Perliana Potion

Epliogue

"Are you ready?" Draco asked him frantically as he left the bathroom, "We need to go or we'll be late."

Harry pulled himself to his feet with a small sigh, "I have been ready for half an hour Draco, I was just waiting for you to finish making yourself Beautiful."

The blond just glared at him, "Just because some of us look like scruffs doesn't mean we all have to."

Harry just laughed and pulled his boyfriend close kissing him gently, "You are perfect however you want to look Draco. Now as you said we had better go or we will be late," Harry confirmed, gave the blond a last kiss, "I'll see you soon and then there will be no more secrets."

Draco gave him a small, excited smile and they both left the room to return to their own common rooms. After seven years at Hogwarts, less than a year since the defeat of Voldemort they were finally graduating. Not of course that they would be going far, after a summer travelling they would be back at Hogwarts, Harry to help teach DADA while learning how to be Headmaster and Draco to help Severus with Potions while he apprenticed to become a Potions Masters. It had been only weeks after the final battle that they had discovered all of the consequences of him suddenly taking the weight of some of the wards.

It seemed that Hogwarts had finally decided that she wanted a new Headmaster trained up from a young age and she had chosen Harry. The Headmaster would continue to hold part of the wards until Harry felt he had enough training and control to hold them.

Draco had been lost for a while when they had discovered that Harry would have to return to Hogwarts, any attempt to transfer the wards from Harry to anyone else had resulted in both of them being unconscious and Harry still holding his part of the wards. While there was the possibility that they could live at Hogwarts and Draco could commute to a job or just live in the lap of luxury. It hadn't been until Severus had mentioned that Draco could become his apprentice and get his masters in Potions that the blonde had really been happy about them having to stay at Hogwarts.

"Finally we've been waiting," Hermione said as soon as he appeared, starting to motion both Harry and Ron out of the common room. He smiled as Ron slipped his hand in Hermione's, even though they hadn't spent as much time together since he and Draco had got together he was going to miss them bother. But they were still friends and they hadn't been too nosy trying to find out who he was boyfriend was and although he thought they might already know, probably Hermione, they hadn't made a fuss.

This was the last time they would be together before him and Draco went public, although a few people knew after Draco's accident and more had learnt since the final battle their relationship was still not public knowledge. They were both over seventeen, adults in the eyes of the wizarding world, they were both about to graduate Hogwarts within the top 5 of their year and it was time they stopped hiding. It was time that the world learnt how much they loved each other.

The walls almost hummed in pleasure as we walked through them, Hogwarts had always felt more like home than anywhere else and now he knew that Hogwarts cared about him just as much. The castle had shown him a huge collection of passages and rooms that had never made it onto the Marauders map, he had even been led to the chambers that Godric Gryffindor had once used and had known at once that they would the quarters he would share with Draco. Harry had shown the rooms to his mate and Draco loved them, the suite had a large living room, a spare bedroom, a library and a potions lab. There was little decoration and although there was small carvings of lions throughout the rooms there was also some pretty explicit ones of a lion and a snake. Harry guessed that the potions lab had not been Godrics but had instead belonged to Salazar.

The House-elves had cleaned the room and Dobby and Winky would be their personal elves when they returned, Dobby was ecstatic about getting to serve his Harry Potter and Winky was just glad to be a proper House-elf again, bound to a family. Harry had yet to tell Hermione that he had two house-elves, it wasn't that he scared of her, much but she had to learn that house-elves liked serving people and he was paying them, Dobby anyway and he would make sure that neither was mistreated.

In the great hall he found his place, sat between Padma and Dean, both smiled at him as he took the spare seat between them.

"Cutting it close mate, I swear Dumbledore was about to start a few minutes ago but realised you weren't here."

Harry smiled at the boy who he had shared a room with for so many years, Dean had never judged him, never picked on him and had always been willing to lend a hand when needed and had never pressured him to reveal the identity of his boyfriend as Seamus had done. "The other half was making himself presentable, apparently not all of us can be scruffs."

"But you do scruff so well Harry. So do we get to find out who snatched the heart of the most eligible bachelor?"

"After the certificates have been awarded."

