HOME IS WHERE HIS HEART IS

Chapter Six


Remus was sitting quietly by himself, drinking his morning coffee while reading the Daily Prophet. He heard the fire roar to life then his name called out. He hunched down, and almost fell back on his arse when he saw Harry’s head and face smiling at him. “Harry?”

“Hey, Remy,” Harry grinned. “Wasn’t sure you’d be up, or home?”

“Just got up awhile ago. I’m not teaching at Hogwarts any more, and I’m not expected at my other job until later.”

“Not teaching?” Harry asked. “How come?”

“Why don’t you come through, where we can visit properly,” Remus smiled. “I’m getting too old to be kneeling on the floor.”

“You by yourself?” Harry asked, looking around the room.

“Yes.”

Harry nodded, then stepped through, stumbling into Remus’s arms.

“I’ve never landed gracefully with these things,” Harry laughed, hugging Remus close. “Gods – missed you, Remy.”

“Me too, cub. Missed you, too. The occasional letter isn’t enough Harry.”

“Sorry ‘bout that. Been busy,” Harry replied, sitting down on the couch and looking around. “You’ve changed the place. Looks good. I like the extra windows.”

“It took a couple of years, but I’m sure Sirius would have liked it,” Remus smiled, looking around also.

“Looks like Molly had a hand in it too,” Harry grinned, seeing the handmade quilt over the back of the couch, and the personal woman’s touch to the room here and there.

“She mother hens’ me, but I don’t mind,” Remus replied, shrugging his shoulders.

“So who’s been keeping your bed warm, Remy?” Harry smirked.

“There’s been someone but it’s not serious,” Remus said. “How about you?”

“Nothing serious,” Harry shrugged. “I’ve been taking it easy the past year.”

“So what have you been up to Harry? You’ve written that you work in a country bar?”

“I used to bartend at the bar. Not much for country, but it kind of grows on you after awhile. Mitch, he’s the owner, has let me change a few things, like having rock bands once a week. I had a mechanical bull added too.”

“I saw that,” Remus smirked.

“You saw?”

“I work at the bookstore in Muggle London – which I love by the way, and saw a picture of you riding that mechanical bull as an advertisement for Montana night life.”

“So you know where I’ve been?”

“Just the past couple of months, and no, I haven’t told anyone. When you’re ready to tell everyone where you are, you can say. You say you ‘used’ to bartend. What do you do now?” Remus asked.

Remus watched in concern when Harry lay his head back on the cushions of the couch and closed his eyes. “Harry?”

“When I first applied for the bartending job a few years ago, I wasn’t the only one. There was another, a girl. It turns out we both got the job and we became fast friends. She was an amazing person, Remy. She was my best friend, and my roommate.”

“Was?” Remus asked, noticing the strained voice from Harry.

“One night I woke up from a nightmare and she was there to comfort me. Well, things happened. We made love, the only time. I do not regret it and neither did she. In fact, we became closer as friends. That night she got pregnant. She died giving birth,” Harry quietly said.

“When was this?” Remus asked, seeing how the grief still lay heavy on Harry’s shoulders.

“A couple of days ago,” Harry softly replied, a silent tear escaping down his cheek. “Turns out she was diagnosed with cancer a while back. The doctors think she may have died from a stroke or aneurysm. The doctor was surprised she lived as long as she did with the tumor on her brain. The pain relevant potion I was giving her for her headaches probably slowed down the tumor’s growth.”

“It doesn’t sound like you could have done anything, Harry,” Remus said.

“I know. I’m not blaming myself on her death,” Harry replied. “I miss her, but it will get easier. I still have a part of her in Colby.”

“Colby?”

“My son,” Harry smiled. “Colby James. He’s amazing, Remus. I visited him today, and our magic connected. Is that normal for a newborn to have magic that early?”

“It’s pretty rare, but not unheard of,” Remus smiled. “Is he still in the hospital?”

“Yes. He’s in intensive care, but is getting stronger. When Cheyanne’s heart stopped during the C-section, it caused Colby some problems. He should be out soon. When our magic connected, I pushed a little of mine into him to help him heal faster.”

“I’m happy for you, Harry,” Remus grinned.

“Do you think you could get away for a weekend?” Harry asked. “I know you didn’t know Cheyanne, but her funeral is on Saturday, and . . . ”

“I’ll be there for you, Harry,” Remus smiled, taking Harry’s hand in his.

“So, how is everybody here?” Harry asked, feeling better with Remus accepting to come for the funeral.

“Everybody’s doing good. Arthur is still at the Ministry, but now in charge of the Muggle Artifacts Office. Molly volunteers at a wizarding orphanage during the days, keeps her busy. Ginny helps Fred and George at their two stores in Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.”

