The halls of the school, which used to be full of students and noise, were now quite quiet. It was the last day of school and almost everyone had already packed up, most of them were saying goodbye to their classmates or were walking around the place as much as they could to have their last memory before returning home. like a kid in a park who can only get on one last ride.

When Minister Fudge declared through "The Daily Prophet" admitting the return of Voldemort and apologized to Headmaster Dumbledore and Harry for doubting them. They also published the list of captured Death Eaters, among them Lucius Malfoy, who claimed that he was only under the Imperius Curse and that they attacked him by surprise when they told him that his wife and son would be harmed. Since his wife was hidden from everyone, except Dumbledore and few members of the Order, he was not there to deny it, plus the fact that his son was a close friend of the famous Harry Potter also benefited him.

-The hooded men have taken my poor wife, although I wouldn't be surprised if it was also the work of Dumbledore and his small personal army. They call themselves "The Order of the Phoenix." A pretentious name for an unregistered association that thinks it can acting on the law. Wasting time chasing innocent citizens and not real criminals - and thus he continued to feign innocence and, at the same time, tarnish the director. When they read that they couldn't believe that man's cynicism and ability to lie so well. Although at this point, they didn't know why they were surprised. Everyone looked at the face of his friend as they saw how his own father feigned affection for his family in order to free himself from Azkaban.

-He is intelligent, he knows very well how and when to act- he responded seriously. Then he excused himself saying that he wanted to be alone for a while.

-We won't leave you alone Draco- Ginny replied.

-¿Oh no? ¡Accio Cape! -And as soon as the object reached her hands, he put it on and ran away before anyone could do anything.

-¡He is a fool! ¿Why he do that?

-He need time to assimilate it. It's not good to have someone hovering over you asking you every second how you feel, and all that-

-The last thing he needs is to be alone. His mother is hiding to protect him and his father is an idiot who doesn't know what an incredible son he has!- Hermione screeched.

-It's a man thing, you wouldn't understand-

-Any coherent person would not understand Ronald. Harry, you agree with me¿Right? Get out the map so we can find it-

-Honestly Herms... I think we should give him privacy, it's the last day, then we'll have the whole summer to ask him about how he feels-

-YOU will see it all summer. We will be with our families. Even Ron and Ginny will see it when his parents go to meetings.

-Let's give it a couple of hours- said the redhead, who was rubbing her eyes and seemed to have a headache. They assumed it was because of the experience he had gone through at the Ministry, but she assured them that he was fine, that she just had a bad night thinking about how much she was going to miss school.

-¿Do you think he'll be back by then?- His brother asked.

-No, but I'll go look for it. I'll go alone, and don't waste time with the map, he won't appear there-

-¿How do you know where he is?-

-There are few places where your name does not appear on the map and I can imagine which one it was. In the meantime I'll go say goodbye to Daphne and Luna, then I'll go look for him. Why don't you go see Hagrid or do something better than think about where Draco might be? -And she left there.

-¿How does she know him so well? ¿Do you think there is something between them?

-Even if it were, it's none of your business, Ron-

-¡Of course! She is my sister-

-And she has already shown that she can handle herself very well on her own. You saw how well I fight against the Death Eaters-

-It's not the same ¿What do you think about that?- His friend asked him.

For a moment Harry imagined Ginny and Draco together, and it seemed funny to see the expression that Ron and his family would make. Although he always believed that they were just very close friends. But things change, and even if he wasn't the blonde one, she had no problem getting boys' attention. Michael Corner, Blaise Zabini and, according to some rumors, also Dean Thomas, were proof of this. Still, seeing her as girlfriend´s Draco was... strange.

-Look Ron, it doesn't matter if it's Draco or anyone else, it's her decision. Just because you are his older brother doesn't give you the right to deny him dating someone. Imagine Fred or George forbidding you to go out with some girl...Or Percy telling you that you shouldn't go out with the girl you like just because it doesn't seem "appropriate" - told him and at the mention of her wayward brother his friend seemed react and empathize with Ginny and understood that, although she was always her younger sister, she had already grown up.

-Okay... I'll try not to scare her boyfriend away... I won't promise not to embarrass her or give her what she deserves if he hurts her-

-It's a start-

-Listen. I'll go say goodbye to Hagrid and the snake. And then other people. Ginny is right, it's our last day, let's take advantage of it- he told them and headed towards her goal.

Draco was lying on the grass near the lake. He had thought about going to the Room of Requirement, but after the ED classes were interrupted he had second thoughts, plus it was the most obvious place. On the other hand, no one would look for him there near the lake. He kept thinking about his father, even after everything that had happened a part of him hoped that the man would show up and tell him how sorry he was, and that he still loved his mother and him. He also thought about his mother Narcissa about him, how he should be now, far away from his home and everything he had ever known, just to protect him. He was dying to talk to her, to tell her about her adventures, to have at least some indication that he was safe. He spent his time throwing rocks into the lake, as if that somehow made him feel better.

-I finally found you- said a voice.

-¿How did you know where he was? I thought Potter's map wouldn't see me from here-

-It was either here or the Room of Requirement, I assumed you would prefer this place where there is a lot of space and open air. Since later you will be locked up with Harry and the members of the Order. There's not much privacy there- she responded, sitting next to him.

-Go away, I want to be alone Ginny-

-You can lock yourself up and grumble all summer in Grimmauld Place, now is when you should spend the last few hours with your friends. Look, your father is an idiot, you won't be able to change that. But you have a brave mother who is willing to give up everything for you. And, of course you have us, so stops acting like the typical lonely and brooding bad boy. Save it for the silly girls who fawn over you, like Parkinson- she said, giving her a friendly nudge, making him relax a little.

-You don't need to get jealous-

-Pff, as if I could be jealous of those. Also ¿Who told you that you were my type? - the girl joked.

