After The War : ** Shadows and Light ** :harrypotterxreader:

**Chapter 17: In the Wake of Shadows**

With victory's song, you stand as one,

The battle won, but never done.

In laughter's echo, in tears of joy,

You've found your strength, you'll never destroy.

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*"With the taste of victory, our hearts unite; in the aftermath, we bask in the light."*

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The clearing was alive with the aftermath of the battle, the echoes of spells still crackling in the air. You felt exhilarated, the adrenaline coursing through you like a fire. But as you turned to your friends, the warmth faded slightly, replaced by an uneasy tension that hung thick in the air.

"We did it!" Ron shouted, his voice echoing in the serene night.

"Yes, but at what cost?" Hermione replied, her brow furrowed as she scanned the clearing for any signs of the dark figure's return.

Just as you began to feel a sense of relief, a shadow flickered at the edge of the glen. Your instincts flared, and you turned quickly, wand at the ready. "Look out!" you yelled.

The dark figure lunged from the darkness, his face twisted in fury. "You think you can defeat me so easily?" he spat, summoning tendrils of shadow that surged toward you with a force that made your heart race.

"Protect the unicorn!" Harry shouted, positioning himself in front of you as you cast a defensive spell.

But the figure was relentless. He unleashed a torrent of dark energy, and you felt the rush of power wash over you. "Stupefy!" you cried, but the shadows were too strong.

In that moment of chaos, the ground beneath you trembled, and a crackling wave of darkness erupted, catching you off guard. You barely had time to react as the force slammed into you, sending you sprawling to the ground.

"Y/N!" Harry's voice cut through the chaos, filled with panic as he rushed toward you.

You felt a sharp pain radiate through your body, darkness closing in around the edges of your vision. You struggled to stay conscious, fighting against the overwhelming urge to succumb to the shadows. "Harry..." you whispered, your voice barely audible.

"Stay with me!" he pleaded, desperation lacing his words. You could see his face, etched with worry, but the darkness began to pull you under.

"No!" you gasped, trying to push back against it, but it was too late. The world around you faded, and you surrendered to the depths of unconsciousness.

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When you finally began to awaken, the first sensation was warmth—a gentle, enveloping comfort that felt so inviting. But as your eyes fluttered open, the light was bright and harsh, making you squint against it. The familiar surroundings of the hospital wing came into focus, and confusion washed over you.

You tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness hit you, and you collapsed back onto the pillow. "What happened?" you croaked, your throat dry and scratchy.

A soft rustle nearby made you turn your head, and there he was—Harry—sitting at your bedside, his expression a mixture of relief and worry. "Y/N!" he exclaimed, rushing to your side. "You're awake!"

"Harry?" you whispered, your voice trembling. The memories of the battle flooded back—shadows, pain, and the chilling laughter of the dark figure. "What happened?"

"You were hurt," he said softly, his eyes reflecting a depth of emotion that made your heart race. "You've been in a coma for weeks."

"Weeks?" you repeated, disbelief coursing through you. "What about the unicorn? The Amulet?"

"After you fell, we managed to drive the figure away, but you... you were hurt badly," he admitted, his voice breaking slightly. "We've been here every day, hoping you'd wake up."

You took a deep breath, trying to process everything. "I'm so sorry..." you started, but Harry shook his head.

"Don't be. You fought bravely, and you saved us all," he said, his voice firm yet tender. "I just... I'm so glad you're back."

Suddenly, the reality of your situation hit you. The pain, the shadows, the battle—it had all been real, and you were back, alive but fragile. "Harry, I—"

Before you could finish, he leaned closer, his eyes locked onto yours with an intensity that made your heart race. "Y/N," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I need to tell you something."

You held your breath, anticipation building in the air between you. "What is it?"

He hesitated for a moment, and in that pause, the world around you faded away. All that mattered was him, and the emotions swirling in his gaze. "I was so scared I'd lost you," he confessed, his voice trembling. "But being here with you now, I realize how much you mean to me. I... I love you."

The words hung in the air, rich with emotion. You felt your heart swell, tears prickling at the corners of your eyes. "Harry, I—"

But before you could say anything, he pulled you into a tight embrace, wrapping his arms around you as if he were afraid you might disappear again. The warmth of his body enveloped you, and you melted into him, feeling safe and cherished.

"I was terrified," he murmured into your hair, his voice thick with emotion. "I can't imagine a world without you. You're everything to me."

You closed your eyes, allowing yourself to sink into the comfort of his embrace. "I love you too," you finally whispered, feeling the truth of your words resonate deep within you. "I never wanted to leave you."

He pulled back slightly, searching your eyes as if to confirm the truth of your confession. When he saw the sincerity in your gaze, a smile broke across his face, one filled with relief and joy. "You're really back," he said, his voice a mix of wonder and happiness.

"Yes," you replied softly, wiping away a tear. "And I'm not going anywhere."

The bond between you deepened in that moment, forged through battles fought and fears faced. Together, you would navigate the challenges ahead, ready to confront whatever darkness threatened to come.

As the shadows of the past began to fade, you felt a renewed sense of hope blossoming within you. With Harry by your side, you knew you could face anything.

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