The Ghost of You

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and company, Rowling does.

Okay. Basically, I got tired of writing intricate fics with Tommy boy so...he's dead. Harry leaves after the final battle at 17, leaving freshly deflowered with a naked and sleeping Draco in his bed *winks* so he comes back 3 years later after no word, so Draco's throwing a hissy fit....Sirius isn't dead....he came back...very detailed process, I've heard it took months and lots of reading of texts with big words and tiny print, but I've saved that for Hermione and Draco so you're safe.
Ist chappie is for info only, so bear with me.
I'll try and keep Draco in character.


Harry picked at his mashed potatoes, not really listening to McGonagall’s welcoming speech. He had done as everyone had expected of him, he found the horcruxes, and he destroyed Voldemort, only to be thanked with dead friends and buried family. It was in February of his seventh year that the final battle took place. He would never admit it aloud, but he thanked whatever higher power that was out there every morning and every night that Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy were on his side.
For every friend he lost, he gained another. Actually, if he did the math, he gained about .3563 friends for everyone he lost, but that was not the point. He discovered later from Remus that Dumbledore’s death was part of a plan. Rather than Draco’s mission being used to convince the Death Eaters that he was worthy, it was to convince the Order of the Phoenix. By sacrificing himself out of love for the Order of the Phoenix, a powerful blood protection was placed on every member and their families, ultimately winning the war. Harry secretly fumed that he was never involved; that Malfoy was brought into the Order’s secret plans when he wasn’t, but when he recalled memories of seeing the boy with his masked shattered, broken and weeping at the knowledge that he would have to kill a man, he could not bring himself to hate him anymore.
His mother had been killed at the hands of Voldemort for helping Severus and Draco, while Lucius still lived in Azkaban, guilty of the unforgiveables, and forsaken by his master for loving his son. Bellatrix, after brining Narcissa to Voldemort in the hopes that he would help her when he in fact killed her, she committed suicide. Then her husband, criminally insane but equally fond of his wife, followed.
Remus Lupin, after losing his husband in 1995, attempted suicide by poison in 1997, only to be saved at the last minute by Severus Snape. Remus had hardly spoken a word to anyone except Severus since then, though, a year later, he agreed to take a post as transfiguration professor and head of Gryffindor house to replace McGonagall who now served as Head Mistress. Snape was named Deputy Headmaster.
Harry did not see Draco for months after the incident on the tower: no one had. During the final battle, it seemed as though he magically reappeared bringing with him Sirius Black to the fight. Harry nearly allowed himself to be killed by a killing curse he was so shocked to see Sirius, but it was blocked by his friend and brother, Ronald Weasley.
Draco had felt so incredibly guilty for taking away Harry’s mentor that he had spent a good month trying to figure how best to earn his forgiveness. He decided he would bring his godfather Sirius back. As it had turned out, Sirius was not dead, but left in a kind of spiritual comatose beyond the veil, floating in between plains; beyond time. After many complicated rituals and studies, with the help of one Hermione Granger, together they brought him back. Though, such miracles do not come for free. Hermione had sacrificed her sight, and Draco his voice. Thankfully, spending so many late hours entwining their magics with the spirit realm left them both with a keen third sense. Draco was able to communicate telepathically and Hermione could see clearly in her mind’s eyes.
They had all thought that Sirius had lost his voice as well, but it was only that after he was told of his lover’s attempted suicide, he would not speak. At the time, Remus was being held in St. Mungo’s and Sirius did not utter a word until he was released six months later. Remus emerged from St. Mungo’s with a new found wisdom and optimism that had been stolen by the war. Remus and Sirius legally adopted Harry and Hermione (whose parents had been slaughtered by Bellatrix Lestrange) that year, to both their happiness, they were officially brother and sister.
A quadruple funeral was held after the war for four Weasleys: Ron, Percy, Bill, and Fleur. All had died fighting valiantly on behalf of the light. Other members of the order fell as well: Arabella Figg, Kingsley Shacklebolt, Alastor “Mad-eye” Moody, Nymphadora Tonks, and Professor Sinistra.
Unexpected to Harry, Hermione, Draco, Severus and himself forged a very tight bond. They all had their own qualities that both complimented and contended with each other. Harry was fire, Hermione earth, Draco air, and Severus water.
It was three years after the final battle; Harry was twenty years old and was starting his first year as Defense against the Dark Arts professor. Ever since their first year out of school, Hermione and Draco had been teaching as well. Hermione taught Sinistra’s astronomy classes along with new extracurricular OWL and NEWT preparation courses that she herself developed. Draco insisted that Latin be taught at Hogwarts to the joy of McGonagall, and the bane of many students. Whether the students chose to admit it or not, their range and understanding of spells tripled after one year of Latin. After bringing Sirius back to this plain, Hermione and Draco became nearly inseparable. They would often sit together in perfect silence, smiling and laughing together. No one knew what they were talking about in their minds, and they liked it that way.
Harry sniffed slightly (he had spent the night on the cold astronomy tower) and looked up when he heard cheering. Apparently, someone’s sibling was sorted into Gryffindor. Hermione nudged him in the side. “That was Lavender Brown’s little sister Matilda.”
“I thought her little sister’s name was Sarah.”
“She has two little sisters—Sarah is in her sixth year, and Matilda is in her first. What happened to the salt?” she asked, staring blankly at her plate. Harry sighed sadly for his friend’s loss and moved to get the salt when it was floated telekinetically to her by Draco. “Oh, thank you Draco.” Draco patted her on the shoulder and smiled. Harry had not even noticed that he was sitting on his sister’s left, with Severus to his. Remus was on his right; with Sirius to his (he was serving as ‘assistant transfiguration professor’ teaching when Remus was too tired or when Sirius was too bored, as well as a general substitute teacher for all the professors. But basically, everyone knew he was shagging the transfiguration professor, and it was left at that.) Harry had found himself drifting into space often as of late.
He felt Draco’s silver gaze fall on him and he shuddered. The night before Harry left, they had shared a brief (and not-so-unexpected says Hermione and Severus) tryst. Harry lost himself in the memory.

