Through The Fire

New Life

Harry sat down heavily at one of the long tables in the Great Hall as morning dawned. He had no idea which house table it was, and didn't particularly care. All around him people were grieving.

The final stand off with Voldemort had consumed so much of Harry's attention that he'd missed a lot elsewhere on the battlefield. It was devastating to see such pain on the faces of his loved ones.

Parvati had sadly followed her sister in death. She'd been wild and reckless in her overwhelming sorrow, taking a killing curse when she'd separated from the pack to avenge Padma.

Daphne Greengrass, Adrien Pucey, Micheal Corner, Katie Bell, Cho Chang and more... All dead.

Ron approached slowly, his face twisted with grief and something Harry wasn't certain of. "We have a problem," he said tersely.

"What's wrong?" Harry asked, wincing as his head throbbed. From the corner of his eye, he saw Draco look over. The blond had been sitting and talking quietly with his parents but excused himself to go to Harry.

"Percy is the one who told the Death Eaters your plan," Ron admitted, his fists clenched at his sides. "I'm sorry Alphas."

"You have nothing to apologize for," Draco said sharply. "Where is he? Was he at the battle?"

Ron sighed, motioning behind him. Percy was walking toward them with his head down, followed closely by his, parents, Ginny and the twins.

Draco opened his mouth to demand answers but stopped when Harry squeezed his hand gently. He scowled and folded his arms irritably.

"Why would you betray us?" Harry asked, his tone so hurt that Percy winced while Molly sniffled.

"My supervisor was working with the Death Eaters," Percy said quietly. "I didn't realize until to late. They came in and used the cruciatus curse over and over, saying that they'd do worse to my family and Penelope if I didn't give them information."

"Nobody did anything to dad," Ron snapped, "and his office is only one floor up from yours."

Percy sighed, obviously troubled. "Maybe they realized that they'd never get anything out of dad," he muttered. "I'm the weakest link in the chain and they took advantage." He swallowed hard, meeting Harry's gaze. "I was afraid and clearly not strong enough to resist. I just wanted my family and girlfriend to be safe. I'm so sorry Harry," he said, barely above a whisper as tears spilled over.

"You could have gotten them killed," Draco hissed furiously. "People died last night. Good people with families." Before he could continue, Harry tugged him closer and rested a calming hand on the blond's hip.

"He saved me from a curse," George said helpfully.

"He did," Fred agreed. "He fought as hard as anybody out there. It doesn't change what he did but..."

Harry sighed, considering Percy. "I cannot trust you Percy," he said sadly. "But I can understand being afraid for the people you love. I just wish you could have trusted us enough to help you."

"I know," Percy nodded dejectedly. "I got so caught up in my job and-"

"I can forgive this mistake Percy," Harry told him gently, shocking everyone. "Fear can make you do things you wouldn't usually do."

"Harry," Draco objected, "he betrayed us."

"He made a mistake and gave sensitive information to the enemy after being tortured," Harry corrected. "Your own father was a Death Eater for years, and yet he sits among our allies."

Draco stilled, glancing over to where his father and mother sat. They were rather stiff in their seats, taking in the scene with wide eyes.

Of course Harry was right. Wonderful Harry, who always seemed so eager to show mercy whenever he could. Draco couldn't help but wonder how he could have been destined for someone that was just so good, certain that he didn't deserve someone so selfless and amazing. Draco had his father back thanks to Harry's forgiveness and willingness to welcome Lucius into their group.