Draco Malfoy, Broken

Chapter 79 - Presents

Published: January 14th, 2022

So, Moira Zabini did, in fact, have Devil's Snares guarding her outer wall, Harry noted with some awe. He walked next to Daphne, who also eyed the plants with trepidation. She also had no desire to be out in the strangely warm garden. The Widowmaker must have some greenhouse warming spells up, as there were flurries in the air outside of the property. Neville and Blaise's mum were just in their sight range, and Harry awkwardly stayed with Daphne and wondered what to say. Outside of casual conversation topics, he hadn't really spoken to her.

"So... what do you think that was about... I mean inside?" Harry asked, eyeing a plant that had just slithered across their path and replanted itself on the other side of the stone walking path.

She grimaced and looked back at the house. "I don't know. They are... it's hard to describe how they are. They just need to be alone, sometimes. I suspect that they'll always be like that and, even if they don't subtly ask us to leave, it's so awkward to stay. Those three have conversations without even talking. They just know each other that well."

Harry nodded. There was no denying the connection between Draco, Blaise and Theo. It wasn't even close with what he had with Ron and Hermione. "I suppose we should get used to this then, eh?"

Daphne smiled and looked at a purple lotus flower. Harry knew it was a dangerous plant, as it could lure someone into a permanent trance if ingested. He eyed Neville and Moira Zabini, who were communicating somehow with the Devil's Snares and petting them. He shook his head, in disbelief, and half-wondered if they were there as witnesses for her defense.

"Yeah," Daphne said, quietly.

Harry bit his lip and went for it. "Draco told me... that you were... you know...."

"Pregnant?" she finished, with a small smile.

"Yeah... that's... good? Right?" He honestly had no clue how he was supposed to react. He'd be freaking out if it was him.

"Yeah... I... I want a life with Theo, but I'm so scared. If something happens... I mean, I know I have Draco and Blaise...."

"And me... and Neville... and Hermione, and I could go on. Don't think that we won't be here for you, too. Not just for Draco, either. I know that we don't talk much, but I will help you in any way I can. I won't let anything happen to you," Harry vowed.

Daphne smiled, and her fingers almost touched the nefarious flowers in front of him, but she pulled back. "You always were good at speeches."

"So, I've been told. Not so much with small talk outside of quidditch and Defense Against the Dark Arts."

She laughed. "You're doing okay. You make Draco so happy, you know?"

"I'd like to think so. He was worried about... whatever they are doing in there. As it's Christmas, I imagine they're exchanging presents. Draco didn't tell me what he got anyone."

Daphne nodded and smirked, "He's always had a flair for the dramatics."

Harry laughed. "Just a little."

They looked over at Neville and Moira, who left the strangle-happy Devil's Snares were now knee-deep in writhing, squirming plants. They didn't seem worried about it, so Harry figured they were fine.

"I hate Herbology," Daphne declared, shuddering, but then smiled, looking over at them. "Blaise's mum... she's been really nice to me. She told me that we could stay here... I mean after school. No matter what happens. She said that... I shouldn't think that I don't have a mother. That she will be here to help get me through the pregnancy and even to help raise him, if need be."

Harry raised his eyebrows in surprise and looked at the Widowmaker, again. He really couldn't fathom a known serial killer with motherly instincts, but that was all he picked up from her. He didn't feel evil in her. Harry felt that same hardness and distance that Aurors like Kingsley and Mad-Eye had. People that had killed but only did it because they had to. He decided then and there that she was a good person, and more importantly, someone who protects his family.

"I'm really happy for you, Daphne, and, speaking as someone who... lost their mother, it's okay to have..." Harry paused, deciding on the right word. "...surrogates. I mean, I was a bit worried about her, too, but I know evil... and she ain't it. I think she'll be a great person for you to confide in."

Daphne gave him a smile and took his hand. "Thanks, Harry."

"Anytime," he said, slyly.

She gave him a bump and let go. "You're a great guy, Harry. Just make sure you take care of Draco, or Blaise and Theo won't be your only worries."

Harry smiled. "I imagine that I wouldn't last an hour if I did. But I love him, Daph. I kinda asked if he wanted... I mean, eventually, wanted to... you know... marry."

Daphne gave a little squeal that made Neville and Ms. Zabini look over for a second, curious, but went back to their plant-whispering. "Oh... you guys are going to be great together!" she exclaimed.

"Draco said that he doesn't want to do anything until his probation is over, though. He's scared... of going back."

She nodded. "It's going to be hard to break that, Harry. He's lived in constant fear and pain for a long time. It's not just about Azkaban and the dementors. It's remembering every bad thing that happened to him. So if you want him to... feel safe, again, you have a lot of bad memories to help him get through. You know that, right?"

Harry nodded. He knew that. Draco so rarely opened up, and it was almost always in response to his pain and distress. They had a lot of shite to muddle through.

"I'm willing to take forever to help him get strong, Daph," he murmured, and glanced back to Neville, again.

He was in a deep discussion with his soon-to-be mother-in-law about the blood-red snake plant he was holding. He was not at all worried that the plant kept trying to bite him.

"Not forever, hopefully," she said, and sighed, looking at Neville. "I guess Blaise is going to be snuck with killer plants."

Harry laughed. "His mum seems to have a green thumb, too, but Blaise detests them."

"But they'll be alright," Daphne said.

"Yeah... so will Theo," he whispered.

Daphne's eyes watered as they met his. She needed reassurance. Neville and Blaise's mum had gone further into the garden ahead of them.

"I know you're scared about what's to come, but Draco and Blaise will take care of him. They always take care of each other."

She nodded. "I know, but Theo was so hurt... after. It's not the worst bit in him, Harry. That was just dealing with his father. What if...."

"Shh... Daphne, calm down. It's all going to be okay. I can feel it... and I trust my gut."

She smirked and wiped her tears away. "Of course, you do. You're a Gryffindor."

Harry laughed. "Here, I thought only Draco and Blaise rubbed me for that."

"No, you all are optimistic, shiny-happy-people."

Harry smirked. "Sometimes. It's been a rough year for us all. I needed Draco, as much as he needed me."

"You're right. You two are perfect for each other."

"Just like you and Theo?" Harry offered.

She nodded and took his hand, again. "Thanks. Come on. We got to look out for Neville, too. She might be feeding him to the Devil's Snares."

Harry laughed and they rounded the corner. Neville and Moira were talking adamantly about another plant that was wiggling in his fingers, trying to escape.

"It's amazing! I've never seen one so beautiful... are you sure I can divide it?" Neville asked, enthralled.

"Of course, plants love it when you split them. It will help it get more air circulation and grow more," she reassured him.

"It's such a rare specimen... thank you so much!"

"I imagine you'll have to make a few trips back to Hogwarts."

"Do you think you can show me how to trim the feelers? I mean without dying?"

"Of course! We can do it tomorrow," she said, smiling at Neville and glancing back to Harry and Daphne. "Still alive back there?"

Daphne eyed the plants, again, and tightened her grip on his hand. "Yeah, Harry's keeping me safe."

Harry nodded and met the Widowmaker's eyes, he prompted Daphne forward, and they stopped next to Neville and Moira.

"Look, Harry! It's silphium!" Neville exclaimed.

Harry had no idea why Neville was so happy, but he smiled and nodded. "That's great, Neville. Going to grow a section at Hogwarts?"

"Definitely! She gave me a few other plants and indigo cypress sapling! This is going to help me with my thesis project so much!" Neville said, cradling the plant he held.

Harry just nodded at his enthusiasm and then met the Widowmaker's eyes. He just smiled, pleasantly, and she smirked.

"I see you've gotten over your fear of me, Chosen One," she murmured, and Daphne squeezed his hand. She was still a little afraid.

Harry nodded. "I figured you would have killed me by now if you wanted to."

She laughed. "Come on, let's head in. They should be done by now."

"So, you know what was about?" he asked her.

"Yes, Draco wanted to make sure I approved. I'm sure your amores will tell you, soon enough," she declared and led them back to the manor.

Draco, Blaise and Theo were in the foyer and were smiling. Blaise had the same look of happiness and devotion as when he was with Neville in his face as he hugged Draco. Draco returned it and had a few tears in his eyes. Then Draco stepped forward to pull Harry into a hug.

"You survived," Draco whispered in his ear, and they both laughed.

"Yeah, what happened?" Harry asked.

"I'll show you later."

Show? Harry wondered.

"Let's eat. Then we can exchange presents," Blaise said. "Neville's gran is expecting us over soon."

Ms. Zabini led the way to the lunch table, and dishes floated in and landed on the table. They served themselves, and Draco stole a few bites of food off his plate.

"Hey, get your own food!" Harry chided and then stole a forkful of linguine off Draco's plate.

"Hey!"

"Children..." Moira said, with a smile. "Here, I thought that you were adults, now."

Blaise chuckled. "I always wondered about Harry."

"Draco started it."

Draco rolled his eyes in response, and Blaise snorted, "Nice, Potter. Way to prove my point."

Harry gave him a wink and took Draco's hand under the table. "I am what I am," he declared.

Neville laughed. "Everything's wonderful. Thank you for having us."

"Yeah, thanks, mum," Blaise said, with a smirk.

Theo nodded and looked to Daphne, who offered her thanks, too.

"You're welcome, children. You all will always find comfort and protection here. Never doubt that I have no problem ripping out anyone's entrails for you."

Harry's eyes widened, and Blaise just said, "Thanks, mum!"

Neville gave him an uncertain look.

"Don't worry. She wouldn't really do that," he said, and Neville let out a breath of relief until Blaise whispered, "Death is much more subtle." Neville elbowed him in the gut and everyone, including Blaise's mum, laughed.

After lunch, they headed into the parlor to sit on the couches and exchange presents. Blaise and Theo had a deep, nonverbal exchange where Blaise gave Theo a bottle of wine. Harry wasn't sure why a bottle of wine was so... emotional, but turned to look as Daphne gave both him and Draco a basket of sweets. Blaise and Neville both got some books on teaching from him. Harry didn't know what to give Theo, so he got him a photo album. It only had a few pictures of his friends, but he told him that he could add some more when the baby arrived. Daphne got some baby books and pregnancy potions from them all, and Draco found a rare plant for Neville in the Forbidden Forest.

Then Harry opened the box from Theo and immediately shut it. Theo gave him a wink.

Draco was red and muttered, "I can't believe that you actually gave it to him."

"Gave what?" Neville asked, but Harry just shook his head.

It was a pair of fuzzy handcuffs, and he sure as hell wasn't going to show everyone in the room. Harry glared at Blaise, though, in accusation. It was somehow his fault. He was the only one who knew about it other than Draco.

"What? What's wrong, Potter?" Blaise drawled, with a big grin.

Harry went red and quickly secured the lid on the box. Draco sighed, but grimaced as Blaise laid his present in Draco's lap. A long, thin present and Harry knew exactly what it was. He had received two similarly wrapped presents in his life.

"Blaise?" Draco said, accusation in his tone.

"Open it, Dray," he ordered, and Draco, red-faced, unwrapped a beautiful Firebolt.

Harry knew Draco was upset, but Harry was thrilled. They had the same broom, now. It was skill-on-skill alone.

"This is too much," Draco complained, softly.

"No, it isn't. I thought about getting you the new XL, but then it'd be better than Potter's. No more excuses, guys. You're on even ground. Plus, Theo needs a better broom, Dray. He's got a Cleansweep 47."

"But... this is too much...."

Blaise strolled over and pulled Draco to his feet. "There isn't anything that is too much when it comes to you, Draco. I want to see you happy and focused like I always do when I see you when you fly. You being happy is better than any gift you can give me."

Harry stared at them, nearly frozen in anticipation. Blaise suddenly grabbed Draco's right forearm, with both hands and looked at him pleadingly. Draco nodded.

"Thanks, Blaise. Theo, would you like my old broom?" Draco asked.

"Sure. A Nimbus 2001 is still a pretty sweet ride. I guess I need to try harder, now," he said, with a smirk.

"Yeah... if we're going up against Potter and Weasley at the end of the year... we better start getting in shape, or our glorious leader might kill us, Theo," Blaise muttered.

"Well, you two can't be that too bad. You've both managed to stay on your brooms," Draco said.

"Hey!" Harry said.

"Sorry, love."

"Facts are facts, Potter," Blaise laughed.

"I was knocked out by McLaggen! And the other time, there were dementors!" Harry growled.

"Theo... does that count?" Blaise asked.

"Nope," he grunted with a grin.

"Piss off," Harry huffed and sat back in his chair with his arms crossed.

