It\'s Only Love, What Is Everyone So Afraid Of?

Disclaimer: They’re not mine






Disclaimer: They’re not mine.

 

A/N: Okay my lovelies…this
is important, so listen up because I won’t take kindly to people screaming at
me in the reviews because they didn’t read the author’s note. This is the
last chapter of this story. The story, in its entirety, is twicis lis long. I
was going to make it one long story…but it works better if there are two, the
Hogwarts arc and the post-Hogwarts arc. So never fear, the story continues…I’m
not taking a break or anything and you can expect the chapters of the new story
to come at the same rate these have been coming. Also, this chapter is where
the film ends…so the rest is all me w/o the basic guidelines. I’d like to think
that I kept this original, even though it is based on a film. With the new
story, I’ll need feedback to see if my own storytelling is up to par…but that’s
for later.

 

I was completely fucking overwhelmed with the response to
the last chapter. I got at least three times the normal amount of reviews, so
here’s a big fat THANK YOU! *throws kisses*

 

You guys, let me say this. My style of storytelling tends to
be a bit dramatic (as I’m sure you’ve noticed)…but I also like to think of it
as realistic (yeah right…I’m writing about impossibly gorgeous gay wizards),
what I mean is, realistic in the aspect of human emotion and reaction as
opposed to lots of fluff. Don’t get me wrong…I love fluff…I just don’t like to
write it…too much. If any of you are anime fans and have seen Blue Seed (great
anime btw), you can read my other story and see that is similarly angsty. What I’m trying to get around to, and rambling my ass off in the process, is to say…trust me. Our
boys have a long way to go and it’s going to be a bumpy ride. But if you will
do me the honor of sticking with me through it…I will try to take good care of
you, okay?

 

I wish I could answer all the reviews, but then you guys
would have to wait even longer for the chapter…so I will answer a couple that I
need to.

 

Ange de melancolie:
I am so glad you like mory,ory, and I’m sorry I made you cry. (Not really, I’m
actually a heartless bitch j/k) I’m also glad you appreciate the one-liners,
and if you want to use them, that’s okay with me, as long as you give me
credit.

 

Wintermoon:
HELL YEAH! I meant Brian Kinney and Justin Taylor. Those beautiful boys make my
miserable life as a heterosexual female worth living. As Jasmine and I say, QaF should be called The Brian and Justin Show With Some Occasional Emmit. You
rock for noticing!

 

Roguemessenger, luin-lote,
Malfoy Snogger, Malfoy Slave, Kitten Baby Girl: I
just wanted to say thank you to you guys for being here from the beginning and
reviewing every chapter.

 

To everyone else: Thanks and I love you!

 

I hope you guys have had as much fun reading this as I have
writing it.

 

As always, mad props to Jasmine.

 

Whew! I think that’s it! On with the last chapter!

 

 

 

 

Chapter 10…………What are you doing to my ass, Potter?

******************************************************

 

Draco walked into the broom shed and awa away his broom. He
should have been looking forward to graduating…but he wasn’t. It wasn’t as if
he was dreading it…he was just ready for it to be over. The day had been
stressful enough, and now he was ready to just collapse and sleep.

 

Harry stopped just inside the broom shed. He peered around
the corner and watched Draco put his broom away and stalk
off for the other exit mumbling something to himself. Harry knew he had to act
fast…but how? What could he say? What could he do? Draco was just about to
leave and Harry sprung into action, doing the first thing that came to his mind.
He ran up behind the blonde and caught his arm, spinning him around.

 

Startled, Draco got out “Wha…” before Harry attacked his
mouth with his own. Harry could feel Draco go rigid and the boy refused to open
his mouth, but Harry did not, would not, let him go. He heightight to Draco’s
shoulders until he finally felt him relax and start to give in to the kiss. He
loosened his grip.

 

His love for the boy, at times, would blind Harry to the fact
that Draco was still a Slytherin. And the title could not befit him more. The
moment Harry loosened his grip; Draco took the opportunity to shove him
forcefully away. After wiping his mouth, he fixed his glare on Harry.

 

“Shove off Potter!”

 

Harry steeled himself. He had to reminmselmself of Draco’s
nature, and his reaction to threats. He would have to be prepared, as Draco
would be unquestionably vicious in his attempts to push Harry away.

 

“I will *not* shove off, DRACO!...What
the fuck do you think you’re doing, accepting that ring?!”

