In Letters.....

It had taken them longer then anticipated to draft a letter to be printed in the paper. It wasn’t that they hadn’t had time, it was just hard to write. Now at the end of the first week in August, they had finally gotten it done. But they were both on edge and they had every right to be. They were giving out personal stuff. Very personal. The world didn’t need to know all this. But at the same time, questions would be asked if it wasn’t handed out like candy. So the letter contained more than either of them would have liked, but that is just the way is was.

Reading it over one last time, Harry passed it to Draco to sign. He really loved Microsoft Word. No ink stains. But ink stains were the least of his worries.

“ No, - “

“ Dray, sign the damn letter. “ Harry sighed

Harry signed after Draco and put the letter into the envelope with the photos they had spent hours choosing. It was done, now all he had to do was sweet talk the editor of the Prophet and get the damn thing printed.

“ Sure you don’t want to come along ? “ Harry asked quietly

“ I’m sure. Just hurry back. “

Harry nodded and kissed Draco softly before he was just gone. Draco was now standing in the kitchen alone, he didn’t want to be alone. Looking around, he decided to put the nervous energy to good use and started picking up.

*******
Harry arrived in the Leaky Cauldron and waved at the bartender. When he was waved over he shook his head and pointed to his watch. Tom nodded in understanding and waved him on. He didn’t have time to stop and chat, no, he wanted to get this done as quickly as possible and get back to his worrying husband.

The gateway opened with a wave of his hand and he continued on his way. People waved and shouted out greetings which he waved in reply. Others still sneered and pointed at his new look, whispering behind their hands. This was why the letter was so necessary. They needed to be told of what was going on. If not the fall out would be nasty. Hell, it would be nasty anyway.

Taking the stairs to the Prophet office two at a time he couldn’t get inside fast enough. He wanted this day to be over with.

“ Mr.Potter, what a surprise. What brings you here too see us ? “

Rita Skeeter, enough said. The woman made Harry’s skin crawl and he bit back a sneer as he turned to her. There she stood in all her twisted glory. He hated this woman. Even after his interview, after they had gotten her her job back, she still made his life hell.

“ I need to see the editor actually. I have something that I need printed as soon as possible. “

“ Well, please allow me to escort you. “

Harry held in the flinch as the woman took his arm and steered him along. That action alone brought about more stares then he would’ve liked. Yes Ladies and Gentlemen, Harry Bloody Potter was in the building. Get the fuck over it.

“ So, how have you been ? “ Rita said trying to make conversation

“ Busy, you ? “

Ok, he’d play along. But the sour look on Rita’s face told him that he hadn’t given her the answer that she was looking for. Mentally he grinned and stuck his tongue out at the bitch. 1point!

“ The same I suppose. It’s been offly quiet. “

“ That’s just the way he is. I have no doubt that he has something in the works. Something that will show us that he can do what he wants, when he wants. All we can do is wait for it and meet it head on. “ Harry said calmly “ Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean that it is not there Rita. “

The woman just starred at him as they walked. 2 points ! Harry rewarded himself in his head.

“ Perhaps. Honestly I’m not sure what to believe. He’s not doing anything, you haven’t been seen for months, and you have to understand that you bring hope to all of us. Here we are. “

The woman stopped and looked Harry over. That’s when she noticed the bonding rings.

“ Not a word Rita. I do have a life outside ass kicking. I bring hope to the lot of you because I fight so hard. I am fighting in several ways that can not be seen, but rest assured I am fighting. You’ll see. “

“ I won’t say a word, I swear it. Who’s the lucky witch ? “

Harry shook his head and grinned as Rita’s mouth dropped open. 3 points !

“ Not a word Rita. “

The woman nodded dumbly and walked off unaware that she had been hit with a Tattle Tale Charm, a charm of Harry’s own making. He wondered how long it would take before the woman started doing the chicken dance. Smiling to himself, Harry knocked on the Editor’s door and waited.

The man that answered looked stern and portly. He was balding and had brown hair and eyes. He looked ready to snap at who ever was at the door until he saw Harry standing there. Then several emotions crossed the man’s face all at once, awe, shock, disbelief and wonderment. Harry just smirked.

