Healing Draco Malfoy

Published: 6/5/2025

Happy birthday Draco Malfoy!

Had to play fast and loose to get this done in time. Probably a bit disjointed and unedited, but it's a double chapter!

Christmas was like a dream that Draco had long forgotten. Since his fourth year, his parents stopped celebrating it. Christmas break was spent wooing favor with father's Death Eater friends. He couldn't even remember what presents he had gotten in the years before that. He remembered wrapped gifts, many... but the whole process was so formal. His father was easily stoked. There weren't many happy memories he had left of his childhood.

"Draco?" Harry asked as Draco stared at the Christmas tree in the den.

"Yeah?"

"You, okay?" Harry asked, putting some final touches on the tree.

Harry had dragged him, Blaise and Neville outside and found a nice fat tree to cut down. Then he magicked it home, cleaned and put muggle lights on it, using magic to keep them lit. Then, the kids came over to help decorate the tree earlier that day. Harry went to the muggle store and bought every Christmas ornament and decoration that he could find: garland, tinsel, a star for the top and hundreds of ornaments and hooks for them.

He seemed so enthusiastic that Draco had to smile. Was this Christmas? The house elves had always decorated. Everything had looked so perfect, symmetrical. This tree was not, but it was beautiful. Harry had to explain to both Neville and Blaise what he wanted to do, as they weren't used to doing it either. But they all had jumped on board. Harry had the kids working on gingerbread houses, and Ron and Hermione were overseeing them.

"I don't know. Is this Christmas?" he murmured, trying to settle his feeling of uncertainty.

"Yes, well, Christmas Eve, Draco. Sorry if you're getting overwhelmed. Do you want to go to your room?"

"No... I just... I don't remember anything like this. Kinda resetting my expectations."

"Let it snow! Let it snow! Let it snow!" belted out a muggle mugglebox that Harry had also procured.

"Kinda went all out. I wanted to make it special... for you," Harry said, and Draco hugged him.

"It is, Harry. Even if I have to listen to these Merlin-awful songs!" he said with a laugh.

Putting ornaments on the tree had been amusing, especially with Hugo and Rose running around the tree, too. Harry insisted that he use a ladder to put the ornaments on the top on, much to Draco, Neville and Blaise's confusion. Magic was not allowed, apparently.

"Did your parents never celebrate?" Harry asked.

"It was a quiet affair. No songs... eggnog?" Draco muttered, staring at the weird drink. "No laughter or happiness. Sure, I got gifts... but it wasn't this...."

"I'm sorry... can I...."

"No! Everything's... wonderful, Harry. Thank you... I like... this... I like seeing you happy and dorky."

"Hey!" Harry said.

"Dorky... and cheesy... and sweet. I like your version," Draco said and leaned in to kiss Harry. "It's wonderful, Harry. I think Neville and Blaise like it, too. Blaise didn't even celebrate Christmas at all growing up, and Neville... well... Blaise said that Neville's gran kept it minimal, and Neville always just went to St. Mungo's every year to visit his parents instead of celebrating. I can imagine it'd put a damper on his Christmas spirit."

Harry nodded, somberly. "I never had a Christmas... before Hogwarts. I would just watch my cousin get gifts and I had to clean up and make breakfast and dinner. I always wanted to... have someone... family, friends to celebrate with."

"You do, Harry. We can listen to these terrible muggle chants, decorate the tree, and make cookies and biscuits. We can start our own traditions, now, and we'll do them every year. I'll say "Yes, dear" to all your crazy ideas."

Harry's smile grew bigger, and he kissed Draco again, hugging him. A loud screech broke them apart. Draco and Harry turned to see Rose and Hugo looking at them.

"They were kissin' like mumma and daddy!" Hugo said. "Kissin'!"

"K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" Rose sang, and they started running around the couch singing, much to Draco's chagrin and amusement.

"Uncle Harry and Uncle Draco sitting on a couch! K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First comes love! Then comes marriage! Then comes a baby and baby carriage!" they sang, taunting.

"Rose! Hugo! What are you doing? Stop yelling!"

"But mum! They kissed!" Rose insisted.

"It's not the first time, sweetie," Hermione said, laughing.

"It's the first time in front of us!" Rose pointed out and then hugged Harry and him. "I'm so happy for you!"

