Embracing the Real Us

Author Note: I KNOW I KNOW!! This took forever, but hey, when you're in college....you have little or no free time, at least I don't anyway, but here it is, and the next one will be up as soon as I can write it......oh the sweet sweet REVENGE....muahahahaha. Don't mind the sinister laugh, I swear I'm only up to good things....*Die Ron...DIE!!* Where did that come from....??? Hmmm....
Much love to all my reviewers, I won't make you think the chapter is longer than it is by responding to all of you....hehe.

KEEP REVIEWING!!! I HEART YOU ALL!

~M

Disclaimer: I'm not stealing, I'm BORROWING, now, go away you silly policemen...I don't need you.



Christmas

Draco stalked through Diagon Alley with just two days left before Christmas. He still had not found the perfect gift for Harry, and it infuriated him that he hadn’t seen Harry all break. Finally he gave up looking around there and headed out to Muggle London. He dropped into Ravish to see Kaelyn who was ecstatic when she saw him.

“Draco!” She screamed and rushed over.

“Hi Kaelyn.” Her smile faded and she looked at him carefully.

“What’s wrong? What’s happened?”

“I need your help.” He stated dramatically.

“Of course, anything.”

“It’s so horrible. I can barely describe it.”

“Draco, what is it?”

“I’ve lost my will to shop.” He cried before falling to the ground clutching his sides in laughter at the look on her face.

“Faggot.” She mocked.

“Dyke.” He stuck out his tongue at her. “But seriously, I can’t find Harry a present, and I need your help.”

“Harry?” She arched an eyebrow.

“Don’t be daft.”

“Alright, fine. Let’s see, he’s got plenty of clothes…”

“Obviously. I just can’t think of a proper gift, I’ve too many other things on my mind.” Kaelyn laughed and dragged him out of the store.

“Alright! This is our mission. Find a present for Harry. Simple? No! Tell me about Harry, Draco.”

“Snakes…piercings…green…” Since Kaelyn was a muggle, he couldn’t very well talk about the baby, or anything magical for that matter either…

“Alright then…Oh!” She cried, her eyes lighting up as if a light bulb had gone off in her head. She nearly dragged Draco off his feat and into a jeweler’s. Once inside she immediately went looking for the emeralds. Draco grinned when he saw so many gems the color of Harry’s eyes glittering at him. He looked over the selection unsatisfied until his eyes landed on a particular ring. It was a white gold double serpent ring, with the two heads meeting on the top. On their backs, a large selection of the scales were replaced by emerald chips.

“Excuse me sir, I’d like to purchase this ring here, do you know if it’s a size ten?” The blonde asked of the older bespectacled man behind the counter.

“I can tell you right now that it is.” He said pulling it out of the glass case and placing it on the counter. “The man who sold it to me said that it’s over two hundred years old and was created as a symbol of a love that was forbidden, and the two lovers died alone, kept apart because their love was taboo and unlawful at the time.” Draco stared down on the ring and knew it was perfect for Harry.

“I’ll take it.” He said quietly. The white haired shop owner placed the ring in a box and rung Draco out. Kaelyn followed silently.

“It’s beautiful Draco, he’ll love it.” She said happily after they’d left.

“Yes. I want to get him something else too.” Draco said, thinking of the baby.

“Did you have something in mind?”

“Maybe, thanks for your help doll, I think I can take it from here now.” She looked at him oddly.

“Are you hiding something from me Draco Malfoy?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He said regally before turning and walking in the direction of the nearest Hot Topic UK. He entered the store and immediately went to the wall of baby clothes. A smirk formed on his lips as he looked over the various infant bodysuits. After a moment he started picking out his favorites, which included one that said, “Does not play well with others” with Shock, Lock and Barrel from “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” and one with a skull and crossbones on it. Others included one that had flames shooting up the bottom, and one that said, “Rancid Drooligans” on the front. He also grabbed various baby beanies and cashed out. However, as he left, he still felt like something was missing from Harry’s presents. He felt the ring in his pocket and went back to the jewelry store he purchased it at.

“Hello again.” The older man said when the bell chimed.

“Afternoon. I was wondering, could you inscribe this for me?” Draco said removing the box from his pocket.

“Yes. Just fill this out with what you want it to say.” He said handing Draco a sheet of paper. A moment later Draco handed it back along with the ring. While the shop keeper went into the back to work on it, Draco perused the rest of the jewelry cases. He came upon the more unique pieces and found himself drawn to a necklace in the shape of a heart. Upon closer inspection, the heart showed to be formed of two winged dragons meeting at the nose with their tails entwined at the base. Draco fell in love with it immediately and knew Harry would adore it.

Twenty minutes later Draco was leaving the shop with his new purchases in hand. Smiling he made his way back to the Leaky Cauldron to floo back to the manor.

