Make Yourself at Home
Banner by the delightful capitu
Title: Make Yourself at Home
Author: enchanted_jae
Character(s): Harry/Draco, multiple HP characters, ocs
Rating: PG13
Warning(s): Strong suggestion
Word count: 2745
Summary: Best Christmas ever
Disclaimer: Characters are the property of JK Rowling, et al. This fic/drabble was written for fun, not for profit.
Written for:
♦ Jae's Advent Drabbles No. 25 - Christmas at the Burrow
♦ dracoharry100 Christmas Challenge 2022 No. 25 - Home For The Holidays
♦ newyearcntdown New Year's Countdown Challenge, Day 25 - Soft
♦ slythindor100 Traditional Prompt No. 25 - Merry Christmas
♦ adventdrabbles Prompt No. 25 - Holiday Arrivals/Departures
"Dad! Dad!"
"Santa was here!"
"Daddy!"
Harry groaned and cracked an eye open in time to meet an equally bleary, one-eyed gaze from Draco. "Wha' time izzit?"
Draco rubbed his eyes and squinted at the clock. "Ten after six. Or two-thirty. I'm not sure which."
"Huh. I'm surprised they slept that long."
"Dad, come on!"
"There are presents!"
"Pwesents!"
"How good are your Confundus charms?"
"Harry! Shame on you."
Harry groaned again and rolled over on his back. "Go on down, minions," he said, raising his voice to be heard through the door. "We'll be down shortly. Don't touch any gifts."
The horde in the hallway thundered away and peace reigned once more.
Harry turned his head and smiled at his husband. Draco's eyes were at half-mast, his hair was a right mess, and his expression teetered between annoyed and resigned. He was still the most beautiful bloke Harry had ever seen. "Merry Christmas, Mr Potter-Malfoy."
Draco's expression softened. "Happy Christmas, Mr Ponker-Malfoy."
"Shall we celebrate with a shag?"
"Not unless you want our children to barge in on us."
The thought put a damper on Harry's ardor. "Fine. Scrooge. How about a quickie at the Burrow later?"
"Burrow...quickie...wha'?"
~*~
Harry and Draco allowed the children to empty their stockings and munch on slices of fruit as they waited for Narcissa to arrive. The stockings had been filled with small treats and toys, enough to keep the mob pacified until they could tear into the mound of gifts under the tree. The dog, cats, and Kneazle each had a stocking (Harry having made a quick trip to the Muggle pet store for extra stockings), and they all received treats and toys, too. Harry hadn't been sure what to give a Kneazle, but Barnabus was half lying atop his peacock feather, looking as pleased as if he'd downed and plucked the fowl himself.
When Narcissa arrived and added yet more gifts to the pile, Harry wondered if they'd make it to the Burrow by nightfall. He and Draco donned their Santa hats and began handing out gifts. Wrappings, ribbons, and bows flew around the family room, delighting Cassi and Nicholas. Barnabus perched himself atop the sofa, behind Narcissa, where he watched the madness unfold. Chewy was busy gnawing on a new rawhide and didn't even blink when Harry stuck a random bow on top of his head.
"Fwoggie!"
Harry turned to see Jasmin waving her new frog stuffie in the air. He grinned and caught Draco rolling his eyes. The children received toys, games, and new clothing, including a festive tutu for Jasmin, along with more treats.
"My own charm bracelet!" cried Carolyn. "Look, Grammeer, I have a bracelet like yours!"
"It's lovely, Carolyn," said Narcissa, admiring the bracelet. She turned her attention to the gift she was opening. Narcissa withdrew the Nice ornament and laughed merrily.
Harry caught Draco's eye again and winked. Draco lobbed a wadded up ball of wrapping paper at him, knocking Harry's Santa hat askew. Once the children had unwrapped all their gifts, Harry and Draco sat at opposite ends of the sofa, Narcissa between them, to open their gifts.
Harry received an assortment of tasteful silk ties, which he pronounced hideous. He laughed when Draco reached behind his mother to swat him on the back of the head. Harry laughed again when he opened a box and found that Draco had given him the tipsy elf ornament they'd seen at the market.
