*So, I tried to log in yesterday and my computer kept saying that it couldn't find the server for Fanfiction. I was nearly in a panic thinking they shut the site down, or were clearing out the undesirable stories. If that does happen before next Friday (the last posting day for this story) then I will post on DeviantArt. I am Reverie 007 on there. Thank you SO MUCH for your support! Many of you have been reading my stuff from New Year's First Kiss. I really appreciate all of you!
Princessmelodina- people may know right from wrong, but that doesn't stop them from doing wrong lol Actually, I borrowed the stunt from two adults (barely) who did it to a kid(their brother)
QuirkyKitty93- it's funny that you thought Draco and Teddy were being too sweet. most people seem to think they're both brats lol
rileygar25- as long as the chapter made you feel something, that's all I could hope for. nothing worse than not really caring what happens to people in a story. And yes, there is more Harry and Draco goodness in the future :)
Freddie- true, Draco is/was a Death Eater, and yes, at the time he seemed proud of it. But since then (in this story anyway) he's been trying to distance himself from that part of his past. Imagine the darkest part of your past being thrown back in your face-especially if that past has hurt the person you're currently in love with.
luvsallthingsslash- you're welcome. and you have my curiosity piqued. I actually borrowed the tabasco incident from reality.
DarkeFire98- thanks for such an in depth review! I like happy endings, so no matter how much angst I throw at them, in the end there will be Drarry
Earthstar- oops, you got me! I originally was going to go more in depth with the ambush/memory taking backstory. But when I realized how few lines there are in the song (and therefor, chapters) I wanted to concentrate on the Drarry. Anyway, I chalked Harry's panic up to latent memories of the war, being held in Malfoy Manor etc. Sorry for leaving you hanging. btw, how were you able to review the same chapter twice?
Thanks go out to Serena-Fair, BloodyRose90, Aqualynn Black, cassy1994, Expecto Kiwiland, LalalalSpacingInPandaLand, MakeupDiva88, Deby Magid, FantasyFiend09, WitchRavenFox, CalireBouldwin, Clary girl two, and Kisa167. You all seem pleased with the progress between Draco and Teddy.
〪o 〫O〬 o〭
Day Three Hundred Fifteen, Saturday
Hope: The feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen.
As Harry tied his bow tie, that was what he felt. Hope. Hope for the future. He'd been promoted within the ranks of the Aurors. Gawain Robards seemed to like him well enough not to let his fame get in the way of his job. Shacklebolt warned Harry that he'd have to work just as hard, if not harder than the other Aurors to prove himself. Robards didn't want to be accused of playing favorites, and sometimes purposely gave Harry the less desirable assignments.
But, of course, Harry had proven himself worthy and had been moved to the intelligence office. Much to Hermione's teasing about the irony, Ron had been moved as well.
Draco's Paris shop was doing well, but often required him to spend time away from London. Though Mirabelle was capable of handling most of the potions, Draco had not yet found a suitable apprentice for her. Though, the new assistant was an excellent salesman.
On the one hand, Harry missed Draco terribly when he was gone, but on the other, he was able to spend more quality time alone with Teddy. Something the boy enjoyed very much. He and Draco got on much better than they had in the first few weeks of the new living arrangements. Especially since the day Harry left the boy in Draco's shop for almost three hours.
The pair had come to an understanding. However, they still nitpicked at one another. And Teddy knew precisely which buttons to push in order to get the biggest rise out of Draco. Not that Draco didn't have a few of his own tricks. Still, Harry thought it was an improvement.
"Are you still trying to tie that?" Draco asked as he entered the room behind Harry.
Harry turned around, a fake pout on his lips. "You're so much better at it than me."
Draco gasped at the sight of Harry in his tuxedo.
"Do we have to go?" he smirked.
"We promised," Harry reminded him.
"Mmm. I know, but you look so . . . enticing."
"You look pretty sharp yourself," Harry grinned. "But can you just tie this for me?"
Draco's shoulders slumped and he swiftly tied the bow tie.
Suddenly, Teddy jumped into the room blowing a horn, startling the pair.
"Happy New Year!" he shouted.
"Not yet," Draco said, putting his finger in his ears. "Save that for the party."
"Teddy you look quite handsome," Harry told him.
"Do I have to wear this the whole time?" He tugged at the collar and tie around his neck.
"Just until we get some pictures, then you can loosen up." Harry told him. He held out his bent elbows to his boys. "Shall we?"
The three apparated to the Ministry of Magic, where there was a large celebration planned. The lobby had been decorated with candles and balloons for a New Year's Eve party. Left over Christmas decorations had been left up to add to the festive mood.
Hermione and Ron immediately found them and asked them to join their table.
"Have you been here long?" Harry questioned. He glanced around. "I can't believe how many people are here."
"The Ministry opened it up to the wizarding public, rather than only employees of the Ministry," Hermione explained.
"That explains why I see Ginny over there," Harry said nervously. He turned back to his friends. "I haven't seen her since . . ." He gave a sideways glance toward Draco.
