HP fic: mending white picket fences 2
Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry Potter, that right belongs to J. K. Rowling. I’m just playing with her characters. Please note that this is purely fiction and none of the contents are real. This fiction is created based solely on the imagination of the author and for non-profitable purpose. NO COPYRIGHT INFRINGEMENT INTENDED.
Previous Chapter
Part 1
Part 2
It's official. Draco Malfoy's life had gone to the Kneazles. A big, fat, hideous, lazy, orange Kneazle that answered to the name of Crookshanks.
Draco glared at the animal as it purred, lounging contentedly on Draco's lap. Draco wanted to hex the insufferable Kneazle, but thought twice since its owner just happened to be the smartest witch he had ever known, and the Weaselette was fond of the monster. Draco didn't fancy being on the receiving end of Ginny's Bat Bogey Hex.
“Aw, Crookshanks likes you. Ain't that sweet?” Potter teased as he sat on the chair opposite Draco’s.
“Shut it, Potter,” Draco growled, “unless you want me to order this monster to attack you.”
Potter mock shivered. “Oh, I'm so scared.”
“Don't you have anything better to do, Scarhead?” Draco asked, rolling his eyes at Harry's dramatic response.
“Not when I'm enjoying annoying the hell out of you.”
“Git.”
“Prat.”
Draco smirked. “Why were you looking for me?”
“I wasn't looking for -” Potter stopped and threw his hands in the air in defeat. “All right, there’s no point in lying. I was looking for you. I just wanted to know how you're dealing with everything.”
Draco raised his eyebrow in question. “I didn't know you cared, Potter.”
“Well there are a lot of things you don't know about me,” Potter retorted. “Look, I know you're uncomfortable with the situation. And it might not make sense, but I think you should stop avoiding me and try to -”
“Wait, Potter!” Draco interrupted. “How does me not avoiding you help me accept my mum's relationship with Mr. Weasley?”
“Oh.” Potter's face fell. “I was talking about what happened at the restaurant a week ago.”
Draco’s body stiffened and he willed his expression to remain blank. He had been hoping that Potter would have the common sense not to bring it up. But he had forgotten that Potter was a Gryffindor. “I knew you'd bring that up eventually. Don't worry about it, I won't tell anyone.”
“That's not what -”
“Listen, Potter, I have too many things on my plate right now, and honestly, I can't handle any more complications.” Draco held Potter's gaze, and he almost felt sorry for him when he saw the hurt and resignation set in. “What happened that day was a fluke. I was confused and needed some comfort and you just happened to be the closest person around. I'm grateful, but what happened there meant nothing, absolutely nothing to me. Understand?”
Silence descended as Potter's shoulders slumped in defeat. It wasn't that Draco didn't find Potter attractive. He'd be lying outright if he said he didn't fancy him, but it just didn't feel right. Potter had never given any indication that he batted for the same team Draco was on, and even if he did, Draco wouldn't be his experiment. He had too many things going on in his life now and he didn't need any distractions.
Maybe, another time, after Draco had gotten rid of the mess his mother had created and if Potter still wanted him.
Draco rose from the chair, causing Crookshanks to mewl loudly when he was dislodged from Draco's lap.
The noise seemed to have woken Potter from his daze, since he quickly stood up and closed the distance between them in three, big strides. Draco never had the chance to react as Potter pulled him forward and kissed him. The kiss was fierce and demanding. Draco wanted to push Potter away, but he found himself caged within Potter's embrace.
When he felt Potter's tongue swipe his bottom lip, coaxing him to open his mouth, the pressure between their lips slowly decreased, teasing him until he gave in to the sensations and kissed Potter back. Draco hadn't realised how long they'd been kissing until his lungs demanded air.
Draco stepped back and Potter released him, though his eyes held him in place. Green met gray, and Draco's breath hitched.
Potter reached out and gently traced Draco's swollen lips with his thumb. “Draco, I know it wasn't nothing. You felt something that day. And if the kiss we just shared doesn't convince you, then rest assured that I can think of other ways to do so. We have a connection and I'll be damned if I let your stubbornness and pride get in the way. I'm a Gryffindor; I don't do things in halves. You won't get rid of me that easily.”
Potter took a step forward and planted a chaste kiss on Draco's lips before leaving.