Morning came, bringing with it a frenzy of gift wrap and boxes in Severus’ living room. James and Severus had given Harry numerous gifts for the baby, even though he was barely two months along, and many for himself. The two older men were shocked at the gifts they received from their son, Severus receiving the Kama Sutra and for James an album compiled of all the photos Harry had of himself over the years.

“Harry, this is amazing, thank you son.” He had said with tears in his eyes.

The three had a light lunch in preparation for the evening ahead of them at Malfoy Manor. Harry could hardly wait to give Draco his gifts. He had searched for weeks trying to find something perfect for him. He was practically giddy in anticipation. He held Draco’s most important present tightly in his arms as they flooed to the manor. Harry practically tumbling out, and would have fallen if our blonde hero hadn’t caught him.

“Hello love.” Draco smiled.

“HARRY!” Layla screamed.

“Hi Lay.” Harry chuckled before pulling Draco to him in a kiss.

“I’ve missed you.” Draco whispered as they pulled apart.

“Where’s ‘Mione?” Layla said worried.

“She’s not here yet?” Harry asked. Draco shook his head. “She said she would be here when I arrived. Layla why don’t you floo call her, maybe she’s running late.”

She jumped in front of the fireplace and placed the call. She didn’t receive an answer and nearly panicked. Harry’s face fell knowing that if no one was there, and they weren’t here at the manor then something must have gone wrong, he only wished he knew what.

“Harry? What if something’s wrong? What if something happened?” James and Severus looked at each other, worry written all over their faces.

“Layla dear, I’m sure there is a reasonable explanation.” Narcissa offered.

“I would say so, for instance, maybe I wasn’t at my parents today?” Hermione said laughing as she stumbled out of the fireplace. Layla immediately ran to her and wrapped her arms around her girlfriend.

“Don’t you ever scare me like that again, do you hear me?” Hermione held the other girl tightly.

“Hey now. I’m right here, fine as can be, no need to get all worked up.” Hermione tried to soothe the crying teen.

“I thought something horrible had happened to you, like you were in the hospital and I didn’t know. I was so scared.” She sobbed. Hermione tightened her arms around her girlfriend.

“I know baby, I know. If anything were to happen, my parents have strict instructions to call you and Harry immediately, you know that. It’s going to be fine sweetheart.”

“Alright, now that ‘Mione’s here, I say we move onto something more cheery and festive, no need to be depressed on Christmas.” Harry smiled.

“Presents?” Draco offered.

“Dinner.” Narcissa corrected, causing Harry to giggle and Draco to smack him upside the head.

“Hey now, I’m delicate!” Harry laughed. Narcissa raised an eyebrow. James’ eyes grew wide. Severus, seeing his husbands face, took hold of Draco’s shoulder.

“A word Draco, if you wouldn’t mind.” Once in the hall, the older man turned on the teen. “You haven’t told your mother yet have you?”

“Not in so many words no.” Draco mumbled. “She’d kill me, Sev.”

“I suggest you do so, immediately, or James, Harry and I are leaving and not returning until you’ve done so.” Draco gasped.

“Fine.” Draco dragged his feet back into the other room. Harry gave him a questioning look. Draco looked at him sadly and then eyed Narcissa and he understood what was going on. His eyes fell, worried that Draco was ashamed of the baby. Severus stood next to James who was very worried. Layla and Hermione looked furious.

“Draco Corbett Malfoy!” Layla shrieked.

“I know, I know! Mother, there’s something I’ve been dreading having to tell you.” Narcissa eyed her son carefully.

“And are you going to tell me? Or do I have to guess?”

“Well, it would be blatantly obvious after some of the gifts I have for Harry….”

“Draco.” The older Malfoy said sternly. Harry looked on with his arms across his chest.

“Fine….YouknowhowJameshadHarrywellHarrygotthatgeneandnowHarryandIarehavingababy.” Narcissa again raised her eyebrow; having caught barely three coherent words in that jumble Draco called a sentence.

“Care to run that by me again, but slower Draco?” Harry and Layla chuckled as Hermione beamed at the blonde. Draco looked at Harry in panic, he most definitely did not want to have to repeat that. Harry stepped up.

“Narcissa?”

“Harry.”

“What are your views on grandchildren?” She eyed him carefully, Harry could practically see the wheels turning in her head.

“Draco Corbett Malfoy!” She scolded a moment after everything clicked into place.

“Alright! Alright! I knocked him up.” Harry burst out laughing and hugged his boyfriend. “I didn’t mean to.”

Narcissa stared at the two young men carefully. She wasn’t sure if she should be angry or thrilled at the prospect of being a grandmother. Her mind drifted to how much fun it would be to spoil the little one and how much fun it would be to aggravate Draco, so she opted for thrilled.