"Me too, Unca Harry and Draco!" Hugo said, climbing on the couch and wiggling in between them.

Draco looked at Harry to respond to the attack of cute children, and he was red but smiling. "Thanks, kids. I love Uncle Draco very much."

"Unca Harry has been so much happier since you started came around, Unca Draco," Hugo proclaimed.

"I'm much happier, too, Hugo," Draco said, and bopped his nose with his finger.

"Hey! That's my nose, Unca Draco!"

"No... it's my nose now!" Harry said, and fake-grabbed Hugo's nose and ran off with it.

"No! Unca Harry! Give me back my nose!" Hugo shouted, laughing as he got down and ran after Harry. Rose laughed and chased him, too.

Harry and the two kids ran through the kitchen and back to the den, earning shouts of encouragement from the other adults. Harry dropped onto the couch again, and Hugo jumped onto him and wrestled Harry's hand open to get his "nose" back. Hugo pretended to put it back on. Rose climbed into Draco's lap to watch.

"Are you going to really be our uncle?" she said.

"I hope one day. We still have a ways to go," Draco said, hugging her. "I'd love to be your uncle."

Harry gave him a smile and loudly whispered to Hugo, "You know, Uncle Draco has never made a gingerbread house before?"

"What! No!" Hugo said, aghast and turned to Draco. "Come on, Unca Draco... they're ready to be decorated and assembled! But no eating, mum said so!"

"And he listens for once!" Hermione said from the doorway. Weasley was next to her, with a gingerbread cookie in hand. "Don't eat that, Ron!"

"Dad! We can't make houses if there's a bite of cookie gone!" Rose scolded.

Ron sighed. "Well, we better get crackin' or I might just eat all the gingerbread!"

"No!" Hugo said, horrified. "Come on, you can help me make one, Uncle Draco!"

Draco allowed himself to be pulled off the couch and dragged to the kitchen. It was certainly weird decorating food and assembling a make house with his fingers. He didn't always have the best dexterity, but Hugo helped him create a few lopsided houses. He looked at Blaise and Neville making one, too. His best friend seemingly engaged in the operation with fierce determination and arguing about the best way to decorate it with Neville, who dabbed some frosting on his nose. Blaise laughed and did it back. He was smiling widely... more than Blaise had ever smiled before.

Draco looked at Harry, who was challenging Rose, Ron and Hermione to a building competition, and all of them were letting Rose win. Harry was so happy.

Draco decided that this was going to be his-their new traditions... he wanted family and laughter. Fun and play, and most important... love.

***

Unbridled happiness filled Harry as he watched Draco build gingerbread houses. Draco was coming more out of his shell, and it was wonderful to see. Hugo was so proud of his house but then cried when it collapsed. Draco calmed him down, and they rebuilt it and another one.

"Alright, kids... we have a big day tomorrow," Hermione said.

"Father Christmas is coming. You grumpkins don't want to miss him, do ya?" Ron joked, and the kids scrambled to get their stuff.

"We had a great time, guys!" Hermione said, packing their houses up for the journey home.

"Thanks... I'm glad you guys came over, again. I never made... gingerbread houses," Blaise said, and Neville nodded. They managed to create three mini houses from the gingerbread Harry and Hermione had baked for this night.

"Thanks... it's been a really fun Christmas Eve," Draco said, standing beside Harry.

The kids never over to hug them, and Harry said, "We'll see you tomorrow night, okay? But Blaise and Neville are going to his family's house. So, give them a big Merry Christmas, okay?"

Blaise wasn't expecting a full-on attack and Neville had to save him from falling. "Thanks, kids! Merry Christmas to you, too!"

"Merry Christmas, Uncle Blaise and Neville," Rose said, hugging both of them.

After several more goodbyes and hugs, they flooed home. Blaise helped him clean up. Neville set up the houses they made on a buffet table against the wall. He cast a ward on them, too.

"There... Christmas-y," Neville declared.

"Sorry if I inflicted the Christmas spirit on you guys."

"Yes, it was terrible, Potter," Blaise said, magically washing the dishes they used for the construction and the dinner they had had before.

"Stop," Neville chided his partner. "It was really fun. I... I liked it." He looked to Blaise, as if it was his decision on the matter.

"As did I. It felt like... family," Blaise said, not meeting their eyes.