“And Hogwarts?” Harry asked.

“Minerva retired and spends her time with her family in Scotland. Albus is still at Hogwarts, but is thinking of retiring,” Remus grinned.

“He’s been saying that for years,” Harry laughed.

“Ah, but this time he’s gotten himself an apprentice in hopes that they’ll fill his meddling shoes. Amos Diggory has been Deputy Headmaster for about a year now, and probably will be promoted in another year or two.”

“I thought Severus would have moved up,” Harry said.

“Severus gave his notice when you left. He traveled for a year, then came back to head the research department at St. Mungo’s Hospital. He’s even improved the wolfsbane potion so at full moon I still shift to my wolf form, but am pretty well a well trained dog,” Remus grinned. “The transformations are easier too.”

“That’s great Remus. And Malfoy – how is he?” Harry hesitantly asked.

“He was very upset when you left Harry. He hounded the twins and myself constantly on where you were or if our life stones had changed. He searched for you for almost the first full year, realizing at the end that it was pointless for him. You didn’t want to be found.”

“I didn’t know he’d be like that. We were friends, close friends, Remus. The night before I left, I went to him. I took what he gave me. I loved him, Remus,” Harry added quietly.

“And now?”

“Just thinking of him, I get all twisted up inside. I loved him, but I didn’t want him to go through what the press would have put him through.”

“You should have asked him, Harry.”

“No. I made the right decision,” Harry said, reassuring himself.

“He’s getting married.”

“Oh?”

“To Oliver Wood. It was just actually announced last week,” Remus said.

“Well, that’s good then, right? I’m happy he found someone,” Harry softly said. “And Oliver’s a good bloke. He’ll treat him right.”

Remus looked up at the clock, and noticed the time. “I need to get to work. Why don’t you come with me? I’m out of the long distance Floo powder. I’m sure the Ministry will let you pass through, unless you go to Diagon Alley.”

“No, I’ll come with you,” Harry smiled. “But you’ll need to get some for the weekend. I’ve just bought myself a house, so you can stay and visit for a few days.”

Remus agreed, then led Harry to his car, which Harry raised a brow at seeing the sporty little car. They talked of the past few years as Remus drove his way through the heavy morning traffic. He finally pulled up in a parking lot, and leaned back on the fender of the car when they got out.

“Draco works in the Liaison Department of the Ministry. He helps with the communication between the Ministries,” Remus supplied.

“He’d be good at that. I’m going straight home. I’m beat and I still have to move my things and ready Colby’s room,” Harry sighed, stepping forward to hug Remus. “See you in a couple of days?”

“I’ll be there, cub. Take care of yourself,” Remus replied, tightening his hold on Harry. “The Ministry is just around the corner.”

“Still the red phone booth?” Harry smirked, remembering the booth that was the entrance to the Ministry.

“Yes,” Remus laughed.

Harry gave Remus a last squeeze and gave him his Floo location, then turned to make his way to the Ministry. He felt infinitely better after visiting with Remus, even if it was too brief.


After giving his name, Harry Sutton, he received his visitor’s badge and was transported down to the Ministry. It hadn’t changed much over the years. He checked in at the front desk, not able to give his wand as he didn’t bring it. He made sure his sunglasses were on his nose, and went to the directory to see if the International Floo changed floors. It was still on the third floor. His eyes strayed further to see Draco’s name on the ninth floor.

He went to the elevator and with a slight hesitation, pressed the button for the ninth floor, keeping to the corner as witches and wizards stepped on and off the elevator. He received a few strange looks, as they didn’t see too many men in Muggle faded jeans and a leather jacket too often in their magical midst.

His steps were confident, while inside his stomach was twisting at the prospect of seeing Draco again. He entered through the frosted glass doors to see a younger woman, about twenty at the desk, flipping through the latest magazine.

“Excuse me,” Harry spoke to get her attention.

The witch looked up and was surprised to see the rough looking man standing before her. She was used to seeing suits or dress robes. She saw him smile, then readily returned it. “Do you have an appointment with Mister Malfoy, Sir?” She asked, admiring the body that was encased in the snug jeans and T-shirt.

Harry took off his glasses. “No, I’m just visiting an old friend and thought I’d take a chance he may be in.”

She saw the infamous green eyes, then glanced to his forehead, just making out the thin white scar. “You . . . you’re . . . ”

“Could you tell him Harry is here to see him please,” Harry smiled, inwardly grimacing seeing her eyes go up to his scar.

“I’m sure he’ll see you. You can just go in,” she smiled.

“Are you sure? I don’t want to interrupt.”

