[RM] Taste of Poison

The Red Moon series

Phase Two: Taste of Poison

---


Draco sat back in a chair, hands behind his head as he monitored the workings of Ginny Weasley. He had thoroughly gone through each step of the potion she had done the previous week but had failed miserably, and he hoped that he had been thorough enough to prevent her failing it again. If she failed once, it just meant one more night he'd have to spend with her and that was the last thing he wanted.

She began chopping more ingredients and once she finished he saw what she was chopping. She moved the chopping board towards the cauldron and before he could stop her, she stopped herself. She looked down at the ingredients then looked at him. He had already schooled his expression to apathy. If he was going to teach her potions, he wasn't going to make it easy on her. Not receiving any hint or clue if what she was doing was correct, she placed the chopping board back down on the table and looked at her other ingredients. The previous week, Snape had told them they must memorize this particular potion because they were now in their sixth year and that specific potion would be as easy as Lumos' to them. Apparently for Ginny, Lumos' wasn't that easy. She had hours memorizing the potion, but in the end, she had failed.

"The second time around is supposed to be easier," she muttered angrily at herself.

"I cannot believe you're having this much difficulty with potions," Draco finally said, "Even that dimwitted brother of yours wasn't the last of our year."

"Shut your mouth Malfoy. Just because I'm not good at this one thing doesn't mean I'm worst than Ron," Ginny defended, not even bothering to look at her tutor.

He wasn't going to argue with her; he knew she was correct. It was already their third night of tutoring and after a somewhat awkward start (awkward meaning complete silence the first night and absolute bickering the second) they were finally getting something done. However, after the first night, he decided he'd do some research on the littlest Weasley. He had gone directly to Dumbledore and asked for Ginny's school records, with reasons such as he was Head Boy and her tutor and he needed to know what her learning skills were and if she was bad in everything. To his surprise, potions class was the only thing she couldn't do. She was getting extremely good marks in all of her other classes and Draco had decided (although he would never voice it) that had Ginny and Ron switched ages, she would have given Hermione and himself some competition in their year.

Her frustrated exhale brought him out of his reverie and he looked over at her progress. She had once again picked up the chopping board and was putting the contents into the cauldron. Silently, Draco stood up, took ten steps backwards and crouched behind a desk as she began mixing the solution, her back to him. In his mind he counted as she stirred.

One, two, three-

On four, he covered his head with his arms. On five, he closed his eyes. As if on cue, Ginny let out a scream and jumped away from the cauldron as it not only bubbled over, but soon exploded.

Nine, ten.

Draco uncovered his head, opened his eyes and stood up. The damage was evident: the classroom walls were covered in electric pink soot; the cauldron had shattered into millions of pieces, scattered throughout the room; potion ingredients were either sprinkling the floor or melted and he was most certain there used to be a door between the class and the hallway. He walked over to Ginny. She was lying on her stomach, her arms covering her head. She was covered in the pink soot and wasn't standing up.

"Weasley? You can get up now," Draco drawled.

Slowly, she uncovered her head, shook her head out of its daze and stood up. She sighed heavily as she looked at the back of her robes, which were stained by the soot.

Draco went to the table where the ingredients once were, inspecting the damage, "The classroom will be easily fixed, but I'm sure Snape will be mad about that cauldron, not to mention the door." He walked to the entrance, "Oh, the door's here, just not altogether." He turned back to Ginny who was looking at the pink ceiling, "I'll see you tomorrow night then."

"What!? You're leaving? You're not going to even help me clean?" She questioned,

"It's your mess. Consider this a learning experience," he smirked before leaving her to her own designs. Just before he left earshot of the classroom, he was sure he heard her cursing his name.

---

The next morning, Draco was surprised (despite hiding it) to see Blaise reclining in his common room,

"You are in trouble Malfoy," Blaise said in an all-too-happy tone.

"What are you blabbering about now Zambini?" Draco asked as he left the common room, Blaise just behind him,

"I passed Snape this morning and he was muttering yours and Weasley's death," Blaise explained,

"Zambini, you're a horrible liar," Draco pointed out, "You used to be good at spinning tales, now that you've lost it, I no longer see your use to me."

Blaise rolled his eyes before replying, "Fine, wait until potions, then we'll see if I'm lying."

"Well, you're clearly lying since there's nothing Snape could be mad at me for," Draco said but stopped the moment the words left his lips.

His sudden halt caused a smile to cross Blaise's mouth, "Remembering a reason for Snape wanting to wring your neck Malfoy?"

"Sod off Zambini," Draco scowled as he continued on, his pace quicker than before.

When they reached the main floor, Draco saw the familiar head of hair of Ginny Weasley. He called after her. She stopped and turned; surprised to see it was him calling her. By the time he reached her, her friends had all ran away into the safety of the Great Hall.

"Malfoy?"

