A Love So Belated
folder
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
44
Views:
46,675
Reviews:
358
Recommended:
1
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
44
Views:
46,675
Reviews:
358
Recommended:
1
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter 24: Shared Madness
Chapter Number/Total: 24/44
Chapter Title: Shared Madness
Words: 3635 Words
Harry walked through the fairy-lit hallway, heading toward the door where someone was knocking. There were fairy lights covering the wreath on the door, too, and they were chattering as he pulled it open. He grinned widely when he saw who it was.
Draco stood on the front step, wrapped package in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other. He smiled at Harry. "Happy Christmas," he said, having to resist the urge to add "baby" and lean in for a kiss.
"You're the first to get here," Harry told him, standing back to let Draco in. "The others will be here soon, but not for a half hour, I think."
Draco stepped inside and glanced about, leaning forward for that kiss after all.
Harry smiled against his lips, kissing back. "How's your mum?" he asked, relieving Draco of the wine and glancing at the gift. He began walking toward the kitchen.
Draco followed, his gaze moving to his lover's arse. He always felt this way around Harry. He felt out of control, like he had to have him all the time. That could prove to be the most difficult part of the day -- having to pretend they were just friends.
Harry looked over his shoulder when they'd actually made it into the room. "She's doing that well, eh?" he teased, grinning.
"Oh, she is fine. Sends her good wishes, too," Draco answered, blushing at having been caught staring.
Harry snorted, placing the wine on the counter. The kitchen was warm and smelled of pie and turkey cooking in the oven. Kreacher was actually humming carols to himself as he worked.
"Let me take your cloak," Harry offered, stepping up to help Draco out of it.
Draco felt silly that he trembled just from the simple touch, but he did.
Harry threw the cloak over his arm and then looked at the package again. "What's that?" he asked with a smile, raising an eyebrow.
"Just a small gift," Draco answered, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Oh," Harry said, nodding, but the smile just came back.
Draco suddenly felt nervous, but nodded too. "You can open it later if you like," he said.
"Well, whenever you want," Harry told him happily. "Would you like to open mine now?"
"Do we have time before people arrive?" Draco asked.
Harry looked at his watch and sighed. "Maybe not," he said. "You are spending the night, aren't you?"
Draco's heart sped up and he nodded. He hadn't known if Harry would be too busy with friends for that.
Harry smiled again. "Good," he said. "We can open presents tonight then." He walked back around Draco, heading up the stairs. "Come on," he said. "We can put that in my room and I'll put your cloak away."
Draco eagerly followed his lover.
Harry made a quick stop at the coat closet and then headed up the larger staircase to the upper levels of the house. He walked into his bedroom, stepping aside for Draco to enter, and then took the present out of his hands, lying it atop his chest of drawers.
Draco smiled at Harry, wanting to take him in his arms but not knowing if it was the right time to do that.
"I hope you like what I got you," Harry said, closing the distance between himself and Draco as he slipped arms over his shoulders.
With that, Draco sighed in relief, hands immediately going to Harry's waist and lips to his mouth.
Harry's eyes slid shut and he kissed back.
Draco pulled him close, wanting the warmth of Harry's body pressed against him as he slid his tongue into his lover's mouth.
Slightly caught off guard, but of course, not really surprised, Harry relaxed into Draco's arms and pulled him tighter at the same time as they fell backwards onto the bed.
"Mmm," Draco hummed as Harry brought them down. Touching and tasting Harry was enough to turn him on, but finding himself suddenly on top of him made his head swim as he pressed his arousal against his lover.
"Fuck," Harry gasped quietly, rubbing himself against Draco.
"I want to," Draco complained, pressing a knee between Harry's legs as he nipped at his chin.
"Let's just come before they do," Harry panted, reaching for Draco's cock with his hand while rubbing his own against the other man's knee.
"Oh, Gods," was all that Draco could respond to that, one hand tangling in Harry's hair and the other reaching for his cock as well.
Harry groaned with approval. "Gonna fuck tonight," he gasped, still arching.
"Yes, going to fuck," Draco agreed, stroking Harry through his trousers. "Tell me how," he encouraged.
Harry hissed, his neck arched as he concentrated on his own hand moving. "Gonna fuck you," he breathed. "Gonna press you into the bed and fuck you."
"Yes, your thick cock inside me, stretching me, filling me," Draco gasped, getting close.
"Fuck!" Harry let out, getting close himself. He imagined Draco's arse around his cock, the way it looked, and he couldn't hold back anymore. He arched up one last time and came, moving his own hand faster, firmer.
"Yes, yes, yesssss!" Draco managed, coming now too, fingers pulling hard on Harry's hair as he did.
