A Christmas Wish

Chapter 5 “He did it again”

“You’re up early Dragon I thought today was your day off?”

“And I thought you always said it’s improper to wear your bed clothes at the breakfast table.” Draco smirked as his father pouted. Lucius loved lounging around in his silk pajamas in the morning and often told Draco he should do the same but almost 20 years of brutal and strict punishments and instilled his refusal at basic comfort.

“I told you that was your grandfather not me. Beside these are the ones Fred and George got me. They glow in the dark and they say…”

“Don’t I do not want to know what naughty phrases they might say. Please leave it in the bedroom. I still don’t know how you ended up dating not one but both Weasley twins.”

“True they are wonderful and very talented in bed but you can’t date one without dating the other and I’m Malfoy enough to take them both.”

“Please for My sanity leave it in the bedroom. Are you seeing them today?”

“No they have a dinner party they have to go to but I can’t attend because of some secret. They said they would make it up to me tomorrow.”

“That’s unusual, well in any case I might be out late myself I have a lunch date and just don’t know where it might take me.”

“Oh thank Merlin my son has a date!” The elder Malfoy ignored the glare from his son and continued his rant. Draco often wondered who the parent was and who the child was. His father was like a dramatic teenager rather than a middle age ministry worker. “Who is the lucky witch, wizard or magical creature to catch your fancy?”

“Magical creature? Father I am not that desperate.”

“If not than you should be. Draco you haven’t ad a date since Pansy Parkinson dragged you to the Yule Ball in your fourth year. And no, one night stands does not count as dating. If it did then the sex would have melted that Ice rod you have up your arse.”

“FATHER! I do not have an Ice rod up my arse.” Draco outraged his father had actually said that and said father was giving him a deadpan look. “Fine, I’m a stuck up arse just like all the other Malfoys. So, I don’t date but that does not mean I am desperate. I am going to lunch with a patient and no, I will not tell you who it is other than that this person is a wizard. I hope to sneak my way in to his life first. He is a very private person and I had to trick him into this date.” Draco said as he stabbed his eggs. Getting close to Harry was going to be difficult because the Gryffindor was so stubborn.

“I see; that is very interesting. Well I won’t wish you luck as I know you are going to get your way whether he wants it or not. Though I am not surprised you fell for a Gryffindor you always had a thing for them, not that I blame you. I have two of them and I can barely keep up with their stamina.”

“I won’t ask how you know it’s a Gryffindor but I will ask you to stop talking about your sex life! Really father I do not want to know or I will have to go to St. Mungo’s and have myself obliviated. Now I have earns to do before my luncheon do you want any thing while I am out?”

“No son I’ll be heading out myself in a moment I have a meeting in London with the muggle branch of Malfoy Inc. then some muggle shopping. So I’ll see you later tonight hopeful for your sake tomorrow.”

“Father… Oh never mind just have a good day.” There were some days the Malfoy Heir wished is father wasn’t flamboyantly gay and this was one of them. He knew his father meant well and wanted him to be happy.

XXXxxxXXXxx

Harry stood outside the ‘Black Dragon’ in one of his work suits. It was a very well cut muggle black suit with and Emerald silk shirt with a silk tie. His hair was pulled back in a low ponytail and his bangs covered his eye with a double stay put charm and he wore and emerald stud in his left ear. He was the picture of style, confidence, and power, unfortunately the effect was spoiled by the basket he carried with him.

“Okay Harry you can do this. Just go in there tell the arrogant bastard off and then leave.” After his pep talk Harry squared his shoulders took a deep breath and entered the restaurant. The Hostess greeted him with a flirty smile and then lead him to Malfoy’s table where the blond was sitting in a dark grey muggle suit with a sapphire blue silk shirt collar unbutton and no tie. Malfoy also had his hair pulled back allowing is mercury sliver eyes to shine in the glow of the Candle light. Harry had to mentally slap himself to stop from drooling. ‘If he wasn’t such a bastard and a prick I would jump him in a minute. Too bad once he opens his mouth he looses all attractiveness.’

“I’m glad you made it Black, and on time too, I’m impressed. Oh you brought your kittens.” Malfoy smiled as he peeked on the sleeping pair.

