Fic: No Hiding Place book Five: High in the Sky (28/28)

[sua_lay]

Title: No Hiding Place: Book Five: High In The Sky (28/28)
Author: Rimau Sua Lay
Rating: overall NC-17, Angst, Drama, Action/Adventure, First Time
Fandom: Harry Potter
Pairings: Harry/Snape, Ron/Draco, (Sirius/Remus)
Date: December 2002 - May 2007
Disclaimers: Not mine, borrowed without permission, am not making any money. Please don't sue. Sherbet Lemon?
Summary for Book Five: - It's time to try to save the world. Fools and idiots may be the wizards' only hope. Revenge does indeed taste strange. Kinda furry.
Warning: This part contains deaths, gore, total stupidity, explicit sex between men, disturbing themes and angst.

The earlier parts of the fic can be found here.

Part 28

There was a soft knock on the doorframe.

Harry straightened his back before turning to see who wanted his attention, groaning as his neck objected the move with a loud pop. The movement to wipe his hands on his robes was instinctive by now, and he didn't even register it.

Seeing Ron at the doorway, he smiled ruefully, knowing his friend would know exactly what brought such a sound out of him.

"Am I interrupting something?" Ron asked, looking around the small room that was almost devoid of personal objects.

"No, I'm almost finished." The trunk was packed, there were only few random items lying around the room; a few magazines, his broom, and an odd sock or two peeking from under the bed.

All his clothes were already packed, and even the golden ribbon of his Order of Merlin -- first class of course -- was somewhere at the bottom of one of the trunks. He couldn't really remember which one, he was just happy with it out of his sight. He'd never wanted such a burden anyway.

It still amused him to no end that Snape had tossed his own silvery ribbon into the trunk as well, the gesture completely negligent before the man had gone to pack his precious potions with the utmost care.

They didn't have to talk about the trappings of celebrity, both knowing all too well what it brought. Harry was still unable to forget the shock most of the older Ministry officials had been unable to hide when it had become clear that neither Arthur Weasley or Albus Dumbledore had died in the battle.

"So..." Ron didn't step inside the room, leaning against the doorframe instead. "You really are leaving?"

He sounded as if he still had hard time believing it, even though Harry had made the announcement the day after the battle and hadn't swayed from his decision ever since.

Harry nodded, shoving the latest Quidditch Quarterly into the trunk. "Yeah, we're really leaving." He couldn't hide the satisfaction those simple words brought to him.

It was about time. He'd wanted to leave the day after the battle, when the horror wasn't even fully realized, but it had been impossible to really organize anything then. Of course then when their world had grasped the magnitude of the loss and deaths, Harry had stayed for the sake of his friends. Nothing else.

Now it was over. There were no more funerals to be held, no speeches expected from the survivors.

Harry hadn't given one single speech since the words about going and winning the war slipped out of his mouth while he soared above Hogwarts. He hadn't really listened to any of the ones others gave in various small gatherings.

The only words he actually concentrated on were Arthur Weasley's when he spoke in the large memorial service, and that was only because of the choked undertone so evident when their Minister spoke of those who had died fighting, when he'd spoken about Percy.

"You and Snape living in that little cottage in the middle of nowhere?" Ron sounded like he really couldn't believe it. "Harry... You can do anything you want to."

"Yeah." That was the whole point, and he was doing exactly what he wanted to. He didn't think the others would understand it, not yet, but this was what he wanted to do right now; peace and quiet, lots of it, and maybe then he could think about everything he'd pushed aside for so long.

And when all the thinking became too much, he'd have Snape there with him.

Ron shrugged. It was Harry's decision. He just hoped he wouldn't regret it later on.

After picking up the socks from the floor, Harry straightened his back and looked at Ron, seeing clearly that his friend was trying hard not to say anything else. He smiled. "Look at it this way, Ron. People want me to continue being their hero and hunt down everyone who escaped the battle. Others want me to go to Hogwarts and maybe become the next Headmaster. Hell, some even want me to become the next Minister for Magic."

"Yeah." Ron had to join Harry's chuckles at that as well. "That would work well."

