The chill of December seeped through the stone walls of Hogwarts, as students buzzed with anticipation for the upcoming winter holidays. Snowflakes danced outside the enchanted windows of the dungeons, but inside the Potions classroom, the atmosphere was far from festive. Professor Snape prowled the room, his black robes billowing behind him like ominous shadows.
Harry, seated alongside Hermione and Neville, carefully measured ingredients for the Strengthening Solution they were brewing. He was acutely aware of Snape's piercing gaze lingering on him, scrutinizing his every move. Despite being a Ravenclaw and Snape's lack of personal vendetta against him compared to the original timeline, Harry still felt the weight of the professor's cold disdain.
As the class drew to a close, Harry bottled his potion, its silvery hue shimmering in the dim light. He walked toward Snape's desk, placing his vial among the others.
"Potter," Snape's silky voice cut through the quiet murmurs of the departing students.
Harry froze. "Yes, sir?"
"You will report to my office tonight at eight for detention," Snape declared, his black eyes narrowing.
"Detention? But—" Harry began, confused.
"No questions," Snape interrupted sharply. "Be there. Do not be late, or you will find the punishment far less tolerable."
Hermione and Neville waited outside the classroom, their faces clouded with concern.
"What did Snape want?" Hermione asked as soon as Harry emerged.
"He gave me detention," Harry replied, his brow furrowed. "No explanation. Just told me to show up at eight."
"Detention?" Neville repeated, astonished. "But you've never been in trouble! You're one of the most well-behaved students!"
"Exactly," Hermione said, her voice tinged with suspicion. "Snape never gave you trouble before. Something feels... off about this."
"Whatever it is, I'll deal with it," Harry said, attempting to shrug it off. He wasn't about to risk antagonizing Snape, especially with his grades in Potions and Defense Against the Dark Arts at stake.
---
The hours passed in a blur, and soon the clock struck eight. Harry found himself standing outside Snape's office door, the faint scent of stale potion ingredients wafting through the corridor. Gathering his courage, he knocked.
"Enter," Snape's voice commanded.
The office was dimly lit, the shelves lined with jars containing preserved creatures and strange artifacts. Snape sat behind his desk, his expression inscrutable.
"Start by cleaning the cauldrons," Snape said without preamble, gesturing to a stack of grimy equipment in the corner.
Harry nodded silently and set to work, scrubbing the cauldrons until his hands ached. For nearly two hours, the only sounds in the room were the clinking of metal and the occasional rustle of parchment as Snape worked.
When the last cauldron was spotless, Harry straightened and turned to Snape.
"I'm done, sir," he said.
Snape looked up, his gaze penetrating. "Sit."
Confused, Harry hesitated before taking a seat across from the professor.
"You've been careless, Potter," Snape began, his tone deceptively calm.
Harry blinked. "I don't understand, sir."
Snape leaned forward, his black eyes gleaming. "Don't insult my intelligence. I've seen the research you've been conducting. Horcruxes."
Harry's blood ran cold.
"You should have been more cautious," Snape continued. "Your interest in the Gaunt ring didn't escape my notice."
Harry's heart pounded. "The Gaunt ring?"
Snape leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers. "Yes. The gaunt is one of The Horcruxes with a cursed artifact that nearly cost Dumbledore his life. Did you think your investigations would go unnoticed?"
Realization dawned on Harry. Dumbledore. Of course. The old man must have said something to Snape.
Snape's eyes gleamed with dark amusement as he studied Harry's reaction. "The headmaster came to me, desperate for help after foolishly succumbing to the ring's curse. In his arrogance, he revealed its true nature. A Horcrux."
Harry stared, his mind reeling.
"Even in his dying moments, Dumbledore's priority was not his own survival," Snape sneered. "No, he wished to ensure that you would be the one to confront the curse instead of him. Typical."
Harry clenched his fists. His hatred for Dumbledore, already simmering, flared into a white-hot rage.
