The Boy Who Was Given Up

Chapter Thirty-Three: The new era

The next few weeks, Dumbledore's face was plastered on every newspaper, billboard, and telephone pole. Words like "Traitor" and "Liar" were stamped across them all.

During the holidays, Harry could barely step outside in the wizarding world without being bombarded by questions about how he had uncovered everything. Even though he had issued an official statement explaining that Dumbledore had kidnapped his family and outlined his plans, he left out the details of how he had forced a confession. For once, the Ministry was on his side, keeping the rest of the story top secret.

Most people were too terrified to approach him. Traditionally, all Masters of Death were warriors and war chiefs—but that didn't interest Harry. He wanted a quiet life surrounded by his family and his soulmate, whom he loved more than anything.

Even amidst the chaos caused by Dumbledore's downfall, Harry remained the same bubbly, bright-eyed boy everyone knew.

Now, standing at the Malfoys' annual holiday party, surrounded by his entire family, Harry felt a rare kind of peace. This year, the Malfoys had thrown a "Celebration of All," inviting Petunia and Dudley—a gesture that shocked and thrilled everyone in attendance.

"This really is the beginning of a new era," Petunia mused to Narcissa, who smiled warmly at the woman who had become her ride-or-die best friend and soon-to-be sister-in-law. The two of them were already quietly planning Harry and Draco's wedding.

"Harry, come on! Sev wants to talk to you!" Draco tugged at Harry's arm, pulling him away from a conversation with Theo.

"What about, babe?" Harry asked, confused.

Before Draco could answer, Theo sputtered, "Babe?!"

"Yeah, we're dating," Harry said casually, turning to Theo.

"What? Why him?" Theo asked softly, his expression faltering.

Harry smirked. "Theo, you and I both know I'm not the one you like." His words made Theo's face flush red.

"Wait—hold up, what?" Draco asked, frowning.

"Think about it," Harry continued. "Who's the one boy who always laughed whenever you joked about getting with me?"

Theo's eyes widened. "Holy...shit."

Draco grinned. "Go talk to him, dude!"

"What if he doesn't like me back?" Theo asked hesitantly.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Dude, for someone who spends so much time staring at him, you always look away when he looks at you. Go get him!"

Theo smiled, hopeful, and ran off to find the boy in question.

"Aww, that was cute, Har," Draco said, hugging Harry. "But we've got to go—Sev is waiting."

"What about Dray?" Harry protested, tugging back.

"Just come on—you'll figure it out when we get there," Draco replied, guiding him toward Severus and Tom.

"Hey Sev, here he is!" Draco announced cheerfully.

"There you are, Harry," Snape said. "Draco tells me you're passionate about becoming a potion ingredients collector, correct?"

"Yes," Harry replied nervously.

"Good," Snape said with a small smile. "It's a fascinating line of work. I'm actually in need of more ingredients and will be traveling to the Amazon next week. I could use a helping hand—interested?"

"For real?" Harry asked, trying not to get his hopes up.

"Yes, of course," Snape replied.

Without a second thought, Harry launched himself into Snape's arms, too excited to speak. When he released the man, he nodded frantically, signaling a clear yes. Laughter rippled through the room.

"Well then, it's settled," Snape said warmly. "I've already spoken to your mom."

Harry was ecstatic. He smiled every day leading up to the trip, buzzing with excitement for the adventure to come.