In the meantime, Draco opened the lovely throw that Harry had found in Muggle London. "Oh, this is quite soft," he murmured, running a hand over the blanket. "And the pattern is...is it the Twelve Days of Christmas?!"
"Carolyn picked that out," said Harry.
"No, I didn't, Dad."
Harry started to laugh. "I knew as soon as I saw it that it was meant for you, love."
Draco's expression was mulish until Jasmin leaned closer to pet the blanket. "Pwetty, Daddy."
"Yes, it's very pretty, isn't it?"
Harry's jocularity ended when he opened another of his gifts to reveal the Naughty ornament from the market. He hadn't put his own name on the tag, had he?
Draco saw Harry's gift and consternation. "Hah!" he gloated...right up until he opened the gift on his lap and extracted a matching Naughty ornament.
"Hah!" crowed Harry before throwing his head back and laughing. Draco joined in, and even Narcissa laughed.
"It seems that naughty minds think alike," she observed with a quirk of one brow.
"I'm sure Draco meant to give this one to you," said Harry, holding up his Naughty ornament.
"I am quite certain he meant it for you, Harry," she retorted.
"Oh, Harry."
Harry turned to see that Draco had opened the bracelet from Yves le Carriere. "I bought that before we added Barnabus and Saint Nicholas to the family," said Harry. "We'll have to go back and get you two more charms. Do you like it?"
"It's magnificent, thank you."
"Me see, Daddy."
Draco put his bracelet on and showed Jasmin. "See? That's your name right here."
"That's so Daddy can remember your names."
"Shush, Harry."
"Shush, Daddy."
Harry grinned and opened one of his final gifts. "Oh, Draco."
It was an impressive sculpture of a snowy owl. It looked incredibly real and reminded Harry so much of Hedwig that his throat grew tight.
"It's okay, Dad," said Carolyn, scooting close to pat his knee.
Jasmin came over and laid her little head on his other knee. "Okay, Daddy, don't cwy."
Narcissa handed him a tissue, and Harry removed his specs and wiped his eyes. He took a shaky breath and gave his daughters an equally shaky smile. "It is okay," he said. "I once had an owl that looked just like this, and I miss her very much."
"She died?" That was Ben, unfailingly blunt.
"Yes, she did," Harry replied. "Many years ago." He didn't bother telling them the circumstances. "Thank you, Draco. It's beautiful."
Draco nodded and handed Jasmin a gift. "Give this to Daddy."
Jas took it and gave it to Harry. It was inexpertly wrapped, but Jasmin was beaming when she relinquished it. "I made dis."
"You made it?" asked Harry.
"She picked it out and wrapped it," said Draco.
"It's a aminal!"
"An aminal?!" cried Harry. "Does it need to breathe?"
"No, Daddy, it's a toy."
"Shush, Jas," Draco admonished. "Don't ruin the surprise. Harry, you may wish to open it before she blurts out any more."
Harry quickly opened the gift. "A llama!"
"Spwise!" cried Jasmin.
Harry laughed in delight. "Is this a new friend for my other animals?"
"Yes!"
"Thank you, Jasmin," said Harry.
"Youelcome."
Harry looked around. "Okay, who's going to clean up this mess?"
Narcissa spwised them all by quipping, "The naughty ones, who else?"
The children cheered, while Harry and Draco groaned.
~*~
"Are you sure, Mum?"
"Of course, Draco," said Narcissa. "Mrs Weasley invited me, and I do not wish to appear rude. Besides, I am wearing my Weasley jumper. Is that not the official attire for Christmas in Ottery St Catchpole?"
Harry opened his mouth. "Actually, it's-"
"It's fine," Draco cut him off. "You look lovely, Mum. Just be aware that it's all quite...mad."
"I am no wilting violet, Draco. I am certain I will survive some holiday madness."
~*~
"Draco, stop dithering. We're going to be late. Just wear that jumper you got in the white dragon exchange last year, like you planned to."
"I can't wear it in front of my Mum!" The jumper depicted snow people in compromising positions, although one had to look closely to realize that.
"Fine, I'll wear it, and you can wear my prize-winning jumper from last year," said Harry.