Draco returned to the chair he had vacated earlier, and Crookshanks immediately pounced on him, situating itself on his lap, and purred when Draco absently started petting him.
“Stupid, stubborn, four-eyed git,” Draco whispered as he buried his face in Crookshanks' fur. Crookshanks meowed in response, making Draco smile in spite of himself. Maybe, just maybe, there would be something to look forward to after all hell broke loose.
*********************
Draco tried hard not to gag when his mum and Mr. Weasley giggled like little children as they cleaned and decorated Harry's current residence, Grimmauld Place, for Christmas. Since the Burrow was not big enough to accommodate everyone, Harry had offered his house.
Unfortunately, even though Kreacher had been doing his job and keeping the place clean, an aging house-elf could only do so much to restore and maintain the monstrosity Harry called a house to its former glory.
So that's how Draco found himself on his knees, literally, helping de-gnome his Black ancestor's garden, masquerading as a rubbish heap. “Really, Potter! With all the money you inherited, one would think you'd put it to good use and hire a professional team of wizards to clean this dump you call a house.”
Harry stopped Levitating the gnomes around Teddy's playpen and looked at him, lips quirking into a playful smile. “I thought about it, but Narcissa said that it'd be better if we handled it ourselves, to help the family bond and all that.” Harry shrugged and absently flicked his wand, sending three gnomes who were trying to escape straight into the rubbish bin, making Teddy squeal in delight.
Draco smiled at Teddy. If there was one thing that Draco was thankful for, it was the chance to spend some time with his cousin. The two year old was a handful, but the toddler's antics had never failed to amuse Draco. He was glad that his Aunt Andromeda had decided to spend the holiday with them, allowing him more time to care for and play with Teddy.
“Besides,” Harry continued, diverting Draco's attention from his cousin back to Harry, which turned out to be a bad idea since he recognised the look of lust on Harry's face. Draco gulped as Harry licked his lips and gave Draco's body a once over. “I like seeing you on your knees.”
“I'll pretend I didn't hear that,” Draco replied calmly. “And watch your language, there's a child present.”
Harry chuckled and lifted Teddy from the playpen. “There's nothing wrong with what I said. I was merely stating the facts.” Harry smirked. “Maybe you want it to mean something else. Isn't that right, Teddy?”
Harry rubbed his nose with Teddy's, making the child laugh and shout, “Wight! Dwaco!”
Draco rolled his eyes. Trust Harry to turn his arguments against him. It was times like this when Draco wished Harry had never grown up. It was a pity really, baiting people was an entertaining past time, especially when it involved him taunting Harry. But now, he'd realised that it had lost its appeal after being on the receiving end of all of Harry’s remarks dripping with sexual innuendoes.
Damn Granger for rubbing her maturity off on Harry!
“Dwaco! Up!” Draco stared at Teddy, standing in front of him with his small arms stretched out in surprise, and wondered how long he had been waiting there.
“Sorry, Teddy, I'm all dirty,” Draco apologised, showing Teddy his hands and arms that were covered in mud and dirt.
“Dwaco, icky!” Teddy shouted, his nose scrunching up in disgust.
“Oh really?” Draco asked, his eyes twinkling in mischief as he wiped his palm on Teddy's shirt. “Now who's icky?”
Teddy cried in surprise and then ran away, laughing as Draco mimicked running after him. “Hawwy! Monti, help!” Teddy cried as he launched himself onto Harry's open arms.
“Tsk, tsk. Draco's a bad monster, Teddy. Want to help me catch him?” Harry asked Teddy, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
Draco's eyes widened in disbelief. “Oh no, Potter -”
Draco didn't have the chance to finish his sentence before he had to run from the garden with Harry and Teddy hot on his heels.
*********************
“Would you like to put the angel on top of the tree, Teddy?” Arthur asked the toddler who was currently playing with Crookshanks and conveniently using Draco as his personal chair.
Teddy's face lit up in delight. “Angel! Dwaco, up!”
Draco shook his head. He could have sworn that the little menace was in cohorts with Harry to ensure that Draco would participate in every family bonding activity his mum and Arthur had come up with the past few days. It was only a few hours until Christmas Eve and they were still waiting for the remaining Weasleys and guests to arrive.
