The Journey

19. Halfway

The days flew by, and the more Harry forgave people, the more his heart grew lighter.  The more his friends missed him, and he couldn't wait to get back.  The longer he was away from them, the more he received letters.  Letters from everyone, including some of the staff.  He was ecstatic.  So much love in their words, and he was grateful.

The snake, who he had decided to name Sienna, was more talkative than not on some days, and Harry was pleased that he had at least some form of company.  When they were both silent, although neither of them knew it, they were both thinking about the same thing.  Draco.  The snake had decided to tell Harry what and who he was, and how he had come to be in the box.

He was a gift to his mother.  James Potter had purchased him from a traveler, claiming that the snake had powers to keep his owner safe.  Lily Potter had instantly fallen in love with the ring, and her husband put it on her finger, promising a future filled with love, safety and happiness.  They had an argument one night, because nobody's marriage is perfect, and in a fit of anger, Lily had thrown the ring across the room.

After her and James had made up, he gave her the ring again, and she said no.  She wanted to put the ring away saying that she wanted her son to always be safe.  She made the ultimate sacrifice that night when Voldemort showed up at her door, by giving her life, and by placing the ring in the box and making the snake swear that he had to find Harry, if he were to survive, and keep him and his loved ones safe.  Always.  The snake had agreed to do this, knowing that he couldn't refuse her wish, and that he couldn't stop the inevitable.

He had reached out in a way, having the box find it's way to the Dursleys, hoping that Harry and he would find each other.  But the box was hidden away until just recently.  If they had given the box to Harry sooner, he would have been kept safe and would probably not have had to even stay there.  They also tried on many occasions to open the box, but Sienna prohibited it.  Magic was indeed a wonderful thing.

Harry was floored!  He asked what the argument had been about, and the snake said that it was because someone had looked at Lily with lust and James was quite possessive.  Harry could relate, because even though he had never touched Draco, the thought of anyone else doing it, drove him wild.  He would allow no such thing.  

And the days went on, where he visited many places, forgave many people, and the letter he was waiting for, finally arrived.

He had been gone for 16 days.

Dear Harry

Of course it's a Slytherin thing!  And here I thought you were completely useless :)

You think I'm beautiful?  You don't know how long I have wanted to hear those words from your lips.  And no, I am not offended, more blown away actually.  I noticed you staring, but at the time thought you were just glaring at me, in hatred.  What a revelation to know that was never the case.  If anyone is beautiful, it's you Harry.  Your soul and your whole being, lights up a room when you enter.  That is power.

I said in my last letter that there was something I needed to tell you.  I have also wanted to get to know you better (!). Since fourth year, so I win!  Seriously, it's not something I can control, and I wouldn't want to.  What I feel for you, can only be described as adoration, I will not put any other name to it.  Yet.

Snape has told us, and he has shown us a memory.  Gods Harry, none of us knew.  I am so sorry for being such a prat to you.  When you come back, we can talk in length about how sorry I really am.  I just hope that for the moment you believe me.  

Ron almost swallowed his tongue when I told him what you said.  And no, I haven't told anyone about my feelings, but our friends are not stupid.  Especially Pansy and Hermoine.  Smart witches, both of them, so I'm pretty sure they suspect something.  The blokes are dumb as shit though.

I have given your love to everyone, but kept a bit back for myself :)  Hope that's okay.

I will figure it out you know.  Down day - look up.  I mean really!!

Please hurry back Harry, you have been gone too long, and we all miss you like crazy.

from 

Draco

Harry wept with tears of joy.  He was turning into a right sentimental sap, crying all the time.  But he knew his tears were happy ones.  He vowed he would finish crying and that would be the end of his tears.  No more sadness, no more tears, and he would hurry up and go home.  Home to Hogwarts, home to Draco.  Gods, he was in heaven.  Draco had feelings for him too.  Harry, walking away from the war as a man, refused to believe that anything else could be deciphered from the letter.  He was taking everything to be positive and good.  

Adoration, beautiful, love everything.  He was halfway there, knowing that he had to keep pushing forward, and praying that it would be over soon.  Feeling as he was, it wasn't going to be long before that happened.  Just a few more stops, and then he would leave.  He had also decided not to tell anyone when he would be leaving.  Just show up and surprise them.

He sent replies to all his letters, paying careful attention to Draco's, and let his heart and his feelings flow into the words.  Ending it yet again, with the words, If you are having a down day, look up.  Draco would know exactly what those meant when the time was right.