 

Draco smirked at him.

 

“You know, *Potter*, sometimes I forget what a sneaky
bastard you can be…you really should have been in Slytherin. I take it you were
spying on me.”

 

“So what if I was…does it matter? Does *anything* matter to
you Draco?”

 

Draco opened his mouth to answer, but Harry cut him off.

 

“*Other* than your sodding name?”

 

Draco looked Harry in the eye and let the corners of his
mouth lift just the tiniest bit.

 

“No.”

 

Harry was slightly taken aback. He kept having to remind
himself that he was not going to leave…he was not going to let Draco’s hurtful
words get to him…no matter how successful they were. He was not going to let
Draco push him away. He gathered his resolve to continue.

 

“That’s a lie and you know it…or maybe you don’t. There are
so many lies Draco…maybe you don’t even know what the truth is anymore…”

 

“Oh don’t give me that high and mighty Gryffindor bullshit!
Trust me, Potter, I am fully cognizant of my decisions, and the implications
there of. Doesn’t it get old? Trying to save everyone all the time? Did it ever
occur to you that we don’t all need saving? I am not a under some spell,
Potter, I *choose* this life.”

 

“There you go again.” Harry moved around behind Draco and
dropped to his knees. He cocked his head and stared quite intently at Draco’s
bum.

 

Draco was, understandably, confused. He whipped around to
face Harry.

 

“What the hell are you doing to my ass, Potter?”

 

This time, it was Harry who smi. He. He looked up at Draco.

 

“I was looking for Lucius’ hand. I’m impressed…he must be
quite the puppeteer if he can keep you going from the stands.”

 

As angry as the comment made Draco…he laughed. It *was*
funny…Harry was a funny guy…it was one of the things he loved about him.

 

The laugh was like music to Harry’s ears…finally, he had
made some progress, although it was short lived. Draco’s laugh died out and he
looked at Harry.

 

“You know Harry, I should have hit
you for that.”

 

Still on his knees, Harry tilted his chin up, and locked his
head in place.

 

“Go ahead…hit me…do it.”

 

The sudden command surprised Draco. “What?”

 

“Hit me…if you want to. If you hit me, I’ll go…I’ll leave
you to your millions and wife and all that…”

 

To Draco, this deal sounded a bit *too* easy…there had to be
a catch. “That’s it? If I hit you, you’ll stop this crusade of yours? All I
have to do is hit you?”

 

“That’s it. Now do it….”

 

Draco stepped back and cracked his knuckles. He balled his
fist and planted his feet. Pulling his fist behind him, he grabbed Harry’s
shirt with his other hand, holding him in place. He looked at Harry and asked
one last time.

 

“Are you sure about this? It’ll be over? I don’t want to hit
you and have you change your mind…because then I’ll
have to hit you again.”

 

Harry took a deep breath…this wasn’t really how he saw this
going when he made the offer…nonetheless; he had given his word and had to
stick to it.

 

“I’m sure…just do it, hit me and it’s over…I’ll leave you
alone. One thing though…please don’t break my jaw or nose…I do have to graduate
soon.”

 

“Got it…no breaking of the jaw.”

 

“Or nose” Harry added.

 

“Yes, yes….are we going to do this or not?!”

 

“Fine! Do it!...wait!”

 

Draco snorted in annoyance. Harry removed his glasses and
set them aside.

 

“There…all clear.”

 

Draco remade his fist and drew it back again.

 

“Now, Harry, clench your teeth…now place your tongue on the
roof of your mouth. It’ll hurt less that way and it’s less likely to break your
jaw or knock any teeth loose.”

 

Harry did as he was asked. He looked one more time at Draco,
who pulled his fist back and took a deep breath. Harry screwed his eyes shut,
at least he wouldn’t have to *see* Draco hit him. He hadn’t counted on this…but
Draco *was* unpredictable. And now he’d have to keep his word…it was over.

 

‘Damn me and my stupid
nobility!’ was Harry’s last thought before Draco pulled him roughly by his
shirt and then his fist connected.