Grimmauld Place was as presentable as it could be, given the short amount of time and people that worked on cleaning and restoring the house. They had had barely any time to decorate it and set up the Christmas tree. It was a good thing that Fred and George had had the foresight to purchase a tree that the family could decorate before they started getting the house presentable. It had saved everyone some time.
Although his mum and Arthur’s idea of giving everyone free reign to hang their own ornaments on the tree turned out to be a disaster. Nobody dared to take off the miniature pumpkins that Teddy had insisted should adorn the branches he could reach. No one wanted a repeat of the tantrum Teddy had thrown when Harry had tried to stop the child from hanging his toys on the tree.
Since when did Potter become Harry anyway?
Probably since the day he kissed you? Draco’s traitorous mind provided. Draco shivered. It would be a snowy day in hell before he’d verbally acknowledge Potter by his given name. It was a good thing that Harry wasn’t gifted with Legilimency. With the way Harry’s eyes followed his every move Draco wouldn’t have had a secret left by the time the holidays ended.
A tug on his trousers drew Draco from his thoughts, and he smiled at Teddy who looked at him expectantly. He lifted the toddler up and sat him on his shoulders so he could reach the top of the tree. Unfortunately, even with Draco’s height, Teddy’s small arms couldn't quite reach their destination. Draco was about to reach for his wand when a hand stopped him.
“Let me,” Harry whispered, his voice alarmingly close. Draco shivered involuntarily, his body taking note of how close Harry’s body was to his own. Draco felt the hairs on the nape of his neck stand up when Harry’s breath ghosted over it as Harry cast a levitation spell to help Teddy secure the angel in its proper place. It took all of Draco’s strength not to step back and lean into the warmth of Harry’s body that seemed to beckon him.
“Great job, Teddy!” Fred and George Weasley chorused.
Teddy wriggled on Draco's shoulders, getting restless, so Draco quickly let Teddy down before they both ended up on the floor. Teddy ran to Fred and George, leaving Draco with Harry. Draco contemplated whether he should turn around and face Harry or just ignore him when the decision was taken away from him by Ginny announcing the arrival of their remaining guests.
*********************
Dinner was uneventful, aside from the awkward moment when Draco was formally introduced to Bill Weasley and his wife Fleur. Draco had almost fled the room when the eldest of the Weasley brood stared intently at him. The tension was only broken when Charlie joked about Bill probably comparing Draco to Fleur. Draco was grateful for the interruption and almost sighed in relief when Bill offered his hand.
After dinner they lounged by the fireplace, watching Teddy decide on which gift he wanted to open first. They had all decided that everyone could open one gift tonight if they wanted to and the rest would be saved for tomorrow.
Draco sat on one of the loveseats, sipping a glass of firewhisky to hide the smile that had been trying to break free while he watched Harry join Teddy on his gift hunt. If Draco had not known better, he would have thought that Harry was more excited than Teddy.
After what seemed like an eternity, Teddy finally choose Harry’s gift. Teddy quickly tore the wrapping and clapped in delight at the starter broom inside.
“Tank you, Hawwy!” Teddy cried in delight as he gave his godfather a big hug.
“You’re welcome, kiddo,” Harry replied, ruffling Teddy’s hair affectionately, before Teddy ran to his grandmother to show her his gift. Andromeda smiled at Teddy and then gazed sternly at Harry, who had the grace to look sheepish.
Draco couldn’t help but laugh. Draco knew that Aunt Andromeda would give him a lecture before the night ended.
Once Teddy was finished, anyone else who wanted to open a gift chose their present and unwrapped it. It did not surprise Draco one bit that the Weasel and Harry both wanted to as well. They’re like children, Draco thought in amusement, before turning to Arthur who cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention.
“I am glad that everyone was able to join us today,” Arthur said. His statement was greeted with loud chants of ‘hear, hear’ and whistling. “As such, I would like to propose a toast to everyone. May each of us look forward to the blessings the future brings, and leave the past behind us, but not the events and lessons that it has taught us. Happy Christmas.”
Everyone stood up, raised their drinks, and answered, “Happy Christmas!” to Arthur’s toast.
