Drarry One Shots

The Retreat

A/N Apologies that posting a new story has taken so long but life has turned crazy busy, in a good way. Anyway... a new one shot:

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Harry wondered for the hundredth time why he'd agreed to this. He knew a retreat and time for reflection was a good thing, mostly because something in his life had to change but he couldn't really believe that self-discovery would occur during these particular four days. He blamed Luna, only she would suggest such a ludicrous concept for a fifteen-year "reunion".

It wasn't a proper reunion, more of a bringing together of an extended 'friendship' group. Maybe 'acquaintances' would be a better word.

Either way, weird sort of group. He pushed such thoughts aside as he sat cross-legged and straight-backed on his yoga mat.

He could sense Ron fidgeting beside him and was grateful for all his Auror training because it gave him the strength to sit still in the position. Not that he needed to continue his Auror fitness regime these days but he liked it and got restless if he didn't push himself physically regularly. He knew that whilst here, he'd still have to go running in the mornings before the 8am silent meditation sessions but that was his pejorative and affected no one else. There'd also been mention that previous guests had gone wild swimming in the waterfall pools so maybe he'd finish off his runs with that. He'd see. It was still a bit chilly in the mornings, considering it was only just March.

He vaguely listened to Kate direct people into setting up their mats and 'sacred spaces'. Kate was Luna's and Rolf's yoga teacher.

As he waited, he wondered if he'd be able to fully relax. He was all too aware that their yoga room had two doors: two exits, two routes of escape, two ways out. But that also meant two ways in; two angles of attack. That wasn't so great when the Minister for Magic, the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, and the new Head of the DMLE were all gathered in the same space without any sense of security beyond his own intuitive magic. He'd already scouted the perimeter of the estate they were tucked away in; setting up Wards that would alert him to intruders with magical signatures beyond the invited group.

Harry sensed more of the party arriving and finding their places in a semi-circle around the room. He ignored them, partly because he didn't want to meet the glances his way, the awkward looks of wariness and the tedious looks of admiration that invariably led to inevitable attempts to monopolise his attention. It was always the same with any social occasion he attended, even with those he'd been at school with. He kept his eyes shut and remained detached, also aware his ex-wife was amongst the latest arrivals. He could easily pick out her perfume.

Yes, a weird group. Again, he blamed Luna but this was typical for her. He'd just said yes. Albeit regretfully afterwards.

That regret had grown with every mile closer over the course of the day.

That was mostly because he'd shared the car journey with Ron and Hermione. Hermione hadn't stopped talking about the bloody antiquated workings of the Ministry and what needed changing. Eventually he'd threatened to just Apparate straight to Wales and leave them to make their own way if she didn't shut up about work. Hermione's issue these days was she was little more than a workaholic and conversations outside her job had fizzled into non-existence. Perhaps it came with being Minister for Magic.

'You can't just Apparate out of the car now, Harry!' she had exclaimed in horror. 'We're in the fast lane.'

'That's hardly going to prevent me,' he'd muttered.

'But you're driving,' she stammered.

'Then you'd better stop talking about fucking politics and the bloody Ministry.'