Inevitable

12 | Into the Dark

Harry returned to work the following Monday morning feeling a strange combination of dread and excitement. Excitement to be back at work, and to see his friends and colleagues, but dreading revisiting the case he was going back to, which had very nearly led to his death six months earlier.

If not for Draco... Harry shuddered to think about what would have happened to him. A slow and excruciating death, he knew that much.

"Potter! Welcome back. We'll be briefing everyone on the NDE case this morning. Conference room four in fifteen minutes." Robards greeted him, cuffing him on the shoulder as he passed.

"Yes, sir."

Harry made his way to the office he shared with Jasper Miner, who was already seated behind his desk. He jumped up when Harry opened the door.

"Harry! Good to have you back, mate!"

They hugged briefly, clapping each other on the back.

"Jaz, it's great to see you! How are you doing?" Harry noted the dark circles under his friend's eyes.

"Not as well as you, lover boy." Miner punched his arm. "Not that you've had an easy time of it, I'm sure."

Harry shrugged, shoving him away and rubbing at his arm. "Not at first. I certainly don't recommend getting stabbed with mysterious knives or finding out you've been under the influence of a Love Potion for four months. Especially all in one week. But I'm doing better now. And being with Draco is... Well, it's nice. Better than nice— Incredible. Different. It's only been a week, but I think I might... Er, never mind. I know, I know. Soppy."

Jaz smiled gently. "I'm happy for you, Harry, really I am. But, you know what I think about us Aurors having serious relationships. Are you sure this is a good idea? It's clear that Malfoy is besotted with you, Merlin knows why, but even I could see it when I met him. Is he prepared for this, though? Dating an Auror? Because I've seen the strain it can put on relationships, and I don't want you getting hurt. There's a reason Robards didn't get married until he was in his late forties and safely settled behind a desk."

Harry nodded thoughtfully, then jerked his head up to look at Miner as a thought struck him.

"When did you meet Draco?"

"Oh, I got the honor of hauling that repulsive ex of yours away after that nasty bit of business at St. Mungo's. I wasn't exactly gentle with the git. It was truly a pleasure."

Harry grinned, "I'm sure it was. Thanks, Jaz."

"It was scary, seeing you like that— Knocked out and all pale and sickly from the knife wound. I'm glad you're okay."

"Me too."

"He's getting out soon, you know."

"Who?"

"The git— Geoff. He got six months for what he did to you. One month waiting period before his trial, then six months in Azkaban. Got off bloody easy, if you ask me. Especially since the Dementors are gone. But that gives him, what? Another month or so?"

"And then he gets rich off that bloody book," Harry sighed.

Jaz grimaced. "Sorry, mate. Are you worried? About running into him?"

"Nah. I moved, and very few people know where the new flat is. Besides, if Draco ever lays eyes on him again... Well, I'm sure the murder will look like an accident."

Harry leaned back against his desk, smiling wickedly as Jaz snickered. "I'm liking this boyfriend of yours more and more."

"What about you?" Harry asked, "Still dating that girl we met at the Leaky last time?"