Draco leaned back on the couch next to him and kissed him. "Relax, love. We're just messing with ya."

"I know... I'm still sore about it. I lost those matches."

"Gosh, I wonder what that feels like. I lost to you three times. I'm not pouting about it."

"Yeah, you did," Theo snorted, and Draco glared.

"Shush, Theo. We don't talk about that," Blaise whispered, and Draco scowled.

"I'm not pouting," Harry grunted.

Draco smirked and kissed him, again. "Sure, love."

"Yes, Potter, behave, or Draco might have to make use of that Christmas present I got you," Theo quipped.

Draco blushed more than he did, and they both said, "Shut up, Theo!"

Theo's grin was wide. Blaise was chuckling as he leaned in to sit next to Neville. Harry took Draco's hand. It was one thing if he was embarrassed, but he couldn't handle it if Draco was ashamed by it. Draco met his eyes, and he didn't look hurt.

Draco seemed to sense his concern and squeezed his hand. "It's alright. I'm sorry if they...."

Harry stopped him. "No... I love you, and you told me that they're just messing with me... us."

The tension melted from Draco's shoulders. "Are you sure?

"Draco, as long as you're okay with everything, I am, too. I'm supposed to argue with them, too. I mean... I would pick on Neville, but Blaise might actually kill me. Cause he protects his...."

"Watch it, Potter," Blaise threatened.

Neville smiled proudly, and Blaise nodded to Harry in good fun. He gave a nod back. However, Harry was feeling something else, now. Blaise hadn't handed him a present, and maybe he had just forgotten that they were going to exchange, but it still stung a little. He wasn't upset about the lack of a present, but he thought he had gotten closer to Blaise.

"Well, it has been fun... but Gran is expecting us," Neville said, and turned his future mother-in-law. "I really do appreciate you letting us stay here. I'm sorry we're running out on you."

"Nonsense, dear," Ms. Zabini said. "Go head and go spend time with your wonderful Gran. I have company coming myself. No, you kids have fun. Next year, we can have dinner together, but I think your family needs to meet your fiancé and friends first, before bracing for my presence. It's only proper."

Blaise snickered but stopped when his mother gave him a look.

They stood up and vanished the wrapping paper. Harry gathered his presents, still blushing a little from Theo's, and it didn't help that Theo was still smirking at him. Harry knew it was in good fun, but still... they knew. He brushed it aside. Draco liked it... or wanted to do it, so he was okay with it. He sighed as they walked toward the door. In the foyer, Neville thanked Moira Zabini for the plants and advice.

"Don't fuss about it. Consider it a Christmas present," she said, taking his hand.

Harry couldn't help but notice that Blaise looked a little hurt, but he schooled his emotions before Neville or his mother saw. Harry hadn't seen her give out any presents, but no one had given her any either. He was now wondering if Blaise and his mother ever exchanged gifts. He didn't completely understand their relationship, and the last time he had commented on it, Draco had given him an analogy of his relationship with Dumbledore. Dumbledore, who was not his blood relative, hadn't given him presents either, besides returning his father's cloak to him. It didn't bother him, but she was Blaise's mum. It had to sting.

"Thank you, again," Neville said.

She nodded. "It is nice to have someone who appreciates my garden in the house."

Blaise snorted. "I'm sure if he'd been snatched up and nearly eaten by a venus-man trap when he was a kid, he wouldn't like them as much, either."

His mother smiled at him. "Well, you shouldn't have stepped on its vines... honey."

Draco snickered and Blaise gave him a look. "It wasn't funny."

"Then... I'm sure. It's hilarious, now," Draco said, and Blaise rolled his eyes.

Theo leaned in and said, "Yeah, Blaise, is that why you don't like plants? Are you still scared of them?"

Blaise grumbled under his breath about "see how they like being eaten alive."

Draco chuckled, but gave a small bow to Moira Zabini. "Thank you for lunch and your hospitality."

"Such a gentleman. I'll take good care of your mother for you. She needs to come out more, and I did try to convince your aunt. But she was adamant that Teddy wasn't ready for late nights."

"Yeah, I'm sure it had nothing to do with coming here," Blaise muttered.

His mother's eyes fell on him. "Blaise, don't be rude. We will be talking later."

Harry gulped for Blaise, who went rigid. But Moira Zabini gave them a smile, and they all walked out the door into the courtyard. They exchanged a few hugs and Happy Christmases, but before they could leave, Harry felt a spell hit his shoulder. He pivoted and met Blaise's smiling face.

"What? Did you think I didn't get you a present?" he asked, coyly.

Harry blushed, as he had thought that. "No. What was that?"

"Your present... you'll find out later what it is."

Harry's eyes widened. Blaise had hit him with some kind of trigger-activated curse. Oh, fuck. It could be anything. His mind went through several humiliating possibilities before Blaise gave him a hug.

"Merry Christmas, Potter. Enjoy!" he said, and let him go.

Harry gave him an uncertain look and then grasped Draco's hand. After another farewell, he took him home to drop off their presents. He was still reeling, but Draco was smirking.

"I don't know what it was, so don't ask," Draco said, flatly.

"Sure. I guess we'll find out later. So, ready for the next round?" Harry sighed.

Draco nodded, with a depreciative chuckle. "The hardest one." Then he looked at his new broomstick. "Blaise didn't have to get me this."

"He did. Draco... he doesn't care about how much money was involved. It's the thought that counts... the thought he put into it."

"Maybe, but he already bought me new robes, too."

"Draco... he takes care of you. He loves you, and when you love someone, you will do anything to keep them happy."

"Maybe...."

"So... what'd you give him? He was practically glowing when we came back from the garden," Harry said.

Draco smiled and pulled back his sleeve on his right arm. Harry's eyes widened at the new addition. It was some kind of Celtic knot tattoo. Harry always thought the entwining rings meant forever, and it was more of a marriage pact, so he wasn't sure how to respond.

"You got a... tattoo?" he started.

"Prat... it's a charm mark," Draco chuckled.

"Okay... and it means forever?"

"Kinda... I did a spell. A blood-bond spell."

Harry tilted his head. That sounded serious. "Okay...."

"Blaise, Theo and I are bonded brothers, now."

Harry smiled. "Really?"

"Yeah. We exchanged blood, and we are brothers, now, even legally."

"Draco... that's great!" Harry said and hugged him. "Merlin, no wonder Blaise and Theo were so happy! See Draco... that's what I mean. What you did was worth more than a broomstick and robes. Do you understand? It's not about money. It's about family... your family... your brothers."

Draco wiped some tears out of his eyes. "They're really my brothers, now."

"Yes, they are," Harry said, and hugged him.

"Okay... but I still can complain about the amount of money he spent on me."

"Sure, honey. Whatever you want."

Draco kissed him. "Watch it or I'll use Theo's gift on you."

Harry smirked and rolled his eyes. "You knew about it, too."

"Well, Theo held it up at the store when he still wasn't talking. So what was I supposed to do? Tell him off?"

"No... it's fine, Draco. I'm not mad. Accept with Blaise... we can both be mad at him. But as long as you're okay with what they say... I am, too. I don't mind if they poke fun at me."

"Thank you. Well... let's jump into the next ring of hell," Draco muttered.

"Hey, it's not going to be that bad. Ron, Hermione, Bill, Luna and Ginny will be there."

Draco nodded. "I haven't really met the others."

"George, Percy, Charlie, Fleur and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley," Harry rattled off. "It's only six people."

"Unless they invited more. What if... they don't like me?"

"Draco... we can leave at any time. Besides, Molly is a peacemaker. She wants me there. Remember what she said at King's Cross? You're welcome in her home, and if something changes or bugs you, we can leave early."

He nodded. "But Harry... I know what happened to... Fred."

"Don't... don't bring it up. Not on Christmas, okay?" Harry begged.

"I guess... but I feel I need to tell them. They deserve to know what happened and what part I played. I mean, they know what my father was... what I was, but not everything I did."

"But Draco, it's not who you really are. I do see your point, though. If they want to talk to you about it... okay, but we can come over another day, if you need to... unburden your conscience or whatever."

Draco rolled his eyes, but nodded. "Okay. Just don't leave my side."

"No problem. If I have to use the loo, you can hold my...."

Draco smacked him, lightly. "Prat."

Harry kissed him. "Calm down, git. It's going to be fine. Relax. You got all your presents?"

"Yeah... besides yours," Draco said and kissed him, again.

"Come on. We can use the floo," Harry said, and they flooed in one right after each other to the Burrow.

"Harry! Ron, come down! Harry and Draco are here," Hermione shouted, and Ron came into the room.

"Bout time! Did you bring your brooms? We can...."

"Oh no, you can't! You need to finish setting the tables for dinner, young man. You can play tomorrow!" Mrs. Weasley called, coming into the room, and pulled Harry into a hug. "Harry! Merry Christmas, dear. And Draco, come, step out of that fire."

She held out her arms for Draco, and he awkwardly hugged her. Harry didn't like how tense Draco was. It was just like when he brought Draco to see Aunt Andy for the first time. He wasn't comfortable with new people.

"I'm glad you came, dear," she said, hugging him tightly.

"T-Thank you. It was v-very kind of you," he stammered.

She pulled back and took his hands. "Oh, relax. You are welcome. Arthur! Come meet Draco!"

Mr. Weasley and Percy came into the room, and Harry greeted them both, before Mr. Weasley turned to Draco. He was still agitated as Mr. Weasley, the man who his father had often insulted to his face, offered his hand out. Draco awkwardly took it.

"Welcome, Draco, Merry Christmas! So, Molly tells me that you and Harry are together?"

"I... ummm... yeah," Draco said, unsure of the situation. He bowed his head. "I love him."

"Well, that's completely fine with me," Mr. Weasley said, and clapped his hand gently on Draco's shoulder. "I also know that growing up in a home like your father's, surely didn't accept different relationships. You won't find that here, Draco, if that is what yer worried 'bout."

Harry was surprised when the tension did leave Draco's shoulders. Was that what he's been worried about? Harry wondered.

"Thank you, it means a lot, considering how my family has treated you. I also want to thank you for inviting me into your home. I... umm... didn't have a lot to spend on presents, so I made some pies, to thank you for the generous invitation," Draco said, and held out the box of the pies they had made yesterday and the day before.

Molly accepted them and smiled. "Sweet child, thank you. We will have them for dessert. Are you a cook?"

"Oh, kinda? We, I mean, Harry and I, took Home Economics this year, and we learned...."

"Oh, that's wonderful. You can come help me with the roast!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed and guided him toward the kitchen.

Draco gave Harry a wide-eyed look as he walked at her direction. Crap.

Harry tried to follow, but Mrs. Weasley turned and barked orders to them, "Harry, please help Ron and Hermione get the tables set up. Bill, Fleur and Charlie should be arriving shortly. Percy, go set up the rooms!"

Draco gave him a nod that he was fine, and Harry sighed, as he didn't want to leave Draco alone with Mrs. Weasley, but saw no other choice. Instead, he headed to the plate cupboard, while Percy and Mr. Weasley headed upstairs to rearrange the rooms for the rest of the family's arrival. Hermione summoned the tables and conjured the tablecloths, but Ron was muttering under his breath as he came over to help, too.

"Why do I always have to set the table?" he grumbled, taking out plates.

"Cause that's what little bros do, Ronnie," George said, as he came down the stairs.

Hermione let out a sigh as she turned to look at them. "Guys, did you forget that we're adults, again?" She waved her wand, and dishes flew out of the cupboard onto the old rickety tables in the den. Ron grunted and then helped her summon the chairs, but had to go to the linen cupboard for holiday napkins. She said that summoning them would wrinkle them. Ron had asked her why that matters and was clocked for it before they left the room.

George came over and hugged him, but said, "Hey, Harry. Where's ferret-face?"

Harry straightened up and was on guard as he stared at George.

"Kidding, relax. Mum already put the fear-of-Merlin in everyone if we were mean to the prick."

Harry's eyes narrowed. "George...."

George held up his hands in surrender. "Joking, mate. I swear. I'll be nice to him!"

"No pranks?"

George gave a half-smirk. "No pranks. Can't guarantee 'bout Lee, though. He's outside re-decorating with Luna and Ginny. Say did you know that lit' sister is with Luna?"

"Yes," Harry stated. "I'm gay, too."

"Ya don't say?" he said, rolling his eyes. "I was wondering... with Malfoy 'ere n'all. You two were always obsessed with each other. But... Lee's actually been close... to me... lately."

Harry smiled and instantly relaxed. He had no idea George was into guys too, but he also didn't know how George was doing, either. "That's great, George. I'm happy for you, really. But look, I'm sorry that I didn't come over during...."