“ Mr.Potter. Allen Ricks, please come in and have a seat. “

“ Thank you Mr.Ricks. “

“ Allen, please. What can I do for you ? “

Harry watched the man sit back down behind his desk and settled himself in one of the chairs before it. Right to the chase then, ok. Pulling out the envelope, Harry sighed and looked the man in the eye to show that he was very serious.

“ Two things actually. One, keep Rita Skeeter away from me. Two, I need you to print this. This is a letter explaining everything and photos too. The photos will make more sense if you read the letter first. “

The man nodded and pulled the letter from the envelope. Harry watched as he began to read, holding his breath. The first emotion to register was disbelief only to quickly turn over into shock. Yeah, they had spilled everything, leaving nothing out. Then the man snorted, smiling slightly only to have it slide off his face. That was replaced by outrage and finally understanding and more shock.

He then set the letter aside and pulled the photos out. He smiled as he looked through them.

“ This Rosilynn ? “

“ Yes, it was taken yesterday. She’s nearly 2 months old. “

“ Such a pretty little thing. “

“ Thank you and she is still very small. She was born nearly a month early. “

The man nodded and looked up at Harry. There was such emotion in the man’s eyes that it was nearly overwhelming. But Harry just waited for the man to say his piece.

“ Congratulations all around. Doing something like this takes courage and cunning, both I know you and Draco to possess in spades. In telling all this yourself you cut out the lies that would no doubt come later. They may still come. People will believe what they want to, form their own opinions. But you of all people deserve to be happy, deserve to have a life. “

Harry nodded as the man picked up the letter and photos putting them back in the envelope.

“ With this letter and these photos questions will arise. They will try to tare you apart, come between you and your husband. They will not be nice, they will not see what they need to see. All that they will see is that you have not turned out as they all wanted you to. Meaning, settled down with a nice witch and had lots of babies. And because Rosilynn looks so much like the pair of you, that will only add more questions. I have faith in you, the man not the title. I have faith that you will rise to the occasion and come out the other end kicking and screaming. Good Luck Mr.Malfoy-Potter and God Speed. Your going to need it. “

“ I have everything that I need no doubt cleaning the house due to nervous energy. He’s going to drive me crazy. “

“ I’m sure you’ll figure something out. “

Harry laughed at the smirk on the man’s face and stood, Allen did the same. Holding out his hand, Harry was pleased to see that Allen took it with a look of understanding on his face. He gained another allie.

“ So, when will that be printed ? “

“ Tonight. Come on, I’ve always wanted to say this. “ Allen grinned

Harry followed the man out onto the landing that over looked the print shop. Allen was bouncing on the balls of his feet as he came up to the railing grinning like an idiot.

“ Stop the presses !! Huge exclusive !! “ He shouted

Harry was laughing so hard he had to grab the railing to keep himself from falling over. Then he stopped as all noise and motion came to a stand still. Ok, it wasn’t funny any more.

“ Bloody hell, Allen. All this for me ? I’m touched. “ Harry said sarcastically

“ Anything for you. We aim to please. Thank you. “

“ Thank you. I really have to go. “

Allen nodded and shook Harry’s hand again before the boy just vanished.

“ Stop gawking people we have a paper to publish ! “

*******

Harry reappeared in the sitting room and looked around. The place was spotless. The dishes were done and Draco was no where in sight. Rosilynn was with his mum and aunt. The Core wouldn’t be by at all today and they had nothing to do. That wasn’t always a good thing either. Not when it came to something like this.

Deciding it would be a good idea to search Draco out instead of shouting for him, Harry made his way up the stairs. Draco was sitting on the floor in Rosilynn’s room putting clothes away. He had his Ipod on and far too loud. He was trying to drown out the questions running through his head. Questions, which no doubt nagged at him about his place at Harry’s side. Questions that would be answered if he would just ask them.

