I'm Telling You Why
Banner by the delightful capitu
Title: I'm Telling You Why
Author: enchanted_jae
Character(s): Harry/Draco, ocs
Rating: PG
Warning(s): None
Word count: 825
Summary: A Christmas market and the Santa Talk
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. 19
♦ dracoharry100 Christmas Challenge 2023 No. 19 - Roasted Chestnuts
♦ newyearcntdown New Year's Countdown Challenge, Day 19 - decoration shopping
♦ slythindor100 Traditional Prompt No. 19 - Small Christmas Tree in a Wooden Crate
"Why, Harry? Why do you wait until the last minute each year?"
Harry shrugged. "I like the challenge of scrambling for gifts at the eleventh hour."
Draco glared for a long moment before he threw his hands up in the air in disgust. "Children!" he called out. "Get your coats on. We're going to the Christmas market."
~*~
Harry paused at a stall that was selling festive, hand-painted signs. "I reckon it's a bit late to do any decoration shopping."
"It's a bit late to be doing any shopping, yet here we are," Draco grumbled.
Harry ignored him, his eyes lighting up when he found the perfect sign. It was painted white with Holiday Madness added in flowing red script.
"I'll take this one," he told the woman at the stall, pulling out enough funds to pay for it.
From there, the Potter-Malfoys wandered up and down the aisles, occasionally buying items of interest. "Let's get your mum another blown glass ornament," Harry suggested. They'd halted in front of the stall selling the delicate wares.
"That one looks like a plate of biscuits, Dad," said Ben.
"Yum!" Jasmin enthused.
"We shall get her that one from you children," said Draco.
"Daddy, I'm hungry."
Harry met Draco's eyes over the minions' heads. "Why don't you and Jasmin find somewhere to sit, and Ben and I will muster some drinks and nibbles."
Draco agreed, and Harry led Ben in the direction that tantalizing smells were coming from. "Let's get some roasted chestnuts," Harry said. "I know you don't care for them, Ben, but we'll find something else too, okay?"
"Okay," said Ben. He walked next to Harry, kicking at the pavement. "Dad?"
"Ben?" Harry grinned until he realized his son looked rather somber. "What is it?"
"Is it true that Santa Claus isn't real?"
Harry bit back a groan and guided Ben to a nearby bench. "Who said he's not real?"
"Lucy did."
Harry was going to throttle his niece. He took a deep breath and launched into the same explanation he'd given Carolyn. "Santa Claus is the spirit of Christmas. He makes Christmas magical, not just for witches and wizards but for Muggles, too."
"So he is real?" asked Ben, looking hopeful.
"He's not a single person, no," Harry admitted. "At least, not now. There was once a Saint Nicholas who inspired the legend of Santa Claus."
Ben digested the information in silence. When Harry could stand it no longer, he initiated phase two of the Santa Talk. He leaned close to Ben and whispered, "This is a very big secret, Benjamin Potter-Malfoy."
Ben's eyes got round.
Harry made a production of looking left and right. "Now that you are in on the secret, you need to help keep it so younger kids like Jasmin can still believe in the magic. Can you do that, son? Can you be part of the magic of Christmas?"
Ben nodded so vigorously, the bobble on his hat swayed. "I will, Dad, I promise."
"Good job, Ben. I knew I could count on you. Now let's get some treats before Jasmin eats your father's gloves."
Harry bought some warm chestnuts, apple and cinnamon pasties, and cups of cider. They found Draco and Jasmin at a small, four-top table not far from the stall where they'd bought the glass ornaments. Harry passed the treats around, and everyone enjoyed the tasty repast.
Once they'd rested, they set out again. Harry picked up a few items here and there, and he saw Draco do the same.
Ben tugged on Harry's sleeve. "Look, Dad."
Harry saw what his son was pointing at. It was a small Christmas tree in a wooden crate with a little potted poinsettia tucked in.
"Carolyn needs something for her room," said Ben. "Some Christmas magic," he added with a smile.
He was right; they hadn't put any holiday decor in Carolyn's room. "That's a wonderful idea, Ben," said Harry. "Why don't you and Jasmin each choose an ornament to put on the tree?"
Draco led the children to a nearby stall selling wooden baubles and ornaments while Harry paid for the crate. Carolyn's cat, Nick, would no doubt enjoy the crate itself.
The family wandered through the market until Jasmin got tired and cranky.
"Harry, do you need anything else?" asked Draco.
"No, I reckon I have everything I need now."
"Okay, let's get the children home and into their pyjamas."
~*~
"Is Carolyn coming home tomorrow?"
Harry smiled and ruffled Ben's hair. "Yes, she'll be home tomorrow."
Jasmin, who'd been slumped against Draco's side as he read to her, sat up straight. "Caro come home?"
"She's coming home tomorrow, sweetie," Harry told her.
"Nicky, too?"
"Yes, and Nick will be home, too."
"And Santa?"
Harry glanced at Ben, who raised a hand to hide his grin. Harry gently tapped the end of Jasmin's nose. "Santa will come in a few days, so you better be good, okay?"
"Okay, Daddy!"
I Promise I'll Be Home