Neville went over to hold him. "We are family. Draco is brother, and so is Harry."

Harry came closer to him. "Adopted families are sometimes closer than any blood relation we have. Ron and Hermione have been my siblings for over a decade now. I'm glad that I can consider you both as family, too."

Draco walked over to him and whispered, "You all are saps...."

They laughed, and Blaise and Neville took their leave and went upstairs. Draco was looking to his bedroom, maybe to change.

"Draco?" Harry asked.

"Yeah?"

"I... I wondered if... if you... umm..." Harry rambled, embarrassed.

"What's wrong?"

Harry took a breath. "Before you change, would you like to come with me to see... my parents? L-Last year... today... was my first time visiting their graves. I kinda... want to go. I know it's cold."

"That's what heating charms are for. Of course, I'll come with you," he said, Summoning his cane.

Harry found a coat for him anyway, and took him outside and Apparated to the graveyard. He cast a warming charm and guided him to their graves, holding his hand. Harry felt so embarrassed by how he had acted the last time he had been here. He knew they were watching... the Resurrection Stone proved that. He crouched down, cleaned their graves and conjured a wreath, like Hermione had done the first time. He mumbled through an apology for how he acted before. Draco probably heard him, but then he stood up.

"This is Draco... he's my... everything. He's helped me get better... heal," he announced.

Draco smiled and took Harry's hand. "I love him... and I'll take good care of him, I promise you that. You made one hell of a son. A hero... a healer... he saves people when they can't save themselves."

Harry's eyes watered, and he kissed Draco. They didn't stay long. Just long enough to wish his parents a Merry Christmas before they Apparated back to Blaise's house. Harry stripped Draco to his boxers, and Draco looked at him like he wanted to do the same. Harry nodded. Draco's fingers were trembling as he took off Harry's Weasley sweater and then undid his trousers and let them drop to the floor.

Harry was down to his boxers and undershirt, which he usually slept in. Draco bit his lip, and slowly touched the hem of his shirt. He looked at Harry, unsure if he should continue. Harry didn't know what to say and stayed still. Draco didn't do anything. Silence is not consent.

"Green?" Draco whispered.

Harry breathed and murmured, "Yellow."

Draco nodded but didn't move. "We don't have to... I just... never asked. This is fine, Harry." Draco let go and made to turn away to the bed.

Harry grabbed his hand. "Please... I just... I don't want to talk about it. But you can...."

Draco looked at him and squeezed his hand. "We won't talk about... anything under this shirt. But you're beautiful, Harry. We aren't what they made us. Scars are just a mark of our past... our journey, nothing more. You've seen all of mine... you healed mine. If you're not ready...."

"I'm ready. I... I want to work past this... please..." he whispered as though only Draco could decide to take the step.

Draco again took ahold of the bottom of Harry's shirt and slowly lifted it up and over his head. Harry wouldn't meet his eyes. He didn't want pity, but Draco leaned forward and put his head against his.

"You're beautiful no matter what, Harry," Draco said and kissed him. "Come on, let's get in bed."

Draco pulled Harry over and laid down first, scooting to the middle. Harry wasn't sure what was happening. Draco wasn't looking... wasn't prodding him... and he stayed standing.

"We aren't... you're not gonna...."

"What, Harry?"

"You're not going to ask?" Harry said.

Draco grimaced. "Harry... you very clearly said that you didn't want to talk about it. I respect that... and you. If you changed your mind... then... I'm fine with that, too. Boundaries and expectations are supposed to be respected, Harry."

Harry nodded and laid down next to Draco. He put his head on the same pillow, and their faces were inches from each other. "Thank you, Draco. Sometimes... I forget... that."

Draco took his hand. "We've been abused by so many people over the years... sometimes... it's hard to remember that."

Harry cried and leaned in to hug Draco. "I love you so much, Draco."

"I love you more, Harry," he responded with a chuckle. "Merry Christmas...."

"Merry Christmas, my love."

****

"Cozin Draco! Thank you for the gift!" Teddy Lupin said, holding a large Hungarian Horntail model dragon that would actually fly around and roar. Thankfully, it did not blow flames. Harry thought the gift was cute, and he said his own goodbyes to Teddy.

"You're welcome, little man," Draco said, and turned to his aunt with a slight head bow. "Thank you for inviting me, Aunt Andy."

