Was and Will Be

Was and Will be

CHAPTER IV

One way ticket

Thus the houses and their founders

Retained friendships firm and true.

So Hogwarts worked in harmony

For several happy years,

But then discord crept among us

Feeding on our faults and fears.

. - The Sorting Hat

***

He woke up at the sound of a distant music, a beautiful song that caressed his ears and filled him with a peace he had only felt once in his life. Slowly, he opened his eyes and tried to place himself in his surroundings, everything was a blur. He tried to focus the world with little success; he spotted a small and curvy form with red hair. 'Ginny?' he croaked. His voice rasped as if it was made of dry wood. He winced as Ginny ran to him.

'Harry! You're all right?'

He tried to sit up but found it extremely hard, for his body felt like a two-year-olds. He frowned and Ginny helped him sit up. Suddenly, it hit him; his eyes widened and he paled. 'Ron, Hermione! Malfoy!' he managed.

Ginny's expression turned from concerned to grave, to sad. She bit her bottom lip and took a breath to talk, suppressing the tears that were already welling in her eyes. Her eyes were bloodshed and she had bags that were encircled by a blue shade under her eyes. She had obviously been crying; a lot.

Harry's world crumpled, it hadn't been a dream, and he could see it in Ginny's face. Ron was gone, and as far as he remembered, he had been about to kill someone. He shook his head, denying what he knew was true.

Ginny didn't know what to do, she had barely managed to stay together the last two days and now she was supposed to hold him together. He eyes betrayed desperation; between wanting to comfort him and throw herself at him and cry. 'I- I'm sorry Harry.' She only managed as tears beat her will.

Harry's green eyes were over bright now; he closed them and looked away, breathing slowly. He looked back up at Ginny as to be completely sure this wasn't just another nightmare; it wasn't. He took his hands to his face and they stood silent for a while.

***

It had been two days. Rowena, Godric and Helga had been waiting for him but he hadn't been back from his hunting. They started a search all around the Natural's Forest.

Dread had taken over most of the friends' faith. Life was short back then if you didn't watch your back. But it would be extremely hard to kill him, Helga tried to assure herself; it would take a most powerful creature to do that.

She was close to the most dangerous part of the forest; the heart, where the most menacing creatures rested. Helga looked all around, her wand ready for a strike at the smallest sign of unusual movement.

A branch cracked to her right, her heart stopped for a split second and then instinctively, she threw a stunning spell towards the sound. She needn't even aim, for she never failed. When she finally saw where the curse had hit, she gasped.

'Wow! Why are you so aggressive?' he asked with a smirk.

Helga frowned, was she seeing a ghost?

'What's the matter dear, it seems you've just seen a spectre,' his black eyes were intense; its grey whispers appeared to shine with some new gleam. The amber Spiricte dangled from his slim neck, you could see his shoulder-blades through the thin material of his torn robes and he was smiling.

'But you- where have you been for the past days?' she asked, bewildered.

He shifted and started walking towards her. 'Well, I got lost as I chased after a kneazle. But I'm all right, no worries,' he said with a strangely satisfied smile.

Helga sagged and threw her arms around a puzzled looking Salazar. After a few seconds, he put his arms around her and realised she was sobbing slightly. He frowned.

'What's the matter Helga?' he asked.

'You didn't send Athenea, Godric couldn't contact you... We thought you were dead Salazar! Everyone's looking for you!'

'I'm ok, I'm sorry,' he could only say, but he really meant it.

She pulled back with a soft smile. 'I'm just glad nothing happened to you'

'Godric?'

'Salazar! For the bloody beard of Zeus! Where the devils were you?!' He sounded upset though relieved.

'I'm ok, I got lost and...'

'Never mind that, glad you're alive mate, shall we go back to the castle?'

'Yes! See you there'

***

'You have no idea how grateful I am. I didn't know what to do!' she said with tears in her eyes. 'How did you get there?'

'I told you, I'm a mugglich. I have traces of magic in my blood. Although I can't do magic, I sense things and types of magic,' she said patiently. 'Your friend in there is a sleeping dragon.' She pointed to the bedroom.

'What do you mean?'

'It'll wake in him on its given time...' she just said. 'He was lucky the other warlock didn't kill him.' Hermione had told Agnese all that had happened in the crypt while they took Draco inside, three days ago.

She thought for a moment the other warlock? Other? She shrugged that thought and threw her arms around the Italian girl; involuntarily starting to sob on her shoulder. She patted Hermione on the back, but noticed there were no tears in her eyes.

'Was he your friend?'

She looked away. 'Yes, they were both'

'You still have one of them with you'

She looked into her toffee brown, almond shaped eyes with despair. 'You saw what he did! I don't know him anymore'

'Deep grief can make you do things you'd never do otherwise.' Her face was young, but her eyes showed wisdom beyond her years.

Hermione sighed and looked at the bedroom; the door was open and on the bed laid a boy. He had been out for the past three days; she had cured his wounds and taken care of him while he recovered. Seldom he woke from disturbing nightmares and she had shushed him till he fell asleep again. Hermione had guarded his sleep, watching him in complete peace. His fair skin was almost a porcelain doll's; flawless. His silvery-blond hair was untidy from lying in bed, but it still looked soft and elegant. Hermione had noticed his body's composition was a lot like Harry's, slender yet well built; perfect to glide through the air to catch the snitch.

She was brought back to reality by Agnese's voice. 'Hermione, he's up!' She called and stood from the kitchen table to get him some food and tea.

Agenese's house was small yet homey. A small living room received you through the door; there was a fireplace and a couple of overstuffed sofas sitting around. The rug had ancient Roman empire's motives and there were a few pictures hanging from the walls. Strangely, one of the paintings depicted what Hermione had identified as the Founders of Hogwarts (from Hogwarts, A History). It had three bedrooms; the main one, in which Agnese slept, was a beautiful, yet simple design. When he visited, her brother slept in the other room and then there was the guests room; Draco slept in that one.