“As you all know, Narcissa and I have been together for almost a year now,” Arthur continued, looking at the people around the room. “The tragedy of losing both our spouses gave us the chance to get to know each other better. And seeing our families getting along during the last few days has made me really happy.”
“I can now truly say that everyone has started healing. So, I would like to take this opportunity to” - Arthur took a small velvet box from his pocket - “ask Narcissa a question. I would really love it if we could combine this mixed family into one.” Arthur opened the box and took out the ring before kneeling in front of Draco’s mum. “Narcissa Malfoy, would you grant my wish and agree to be my wife?”
Narcissa’s answer was drowned out by catcalls and protests from some people, but Draco never found out whom they came from, because the room around him swayed and his world turned black.
*********************
Draco woke to the sound of whispers. Slowly opening his eyes, he groaned when he tried to sit up. He started when a pair of hands supported him, but relaxed again when he noticed it was his mum. When he was comfortably sitting up in bed, his mum handed him a glass of water, which he gratefully accepted and drank before handing back to her.
“How are you feeling?” Narcissa asked as she carefully ran her fingers through his hair.
“Like I’ve been to hell and back.”
She sighed. “Draco, I realise that it's a shock -”
“Oh, believe me it is!” he snapped. “How could you, Mother?”
“Draco, listen -”
“No!” Draco said, cutting her off. “This has gone too far, Mother! What would Father say?”
“Your father is dead, Draco.”
“But that doesn’t mean you should forget him!”
Narcissa gasped, eyes wide in disbelief. “Is that what you think this is all about? Me trying to forget Lucius?”
“Isn’t it?” Draco retorted. “Did you forget how he died protecting us from Auth Bella? Did you forget how he ignored the Cutting Curse he took for you before he ran to protect me from the Killing Curse the Dark Lord cast at me? Did you?”
“Of course not! It’s always on my mind -”
“Then why the hell are you marrying Weasley?” Draco shouted, his face red with anger.
“Because Lucius would have wanted me to move on and be happy!” Narcissa shouted. “He would have wanted me to marry, if that’s what I wanted. And it is.”
Draco snorted. “You could have chosen someone other than a Weasley.”
“Is that what this is about? Me marrying Arthur, and not about me getting married again?”
Draco remained silent, refusing to answer.
Narcissa’s eyes narrowed and carefully studied Draco. “Why are you so against Arthur?”
“Because he’s a Weasley. And Malfoys and Weasleys don’t belong together.”
“Just like Potters and Malfoys,” Narcissa replied coldly. Draco stared at her in shock. “Yes, Draco, I know how you feel about Harry. I am your mum, after all. Please tell me you’re not being stubborn just because you can’t bear to see me happy when you’re being miserable due to your pride.”
“I’m not -”
Narcissa looked at him sharply. “I was a Black before I became a Malfoy, and Blacks have been known to stand up for what they believe in. Just like Sirius and Andromeda. I am still the head of this family, Draco, until you reach twenty-one. So if you insist on acting like a child, so help me, I'll treat you like one.”
“You won’t be head of the family anymore if you marry Weasley.”
“Yes,” Narcissa replied derisively. “But until we've said our vows, I am still Lady Malfoy, and head of the house. I am accepting Arthur’s proposal and you would do well not to oppose me. Understood?”
Draco clenched his fists. He hated it when his mother used her power over him, but Draco wasn't about to give her the satisfaction of victory. So instead of answering, Draco laid back down and pulled the blankets over his head.
He heard his mum sigh and felt the bed dip, but he ignored her when she laid a hand on his arm. “Draco, I hope you stop doing this. I don’t want this to come between us. We’re the only ones left. Please give me - us - a chance to be happy.”
Draco burrowed himself farther under his blankets and did not move until he heard the door click shut, telling him that his mum had left the room. He threw off the blankets and stood up, going to the window to contemplate - and plan.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, making him glance over at the door, before turning back to look out the window. “I’m not in the mood to join your celebration, Mother, leave me alone.”
Silence.
“Malfoy,” a deep voice that definitely didn't belong to his mum called out, “it’s Ron. May I come in?”
Rising from the window, Draco walked to the door and opened it. He stared at Percy, Bill, and Ron in surprise, before schooling his features into nonchalance. “What do you want?”