“Yes Malfoy I told you they are too young to be left on their own. Don’t worry about them as we are not staying. I came here today to tell you that you are the most arrogant bastard I ever had met in my life and that I had never agreed to this lunch meeting or whatever this is. You have not changed since Hogwarts; we were not friend then and we are not friends now so please leave me alone.” Harry mentally patted himself on the back for his well thought out speech though he was slightly confused as to the amused smiled on Malfoy’s face.

“Are you finished Harry?”

“Yes I am.” The Gryffindor was thrown off by the use of his first name he never heard the Slytherin say it before not since first year when they met on the train and he insulted Ron. Even then his name was like acid on the blond’s tongue not in the tone of the sweet laughter he heard now. It made his heart flutter but he couldn’t fathom why.

“Good now sit down so we can order.”

“But I’m not staying!”

“I heard you. Now sit down you’re making a scene. The sooner we order the sooner we eat. And you know how cranky you get when you don’t eat. If you take your potions on an empty stomach you’ll be in a fowl mood the rest of the day.” Draco scolded gently watching the Gryffindor blush as he sat in the seat across from him. He watch as Harry sat the basket down on the chair beside him before picking up the menu. He smirked behind his own menu knowing that the brunette had yet to notice he maneuvered him into staying.

‘What should I order? What am I thinking I should have left already!! He did it again! That prat! I’m going to give him a piece of my mind.’ Before Harry could even open his mouth the waitress came and too their orders. After giving their orders they were left in an uncomfortable silence mostly because the Gryffindor was silently fuming and raging at the calm smiling Slytherin. Harry opted for ignoring his companion and taking a deep drink of his pumpkin juice.

“So what have you been doing since your death? I must say you look good for being dead for three years if not a little thinner if that’s possible you were always terribly thin.” This got the Gryffindor to choke on his juice.

“Merlin Malfoy! What’s wrong with you? You don’t just ask something like that as if you were asking about the weather!”

“What? I’m curious and it is true you did somewhat die.”

“I understand your curiosity, but you don’t have to word it like that!”

“Keep it down Harry. People are beginning to stare. Seriously what have you been doing these last three years?” The raven huffed as his cheeks flushed with embarrassment under Draco’s calming voice.

“I run a bed and breakfast.” Sighed Harry as he gave in to the blond’s quires. The soup appeared on the table and he distracted himself with eating as he slow talked about his after death life. “I do a lot of reading and I still fly on occasion. Other than that nothing much except finding my kittens nothing extraordinary has happened and that’s fine with me.” After Voldemort he was happy with the quite life he had even if he hated the loneliness. But in a couple of months he’ll have solved that problem. “What about you?”

“Well as you know I became a Potion Master. I studied under Severus for two years and he trained me twice as hard as when we were at Hogwarts. But it was all worth it I passed my Master’s exam with the highest scores since Severus himself. I was then recruited by St. Mungo’s and they work you to the bone, but the pay is good and I get to make potions all day so I’m content.”

“I’ll be sure to tell professor Snape that when I see him this evening.” Harry said softly as sipped his soup wishing the lunch whatever it was would soon be over.

“You visit with Severus?” The Former Slytherin gasped as he choked on his soup. “The last thing I remember is you two hated each other.

“Yes well his husband Remus Lupin is my other godfather. They both were very up set when Harry Potter died.”

“I can imagine so, had you been my godson I would have hex your scrawny neck.”

“Anyways Professor Snape and Remus came to see me. Snape yelled Remus cried and I was ordered never to do anything like that again.” Harry left out the part about being scared out of his mind and sobbing like a baby. Malfoy really did not need to know that. “I write Professor Snape and Remus often since then. To make sure I don’t do anything stupid again and they tend to Pop in and visit me every now and again. I think Snape believes I’ll run my business into the ground.”

“I see, well it just shows they care. I don’t think it has anything to do with how you run your business.”

“Shut up Malfoy I didn’t ask for your opinion. I don’t even know what I am still doing here! I finished the damn soup lunch is over and I am leaving!” The Gryffindor growled. He was fed up with the Slytherin. He didn’t know what it was but there was something about Malfoy that just got under his skin. Harry made to stand up but strong slender fingers wrapped around his petite wrist and held him in place.

“Sit down Black that was only the starter course. I’m sorry you got your knickers a in a twist over a minor remark; I meant nothing by it. Now back to Snape, you said you’re going to see tonight?”

“Yes, it’s his birthday and Remus wants to have a small dinner party to celebrate. Even though Snape hates parties and anything sociable; he tolerates it because he loves Remus.”

