Disclaimer: Harry Potter and properties don't belong to me but JK Rowling. Contain spoiler from Philosopher Stone to Deathly Hallows so if you haven't read one of the book from Harry Potter series you have been warned.

Unexpected Things

Chapter XXVII

Harry looked the Daily Prophet in front of him in disgust. 'Our Saviour Saved Us Again!' was the headline today. The Great Hall was buzzing. Everyone had read the news and everyone who was at Hogsmeade yesterday had quickly filled their friends, classmates and house mates with everything they saw, heard and speculated.

"This is mad!" Ron grumbled between his mouthfuls of food.

Hermione threw him a glare which the redhead ignored with practiced ease. Ron had spent seven years with her after all.

An owl flew to Harry and dropped a letter. Harry fed the owl bacon before it flew away. The letter came from Remus and Tonks. The couple was worried about him since they read the news in Daily Prophet. They would come to Hogsmeade this Saturday to see Harry.

"Harry?" Hermione asked, seeing his expression.

"Remus and Tonks said that they would come to Hogsmeade to meet me," he replied, smiling softly.

"They must be worried," Hermione said. "I know I am about you."

"Thanks, Hermione," he said. "Well, I'm going to take Snuffles with me."

Harry folded the letter and put it inside his bag. He looked at High Table, or precisely at Lucius. Harry had to find out what exactly Lucius had seen from the battle. So that night, he went to Lucius' quarter.

"You came to see me at Hogsmeade," Harry said once he and Lucius were seated in the man's study.

"Protection charm. I wonder if you have lost your mind." Lucius stated.

"It worked," Harry responded. He waited for Lucius to say something, anything about his wand.

"It did," Lucius replied. "Though it was a wonder why simple protection charm could work against the killing curse. Was it your power or was it simple luck?"

Harry calmed a bit. "Maybe it was the combination of both." He commented.

"Probably," Lucius conceded. There was a strange glint in Lucius' eyes but it was gone in a second.

Speaking of which, Harry was going to have NEWTS soon and after that, he would leave Hogwarts. He knew that Lucius would also leave the school. The man had no reason to teach there. Harry wanted to become Auror. That career part for him was clear. But what about, well, let's say his romantic relationship part with Lucius? During this one and half year, he had grown very fond of the man. Lucius did leave his wife for Harry. Could he see them in the future together? The answer was yes.

"You know," he began conversationally. "I'm going to enter Auror training once I graduated from Hogwarts."

"I figured that out, Potter, as well as everyone else." Lucius said sarcastically. "It is hardly news."

Harry rolled his eyes. "I'm going to live at Grimmauld Place," he took deep breath and then said. "You can visit anytime."

Lucius stared at him for a long time before the man smirked and drawled. "Well, that could be arranged easily."

"I didn't expect this to happen actually," he admitted.

Lucius raised his eyebrow.

"But I have grown fond of you," he said.

"The feeling is entirely mutual," Lucius drawled and leaned forward to kiss him.

This must be the weirdest love confession on earth, Harry mused inwardly as he returned the kiss.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

At Saturday, Harry went to meet Remus and Tonks at Three Broomsticks. Harry had to assure them that he was alright and no, they didn't need to worry about him. In fact they should concentrate in Harry's godson wellbeing. Tonks blushed at that.

NEWTS came soon. Harry either studied at the Room of Requirement to have peace or at Lucius' quarter. He now came there almost every day and met Draco Malfoy often. The blond merely nodded at him. As for Harry and Lucius, they would talk and kiss.

Hermione studied like mad. She was always seen with heavy tome of books which she read intently. Ron normally would laugh at her but this time he didn't have time for that. This is NEWTS and was very important. Dean's annoying habit showed up again and this time when he bothered Seamus, the other boy finally lost it, and threw his pillow to Dean's face.

The tests they dreaded finally came. Harry thought that he had done well but he kept the thought to himself. Hermione as usual, blabered that she answered it wrong until Ron shut her up with a kiss. She blushed bright red amid the catcalls in the Gryffindor common room.