"Did you clean up your mess last night?" He demanded, eyes narrowing suspiciously,

"Of course I did, even if you left me to do it on my own. I wasn't going to risk detention just to spite you. There's no point in both of us being in detention," Ginny replied, feeling uneasy under her glare,

"If you say so," Draco muttered before pushing past her,

"I do say so! Trust me." She said confidently,

"That's the last thing I'll do," was all he said before disappearing into the Great Hall.

---

Apparently, Blaise had not been lying, the smug prat. He was listening to every word when Snape came up behind Malfoy in potions.

"Mr. Malfoy, why is it I wasn't informed that there were complications in last night's session?"

"It was a minor mishap with her potion."

"A minor mishap doesn't explain one missing cauldron and the complete disappearance on my stash of Elder Wood. The potion doesn't even require it, yet the ingredient is completely missing from my storage, even the jar!" Snape hissed angrily,

"Sir, I went through the procedure with her in thorough details, if she used it all, you can hardly make me share the blame," Draco replied,

"You saw her make the mistake didn't you Mr. Malfoy?" Draco remained silent, "Ah yes, I can see it now. You would be supervising her, you're not so ignorant as to let her make a potion unattended, but you anticipated the mistake when you saw her adding the Elder Wood."

"Professor, had I known she used up all of your -"

"Tonight you and Miss Weasley will not have a tutoring session. I have already asked the Headmaster and have received his approval: the two of you imbeciles shall go get me more Elder Wood instead. The closest source is the Forbidden Forest. Be at the main entrance after dinner Mr. Malfoy." Snape walked away immediately after, in a more horrible mood than usual for the rest of the class period.

"I'm going to kill the Weasley," Draco scowled to Blaise,

"MR. MALFOY! If you do not wish to spend the entire night in the Forbidden Forest rather than just a few hours, I suggest you shut your mouth and copy down the notes!" Snape demanded.

---

"There's no point in staying here," Draco muttered, "I don't even eat." He stood up from the Slytherin table,

"So you're going to wait for Snape outside?" Blaise inquired

"Snape already left. And it's better than watching her eat," he motioned towards Pansy who had the decency to stop eating and sneer at him. Without another word, Draco left the Great Hall and headed towards the main entrance. By the time he got there, Professor Snape was already waiting, arms crossed.

"I didn't expect you to take so long," Snape drawled,

"You said after dinner, you didn't specify a time," Draco replied in even tones,

"Don't be insolent with me. You and I both know you just spent an hour's worth of time in there sitting at the table and watching your food," he hissed,

"It was an hour well spent considering I'd have to wait for Weasley before I went into the forest," Draco muttered.

"Wrong again Mr. Malfoy. She was anticipating your departure the entire time," and as if on cue, Ginny came running around the corner and came to a halt before them, "So good of you to join us Miss Weasley."

She nodded while she tried to catch her breath.

"I've already told you both your main objective of tonight's job. I suggest you do it good and efficiently. If my storage of Elder Wood isn't replenished by daybreak, don't bother returning to potions - either of you," his stare hardening when it reached Draco. "Don't get any ideas Mr. Malfoy." He turned to leave but Ginny stopped him,

"Professor, how will we even know where to find it or how it looks like?" The look Snape gave her was one of complete loss of patience. Fortunately, before Snape could reply Draco pushed Ginny outside and shut the door behind him. "What's with the pushing!?"

"I don't know about you Weasley, but I do not want Snape giving me detentions until the end of the school year just because of your ignorance," Draco sneered before lighting his wand and heading before her towards the Forbidden Forest.

"What do you mean my ignorance?" she demanded, feeling her temper rise,

"Must I explain everything?" Draco said exasperatedly as they made their way towards the forest, "Asking that question just told Snape that you had no idea what you were doing last night with the Elder Wood, thus increasing the trouble your in. I wouldn't have given a damn had that fact not also meant that I didn't explain things well enough to you, thus, increasing the trouble I am in. Understand?"

Ginny remained silent,

"Good, now let's get this over with."

---

With both their wands lit, Draco and Ginny proceeded into the depths Forbidden Forest. Manoeuvring around twisted roots, which surfaced everywhere, blocking each sound of things that go bump in the night and having to fight off a few of the things that make those sounds.

"So where do we find Elder Wood?" Ginny asked finally,

"Weasley, do you ever shut up?" Draco questioned,

"I haven't spoken for at least an hour and half! So yes, I can shut up!" She retorted, "Besides, shouldn't I know where to find Elder Wood so you're not the only one searching?" Draco remained silent, continuing his search, "If there's two of us looking, we'll get out faster," she tempted.

"Elder Wood thrives easily in forests, so it tends to be bigger in diameter than any of the other trees," he couldn't have answered any faster, "However, the fact it thrives so well is because it tends to suck the life out of plant life surrounding it. Its roots don't grow so long, so it has its limits, but it continues to grow after killing all surrounding plant life with the basics of photosynthesis and such."