Snape's expression softened, almost imperceptibly. "You were a pawn to him, Potter. Nothing more."
The weight of Snape's words pressed heavily on Harry. He had always suspected that Dumbledore's intentions were not as noble as they seemed, but hearing it confirmed in such a stark, unvarnished manner left him seething.
"I won't be his pawn anymore," Harry said, his voice low but resolute.
Snape studied him for a moment before giving a curt nod. "See that you aren't."
The professor waved him off, and Harry left the office, his mind a storm of conflicting emotions. As he walked through the dark corridors of Hogwarts, one thing became clear: he would forge his own path, free from the manipulations of those who sought to control him.
---
As Harry walked through the dimly lit corridors, the weight of Snape's revelations pressed heavily on his chest.harry always know that Dumbledore had orchestrated everything—his parents' deaths, his placement with the Dursleys, and even his battles with Voldemort. The manipulation of Peter Pettigrew into betraying the Potters.
The thought that Dumbledore might have even known about the Horcrux and wanted Harry to probably die to destroy them, He has known this information for decades and has never sought to be the one to destroy this magic, nor has he tried to find someone more competent to handle it. This only further reveals how vile the man truly is. It a surge of fury through him.
His feet carried him to one of the unused classrooms, one he knew would be empty except for the person he needed most—Theo. Harry pushed open the door, the soft creak of the hinges barely audible over the sound of his own rapid heartbeat.
Theo was seated at one of the desks, casually flipping through a book on advanced warding techniques. His sharp green eyes lifted the moment Harry entered, immediately catching the storm brewing in Harry's expression.
"Harry," Theo said softly, closing the book. "What's wrong?"
Harry dropped into the chair beside him, glaring at the floor. "Snape told me everything," he began, his voice shaking with restrained fury. "About the Horcruxes, the ring, the curse. Dumbledore knew it all. He let it happen. He wanted me to take the fall—like I'm nothing more than a tool."
Theo set his book aside with deliberate calmness, his sharp features betraying only a flicker of surprise before his expression hardened. "Of course he did. That man's manipulations know no bounds. But I didn't think even he would stoop to leaving a cursed artifact in your path just to see what would happen."
Harry let out a harsh laugh. "i'am not even shocked, i always know how Dumbledore is evil but to let this evil magic to decade and to let me _ a kid to destroy that stupid and so selfish, but now—" His voice cracked. " He used my parents, Theo. He used Sirius, Lupin... even Snape. And for what? For his precious 'greater good' when he have not good in him "
The words came out in a rush, raw and jagged, as though speaking them aloud gave them power over him. Theo stood abruptly, the scrape of his chair against the floor echoing in the empty room. His normally calm demeanor fractured, his lips curling into a sneer.
"That manipulative bastard," Theo hissed, his voice filled with venom. "He put you through all that. He let you walk blindly into danger time and time again because it suited his bloody narrative? And now this?"
Harry let out a humorless laugh. "And it gets worse. He didn't know about the curse on the ring—Snape told me. And now he searches for how to healed.he tell Snape that he would have preferred to leave the ring to me so that I was the one who would be cursed instead of him. Dumbledore didn't want to die at the hands and magic of Voldemort; He had begged Snape to find something—a potion, a spell—so that he could be saved."
Theo's brow furrowed, his sharp features betraying only a flicker of surprise before his expression hardened. "Of course he did," he said, his voice tight with disbelief. "That man's manipulations know no bounds. But I didn't think even he would stoop so low as to leave a cursed artifact in your path, just to see what would happen."
Harry scoffed bitterly, his chest rising with the anger he could hardly suppress. "I'm not even shocked anymore. I've known for a long time that Dumbledore is capable of anything."
Theo clenched his fists, his jaw tightening.
" All of us pawns in his grand scheme for his 'greater good.' But he's never once thought about the cost. Never considered what it would do to the people he's supposed to be protecting."
