Harry and the Politics of Romance
A fantasy tribute by Ben Meova
Disclaimer: This story falls under the category of fan fiction and is not meant to imply anything about the characters in the original story by JK Rowling. The plot is pure fantasy that came solely out of the mind of the author. The events described herein never happened in this or any other universe. This story is fiction and is not intended to imply anything about the true sexuality of the celebrities mentioned or any personal knowledge about their private lives.
Beyond that the rest is total fantasy and fiction. This story does involve sexual situations between people that may be minors in your state or country. If sex bothers you, especially sex between mid-teen boys or adults witnessing teen sex, you may want to go elsewhere.
Author's Note:
This story is the continuation of my first story on Nifty- "Harry and the Closet of Secrets". If you haven't read that one yet, you may want to read that one first. Otherwise many of the situations in this, Harry's second year as a Hogwarts teacher, may not make sense.
/nifty/gay/celebrity/harrys-closet-of-secrets/
Well this is it...the conclusion to this story.
I really hope that you all have enjoyed it and like how I ended it. I have been asked if I am going to write another story after this. The truth is that I have a concept in mind but with life becoming more complicated and busy since school started I may not have the time to write it. Certainly I will take a break for a bit after writing two full length stories this year. But who knows...maybe the writing bug will bite me again before this year comes to a close!
Again thank you all for being so supportive during the writing of both of my stories. Your emails made writing this fun.
Comments and whatever else you want to send can be mailed to: 1hungyungun@gmail.com
Harry and the Politics of Romance Part Eleven
Chapter 30- The Dead Alive
JT Sharp sat silently looking at the boy he had rescued many years ago. He had been surprised that Matt Mateo had come to speak with him about a subject they had been over time and time again. After talking to Mark Mungo-Marsh and Patrick Donnelly about the suicide and the covert actions of Frederick J. Hamilton III Matt had become convinced that keeping the secrets about him and JT was the wrong thing to do.
JT had to admit that the boy made a good argument. They were thousands of miles away from home in the United States and his new mates that called themselves "Ollie's Boys" certainly were trustworthy. But the same old "what ifs" kept running through JT's head. What if the authorities learned that he had, in a legal sense, kidnapped Matt and took him to another country? Sure it was a mission of mercy, with the consent of Matt Mateo, but sometimes the law failed to listen to common sense.
"I am just worried that the wrong people will find out Matt and then you may be forced to go home and be where you don't want to be," said JT firmly
"I don't care and I think it is worth the risk. These people are my friends and I can't keep lying to them," said Matt sitting up straighter in his chair, "they all see how much I love you. You and I know I love you like a dad but some may start assuming that we have a thing going on."
"A thing...going on?" asked JT a bit confused
"Yes, like we are actually lovers. They see how I perk up when I am around you. They know I spend a lot of time with you here in your private quarters. I just think it will be for the best if I tell Coach Woods and the others our whole story. After what some of those boys have been through they surely will understand and be on our side...don't you think?"
JT considered this for a moment. The boy was making a good argument and with the recent death of the Daily Prophet editor and his affair with Mark, JT was reminded that sometimes keeping secrets really can kill. He could see that Matt was not going to give up on his quest to tell his mates the truth, so reluctantly he agreed with a few provisos.
"Alright Matt, we'll tell the group but I want to do it in a controlled environment. I will speak to Oliver...Coach Wood and will have him arrange the meeting. If we are going to tell them our story then I want them to hear the whole story from beginning to end."
Matt leapt up from his chair and landed in JT's lap. He wrapped his arms around the man that cared enough to rescue him from his private boyhood hell and planted a kiss on his cheek.
"I love you, uncle," smiled Matt
"I love you too Matt, you really have been like a son to me. I just hope we are doing the right thing."
"Well remember what you always say, people get caught in lies but people get liberated in the truth."
"I hope that holds true," said JT pulling Matt closer to his chest and his heart.
~
Before heading back in the St. Mungo's pysch ward Harry took a few moments to collect his thoughts. He had gone back outside into the chill winds of March and stood silently against the wall of, what appeared to Muggles to be, an abandoned building. A few locals passed by and looked at him curiously but quickly passed by. They were used to all sorts being around the dilapidated building, sheltering from the cold or finding a place to take a needed pee.