Hermione hurried through the house and reached the guests bedroom. The walls were painted in a light ocre and the four-poster bed had the drapes pulled back. The bed was soft and comfy, and the beige duvet covered Draco to the chest. She smiled at the boy, his grey eyes were open and he hadn't woken because of a nightmare. She came closer and sat on the edge of the bed. 'Hey! You fooled me for a moment there'

He looked bewildered, 'Where am I? What happened?' He tried to sit up but winced and decided he was much more comfortable lying in bed.

Hermione shushed him; Draco first frowned as to make a rude comment, but then desisted.

'You're safe here and you're alive, that's what counts,' she said softly.

'But what-? Bloody Potter!' he roared angrily, remembering what had happened.

Hermione looked away. 'I'm really sorry about that'

***

The usually crowded and bustling Burrow was now covered by a grey cloud of grief and silence. Ron's body, along with Harry's unconscious form had been brought back by Ginny, who had conjured an illegal portkey to her house.

All the Weasley family and some teachers and close friends had come and gone in the last days. The youngest son of the Minister of Magic had been mourned by the whole community. His name had been known throughout the Wizardring World for his deeds against The Dark Lord since he was eleven years old; just like Hermione Granger and Harry Potter's (even though he was well known before he even entered the Wizardring World).

'Mrs. Weasley, how you feel towards what's happened?' Rita Skeeter asked Molly with her Quick Quotes Quill suspended over a piece of parchment in front of her. She had sneaked inside the Burrow even though journalists had been specifically prohibited near the Weasley house.

'Are you stupid? Don't you know you can't be here?' came George's angry voice from the kitchen as he walked to the Living Room.

Percy hurried before his brother. 'Go away Skeeter! You're forbidden by the Minister to come here!' He had come to terms with his family after he heard the terrible news.

'Mrs. Skeeter, if you could be so kind to leave and not ever come back?' A tall man, with a silvery beard put himself in front of the reporter. Although his voice was gentle, it wasn't to be questioned.

She didn't leave quietly but Dumbledore pushed her out subtly. He turned to the small woman and put his arms around her. 'I'm sorry about that Molly'

She wiped her eyes and let Dumbledore hold her, she felt so lonely and torn. Arthur came down and took his wife in his arms, kissing her head and breathing deeply to keep himself from crying too.

***

'That Skeeter woman is awful! I have no idea why Hermione let her go.' George commented, placing himself back down in the kitchen table; all his brothers were sitting around, in silence.

'Speaking of Hermione, have you received news from her?' Fred asked his brother, who shook his head.

'Last we heard, she was ok in Rome, waiting for Malfoy to come round.' Bill informed.

'I can't believe she would stay there instead of coming here,' George commented angrily.

'One had to stay there and she probably though it would be better to make Ginny come,' Charlie defended.

'But still, Harry was... is also unconscious,' Fred intercepted.

'This is all his fault! he should've been the one dying, not Ron!' Percy said, banging his fist on the table.

Ginny had just entered the kitchen and was about to speak, when she heard Percy. She gasped and marched to her brother, slapping him hard on the face. 'Don't you dare say that again Percy! It was not his fault and you know it!' she snapped with tears in her eyes.

'Ginny!' Bill gasped a little.

'Perce, she's right. It was no one's fault,' Charlie said, his voice flat.

'And if you must blame someone, it should be me. I'm the reason the three of them went to Rome in the first place!' Ginny finished and looked up at the rest of his brothers. 'He's awake by the way,' she said coolly and walked out.

***

'The living heir's here,' Agnese said in a Central-Italian accent to someone over the phone. 'But he's just a kid. The sleeping dragon inside him hasn't been awoken'

'That's good news. Do you have a clue on the others?'

'Just on one, he had the aura full of it'

'They must not get together. Whoever the other two are must not unite with them'

'Yes Nonno, I'll try and find out who they are'

'You know what this implies Agnese?'

'Yes Nonno, I know'

'We cannot take that risk. The prophecy gives two roads, to be decided by the heirs. Power in inexperienced hands can be dangerous, especially if such an important decision rests on "kids"'

She took a deep breath, made a nodding sound and hung up. She looked at the two youngsters in the guest room and shook her head.

***

The lake was shining under the silvery light of the moon. He walked towards it, feeling it rising inside him. Like lava about to erupt from a volcano, like water in a blocked geyser. His grin widened, it was almost sinister the way he enjoyed all the power.

'You want to try it?'

'I don't think I can without passing out'

'You're with me now, you won't'

'If it goes wrong, they'll kill me'

'It won't, trust me. You're invincible, you can do anything'

Salazar stood on the edge of the lake, staring into the deepness of the night. The symbio had talked to him ever since they joined and he had finally gotten used to it. At the beginning, he had talked to the air; when talking to his friends or giving class, he had abruptly said things, earning some very suspicious looks. Eventually he had learned to control it or talk to the symbio mentally, but every once in a while he slipped.

He shrugged and looked up; then to the centre of the lake. He raised his hands, palms up and narrowed his eyes in concentration. He took an immaterial something and lifted it between his hands. Immediately, the water started rippling and taking the form he had given it with his hands. He staggered backwards, amazed. His eyes were wide and he wasn't even tired.

'Go ahead, do it'

'But what if-'

'Don't worry, no one can see you'

Salazar's mouth twisted into an almost sinister smile once more. 'I can do anything' he muttered to himself.

Once again, he took the position and took the immaterial something. The water rippled and formed into a sphere as Salazar formed it with his hands in the air. He moved it and rotated it, the grin never leaving his face.