Harry's breath hitched, his heart pounding with the weight of the realization. "He used everyone. He used them to get what he wanted. And for what?" Harry's voice cracked, the emotion choking him. "For his damn 'greater good'... but what good is there in him?"
Theo stood up abruptly, the scrape of his chair against the floor loud in the stillness of the room. His face twisted into a sneer, his normally composed demeanor shattering with the intensity of his fury.
Harry let out a bitter laugh, but it held no humor. "And it gets worse," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "He didn't even know about the curse on the ring. Snape told me. And now Dumbledore is searching for ways to heal it. He told Snape that he would've preferred to leave the ring to me. He wanted me to be cursed instead of him. He didn't want to die at the hands of Voldemort. He begged Snape for something—anything—to save him from the magic."
Theo's face twisted in disbelief. "Are you serious? That man... he's more twisted than I thought."
Harry nodded grimly, his fists clenching at his sides as his anger flared. "He's not just manipulative, Theo. He's a coward, too. He could've stopped this. He could've destroyed the Horcruxes himself, but instead, he kept me in the dark, sent me into danger. I don't even know if I can trust anyone anymore."
Theo let out a sharp breath, stepping forward as if to place a hand on Harry's shoulder. But he stopped short, his eyes flicking with a mixture of understanding and something darker—protectiveness.
"You're not alone in this, Harry," he said, his voice low but firm. "I'll be here, no matter what. We'll figure this out."
Harry looked up at Theo, feeling the weight of his words settled in his chest. He didn't know if he could ever truly forgive Dumbledore for what he'd done, for all the lives that had been shattered in the name of some lofty ideal. But with Theo by his side, Harry felt a small glimmer of hope that maybe—just maybe—he could find a way to end this madness.
The train whistled loudly as it rolled away from the station, leaving behind the snowy silhouette of Hogsmeade. Inside one of the warm compartments, Harry and Theo sat side by side, their hands intertwined. The hum of their friends' chatter filled the air as Hermione, Neville, and Blaise exchanged stories of their favorite classes and speculated on the upcoming holidays. Snowflakes streaked the windows, blurring the wintry world outside.
Harry glanced at Theo, his emerald eyes full of concern. Theo's usually composed expression was shadowed with unease, and his fingers occasionally tightened around Harry's as though grounding himself.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Harry asked softly, his voice barely carrying over the chatter in the compartment.
Theo turned to him, his stormy gray eyes meeting Harry's. "I will be," he replied, though his tone was more resolute than convincing. "The letter from Gringotts was expected. My father's hatred for me only solidified when I left that house." He exhaled sharply. "Being disinherited was just the final nail in the coffin."
Hermione, sitting across from them, frowned as she caught the tail end of the conversation. "That's despicable," she said indignantly. "Parents are supposed to care for their children, not—" She stopped, her cheeks flushing as she realized her outburst. "Sorry, Theo, I didn't mean to—"
"It's fine, Granger," Theo interrupted, offering her a faint smile. "I'd rather be disowned than remain under my father's control. He wanted to use me as a pawn for Voldemort's desires. Leaving was my only choice."
Harry gave Theo's hand a reassuring squeeze. "And now you're free," he said firmly. "Whatever happens at Gringotts, you won't face it alone."
Theo's lips curved slightly, his gratitude evident in the gentle look he gave Harry. "You always know how to calm me down," he murmured.
"Because I know you," Harry replied, his voice tender. "You're not alone in this, Theo. Not anymore."
Their conversation was interrupted by Neville, who nudged Hermione and gestured out the window. "Look at the snow-covered hills! It's almost like they've been dusted with icing sugar."
Hermione leaned closer to the glass, her mood lightening. "It's beautiful," she admitted, her earlier frustration dissipating.
Blaise, lounging casually in the corner, smirked. "Enjoy the view while you can. Once we reach London, it'll be gray skies and rain again."