-True, I forgot that you only like famous boys with glasses and scars on their foreheads- and the girl made a small gesture -Admit it, you've liked Potter since you met him. Maybe that's why the sorting hat sent you to Slytherin. By the way, it was a good strategy when you pretended to be angry with your brothers and thus have an excuse to hold his hand-

The girl ignored the comment - he is my brother's friend, and besides, he has never noticed me. Not that way. He likes cute girls like Chang-

-You say it as if you weren't. Plus, things change, I bet if he saw you with another guy he'd get jealous-

-¿You think?-

-We like challenges. My mother told me that women manage to attract men's attention by looking unapproachable but, at the same time, showing that they are a good catch and that there are other options behind them. It doesn't hurt to have a couple of guys following you around like a puppy and giving you compliments, like Corner did with you.

-He's not the only one- and she offered him some chocolates from a box that some boy had given her.

-Nothing bad. Remember that you can also have a good time. Just because you can't be with the right one doesn't mean you can't enjoy the wrong one. Go out for a drink on the three brooms or see yourself "alone" out there, away from other people's eyes - he told him while he raised and lowered her eyebrows.

-Wouldn't that make me a...?-

-¿A person who has already grown up and who will have certain impulses, in addition to going through other changes? I imagine your parents talked to you about this-

-Well yes, just the basics. I know how I was born and...the procedure-

-¿That's all? No wonder there are so many Weasleys. Well, I'll send you a copy of the book and notes they gave me when I turned thirteen.

-I would appreciate it very much, I have all brothers and no sisters. And my mother still sees me as a girl. So that complicates things a little- she said, smiling and then bit her lip -¿Do you think I'm stupid for doing all this, just for wanting to get his attention?-

-I would never call you stupid. I understand that it must be difficult when you like someone who only sees you as a friend. It's like being close, but at the same time so far- he responded, almost sighing.

The redhead raised an eyebrow -¿Are we still talking about my feelings or yours?-

-¿What are you talking about?- He asked and the girl gave him a malicious smile that made him feel quite uncomfortable.

-I've seen how you look at Hermione...How your face changes subtly when she has one of her brilliant ideas or your little traces of jealousy when she talks about Viktor Krum, which by the way, are similar to my brother's. I also noticed how you instinctively protected her during the battle in the Department of Mysteries. And I bet you regret not asking her to the dance last year, especially after seeing how pretty she looked that night...-

At that answer the boy was speechless. He wanted to tell her to shut up and not talk nonsense, but it was impossible, everything she had told him was the pure truth. He was always taught not to show emotions, both with allies and enemies, and to keep a cool mind in any situation. A useful skill for politic and Occlumency, if he ever wished to learn it. But with Ginny it was useless, she always knew what was going on in his head and how he felt.

-She's a friend, nothing more- he responded, trying to compose herself.

-A friend who is worried about you, just like everyone else. She actually seemed angry because only Harry would be able to see you during the summer and she wouldn't-

-¿Really?- he asked in a tone of surprise and almost effusiveness and upon seeing the smile that the redhead put on he realized that he had fallen into a trap. Of course she wouldn't miss him that much.

-¿Why don't you take the step of her and invite her out of it? It's obvious that there is something between you-

-It is not so simple-

-¿Why? ¿Because you are from Slytherin and she is from Griffindor? ¿Or because she's a muggleborn? Of course, the great Malfoy is too good for an "impure blood" -

-¡Don't call her that!- he bellowed. And upon realizing his reaction he had to accept the truth: he liked the girl.

-I'm not going to tell you what to do, Draco, it's your decision. I understand that you are going through a lot right now. I'll just tell you not to take too long. Krum and my brother aren't the only ones who have noticed her-

-¿And what will you do with Potter?-

-I have the rest of the summer to sort out my ideas, I suggest you do the same. Maybe we'll have better luck next year-

-I hope you are right-

The girl rested her head on his shoulder where he had not been hurt by the Death Eaters, while she looked at the landscape in front of them -Love sucks- she said.

The boy thought about the girl, about his mother, about how much things get complicated when there are tangled feelings and he couldn't help but give a small, but unusual, laugh - Indeed -

Harry had finished saying goodbye to Hagrid and the Basilisk. While returning to school he came across the ghost of Griffindor Nick, almost decapitated. Who congratulated him for his bravery during the battle at the Ministry.

-Nick...there is something I want to ask you-

-I imagined you would ask me that question. It's normal to be curious when you suffer a loss...but I'm afraid he won't come back-

-¿Who?-

-Sirius Black. He won't come back as a ghost, he will move on-

-¿Forward? ¿But why won't he come back? You did it and so did the others!- He insisted hopefully.

-Some magicians choose that path. And most regret it, including me-

-¿Why?-

-I was always afraid of death and in the end I ended up choosing a bad imitation of life. I'm not here but I'm not there either. I cannot experience the joy of life, the people I knew and loved are no longer in this world, and I cannot fully relate to those who are present. It's not a very pleasant existence, if you ask me, he chose wisely. I'm sorry I haven't been of help to you, excuse me - and he floated away from there. Harry felt bad again, for a moment he thought he might talk to Sirius again, like he did with his parents when they left Voldemort's wand. But this time it wouldn't be the case.

He was going to the common room of his house to finish packing his suitcase and he ran into Luna, who was looking for his things, apparently some of his classmates had taken some of his belongings and had stolen them left there. They used the summoning charm to return her personal items to his hand.

-¿Why did they hide your things?-

-Well, maybe because they think I'm quite strange. Some call me "Lunatic Lovegood"-

-That's no excuse, if they do it again...-

-Don't worry, I know how to take care of myself. Especially after the classes you gave us-

At that moment an idea crossed his mind - Luna... you saw the Therstals pulling the carriage at the beginning of the year. You said you saw them from the first time you came to school ¿Did you see someone die?-

-Yeah. My mother, she was a very intelligent witch but she liked to experiment and one of her spells went wrong...I was nine years old-

-I'm very sorry- he told him, feeling great sadness.

-It's okay, I miss her. But I still have my dad and it's not like I'm never going to see her again.

