Hogwarts Eighth Year - Tumblr Posts

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Part1 - Chapter 1 >> Next Time (CH2)

[[Edit: I just remembered that I wanted to call this “Next Time”]]

Here we go again. This is a thing I started for the @hd-fan-fair​ , but it was taking me too much time :/ Based on @momatu’s prompt :

After the war the Wizengamot is impressed with how Draco fixed the Vanishing Cabinet—in spite of themselves, seeing as why he fixed it—and sentence him to community service helping to repair Hogwarts for however long the job takes. Harry is overwhelmed after the war, and retreats to the first home he ever knew, Hogwarts. No one will willingly work with Draco. Everyone wants to work with Harry. For Draco, working with Harry means not having to be alone all the time. For Harry, working with Draco means not being fussed over all the time. For both of them, working together works out pretty well.

This is going to be a sloooow buuuurn~ Sorry for grammar errors/misspellings.

You know, it would've made the books SO much better if Drarry actually had some sort of weird relationship where they absolutely roasted the hell out of each other and basically bullied each other like friends but refused to acknowledge that they actually liked each other (as friends, at least at first) to anyone. And then, we could've had obsessive + worried Harry in sixth year going crazy Bc his idiot sorta friend / sorta arch-enemy is clearly ill and losing his mind about SOMETHING and he doesn't know what's happening. We could've had an awkward conversation with McGonagall where Harry's like "I'm worried about him" and mcgonagall's just like "???? I thought you thought you hated him??? This is growth????" OR EVEN BETTER SNAPE!!!!! SNAPE just being so obstinate and basically telling Harry to F off but our boy is super persistent so of course he's not gonna give in and so sixth turns into a year of harassing SNAPE over Harry's not quite friend not quite enemy. And of course Hermione is losing her mind Bc she realizes that Harry actually IS sorta friends with Draco and Ron is just like "you've got to be freaking KIDDING me, Malfoy?!!!!" And Dumbledore's just there like hmmmmmmmm, potential this has (Bc hes Yoda ofc)

The boys being total foils of the other and Draco being drawn to the dark side while Harry stands in the light, always, but when they're together in their weird friendship, none of it matters and they just enjoy each other's company while simultaneously refusing to admit that the other means anything to them at all. And then of course the war happens and Malfoy manor and Draco refuses to give Harry up and they're both SO confused by this Bc "we hate each other... riGHT?!!!" And then Harry gets to Hogwarts and Draco is so so torn. The room of requirement happens pretty similar, Draco yelling not to kill Harry and Harry saving Draco from the Fiendfyre. And then Voldemort says he's going to find Draco later and kill him and oof protective!Harry is ACTIVATED and he kills Voldemort like in the books, but then there's a moment where the boys just acknowledge each other after it's all over. Draco's with his parents, but he actually grins tiredly at Harry and Harry smiles in return, and that's the last they see of each other until their eighth year.

Everyone's expecting them to be the same as always, refusing to admit they're even close to friends, hexing each other occasionally, the whole nine yards. But they get to school and suddenly they're like best friends????? The eighth years all share one common room + 2 dorms Bc of course, and they're always resting on the couch together and Seamus SWEARS he saw them cuddling one night when he was trying to sneak out to the kitchens for a post-midnight snack. Maybe Draco starts kissing Harry's cheek when they have separate classes (a rare occurrence Bc the eighth years are all nearly attached at the hip Bc so few of them even returned or LIVED). Maybe Harry kisses Draco's forehead while he's playing chess with Astoria and Harry's heading up to bed. And then suddenly, Ron and Hermione and Blaise and Pansy(maybe???) are hanging out together, and they're arguing constantly, but it's almost,,, cordial???? And everyone is like "what the fuck is happening???" And then one night just before their winter break, all the eighth years are in the common room, trying to stay warm by the fire, and Harry just leans down and kisses Draco's lips, like it's not even the first time, and OH, suddenly it all makes sense to the eighth years.

this is fUCKING AWESOME!!!

Harry dies, but instead of Dumbledore, he sees Draco Malfoy

Harry isn’t sure what to expect when he meets Death- the blinding emerald light of the killing curse hurled in his direction is only a symbol of what he’s imagined thousands of times in this very moment.

A nagging voice has always told him it was bound to end this way. Himself and Voldemort, eye to eye, surrounded by the depths of something dark.

What he never expected was a the frigid feeling of ice crackling from his head to his toes, freezing him whole until his eyes opened to reveal a world just as white.

For a moment, there’s nothing. His eyes adjust to the emptiness, and he’s stumbling as he stands and tries to make out the puzzling aftermath of this purgatory. And then, a voice.

“Wasn’t expecting to see you here, Potter.”