 

With his eyes still tightly closed, Harry was surprised. ‘That didn’t hurt at all…but it was so loud…surely
Draco hits harder than that…’

 

Harry opened his eyes. Looking down, he noticed Draco’s hand
still fisted his shirt, stretching the collar beyond repair. Looking up, he saw
Draco who now had his eyes closed and his teeth bared like a fierce animal. His
arm was extended still from the blow it had delivered, and Harry followed the
arm with his eyes until he reached the fist that had gone straight through a
cabinet. Harry blinked, realizing he needed his glasses if he wanted a clear
picture and scrambled to get them. He grabbed them up and quickly pushed them
up his nose. Once his vision came back into focus, he looked at the splintered
jagged hole Draco’s punch had caused. He was suddenly very glad Draco had opted
not to hit him, for reasons other than emotional ones. He could hardly imagine
a blow such as that would have been the least bit comfortable. His jaw would
have most likely been broken anyways.

 

Harry placed his hands on Draco’s extended elbow and ran
them down to the fist, gently pulling it from the hole. He noticed that Draco
was bleeding and, holding his hand that was still clenched into a fist, looked
over at Draco whose expression had not changed.

 

“Draco, you’re…”

 

“Shut up”

 

“But you’re…”

 

“I. Said. Shut. Up.”

 

Harry did as he was asked and tried to uncurl Draco’s
fingers from the rigid fist. In doing so, he noticed a rather large splinter
embedded in the heel of the usually elegant pale hand. As gently as he could,
he removed the piece of wood and heard Draco hiss as he did so. Breaking his
silence, Harry spoke in a quiet voice.

 

“Sorry…splinter.”

 

Draco sunk down to the floor across from Harry and pulled
his hand away. Harry wanted to protest, but thought better of it under the
circumstances. Not looking at the soon to be former Slytherin, he had questions
that he needed to ask.

 

“You didn’t hit me.”

 

“I should have.”

 

“But you didn’t.”

 

“Don’t get too excited…It doesn’t mean I don’t want you to
quit harassing me…I just didn’t want to hit you…that’s *all*.”

 

“Still…I gave you the opportu to to get off scot free for knocking my lights out, and you couldn’t do
it.”

 

“I didn’t *want* to do it…I most certainly could have, and
the way you keep going on, I may still.”

 

“Why?”

 

“What are you on about, Potter?”

 

“Why? Why didn’t you want to hit me?” Harry scooted forward,
closer to Draco.

 

“What? Why does it matter? So I didn’t want to break your
face, big deal…you ungrateful prat!” Draco scooted back, putting the distance
back between them.

 

Harry again scooted closer to the blonde before speaking.

 

“What reason could you possibly have not to want to hit me?
I’m Harry fucking Potter for one, I’m sure you’ve wanted to hit me several
times over the years. Apparently I’m a nuisance to you these days, *and* it
would have given you an easy out. Why?”

 

“I don’t know why, would you leave it already?” Again, Draco
moved away.

 

“No, tell me *why*” Harry insisted while still inching
forward toward Draco.

 

Draco scooted back again, but was thwarted when his back
connected with the wall, leaving him no more room to distance himself from the
insistent Gryffindor. He balled his fists, with seemingly not a thought to his
injured hand and spoke through clenched teeth.

 

“I *already* told you….I don’t know why.”

 

Harry scooted closer still, pleased with the fact that Draco
couldn’t run from him anymore.

 

“That’s bullshit. Yes you do. Now tell me *why* damnit!” He
grabbed Draco’s shoulders and pressed him into the wall so that he couldn’t get
up and leave.

 

“I don’t know what you’re talking about…let me go!”

 

“Say it!”

 

“Say what?”

 

“God damnit, Draco, SAY IT!”

 

“NO!”

 

“Say. It.”

 

Draco screwed his eyes shut. Harry could see that his lashes
were wet. He turned his head away from the confrontation and pushed Harry’s
hands away. Harry let him, but was surprised when the blonde made no attempt to
get up or leave. He opened his eyes very slowly, but kept his gaze away from
Harry. The words were so soft and broken, that had Harry not been intently
listening for them, they would have gone unnoticed.

 

“…love….you….”

 

Harry let out the breath he didn’t even know he’d been
holding and felt a few warm tears glide down his cheek. He scrambled for
Draco’s hand and placed it on his chest, both of his own hands protectively
covering it. Draco made no attempt to pull it away, but rather, just let it
limply rest there, showing no enthusiasm.

 

Harry pleaded with him. “Then leave with me. Get up, give
your father back that ring, and leave with me.”