Harry groaned, bringing his arms around to hold Draco as they both trembled.
Draco panted, rubbing his face against Harry's as he shuddered through the aftermath. "I am crazy about you," he confessed.
Harry stroked Draco's back with a shaky hand. "I must confess the same," he replied.
Draco laid little kisses over his lover's face. "Good," he whispered, "shared madness is much better."
Harry smiled. "Much, much better," he agreed, and leaned up to capture Draco's lips.
Draco returned the kiss, slow and thorough this time.
"Mmm," Harry hummed softly, still passing fingers through Draco's hair. They lay there like that for several minutes, until there was the sound of pounding against wood.
Harry sighed, slowly pulling his mouth from Draco's. "There they are."
"Better clean up first," the blond teased.
Harry snorted as he moved to sit up. "Yes, I reckon spooge isn't a suitable accessory."
They got cleaned up and Draco tried to fix his hair, which Harry always made nearly as messy as his own.
Harry smiled at Draco as the knocking continued. He kissed him one last time before rushing off down the stairs to get the door.
When he pulled it open, he was met with the sight of a smiling Mr Weasley. "Happy Christmas, Harry," he said, stepping inside. Mrs Weasley was next, her arms laden with dishes.
"Oh, happy Christmas, dear," she said, bustling in and then right down the kitchen stairs.
Harry smiled amusedly after her.
Ron came in next with Hermione, carrying the gifts, and Ginny was the last inside, coming right up to Harry to kiss him full on the lips.
"Happy Christmas," Ginny said, kissing him once more before reaching to help Ron.
Harry's face was very red as he stepped forward to shut the door.
Draco was standing halfway up the stairs, watching Harry greet his friends. Watching Ginny kiss him was an unsettling experience. Yes, he was very aware that Harry was still seeing the woman, but he had never had to confront it before. He kept his face neutral, glad that most of them hadn't looked up.
Harry took a deep breath before turning to face his friends. "Here," he said, reaching to help Ron as well. "You're going to wake Mrs Black up." He glanced up the stairs to see Draco standing there.
Hermione looked up as well. "Hello, Malfoy," she said. "Or shall I call you Draco?" she asked politely.
Draco made his way down the stairs then, nodding in acknowledgement. "That might be more appropriate now," he replied, thinking but not adding, since you've seen me having sex with Harry.
"Malfoy," Ron said stiffly, nodding. His ears were red.
Ginny rolled her eyes at her brother. "Hello," she said to Draco as well.
"Hello," Draco replied, extending his hand.
Harry felt his stomach squirm as Draco and Ginny shook hands. Hermione twitched a bit.
Mr Weasley stood by, watching Draco with a strange look on his face. He nodded, looking a lot like Ron as he brought a hand up to unclasp his cloak.
Draco noted Mr Weasley's reaction and was unsure of whether or not to greet him. "Happy Christmas, sir," he said.
"Happy Christmas," Mr Weasley replied formally. Ron and Ginny had both said they'd told their parents what Neville had revealed, but given Mr Weasley's history with Lucius Malfoy, Harry wasn't surprised he was still suspicious.
"Where do you want these?" Ron asked, indicating the packages still in his arms.
"Oh," said Harry. "Down here." He led them down the hall to the sitting room, placing the gifts in his own arms under the tree with those already there.
Draco nodded and followed. He stood a bit to the side. He was nervous, but it probably made him look aloof.
Harry felt awkward as he straightened up again. "Um, well," he said, shrugging, "anyone thirsty or anything?"
They shook their heads.
He sighed and sat down on the sofa. Ginny automatically sat down next to him.
Harry winced the slightest bit.
"So, Malfoy – or, well, Draco, I suppose," she began. "I haven't seen you in a while."
Harry wanted to groan. How completely awkward and uncomfortable.
"No, not since ... the day after at Hogwarts," Draco answered, leaning against the wall.
She nodded.
Harry found himself wishing Neville was there.
"Harry says you've been doing good," she continued, making a valiant attempt at conversation.
Draco arched an eyebrow, gaze shifting questioningly to Harry. "I have been working on developing potions," he said to Ginny.
"Oh, yes," Hermione piped in from where she had taken a seat in a chair. Ron leaned over the back of it. "Harry said you've actually invented some potions. That's very impressive, especially for someone right out of school."
Draco looked in surprise at Granger. "I like to experiment," he said with a small smile.
"I would be interested in seeing it sometime," she said.
Ron raised his eyebrows, though he didn't say anything.
Draco wasn't sure what it was she wanted to see but he nodded.
Harry shifted around on the couch. "George is coming, right?" he asked. "Percy? And Bill and Fleur?"