They looked at each other and then nodded before turning back at Draco. Ron cleared his throat. “The same thing you want Malfoy. For this madness to end.”
On to Part 3
Previous Chapter
Part 1
Part 2
It's official. Draco Malfoy's life had gone to the Kneazles. A big, fat, hideous, lazy, orange Kneazle that answered to the name of Crookshanks.
Draco glared at the animal as it purred, lounging contentedly on Draco's lap. Draco wanted to hex the insufferable Kneazle, but thought twice since its owner just happened to be the smartest witch he had ever known, and the Weaselette was fond of the monster. Draco didn't fancy being on the receiving end of Ginny's Bat Bogey Hex.
“Aw, Crookshanks likes you. Ain't that sweet?” Potter teased as he sat on the chair opposite Draco’s.
“Shut it, Potter,” Draco growled, “unless you want me to order this monster to attack you.”
Potter mock shivered. “Oh, I'm so scared.”
“Don't you have anything better to do, Scarhead?” Draco asked, rolling his eyes at Harry's dramatic response.
“Not when I'm enjoying annoying the hell out of you.”
“Git.”
“Prat.”
Draco smirked. “Why were you looking for me?”
“I wasn't looking for -” Potter stopped and threw his hands in the air in defeat. “All right, there’s no point in lying. I was looking for you. I just wanted to know how you're dealing with everything.”
Draco raised his eyebrow in question. “I didn't know you cared, Potter.”
“Well there are a lot of things you don't know about me,” Potter retorted. “Look, I know you're uncomfortable with the situation. And it might not make sense, but I think you should stop avoiding me and try to -”
“Wait, Potter!” Draco interrupted. “How does me not avoiding you help me accept my mum's relationship with Mr. Weasley?”
“Oh.” Potter's face fell. “I was talking about what happened at the restaurant a week ago.”
Draco’s body stiffened and he willed his expression to remain blank. He had been hoping that Potter would have the common sense not to bring it up. But he had forgotten that Potter was a Gryffindor. “I knew you'd bring that up eventually. Don't worry about it, I won't tell anyone.”
“That's not what -”
“Listen, Potter, I have too many things on my plate right now, and honestly, I can't handle any more complications.” Draco held Potter's gaze, and he almost felt sorry for him when he saw the hurt and resignation set in. “What happened that day was a fluke. I was confused and needed some comfort and you just happened to be the closest person around. I'm grateful, but what happened there meant nothing, absolutely nothing to me. Understand?”
Silence descended as Potter's shoulders slumped in defeat. It wasn't that Draco didn't find Potter attractive. He'd be lying outright if he said he didn't fancy him, but it just didn't feel right. Potter had never given any indication that he batted for the same team Draco was on, and even if he did, Draco wouldn't be his experiment. He had too many things going on in his life now and he didn't need any distractions.
Maybe, another time, after Draco had gotten rid of the mess his mother had created and if Potter still wanted him.
Draco rose from the chair, causing Crookshanks to mewl loudly when he was dislodged from Draco's lap.
The noise seemed to have woken Potter from his daze, since he quickly stood up and closed the distance between them in three, big strides. Draco never had the chance to react as Potter pulled him forward and kissed him. The kiss was fierce and demanding. Draco wanted to push Potter away, but he found himself caged within Potter's embrace.
When he felt Potter's tongue swipe his bottom lip, coaxing him to open his mouth, the pressure between their lips slowly decreased, teasing him until he gave in to the sensations and kissed Potter back. Draco hadn't realised how long they'd been kissing until his lungs demanded air.
Draco stepped back and Potter released him, though his eyes held him in place. Green met gray, and Draco's breath hitched.
Potter reached out and gently traced Draco's swollen lips with his thumb. “Draco, I know it wasn't nothing. You felt something that day. And if the kiss we just shared doesn't convince you, then rest assured that I can think of other ways to do so. We have a connection and I'll be damned if I let your stubbornness and pride get in the way. I'm a Gryffindor; I don't do things in halves. You won't get rid of me that easily.”
Potter took a step forward and planted a chaste kiss on Draco's lips before leaving.
Draco returned to the chair he had vacated earlier, and Crookshanks immediately pounced on him, situating itself on his lap, and purred when Draco absently started petting him.