“Draco. I expect you to do the right thing and marry Harry, I will not have my grandchild born out of wedlock.” Draco looked at his mother warily, realizing that she was up to something. The glint in her eyes gave it away.

“Well, actually Narcissa, we hadn’t really discussed it.” Harry interjected, hiding the panic he felt at the thought of marriage.

“I don’t care what you’ve discussed, no child in this family is going to be born out of wedlock, I simply forbid it.” James and Severus tried, and failed, to contain their laughter. Harry and Draco stood in shock, this was not the reaction they had been hoping for.

“Now, come, it’s time for dinner, Harry you will sit by me.” She said, taking hold of Harry. Once her back was turned she smiled mischievously at the dark haired boy. It was all Harry could do to not break down in fits of laughter.

“I don’t know what I was expecting, but it was most definitely not this.”

“What, this cold, uncaring, Lucius, kind of attitude.” Layla asked. “I must say Draco, your mother is one hell of an actress.”

Realization hit Draco and his jaw dropped. He couldn’t believe his own mother was playing with him. He stormed into the dining room and took his seat next to Harry.

“She’s playing with us!” Draco exclaimed in a hushed whisper.

“I know that.” Harry replied. “What do we do about it?”

“Follow my lead.”

“Mother, I was thinking that you’re right, Harry and I should get married, but, I think it would be a good idea if I were to move out of the manor and into my own place with Harry then, I was thinking somewhere close to Hogsmeade would be best.” Draco said casually, causing Narcissa to stop her fork mid air with her mouth wide open.

“I agree, that way we wouldn’t be a burden on any of you with a screaming infant and all.” Harry continued. Narcissa dropped her fork on her plate and looked at the boys.

“I think not. If you think for one minute that you are going to keep that baby away from me you are sorely mistaken. You will be living here, or with Severus and James, I intend to spoil that child for all I’m worth and you will not take that away from me.”

“Why Mother, I didn’t realize you were so excited about a grandchild.” Draco mocked. The Malfoy matriarch just glared at her son.

“Harry, you need to eat more.” She said before piling more food on his plate.

As the dishes were cleared away, the group made their way to the living room to exchange gifts. The four teens sat themselves on the floor as the three adults sat comfortably on the couch.

“Who wants to go first?” Narcissa asked. Harry stood and pulled out the gift he had gotten the older woman.

“I got you a little something Narcissa.” He said as he handed over the carefully wrapped gift. She smiled up at him before opening the package. Inside was a dark mahogany music box that, when the lid opened, played a beautiful rendition of Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata.

“Thank you Harry, it’s beautiful.” Narcissa then moved to hand out the gifts she had purchased for her guests. To Layla she gave a collection of books on herbs and all the different uses for each one in detail. She beamed up at her cousin when she saw the rather large bone for Gelu, who was sleeping a corner. For Hermione, Narcissa had purchased a silver necklace, the pendant in the shape of a bat, the body of which was made of a large black onyx gem.

“It’s amazing Narcissa, thank you so much.” Hermione smiled gratefully. Next the older Malfoy moved to Severus and James. Mischief evident in her eyes she handed them one package. James opened it and fell to the ground laughing, dropping the gift in Severus’ lap.

“Cissa, I do believe you and Harry should have conversed before purchasing our gifts.” Severus said blandly. Harry’s eyes grew wide.

“She didn’t, did she?” Severus held up the offending book and Harry joined his father on the floor in fits of laughter.

“Great minds think alike, is that not true Harry?”

“Oh yes, I think it is.” Harry said, composing himself. Lastly, Narcissa handed Harry a small package. His eyes widened as he opened the box inside.

“It’s tradition Harry, it was given to me by my mother in law before Lucius and I were married, and now I’m giving it to you.”

“But you didn’t-“

“I know. But it was blatantly obvious you weren’t going anywhere this summer, and from the letters I get from Draco…” She smiled down on the teen as he picked up the gold ring from the box. Set in it was a rather large princess cut emerald with two square diamonds on either side. Harry immediately put it on the ring finger of his right hand. Then he stood and hugged the older woman, much to her surprise.

“Alright, my turn!” Layla exclaimed. Harry and Draco groaned, fearful of what their exuberant friend had found for them.

“Don’t worry boys; I was with her while she was shopping.” Narcissa laughed. First, Layla handed James and Severus their gift, which turned out to be nothing more than a photo album with never ending pages.

“Thank you Layla.”

“Of course.” She replied, turning to Harry and Draco. “This is for both of you.” She said with a smile. The two boys began opening it and looked inside the box to find hundreds of nappies and large safety pins with snakes on them. Harry started laughing while Draco glared at her.