"Oh, posh on that pureblood mannerisms," Aunt Andy said and hugged him. Draco yipped a little in surprise, but Aunt Andy let go to cup his face. "We're family, nephew. Family doesn't demand signs of respect."

Draco had tears in his eyes. "Thank you... for... accepting me... after everything."

She smiled. "I have another present for you. It's... it's meant for Teddy... when he's older... but if you would carry it... until he becomes of age."

Draco's eyes widened as Aunt Andy passed him a small box. "Aunt Andy?"

"It was Ted's... Teddy's grandfather... and then Dora's... and I just want someone to give it to him, in case... well, I'm not a spring chicken, my boy. It would make me so very proud if you'd carry it until Teddy is ready... emotionally for it."

"I'm ready," Teddy insisted at age seven, but Aunt Andy patted his head and told him he was too young.

Harry was teary-eyed as Draco carefully opened the package. It was an old, worn watch, not unlike the one his adoptive mother, Molly Weasley, had given him. Draco's hands were shaking, not from weakness but emotion. He carefully put it on his left wrist and strapped it on.

"I will wear with... honor and pride. Thank you for entrusting something so precious to me for safekeeping. I will make sure Teddy understands its hi온라인카지노게임... and importance," Draco said solemnly as if accepting a sacred quest.

Aunt Andy smiled. "I think we should start a weekly dinner night, Draco... and Harry. Would Monday night be too much of an imposition?"

Draco looked at Harry, and he shook his head. Draco said, "I would really enjoy that, Aunt."

She smiled and hugged Draco and whispered just long enough for Harry to hear and ignore. "Thank you for bringing Harry back. I was getting quite worried. I'll see you... shortly, at the Weasleys, though we shan't be staying long."

"Thank you, Auntie," Draco said, and Harry got his goodbyes in, too, before they left for home.

Harry collected the presents for the children and Weasley's, but Draco was barely moving. He sat on the couch and stared at his wrist the whole time, processing.

"Hey... you okay?"

"She... she gave me this... heirloom... something that belonged to her husband and daughter who were cast out of our family for being... not pure. I was a part of that."

"Not really, that was your parents and grandparents' decision, but you're not part of that anymore. And remember that she was a part of that too, Draco. She grew up a Black, just like Sirius. You don't think she had to conform to that role growing up? She learned it was wrong and choose to leave it when she became an adult... and I'll remind you that there wasn't a war going on back then. So, don't think she can't relate to what you went through in your parents' home. People can change... learn... grow... heal. She's reaching out a hand to tell you that she accepts you."

Draco cried and hugged him. It took several minutes before Draco let go. He went to clean himself up, and as they were about to leave, Blaise and Neville came home from the hospital.

"Sorry, just picking up gifts and heading out," Blaise said, gathering the gifts that they had. He looked at the remaining gifts. "Hmmm... we'll have to do our tomorrow."

"Or New Year's Day?" Neville suggested. "Theo will be here."

"Sounds good," Harry said, and they gave Blaise and Neville a Christmas hug before they flooed over to Neville's grandmother's house.

"What about... us? I... want to give you yours tomorrow."

Harry smiled. "What a coincidence... my gift is for tomorrow, too." He kissed Draco. "I hope you don't mind."

"I'd rather have too many family obligations than opening our presents on Christmas," Draco laughed, but then looked nervous. "You're sure that I... I'll be accepted at the Weasleys?"

Harry had had to reassure Draco several times since the invitation came. He hadn't officially met Ron's parents, Charlie or Bill. Draco was particularly worried about meeting Bill Weasley. Harry had to tell him over and over that the Weasleys don't hold anything against him. Harry even owled Bill to ask and showed Draco Bill's response. Draco agreed, though he was clearly uncomfortable with it.

"I won't leave your side, I promise," Harry said. "This is my first time seeing them too... since... they found out about everything. But we'll get through it. Joel left a Calming Draught for us both."

Draco took a deep breath and took the vial, along with Harry, and they headed over. The house was in chaos with three children running around and now nearly twenty adults. Mrs. Weasley came over and threw her arms around Harry first.

"Merry Christmas, love!"

"Thanks, Mrs. Weasley..." Harry said.

"Harry, you're not a child anymore. I think you graduated to Molly."