She nodded, then walked to the door after smoothing her skirt over her hips when she stood. She opened the door. “Mister Malfoy. There’s someone here to see you, Sir,” she said.

“Take their name and I’ll contact them. I have this proposal for the Egyptian Ministry to take care of,” Draco said, not looking up from his paperwork.

“Can’t take a few minutes from your busy schedule to visit with an old friend?” Harry grinned, seeing that Draco looked good, very good.

Draco looked up, hearing the voice that haunted his dreams, and his breath caught. Harry stood by the door, looking nervous, but oh so good. He nodded to his secretary who left after giving Harry a last longing look.

“What can I do for you, Harry?” Draco asked, coming around to lean his hip on the front of the desk.

Harry came forward and picked up a picture of Draco and Oliver together. “I was on my way to the International Floo, when I thought I’d come to congratulate you,” he said.

“How long are you here for before you run away again?” Draco asked.

“I’ve only been here for a few hours. Look, I’m sorry I left like I did, but I had to,” Harry sighed.

“Had to?” Draco scoffed.

Harry waved his hand at the door for that whole wall to become transparent. Draco’s secretary was talking to about ten other people that surrounded her desk. “That is why I left Draco. I don’t like the attention, never did.”

“Why did you come to me that night?” Draco quietly asked.

“Over the years, during training, you were my friend, one of my best. My feelings grew. I wanted one night with you, no strings. I knew I was leaving, and wanted a good memory.”

“What about what I wanted, Harry?”

“You would have left with me? Changed your whole way of life?” Harry asked.

“You didn’t give me the chance, Harry,” Draco countered.

“No. I didn’t, but it’s probably for the best. You went on with your life. Met a great guy in Oliver, and are getting married.”

“And you went on with your life, right?” Draco asked.

“Yes. I did,” Harry softly said, then looked at the time. “I need to go and get things ready for Colby. Congratulations again, Dray. You deserve to be happy,” he added before taking the spell off the door and turned to leave.

“Wait Harry,” Draco called out, coming over to him.

Harry turned around, closing off the pain from his expression. He sighed and closed his eyes when Draco brought up his hand to cup the side of his face. Warm lips tentatively touched his while the hand slipped down to his neck. He opened his eyes and pulled away from the kiss to look into the grey eyes. His own hand came up to stroke Draco’s cheek, his thumb brushing over the bottom lip. He leaned in again to caress those lips with his, then moaned into the kiss when Draco’s hands went into his jacket and around his back.

The kiss went on for a few minutes, as they savored in each others’ taste. It wasn’t a fiery-steal-your-breath-away kiss – just a kiss that they put all their feelings into.

Harry reluctantly pulled away and stepped back. “You still taste good,” he huskily said, giving Draco a small smile. “Have a good life, Dray,” he added, then slipped his sunglasses on to hide his eyes. He stole another quick kiss, then opened the door to walk out of Draco’s life again.

Draco followed Harry to the door. “Don’t you all have work to do?” He said to the other workers who were watching Harry leave. He waited until they all left except his secretary. “Deanna. Find out where Harry is Flooing to. He said something about international. Do not tell anyone else what you find out except me,” he instructed.

Deanna saw the telltale just kissed look on her boss, then quickly left to follow the savior-of-the-wizarding world. When she got down to the Floo network, she saw Harry talking to Arthur Weasley for about fifteen minutes, then watched them embrace before Harry went to the large walk-in fireplace. He placed his hand on the side, then said something to himself before taking a handful of blue glitter Floo powder. She watched as he turned his back on everyone, then disappear in a puff of blue flames.

She went to the sign-in desk and asked where Harry’s destination was, and any other information she could get for her boss.


Draco was looking down at the picture of himself and Oliver, his thoughts a jumbled mess after seeing Harry again – kissing Harry again. Oliver knew that Draco was not in love with him the same way he was with Harry. The past year and a half, Oliver was there to help him pick up the shattered pieces that Harry unknowingly left.

“Sir,” Deanna said, breaking his thoughts.

“What did you find out?”

“The desk said he refused to give his destination and his last name. The clerk tried a tracking spell on the fireplace, but it was blocked. I saw him do some kind of spell before he stepped into the fireplace. Before he left, he talked with Arthur Weasley for about fifteen minutes,” she said. “Sir? Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I think so. Cancel my appointments today. I need – need to talk to a few people,” Draco said, putting the papers in his briefcase, that he didn’t really think he’d be looking at once he got home, and slipped his robe on.

“Will you be in tomorrow, Sir?”

“I don’t know Deanna. I’ll call to let you know if I’m not.”

Draco gave her a small smile, then left his office. He had a certain werewolf to talk to.


tbc