Harry knew that there were already good people in the high places of their world, people who would do their jobs well, out of the sense of duty. Who would ever believe he could ever be a good Minister or a Headmaster?

Being the leader of the wizarding world meant responsibility and even more fame and fortune. He didn't want any more of those, ever. It really was time for him to actually start living his life.

Ron waited for a moment and then said hesitantly, as if he still wasn't sure Harry really meant what he'd just said, "I think dad's going to run in the elections. Said he could do some good as the Minister." He was so proud of his family that he could burst, even though underneath that pride was still a sorrow that would never really go away.

"Like I said..." Harry muttered quietly, feeling like his decisions really were the only ones possible. Everything was in good hands, and if their world needed him to deal with everything, whether it was some universal leadership or chasing after the remaining Death Eaters, they were all lost already. "I'll certainly vote for him."

He finished the packing in silence, marveling at all the junk he'd managed to gather during their relatively short stay here. There weren't many new things he treasured, unless he counted the broom Sirius had insisted on buying him, saying it was good luck to have a broom as a gift.

Since Harry didn't like arguing with Sirius, he'd just nodded and thanked him for the new broom.

It had actually been a relief; Harry didn't really like the idea of shopping, especially after the trip to Ollivander's. He had needed a new wand, the mahogany surface still feeling odd to his fingers every time he pushed it under his robes, but the simple expedition had turned into a media circus as soon as he'd stepped into Diagon Alley.

One more thing to confirm that his decision was the right one, not that he really needed more justification for leaving.

"Need some help carrying that downstairs?" Ron offered, gesturing at the trunk even though he was pretty sure Harry had some shrinking potion around.

Therefore he was surprised to see the nod.

"Yeah, thanks."

The two Gryffondors carried Harry's trunk downstairs to the living room, where the floo had finally been opened after months of being sealed. They had already tested the connection, so there would be no surprises.

Harry didn't feel any regrets leaving this place; the house hadn't felt like home for such a long time, and even now it was mostly due to Snape's presence that Harry associated the place with all the things a proper home should be.

The house was nice, but it would have to be someone else's nice big home. He knew Sirius and Remus would make it a great place for him to visit every now and then.

Those two deserved it.

"Harry?"

Turning to look at Ron, Harry was taken back by the clear hesitation on his face. "Yeah?"

"You really sure you want to do this?" Ron absolutely hated saying goodbyes. It didn't matter they'd see each other again in a few weeks on Sirius' birthday. He'd lived with Harry for over seven years. He would miss him. A lot.

Harry could see that this wasn't another tirade about him going away to live with Snape, but something he felt as well. "Yeah. I am." He mirrored Ron's position, shoving his hands into his pockets.

"Okay." Ron nodded, trying not to look as unhappy as he felt. "Cool." Damn it, he hated it when his voice cracked like that. This wasn't the end, just going on with life. And it wasn't as if Harry was moving to the other side of the world. He'd be right there, on the other side of the floo, five minutes from anywhere.

He still felt like hitting something.

"I'll be around. And you can always come and visit." Harry had the feeling that not even Snape's presence at their little cottage would keep Ron and Hermione away from there, no matter how busy they were with their lives. "You can help me de-gnome the garden again."

A reluctant grin crept to Ron's lips. "Yeah, sure. I'd love to come and share more chores with you." Not that it actually sounded bad.

"Besides, you'll have your hands full dealing with the Ministry and your new place too."

That made Ron bristle a little, as if he wasn't sure Harry was just saying that or if there was a hidden meaning behind it. "Oh shut up."

"Not saying a word!" Harry raised his hands, grinning at the scowl.

There was really nothing new he could say about Ron's choices. The decision to work with the Ministry was actually a good one, but his new living arrangements had even made Remus laugh out loud -- after Ron had left the room in a huff of course.

Harry was actually happy for Ron, knowing that to him life was full of possibilities. The small flat in Diagon Alley, a career with the Ministry, shagging and fighting with his soon-to-be-famous-Quidditch-player flatmate, they were all good things.