-That?-

-You heard the voices behind the veil, right?- and after a moment in which their gazes met, they both smiled and said goodbye. After thanking him for his support in the battle of the Mysteries department she continued on her way to his room. He saw among the little boy's clothes the small chess piece that he had taken from Dudley, along with Sirius's gift: the knife that, despite being broken, he kept and another that he had not yet opened.

Harry fell on his bed and tore the wrapping revealing a small square mirror. He looked quite old and was very dirty. On the back was a note written by Sirius:

"Harry, this is a two-sided mirror, I have the other one of the pair. If you need to talk to me, just say my name in it; you will appear in my mirror and I can talk in yours. James and I used to use them when we were in detention separated"

Harry couldn't help but shed tears at that gift. His godfather was no longer there and there was no way to communicate with him, whether through that mirror, the Mirror of Erised, or some spell. His last remaining family member had died. At that moment he thought about the Weasleys and that he hoped to see them all again as soon as possible. When he was about to leave there he ran into some of his companions whose parents had been captured and sent to Azkaban.

-You're dead Potter-

-Funny, I don't feel like a ghost-

-You are going to pay for what you did. My father won't be locked up for long, the dementors have abandoned Azkaban and will soon escape-

-I imagine so. But now everyone knows what kind of people they are. Although if I were them I would stay there, prison is a better punishment than having to answer to their master for having failed in the mission he entrusted to them. Believe me, confinement is preferable to suffering the Cruciatus curse at the hands of Voldemort - and at the gesture they made at the mention of his name Harry smiled - ¿Why that face? ¿Isn't he a friend of your parents?-

-You think you are very brave. But you see, the dark lord will make you pay, and also the traitors of Malfoy, Weasley and your little mudblood friend... - and before he could finish the sentence he cast a non-verbal spell on him, leave him unconscious. The others were surprised and seemed undecided whether to act or retreat.

-Get out of here- he told them, hissing in Parseltongue, making them run away in terror. "Idiots..." he thought, muttering while smiling, thinking that if Sirius were present, he would be laughing out loud seeing how he got rid of those fools. troublemaker

The banquet was quite boring, mostly because of the events that occurred. But the director gave a speech about not letting the world outside stop them from enjoying their last day. Plus the fact that Umbridge had left before the farewell ceremony, with Peeves throwing chalk at her and making fun of her, helped boost morale a bit. Professor McGonagall was back and taking her seat next to Dumbledore.

Slytherin had won the house cup but Griffindor took the Quidditch cup, although it was by a narrow margin. The trip they had made to the ministry had earned both houses a lot of points, the snakes for Harry, Draco, and Ginny and the lions for Ron, Hermione, and Neville. Although Luna and Daphne also got quite a few for Ravenclaw.
All the students were already in the train compartments. While Hermione and Harry were talking about the upcoming year and exchanging study material suggestions, Ron and Draco were having a rather intense game of chess. Harry glanced out the door and saw Cho next to her friend Marietta who still had the marks on her face. They both looked at each other for a while and she continued on her way.

-I heard...she's dating someone else now. Michael Corner-

-I thought Corner was with Ginny!- Ron said.

-Not anymore- said his sister who was just entering through the door -After Griffindor's victory in Quidditch he became too arrogant and we stopped going out.

-It's better for both of us, he's a fool and she, well, she's pretty but you need someone happier- Said Hermione to him. The truth is that he didn't care that Cho was with someone else, the idea of wanting to be liked and date seemed so far away at that moment.

-What delicious chocolates ¿Where did you get them?- Ron asked his sister who had given them a pair that was left over.

-Well...from Zabini. And today before we left the school, he gave me this - and showed them a small pot whose plant had been placed and would soon begin to emerge from the ground.

Ron seemed to choke on the candy and they thought he was going to spit it out -¿Blaise Zabini?! B-But he is...- and when he saw the face the others made he held back.

-¿Yes?- His sister asked.

-Nothing. The good thing is that the year ends and you won't see him again until next year-

-There is mail ¿You know? I'm sorry if I'm the ONLY Weasley who has suitors who give her nice gifts- she replied as he looked closer at the gift and her brother's face turned red at his comment, while the blonde's smiled at it. .

-¿What plant will grow from there? ¿Roses? Sunflowers? -

-A poisonous tentacle-

-¿Are you serious?- Hermione asked.

-He told me that roses are for delicate and fragile girls, like some of my classmates, while this one is appropriate for a fighter and great Quidditch seeker- she responded, smiling.

-You're not going to keep it ¿Right?-

-¿Why not? I like it and it will be useful to get rid of gnomes and other insects in the garden-

-I thought you'd be happy to have one in your house- Malfoy told him as he made his chess piece move around.

-¿Why would I want that monstrosity?-

-¿Do you know that each poisonous tentacle leaf is worth ten galleons in the market? - he answered and with that discovery Ron completely changed his mind and in fact began to want to find out what types of care this plant requires.

-Do you think that next year we will have some normality and tranquility at school? - asked the brunette. Everyone looked at her in silence for a few moments and started laughing -Yes...I guess it was a stupid question- Just at that moment the Slytherin students who had tried to intimidate him in the Common room appeared again. But they didn't count on Harry They would have their friends, as well as several members of other houses who, upon seeing them, came out of their compartments to teach them a lesson.

-I assumed the light and spell show was related to you- said Daphne, who had come to see what happened.

-A small farewell between housemates-

-Strange way to say goodbye-

-I think they don't match the decoration. Let's leave them in another compartment-

-I'm dying to see Crabbe and Goyle's mother's face when they see her children- Ron commented as they were dragged along. One had boils on his face and the other's front teeth had been enlarged, making him look like a beaver.

-It's an improvement- Malfoy responded and they both smiled.

When they came down they met Tonks and Moody who had gone to escort them to Grimmauld Place and the Weasley couple were also there. Mrs. Weasley gave Harry a big hug and a small kiss on the forehead to Draco, who was already getting used to that kind of affection.

-¿How are you cousin?- said the girl whose hair, which is usually red or some color, was dark black. Faced with this unusual choice, the boy realized that his cousin had inherited almost the same face as his and Bellatrix's mother, which he remembered having once seen in an old photograph of her mother. One of the few that hadn't been destroyed like most of her, after she married a Muggle and they had her.

