Alternate Universe - brothers Draco & Harry

Chapter 63 - the 7th Year

Year 7 was passing by quick, though most 7th years were eager for summer to come and for school to finally end, it was a very bittersweet feeling. One of hope and . They had absorbed all they could and now they were eager to enter the adult world, eager to prove themselves and leave their legacy behind. 

Today the usual trio, Draco, Saskia, and Hercules, walked the halls of Hogwarts, their footsteps echoing softly in the quiet corridors. The conversation between them had taken a turn for the tense. Draco sighed, his arm draped around Saskia's shoulders, giving Hercules a sidelong glance.

"Are you really serious about all this?" Draco asked, his voice edged with frustration.

Saskia's expression mirrored her brother's tension. Her brows furrowed, her lips pressed into a thin line as she shot Hercules a sharp look. "I still don't agree with what you've done," she said, her voice biting. "You manipulated my sister, changed her life by erasing him from it. It wasn't your choice to make."

Hercules let out a sigh, running a hand through his hair. "I did what was best for Aurelia," he replied quietly, though his words were firm. "Even if you don't see it now. I'll always love her, but our paths never aligned, not even for a second. Maybe in another life, we could've been something more... but not in this one. She deserves to be happy, an emotion she rarely ever felt with me. All I ever did was make her anxious and worried, putting her in a position where she constantly had to run and fix me or keep assuring herself that this relationship worked just because we both wanted each other."

Saskia's glare softened, but only slightly. She crossed her arms, looking unconvinced, though she remained silent.

As they walked, the group passed Ginny and Ron Weasley. Their eyes met briefly, and they exchanged polite nods. Hercules' gaze flickered to the exposed Death Eater marks on Ginny and Ron's arms, proudly displayed for all to see. For a fleeting moment, his eyes met Ginny's, but the look they shared was devoid of emotion. Just a polite, indifferent glance that both would forget soon enough.

Turning the corner, Hercules glanced at Draco and Saskia. "You two should focus on your own relationship," he said, a teasing edge creeping into his voice. "Leave your siblings' love lives alone." Without waiting for a response, he walked off, disappearing down the corridor.

Saskia groaned, leaning into Draco. "Sometimes I really wish you had just killed him," she joked, her voice laced with frustration.

Draco laughed, pulling her close and pressing a kiss to her forehead. "Hercules does have that effect on people," he said with a smirk. Then, with a raised eyebrow and a playful grin, Draco added, "Wanna go to the Astronomy Tower?"

Hercules left the castle grounds behind, slipping into the Forbidden Forest, the thick canopy casting long shadows over his path. He moved carefully, staying hidden from any prying eyes, as the day was still bright and full. He ventured deeper into the woods, the familiar scent of pine and damp earth guiding him toward the camp where he knew the Death Eaters would be stationed. They rotated often, but someone would always be there. As he reached the clearing, the sight of scattered tents and flickering campfires came into view. Several Death Eaters nodded at him as he approached, greeting him with the kind of respect earned by his reputation. His eyes scanned the camp until he spotted Viktor Krum standing near one of the larger tents.

"Viktor!" Hercules called, making his way over to the Quidditch star turned Death Eater.

Viktor turned, a wide grin spreading across his face as they shook hands. "Hercules, my friend! How are you?"

"Better now," he replied with a smile. "How have you been?"

"Fantastic," Viktor said, beaming. "Fleur is pregnant."