"So we just look for a really big tree surrounded by dead plants?"

"Or that," Draco aimed his wand to their left.

The light illuminated a clearing of a circumference of twenty-five meters. In the centre stood a gigantic tree whose diameter was at least five metres. The tree grew tall and eventually its branches and leaves meshed with the surrounding forestry, creating a canopy void of the sky's nocturnal lights.

"Finally! Now we can grab some and get out!" Ginny sighed happily and began to jog ahead of Draco.

"Stop you idiot!" Draco hissed, grabbing at her arm.

However, at the moment he got a hold of her, something flew towards her and pierced her right calf. She stumbled and almost fell to her knees but Draco pulled her to him and held her up with an arm around her waist. Quickly he put up a protective barrier around them and they heard noises as more things came at them, hit the shield and ricocheted off.

"Don't you ever listen!?" Draco demanded as he pointed his wand towards the base of the tree. Growling out an incantation, electric blue shocks shot from the tip of his wand and made contact with the massive tree. Suddenly, ice began to form at the base and spread both upwards towards the branches and foliage and also down to the roots along with the ground at their feet.

"What did you do?" Ginny asked, feeling a constant pain in her lower leg,

"Elder Wood is full of nourishment because it feeds off other plants. In return, certain creatures live in the branches of the Elder Wood and feed off it. There are several different kinds and, as you can see, thoroughly protective of the Elder Wood. If you approach it haphazardly the creatures attack. Lucky for you, only one thing tried to attack you before I put up a shield," he scowled, "You have to immobilize everything in the tree's vicinity so that anything protecting it becomes harmless while you extract samples from it."

"What about the other things around the clearing? With everything frozen, won't other things come at us?"

"Even if they did, once they hit the edge of the clearing, they'd freeze up," he explained as he let go of her, "Can you stand while I go get enough Elder Wood or do we have to go back and do this again tomorrow?"

By the expression on his face, Ginny knew there was only one way to answer him, "I'm fine."

Letting out an exasperated breath, Draco headed towards the tree and began thawing parts of the wood in order to extract it. When he got back to Ginny, she was lying on the ice-covered ground, holding her leg,

"Let's get out of here," He muttered as he grabbed her wrist and hauled her up and continued to drag her through the forest,

"Must we get out so fast? We got in fine enough at the pace we were at before," Ginny muttered defiantly,

"Do you want the creatures I turned into ice cubes to come after us once they've thawed?" Draco sneered, "They know our scent, they'll easily find us if we don't get out of here and frankly, I do not want to risk loosing the Elder Wood I just collected in order to fight off magical creatures you angered."

---

They had cut the time it took them to find the tree almost in half when they reached the castle doors, Draco dragging Ginny the entire way. He released his hold on her immediately and they entered the warmth of the castle.

"Malfoy-"

"What now?" He turned back, exhausted and exasperated.

She had opened the front of her robes and was looking down at her lower leg, her socks had slipped to her ankles on their trek back to the castle and her calf had turned a pale purple.

"Merlin's ghost, why didn't you say anything before?" He demanded,

"Every time I said something you'd get mad!" She defended as she cringed in pain and dropped to her left knee, holding her other leg.

"I did not get mad!" He replied before lowering his voice, "Damn it, you've been poisoned." He pulled her up quickly and she grimaced from the pain that shot through her leg. He pulled her towards the closest room and shut the door behind him. Casting silencing and locking charms, he pulled her to the centre of the abandoned classroom. It was void of any sign of cleaning, desks were pushed to the side and by the dust collecting on the floor it was obvious the classroom hadn't been used in well over a few years. "Sit," he pointed to a desk.

She did as she was told, gingerly trying not to hit her right leg in any way. Once she settled on the tabletop, her robe lying beneath her, she bent up her right leg,

"No, keep it straight, if you do that, the poison will spread faster. You want to keep the rest of your body higher than your leg," Draco instructed as he took off his robe and lit his wand. As he began rolling up the sleeves of his uniform, Ginny took off her school sweater, folded it and sat down on it, with her left leg curled beneath her. It wasn't much, but she was able to raise the rest of her body a few more inches higher than her right leg, which she now let hang over the edge of the desk.

"Why don't we just go to Madame Pomphrey?" Ginny asked as Draco began examining her leg.

"Time. And if you walk more, it'll cause the poison to spread faster," Draco explained distractedly,

"So you making me walk faster was a bad idea?" He glared at her then returned to his examinations.

"It's a slow enough poison that it didn't spread higher than your knee," Draco concluded, "but it should be taken out of your body before it does damage to your leg permanently."