Suddenly, something else intruded in his mind. 'Salazar? What's it you're doing?' A voice asked in his head; it was surprised, even a little scared.

He gasped and the water fell back in the lake, splashing all over and soaking him. He looked down and narrowed his eyes at the ground. 'WHAT ON EARTH DO YOU INTEND WITH THAT?!' he yelled in his friend's head.

Godric winced as the scream nearly parted his head open. 'Bleeding blazes Salazar, you nearly broke my skull!' he snapped.

'Well, stay out of my head!'

'What the bloody hell is the matter with you?! I felt this enormous power and wanted to ask you about it'

'Good night Godric,' he just said and blocked the connection.

Godric frowned; he's been acting really strange lately he thought to himself and shook his head. He sighed and went back to sleep.

***

Harry opened his eyes early in the morning. The first thing he focused on, was the now empty bed next to his own four-poster. Every morning he woke up and some part of him hoped to see his best friend snoring next to him and every morning was the same. He had the quick hope he'd be there before it was dashed away by the sad reality: Ron was dead and there was nothing to it. He was dead and it was pretty much Harry's fault.

He wiped his eyes and reached for his glasses, then stood and padded barefoot down to the kitchen. Harry had sensed the sympathy of all the Weasleys; it was amazing how they didn't hate him and could still hold a smile when they saw him walk through the door; all except for Percy. Percy did seem to hate him and blame him; Harry understood perfectly and just tried to act naturally around him.

He hadn't really wanted to spend much time around people, except maybe for Ginny. She had been a great support ever since they arrived. Harry had discovered a very strong and somehow admirable young woman in her. Neville had popped in a few times but he had determinedly stayed as far from Ginny as he could, given the circumstances. Apparently, the whole Ginny hanging with Malfoy had affected their relationship very much, to the point of breaking up completely. Very bad timing to get over a relationship, but that was the situation and none of them seemed interested in getting back together.

One of the most shocking things, had been seeing Luna in the Burrow, it seemed she and Ron had been holding a much deeper relationship than they showed. This had been the first time Harry had seen Luna so upset; even crushed. She had cried and Ginny had cried with her and then comforted her. Harry couldn't really manage to hold himself together enough to comfort someone else apart from Mrs. Weasley.

When he entered, Mr. Weasley and Percy were leaving to the Ministry, Fred and George had left to take over the store -which had been run by Lee the past days- and Bill and Charlie had gone off to run errands for the Order. The house was empty except for Mrs. Weasley, who was busy with the house chores and Ginny. Harry was relieved to know this. He sat on the table and Ginny turned from the counter.

'Morning! Glad to see you're up!' She smiled up at him; but it was a haunted smile.

'Morning Ginny'

'Harry, I'm so happy you got your energy back. You must be hungry, you've barely eaten in the past few days' Mrs. Weasley put in and summoned bacon and eggs to the table. Coffee was brought by Ginny, who had been excused from school. She sat down next to him and put a hand on his with a fond smile.

'Thank you, Mrs. Weasley. Thank you very much for everything' Harry said softly.

Mrs. Weasley came to him and put a hand on his cheek. 'Harry, you're family, you don't need to thank me for anything,' she said kindly over watery eyes.

Harry smiled lightly and nodded. Amazing people, the Weasleys.

***

Dumbledore sat on a round table at his office. Surrounding him were McGonagall, Snape, Lupin and a few more members of the Order. He looked weary and old, with his fingertips together in front of his mouth, under his crooked nose. He looked at all the presents from under his half-moon spectacles, contemplative.

'Apparently, they needed Potter and Malfoy for whatever purpose they meant, I don't reckon it was a trap just to kill him. Rome is far too distant and too representative, it would make no sense'

'Nothing makes sense anymore Severus, why on earth would they want both kids, and if they only needed them both, why not kill Hermione and Ginny as soon as they arrived?' Remus intercepted.

'But there's one thing for sure here, and that is that this was all not some plan to get Potter killed. Rome is said to be the cradle of great power and this is only the tip of the iceberg as I see it.' McGonagall stood and started pacing.

Dumbledore cleared his throat. 'Minerva, please take a seat. We must keep our heads in place'

'How can we do that in the middle of all this uncertainty?' Nyphandora Tonks, who was wearing long black hair today, spoke.

'I know Nyphandora, I know. But we've missed one very important detail here. Something Miss Weasley was kind enough to mention.' They all looked at him, puzzled. Dumbledore continued, 'Miss Granger saved someone's life-' he raised a hand to stop McGonagall before she spoke. 'Miss Granger saved a key person to whatever secrets ancient Rome hides. She saved the life of a Canepa'

Remus gasped, 'The last mugglich line left in the world'

Dumbledore nodded with a smile. 'Yes, Remus. And if I'm not mistaken, they're secret keepers for Rome's ultimate secret'

'But Albus; that's just a legend, it can't possibly be true, can it?' McGonagall inquired.

'My dear Minerva. At this point, after someone's life has been taken, there's nothing we should underestimate'

***

Draco woke with a start and clutched at his chest. It was as if someone was ripping his heart mercilessly. Even worse was the nauseated feeling in his stomach, what was it? Guilt?. He couldn't understand all this pain, and moreso; he couldn't understand how they treated him with love after what had happened. What had happened? He was so confused...

The door opened and the young Italian woman entered with a tray. A Chaii Latté was steaming in a white ceramic mug. Draco didn't drink coffee, so Hermione had gone and bought him Chaii. Next to the tea, was a hand-made dish with French toast on it and in a corner of the tray, was a small jar with syrup.

Draco looked up with wide eyes, hoping it would be Hermione. 'Uhm...Dove stai Hermione?' he asked tentatively.

Agnese laughed at the boy's poor, though effective Italian. 'Lei a andato a comperare. Qui sucede?'