The compartment erupted in laughter, and for a brief moment, the heavy weight of Theo's worries seemed to lift.
The train finally pulled into King's Cross Station, the platform bustling with students and their families. As Harry and Theo stepped off, Harry spotted Sirius waiting for him near the barrier, his trademark grin lighting up his face. Andromeda stood beside him, looking elegant as always, with a warm smile reserved for Harry and his friends.
The cozy dining room of Andromeda Tonks' home was filled with the scent of freshly baked bread and roasted chicken. The late afternoon sun poured through the large bay windows, painting the wooden table in a warm, golden hue. Harry, Theo, Sirius, and Andromeda sat around the table, their plates full, the clink of silverware mixing with soft conversation.
Harry couldn't hide his excitement. His emerald eyes sparkled as he looked at Andromeda. "You won't believe it! Dumbledore finally admitted it—he's known about the Horcruxes all along!"
Andromeda's fork froze halfway to her mouth. Her sharp features softened as curiosity replaced her usual guarded demeanor. "He knew all this time?"
Theo, seated beside Harry, nodded, his expression equal parts smug and indignant. "Not just that. He even destroyed one of them—though it came at a price. The curse on the Horcrux left him with only a few months to live."
Sirius leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful frown etched on his face. "Typical Dumbledore. Always playing his cards close to his chest." He ran a hand through his dark hair, now streaked with gray. "But at least that's one less piece of Voldemort to deal with."
Andromeda set her fork down and crossed her arms, her lips tightening. "And yet he let you—children—face dangers he should have handled himself. I swear, that man..." She shook her head, exasperated.
Harry exchanged a glance with Theo. Both boys knew better than to interrupt her tirade.
After a moment, Andromeda's demeanor softened. "But this is progress. If there are only two Horcruxes left..." Her voice trailed off as she stood, walking to a nearby cabinet.
From the cabinet, Andromeda retrieved an aged bottle of wine and a set of glasses. "This calls for a toast," she declared, her tone lightening. "Even in the midst of war, we should celebrate every victory."
Sirius grinned. "I knew there was a reason I liked you, Andi."
Andromeda poured wine into the glasses, her movements precise and elegant. She hesitated for a moment before pouring a smaller amount into two additional glasses. "Harry, Theo—you're both practically adults now. One glass won't hurt. Just this once."
Theo raised an eyebrow, smirking. "You hear that, Potter? We're finally being treated like adults."
Harry chuckled, taking the glass. "About time."
Remus Lupin entered the room, his presence quiet but grounding. He looked between them, his tired face softening into a smile. "Celebrating without me? That's not fair."
Andromeda handed him a glass. "You're just in time, Remus. We're toasting to the fall of an enemy—and the hope for a brighter future."
Sirius raised his glass, his gray eyes gleaming with determination. "To the end of Voldemort and every piece of him."
"To victory," Andromeda added, her voice firm.
"To survival," Remus murmured, his tone tinged with sadness but also resolve.
Harry and Theo exchanged a glance before raising their glasses. "To a future worth fighting for," Harry said, his voice steady.
They clinked glasses, the sound sharp and clear, echoing in the quiet house.
As they sipped, the room filled with a rare sense of warmth and camaraderie. The war loomed ever closer, but for that brief moment, they allowed themselves to feel hopeful—to imagine a world where Voldemort was nothing more than a memory.
Before leaving, harry with Théo said goodbye to Sirius and Remus were seated, whispering to each other like lovestruck teenagers . Harry couldn't help but smirk.
"Enjoying your romantic evening?" Harry teased, arms crossed as he leaned toward Sirius.
Sirius raised an eyebrow, his smirk mirroring Harry's. "Oh, you've got jokes now? Don't forget, pup, I was the master at sneaking around in my day. Just because you're playing house with Theo doesn't mean you're immune to my pranks."
Remus chuckled, patting Sirius's shoulder. "Be nice, Sirius. At least Harry and Theo aren't as insufferable as we were at that age."