"How are you going to do that?" Ginny asked slowly,

"Do you know what to do if you get bitten by a snake?" Draco inquired and she nodded slowly, eyes widening, "Same theory." He pulled out one of the jars Snape had supplied them with which he had not used (there was getting potion supplies, then there was being excessive), opened it and placed it on the ground. "Once I pull out the spike you were hit with, I'll have to start sucking out the poison so you don't lose any blood in the process," he suddenly looked up at her seriously and, for once, without contempt, "do you object?"

She shook her head, how else was she supposed to reply? Here she was sitting in an empty classroom in the middle of night with the archenemy of her brother and basically herself, and he was about to rid her body of poison but not before he asked for her consent. He nodded before returning to her leg,

"W-won't you get poisoned?"

"Not if I do this right," he said, "Trust me."

"That's the last thing I'll do," she repeated his words and he had to smirk at it, "But if I must."

"Ready?"

"Mhmm," she mumbled, closing her eyes tightly.

Quickly, he pulled out the cause of the poison and the spike turned out to be two inches long, more than half of it had lodged itself into her calf. Kneeling on the ground, he immediately put his lips to her leg and began to suck at the wound.

When he had a mouth full, he immediately spat it into the open jar, the poison was bitter and felt as if it were burning the inside of his mouth. However, after spitting out all the poison he held in his mouth, he returned to continue extracting the poison from her. In his mind, he kept concentrating on whatever wandless magic he had developed over the years and willed the poison to come to him. Again and again, he spat out more of the purple liquid and again and again, he continued to suck it out of her.

Inside her head, Ginny wasn't sure if she had fallen in the Forbidden Forest and what was happening was a dream. Malfoy didn't have to do this, he could have left her for dead and he wouldn't have any blame on him. But no, here he was, and he was basically saving her life.

Not if I do this right .

Saving her life and putting himself at risk. She had to admit that maybe Malfoy wasn't as bad as he used to be. Of course, she'd never voice that.

After what seemed to have been an eternity, Draco tasted something coppery enter his mouth. He spit the contents of his mouth into the jar and was relieved to see there was a streak of red in the jar before it dissolved into the purple.

"There, the poison's gone," Draco said in an exhausted tone as he tore off a piece of his uniform shirt and wrapped it tightly around her leg.

"Are you sure?" Ginny said, looking at him sceptically,

"Yes, I got some blood that last time," Draco said in a matter of fact tone as he sealed the jar and stood up, dusting himself off,

"But is that solid enough reason? You could've missed something, shouldn't you try one last time? If all you get is blood then-"

"NO!" He sighed. He had been more than a saint with her since bringing her to this room and he didn't need to be tempted to be a devil. "If you're that worried about it, you can go to the Hospital Wing."

After they had gathered their things and left the class room, Ginny paused before they parted ways; she going up to the Hospital Wing and Draco going down to Snape's classroom to leave the Elder Wood.

"Malfoy," she called after taking a few steps up the stairs,

He looked over his shoulder at her, pausing his descent,

"Thank you."

Once she disappeared from his sight, he leaned against the stairwell wall and closed his eyes. Out of habit he probably would have replied, but he couldn't. Not that night and not because she was a Weasley. He couldn't because she tempted the devil inside him that night. She tempted him and he wasn't sure how long he could fight his temptations.


(Phase 3: To Be Like Glass)

[OS] Method to my Madness

Readers, I'm pleased you all could make it. Although, I'm irked some of you are late. Detention for those who decided time is something that may be wasted. You lot shall be cleaning the cauldrons. Those who made it on time, I want a three foot essay on the potion for perfect hair grease. I thought it necessary I call you all here and explain some things since the release of the Half-Blood Prince blatantly displays me as a backstabbing jerk. I will prove that I did what I did because I had to.

Now, if you imbeciles have yet to discover who I am, I am Severus Snape. Since the beginning of the Potter books, you have all heard of how Albus Dumbledore has reasons why he trusts me, or, that is to say how he trusted me. It's easiest to explain my method by first revealing why the bumbling fool trusted me.

You, in the back! I see you attempting to leave! Move closer to that exit and I assure you, I'll send you to a place pinker and more dreadfully cute than Dolores Umbridge's office! Good, now back to my explanation.

It all began when I applied for the position of Defence Against the Arts teacher. Obviously, I had to prove my loyalty to the fool since the Dark Lord had fallen for the first time. So, I presented Dumbledore with a gift. He understood what pains I went through just to get a gift of what he would like most sincerely. You see, he has an odd taste and it takes a peculiar gift to sway him in my favour. So, I got him something he has always desired. By doing so, I proved the lengths I was willing to go in order to prove my loyalty.

I see you all attempting to wrap your minds around my story and guess what the gift was, however, I think it best I save its unveiling for later.

The moment I presented it to him, he accepted me into the Hogwarts staff. However, as you all know, the infuriating old man placed me to teach Potions instead. So, I took it silently and decided I would try again in due time.