Draco sagged and pulled out his wand. 'Traducto Oracione.' He continued, 'Did you say she had gone shopping?'

'Yes, your Italian is not too bad,' Agnese said with a smile.

'Well, there had to be something good in spending summers with a private professor'

'What happened, what did you dream of?'

'Nothing of your concern,' Draco snapped softly

'I'd like to know why you are hurting...'

He looked at her, bewildered.

'Yes, I can feel it'

'I really don't know. I've been having these shots of weird feelings ever since that duel...' he remembered idly.

'With the warlock?'

'The who?'

'The one that did this to you'

'Oh, Potter. Yes, how do you know?'

She didn't reply and started talking. 'Look in the mirror, there's another face staring at you. Fall in the dark and somehow he's going to let light come through'

Draco stared at her blankly and blinked. 'What's that supposed to mean?'

'You'll see in its proper time. And he'll see the same...'

Before Draco could argue back, Hermione had entered the house and he looked past Agnese, at her. He felt odd around her, probably just the bump on the head, he assured himself, or Potter again.

***

'What's the matter with you?'

'No! I won't do that!'

'Salazar! Stop it! What's wrong?'

'Are you out of your mind? She's with him! Yes I do but I can't and won't do that!'

Rowena put a hand on his shoulder, a deeply concerned expression on her face. Salazar took her hand and threw it. She looked at him, puzzled. After a few moments of silence, Salazar looked up at her, apologising with his eyes.

'I'm sorry Rowena, I didn't mean to...'

'Salazar, I'm really worried about you, and so is Godric, not to mention Helga...'

'I've just been a little off lately'

'Very off. What happened in the forest? Ever since you came back, you've been acting strange. And since then, dangerous creatures have started to show up. It's become risky to go there unarmed...' Rowena questioned her friend.

'I- I don't know about that. I told you, I got lost and got knocked out. That's all'

Rowena gave him a quizzical look and sighed, placing a kiss on his cheek. 'I'm just really worried Salazar, I don't want anything to happen to you'

'Well, you should've thought of that before breaking up with me and then running off with my best friend. Not to mention, expecting me to be all happy about it and act normal around you!'

Rowena flinched at this. 'Salazar! What's wrong with you?'

He shook his head abruptly. 'I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to-'

'Never mind that,' she snapped and turned on her heels, tears welling up in her eyes.

'Dammit! I told you not to! Would you please listen to me when I tell you something?'

'I just wanted to help'

'Well don't!' he finished and marched up to his classroom.

***

'Harry?'

'Hm?'

'What really happened back there?' she asked tentatively. They hadn't talked about it at all since they had arrived and they would have to go back to school the next day for the finals and NEWTs.

Harry swallowed and took a deep breath, he knew this was unavoidable. 'I really don't know,' he responded curtly.

'Hermione said you were a special kind of wizard, that didn't need a wand to do magic, although we had seen that before'

At the mention of Hermione's name, Harry felt something tear at him, he shrugged it. 'Uh-hu, but we already knew that?' he said bitterly.

'She said you were a Warlock and that your powers were awoken by- well, you know...'

'Yes, that is true. Wish it wasn't though'

'Come on Harry! Stop avoiding me! For a start, look at me when you speak to me.' She pulled his head to her. 'Now, what got into you? You nearly killed someone!'

Harry took a deep breath, no way out of this one. 'Well, as I told you, I really don't know. But I felt as if magic was just flowing through my veins, bursting from my fingers! I didn't even realised I didn't have a wand actually. Some part of me knew what I was doing and wanted to stop it.' He was talking really fast and stopped himself to take a deep breath. 'But the other part just wanted more and wanted to cause his so much pain...' he looked at his hands. 'It was an amazing feeling, really. But I had no control over it and I don't want to go through that again. That's why I'm not doing but what I really need of magic you know?'

Ginny listened intently and nodded. 'So you were drunk with power, as to say...'

Harry looked away, at the blurry orange reflection on the lake. 'Yes, that's true'

'But you know it wasn't Draco's fault, right?'

'Yes, I know. I just needed to blame it on someone'

'Well, you really did get it out...' Ginny tried to lighten the mood

Harry looked at her with a small smile. 'I'll never find enough words to thank you Ginny, if it hadn't been for you...'

'Shhh...' She put a finger over his lips, 'it's ok Harry, we need to be there for each other...' she said softly.

Harry smiled and looked out, at the dying sunlight. 'Beautiful, isn't it?'

'Yes, I wish Ron were here to watch it'

'I guess he'll always be with us'

'He is, Harry. Just because we can't see him, it doesn't mean he's not here.' Ginny shivered a little.

Harry put an arm around her and pulled her closer to him, wrapping his cloak around them both. 'You're right'

Ginny smiled up at him and rested her head on his shoulder. Harry started to stroke her left arm lightly as they watched the sunset at the side of the lake, leaning on a tree.

She felt his hand on her arm and shivered a little. She looked up and he was staring at her, she gave him a soft smile. Harry returned the smile and leaned closer to her; he could identify all the freckles on her nose, her chocolate eyes were interlocked with his bright green ones.

When his lips touched hers, she tensed. But Hermione likes him! she told herself, but she stayed with Draco in Rome... A moment later, her lips relaxed and she returned the kiss, her lips parting to give him access.

He couldn't really believe this was happening. He had just gone with the flow and it had led him to this. He thought of Hermione and then of Ginny again. Ginny stayed here with me. He remembered Hermione's look back there in the crypt and pushed all thoughts regarding her to the back of his head, leaning into the kiss. He cupped the back of her head with one hand while the other was still holding her.

***

They were gathered in the Headmasters' office. Apparently, this strange behaviour of Salazar had repeated itself more than once. First with Godric, then with Rowena and finally with Helga.

