…do you, you know. Love me?" Harry mumbled.

"Yes."

"So why do you never say it back?"

"Because if I say it back I might as well admit defeat and just jump into your arms right now, and I am not going to do that. I want to stick by what I said to you before and just come to terms with the fact people are going to say something about us. But thanks to you and that article, I might just be coming to terms with it a bit sooner. And don't you dare apologise, I know you're about to. In fact, maybe you doing that article may just be the kick up the arse that I needed. But don't expect me to wake up tomorrow and snog you senseless, because that isn't going to happen."

"I don't expect it to happen. I know you Draco; you're too stubborn for your own good, just like me. You take all the time you need, I don't mind waiting. Now, what did you feel like doing today?"

"I don't know."

"Well, we're all going down to Hogsmede for a few drinks. Fancy grabbing all your Slytherin's and joining us?"

"You know what, I might just take you up on that offer."

"Excellent!" Harry jumped up and made his way to the door. "I'll go and round up the rest of the eighth years. Meet you and your lot in the Entrance Hall in an hour?"

"I'll see you then." Draco agreed, shaking his head and laughing as Harry practically bounded out of the room.

xxxDHDHxxx

By some miracle, it seemed that the Durmstrang and Beauxbaton students had decided to arrive a month early, and the seventh of the month, the last Saturday before classes started again, found the whole school sitting in the Great Hall, eagerly awaiting their arrivals. For the students in fourth year and below, it was also joined with excitement, as they hadn't been in the school during the last Triwizard Tournament. For the older students who had seen the last Tournament, the excitement wasn't as high, but they were looking to forward the students all the same. Among everyone however, the excitement was at its peak at the thought of ex-champions, Fleur Delacour and Viktor Krum, joining them. Suddenly, Mr. Filch came running into the Hall as best as he could and made his way up to the staff table. Nods were exchanged before he went hobbling off and Professor McGonagall stood, commanding the attention of the whole room in just one move.

"Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, I have been informed that our new students have arrived. So will you please join in me in welcoming, the delightful ladies of Beauxbatons!" she raised her arms towards the doors as they opened. As last time, the girls strode in, about fifty in all, and majestically made their way to the front, doing little gymnastic moves in the process. At the front, looking just like her sister was Gabrielle Delacour. At fifteen, she was looking more beautiful, and seemed to be coming out into her veela heritage, which appeared to be more prominent than her sister's. Like her sister, Gabrielle seemed to command the girls, and the people around her, with excellent ease, despite the fact that the girls from her school were older than her. Once she and the rest of the girls reached the front, she held up her hand caught the attention of everyone in the room, then, in her best English, welcomed her Headmistress.

"S'il vous plaît, would you welcome our Headmistress, Madame Olympe Maxime!" At her words, the giantess stepped into the room. To the younger students who had seen her before, her height was, well, gigantic. To the older students who had seen her before, her height was still a lot to comprehend. However, the height did not deter her. She walked with a grace that only a woman from a high background could, yet the air coming from her was one of force and intimidation; a long time with the giants did that to you. All the time she walked, her smile never faltered, and her eyes never left Hagrid's, who looked back whilst allowing a steady blush to creep up his face. Upon reaching Professor McGonagall, she stooped low and kissed thee shorter woman once on each cheek, before taking her place at the right of the Headmistress' chair.

"And would you please kindly welcome the boys of the Durmstrang Institute!" Again, as before, fifty boys marched in, banging their staffs on the floor. Once they reached the front, their leader spoke.

"Please velcome our Headmaster, Professor Andrei Molchanov." In strode a man in a long white coat, and a round furry hat. He had a pointed black beard and long black hair. The older students recognised him as Igor Karkaroff's old aide from the Tournament. He made his way over to the staff table, and like Madame Maxime before him, he kissed Professor McGonagall once on each cheek, before sitting himself at the left of her chair.

Again, Professor McGonagall called silence and spoke to the congregation. "And finally, please, be upstanding, for our two ex-champions: Fleur Delacour and Viktor Krum!" everyone cheered as the Battle veteran and professional Quidditch player entered the room. Fleur wore a long silver dress that shimmered like water as she moved. Her hair was piled up high on her head and she looked beautiful. She smiled at the people around her, and waved at Harry, Hermione and her in-laws as she passed them. Once she caught sight of her sister, her smile widened and she waved again. Her left arm was hooked onto the right arm of Viktor Krum. He was, surprisingly, dressed in very muggle attire. He wore a black shirt and smart black jeans, along with black shoes; smart yet casual. He smirked at all the stares and comments he received from the girls, and when he passed Hermione, he winked at her, causing a blush to creep up her cheeks, and Ron to tighten his grip on her ever so slightly. The two ex-champions made their way to the front of the Hall, and both greeted Professor McGonagall like their predecessors.

Fleur, whilst greeting the Professor, quietly stated, "It's not Delacour anymore Madame, it is Weasley." She added a smile to show that no offence had been caused.

"Of course. I'm that used to calling you Miss. Delacour, I sometimes find it hard to remember that your name has changed. My apologies. Now both of you, go and take a seat." The older witch ordered.