"Yes, they are," answered Ginny. "Percy and Bill and Fleur should be here in a little while, and ... well, George is having a hard day today. He'll be here later, though."
Harry frowned and Ginny rubbed his back. "It's his first Christmas without him," she said. "It's hard on all of us, but ...."
"I know," Harry said quietly.
Draco frowned. The number of conflicting thoughts inside his head was unsettling. He had been oddly affected by the death of Fred Weasley. Though he would never have admitted it before the final battle, he had admired the Weasley twins and the idea of one without the other was disconcerting. Bill Weasley also made him nervous – not because of anything the man had done, but because Draco himself was very aware that Bill's injuries were partially his own fault. He shifted nervously, wishing he had the option of touching Harry the way Ginny did.
They all sat in silence for a few moments, all of them obviously unsure of what to say. Harry was very glad when he heard more knocking.
He got to his feet. "I'll go see who it is," he said, hesitating a bit in the doorway and wondering if Draco wanted to come with him.
Taking the opportunity to leave the room, Draco nodded and followed Harry.
"Going to be a long day, I suppose," Harry told him quietly once they were both in the hall.
Draco sighed and nodded.
Harry sighed too and reached the front door, pulling it open. He was immediately handed a hat with a stuffed vulture on top. "Hello, Mrs Longbottom," he said. "Happy Christmas."
She stepped inside the house, looking around it. "Well, this place is quite dark, isn't it?" she said, by way of greeting.
Harry raised his eyebrows mildly, turning back to the door. "Hi, Neville," he said with a smile.
Neville smiled too, stepping in behind his Gran. "Hello, Harry," he said, then looked behind him. "Malfoy." He nodded to the blond as well.
Harry turned his head and gave Draco a smile before looking back at Neville's grandmother. She took off her cloak and handed him that as well.
"Erm," he said, "Mr and Mrs Weasley are down in the kitchen if you would like to -" But she was already heading off in the direction Harry was pointing. He shrugged and turned to the closet.
Draco watched the woman go with an amused expression on his face. "You are looking well," he observed of Neville.
Neville blushed but nodded. "You look better, too," he said.
Harry resisted the urge to pinch Draco's arse and say, "Much better." Instead, he turned to Neville. "Everyone else is in the sitting room if you want to go in there," he said. "Oh, and I'll take your cloak. Presents go under the tree, which would also be in the sitting room."
Neville smiled, handing his cloak to Harry and heading inside to put the presents with the others and greet his friends.
Harry really wanted to ask Draco about the things Neville had said about him, but he didn't want Draco to be mad at Neville for telling. He went back to the closet quickly and then walked with Draco back into the sitting room, where Hermione was giving Neville a hug.
Draco reluctantly followed Harry back to the room, hanging by the door again.
The awkward conversation continued for quite some time, until everyone had pretty much gotten over the fact that Draco was there. They'd started conversing in their regular groups, and since none of them were exactly friendly with Draco, they allowed him to be alone with Harry. Not that they were actually alone, or even partially alone for long. Ginny hung around, and people kept coming up to talk with Harry.
Luna arrived at the same time as Bill and Fleur, with Percy after them, and George two hours later, sullen and quiet.
Harry knew that the only people left to arrive were Andromeda and Teddy. He still wasn't completely sure how Andromeda would react to Draco, so when there were knocks on the door, his heart began to beat just a little quicker.
He stood from where he was sitting on the couch, wondering if Draco would come to the door with him again.
Draco cocked his head, looking at Harry for a cue as to what to do.
Harry shrugged a bit, turning to enter into the hall.
Draco glanced around but followed Harry out into the hall, equally nervous about being left alone with Harry's friends and curious about who could be at the door.
"It's Andromeda," Harry said quietly to Draco, preparing him in case of ... whatever might happen.
Draco's eyes widened a bit but he tried to look calm, taking a deep breath before Harry opened the door.
Andromeda smiled at Harry, her arms full of her grandson.
"Happy Christmas," Harry said, returning the smile.
Teddy grinned widely, waving a mitten-covered hand and Harry chuckled, waving back as he let them inside.
Andromeda stepped forward, handing Teddy off to Harry as she reached to unfasten her cloak. "It's a little colder than it was last -" But she stopped in mid-sentence, her eyes gone slightly wide as they met Draco's.
Draco nodded politely. "Happy Christmas, Aunt."
Andromeda remained still, blinking at Draco. She turned her head slowly to look at Harry.
Harry cleared his throat, flushing slightly, and Teddy picked then to reach for Draco excitedly.
"Hi, Teddy," Draco greeted the child, but didn't move forward.
Andromeda took a deep breath, her eyes sharply taking in Teddy's reaction to Draco. Harry was reminded of Narcissa. "I ... didn't know that you were on friendly terms," she said.