George waved him off, though. "Don't apologize, Harry. You were going through the same shite I was. There's no one you need to apologize to. Mum looked after me, and I'm... doing better. She got me to see a mind healer. It helped... and having Lee around did, too. I've been going back to the shop to help with the holiday rush."

Harry felt relieved at hearing that. "I'm glad that you're doing better."

"Yeah, I still miss him, but it's slowly hurting less. It's... the what-ifs, ya know?" George murmured.

Harry did know that feeling, and he nodded. "I... I do that, too."

"Ron says that there's a mind healer at the school that's been helping him," George stated.

Harry nodded, again, a little tense.

"He also said that you haven't been talking to her."

Harry grimaced and glared in Ron's general direction, but he was still with Hermione. They were taking a bit too long, if he was to be honest. Stupid friends.

"Don't be mad. We had a nice long chat, yesterday. Can't remember when I've ever had that long of an uncomfortable conversation with my brothers... even Fred. I think Ronnie's growing up... despite being an idiot sometimes. He explained about Malfoy and you. He said that Malfoy saved Gin's life... so... I guess that will save him from the curses I had thought up for him after what he said 'bout my mum."

Harry sighed. "He's really sorry about that."

"I know. Ron, of all people, argued for him on your behalf," George paused. "He also said that Malfoy had something to tell me."

Fucking hell. Harry didn't say a word. It was Christmas. They did not need to have that conversation on Christmas.

George was watching him. "Ron wouldn't tell me what it was."

Harry sighed. "Not today, George. Please believe me when I say, not today. Draco will tell you... soon."

George nodded. "Hmm... Draco... that just sounds weird."

"Ron got used to it."

"Ron grew up... maybe a bit quicker than me, eh? For a knucklehead, he sure lays down the whammers. I didn't even know he was... depressed. Shows ya how self-absorbed I was."

Harry swallowed hard. He had felt the same when Ron told him that. "George, you just told me not to feel guilty about you."

"Aye," he sighed, and gave him one of his classic smirks. "But fair warning, as soon as it's midnight... Malfoy's fair game."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Well, I guess we need to leave before then. I better check on him. I wasn't supposed to leave his side."

"You're whipped, bitch," George quipped, and Harry flipped him the bird as George went outside to where Harry assumed Ginny, Luna and Lee Jordan were.

Harry slowly poked his head into the kitchen as he didn't want to bring on Mrs. Weasley's ire. She was showing Draco the best way to tell if the roast was done and having him do the spells. Draco seemed calm next to her and was casting without difficulty.

"Excellent, Draco. We'll make a chef out of you, yet!" she encouraged. "Now, to make gravy... you have to siphon off some of the juices, but you can't pull all the moisture out, now. No one wants a dry roast, right?"

"Yes, ma'am," he responded formally.

"Oh, Draco... we are cousins, distantly, of course. How about you call me Aunt Molly?"

Draco went back to being tense. "Oh... are you sure, Mrs. Weasley?"

"I know that pureblood manners and customs were all but beaten into you, but...."

"Oh, no, they were beaten into me," Draco said, looking down.

Molly slowly pulled him into her arms and patted his back. "There, there. I'm so sorry, child. Arthur and I know the kinds pureblood mannerisms that you were forced to follow, and we were determined to never inflict that onto our children. You will always be safe here. Our home... is about love... and chores if you misbehave."

"Thank you," he whispered.

Mrs. Weasley nodded. "That being said... Harry! Are you eavesdropping?" She put her hands on her hips and glared at where he was.

Harry winced like someone had hexed him and came into the kitchen properly. "No! I was just...."

"Likely 온라인카지노게임! I think the den needs tidying up! Get going!"

"Yes, ma'am," he said, but locked eyes with Draco.

"I'm fine, Harry. Better tidy up that den," he smirked.

Harry stuck out his tongue before he left and, luckily, he knew some cleaning spells, now. He cast them to freshen up the room, remove the dust and ashes from the fire, and straighten the knick-knacks on the shelves and mantle.

"Nice, Harry," Ron approved, and whispered, "Teach ya for going into the kitchen when mum's cornering one of us!"

Harry rolled his eyes, but Bill, Fleur and Charlie flooed with their luggage. "Hey! Happy Christmas!" he said.

"' Arry!" Fleur said, clearly getting heavier. "Eet est so good to see you!"

Bill, Fleur and Charlie hugged them, too, and then Percy and Mr. Weasley came down to exchange greetings as well.

"Best stay out of the kitchen," Mr. Weasley explained, quietly.

"Mum's in one of her moods?" Charlie asked, a little too loud.

"I do not have moods!" she called from the kitchen. "Charlie, take Bill and Fleur's luggage upstairs!"

Charlie sighed. "Yes, mum."

Bill clapped his brother on the back and handed him his bags. "Thanks, Charlie."

"No problem," he said, as he took all their bags upstairs.

"We best go see what Ginny and Luna are doing outside," Hermione said. "George and Lee might put them up to anything."

Bill laughed. "Alright, let's go."

"Outside?" Fleur said, wrinkling her nose.

Bill said that he would cast a warming spell for her, and she acquiesced. They all marched through the side door and saw that the house was indeed bedazzled in thousands of muggle Christmas lights. Star-shaped lights, fully-decorated Christmas trees and huge wreaths were all over the roof and sides of the house and its unstable levels. Harry thought the house looked different, but it was already dark. At least five of the chimneys were smoking in the cool air.

"Isn't it wonderful?" Luna said, and Harry gave her a hug.

"It is. Happy Christmas!"

"You too, Harry. Do watch out for the nargles... this house is full of them," Luna said, and he laughed.

"Harry!" Lee Jordan said and came over to greet him, too. "Good to see you, mate!"

"It's been a while, Lee. How have you been?" Harry asked, hugging him.

"While it was a rough year, but we got Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes back up to its pre-war days."

"Who's this "we" business? I assure you all... it was all Lee," George said, staring a little starry-eyed at Lee.

Lee nodded. "Just following the script that you and Fred made, George."

George frowned, but he nodded. Harry could see a tear in his eye, but then George said, "Yeah, it was hard... to get back into it, but I've been enjoying being back. Fred would have wanted to carry on the biz. So, thanks... if I haven't said it enough, Lee. Our shop would've closed without you."

Lee's dark skin went a little darker. "It was nothing. You both were my best mates. I didn't want your dream to end."

George smiled and then hugged him tightly, almost like when Draco hugged him when he needed comfort.

"What are you all doing outside?" Mrs. Weasley yelled, as she came out and looked at the house. "Well, would you look at that?"

They all looked back up at Luna, Ginny and Lee's decorations and smiled. Draco snuck by everyone and wound up next to Harry. He took his hand. Charlie was the last one out, besides the ghoul in the attic. They stood for a few minutes, staring at the beautiful display. Ron and Hermione kissed, Ginny and Luna giggled and hugged, Lee stared at George, and Bill wrapped his arm around Fleur, his hand resting on her stomach. Mrs. Weasley kissed her husband and turned to the new arrivals.

"Marvelous! Happy Christmas, everyone! Give your mother a hug, you three. I don't see yeh nearly enough," Mrs. Weasley said and then hugged Bill, Fleur and Charlie in turn. "We're all here, now... let's get the food on the table."

"I'll help," Percy said.

"Thank you, dear. Ginny? You and George come on, too," she said, turned toward the house with her helpers in tow. Mr. Weasley followed his wife in, and Lee went inside to help George.

But Bill turned to greet Draco and hugged him. "I'm glad you came, Draco."

"Thanks... your mother invited me over. I really appreciated it," he said, staring ideally up at Bill. Harry knew that Bill had been a great mentor for Draco, who so desperately needed one. Draco had his brothers, but Bill was his role model.

Bill nodded. "This is Fleur, my lovely, pregnant wife."

She elbowed him. "My 'usband likes to joke. Eet est nice to meet you, Draco. Bill has told me so much about you."

Draco straightened and put his feet together and gave her a bow, while holding his hand out to take hers. She gently placed her hand in his. "Bonsoir, Madame Delacour-Weasley," he said, smoothly, and kissed her hand. "Je m'appelle Draco Malfoy. C'est un plaisir de faire votre connaissance."

Fleur smiled widely and responded, "Enchanté, Monsieur Malfoy. Je suis également ravi de vous rencontrer. Bill t'aime bien."

"Je l'aime bien aussi. Comment ça va?" Draco said, in a pleasant tone.

Harry's jaw dropped as he stared at his boyfriend, now completely transformed into Prince Charming. The others were also frozen watching their exchange, though mostly in confusion. Well, besides Luna, of course.

"Moi, ça va bien, mais j'ai engraissé," she said, sighing.

"Non, ce n'est pas vrai! Vous êtes toute petite! Si petite!" Draco said, letting go of her hand and holding out his hands in exclamation.

Fleur laughed. "Vous êtes un menteur, Draco!" Then she turned to Charlie and gestured to him, "Puis-je vous présenter mon frère, Charlie."

Draco gave him a nod. "Joyeux Noël, Monsieur. Parlez-vous français?"

Charlie, smiling, grunted, "No... tu vorbești româna, domnule?"

But Draco tilted his head in confusion, and Harry didn't think it sounded the same, more guttural.

"Hey, I speak Romanian just fine," Charlie chuckled. "Not so much French."

"It's all Greek to me," Ron muttered. "Come on, let's go in! I'm hungry."

Harry was still staring at Draco as he exchanged another barb in French with Fleur, who then took her husband's arm and went inside.

Draco gave him a dashing smile. "What? I didn't take all those pureblood etiquette classes for nothing, now did I?"

Hermione laughed. "That was impressive, Draco."

Draco laughed but stopped, as Charlie had held out his hand for him and said, "If I were a betting man, Draco, I'd say that you just made a friend for life. I'm Charlie."

Draco nodded and shook it. "N-Nice to meet you."

"Likewise, now we better get inside before mum blows up, again," he said, gruffly, and walked in, and Luna, Ron and Hermione followed him.

Harry nudged Draco as they slowly followed. "See? It's easy peezy."

Draco nodded. "Yeah... they're very nice, accepting. I haven't had a Christmas like this before."

"Me, neither... I mean... when I first came here anyway. Never really had a Christmas before I started at Hogwarts."

Draco's eyes narrowed but didn't ask. He smoothed his expression and held out his arm, as Bill had done for Fleur. Harry took it and let Draco escort him inside.

As they reached the door, Harry said, "Sorry... I said that I wouldn't leave you alone."

"It's okay. I can fend for myself. You didn't account for Mrs. Weasley... or Aunt Molly... geesh, that's weird."

Harry laughed. "Doesn't sound weird. It's nice... like she's adopted you into the family, too."

Draco smiled, and then they entered, taking a place at the cramped table. They ate until everyone was stuffed on the roast, potatoes, meat pies, and vegetables Mrs. Weasley had made. Especially as she made sure they all had seconds and thirds. After they cleared the dishes, tables and chairs, they crammed into the den around the tree to exchange presents. Mrs. Weasley passed hers out first to all her family and their guests, pointedly commenting that Charlie and Percy needed to bring someone next year.

"I don't think Ionuţ will enjoy coming as he doesn't speak English. Though he'd make mum blush with his... gesticulations," Charlie muttered to Percy, who went red, but still laughed.

Then Percy's shoulders dropped a little and he sighed. Harry somewhat got the hint that he was progressing with Penelope, but they were still trying to keep it on the downlow, for him and the mission. Penelope was getting closer to Edgecombe at the Ministry. She had stolen several damning files that would get convictions on Edgecombe and a few of her followers. So, she couldn't very well attend a holiday party with Hopkirk and Edgecombe's Undesirable Number One and Number Two. Maybe next year, Harry hoped. But there were a lot of things he wished for by next Christmas.

Draco opened Mrs. Weasley's present, and it was a beautiful gray jumper with D stitched into the front. He smiled and put it on immediately. Harry had told him about the Christmas jumpers, and he got another green one. Ron got his usual maroon one that he only somewhat hated. Luna got her first one, and it was yellow. Lee also got one that was the same color as George's, who hugged his close friend with some tears. The others put theirs on too, even Fleur, who didn't care that it wasn't designer quality. Fleur knew, like Harry did, that it was the most precious sweater they owned. Mrs. Weasley had even made a newborn one for the wee babe, for when she finally arrives.