Draco cleaned when his nerves were running too high. It wasn’t a bad thing, oh no, but there was only so much house to clean. And being a pureblood wizard, Harry wondered where he had picked up the habit. A habit that Harry himself had. A habit that was starting to get on Harry’s last nerve as Draco continued to put away baby clothes.

Sitting down in the blonde’s line of sight, Harry waited. It was only a matter of time before Draco would want to walk off the tension. He couldn’t sit still when he was like this either but he wouldn’t talk. He would want to be any place but in the house and all he had to do was ask and they’d be gone. Where, Harry had no idea but it wouldn’t be here.

“ Well, “ Draco said softly

Harry nodded and watched him pull the ear buds from his ears and turn off the Ipod. The questions showed in Draco’s eyes when he looked back up at Harry, as well as the fear. In reply Harry opened his arms and waited until Draco moved into them, then he just held on.

“ I hear my father in my head. “

“ Don’t listen to him. “

Draco smiled slightly and snuggled in.

“ I’m still afraid. I know that I have no reason to be, but I am. The public is not kind and they will try to drive a wedge between us. They will try to destroy us. It’s going to be hard to cope with that’s all. “

“ If you ever hear some rumor, just ask me about it. I will never lie to you Dray. I will turn away from you. I can’t, I need you far too much. So, please try to calm down before you start to drive me crazy. “

Draco laughed as an owl tapped at the window. It was a Prophet owl.

“ Well, Allen sure got that out quick. “ Harry whispered

With a wave of his hand the window opened and the owl flew in. It landed on Harry’s knee and stuck out its leg. Untying the paper, Draco starred down at the headline and felt the panic start all over again. What in the hell had they been thinking ? !

*******

A Letter to the Wizarding World

Several of you think that you know me and know me very well. But sadly I live behind a mask that is ‘The Gryffindor Golden Boy’ in order to save who I really am. But I can no longer live the lie and feel I must tell all. That way, there will be no doubt as to who you take me to be.

I’m no longer going to wear the mask. You may not like me.

I grew up unwanted and unloved. Magick, my magick, terrified my relatives because they didn’t take the time to understand, they didn’t want to. Because even when I was very young I could make things happen at will, because I wanted, it was the only way that I got anything. I was locked in the cupboard under the stairs, starved and worked like a house elf.

Little Prince ? In what life !

Then at seven I made a friend at church, she was older and started taking care of me because no one else wanted to. Kris lived across the street and I started using my magick more to get out. See, she loved me for who I was and not what I was. She made sure I ate, made sure that I knew I was loved, and made me act my age. She talked the Dursley’s into Gymnastics classes after she watched me flip around her back yard. She told them that I always did such a good job on her yard that she wanted to pay me back. They let me go and I still love it.

When my letter came, I wasn’t allowed to open it. I watched as they were burnt, torn apart and tossed in the bin. I got out that week, went to Kris’ who had gotten one out of the bin in the middle of the night. Then it became clear that I wasn’t like everyone else, it was magick that I was doing. Not only that but I was really good at it. Hagrid told me the rest, answered all my questions, and told me about my parents.

Yes, I didn’t even know what my parents looked like until I was 11. Didn’t know how much I looked like my father or that I had my mother’s eyes. No one told me. No one showed me. No one wanted me.

DO YOU GET IT YET ?

I walked into Hogwarts an Upper Level Mage. Granted I didn’t tell anyone that, I wasn’t sure who I could trust. I asked the hat to put me in Gryffindor because it was expected and then I played dumb. I do that very well you know. Play dumb. If people don’t look past your face, they’ll never see what you want to keep hidden.

September 1st 2001, I made my first real friend that was my age, Ron Weasley and my first enemy, Draco Malfoy. That has kept life entertaining.

By the end of that first night I had a list of the course books for all seven years. I guess when your Harry Potter all you have to do is ask and at the time I was greatful for the list and even for the books lent to me. But it’s just a little sick, no one asked me WHY I wanted the list they just gave it to me. I even got a fellow Gryffindor’s old books. Thanks ! No really, thank you !

