Chapter 35
Harry looked at the big castle gates. He had not been here since he was fourteen. So much had happened since then, it didn't even feel real. He had left, young and naive, afraid, but still childlike. He had not had any idea what was going to happen so soon after. Now, Harry felt old, and still afraid sometimes, but more secure in what the future held. He had endured trauma beyond what most people could imagine, but he got through it, and was stronger than ever. He was in love and had amazing friends that he could call family. He was healthy. Physically and mentally. His magic was happy and content, and he used it all day every day.
Of course, Harry had days that were harder than others. He had days where the memories plagued him, or every little noise sent him into a spiral. He was often overwhelmed or anxious for no reason. He had nightmares and panic attacks. Blaise was with him through it all. He talked him through the bad moments with no judgement or frustration.
But mostly, Harry had good days. He was fully healed from his battle at Hogsmeade. It had taken almost a month for his body to recover, and another for his magic to fully restore. He'd spent the time catching up with friends and enjoying their new house. He'd enlisted Pansy to help decorate, and Neville to start a garden in their backyard. There were numerous game nights with Blaise's friends. Harry felt that he could probably call them his friends too. Ron and Hermione even came along to a few. They saw Remus and Tonks every week, and Remus had even named him Teddy's godfather. They also saw Rob and Molly a lot as well. Mrs. Weasley had invited them over for dinner a few times, and they were greeted by the entire Weasley family. While a bit overwhelming, it also put a smile on Harry's face that lasted for days.
Once Harry had been able to walk on his own again, and stay awake for more than a few hours, he was called into the Ministry for several reasons. He still had to give his debriefing from the battle. He did that first, quickly and efficiently in Kingsley's office. Then he headed over to Ron's office to give a few memories of Dumbledore for that trial. He was sent over to do the same for Hermione's. Blaise and Harry had enjoyed a lunch with the couple before they headed downstairs to collect Harry's second Order of Merlin. Harry had dutifully posed for the pictures and accepted the award. He knew it was more for the public's sake than for his.
He had been exhausted when he got home, but he was happy that it was all over with. Hermione's prediction had been correct. He received a letter from Hogwarts asking him if he would be willing to consider the Defense position for the next year.
He and Blaise had discussed it at length. On the one hand, Harry did love to teach. He had begun teaching some of their friends, as well as continuing Blaise's lessons. He loved Hogwarts, and children. Remus would be there too. On the other hand, he didn't want to live there. He also didn't know if he was ready to fully commit to a job yet. He had money, and he didn't need to. Finally, he didn't know if he could teach Defense the way that the curriculum wanted him to. He wanted to teach the children to connect to their magical cores. He wanted to teach them to use intention. He was worried though.
Would the Ministry approve of that? Would that even be safe? Were most children even capable of it? How could he trust that they would use it for good? Harry knew there were some people who weren't capable. Theo, it seemed, was not able to grasp the concept. Pansy was alright, but still nowhere near even Blaise. Luna was a natural, and Neville definitely had some skill. Seamus and Dean had given up after one try. Daphne and Millie weren't bad. Ron was good, though not as good as Luna or Blaise. Hermione was less gifted at first, but she worked really hard at it, determined that there was not any magic she couldn't figure out.
Blaise suggested that he could make it a stipulation to Minerva that he could still live in their house and floo to Hogwarts every day. He also suggested that Harry could teach the younger years Defense, and then create a class for sixth and seventh years of students that he would handpick to teach intention. He could implement the processes of connecting with their magic in the younger years, and those who excelled would be given the chance to continue. Harry liked that idea.
They decided that Blaise would take a few months off, and he and Harry would travel together. When they returned, Harry would present his offer to McGonagall.
Before they left though, Harry had something he needed to do first. Harry took a deep breath and walked through the gate, hand in hand with Blaise. It was almost the end of July, so there were no students here. It was the evening, as Blaise had to finish his last day at work first. He made his way purposely to Hagrid's hut and knocked on the door. The familiar face swung the door open and greeted them with a smile.
"'Arry!" he greeted, "You came!"
"I told you I was," Harry said with a smile. Hagrid grabbed him and wrapped him in a tight hug that made Harry fear for his newly healed ribs.