Then there was chaos as everyone started opening presents in no formalized process. Most were simple, inexpensive gifts as there were so many of them now. Draco got more presents than he expected, but Harry didn't think he was overwhelmed by it all. Bill gave him a few more books on his wandless magic, and Draco gave him an ornate music box that he had conjured and put a light entrancing hex on it. He explained that it was for when the baby came, and it would help the baby sleep. Harry was so proud of him for coming up with an excellent idea for a gift, though Draco admitted he had gotten the idea from the music box Draco had fixed for Harry.

"Thank you, Draco," Bill said, hugging him.

"No, thank you, Prof-Bill," he said, and then Fleur gave him a hug and kiss on the cheek.

"C'est beau, mon cher ami," Fleur gushed.

"Ce n'est pas une problème," he whispered, a little red. "Joyeux Noël."

Harry smiled at Draco and Fleur's instant camaraderie, but was ladened with books and sweets from Weasleys. Harry got a pocket-size, magical picnic set from Hermione for when it was warmer. It would grow and shrink with a spell. He just had to put food in the basket and shrink it down. Ron had actually given him a book. It was on mind healing and survivors' guilt, and Harry met his eyes and thanked him. Ron had gotten him to talk more in their sessions about the things that he was feeling. He knew almost more than Draco did about what was going through his mind. He still wasn't sure why he was fighting it so hard.

Everyone got some joke stuff from Lee and George, including Draco. He seemed surprised by their gifts as he wasn't really a part of the family. Draco thanked George and Lee, and then handed Hermione some of his rare potion and curse books, including Hogwarts, A Hi온라인카지노게임. She nearly screeched with nerdy giddiness when she saw them and hugged Draco. He smiled and he gave Ron and Ginny their gifts. They were a bit surprised when they opened their presents to find their own quidditch arm guards inside.

"Aren't these mine?" Ginny asked, holding her guards up.

Ron nodded. "Yeah, these are mine, too. Good, I don't need new ones. They're hard to break in."

Hermione laughed. "I might've pinched both of them for him."

Draco nodded, in thanks to Hermione. "I put a retrieval spell on them tied to your broomstick. I wouldn't recommend doing it in the house, but you put on the guards and, if you smash them together, it will activate the spell."

"What spell?" Ginny asked

"Smash?" Ron muttered, at the same time.

"Yes, like Wonder Woman," Harry said, chuckling and Hermione laughed at that, too. But no one else understood. Purebloods are so deprived.

"What?" Ron said, looking at Harry, but Harry just waved off the question.

"It calls your broom to back you without a wand," Draco said, answering Ginny's question.

"Really?" Ginny said, excitedly and almost raced upstairs to grab her broom but restrained herself.

"Yep, if you fall off your broom... like Harry," Draco said, and Harry glared at him. "It'll come back to you."

Ron laughed, and said, "This is awesome! Thanks, Draco!"

"No problem, Ron. Thank you for the chess book," Draco said, after opening his present, and then Ginny, too, for a set of completely non-magical, but fancy pens. He didn't question them.

A few of the Weasleys seemed to be amazed that Ron, Ginny and Draco were friends, but no one said anything. Harry couldn't be prouder of his adopted family. He didn't need a blood-bond spell to let him know he was a part of this family and that they accepted him and his boyfriend, unconditionally. Everyone seemed to be going out of their way to welcome Draco. He took Draco's hand as the others exchanged presents around them, and Draco met his eyes, a big grin on his face. This was his family, now, too.

***

Draco loved seeing Harry so happy. Any fears that Weasleys weren't going to like him were gone, now. They were cleaning up the den as the gift exchange was dying down. Mrs. Weas-Aunt Molly headed to the kitchen to start plating desserts, and Ron and Hermione went to help. Draco told Harry that he wanted to talk to Luna, and he didn't ask any questions and just headed over to talk to Percy. Draco wanted to give his present directly to her. Luna seemed to sense his need for privacy, too, and asked Ginny to get her a plate. Ginny gave him a nod as she went into the kitchen, and Luna walked over to the tree and played with the branches.

"You're very happy, today," she said, smiling at him as he came up next to her.

"I am. They're all so... nice... and cheerful. It's almost creepy," he said, glancing around for eavesdroppers. It was abnormal for so many people to be upbeat and welcoming.

Luna laughed, and Draco thought he saw something in the Christmas tree move but didn't mention it. Luna looked at him expectantly with a raised eyebrow. He carefully handed her his present and she opened it. It was a glass sphere with a curved pedestal to set it on. Draco had formed it so there were beautiful swirls red, green, yellow and blue that glittered.

"It's beautiful, Draco," Luna purred, meeting his eyes.

"It's... it's got a dual purpose," he said, quietly, and she smiled, waiting for him to explain.

It wouldn't really show in the light, but he cast a Fairy Light Charm inside the sphere. It glowed. There were small holes in the glass, enough that beads of light would shine through and project outward. Crafting it had taken a while, but it had worked.

"It's a... nightlight. It'll make the ceiling and walls look like the night sky. Stars... so even when there's no window, you can see them in the darkness," he whispered and stared into her glistening, silver eyes.

"Draco..." she murmured before curling up into his chest.

He wrapped his arms around her and leaned down to rest his head against hers. There was no one else who understood the horrors of his father's basement like she did. They didn't need to acknowledge it. In fact, this hug was so reminiscent of the time when they sought reassurance in each other's arms in the dungeon... when that fear of pain and death was so heavy that it would cripple them (well, him) if they let it. That shared connection would always be between them, and no one could understand it like they could.

"Thank you," she whispered.

"You're welcome," he said, kissing the top of her head. He looked and saw that Harry was in a deep conversation with Percy and it wasn't about presents. Draco didn't care when or if Harry told him what was happening. He wasn't part of the plan, yet, but they stopped and went into the kitchen.

Luna pulled back and reached up to cup his face with her hand. "The darkness is fading for both of us, Draco. You're getting stronger, and it's getting easier. I got you something, too... to help with your darkness."

She summoned his present to her hand wandlessly and handed to him. He could already tell it was a book of some sort. He pealed back the wrapping paper, and it was a leather-bound journal, a muggle journal. Ginny's present made sense, now. A dragon was carved into the front... a moving dragon, who flew around the spine to the backside.

"He'll burn anyone's hands besides yours... and mine, too, I guess," she said and rubbed the dragon's back. It shuddered contently. "But no one can open it, Draco. It's your secret place. A place where you can write things you can't say, even to Harry."

Draco met her eyes, understanding immediately. "Luna...."

"I know that you're not ready to talk about certain things... but writing... it kinda helps you understand your feelings in a detached way. It doesn't hurt as bad as saying them."

Tears formed in his eyes, too. He didn't even want to write about them, either, but he thanked her and kissed her head, again. He trusted that she knew what she was doing. Harry and Ginny returned with their dessert plates, and Draco stashed the journal in his pocket, which got warmer from the dragon, but at least he wasn't on fire.

"Look what Draco made me," Luna said, showing her night light to her girlfriend and Harry, who came back with a piece of the pie.

"It's wonderful," Harry praised, and his fingers found Draco's. Ginny hugged Draco and then whispered something in Luna's ear that made her giggle.

"Will you come with me to give George his gift?" Draco asked as he pulled Harry away from Ginny and Luna.

Harry nodded, and they approached George and Lee, who were eating dessert and talking softly to each other by the fire. Draco was hesitant. Draco knew what had happened to George's twin, but Harry was right that discussing it on Christmas was a decidedly bad idea. Lee noticed them first and nudged his... friend? Boyfriend? Draco wasn't sure of their relationship.

"Malfoy," George said as a greeting as Draco stopped in front of them.

Draco swallowed nervously, and Harry tightened the grip on his hand. "I'm sorry... about the things I said. You have a wonderful mother and family."

George's eyebrows raised up, and he looked to Harry, who nodded. He said, quietly, "It's behind us, Malfoy. Harry vouched for your... reformation, and I don't want any bad blood between us."

Draco was tempted to say that he might change his mind if he knew what Draco did, but he just nodded. "Thank you. I did make you something... and technically, you too, Lee."

"Oh?" Lee said. His presence had been a surprise for the family and hadn't had many gifts. Mrs. Weasley said that she had to rush to make his jumper this morning.

Draco held up a potion for them to see. "I made it... for your joke shop."

Both Lee and George looked at him, a little surprised and intrigued. "Really?"

"It's a potion, brewed with a Switching Spell into its composition."

Harry looked like he had no idea what Draco was talking about. George looked interested, though, more interested than he had all night and probably since the war. He waited for Draco to explain.

"You put... what you want in the potion, and then when you apply to another object... it becomes that the first object," he said, and lowered his eyes under their scrutiny. "It'll switch back after a few minutes. I know you use hexes and jinxes in most of your items, but with this, you won't even need the spellwork to charm each one. So, it will cut down on production time. This is just the base potion. But you can alter it so it can be cream or a brew. But... as this is the basic potion you just add what you want to be copied and when you apply it to something else."

Draco grabbed a red ornament ball off the tree and opened the potion vial. He tipped it over, so the potion touched the ball's surface and flipped it upright. Harry, George and Lee watched as Draco tipped it and let a drop fall into a fork left on the table. It promptly turned into a Christmas ornament.

"Cool... and how long will it hold?" Lee asked.

"Just two or three minutes, but it'll work on just about anything," he said, as he put another drop on a cup and then a piece of the pie. Both promptly turned into Christmas decorations.

"Draco, that was my pie!" Harry huffed, holding up his former dessert with a frown. Draco laughed at his expression and told him it would turn back.

"Fascinating... it turned the whole thing," George approved.

"Usually, but if it's attached to something, sometimes it's just the end piece," Draco explained and then looked at his boyfriend. "I wouldn't be holding it when it switches back, Harry."

Harry sighed and leaned down to put the pie-turned-ball back on the plate. Draco smirked, seeing the opportunity and put a drop on Harry's ear.

"Hey!" Harry said, as his ear turned into a Christmas ornament, stuck to his head. "Draco!"

George and Lee were cracking up, and so were Luna and Ginny across the room by the tree. Draco shrugged, "Well, you were there... and I certainly wasn't going to risk my body to demonstrate."

Harry glowered and rubbed his red, spherical ear. "It feels weird. Like I can actually feel it."

"Don't squeeze too hard, or your ear might break," Draco said, laughing.

Harry punched him lightly in the stomach. "Git."

It took a few minutes, but the fork, cup, pie and Harry's ear switched back, with no side effects. Harry rubbed his ear, still glaring at him, but Draco kissed it, and Harry gave him a grin, apparently forgiven.

George didn't seem upset about their exchange, but rather, he seemed pleased. But he took the vial and held it up. "Shelf life?"

"Base is at least a year... the moly root won't hold up longer than that. It should hold indefinitely if you'd put a Stasis Charm on the base. Once you splice it, the other ingredients will affect it, but a Stasis Charm will protect against breakdown for the changes, too. This potion now would last the whole year without it. I wrote down the brewing method and different techniques for infusing it into cream or even how to encase it, to say throw it at someone?"

George smirked, and his eyes had a bit of that mischievous fire in them, again, as he took the roll of parchment from Draco. "Thanks, Malfoy. This... could open up a lot of possibilities and certainly save time and galleons."

Draco was trembling a little at his direct eye contact. "You're welcome and Happy Christmas. Thank you for your presents as well."

George nodded, a little less cautious than before, but Draco pulled Harry away and over to the roughly sewn couch. That was too much direct interaction with someone that used to hate him. One night was hardly enough time to erase everything that happened. Plus, George didn't know the whole truth, and Draco didn't think he could lie if he did press it.

"That was a cool gift, Draco," Harry said, quietly.

Draco hadn't let Harry know any of the presents he had made. He just nodded, wary still of his acceptance into Harry's adopted family.

Harry's green eyes flashed to him. "Are you okay? Do you want to leave?"

"No, it's fine. Everyone is being nice. I just... it's still a little hard. I don't know them that well, and I said... pretty awful things to all of them."

Harry grasped his hand. "It'll get easier. They'll accept you, like they accepted me."

As if on cue, Professor Weasley came over and said, "Draco, I was planning on having everyone over for New Year's Eve... to my place. Would you and Harry like to come over?"

Draco felt the need to stand, as sitting while speaking to someone standing at a soirée was not proper. But Harry was still holding his hand, so he stayed. "I... umm... sure. I think that would be great. Thanks, Prof-I mean Bill. Umm... sorry, it's just...."

Bill waved his hand. "I told you that Bill was fine, Draco. We aren't at Hogwarts. But do you think your friends would like to come?"

Draco was a little surprised at the offer and said, "I-I don't know, maybe?"