Harry wasn't sure he felt comfortable with that, but turned to Draco. "This is my partner, Draco."

Mrs. Weasley didn't grab Draco but held her arms out as though sensing he was skittish. Draco obliged her, and she gave him a big hug. She let him go but held his hands. Though Mrs. Weasley had come to the hospital with the kids, they didn't really talk.

"You are welcome here, Draco. You are a part of our family now. I would love to talk more with you, but dinner isn't going to make itself," she said, and hugged him, again whispering something into Draco's ear that Harry couldn't hear before she went off.

Ron and Hermione came over, though they were interrupted by Rose and Hugo, introducing their cousin Victoire to them.

"Here's our Uncle Draco! He's in love with Uncle Harry!" Rose declared, and Harry laughed at Draco's embarrassment.

"Uncle Harry! You have a partner now!" his niece Victoire said. She was almost seven.

"I do, little one. Go on, kids, we'll play in a second. Teddy should be here soon, too."

"Teddy! Teddy!" Hugo screamed, getting an admonishment from his parents.

"Draco... glad you could make it," Ron said, offering a hug to him, which he accepted. Then he lowered his tone. "But I should warn ya, Percy's fiancée is here. Mum will shut her up quick if she says anything. She's on thin ice cause of... what happened back in... what March? But I'll chuck her out if she even thinks wrong things."

Draco looked confused, and it dawned on him. "Clearwater."

Harry grimaced. He had forgotten that she would be here. "Draco... I'm sorry... if you want to go...."

"I'm okay. She doesn't have any power over me and technically didn't do anything to me. Let's just... heal the rift, alright?" Draco said, taking his hand.

"Thanks. Percy's not one to stay long either, so we got that."

Draco nodded and gave Hermione a hug, too. "Merry Christmas," she said.

Harry took Draco over to Charlie and his partner, Vodnik, who both gave him a warm welcome and a Merry Christmas in Romanian. Bill and Fleur were more difficult, but she was nursing their toddler, Gabriel. Bill stated outright that it was in the past and scars don't bug him. Draco offered his sincere apologies for it, though.

Thankfully, that interaction was broken up when Teddy and Aunt Andy arrived, causing the kids to scream like wild banshees again. The four of them ran up to George's old room, who was watching his two-year-old. His girlfriend, Lisa Turpin, was talking with Ginny and Angelina by the Christmas tree. Harry slowly guided Draco around to met them all. Ginny was smiling like a loon and whispering some no-doubt embarrassing things into Draco's ear. Draco laughed and nodded to something she said.

Angelina gave Harry a big hug and said that she'd kill whoever it was, if he asked. He thanked her, and they chatted for a bit about the upcoming season. Draco actually read the magazines Harry left for him and was able to ask Ginny about her plays and matches, which Ginny and Angelina were all too thrilled to discuss. George was telling the kids about a bouncing white ferret when Harry and Draco came upstairs.

"And the ferret wiggled and ran around, tickling everyone that he could, before the great transfiguration professor turned him back into a twitchy blonde git," George said, and the children laughed.

"Unca Draco, were you really a ferret?" Hugo asked.

"Cousin Draco is a ferret!" Teddy asked, and Victoire looked at him, too.

Harry was about to say something when Mrs. Weasley called for dinner. The kids poured out the door down the steps, and Draco and Harry had to press against the wall to avoid being trampled.

"Easy there, Malfoy... the kids might run you over," George said, picking up his toddler. "It's nice to see you, not being a git anymore. No hard feelings, eh?"

Draco nodded. "I'm sorry about... how I acted in the past... especially toward your very loving family. I don't think like that anymore."

"None of us do, Ferret. Come on... mum's dinner is the best.

They set up a kids' table in the den, which Draco was all too happy to be relegated to. George, Lisa, Ginny and Angelina were also at the table, along with the five youngsters, though George's son was in a high chair. Fleur's baby was in a bouncy chair. Draco gave Harry a look of happiness as they plowed through the food.

After dinner, Percy said that they were heading out. He greeted Harry as he was heading to the floo and then nodded to Draco, but Penelope stayed back, glaring a bit, before she tersely said, "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," Harry replied, gripping Draco's hand.