He whips around, startled at the voice but allowing the warmth of familiarity to melt his bones.

“Malfoy? What are you doing here?”

“Isn’t it obvious?” He smirks, and it’s the same pull of his lips that Harry’s seen a thousand times. However, something in his eyes is different. Softer. “I’m dead, Potter. And so are you.”

“Dead?” Harry asks stupidly, and then the memories come rushing forward. The battle. Voldemort. The forest. “But- how did you get here?”

This isn’t right. Harry was supposed to die, yes. But not Malfoy. Even an arch nemesis’s demise is oddly unsettling after so many lives had been claimed.

And then, Malfoy does something Harry has never seen before. He laughs, and it’s a whole, hearty sound.

“I’m a fucking traitor, that’s how.” He shakes his head at himself, as if he’s reliving his last choices. “But, want to know something completely mental? I don’t care.”

His lips have pulled into a full on grin, and Harry feels the rest of the ice pool at his feet.

“I was always meant to end up here, Potter. We were pitted against each other from the start. Kinda sad, once you think about it.”

Harry nods, not quite understanding but unable to let this new Malfoy go. He gulps. “Who did this to you?” He asks, and it’s scratchy. Almost as if Harry himself is afraid of the answer.

“Who else?” Malfoy shrugs. “Father found out I had multiple chances to turn you in and didn’t. At the Manor, when I pretended not to recognize you. And in the Room of Requirement just a while ago.”

“Why didn’t you?” Harry asks, and he’s hooked on this selfless version of the enemy that only Death seemed to twist into reality.

Malfoy shrugs. “Didn’t seem right. I was tired of manipulation. I’ve always been a follower, and I figured that if I couldn’t be a leader, I could at least support one. I knew you had a chance at setting the world free from the same bullshit that ended up killing me.”

“Wow, um... thanks.” Harry mutters, unsure of how to respond. What was once a wintry world has morphed into the warmth of an England summer.

“Please, Potter. Spare me the mushy gushy crap.”

And Harry feels his lips tugging upward, a match to Malfoy’s smile. How ironic; only in death would Harry had ever guessed they’d share a moment like this.

“So, what do we do now?” Harry looks around, trying to make sense of everything. Wondering if this was his new reality, and realizing that he wouldn’t mind so much if it was.

“Obvious, isn’t it? You’re going back.”

“What?” Harry’s brow furrows, and Malfoy’s gazing at him like he knows something.

“You’ve got to go back, Potter. You’ve got to save the world while you still can.”

“I- I don’t understand,” he stammers, but Malfoy’s rising and crossing the empty space between them.

“You get a second chance, Harry. Don’t waste your time conversing with me. Go back; do what I couldn’t.” He smiles again, and Harry feels his legs turn to jelly. He doesn’t fully understand, but for some reason he trusts Malfoy.

“You called me Harry,” he says, puzzled but warm.

“Don’t get used to it.” And then Draco Malfoy is lifting a hand and pressing it to Harry’s forehead. The emptiness turns into an ocean of white blur, and it suddenly occurs to Harry that his time here is done. Running on pure instinct, he grasps Malfoy’s shoulders and holds for dear life, pulling him closer until he’s sure that wherever he’s going, he’s bringing Malfoy with him.

***

His limbs feel heavy, and Harry cracks an eye to realize he’s being carried by Hagrid. He stares through the small slit to see a sea of people, dirty with war but standing determinedly. And in that cluster of bodies, his eyes catch the figure of a blonde.

He’s staring up and down, patting himself in disbelief. Eyes wide with confusion. It’s hard for Harry not to smile. It worked. If anyone deserved a second chance, it was Draco Malfoy.

When Harry does come to life, startling everyone and sparking the light of hope and retribution, it’s Draco Malfoy who throws Harry his wand. They share a knowing glance, a brief stare that holds an eternity of secrets and new beginnings. Like anything could happen. Like they could win.

And they do.

When Voldemort falls, dying in a most humanly fashion, it’s Draco Malfoy who stands next to Harry. They share a celebratory moment, a second that extends beyond Life, even Death, itself. And it’s perhaps the most exhilarated Harry has ever felt.

His new life is nothing like his old one.

In the months following the war, it’s Draco Malfoy who quells the nightmares, who pulls up the sheets at Grimmauld Place and holds him when the stench of death hangs heavy. Who helps to re-build the castle, still struggling with the guilt of his former decisions. Who cries into Harry’s shoulder, welcoming an embrace that he’d never known he’d needed.

It’s Draco Malfoy who calls him scarhead while packing his trunk for eighth year, only to be rebutted by Harry lifting his hair: “IT’S NOT THERE ANYMORE!”