You see, back then I didn’t sleep often. Hardly at all actually and I studied as everyone else slept. I have a very sharp mind and I have a hunger to learn everything that I can as quickly as I can. And to have what I need at my fingertips only makes it easier. But then another twist was tossed in on September 2ed, or 3rd rather as I sat finishing up the second year text and getting read to start the third. An owl tapped at the window.

Not a very odd occurrence, but the owl landed on my bed. I had no one to write to, that’s what muggle cell phones and email is for. It’s faster and a lot more convenient. But I opened the letter and I had a new secrete. I had a pen pal. I had no idea who it was until about 6 months into the school year and by that time the things that I had told him weren’t used against me so I kept writing. See, I liked this boy very much. In the letters I could be me, that was what I longed for.

Backing up, September 5th. By that time I had already gone through all the course books 1-7 and was being board to tears. I spent all my free time in the library and put just enough errors into my school work to keep my grades average. But I needed help and I knew it. I needed someone to point me in the right direction and just be there. I didn’t really trust the Headmaster and I couldn’t go to my Head of House. No. So I went to the one person who couldn’t stand to look at me and who I knew I could trust without question.

Severus Snape. My second Father, my Papa, I love him dearly.

I walked into his office after midnight and explained why I was there. I was questioned, and then I was given detention. That’s how we covered our lessons, with detentions. I haven’t been too board since, just slightly. And he knows when I get that way too because last time he handed me an Arabic dictionary and I was speaking it within a week. Thank Merlin for Papa. How many do I speak now ?

My second year I realized that Dumbledore was trying to control me. That there was more to my title then he was telling me. But he WOULD NOT tell me WHAT it was. So I buried the person that I was becoming. My intelligence, personality, all of it. He wasn’t going to take me away from me. If he wanted to use me he was going to get the Golden Boy. The stupid, shy, meek lap dog that I had created. And that’s what all he got and I started to plan.

We all knew what was coming. Me, Ron, Hermione, Ginny and Angel (pen pal). Through my letters we all had things to say, we all put in our two knots and by the middle of 4th year it was set in stone. We had escape plans, I had drawn up Voldy’s HQ (Seen it in dreams) and several other things that I can’t tell you because I would give away too much.

Then I told you that he was back and you called me a liar. I DO NOT LIE!

Then the Visions started. I shared a link with the DL that actually kept him barley alive until his rebirth. I didn’t know it, couldn’t feel it, but he was draining my reserves. In return I have attended more DE meetings then some DE’s. Every time he cast the Crutiauts I got it half strength. Every time he summoned his minions, I knew and I even got flashes of extreme emotions. In pain via my curse scar. Lovely isn’t it ?

The potions stopped working the summer between forth and fifth year.

I had no choice but to turn to a muggle doctor known as a neurologist. A doctor that specializes in the central nervous system. And I was on things for the tremors, for the pain, for the anxiety, for the depression and for the insomnia. Drugged, very heavily medicated. I didn’t like it at all. Not only that but I wasn’t very sane either.

I would really love to know who sent the Dementors to attack Dudley and I. One second we’re arguing like always and the next it got cold and dark. He thought I did it and ran. I think quick on my feet but like an idiot I used my wand and got in trouble. I was outta there a few days later. I didn’t stay where Albus put me either. Thanks Ronnie, Nerva, Mi. I really owe you big. More then that, my life.

When we went back to school it only got worse. Ron wrote every vision down. He woke me up after each one and even went to appointments with me. By the beginning of October I had to say things to keep them straight, even in class. Ron and Hermione helped me hide that one, but did anyone notice how I never sat still ? I couldn’t, I tried. And I was so tired. I just wanted it all to stop.

October 31st is my Day of Remembrance. I sneek out of the castle and go to the church I have been attending for years. And I pray. I pray for the strength to make it through the war alive. I pray that I will be able to save as many as I can. And I pray for peace so that I can just live. Sister Julia had sat with me, I hadn’t twitched hardly at all, I was having a good night. But Kris wasn’t answering her cell phone and she hadn’t shown up at church. I was worried and decided to go check on her. I was having a good night and walked.