"Er, have been for a while now," Harry said, hefting Teddy up a little as the boy continued to hold his arms out to Draco.
"I see," said Andromeda, looking between Draco and her grandson.
Draco's heart was racing and he was unsure of what he should do next. "May I take your cloak for you?" he asked, just to have something to say or do.
Andromeda raised an eyebrow, peering at Draco. She slid the cloak from her shoulders and handed it to him. "I take it you've met Teddy before?" she said.
Draco wanted Harry to answer to that, as he was unsure of what he had told the woman. "Yes, Aunt Andromeda," he answered politely, hanging her cloak up in the closet.
Harry swallowed. "He's been with me a few times when I had Teddy," he explained.
"I see," Andromeda repeated.
Harry glanced quickly at Draco, shifting awkwardly.
"He is a delightful child," Draco said, not sure how to let her know he was not a danger to the boy.
Andromeda nodded, taking Teddy from Harry when the baby tried to leap from his arms.
"Should we sit down?" Harry asked.
Andromeda nodded again, and as they began to walk down the hall, she stood next to Draco. "Is your mother well?" she asked guardedly.
He smiled softly at the question. "She is ... doing better," he confirmed. "And you?"
Andromeda frowned. "I'm fine," she said.
Harry frowned too, very briefly laying his hand on the small of Draco's back.
They entered into the sitting room, and happy Christmas greetings were exchanged.
Harry sat down again, sighing quietly as he watched Andromeda sit stiffly. It was odd to see how alike she was to her sisters – Bellatrix in looks and Narcissa in demeanour.
Draco wanted to greet Teddy properly but hung back, unsure as to whether that was allowed.
After a few minutes, Teddy was squirming too greatly to be held comfortably. Andromeda put him down on the floor, still watching sharply. She didn't object when Teddy went straight for Draco, pulling on his trousers.
Draco glanced at her but when she didn't seem to mind too much, he picked the boy up, setting him in his lap.
Everyone looked over and stared at Draco with the baby.
Harry cleared his throat again.
Andromeda smiled a smile that didn't quite meet her eyes. "Well," she said, folding her hands in his lap. "He seems to like you."
"I like him," Draco said, voice a bit defiant in spite of his resolve to be polite. He reached out and Summoned a toy from the box Harry kept for Teddy.
Andromeda arched an eyebrow lightly. "Well, good," she said with that same smile. Harry wondered if Draco could see Narcissa there as strongly as he was seeing her.
Draco was struck by the family traits but wisely kept his opinion to himself. He chose a toy of a Quidditch player on a broom and began to fly it in front of Teddy.
Teddy laughed, reaching for the toy happily.
Well, it could have been worse, Harry thought, and smiled a little.
As Draco and Harry both played with Teddy, Andromeda asked Draco several more questions, and did not once leave the room Teddy was in if Draco was there, too. She sat with Draco and Harry for an entire hour straight as they played with the little boy. At least she allowed Draco to play with the baby. Harry had been afraid that she wouldn't at all.
As evening neared, Mrs Weasley announced that dinner was being served, and Hermione spent almost ten whole minutes trying to convince Kreacher that he could eat with them at the table. The elf was having none of it, though, and exited the room with his hands over his ears.
Harry sat next to Draco, Ginny on his other side, and began to make his plate, listening to the chatter of everyone else.
Draco watched and listened to everything as well. He had spent so long in the quiet of the Manor that it was odd being surrounded by people again like this. He smiled at Teddy who was making a mess of the mashed potatoes in front of him.
"Harry," said Mrs Longbottom, scooping up some more corn to put on her plate. "How did you become friends with Dra – Dracoo -Draca – well, you know. I've read some less than pleasant things in the paper about his family, but Neville's had nice things to say."
Harry looked up quickly. "Oh, um ..." he said, trailing off.
Draco looked to Neville then, who made a face before looking up and meeting the blond's eyes. They stared at each other for a moment before Neville shrugged and looked away again.
Everyone else had gone quiet, listening.
"Er ... we bumped into each other a few times," Harry said. "And just ... started talking." It was odd to speak about Draco as if he weren't there.
"We both like Quidditch," Draco added.
"That's nice," Mrs Longbottom nodded. Harry didn't think she cared too much though, because she turned to Bill then and began talking to him.
"Yes," Mrs Weasley said, continuing the conversation. "Harry went to a lot of games with you."
"Good seats," said Harry, taking a bite of turkey as Hermione glanced at him. He wondered if she could tell that he'd used the excuse of going to a Quidditch game to actually go and shag.