 

Still not looking at Harry, Draco’s words were slightly
stronger. “I…can’t…you don’t understand…you’ll never understand…”

 

Harry took one of his hands off of Draco’s and turned
Draco’s head to face him. He looked him in the eye, and smiled sadly.

 

“I understand what your name means to you, Draco. I
understand something you don’t though. The things that make you a Malfoy aren’t
given to you because you were born into the family. They aren’t traits that you
get just because your name is spelled m-a-l-f-o-y. It’methmething that’s
inborn…something that can’t be taught or given. You are the most regal person I
have ever seen and it has *nothing* to do with your last name. You will still
be regal married with children you *don’t* want *or* naked on a street corner.
It’s something *no one* can take away from you. You want to redeem your
name…but you already have!”

 

Harry leaned forward and embraced the blonde who let all his
walls down in that one moment. Draco rested his forehead on Harry’s shoulder
and let out a shuddering sigh. After a moment, he looked up and placed his
hands on either side of Harry’s face and tilted his head…inching forward.

 

**************************************************

 

Severus Snape looked around the pitch. The ceremony was to
begin soon, and he counted all the graduating members of his house…except one.
After scanning the field one more time and still not seeing his favorite pupil,
he approached Lucius Malfoy.

 

“Lucius.”

 

“Ah, Severus…how are you?”

 

“Fine. Would you happen to know
where young Mr. Malfoy would be? The ceremony will begin soon and I’d like to
go over some things with him before hand.”

 

“He was here just a moment ago, but I sent him to put away
his broom. It’s likely he’s still in the broom shed, or near by.”

 

“Thank you, Lucius.”

 

Professor Snape headed for the broom shed to collect the
last of his graduating students.

 

A short distance away, a particular Slytherin noticed his
head of house heading for the broom shed. This would not do. Blaise Zabini had
seen Malfoy go in, and noticed Potter following moments later. After the two
did not reemerge, he considered going in himself, but heard Draco’s voice
saying something about breaking Potters jaw and knocking his teeth loose
followed by a loud crack. Delighted that Malfoy had finally come to his senses
about the Gryffindor Golden Boy, he let them be. He would have loved to join
in, but didn’t want to spoil Draco’s fun by barging in unannounced. Now,
however, Professor Snape was headed for the both of them. Even though it was
graduation day, and Snape showed no love for Harry Potter, it still wouldn’t be
considered a good idea to be caught beating up the ‘savior of the wizarding
world’. Blaise took off, determined to either get to the shed first, or stall
Snape and save his best friend from getting into trouble.

 

Yet another short distance away, a ginger headed boy sighed
and glanced around him, bored with the day’s events. He was jolted from his
boredom when he saw not only Professor Snape, but Blaise Zabini headed for the
broom shed. Ron had to think quickly. He’d seen Malfoy go in there, followed by
Harry, and as much the thought disturbed him, he reluctantly agreed to let the
two work out their own problems…after much scolding
from Hermione, of course. This problem though, would require his assistance. As
much as he hated to admit it, he knew what the two wmostmost likely up to in
the shed and it was not going to make the two Slytherins headed that way very
happy. Personally, he thought it would serve Malfoy right, but Harry…he would
never live it down. Taking off before it was too late, Ron decided that if
*someone* had to walk in on the two of them…it might as well be him, as he was
certainly better prepared for it than either Zabini or Snape. This way he could
warn them. He ran to get ahead of the two, but ended up dead even… the three of
them, all reaching the entrance at the same time. Ron gave a weak smile to
Professor Snape and shot a glare at Zabini before coughing quite loudly. If he
couldn’t beat them, at least he might still be able to warn his best friend.
Ron coughed again, and prayed to Merlin that the two boys inside had heard him
as Snape opened the door and three heads peered inside.

 

*******************************************************

 

Harrysed sed his eyes and leaned ever closer into Draco.
Words could not describe the happiness and relief he felt to have finally
gotten through the dragon’s fire...in spite of his burns. However, something
wasn’t right. He could feel it. As if on cue, he heard a cough to the right and
his eyes snapped open. The next few moments went in slow motion.

 

Both Harry and Draco turned their heads to see Professor
Snape looking pointedly away from them, Ron looking terrified and apologetic,
and Blaise Zabini looking confused and murderous.