"Ron!" she hissed.

Harry laughed at them.

The NEWTS was finally over. Everyone was relieved.

"Now we can lazying all day around," Ron commented, laying on the grass.

Harry, Ron and Hermione were having picnic next to the Great Lake. Harry thought it would cheer them up after the intense studying they did for NEWTS exam.

Hermione glared at him.

"Seven years," Harry said suddenly.

Hermione and Ron turned to look at him.

"It's hard to believe, isn't it?" he said. "Seven years has passed and in a few weeks, we'll graduate from Hogwarts." Harry turned to look at the majestic castle of Hogwarts.

"Remember the troll?" Ron asked, grinning.

Harry laughed. "I don't think I could forget the troll." He said.

"Yes," Hermione said wistfully. "The troll. It's your fault by the way." She glared playfully at Ron.

"I have apologized years ago," Ron grumbled but there was no malice in his voice.

"Lockhart and the pixies," Harry said.

"Don't forget Neville's boggart." Hermione said, smiling.

Ron burst out laughing at that. "Snape in dress!"

They were reciting years after years they experienced in Hogwarts. Time they spent in joy and sometimes in sorrow. But as Harry looked back now, it was the things that shaped them into the person they were now.

"Your wand work fine now," Lucius stated suddenly and casually when they met. "Whereas it was broken by Bellatrix Lestrange."

Harry's blood ran cold.

Lucius smirked at him. "One must wonder what kind of power that could repair a broken wand. It was unheard before."

Harry merely stared at the man, challenging him to tell the truth.

"And what kind of power that could prevent the killing curse? You have another wand with you. The wand that you used to cast the Protection charm. The wand that once belonged to Dumbledore and before that, Grindelwald." Lucius said. "That my dear, is the heart of this matter."

"You have done your research," Harry said calmly.

"Research and observation." Lucius corrected.

"You have your father invisibility cloak. A normal invisibility cloak will lose its ability after awhile. It's impossible to withstand time in a way yours has. It has been passed from father to son in centuries."

"And that is your hint," Harry said.

"Of course most of people think it's just a myth," Lucius said again. "But if you pay enough attention you would find it. From time to time, the great wizard possessed it. It was lost and found and lost and found again. The powerful wand that was undefeatable in battle. Shall I assume that you posses the Resurrection Stone too?"

Harry smiled coldly. "I could kill you right now." He stated.

"You're not a murderer." Lucius said as a matter of fact.

"And what are you planning now?" he asked.

Lucius sighed. "I have stated it previously that I'm very fond of you, which is true. So, you don't need to look so alarmed."

Harry snorted."I find it hard to believe considering what kind of man you are."

Lucius smiled at him enigmatically.

"Very well," Harry conceded at last. "But if you betray me, Lucius, I shall destroy you and your entire family until there is no more the House of Malfoy."

"I expect nothing less from you."

Harry raised his eyebrow. "Well, thank you for the compliment." He commented.

Lucius merely smirked at him.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Time passed and soon it was graduation day. The Weasleys and Hermione's parents had arrived to Hogwarts. Fred, George and even Percy all came that day. For Harry, Remus and Tonks were there. Mr. and Mrs. Granger stared around in awe. The other parents of Muggleborn students had the same reaction.

"Oh, Ron!" Mrs. Weasley hugged her youngest son. "I can't believe it! It was like yesterday when you went to Hogwarts and now we come here to attend your graduation ceremony!" She sobbed at the thought.

Ron blushed bright red. He sighed in relief when his mother let him go.

"Oh, Harry!" Mrs. Weasley hugged him tightly. "You boys grow up so fast!"

Mr. Weasley finally pried his wife off of Harry.

The Great Hall had been turned into waiting room for the family so the Weasleys, Remus, Tonks and Harry decided to stay there. Hermione meanwhile wanted to show her parents around. They joined them a few moments later. Harry then told Hermione and Ron that he was going to Gryffindor common room. They wanted to go with him too.