He knew his path would lead away from all this, but seeing his family go for their own dreams was wonderful. Now that Sirius' name was finally cleared, he and Remus could build a real life together, with a real home and work offers. Hermione had already left for University, telling them to write -- which they probably wouldn't -- and promising to come and visit soon.

All their great plans were so different from Harry's, his only intention was to be happy. He wasn't sure he even wanted to plan anything to do; he'd done quite enough already, playing the hero, destroying the villain.

There had been great losses, but he was certain that one day he would be ready to accept it wasn't because of him, just like their victory hadn't been all due to him. The latter part still seemed hard for some people to grasp. The part he had played for their world had been necessary to gather everyone together, and he wasn't needed anymore. He had to wonder if he had ever really been.

It was a better thought than he could have ever imagined.

Now it was the time to be and figure out what he really wanted from life.

He had no idea how that would turn out, but the first steps were clear. There would be a lot to do at the cottage before winter, and he was certain simple work would keep him and Snape busy, even with the help of two house elves.

Far away from the day to day bustle of the wizarding world.

An old memory made him smile. Yes, somehwere he could see the sky, where he could breathe freely. It had never sounded better than right this moment.

Ron heard the footsteps nearing, and for a moment thought it was Snape, especially since Harry was smiling a bit goofily again.

"Good, I almost thought I'd miss this." Not bothering to say words of greeting, Draco walked to Harry.

"I think Snape would have been disappointed. He said there was something he needed to tell you before we leave." Harry saw how his words just made Draco shrug, but there was definitely a wild look in Ron's eyes.

He chose not to comment on that.

Draco adjusted his robes, casting a glance towards the door, "I don't think he'd appreciate me disturbing his packing."

After all, Snape had disappeared downstairs after breakfast with a few words about seeing to his things. He had, however accepted Remus Lupin's hand for goodbye, since it was probable he and Sirius wouldn't be back by the time Harry and Snape left.

It had been a good decision in Draco's opinion. No unfinished affairs, no overly emotional scenes. It was no coincidence that he'd had certain negotiations earlier today, so that the Gryffindors could do whatever Gryffindors did when they were saying goodbye.

"Good idea," Harry said. He knew Snape would want to finish packing in peace. "So how did it go? Did you sign with the Montrose Magpies or the Falmouth Falcons?"

Considering the weird timid looks between Ron and Draco these days, Harry wouldn't have been surprised by him signing with the Cannons.

Draco shrugged, trying to look nonchalant. "Neither. The offers are good, but I haven't made up my mind yet." It was clear he had, but didn't want to talk about it right now.

Harry chose not to press, knowing he'd hear it in time. "Okay."

"Yeah." There was no more fidgeting. "So... This is goodbye then." Draco had known his farewells to Snape would make him feel strange, but he'd never thought it would be just as difficult to say it to Harry.

"Yeah." Harry stepped closer to Draco, the smile on his face only half amused, as if he had something important to say before leaving. "You do know what Hermione and I will do to you if you ever hurt Ron, right?" Seeing the way the grey eyes squinted as if Draco was taking that as a challenge, he added, "It will be exactly the same thing Snape and I will do to Ron if he ever hurts you."

He ignored the choking sounds Ron was making.

It made Draco Malfoy laugh openly. "That does sound fair." Especially since he knew Granger could be just as evil and creative as Snape was if she thought he was mistreating her friend.

"Good." Reaching out, Harry held out his hand again, but this time he didn't let go of Draco's after the simple shake. He pulled him close enough to clasp his arm with his left hand; a brief half-hug that surprised them both. "You know, you're not all that bad."

The words he'd once used for Snape were undoubtedly true with Draco as well.

"Probably not." Then again, Draco did try his best these days. It had something to do with the Gryffindor influence, he was sure. Those moralistic bastards were destroying the last bit of his former grand destiny, making it damn sure he would never become the next Dark Lord.

Which wasn't such a bad thing, really. At least now Harry could go wherever he was going with Snape and live as insanely happy as he could without having to worry about coming to stop him in a few decades or so.

Draco knew he should probably be thinking about something serious right now, but all he could really concentrate on were the offers from Quidditch teams. The heir of Malfoy, no, the lord of Malfoy now, would make a name on the pitch, and maybe then with the rest of their world. The pitch was a good place to start, even though it did sound a bit too frivolous.