“I can’t believe it; not only do you visit with Severus but you know his birthday! I don’t even know his birthday and I’m his godson!”

“Well it’s the truth I’m meeting them and the Weasley twins tonight for dinner. I never really wanted to stay for lunch I had planned on leaving straight away so I would have time to find Snape a present. At this rate I won’t be getting him anything because I wasted time here with you.” The former Gryffindor glared.

“Quite the contrary Harry, I think we have put this time to good use. With all the fuss you’re making, one would think that you don’t want to be here with me.”

“But I don’t!” the protests were left unheard by the former Slytherin.

“Now after he finish our lunch we’ll head up town and I’m sure well find a suitable gift off Severus and be at the party in time for cocktails.”

“Who said I wanted you to go with me?! Malfoy you are the most arrogant bastard that I have ever had the misfortune of meeting. You are an annoying spoiled prat that hasn’t changed since School. I swear the only that that has changed about you since Hogwarts is that you have gotten taller and your hair is longer.” Harry spat as their salads appeared.

“That’s besides the point Black. You obviously need my help and I have nothing else planned for today I’ll be happy to accompany you. After all Severus is my godfather it would be rude of me not to attend the party and to show up without a gift would not only be rude but it would show poor taste.” Draco explained and watched the raven’s anger deflate under his reasoning.

Harry sat there nibbling at his lunch as he tried to figure out just how the Slytherin git managed to manipulate him in to spending the day with him. He watched the blond from the corner of his eye trying to find fault with him. The Malfoy heir was a picture of perfection. There wasn’t a hair out of place and his manners were impeccable. It made Harry feel as klutzy as he was at Hogwarts. Yes, Draco managed to show him up once again without even trying. It seemed the Adonis took delight in tormenting the mere mortal whether verbally or not. He did not know what kept him plastered to his seat but he knew that he wasn’t leaving anytime soon without the Slytherin Prince.

The rest of the lunch passed quietly with out any more fuss from Harry. Soon the former classmates found themselves strolling through up town muggle London where the more expensive and trendy shops were. Draco casually browsed the window and Harry followed distracting himself with the kittens. He knew it was childish to ignore his unwanted “Date” but he really didn’t know how to act. He really didn’t have much interaction with people other that his guests at the inn other than greeting them and sending them off with the occasional complaint from picky guest. Harry didn’t really socialize and his visit with the professors and the twin were few and far in between. It made him feel like he was a child again not knowing where he belonged and not fitting in with the people around him.

“So Potter what did you have in mind for a present?” Draco’s voice broke through Harry’s depressing thoughts and brought him back to reality.

“Oh… I’m not sure I was probably going to get him a potion’s book.”

“That’s a good thought but you would have to his library to insure that you didn’t give him another of the same book.”

“Oh… no, I don’t know what he has.” Harry’s shoulders slumped in defeat.

“Now don’t fret Black, we’ll think of something. Severus isn’t an easy man to shop for but since he’s my godfather I have a few ideas on what he might like. You see he has three main passions. Potions, but everyone knows that, Herbology, he has a few green houses, one at Hogwarts, and one at home at Spinner’s End and one at Malfoy Manor, each have a variety of plants that can only be grown in the surrounding area; then there is his fascination with Muggle chemistry.”

“Muggle Chemistry?”

“Yes, Severus’ father was a muggle chemistry professor at a muggle University. His grandfather didn’t care for anything muggle so Severus kept his interest hidden. Only in recent years has he been starting to study more openly, I hear it’s similar to potions. Anyway if you look hard enough you’ll find chemistry books carefully hidden in his library.”

“If Snape still keeps it hidden he wouldn’t like knowing that I knew about it. Aside from Chemistry I know very little about Herbology and potions.” Finding a gift was tough but he would rather show up with no gift than rather have Snape mad at him.

“I know we’ll get him a personalized potion journal.”

“What do you mean ‘We’ll get him a potion journal’?”

“Personalized Black, it’s a gift. We’re getting it because it is rude to go to a birthday party and not bring a gift.”

“But you’re not invited!”

“Of course I am you invited me. I am his godson after all; really Black you should see a healer about your failing memory. Now you wait here and I’ll be right back.” Draco smirked leaving Harry at a lost of what just happened as he entered the exclusive book store.

“He did it Again!” he didn’t know how but Draco just tricked him into taking to the party as his date.

*~*~*~*~*

“Stop fidgeting Black you’ll wrinkle your suit.”

