Harry Potter and The White Queen (BP3)
folder
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
49
Views:
28,187
Reviews:
234
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Category:
Harry Potter › Slash - Male/Male › Harry/Draco
Rating:
Adult ++
Chapters:
49
Views:
28,187
Reviews:
234
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
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.
Guilty Grief
Chapter Number/Total: 6/49
Chapter Title: Guilty Grief
Words: 2873 Words
Harry woke in the night to find himself alone in bed. The drapes were slightly open and a sliver of moonlight shown across the floor. He sat up quickly, trying to focus his eyes. "Draco?" he asked, his voice loud in the quiet of the room. A breeze from the open drapes stirred the fabric. Harry frowned and crawled from the bed, getting to his feet. He Summoned his glasses and put them on, looking around in the dark. He couldn't see Draco anywhere in the room. Even the other man’s bathrobe was still beside the bed.
His heart began to pound. Another breeze ruffled the bed curtains and he shivered a bit as it hit his skin. A window was open and he crossed to it quickly. The window was a floor length glass door that opened out onto a stone patio overlooking a rose garden. His back to the window, looking up at the moon, was Draco. His pale hair and skin glowed in the moonlight.
Harry sighed with relief, relaxing as he saw Draco. "What are you doing?" he asked, stepping outside a bit.
"Go back to bed, love," Draco said in a soft voice.
"I can't without you," Harry said truthfully, taking a few steps towards Draco.
"I'll be in soon," Draco said, his voice quavering a bit and his face turned away from Harry.
Harry frowned at that voice and moved closer to Draco still. "Draco?" he asked again, quieter this time.
"I should have shut the door. I didn't mean to wake you," Draco said, his voice barely a whisper. "Go on back in before you get cold."
"What's wrong?" Harry asked softly. He knew there was something, even if he couldn't see Draco's face. There was no need to whisper except to mask crying.
Draco sighed, chin dropping to his chest. "You never do what I tell you, do you?" he complained.
Harry frowned. "Only sometimes," he said, trying to joke but then going serious again. "What's wrong?"
Draco shook his head. "Nothing, really." He sighed. "I guess I just hadn't thought about how it would feel - to be here again."
Harry sighed. He closed the last bit of space between them and wrapped his arms around Draco's waist from behind.
Draco gasped as Harry's body pressed against his. The other man was still warm from the bed, but more than that was just the natural feeling of him. Draco felt selfish for crying out here when he had what he had dreamt of but never thought possible.
"I'm here with you," Harry said quietly. "And I'm not going anywhere. You can sit out here and cry, but I'll be with you here, too."
"You are crazy, did you know that?" Draco sniffed. "It shouldn't matter, really." He was quiet for a minute. "I never asked, but do you remember anything about them?"
"About what?" Harry asked, raising an eyebrow and tightening his hold.
"Your parents," Draco said quietly.
Harry was silent for a bit. "No, not really. They died when I was only a baby, but I used to dream about them. Remus and Sirius have told me really wonderful things about them, but all I can remember are things like feeling comfortable and safe. I remember some awful things too, but that was the night they were killed."
Draco was quiet again. The night was still and the garden beautiful by moonlight. His mother loved this garden. "I don't know if she is alive or dead," he whispered, "I was afraid to ask."
Harry knew Draco was talking about his mother. He was silent again for a bit. "I'll ask for you if you want me to," he whispered, not knowing what else to say.
"I could have asked Father," Draco said. "He didn't even mention her. Nor did Severus. So, I didn't either."
Harry bit his lip. "Do you miss her?" he asked, rocking Draco gently from side to side.
Draco nodded. "It's been six months since I've heard from her. Christmas since I saw her. I mean, we weren't close since, well, since I got older, but I think she always loved me."
Harry frowned. "Your father got in the way?" he asked, not able to keep all of the disgust out of his voice.
Draco tensed. "When I was in the nursery, it was like I was hers more than his," he whispered. "But when I started Hogwarts, he said it was time to learn to be a man. That my mother couldn't teach me that. Only he could."
