Everything Remains

Chapter 31: I Could Get Used to This

*Adult content*

"We've got news Dray." Harry walked from the kitchen into the living room space, dim due to the rainy overcast outside the windows, covering the world in a hazy gray. 
The fire blazing in the fireplace was one of the only sources of light, besides a smattering of lit candles around the room. It was cozier that way. 
"Hmm? What news?" 
"About.. about your parents." Harry replied, plopping down on the couch where Draco half laid, half sat, sinking in to the plush cushions. 
"Do you want me to read?" Harry chewed his lip, wondering if this was safe territory to cross into. 
"I suppose we need to know. Who's it from? A reputable source? Or the Prophet?"
"McGonagal's word, and the prophet for good measure." 
"Well, let's hear it then." 

Swallowing down his nerves, Harry read first the yellowed parchment with McGonagal's Headmistress stamp upon it.
"Mr. Potter and Mr. Malfoy. I hope you are doing well and have felt safe while things were sorted out here. I received word from the Ministry that they will need you both to testify in court against your parents, Malfoy. I know that this will be difficult, but I assure you that you will be safe and that there will be no possible way for them to hurt you or cause any harm. The first court date is in two days. I will have Tinks come to you with a portkey back here tomorrow so that you have time to prepare. We can talk about what to expect in person when you arrive. Be ready by noon. Sincerely, Headmistress Minerva McGonagal." 

Both men paused for a moment, taking in the news that they would have to face their assailants again and most likely put them away for good. 
"Dray... I don't know what to say. I'm sorry about all this." 
"What do you mean?"
"Well, I know it must be a horrible feeling to have to testify against your own parents and possibly put them away in Azkaban for a long time. We worked hard after the war to make sure that didn't happen. And now, here it comes around again..." Harry shifted nervously on the couch, rubbing the back of his hair in circles. 
"Harry. I won't lie, this whole situation is difficult. But they did this to themselves. They had a great opportunity to change and be better. And they didn't. They somehow got worse and tried to kill both you and me, their son. Before, I could somewhat excuse them because of their want to protect me. But now, it seems they are too far gone." Draco looked off into the licks of fire in the hearth, biting his lip in ponderance. 
"We have to do what's right. And if they didn't learn after all that we've gone through, I don't think they ever will." 

Harry shifted again to take Draco into his arms, laying them both back on the couch in a comforting embrace. 
"No matter what happens, everything will be okay. We will make it through and things will be safer knowing they can't hurt you anymore." 
"It's crazy to think about how far they were going to get me to do what they wanted. They literally tried to kill us both, plus Ron and Hermione. All for the sake of a name." Draco sighed, rubbing his temples with his fingers. 
"You know, I don't think we ever properly thanked Astoria for what she did that night. Without her, we could actually be dead." Harry pondered, rubbing circles into Draco's shoulder. 
"You're right. We need to thank her and make sure she is okay. She risked her life for us too. I know that she is okay, but I regret not taking her with us. I'm sure she was dealt some punishment for that." 
"I know Dray. But we know she is safe and what's done is done. We'll get to see her; I'm sure she will have to testify too. And we can let her know how much she means to us." 

"BLAH, okay. I don't want to mope around here and be sad for the last night we have here at our escape. Are you up for some fun?" Draco sat up suddenly, his eyebrow high and eyes sparkling. 
"Of course. What did you have in mind?" 
"How about some firewhiskey and wicked games with your boyfriend?" Draco cackled, mischief glowing about his face. 
"Are you challenging me? To what game?" Harry rose from the couch, circling around to face the kitchen. 
"Hmmm.. wizard's chess. STRIP wizard's chess." Draco smiled devilishly, licking his lips in anticipation. 
Harry's eyes darted around, seemingly nervous. "Do you think it's a good idea to be drinking the night before we go back to school?" 
"Scared Potter?" 
"Ugh... you wish."