-Well- Moody commented -¿Have you got everything ready?-

-Almost- Harry said, looking out of the corner of his eye at the students who had been bewitched getting off the train and their mothers reacting in surprise and shouting on the platform in front of everyone, upon seeing the state of his children -Now we can go-

-We'll see you soon mate- Ron said, shaking his hand and then turned to the blonde -Maybe your moves will be better by then-

-I expect the same. Your defense just now was quite precarious - and both rivals smiled, shaking hands.

-What a touching farewell. You are perfect for each other- Ginny said and they both glared at her.

-Take care of yourselves and don't get into trouble. Take advantage of the time for something productive- Hermione advised them. She gave Harry a kiss on the cheek and when she went to say goodbye to the other, there was a hesitation on their part -Have a good holiday, Draco. Rest your shoulder- she told him, looking at where he had been hurt, but luckily the wound had healed without problems, thanks to Madam Pomfrey's care.

-It takes something more than that to stop me- and when they both looked into each other's eyes, time seemed to freeze for a millisecond -See you soon... Hermione- he told her, calling her and the girl's name for the first time and she smiled.

WEEKS LATER

Harry and Draco were eating in their room in silence. They were very hungry, both because they were at the age where they usually eat more and because of the previous training. They both wanted to continue practicing magic and maintain the same academic level. The good thing about living in a house where many magicians came and went was that the ministry couldn't fine them for performing magic outside of school since they wouldn't be able to detect if it was theirs or that of the adults.

His friend had told him that they would need a lot of space to have proper training as well as privacy.

-You can use my late husband's magic trunk- Sirius's mother told them from the painting, who had heard them. It was the first time she had spoken since she learned of the death of her son. Harry had given him a brief summary of what happened. The woman was surprised by what her elf had done without her consent and angry to discover that the last Black had died because of it. It was obvious that she had no affection for her eldest son, but rather for his legacy and the end of his dynasty.

-I think he's in the attic. If they didn't throw it away along with the valuable family heirlooms-

-I found it!-Said his friend. As soon as they had the chance they opened the magical object. In the first compartment there were many old papers and an old notebook with the initials "O.B." he would read it later. In the second it was like the fake Moody's, a shelf with potion bottles and a couple of bottles of wine and whiskey. They continued with the third, there was a staircase that led to a long path until they reached a space where there were two shelves, one with several books and the other with medicines and bandages. It was also equipped with a makeshift fireplace where one could brew if they had the ingredients. At the end of the place, a circle that seemed made to practice duels.

-This place will be perfect to continue practicing defense and attack spells-

-¿A little warm-up?-

-I don't see why not- she replied, smiling.

After an hour they were both sweaty and exhausted but at the same time effusive. Harry had won more fights but the blonde had shown that he knew several tricks up his sleeve and his defenses had improved significantly -Come on, Potter. Show me something better, Dumbledore won't always be looking out for you-

And at the mention of the director and his enemy that made him get angry for a moment and also realize that he was right. He couldn't depend on the man always, in the end he would have to fight his nemesis, and only one would be left standing. He couldn't contain himself, it was time to start giving it his all, in addition to trying something new - ¡Grubait! - The chair that was behind him burned.

-Impressive, but why do you want a portable fireplace?-

He concentrated for a few moments and pointed her wand at the fire, which grew in size, more and more until it took the shape of a snake whose head was a few centimeters from the ceiling. It was just like the one Voldemort had done against Dumbledore during his duel. His friend's face began to tense, then he decided to give it a change and this time he made it take the form of a Phoenix. The fiery bird took flight and headed down to collide with the blonde. Being cornered, he conjured a protective sphere in which he shielded himself, but it was not enough, and the blow caused him to break and sent him backwards forcefully.

-¿Are you okay, Draco?- He told him when he realized that he had gone a little overboard. But fortunately he had no serious burns, except for a couple of tiny singed hairs and tunic. Luckily his shield had absorbed almost all of the impact.

-That was...-

-¿Remarkable? I know, even I was surprised. I thought he would turn out badly-

-¿Where did you learn that spell?-

-I saw how Voldemort did it when he fought the headmaster. It's basically manipulating an element, but I couldn't hold it for a long time on my own like he did, I needed a different source to not get so tired, that's why I used the eternal fire enchantment. Speaking of tired, let's take a little break- he said, sitting on the floor and taking out of his enchanted bag a couple of bottles of butter that he had saved.

-¡Cheers!-

-You have just recreated an extremely complex spell which you only saw once. It takes a lot of practice before you can master it-

-I didn't think about it, I just tried. It was almost instinctive, like when we played Quidditch-

-I wish it were that simple. Your magic is growing, faster than mine. They say that between seventeen and twenty-one is when we reach our full potential and that is why they push us to think about what career to choose from early on, in addition to exploiting our ability in the branch of magic that we are best at. It seems like yours came a couple of years early-

-It's just hard work and effort, you can do it too. Like the Patronus, you persevered and achieved it- he told him, reminding him of the majestic animal he had managed to conjure. Let's go eat something, I'm starving-

After leaving the magical compartment they went to the kitchen to see if there was anything and they ran into the elves. Harry was again tempted to give Kreacher clothes to free him and never see him again, but he remembered that Dumbledore told him that if he did so he could give information about the Order to Voldemort and Bellatrix. The last thing he wanted was to give any advantage to the horrible woman who had killed Sirius, as well as tortured Neville, just as he had done to his parents. He asked if he could send Dobby to work there, he felt more comfortable with that elf, which he agreed.

-Thank you Dobby- he replied after he cleared the plates.

-Dobby is honored to serve the great Harry Potter and also his former master, Mr. Malfoy- he said, bowing, while his companion only did his job by grumbling and making comments under his breath. Only to Draco was shown any respect.

-¿Have you seen the news?-His friend asked him, handing him the newspaper. Apparently Voldemort's return had already been officially declared and they were sharing news about missing people, disasters that Muggles couldn't explain and that the Ministry was doing everything possible to catch the culprits and at the same time maintain the anonymity of their world.