Harry shivered. "I'm sure your mother loved you," he whispered. "She risked her life to protect you, didn't she? With Snape? And in the robe shop, before sixth year started, she nearly burned holes through me when we almost fought."
"She talked Father into sending me to Hogwarts instead of Durmstrang," Draco said, nodding. "So you think she is dead?"
"I - Draco, I don't know," Harry said quietly. "I hope she isn't. We can look for her if you like. We can talk to Snape about it the next time we go to see him. If we do go back."
"I need to know," Draco answered. "I was thinking about those bloody invitations and realising that I couldn't even send her one. And what about Snape? He's my godfather. He has always tried to protect me. Shouldn't he be there?"
Harry made a face, but Draco couldn't see it. "I never imagined Snape at my wedding," he said, "but then I never imagined getting married to you either. Would he even want to come?"
Draco shrugged, laying his hand on top of Harry's. "I know you two have never gotten along." He snorted at his own understatement. "He put his life at risk for me," he continued, "took an Unbreakable Vow to protect me."
Harry sighed and nodded. "Could he stomach coming? You know, I did rape you and all," he said sarcastically.
Draco tensed again, shivering a bit in the cool air. "Let's go back inside," he said.
Harry nodded again and let go of Draco, shivering at the loss of his body heat. He moved quickly inside and back to the bed, getting under the covers.
Draco looked up at the moon and back out over the garden and then followed Harry inside, closing the door behind him and pulling the drapes closed. He climbed back into bed, reaching for the warmth that was Harry.
Harry moved into Draco's arms, sighing as he did so and entwining their legs. "You can invite who you want," he said quietly. "Even Snape."
Draco's lips quirked into a small smile and he kissed Harry on the nose.
Harry smiled gently and moved even closer to Draco. "I love you," he said.
"Good," Draco said, "because I think you are stuck with me."
Harry snorted quietly. "That's the only way I want it," he said.
***
Harry and Draco were just sitting down for lunch with Ron, Hermione, Bill and Fleur.
Harry was in a wonderful mood and couldn't stop smiling. Not even Hermione's indignant sniffing when three house-elves entered to serve the food could dampen his mood.
"Wizards do not need house-elves," she was telling Bill. "Honestly, they can get things themselves or even hire human help! That way, no one is being mistreated and there are more available job options."
Bill raised an amused eyebrow.
"And what would they do with themselves if we dismissed them?" Draco asked indulgently.
"Well, they couldn't do anything right now," said Hermione. "They haven't any options or anywhere to turn. That's why there needs to be an organisation started. Perhaps something set up in the Ministry. I know that there's a department for magical creatures. I think it could be used for helping freed elves get on their feet."
Harry and Ron both sighed quietly.
"I could see that," Draco said. "As long as they had a choice and weren't forced into it. Or forced to leave if they didn't want to."
"They aren't given a choice with most people," said Hermione with a huff. "They are only born into it and told that it's all they are meant to do. They have so much potential! They have powerful magic of their own and could easily start their own communities. Dobby and Kreacher can Apparate inside Hogwarts when wizards can't! I think they should be educated."
"Have you thought about the dangerous side of that?" Draco asked.
"There are always risks involved with everything," said Hermione. "What dangers exactly are you talking about?"
"If you free the elves," Draco sighed, "then they may choose to side with our enemies."
"Well, I suppose some of them might, but many of them of them have been mistreated by Voldemort's side," said Hermione. "I mean no offence, but look at the way Dobby was treated. I don't think we would have to worry about that. Most of them would probably side with Harry - if they wanted to fight at all. They seem like a peaceful people to me. Or at least all the ones that I've met."
Draco shook his head. "I think you would be surprised to find that the treatment of house-elves does not conform to your ideals. Nor do many of them share Dobby's views."
"Well, I realise that Dobby is a bit ... strange, but he could help them all to see how wonderful it is to be free. Would you mind possibly telling me more about their treatment? I've never really had an opportunity to talk to anyone who's grown up around them and people who have them," said Hermione.
Draco thought about it a moment. "House-elves usually like structure. They like order. They don't tolerate ambiguity well."