"It's good to see you lad," he said, beaming, "Yer so grown!"
"It's nice to see you too," Harry said, "This is Blaise, my boyfriend."
"I remember yeh," Hagrid nodded, "Good lad he is Harry."
"I know," Harry laughed.
"I've heard you might come working here in a few years," Hagrid said.
"Maybe, I think I will," Harry said.
"It'll be good to have you around again," Hagrid nodded, "Couldn't believe it when they told me what happened all those years ago."
"It's okay now," Harry said. Hagrid nodded. Harry figured it had been hard for him to see Dumbledore fall from grace. He remembered how the large man had looked up to him so much.
"Now I suppose you'll be wanting to see her," Hagrid said. Harry nodded eagerly.
"How is she?" Harry asked.
"She's healthy as can be, she's got a long life left ahead of her," Hagrid said, leading them out of the house to the edge of the forest, "She'll be thrilled to see yeh."
"Do you think she'll remember me?" Harry asked nervously, "Will she be mad?"
"Owls are smart creatures Harry," Hagrid told him, "She'll understand."
He whistled loudly. They waited a few moments before a large white snowy owl came soaring out of the trees. She circled them a few times. Harry held out his arm for her, hoping she would land. She did and turned to stare at him. She was as beautiful as ever.
"Hello Hedwig," Harry said softly, "I've missed you, my love."
"Oh now I'm in competition with a bird," Blaise joked. Harry paid him no mind. He reached out slowly to stroke her beak. He hoped she wouldn't bite. She eyed him carefully and allowed it. She made a soft noise and climbed closer to his shoulder to nuzzle his face.
She cooed and rubbed his face. She then plucked at his hair. Harry got the distinct impression that she was checking him over to make sure was alright. When she completed her assessment she sat back and clicked at him with a sassy face. She pecked his hand lightly, but very intentionally.
"I'm sorry," he said, "I know, I should've come before. I'm here now."
She glared at him one last time before cooing and nuzzling him again. Then she turned to Blaise to judge him.
"That's Blaise," Harry said, "He's very nice."
Hedwig flew over to him to inspect him.
"Hello Hedwig, I've heard so much about you," Blaise said softly, stroking her feathers just the way Hedwig liked. She chattered happily.
"She likes you," Hagrid boomed. Hedwig flew back to Harry. He dug some owl treats that he had brought from his pocket and fed them to her.
"Would you like to come home with me?" he asked, "We have lots of room for you to fly, and you'll have a friend. Blaise's owl is very nice."
She hooted in agreement.
"Alright then," Harry smiled. She jumped off of his arm and flew around the air a few times in excitement.
"She's beautiful," Blaise murmured beside him.
"I'm glad she's not too mad," Harry said. He took Blaise's hand again.
"I think we'll walk around a bit before we go Hagrid," Harry said to him, "It's been so nice to see you again."
"Stop by whenever you're around," Hagrid said before heading off into the forest. Blaise and Harry walked around the lake, admiring the view of Hogwarts.
"Do you miss Hogwarts?" Harry asked Blaise.
"Sometimes," Blaise admitted, "Mostly just having all of my friends in one place and having no responsibility. But I don't miss the professors telling you what to do all day. Or Filch."
Harry nodded.
"Do you ever wish you went back right away? I understand why you didn't, but if Dumbledore hadn't been there?" Blaise asked.
Harry shrugged, "Honestly I don't know. I would've liked to see Ron and Hermione. But Blaise, if you think I'm messed up now, I was so much worse. I was a complete mess. And I needed that training with Nick."
"I don't think you're messed up," Blaise said, "But I understand what you're trying to say."
"I don't think I would've been able to handle being around so many people," Harry said.
"You've come a long way," agreed Blaise. They reached the Quidditch Pitch, and Harry stared up at it longingly, "Do you want to fly?"
"I haven't in so long, and I don't have a broom," Harry said regretfully. Blaise held out his hand and concentrated. Two brooms came flying. Harry's jaw dropped. "Where did you get those? Did you just do that without a spell? Did you plan this? How did you do that?"
