::21 July, Dublin Manor::
"What did you do last year?" Draco asked.
"Narcissa threw a huge party for me, all my friends came and the Twitching Tigers played. It was really cool."
"We'll have to do something even better this year," Draco smirked. "You are coming of age and we absolutely must do something special."
Harry tried to argue, "But, I don't want-"
"Nonsense, Harry," Draco rolled off his bed and walked into the main area of his room, "We're going to throw a party."
"I don't want-"
"Pish posh Harry love," Draco said and pulled his roll-o-dex of people out, "Who all ought we invite, you're friends I assume. All the lions and selected alumni, I assume the Weasley clan and Fleur, of course, I cannot imagine we would not invite your godfather and members of the Order and Merlin knows we have to call Az and Julian back from Greece."
"Who all is coming?" Harry asked.
Draco took a moment to write a long list of names on a piece of parchment, "You'll see," he smiled, "Go find Ron and Hermione but send me my boys."
Harry sighed, kissed Draco's temple and walked out.
"Ron, where're 'Mione and Theo?"
From where he sat next to Blaise, Ron shrugged, "No idea."
"Well, Draco needs your snake to help plan my birthday."
Blaise leapt up with a squeal and ran towards Draco's room.
"Bollocks," Ron frowned.
"Don't I know it."
"What's going on?" Theo walked in.
"Drake's planning my birthday and needs your help."
The blonde sighed and walked towards Draco's room, scratching his stomach. He was only wearing pajama pants and it was strange to see him looking so well rested. He and Hermione had not appeared at breakfast, an hour ago, and it appeared they had only just woken.
Hermione entered in her pajamas and sat down next to Ron, "Your birthday?"
"Draco's planning it this time 'round," Harry smiled and sat on her other side. "What kept you asleep so late?"
"Theo," she said, "We were talking last night and didn't get to sleep until two or three."
"What were you on about?"
"A lot about politics and then about the theory of crime and punishment in the wizarding world and the effectiveness of Azkaban without dementors as opposed to with. We talked about Draco and when he'll inherit his father's name, if ever, and what Lucius is doing out in Krakow that keeps him so busy. We planned next year and what we'll do after graduation and…lots of things."
"Draco and I were talking about post-graduation stuff the other day."
Ron hummed a little, "Blaise and I discussed why the cracks in the wall look like Dumbledore…"
Harry and Hermione gave him odd looks.
"It was so weird," Ron said, "It looked just like him."
"Ronald," Hermione sighed, "Do you and Blaise ever talk about anything serious?"
"We once had a huge discussion on the usefulness of potionary and why some people are good and others are not."
"HARRY!"
"What?"
"What's your family crest? Do you happen to know off the top of your head?" Draco asked, poking his head into the room.
"I have no idea; I didn't even know I had a family crest. Why?"
"No reason, we'll find it."
"Where?"
"How?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, we have a book with most pureblood family crests in it, easy reference, you know."
"Really?" They stood and followed Draco, Blaise and Theo to the massive library.
Draco climbed a ladder, pushed off and rode it half way across one wall before he came to screeching halt, "Got it!"
He rode the ladder back and climbed down. It was a huge book, at least a foot thick and perhaps two feet by two feet. He set it on a table and began to flip through the brown edged pages.
"Potter…Potter," he frowned as he flipped through the pages. Each one had a large, perfectly colored crest with colors and creatures and often weaponry. "Got it."
Red and gold swirled around a glowering lion.
"That's perfect for you!" Draco nodded.
Harry admired it more, "That's the Potter family crest?"
"Yes, it is."
"Wow."
"Most pureblood families have a snake, lion, bird or badger slash wolverine as their main symbol. Especially English families who achieved pureblood status after Hogwarts was created." Blaise said.
"What about your family?"
The Italian smiled, "Being that we're Italian and older than Hogwarts," he opened to the back of the book, "We have harpies."
The two vicious bird-like women were holding the sun above their heads and showing their teeth. Ron grinned, "Wicked."
"What about yours Ron?" Hermione asked. They found the Weasley page.
A tall old tree was consumed in fire and a huge murder of crows circled it.
"It's not really like us now, but back in the day the Weasley's were a war fightin' bunch…according to dad."
"That's so cool though," Harry said.
"I personally want to see Draco's family crest," Hermione said.
With a shrug Draco turned to his family page.
"Oh wow." Hermione said, "That's so Malfoy family."
A white basilisk curled around a sword before a background of silver and night.
"That's a great crest."
"So Malfoy."
"We've had it for neigh on six thousand years," Draco said. "It's on the old rings and it is carved into the floor of the Grand Ballroom. It's all over the place if you look," he said. "We're very proud of it."