Harry turned and faced the wall and put his face in his hands again. So many things were going through his mind. He was certain that what he was suspecting was true but he had to control his thoughts so he could expose the truth in a way that would be productive for all. As he stood silently he was startled when he felt someone tapping his shoulder.
Harry spun around to see who it was and was surprised to see no one there. At first he thought it may be someone with an invisibility cloak but after a few minutes he ruled that out. Again he felt a tap on his shoulder and this time he heard a voice inside his head. It was the voice of his companion angel Adrian.
"Oh right, haven't given up on me then?" said Harry out loud
"Never Harry," said Adrian telepathically
"So what do you think...am I on the right track or is this another thing you can't help me with?"
"All I can say is that you are making the right turns and soon you will be on the right road."
"Riddles again...why can't you just give a simple yes or no answer?" asked Harry throwing his arms in the air
"Because I am here to guide, not here to solve what you can solve yourself. Just remember, Harry, whenever you have been faced with this sort of situation you had to go step by step. Settle down your mind...the pieces will fit together if you concentrate on one thing at a time. Prioritize...think about what needs to be done first and who you need on your side."
Harry smiled; Adrian was, as usual, right and Harry allowed his mind to calm. The myriad of thoughts and possibilities started to subside and then he began to realize what steps he had to take.
"Thanks Adrian," said Harry with a smile, "I think I know what needs to be done."
"Any time Harry...I am always with you so never fear," replied Adrian wrapping his wings around Harry as they both entered the portal that led back into the lobby of St. Mungos
A half hour later Harry sat impatiently in the lounge, just outside the pysch ward doors, as Minister of Magic Arthur Weasley's secretary knocked on his door. When she was asked to come in she went straight to him with a piece of recently delivered parchment in her hand.
Arthur Weasley took it from her and read it and then read it again. He looked up at her with an expression of disbelief on his face. He handed her the parchment and asked her what she thought. After reading it she handed it back to him.
"We know one thing for sure, sir...Harry Potter, in matters like this, is usually never wrong," said the secretary
"Agreed...get me Greene...he's the best man for this particular job," ordered the Minister
When Garamond Greene arrived in the Minister's office, minutes later, he was briefed and then without hesitation they both disapporated to St. Mungos to meet up with Harry Potter.
Just when Harry was beginning to think that the owl he sent got lost and never reached Arthur Weasley he caught site of the Minister with another unknown figure hurriedly rushing to where he was sitting. Harry quickly stood up to greet them.
"Thanks for coming so quickly, sir, but I thought you would be here alone?" asked Harry studying the Minister's companion
"I know you asked for that Harry but I thought Greene here would be able to help. He is in the Auror department and has the skills you may very well need to solve this mystery," said Arthur in a hushed voice
Harry relaxed a bit as the stranger reached out to shake his hand.
"Garamond Green, Mister Potter. The Minister explained to me what you suspect and I believe I can help."
"Hang on," said Harry pulling back a bit, "weren't you a Death Eater at one time?"
"I was but as the Minister can tell you I have cleared all the Ministry's security measures and am loyal to the Ministry and Minister Weasley. But yes, I was a Death Eater, and during that time I was able to learn quite of bit of dark magic and importantly for you...how to counteract it...so shall we get on with it then?"
"Yes, but let's find a more secure place to talk," said Harry leading them to a broom closet
Once in there they formulated the plan. Harry would go in and make an excuse for seeing Colin again. Minutes later the Minister would arrive with Greene in tow. Arthur Weasley would question Colin about his friendship with the spy for the Daily Prophet while Garamond Greene attempted to silently undue the spell that seemed to be affecting Colin Creevey.
As Harry had expected he wasn't a welcomed visitor in Colin's room.
"Come back to rub more salt in my wounds, Potter?" asked Colin with a scowl
"No I just forgot to tell you something," retorted Harry thinking quickly on his feet
He began to tell him about Oliver Wood's job at the school and a made up story about Wood wanting Harry to relay his best wishes to Colin. As Harry was getting towards the end of the made up tale a knock was heard and Minister of Magic Arthur Weasley walked in.