Draco gasped in horror. "I will not wear that repulsive travesty!"
Harry yanked the snowman jumper on, replaced his specs, and smoothed his hair. "Then grab the Jingle Balls jumper and let's go."
~*~
"Oh, my."
As per usual on Christmas, they emerged from the Floo and into chaos.
"Mrs Malfoy, how nice of you to join us," boomed Arthur. The noise level dropped by several decibels as nearly every ginger in the place turned to look.
Harry saw his mother-in-law's cheeks pinken. He placed an encouraging hand at the small of Narcissa's back and nudged her forward. They needed to make room for additional holiday arrivals.
Narcissa gathered her dignity about her and handed Arthur the bottle of wine that Draco had pressed into her hands before they'd all stepped into the Floo. "A gift, for you and Mrs Weasley."
"Thank you," beamed Arthur. "Won't you please come in and make yourself at home?"
The children dashed into the lounge to see their cousins. Draco guided his mum in there and found her a chair. She sank onto it just as Rose and Hugo got into a squabble. Hermione thrust her baby, Anna, into Narcissa's arms.
"Mrs Malfoy, do you mind? I need to separate my older children. Rose! Hugo! Would you like to go home right now?!"
"No, Mum!"
Narcissa gazed down at Anna, who peered back up at her trustingly. "Aren't you just the most precious baby?" she cooed, smoothing her hand over the brown fuzz on Anna's head.
Fleur took a seat next to Narcissa and began speaking to her in French.
Seeing that his mother-in-law was happily engaged, Harry made his way to the kitchen. It was truly the heart of this home, and coming to the Burrow always felt like coming home for the holidays. "Merry Christmas, Molly. Do you need any help?"
"Everything is under control, dear. I'm so happy that Mrs Malfoy came with you today. I hope she doesn't mind that we're cramped in here."
"Narcissa is made of sterner stuff than most people imagine," said Harry. "Even Draco underestimates her. The last I glimpse I had of her, she was holding Anna and conversing with Fleur."
"Very good, dear," said Molly. "Send George in here. I'll find something for him to do so he's not causing trouble."
~*~
After a feast for the ages, everyone repaired to the temporarily enlarged lounge. Narcissa had surrendered Anna to Audrey, but she watched with merry delight as all the children, not just her own grandchildren, opened gifts.
"Thanks, mate!"
Harry glanced up to see that Ron had opened the book he'd bought him, which was a collection of Quidditch players' favorite recipes.
"I expect you to make me dinner from that tomorrow," Hermione told her husband.
When the last present had been opened, all of the adults, including Narcissa, lent their wands to the efforts at clean-up, and soon all cast-off paper had been efficiently Vanished.
Bells jingled from outside, causing the youngest children to erupt in cries of, "Santa Claus is here!"
Neville, dressed in his Santa suit, bustled in with a hearty, "Ho ho ho!", while Luna, in the guise of Mrs Claus, followed with her usual basket of sweets. Neville handed out the flat boxes that contained this year's Weasley jumpers. Narcissa was startled when Santa gave her a smaller box.
"Happy Christmas, Mrs Malfoy."
"Oh! I, oh, thank you," she stammered, repeating herself when Luna handed her a sweet.
Once Santa and the Mrs went on their merry way, everyone opened their gifts. Harry, Draco, and Ben received red jumpers with white letters on the front, while Carolyn and Jasmin got pink jumpers with white letters. Narcissa received a pair of mittens made of the same yarn as her lovely jumper.
"Thank you, Mrs Weasley," she said. "They're beautiful and so warm. I can't wait to wear them."
"You can wear them when we go sledding, Grammeer," Ben said cheerfully.
Draco frowned. "Ben, I don't think your grammeer intends to go-"
"Why, that sounds like fun," Narcissa interjected. "I haven't been sledding since I was a little girl."
"You were a little girl?" asked Ben, his face and voice conveying his astonishment.
"Of course she was, silly," said Roxanne. "Just like our parents were little once, too."
Ben giggled, seemingly entertained by the thought of his grammeer as a little girl.
"It's time to tally votes for ugliest jumper," announced Arthur. He checked the parchment in his hand. "Third prize goes to Harry."