"Insufferable?" Sirius repeated dramatically. "I was charming, thank you very much."
Theo, standing calmly beside Harry, added with a dry smirk, "Charming or not, it sounds like you both got caught one too many times."
Sirius feigned offense, clutching his chest. "You see, Moony? The younger generation has no respect for their elders!"
Harry rolled his eyes, but the warmth in his laughter betrayed his affection. "Well, enjoy your 'elderly' date night. We're heading back to Grimmauld Place."
As Harry and Theo stepped into the green flames, they heard Sirius's final words echo behind them, "Don't get too cozy! I'm watching you two!"
The Black family manor stood as it always did—dark, foreboding, and yet somehow home. The scent of aged wood and faint candle wax filled the air as the pair stepped into the grand parlor. Kreacher appeared almost immediately, bowing low with his usual raspy greeting.
"Master Harry, Master Theo. How can Kreacher serve you this evening?"
Harry's expression softened as he approached the house-elf. "Kreacher, we've got some good news. Another piece of Voldemort's soul is gone. The Gaunt's Ring—it's destroyed."
For a moment, Kreacher's eyes widened, his wrinkled face alight with something that looked suspiciously like hope. "Master Regulus... he would be proud," Kreacher croaked, his voice trembling.
Theo added quietly, "Only two Horcrux remains now, Kreacher. The hardest one, yes, but we're close."
The house-elf nodded solemnly, then scurried away, mumbling something about preparing tea.
---
Later that evening, the house grew silent, save for the occasional creak of the floorboards or the soft hiss of the fireplace in their shared room. Harry sat cross-legged on the bed, staring at the flickering shadows on the wall. Theo had been reading a book on ancient rune magic, but the moment he noticed Harry's faraway expression, he put it aside.
"You're thinking about the Horcrux inside you, aren't you?" Theo's voice was gentle but direct, piercing through the quiet like an anchor.
Harry didn't respond immediately, his gaze dropping to his hands. "If we can't figure out how to destroy it... I won't survive this."
The words hung in the air, heavy and raw.
"You'll survive," Theo said firmly, moving closer until their knees touched. "We'll find a way."
Harry's voice cracked as he continued. "And if we don't? What if I'm just... doomed to die for this war to end?"
Theo reached out, cupping Harry's face with both hands. "Listen to me, Harry. You've been through hell and back—more than anyone should ever endure. But you're still here. And I'm not going to let you give up now. We'll figure this out together. I promise."
Harry closed his eyes, leaning into Theo's touch as tears began to fall. The weight of years of responsibility, fear, and loss came crashing down all at once.
"I don't want to leave you," Harry whispered through the sobs.
"And you won't," Theo replied, his voice unwavering. "Not if I have anything to say about it."
Theo pulled Harry into his arms, holding him tightly as if to shield him from the world. For the first time in what felt like years, Harry allowed himself to feel vulnerable, to let someone else carry the burden, even if just for a moment.
They stayed that way until the fire burned low, the flickering light casting soft shadows on the walls. Theo's steady heartbeat became the rhythm that lulled Harry to sleep, his fears momentarily soothed by the warmth and strength of the boy who refused to let him face the darkness alone.
---
When Harry woke the next morning, the room was filled with sunlight streaming through the heavy curtains. Theo was already awake, sitting beside him with a cup of tea in hand.
"Morning," Theo said softly, handing Harry the cup.
Harry took it with a small smile, his voice still hoarse. "Thanks."
They sat in comfortable silence for a while, the events of the previous night still fresh in Harry's mind. But for the first time in a long time, he felt lighter, as if the storm clouds had parted just enough to let a bit of light through.
"Hey," Theo said after a while. "We're going to win this. And once we do, I'm taking you on a proper date. Somewhere far away from all this madness. Deal?"
Harry chuckled, the sound soft but genuine. "Deal."he replied, a glimmer of hope shining in his green eyes.