"Yes, I figured as much. That makes me think that they could set up their own communities even more, and be successful with it."
The smile had slipped from Harry's face now and he was utterly bored as hell. He ate his food in silence, wondering how long this could go on for.
"I doubt that. They would look for a strong leader figure and follow him," Draco said.
"And I think that, once again, falls into that they have been brainwashed and undereducated."
"Ehm, I don't mean to interrupt," said Fleur, tossing her hair, "but would eet be possible to 'ave zis conversation some ozzer time? I 'ave some questions about ze wedding zat really should be addressed right away."
Hermione frowned at her.
"Of course, Madame." Draco inclined his head. "Granger, we should talk more when we don't have a captive audience." He smiled, indicating their companions.
Hermione looked around at everyone's very bored faces and shook her head. "Yes, I suppose you're right," she said with another sniff.
"What did you want, Fleur?" asked Harry quickly, wanting to talk about the wedding more than S.P.E.W.
"Well," said Fleur slowly, "I know we talked a little about zis last night, but ... ze eenvitations really do need to be sent and ze guest list made. Eet would also be good if you could decide what you are going to do about your names as well."
Draco frowned briefly but then got control of his expressions. He turned to his lover and raised an eyebrow. "Ideas?"
"About the guest list or ... our names?" asked Harry. He didn't really know what to do about names. He'd never given it any thought before. He'd always assumed he would be nothing but Potter.
"Let's get this name thing over with," Draco said. "Do you want to be called anything different from Harry Potter?"
Harry's eyebrows pulled together in a frown. "Well, I've never thought I would be called anything different," he said slowly. "I don't think it's really a matter of not wanting to be called something different; it would just be a little odd maybe."
"I don't think being together means we have to give up who we are," Draco said. "Why change our names?"
Harry nodded, thinking. "Yeah, you're right. We don't need to change them. Besides Draco Potter just sounds ... weird, and Harry Malfoy sounds like you're saying hairy Malfoy, as in a Malfoy with too much hair."
Draco's eyebrows shot up to his hairline and he snorted. He turned to the others. "So we keep our names as they are. And I liked Granger's idea of not making a deal about gender in the wedding party."
Hermione smiled.
Harry nodded again. "So, who is our wedding party?" he asked.
"First and most obvious are your two partners in crime," Draco drawled, gesturing at Hermione and Ron.
Harry grinned. "Yes, they're a given," he said. "You guys will be in it, won't you?" he asked.
Hermione beamed. "Of course, Harry," she said.
Ron snorted and grinned. "Never thought I would say this, but yes, I'll be in a Potter-Malfoy wedding," he said.
Harry smiled at his friends. "I'd like Mr. and Mrs. Weasley in it too in some way. If they'd like to do it."
"Are you kidding, Harry?" asked Ron. "Mum would kill you if you didn't put her somewhere in there."
"Remus," Draco said. "And Tonks."
"Yes, them too," said Harry, nodding. "And Ginny and Neville and Luna - if they can get out of school. I have a feeling a lot of guests we invite will be missing if Hogwarts doesn't let them out for this."
"Harry, how big is this wedding?" Draco asked. "The Manor is big but there is an issue of security."
Harry shrugged. "I don't know," he said. "I suppose it shouldn't be too large. How big do you think?"
Draco frowned, trying to think of what was an appropriate number. "I suppose it means we keep it to the people who are important," he said.
Harry nodded again. "Yes, you're right. So all of the Weasleys, Remus, Tonks, and I'd still like Neville and Luna there if they can make it. They risked their lives for me and are some really good friends. Aside from them, there are other Order members, but not all of them are exactly important to me. Kingsley's a good guy, and maybe Moody if he's not feeling too crazy."
Fleur had brought out a quill and parchment from somewhere and was jotting names down.
"And Severus Snape," Draco added. Waiting for the reaction from the others.
Hermione raised an eyebrow.
Ron made a horrible face.
Bill and Fleur looked at Draco like he was crazy. "Didn't he ... kill Dumbledore?" Bill asked slowly, a heavy frown on his face.
"He is my godfather," Draco said with a sigh. "Even if he doesn't attend, he must be invited."