"Hah!" crowed Harry, sticking his tongue out at Draco.
"It's a fruitcake, dear," said Molly.
Hah, Draco mouthed at Harry.
Harry accepted his unwanted prize with good grace. "Carolyn, will you help me eat this?"
"Yes, Dad. Yum!"
"Second prize goes to Ginny, and Josh is our winner this year."
"No fair!" Ron cried. "They shop in the States."
"You're welcome to visit the US," Josh taunted, stepping up to accept his prize.
"Who's ready for sledding?" asked Bill, raising his voice to be heard over the din.
There was a mad rush for outerwear. Narcissa donned her coat and new mittens, and Carolyn found her a purple bobble hat to wear. Narcissa accepted it graciously and tucked her hair up under it.
Harry left Draco getting Jasmin in her coat and boots as he filed out with Narcissa. He reckoned she had only come outside to observe, but when Ben tugged a toboggan over, Narcissa surprised Harry by sitting gingerly and taking a run down the hill with her grandson.
"You let my mother ride that death machine?!" Draco cried to no one in particular.
"She's laughing and having fun," said Harry. "See? They made it to the bottom without a spill. If you'd like to stand around and clutch your pearls, I'll take Jas on a run."
"I'll clutch your pearls."
"Get a room, you two," said Charlie.
George approached with the Zephyr as Harry was settling Jasmin on a runner sled and sitting down behind her.
"Be careful, Harry."
Harry didn't respond; he pushed off with his feet and the sled took off. Jasmin shrieked in glee. Harry dragged his feet just enough to be sure they didn't go too fast. They also made it to the bottom of the hill without a spill. As Harry charmed the sled to lighten it and began hauling it back up, Draco and Carolyn zoomed past on another runner sled. They hit a clump of snow and overturned. Harry paused, but both his husband and daughter sat up, laughing and fixing their hats.
By the time Harry made it to the top of the hill, Jasmin was shouting, "Again, Daddy!"
"We have to wait our turn, Jas," said Harry.
Several Weasleys made runs down the hill.
"Is no one brave enough to ride the Zephyr this year?" George yelled.
"I'll try it."
"Mum, no!" cried Draco, as Harry's mouth fell open in wordless shock.
"Nobody has made a successful run on the Zephyr yet, Mrs Malfoy," Angelina told her. "Not even your daft son-in-law."
"Oy!"
"Nevertheless, I should like to try it," Narcissa insisted.
"It's dangerous, Mum."
"Fortunately for me, my son makes excellent healing potions," Narcissa said, her eyes gleaming with mischief.
"Stand back, everyone!" shouted George. "Mrs Malfoy is going to match wits with the Zephyr!"
Everyone cleared out of the way, and George helped Narcissa get settled on the Zephyr. "Dad placed cushioning charms at the bottom of the hill," he told her. "You should survive."
"Thank you for that vote of confidence, Mr Weasley," said Narcissa. She took a deep, bracing breath of cold air and pushed off.
"Sweet baby Salazar," muttered Draco. "I can't look."
"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE..."
Harry watched, his heart in his throat the entire time. "She's down," he said finally.
"She rode it all the way?!"
"Well, no, but I'm pretty sure she's still alive."
"Bloody hell, Harry!"
"Dad!" gasped Carolyn, then, "Is Grammeer okay? GRAMMEER?!"
"I'm okay! I think. I'm missing a boot, a mitten, and my hat. And most of my teeth."
"Oh my god, Mum!"
"I'm teasing, Draco."
The crowd all cheered as Narcissa put her boot back on, gathered her hat and mitten, and began trudging up the hill. George whistled, and the Zephyr sped past her to return to him.
"Are you okay, Grammeer?"
"Yes, Benjamin, thank you," said Narcissa. She was smiling, teeth intact, and her eyes were sparkling. "I may sit the next round out, however."
"That was epic, Mrs Malfoy!" Josh cried, stepping up to give her bare hand a vigorous shake. "I think you rode it farther than anyone else has."
"Oh? Do I win a prize for that?"
Harry recognized an opportunity when it presented itself. "You can have my fruitcake."
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