Defence, Pretence, Offence (Hecatemus Book #2)

Chapter 76 - Repercussions

"Everyone has been having mini parties," Ron said, "maybe we should too."

"Not quite yet," Draco put in before Harry could respond, "but maybe soon."

* * *

It wasn't long after Draco had nixed the idea of a party, for which Harry was extremely grateful, that Seamus and Neville turned up as well.

"How are you both feeling?" Neville asked as he and Seamus made themselves comfortable.

"I still can't believe it's all over," Harry admitted. "It kind of feels like a nightmare that turned into a dream and I expect to wake up at any moment."

"Yeah, it has been weird, Mate," Ron agreed. "I don't think I've seen so many people smiling ever."

"I always suspected the whole world was demented," Draco said, "now I just know it's true."

Harry smiled at his soulmate for that one.

"And physically?" Neville asked. "We wouldn't want to tire you out if you need to rest."

Typical Neville.

"Perfectly fine," Harry said. "Phoenix tears are a miracle cure."

"Literally," Draco added.

"Don't even feel remotely tired anymore," Harry continued, "just a bit foggy in the head."

"I always thought you were anyway," Seamus quipped, to which Harry replied with the universal gesture of 'up yours'.

"That'll be shock," Hermione said and patted him on the arm, "don't worry, I'm sure you'll get over it."

He nodded and smiled at her concern. She seemed to be over her more emotional state from before, and was much calmer and more the logical friend he had come to appreciate. He hoped she was right, because it was a little annoying to feel three steps behind twenty five percent of the time.

"Did you want to talk about it?" Hermione asked next.

Harry shook his head emphatically; he didn't even want to think about it. Talking was completely out of the question.

"What happened to all the Death Eaters who were with Voldemort?" Draco asked.

The way the name that so many had been afraid to utter for so long just fell from Draco's mouth with such ease made part of Harry feel deep satisfaction. His brain shied away from why, but he still felt it.

"Snape had them all in magical ropes by the time anyone else thought about them," Ron said. "Sorry, we were all a bit worried about you at the time. Seems Snape Transferred away..."

"I told him to," Harry muttered.

"...and then came straight back when everything was over," Ron continued. "Most of them were taken to St Mungo's and the one Draco scared into next week was just put in custody. Mum says that Bellatrix Lestrange has turned into a complete raving loony."

"Like she wasn't already," Neville commented.

"Yeah, but by all accounts she didn't used to randomly laugh hysterically and drool," Hermione said.

However, Harry was more interested in the other part of Ron's description.

[Scared into next week?] Harry asked.

[They were between me and you,] Draco said in a far too casual tone, [and I was still in my Animagus form. Seems it's rather intimidating when you don't know me.]

[I can see that,] Harry acknowledged, [but I prefer magnificent.]

Draco gave him a little smile for that.