Both bowed their heads in slight submission, slight understanding, and made their way over to the tables. Viktor sat with his fellow Dumstrang students at the Slytherin table, much to the delight of the girls and some of the boys there. Fleur sat with her sister, who had decided that she was going to sit at the Gryffindor table with her sister's in-laws, rather than at the Ravenclaw table with the rest of her school.

Professor McGonagall rose again. "Yes, yes, welcome, welcome! Now, as you all know, Beauxbatons and Durmstrang are going to be joining us until the end of January, so I expect all of you to treat our guests as if they were one of us. They will all be in your lessons, apart from Mr. Krum and Mrs. Weasley. They shall simply be staying here, maybe sharing a class or two with some of you if they wish. I think I've said all I have to. Your beds await. Of you go." She finished with a smile before indicating that the students may leave. The Durmstrang followed their leader back out to their boat whilst Viktor followed the Slytherins, keen to spend as much time with his old friends as possible. The Beauxbatons went to leave, but upon seeing Gabrielle remaining at her sister's side, they stopped and gave her a collective questioning look. She sighed and made her way over to them.

"Allez-y. Je vais passer en peu de temps avec ma sœur. Je vais tous vous voir plus tard. Allez.ʺ At her command they backed away, but only after she gave them a short nod of confirmation did they completely leave.

Gabrielle turned back to see Fleur smiling at her, proud that her little sister could have just as much command as she used to have. The others however were confused.

"Gabrielle, what did you just say to them?" Hermione asked as they slowly made their way to the eighth year common room.

"I told them that I was going to spend some time with my sister and that I would see them later. Pourquoi? Why do you ask?"

"I just wondered that was all. My parents and I quite frequently visit France during the summer and I was able to pick up a couple of words that you said, but not all of it."

"You visit France? Oh, Hermione, why didn't you say before? We must take you, all of you. Gabrielle and I must take you and your parents one summer; we know plenty of places we can show you!" Fleur exclaimed.

"Only if you're sure…"

"Of course we're sure! And don't worry about where you would sleep, our mother and father would gladly have you."

"Well, thank you Fleur, Gabrielle. I might just take you up on that."

"It's not a problem."

"Would you take me and Harry as well?" Ron piped up.

"Of course Ronald. However, you and 'Arry would have to go at a separate time as I assume the rest of the Weasleys would want to come also. It wouldn't be a bother. But I'm afraid for that you'd have to sleep in a hotel. Our parents do not have enough room for all of you."

"That wouldn't be a problem. Mum and Dad could stay in the house, bill could be with you, Ginny with Gabrielle, and us boys can sleep outside in a tent. It wouldn't bother us, would it Harry?"

Harry shook his head. "No not all."

Fleur looked thoughtful. "Hmmm, we'd have to see. Just remember that I'm not making promises to any of you, not even you Hermione, not yet. I have to discuss it with our mother and father first. But I shall see what I can do." She smiled slightly. By this point they had reached the portrait entrance. Violet surveyed the two French girls with interest.

"And what do we have here? New girls. Strange though, one looks too old to be here, and the other too young."

"Hey, I am not old!" Fleur exclaimed, hands on her hips.

"And foreigners too! Are you from France?"

"Yes, we are. And we do not take kindly to insults from portraits that drink too much." Fleur stated bluntly, eyeing the glass of wine in Violet's hand.

"I'll have you know I do not drink too much. However, you young lady are very rude."

"My sister is not rude. She simply speaks her mind." Gabrielle defended.

"Yes well, bluntness can come across as arrogance and rudeness I'll have you know…"

Harry, upon sensing an argument uprising, gave the password quickly, meaning that Violet had no choice but to let them in and the bickering had to end. Upon entering the common room, it was clear that Fleur and Gabrielle were amazed. They stared up in awe at the high ceiling and decorations before turning back to their friends.

"You live here?" Fleur asked, still astonished.

"Yeah. There aren't many of us actually. Eighteen in total. It's big, but it doesn't feel too big. It's quite cosy actually."

"Yes it does have quite a homely feel doesn't it? Now Hermione, I want to ask you something…" Fleur started, dragging Hermione off to the side where they wouldn't be heard. Gabrielle, realising her sister didn't want her to overhear, dragged Ron off for a game of chess, claiming she could beat him. This left Harry alone again, but he didn't seem to mind. Upstairs was the steady riff of a guitar, meaning Draco was up there. And Draco, Harry decided, would probably be better company than the rest of the people in the common room, so he made his way up stairs, for once feeling that the idea of spending time with his best friends would be all too stifling…

A/N2: I'm doing one more chapter before the Yule Ball and jumping time a bit. Basically, to the last day of term before the Christmas holidays, otherwise I'll be posting the actual Ball in May at this rate! After that, I'm thinking of skipping the actual holidays and moving straight on to the start of the New Year. What do you guys think? Should I do that, or should I actually write the holidays out? Put it this way, Draco will be spending the time at the Weasleys, so you do want to read what happens or do you want me to simply move on and get back to school? It's up to you my dear readers! Leave your answer in a review… Thanks! :)

xxxxx