"Ask and then owl me, okay?" he said, and Draco nodded. "My address is Shell Cottage in Cornwall."

Draco looked at him. "Oh... the Fidelius Charm?"

"Yep, I can arrange it with your friends, if they want to come," Bill said with a smile. "We'll be glad if they do want to come, too."

"Mon chéri..." Fleur called and came over, too, with a plate for Bill. "Oh, Draco, veux-tu venir chez nous?"

Draco went to get up for her, but she held her hand out, as though she knew decorum required him to stand to speak to her. "Oui, merci beaucoup," Draco said, tilting his head respectfully.

"Bon. Draco, tu es si gentil."

"Vous aussi, madame," Draco said, still delighted that he hadn't lost his French over the years.

Fleur smiled and led her husband over to another couch where Aunt Molly was. Her mother-in-law started talking about good spells to alleviate pregnancy pains and cramps, and then checking on the potions Fleur's healer had given her. Draco figured that after seven children, the Weasley matriarch was an expert on pregnancy.

But Ron and Hermione came over and handed Draco a plate of dessert. Ron said, "Here, Draco. Eat up."

He did and the whole family came back to the den for stories, carols and Christmas charades. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were the first to retire as the hour grew late. Bill and Fleur were next and left up the stairs, as she was tired from visiting her parents and sister earlier. Percy and Charlie talked while the rest of them were, apparently, not too old to sit on the floor and play Exploding Snap. Harry had already threatened him with excessive teasing if Draco roped Ron into playing chess on Christmas. Harry said that he had surpassed his chess limit at Hogwarts until the New Year.

As players were eliminated, they moved to couches and kitchen to talk amongst themselves. Ron and Hermione lost early and cuddled up on the sofa, Luna went over to stare at the tree, and Harry joined in on Charlie and Percy's conversation. So, there were only Ginny, George and Lee playing against him. Exploding Snap was one-part luck and two-parts skill, and Draco knew the ins and outs of the game. So, did George, who matched him and eliminated both Ginny and Lee simultaneously. Gin went off to take Luna's hand, and Lee went to swipe more pie from the kitchen.

"You got some skill, Malfoy," George muttered as he shuffled.

"Thanks, you, too," Draco said, quietly. Neither Harry nor Lee were anywhere nearby to intercede, and it was damned unsettling with just the two of them. He picked up his cards and waited for George's play.

"You're tense," his opponent commented.

Draco felt his cheeks warm up, and he couldn't meet George's eyes. "Yeah." He glanced back to Harry, still engaged in a deep conversation with Charlie and Percy.

"You don't have to worry, Malfoy. I promised Harry that I wouldn't pull anything on you until after midnight."

Draco swallowed nervously and tried to keep his breathing even as he looked at his cards, not even remotely interested in the gameplay anymore. He knew George was staring at him, and forced conversation wasn't easy.

"I'm sorry, I was just messing with you. Breathe, Malfoy."

Draco couldn't help but shudder. Maybe he had grown so used to Harry and the others saying his first name, that he was now associating his last name with people who hated him. No one in the house called him that but George, and it was completely noticeable. It said that his presence wasn't accepted. He lowered his head and was preparing to lose at the first conceivable time. He wanted to escape, go pull Harry away from whatever crazy-ass plans he was making and go home.

"Malfoy?" George called.

Draco lowered his head more, trying not to rile him by avoiding conversation.

"You don't like it when I call you by your last name," George stated.

Draco took a deep breath. Harry said that George was fine, and he trusted Harry's judgment. Draco said, quietly, "No, I don't. I mean, when we're just kidding around, I might call Harry by his last name or Ron, but...."

"Not all the time, then? I get that, Draco. I'm sorry. Sorry, I've never called you anything but that."

"Understandable," Draco whispered, but felt better that he said his first name.

"You're really different," George stated and then sighed. "I suppose I am, too. Sorry... it was a little hard to believe Ron. Especially since I try not to listen to a word the idiot says."

Draco smiled. "I find it difficult sometimes, too."

George laughed quietly. "There you go, Draco... but seriously, I didn't mean to offend you. And I was joking about midnight... kinda. Harry said no pranks and it's certainly hard to resist."

"Thanks for your restraint. I... I didn't know what to expect here," he said, quietly, as George played a card. He still didn't want to be suddenly attacked once midnight came, either.

"Don't worry. It'll all be all fun and games here. I'd just do it, only to mess with yeh, ferret. Not to hurt yeh."

Draco forced a smirk and played, too. "Thanks, I... appreciate. You have every right to hate me."

"Ron... said a lot about you. Probably more than you'd like. He also said that you had something important to tell me. Mind telling me?"

Draco lowered his head, again. "Harry said not to...."

"I know he did, but yeh'll are putting me on edge," George grunted.

"I'm sorry," Draco whispered, bracing himself for the demand to tell him.

But he just asked, "If Ron hadn't said anything... would you have told me?"

Draco nodded. He had to make his amends somehow. He didn't care if Harry or Ron didn't blame him. He glanced down at his right arm and knew how he would feel if someone knew something about his brothers and didn't tell him. "I would have... once I was sure that you wouldn't kill me outright."

George's eyebrows rose up, and Draco lowered his head, again. "I see," George said, playing his card.

Draco feared that he might have said too much, but they kept playing. George ended up winning, as his heart hadn't been in it. Draco just said good game and got up. George copied him and touched his arm to stop him from walking away. Draco had to refrain from flinching.

"I really was just joking about the midnight thing. I mean, you are still a Slytherin, and we're supposed to prank each other. I don't mean anything sinister by it. Just... fun. You still tightened up when I mentioned it."

Draco swallowed and still felt nervous. Even fun pranks could hurt. "It's okay."

George's eyes didn't look away from him. "I'm not going to do anything, Draco. I promise."

"Thanks," he whispered.

"Ron said that you were... attacked."

Draco looked at the floor. It was so much more than that.

"Hey, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... well... but I do see what he means. But Draco, you're Harry's boyfriend. You're part of this family, now, and I will never hurt you, alright?"

"Okay," he said, wanting so much to flee. Harry was still in a hushed conversation with his spy.

"So, you're friends with Blaise Zabini?"

Draco looked at him, wondering at the connection and was almost certain Blaise hadn't done anything with the twins. He hoped. He straightened and said, proudly, "Yeah, he's my brother."

George raised an eyebrow, but accepted the term. "About five years ago... we ran into him in the infirmary. He said his friend poisoned him to save him."

Draco raised an eyebrow. Five years ago... that meant the quidditch final where Draco had waylaid Flint's plans to hurt Blaise by putting him in the hospital wing for the whole downer party. "Yeah?"

"Kinda gave us, Fred and I, the idea of Skiving Snackboxes. We thought that you might have done it. It was very... Slytherin of you."

Draco gave a weak smile. Weasley had no idea how bad it was. It wasn't about skiving... it was saving his friend's life and soul.

"You Slytherins are... deep. Are there any safe topics to talk about with you?" George muttered.

At least he wasn't oblivious. "Your sister is a badass. Best chaser I've ever seen," Draco offered.

George laughed and accepted the new topic. "Yeah, she is quick. Gin is definitely going to make it."

"Make what?" Ginny said, coming over. Thankfully, Luna came with her and took his hand. She knew he was nervous, and maybe she had let George talk to him. Draco knew he really needed to be calmer around the Weasleys.

"As a chaser," George clarified, wrapping his arm around her in a hug. "I watched you this summer... flying. You were great."

"Thanks, bro. Draco, here, has been going toe-to-toe with Harry and winning," Ginny bragged.

Harry looked over at the sound of his name and met his eyes finally. Luna was there, so he just nodded. Harry gave a nod back and returned to his clandestine meeting.

"Harry's been letting me win," he grunted.

Luna smiled. "I think he just watches you more than the snitch." Draco blinked and looked at Luna, who smiled. Draco snickered.

"It's a good thing you're on our team then," Ginny said. "We need the edge."

"Well, you're going to get it. Blaise bought me a Firebolt for Christmas," Draco sighed.

Ginny's eyes went wide. "Wow! A Firebolt! Oh, Merlin... he got you it to match Harry, didn't he?"

Draco nodded, a little red. He knew he shouldn't feel embarrassed about money, especially since the Weasley's had always been low on galleons. "I told him it was too much... but he wasn't having it."

"I bet. He told me that my present would come in a few months... whatever that means," Ginny said, with a sigh.

Draco was glad that Blaise was connecting with other people enough to get them Christmas presents. Draco had to explain gift-giving to Blaise when they started at Hogwarts. "You just have to wait, it sounds like. He hit Harry with a spell and said that was his gift," Draco laughed.

"A spell? What was it?" Ginny pressed.

"No idea. It hasn't activated yet," Draco muttered.

"Activated?" George asked.

"Yeah, Blaise is our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. He knows how to put delayed-trigger activation into curses," Ginny explained.

George blinked. "Huh... that's... I've never heard of that."

"Well, you did drop out," Ginny said, wryly.

George gave her the two-finger salute. "I love you, too, sis."

"Draco... what did you give Blaise?" Luna asked, though she looked like she knew, already.

They were linked, as well... in their own way. Draco now had three marks on him, more if you counted his scars. He felt a little embarrassed as he pulled back the sleeve of his grey jumper and showed the brotherhood bondmark on his right arm. Ginny and George's eyebrows rose up. As purebloods, they both understood immediately what it was. They had grown up hearing legends about blood bonds.

"That's blood magic," George stated, and Draco just nodded. "And it's permanent."

"Yep."

"Wow... you weren't kidding when you said that he was your brother," George said, meeting his eyes.

"Don't you need three? Wait...Theo, too?" Ginny asked.

Draco nodded. "I wanted to claim them as mine."

"They are yours," Luna declared.

"Permanently, now," George laughed. "Wow... that's some magic to pull off, too. You have to mean it. Who was your Bonder?"

Draco blushed. "I was."

"But you needed a wand to do the spell?" George pointed out.

Draco blushed and mumbled, "I'm... fairly proficient at wandless."

George seemed impressed. "Damn."

"Yep... and he's great for Harry, too," Luna said.

"And great for me now!" Ginny reveled, getting back to quidditch. "My team has a Firebolt, now, too."

"I even gave my old Nimbus 2001 to Theo," Draco said.

Ginny smiled happily. "Nice! We got some speed on our team as well as some skill."

"Some?" Draco scoffed.

"You guys are out of shape. Even Smith can outplay you all. Did you watch his last game? He could have easily scored another 200 points alone, if he hadn't been training his buddy Cal. I wasn't kidding about the training program, Draco. Cardio, weights, and proper diets."

"You do know that I'm not planning on being a professional quidditch player, right?" Draco said.

Ginny frowned, but Luna said, "Exercise is a potion-free mood lifter, Draco."

Draco gave her a look, and she smiled back. He frowned.

"No, it's not," George scoffed. "And you'd never get me to run."

"I wouldn't be so sure of that... Weasley," Draco said, smirking, and George smiled at him back. "You should have seen the Rottweiler she transfigured to run down Dean."

George laughed. "Still tormenting your ex?"

"He ran faster," she said with a smirk.

Harry finally came over and grasped his hand, interlocking his fingers with his. "You alright?"

Draco nodded. "Done plotting?"

Harry smirked. "I thought Slytherins never stop plotting."

"You are not a Slytherin, despite a few examples to the contrary."

"A few?"

"You... are a pure Gryffindor," Draco purred, into his ear. "A bleeding heart, noble, good-looking prat."

Harry blushed and said, "Oh, yeah?"

"Geez... do you two need a room? My bed is empty," George said, and Draco blushed, pulling away slightly.

"No, it ain't," Lee said, coming in from the kitchen.

Ginny gave Lee a look. "You were gone for a long time. Did you eat all the pie?"

"No. I had to swing by home," Lee said.

"Why?" Harry asked, suspiciously.

"Picked me up something," George said and accepted a small jar from Lee. "Late Christmas present."

He handed it to Harry, who raised an eyebrow. The jar had no labels, and Harry did not open it. He stared at George, accusingly.

"No, pranks, Harry. Lee and I made that... for us."

"Okay..." Harry prompted.

"To make it easier...."

"Easier?"

Draco went red when he realized what George meant. Who gives lube to someone else? Yeah... the Weasleys do, apparently. Luna squeezed his hand, for support. He murmured, "Harry, it's for...."

"Night activities," George loud-whispered, raising his eyebrow dramatically.