Harry smiled. "I bet you are."
"Actually," Draco bit his bottom lip, "I think it used to be a custom to have your family crest tattooed on your chest so your body could be identified in a war."
Hermione nodded, "That's back when magic was more violent and less controlled by the Ministry. Back when people would use flaming swords and scythes coated in magic poison."
"Back when wars were wars and men were men," Blaise said and made a very manly grunt.
"Sure," Ron rolled his eyes. "If you are manly then I am as blonde as Draco is."
They laughed.
"You're mean," Blaise said but he could not not smile.
"Oh, I'm sorry honey," Ron kissed his cheek.
"Come on," Draco said, "Blaise, Theo and I have things to do."
The three snakes slipped off and left the lions in the library.
::31 July, Sevryn Club::
"Draco, you didn't have to go to all this trouble," Harry said as he was led, blindfolded into the main club room.
"Really darling, it was no trouble."
Beyond the blindfold the walls were a rich red and trimmed in gold. The Potter family crest stood proud on the far wall behind the VIP table. Black table clothes adorned thirteen tables with seven people at each table. Gifts were piled on one table and at each place setting was a small gift for each guest. A golden lion figurine of about fist size sat proudly on each small box and roared the name of their specified guest. Inside the box lay a golden necklace with a lightening bolt charm and a trio of soft winged magical butterflies that were charmed to stay with their owner and do as told. After the sophisticated meal finished and the adults left Draco had a concert and dance party planned.
"I just don't see the point of the blindfold, I'll see everything at some point or another."
"Calm down!"
The room was empty at this point, no one had arrived yet and Draco wanted a moment alone with his now legal boyfriend.
"Okay, fine," Harry smiled as Draco stopped.
"Close your eyes."
"Merlin, Drake-"
"Do it!"
"Okay!"
Draco removed the blindfold and stood directly in front of Harry. "Open."
The green eyes faced the light and Harry staggered back, "Holy Jesus, Draco, you-you did all this?"
"Well, I'm a Malfoy and we never do anything mediocre."
He laughed, "You're incredible."
"I know."
Draco stood on tip-toe and pressed his lips against Harry's and smiled. His lips were soft and dry but Draco wet them with his tongue. Hands of a lion snaked around the Ice Prince and held him close. Draco's arms lifted and wound around Harry's shoulders and he pulled the towering raven down. It took a long moment before the doors opened and they pulled apart.
"Are you two done snogging?"
"For now," Draco smiled.
"Let's start inviting in guests," Ron said and pulled the door open wide. Blaise entered and smiled, "We do such good work, darling."
"Oh I know," Draco agreed, "You should sit and Blaise and I will subtly rejoin the crowd so it is not too suspicious."
Harry nodded and was still upset that he and Draco felt the need to hide. The blonde kissed him once more for good measure and he and the Italian slipped away. People began to enter. Fudge and most of the Order walked in and Sirius and Remus were arm in arm. Azriel and Julian with Zav and the Weasleys and all his school friends came in and laughed when they saw their lions and greeted the Savior. Oliver and his old Quidditch Team entered and rushed around him with smiles and thumps on the back.
Krum entered and he and Fleur greeted each other before he walked to Harry.
"Congratulations, old friend, you are a man today and a good man at that."
Harry shook his hand, "I'm glad to see you, Viktor."
Draco and Blaise walked in with Theo and Severus. Harry gave them a smile and a nod and they returned it. The press stood at the door, unable to enter without proper invitation and snapped photos and tried to grab his attention from their place.
Harry smiled and walked over and let them take a few photos and he ventured to answer questions before a pair of butlers closed the doors and he took the place of honor.
Sirius stood, "Everyone, please," they silenced and turned to him. "My godson is seventeen today and that means a lot in our world. He is a man, a legal adult, and recognized by the Ministry of Magic as a full member of our community. Not only that, Harry's transition to adulthood has been a traumatic and amazing one. He has seen more evil and experienced more pain and joy than many wizards in their whole lives. I am proud to call him my godson and I would consider him my blood any day. Were he still but thirteen, as when I first met him, I would adopt him as my true heir and he knows that." Sirius smiled to Harry, "To an amazing man with a grand future."
Everyone raised there glasses and toasted him.
Harry smiled.
"I also would like to raise a glass to our guest of honor," Remus said, "I knew Harry both as a baby and then we met again when he was thirteen. I was astounded at how he became so much like his father without him. The valor, the patience, joy, honor, courage and loyalty usually attributed to his Gryffindorhood, I know came directly from his father, James. I grew up with Harry's father and I know he could never be more proud of his son. You are absolutely incredible, Harry, and I would like to toast your life, your loves and your future."