Yes, I walked, 2 blocks and only down one dark ally. But I found Kris nearly beaten to death in that all. The same ally that the Dementors attacked D and I in. She asked me to take her home, so I did. No doctors, she said. Kris hated doctors. So I put her back together. Told her she was pregnant and I never saw My Krissy again. No, that attack broke her. She kept the baby because I asked her too. I went to every appointment, every class, and was there every time that she called. For so long she took care of me, so I took care of her.

I was meant to be a Slytherin so the next part shouldn’t shock you too much. I knew that my mind was slipping so I made a choice that I still agree with. I took my OWLs in October. My NEWTs in November. And Masteries in Potions, Charms, Transfiguration and DADA in January. I am the only one in the country to hold that many masteries at once. I set new records on OWLs and NEWTs. And I was tested right there in the castle and no one knew !

DA – I’m teaching this year. Remember the rules.

I’m sure that you all know that 5 of my friends and I broke into the Department of Mysteries. Well, it wasn’t a real vision, but by that time I couldn’t tell the difference. We raised the alarm and went anyway. It was for a prophecy that only Albus knew and Voldy wanted to know and I had no idea about.

Voldy, this is what it said. Think before you act.

*** The One with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches. Born to those who have thrice defied him. Born as the seventh month dies. And the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal. And He will have powers that the Dark Lord knows not. And either must die at the hand of the other, for neither can live while the other survives. The One with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies. ***

Nev, stop by tomorrow. I need to talk to you.

Lovely isn’t it. Sirius Black fell through the Death Vale that night, my godfather. I went after Bellatrix Last range, who helped him along, and that was interesting. One on one with a insane DE. Was that suppose to be a challenge ? Then Voldy showed up. Then Albus dueled him and Voldy possessed me and Fudge showed up as Voldy left. Then Albus sent me back to his office where I was locked in. I trashed the place.

He finally told me the prophecy, so.....

A week later I trashed the Great Hall. The students had been moved, it was the middle of dinner and a muggle friend of mine PKed in. I wasn’t dealing with any of it very well. Albus took it upon him self to try and point out all the laws that I was breaking and what the punishment was. Very calmly I informed him of the secretes that I had been hiding and he didn’t believe me. So, I showed him. When I was finished he ran from the hall.

I really didn’t mean to scare you lot. I’m really sorry if I did. I was sick of being used and tossed aside. It had to be done. I’m still not talking to him.

Angel, you wanna tell your part ?

Ok. We’ll since it hasn’t been said, I’m Draco Malfoy. They call me Angel. I’m the one who has been writing him for the past 4 years. Surprise.

I met Voldy not long after his rebirth. I acted as I should. Did as I was instructed. Then I took a page out of the Weasley’s book and got out my set of EARS. They were talking about me. He said ‘I want your son Lucius.’ I could hear the smirk in my father’s voice as he went on to say that I was the sole Malfoy heir. ‘Name your price.’

Yes, I was sold to the monster. I would’ve just vanished after my 16th birthday and would never be heard from again. 5 million, selfish self serving –

Moving on. When Lucius was locked up Narcissa and I were brought before Voldy. Narcissa, my mother who I didn’t really know, was handed over to the DE’s. I refused the mark and was handed over to my aunt, Bellatrix. She nearly beat me to death and then I was taken to him again. I refused a second time and PKed out.

My mother died that night.

That was the same night that term ended. I died 3 times before Poppy stabilized me. I was put into a healing sleep and they took care of as much damage as they could. She had broken nearly every bone in my body. The damage - I died 3 times.

I woke up late in the afternoon on June 4th and I knew something was very wrong. Not with me, with Harry. I was just a nagging feeling that started to drive me insane. I knew that if I told Poppy that I needed to see Potter she would’ve dosed me and I would still be at Hogwarts. So I left.

Harrison,

I was a little drunk when he showed up, just a little. I wasn’t coping with the loss of Sirius very well and I was still trying to figure out my feelings in regards to Angel.