Harry went pale and then quickly blushed, too. Ginny straightened up, a little red, too, and glared at her brother, before she announced that she and Luna were going to bed. Luna gave Draco a hug and kiss on the cheek goodnight. Ginny punched her brother in the arm and just said goodnight, before they said farewells to everyone else and went upstairs.

Harry glared at George. "Really? We can get our own."

Draco was glad that he was driving the conversation, because he wasn't prepared for a response.

George held up his hands. "Hey, this is good stuff. It ain't just lube. It's got a healing salve built right in, so the... burn ain't as bad."

Harry raised an eyebrow. "How do I know that this isn't a trick?"

George sighed. "Listen, pulling pranks is one thing. Hexes and jinxes that don't last 'bout five minutes are jokes. If I did something to that and you use it... that ain't a prank and it ain't funny. I wouldn't do that to you... either of you. I swear."

"Okay, I'm sorry I asked, and you're right... it's not funny. I just wanted to make sure," Harry said, sternly.

George nodded. "I get it, but c'mon. You two have been dancing around each other since day-fucking-one. Fred and I used to joke that you two were so gay for each other. We used to do skits up in our dorm room. Malfoy, you're such a ponce! Your hair is so... blonde!" George said, in a mock shrilly voice, and Harry scowled.

Lee added, "Pottah, you're so lame! Your hair looks like pixies nest in it! Gawd, all I want to do is wash it!"

"Really Malfoy? All I want to do is wash you!" George drawled, and Draco blushed at the thought of them doing this during his fifth year.

"Punch me, Pottah!"

"No, kiss me!"

"Why don't you bite me," Harry growled, red.

George laughed. "Well, it's about time you finally realized it."

Draco was still red and avoided any of their eyes. He always knew that he was attached to Harry, but he had no idea when it started for Harry. Harry told him once that it was when they had walked out of Azkaban. Draco remembered that moment... smelling the cool sea air. He never thought he'd make it out of that place alive. But Harry had always watched him, so maybe it was from before that. Harry had set out on his rescue, without knowing that he had helped. He probably should probe Harry about that.

"Thanks, George. I do love him and have for a while," Harry admitted and took his hand. "But maybe we should head home? It's getting late."

"Worried about midnight?" George said, slyly.

"Yeah... and I have yet to give my present to Draco."

George smirked. "Oh, really? Is it you? Naked with a bow covering your-"

Harry blushed, again. "No!"

Draco just held his tongue. In truth, he was wondering if tonight would be the night, but he certainly wasn't going to mention that in front of other people.

"Just ribbing you. Happy Christmas, Harry. Be sure to bring Malfoy back to play some quidditch," George said, and Lee nodded.

"Will do. Goodnight, guys," Harry said and turned to Ron and Hermione, who got up to give them hugs.

"Happy Christmas, Harry... and Draco," Hermione said.

"Yeah, same," Ron said, giving them a one-armed hug. "I got another present for you guys, but it's at Hogwarts."

"Oh, thanks, Ron," Draco said, though he didn't think another gift was warranted.

Charlie and Percy said goodbye as well as they put their shrunken presents into their pockets and went to the floo. One winding, intense ride later, and they popped out at Grimmauld Place. Harry pulled him out of the fire and into his arms. He snogged him for a long time and stopped just to stare at him.

"Did everything go okay, Draco?" Harry asked, urgently.

"Yeah... there were some awkward moments, but we made it. Thank you... for worrying about me."

"No problem, Draco. But did you enjoy it?"

"Yeah, I did. Everyone was kind... welcoming."

"I'm glad. I really want you to fit in with everyone, and George... it was rough for me to talk to him, too."

"I had a great time, Harry. We got through it the awkward moments, and it was so... much like having a family. Christmas was nothing like that when I was growing up. Formal parties, emotionless present exchanges and so... quiet."

"Yeah, I could see that."

"How... was it for you?" Draco gently probed. They were going to see his muggle relatives tomorrow, and he wanted to be prepared.

"They had some decorations and family... dining, but I got nothing... or broken things. Most holidays, they just shut me in my... cupboard, after I cooked dinner," Harry whispered, shivering as though remembering being shunned and neglected. "Sometimes, they went on family trips and left me with the neighbor."

Draco pulled Harry into a hug. "I'm sorry, but we won't be alone ever, again."

Harry took a deep breath and squeezed him a little. "Yeah...."

"Are you really sure that you want to go see them tomorrow?" Draco asked, concerned.

"Yeah. One last time."

"Okay...."

Harry lifted his head to look at him. "Want to go up to our room?"

"Sure," Draco breathed. His heart was already pounding. Was tonight the night?

Harry took his hand, and they went upstairs to Harry's bedroom. They had only been home a few days and hadn't done anything beyond groping, really. Harry hadn't pushed him at all, but Draco felt like his skin was electrified when they got to the room. Harry kissed him, again, but didn't strip or take another step in that direction. After another few minutes of snogging, Harry broke the kiss.

"D-Do you want your present?" he asked.

"Yeah... I'll get yours, too," Draco said, and let go. He found his bag and pulled out the small boxes he had gotten for him. He felt a little nervous about it as Harry had brought up the topic of marriage, but he was still determined to give Harry his gifts.

Harry pulled out his gift. It was a beautifully wrapped box in silver and green. Harry had obviously put a lot of effort into making it look great. Draco met his eyes, and Harry was anxiously watching him.

"It's wonderful, Harry," Draco said.

Harry smiled. "I want you to be happy, Draco."

Draco kissed him and opened his present. "I am happy, Harry."

Harry's eyes were a little misty as Draco opened the box. Wrapped in silver foil tissue paper was a small album. Draco smiled, set the box down, pulled out the album and opened it. The first page was a photo of Harry and Teddy, then one of his mum. He turned more pages, and Blaise and Theo were in there. Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Neville and Luna were, too. They were all muggle photos, not moving and taken at Hogwarts. Draco stopped, tears brimming as he looked at one of Luna, charming tiny origami dragons to fly around her. He looked at Harry.

"It's... I love it, Harry. How did you...?"

"Keep it from you? You have your counseling sessions, class with Bill and tutoring Hagrid. I didn't just sit and sulk... well, I mostly didn't," Harry chuckled.

"Thank you, Harry. I can't believe they didn't tell me," Draco said, with a laugh. "Especially Blaise."

"He wants you to be happy. I know that for certain... but there's something else in your gift, too. Sorry... I did spend money on you, but it was worth it."

Draco nodded. Somehow it didn't bug him if Harry spent money on him as much as it did when Blaise did it. He picked up the box, again, and dug through the tissue paper to find another smaller box. But Draco stopped when he touched it, as his extra senses suddenly felt the spell work that was inside it. Strange as he hadn't noticed it or the spell work until now. He was intrigued and, had it not been Harry, he might have been worried. Draco couldn't tell what spells were inside, but could feel significant masking spells. He gave Harry a look, but Harry motioned for him to continue.

He pulled the smaller box out and tried to figure out what spells were on it, but Harry was waiting. He flipped the lid, and there was a two-tone necklace, braided gold and silver. Definitely styled towards guys, as it was a thicker, heavier chain. Draco smiled. It was beautiful. He had never been partial to jewelry, but this represented Harry and him bound together. Silver and gold, Slytherin and Gryffindor.

"Do you like it?" Harry asked, a little nervous.

"I do, Harry. It's elegant and very nice. I love it. You masked the spells... significantly. Is it a secret?"

"Not exactly... I remember what you told me about family rings... having protection spells. I... asked Bill what kind of spells I could put in it, including spells that make it... unnoticeable. No one else who isn't blood-related, can wear it, without immense pain anyway, and it has blood-letting protection and minor hex shielding."

Draco smirked at the irony, but looked at Harry. "You weren't going to tell me that you put a locator spell in it, too?"

Harry frowned. "It's... it's not that... I'll use it to control you. I made it so... it'll get warm if I activate the locator spell. So, you'll know. I just... I just am worried about if someone takes you, again. Hence, the excessive masking spells. If I hadn't told you that it was in there, you wouldn't have even noticed it."

Draco nodded and touched the necklace. He could feel the wards tune to him and key him to it. He put it on and felt wonderful around his neck, like Harry was comforting him. He kissed him.

"Thank you, Harry. You always take care of me."

Harry nodded, with some tears glistening in his eyes. "You mean so much to me, Draco. I'm sorry if it seems extreme."

"It doesn't... because... well... Bill helped me with my gift, too."

Harry chuckled. "Really? He laughed at me when I asked him about the necklace."

"I... took something of yours. Well, I asked Kreacher to get it for me," Draco paused and pulled out a small box.

Harry took it and opened it. Nestled in the fold of the ring box lay the Black Family ring. Harry looked at him, surprised.

"Guess we think alike. Bill and I... removed the curses on it. I just thought... you loved your godfather... and you could wear the ring as you're the head of the Black family, now. You can fully accept your godfather's gift."

Harry smiled and pulled it out. Draco had cleaned it up and resized it, too. It would fit perfectly. The Black crest was a pair of greyhounds facing each other on a field, with a sword and stars on a black shield between them and "Toujours Pur" on the bottom.

"Thank you, Draco. I guess we'll find out if you got all the curses?"

Draco bummed into him. "Bill and I tested it ourselves."

Harry nodded and slipped the signet ring bearing the Black family crest onto his finger. They suddenly jolted as the house itself creaked. A blast of fresh air ran through the room, and the floors and walls seemed to vibrate.

"Draco?" Harry said, alarmed.

But he didn't know what was happening either. But it was the Black family ring... maybe it was tied to the family house. Draco jerked, suddenly remembering something his grandfather, Abraxas Malfoy, had told him before he passed. The ancestral home is tied to the life force of the head of the family. Undoubtedly, Harry was full of life and promise, way more than Great Aunt Walberga, Uncle Orion or even his godfather, Sirius, ever was. Draco smiled and looked at Harry, now thoroughly alarmed and the fluctuations of the house.

"Draco?" Harry asked, again.

"It's okay, love. I should have thought that this might happen when the rightful owner finally places a family ring on."

Harry, still eyeing the vibrating walls, asked, fearfully, "What is happening?"

"Acceptance," he replied, simply.

The walls and floors shuddered one last time as they changed from the old, gray peeling wallpaper and the threadbare carpet to soft, beige walls and plush, silver carpet. The velvet drapes shimmered and changed to a clean white. The antique furniture got a face-lift, revealing a nice, light brown varnish, and the cobwebs disappeared on freshly painted, high loft ceilings. Even the light fixtures changed from coiled serpents to soaring dragons. Draco glanced down at the Black family ring and the crest had changed, too. The crest was now a lion and snake facing each other in a symmetrical pose with a soaring dragon on the shield.

Harry's jaw had dropped as he took in everything, and he finally met Draco's eyes. "How?"

"Magic. Evidently, I missed some spells, but I imagine that the ring was made when the Black's established their wards. They tied the house to their owner's power... and by placing the ring on your hand... you've accepted your role as the master of the house. Living here or even being placed in the will isn't enough to trigger it. The ring has to accept you as its owner."

"But... it's... crazy..." Harry stammered, still looking at it.

"It's magic, Harry. It's tied to your power, your life... your beliefs. Great Aunt Walburga couldn't wear it when her husband died, and your godfather couldn't at first... and probably didn't want to when he returned home. From the stories I heard about Uncle Orion, he was a weak, frail man and did what crazy Aunt Walburga wanted. The house started to diminish... and when he passed... it had no owner for decades. It was well-ready to accept a new master... you."

Harry came closer and took his hand. "Draco... thank you."

"I hadn't really believed that 온라인카지노게임... until now," Draco admitted. "But usually when a ring is passed from father to son, they often have similar beliefs, so there isn't much change. There also isn't usually such a huge break from when the family ring changes hands. But when the family dies... the heart of the house dies, too. People stop caring for it and everything falls to ruin... like what had happened here."

"That is... it feels so true," Harry said, as he looked at the signet ring. "This house has more than a new master, Draco. It has a family, a future. We're here now... and this ring has a lion and a snake on it."

Draco met his eyes, and tears welled, again. "Oh, Harry," he breathed and kissed him. Family....

They kissed for several minutes, and Harry seemed interested in taking off his clothes. Draco pulled back, and Harry asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong. I had another gift... since that ring was already yours."

Harry laughed. "Well, you fixing the Black family ring just saved us about 10,000 galleons in renovations, Draco. Not to mention... I would have never decorated the house this... awesome."

"Yeah, I didn't know it would do all this..." Draco chuckled. "...so, I made you something special, too."

Harry trembled and his eyes sparkled, again. "That sounds wonderful, Draco."