"Maybe you should go talk to her," Hermione suggested.
"She probably doesn't want to speak to me."
"Nonsense. She has a new boyfriend and her team is doing exceptionally well this year. She's doing well."
"Another Quidditch player? Her boyfriend?" Harry watched Ginny across the room until she noticed him and gave a small wave.
"Go find out," Hermione urged.
Ginny excused herself from the group she was talking to and met Harry somewhere in the middle of the room. He kissed her cheek.
"You look lovely," he smiled.
"You too," she laughed and looked down at her feet awkwardly.
"I hear you have a new boyfriend," he said, making small talk.
"Yes," she nodded. "I hear you do too."
His smile dropped. "Ginny . . ."
"It's all right, Harry." She placed her hand on his arm. "I'm well past it. Really."
"I'm not."
"What do you mean?"
"Ginny, I need to apologize."
"You don't have to apologize for being gay," she said. "It's not your fault I wasn't right for you."
"No, but it was my fault that I led you on so long. I didn't love you the way you deserved to be loved, and I kept you from finding true happiness for so long."
"I thought I could love enough for the both of us. I knew deep down that you cared for me, but that you weren't really in love with me. I was just as much to blame."
Harry shook his head. "No, I did things . . ."
"Harry, I knew you were cheating on me."
He looked at her wide-eyed. "You knew? Why didn't you confront me or hex me or something?"
"I don't know. I suppose I was afraid of losing you altogether. I was content having part of you rather than none."
"Oh, Ginny, I will always care for you. I will always be your friend. If you'll still have me. I am so sorry for the way I've hurt you."
She hugged him close. "I've missed you."
"I've been sort of avoiding everyone at the Burrow."
"You don't need to, you know. Everyone knows all about you and Malfoy."
"Yes, but do they understand?"
Ginny smiled softly. "Ironically, I think you were the only who paid any attention to him anymore. He sort of faded into the crowd for the rest of us." She laughed. "Even Ron thought you went a little overboard keeping tabs on him."
Harry blushed. "Yeah. It seems so obvious now, doesn't it?"
"I'm glad you're happy. You should get back to him. He hasn't taken his eyes off you since you came over here. And he seems like the jealous type," she snickered. "Come visit soon. We need to catch up."
She began to walk away.
"Gin? Are you happy?" Harry asked.
A slow smile grew on her face. "Happier now." She left to join her boyfriend, who was a little more than curious about her conversation with Harry.
A smile on his own face, Harry sat down next to Draco, who was nursing a butter beer.
"Where's Teddy?"
"He discovered a chocolate fountain."
"Ah," Harry nodded when he saw Teddy and several other children gorging themselves on strawberries dipped in chocolate.
"Everything all right with Ginny?" Hermione asked.
"Yes. We cleared the air a bit. I think it's going to be fine."
"Good," Ron added. "Does that mean you'll start coming to family suppers again? Mum keeps asking about you."
Harry looked at Draco.
"I'm sure she doesn't mean for you to come alone," Hermione said.
Teddy came back to the table, placing a large plate of food in front of himself.
"Ugh," Hermione wrinkled her nose. "Are you really going to eat all of that?"
"What?" he asked innocently. "I'm hungry. I don't know what this stuff is, but it's really good. Want some?" He held out a small cracker topped with liver pâté to her.
She held her nose in disgust. "Ugh."
The band started playing a slow song.
"Come on, let's dance." Ron held out his hand to his wife. Hermione gratefully took it and the pair joined other couples on the dance floor.
"I don't suppose you'd like to dance," Harry said to Draco.
"Are you asking me to dance, or telling me I don't want to?" Draco smirked.
"I think I'm hedging my bets," Harry laughed.
Draco sighed dramatically and smiled as he stood up. "Would you like to dance?" He rolled his eyes.
"No."
"What?"
"Just kidding," Harry chuckled. "I'd love to."
They made their way into the crowd. A few stared at them. A few sneered at them. But most paid no more attention to them than any other couple. Harry wound his arms around Draco's waist while Draco did the same. They rested their cheeks together and swayed along to the music.
Harry and Draco stayed out on the dance floor for several more songs, occasionally joined by Teddy, who bounced up and down to the quick beat of Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees.
When they finally sat down, exhausted, it was nearly midnight. The five of them were joined by another Auror and her husband with whom they were friendly. A waiter came by with a tray filled with champagne flutes and began passing them out.
Teddy reached for one of the glasses.
"No, Teddy bear, that's not for you," Harry said as he pushed the flute away and handed the boy a lemonade.
"Aw, but it's New Year's Eve," Teddy complained. "Everyone else is having some."
"Oh, let him try it, Harry," Draco urged.
Teddy's eyebrows shot up at Draco siding with him.
Trying to hide his smirk, Draco slid the champagne closer.
"Draco," Harry frowned, a warning in his voice. Draco winked at him.
Teddy eagerly picked up the flute and took a large swallow, some of which he spit back out into the glass.