I never said I'd lie and wait forever
If I died, we'd be together
I can't always just forget her
But she could try

~Potter, where do you think you’re going? ~
Harry heard project into his mind as he tried to sneak silently out of the castle. He sighed as he realized he didn’t even make it passed Draco’s rooms. Why hadn’t he used his cloak?
He turned as he felt a gentle yet firm hand on his shoulder. He turned to see the fair face that was once so hard and hateful look at him with soft sympathy. “I wanted to leave without having to say goodbye to anyone.”
Draco smiled sadly. ~So you really are leaving then? It’s the food isn’t it? I told Minerva to do something about all the pumpkin juice they serve here, but she just won’t budge. Apparently it was Gryffindor’s favorite. ~
Harry laughed despite himself. “I’m really going to miss being around someone who can make me smile no matter what.”
~That is true. Name me one other person who could have made you burst out into hysterical laughter in the middle of a battle field. ~
Harry grinned and shook his head. “Well, I must admit I’d thought I’d never see anyone with the audacity to ask Voldemort, ‘Boxers or briefs’?”
~Of course, after the final battle, we found out that he did in fact go commando. ~
Harry stopped smiling and looked sincerely at Draco. “I really will miss you, Draco. I feel like you’re the only person that saw me as me from the very beginning—I’ve always appreciated that.”
Draco scoffed. ~As if it isn’t bad enough you’re leaving me here all alone without any decent midnight quidditch competition, now you’re going all sentimental on me as well?~
Harry smiled sadly and turned away.
~It is probably for the best. It’s about time you went and got a life outside of the one you have here, drenched in blood. ~
“But why am I the only one with the right to it?”
~You’re not; you’re just the only one smart enough to take it. ~
Harry laughed sardonically. “Doubtful. Well, I guess this is goodbye.”
~How long? ~
“I honestly don’t know.” He paused thoughtfully, “Can I have a hug?”
Draco laughed. ~I suppose; it’ll make me feel better about not getting you a goodbye present. ~
Harry bit his lip to hold back his tears and pulled Draco into a heartfelt hug. He cried silently onto the blonde’s shoulder, as Draco rubbed soothing circles on his back Harry sniffled and Draco tilted up his chin with a gentle finger. ~You’re going to be alright, Harry, we all are. ~
Harry smiled tearfully and lost himself in Draco’s eyes. Emerald met silver and melded together. Harry did not even realize he was leaning in until his lips were on Draco’s. Harry wrapped his arms around Draco’s neck and pulled him closer to him. Draco, the more experienced, quickly took the lead and ran his tongue along Harry’s bottom lip and his hands under his sweater and over his abs and chest, eliciting a shy moan.