Dean nodded and went back to looking at the stage where all of the teachers were gathered, Harry looked over and realised that those who had achieved a Mastership wore their formal robes. Dumbledore looked all wrong in the dark red robes with a green hem although he had tried to brighten them with a rather large broach that looked like it had escaped from Fred and George's shop. McGonagoll wore the same robes although hers didn't have the green hem, he assumed it was because she only had a Mastership in transfiguration and Dumbledore also had a Mastership in DADA.

Snape looked thoroughly put out, he must have been so pissed off when he had learnt that the formal robes for a Potion's Mastership were such a loverly shade of purple, not even a very dark one. They also did not in any way, shape or form go with the green hem that indicated that the sullen looking man also had his Mastership in DADA, never mind the white strip that he guessed was to with being a medi-wizard as Madame Pomfrey was the only other person in white. The man had probably decided to stop there with Masterships and other qualifications before he ended up with rainbow coloured robes to wear.

Harry caught the older man's eye and bowed his head respectfully, he might not be his favourite person but Harry respected him very much, more than he had ever thought he would.

Looking around Harry found the Weasleys, the red hair a sure give away, it looked like everyone was in attendance in the audience, even Percy was present with his girlfriend along with Bill, Charlie, the Twins, Ginny, Molly and Arthur. Sat next to them was Remus and Tonks, he smiled at the man, while he could never replace Sirius, the amber eyed man had been more than willing to help when he could. Tonks looked a little more sedate than normal but her hair was still a dark blue and he was pretty sure that she had given herself bigger and redder lips than normal.

The Headmaster stood up, the room quietened and everyone seemed to hold their breath to see if he would speak, Harry guessed that the old wizard had already stood up a few times and not spoken.

"Welcome friends, family and students to the 1998 graduation ceremony at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry. As always..."

Harry tuned out the Headmaster's and hoped that this was over with quickly he was rather looking forward to the looks on peoples faces when they realised who his boyfriend and soul mate was. The emerald eyed boy returned to looking at the guest section of the hall, seeing who else had come.

There were other members of the order dotted around the room between parents and other relatives of the various students that were graduating, he wasn't sure if they were there for security or just to see them all graduate, even Moody was there, scaring some muggle parents by the looks of it.

He spotted Narcissa Malfoy and was glad she had made it, Draco loved his mother very much and he knew that the blonde wanted her attendance. Thinking of his boyfriend, Harry moved his gaze over his year mates until he found Draco, he was sat quietly watching the stage, appearing to be listening to Dumbledore waffle on but seemed to sense Harry's gaze and turned to give him a small smile.

Harry smiled back and could almost feel the love that Draco felt him, he knew that their bond was changing all the time, becoming stronger. He had even in the past few days been able to feel Draco's emotions when they were in close proximity.

"...give you the graduates." Harry realised that the Headmaster had finished speaking and they were being led up to join a queue so they could get their official graduation certificate and NEWT results. He paid attention, making sure to clap for all his classmates, he couldn't help it if he was that little bit more enthusiastic about Draco and Hermione.

"Harry James Potter, ranked 4th in his year, scoring 5 NEWTs in DADA, Transfiguration, Charms, Potions and Care of Magical Creatures with an extra credit in DADA for knowledge and ability above that of a normal student."

As the Headmaster told the audience how he had done, Harry walked across the stage shaking the hands of his Professors, people who in a few short months would be his colleagues. He could hear the Weasleys all cheering for him in the audience, he could also make out Tonks wolf whistle and looking over he could see the tears in Remus' eyes.

He would have to make sure he took the time to have a proper talk with Remus that night to let him know how grateful he was that the man had come. He knew that the Weasleys and others were all happy to see him graduate but Remus was the only one that had just come for Harry. Remus was the only person that Harry had invited and he knew that the amber eyed man was sat in seats (along with Tonks he guessed) that were designated seats for the guests of Harry Potter. He would get a photo with Remus, just the two of them if he could.

Finally he was back in his seat, making sure to clap for Ron, and the Headmaster was giving another speech, followed by Hermione who in no surprise to anyone had come first in the year with highest combined score. Then to his surprise the Headmaster was saying his name again, Harry looked up in surprise and glared at the old man who was just twinkling at him.