Percy glared at his fiancée and took her home. Harry thought that went somewhat okay. Draco seemed to be fine. The adults decided to only give presents to the kids this year, though Harry and Draco exchanged gifts with Ron and Hermione. The kids ripped through their presents like sugared-up pixies and screamed happily with their gifts, the adults crammed into the den. When it was over, they started dispersing back to the kitchen and outside.

Hugo and Rose were presenting Draco, their new favorite uncle, with all their new toys and art supplies. Victoire wanted to know more about him, and Teddy climbed up into Harry's lap to ask him if Cousin Draco was a ferret.

"Dad said he was!" Hugo insisted.

"But he ain't now! He's not a ferret. It's make-believe!" Teddy responded, pouting.

Draco turned to find Ron, who was watching. "Well, I might be willing to change into a ferret... but you have got to be careful, okay?" Draco said, and gave Harry a wink.

Harry's mouth opened. "Draco... maybe you shouldn't...."

"What's the magic words change into a ferret, Hugo?" Draco asked.

"Bibbidi-boddidi-boo!" he shrieked, loud enough to draw everyone's attention.

Suddenly, Draco was transforming... shrinking down, his clothes turning into white fur and his body elongating. He was a white ferret, again

"Draco!" Harry gasped and quickly picked him up. "Are you serious?"

"No, he's a ferret," Ron said, laughing as Hermione glared.

Draco, ferret Draco wiggled out of Harry's hands and jumped onto his head. The kids went crazy, laughing and pointing at Uncle Draco. George was on the floor, laughing hysterically. Everyone poked out to watch Draco the ferret ran around on Harry's head. Hugo was next, and Harry carefully put Draco in Hugo's hands, making sure he was sitting down when Draco started to crawl all over him. Hugo was laughing and petting Uncle Draco as he jumped into Rose's outstretched hands.

"He's so cute! Can we keep him?"

"No!" Harry and Ron said.

Draco squeaked and tickled Rose, too, climbing all over her. Teddy and Victoire happily got a turn, and the excitement finally wore down. Draco climbed up Harry's leg and into his lap. Ferret Draco kissed him and laid down on his chest. Ron performed the counterspell, and a full-grown Draco appeared in Harry's lap. Harry groaned from the unexpected weight.

"I like Unca Draco as a ferret," Hugo said, now decidedly sleepy from all the excitement.

"I like him better like this," Harry said and kissed him, earning some laughs and gasps from the crowd.

Draco sighed. "Me too. That was hard work."

"I think someone wants a massage before bed," Harry murmured.

"Yeah and maybe..." George started but Ron whacked him.

Harry chuckled. "Let's get you home."

Harry started giving goodbye hugs to his adopted brothers, whom he rarely saw. Aunt Andy, Teddy, Bill, Fleur, and their two children left first. Then Charlie and his partner left with George, Lisa and their son, as George had an extra room. Draco was helping Hugo get his coat on, but Hugo and Rose hugged him tightly. Mrs. Weasley came up to give him a hug.

"That's a fine man you found, Harry. You need to bring him around more often."

"I will Mrs..." Harry faltered. He couldn't call her Molly. "I... I was wondering... if you'd mind... I mean, the kids call me uncle... and Ron and Ginny have been my brother and sister forever... could I call you... I mean... you're the one who's been there for me... as a mum... and...."

"Harry... if you want to call me mother... or mum... I'd be honored. I've always thought of you as an honorary son anyway," she said and pulled Harry into her arms. He started crying. He should have asked her years ago for this. Having a family was his deepish wish, but of course, he was being stupid. They were always his family. His family who had went to war with him... fought for him....

"Thanks, mum," he whispered as he hugged her back.

"As your mother... you better start visiting more and telling me all your problems," his new mum said.

Harry laughed and let go. "I'll get right on that." He turned to Draco, who now had two partially unconscious children up against him. "Might need ideas for a proposal soon."

His mum squeaked but controlled herself. "My last child... finally found someone. He's a remarkable young man. It was a nice thing he did for the kids. He's really good with them."

"I think he'd want kids, but I mean... after everything... I kinda gave up hope."

"He'll be a great father," she said, as Ron lifted his kids out of Draco's arms one at a time.

Draco got up and bowed respectively, "Thank you. This was the best Christmas I've ever had."

"Oh Draco, thank you for coming. You're always welcome. Merry Christmas," she said and hugged them both.

They said their goodbyes and flooed home for an exhausted sleep.