 

Before Harry even had time to process this new development,
he felt Draco’s hands move from their place on either side of his face down to
his already stretched out shirt collar. The pale hands gripped Harry’s shirt
tightly and both boys looked back over at the three new faces in the room. The
next thing he knew, Harry watched faceface he so loved contort
in fear and anger. Before he got the chance to speak, he was roughly shoved
from the Slytherin. In no state to pay much attention to his footing, Harry
tripped and fell back, landing on the floor. He looked up at Draco, sadly, and
had to look away. He did not see Draco speak the words, but hearing them was enough
to split him in two.

 

“Queer fuck!...Zabini, let’s go
*now*!”

 

The other Slytherin complied with the order, sneering at
Harry as he passed. The two dashed out through the second exit. Ron, who was
furious, made to give chase and finally give Malfoy the punch he’d been asking
for for years. The red head
was stopped, however, by his potions master. Snape extended his arm to block
Ron’s passage from their place in the doorway. Ron, of course, took this as a
sign that Snape was going to just let Malfoy off, as he always did and lost his
temper.

 

“Let me pass! Damn you, I’ll kill him, one way or the other,
now let me through!”

 

Snape remained, as always, stoic.

 

“Mr. Weasley, in light of the current situation, I am going
to ignore the fact that you have raised your voice to me. I do think that it is
pertinent that you remain here, as there are matters that require your
attention.”

 

Snape nodded his head to the still shocked Harry sitting in
the floor before continuing.

 

“As much as I agree with you about Mr. Malfoy’s actions, you
are needed here at the moment. I am going back to the school. The ceremony
starts soon…don’t be late.”

 

And with a swish of rob robes, Snape was gone. Ron looked
down at Harry, and bent down next to him. He wasn’t sure what to do or say,
really, so he just went with his instincts and hugged his best friend, who
remained unresponsive.

 

“Harry, mate…I’m…sorry. I tried to beat them here…I tried to
warn you.”

 HarrHarry finally spoke up. “It’s okay Ron…thanks, you really
are my best friend…but you know as well as I do…it wouldn’t have mattered. I
needed to know…now I do I suppose. You should go, or you’ll be late for
graduation.”

 

He held his hand up to quiet any protest Ron was going to
make. “I’ll be there…just give me a minute…okay?”

 

Still skeptical, Ron agreed. “Alright Harry, I’ll see you in
a minute. Are you sure you’re okay? It looks like your cheek is bleeding.”

 

Harry managed a weak smile. “I’ll be fine, Ron…really…I’ve
just been abruptly introduced to a lass named reality…that’s all…I’ll be right
there...and it’s not my blood…by the way.”

 

Reluctantly, Ron left.

 

****************************************************

 

The whole school, along with parents and teachers alike had
assembled for the seventh year graduation. Many parents were successfully
embarrassing their children by pointedly waving at them whilst they sat among
their peers. Lucius Malfoy eyed his son proudly. He had groomed him all his
life and Draco was everything he had been brought up to be. Lucius knew that
his son was still a bit rough around the edges, as most teenagers are, but now
that he was through with school, Draco had all the makings and the time to
become a truly great Malfoy.

 

Over in the Slytherin section, Blaise Zabini was rambling on
and on at Draco about what it was like to finally hit Harry Potter. The two of
them, along with most of the school, were oblivious to the Ravenclaw Head Boy
giving his speech in f of of them. Blaise took the opportunity to continue to
prod Draco about his encounter. Draco just ignored him and clenched his jaw to
keep from screaming. However, after one too many pokes in the arm from Zabini,
Draco lost his temper and grabbed the other Slytherin by the throat.

 

“Blaise…if you do not shut up, I will
gladly remove your larynx and feed it to you.”

 

Zabini, noting the odd glint in his unofficial leader’s eye,
promptly shut moutmouth.

 

As Head Girl, it was time for Hermione to address her
graduating class. She walked to the front and began the speech she had
prepared. She cleared her throat.

 

“For those of you who don’t know me…I’m Hermione Granger,
I’m Head Girl, A Gryffindor, 17 years old…and I have no clue what I am going to
do when I leave here. As students, we were groomed to use our magic to the best
of our abilities, for the seemingly imminent war. Only now, there will o
wo
war. As a graduating student in the first class to be truly free from the
threat of The Dark Lord, I ask of you, my peers, only
one thing. Instead of viewing his demise as complete freedom, and taking those
who have suffered at his hands in stride, use your magic, wherever you go, to
ensure that there will never be another Dark Lord to take his place. It is our
responsibility, as wizards and witches, to be better than those who came before
us, and to protect our d. Td. Thank you.”