But he knew he couldn't get out of it, the relatives were all looking at him expectantly and he supposed there was some things he wanted to say. Harry made his way back to the stage and stood behind the podium where Dumbledore had been. There was a microphone but Harry knew that it wasn't one in the muggle sense, this one was a special Sonorus spell.

"Hi, I know that most of you know who I am but for the muggles among us my name is Harry Potter. If I had known about this speech I would have had some sort of notes like Hermione had in fact they would probably be ones that she had written." Thankfully the audience laughed and Harry relaxed, he could do this. "My years at Hogwarts have been packed full of adventure and mischief, thankfully at some point between all the excitement I managed to not only find the time to graduate well but also destroy the the threat of Voldemort." All of the witches and wizards shivered at his name, except he was pleased to note the members of the Order and the members of the DA.

"I must tell you that I did not destroy him on my own, I want to thanks all the members of the school who came and helped with the clean up." Harry bowed to where his classmates sat. "I want to thank all the Aurors and the staff of Hogwarts who helped keep me safe while I did what needed to be done." Harry again bowed, first to the Audience where many of the Aurors/order members were sat and then to the staff.

"Finally there are three people whose help was invaluable, not that everyone else wasn't invaluable but these three mean the most to me. First is Headmaster Dumbledore, a man who had helped guide me and helped me become the man you see before me. A man who knows and taught me that the right thing is not always the easiest and that sacrifices are inevitable in life and war. He has helped hundreds of us turn from children to adults, ready to take our place in society and I hope that now the threat of Voldemort is gone for good that he will go on Holiday. Thank-you Headmaster." Harry bowed to the man and started clapping, relieved when everyone else also clapped.

"Second is a man who once made the wrong choice and had spent many years trying to redeem himself, Professor Severus Snape is one of the strongest men I have ever and will ever meet. Working as a spy for the side of the light, every time he went to Voldemort he risked discovery and death to bring back the smallest amount of news. He had helped me train and learn the skills I needed to survive, he has risked his life many times to save my own and saved me more times than I can imagine. Without him I would not be stood before you. We should all be grateful to this man."

Harry gave a bow to Snape who was staring at him in confusion as if he was waiting for the other shoe to drop, trying his hardest to find the joke. Harry stood back up and started clapping, for a few seconds he was the only one and then the Slytherins joined him, quickly followed by the order and the Weasleys and then the rest of the Audience, even Neville was giving the man he feared a round of applause.

"And finally we come to the third person, my soul mate and lover, the man who was almost more vital than I was in the defeat of Voldemort, Draco Malfoy." Harry heard the gasps but carried on talking. "He is the man that I am going to spend the rest of my life with, I plan to bond with him as soon as we are ready. Many of you may think that he was a Death eater but I know he never was and he was vital in the defeat of Voldemort. Any of you who were there for the final battle may remember that he was outside but without him I wouldn't have known the potion that I used in the final battle to destroy Voldemort. I give you my soul mate Draco Malfoy."

Harry looked over at his smiling mate and gave the blonde a deep bow then started clapping, again it was slow to start but eventually the entire hall was clapping. Draco was still smiling as he stood up and bowed back at Harry.

Harry left the stage but didn't make his way back to his own seat instead walked towards Draco. The blonde met him with a hug and a kiss, then shoved the students either side of him along the bench slightly so that they could sit together,

"Thank-you Harry for all of your words and let me be the first to congratulate you and Draco and wish you a happy life together." Harry nodded his head to the Headmaster and hoped that the ceremony would be over soon, he could see his friends all just waiting to confront him and he wanted to get it over with as soon as possible.

"Now may I thank you all for attending, there will be a buffet and space for dancing later on."

Dumbledore left the stage and within seconds Harry could hear Ron's voice, "Malfoy, you missed my birthday for a Malfoy, he's your frigging soul mate." Harry had no idea how long his friend, if he could still call the redhead that, would have gone on along the same vein if his mother hadn't appeared.

"Ronald Weasley that is enough, you may have graduated but I will still ground you if I have to." While Ron sputtered in rage and silence under the 'muto' spell that his mother had cast on him, she turned and talked to the rest of them. "Congratulations Hermione my dear, you too, both Harry and Draco. You did your family proud both of you as I am sure that your mother will tell you the same Draco. Congratulations to both of you for being soulmates, it is a wonderful sensation, knowing you'll never be alone. Arthur and I are soulmates, aren't we dear?"