“Stupid, stubborn, four-eyed git,” Draco whispered as he buried his face in Crookshanks' fur. Crookshanks meowed in response, making Draco smile in spite of himself. Maybe, just maybe, there would be something to look forward to after all hell broke loose.
*********************
Draco tried hard not to gag when his mum and Mr. Weasley giggled like little children as they cleaned and decorated Harry's current residence, Grimmauld Place, for Christmas. Since the Burrow was not big enough to accommodate everyone, Harry had offered his house.
Unfortunately, even though Kreacher had been doing his job and keeping the place clean, an aging house-elf could only do so much to restore and maintain the monstrosity Harry called a house to its former glory.
So that's how Draco found himself on his knees, literally, helping de-gnome his Black ancestor's garden, masquerading as a rubbish heap. “Really, Potter! With all the money you inherited, one would think you'd put it to good use and hire a professional team of wizards to clean this dump you call a house.”
Harry stopped Levitating the gnomes around Teddy's playpen and looked at him, lips quirking into a playful smile. “I thought about it, but Narcissa said that it'd be better if we handled it ourselves, to help the family bond and all that.” Harry shrugged and absently flicked his wand, sending three gnomes who were trying to escape straight into the rubbish bin, making Teddy squeal in delight.
Draco smiled at Teddy. If there was one thing that Draco was thankful for, it was the chance to spend some time with his cousin. The two year old was a handful, but the toddler's antics had never failed to amuse Draco. He was glad that his Aunt Andromeda had decided to spend the holiday with them, allowing him more time to care for and play with Teddy.
“Besides,” Harry continued, diverting Draco's attention from his cousin back to Harry, which turned out to be a bad idea since he recognised the look of lust on Harry's face. Draco gulped as Harry licked his lips and gave Draco's body a once over. “I like seeing you on your knees.”
“I'll pretend I didn't hear that,” Draco replied calmly. “And watch your language, there's a child present.”
Harry chuckled and lifted Teddy from the playpen. “There's nothing wrong with what I said. I was merely stating the facts.” Harry smirked. “Maybe you want it to mean something else. Isn't that right, Teddy?”
Harry rubbed his nose with Teddy's, making the child laugh and shout, “Wight! Dwaco!”
Draco rolled his eyes. Trust Harry to turn his arguments against him. It was times like this when Draco wished Harry had never grown up. It was a pity really, baiting people was an entertaining past time, especially when it involved him taunting Harry. But now, he'd realised that it had lost its appeal after being on the receiving end of all of Harry’s remarks dripping with sexual innuendoes.
Damn Granger for rubbing her maturity off on Harry!
“Dwaco! Up!” Draco stared at Teddy, standing in front of him with his small arms stretched out in surprise, and wondered how long he had been waiting there.
“Sorry, Teddy, I'm all dirty,” Draco apologised, showing Teddy his hands and arms that were covered in mud and dirt.
“Dwaco, icky!” Teddy shouted, his nose scrunching up in disgust.
“Oh really?” Draco asked, his eyes twinkling in mischief as he wiped his palm on Teddy's shirt. “Now who's icky?”
Teddy cried in surprise and then ran away, laughing as Draco mimicked running after him. “Hawwy! Monti, help!” Teddy cried as he launched himself onto Harry's open arms.
“Tsk, tsk. Draco's a bad monster, Teddy. Want to help me catch him?” Harry asked Teddy, a mischievous smile playing on his lips.
Draco's eyes widened in disbelief. “Oh no, Potter -”
Draco didn't have the chance to finish his sentence before he had to run from the garden with Harry and Teddy hot on his heels.
*********************
“Would you like to put the angel on top of the tree, Teddy?” Arthur asked the toddler who was currently playing with Crookshanks and conveniently using Draco as his personal chair.
Teddy's face lit up in delight. “Angel! Dwaco, up!”
Draco shook his head. He could have sworn that the little menace was in cohorts with Harry to ensure that Draco would participate in every family bonding activity his mum and Arthur had come up with the past few days. It was only a few hours until Christmas Eve and they were still waiting for the remaining Weasleys and guests to arrive.