 

Everyone clapped, out of obligation more than anything. As
brilliant as Hermione was, she wasn’t really what one would call…‘entertaining’.
Dumbledore rose and addressed the crowd.

 

“This year, we have a graduate to whom we owe the very
stability of our world. After much strife and adversity, he has remained a
delightful young man. I would like to ask Mr. Harry Potter to speak now, if he
would.”

 

The crowd clapped again, ttimetime with enthusiasm. After a
moment, it became apparent that Harry Potter was either not in attendance or
not keen on speaking. Dumbledore rose yet again.

 

“It seems Mr. Potter has had business to attend to
elsewhere. I…” The old wizard stopped abruptly when the doors opened and Harry
Potter entered the great hall. All eyes turned to watch the handsome boy stride
along to the front of the room. He looked stately and determined, his head held
high. Once at the front, he turned to Dumbledore to give his thanks before
speaking to the crowd.

 

“I’m sure you all know who I am.” He lifted the fringe of
his hair to reveal his scar. “At least…I’m sure you all *think* you know who I
am. I don’t have much to say up here really, yeah…I killed Voldemort, had I had
a choice, I would have chosen to be an ordinary boy. But I didn’t have a
choice…and The Famous Harry Potter is the result of…fate…I suppose. I have a
favor to ask all of you. If you want an icon…find one somewhere else. Because
the Harry Potter you want me to be doesn’t exist…sorry to break it to you…but
there’s only me, and I can guarantee that you know nothing about *me*.”

 

Harry prepared to step down, but Colin Creevy, ever the HP
cheerleader, opened his mouth out of place…as per usual. The small sixth year
stood up and shouted over to Harry.

 

“That’s not true Harry! We do know you! You really are a
true hero…there’s nothing you can do…you’ll always be our hero!”

 

Harry didn’t know that he’d ever wanted so much to snap
someone like a twig. What infuriated him further was the enthusiasm from the
crowd around Colin who seemed to agree with him. That was the moment it
happened. The moment Harry decided he couldn’t and wouldn’t lie anymore. Not
for these people who falsely claimed to know him. They could see the real him,
and damn them, they could accept it or find a new ‘hero’! Harry cleared his
throat before speaking again.

 

“So you *do* know me, huh?” The generaowd owd nodded in
unison. Harry weaved through the Gryffindor crowds to find Ginny. When he got
to her, he asked her to stand up. The girl looked terrified, but after a
heartfelt “please”, she complied. Harry drug her to
the front with him.

 

“I’m sure you know Ginny Weasley, my girlfriend right?”

 

Molly Weasley beamed with pride at her only daughter, the
chosen of the famous Harry Potter. Harry used the time the crowd took up murmuring
to each other to grab Ginny by the arm and whisper in her ear.

 

“I think you know what I’m about to do…is this okay with
you?”

 

The red headed girl’s eyes grew wide, and her first instinct
was to reply with a sharp “No!” to save herself the embarrassment…however, when
she looked into Harry’s face, she knew that this was what he needed to do…and
her feelings about it were secondary. She smiled at him.

 

“Yeah, it’s fine with me. Good luck, Harry.” And she kissed
him on the cheek, which received a collective “awww” from the audience.

 

Harry faced the front again. “Don’t awww just yet! She’s not
my girlfriend. She never was my girlfriend…she never *will* be my girlfriend.”

 

Harry looked out at the Slytherins. He locked eyes with
Draco momentarily who shook his head almost
imperceptibly and mouthed the word “no”. Harry continued with the crowd.

 

“No one will ever be my girlfriend.” He took a deep, deep,
deep breath. “I’m gay.”

 

There was a communal gasp followed by intense silence. Harry
was thankful for the calm for once, even if it was shock induced.

 

“Do you have any idea what it’s like to be up here right now
in front of all of you…open to your scrutiny for simply being what I am? What
do you think of your hero now? This is me, and I suppose you don’t want me now
that you know. Well that’s fine, because I’d rather be honest. Surely there
must be more of you out there who feel the same way I do?”

 

Silence.