They were taking breakfast in the Great Hall. Rowena and Godric had gone off looking for a way to keep the new creatures inside the Forest.

'Have you graded you finals?'

'No, I haven't had time'

'Really? What have you been doing?'

'Nothing of your business'

She flinched. 'Are you mad or something Salazar?'

'Just stay out of- shut up! I'm really sorry Helga, I didn't mean to. I've just been doing some research...'

Helga frowned. 'Are you sure you're all right Salazar? I don't think I've done anything to deserve you treating me like that,' she said a little indignant.

Salazar shook his head. 'No! Not at all dear! Really, I've just been a little idle lately, that's all'

'You sure you don't want to get some tea and talk?'

'For crying out loud! Get a life! He doesn't love you!' Salazar shook his head. 'Stop it! No Helga, I didn't want to say that,' he said apologetically

Helga nodded slowly. 'Oh is that what you think? Fine! Then I won't worry about you anymore Salazar.' She stood up and walked out of the Great Hal, trying to hold back tearsl.

Salazar tilted his head down and shook his head

Helga was pulled back to reality at Rowena's question, she shook her head. 'I'm sorry, what did you say?'

'I was asking you what creature or situation from the ones you know in the Forest could've caused anything to him?'

Helga sighed and bit her lip. 'I really don't know'

'What creature can make you switch personalities or disinhibit you like that?'

'I think that pretty much describes it... oh and the other day, I also sensed him doing very powerful magic. Powerful enough to knock us out, but it didn't knock him.' Godric added to the description of the symptoms.

Helga gasped and her green eyes widened so much they were almost black. They looked at her, puzzled. 'Oh good god! I think I know what happened!'

***

Draco's wounds were completely healed and he had all of his energy back. Despite that, he stayed in bed and tried to get Hermione or Agnese to do everything for him, just to feel spoiled once more.

'Oh no! Not this time Draco! You'll have to get it yourself!'

'But Hermione! I'm a victim!' he whined.

'You were a week ago, but not now. I think you can perfectly stand on your two little feet and walk yourself to the kitchen'

'But-'

'But nothing! Great Merlin! You're like a baby!'

'A very cute baby though...' he said with an enchanting smile.

Hermione rolled her eyes and laughed. 'Yes, a very cute baby. But that won't get you your Nutella honey.' He pouted. Hermione looked at him and laughed once again, sitting on the bed, next to him. She started to stroke his hair, teasingly. 'Poor baby's going to cry...' she said in a baby-ish voice.

Draco's pout turned into a beautiful smile and he put his hand over hers, pulling it down to his chest. Hermione stared into his grey eyes, it seemed as if they had changed from the shallow they had been back at school to a lively pair of beautiful eyes.

They locked gazes and started to come closer together. They were inches from each other's faces, when someone walked into the room.

'Dinner is--' She started happily and stopped. She then took in the scene in front of her. Hermione looked at her, utterly surprised and she blushed. Agnese smirked.

'I- was going to bring him-' She couldn't find a suitable excuse.

'No problem, I'm sorry I interrupted.' She smiled once more and turned on her heels to leave. 'By the way, we'll have to eat at candle-light because in twenty minutes, there's going to be a blackout...'

Draco flushed deep pink and bit his lip, trying to put his usual lopsided smile on his face, but couldn't.

Hermione turned to him and looked nervous. Did I almost kiss Draco Malfoy? Oh my! Harry'd go berserk! I'm such a horrible person! But then, I don't know if Harry's still Harry after what happened. Her trail of thought was cut by Draco's voice.

'Uhm... what have just happened?'

'What?, the being two centimetres from each other and the wild beating? I have no idea. It was nothing'

'Right, no idea... are you sure it was nothing?'

'Yes, absolutely.' His gaze was set on her light brown eyes and she could've sworn she was melting. His factions were almost perfect, except for that little detail on his right eye. When on earth did I notice a detail on his face? Hermione asked herself.

'So, can you prove it?' Draco continued pushing

'Yes, definitely!' Hermione felt her heart-rate starting to go faster as he started to come closer once more. A part of her wanted to pull away, but a bigger part wanted to kiss him.

'Ok, so I will try it again.' He was almost whispering as he leaned closer, and closer. Suddenly, their lips were locked into each other, in a furious and passionate kiss. Her lips parted and she wrapped her arms around him tentatively. His hands found their way to her waist and held her firmly but gently. His kiss was deep though passionate; his lips were soft and they moved in such perfection against hers. She couldn't believe she was kissing Draco Malfoy, the insufferable Draco Malfoy.

***

The Platform 9 ¾ wasn't as busy as they remembered it. It was ten to eleven and there were a couple hundred people in the whole station. Harry registered his surroundings, somehow looking for her. He wasn't aware Ginny was holding his hand as they walked through the barrier between Platforms nine and ten.

When the world unveiled beyond the barrier, Harry received a shock that almost knocked him backwards; he let go off Ginny's hand. In front of him, he could differ a slender girl in black travelling robes with wavy brown hair (it had stopped being bushy after fifth year and she looked incredibly beautiful) wrapped in someone's arms. The arms of a silvery blond guy he had nearly killed a little more than a week ago.

She didn't notice the newcomers, although she did look a little nervous. Draco also looked as if he were about to compete in the Olympics, tense all over.

Ginny staggered backwards a little too, almost imperceptibly; and she took Harry's hand, determined.

Draco noticed a flaming red hair by the corner of his eye and turned around. A small, hopeful smile playing across his lips. It vanished the second he identified the subject that was holding her hand.

Hermione felt him turn around and go all stiff. She frowned and turned to see what it was he was seeing. Her face went pale and she felt her heart shrink and break all in one second. She took a choked breath and stared at the couple.