"Sorry to interrupt," said Weasley with a smile, "but I need a word with Mister Creevey and you as well Mister Potter?"
Harry pretended to be surprised and feigned annoyance with the Minister's unexpected visit. Colin wasn't amused at all; his face started to redden as he looked at the man standing behind the Minister.
"Well if you need to talk to us, who is he?" asked Colin pointing to Greene
"Just my personal assistant...no worries, it's standard protocol...now then I have a couple of questions..."
While Arthur Weasley questioned Colin, Garamond Greene silently began muttering counter-curses. He believed what the Minister had told him, about what Harry was suspecting, was true. In the letter Harry had suggested to the Minister that perhaps they were not dealing with the real Colin Creevey after all. There were many things that seemed out of whack with Colin. First was his demeanor; even in the most challenging times Colin had never been as hard-edged as he was in the present.
At the start Harry had just assumed it was hurt that fueled Colin's vindictive behavior. But after the earlier visit he had noticed something odd in what Colin was saying. Even at his angriest Colin had never called Harry by his last name alone. Another phrase that kept running through Harry's mind after he had left earlier seemed uncharacteristic..."famous Harry Potter". Colin had never used Harry's notoriety as a snipe or a weapon against him. In fact, there was really only one person he remembered that did that.
But that person had been long dead for years so it all seemed impossible.
Harry knew now that this wasn't the Colin Creevey he had once fell in love with. It had to be someone else but the question was who and the even bigger question was how. The only way one could pretend to be someone else, as far as Harry knew, was by using Polyjuice Potion. But the possibility of Colin, or whoever he was, getting a daily supply of the viscous liquid seemed ludicrous at best. He was in a controlled hospital environment, after all, so that didn't seem likely.
But after Harry had taken time to slow down his thoughts, as his angel had suggested, he remembered hearing of a rare and very ancient dark magic spell that would transform a human being into another. It sort of worked like the metamorphosis those who were Animagi experienced but it was wholly different. The trouble was Harry knew of the spell but he didn't know how to remove it to expose what needed to be exposed.
It was at that point he had decided to send for Arthur Weasley. Happily that was a good choice because Ron's dad had brought a man that may just know what Harry didn't.
Garamond Greene continued to silently mutter the words that would hopefully undo what he believed to be the ancient and dark spell known as Diguisio Permanentae. If he was right the spell would begin to undo itself in a matter of minutes.
As he anticipated he started to notice Colin's face starting to contort into what appeared to be pain. Minister Weasley and Harry noticed the change as well and they played along.
"Are you alright Colin? It looks like you are experiencing some pain," asked Arthur
"Yeah, just a little uncomfort...uncomfortable," managed Colin in reply
All three of the visitors stood open-mouthed as they watched the face of Colin Creevey begin to bend and twist. Moments later it looked as if his face was actually starting to melt. He thrashed around on the bed and grabbed his face. Both hands covered it as he yelped out in pain. Hs body began to convulse harder but soon it subsided. Harry looked at Colin and then at Arthur Weasley and then watched silently as the man laid still...hands still covering his face.
The first thing Harry noticed was that the hair had become a lighter shade of blond. The natural curls seemed to straighten and Harry's stomach leapt into his throat. He knew who this was; as unbelievable as it was he knew.
Harry walked over to the bed and took hold of both of the man's arms and pried them from his face. When the face was exposed all three were looking at the well-worn face of a person they thought had been long dead- Draco Malfoy.
"You," said Harry in horror, "but how? And where is my Colin?"
Obviously aware that he had been exposed Draco Malfoy sat up in the bed and scowled at Harry Potter as the Minister and Greene held wands on him. He rubbed his eyes again and ran his hand through he straight blond hair and then smirked at the still stunned Harry Potter.
"I suppose you expect me to tell you everything Potter...give you a soul cleansing confession perhaps? But maybe I won't say a word...it is well within my rights as I assume you two will be arresting me," said Malfoy coldly pointing towards Arthur Weasley and Garamond Greene.
"Yes, you are correct Mister Malfoy and it is well within the Ministry's rights to get a doctor's order to help jog you memory," piped in Arthur Weasley
On cue Greene opened the door and told the Ministry gaurds to come in. They both were surprised to see someone other than Colin Creevey in the bed. Greene then went to fetch a Healer and the orders the fake Colin's doctor had written. Arthur Weasley was a close friend of the doctor and prior to meeting up with Harry he had secured the orders just in case Harry's gut feeling had been right.