Offering Weasley a place to stay was probably another sign of his total disregard of tradition. Of course it would be a good thing to live with the youngest son of the Minister of Magic even if they weren't taking small tentative steps towards something that was beyond casual shagging, especially since Ron's blood was as pure as his was. No matter how grand and well that sounded, the truth of the matter was that it would be nice to have someone familiar there with him when he came home from Quidditch practices.

He patted Harry's arm. "You're not that bad yourself. For a Gryffindor." Salazar Slytherin was probably spinning in his grave.

"How very touching," Snape observed from the doorway, looking at the scene with approval that belied his scathing words.

Harry let go of Draco's arm and turned to Snape. "Farewells usually are." Not that this was anything compared to this morning, when there had been hugs and promises and a suspicious glint in Sirius' eyes that had dissolved into a bout of sniffling as Remus finally pushed him out of the door.

It had been sad, but now there was only anticipation left. Harry's task here had ended with the funerals, and it was time to go before the parties started. He was all for celebrating life and the future, but he preferred to do it alone with Snape, not in a crowd of drunken witches and wizards.

He was ready to look forward instead of hanging onto his glorious past.

Wiping his hands against his robes without even noticing the movement, Harry looked startled when Snape walked next to him and grabbed his hand in a now familiar gesture. He smiled sheepishly and let go of his robes, knowing Snape wouldn't say anything about his silly habit.

There was the barest of caress, Snape's fingers moving over his, lingering on the soft skin of his wrist before letting go.

Ron rolled his eyes.

"Mr. Malfoy." Snape didn't even look at Weasley as he turned to his former ward. "My congratulations on your new career."

Nodding slightly, Draco said, "Thank you, sir." Not that he needed Snape's approval, but it was nevertheless nice to hear it. "I think that playing Quidditch will suit me quite well right now."

Snape's eyes glinted with dark amusement. It was clear that the boy would go far; his intelligence and ambition had not disappeared anywhere even though his choice of company did make one wonder. "Good luck."

He was going to need it dealing with Weasley.

Draco was stunned when the professor offered him his hand, but accepted it immediately, trying his best to ignore the way Harry was beaming at both of them. "You too, sir." He was careful to point his smirk at Harry's direction.

Stepping back, Snape said as an afterthought, "Oh, and Mr. Malfoy? Might I suggest that if you do have the Mansion rebuilt, you'll go for practicality instead of pomp?"

"I will consider that, yes," Draco replied, his lips curling into a genuine smile.

That would be far in the future, when he finally got through with all the paperwork and had the proper funds cleared from the endless maze of Malfoy vaults under Gringotts. There was no doubt in his mind, he would indeed rebuild their family house, but maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to make it a bit more inviting.

Snape nodded, satisfied with the answer. "Mr. Weasley?"

"What?" Ron blurted out.

"Do try to curb your more Gryffindor traits in the future." It was clear that Snape didn't think that was possible. "Though I believe they will help you with your work at the Ministry."

Ron gaped. Was that a compliment or not? Considering that it was the first non sarcastic thing he'd ever really heard from Snape, he couldn't really tell. "Um... Thank you. I guess."

As always, there was a slightest of sneers on Snape's lips as he kept looking at Ron Weasley. It didn't matter that he did indeed endorse the plan the young Weasley had made with Draco Malfoy, or that there was sometimes a hint of reluctant approval in his eyes as he turned his gaze to the redhead these days.

Things had changed, but not that much.

He turned to Harry who was grinning at him like an idiot. "Are you done?"

"Yeah." There would be no need for more hugs or last minute promises to owl and visit. They all knew this was not the end, and making it feel like one would just be stupid. His trunks were packed, and if there were socks left under the bed, Sirius would undoubtedly send them after him, or maybe even use it as an excuse for an early visit.

There was nothing more for him to do here.

"So we can go?" There was a hint of impatience in Snape's voice, as if he was eager to move on as well, already thinking about all the things that needed to do in their new home. There were simple everyday chores as well as a few potions he wanted to brew before Harry started making suggestions about spending the rest of the day in bed. He was determined to at least try to get some real work done before that.