Harry stood and hugged Remus and Sirius, "Thank-you," he said and reseated himself.
The dinner progressed through five courses and dessert arrived in the form of a large cake. Harry, continually impressed with magic, had not expected a cake version of himself fighting a Hungarian Horntail. The cake version of himself flew around on a boom and the dragon curled on a base of chocolate rocks and roared and breathed red sugar that glittered over the chocolate. Harry could nearly feel himself gaining weight as the dragon's head was cut off, surrounded by chocolate rocks and served to the VIP table.
Harry laughed when he dug out one eye and found it to be a sugar glazed almond. The teeth were candy cane shards with red streaks making it appear like blood. It was a delicious cake and Harry sent a secret smile to Draco who merely winked at him in return and took a bite of the tail.
"Thank-you for coming," Harry stood, "I'm so thankful to everyone and you're all very sweet."
He had been briefed before the party and told that it was impolite to open the gifts at the party. Draco promised him they would have an unwrapping party at the Dublin Manor that night.
Everyone stood and Harry walked out to bid them good-bye. He took note of who went to the left and who left through the main doors. Adults through the main, younger folk to the left and he smiled because it was so obvious.
After everyone was gone he went to the left and found himself in a wide, poorly lit room with a raised stage and loads of people.
The twins were standing with Oliver and Angelina and laughing it up, drinks in hand. Harry slid up to the bar and got a bottle of beer before he ventured into the crowd.
The birthday boy slid up to the stage and leaned against it. Draco appeared before him and smiled, "Did you like it?"
"I loved it," Harry responded, "Dinner was incredible and that cake was fantastic, a spectacle!"
Draco smiled, "I thought you would like it."
"I loved it."
"I'm glad," Draco nodded, "The band should come on soon."
"Who is playing?"
"You'll see."
Draco smiled. "All the gifts are being taken to Dublin and there are heaps more than we expected. We'll be up all night, darling."
"I don't mind, do you?"
"I had other plans," he said and winked devilishly.
"We can save some gifts for tomorrow, you know, I don't have to open them all just now," Harry reasoned and Draco smiled, "Damn straight."
A loud scream of feedback brought the attention to the stage and there stood a green haired girl with very large breasts and a snarl.
"Holy Merlin," someone shouted, "It's Divinity!"
Harry had heard of them. They were an Irish wizard rock band with a feisty stage presence and a loyal following. Blaise had let Harry hear them and the lion had loved it. He got their records and a poster for his dorm room (which he hardly saw but still) and Draco knew that Harry had wanted to see them live for quite some time.
Harry squealed. "You got Divinity to play?!"
"It's part of your gift from me."
"Best gift ever," Harry kissed his cheek before he was able to stop himself and he quickly pulled away and blushed. "Did anyone see?"
"That's possible," Draco shrugged, "I'm not sure that I'm worried about that though."
Harry smiled, "Good."
The lead singer held up the microphone, "Let's start this party," and the music kicked in.
"What's your worldly calling
Mr. Potter?
Hear say you're a good guy
Mr. Potter
Somebody loves you
Mr. Potter
And they say Happy Birthday
Harry
Potter!"
The music was loud and Harry was awed by the fact they had a song just for him.
"What is this?" he turned and asked Draco.
"I made a special request," the blonde said and evaporated into the crowd.
Pretty much I wrote the song myself.
I'm proud : D
::laughs and smiles::
I hope you liked this chapter
WARNING: Sex in the next one, be warned. It's not graphic but it's there
Draco: It's deffinitely there ::wink wink::
Ron: I really don't want to hear about this
Blaise: Hey, we do the same thing
Mrs. Weasley: What same thing? What do you do?
::awkward silence::
Blaise: Play chess at three in the morning. I'm a terrible insomniac and your son procrastinates homework something aweful.
Ron: Yeah, so we end up, uh...around each other that early in the morning
Blaise: And so we play chess
Mrs. Weasley: Oh, that's...nice...Ron, you really shouldn't put off your homework like that
Hermione: That's what I say!
Harry::elbows Hermione:: Shuttup!
Draco: You have a nice son, Mrs. Weasley, he's a good boy.
Mrs. Weasley: Oh thank-you, dear. You're such a sweetie, Harry's lucky to have you.
Draco::grin::
Harry: Kiss arse.
Draco: Don't make me punch your sternum.
Blaise: Do you even know what a sternum is?
Draco: Do you?
Blaise: No...
Harry: It's part of your chest, abdominal area
Draco: I see... ::punches Harry in his sternum::
Harry: Ow!
FireStorm: tsk tsk, if you keep beating each other up I'll have to omit the sex
Draco: NOOOOO!
FireStorm: Good
LOVE
FireStorm