Draco handed his last gift to Harry, who tore off the paper and then flipped the lid off the box. Harry gasped and drew out a red rose in full blossom with no thorns. A smaller bud was just opening, branching off the main steam near the top, and a fern branching off toward the bottom Draco thought.

"Draco, it's beautiful," Harry said, twisting it in his hand to see every side.

"It won't ever die..." Draco whispered, just like his love for Harry would never die. "I know it's a bit... girly to give a flower...."

"No, it isn't," Harry insisted, getting agitated. "Guys can appreciate flowers too... and I do, very much." He kissed him and held back to stare into his eyes.

"Do you know what... it all symbolizes?" Draco asked, his face blushing.

Harry's eyes brightened, and he laughed, quietly. "No, I'm a terrible Herbology student... please... tell me."

Draco was shaking as he whispered, "The rose symbolizes romance, love and courage. The rosebud signifies beauty and purity of heart, and when it is thornless... it means love at first sight. Cause I was interested in you since that day in Madam Malkin's or, at least, the train to Hogwarts."

Harry leaned in to kiss him. "Draco...."

"Wait, love," Draco said, holding him back. "Last one... the fern means different things... but I think it means shelter, happiness and new beginnings. That's what you gave me, Harry. A new life... filled with happiness and love. You give me the courage, and you have the biggest heart of anyone I know."

Harry's shoulders dropped as he stared at him, dopily. "Merlin, Draco... that was...."

Draco blushed harder. He had thrown his heart into his words, though he didn't think Harry would throw it back.

"Bloody hell, I love you," Harry whispered. "And you're definitely the romantic one of us... geez... I feel like a ponce." Harry laughed and kissed him.

"Well, I knew that. But your presents were quite romantic, too, prat. You... all you want to do is keep me safe. I can't tell you how happy that makes me feel. And the photos... those are all the people I care about the most... more than life itself."

Harry shuddered and kissed him once. Then, he carefully set the rose on the table next to the bed. He turned back and took Draco into his arms. "Thank you... your gifts were unbelievable, Draco... my love."

Shivers went down his spine. Salazar, he loved hearing those words. He stared at Harry and wordlessly tugged at his new jumper. Harry immediately lifted it over his head, nearly taking off his glasses in the process. Draco followed suit and then his shirt. Harry waited. Draco knew Harry liked when he undressed him. He stepped forward and slowly pulled off his t-shirt and undid his trousers. Harry just watched and waited, as Draco lowered them to the floor. Draco did his, and they stepped out of the pile of their clothes, naked.

Harry stared, waiting. He always let him decide what they were going to do. Draco loved him for that, too. He steadied himself. "I... I want to try."

Harry took a deep breath. "If you want... but we can wait. Denkar... she said it... would be better if we waited." Harry lowered his eyes, guiltily.

Draco raised an eyebrow. It was the first time Harry had mentioned her, other than in complaint or in a declaration that he was ignoring or hated her.

"I... was worried," Harry admitted.

Draco nodded. "It's okay. I asked, too. We've been... getting used to it... right? So it wouldn't surprise me... or hurt. She said... using my other senses... would help keep me in the present. I brought some candles and a radio that will play the WWN. There's an instrumental station... we can turn to." The Wizard Wireless Network only had a few stations, but the instrumental one didn't have advertisements.

Harry nodded, looking nervous. "And you sure that you don't want to... just... top? I don't mind at all, Draco, I really don't."

"I'm sure," Draco said and walked over to his bag. He pulled out four of Madam Wickard's Ever-Changing Aroma candles and handed them to Harry. "Put those around the room and light them."

Harry nodded and put one on each side table and two on the dresser. As he was lighting them, Draco swallowed two large Calming Draughts vials and then pulled out the wireless. He set it on the dresser, too, and turned it to the station he wanted. It started playing a relaxing, Christmassy song, and Draco nodded. He really did love Christmas, now. Then he turned toward the bed, and Harry was there next to it, waiting. The music was just loud enough to hear... the candles put a nice floral smell in the air... the Calming Draught made him relax, but he was ready to try. It was Harry and he loved him.

He walked to the bed and took Harry's hand, pulling him into a kiss. "I love you, Harry James Potter... and we belong together," he declared.

"Together," Harry repeated and drew him back down for another kiss.

Draco was still nervous, regardless of the Calming Draught. He certainly didn't want to flashback, but he needed to overcome this... fear. He knew logically that the pit wasn't just going to disappear if they did do this, but he wanted to claim at least a small victory over those assholes. They tried to break him... and this was something he could take back. Of course, Draco had no idea if he could really handle going all the way. He had frozen up very badly the last time they tried to... try it.

He took a deep breath and stared into Harry's analyzing eyes. No, it will be fine, he told himself. They worked toward this. Harry had touched him there many times already, and he could get through it. The fear was just in his head, and he could control it, or that's what he told himself. He had to have faith that this would work, that he could handle it. He took another deep breath and realized that he had been standing there without saying anything for a minute or two. Harry was looking worried, now. Damn it, he swore internally. Now, he would have to talk Harry back into trying it.

Draco took a deep breath. The candles smelled like... apple pie, now. They were ever-changing and, hopefully, they weren't like Bertie's Every Flavor Beans as there were many things he would not like to smell. He murmured, "It's okay. I was just settling my nerves. I still want to try... okay?"

Harry grimaced, tilting his head and analyzing him. "It's been a long day."

"Don't say that. It's been a long four months since we've been together. It's all been leading to this, and I want to cross this... hurdle," Draco whispered, taking his hand. "Please... Harry. I want this."

Harry nodded, though his shoulders were tense. "Okay, we can try. How about we... work our way there? Just do normal stuff and then... try?"

Draco breathed a sigh of relief and kissed him. "Perfect, that sounds great, Harry. I trust that you will take care of me. Trust me... that I love you and that I'm not going to..." he broke off. Damn fear. He just had to remember what Luna said... about conquering his fear... and its power would be gone. But he wasn't sure how he could get over it.

"You don't have to explain, Draco. Even if it gets tough... it's going to be alright. I'll be right there if something does happen, if it gets too much... I'll be here for you, I promise. I'll bring you back," Harry said, squeezed his hand and brought it up between their chests to kiss it. "We love each other, and we are connected, now. Soulmates. You won't get trapped in your head. Just believe that, okay? Believe that I will always be here to rescue you, like you are always here to rescue me."

Draco's heart fluttered. Salazar, Golden Boy knew exactly what to say. He felt stronger, stronger than he had in a long time. He thought of today: his new bondmark, Teddy running and catching the floating wrapping paper, Harry calling his mother mum, Ron giving him a hug, accepting him completely, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley warmly welcoming him to the family, connecting to Fleur so easily, Luna's smile as she held his gift, connecting to George and lastly, and most importantly, of Harry. His brilliant smile, his protective nature, his beautiful eyes, his determination to make him happy... and his love for him. Now, Draco was sure that he hadn't had a happier day in his whole miserable life.

He was ready. And he wasn't going to wait until Harry made a move. So he laid down on the bed and pulled Harry with him. Harry fell half on his stomach, but he braced his arm up, so he was only draped across his body. His bright green eyes met his, and Harry shivered in anticipation. He wanted this, too, and was so patient with him. Draco was sure that Harry could have handled going all the way a long time ago. But he had waited for him to be ready. Harry reassured, comforted and helped him get here, to this moment. Draco couldn't have gotten this far without him. He reached up to touch his face as Harry leaned in.

"Draco..." Harry slurred and then snogged him until he was out of breath.

"Harry," he breathed, after Harry finally released his lips. He wanted more, so he flexed up to connect more.

"Shhh... just relax, Draco. Let me take care of you..." Harry whispered, as he moved down to nuzzle his neck. "We'll go so slow... we'll take our time. Just breathe and let me do all the work, Draco, please?"

Draco groaned as Harry's lips attacked his neck. His body was trembling from his onslaught, and more as Harry's hands started massaging his sides and stomach, too. He swore as Harry's fingers went lower and found his sensitive cock, teasing him with gentle caresses. His nerves were settling more and more as Harry's fingers ever so lightly went up and down his shift. With each touch, bolts of electricity shot through his body until Harry upped the ante and squeezed his tip.

"Fucking hell, Harry!" he swore.

"Breathe... we have time, Draco," Harry said, his mouth still against his skin. His hand was only lightly gripping his shaft.

Draco had no desire to wait and bucked against his hand. Harry laughed and lifted it higher out of his immediate reach. Harry lifted his body to go back to Draco's lips, kissing him, again.

"Patience, love. Slow... is better, okay?" Harry pleaded as he stared into his eyes.

"Urgh," Draco grumbled, but knew he was right.

He allowed Harry to work his way down his chest down. His lips worshipped every part of his body, while his fingers and thumbs made little circles across his skin. Holy Morgana, Draco thought and was sure that Harry could get him to explode just from doing this. He moaned loudly as Harry suddenly attacked his nipple and squirmed under him.

"Haaaarrrry," he slurred, from the delirium.

Harry just looked up at him from above the rim of his glasses with a smile as he switched to his other nipple to torture him more. Draco was practically howling from assault and wantonly thrusting his hips upward, trying to connect to something. He was begging Harry to stop... kinda... but not really. It felt good, but it was almost too much, from a sensual standpoint. Finally, Harry let go and left a trail of small hickeys down his stomach. His breathing was heavy as Harry moved his body down, settling in between his legs. He gently extended them out, and Draco's cock was erect and now between him and Harry.

Draco's heady breaths got faster as Harry's head moved closer to his weeping shaft. He sucked in a breath as Harry licked the tip. More precum came out, and Draco whimpered as he watched Harry's lip spread over his prick. He slowly swallowed him, and Draco had to ball his hands into fists to keep from exploding. It felt so good as Harry's tongue pressed against him swirling and circling. He whimpered as Harry lightly sucked, and he was gently thrusting up into his mouth.

"I'm going to..." Draco warned, and Harry slowly pulled off his dick, popping slightly when his mouth came off. "Merlin... I'm ready, Harry." He made to pull his legs up and turn over, but Harry stopped him.

"Draco...."

"Please, Harry, you prat... I'm going to come if you keep going!"

"Hold on. Wait, love. Just... let's try it... with you... on your back," Harry whispered, staring up at him as he hovered above his prick.

"You mean like this?" Draco said, confused.

"Yeah... so we're facing each other," Harry suggested, as he lifted his hand to rub the inside of Draco's groin.

Draco's grey eyes widened, and wondered if it was possible. All he knew about sex was that he was always face-down on the mattress or thrusted in-between two people. He grimaced, but shook those thoughts out, focusing on Harry. And his partner seemed certain about it.

"It'll work. It's a little harder, but... you will enjoy it," Harry assured him, as his hand continued to keep his blood up by caressing his soft skin.

Draco just stared into his eyes as goosebumps spread across his body. He was already imagining how... intimate it would be. He'd be staring straight into Harry's eyes... and, therefore, Harry would be staring directly at him, too. He'd see everything, as well. There would be no hiding anything from him. If fear or pain appeared on his face, he'd see it immediately. Draco didn't think that he could control his expressions that well in the middle of it. Harry would ask what was wrong, and would want to talk.

Draco was dubious, now. "I don't know... if you... see something...."

"Trust me, Draco," Harry urged, as he kissed Draco's narrowing V-line. "I won't stop or refuse to continue at every hiccup. But listen... this way... there won't be any miscommunication either. We can go slow and let you adjust to each step, okay? We don't need to rush anything. You can watch me... see me. I-I think it'll be easier... for you."

Draco bit his lip, but nodded. "Okay, Harry."

Harry smiled and lowered his head to take in him, again. The little talk they had had, pushed back his climax a bit, but Harry was riling him back up, as his head bobbed up and down, before noisily releasing him, again. He whimpered at the loss.

"And you call me a sadist?" Draco said, panting.

Harry chuckled. "Wanna summon the lube? Sorry, I didn't think to grab it first."

Draco smirked, and then magicked the jar that George had given Harry over from their bags. He handed it to Harry. His hands, remarkably, were not shaking. He still wanted this.

"We have the other lube. Are you sure you want to try this?" Harry asked, still unsure of George's present.

But Draco shook his head. "I trust your family, Harry. We can use it."

Harry nodded and gave his tip a lick, again, and Draco hissed in both annoyance and pleasure. Harry's finger scooped a good amount of the viscous gel up. He lifted up and planted his knees to spread Draco's bent legs further out, butterflying them. Draco took a deep breath, but stayed focused on Harry. Their pricks were near touching, but Harry wiggled his hand underneath them and found his clenched hole. Harry just rubbed the outside of his entrance, and Draco continued to take deep breaths. They were back to where they left off nearly a month ago.