Grimmauld Place was as presentable as it could be, given the short amount of time and people that worked on cleaning and restoring the house. They had had barely any time to decorate it and set up the Christmas tree. It was a good thing that Fred and George had had the foresight to purchase a tree that the family could decorate before they started getting the house presentable. It had saved everyone some time.
Although his mum and Arthur’s idea of giving everyone free reign to hang their own ornaments on the tree turned out to be a disaster. Nobody dared to take off the miniature pumpkins that Teddy had insisted should adorn the branches he could reach. No one wanted a repeat of the tantrum Teddy had thrown when Harry had tried to stop the child from hanging his toys on the tree.
Since when did Potter become Harry anyway?
Probably since the day he kissed you? Draco’s traitorous mind provided. Draco shivered. It would be a snowy day in hell before he’d verbally acknowledge Potter by his given name. It was a good thing that Harry wasn’t gifted with Legilimency. With the way Harry’s eyes followed his every move Draco wouldn’t have had a secret left by the time the holidays ended.
A tug on his trousers drew Draco from his thoughts, and he smiled at Teddy who looked at him expectantly. He lifted the toddler up and sat him on his shoulders so he could reach the top of the tree. Unfortunately, even with Draco’s height, Teddy’s small arms couldn't quite reach their destination. Draco was about to reach for his wand when a hand stopped him.
“Let me,” Harry whispered, his voice alarmingly close. Draco shivered involuntarily, his body taking note of how close Harry’s body was to his own. Draco felt the hairs on the nape of his neck stand up when Harry’s breath ghosted over it as Harry cast a levitation spell to help Teddy secure the angel in its proper place. It took all of Draco’s strength not to step back and lean into the warmth of Harry’s body that seemed to beckon him.
“Great job, Teddy!” Fred and George Weasley chorused.
Teddy wriggled on Draco's shoulders, getting restless, so Draco quickly let Teddy down before they both ended up on the floor. Teddy ran to Fred and George, leaving Draco with Harry. Draco contemplated whether he should turn around and face Harry or just ignore him when the decision was taken away from him by Ginny announcing the arrival of their remaining guests.
*********************
Dinner was uneventful, aside from the awkward moment when Draco was formally introduced to Bill Weasley and his wife Fleur. Draco had almost fled the room when the eldest of the Weasley brood stared intently at him. The tension was only broken when Charlie joked about Bill probably comparing Draco to Fleur. Draco was grateful for the interruption and almost sighed in relief when Bill offered his hand.
After dinner they lounged by the fireplace, watching Teddy decide on which gift he wanted to open first. They had all decided that everyone could open one gift tonight if they wanted to and the rest would be saved for tomorrow.
Draco sat on one of the loveseats, sipping a glass of firewhisky to hide the smile that had been trying to break free while he watched Harry join Teddy on his gift hunt. If Draco had not known better, he would have thought that Harry was more excited than Teddy.
After what seemed like an eternity, Teddy finally choose Harry’s gift. Teddy quickly tore the wrapping and clapped in delight at the starter broom inside.
“Tank you, Hawwy!” Teddy cried in delight as he gave his godfather a big hug.
“You’re welcome, kiddo,” Harry replied, ruffling Teddy’s hair affectionately, before Teddy ran to his grandmother to show her his gift. Andromeda smiled at Teddy and then gazed sternly at Harry, who had the grace to look sheepish.
Draco couldn’t help but laugh. Draco knew that Aunt Andromeda would give him a lecture before the night ended.
Once Teddy was finished, anyone else who wanted to open a gift chose their present and unwrapped it. It did not surprise Draco one bit that the Weasel and Harry both wanted to as well. They’re like children, Draco thought in amusement, before turning to Arthur who cleared his throat to get everyone’s attention.
“I am glad that everyone was able to join us today,” Arthur said. His statement was greeted with loud chants of ‘hear, hear’ and whistling. “As such, I would like to propose a toast to everyone. May each of us look forward to the blessings the future brings, and leave the past behind us, but not the events and lessons that it has taught us. Happy Christmas.”
Everyone stood up, raised their drinks, and answered, “Happy Christmas!” to Arthur’s toast.
“As you all know, Narcissa and I have been together for almost a year now,” Arthur continued, looking at the people around the room. “The tragedy of losing both our spouses gave us the chance to get to know each other better. And seeing our families getting along during the last few days has made me really happy.”