A burly male Healer entered the room along with Garamond Greene. Malfoy's color started to drain from his face as did the smugness. He had a good idea about what was coming next.
"What's this about, Arthur?" asked Harry surprised to see Greene back with a Healer
"If you were right, as you were Harry, I anticipated the imposter refusing to talk so I secured his doctor's order to use truth serum on him. As Mister Malfoy, before his alleged death, was under a warrant for his arrest in the death of Albus Dumbledore we have the right to question him whatever way needed. The doctor's order just covers the hospital from liability...but enough of why we are going to do it...let's get on with it...Healer if you will..."
Harry stood back as the Healer waved his wand at Draco Malfoy. Malfoy's body became rigid and stiff; arms and legs locked in the position they were in. The Healer explained that this was a form of the Petrificus Totalus spell that the hospital regularly used to subdue unruly patients who required a procedure. Mobilizing their limbs while leaving the rest of the body functions in tact prevented the patient from being hurt during sensitive procedures. In this case it would make delivering the clear liquid, in the vile, in the Healer's hand easier.
The Healer held open Malfoy's mouth and poured what Harry knew to be Veritaserum down Draco Malfoy's throat. After a few minutes the Healer told Harry he could begin to question the patient. Although his limbs remained paralyzed Malfoy's voice and mouth worked fine.
"So you are, in reality, the real Draco Malfoy?" asked Harry
"Yes" simply replied Malfoy
"Tell me when you assumed the identity of Colin Creevey"
Malfoy began explaining, with a blank look in his eyes, that it indeed had been on the same night Harry defeated Voldemort. He reminded Harry about the last battle, at the school, with Voldemort. Harry remembered sadly that time as he headed towards what he believed to be his death in the Dark Forest.
As Malfoy reminded him he recalled nearly bumping in to Neville as he carried what appeared to be the lifeless, little body of Colin Creevey. Harry remembered the joyful feeling he had when he had defeated Voldemort and was taken to the side of Colin Creevey. Malfoy reminded him how overjoyed he was when it appeared Colin had just been stupefied with a spell that mimicked death but soon after came back to life and was breathing.
"So when you went off into the forest, I saw them carrying Creevey. In the madness and the chaos I was able to follow along at a distance," continued Malfoy flatly, "after Longbottom and his helper laid Creevey's body next to the other dead bodies they both left to join the fight again. No one was around the casualties so I knew I had to make my move. I knew that if I was actually seen alive I would be wanted as a co-conspirator in Dumbledore's death so I knew being caught in the open would do me in. I had a plan in my head and I decided to put it into action."
"But wait this doesn't make sense," said Harry interrupting Malfoy, "I know for a fact that when you failed to kill Dumbledore Voldemort blasted you into non-existence...there were witnesses that saw you blown to bits...how can you be here let alone there at the final battle?"
"It was the same spell I used. Voldemort snatched up a homeless Muggle and bewitched him. He used the spell to make him appear to be me. Voldemort, due to my age I guess and the urging of Severus Snape, gave me another chance. He arranged it so I could covertly carry on missions while the whole wizarding world believed I was dead."
"How were you able to sneak around undtected, before the final battle?" interjected Arthur Weasley
"Quite simple...Voldemort snatched up another worthless Muggle and I assumed his appearance. Any one who saw me simply saw an old begger...not Draco Malfoy."
Harry's face was turning red; anger was swelling up in him. He had the urge to take out his wand and use the killing curse on Malfoy right then and there. But a voice inside his head, no doubt his angel Adrian, urged restraint because there was more of the story Harry needed to hear.
Harry took a few deep breaths and then told Malfoy to continue on.
"When I saw that your beloved Colin was stone dead I knew who I needed to transform into. I knew that you would be so relieved that he had made it through the battle, despite what you had seen, that you wouldn't question how he survived. You would have been grateful that he was alive and I was right. So when no one was around I prepared the spell. I took what I needed from Creevey's lifeless body and then, with some difficulty, managed to leviatate him out of the castle and hid it in that old shack by the woods. I then returned to the spot where Longbottom had laid him to rest and transformed into him. When the battle was over and people started o come in to see who had lost their lives I was back in place. I began moaning as if I were in pain. Granger noticed me moving and called everyone to my side. Soon they found you and the rest is, as they say, history."