Ginny was the first one to speak. She bit her lip and figured she would have to live with that. She raised her hand and waved, trying to appear it was all ok and normal. 'Hi guys!' she said and started walking towards Hermione and Draco, almost pulling a thunderstruck Harry by the hand.

Hermione was still shocked and she raised her hand too, waving weakly.

Draco saw her reaction and sighed. He took a deep breath and put the smile he had been taught to hide anything. 'Rule number three: Never give your enemy a weapon like feelings,' his father used to say.

Harry and Ginny got to where the other two were and greeted each other. She would've expected him to look a little more surprised; even a little scared after what Harry had done to him. But once again, this was Draco Malfoy; he never showed anything.

Soon they were on the moving train and no one spoke. A veil of silence lingered on the compartment. Maybe resentment, maybe fear, maybe even contentment; who knew.

***

'I'm really sorry, I hate to do this'

'What' going on?' His eyes moved quickly, from one of his friends to the other.

'We know what you did, Salazar and we can't let you.' Helga was saying as she came closer.

'You don't want to come any closer, I can really hurt you'

Rowena came up slowly, one hand extended. 'No, you wouldn't hurt us, you wouldn't hurt me,' she was saying softly.

Salazar was taking steps backwards until he hit the wall. He turned his gaze to Godric, pleadingly. 'I don't want to, but I can't control it'

Godric took a deep breath and raised his hand as the two witches raised their wands.

'Stupefy!' The three of them said at the same time. Three jets of red light shot straight at Salazar's chest. He stumbled backwards and fell to the ground, but he wasn't out. His grey-black eyes snapped open and he looked at them, no recognition in them.

'You think you can do anything to me now? I have a Warlock. I am indestructible!' A low rasping voice spoke from Salazar's mouth. He raised his hand and pointed two fingers at the girls. With a swishing movement, Helga flew backwards; and then Rowena. They both struck the wall and fell to the ground.

When they looked up, their eyes were full of fear and they turned to Godric, who had an oddly idle expression, as if he hadn't registered what had just happened. He blinked and turned to the girls, who were lying on the floor; he flinched and looked at Salazar with open mouth.

'No! Salazar, you don't want to do this!' he cried.

'Are you sure? You filthy little backstabber?'

Godric just stood there and gaped at his friend.

'That's right. You feel guilty, don't you? You knew he loved her more than anything. And yet, you took her from him. What's that of a best friend?'

'I didn't take her from you and you know it!' he shouted, defensively.

'Godric, that is not Salazar speaking!'

Salazar turned to Rowena. 'Is it not? You whore. Running off with my best friend and pretending you always want the best for me'

She narrowed her eyes; her breathing became faster and cut.

'Don't you call her that!'

'Shut up! You, imitation of friend! He loves you and you keep acting like that!'

Godric's brow furrowed. 'Salazar, you're like my brother and I know you! You can beat it!'

'Salazar is almost gone.' He said with a lopsided and sinister grin. 'The fool hasn't got the will to fight back. Soon there's just going to be me.' He started to laugh.

Godric narrowed his eyes and started to walk towards him. 'You won't take my best friend!' he yelled and raised his hand, pointing two fingers at him. 'I love you too Salazar, and I won't let him take you. STASIS MORTUS!'

The second Godric yelled the hex; a huge jet of black light emerged from his fingers and hit Salazar in the chest. He flew backwards and fell to the ground, unconscious. Godric looked down and blinked tears away, as Helga and Rowena (who was crying as well) ran to them.

***

The atmosphere at Hogwarts had never been so grim, not even when Cedric Diggory had died, three years ago. They all welcomed Harry and the rest, but there were traces of different feelings in the eyes of each one greeting them. Some had rancour, others pity. You could see a lot of blaming and accusing eyes. And some looked at them as if they were ghosts and others -like Luna- just a deep grief but no blame.

The NEWTs just passed them by. They had to be content with what they had achieved learning during the year, for it was almost impossible to really study after what happened.

Harry and Hermione barely spoke and she spent a lot of time away from the Gryffindors; either in the library or with Draco. Disbelief eyes followed them wherever they went. Draco was still Draco most of the time; but sometimes he could be really nice and sweet, just as Ginny had described him.

The news were much better received by Lavender and Parvati, who appeared stunned at the fact she had gotten the single hottest guy in Hogwarts to be her boyfriend.

'I have no idea what your secret is, Hermione'

'Getting two of the hottest guys around to fall in love with you'

'And having the hottest as boyfriend!'

'And moreso, making him act almost civilized sometimes!'

'I so envy you right now!'

Normally, a girl would feel flattered by this; but not Hermione. She felt she had lost most of herself, first Ron and now Harry barely talked to her. Sometimes she sat in the library and wondered who she really was now. It had been so long and so many things, that she almost didn't know how to be Hermione with Ron gone and Harry acting like that.

When Neville saw Harry and Ginny together, he had a big shock. He yelled, said a lot of words Harry didn't know they even existed, and then finally accepted it. But not without the lingering resentment towards his friends.

Ginny had been helping Harry study since Hermione wasn't around. Although she still felt the discomfort around them, she appeared to be fairly happy, considering her brother had died a couple of weeks before.

The year was finally over. All that was left, was the Closing Feast and the Graduation Ball; which Harry, nor Hermione were looking forward to.

***

The Great Hall was beautifully decorated. They had managed to merge perfectly the mourning with the spirit of the Closing Feast. Red and gold banners (of the winning house) hung from the air; the candles lit the Hall and tinged it all with a dim yellow light. From the walls, hung a thin and elegant fabric; the Gryffindor colours were mixed with a black that represented the respect and sadness of Ron's death.

Dessert had vanished from the golden plates and McGonagall hit the glass gently to call everyone's attention. They all fell silent as Dumbledore stood to speak.