-At least something good came out of all that- he responded when he saw the title "Fudge under investigation ¿Will there be a new minister?" -¿Any idea about who will replace him?-

-Well, several will probably apply since it is a very coveted position. But few have sufficient aptitude or contacts. I would say that the options are Amelia Bones, a highly respected and competent witch, Rufus Scrimgeour or also...-

-¿Your father?- He finished and the boy nodded. He continued reading the article, it mentioned the incursion that occurred in the Department of Mysteries, as Azkaban was no longer considered safe now that the Dementors had left the place, it was said that the fog that appeared in abandoned areas such as cemeteries or similar places It was because they were reproducing. But despite that, the Ministry assured that the Hogwarts students were safe and there was no reason for classes to stop. He also saw a note where Neville's grandmother talked about what happened at the Ministry

"My grandson is a great friend of Harry Potter. While the Minister and the Aurors were chasing innocents like Dumbledore and the school ranger, the students were risking their lives to fight Death Eaters and the Unmentionable himself..." He continued reading until he came to a list of warnings and security recommendations in the face of the current threat, such as not leaving the house alone, especially at night, having passwords to enter and leave the home, etc.

-¿What are inferis?- He asked when he saw that word in the newspaper.

-They are dead returned through black magic. But they are not really alive, they have no consciousness or will of their own.

-Like zombies from muggle movies-

-That word "Movie" again ¿What is that? ¿A muggle disease? - and at the question Harry couldn't help but laugh. There was so much that his friend didn't know about the non-magical world, just as Harry didn't know about the other one. He explained to him that a movie was like magical photographs where people move, but in addition to that they could also emit sounds and visual effects that seemed real but it was all an illusion and usually lasted a couple of hours.

-I wish I could see one sometime-

-We could go later. After eating-

That same night, while the members were resting and others were organizing plans, they put on their invisibility cloaks and headed towards the exit, but before they could slip away, Albus Dumbledore himself was waiting for them -I'm afraid that you will have to postpone your trip- he said, looking at them towards them, implying that he could see through their cloaks.

-¡Sir!...We were just-

-¿Thinking about taking a night walk? It's understandable, I myself have given many of them when I can't fall asleep and it helps to accommodate my ideas. I'll wait for you in the dining room- and they both put away their cloaks. When they went to the living room, the elf Dobby had prepared some cups of coffee and small sandwiches and Mrs. Weasley was waiting for them there, along with Ginny and Ron.

-¿Why am I not surprised to see you escaping? You are just like your father- said the woman said, rolling her eyes. And giving Harry his classic suffocating hug and a small affectionate kiss to his friend -Try not to follow Harry into every crazy adventure, I thought you were the one with good judgment-

-If we don't do stupid things now that we're young, then when?- he responded in an innocent tone while shrugging his shoulders.

-You could have waited for me to arrive to try to escape and have fun- the redhead scolded Malfoy.

-I assumed you would be busy sending letters to your admirers-

-¿Admirers?- Her mother asked.

-Let's say that Ginny has become quite popular with the boys. She has been given chocolates and other gifts- Draco commented and the girl cursed him with her eyes -¿What's the problem? ¿Would you rather be the lonely girl that no one notices? Enjoy the moment-

-Ahh teenage loves- said the director -Well, the reason we are here is because the rumors about a possible new Minister are true and, in case someone new took the position, we wanted it to be Amelia Bones. She is competent, honest and willing to face Voldemort... Unfortunately she was found dead a few hours ago- he said sadly.

-Voldemort- Harry said angrily. The woman was a good person, one of those who supported him during his hearing last year and one of the few who believed him about the dementor attack. He also knew her niece and knew that she would be bad since they were close.

-He's leaving the way clear for competition, someone who serves her interests- Draco said.

-Exactly, the options now are Fudge who thinks he will manage to keep his position, Rufus Scrimgeour head of the Auror department and your father, Mr. Malfoy-

-B..but we thought he would be imprisoned in Azkaban-

-He pretended to be under the Imperius curse and the fact that he has a lot of money and contacts in the Ministry also helped- Everyone was angry, but Draco most of all. Who after all, his father was still getting her way -Now good news for you, Mr. Malfoy- said the headmaster, who had noticed his previous reaction. He motioned and the door opened, revealing a woman who was accompanied by Tonks.

-¡Mother!- the blonde said and ran to hug her.

-I'm very happy to see you safe and sound, son- the woman told him as she caressed his hair and looked him in the eyes. The woman no longer wore the fine clothes she used to wear, but she retained the typical features of an aristocrat with refined manners -How much you have grown Draco-

-¿Where have you been?-

-It is a long story. We will have time to talk, first we must be polite and show manners with those present - and the woman approached Harry and made a gesture of gratitude for having taken care of her son and letting her stay living with him.

-There's no need. You are welcome here too. Always- he answered, then approached Ron's mother.

-Mrs. Weasley- she said in a friendly tone but keeping her distance.

-Mrs. Malfoy-

-Now it's "Mrs. Black", apparently my marriage has taken an unexpected turn-

-The important thing is that you are now back with your son who, by the way, is a charming young man with excellent manners, plus he saved my daughter's life a couple of years ago-

-That was a long time ago. At this point the balance is more on my side-

-You wish- he replied, smiling -Mother, this is Ginevra Weasley, a friend and a mate from my house-

-A pleasure, ma'am- she said, making a gesture, typical of a young, upper-class aristocrat. Both women looked at her surprised.

-I( cough)..taught...(cough) that - the blonde commented in a very similar way to what Umbridge did.

-I see. Well, Draco, I wish I could talk to you alone.

-I'm sure they have a lot to talk about. You can use one of the rooms upstairs ¿Harry, can I talk to you in private? - the director told him. They went towards the exit near the entrance.

-Well, Harry, I suppose you're wondering what I would want to talk to you about. He wanted to know if you've had scar pain again or dreamed about Voldemort.