Harry stood there stunned. Angry with Malfoy and angry at himself for not realizing, for years on end, that he was making love to a fake Colin Creevey Harry's blood boiled. Before another bit of anger got the best of him he asked Malfoy another question that begged to be asked.
"So then these reports of people seeing dead Draco Malfoy were true then?" asked Harry, " you transformed back to yourself when you were out on hospital pass?"
"Yes"
"Well why...why not continue the ruse outside the hospital?" asked Arthur speaking for the first time
"Because even though Creevey's appearance kept me out of Azkaban I hated being him. When I was allowed out I was able to transform back into myself. I knew it was risky but I had to spend a few minutes of my life in my own real body. If someone actually spotted me, so what? I knew that anyone who claimed to see someone that resembled a person who was known to be blown to bits would be written off as daft," answered Malfoy flatly again
"That makes sense I guess, but something else is bothering me Draco," said Harry moving closer to the bed, "out of all the dead people at the school, after the battle, why did you choose to become Colin Creevey? Why not choose one of the dead Auror's or someone with more power and authority?"
"Ah that's simple Harry but the answer is just for you..."
Harry looked at Arthur Weasley and Garamond Greene totally perplexed. Veritaserum should not allow a person to pick and choose whom he tells the truth to. All three turned to the Healer for an explanation.
"Sometimes if the information being disclosed is highly personal a person can override the effects of the potion. It has something to do with inner will we think...but that is still under study at the universities," explained the Healer
They all nodded in understanding. Harry pulled the Minister aside and whispered in his ear.
"I need to hear everything, sir, I know you understand. Leave me alone with him for a few minutes so I can hear the rest. I promise I will tell you everything he says."
Weasley considered Harry's request for a moment. Clearly Malfoy had more to tell but his will was fighting the potion and he only would disclose the rest privately to Harry Potter. Given the fact that Malfoy was, for all intents and purposes, paralyzed the Minister felt that Harry would be safe. He gathered up everyone and ordered them all into the hall.
When the door to the hospital room closed Harry urged Malfoy to continue.
"So again, tell me why you chose to impersonate Colin Creevey"
"It's quite simple Harry. The truth is that while it always appeared that I hated you because you were Voldemort's foe the reality was I hated you because you loved everyone else but me. I fell in love with you the first time I saw you and right off you shunned me for Weasley. Even when I manipulated you into having sex you denied what you really felt..."
"You mean blackmailed me," interrupted Harry
"Yes whatever the term you care to use, the fact remains that when we did that I could see that you loved it as much as I did. You don't understand the type of pressure I was under from my peers, from my family and even from Snape. They all expected me to be your nemesis...if I had dared to show friendship, let alone, affection for you my whole world would have come crashing down. The only way, when we were students, that I could physically be with you the way I desired was to do it in a way in which was typical of the Draco Malfoy my world expected me to be."
Without emotion Harry stared balnkly at Malfoy. Not getting the response he had hoped for Malfoy continued to speak.
"So after people thought I was killed by Voldemort and at the final battle it became clear to me how I could continue to stay undercover and finally be with you. Again, the only way I knew I could be with you, the way I had always hoped to be, was to take on the life and appearance of Colin Creevey."
Harry kicked himself; just for a brief moment he was starting to feel empathy for Draco Malfoy but then reality kicked in again and he had another question.
"This makes absolutely no sense, Malfoy. Months ago your ghost came to me. You were hiding in my closet and you confessed then and there. How could you have been dead then and alive now?" asked Harry genuinely confused
"Let's just say I had some help with that, Potter," grinned Malfoy, "Demons are very clever creatures and can take on many forms. One that I befriended agreed to assist me in fooling you into believing that I truly was dead and gone...pretty clever, eh?"
"Clever and diabolicle, indeed," sneered Harry, "but I must say I should have suspected that. You always played dirty and used others to do your dirty work."