“I will not.” Harry glared as he shifted his basket of kittens once again. Harry cursed himself once again for falling for Draco’s manipulations. The damn Slytherin always managed to get under his skin one way or another. He was the only one who could set off Harry’s emotions at a moments notice. The Gryffindor hadn’t been this emotionally exhausted since Moldy Shorts was alive and trying to kill him.

“Here we are!” Draco said brightly as he held the door open for Harry.

“Good evening Gentleman may I help you?”

“We’re here with the Snape party.” Harry said meekly. He wondered if this day could get any worst.

“Right this way.” The maitre d’ led them to the back rooms where they held privet parties. “Enjoy your evening.”

“Thank you. Well Black after you.” Draco held the door opened for the Gryffindor and two sets of arms reached out and pulled him through leaving the Slytherin to follow.

“Harry!”

“WE missed you…”

“Where have you been?”

“I missed you too and I saw you last week.” The two freckled red heads exclaimed as they greeted the smaller Gryffindor.

“That’s enough you two Harrison has brought a guest with him.” Remus said drawing everyone’s attention to the blond in the doorway.

“Draconis what a pleasant surprise I did not know you were coming.”

“Neither did I, until Black here invited me when we met for lunch.” Draco smiled as he hugged his god father.”

“We didn’t know Harrison was dating anyone. You are most welcome Mr. Malfoy.” Remus said softly shaking the Slytherin’s hand.

“We are not dating Moony. Malfoy just followed me here.”

“Now Black don’t be like that you knew I wanted to attend my godfather’s birthday. Please Professor call me Draco.”

“Drackey!”

“Wakey!”

“Long time no see!” the twin cooed before hugged the blond with in an inch of his life.

“Yes a whole day. You know father is going to pout because he wasn’t invited.”

“We know.”

“But we’ll…”

“Buy him…”

“A present.”

“And all will be well.” The two Weasleys beamed.

“You had better put up silencing charms this time. I heard you three all the way in the west wing.”

“You two are dating Lucius Malfoy! That’s the Mysterious blond that you chain to…”

“Harry don’t you dare finish that sentence.” Draco hissed after clamping his hand over the Gryffindor’s mouth. “Yes they are dating my father and I do not know what they do in their private chambers. I already have nightmares about father’s pajamas.”

“His Pajamas?” Harry asked after managing to pull the offending hand away.

“Don’t worry Harry.”

“We’ll send you a pair.”

“To enjoy with little Drackey.”

“I am not dating Malfoy! Look I ran into him at St. Mungo’s and he has been stalking me since.” Harry growled as he sat sown at the table before setting his basket down.

“Harrison, why were you at St. Mungo’s.” Snape glared at his adopted godchild.

“I…”

“I want the truth Harrison Regulus Black.”

“I wasn’t feeling well so and I didn’t want to make a fuss. I went to St. Mungo’s and it was the start of the flu and that I was a tad underweight. I didn’t want to bother you both at work so I went to the Potion Lab there and I ran into Malfoy, who is a potion master there.” pointing to the blond who sat next to him. “He figured out I was me and hasn’t left me alone since.”

“Harry when will that you learn that you are not a bother? We are just worried about you like any parent over their child. Just because we are married now doesn’t mean we will stop caring about you.”

“Harrison, Remus is right we care and want you to be safe and happy. Fortunately for you there was a competent Potion master there who knew your history. Your allergy to bat spleen is rare and you could have gotten an allergic reaction.”

Harry blushed he had forgotten about that. He didn’t take potions often and Snape always supplied him with his potions that he totally forgot he had and allergy. He also got about that time he tested a cheering potion in six year and went into shock in front of the whole Slytherin and Gryffindor class. So naturally Malfoy would know of his allergy, the smug bastard.

“That’s Enough Severus. Harry is well and you can feel better knowing that Draco is looking out for Harry. Now let’s have dinner and you can open your presents.” Remus smiled as his husband groaned at the thought of celebrating his birthday. The twins snickered and took their seats as the enjoyed the show. Over all the Party went well but Harry dearly hoped this would be the last time he would have to deal with Malfoy.

A/N: Sorry it is taking so long to get these chapters up but I have had computer problems and writes block. But the Christmas angels are fueling my inspiration and hopefully they will bring me new ideas for all my other fics as well Marry Christmas to all and a Happy New year! Thanks for reading Keep Reviewing!