They were on the way to Gryffindor tower when someone called Harry's name. He turned to find Narcissa Black.

"Harry?" Ron questioned.

"You guys go ahead," he told them.

Narcissa waited until Ron and Hermione disappeared from her sight before she addressed the young man in front of her. "Good evening, Mr. Potter," she said.

"Good evening," Harry replied. "What can I do for you?" he asked.

"You see, Mr. Potter, I have collection of jewellery and your bracelet," she gestured to the bracelet that was Lucius' present to him, "has caught my attention. It is a lovely work of art. Could you tell me where did you buy it? I'm interested in owning one."

She didn't fool anyone with the question. Harry knew exactly what she was asking. "Actually, this is a present from my lover. I didn't ask where he bought it."

"Ah, I see..." Narcissa said. Her face didn't reflect what she was thinking. It was still the mask of politeness. "Well then, excuse me, Mr. Potter. I believe my son is waiting for me now." With that she turned and left.

Harry stood on the same spot for a long time. It was quite surreal. He just had confrontation with the ex wife of Lucius. It was like a scene in soap opera that Aunt Petunia liked to watch.

"Mr. Potter." Came the silky voice of Lucius.

Harry was startled. When did the man come?

"Professor," he greeted Lucius.

"I wish to discuss something with you." Lucius said.

Harry followed the man to the nearest empty classroom. The man cast privacy and locking charm before turning to face him. "I had revealing conversation with Narcissa." Lucius said. The man's eyes flickered to Harry's bracelet briefly.

"And?" Harry prompted.

Lucius smirked in amusement. "She questioned my sanity. I however assured her that I'm perfectly fine."

"That's good," Harry replied.

"I have something for you," Lucius said and took Harry's right hand to his mouth to kiss it. When the kiss ended, Lucius didn't immediately release his hand and Harry felt something slipped to his finger.

He pulled his hand and stared at the simple gold ring on his ring finger. Granted, it was his right hand but still. "What is this?" he croaked out.

"A promise of lifetime." Lucius said, looking at him intently with his grey eyes.

It was then Harry noticed that Lucius also had the same ring on his hand. He really couldn't stop the smile from breaking on his face.

Lucius leaned down to kiss the young man in front of him, enjoying the taste of Potter. He was really fond of Potter. Lucius didn't lie about that. He even loved the young man. Why would he bother with giving Potter his ring then? Of course, he was also fond about the fact that Potter was a really powerful wizard. And with the Deathly Hallows in Potter's possession, the young man was easily the most powerful wizard in the world. Even though it was very tempting, the Deathly Hallows was better in Potter's hand than in his. He had Potter. And Potter had the power. What did they call it? Ah, yes. Killing two birds with one stone.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

When Harry arrived in Gryffindor common room, Ron and Hermione were already waiting for him.

"Where were you?" Ron asked, annoyed.

Hermione however stared at him with wide eyes. "Oh my God!" she said.

"What?" Ron turned to look at her in confusion.

"Oh my God!" She said again. "You got ring!"

"Yeah," he said, smiling.

"Did he propose to you?" she asked excitedly.

"What?" Ron asked in shock. "You...he...you can't be serious!" he exclaimed. Ron's face had gone pale.

Harry rolled his eyes. "No, he doesn't propose to me." He clarified.

"Thank Merlin," Ron muttered.

"This is a promise ring," Harry said.

"Harry!" Ron protested.

"You two are serious, aren't you?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah," he replied, smiling.

"But Harry..." Ron started to whine.

"Shut up Ron!" Hermione ordered. "If Harry is happy then we will give our full support. Do you understand?"

Ron was speechless.

"Uhm...did I interrupt something?" Neville asked. He had just gotten into Gryffindor common room.

"No, Neville," Harry replied.

"I need to check my belongings," Neville explained. "In case if I forget something." Then he looked around with fond expression. "Seven years," he said. "I really can't believe that this is my last time here."

Hermione nodded at him.

"Well, I need to check my stuffs too." Harry said. All his stuff actually was already packed in his trunks. He sat in his bed and looked around, memorizing everything.