Draco's mind flashed to the image of him 'seated' in Harry's lap when Hermione had found them. He looked down, trying to cover his reaction by cutting his meat.
Chapter Title: Shared Madness
Words: 3635 Words
Harry walked through the fairy-lit hallway, heading toward the door where someone was knocking. There were fairy lights covering the wreath on the door, too, and they were chattering as he pulled it open. He grinned widely when he saw who it was.
Draco stood on the front step, wrapped package in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other. He smiled at Harry. "Happy Christmas," he said, having to resist the urge to add "baby" and lean in for a kiss.
"You're the first to get here," Harry told him, standing back to let Draco in. "The others will be here soon, but not for a half hour, I think."
Draco stepped inside and glanced about, leaning forward for that kiss after all.
Harry smiled against his lips, kissing back. "How's your mum?" he asked, relieving Draco of the wine and glancing at the gift. He began walking toward the kitchen.
Draco followed, his gaze moving to his lover's arse. He always felt this way around Harry. He felt out of control, like he had to have him all the time. That could prove to be the most difficult part of the day -- having to pretend they were just friends.
Harry looked over his shoulder when they'd actually made it into the room. "She's doing that well, eh?" he teased, grinning.
"Oh, she is fine. Sends her good wishes, too," Draco answered, blushing at having been caught staring.
Harry snorted, placing the wine on the counter. The kitchen was warm and smelled of pie and turkey cooking in the oven. Kreacher was actually humming carols to himself as he worked.
"Let me take your cloak," Harry offered, stepping up to help Draco out of it.
Draco felt silly that he trembled just from the simple touch, but he did.
Harry threw the cloak over his arm and then looked at the package again. "What's that?" he asked with a smile, raising an eyebrow.
"Just a small gift," Draco answered, trying to sound nonchalant.
"Oh," Harry said, nodding, but the smile just came back.
Draco suddenly felt nervous, but nodded too. "You can open it later if you like," he said.
"Well, whenever you want," Harry told him happily. "Would you like to open mine now?"
"Do we have time before people arrive?" Draco asked.
Harry looked at his watch and sighed. "Maybe not," he said. "You are spending the night, aren't you?"
Draco's heart sped up and he nodded. He hadn't known if Harry would be too busy with friends for that.
Harry smiled again. "Good," he said. "We can open presents tonight then." He walked back around Draco, heading up the stairs. "Come on," he said. "We can put that in my room and I'll put your cloak away."
Draco eagerly followed his lover.
Harry made a quick stop at the coat closet and then headed up the larger staircase to the upper levels of the house. He walked into his bedroom, stepping aside for Draco to enter, and then took the present out of his hands, lying it atop his chest of drawers.
Draco smiled at Harry, wanting to take him in his arms but not knowing if it was the right time to do that.
"I hope you like what I got you," Harry said, closing the distance between himself and Draco as he slipped arms over his shoulders.
With that, Draco sighed in relief, hands immediately going to Harry's waist and lips to his mouth.
Harry's eyes slid shut and he kissed back.
Draco pulled him close, wanting the warmth of Harry's body pressed against him as he slid his tongue into his lover's mouth.
Slightly caught off guard, but of course, not really surprised, Harry relaxed into Draco's arms and pulled him tighter at the same time as they fell backwards onto the bed.
"Mmm," Draco hummed as Harry brought them down. Touching and tasting Harry was enough to turn him on, but finding himself suddenly on top of him made his head swim as he pressed his arousal against his lover.
"Fuck," Harry gasped quietly, rubbing himself against Draco.
"I want to," Draco complained, pressing a knee between Harry's legs as he nipped at his chin.
"Let's just come before they do," Harry panted, reaching for Draco's cock with his hand while rubbing his own against the other man's knee.
"Oh, Gods," was all that Draco could respond to that, one hand tangling in Harry's hair and the other reaching for his cock as well.
Harry groaned with approval. "Gonna fuck tonight," he gasped, still arching.
"Yes, going to fuck," Draco agreed, stroking Harry through his trousers. "Tell me how," he encouraged.
Harry hissed, his neck arched as he concentrated on his own hand moving. "Gonna fuck you," he breathed. "Gonna press you into the bed and fuck you."
"Yes, your thick cock inside me, stretching me, filling me," Draco gasped, getting close.
"Fuck!" Harry let out, getting close himself. He imagined Draco's arse around his cock, the way it looked, and he couldn't hold back anymore. He arched up one last time and came, moving his own hand faster, firmer.
"Yes, yes, yesssss!" Draco managed, coming now too, fingers pulling hard on Harry's hair as he did.
Harry groaned, bringing his arms around to hold Draco as they both trembled.