-No sir, nothing. I thought now that everyone knows he's back my head would burn all the time-

-I assumed otherwise, now that he knows how painful and dangerous it is to try to get into your head, he must be using Occlumency to protect himself from you-

-Better for me- he responded, not having to deal with nightmares and the burning sensation on his forehead.

-That doesn't mean you should stop practicing closing your mind. But I'm sure you've taken advantage of your situation. I'm referring to the fact that by living in a house where there are adult wizards performing spells, you and your partner, young Malfoy, can practice magic without being detected by the Ministry -and at the surprised expression on his face, the man smiled -Don't worry, I won't reprimand you for breaking that rule, but I'll need you to help me with something. I'm sorry to keep you far from your friends but I'm afraid you're the only one who can help me-

-¿What is it about, sir?- he asked, trying not to appear too anxious. If Dumbledore asked him for help in person, it must be something very important.

-You will have to accompany me to a place far from here. Don't worry, it won't be dangerous and it won't take much time - and he extended his arm to her while he made an agile movement of his wand that took them very far from there. After feeling that he climbed into a whirlpool and was spit out to the other side of the world, he could see that they were thousands of kilometers away from there in front of the entrance to a town.

-¿You feel good?-

-I prefer the broom or the Floo network sir-

-Better if you get used to it now, you don't want to have an embarrassing moment during your apparition exam-

-Good point ¿Where are we sir?-

-In the charming village of Budleigh Babberton. We are here to convince an old friend to leave his retirement and return to teaching at school. Normally I wouldn't bother someone who wants to spend their old age resting in peace, but given the current circumstances...-

-¿And how can I help?-

-Let's say that I feel luckier if you accompany me to carry out this important mission. Believe me, it wouldn't bother you if it weren't really important- he said seriously, implying that it was a serious issue and that they should try to persuade him as much as they could.

-¿Wouldn't it have been better to show up at your house sir?-

-Faster perhaps, but not practical. It would be rude to show up uninvited, plus this way we give you the chance to decline if you wish. It is what differentiates us from the dark forces and their "recruitment" system - and they began to walk.

-¿Do you think Fudge will be fired?-

-It's early to say, but considering the events that occurred at the Ministry under your nose and the fact that he tried to discredit us during the time we were trying to convince people of what was happening, it doesn't help his cause either. We will probably have a new Minister shortly and I hope he is not your friend's father. We have arrived- he said, stopping in front of a house and entering through the garden.

-You better take out your wand- and they both took the object out of his pocket and illuminated the dark place.

-It seems like we're late- Harry commented when he saw the state of the living room: a huge destroyed clock on the floor, a destroyed piano whose keys were scattered and the wall had a huge reddish and slimy stain.

-It seems there was a big fight...or that's what they tried to make us believe-

-¿You say that his friend...?-

-¿Are you still here? Certainly - and then he turned to an old armchair in the corner and poked it with the tip of his wand, causing the object to cry out an "Ouch!" -Good night Horace-

-You didn't need to push the wand so hard Albus- said the man, taking human form. The colors of his pajamas were identical to the upholstery, which made for a great costume. Harry was wondering how Dumbledore would have identified him and obviously the man was thinking the same thing - ¿What was it that he gave me away?-

-My old friend, if the Death Eaters had had a fight here there would be real blood on the wall, instead of dragon blood along with other signs-

A spark lit in his head -They would have conjured the Dark Mark to show everyone that they were here- Harry commented, looking out the window.

-Correct-

-I knew I was forgetting something...By Merlin's beard! ¡It's Harry Potter!- The man exclaimed and approached to shake his hand.

-A pleasure, sir. Dumbledore told me that you taught at Hogwarts-

-Exactly, I GAVE classes. I know why you are here and my answer is no. I have been retired for years-

-For someone who has retired you seem very active ¿How have you been Horace?-

-Not very well, tiredness, rheumatism and breathing problems. But other than that well-

-Even so, you were agile enough to put this whole setup together ¿When did you notice our presence? ¿Just three minutes ago?

-Two, I didn't hear the anti-intrusion spell activate. I was in the bathroom. I'm tired Dumbledore, I'm just an old man who wants to spend his retirement in peace and comfort, I think I've earned it-

-Certainly, but it's not me you should worry about. I understand that the Death Eaters are after you, someone with your talent and experience would be very useful to their cause ¿How did they take your refusal to join them?

-I didn't give them a chance. I ran away before they came for me. The last few months I have spent traveling and changing places, I never stay more than two weeks in the same place. It's a shame because I liked this place, the muggle owners are traveling and it's very comfortable here, and if you're going to say that at school it would be safer and more comfortable, I'll warn you that I've heard rumors about how you've treated your ex. Professor Dolores Umbridge

-The former teacher, as you say, she got into trouble with herds of centaurs, she called them "semi-human hybrids" along with other insults towards her race. In addition to the fact that she carried out cruel practices against the students - and Harry couldn't help but look askance at her arm where the phrase "I shouldn't tell lies" was still marked on her skin and he again felt contempt for the former teacher. he.

-What an idiot woman! Well, the truth is I never liked him. Still, my answer is the same- he replied firmly.

-Well, I guess in that case there is no way to continue insisting. With your permission I will go to the bathroom and then I will leave Harry at her house- he told them smiling, going towards another room and leaving them alone.

-I know why he brought you here. He thought that your presence would change my mind, he believed that the famous Harry Potter would be good support. Besides the fact that you are Lily Evans' son-

-¿Did you know my mother?-

-¡But of course! She was one of my favorite students, was so talented and intelligent. I was very surprised to find out that she was a muggle-born.

-My best friend is a Muggle-born and she is the smartest sorceress I have ever met- he replied.