So, each year I played by his rules and remained neutral to the rumours about the Dark Lord. And every year, Dumbledore reminded me of what I did to gain his trust. He was truly irksome during that annual time of year when he would mention that blasted gift. I should have smothered him with it rather than give it to him, but that would have ruined my chance to get in Hogwarts. So, when he referred to the gift, I'd nod absently and mutter some agreement that it was a shame no one else bothered to acquire such a gift for him. That would usually lead to him agreeing to my agreement and then he would continue about how that particular year was as peaceful as the last and that would lead to his wistful hope for the next year to be as peaceful. It was his way of saying: If you know something, this would be a good time to say it, if you don't want your gift of loyalty to go in vain.
Of course, for the first few years there was nothing, so I had nothing to say.

However, the year finally came when the infamous Boy-Who-Lived came to Hogwarts and I knew I would have some things to finally say to Dumbledore during those annual pre- New Year meetings. With Potter now at Hogwarts, I always had someone questioning my loyalty and if it wasn't Dumbledore, it was some interfering teacher mentioning that Dumbledore had his reasons for trusting me. The damn Potter brat made it so I was constantly being reminded of that damned gift.

It wasn't even that good of a gift! Just proves how much of goody Dumbledore was; gave me all the reason more to do what I did. Made it all the easier, too!

When the Dark Lord returned to power, I knew the time would come when Dumbledore saw his error in trusting me. Of course, in the beginning I was earnest, I was some-what loyal, but he had to spark my ire and constantly remind me of the gift. The night Narcissa Black came to me to assure if Draco could not kill Dumbledore and that I would, was truly a blessing. I'd be able to finish Dumbledore and his reminders of that exasperating gift! That is, if my godson couldn't do it. However, I knew Draco could not. For all the evil in him, he is not Lucius and, at the time, wasn't ready to kill on command. He doesn't have the steal resolve need to do the Dark Lord's bidding. So, with the inevitability of my chance to kill Dumbledore, I was quite happy. I'm sure you readers realized how kinder of a teacher I was that year. Finally receiving the Defence Against the Dark Arts position just sent me off the edge! I had to treat myself to a new hair grease potion. Oh yes, that year promised to be a good one indeed.

Well, I'm sure you all remember what happened that year and readers, now you all see. It began with the gift, I suppose you could say. It began with the gift and it ended because of the gift. Remove those criticizing expressions! I know you are all thinking it's my fault I gave that particular gift, but there was nothing else to prove myself. If there had been something else I could have given, I would have, but there was nothing else! And, if it was something else, I wouldn't have minded so much the reminders of such a gift, but it wasn't something else. It was a most horrid thing I never would have intentionally bought him if it were not his bloody preference for the thing! So you see, it was Dumbledore's own fault that I had to kill him. I did what I did because he drove me to do so!

Oh, and what was the gift? I thought I already mentioned it. If I hadn't, I thought at least one of you had enough intellect to assume what the gift was. Merlin's ghost, you lot are almost as bad as the sorry sods I have had to teach at Hogwarts.

The gift was what I hate most in this world: Socks.

[OS] Hidden Within One's Heart

Moonlight...looking up and seeing the moon always reminds me of Lupin.

There was a warm summer breeze which passed through the open window of the flat. The wind felt oldly cool against her skin which was saturated in sweat due to the humidity of the night. The velvety, dark sky was sprinkled with little lights forming patterns and swirls, all dimly shining upon the earth. The full moon, in all its beauty sent both a wave of tranquility and horror through her body.

I wonder where he is right now. Is he locked up in his home again? Aware from all those vulnerable to him? The answer is no... He's not far away, he's close to all those he held dear and who hold him dear in return.

She sighed heavily as the thought of the previous Hogwarts Professor, friend, advisor, confidante and ally brought tears to her eyes. Suddenly she heard a pop come from behind her and so she turned around instinctively to see one of her best friends.

"I knew you'd take long." She said softly as he approached her.

"Hermione, of course you know. Sorry it took awhile, needed to find this morning's newspaper." He offered a smile as he pulled lightly on the collar of his t-shirt as he tried to allow some ventilation to his torso. "Do you think he's there again?"

"Ron, when is he not there? He probably left a half hour ago." She explained as she began to pull her hair up and clip it back. Hermione hated her hair during these humid, summer nights and thanked Merlin she was wise enough to just wear a simple tank top and pair of shorts. She didn't dare wonder how Ron could stand being in a t-shirt and jeans on such a night.

"Shall we go then?" Ron suggested, although the answer always came the same.

"Of course."

***

They apparated to the gates outside of Hogwarts' grounds and as they opened the gates, slipped in. The grass was slightly yellow and dry considering they'd been having a slight drought for some time now. The castle, however, looked like it did their First Year. Its regal towers casting long shadows across the grounds. It looked the same, except for the unsettling fact that no lights were present in the windows, not even a flicker of a candle. That's how the castle was lately.