Draco panted, rubbing his face against Harry's as he shuddered through the aftermath. "I am crazy about you," he confessed.
Harry stroked Draco's back with a shaky hand. "I must confess the same," he replied.
Draco laid little kisses over his lover's face. "Good," he whispered, "shared madness is much better."
Harry smiled. "Much, much better," he agreed, and leaned up to capture Draco's lips.
Draco returned the kiss, slow and thorough this time.
"Mmm," Harry hummed softly, still passing fingers through Draco's hair. They lay there like that for several minutes, until there was the sound of pounding against wood.
Harry sighed, slowly pulling his mouth from Draco's. "There they are."
"Better clean up first," the blond teased.
Harry snorted as he moved to sit up. "Yes, I reckon spooge isn't a suitable accessory."
They got cleaned up and Draco tried to fix his hair, which Harry always made nearly as messy as his own.
Harry smiled at Draco as the knocking continued. He kissed him one last time before rushing off down the stairs to get the door.
When he pulled it open, he was met with the sight of a smiling Mr Weasley. "Happy Christmas, Harry," he said, stepping inside. Mrs Weasley was next, her arms laden with dishes.
"Oh, happy Christmas, dear," she said, bustling in and then right down the kitchen stairs.
Harry smiled amusedly after her.
Ron came in next with Hermione, carrying the gifts, and Ginny was the last inside, coming right up to Harry to kiss him full on the lips.
"Happy Christmas," Ginny said, kissing him once more before reaching to help Ron.
Harry's face was very red as he stepped forward to shut the door.
Draco was standing halfway up the stairs, watching Harry greet his friends. Watching Ginny kiss him was an unsettling experience. Yes, he was very aware that Harry was still seeing the woman, but he had never had to confront it before. He kept his face neutral, glad that most of them hadn't looked up.
Harry took a deep breath before turning to face his friends. "Here," he said, reaching to help Ron as well. "You're going to wake Mrs Black up." He glanced up the stairs to see Draco standing there.
Hermione looked up as well. "Hello, Malfoy," she said. "Or shall I call you Draco?" she asked politely.
Draco made his way down the stairs then, nodding in acknowledgement. "That might be more appropriate now," he replied, thinking but not adding, since you've seen me having sex with Harry.
"Malfoy," Ron said stiffly, nodding. His ears were red.
Ginny rolled her eyes at her brother. "Hello," she said to Draco as well.
"Hello," Draco replied, extending his hand.
Harry felt his stomach squirm as Draco and Ginny shook hands. Hermione twitched a bit.
Mr Weasley stood by, watching Draco with a strange look on his face. He nodded, looking a lot like Ron as he brought a hand up to unclasp his cloak.
Draco noted Mr Weasley's reaction and was unsure of whether or not to greet him. "Happy Christmas, sir," he said.
"Happy Christmas," Mr Weasley replied formally. Ron and Ginny had both said they'd told their parents what Neville had revealed, but given Mr Weasley's history with Lucius Malfoy, Harry wasn't surprised he was still suspicious.
"Where do you want these?" Ron asked, indicating the packages still in his arms.
"Oh," said Harry. "Down here." He led them down the hall to the sitting room, placing the gifts in his own arms under the tree with those already there.
Draco nodded and followed. He stood a bit to the side. He was nervous, but it probably made him look aloof.
Harry felt awkward as he straightened up again. "Um, well," he said, shrugging, "anyone thirsty or anything?"
They shook their heads.
He sighed and sat down on the sofa. Ginny automatically sat down next to him.
Harry winced the slightest bit.
"So, Malfoy – or, well, Draco, I suppose," she began. "I haven't seen you in a while."
Harry wanted to groan. How completely awkward and uncomfortable.
"No, not since ... the day after at Hogwarts," Draco answered, leaning against the wall.
She nodded.
Harry found himself wishing Neville was there.
"Harry says you've been doing good," she continued, making a valiant attempt at conversation.
Draco arched an eyebrow, gaze shifting questioningly to Harry. "I have been working on developing potions," he said to Ginny.
"Oh, yes," Hermione piped in from where she had taken a seat in a chair. Ron leaned over the back of it. "Harry said you've actually invented some potions. That's very impressive, especially for someone right out of school."
Draco looked in surprise at Granger. "I like to experiment," he said with a small smile.
"I would be interested in seeing it sometime," she said.
Ron raised his eyebrows, though he didn't say anything.
Draco wasn't sure what it was she wanted to see but he nodded.
Harry shifted around on the couch. "George is coming, right?" he asked. "Percy? And Bill and Fleur?"
"Yes, they are," answered Ginny. "Percy and Bill and Fleur should be here in a little while, and ... well, George is having a hard day today. He'll be here later, though."