It’s Draco Malfoy who kisses Harry one night in the common room, a bit drunk off of fire whiskey and house unity. But it’s Harry who kisses him back, lacing his fingers around the bare skin of his neck and tugging him closer. And in that moment, Harry feels like he’s died and come back to life.

And in a sense, he has. Thanks to Draco Malfoy.

During the Second Wizarding War, Draco Malfoy took a much more... active part in aiding Harry Potter’s side.

He provided food and supplies to the hidden students of 7th year, earning their trust. He fed lies to the Carrows and sneaked students under their noses, earning his classmates’ admiration.

At the Malfoy Manor, he befriended Luna, brought food to the prisoners, and gave Harry and Ron his wand. At the Battle of Hogwarts, he refused his father’s outstretched hand and stood beside Neville, prepared to die at the Dark Lord’s wand.

He was bloody terrified throughout the whole thing, but he did nonetheless.

In return, half the student body testified at his trial, saving him from Azkaban.

But they could not save him from his father.

Draco returned to the Manor—although not by choice—where for two months, he lived with his parents. They were both under house arrest, but that did not stop his father’s power from extending to the Manor’s walls.

When Draco returned to school, he was different.

He went to class, ate in his room, slept after everyone else had gone to bed, and only spoke when spoken to. Neville and Ginny said he was quiet, but Luna said he was broken.

Harry awkwardly approached him after two weeks.

A week after that, Draco started joining them for meals.

Two weeks later, Hermione and Draco were passionately discussing the merits of polyjuice and its effect on the human body. Ron just wanted Draco to make his next chess move and Harry just wanted to listen to anything other than how moon phases affected potions.

Luna said he was healing.

That was good, right?

It was funny, how Hermione would catch Draco reading Muggle-Borns and their Importance and he would hide the book in his bag. It was funny, how Ron would see Weasley Wizard Wheazes being used and Draco would offer some comforting words. It was funny, how Draco would discuss Quidditch with Ginny and the Gryffindor team, but no fists would fly. It was funny, how Luna and Draco would be found talking in the courtyard at 2 am, but no evidence was around to prove their rule-breaking. It was funny, how Draco and Neville tutored each other in potions and herbology, and how Neville earned more bloody noses than they could count from whoever talked shit about Draco.

It was funny, how Draco walked Ginny through her coming out. How he explained to the others what queer meant. How he explained to Harry what it meant to him.

It was funny, how Harry and Draco would walk each other to their classes, even if they were at opposite ends of the schools. It was funny, how they would charm the Daily Prophet to show hilarious headlines when all it spewed was more Death Eater crap. It was funny, how they would duel and Draco would offer his hand to Harry after knocking him to the ground. It was funny, how Harry convinced him to take a broom ride and they spent much too long chasing a lone snitch. How they cast knowing looks at each other in the middle of class. How they partnered in potions and wrote each other’s essays.

How Harry would follow Draco’s form on the Map, and then follow him in person to the Astronomy tower. How they would comfort each other after a nightmare. How Draco broke down and told Harry about Lucius’ abuse. How Harry explained the Dursley’s and Dumbledore’s choices. How Draco was so angry at the Headmaster’s stupidity five windows shattered. How Harry was struck dumb by Draco’s reaction and realized in that moment Draco meant a whole lot more than a friend.

It was funny how they all realized Draco was their friend.

And how life carried on to Christmas break.

When the snow began to fall, many students stayed at Hogwarts. The Weasleys went home, to comfort each other, but Hermione and the others stayed. Luna, the ever knowing, said it was because people were smart enough to know when others needed time.

A week before break, Draco announced he was staying at school. Four days later, he received a letter and left the hall in a rush. The next day, he was gone, and the others were baffled.

Harry ventured to Mcgonnagal, worried for Draco. But with no strong evidence, she could not do anything.

Call it luck, call it faith, but before Harry left her office, green flames roared. Narcissa Black’s frantic voice filtered through the smoke and called for help. Harry, in his impulsiveness, jumped through the fire and into Malfoy Manor.

Narcissa was shocked to see him, but gestured towards the dining room, where someone was screaming. The doors burst open, and in strode Lucius Malfoy, who froze at the sight of Harry.

Behind him, Harry could see a limp body lying by the table, blond hair stark white against crimson blood.

Harry saw red, and he dueled the Death Eater. It was Harry’s Phoenix feather against Draco’s Unicorn hair—Lucius having no wand of his own. Narcissa ran to her son, screamed at her husband to stop, but magic flew until Aurors broke through Lucius’ wards.

The fight ended quickly after that, and Lucius was arrested again. Harry couldn’t really care less; he was more worried about Draco in St. Mungos.