'My dear students. Another year has passed. We take home a handful of memories and knowledge. This year is bound to be remembered; not only because Mr. Harry Potter leaves school; but because,' he paused a moment and re-engaged his speech, 'but because the rising Dark Lord has taken one of our students. A very precious life was cut from root and he's not coming back. Mr. Weasley's death is surely not going to be the last one. When this all started, we realized there was no safe place from Voldemort's claws.' A small gasp was heard through The Great Hall; Dumbledore shot a look at the Slytherin table. 'We know this can bring confusion and distrust, but we must stay together,' he gave a subtle look at the Gryffindor table and then at Slytherin table. Harry looked sideways at Hermione and Ginny, and then at Malfoy; apparently they did the same.

'All I can do is tell you to be careful. Even the tiniest thing can be of danger in this situation. As from next year, we will have an intense Defence Against the Dark Arts programme, taught by Mr. Harry Potter if he would be so kind to accept.' Excited whispers broke the silence. 'However, this is not a welcoming feast, so word from Head Boy and Girl are called to be heard,' he finished and looked at Hermione, who was wide eyed for the recent announcement. Harry just looked resigned and had a small, shy smile on his face.

She was snapped to reality by an elbow from Lavender. She shook her head and stood up with a small smile, a little pink on the cheeks. 'Thank you Professor Dumbledore. I just want to thank Hogwarts and all the people that were here throughout the years for us. We leave school with a lot of memories that will never leave us; realities that were taken from us, without asking and leaving pain they wouldn't even-' her voice broke and she looked down.

Draco started to stand but sat back down, closing his eyes. Harry looked at her with anguish and stood, to take the lead, he cleared his throat to swallow the knot in it.

'Hogwarts is and will always be the real home for more than one in this room, I'm sure. We must not let anything or anyone disrupt this home we love so much. Pain can be a good thing if we manage to canalize it for the greater good. Grief should not blind us-' he looked over at the Slytherin table, at Draco, and continued. 'Or break us down. Cause that's exactly what they want, and we won't give them one more thing to be happy about.' He hit the table with his fist in a somehow strangled voice and looked again at the Slytherin table.

Harry took a deep breath to calm down. 'We might not be too many, but we will give them a hard time. I can assure you that!' More than a speech, this sounded like a threat and a promise to a tacit presence... he continued, 'I will leave school with more than I would've ever thought possible and I am positive all of you will someday.' He smiled at the hall and at Dumbledore and sat down, glancing at Hermione as she sobbed in silence.

Ginny had her arm around her friend and was shushing her; she looked up at Harry with tears in her eyes too and he bit his bottom lip, trying to fight back the knot in his throat.

He stroked Ginny's hair and kissed her gently before giving her a significant look. Ginny understood it and sighed, she moved over so Harry could hold Hermione.

She put her arms around Harry and clung to him as he held her tightly, no words necessary. After a few moments, Hermione sobered and pulled back just as Harry was about to lose his hold on himself. She brushed the tears away with one hand and gave Harry a small smile, she then turned to the Slytherin table, where Draco was sitting. For one second, she thought she saw the pain she was feeling in his face and she frowned, puzzled.

Draco sat between Pansy and Tracy, watching the scene with a pit of jealousy and impotence. Just then, something grabbed his chest and started crumpling it mercilessly. His eyes widened as he tried to understand what was going on, but then he regained his posture and looked at Hermione, who was staring blankly at him.

***

One hour for the Ball. Hermione was still in front of her desk (which Lavender and Parvati had conveniently arranged to be a perfect dressing table) and stared at the reflection looking back at her. Smoothened brown hair; light purple shades decorated her eyelids and the orange blush enlivened her light coppery skin. She looked "stunning" according to her room mates but she didn't feel like that at all, all she saw was a deep sorrow and a mask before her real face. Only Harry could get that mask to come out and he didn't seem willing to; so all she had left was to appear as "stunning" as her friends saw her.

***

Harry had been sitting by the lake, staring at the calm water as the sun fell and it got dark. It seemed so peaceful, completely unlike how he felt. Inside him was nothing less than a cataclysmic storm of mixed emotions, but most of all a sense of loss that wouldn't let him sleep at night. He stood and looked at the starry sky, a sigh let some of it out and he wiped his face, walking back to the castle to get ready for the Graduation Ball. He was supposed to dance with Hermione the opening song and they had agreed to be partners throughout the whole thing, but this wasn't as sure anymore.

When he got to the Head Boy's Chamber, his dressing robes were lying ironed on his bed, he stared at them and walked slowly to the four-poster bed to pick them up. Mrs. Weasley had helped him and Ron choose their dressing robes for the Ball. In the Christmas Holidays, they had spent it at The Burrow and the last day, they had gone to Diagon Alley specially to buy the robes.

Ron had got aquamarine ones, they had thin silver stripes on the sides of the upper part; they outlined his chest and shoulders so he looked much well-built than he actually was. On the lower part, the robes had diagonal silver lines that made them look very refined and well-thought. This had been the first time Ron had been able to get something without worrying for the price, that's what his mother had told him and he was so happy about it.

Harry drew himself back from the memories forcefully as he held his midnight blue collared robes in front of him. They were made of a very fine silk fabric, decorated with golden buttons on the left side and the ends were outlined with a thicker material that gave them a kind of oriental charm. On the waist, he wore a distinctive braided halter; it was gold and tied on the right side, hanging elegantly to his lower thigh.

The soft material felt rough against his skin as he pulled the robes over his head. There was something missing in his heart, and he felt a hole in it that would never be filled.

***

He had spent the last hour trying to choose between the two dressing robes his mother had sent and the black, official looking dressing robes his father had sent. He tried the black one, nah! too formal and a little too insipid. He tried the dark orange one, makes me look good but I look a bit orangey. And he tried the mustard coloured one; it was dark and sober, yet it was juvenile, I look good in this one too, I think it brings my eyes out.