 

Harry let out a small nervous laugh. “Thanks…you just proved
my point. It’s only love, what is everyone so afraid of?” He paused. “Well, I’m
not afraid any more.”

 

Still with his head held high, the Gryffindor slowly left
the front and made his way towards the door.

 

Ron was thest tst to stand. He clapped for his best friend,
more surely than he had ever clapped for anything before. Hermione was, of
course, not far behind. Surprisingly…the third to stand and give applause was
none other than Professor Snape. The potions master’s face revealed no emotion,
yet still, he was standing. Soon the Weasleys and the majority of Gryffindor
had joined in and in under a minute…most of the audience had leapt to their
feet, giving praise and acceptance to the boy who deserved it so very much. The
Slytherins, of course, remained seated, most whispering amongst themselves and
making snide comments. The Prince of Slytherin, though, was nowhere to be
found, having slipped out during the commotion. No one seemed to notice.

 

***************************************************

 

After graduation was officially over, a still shaky Harry
Potter sat on a bench with Ron, Hermione and Ginny. As people left the
ceremony, most flashed him a warm smile while the occasional app approached him
to express that they were, indeed, quitoud oud of him. When the Slytherins
left, most of them just shot cruel looks in Harry’s direction. Zabini, as was
expected, walked up to Harry and his entourage. He shot Harry a glare, and then
turned his attention to Ginny.

 

“Little Weasel…you sure you wanna be that close to him? You
might catch something, he’s a…”

 

Before Zabini could finish, Harry cut him off.

 

“Fairy, fag gay gay,
queer, nellie, swish, homo, pervert, fruit, invert,
pansy, princess, queen, sister, flit, nance, auntie, sodomist, granny, disco- dancer, limpwrist,
Oscar Wilde reader, pillow biter, shirt lifter, Streisand-ticket-holder,
Pouf….”

 

He smiled sweetly at Blaise. “Did I leave anything out?”

 

Zabini just snarled and stomped off. After he was gone,
Harry turned to Ron, Hermione and Ginny.

 

“You didn’t happen to see where Draco headed did you?”

 

Ron snorted and looked away, while Hermione and Ginny smiled
sadly at him. Ginny spoke up.

 

“I saw him headed for the pitch white as a sheet.”

 

“Thanks…I’ve just got something I need to do.” Harry got up
and left…headed for the quidditch pitch.

 

**************************************************

 

Harry entered the broom shed, where he somehow knew Draco
would be. He was, indeed, correct in his assumption, as Draco was seated on the
ground in the same spot he had been when they were interrupted earlier. The
former Slytherin held in his hand the box his father had given him earlier. He
had it open and was staring at the contents, obviously contemplating. He looked
up at Harry and gave him a sad smile before wiping at his eyes and looking away
again. Harry sat down a few feet away from him.

 

Draco turned to him and extended his hand to touch Harry’s
cheek, but Harry flinched away from the touch and jerked in the other
direction. After a heavy sigh, Draco pulled back his hand and faced forward
again. It was a long moment of silence before the blonde found the courage to
speak.

 

“You know after I…did thatyou…you…all I could think
about…was…holding you. To make it all okay again. To put us back in your room
where no one else mattered or existed….”

 

Harry smiled as a wave of memory assaulted his senses, but
soon enough, he was jolted back to reality. He turned and faced the boy who for
so long now had invaded his every thought. After smiling despondently at Draco,
he spoke, though his voice was shaky.

p;
p;

“You do realize what I just did in there?”

 

Draco nodded, having no words that could change or rectify
the situation.

 

Harry, unable to sit next to his…the…dragon any longer,
stood and wiped his eyes. He walked around to stand in front of Draco and leant
down to look into his beautiful face and let his gaze linger one last time. He
reached out his hand and ran it softly, slowly over the pale cheek where a
thousand kisses had once called home. To both his delight and heartbreak, Draco
smiled at him. One of the only genuine smiles he’d ever seen the soft lips
form. Harry smiled back at him and ran his thumb over the cheek just once more.


 

“Be happy.”

 

And he was gone.

 

*******************************************************

The End.

 

*******************************************************

 

To be continued in the sequel…which will
be coming very…very soon.

 

It’s been so much fun writing this…but never fear…there is still far to go my pretties.

 

Love and Kisses,

 

Reika

 

P.S. Hit the button…I know you’re dying to swear at me…just
don’t be too harsh…please….