Before they could say anything else, the faint flutter of wings interrupted their moment. An elegant barn owl swooped through the window, a sealed envelope clutched in its talons. The owl landed gracefully on Harry's bedside table, dropping the letter before staring at him expectantly.
"Who's it from?" Theo asked curiously as Harry offered the owl a treat from his pocket.
Harry examined the official seal on the envelope and raised an eyebrow. "It's from the Ministry," he replied, breaking the wax seal carefully.
Unfolding the parchment, Harry read the letter aloud:
"Dear Mr. Potter,
This is to formally notify you of a Ministry meeting scheduled in two days. The agenda will focus on the proposal to reopen the Department for the Protection of Children. Journalists from major publications will be present, and your advocacy for this law will be a critical part of the discussion. Please prepare your remarks accordingly.
Best regards,
Ministry of Magic"
Harry exhaled sharply, a mix of disbelief and pride washing over him. He glanced at Theo, his voice steadier now. "Finally. One of my proposals is actually being taken seriously."
Theo smirked, his pride in Harry evident. "You've been pushing for this for months. It's about time those Ministry idiots caught up with you."
Harry's lips twitched into a smile. "This could change so much for so many kids," he said, his tone tinged with both hope and determination.
Theo leaned closer, his voice low and sincere. "And they'll listen to you, Harry. Because you don't just fight for change—you make it happen."
The words stayed with Harry as he prepared for the day ahead, a renewed sense of purpose burning within him.
"We've got two days, Harry," Theo said, breaking the silence. "If we're going to get this law passed, we need to strategize carefully. The majority of the votes will come from old, stubborn pureblood families, and I can tell you they're not going to budge easily."
Harry set his quill down and turned to face him, the faint lines of exhaustion etched into his face. "I know. That's why I need you. You know these people better than I ever could. What's the best approach?"
Theo's lips curled into a thoughtful smirk as he began listing names. "The Malfoys, obviously. Narcissa will likely vote in favor if Lucius remains neutral, especially if Draco gives her a nudge. The Parkinsons might surprise you—they've been distancing themselves from the more radical pureblood ideologies lately. Then there's the Greengrasses; Daphne will back it if her father sees any political gain. The Zabinis… well, Blaise's mother is unpredictable, but we know her and she cares about children safety. And, of course, Augusta Longbottom is already a guaranteed yes."
Harry nodded, mentally noting each name. "That's a start, but we need more than just a few families. How about the Bones family?"
Theo tapped his chin thoughtfully. "Amelia Bones is pragmatic and fair. She might lean in our favor if we present the right arguments—focus on the practical benefits of the law rather than the morality of it."
Harry leaned back in his chair, the weight of the task ahead pressing on him. "It's not just about votes, Theo. This law could protect children like me—kids who don't have anyone to stand up for them. If we fail…"
Theo cut him off, his voice firm but gentle. "We're not going to fail. You've been fighting for this since day one, Harry. And you've got me. We'll get it done, no matter what."
The sincerity in Theo's voice eased some of Harry's anxiety, and for a moment, he allowed himself to believe it was possible.
---
Two Days Later – Ministry of Magic
The Ministry's main atrium was a whirlwind of activity as witches and wizards bustled about, their robes swishing with purpose. Harry stood near the grand fountain, his emerald eyes scanning the crowd. Theo was at his side, impeccably dressed in dark green robes that accentuated his sharp features.
"Do you think they'll listen?" Harry asked, his voice tinged with nerves.
Theo placed a reassuring hand on Harry's shoulder. "They'd be fools not to. You're Harry bloody Potter. But just in case, I've made sure we're not walking into this blind."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
Theo smirked conspiratorially. "Let's just say I've had a few private conversations with certain individuals. The Malfoys are voting yes, as are the Greengrasses and Zabinis. Augusta Longbottom is rallying support among her peers, and Kingsley has agreed to make a statement in your favor."
Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "You've been busy."
"Someone had to be," Theo replied with a wink. "Now, go in there and do what you do best—speak from the heart."
---
Inside the Council Chamber
The room was a grand, circular space with high ceilings adorned with floating candles. Representatives from various wizarding families and Ministry officials filled the seats, their murmurs echoing off the stone walls. At the center of the room stood a podium, where Harry now stood, all eyes on him.
Taking a deep breath, he began. "For too long, we've turned a blind eye to the suffering of vulnerable children in our community. This law isn't about politics or tradition—it's about doing what's right. Every child deserves safety, dignity, and a chance to grow up without fear. I know what it's like to feel abandoned, to be overlooked. No child should ever feel that way."
As Harry spoke, Theo watched from the sidelines, his heart swelling with pride. Harry's passion and sincerity were undeniable, and the room seemed to hang on his every word.
When Harry finished, there was a brief silence before Madame Amelia Bones stood, her presence commanding the room. Her sharp, authoritative voice filled the space. "Mr. Potter is right," she said, her eyes scanning the chamber. "It is time for us to take responsibility for the future of our world, and that begins with protecting our children. I stand in full support of this proposal. It's time we act with courage, for their sake, and for the sake of the wizarding world's future."
Applause erupted throughout the chamber, and Theo caught Harry's eye, giving him a subtle nod of approval. The battle wasn't over yet, but they had taken a crucial step forward together.
The crowd dispersed, but a small group lingered near Harry: Madame Bones, Mrs. Zabini, Theo, and a few others who had voted in favor of the proposal. They were deep in discussion about the next steps for reopening the Department for Child Welfare when a cold, familiar voice interrupted.
"Theo."
The group turned to see Theo's father, Senior Nott, standing a few feet away. His dark eyes burned with disdain as they swept over Harry and landed on his son.
"I need to speak with you. Alone."
Harry stepped forward immediately, his posture protective. "Whatever you have to say, you can say it here."
Senior Nott's lips curled into a sneer. "This is between me and my son, Potter. Stay out of it."
Harry didn't flinch. "Theo isn't your pawn anymore. You've lost the right to demand anything from him."
The tension in the room was palpable as father and son stared at each other. Finally, Senior Nott turned his attention back to Theo. "Do you really think you can escape me? Do you think Potter can save you?"
Theo's voice was calm but laced with steel. "I don't need saving, least of all from you."
Senior Nott's gaze darkened, but Harry stepped closer, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Oh, I'll save him, all right. And while I'm at it, I'll enjoy watching Theo become everything you'll never be—a man who's free and better than the sniveling puppet you were for Voldemort."
A dangerous silence fell. Senior Nott's face twisted with fury, but before he could respond, Madame Bones cleared her throat loudly.
"Gentlemen," she said sharply. "I suggest we focus on the matter at hand—building a better future, not revisiting old grudges."
With one last glare, Senior Nott turned on his heel and stalked away. Harry and Theo exchanged a look, Theo's lips twitching into a small, private smile.
"You didn't have to do that," Theo murmured as the group resumed their discussion.
Harry shrugged. "I wanted to. No one threatens what's mine."
Theo smirked. "Possessive much?"
"Always." Harry grinned, and Theo rolled his eyes, though his expression was undeniably fond.
---
After the whirlwind of photographs and interviews, Harry and Theo finally returned to the relative peace of Grimmauld Place, the Black family home. The journey back had been filled with a comfortable silence, each boy lost in their thoughts. Theo's hand lingered on Harry's arm the entire time, a quiet reassurance amidst the chaos of the day.
As they stepped into the house, Kreacher appeared instantly, bowing low.
"Master Harry, Master Theo, Kreacher has prepared tea and biscuits in the drawing room," the elf said, his raspy voice carrying an air of pride.
"Thank you, Kreacher," Harry said kindly, smiling at the elf, who immediately scurried away to ensure everything was perfect.
