Story Time (Drarry)

Possibilities

Harry sighed. The pub he had found himself in was bustling, people dancing laughing and generally having fun. Not the place Harry wanted to be. The pub itself wasn't the problem, with its cheery atmosphere and wonderfully priced beverages, it was Harry's mood that put a damper on his evening. Dragging himself off the bar stool he skirted the edge of the dance floor declining a dance from  a particular colorful young man. Harry wasn't in the mood.

Harry made his way outside savoring the bite of the wind on his face and lifting his face to falling snow. Coming back here was a mistake. Nothing but bad memories rested here in Godric's Hollow, nothing but a ghost of a possibility long forgotten. 

Harry followed the rows of cottages down the lane hoping he would find a happy home where he knew nothing but sorrow lay. Harry watched the facade of the small cottage slip away replaced by the wreckage of the place that should have been his home. Harry gently rested his hand on the front gate needing to hold some part of the life that was stolen from him. The life he should have had.

His touch activated the small signpost littered with magical graffiti. Last time Harry had visited the sign was filled with messages of hope and support now they were filled with gratitude and praise. Harry let go of the gate turning from it. He felt sick. maybe he should go back to the pub and drink his sorrows away.

Harry started back down the street leaving footprints in the freshly fallen snow. Harry walked to the center of the square watching the war memorial change to the statue of baby Harry and his parent. He freezes.

Cradled in his mothers arms someone had placed a small golden crown on baby Harry's head. Harry turned away. Bitter thoughts racing through his head. Harry couldn't help but feel unworthy. All he had done was let people die for him. Sirius, Lupin, Tonks, his parents. Too many people. Harry's vision blurred and he found himself turning away from the light towards the dark cold graveyard behind the church. 

The wind whispered through the trees the snow muffling Harry's footsteps as he made his way to his parent's graves. Passing by grave after grave Harry paused, someone was already standing in front of his parents graves. Harry recognized the slim figure of Draco Malfoy his pale blonde hair dusted with freshly fallen snow. Harry paused for a second watching as he watched Draco bend down and place a small bouquet of flowers on their grave.

Harry slowly walked up and stood next to Draco close but not touching. 

"What are you doing here?" Harry whispered into the silence. 

Draco turned slightly but wasn't startled. He knew Harry was there. 

"I'm paying my respects to two incredible wizards that just happen to be your parents." Draco's usual snarky tone was replaced with a softness Harry hadn't expected. Harry turned to Draco.

"Thank you." Draco looked up surprised.

"What?"

"Thank you." Harry repeated trying to put all of his emotions into the two words.

"I..." Draco was speechless. Never had he expected to run into Harry Potter much less be thanked by him. "I should be the one thanking you right?"

Out of the corner of Draco's eye he saw Harry slouch slightly, "... right. Well...um... thanks again." Harry said eyes glued to the place where his parents rested. Draco frowned, he'd always pegged Potter as an arrogant attention seeker but this didn't add up. Potter seemed almost annoyed by Draco's thanks like he wished he would forget that he saved the world. Before he could stop himself he asked.

"What's with that reaction? It seems you dont want to be congratulated for winning." Draco's eyes bore into Harry's skull waiting for him to answer.

The silence seemed to stretch and as more time passed it became more clear that Malfoy wasn't leaving until Harry gave him an answer. The puff of moisture that came from Harry's lips turned into vapor and floated off into the night.  "It all seems so pointless. All these people congratulating me and saying good job... So many people died..." Harry's voice broke on the last word and he took a moment to collect himself, "I dont deserve it. I could have done so much more saved so many more." Draco watched in concern as Harry seemed to shrink in on himself his shoulders drooping and his head hanging.

Draco turned back to the Potter's graves. How proud they must be of their sun. Draco lifted his head to the sky watching the heat from his face disparate into the night.

"You're not alone." Draco said quietly, "Do you know how many people I watched being tortured or killed." Draco's voice stayed steady, "I lived in the same house as him. It was torture. But... Harry... you changed that. You saved me." Draco brought his face down to find Harry's face contorted in anger, "You deserve all those words of thanks and more."

To Draco's alarm tears welled up in Harry's eyes and slowly spilled over. 

"I... um... sorry I didn't mean... Please dont cry!" Draco stammered.

Harry stared at Draco. Many people had told him the exact same thing but something about it coming from him. It was different. Before Harry could stop himself he buried his face in Draco's neck. Harry felt Draco stiffen but slowly relaxed gently holding Harry as he silently spoke in his arms.

"Com-on I have an apartment in the square let's get you out of the cold." Draco whispered softly. Gently he led Harry away from his parents graves. Just as the reached the next set of stones however Harry turned on his heel and walked back to the graves. Draco watched as harry pressed two fingers to his lips and pressed it into the head stones. Harry trudged back to Draco and gently fit his hand into Draco's waiting one.

"Ready?" Draco asked peering at the shorter boys reddened face.

"Ready."