Harry's Birthday Surprise

The sound of shuffling feet preceded the raspy voice down the corridor of St. Hargo’s Home for Incredibly Old Wizards and Witches.

“Malfoy! You’ve done it this time, you old git!”

Grey eyes peered over reading glasses at the door to his bedroom. Just as he was reaching for his cane to try to stand, Harry shuffled into the room, surprisingly fast for a 178 year old wizard.

“Malfoy! You arse!” gasped Harry, apparently winded from his jaunt down the corridor.

Draco sighed. “What have I supposedly done now, old man?”

Harry shook a gnarled finger at Draco. “Don’t take that attitude with me, Malfoy! If I were you, I would have more respect for my elders.”

“You’re a month younger than I am.”

“Technically, it’s a month and twenty-five days. Like I said, elder. But don’t try to change the subject!”

“You started it! You said…oh nevermind, what do you want?” asked Draco, placing a bookmark in the large-print novel he was reading.

“You think I didn’t see you chatting up that fit young mediwizard at breakfast this morning? Don’t try to deny it!”

Draco smiled. “I won’t deny I was talking to him.”

“Aha! So you admit it! If you think I’m going to put up with a boyfriend with a roving eye, you better think again! I’ve got options too! Dennis Creevy just moved in the east wing, and he’s got the looks of a 130 year old. In fact, I might just head down there right now and see if he’s interested.” Harry headed for the door, then paused. “I wonder when he takes a nap…”

“Potter.”

Harry shook his head. “Don’t try to stop me, I’m leaving!” He switched his cane to his other hand. “As soon as I get my hip back in line, I’m out the door!”

Draco grabbed his own cane and struggled to his feet. He shuffled over to Harry and wound his free arm around Harry’s waist. Harry feigned a struggle for a moment, then relaxed into Draco’s embrace.

“Don’t think this means I’m not still mad at you.”

“Oh, I wouldn’t dare,” laughed Draco. He gently pushed Harry’s glasses up on his nose and smiled. “Dennis Creevey doesn’t have the stamina to keep up with you, Potter.”

“And I suppose you do?”

Draco put a hand into the pocket of his robe. “Ah, well you see, that is where a certain fit, young mediwizard comes in,” placing a finger over Harry’s mouth when he began to protest. “I needed his help acquiring the perfect gift for your birthday.”

With that, Draco held out his hand. In his palm were two little blue potion vials.

“After all, a wizard only turns 178 once, right? We should celebrate properly.”

Harry stared at the little blue potions. “Are those what I think they are?”

His eyes lit up when Draco gave him a sly smile. “I love magic!”

--fin--