The house was quiet, almost serene, compared to the noise and spectacle they had just left behind. Harry shrugged off his outer robe and hung it on the coat rack near the door, Theo mirroring his actions.
"I didn't think I'd ever say this," Theo said with a chuckle as they made their way to the drawing room, "but I'm starting to understand why you hate the spotlight so much. Those reporters were relentless."
Harry smirked, collapsing onto the plush sofa. "You get used to it eventually, but it never stops being annoying."
Theo settled beside him, their knees brushing. "Well, if they come after you again, I'll hex them. Or just charm them into silence."
Harry laughed, the sound light and genuine. "You'd do that for me?"
"I'd do a lot more for you," Theo replied with a smirk, his voice low and teasing.
Before Harry could respond, Kreacher returned with a silver tray laden with tea, biscuits, and small sandwiches. The elf placed it on the table before them, bowing once more before disappearing with a pop.
"Perfect timing," Theo said, reaching for a cup of tea.
They sat in companionable silence for a moment, sipping their tea and nibbling on the snacks. Harry glanced at Theo out of the corner of his eye, his heart swelling with gratitude.
"Thanks for coming with me today," Harry said softly.
Theo placed his cup on the table and turned to face him fully. "You don't have to thank me for that. I wanted to be there. For you."
Harry felt a blush rise to his cheeks, but he didn't look away. "It just… it means a lot. Having you there."
Theo's expression softened, and he leaned closer, his voice dropping to a murmur. "I'll always be here for you, Harry. Always."
The sincerity in Theo's words made Harry's chest tighten. He swallowed hard, unsure of how to respond. Instead, he reached out and took Theo's hand in his, their fingers intertwining.
They stayed like that for a while, hands clasped, the warmth between them a comfort that words couldn't capture. The quiet of Grimmauld Place wrapped around them, a stark contrast to the chaos of the outside world.
Eventually, Theo broke the silence. "So, what's next? Back to Hogwarts in a few days?"
Harry nodded, his expression serious as he turned to Théo. "You just need to find a way to destroy the Horcrux inside of me," Harry said quietly, his eyes locked with Théo's, as if trying to understand the weight of the situation. Théo nodded slowly, his lips pressed together in deep thought.
"Yeah, I know," Théo replied, his voice barely above a whisper. "But it's not going to be easy, is it?"
"No," Harry agreed. "But we'll figure it out. We always do."
A long silence stretched between them, both lost in their thoughts. After a while, Théo sighed, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Harry… I need to thank you," he said, his voice soft and filled with gratitude. "You were there when my father tried to speak to me, and honestly, I didn't know what to do. When I saw him, I froze. All those years of just following orders, and I… I was going to do it again. But you… you stopped me."
Harry placed a hand on Théo's shoulder, offering a small, reassuring smile. "I told you, I'll always be here for you. It doesn't matter who's watching, Théo. I'll always help you, no matter what."
Théo looked at Harry, his eyes filled with a mixture of appreciation and something deeper, a silent promise between them. "You don't know how much that means to me," Théo said quietly. "Really."
Harry nodded again, his expression resolute. "We're in this together, Théo. Always."
Harry felt a wave of warmth spread through him at Théo's words. His heart beat a little faster, and without thinking, he reached for Théo's face, cupping it gently in his hands. Théo's eyes closed, and his breath caught as Harry leaned in. Their lips met softly, a slow, tender kiss that spoke of the promises they had made to each other.
When they finally pulled away, both of them were slightly breathless, their foreheads resting together. Théo's voice was a whisper against Harry's skin. "I love you," he murmured, the words carrying the weight of everything they had been through together.
"I love you too," Harry replied, his voice steady but full of emotion. "And I always will."
They stood there for a moment longer, their embrace strong and unbreakable, both of them silently reaffirming the bond that tied them together, knowing that no matter what the future held, they had each other.