The strange thing was, Dudley, big mean nasty Dudley, refused to leave me alone. He said that I had given him a second chance at life by saving him from the Dementors. He said that he had already been blind for so long that it was time to pull his head out of his bum and get it right.

I gained a brother the day I stepped off the platform. An aunt and an uncle when Angel showed up, or at least they opened their eyes. Since then, well, it hasn’t been boring. I finally have the family that I have always needed.

June 5th Rosilynn was born and I lost Kris in child birth, she was 30. Rosilynn Chaya Malfoy-Potter is now almost 2 months old.

I severed the link Voldy and I shared on the same day.

I went through the last change. I am now Sion, Merlin’s Chosen.

June 12th We buried Kris. I told off her step mother, nasty woman.

We bonded. A Soul Mate Bonding. An Equal Bonding.

June 13th we moved into the house that Kris willed to us.

July 25th I spoke to The Powers That Be. I’ve been having odd visions lately. Real ones. The Seer kind, it still freaks me out some.

July 31st The Powers sent back my parents and godfather. We still have no idea why.

So far that is the last 2 months in a nut shell. Nothing super exciting. No ass kicking, well unless you count that muggle that tried his hand at assault. You really kicked his ass Love.

Yes, well, thank you. I had a great teacher.

Thanks. It’s been quiet. Too quiet. But that is just the way that Voldy is. He no doubt has something big in the works just to show that he can do whatever he wants. But, I have tricks up my sleeve yet. Just watch.

We would like to be left alone. We like everyone else have every right to live. We have a right to privacy, to a privet life. Just let us live.

Albus, I forgive you.

DT Malfoy-Potter
HJ Malfoy- Potter

*******


Draco set the paper aside and grinned. He wanted to go out. He had to fact this fear, he couldn’t live in it. Harry had taught him that. But after the day in London both had let the fear control them. It had to stop and it had to stop now.

Turning to Harry, Draco tilted his head to the side. Harry didn’t like the look he was given and had a feeling that he wasn’t going to like this very much.

“ Harrison, what do you say to a public outing ? “

“ I’ll get your coat. “

Pushing himself to his feet, Harry watched as Draco quickly put away the rest of Rosilynn’s clothes. It was going to be a long day.

*******

Harry and Draco walked into the Leaky Cauldron and were greeted warmly by Tom the bar tender. The rest of the pub just starred at them, they always just starred at Harry, but this was entirely different. Beside him, Draco tensed as he was led to the end of the bar. Yeah it was going to be a long day.

“ Hey Tom, “ Harry greeted warmly

“ Harry, Draco. All of this is taking more guts then I ever knew either of you had. “

“ Yeah. It’s not going to stop, Dray. “

Draco sighed and accepted the butter beer that Tom set in front of him. It was the starring that was making him uncomfortable. He knew that it would happen, but he had hoped that people would be able to leave them alone. That didn’t look like it was going to happen anytime soon. If ever. It was something that they were just going to have to get use to. Or, he was going to have to get use to rather.

“ No, it won’t. It’s just something that we are going to have to cope with. “ He said softly

“ It sucks that people think that I owe it to them. That I have to live a certain way, that I have to be a certain way. I am settled down, just not the way they want me to. I am happy, just not the way that they want me too. I am a human being and need to be seen as such. Like every one else I have feelings, hopes, fears, dreams. I am more then entitled to be happy, to have a life. I want to be seen as more then a tool, a weapon, a hero. “

Harry set his butter beer down and turned to Draco. He was scowling as Draco turned to face him. He was holding things in again and if Draco just waited Harry would spill. Even if they did have an audience, it was best to stick with what worked. They had rules for a reason, Harry would always have a problem with rules.

Rule 2 : Don’t bottle your feelings. No matter who you talk to, talk to someone.

But Harry just scowled and hooked his feet around the stool legs to pull Draco closer. He wanted the comfort and made that very clear when he set a hand on Draco’s knee, the other across the bar.