"It's very, very complicated, and Draco's not crazy," Harry said seriously to Bill. "Don't worry about it."
Bill was still frowning. He looked like he wanted to, but didn't press anymore.
"And Narcissa Malfoy," Draco added.
Harry gave a small smile and nodded.
Fleur looked up. "Iz zat all?" she asked.
"Well, I haven't any family. And Draco, you don't either, do you? Except for Tonks, I suppose, but she's already coming."
"Yes, that sounds like the list," Draco said.
"Well, eet iz a bit smaller zan I thought eet would be, but zat iz zat," said Fleur. She smiled. "We are getting so much done!"
"What's next?" asked Harry.
"Well, as far as today ..." said Fleur slowly, thinking. "What do you want on your eenvitations? Usually, zey are from ze parents. But zat will not be ze case here."
"From Mr. Draco Malfoy and Mr. Harry Potter," Draco said.
"Yes, zat iz seemple enough," said Fleur. "I don't know if zer iz anyone zat you weel want to work with specifically, but I can contact ze people zat 'elped with our wedding. Zer are ze robe makers and ze people zat made our eenvitations and you weel also need to pick out rings for each ozzer." She smiled.
Harry grinned. "Once again, I don't know anything about this kind of stuff, so we'll probably need all of those people. And yes, we do need rings."
Draco frowned again, looking down at the construct in his lap. He took a deep breath and looked up again. "I am sure that whomever you trusted would be good for us," he said.
Fleur smiled and nodded. "Zen I suppose we weel be needing to make a trip to Diagon Alley soon. Ze robe makers can come 'ere to do ze fittings though. Shall we get zose things done, say within ze next week or so?"
Harry nodded. "Sounds good to me," he said.
"Yes," Draco said, pushing away his plate. "Excuse me. Make yourselves at home." He got up from the table and left the room.
Fleur frowned just a little bit, but began rolling up the parchment.
Hermione looked at Harry knowingly and he frowned, getting to his feet quickly so as not to lose Draco in this monster of a manor. He followed Draco out of the room, a few steps behind him. "Draco?" he asked.
Draco stopped when Harry called out to him, standing in the hall but not turning. "It's okay, Harry," he said. "I just need some time."
Chapter Title: Guilty Grief
Words: 2873 Words
Harry woke in the night to find himself alone in bed. The drapes were slightly open and a sliver of moonlight shown across the floor. He sat up quickly, trying to focus his eyes. "Draco?" he asked, his voice loud in the quiet of the room. A breeze from the open drapes stirred the fabric. Harry frowned and crawled from the bed, getting to his feet. He Summoned his glasses and put them on, looking around in the dark. He couldn't see Draco anywhere in the room. Even the other man’s bathrobe was still beside the bed.
His heart began to pound. Another breeze ruffled the bed curtains and he shivered a bit as it hit his skin. A window was open and he crossed to it quickly. The window was a floor length glass door that opened out onto a stone patio overlooking a rose garden. His back to the window, looking up at the moon, was Draco. His pale hair and skin glowed in the moonlight.
Harry sighed with relief, relaxing as he saw Draco. "What are you doing?" he asked, stepping outside a bit.
"Go back to bed, love," Draco said in a soft voice.
"I can't without you," Harry said truthfully, taking a few steps towards Draco.
"I'll be in soon," Draco said, his voice quavering a bit and his face turned away from Harry.
Harry frowned at that voice and moved closer to Draco still. "Draco?" he asked again, quieter this time.
"I should have shut the door. I didn't mean to wake you," Draco said, his voice barely a whisper. "Go on back in before you get cold."
"What's wrong?" Harry asked softly. He knew there was something, even if he couldn't see Draco's face. There was no need to whisper except to mask crying.
Draco sighed, chin dropping to his chest. "You never do what I tell you, do you?" he complained.
Harry frowned. "Only sometimes," he said, trying to joke but then going serious again. "What's wrong?"
Draco shook his head. "Nothing, really." He sighed. "I guess I just hadn't thought about how it would feel - to be here again."