“I can now truly say that everyone has started healing. So, I would like to take this opportunity to” - Arthur took a small velvet box from his pocket - “ask Narcissa a question. I would really love it if we could combine this mixed family into one.” Arthur opened the box and took out the ring before kneeling in front of Draco’s mum. “Narcissa Malfoy, would you grant my wish and agree to be my wife?”
Narcissa’s answer was drowned out by catcalls and protests from some people, but Draco never found out whom they came from, because the room around him swayed and his world turned black.
*********************
Draco woke to the sound of whispers. Slowly opening his eyes, he groaned when he tried to sit up. He started when a pair of hands supported him, but relaxed again when he noticed it was his mum. When he was comfortably sitting up in bed, his mum handed him a glass of water, which he gratefully accepted and drank before handing back to her.
“How are you feeling?” Narcissa asked as she carefully ran her fingers through his hair.
“Like I’ve been to hell and back.”
She sighed. “Draco, I realise that it's a shock -”
“Oh, believe me it is!” he snapped. “How could you, Mother?”
“Draco, listen -”
“No!” Draco said, cutting her off. “This has gone too far, Mother! What would Father say?”
“Your father is dead, Draco.”
“But that doesn’t mean you should forget him!”
Narcissa gasped, eyes wide in disbelief. “Is that what you think this is all about? Me trying to forget Lucius?”
“Isn’t it?” Draco retorted. “Did you forget how he died protecting us from Auth Bella? Did you forget how he ignored the Cutting Curse he took for you before he ran to protect me from the Killing Curse the Dark Lord cast at me? Did you?”
“Of course not! It’s always on my mind -”
“Then why the hell are you marrying Weasley?” Draco shouted, his face red with anger.
“Because Lucius would have wanted me to move on and be happy!” Narcissa shouted. “He would have wanted me to marry, if that’s what I wanted. And it is.”
Draco snorted. “You could have chosen someone other than a Weasley.”
“Is that what this is about? Me marrying Arthur, and not about me getting married again?”
Draco remained silent, refusing to answer.
Narcissa’s eyes narrowed and carefully studied Draco. “Why are you so against Arthur?”
“Because he’s a Weasley. And Malfoys and Weasleys don’t belong together.”
“Just like Potters and Malfoys,” Narcissa replied coldly. Draco stared at her in shock. “Yes, Draco, I know how you feel about Harry. I am your mum, after all. Please tell me you’re not being stubborn just because you can’t bear to see me happy when you’re being miserable due to your pride.”
“I’m not -”
Narcissa looked at him sharply. “I was a Black before I became a Malfoy, and Blacks have been known to stand up for what they believe in. Just like Sirius and Andromeda. I am still the head of this family, Draco, until you reach twenty-one. So if you insist on acting like a child, so help me, I'll treat you like one.”
“You won’t be head of the family anymore if you marry Weasley.”
“Yes,” Narcissa replied derisively. “But until we've said our vows, I am still Lady Malfoy, and head of the house. I am accepting Arthur’s proposal and you would do well not to oppose me. Understood?”
Draco clenched his fists. He hated it when his mother used her power over him, but Draco wasn't about to give her the satisfaction of victory. So instead of answering, Draco laid back down and pulled the blankets over his head.
He heard his mum sigh and felt the bed dip, but he ignored her when she laid a hand on his arm. “Draco, I hope you stop doing this. I don’t want this to come between us. We’re the only ones left. Please give me - us - a chance to be happy.”
Draco burrowed himself farther under his blankets and did not move until he heard the door click shut, telling him that his mum had left the room. He threw off the blankets and stood up, going to the window to contemplate - and plan.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts, making him glance over at the door, before turning back to look out the window. “I’m not in the mood to join your celebration, Mother, leave me alone.”
Silence.
“Malfoy,” a deep voice that definitely didn't belong to his mum called out, “it’s Ron. May I come in?”
Rising from the window, Draco walked to the door and opened it. He stared at Percy, Bill, and Ron in surprise, before schooling his features into nonchalance. “What do you want?”
They looked at each other and then nodded before turning back at Draco. Ron cleared his throat. “The same thing you want Malfoy. For this madness to end.”
On to Part 3