Days. That's how short a time ago it had been since the war had ended. It seemed to have ended immediately after Voldemort crumbled to the ground in debris and the debris had turned to dust. The casualties of creature, adult and student alike were in the ten thousands and the memories of the war itself would be forever etched in those who were present to watch it all take place.
One thing slightly off about the grounds, was that near the castle, where Hagrid's hut stood was a plot of land where a few white crosses stood. Professor Flitwick stood strong behind his promise to build a cemetary as a memorial to all those who had perished in the war. He also made it very clear that the late Gamekeeper's hut was to be sealed in perfect condition, never to be altered again in honour of Rubeus Hagrid's bravery within the war.

They headed straight towards the beginnings of the cemetary, as they always did, and knelt down before the five crosses already planted. Bowing their heads in respect, they remembered the names written across the crosses: Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Rubeus Hagrid, Argus Filch and Celestia Sinistra.
After a moment, they continued this nightly ritual. Ron got to his feet and soon after, helped Hermione to her own. In silence, they made their way towards the stone steps leading to the main enterance of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. As expected, they found two figures by the steps. The smaller of the two sitting on the steps, while the other stood beside as they conversed.

"It isn't fair they died and I got to live," the smaller one said quietly as they approached.

The other one looked down at his companion and couldn't help but feel a silent understanding between them. This conversation happened every night since the war ended.
"It isn't fair that anyone had to die," He replied, hoping his tone didn't represent pity because he knew the last thing the boy needed, was pity from a man he had loathed for years.

"If anyone should have died, it should have been me," the boy sighed.

The older looked up as usually and saw Hermione and Ron standing there, waiting for the conversation to end; it always ended and it was always the same.

"It isn't healthy for you to come here night after night, Potter." He said finally, "They wouldn't want you to hate yourself for what happened. All they want is to be remembered and that's all we can give them."

"How is remembering them even compare to the amount of debt owed to their sacrifices?" Harry questioned,

"Remembering them keeps them alive in us all. It is in that, that we make peace with them. Your friends are here," and then, out of the ordinary, he ended the conversation in a slightly different fashion from before. "Goodbye, Harry."

He had always said goodbye, always. Why was it now different? The mere fact that this man had called him by his first name, made all the difference. His action suggested respect for the boy and an understanding between them that no one would ever understand. However, it also suggested finality in which this man didn't expect the boy to return the next night and continue this ritual. No, he felt the boy knew it was time to move on from the war, learn from the mistakes made in the past and help to build a, hopefully, stronger Magical Community.

"Goodbye, Professor Snape." Harry replied as usually although he registered the strange act Snape had preformed.

Snape raised an eyebrow at the sudden revelation that Harry had altered his farewell as well, instead of calling him 'Mr. Snape' as usual, he had called him 'Professor'. What had led the boy to say such a thing when he had graduated Hogwarts two weeks prior to the war? They locked gazes as a silent bond formed between them, sealing their common feelings and thoughts forever. He thought it better to not correct his former pupil in his mistake. Bringing his attention to the two other people present, he greeted them as always before walking up the steps and slipping into the dark castle.

Quiet still, Hermione and Ron sat on either side of Harry as he not dare look at them. This was the part which did not always stay the same every night. The conversation between the infamous trio always changed night after night.

"Did you see what they said in the Daily Prophet?" Harry broke the awkward silence between him and his two best friends.

Ron took out the folded newspaper from his jeans pocket and unfolded it for all to read, he knew they'd be talking about it. "The headline says it all, huh?"

Hermione cleared her throat as she began to read it, however, Harry read over her, without looking up at the paper.

"Another account on how Harry Potter bravely saves the day," Harry droned on as if he were stating the weather. He accentuated 'bravely' as he finally looked up at the newspaper. "How would they know what it's like to save the day? How would they know how it feels to save the day?"

"That's the thing," Hermione replied, "they don't."

Harry turned to her and offered a smile, "Seems you three are the only ones who seem to understand."

Ron shook his head, "Everyone who fought understands."

"I mean, understands me," Harry corrected himself,

"Snape seems to understand you pretty well," Ron concluded as he looked back at the closed doors of the castle, "How is he?"

"Well, when I mentioned the nightmares, he says he gets them too. If he didn't, he wouldn't say it, right?" Harry said, "So he must be getting nightmares still."

"It's been six days, all of us are still having nightmares," Hermione suggested, "I know I am." She shuddered as memories of fighting on the grounds by the gates lay fresh in her memory.

"I certainly do," Ron nodded in agreement as he remembered clearly the duels he fought on the boarder line of the Forbidden Forest and Hogwarts grounds.

"Every night I remember that oddly calm expression on Dumbledore's face when Voldemort killed him. It's like, he was ready to die. Ready for Voldemort to attack him with the killing curse and actually make contact," Harry explained as he looked up at the sky. He felt tears stinging his eyes and before he realized it, memories of the battle which he kept at bay, came flooding to his mind and he began to cry uncontrollably.