That and the fact he desperately wanted to kiss Draco. No denying it now.

When Draco (finally) awoke, he was relieved to see Harry, who promptly chewed him out for not coming to him when Lucius threatened to harm Narcissa. Draco shrugged and muttered something about not deserving their help, but Harry was having none of it.

Harry explained he would do anything for Draco if he had to, not because of guilt or life debts, but because he cared about him. Because he didn’t want to see him hurt—or Merlin’s sake, dead.

Draco blinked from his hospital bed, processing Harry’s words. Before he could utter any response, though, Harry planted a firm kiss on his lips.

Which Draco reciprocated, I might add.

When Ginny returned from the Burrow to find everything the same except for some noticeable hand-holding, she wasn’t surprised. Ron, on the other hand, spat out his pumpkin juice and demanded to know what in the name of Merlin’s tits happened over break.

Everyone is always going on and on about how unobservant Harry is.

But I like to think it was a product of growing up neglected; learning to be noticed as little as possible, and spending basically his entire life in the wizarding world facing off against evil.  So its not entirely that at his core he was unobservant but that he had learned it, because he had learned growing up to take up as little space as possible, both emotionally and physically.

So to Harry it became second nature to not notice things because god he didn’t want anyone noticing anything about him.

Except after the war, when he returns for 8th year he starts to notice all kinds of things; the way Dean and Seamus sit oh so close and gosh did they always do that, the way Ron and Hermione both tense up when the other one isn’t in the room but relax as soon as they’re near each other, the way people seem hopeful and scared all at once, or even small things like the way the wind sounds blowing against the window when he can’t sleep.

And the more he notices, the more he finds that maybe he wouldn’t quite mind if someone else noticed him.

Which is exactly how he starts to notice Malfoy.  Because now that he has started noticing all kinds of things he recognizes what these things mean too…and he definitely recognizes the slump of Malfoy’s shoulders, or the way his head turns up whenever someone new enters a room, or the way he finds every corner to sit in as soon as entering a room, and especially the way he’s always alone.  Because Harry knows exactly what it looks like when you don’t want people to notice you. 

And the more Harry looks the more he can’t stop looking, and he wonders how he could have spent so many years obsessed with Malfoy but never actually noticing things about him; like the way he cradles his tea as if absorbing its warmth before drinking it, the way he licks his lips when he reads, the way his face looks flushed and healthy only when he sneaks back into the castle after a secret broom ride (except its not so secret because Harry is pretty much always watching him), or the way he reads muggle novels in the library when he thinks no one can see.

Until one day, when Harry has his head buried in a book studying, and someone sits down beside him and he doesn’t even need to look up to know who it is because he recognizes the sounds Malfoy makes when he pulls out a chair and the way he holds his breath when he’s nervous and especially the way he smells; like fresh air and too strong tea and ink - he smells like hope Harry thinks, holding his breath too as Malfoy slides down into the seat beside him.

“So…” Malfoy whispers.

”So,” Harry answers back, still staring at the book in front of him, almost afraid to look at Malfoy as if he might spook him.

“I wasn’t sure if you’d be here,” Malfoy finally says after several minutes of silence which should be awkward but instead just feel charged with anticipation.

“I’m always here on Saturdays,” Harry says, finally turning to look at Malfoy.  He wonders why he looks so nervous. 

“I know,” Malfoy huffs, finally making eye contact with Harry and the look in his eyes makes something deep and tight in Harry’s chest uncurl because oh…oh.  Maybe he hasn’t been the only one noticing things.

“Did you want-”

“Yes,” Malfoy blurts out.

“I didn’t even finish asking you.  What if I asked if you wanted to go jump in the lake naked and look for the giant squid,” Harry says, his face breaking out into a smile that seems to make Malfoy relax.

“Still would’ve said Yes,” Malfoy says, no hint of sarcasm.

“Oh.  Well aright then.”  And Harry does something which feels a bit brave and a bit stupid and reaches over to lay his hand on Malfoy’s knee.  Only instead of yelling at him or pushing him away Malfoy smiles, for what Harry thinks must be the first time that whole year, and lays his own hand over Harry’s.

“Alright,” Malfoy says, linking their fingers.

And Harry smiles again, because yeah things really are alright.

Ron: So, is this thing between Harry and Draco supposed to be a secret?

Hermione: Hardly.

Hermione: The only people who don't know about Harry and Draco are Harry and Draco.

Harry: [plops onto Draco’s lap and hug him]

Draco: Potter, get off me

Harry: No, its too comfy

Draco: Potter..

Draco: Malfoy

Draco: [rolls his eyes] Fine, whatever

Everyone else in the 8th year common room: 👁👄👁