“ Why ? “

“ Because it’s easier to see what you want to see instead of what is really there. “

Harry looked down at there laps and sighed. He wished that it would all just go away. He wished that he wasn’t who he was. He wished that he could just shut his eyes and just pretend that none of it was real. Sometimes he wished that he was just another face in the crowd, another nobody.

But he wasn’t and he had to deal with it. He would have to deal with the stares and the whispers and the rumors and the gawking and the expectations from the people around them. From the world around them.

“ I’ll end this and I’ll do it my way. I fight so hard because I’ve seen the outcome. I’ve seen the peace in visions, I know how it could be. I fight so hard because as much as they do to me, say about me, they do not deserve to live in constant fear. I want this to be over so badly that I get restless. I want to rush off and just get it over with so that I can breathe. I’m tired, so very tired of it all. “

“ I know. “

Harry smiled slightly and sighed. He didn’t have to do it alone either. And the reasons to fight started showing up, just at the right time. The pub continued to stare. Muggles in the Cauldron ? Yeah Harry Potter had lost his mind.

“ Dudley, how is my car ? “ Harry said sarcastically

“ A dream. I love your car. “

Harry laughed as Dudley poked Draco in the side.

“ Wake up there Blondie. No deep thoughts. “

“ Deep thoughts are a necessary evil. “ Draco said sweetly

Dudley just shook his head and went to stand by the Floo. He was waiting for Ginny and Harry was still having a hard time with that one. Ginny was like a sister to him and he knew that Dudley was a good guy. But it just didn’t sit well. Maybe he should just get the hell over it and see the happiness of those around him too.

Then Severus walked in with his girls, well 3 of his girls. And that ladies and gentlemen was something different all together. Harry loved those girls. They had taken care of him, loved him and showed him how to live. Severus had kept him alive, now he too had something to live for.

Marcus and Piers were simply part of the extended family. Granted they weren’t good for much, but they kept things interesting. Ron, Ginny and Hermione were his family. The heart of it. The first that he had allowed into his heart. And they stuck with him through it all, not a lot of it had been easy either. There had been times when Harry couldn’t even move of his own accord and he knew he was taken care of.

The DA and the EA followed him as well. They did so because they knew that alone Harry stood no chance at winning. They came to him freely and knew the risks and they stayed. He was stronger with them and was thankful that he had them.

“ You are so far gone. Draco has been trying to get your attention for the last 5 minutes. Come on mate, what’s up ? “

It was Ron, with his strong arms wrapped around Harry’s shoulders. Harry leaned into him, needing the comfort more then he knew.

“ I love you guys. “ He said firmly

They all knew it and it wasn’t something that Harry said often, and stayed quiet. They all knew that he loved them, that he feared for them. In return they were exactly the same way.

“ Love you too Harry. “ They all replied

Harry smiled and turned to hug Ron firmly. None of them shyed away from displays of affection and Ron just laughed and returned the embrace. And as people watched they saw that yes, they were all human. But it changed nothing. They still gawked.

“ Are the pair of you sure you want to do this ? “ Ron asked firmly

“ Yes. “

Ron nodded and sighed and motioned for them to lead the way. This was not going to be good at all and it wasn’t going to be easy either. When the gateway opened they walked onto the alley and ignored everyone.

“ I need parchment and ink. “ Ginny said

“ We’ll meet you at the book store. Angel where do you have to go ? “

Draco looked at Hermione and smirked.

“ I just need robes. “

They all just starred at him.

“ Harry has all the books on the list at home and I find it silly to buy them again. I have plenty of parchment and ink because I stocked up before the end of term. Letters. “

The group laughed and everyone went in different directions. Knowing that they had time to simply be, Harry and Draco walked down the street. Draco’s arm firmly around Harry’s waist, he felt safe as long as he was with Harry. All the gawking and whispering didn’t matter, it wasn’t important. All that was important was their happiness and they were happy.

“ You didn’t set a course book. “

“ You don’t need a book. I have my ways and you will learn plenty. So, why are we here ? “

“ Fear has no place in war. You taught me that. We have allowed the fear of what could happen control our actions. We need to go out, we’ve been very reclusive. Ros doesn’t need it and it’s starting to drive me a bit mad. “

Harry nodded and slipped his hand into Draco’s back pocket.