Blaise laughed at his questions and handed him one, "Yes I did plan this, I had them by some trees, and no I didn't use a spell."
"Blaise! That's-" Harry floundered for words. He looked over to the nearest trees which were a good distance away, "That's incredible. You're getting so good at this."
"You'd be able to do that without thinking about it," Blaise remarked. It was true, but Harry possessed an oddly huge amount of magic.
"That's still so-" Harry broke off again, "That's very thoughtful of you as well."
"Do you want to fly?" Blaise repeated his earlier question. Harry grinned and mounted his broom. The pair shot into the air. Harry laughed euphorically at the feeling of the wind through his hair. He whizzed around the Quidditch goal posts. He looped and dived, corkscrewed and swung around in circles. Blaise laughed behind him, sticking to an easier pace.
"Having fun?" he called after a while.
"Yes!" Harry exclaimed, "Race?"
Blaise nodded and the two sped across the sky. Harry won, by a lot, despite them having the same brooms. Blaise didn't seem to mind though. The sun was setting, casting him in a beautiful golden glow.
"Alright, I'm ready to go home," Harry said after a few more lazy laps.
"Would you like to fly? It's not actually that far from here, maybe an hour, tops," Blaise said. Harry nodded eagerly. He hadn't really wanted to stop flying but he didn't want to bore Blaise. "You should ride with me though; it might be cold as it gets darker."
Harry nodded and smiled at the weak excuse for Blaise to have his hands on him. He didn't mind at all though. He swiftly climbed across their brooms without warning.
"Harry!" Blaise exclaimed, "I meant on the ground. You could have fallen!"
"But I didn't," Harry smirked.
"Gryffindor," Blaise muttered. Harry turned around and kissed him to stop his whining. They broke apart and Harry called Hedwig. She followed them, and Harry shrunk the other wand to fit in his pocket. Blaise steered them in the right direction. Harry took one last look at Hogwarts before it faded from view. They rode towards the sun set. Harry relaxed against Blaise, who rested his chin on Harry's shoulder. It was cozy, and comfortable. Harry felt blessed. He didn't know what he had done to deserve this wonderful life or the wonderful man behind him, but he was beyond grateful for it. Last year at this time, he hadn't even wanted to live, he wouldn't have dreamed it was even possible to be happy like this. Now, his life was full of love and happiness.
Eventually, Harry could see the familiar landscape around their house. Blaise directed them to soar gracefully above the glittering lake. The sun was almost down, but it was still reflecting beautifully across the peaceful water. Harry felt no fear when he looked down at it.
Blaise landed them gently in front of their house, and Harry smiled as Hedwig soared onto the porch. Blaise's owl came out and the two of them flew together. Harry could tell that they would be best friends in no time.
Blaise walked just behind Harry as they walked up to the house. Harry noticed something on the porch. As they drew closer, he realized there was a vase of red rose sitting on their front steps.
"What are these doing here? They're beautiful," he asked Blaise. Blaise didn't respond. Harry turned around and gasped.
Blaise was on one knee, looking up at him hopefully, holding a little black box in his hands. He opened it slowly and Harry covered his mouth with his hands.
"Blaise," he breathed.
"Harry, you are the love of my life," Blaise began. Harry felt tears come to his eyes as he looked at the ring nestled in velvet. It was simple and gold. It was perfect, "I know that this is fast, but over the last half of a year, I have learned that there is no one else for me. Getting to know you and be a part of your life has been the greatest blessing that I could have ever asked for. I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you marry me?"
Harry had tears on his cheeks as he nodded and choked out, "Yes, yes."
Blaise stood and Harry flung himself towards him. Blaise caught him and swung him around in the air once before gently setting him down. He pulled back, and gave Harry the sweetest kiss, wiping his tears away.
They pulled apart, and Blaise took Harry's hand. He slid the ring onto his finger, and Harry looked on in awe. It was beautiful. Harry pulled Blaise down for another kiss after a moment.
"You're incredible," He murmured against his lips, "I love you."
"And I love you," Blaise repeated. He led Harry into the house and up the stairs to their room where they showed each other how much they loved each other all night long.