The chosen robes were kind of Isabelline time-ish. The neck covered him just below Adam's apple and it had a small "V" cut in the end. The material was so soft and brilliant, it almost looked celestial. Covering the chest, it had a small and white rippled scarf and on the sides, two thick brown stripes ran down. His cloak was dark brown with golden lines all length. He looked completely angelic, not to mention, like a wizards Calvin Klein model.

***

All the students were already downstairs, looking amazingly good, even the Slytherins could pass as normal, nice beings. The four long tables had disappeared to be replaced by small tables, arranged for five couples each. They were covered by two layers of tablecloths; the one in the bottom was a perlescent white, and the one on top wore the four colours of the houses in a perfect and elegant geometrical design.

Harry and Hermione had to meet atop the main staircase to come down and do the first dance to officially open the Ball. He was already there; all dressed up and gorgeous-looking. He was a little nervous to see Hermione dressed up as well, he remembered how beautiful she had looked in the Yule Ball and she had certainly grown since she was fourteen.

Hermione was somehow anxious to go down to meet Harry. He would most definitely be dazzling, his laid-back looks and brilliant green eyes gave him an unquestionable appeal, of which everyone but him was aware. She came to the staircase, her diamond pendants hung to her chin and made her face shine even more.

Harry gasped lightly when he saw her coming down to meet him. She was wearing a long and stunning, sleek red dress with spaghetti straps and a very suggestive "V" neck; while a pearl necklace wrapped her neck gently. He found his breath again and extended his hand. She took it with an uncertain smile, they had barely spoken since they came back to school, and now they were dressed up, going down the stairs to dance. It was supposed to be their first date, but now there was some tacit agreement in which that wasn't valid anymore.

Harry looked at her and smiled. "You look beautiful Hermione," he said quietly while they walked down the stairs, arms linked, as everyone started to turn their heads up and stare at the Head Boy and Girl coming down as the tradition told.

Hermione felt her cheeks flush when he said that and she smiled, "You look gorgeous too," she whispered as all looks landed on the couple.

Ginny felt everyone looking up and hurried to get a better look of his boyfriend. Draco did the same and they were standing next to each other, gaping at the couple. They look so perfect, I wonder how I'll ever fill her shoes, Ginny sighed but kept her smile as she waited.

Draco noticed Ginny's reaction and fully understood it, for he felt the same.

Harry and Hermione got to the bottom of the stair and Harry stepped ahead of her so he was standing one step beneath her, to receive the lady as she finished coming down. She smiled at his chivalry and finished coming down.

The music began to sound, it was a slow waltz. They began to glide through all of the Ball Room; to one side, to the other, a turn, another pace to the right... It seemed they were perfectly engaged into the other's body language and they drifted as one, immersed in their partner's eyes, it appeared to both of them there was o one or nothing more in the whole room.

The piece ended and automatically they stopped moving, but their gazes were still locked.

'I didn't know you were such a good dancer,' Hermione whispered, almost breathless.

'Me neither,' Harry admitted with a slight but beautiful smile. They were still holding each other in the dancing position, very close to the other. Harry felt himself leaning forward and sensed Hermione was doing the same. They were interrupted by Dumbledore's voice.

'The Graduation Ball is officially opened!' He announced and clapped his hands with a smile.

***

When Ginny saw Harry and Hermione starting to lean into each other after the amazing display on the Dance Floor, she looked away and walked out of the Great Hall, brushing past Draco without noticing.

Draco was just staring at the scene, not able to escape the pang of jealousy going through him; but he was just standing there, not one muscle moving until he felt someone walk past him. He realised it was Ginny and turned to where she had left. He glanced back at Harry and Hermione and then Dumbledore announced the start of the ball. Walking out of the Hall, he figured Hermione wouldn't miss him that much and Ginny was surely very upset. He had no idea why he cared, or what was this sympathy feeling washing over him, but he followed it.

He spotted Ginny leaning against the far wall, her head tilted down and her arms around herself. She was wearing corset-strapless purple dress with glittering diamonds on her breast line and a "V" shaped diamond belt outlining her hips. She was looking very beautiful indeed and the white gloves gave her a delicate and feminine touch.

Draco walked to where she was. 'Hey,' he just said.

Ginny looked up abruptly and wiped her eyes; luckily the make up was magical, so it wouldn't go away until you cast the countercharm. She managed a weak smile, 'hey'

'Looks like our partners were having a hell of a time together huh?'

She laughed softly. 'Yeah, seems so'

'Annoying, isn't it?'

'Very much'

They laughed for a moment, and then Ginny spoke softly. 'You reckon we'll ever-'

'I wouldn't know what to answer to that.' He cut her off before she finished the question. 'Sorry about your brother... despite everything, he was a good guy,' Draco said truthfully.

Ginny gave him a small smile. 'He was the best... and I miss him, very much'

'I know, though I can only imagine-'

'You never could!' Ginny snapped without really wanting to. 'I'm sorry,' she said and choked a sob.

Draco didn't know why, but he put his arm around her bare shoulders and held her. He felt awkward, but it just seemed the right thing to do.

Ginny rested her whole body against him and her head on his chest, crying softly.

'Hey, it's a Graduation Ball! Come on don't be sad! Well, you're not graduating anytime soon but still'

Ginny chuckled a little and pulled back for a moment, staring up at his striking grey eyes. He was almost like a doll; you could just look at him for hours and not find it boring.

Draco looked down at her and smiled lightly. But his smile was angelic, teeth so white and perfect; they seemed a Greek God's. They stared into each other for a long moment; his arms were still on her shoulders. How or why would remain a doubt forever, but they were kissing, and really kissing.

Seconds later, Ginny pulled away, with horrified eyes. 'What do you think you're doing?!'

***