Harry frowned and Ginny rubbed his back. "It's his first Christmas without him," she said. "It's hard on all of us, but ...."
"I know," Harry said quietly.
Draco frowned. The number of conflicting thoughts inside his head was unsettling. He had been oddly affected by the death of Fred Weasley. Though he would never have admitted it before the final battle, he had admired the Weasley twins and the idea of one without the other was disconcerting. Bill Weasley also made him nervous – not because of anything the man had done, but because Draco himself was very aware that Bill's injuries were partially his own fault. He shifted nervously, wishing he had the option of touching Harry the way Ginny did.
They all sat in silence for a few moments, all of them obviously unsure of what to say. Harry was very glad when he heard more knocking.
He got to his feet. "I'll go see who it is," he said, hesitating a bit in the doorway and wondering if Draco wanted to come with him.
Taking the opportunity to leave the room, Draco nodded and followed Harry.
"Going to be a long day, I suppose," Harry told him quietly once they were both in the hall.
Draco sighed and nodded.
Harry sighed too and reached the front door, pulling it open. He was immediately handed a hat with a stuffed vulture on top. "Hello, Mrs Longbottom," he said. "Happy Christmas."
She stepped inside the house, looking around it. "Well, this place is quite dark, isn't it?" she said, by way of greeting.
Harry raised his eyebrows mildly, turning back to the door. "Hi, Neville," he said with a smile.
Neville smiled too, stepping in behind his Gran. "Hello, Harry," he said, then looked behind him. "Malfoy." He nodded to the blond as well.
Harry turned his head and gave Draco a smile before looking back at Neville's grandmother. She took off her cloak and handed him that as well.
"Erm," he said, "Mr and Mrs Weasley are down in the kitchen if you would like to -" But she was already heading off in the direction Harry was pointing. He shrugged and turned to the closet.
Draco watched the woman go with an amused expression on his face. "You are looking well," he observed of Neville.
Neville blushed but nodded. "You look better, too," he said.
Harry resisted the urge to pinch Draco's arse and say, "Much better." Instead, he turned to Neville. "Everyone else is in the sitting room if you want to go in there," he said. "Oh, and I'll take your cloak. Presents go under the tree, which would also be in the sitting room."
Neville smiled, handing his cloak to Harry and heading inside to put the presents with the others and greet his friends.
Harry really wanted to ask Draco about the things Neville had said about him, but he didn't want Draco to be mad at Neville for telling. He went back to the closet quickly and then walked with Draco back into the sitting room, where Hermione was giving Neville a hug.
Draco reluctantly followed Harry back to the room, hanging by the door again.
The awkward conversation continued for quite some time, until everyone had pretty much gotten over the fact that Draco was there. They'd started conversing in their regular groups, and since none of them were exactly friendly with Draco, they allowed him to be alone with Harry. Not that they were actually alone, or even partially alone for long. Ginny hung around, and people kept coming up to talk with Harry.
Luna arrived at the same time as Bill and Fleur, with Percy after them, and George two hours later, sullen and quiet.
Harry knew that the only people left to arrive were Andromeda and Teddy. He still wasn't completely sure how Andromeda would react to Draco, so when there were knocks on the door, his heart began to beat just a little quicker.
He stood from where he was sitting on the couch, wondering if Draco would come to the door with him again.
Draco cocked his head, looking at Harry for a cue as to what to do.
Harry shrugged a bit, turning to enter into the hall.
Draco glanced around but followed Harry out into the hall, equally nervous about being left alone with Harry's friends and curious about who could be at the door.
"It's Andromeda," Harry said quietly to Draco, preparing him in case of ... whatever might happen.
Draco's eyes widened a bit but he tried to look calm, taking a deep breath before Harry opened the door.
Andromeda smiled at Harry, her arms full of her grandson.
"Happy Christmas," Harry said, returning the smile.
Teddy grinned widely, waving a mitten-covered hand and Harry chuckled, waving back as he let them inside.
Andromeda stepped forward, handing Teddy off to Harry as she reached to unfasten her cloak. "It's a little colder than it was last -" But she stopped in mid-sentence, her eyes gone slightly wide as they met Draco's.
Draco nodded politely. "Happy Christmas, Aunt."
Andromeda remained still, blinking at Draco. She turned her head slowly to look at Harry.
Harry cleared his throat, flushing slightly, and Teddy picked then to reach for Draco excitedly.
"Hi, Teddy," Draco greeted the child, but didn't move forward.
Andromeda took a deep breath, her eyes sharply taking in Teddy's reaction to Draco. Harry was reminded of Narcissa. "I ... didn't know that you were on friendly terms," she said.
