Everything Remains

Chapter 22- Do it Now, Remember it Later

"Explain this to me again... you did WHAT to Draco?" McGonagal had arrived in the hospital wing, asking for answers in between picking up her jaw off the floor. 
"So... we had researched a lot in the library, professor. We came across a very old curse that was somewhat similar to what was happening with Draco..." Hermione fidgeted with her hands, looking around at all the professors that had come to see what the "Golden Trio" had done this time. 
"And?? How does that lead to Draco being completely cured and black sludge sprayed all over the room?" McGonagal scoffed, looking around at the mess. 
"We... we figured out that the curse was a very specific one. One connected completely to Bellatrix and the Black family. We put that information together with the fact that the curse was acting somewhat like a horcrux, but not fully. And.... it worked?" Hermione shrugged, as if to say that their plan wasn't absolutely insane. 
"So you took this information and decided to carve into Mr. Malfoy with a highly toxic basilisk fang?" Professor Slughorn added in, looking as incredulous as McGonagal. "My word, Harry, you're lucky this didn't kill him instead!" 

"We know that. We know it sounds insane. But it was the only thing that seemed crazy enough to work. And it did! He is healed. We knew we had to think crazy if we were going to beat Bellatrix at her own game. Have you ever met her?" Harry said matter-of-factly, exasperation also edging his voice. 
"Look, we all know this was crazy, but I allowed them to do it. They had my consent. I knew that if we didn't try something else, I was going to die. I could feel it within me..." Draco piped up, looking forlornly at the group of professors. 
"Oh, come now! These four have found a completely unheard of cure to a completely unheard of curse. We should be writing the Daily Prophet and getting their information for St. Mungo's!" Hagrid chimed in, walking further into the room to stand by the four students. "Blimey, if it's not saving the entire wizarding world for seven years straight, you also have come up with a cure to something not even the cursebreakers could break!" Hagrid patted Harry on the shoulder and ruffled his hair. 

"I.. I suppose you are right, Rubeus. Although it was undoubtedly risky, incredibly dangerous, and frankly the wildest plan I've heard in awhile, they did do something remarkable. Something that the wizarding world hasn't seen yet. I'll confer with the Minister and St. Mungo's. This could save other wizards and witches in the future." Professor McGonagal ushered the Professors to the corner of the room to make plans. "Horace, could you get a sample of that black goo so we can evaluate it?" 
"Why yes. I have a vial right here." Professor Slughorn dipped down to the black splatters on the ground and scooped up some into his glass container. "It will be fascinating to see what this truly is, what the properties are." Slughorn said, almost gleeful. That man does love his rarities. 

As the professors discussed the next steps and Mr. Filch began to mop up the scene, Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Draco had a 'meeting' of their own. 
"You all, I can't even begin to thank you for what you've done. You never gave up on me. Not only during the war, but now. You saved my life more times than I can possibly count. I'm indebted to you forever." Draco looked at the 'Golden Trio', smiling shyly. 
"Draco, of course we saved you. And we will keep saving you. Although, I hope we never have to again." Harry said, rubbing circles on Draco's back. 
"No, seriously Harry. I know I have a lot to make up for. And you all never HAD to help me. You always did anyways, despite how I treated you. Despite how difficult I made it to WANT to. Hermione, with your insanely talented brain. Ron, with your loyalty and great ideas. And Harry, with your insistence of never letting me slip too far into the wrong side. I can never thank you enough." Draco had tears welling in his eyes, threatening to spill out at any moment. 
Without saying a word, Hermione burst into tears and smothered Draco with a crushing hug. 
Ron ran his fingers through her hair in a soothing way, smiling at her display of emotions. 
"I mean, if you would have told me a year ago that I would be friends with Draco Malfoy, and saving his arse yet again? I would have told you you were mad. But I'm glad to say that you have changed for the better. And we are a family now. Always will be, mate." Ron said to Draco, holding Hermione's hand when she finally let go of Draco's neck. 

"GET OUT OF MY WAY! LET ME THROUGH!" a harsh, deep voice cut through the good feelings quickly. As everyone turned to the doors, a peek of ice-white long hair and black robes cut through the group. "WHERE IS MY SON?". None other that Lucius Malfoy was striding through the hospital wing, serpent cane in hand. Narcissa trailing behind him quietly. 
Lucius' eyes flattened to slits upon the sight of Harry, Ron, and Hermione standing by Draco's bed. "YOU THREE. Get AWAY from Draco. NOW!" Lucius used his cane to separate the three from Draco's side. 
"FATHER, no! Don't act that way towards them!" Draco replied, pushing up off the bed to stand. 
"What nonsense is this? What are they doing here? Draco, answer me!" Lucius' eyes face was the reddest anyone had ever seen it. "Did they do this to you?!" 
"You know that they didn't. You know that Auntie did this to me. They SAVED me." Draco retorted, getting closer to Lucius' face. 
"That is preposterous. Our own blood? She would never harm you. Stop with the obvious lies, Draco." Lucius glared deeply at Draco, his stare could cut glass. 
"Lucius. I suggest you calm down at once, or we will have to remove you." McGonagal appeared, silently ordering Lucius to back down. 
"Ya, Lucius. It wouldn't kill ya to thank the people who saved your kid's life!" Hagrid boomed, getting angry that Lucius would act like this towards his kids. 
"Draco, is this true? Did they really save you?" Narcissa came forward, holding onto Draco's shoulders. 
"Yes, mother. They worked around the clock to find a cure for me. They did what no one else could." 
Narcissa turned towards Lucius. "Apologize for your behaviors. They have given us the gift of our son. More than once." 
Lucius scowled, upturning his mouth into a snarl. "I apologize for my actions. How is it that you figured out how to cure him?" he said with feigned interest. 

Hermione gave them the rundown, pausing when recounting the use of the Black Family motto, to really hone in on the damage done by Draco's own blood. 
"I thank you three for not giving up and for finding a way to save him. We are indebted to you." Narcissa addressed Harry, Ron, and Hermione. 
Narcissa turned to McGonagal. "We wish to take him home for a few days to rest. I'm sure you understand?" 
"Yes. That will be fine. Let us know if there is anything else we can do." McGonagal addressed her curtly. 
The professors, elder Malfoys, and Ron and Hermione left the hospital wing, beginning the descent to their respective classrooms. 
"Do you really have to go?" Harry sat on the bed by Draco, pulling him down with him. 
"Yes. It'll only be for a few days, darling. I'll be back before you know it." Draco reached around Harry's neck and pulled him to his lips. His kiss was gently at first, deepening as they silently said goodbye. 
"Please come back early. I don't want to be without you." 
"I'll try. You know how crazy my family can be. But you know... maybe I'll tell them about us. If it goes badly, it'll give me an excuse to come back early anyways." Draco chuckled, half joking.
"Will you really?! I don't know if that's a great idea. I would like to continue being alive..." Harry starting biting his lip in anxiousness. 
"They're going to have to know someday. And if they want their precious boy in their life, they will learn to accept it. I'm never going to be without you again, as long as you'll have me." 
Harry's eyes watered as he smiled. "What about an heir? Won't they be furious?" 
"It's about time we stop this bloodline anyways. They need to learn that blood status means nothing, like I have." 
Harry kissed Draco again, his love flowing forth and pouring into him. 
"I love you. Will you write me?" 
"Yes, love. Sirius needs to get out of the owlery anyways." Draco smiled, holding Harry close. 

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