Dumbledore's underhanded maneuver, executed through his phoenix familiar, had ignited a furious anger in Draconica. She felt insulted, treated as an immature child instead of the lady of an Ancient and Noble house that she truly was. Rather than either bringing her along on the mission to rescue her cherished Harry or persuading her that remaining at Hogwarts was the best course, the old wizard callously had his familiar teleport her to a distant part of the castle.
Fuming on the cold, dust-laden floor of an abandoned classroom would accomplish nothing, so Draconica took several deep breaths to subdue her anger. Resolving to get to the hospital wing, she sensed through her bond with Harry that, while he was relatively unharmed, he was drained of magical energy. There was no doubt in her mind that Madam Pomfrey would soon attend to him once he was brought back to Hogwarts.
Although her surroundings initially confused her—Fawkes had dropped her off far from the usual paths—she eventually made her way to the hospital wing. She arrived just before Dumbledore's group returned from Little Hangleton. Finding Madam Pomfrey busy tending to Alastor Moody, Draconica sought solace in the company of Fleur, the Beauxbatons champion.
Fleur had withdrawn from the Third Task after barely escaping a deadly magical creature that had nearly taken her left arm. The bandage wrapped around her injury was a testament to her injuries, and Draconica could see that despite Madam Pomfrey's expert care, Fleur would likely spend the night in the hospital wing.
The two girls had just begun to chat when Fawkes appeared in a blaze of fire, bringing with him Dumbledore, Flitwick, Harry, and Cedric. Draconica was immediately at Harry's side, needing to affirm his condition. Physically, he seemed okay, but exhaustion was evident; anyone could see he was on the brink of unconsciousness.
She gave him a soft smile, a silent assurance that the nightmare was over and he was safe. Harry managed a weak smile in return before succumbing to unconsciousness.
"Will he be alright?" Draconica asked anxiously.
"You'd be better off asking Madam Pomfrey," Dumbledore replied. "But from what I can see, with enough rest, your lord should recover fully." The lady Slytherin nodded as she stepped aside to allow the professors to settle Harry and Cedric on the beds. Dumbledore then turned to Flitwick. "Filius, I trust you can inform Poppy of the states we found Mr. Diggory and Lord Slytherin in?"
"Of course," Flitwick answered, his voice earnest. Dumbledore nodded in reply.
"Very well, I'll let the Aurors know Madam Bones wants them all in Little Hangleton…" He paused briefly before adding, "And I will contact the Unspeakables to inform them. I'm sure Amos will be pleased to hear his son is alive and recovering." With that, Dumbledore exited the hospital wing, leaving Fawkes perched on the head of Harry's bed while Draconica settled in a chair beside him.
After Flitwick took the opportunity to impart what he knew to Madam Pomfrey, he too left to attend to his duties. The matron rushed to Cedric's bed first, as he was in a more critical state due to his close call with death. She employed multiple diagnostic spells and administered potions before finally deeming him stable enough to focus on Harry's condition.
Draconica, while spending time at Harry's side, was baffled by the medical terminology that escaped her comprehension. However, Madam Pomfrey's less severe frown provided some relief regarding Harry's condition.
After some time, Madam Pomfrey concluded her examination of Harry, administering only two potions—one for restful sleep and another Draconica couldn't identify, but presumably intended to aid his magical recovery.
"So… how is he?" the blonde witch inquired cautiously.
"Physically, he's largely unscathed—just some scratches and minor wounds," Madam Pomfrey responded. "However, his magical core is concerning. Somehow, he's depleted it entirely and even resorted to tapping into his life force. While that may have saved him, it's taken a heavy toll." Draconica felt a flicker of fear at the nurse's words.
"W-Will… will he become a squib?" she asked, her voice trembling.
"No," Madam Pomfrey assured her, prompting Draconica to breathe a sigh of relief. "But he will lose a significant portion of his magical ability. Until today, Harry ranked among the most powerful wizards in his year… now he'll have to settle for being around average." After a short pause, she added, "There are methods to regain magical power naturally, but those will take years, and he'll only recover a fraction of what he lost."