-Of course, of course. I know you have a good relationship with muggle-borns. I have read the interview you gave for the Quibbler, don't think that I am prejudiced, no, no, not at all. Didn't I say that she was one of my favorites? Just like Budleigh Babberton, a muggle too. He was a shy little boy who knew nothing about the magical world and now he is, nothing more and nothing less, director of relations with elves, keeping me informed of everything that happens at Gringotts or when it is a good time to make an investment . A shame she didn't end up in Slytherin, I was head of that House at the time, she would have been a great acquisition. Although imagine my surprise to see that it was her son who ended up there, curious, children usually end up in the same house as their parents. Very peculiar - and he showed him photographs of him with several famous people who had once been his students.

-¿And do all those people know how to contact you?-

-Ahh, yes, well. I'm afraid that in the last year I have lost relationships with everyone. I haven't been able to enjoy even a good Quidditch match- he said sadly. They then talked about the current situation, the death of Amelia Bones at the hands of Voldemort himself, how there was almost no safe place to protect herself from her.

-Howgarts is a refuge for any student or teacher- Harry told him, convinced of the words of the director, who was just coming out of the bathroom and giving him instructions that it was time to leave.

-Well, it was a pleasure to see each other again, despite the circumstances. It's a shame you don't want the job Horace, the school misses you. But I know how to recognize a failed cause. See you soon- he said, shaking his hand.

-See you soon, sir- Harry said goodbye. And when they were at the door of the house they heard the screams.

-Okay, okay, I accept! I must be crazy but I guess my options are limited-

-¡Excellent! We'll see you at school-

-¡I want a raise Albus! ¡And a good office! Not that broom closet they gave me last time- the man replied and the director chuckled in agreement. It was obvious that he would have to give him something in return, but from his expression it seems that it was a good negotiation.

-Well done Harry-

-I didn't do anything, sir-

-You showed him what he would gain by coming to Hogwarts. My old friend has always liked comfort and, even more so, surrounding himself with famous or powerful people with influence. He has never liked power but he has liked being in the background, like a counselor or teacher to whom they turn for help in a moment of doubt or indecision. He used to pick his favorites in class, sometimes because of his ambition, other times because of his talent or political connections. He always had a peculiar ability to choose people who in the future would become important in their field, he had a small club of gifted students or those with a lot of potential yet to be discovered, and I have no doubt that the famous Harry Potter would be the jewel in his crown "The Boy-Who-Lived and His Great Teacher Horace Slughorn" -

-It is difficult to have a teacher more experienced than you sir-

-You are very kind Harry but my days as a teacher are behind me. Let me tell you that I am proud of your actions in the Mysteries department. I know that the loss of Sirius still hurts you, it was very cruel that they could not live together anymore, a bitter end to what could have been a lasting relationship of friendship and brotherhood.

-I miss him... It hurts me to think that he will never write to me again or that I will hear his thunderous laughter again... But I can't stay closed in on myself and drown in pain and self-pity. It's not what he would want. Life is short, Sirius and Amelia Bones are proof of that. I could be next, maybe today or tomorrow, but I'm going to fight until my last breath and take all the Death Eaters I can and Voldemort himself, if necessary- he said seriously.

-You speak like a worthy son of Lily and James and godson of Sirius-

Draco Malfoy had wished so many times that he could talk to his mother again and now she was there in front of him, it was almost a dream -Where have you been? I know you've been going back and forth constantly-

-That's what I made them believe. Actually there was only one place-

-¿Where? I could have come to see you or sent you a letter-

-Too risky, they check the mail. And don't worry she wasn't alone-

-¿Was there anyone with you? Who?-

-My sister Andromeda- and at the answer he was surprised. It was certainly the last place they would look for her. Her aunt had been erased from the family tree for marrying a Muggle-born wizard and her mother hadn't had contact with her in years, two decades or so.

-¿How did you end up there?-

-It was Dumbledore's idea, he asked your cousin Nymphadora to act as an intermediary. I thought that upon seeing me she would close the doors immediately but on the contrary, she was happy with the idea. We had a lot to talk about, so many things we should have said to each other...and others we regret having done. But enough about me, tell me about yourself- she told him, placing her hand on his.

-Well...there's not much. I continue to study hard and keep the Slytherin house score high.

-And getting in trouble with Potter. I heard about your excursion to the Ministry ¿What were you thinking when you went there? It was very dangerous-

-I know how to defend myself, mother, and I was not alone. I was with my friends, we watched each other's backs and we gave those pathetic witches who barely know how to hold a wand what they deserved.

-We are not talking about a dueling club with other students. Your father and Bellatrix were there, as well as other dangerous Death Eaters. You should have stayed at school, safe!

-I'm not going to turn my back on my friends. If something happened to my friends or Ginny...-

The woman interrupted him, surprised -¿Ginny? ¿Do you mean Ginevra, the Weasleys' daughter? I never heard you call someone by her name ¿Did you two...?

-No, no, nothing like that, she is my best friend and housemate- he responded smiling -I think she is the sister I always wanted to have. You will like her when you get to know her better, she may be a Weasley who grew up with all the Griffindors, but her attitude and talent are well appreciated in Slytherin-

-Sounds like a great match-

-She is in love with Potter-

-Ahh I see. So there's no one special out there? After all, you are already of age to have a girlfriend - she told him and at that mention she couldn't help but think of a certain brunette -¿Do you like someone, right? I can see it in your eyes Draco-

-It's complicated. Plus I don't have time for girls, this year-

-More reasons for you to take advantage of the moment. But it's okay, I won't pressure you, I understand that men...

-¿Does it cost us more to mature and manage our emotions?- he finished and they both smiled.

-So, that girl you like. Tell me about her-

-Well... she is very smart and skilled. She's intelligent to the point that she can be an unbearable know-it-all, but there is no spell or potion that she can't perform- he said, smiling as she remembered the moments she showed off her abilities -Even Professor Snape had no choice but to give him full marks, despite his disparaging comments-

-¿And is she pretty?-

-Yeah. Enough to attract the attention of several boys, one of them is a famous Quidditch seeker- he said, thinking of Ron and Viktor Krum.

-¿Isn't that the Parkinson girl?Her mother always insisted that we match them, and she always had eyes for you- she said almost hopefully.