Harry's gaze burned through Malfoy. Harry again had the urge to jump on him and really put him to death right there and then. Before his emotions got the best of him he thought of another question to ask Malfoy.
"Why did you go after the boys? Was it you that trapped Patrick in that cave? Was it you that drove Angelo to suicide? Were you responsible for all that?"
"Yes, Harry, because jealousy got the best of me. Even though you believed I was Colin Creevey you were turning away from me and giving more of your love to those boys."
"Nonsense Malfoy...I loved you, well who I thought you were, equally if not more. The love we all gave to those boys was wholly different. You never could understand gray areas could you Malfoy. That has been your trouble all along. Everything has to be black or white, all or nothing for you. Your attitude, that was so unlike the real Colin, pushed me away from you and into the arms of Ron."
Sadness seemed to be filling Malfoy's eyes and a single tear leaked out of one of them. Could it be that evil and heartless Draco Malfoy had a soul after all? Harry didn't let this display of actual emotion by Malfoy sway him. He still was the one that lied to him all these years. He still was the one that helped facilitate the death of the man that was most like a father to Harry- Albus Dumbledore. No forgiveness or sympathy for Malfoy would come from Harry today.
"I have a final question and then the Ministry can have you," said Harry coldly, "where is the body of the real Colin Creevey?"
Malfoy looked up at Harry and explained that after all had settled down and he, then disguised as Colin Creevey, had been medically cleared at St. Mungos he had snuck away from the Hogsmead Inn where he and Colin's parents were staying. He had returned the place where he had left Creevey's body. He had removed Colin from the shack and with a wave of his wand dug a shallow grave under the willow tree that neighbored the shack. Once the grave was covered and the surface restored so it looked as if it was never disturbed he hurried back to the inn and woke that morning as Colin Creevey with Colin's parents.
"I did it all because I loved you Harry and because you never allowed yourself to love me," concluded Malfoy
Harry just starred coldly at Malfoy. He didn't want to hear another word from him. No matter what his rationale, the fact was that he had lied, he had hidden the fact that Harry's beloved Colin had really died and had played him for a fool for years on end.
Harry was finished with him.
He was finished with it all.
"Very well Draco, that's all I wanted to hear...the Ministry can have you now," said Harry as he turned and left out of the hospital room.
Arthur Weasley pulled Harry aside and asked if there was anything that he should know about what Malfoy had said to him in private. Harry told him that mostly it was personal but he did learn where the real Colin's body was laid to rest and that Malfoy was directly responsible for some other crimes. Harry asked that Minister Weasley and only Minister Weasley listen to the private portion of Malfoy's interrogation, which was being recorded as per hospital protocol in situations like this, because much of it was too personal for public consumption.
"Of course Harry...I will confiscate the recording straight away," said Weasley patting Harry's shoulder, "I will protect your privacy...after all this time you should know that your best interest, above all, has always been mine. Why don't you leave him to us...get out of here now that you can finally move on. Go home to Neville and start living life in the present not in the past"
"I will sir, but first I have to put closure on one more thing," said Harry smiling at Ron's dad
Harry watched as the rest of the group followed Arthur Weasley into the hospital room. With one more quick glance back he turned to leave and soon was back out into the chilling air of March. Without hesitation, when the coast was clear, he disapporated and left St. Mungos.
Minutes later Harry was back at the entrance of Hogwarts. He entered the stone archway but didn't head towards the castle. Instead he headed towards the "love shack" in a hurried pace. Once there he walked under the sagging willow tree.
How appropriate, he thought, to be buried under a weeping willow.
He took out his wand pointed it towards the ground. Silently he muttered the spell that directed his wand to locate anything buried under the ground. When the spot was found Harry laid down on top of it.
For the first time in years he allowed tears to fill his eyes. He lay there prone on top of the place where he knew the decaying body of his beloved Colin had been buried and wailed like a baby out of the womb. Finally all the hurt and all the pain of the last few years was coming out. The cry and the agony seemed as if it was a release of sorts. Bottled up emotion burst forth and Harry was vaguely aware of the sensation of his angel's energy engulfing him with what was more than like a hug.
After the tears subsided Harry stood and pulled his wand out again. This time he conjured up a simple head stone and placed it where his assumed Colin's head had been laid.