Harry sighed. He closed the last bit of space between them and wrapped his arms around Draco's waist from behind.
Draco gasped as Harry's body pressed against his. The other man was still warm from the bed, but more than that was just the natural feeling of him. Draco felt selfish for crying out here when he had what he had dreamt of but never thought possible.
"I'm here with you," Harry said quietly. "And I'm not going anywhere. You can sit out here and cry, but I'll be with you here, too."
"You are crazy, did you know that?" Draco sniffed. "It shouldn't matter, really." He was quiet for a minute. "I never asked, but do you remember anything about them?"
"About what?" Harry asked, raising an eyebrow and tightening his hold.
"Your parents," Draco said quietly.
Harry was silent for a bit. "No, not really. They died when I was only a baby, but I used to dream about them. Remus and Sirius have told me really wonderful things about them, but all I can remember are things like feeling comfortable and safe. I remember some awful things too, but that was the night they were killed."
Draco was quiet again. The night was still and the garden beautiful by moonlight. His mother loved this garden. "I don't know if she is alive or dead," he whispered, "I was afraid to ask."
Harry knew Draco was talking about his mother. He was silent again for a bit. "I'll ask for you if you want me to," he whispered, not knowing what else to say.
"I could have asked Father," Draco said. "He didn't even mention her. Nor did Severus. So, I didn't either."
Harry bit his lip. "Do you miss her?" he asked, rocking Draco gently from side to side.
Draco nodded. "It's been six months since I've heard from her. Christmas since I saw her. I mean, we weren't close since, well, since I got older, but I think she always loved me."
Harry frowned. "Your father got in the way?" he asked, not able to keep all of the disgust out of his voice.
Draco tensed. "When I was in the nursery, it was like I was hers more than his," he whispered. "But when I started Hogwarts, he said it was time to learn to be a man. That my mother couldn't teach me that. Only he could."
Harry shivered. "I'm sure your mother loved you," he whispered. "She risked her life to protect you, didn't she? With Snape? And in the robe shop, before sixth year started, she nearly burned holes through me when we almost fought."
"She talked Father into sending me to Hogwarts instead of Durmstrang," Draco said, nodding. "So you think she is dead?"
"I - Draco, I don't know," Harry said quietly. "I hope she isn't. We can look for her if you like. We can talk to Snape about it the next time we go to see him. If we do go back."
"I need to know," Draco answered. "I was thinking about those bloody invitations and realising that I couldn't even send her one. And what about Snape? He's my godfather. He has always tried to protect me. Shouldn't he be there?"
Harry made a face, but Draco couldn't see it. "I never imagined Snape at my wedding," he said, "but then I never imagined getting married to you either. Would he even want to come?"
Draco shrugged, laying his hand on top of Harry's. "I know you two have never gotten along." He snorted at his own understatement. "He put his life at risk for me," he continued, "took an Unbreakable Vow to protect me."
Harry sighed and nodded. "Could he stomach coming? You know, I did rape you and all," he said sarcastically.
Draco tensed again, shivering a bit in the cool air. "Let's go back inside," he said.
Harry nodded again and let go of Draco, shivering at the loss of his body heat. He moved quickly inside and back to the bed, getting under the covers.
Draco looked up at the moon and back out over the garden and then followed Harry inside, closing the door behind him and pulling the drapes closed. He climbed back into bed, reaching for the warmth that was Harry.
Harry moved into Draco's arms, sighing as he did so and entwining their legs. "You can invite who you want," he said quietly. "Even Snape."
Draco's lips quirked into a small smile and he kissed Harry on the nose.
Harry smiled gently and moved even closer to Draco. "I love you," he said.
"Good," Draco said, "because I think you are stuck with me."
Harry snorted quietly. "That's the only way I want it," he said.
***
Harry and Draco were just sitting down for lunch with Ron, Hermione, Bill and Fleur.
Harry was in a wonderful mood and couldn't stop smiling. Not even Hermione's indignant sniffing when three house-elves entered to serve the food could dampen his mood.
"Wizards do not need house-elves," she was telling Bill. "Honestly, they can get things themselves or even hire human help! That way, no one is being mistreated and there are more available job options."
