AN: Here we are for another chapter. I hope you continue to enjoy the fic. The romance aspects will speed in, soon. Thanks to DancingHorses for her wonderful beta work!

Chapter 11

As the Christmas holidays approached the castle became steadily colder. There was still quite a bit of time until school got out, but Draco was dreading going home.

Harry was going to meet him at their usual table in the Library. When he arrived, he looked very down. He took the seat across from Draco.

"Hey, Harry. What's wrong?" Draco asked.

Harry smiled at him. "A few things, really. I just wish they would let me live my life."

"Who?" Draco asked, curious.

"Oh, just Dumbledore and his friends. I wanted to go home for Christmas, but he wouldn't let me. Didn't even have the decency to tell me himself. He got old McGonagall to do it for him."

"But I thought you hated your relatives?"

"Oh, I do. But I wanted to see my godfather," Harry replied.

"Oh, that makes sense," Draco said as he wondered who Harry's godfather was.

"Ron and Hermione are going home, so I'll be here all alone," Harry said, looking glum.

"Well, I don't really want to go home for the holidays, so maybe I could convince my father to let me stay!" Draco said, excited that he might not have to go home. "You can help me write the letter."

Harry got up and moved to a chair next to Draco and scooted it very close, much to Draco's enjoyment.

Father,

I hope this letter finds you well.

Thank you for your aid in the Three Broomsticks. Potter and his friends are eating out of my hands now. You should have heard them. "Oh, poor Draco, your father is so mean and scary. Would you like a hug?

"Hey, no one said that!" Harry interrupted.

"I know, but it's what my father expects to hear. I'm sorry, but this part is not going to be pretty," Draco said with a frown.

I wish I was joking, but the Mudblood Granger actually said that and then hugged me. I had to take an hour-long shower to clean off the smell.

"How can you say that?" Harry asked, sounding rather outraged.

"I have to Harry, if I don't he'll suspect something. It's how I was raised." Draco hoped Harry would forgive him.

I have just learned from the Boy Who Lived to Annoy Me—

"Hey!" Potter shouted with a laugh. Draco ignored him and continued.

—that he will be alone at school this holiday. Weasley and Granger are returning to their respective holes, but neither is taking Potter. I would greatly enjoy seeing you and mother over the holidays, but having several weeks of unrestricted access to Potter would be worth the sacrifice. Since we are "friends" now, he would spend quite a lot of time with me.

Other than that, things continue as they have been, but I wanted to write for your permission as soon as possible.

DLM

"That's so messed up, Draco. I mean, most people who want to spend their holidays at school just ask. You make it seem like there's a plot afoot to stay here."

Draco smirked. "Welcome to Slytherin."

Harry rolled his eyes at Draco. "Git. You use that excuse for everything."

"What can I say, it's how the world works," Draco said, causing Harry to laugh.

Draco waved the letter. "Let's go send this. The sooner we do, the sooner he'll say yes, and we can spend Christmas together."

They walked to the owlery and posted the letter with Hedwig. Draco thought that using Potter's owl would make sure that his father would say yes.

After they returned to the castle, they went back to their table in the library. Harry still seemed a little down, so Draco sat down in the chair next to him. "Is there something else, Harry?"

"It's just Professor McGonagall. She doesn't think we should be friends," Harry said.

Draco laughed and put his hand on Harry's arm. "Just like what Snape said to me. Well, not just like it, I'm sure. Snape warned me to stay away from Saint Potter, while I'm sure McGonagall told you to avoid that 'devil child' Malfoy and his evil schemes."

"Pretty much. Sometimes I wish we could just be normal people. Not Draco Malfoy or Harry Potter, but just Draco and Harry, friends." Draco started absently rubbing Harry's arm to comfort him.

"I know. It would be nice, but no matter what, I'll be there for you. I promise," Draco said, causing Harry to smile.

"I'm glad. …I got detention," Potter added with a frown.

"Umbridge again?"

"No, for shouting at McGonagall."

Draco's eyes went wide. "How thin did her lips get, Harry? I can't believe you would do that!" Draco started laughing so hard he had to hold his ribs.

"Laugh it up, prat. I was defending your honor," Harry said a little snootily.

Draco put his arm around Harry. "Let's just do the Transfiguration reading before you have to head off to detention."

With that, they both started reading the assigned passage from Harry's textbook.

The next day, Draco received a letter at breakfast.

Son,

You continue to impress our circle of friends with your ingenuity. Staying over the holiday at school to become closer with Potter is a masterstroke. You remind me of myself at your age more every day.

Your mother did not seem to mind the news. She is planning on being away for most of the next few months at the Tuscan estate anyways.

Your staying is actually fortuitous, as it will allow me more time to continue my work.

Perhaps I will see you at the Easter holidays.

Regards,

LM

Draco read the letter and ginned. He couldn't wait to tell Harry! The part about his mother being away was interesting. Lucius usually required the family to be together at Christmas.

His mother has always been a distant figure in his life. There were many times when he had wished his father was distant as well. He was raised mostly by the house-elves until he was eight, and then his father began instructing him on how to be a proper wizard.

Draco shuddered at some of the memories.

After breakfast, he made his way over to Harry, Hermione, and Weasley, who were getting ready to walk to Potions.

Draco said, "Walk to Potions with me?"

They nodded and gathered their things.

"Harry, I have some good news," Draco said.

"Oh?"

"My father wrote back, giving me permission to stay."

Almost before Draco was finished, Harry launched himself at him and hugged him. He let go quickly and looked away, embarrassed. He said, "I'm glad. We'll have a great time, I think."

"Yeah, almost no one is staying, so it should be a good time," Draco said. "Oh, how was your detention last night, by the way?"

"Horrible. Umbridge came in and relieved me from McGonagall's tender care."

"What! She's vile. Hand?" Draco said, demanding to see Harry's hand.

Harry grinned and Draco grabbed his hand. He cast a few healing spells and all the damage was gone.

"There, good as new," Draco said, holding on to the hand for a second longer than he needed to, causing Harry to blush slightly.

"We should go," Harry mumbled, and they set off to Potions class.