It simply said "Curly", the pet name Harry had given Colin all those years ago.
In time Colin's parents would learn the truth and what was left of the remains would be given a proper burial and funeral. But for now Harry wanted something to mark the spot where his first love was laid to rest.
Harry sat down in front of the stone and starred at it. A smile managed to emerge on his face. As sad as the moment was, as horrific the deception of Draco Malfoy he was finally able to truly say goodbye to the past and to Colin Creevey...his first real love of his life. Maybe now, thought Harry as he recalled the first time he and the real Colin made love, I can move on for you and let the past stay where it belongs...in the past.
Harry continued to sit under the weeping willow tree until the sun began to set. As the giant red orb began to disappear so did the past and the horrors it entailed. Maybe, like the sun, he would rise the next day leaving the past days behind in the hopes of creating a brighter future for himself and the man he now loved and was with Neville Longbottom.
With the knowledge of the the true fate that met Colin all those years ago Harry hoped against hope that this last goodbye would finally shut the door on everything that haunted him..maybe he really could, this time, finally move on.
EPILOGUE- Out With The Old and In With The New
The teacher's lounge erupted in yet another round of applause. Headmistress Hooch blushed as her staff again celebrated the changes she had managed to make in just a short three months. With the school year's end the Hogwarts Board of Governors had indeed voted to make any sort of bullying or hate related incidents subject to immediate expulsion from the school. They had concluded that Hogwarts, for the first time in its history, would always be a safe and nurturing house of learning where no students...whether black or purple, gay or straight, handsome or ugly would be subject to any discrimination or mistreatment.
There had always been a victory in the Ministry as well, largely thanks to the testimony of Harry and Hooch. A new law was passed that made harassing, bullying or discriminating against anyone because of his or her real or perceived sexual orientation as bad of a crime as Muggle baiting was these days.
Indeed there was a lot to celebrate at the close of this school year. After Malfoy's deceitful ruse was uncovered and Harry said goodbye to the real Colin Creevey it had felt as if a thousand weights had been lifted off his shoulder. For the first time in his life he felt free of the emotional chains that had unconsciously bound him for so many years.
The rest of the school year passed without incidence. The special group called "Ollie's Boys" was free to meet openly. No longer did the excuse of soccer matches and practices need to be used as a cover. The group, despite the protest of some parents, who were quickly advised to cope with it or send their kid to another school, openly advertised their meetings.
Of course boundaries and guidelines were set. Only get-togethers and non-sexual things were allowed at the meetings but it still offered a great opportunity for the teens and their staff advisors to be themselves. In fact at least ten more students joined the group, male and female gay students, who had been locked in their closets of fear were finally free to come out and live life in the honest light of day.
As the teachers began to leave the room Harry noticed the towering figure of JT Sharp coming towards he and Neville. Harry smiled and walked towards him with Neville in tow.
"So you and Matt will be going back to America?" asked Harry when JT joined them
"Yes, I am afraid so. I hate to leave Hogwarts but as you know this assignment was just for this year. As much as I loved teaching here I do miss my home school," said JT sincerely
"Understandable and as the Headmistress explained they will be sending over another exchange teacher next year in your place," added Neville
"Yes, that is correct...which reminds me Harry...have you thought about my proposal?" asked Sharp with a grin
"Er...well I haven't really had time to talk it over with Neville..."
Neville looked quizzically at Harry and then at Sharp.
"Hang on, you proposed to Harry?" said Neville confused
Both JT and Harry burst into laughter, which immediately reddened Neville's face.
"No worries love," said Harry wrapping his arm around Neville's shoulder, "it wasn't that sort of a proposal"
Neville smiled weakly but seemed to relax again.
"What I had suggested to Harry," started JT, " is that he trade places, just for a year, with the Deputy Headmaster of my home school...I thought a getaway from here and all the memories of the past might do him...and you Neville good...just for a year."
Neville grinned at Harry, "Well I did always want to go see America Harry but if you go there what shall I do...quit teaching?"