Bill raised an amused eyebrow.
"And what would they do with themselves if we dismissed them?" Draco asked indulgently.
"Well, they couldn't do anything right now," said Hermione. "They haven't any options or anywhere to turn. That's why there needs to be an organisation started. Perhaps something set up in the Ministry. I know that there's a department for magical creatures. I think it could be used for helping freed elves get on their feet."
Harry and Ron both sighed quietly.
"I could see that," Draco said. "As long as they had a choice and weren't forced into it. Or forced to leave if they didn't want to."
"They aren't given a choice with most people," said Hermione with a huff. "They are only born into it and told that it's all they are meant to do. They have so much potential! They have powerful magic of their own and could easily start their own communities. Dobby and Kreacher can Apparate inside Hogwarts when wizards can't! I think they should be educated."
"Have you thought about the dangerous side of that?" Draco asked.
"There are always risks involved with everything," said Hermione. "What dangers exactly are you talking about?"
"If you free the elves," Draco sighed, "then they may choose to side with our enemies."
"Well, I suppose some of them might, but many of them of them have been mistreated by Voldemort's side," said Hermione. "I mean no offence, but look at the way Dobby was treated. I don't think we would have to worry about that. Most of them would probably side with Harry - if they wanted to fight at all. They seem like a peaceful people to me. Or at least all the ones that I've met."
Draco shook his head. "I think you would be surprised to find that the treatment of house-elves does not conform to your ideals. Nor do many of them share Dobby's views."
"Well, I realise that Dobby is a bit ... strange, but he could help them all to see how wonderful it is to be free. Would you mind possibly telling me more about their treatment? I've never really had an opportunity to talk to anyone who's grown up around them and people who have them," said Hermione.
Draco thought about it a moment. "House-elves usually like structure. They like order. They don't tolerate ambiguity well."
"Yes, I figured as much. That makes me think that they could set up their own communities even more, and be successful with it."
The smile had slipped from Harry's face now and he was utterly bored as hell. He ate his food in silence, wondering how long this could go on for.
"I doubt that. They would look for a strong leader figure and follow him," Draco said.
"And I think that, once again, falls into that they have been brainwashed and undereducated."
"Ehm, I don't mean to interrupt," said Fleur, tossing her hair, "but would eet be possible to 'ave zis conversation some ozzer time? I 'ave some questions about ze wedding zat really should be addressed right away."
Hermione frowned at her.
"Of course, Madame." Draco inclined his head. "Granger, we should talk more when we don't have a captive audience." He smiled, indicating their companions.
Hermione looked around at everyone's very bored faces and shook her head. "Yes, I suppose you're right," she said with another sniff.
"What did you want, Fleur?" asked Harry quickly, wanting to talk about the wedding more than S.P.E.W.
"Well," said Fleur slowly, "I know we talked a little about zis last night, but ... ze eenvitations really do need to be sent and ze guest list made. Eet would also be good if you could decide what you are going to do about your names as well."
Draco frowned briefly but then got control of his expressions. He turned to his lover and raised an eyebrow. "Ideas?"
"About the guest list or ... our names?" asked Harry. He didn't really know what to do about names. He'd never given it any thought before. He'd always assumed he would be nothing but Potter.
"Let's get this name thing over with," Draco said. "Do you want to be called anything different from Harry Potter?"
Harry's eyebrows pulled together in a frown. "Well, I've never thought I would be called anything different," he said slowly. "I don't think it's really a matter of not wanting to be called something different; it would just be a little odd maybe."
"I don't think being together means we have to give up who we are," Draco said. "Why change our names?"
Harry nodded, thinking. "Yeah, you're right. We don't need to change them. Besides Draco Potter just sounds ... weird, and Harry Malfoy sounds like you're saying hairy Malfoy, as in a Malfoy with too much hair."
Draco's eyebrows shot up to his hairline and he snorted. He turned to the others. "So we keep our names as they are. And I liked Granger's idea of not making a deal about gender in the wedding party."
Hermione smiled.
Harry nodded again. "So, who is our wedding party?" he asked.
