Chapter 33

                                        

                                              
It was only a month later, closing in on the spring equinox, that they were setting up their wedding. They kept it small. Twenty, maybe thirty, of their friends and family. Draco had even sent a notice to his mother and father if they wanted to protest. She wanted to do it in France, but Draco had no desire to see his parents, yet. Harry told him that he was proud that he told them, though. He asked Headmistress McGonagall to be their bonder. Draco was surprised he didn't choose Hermione or even Mrs. Weasley, but Harry was adamant he wanted her.
In her office weeks ago, the Headmistress looked at them in both shock and pride. "Mr. Potter... Mr. Malfoy... I have never in all my years had two students who were so... at ends with each other... come together like this. I couldn't have imagined it."
Draco snorted. "I still can't, but Golden Boy is pretty fit."
"Ha ha, Draco," Harry replied, eyeing him up. "Look who's talking."
She huffed in resignation. "You want to do this so quick?"
Harry nodded. "I know Draco is all I want. He's my everything. But I can barely say pass the soap without his Mark burn him."
"I see. Of course, I'll accept. Can I ask... why me?"
Harry didn't answer right away. "You never had an agenda. You wanted to help me... to help me. You were the only one in the whole Wizengamot who spoke up for Draco, too. I trust you more for it," he whispered.
The Headmistress had some tears in her eyes. "Harry... you're right... I only wanted you to be happy and safe. I'm sorry I wasn't able to... save you from any of it. You as well, Draco. I'm so... proud that you found your own path."
"Well, I found Harry's anyways."
"Hmmm... we'll have to work on that. This school year is nearly done. Would either of you consider studying here over the summer?"
"Studying for what?"
"For your NEWTs, of course. If you pass them... jobs will open up. Something that you want to do."
Draco grimaced. "I don't want to be away from Harry... not yet... not anytime soon."
"The soulbond will both help and make that worse. But... I know that Professor Slughorn is getting ready to retire, again. And my Defense Against the Dark Arts professor does not wish to stay either."
Harry and Draco looked at her and each other. "Us? Teaching?"
"Severus taught you well, Mr. Malfoy. An apprenticeship under Professor Slughorn would prepare you for the Potions Mastery exams. I know Harry enjoyed his DA back in his time."
"I don't think we will be ready... healed... by next year, Professor. That's a lot of learning."
"Perhaps being a student teacher next year, would be less stressful? In two years, you can try for your NEWTS?"
Harry looked at Draco, who shrugged. "It sounds like a plan, Headmistress."
"Good. If you need more time... I'll understand, of course. Now... let's talk about the ceremony and your vows.

***

Molly had been harder. She hugged Harry for a long time, crying inconsolably. "It thought I lost you... and now you're... getting married! Bonded! Harry, that's really risky... and permanent. Are you sure... I mean..." she glanced at Draco, getting the third degree from Mr. Weasley.
"I'm sure. I'm sorry that you lost... Ginny and Fred. I'm so sorry I wasn't there to stop it. And I didn't really anticipate coming back... alive. Draco is the only reason I'm here, Mrs. Weasley. He kept me alive. He kept me from killing myself... and losing my mind. He's the only reason we won. He figured out that we could win... that I didn't have to die. He's the reason I can talk to people and look them in the eye. So, yes... he's my everything... and I am his."