"That's something we need to talk about but I will tell you this, I had a conversation with your colleague JT and she wishes to stay another year at Hogwarts. If the powers that be agree to it then the American school will be in need of an exchange Herbology teacher" advised Harry
"Brilliant," beamed Neville
"But we will find out about that later in the summer. Right now JT if you will excuse us we have some packing to do. Give my love to Matthew and have a safe trip home. Who knows, if it is meant to be we may see you next year and this time we will be the fishes out of water instead of you!"
They all gave each other hugs and parted ways. Oliver had said goodbye earlier as he was in a hurry to leave the school. He had planned a summer of doing nothing but attending the summer Quidditch league matches all over the British Isles.
Harry and Neville returned to their quarters and quickly finished packing their belongings. When they were ready to go they left the place that they had called home for the last three months and made a brief stop to see Headmistress Hooch.
"I just wanted to thank you for everything," said Harry breaking usual protocol and giving Helga Hooch a hug, "if it wasn't for you I..."
"Enough said Harry," said Hooch cutting him off, "the important thing is that all is well. I do have to say that if you choose to do the exchange program I will miss you but I do feel it may do you good to get away from here for at least a year."
"Well the only way that will happen is if Neville joins me."
"Consider that done...if you two decide that you want to teach in the states next year I will make the arrangements with the board and the host school. But now is the time for a respite from school matters...what are you two planning for your time off?"
"We're heading for paradise!" exclaimed Harry with a laugh
Hooch caught on immediately and told them how much she envied them. Again they all wished each other the best and Harry promised to send an owl with their decision about working at the American school in September within a week.
After another round of hugs Harry and Neville headed out of the castle and into the summer heat.
An hour later they were both lounging on Harry's private beach. With the wind in their hair and the smell of the sea in their noses both he and Neville finally felt at peace. Both had been through so much the past two years and it was a relief to be afforded time alone to unwind.
Harry rolled over towards Neville, who was lying on his back on the beach blanket. Without warning Harry planted a long and wet kiss on Neville's soft lips.
"I really do love you Neville Longbottom," smiled Harry when he came up for air
"As do I," replied Neville who then returned the kiss
As the two locked themselves in a lover's embrace, taking advantage of the privacy the beach afforded, they didn't noticed a figure that was standing not more then fifty feet away.
When Harry sat up to remove his shorts he noticed the surprise visitor standing there. Both Neville and Harry and the visitor locked eyes and froze for a few moments.
The visitor appeared to be a quite handsome and fit sixteen-year-old teen who was wearing Speedo trunks that were powder blue. Immediately both Neville and Harry noticed that the boy's hand was down his briefs and apparently wrapped around his swelled young cock.
Before the boy could offer explanation, Harry turned to Neville as smiled slyly
"Here we go again!" whispered Harry as both he and Neville got up to see just who the teen was and why he was spying on their lovemaking.
It turned out that the boy had wandered over from the other part of the island and was just as surprised to see them as they were to see him. All the while the hardened cock in the teen's Speedos stayed firm. After a bit more conversation they learned that the teen's mate, another sixteen-year-old was nearby as well.
Harry explained that this part of the beach was private, that he actually owned it. The boy apologized profusely and reddened and turned to leave.
In a moment of split decision, almost as if they read each other's minds, Harry and Neville both told the teen he didn't have to leave.
"Well so long as you have found the gay beach you might as well make the most of it," said Harry with a cheeky grin, "go get your mate and we will have some tea"
They both watched as the teen scurried off to get his friend.
Indeed this was going to be a summer to remember, probably the first truly relaxing summer Harry had been blessed to have in a long time. Even with the arrival of the surprise guests Harry felt at ease and happy that he was enjoying the present and what may come in the future without worry, without fear and with the partner he loved by his side.
Peace and normalcy had finally come into the life of Harry Potter and he was glad.
THE END!
----------- THAT'S IT FOR THIS STORY...
CHEERS! -----------
"OLLIE'S BOYS" INCLUDE:
1st year: Nicky Lang , Mark Mungo-Marsh
2nd year: Matt Mateo
3rd year: Michael O'Toole, Martin Mackey
4th year: Lonnie Livingston, Marcus Long, Eric Lynn
5th year: Ian and Issac Isley, Sam Chang, Stevie Millsack
6th year: Alan Keyes, Patrick Donnelly, Rafael Ortega
7th year: Thomas Greer, Andrew Kelley, Earl Craig -----------