"First and most obvious are your two partners in crime," Draco drawled, gesturing at Hermione and Ron.
Harry grinned. "Yes, they're a given," he said. "You guys will be in it, won't you?" he asked.
Hermione beamed. "Of course, Harry," she said.
Ron snorted and grinned. "Never thought I would say this, but yes, I'll be in a Potter-Malfoy wedding," he said.
Harry smiled at his friends. "I'd like Mr. and Mrs. Weasley in it too in some way. If they'd like to do it."
"Are you kidding, Harry?" asked Ron. "Mum would kill you if you didn't put her somewhere in there."
"Remus," Draco said. "And Tonks."
"Yes, them too," said Harry, nodding. "And Ginny and Neville and Luna - if they can get out of school. I have a feeling a lot of guests we invite will be missing if Hogwarts doesn't let them out for this."
"Harry, how big is this wedding?" Draco asked. "The Manor is big but there is an issue of security."
Harry shrugged. "I don't know," he said. "I suppose it shouldn't be too large. How big do you think?"
Draco frowned, trying to think of what was an appropriate number. "I suppose it means we keep it to the people who are important," he said.
Harry nodded again. "Yes, you're right. So all of the Weasleys, Remus, Tonks, and I'd still like Neville and Luna there if they can make it. They risked their lives for me and are some really good friends. Aside from them, there are other Order members, but not all of them are exactly important to me. Kingsley's a good guy, and maybe Moody if he's not feeling too crazy."
Fleur had brought out a quill and parchment from somewhere and was jotting names down.
"And Severus Snape," Draco added. Waiting for the reaction from the others.
Hermione raised an eyebrow.
Ron made a horrible face.
Bill and Fleur looked at Draco like he was crazy. "Didn't he ... kill Dumbledore?" Bill asked slowly, a heavy frown on his face.
"He is my godfather," Draco said with a sigh. "Even if he doesn't attend, he must be invited."
"It's very, very complicated, and Draco's not crazy," Harry said seriously to Bill. "Don't worry about it."
Bill was still frowning. He looked like he wanted to, but didn't press anymore.
"And Narcissa Malfoy," Draco added.
Harry gave a small smile and nodded.
Fleur looked up. "Iz zat all?" she asked.
"Well, I haven't any family. And Draco, you don't either, do you? Except for Tonks, I suppose, but she's already coming."
"Yes, that sounds like the list," Draco said.
"Well, eet iz a bit smaller zan I thought eet would be, but zat iz zat," said Fleur. She smiled. "We are getting so much done!"
"What's next?" asked Harry.
"Well, as far as today ..." said Fleur slowly, thinking. "What do you want on your eenvitations? Usually, zey are from ze parents. But zat will not be ze case here."
"From Mr. Draco Malfoy and Mr. Harry Potter," Draco said.
"Yes, zat iz seemple enough," said Fleur. "I don't know if zer iz anyone zat you weel want to work with specifically, but I can contact ze people zat 'elped with our wedding. Zer are ze robe makers and ze people zat made our eenvitations and you weel also need to pick out rings for each ozzer." She smiled.
Harry grinned. "Once again, I don't know anything about this kind of stuff, so we'll probably need all of those people. And yes, we do need rings."
Draco frowned again, looking down at the construct in his lap. He took a deep breath and looked up again. "I am sure that whomever you trusted would be good for us," he said.
Fleur smiled and nodded. "Zen I suppose we weel be needing to make a trip to Diagon Alley soon. Ze robe makers can come 'ere to do ze fittings though. Shall we get zose things done, say within ze next week or so?"
Harry nodded. "Sounds good to me," he said.
"Yes," Draco said, pushing away his plate. "Excuse me. Make yourselves at home." He got up from the table and left the room.
Fleur frowned just a little bit, but began rolling up the parchment.
Hermione looked at Harry knowingly and he frowned, getting to his feet quickly so as not to lose Draco in this monster of a manor. He followed Draco out of the room, a few steps behind him. "Draco?" he asked.
Draco stopped when Harry called out to him, standing in the hall but not turning. "It's okay, Harry," he said. "I just need some time."