At the end of the world
Or the last thing I see
You are
Never coming home
Never coming home
Could I? Should I?
And all the things that you never ever told me
And all the smiles that are ever ever...
Ever...

Harry could not sleep. He lied awake and watched the beautiful blonde before him sleep. Draco lie reclined on his back, one arm hugging his hips, the other draped delicately on the pillow above his head. His breathing was steady and shallow, his eyelashes fluttering ever-so-softly. With the moon shine giving his porcelain skin an ethereal glow and the spring breeze dancing his silver hair over his face, Harry could have sworn he was from another world.
~I love you, Harry, and I will wait for you. ~ He had told him after Harry gave him his virginity. He liked to believe that was true, but he did not believe that Draco could wait for as long as it would take. Harry sighed dejectedly and summoned his clothes to himself. After he slipped on his faded jeans, he ran the back of his hand gently down Draco’s toned arm. The touch brought back the wonderful sensations and passion-felt embraces and licks and sucks and oh, so much more and it was killing him to leave now. He had not planned on making love to Draco and then taking off. He had planned to tell him his feelings in a letter after he’d left, but this…them…it was so right it hurt.
But it was for the best.
Harry kissed Draco softly on the lips and finished dressing. He slipped on his invisibility cloak and headed to the flat in Greenwich Village, NY where his things were already waiting for him. No one would no where he was, only that he was safe.

At the end of the world
Or the last thing I see
You are
Never coming home
Never coming home
Never coming home
Never coming home
And all the things that you never ever told me
And all the smiles that are ever gonna haunt me
Never coming home
Never coming home
Could I? Should I?
And all the wounds that are ever gonna scar me
For all the ghosts that are never gonna...

