Try Again (H/D drabbles, G)

[sesheta66]

Title: Try Again
Author: sesheta_66
Rating: G
Word Count: 100 (x 3 drabbles)
Challenges: hd100's prompt of "war."
Summary: The end of the war opens up a world of possibilities.
Disclaimer: The characters contained herein are not mine. They belong to JK Rowling and her publishers. No money is being made from this fiction, which is presented for entertainment purposes only.



No more war, Harry thought. He listened to the celebrations around him, but just couldn't bring himself to join in. Yes, he was relieved it was over. Yes, he was glad Voldemort was finally gone. Yes, he was pleased that most of the Death Eaters and other followers had been either killed or rounded up, so they couldn't avenge their master.

But everyone had paid the price, a high price. Loved ones were lost, ideals shattered, friendships ruined.

As that last thought poured over Harry, he thought back to a potential friendship that was ruined before it had ever begun.

---

Harry excused himself from the celebration outside and went back into the school, into the Great Hall where he had seen the Malfoys huddled.

"Draco, may I have a word?" he asked. Draco looked up at him in surprise, but nodded his assent.

"You will not harm my son!" Lucius said, getting up and looking ready to continue the war with Harry right there.

"Relax," Harry responded. "I just want to talk to him."

"How do I know you're telling the truth?"

"You don't, but given the circumstances, I'd say it's fairly likely I am."

"Father, never mind. It's fine."

---

"What did you want, Potter?" Draco said, his tone defeated.

Harry smiled at his former rival, the young man he had made it his mission to hate, the young man who had been a thorn in his side for so long. "Friends?" he asked, as he held out his hand in greeting. When he received a gaping stare in response, he elaborated. "Nearly seven years ago, you offered your hand in friendship, and I turned you down. War ... a lot has happened since then, and I thought perhaps we could try again."

Smiling, Draco took Harry's hand in his own.

Comments

[sesheta-66.livejournal.com]

Heh. I just found that she wrote seven fabulous books (say what you want about some parts of some of them, and inconsistencies ... I still loved them all), and then ... then ... well, what was that? Not from a Harry/Draco context, but when compared with the calibre of the writing up until that point. It felt flat, dull, boring. I realize that the action was over, and that it was meant to be a wrap-up, but still.

Ah, well ... I just finished listening to the entire series again on audiobook, so I'm set to read the seventh book again - it'll only be my second full read (I've gone back & skimmed over some parts, but I've only read it through once). Maybe the epilogue will grow on me.

[ravenqueen55.livejournal.com]

I know; I felt the same way. It felt out of place with the rest of the series; disjointed.

I have to reread it again soon. I hope now that I know what happens, I won't be so thrown by those last few pages!