Draco briefly closed his eyes to settle his nerves, again. Harry loved me, he told himself. He was happy, and no one could hurt him anymore. He opened them to stare down at Harry's brilliant emerald eyes. He slowly unclenched, and Harry's lubed finger sunk inside. Harry smiled, and slowly circled and pushed the lubed finger inside him.

"So, good, Draco. You're doing so good. Just breathe," Harry urged, and Draco nodded and kept the steady rhythm.

It felt different than the last time. It didn't ache or burn nearly as much, but it was just one finger. Draco gave into the sensations and rolled his hips in rhythm with Harry's finger thrusts. Harry was taking a long time to stretch him with just one.

"Harry, hurry...."

Harry nodded and quickly pulled his finger out for more lube and pressed two digits inside. He didn't rush the thrusts, but he tried not to touch that spot, the prostate. Harry wanted to be in Draco for their climax as much as Draco wanted him inside of him. His fingers deftly scissored and pressed, making his hole wider, ready. Blaise had told him that it was necessary... and Harry was making sure it was done properly. Draco groaned as Harry pushed them in deeper to prep him. Damn, he could explode right, now, but Harry slowed down, sensing how close he was.

Draco growled, "Fucking hell... just do it! I feel great!"

"No, we need to do three... please?" Harry pleaded. He was so desperate to make it as easy as possible for him. He kissed his naval, with his fingers still inside of him, twisting and turning.

"Fine..." he grumbled, trying to calm down.

Harry slowly pulled his hand out and, for a third time, lubed his fingers and his prick, for good measure. A little excessively, but Harry wasn't taking any chances. Slowly, Harry pushed three fingers inside and what little pain Draco felt instantly vanished. It felt so good. He didn't want to lose the feeling, either. Harry went quicker this time, but thoroughly explored his anus with his fingers. Holy Salazar's split ass... Draco had never been touched like this before. It felt so good, but he wanted Harry in him... the right part.

"Haaarrrry," he moaned, again.

Harry didn't pull his fingers out, but stretched his body and kissed him, roughly, as his fingers continued to finger-fuck him. "I'm going to move you into position, Draco, okay?" he whispered when he let go.

"Yes," he breathed, smelling a sweet citrus smell. He hummed, wanting nothing more than for Harry to continue.

Harry's free hand lifted one of Draco's knees up and bent it up toward his chest, rotating his ass up, too. "Good, hold your leg there, with your hand, okay? Sorry, I just want to do this right... slow."

"Okay?" Draco said, and at least now he understood what Harry intended to do.

"We can try it like this... or you can pull your other leg up? It's up to you. And after... I'm... umm... in, you can keep them here, or wrap them around me. Just so you know, your back might be a little sore after, too."

Draco stared and just nodded, though he really didn't know what Harry meant. He was getting annoyed with the talking, though. He was past ready, and Harry was stalling.

"Draco... is this okay?" Harry pressed, his fingers still buried inside of him. "I-I just want to make sure. I've never done this before."

Draco sighed. "Holy-fucking-Merlin, Harry. You're doing fine. Now, shut up and fuck me."

Harry's eyebrows rose up and he laughed. "And I thought I was the crass one?"

"No, you're the one who talks too much."

"I think you have that backward, my love," Harry chuckled.

"Just... go for it, Harry? Please? You're winding my anxiety back up."

"I'm sorry. I just wanted you to know... okay? I'm going to pull my fingers out and rotate your other leg up. Then... I'll... press in," Harry said, still determined to trudge through it verbally.

"Fine. I'm ready," he said, trying not to let his mind wander. Thankfully, the candles changed to lovely lemongrass aroma.

Harry slowly pulled his fingers out, and his cavity ached at the loss. Harry lifted his other leg up to his chest and raised his hips higher, bringing Draco's hole in line with his prick.

"I'll go slow," he whispered, and Draco nodded. Now, he was shaking a little, and Harry could tell. He brought his hand up to cup his face. His fingers cradled his jaw as his thumb caressed his neck. "Focus on me, Draco."

Draco breathed hard as Harry's tip pressed in. He took slow, controlled breaths and willed himself to relax. He wasn't sure if it was working, though, but Harry slowly slid further in. The pads of Harry's fingertips continued to press into his jaw, not painfully, but enough to remind him that they were there. As Harry pushed in further, the burn and ache that came, faded quickly. The lube was working, better than Draco had thought possible. It didn't hurt, and he let out a breath of relief when Harry bottomed out. He was seated inside of him.

He had done it. They had done it... well, most of it, but he thought... maybe the hard part was over? He didn't have to worry about the pit. Crap, he thought as he tensed up. Don't think about it. Don't think about it, he told himself, trying to stave off the memories. They're dead. They're gone. They don't control me. He could just hear their voices... smell the blood and piss... remember the pain.

"Draco," Harry called and pressed his fingers in a little harder into his cheek. "Open your eyes."

Draco did, slowly lifting his eyelids, as he hadn't even realized that they had closed. Harry's green eyes were filled with concern as they searched his face. Draco was relieved that Harry hadn't pulled out in response. He didn't want to go through that anticipation. Harry was giving him time to adjust.

"Breathe... a deep breath. Focus on me, okay?" he whispered. "Use your senses...."

Draco nodded and took deep breaths. He could smell the candles, again, and they were a cool, refreshing wintergreen. He could feel Harry's fingers pressed against him, and he could hear the Carol of the Bells lightly playing in the background. He stared back into Harry's eyes. They were hypnotic... drawing him in. There was no darkness, no hate in his partner. There was only love and safety. He was home, and his breathing returned to normal. Harry bent him further, curling his legs to his chest, and reached his lips for a long kiss. Draco didn't hesitate to kiss him back either. He kissed him until they were both gasping for air.

"I love you, Draco. Stay with me, okay?" Harry whispered, staring down at him.

"Always...."

Harry waited for a slight nod from him to continue, before he gently pulled out some and pressed back in, setting a slow pace. Draco moaned... Salazar's dead ass... it felt good. Harry's hand slowly pulled away from his face to support his weight more. Draco remembered what Harry had said, and he wrapped his legs around him, opening his groin more. Harry still kept his slow, arduous rhythm though he was panting hard from the effort. He was just hitting that spot, tantalizingly, but he wasn't driving it in hard.

Draco whispered in between his thrusts. "Harry, love... I'm okay... go faster...."

Harry nodded and upped the pace slightly. He stared down into Draco's eyes and didn't break contact as he slowly pumped in and out. Draco stared back, locked staring at him, as their ragged breaths gasped out in synchronized rhythm, despite his bent position. He could see how much Harry wanted to know that he was okay. Harry wasn't even going full force, but it was enough. It was all Harry felt comfortable doing, and Draco was fine with that. He met his thrusts perfectly, their bodies connecting like they were meant to be together. Harry finally adjusted a little bit and hit the sweet spot dead on. Pleasure rocked through his body as his climax ramped up.

His eyes glazed over as Harry went faster than before. Draco barely could whisper, "It's coming... Harry...."

"Hang on... hang on for me, love," Harry gasped, covered in sweat, as he continued to pound the spot harder and faster. He leaned in to kiss him one more time before he groaned, "I'm here, too."

Harry's strong hand wrapped around his prick and started pumping him. Draco clenched up, and Harry gasped under the pressure. He felt Harry explode inside of him as he came, too, over their chests. His toes curled with the force of his orgasm, and his sight sparkled black. He was panting heavily and shaking as he slowly came down from his climax. He slowly opened his eyes as Harry pulled out of him and carefully lowered his legs to the bed. Harry dropped next to him, but didn't touch him, despite looking like he very much wanted to.

Harry seemed unwilling to break the silence, and couldn't help but reach out and touch his shoulder so slowly and carefully. Draco turned slightly to look at Harry, before leaning in to kiss him. He felt Harry's body relax immediately, like he was waiting on tenterhooks to know he was okay. Draco let go and wordlessly cleaned up the mess. He smiled in thanks, but then Draco rolled back onto his side, pulling Harry's arm over him, so Harry was behind him. He magicked a sheet and a light blanket over them. Harry needed little prompting to wrap his arms around him and pull him back into his chest. Draco wanted to cuddle. It was the last thing needed a perfect round of sex.

Harry kissed his shoulder and let him calm down, as he was still breathing heavily. He stayed focused on the smells, the music and, of course, Harry. Harry's arms hugged him tightly, and his body was spooned up against him. His hands were splayed protectively across his chest, and his legs were intertwined with his. Draco's breaths were slow, deep in and out. He had done it. He had finally gotten through that last barricade without slipping. It had come close, but Harry kept him grounded in the present and focused on his senses. But really, it was his eyes staring down at him with love and devotion. Draco loved it so much, and he wasn't afraid.

"Draco? Are you okay?" Harry finally whispered, unable to keep silent any longer. He sounded a bit scared, actually.

"Yeah, love. I'm great. No bad stuff, thank you," he assured him and leaned his head back to kiss Harry's cheek. "You... were amazing."

"So were you. I'm... glad it went well," Harry murmured, kissing his shoulder, again.

"Me, too. I know you were worried, but please... please believe me when I say that I'm okay... that you were great... that I feel great. I mean, I'm barely even sore. My back hurts more than my ass... and it's not too bad."

"I just... needed to make sure. Your happiness is everything to me, Draco," Harry said, and his fingers went up his neck to his chin, caressing him.

Draco turned his head to kiss him, again. "Thank you, Harry. I know how protective and how loving you are. It's what I love about you the most. You always take care of me, and no one has ever made me feel so happy... so loved."

"You're my life, now, Draco. My family... my one true love," he said and kissed the back of his head as his fingers tickled him a little.

Draco blushed a little. "Way to get sappy on me, Potter, but you are mine as well. I'm sorry it took this long to get here."

"Draco... don't be sorry. I had awkwardness to get through, too. And anger... and guilt... and a whole bunch of other things. We're both a bit broken, but maybe... together... we can be whole," Harry whispered and kissed him, again.

Draco smirked. "Alright... who are you, and what did you do with my boyfriend. You are entirely too... romantic tonight."

Harry's fingers tickled ribs a little, and Draco giggled. "Says the one who gave me an everlasting flower filled with romantic undertones."

Draco elbowed him in the stomach. "Shut up. Merlin, you're prat."

"I went from love to prat real quick there," Harry laughed, but squeezed his sensitive spots a little tighter.

Draco smiled and gave him another kiss. "You'll always be my love... and you're a prat."

"Git. I love you, too. You sure you're okay, though?" Harry asked, again.

"Perfect. Thank you... for... well...."

"Making sweet love to you?" Harry offered.

Draco nudged him, again. "Shut up. But I know you were nervous, so I do appreciate it... and for being so... considerate."

Harry kissed his head, again. "Only the best for you, my love... my forever. I will always be here for you."

"Thank you, goodnight, my partner."

"Sweet Dreams, Dray."

Draco rolled his eyes. "You always did like living dangerously. What if someone broke in, Harry?"

Harry snorted. "I'd still stop them," Harry said and then jolted, surprised.

Draco looked behind him. The taboo hadn't activated. Weird.

"Hey... I said Dray... twice. So, why didn't Blaise's curse trigger? Maybe it stopped working?"

Draco humphed. "Great, so everyone can call me Dray nwth... fook. Whadack." Draco then let out a sigh and swirled his tongue with discontent as it had been a while since he had activated the taboo himself. Harry laughed at him.

"It still works, then? Wait... hey!" Harry almost shrieked, trembling with happiness. "Blaise-he-he hit me with that spell, today!" Harry said, happily, and then a big smile crossed his face. "He... he let me call you Dray... for his present." Harry's eyes watered as he looked at him and then kissed him. "I love you, Dray."

Draco could only kiss him back, as he couldn't do much more, but he was glad that Harry was happy with his presents.

Aww!! Super cute and happy! A great present for you all for being gone so long! Sorry, every time I tried to write this chapter, it didn't sound right... but I think I got down the way I wanted. Sorry for being like a month late for the Christmas chapter! lol!

For those who missed my announcement, there's a Zawley teaser posted in my other work "prompts, one-shots and shorts" or something like that. I didn't want you all to be deprived so long, lol. I originally was going to do this as a two-parter, but this stood alone well enough. I just had to get over my desire for having the sex scene in Chapter 80 for the pure irony of it. So, be glad I didn't end it on a cliffhanger after they exchanged presents.

But I do have half of 80 written so far... so I hope I get back into a schedule? Meh.

Ta ta!