Arthur smiled down at both boys, "It is a wonderful feeling knowing that you have found your other half and well done on your results, good show from everyone, even you Ron, tenth in your year is nothing to frown about, I was eleventh myself."

"Thank you Molly, Arthur." Harry hugged Molly and then shook Arthur's hand.

"Thank Mr and Mrs Weasley," Draco said politely but Harry could not only see but feel his mate's surprise and shock at how they were treating him. While Draco had never mentioned it, Harry knew that Draco had been expecting everyone to react as Ron had, especially those dreaded Weasleys, instead both Molly and Arthur were smiling at him and congratulating him. He guessed it was partly to do with the fact that as soulmates, the elder Weasleys understood their relationship and partly because Molly and Arthur just wanted them all to be happy.

"I have thought of Harry as part of this family for many years and if you two are going to bond I am afraid that makes you an honorary Weasley too so you will have to call us Molly and Arthur as Harry does."

Everyone seemed to hold their breath, a scorning remark here could be the end of the pleasant talks and while Harry would stand by Draco he liked and loved the Weasleys and didn't want to be on the outs with them.

"Thank you Molly and Arthur."

Molly smiled at Draco but didn't try to hug him as she had Harry, Arthur put his hand out and Draco shook it, adults making a truce between warring families.

Ron and Hermione got hugs from both Molly and Arthur, Ron seeming resigned to his silence and kept glaring at Draco when he thought no one else was looking. As soon as their parents were clear their children attacked, all four were mobbed with congratulations, hugs and handshakes, even Draco who looked shocked but seemed to enjoy the attention.

"You did very well Draco."

Harry looked up at the new voice and recognised Mrs Malfoy straight away, her face was blank but you could see how proud she was in her eyes, with these Pure bloods it was always the eyes.

"Thank-you Mother," Draco said politely and then impulsively hugged her in public. Harry could see the shock on her face and then the pleasure when she actually smiled and hugged him back. Both Malfoys pulled away without wearing their public mask, both smiling, happy to know that they were surrounded by friends and family. "Mother I would like you to meet my boyfriend, soul mate and hopefully one day my bonded Husband Harry Potter."

"Mr Potter."

"Harry please Mrs Malfoy." Harry shook the offered hand.

"I must insist on you using Narcissa then."

"Thank-you very much, Narcissa."

XXX

Draco followed Harry over to where Remus Lupin was sat with Nymphadora Tonks, he she was a cousin from his mother's side of the family but had never met her before. He was nervous about meeting the werewolf again, the older man hadn't know that his godson was sleeping with the enemy until they had announced it publicly. They had left his mother talking with Molly - He couldn't believe how nice all the Weasleys had been to him - like they were old friends, Arthur and his eldest son had cornered Granger's parents and were quizzing them about the muggle world and the rest were just stood talking. The Weasley twins had even found Severus and all three were engaged in a deep conversation about potions for their shop.

"Do not panic Draco I already knew about you."

Draco looked around in surprise at the voice addressing him, while he had been thinking they had reached Lupin and Tonks. He guessed that Harry had greeted them both and was currently talking with Tonks.

"You knew?" He asked quietly.

"Advanced senses even in human form," was the reply as the older man tapped the side of his nose.

Draco could feel himself blushing at the implication. "Oh."

"I would give you the hurt him and I'll kill you speech but once Ron has calmed down I am sure he will give it to you. I love Harry Mr Malfoy but after Sirius' death very little appealed to him and I knew that the discovery of sex was a release for him. I also know that much like Sirius when he discovered sex Harry did it with anyone that would have him and being Harry Potter that was pretty much anyone.

"Being with you helped settle him, gave him the support that I couldn't because of the war and the distance. You have been very good for him and I hope to get an invitation to the bonding ceremony."

"Of course you will Remy," Harry said as he slipped an arm around Draco's waist, "As long as we get one to yours, Tonks told me the good news and congratulations to both of you."