"I understand…" Draconica replied, at a loss for words. The silence was heavy until Madam Pomfrey inquired if Draconica wished to stay the night. After receiving an affirmative answer, the Hogwarts matron approached Alastor's bedside, where the ex-Auror had regained consciousness and was attempting to appear healthier than he was.
Draconica remained by Harry's side, lost in thought until she felt a light touch on her shoulder. Turning, she found Fleur standing behind her.
"This… this shouldn't have happened," Fleur murmured. "Not to Harry or anyone else…" After a moment, she continued, "I know our relationship started on shaky ground due to the Halloween incident, but we've since become friends. I promise to do my best to help Harry and Cedric." The Beauxbatons champion's sincerity was evident. "And Victor shares the same sentiment."
"Thank you," Draconica replied softly, suddenly aware of Fleur's hand on her shoulder—the very hand that had been bitten during the maze incident. It was a testament to Fleur's compassion, despite her own pain.
"Don't mention it," Fleur said, hurrying back to her bed before Madam Pomfrey caught her in a moment of camaraderie she wasn't meant to partake in.
~/ *** \~
The morning following Dumbledore's late night dealing with Voldemort's return found him early at breakfast, descending from his office to the Great Hall. Just as he stepped into the Entrance Hall, he encountered Narcissa Malfoy entering the castle. Her presence signaled concern, particularly after the previous night's events.
"Good morning, Narcissa," Dumbledore greeted her. "Can I assist you this morning?"
"Yes, professor, I need to find my daughter," she replied, urgency evident in her expression. The news of Draconica's attack had reached her, concern etching her features.
"Not certain…," Dumbledore began, pausing to think. "Do you know where Draconica's married quarters are? She's likely there or in the hospital wing… but I suggest checking with Madam Pomfrey first."
"Thank you, professor," Lady Malfoy replied, turning quickly toward the hospital wing. Despite her years since last visiting—an unpleasant memory from her own school days—she reached her destination swiftly.
True to Dumbledore's prediction, Draconica was asleep, her head nestled on her folded arms. Nearby, Fleur was already awake and observing the scene, smiling at its tenderness. Despite Draconica appearing fine, Narcissa's motherly instincts drove her to gently wake her daughter.
"Mother? What brings you here?" Draconica asked, a touch of embarrassment coloring her cheeks at her startled reaction.
"I rushed here after hearing about your attack," Narcissa replied, shooting a concerned look at her daughter. That nagging instinct to scrutinize her child for signs of injury intensified. "Are you alright? Do you hurt anywhere?" She stepped closer, her protective nature flaring.
"I'm fine, mother!" Draconica insisted, trying to sidestep her maternal instinct, especially with Fleur giggling nearby. "I was attacked, but it's over, and I'm okay! I'm not a fragile doll!" Her declaration finally quelled Narcissa's insistent maternal checks.
"Alright," the older witch conceded. Sighing at her daughter's teenage obstinacy, she focused on the second part of her intention. "I wanted to speak with your 'hubby,' but…" Narcissa glanced at Harry, sleeping soundly in his bed. "He seems rather unavailable right now, so let me know when he wakes."
"O-Okay," Draconica replied, relieved her mother wasn't fretting too much.
"What about your summer plans?" Narcissa inquired, wanting to keep the conversation flowing.
~/ *** \~
After thirty-six hours of unawareness, Harry finally awoke, greeted by the stark reality of his magical loss. While he felt an innate sadness about the situation, it paled in comparison to his refusal to regret the choice for survival he made when faced with death. He was aware of the risks and had chosen life.
Once Madam Pomfrey deemed him fit for visitors, Dumbledore seized the opportunity to engage Harry in conversation—there were many questions lingering on his mind. However, one would hardly expect a wizard as wise as Dumbledore to rush straight into difficult inquiries.
"Nice to see you awake, Harry," he began in a warm tone. "How are you this fine morning?"