"Harry?"

He looked up and saw Ron and Hermione.

"Are you ready?" Hermione asked softly. She knew about his attachment to Hogwarts. The place Harry considered his home.

"Yeah," he nodded.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The leaving feast was held in the open space near the lake. Wooden chairs and table had been prepared. The light came from hundreds of floating lantern coloured in red, green, blue and yellow. After dinner, they moved to the Great Hall. The place was filled with the seventh year students, teachers, and the parents and family. The graduation ceremony was opened with Hogwarts song.

Hogwarts, Hogwarts,

Hoggy Warty Hogwarts,

Teach us something please,

Whether we be old and bald,

Or young with scrabby knees

Our heads could do with filling,

With some interesting stuff,

For now they're bare and full of air,

Dead flies and bits of fluff,

So teach us things worth knowing,

Bring back what we've forgot,

Just do your best, we'll do the rest,

And learn until our brains all rot.

Everyone clapped when the song was finished. Dumbledore took place behind the podium and started giving speech. After the Headmaster had finished speaking, Harry as the Head Boy would give welcoming speech and then followed by Hermione as the Head Girl.

It was finally Harry's turn and he looked out over all the faces of his friends, schoolmates, and their families. The Weasleys all were cheering for him in the audience, Tonks was smiling and Remus had tears in his eyes. Harry took deep breath and began his speech. "Welcome students and family to the 1998 graduation ceremony at Hogwarts school of Witchcraft and Wizardry..."

After his turn, it was Hermione's. And after that it was Dumbledore's turn again. The headmaster called the name of the students one by one to accept their diploma. The closing speech was given by Dumbledore. Then he led the students out of the Great Hall and into the yard. As soon as they stepped out from the Great Hall, the insignia on their uniform changed into Hogwarts insignia. There were no Houses anymore. From now on, they were Hogwarts graduates.

Dumbledore lifted his wand and the tip of it glowed brightly in the dark. He led the procession with Harry and Hermione behind him. The students, teachers and parents and family followed from behind. Together they walked to the lake. From far away, they looked like fireflies

After the graduation ceremony, the seventh year students rode the boats across the lake to leave Hogwarts, this time for the last. By boats they came and by boats they left. It was symbolic.

"This is it," Dumbledore said with twinkling eyes. "A beginning of new chapter in your life."

One by one, they entered the boat. As the last student entered the boat, it all began moving. Harry kept looking at Hogwarts castle as the boat drew farther and farther away from the shore. He wasn't the only student to do so. There were sobs and Harry could see Lavender Brown sobbing in the boat not far from his. Parvati tried to console her best friend. It hit Harry that he was finally leaving his home.

He knew the day would come someday. After all, Harry wasn't going to be student forever. This was an end for one chapter in his life but also the beginning of a new chapter, as Dumbledore had said. He had Hermione, Ron, Neville, Luna, Ginny and his other friends. He also had Lucius. That was unexpected but not unwelcomed. And Harry was serious about his threat.

He rummaged his pocket and found the special fireworks he got from Fred and George.

"Harry, what are you doing?" Hermione asked, alarmed.

"Just watch," he said and lit the fireworks.

It exploded above the lake with the surprised students, parents, and also teachers watched in awe. The sight was ethereal. The old castle in the background, the simmering lake in the night, the fireworks in the sky and hundreds of boat full of students with glowing wands. Harry would remember this moment for his entire life. The last fireworks exploded and showered them with millions of golden dust.

"Wow!" Ron whispered in awe. He gathered the golden dust and blew it towards Hermione.

"Ron!" She shrieked and began to retaliate.

Poor Neville was trapped between them.

Harry smiled at them fondly.

The boat kept moving and when the sight of Hogwarts finally disappeared, Harry thought that he was ready for the next great adventure.

Author's Note:

Hi! It's me again. Finally, after all of this time I have finished this story. The first multi chapters fic that I finished.

I also want to thank you all who have read Unexepcted Things and gave me reviews.