Draco noticed Tonks stroke her belly at the words, "Are you hoping for a boy or girl cousin?" He refused to be ashamed of any family he had left, all of the dark ones had died in the final battle or were in Azkaban, he just hoped she understood.

Tonks blushed, "Either as long as it is healthy, we're not sure what the mix of having a metamorphus for a mother and a werewolf for a father will do."

"I know of a healer who moved to the Americas during the second war, she had delivered a werewolf's child before and her daughter is a metamorphus. If you would like I could contact her and see if she could see you," Draco offered, Healer Claugi had been his Healer when he had been younger, she had been part healer and part childminder, he had been a sickly child for a couple of years. He hadn't seen her since he was eleven and his father had fired her, he only knew she had gone to the Americas because he had asked Severus to find out for him. He had hoped that they could visit her anyway during the summer, one of the few stops that he wanted to make. Draco knew that Harry had a list of six places, Harry had told him to add any places he wanted and they would sort it all out tomorrow.

"We could all go and visit her, I am sure between the Black and Potter possessions there will be somewhere we can stay near by," Harry added, giving him a special grin, that made him feel even better than the thankful looks on Lupin's and Tonk's faces.

"Thank-you cousin, all the healers at St Mungos could tell me was not to make any full body changes. I would be very glad to have someone who could be a bit more helpful." Draco was surprised when she moved away from Lupin to give him a hug, at first he just stood there but eventually hugged her back.

"Yes thank-you Mr Malfoy," Lupin said and Draco knew what he had to do, you didn't call family by surnames.

"Draco please."

He got a wide smile from the sandy haired man and knew he had said the correct thing. "I am Remus or even Remy when you feel more comfortable."

"Thank-you Remus."

"I would say you could call me Nymphodora but then I would have to kill you so you stick with Tonks and I'll go with Draco. You're not only blood but good for our Harry so welcome to the family."

Draco just nodded and smiled, it had been a good family day, he had hugged his mother in public, he had Molly, Arthur, the rest of the Weasleys and Remus as new family and he had managed to mend the void with his cousin.

"A very interesting speech Mr Potter."

"I think you were calling me Harry, Severus."

"I think you would find that that was only in private."

"Yeah but I am graduated now and in a few months we'll be colleagues."

Draco smiled at Severus' annoyed look but recognised the fondness in the Potion's Master's expression. Severus would get annoyed at Harry, shout at him but Draco knew that the older man liked Harry, was glad that they were together.

"I will have retired long before you are Headmaster but now back to the speech."

"I just wanted them all to know that I didn't do it on my own, that I am not a miracle worker, just a cog in the mechanism, a big cog with a huge ego and a huge part in the plan but still just a cog."

Draco had to hide the snigger at Harry's words, his lover did so enjoy teasing Severus but he had noticed that Severus had started to take it all in his stride, almost expecting Harry's glib and often silly answers.

"A cog indeed Harry." Draco couldn't help but snigger, Severus had said 'Harry' the same way most people said idiot but Harry just smiled. The blonde couldn't help but be very glad that Severus and Harry were getting on. He was going to be spending a long time working very closely with Severus on his Potion's Mastership and he did not want the pair at war with each other over him.

"Severus, thank-you for helping Harry."

"Lupin no matter how annoying he may be Harry is an excellent student with the ability to go far when he applies himself."

"Thanks Severus," Harry said and it was obvious that he was touched, Draco knew his lover received few compliments and due to his family, was not used to it. So a compliment, and one from Severus Snape even if it was slightly back handed, meant a lot to Harry.

"You both need to go and meet you adoring public," Severus sneered.

Draco looked around and noticed that a lot of parents and siblings all kept looking at them, he assumed to see if they could be approached. He didn't want to talk to any parents and guessed from Harry's disgusted look that he didn't either but he guessed it was expected of them.

"Do we have to dad," Harry whined.

"We will ignore your father issues for now but you will go and mingle with the other graduates."

Harry glared at Severus and a for few seconds Draco thought the pair were about to get into a glaring match when Harry nodded in pure misery.

"Fine but if anyone feels me up you can pull Draco off them. Remy we'll come and see you tomorrow and sort out details for the trip to America."

Draco growled at the thought of anyone touching his Harry and allowed himself to pulled away, quickly finding himself mobbed.