Hermione pulled him to her and hugged him as his head lay in the crook of her neck. Ron moved closer as he placed his hand on Harry's shoulder. Although the gesture itself seemed insignificant to the obvious comfort Hermione gave him, Ron knew that his hand on Harry's shoulder was a great deal of comfort. In times during Hogwarts when Harry was strong for Ron, this was Ron's chance to return the favour - with this gesture - and be strong for Harry.

"Every morning the papers say the same Harry our Hero' or Strong of Heart, Strong Hero' or another idiotic headline." Harry continued as he finally began to settle down and Hermione released him from her embrace. "They send all praises to me, yet barely mention those who fought as well. You two were there fighting as well and by my side when I fought Voldemort."

Hermione and Ron nodded as they remembered-

---

-Both Hermione and Ron didn't know how they knew, but in their hearts they knew they had to go to Harry. He had been facing off with Voldemort at the base of what was left of the Astronomy tower. They tried desperately to finish their battles in order to go to Harry.

Ron sent one final spell to Theodore Nott and he dropped unconscious to the ground. Without hesitation, Ron jumped over Nott and struggled to run to Harry with his presently injured knee.

Hermione caught sight of Ron running across the grounds in a distance and was nearly nicked by a hex because of it. She tumbled out of the way and sent a curse in the Death Eater's direction when she was upright again. The Death Eater stumbled backwards, giving Hermione enough time to get to her feet. The Death Eater sent another curse at Hermione, only to feel herself be plummeted to the ground. She looked up at her savior who was standing already and sending hexes and curses at the Death Eater.

"Draco?" Hermione began,

"Granger- Hermione, we don't have time for greetings. I saw Weasley running across the grounds too," Draco said as he ducked and sent rocks towards the Death Eater. One of the bigger rocks hit him in the head and the Death Eater collapsed to the ground. "If Potter needs you, go! I'll cover this area."

"Thanks," Hermione said slowly,

"Yes, yes, we can go through this after the war. Now go!" Draco demanded as he sprinted off to fight a suddenly recovering Vincent Crabbe.

Immediately, Hermione began to run towards the base of the Astronomy tower and when she got there, Ron was helping Harry and Dumbledore fight off Voldemort. She was about to help when Voldemort sent a wave of magic toppling over Ron, Harry and Hermione. Dumbledore was easily able to keep balance, however, Voldemort sent the curse at Dumbledore who had been standing in front of the fallen trio to ensure their safety. To all of their horror, Dumbledore fell backwards onto the ground as lifeless as he was lively just moments ago. Suddenly, a possessed expression overcame Harry and he began an incantation he knew he'd have to perform in order to defeat Voldemort.

Point his wand at Voldemort, Harry said the incantation in a confident and clear voice. Voldemort tried to counter, shield himself, anything to stop Harry, however, he was frozen in place because of the first few words of the incantation Harry had already said. Harry felt his wand tremble as he felt the Phoenix tail within being drawn to its brother in Voldemort's wand. As he continued the spell, he saw Voldemort's powers and strength being drained and felt his own slowly leaving his body. Seeing that he was beginning to stumble, Ron and Hermione supported him. Suddenly, Voldemort screamed as a green light slashed its way through his body. His scream echoed as his limbs and torso fell to the ground in pieces and eventually disintegrate to dust-

---

"They do mention us, Harry," Hermione insisted, "So don't feel bad that the spotlight's on you. You were the only one able to defeat him after all."

"They don't have a right to write me in such a light that makes it seem like I was fearless, as if I fought courageously," Harry argued.

"You did fight courageously Harry, I'd probably be dying of anxiety if I had to do what you did- six times," Ron admitted,

"But that's the thing Ron," Harry began, "I was –"

"Dying inside," Hermione and Ron finished in unison,

"Harry, we know," Hermione said,

"But they don't know that," Ron explained.

"Will they ever?" Harry questioned although all three knew the negative answer to that question.

---

-Harry felt his head spinning as the last few events of Voldemort's demise replayed in his head millions of times per second. He felt his knees cave and after falling an inch, Hermione and Ron pulled him up strongly. He leaned on their support for a few seconds before standing on his feet and crumbling once again.

"Harry, let us help you," Ron said as he hauled Harry to his feet, "You can't walk in your condition."

"I can walk fine Ron," Harry insisted stubbornly as he attempted walking, only to falter.

Hermione caught his arm quickly and struggled to pull him up straight, "Obviously you can't. So stop being stubborn and let us help you. You've let us helped you in the past, Harry."

"Yes, so don't deny us the chance to help you now," Ron added.

"You did it," Hermione offered a smile, "You were so brave."