"Er, have been for a while now," Harry said, hefting Teddy up a little as the boy continued to hold his arms out to Draco.
"I see," said Andromeda, looking between Draco and her grandson.
Draco's heart was racing and he was unsure of what he should do next. "May I take your cloak for you?" he asked, just to have something to say or do.
Andromeda raised an eyebrow, peering at Draco. She slid the cloak from her shoulders and handed it to him. "I take it you've met Teddy before?" she said.
Draco wanted Harry to answer to that, as he was unsure of what he had told the woman. "Yes, Aunt Andromeda," he answered politely, hanging her cloak up in the closet.
Harry swallowed. "He's been with me a few times when I had Teddy," he explained.
"I see," Andromeda repeated.
Harry glanced quickly at Draco, shifting awkwardly.
"He is a delightful child," Draco said, not sure how to let her know he was not a danger to the boy.
Andromeda nodded, taking Teddy from Harry when the baby tried to leap from his arms.
"Should we sit down?" Harry asked.
Andromeda nodded again, and as they began to walk down the hall, she stood next to Draco. "Is your mother well?" she asked guardedly.
He smiled softly at the question. "She is ... doing better," he confirmed. "And you?"
Andromeda frowned. "I'm fine," she said.
Harry frowned too, very briefly laying his hand on the small of Draco's back.
They entered into the sitting room, and happy Christmas greetings were exchanged.
Harry sat down again, sighing quietly as he watched Andromeda sit stiffly. It was odd to see how alike she was to her sisters – Bellatrix in looks and Narcissa in demeanour.
Draco wanted to greet Teddy properly but hung back, unsure as to whether that was allowed.
After a few minutes, Teddy was squirming too greatly to be held comfortably. Andromeda put him down on the floor, still watching sharply. She didn't object when Teddy went straight for Draco, pulling on his trousers.
Draco glanced at her but when she didn't seem to mind too much, he picked the boy up, setting him in his lap.
Everyone looked over and stared at Draco with the baby.
Harry cleared his throat again.
Andromeda smiled a smile that didn't quite meet her eyes. "Well," she said, folding her hands in his lap. "He seems to like you."
"I like him," Draco said, voice a bit defiant in spite of his resolve to be polite. He reached out and Summoned a toy from the box Harry kept for Teddy.
Andromeda arched an eyebrow lightly. "Well, good," she said with that same smile. Harry wondered if Draco could see Narcissa there as strongly as he was seeing her.
Draco was struck by the family traits but wisely kept his opinion to himself. He chose a toy of a Quidditch player on a broom and began to fly it in front of Teddy.
Teddy laughed, reaching for the toy happily.
Well, it could have been worse, Harry thought, and smiled a little.
As Draco and Harry both played with Teddy, Andromeda asked Draco several more questions, and did not once leave the room Teddy was in if Draco was there, too. She sat with Draco and Harry for an entire hour straight as they played with the little boy. At least she allowed Draco to play with the baby. Harry had been afraid that she wouldn't at all.
As evening neared, Mrs Weasley announced that dinner was being served, and Hermione spent almost ten whole minutes trying to convince Kreacher that he could eat with them at the table. The elf was having none of it, though, and exited the room with his hands over his ears.
Harry sat next to Draco, Ginny on his other side, and began to make his plate, listening to the chatter of everyone else.
Draco watched and listened to everything as well. He had spent so long in the quiet of the Manor that it was odd being surrounded by people again like this. He smiled at Teddy who was making a mess of the mashed potatoes in front of him.
"Harry," said Mrs Longbottom, scooping up some more corn to put on her plate. "How did you become friends with Dra – Dracoo -Draca – well, you know. I've read some less than pleasant things in the paper about his family, but Neville's had nice things to say."
Harry looked up quickly. "Oh, um ..." he said, trailing off.
Draco looked to Neville then, who made a face before looking up and meeting the blond's eyes. They stared at each other for a moment before Neville shrugged and looked away again.
Everyone else had gone quiet, listening.
"Er ... we bumped into each other a few times," Harry said. "And just ... started talking." It was odd to speak about Draco as if he weren't there.
"We both like Quidditch," Draco added.
"That's nice," Mrs Longbottom nodded. Harry didn't think she cared too much though, because she turned to Bill then and began talking to him.
"Yes," Mrs Weasley said, continuing the conversation. "Harry went to a lot of games with you."
"Good seats," said Harry, taking a bite of turkey as Hermione glanced at him. He wondered if she could tell that he'd used the excuse of going to a Quidditch game to actually go and shag.
Draco's mind flashed to the image of him 'seated' in Harry's lap when Hermione had found them. He looked down, trying to cover his reaction by cutting his meat.