"I'm… alright, thank you, professor," Harry replied cautiously, mindful of the gravity of his circumstances. He stole a glance at Draconica, who remained close, still holding his hand. Though the discussion would inevitably turn serious, the old wizard had yet to ask Draconica to take her leave.
"Good, good." Dumbledore continued. "Now, I hope you won't mind my inquiries?" Upon receiving an affirmative nod from Harry, he added, "Would it be alright to ask your lady to step out? I don't believe this discussion is something she should hear. Rest assured, I can cast a ward to keep our conversation private." Harry exchanged a look with Draconica.
"I'm sorry, professor, but I must insist that Draconica remains," he stated firmly. The two wizards locked gazes for a tense moment, until finally, surprisingly, Draconica spoke up.
"I appreciate your trust in me, Harry," she said softly. "But I don't think I want to know what you two are about to discuss. I'll sit this one out." With a resigned sigh, Harry allowed her to move away—she headed to Fleur's bedside, chatting amicably with her fellow champion.
Once Draconica was far enough, Dumbledore raised a ward around Harry's bed, effectively occluding their discussion from all but those present.
"Now then," Dumbledore resumed, "last night Unspeakables confirmed that the adult-sized homunculus found at the Little Hangleton cemetery was indeed Voldemort's body. Furthermore, they affirmed it was created during the third task." He paused, allowing the weight of this information to settle before adding, "Our minister tried arguing that they must be wrong, but you and I both understand that Unspeakables' findings are beyond dispute."
"I see…" Harry replied thoughtfully, grateful that the Unspeakables' findings would provide backup regarding Voldemort's brief return to the world. However, he couldn't help but question the necessity for such secrecy.
"Now, I won't accuse you of killing Voldemort since it was an act of self-defense—your life was at stake. However, I must remind you that he may not have finished his machinations. After all, he managed to return once; what's to say he won't attempt it again? Should he choose to rise again, he may not bring the same fanfare as before. Given you're his primary target…" Dumbledore's words trailed off, clearly intending to convey more.
"This time he won't be back," Harry interjected firmly.
"How can you be so certain?" Dumbledore asked after a moment of consideration.
"Because right now, he's trapped in an endless, impenetrable illusion of his dreams, disconnected from his body. I didn't simply kill him; I used a powerful artifact to seal his soul away. Most likely, he didn't even notice when that separation occurred. What he assumes is a temporary setback has ultimately concluded his existence," Harry explained.
"And what artifact would that be?" Dumbledore inquired, visibly intrigued. Yet, he retained a note of worry in his voice. "It's advisable to keep such a thing safeguarded—an object like that in the wrong hands could pose a threat."
"Don't fret about that," Harry reassured him. "The artifact has returned to its rightful place and its rightful owner. It belongs to a Shinto God who still has influence in our world; if they choose not to be found, they won't be." Dumbledore nodded in acknowledgment. As powerful as wizards might be, divine beings transcended their capabilities. "Even a lucky discovery would lead to dire repercussions; anyone without their blessing trying to wield it would be drained of life before it manifested. It is simply not meant for mortals. I had the blessing, and yet here I am…"
"Very well…" Dumbledore replied cautiously. "I still have concerns regarding the methods Voldemort employed to attain his form of immortality—or perhaps, renewability."
"Those concerns are warranted." Harry frowned. "The foul magics he employed to achieve his state were abhorrent. It's unfortunate, however, that many of his anchors are likely destroyed, though at least two remain. Similar to how we witnessed two years ago, those anchors can inhabit the living, seeking a corporeal form."
"That is most troubling…" Dumbledore noted, even as he considered Harry's revelation that he was aware of Voldemort's horcruxes. True, it didn't seem wise to further address Harry's understanding at this time.
"Nevertheless, it's not a matter of dire concern; only one anchor is unaccounted for. The Hufflepuff goblet currently resides in Bellatrix Lestrange's vault in Gringotts. The goblins have been informed, and though they refuse to enter that vault, the moment the goblet is removed they will seize and destroy it."