Harry smiled at Snape, reaching out and brushing his fingers against the back of Snape's hand again in a familiar gesture. "Yeah. Let's go home."

---

The End



*stunned*

It's done. It's really done! Oh good gods it's done!

That was it. :D Hope you liked the story.

Comments

[animehime.livejournal.com]

I'm both happy and sad. Happy, because now I can sit down and read it all at once. Sad...because it's over!

::goes and sits quietly in a corner until she calms down::

[sua-lay.livejournal.com]

Heh, when I finally decided the fic was done, I was both jubilant and weepy, so I know how you're feeling. :D

[animehime.livejournal.com]

::hugs:: I don't think I can imagine how it must have felt.

[shighola.livejournal.com]

Fantastic, wonderful!

*remembers to breathe*

Good stuff, thank you.

[sua-lay.livejournal.com]

Thank you!

*very happy*

[txrabbit.livejournal.com]

I am off to read! I wanted to tell you thank you for posting this so very quickly!

I shall return with reviews!

[sua-lay.livejournal.com]

Now that the story's really finished there wasn't any reason to actually post slowly. Have whined about people not posting and demanding on FB before they continue writing and/or posting so often that couldn't really do that myself.

Not that I would! I mean, reviews are always great, but the point is that I write and people read and that's enough.

Hope you'll enjoy the fic. :)

[sockich.livejournal.com]

*flails at you*

Oh, this is perfect. I'm sad that it's over, but it's such a beautiful ending and I love it. ♥

It's a good thing I'm still on vacation and have all the time in the world to re-read this properly. And it's an even better thing that you finished this now, because now no matter what happens in book 7, this is already here. Did I mention I love this, yet? Because I do. I really, really do.

I feel like I should thank you for writing it, so...thank you. Really.

[sua-lay.livejournal.com]

*flails back*

Excellent! I was a bit worried about the ending since it wasn't the insanely happy -kinda ending, but then again you can't have one of those in a war fic, so...

Have fun re-reading. I should probably do the same before I slowly back away from the fic. :D And yeah, should also read the rest of the canon. It's been weird trying to avoid canon after book 4.

Am so glad you love the fic! And am not just saying it.

*happy*

[sockich.livejournal.com]

I was a bit worried about the ending since it wasn't the insanely happy -kinda ending

Actually, this was one of the things about the fic I loved most (and that's saying something). It would have been so easy to go with a flashy, insanely happy, "they all got married and lived happily ever after" kind of ending (it seems to be a trap a lot of fanfic writers writing this kind of stories fall into), but you avoided it.

It's slightly melancholic, but still full of hope, a kind of mellow happiness and it fits perfectly with the rest of the story. It feels...real.

It's been weird trying to avoid canon after book 4.

You're a stronger person I am. I understand why you did it, but I don't think I could have done it.

And yes, I most definitely love the fic. I love the slow development of the relationship between Harry and Snape, it's realistic and true to character, I love your portrayal of the situation they found themselves in (again, extremely realistic) and I love how all of your characters have recognizable, well developed personalities and how you never betray that (it would have been so easy to have Ron and/or Sirius suddenly become BBF with Snape -and vice versa- to get a happier story, but that would have been completely OOC and I'm so glad you avoided it. same goes for the relationship between Ron and Draco, it was extremely well done and I am very grateful there were no sudden love declarations at the end).

So yes, much, much love. ♥

[muchiant.livejournal.com]

I loved the earlier parts of this, so was happy to see that this last part was up, and it lived up to all my expectations. I had to read through these last few parts pretty fast because I had to know how it would end, so I look forward to going back and reading it more slowly.

My favortie part of this is the perfect way you built Harry and Snape's relationship. Of all the people who write snarry, most get the dynamic between the two of them OK (IMHO!) but few really nail it like you do here. It was such a pleasure to read. This will be one of my favorites to go back and reread.

