"Chasing Cars"

Author's note--And last but not least, the happy ending! This format is more like the first chapter, in that I'm sure you can figure out who's talking when. I hope this makes up for the trauma of the other two endings, but I definitely wanted to end with this one because it's happy!

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"Chasing Cars" (by Snow Patrol)

Alternate Ending 3 (happy)

If I lay here

// I open my eyes groggily and have just enough presence of mind to look around. I’m in a hospital bed, and my entire body hurts. Except for my scar. Wincing, I raise my hand to my forehead and let my fingers ghost over it, wondering why the one thing that has been hurting for my entire life suddenly isn’t. And then I remember. We left the garden and went straight to Grimmauld. You kept trying to tell me to just leave you, but I wouldn’t leave without you. But bringing you there was dangerous for the Order, especially with the bounty that was on your head, and so I decided to end it.

// You’re such a stubborn Gryffindor. You refused to leave without me, and then you went to go look for HIM. If there was one thing I learned in my childhood, it was how to get my way, and I absolutely was NOT about to let you go off, half-cocked, on your own. Luckily Dumbledore and McGonagall and Snape got everyone together, so it wasn’t like it was JUST you and I going to find Voldemort. It was all of us together, and I honestly never thought I’d see the day when I fought alongside Weasley and Granger instead of against them. But fight we did; I took out my aunt and uncle while Weasley took out my father. I reveled in the look on his face at being taken out by ‘the Weasel’, and I admit, I did something childish right before he died. I flipped him the bird, but DAMN, it felt good! Then you took out Voldemort and nearly got yourself killed in the process. You practically gave me a heart attack, and I cursed at you under my breath for it.

If I just lay here

// After I killed Voldemort, I must have gotten knocked unconscious or something. My insides began knotting up as I looked around the room for you. I was laying in the bed, alone. What happened to you? Were you even alive? The door opened, and I held my breath. It was Hermione, and her eyes nearly popped out of her skull when she saw that I was looking back at her and smiling. Before I could ask after you, though, she disappeared. I could hear her yelling down the hall, and then it seemed like you appeared out of nowhere. I think I almost stopped breathing with relief.

// I was sitting at Ron’s bedside when I heard the news. He woke up a couple of hours ago, and I wanted to shake his hand and thank him for killing my father. He turned so pale, I thought he was going to pass back out. It’s odd to think of him by his first name, but I owe it to him after what he did for me. Then Granger comes running in to say that you just woke up, and I jumped up without even saying good-bye (I know, that was rude of me) and flew to your room.

Would you lie with me and just forget the world?

// As soon as you appeared at my bedside, my pale blonde angel with silver eyes and a green sweater that makes me drool, all I wanted to do was be in your arms. I sat up, pressed my lips to yours, and then breathlessly asked you to lie down so that I could curl up next to you. It hurt to move, but it hurt more not to be in your arms. Your arm snaked around my shoulders possessively, and I draped my arm across your stomach. You are my whole world.

// Just as you didn’t refuse me when I asked you, I am dying to have you back in my arms. As soon as we settle back against the pillows, both heaving great sighs of relief and contentment, I realize that tears are streaming down my face; I’m not ashamed of them this time, though. I think some of your grace finally rubbed off on me. Suddenly the room exploded with people, but neither of us could be bothered to care. Your eyes were closed as your head rested against my neck, but I watched in amusement as they would come barreling in at top speed, see us, and stop short. Then the person behind them would smack into them, still being loud, until THEY saw us, and then THEY would stop short too, and so on. It was like stilted dominoes. First Hermione, with Ron’s arm slung over her shoulder for support (even though I know the nurses told him he wasn’t supposed to get up for at least a day). Then Madam Pomfrey came bustling in, followed by Dumbledore, McGonagall, Lupin, Tonks, and then the entire Weasley family. There are a LOT of people who love you, sweetheart, even if you’re currently sleeping against my shoulder. I’m glad for them, even though I’m starting to feel like I fish in a fishbowl with the way they’re all staring at us. No one speaks. My brain is flying, trying to figure out what to say. Hermione’s mouth opens and closes, as does Lupin’s, and then both Fred and George snap their mouths shut after a “don’t you dare” look from their mum. Finally I figure out what to do. I flash everyone my most charming smile (the Malfoy charm isn’t COMPLETELY dead, you know) and then close my eyes, leaning my cheek against your forehead. I know that everyone knows I’m just feigning sleep, but it’s a good way to forget the world and concentrate on you, lying with me.
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Author's note--Yes, this 'hospital scene' was based on the Harry/Draco fan art picture of them laying together in the hospital bed. It's the one where draco is wearing his green sweater, and Harry is wearing a blue one. If you haven't seen it (or want a copy of it) email me and I'll attach it to you.

Here's a synopsis of what happened, if you're confused.

Harry and Draco were in the garden, and Draco just made love to Harry (for the first time). Harry refused to leave without Draco, so they both left. Voldemort, Lucius, and the other Death Eaters are still looking for Draco, so Harry (and the rest of the Order) decides it's "time".

During the battle, Draco killed Rodolphus and Bellatrix; Ron killed Lucius, and Draco gave him the finger just before he died. (I couldn't resist THAT!) Then Harry killed Voldemort and got knocked unconscious. And then Harry wakes up in the hospital bed, and it's "happily ever after"!

And yes, Draco WAS injured in the battle (as was Hermione and most of the other Order members) but their injuries were very minor. They were allowed to be up and about the hospital by the time Ron woke up (he woke up first, since he was injured less seriously than Harry). Draco was in Ron's room, keeping him company and thanking him for killing Lucius when Harry woke up. Since Hermione wanted to give Ron and Draco some privacy, she went down to Harry's room, only to find him awake.

She knew that Draco would want to know first, so she ran to tell him. Then Ron insisted on going to Harry's room, so Hermione helped him (even though he himself had just woken up earlier). And by the time they get there (and the word has spread that Harry's awake), Draco and Harry are cuddling, and everyone's shocked (cue the "awwwwwwwwwwww")

I don't know WHAT put me in the mood to write two angsty endings, but MAN ALIVE! Luckily, I was able to pull out the happy ending for this one!

I hope you enjoyed! (When deciding whether to review...think of Draco's reputation!)

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA just kidding. Review if you want. Thanks for reading!