𝐀 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐓 𝐒𝐎 𝐑𝐀𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐎𝐔𝐒

Chapter 12

Chapter Number/Total: 12/44
Chapter Title: Toward Reconciliation

"Reconciliation should be accompanied by justice, otherwise it will not last. While we all hope for peace it shouldn't be peace at any cost but peace based on principle, on justice." – Corazon Aquino

Harry didn't know what it was that made it seem like an entire year had gone by in the blink of an eye, but it had. It had passed faster than a professional Quidditch player on the latest broomstick. He couldn't believe it was already the anniversary of the downfall of Lord Voldemort.

Magazines and newspapers did nothing but print stories and articles on the matter. The radio was a constant broadcast of what was like a belated commentary for the events of the war, and Harry wasn't left out of the mess. He'd received letters and requests for his appearance at a great many memorial services. He might've gone to some of them, but honestly, he was still nervous to be without Draco, and Draco was nervous about being in public, and those events would be very public indeed. So they mostly kept to themselves, as they had been doing.

But then there was another event, one that Harry had been reminded of when he received thanks in the post for his generous donations to the portrait gallery in London, the one to which Narcissa had also given. It had nearly escaped him completely. The thank you letter had also invited him to the private opening the weekend before it actually opened to the entire public. Family and friends of those lost in battle and generous donors were attending. It really was something he wanted to see, and something he wanted to share with Teddy who would be able to see his parents, even if he might not know exactly who they were.

Since it was going to be more private, and since his mother was also going to be attending, Draco wanted to come too. Harry was happy, as he wouldn't have gone without the other man.

When opening day came around, which was a Friday in the month of May, Harry and Draco Flooed to the address they had been given in the letter. Upon arrival, Harry realised that, though it was 'private,' there were still quite a lot of people there – people all talking with echoing voices in a huge hall-like room. It reminded Harry of an entrance into a museum, which he supposed it was. He looked at Draco and took his hand tightly, moving with him out of the path of the fireplace in which they had appeared.

Draco had to remember to breathe. It had been three months since the attack, but he hadn't been anywhere near more than a handful of people since then, and only out of Grimmauld Place a few times. Now he was in a huge hall with what felt like a large crowd. He usually didn't do public displays, but at this moment he was hanging on tightly to Harry's hand.

A tall man in smart, black dress robes approached them, holding a tray of what looked like champagne. By the look on his face, he knew exactly who they were, but he didn't say so. Harry held Draco's hand even tighter.

"Something to drink?" the man asked, inclining his head.

Draco glanced at Harry, finding himself almost afraid to answer. This is ridiculous, he told himself. He was acting like a coward.

"Er, okay," Harry said, reaching for a glass, since it seemed everyone around had one. He couldn't take Draco's though, because he wasn't willing to let go of him.

Draco gritted his teeth and reached for a glass as well, pleased that his hand barely trembled. The man nodded to them again, and then left to deliver drinks to some other guests.

"Okay," Harry said quietly, both to himself and to Draco. He scanned the crowd, looking for a familiar face.

Draco looked around and spotted his mother. She was standing with Minister Shacklebolt. He squeezed his lover's hand and nodded in their direction.