“Harry?” Remus asked cautiously.
Harry snapped himself out of his reverie. “Yes, Remus?”
“Are you alright?” he asked cautiously, “The feast is over—all the students and most of the teachers have left.”
Harry quirked an eyebrow and looked around him to see that he was, in fact, correct. All the teachers had gone except for Remus, Sirius, Hermione and Draco.
“Oh, well, I’m pretty knackered; I’m going to go to bed soon.”
Remus smiled unsurely and gave him a hug. “It’s good to have you back, Harry; we’ve missed you.”
Sirius stood and pulled Harry into a tight hug. “I’ve missed you too, Harry.” He smiled paternally and whispered in Harry’s ear, “If you ever leave like that again without telling anyone where you are so help me god I will hunt you down and—“
“Sirius…” Remus growled warningly.
Harry laughed unsurely as Sirius patted him on the back evasively.
“I told you not to bother him about leaving.” Remus hissed at Sirius as they exited the hall together.
Harry looked over to see Hermione give Draco a kiss on the cheek goodnight. She turned to Harry, though not really looking at him, and pulled him into a tight hug. He too received a good night kiss. “We’re all too exhausted to have proper conversation—I’ll see you tomorrow. My rooms are in the north wing if you need me—behind the portrait of the Faery ring.”
“Thank you, Mione.” He said sincerely. She smiled warmly at him and left.
Harry turned to see Draco still sitting, leaning in his chair casually, and twirling a knife telekinetically.
“Draco?” Harry asked cautiously.
No answer. He merely continued to spin the knife.
“Draco? Listen, I’m sorry I left without—“
CRASH!
The knife whizzed past Harry’s ear and shattered the “never melt” phoenix ice sculpture behind him. Harry swallowed nervously and turned back to look at Draco, who was now standing with his hands balled into fists at his side, glaring™ daggers at him.
“Draco,” Harry threw his arms up in frustration, “I’m sorry, alright?”
Draco shook his head in disgust and shoved passed him, the doors opening before him with a bang. He was going to wake up the whole castle, and assuming Draco was the same Draco he last saw, he did not care.
Draco stormed down the halls to the east wing that was decorated with various rare artifacts; tombs, mummies, paintings, framed lost documents, suits of armor; and paused before an uncharacteristically large (as well as uncharacteristically creepy which, for an iron maiden, is saying a lot) iron maiden.
“Futue te ipsum et caballum tuum!” he said firmly to the torture device. It swung open before him, revealing gorgeous chambers that looked like a mix between a museum, library, archeologist’s attic, and flat. Just as Harry reached the entrance to his chambers, the iron maiden began to close. He quickly slid his foot in-between the “doors” to stop it from shutting and screamed in pain.
“FUCKING SHIT HOLY GOD ALMIGHTY!” he screamed. He had thought that it was a sarcophagus and not an iron maiden, meaning nice and hollow, not lined with six-inch iron spikes.
~Oh, my god Harry! ~ Draco yelled as he saw blood running in a rived from his foot. ~You’re going to get blood all over my new flying carpet! ~ Two spikes protruded from either side of his right shoe, and he was holding back tears.
~Futue te ipsum et caballum tuum! ~ He spoke the passwords again, the doors of the iron maiden opening, releasing his foot with a sickening crunch.
Harry collapsed and instantly began to cradle his foot. Draco whipped out his wand and levitated him to his large desk, after clearing it of various maps and papers. He pulled off his blood-soaked shoe and sock, eliciting a scream from Harry.
~Oh, shut up you baby. ~
Harry glared at him disdainfully.
Draco rolled his eyes and said thoughtfully, ~wow…in all my years never have I seen a foot so bloodied and mangled. ~
Harry groaned pointedly and Draco began to mend his foot. Well, first he cleaned his carpet, and then he mended his foot.
“Draco, hurry up and heal it! You have no idea how much it hurts!”
At this, Draco paused. He narrowed his eyes dangerously. ~Don’t I? ~
He walked from the room and shuffled about in a closet, returning a moment later with a large box. He plopped it dramatically on the table and opened it. Draco began to pull out letter after letter after letter, all of which were addressed to Harry Potter.
~ Not one fucking response, Harry. I fucking gave myself to you, woke up in an empty bed, then spent the better part of three years trying to contact you with no FUCKING word and I DON’T KNOW HOW MUCH IT HURTS?! ~ the room shook and Harry’s head began to throb.
“I’m sorry! I thought you’d understand!”
Draco scoffed in disbelief and healed Harry’s foot rather quickly. He served as an emergency medi-wizard after the battle, and had seen far worse. With a wave of his wand, Harry cleaned his foot, sock and shoe and slipped them back on. He hopped off the table and opened his mouth to thank Draco, but was met only with his death glare™.
“Draco, I’m sorry that night went as it did—“
~ So you’d rather we never made love? ~
“Must you twist everything I say?” Harry groaned in frustration.
Draco nodded.
“What I meant was, that night I hadn’t planned on us making love or even meeting. I was going to leave, and then in a letter tell you how I felt with no return address, just that I love you.”
Draco was silent.
“I fell for you, Draco, I did. I never would have dreamed that you felt the same way, hence my being in New York when I finally told you.”
~So that’s where you were? I should have guessed, what with the—“he waved his hand pointedly—“red tips and vision healing charms and tongue piercing and fashion sense. ~
“Gee, thanks, Draco.”
~ It’s more than you deserve. ~
Harry sighed sadly and walked toward Draco. He cupped his cheek with his hand and said, “I was scared, Draco; seventeen and scared. The thought of a relationship is scarier to me than Voldemort ever could be.”
Draco smiled despite himself. ~Mione tells me that it was harder for you to get a date for the Yule ball than to fight a Hungarian horn-tail. ~
Harry laughed, “It’s true.”
~ I don’t forgive you. ~
“I didn’t expect you too.” Harry said as he gently stroked Draco’s cheek with the pad of his thumb. “Can I have a hug?” he asked, smiling wickedly.
Draco thought for a moment. ~No. I meant what I said Harry, you really hurt me. Now get out.~
He shoved Harry out of his quarters and slammed the door behind him.
Harry stumbled as he regained his balance.
“I’ve missed you too, Draco.”