[sua-lay.livejournal.com]

I'm really glad it lived up to your expectations. After writing it for so long, got totally blind to my own text, and it was hard to really say in the end. :D

Snape and Harry relationship was fun to write, even though it's definitely not the simplest one there is. Writing a romance, one tends to aim for the... er... romantic style, and being openly romantic or confident about relationships doesn't sound like the Snape I know.

*happy*

[robby1925.livejournal.com]

Thanks very much for this fic. It's been wonderful all the way through. You managed to stay very true to the characters even as they changed to fit the things happening around them. I'm so sad it's over now, but you gave it a wonderful ending. This is the only story I've liked so much, I'm going to save it to my hard drive to make sure I never loose it.

[sua-lay.livejournal.com]

Thank you for your kind words! Am glad you found the characterizations consistent and that the story stayed good till the end. :D

*happy*

[chrisvel.livejournal.com]

Wonderful! Thank you so much for writing this great story.
Have stayed up way longer than I should have but it's been definitely worth it, even if I'll be tired at work tomorrow!
I am already looking forward to reading this again and again as I did with the previous parts.

[sua-lay.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you liked it. :D Staying up and reading till the wee hours seems to be some kind of a unifying factor with people who like fic. Sure, it's hell to go to work the next day, but if the fic was decent, it's worth it.

If the fic sucks, it's nice to gripe about it to someone...

[tetsubinatu.livejournal.com]

Thanks! That was very satisfying. *grin*

[sua-lay.livejournal.com]

Excellent!

[txrabbit.livejournal.com]

Just when I was settling down for a nice, long read, my annual survey showed up! I worked 6 am to 10 pm almost every night, and had very little time to sit and read. But today, I finished it!

I was blown away by your Snape. He was delightfully in character. The developing relationship between them was wonderful and the interaction between Harry and Snape was very sweet in an IC type of way.

Your crowning glory on this, I think , is Sirius' mental heath. It is so subtly defined, and not pushed into our faces as a huge issue. The care that Remus takes with him just to keep him functional is just amazing.

Draco was lovely, and even though he and Ron were rather aggressive, I was glad to see some type of resolution there as well.

I really enjoyed this. I felt satisfied when I finished it. Thank you so much for sharing your vision!

[sua-lay.livejournal.com]

:) Well at least you were intelligent enough to actually put the reading on hold unlike some of us who just read and then fall asleep at work.

I'm really glad you liked the fic. Writing Snape's always been tricky because he as a character so often contradicts himself, but Sirius is even more so, with his past that has to be damaging to even the strongest and bravest of all Gryffindors.

Didn't want to make Sirius just the typical obstacle in Harry and Snape's relationship, but thought he deserved more. He's leaning on Remus, yes, but I do think that by now, Remus has come to lean on him as well. That's probably the only way those two can keep standing.

Ron and Draco were about as romantic as I could think of them, considering the two characters and their brain... er... youth! Thought they worked as a contrast to the more romantic stuff.

Thank you for your kind words! It's been a great project and it's nice to know it was worth all the long hours of writing!

[gabilady.livejournal.com]

Thank you for writing and posting. I enjoyed it very much.

[sua-lay.livejournal.com]

I'm happy to hear that. :D

Wow!

[slash-stalker.livejournal.com]

Finally got the chance to sit down and read all in one sitting virtually. And wow, what a fabulous story! You have the characterisations spot on, I could really see the canon characters in this.

I'd love to see an epilogue of Harry and Severus at the cottage settling in :)

Re: Wow!

[sua-lay.livejournal.com]

You must have a total headache (or a numb bum) if you even tried to read this in one sitting. :D Thank you. It was great fun writing this.

Promised myself that once I wrote 'the end', that would be it. But I do have this mental image of those two in a few decades into the future, still living at the cottage, both still very much themselves, but with some of the sharper edges finally worn out.

Not that I'd ever write anything like that. But I am allowed to think about it.

[cats-elfin.livejournal.com]

Thank you for this gorgeous Book Five and its beautiful ending.

I'm a bit late at reading, as I wanted to do it in one go and didn't find time until the present weekend. But it's been worth to delay. Really loved it! :D)

[sua-lay.livejournal.com]

:) I'm glad the ending wasn't disappointing. Thank you.