"No, I was trembling the entire time," Harry argued, "I don't think you could tell, but inside- I was dying. When this war started four weeks ago, I was dying inside just knowing what I had to do in order to end this stupid war."

"Well mate, no matter what you were feeling, you did it." Ron also offered his infamous grin.

"Help me to Dumbledore," Harry said and without question, they slowly moved towards Dumbledore.

As they stopped before the late, great Headmaster, Harry let go of Hermione's arm and began to kneel down with the assistance of Ron. They stood on either side of him as they bowed their heads in respect. All was quiet around them until Ron and Hermione felt violent shaking between them. They both looked down and found it was Harry-

---

"You know, ever since I entered Hogwarts, all I ever heard was the Boy who lived' or the story of how Sirius supposedly betrayed my parents to Voldemort and Voldemort killing them. Everyone's always said their condolences about my parents, even now I get owls saying their condolences that my parents are dead and couldn't be here to witness it all," Harry paused and saw both his friends listening intently. He smiled inwardly knowing his friends would always understand. "None of them realize what it's like to grow up in that situation. Then it seems like all my life they've been preparing us for battle, me especially. Lupin, Moody, the Order- they were there to train us- me. They were molding me into a soldier for the light. A soldier against Voldemort."

"They were only helping you to help yourself in protection. They and everyone knew how Voldemort was after you and you fresh from the muggle world was simply vulnerable to Voldemort," Hermione explained.

"You don't get it," Harry sighed as he thought of a way to explain himself more clearly.

"He means that even though they were helping him in a physical sense, they weren't really doing anything for his emotional self," Ron said matter-of-factly.

Hermione nodded in understanding as Harry explained further, "Sure they pounded hexes, curses and jinxes into me until I excelled in Dark Arts. They prepared me for battle, but what they failed to do was prepare my mind for what was to come. They forgot to prepare me for death and killing and what effect it'd have on me. You both remember what happened-"

---

-Both Ron and Hermione knelt down beside Harry as he continued to shake violently as streams of tears poured from his eyes. Immediately, as if by instinct, Hermione pulled him to her and he laid his head in the nook of her neck. Ron put an arm around his shoulders as Harry allowed himself to cry so violently and so freely in years.

Tonks and Kingsley found them a few minutes later and suggested they go to their common room. When Harry began to shake his head negatively in an attempt to argue with the two Aurors, Tonks assured him that everything would be taken care of and he should go into the castle.

What he wasn't aware of was that Tonks and Kingsley empathized with Harry. They knew seeing Dumbledore's death was enough to thoroughly shake him, but with Voldemort's demise atop of that was too much. Both wouldn't dare even imagining Harry's reaction in seeing the bloodshed and dead bodies throughout Hogwarts and Hogsmeade as well, where the battles first began before reaching the castle grounds.

Too upset to argue further, Harry allowed Ron and Hermione to help him into the castle. Once in their common room, Harry collapsed onto the couch, still violently shaking with tears pouring from his eyes, but his sobs were silent now. Harry was only able to mutter another sentence before breaking down again.

"I-I murdered-"

---

Harry lowered his head into his hands as he felt familiar tears sting his eyes. Ron swung his arm across his shoulders,

"C'mon mate, I think it's time we bring you home." Ron suggested as he lifted Harry to his feet.

Harry merely nodded in silent agreement. They began to walk away from the castle before Harry stopped. He looked back at the castle and Ron and Hermione followed his gaze. There atop the turret of the western tower was a figure who's features were hidden with the moon at its back. But Harry knew who it was, they all did. Harry waved farewell and the figure nodded in acknowledgement. As they turned their backs and continued for the gates, they missed the small wave their previous teacher of Potions at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, Professor Severus Snape, sent their way.

***

Hermione closed the bedroom door behind them as they heard the soft snores coming from Harry's finally dormant body. After another hour of talking, he had finally fallen asleep. Together, she and Ron walked to Harry's flat's living room. Hermione walked over to the open window she had opened when she first arrived there hours ago, and closed it. She turned to face Ron who was already sitting on the couch. She walked over and sat beside him. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders as she clung to his side.

"Do you think we should go across the hall to our flat?" Hermione asked,

"I think it'd be best we stay here just in case," Ron answered.

"Harry's right about the soldier remark you know," Hermione said suddenly as she replayed their conversation in her mind,

"Do tell," Ron offered as he leaned his head against hers,

"Well, they equipped Harry with all the spells he could possibly need in duel against anyone, yet they forgot the fact that inside all of that armor of spells is still a child. He didn't deserve to have all of that pressure placed on him since his parents' death," Hermione explained quietly.

"I know. The media and paparazzi have no idea what Harry's been through," Ron sighed heavily, "and that's the problem. They send their condolences and thank-you wishes without truly knowing. They don't understand Harry the way we do. All the pain he's been through, all the stress and turmoil- it's all hidden-within ones heart."

End.