“ You are going to cause a riot. “ Draco whispered franticly

“ Oh we really could. But love, you’re right. I’ll try, because this public stuff I don’t really like. “

Draco nodded and pushed Harry into a bench, sitting on his lap. It was a blatant display for all to see and they ignored everyone. Then the flashbulbs went off.

“ Colin. “ Harry called sweetly

“ Your not going to take it away again are you ? I’m interning at the Prophet, come on Harry. “ Colin whined

Harry looked at the boy blandly and patted the bench beside him. Sighing, Colin sat down hoping that he got to keep his camera. People started to stop to watch the exchange, wanting to see what happened.

“ Lin, listen. This I don’t mind so much, not really. Just send me copies and don’t follow us around. You’re great at what you do, just next time ask first. Please, just ask first. “ Harry said softly

Colin nodded and sat back. He felt safe with Harry and Draco was starting to grow on him. But people were starring and he was starting to squirm. He felt like some kind of animal at the zoo, violated almost.

“ How do you deal ? “ Colin whispered

“ We have no choice, this is just the way it is. See, sucks right ? “

“ Yeah. Sorry guys. Hey, when you guys need photos done let me know ? Now I feel bad for stalking you for all those years. “

Harry nodded and patted Colin’s back as the boy stood. With a cocky salute and a mocking bow, the pair laughed as Colin bounced off. Where in the hell did these people come from?

“ And that was odd. I think I like that kid. “ Draco laughed

“ High praise from the mouth of the Slytherin Prince. “

Draco turned and there stood Luna Lovegood. He had spent some time with the girl at Harry’s party and realized that he actually liked her a lot. Holding out a hand, Draco smiled brightly as Luna took it.

“ And you my dear, how are you ? “ He laughed

Luna tucked herself into Harry’s side as if it was the only thing to do and rested her head on his shoulder. She sighed and rolled her eyes.

“ I’m board. “

Harry looked at her strangely, the girl was board ?

“ Reality. I’m interning at the Prophet. I’ve done the Quibbler thing and I wanted something different. “

“ Lulu, darling. What do you see ? “ Harry asked gently

The girl huffed and looked around. People stood in groups, whispering and starring. There was sneering and sour look. There were dreamy looks and looks of awe. She had her story.

“ Well, that I didn’t see. Lin already been by ? “

“ Yes. You know me Lu, both of us. Put another spin on this. I TRUST you. Keep it away from Rita, take it right to Allen Ricks. “

Luna nodded and tucked herself back into his side.

“ I missed you. “ She whispered

Harry smiled and kissed her hair, then turned to kiss the scowl off Draco’s lips.

“ You have a lot of friends. “ Draco muttered

“ Yeah, a few really close ones. I use to go to Lu to ramble insanely. See, she was the only one who could keep up with it all and sort it out and keep it straight. She has a very sharp mind. “

Luna grinned and patted Draco’s knee.

“ This boy is head over heels in love with only you. I just got to watch. Alright, I have a story to write. Love you, “

Luna stood and kissed Harry’s cheek, then Draco’s.

“ You I‘m getting use to. I’ll send you a copy before I take it to Mr.Ricks. I want to make sure. “

Harry nodded and off she went. There was a steady stream of classmates after that. Some DA, others wanting to see it for themselves. But it was the acceptance that was boggling their minds. Not one classmate that approached said anything negative, just smiled. It may have all been an act but they supported them in public. That was all that mattered right now.

But it was getting dark and they hadn’t gotten their robes yet. Harry didn’t want to be out after dark and as the DA started thinning out around them, it was clear that they didn’t either.

“ We have to go soon, it’s getting dark. “ Harry softly

Draco nodded and shot a look at Hermione. The message was passed and the Core bid their good byes as they made their way towards the Malkin’s. It had been a long day indeed and the pair hoped that the outing wasn’t taken in vain. But as always they would just have to wait it out and see what happened next.