“Oh there’s more.” The auburn haired witch smiled sweetly at them. Draco dug deeper in the box and discovered a little pink snitch, fluttering madly.

“Wishful thinking Layla? We don’t know if it’s a boy or girl.” Layla raised an eyebrow at him.

“Actually Dray, darling, we do.” Harry said guiltily. Draco’s head snapped around to look at his boyfriend.

“And when were you planning on telling me?”

“When I got here, and then we had to tell your mother, and I forgot, I’m sorry love.”

“How did Layla find out before me?”

“‘Mione I suppose, she was there when I found out. Are you mad?” Draco grinned at him before knocking him to the ground and kissing him madly.

“We’re having a girl?” The blonde finally asked.

“I thought that was obvious by now.” Harry mocked.

“Right then. On with the presents.” Draco commanded causing the room to erupt in joyous laughter. Narcissa beamed down the two, her face practically splitting in two. Layla handed Hermione her gift finally and Hermione tenderly unwrapped it. Inside was a glass picture frame, carved into soft waves and gentle curls, much like wind would if it were visible. Inside, was a picture Harry had taken in early October, Layla was seated behind Hermione, the brunette’s back to her front. Layla’s arms wrapped lovingly around her as both were smiling contentedly with their eyes closed.

“Thank you my love.” Hermione said before standing. “I’ll go next.” She offered and started handing out her gifts. Harry and Draco opened their gift to reveal a book of baby names. Harry took note that she had dog-eared several pages for them. James and Severus opened their gift of matching pink t-shirts that had the words “I’m a Granddaddy!” in bright red letters on the front. They all couldn’t help but laugh at the look on Severus’ face.

“If you think I’m ever going to wear this in public…”

“You will when she gets here, I guarantee it.” Narcissa countered. Narcissa then opened her gift which was a collection of Shakespeare’s sonnets. “I’ve never heard of him Hermione, who is he?”

“One of the best playwrights who ever lived, I think you’ll love him.”

“Alright, who’s up next?” Draco asked playfully. Severus then stood to hand out the gifts he and James had purchased together.

“Remind me when your birthday comes around to return the favor for that delightful book Cissa.” He smirked down on his friend.

“Of course Sevvy, I will do just that.” She smiled back sweetly as she opened her gift. Under the wrapping was a thick velvet cloak died in swirls of deep forest green, dark brown and pale sky blue. She felt the magic running through it and looked up expectantly at Severus.

“Protection spells mostly, just in case.” He said before turning to the two girls seated on the floor. To each they gave a locket with their joined initials engraved on the outside. To Draco they gave a book on contraceptive methods. Draco blushed before giggling like mad.

“Should I go next love?” Harry asked the blond.

“Please do.” Harry handed Hermione her gift first. With the help of many people at Hogwarts, Harry had made another photo album for Hermione with pictures of every one of the professors, and some students, at Hogwarts, pictures of just about every inch of the castle and grounds, and many pictures of the four of them together, happy. She nearly burst into tears when she looked through the pages.

“Only you Harry, would be so girly that you would give me something like this.”

“I don’t plan on losing you any time soon, but I knew you’d love it either way. Besides, I spent all my money on the blonde behind me.” Harry laughed. Next he handed Layla a small box. Inside were a pair of ear-rings made of silver and in the shape of wolves, that happened to be charmed to change position randomly.

Then Harry turned to Draco. The smiling brunette handed the blonde two packages. Draco went for the big one first. Inside was painting Harry had made of himself, just in case he said. Draco nearly cried at the thought of not having Harry around. In the second Draco found a ring of white gold, plain except for the fact that it had a single word inscribed on the inside, “Yours.”

After Draco composed himself, he stood to hand out his own gifts. For Hermione he bought a journal, plain until she lifted it from the wrappings and it immediately inscribed itself with her name on the cover. For Harry’s fathers, he got Severus a box of rare ingredients he knew Snape would love, and for James, he’d purchased a book all about father son relationships he’d discovered in a muggle bookshop in London. As he’d already given his mother and Layla their gifts, the only one left was Harry. First he handed Harry a large box.

“This is more for the both of us, but I saw them and had to get them.” He muttered as Harry tore through the wrapping and started giggling like mad when he began to read the fronts of the bodysuits. After Harry had shown everyone what they said and the giggling ceased, Draco gave Harry his next gift. Inside the box was the necklace, to which Draco was given a long kiss.

“This is the last one Harry.” Draco said as he reached in his pocket and pulled out the small box. Draco knelt in front of Harry and looked into his eyes.

“I was already planning on doing this before my mother so rudely ruined my plans.” Draco opened the box and took out the ring. “But, even though we’re only sixteen, and still in school, I love you with ever fiber of my being, and I always will. Harry, will you marry me?”