"That is genuinely good news…" Dumbledore agreed. A silence fell between them as they considered their next steps.
"Is there anything else you wish to discuss?" Harry ventured.
"Indeed, there are many topics still on my mind," Albus replied. "But I know Amelia will be interested in similar issues, and as she's been alerted to your awakening, she should arrive shortly. We can wait for her before proceeding." After Harry nodded, Dumbledore dispelled the protective wards surrounding the bed, knowing they would need to be re-established once Madam Bones entered.
"Should I call for my barrister?" Harry queried, realizing the gravity of the unexpected conversation.
"You aren't being accused of any crime; there's really no need to do so," Dumbledore replied. "However, if you feel more secure with Miss L. Bridget present, I see no objection to her attendance at this—let's say—interview."
"I think I'll request her presence, just to be safe." Harry settled, knowing well how tricky matters could become.
"Then I'll summon her now." Dumbledore stood to head for Madam Pomfrey's office, where the floo connection resided. After all, Harry was not in a position to make the request.
Despite Dumbledore summons being sudden, Violet arrived a few moments before Madam Bones and her Aura entourage. Harry admittedly felt perplexed as to why a critical figure such as Madam Bones would take time away from paperwork to interview him, even if the events surrounding the tournament warranted follow-up. When she smiled at him and remarked that it allowed her to avoid busyness, he understood her nature better.
Just as Dumbledore suggested, Madam Bones steered the topic toward Harry and Cedric's respective experiences during the third task. She touched on Harry's curse to save Cedric, noting that had the source been different, he would have faced consequences for delving into dark magic. Given Harry's intentions were borne of sincerity, she had him swear not to use that particular curse again nor teach it to anyone.
Her inquiries extending to the revival of Voldemort and the demise of his Death Eaters, she never once pressed for names, as they resided in a petrified state. Finally, she asked for a brief account of Harry's battle against Voldemort, already possessing sufficient details gleaned from the Unspeakables' investigation, prompting few questions for clarity.
Through it all, Harry appreciated Madam Bones' handling of his interview, allowing him to navigate the matters without undue stress regarding his future or any legal implications.
~/ *** \~
The very next evening after dinner, the Hogwarts professors convened to address Harry Potter's situation. Unlike Cedric, who benefited from tournament rules that guaranteed full marks for his NEWTs regardless of his condition, Harry faced potential failure in his subjects due to his confinement under Madam Pomfrey's care.
Unfortunately, one subject, Potions, was particularly troublesome. Since Madam Pomfrey was providing care, there arose the possibility that Harry might fail due to absences in class. While Dumbledore assured the professors he would be fine once released, there was no certainty that he'd recover in time to take the necessary exams.
"Colleagues, we're here to evaluate the situation surrounding young Harry…" Dumbledore began, but a glare shot from him toward Severus Snape ensured the Potions master wouldn't initiate another tirade about Potter's so-called favoritism. "…He is under Madam Pomfrey's care and won't be able to participate in the examinations alongside his peers. Poppy has informed me that active magic demands will need to be deferred for at least a month to prevent further complications."
"Thus, we need to determine how Mr. Potter will go about this," Flitwick noted, passionately supportive of Harry. "Professors Minerva and Alastor, given our subjects require active casting, we need an answer for how they will manage through his circumstances." Dumbledore nodded in agreement.
"Without a doubt, anyone who can contend against the Dark Lord and survive deserves passing grades," Moody affirmed. "While I may not have taught the lad directly, reports showed he was one of the better students in class. If a Death Eater admits that, there's no way the boy could fail."
"Agreed, Alastor," Dumbledore said, prompting Quentin Vector and Minerva McGonagall to weigh in.
"I believe Potter's performance during the tournament suffices for a pass in Charms," Flitwick contributed.
"In terms of Transfiguration, I can offer him a pass as well. However, I shall utilize that complimentary pass from the tournament—Mr. Potter must earn the remainder of his passing marks on his own," McGonagall added.
Dumbledore nodded in approval. "That's settled, but we still must discuss when Harry can take his exams, as Madam Pomfrey will likely require at least another week's care."