Realizing that he could not lie to his mother, he decided to take courage and be honest -She is a Griffindor student...Muggle-born- The woman was shocked, she knew that her son frequented various companies, but she did not imagine that he would reach that point -I know what you think, that I should look at someone better, someone more worthy of my status as a member of the Malfoy and Black family. But I can't stop what I feel, mother, Merlin knows I tried- he said, looking down.

The woman was silent for a moment until she gave a grimace similar to a smile -It seems that my sister and Sirius are not the only Blacks who break with traditions. You look more like her than me-

-Better Andromeda and not Bellatrix- he replied and they both smiled again. It had been a long time since she had felt this way.

Dumbledore had left Harry at "The Burrow" eating some sandwiches that Mrs. Weasley had prepared, while he spoke with Ginny, Ron and Hermione who had arrived a while ago. They were in good spirits now that Mr. Weasley had been promoted to the "Detection and Confiscation of Forged Defensive or Protective Objects" section. Since the announcement of Voldemort's return, items to protect oneself from dark forces, of dubious origin and quality, had begun to go on the market.

-¿What type of objects?-

-Protective potions, which is nothing more than a kind of sauce with bubertuculum pus, a guide to protective spells that only do nonsense, or metamorphic medals that supposedly give you a totally new appearance with which you can hide, but only make your ears turn bright orange or warts and tentacles grow on your face. Dad confiscated several- Ginny told him.

-¡As if St. Mungo's didn't have enough problems to deal with! Most of those responsible for selling these objects to poor unsuspecting people are ruffians, like Mundugus Fletcher, who I doubt has ever had an honest job in his life- her mother responded, rolling his eyes.

-What a shame you can't stay for the summer. But we have had "unexpected guests" - said Ron smiling. His sister and the rest of the women snorted at that comment.

-¿Who...?-But he was interrupted by the noise of the door opening, revealing a very pretty girl.

-"¡Haggy"!- she shouted and went to give him a kiss on each cheek -How good to see you again!-

-It's good to see you again Fleur- he said, somewhat blushing at the greeting -¿What are you doing here?-

-¿Haven't they told you? ¡Bill and I are going to get married!- She shouted excitedly.

-¿Oh really? ¡Wow! "I... Congratulations!- He said surprised and noticed that none of the other women present seemed to like the idea. The girl gave him details, they were going to celebrate the wedding there in a year and they were making preparations. She told him that her younger sister Gabrielle was very excited to see the great Harry Potter again and that she was very grateful for him having saved her in the second task. She said goodbye and left there walking elegantly, as if she were walking in a parade.

-Mum doesn't like him- Ron said, laughing. The woman replied that it wasn't that she didn't like her, but that she believed that they had known each other for too short a time, they had only started dating a year ago and next summer they would be getting married.

-I know why they do all this. It's the uncertainty and panic that you-know-who causes. The same thing happened last time, people make hasty decisions because they think they could turn up dead tomorrow. People spending their savings on luxurious nonsense, couples eloping to get married...

-Like you and dad- Ginny added.

-Is different. We were meant for each other, there was no point in waiting. But Billy and her... they are so different-

-Not so much. Bill is a rebel, curse breaker. He likes adventure and "glamour", maybe that's why he noticed Fleur. They are more similar than meets the eye- her daughter answered. Like Draco and Ron- and her brother almost choked on a cake when he heard that.

-Im not nothing like that one...-

-¡Be careful when you talk about that charming young man!- his mother snapped, pointing a large wooden spoon at him, as if she were going to hit him with the object -You could learn some manners from him. I was so sorry to see him away from his mother, I hope he stays longer, poor kid. I just hope she doesn't leave again-

-She did it to protect him. You're jealous, because now that she's back he no longer has you to spoil him- the redhead replied, smiling. His mother just said "¡Bha!" before leaving there.

-Mom has been very irritable. More than usual. She's also been inviting Tonks to dinner on a regular basis. I think she's hoping that Bill will notice her and leave her engagement to Fleur. As if that were going to happen- Ron commented.

-I prefer Tonks a thousand times over "Flerrgggg"-Ginny responded, mocking her future sister in law -She is an experienced auror, has a sense of humor and is also a metamorphmagus, the other is just a pretty face-

-Fleur is not a fool either. She was one of the participants in the Triwizard Tournament- Harry recalled.

-And she came in last place- Hermione added, agreeing with the girl. Seeing that there was no way for the girls to accept the new member of the Weasley family, she decided to change the subject and asked if Percy had apologized to his parents now that Voldemort's return was undeniable, but they told him that he was still estranged.

-Dumbledore says that it is easier to forgive others when they are wrong than when they are right- Ron said.

-I say he's an idiot- Ginny commented and Harry couldn't help but laugh. The girl could have a gentle appearance but growing up with several brothers, in addition to having to live with several unpleasant Slytherins, gave her a strong personality.

-They've arrived!- Hermione said almost hysterically, bringing some envelopes with different recipients.

-¿What thing?-

-¡Our notes Ron! ¿Don't tell me you forgot? - the girl reproached him and handed him hers.

Harry was nervous, he knew that none of them could match Hermione's grades but he prayed that at least he had gotten good grades in most of them. He took a breath and opened the envelope and began to read:

"Results of ordinary levels in Magic"

E (Extraordinary)

E.E. (Exceeds expectations)

A (Acceptable)

T (Terrible)

D (Disastrous)

T (Troll)

Results obtained by Harry James Potter:

Adivination (P)

Astronomy (A)

Defense Against the Dark Arts (E)

Charms (E)

Herbology (E.E.)

History of Magic (D)

Potions (E)

Transformations (E)

Care of Magical Creatures (E)

Harry reread the sheet several times. He wasn't bad, he had gotten five "Extraordinaries"! He was not really worried about divination and history, the first seemed to him to be a very imprecise and useless subject unless you really have the gift of clairvoyance and as for History... he had to admit that there was no subject more boring than that. What was really important was that he had obtained the necessary qualifications to pursue the career of Auror, although that also meant that he would have to put up with Professor Snape for another year... and vice versa.

I hope you liked this chapter ¡See you!