XXX

Severus watched Harry and Draco leave, then turned back to Lupin and Tonks, he may not have been best friends with the werewolf but they had learnt to co-operate in the war, they'd had to.

"What are your plans for next year Severus."

"Teaching Lupin, just because Harry and Draco are graduating does not mean I am leaving."

"I thought Harry was coming back, that was what Dumbledore told us," Tonks said in confusion.

"He is," Severus replied simply, he would rather not be present and talking to anyone but Lupin was better than anyone else in the hall. If a parent saw him free they would immediately want to talk about some younger child they had and how their potion marks could be improved.

"And will Draco be returning?" Lupin asked.

"He will as my apprentice."

"Congratulations Severus, it is an honour to usher a young man into mastership."

Severus nodded his head, not many people understood what an honour it was to be a master to an apprentice, a good result reflected back on the master too.

He looked over at where a dark head contrasted with the blonde of his lover as the pair were talking to Longbottom's grandmother, a formidable woman who unfortunately had done more harm than good to Longbottom. Another student to be grateful to Harry for helping them to develop, much like Granger who would have been picked on as a know-it all if she hadn't been the friend of Harry Potter.

Although the one he thought had gained the most from friendship with Harry was the youngest male Weasley, nothing special about him until he became the best friend of Harry Potter. There were others, males and females from different houses and years who Harry had helped become a better person then they would have on their own.

"Professor Snape I was hoping you would be able to make some potions for me."

Severus peered at the metamorphus, "You are ill Miss Tonks."

"Oh no, not ill, I'm pregnant. I'm not sure if I'll need any special potions but I will definitely need the basics and would prefer if you would make them."

The woman may have had rainbow coloured hair but Severus could tell she was serious, "If you are willing for young Draco to make them, I think it would be a very interesting project for his first year. I trust you have a medi-wizard."

"St Mungos were useless but Draco thinks he knows someone who would know more, a healer in America."

"Healer Annette Claugi, she cared for Draco when he was younger, a think she would be very helpful, she has written many papers on both Werewolves and Metamorphs as well as many other magical beings and unusual magical abilities."

Bother future parents eyes opened in surprise, he wondered if it was his lack of meanness or the fact he was being helpful.

"I will leave you to mingle, I must speak to Albus."

Severus left the couple and hoped that he would be able to escape the room before a bloody parent caught him. Hours later he would sit and wonder about Lupin's comment, did he really want to continue teaching, he hated children. He knew he wouldn't let Draco down, Draco needed to be with Harry, Harry needed to be at Hogwarts, the Potions apprenticeship was a perfect way for Draco not to waste those years. And maybe in five or six years when Draco was a Master in his right, he could take over as Potions Master at Hogwarts and Severus could retire.

Yes, Severus thought as sipped at a glass of Brandy, he could train Draco to take over and retire, Voldemort was dead and for the first time he was free.

XXX

Harry lay his head on Draco's chest while a pale hand stroked through his hair, he couldn't believe how stressful his graduation had become. Giving the speech on the spot had been bad enough but then the parents all desperate to meet him. He couldn't believe that some of the people he had thought of as friends seemed to have brought the entire family and their next door neighbour to meet the great Harry Potter.

Some he didn't mind meeting, Neville's gran, Hermione's parents and little sister, Dean and Seamus' family, even the Parvati twin's mother and Lavender's uncle had been fine. Friends and family of all of Dumbledore's Army had been pushing it but the random Hufflepuff who had introduced him to his parents, uncles, cousins and aunts like they were best friends was too much.

"Thank-you," he whispered to his lover, if it hadn't been for Draco and his calm, polite, professional Malfoy Persona Harry was sure that he would have cursed half of the people present.

"I much prefer you here with me than in jail because people are idiots," Draco teased.

"I prefer here to Azkaban too." Harry turned his head to kiss the bare chest he was resting on, "I love you."

Draco just hummed happily, "Me too."

Harry sighed and wriggled closer to Draco, wrapping himself further around the other body. This was what the rest of his life would be like, safe within the walls of Hogwarts and Draco to snuggle with, he couldn't wait.

THE END

I hope you enjoyed this little Harry/Draco story