"I don't care what that brat believes!" Snape boomed. "If he wants to pass Potions, he'll sit the exam alongside the other incompetent dunderheads!"
"Severus!" Albus warned, his tone razor-sharp.
"What?" Snape huffed, glaring right back.
"Fine! Potter can take his exam later. But don't think I'll offer any leniency," he grumbled, relenting begrudgingly.
The remaining professors empathetically stood alongside Harry, agreeing that he deserved special consideration. Vector and Bubbling each proclaimed their intentions to create tasks Harry could complete while still in Madam Pomfrey's care.
The matter concluded, Dumbledore announced, "We may now disperse."
~/ *** \~
As promised, Narcissa returned to visit once Draconica informed her that Harry was awake. The lady Malfoy had a few inquiries regarding their summer plans—in particular, whether they would formally celebrate their union.
Harry confirmed their intentions to host a public wedding although the specifics were still fluid. Nan had the opportunity to detail their plans and arrangements—an invitation for Narcissa's attendance was confidently extended, much to her delight.
Celebrations over their public wedding soon became a hope-filled conversation, full of ideas and potential, while the pending wedding created an air of excitement. Ultimately, Harry felt elated having shared the magnitude of their forthcoming union as well as the support of Narcissa.
The days leading to summer vacation sped by, even with the teachers delighting in anticipatory summer plans, which didn't negate the mounting assignments they left students to complete.
On the last evening of the term, the end-of-the-year feast was unlike the typical celebrations. This year, the hall donned black-and-yellow banners alongside Hufflepuff emblems. The house of Badgers' unexpected triumph garnered surprise—but the fact that Cedric Diggory, the victor of the Triwizard Tournament, hailed from that house clarified the accolades.
Early the following morning, preparations for departure commenced, ushering Harry, Draconica, and their belongings toward the waiting carriages. As they approached the Hogsmeade railway station, they encountered their friends, including Tracey and the Greengrass sisters, who hastily joined them in the carriage.
"Hey, we'll need another seat!" Neville announced, with Hermione by his side searching for space but finding none left.
Daphne quickly resolved the matter, pulling her sister into her lap, freeing up seating for their friends, despite the younger girl's playfully protesting.
Inside the carriage, they bantered about summer plans and their anticipated attendance at the wedding, all the while circling the mystery surrounding Harry and Draconica's impending trip. However, the couple resolutely kept those details to themselves.
As the train neared departure, Hermione excused herself, eager to spend quality time with Neville, and in doing so departed with a hint of unexpected mischief—the kind rarely observed in their scholarly friend. Harry's light jab incited laughter from the other girls.
The train's growing crowd ushered the friends toward boarding, and they claimed an empty compartment upon entry. As Tracey and the Greengrass sisters resumed idle chatter, Draconica settled against Harry, reflecting on the whirlwind events of their past year.
But an unfinished thought surfaced—raising her head to Harry, she whispered, "Can we talk privately?" As he nodded, they stepped into an empty compartment down the hall.
"What's on your mind?" he asked, wrapping her in a warm embrace.
"Harry…" Draconica's tone dropped to almost a whisper, "have you considered your lady Potter?"
His bewilderment was palpable; with everything unfolding over the past month, he hadn't given it a thought. Eventually, he shook his head, unease stirring at the prospect.
"It's alright," she said softly, the hint of strain in her smile betraying her comfort while simultaneously revealing concern for the house of Potter. "Just promise to consider it, okay?"
"Okay…" Harry answered, noting her gaze. She smiled, dispensing of their previous tension, and they returned to the perspective of the outside world.
"Let's head back; the others must be wondering where we are," Draconica concluded. But before dismantling the privacy wards, she surprised him with a kiss.
"You were far too serious," Draconica teased, justifying the sudden affection. Harry met her playfulness, embracing her before kissing her with newfound fervor as laughter bubbled up from both of them.
Their tender moment extended much longer than intended, seizing the chance to indulge in time forgotten before rejoining their friends.