The adults at the table all burst out laughing.
"Blahhh. That's horrible," Teddy groused. "Why did you let me drink that, Draco?" He shoved his cousin's shoulder.
Still laughing, Draco said, "I bet you won't raid Harry's stash of firewhiskey anytime soon."
Teddy sat pouting while everyone else prepared for the countdown to two thousand and six.
"Come on, Teddy. Let's get ready for the fireworks." Harry nudged the boy.
As floating numbers counted down from ten, the guests all stood and shouted them out. At the stroke of midnight, the magical fireworks provided by Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes, burst into a colorful display. Draco leaned in to kiss Harry, but was beaten by Teddy, who hugged onto Harry tightly. Fortunately there was plenty of room above Teddy's head for Harry to reach over to kiss Draco. They kept it short for etiquette's sake.
"Happy New Year, love," Harry whispered, then looked down. "Happy New Year shortstuff."
More hugs, kisses and handshakes went around, as well as wishes for the new year. Most lifted their glasses and toasted to luck in the upcoming year. Everyone at Harry's table clinked their glasses and drank the champagne, except for Teddy. And Hermione.
"Mione, it's bad luck not to drink to the new year," Harry said.
"Who says?" she asked.
"Me. I just made it up. This champagne is quite good. The Ministry spared no expense."
"I'm not really a fan of champagne actually."
"Oh. I can get you something from the bar if you'd like," Harry offered.
Hermione glanced at Ron. "Um, that's all right."
"Hermione's pregnant," Ron blurted out.
"Ron, I thought we were going to wait," Hermione reprimanded.
"They were going to figure it out, Mione. You're not drinking, you barely ate, and you look as though you're going to toss your cookies at any moment."
"I had my suspicions," Harry admitted. "You haven't seemed to be feeling well that last few times we've gotten together."
Hermione sighed. "I guess I wasn't very good at hiding it."
"When are you due?" Harry asked.
"June. On or about the fifteenth."
"Congratulations," Draco offered, holding his glass up. "That's wonderful news."
The rest of the table joined him.
Hermione beamed. "I have to admit, it's a relief now that you all know."
"Wait 'til we tell Mum. Another grandchild to dote on. She'll be in all her glory."
Draco finished the last of his champagne and turned to find Harry staring at him strangely.
"What?"
"Nothing," Harry replied, and smiled.
〪o 〫O〬 o〭
Day Three Hundred Sixteen, Sunday
In the wee hours of the morning, Harry, Draco and a sleeping Teddy arrived back at Grimmauld Place. Harry placed the boy gently into bed and kissed his forehead.
As Harry slipped into bed, he leaned over Draco.
"How tired are you?" he whispered.
He heard Draco chuckle in the darkness. "Is there ever a time you're not randy?"
"For you? No."
As their eyes adjusted to the darkness and the dim light from the window, Draco could make out the expression on Harry's face.
"What's gotten into you? Are you pissed?"
"No. I'm completely clear-headed. I just . . . I don't know. I love you so much, it aches sometimes." Harry buried his face in Draco's chest. "That sounds stupid doesn't it?"
"No. Not at all. But what's brought all this on tonight?"
Lifting his head, Harry told him, "You were wonderful tonight. With everything. I mean, I was not thrilled about the whole champagne thing with Teddy. But maybe you were right to let him see that he wasn't really missing anything."
"Were you upset by that? It was a tactic my father often used on me. Let me do the things I shouldn't, usually with poor results. Turned me right off."
"It seemed to work with Teddy, too," Harry laughed. "But the entire night you handled yourself so well. Even when some of the guests stared at us. I saw a few people corner you," Harry admitted. "What did they say?"
"Nothing of consequence," Draco replied. "One of them was a reporter for the Prophet. Just looking for a story." He smoothed out the hair from Harry's face. "I ache for you too, you know. No one has ever lit a fire in me the way you have."
"I want to make love to you," Harry whispered. He wasn't quite sure what Draco's reaction to the request would be. Harry always gladly bottomed. This far into their relationship, it was assumed, even.
Draco gazed up at Harry hovering over him. It was a request Harry had never made before. And it was the very last wall Draco had in his defense. To let Harry take him would be the final leap of trust. A leap he had never made with anyone else.
"All right," he answered softly. "I'm yours."
Harry wasted no time practically consuming Draco with his fiery passion. He had to force himself to slow down, though, when it came to the physical act. Draco trembled slightly beneath him, more with anticipation than fear. And when Harry finally entered him, he cried out from the initial burn and the intensity of emotions.
Gently as he could manage, Harry sought to bring Draco to his finish. He watched as his body relaxed, and eventually moved in rhythm with his own. When Draco came, before Harry, he sighed in complete contentment.
For a while, Harry stayed still, just watching his lover's face. He honestly would not have felt cheated if he had not reached his own climax.
Draco opened his eyes. "Harry?"
"You're beautiful."
"You didn't cum, did you?" Draco questioned.
"Not yet," Harry smiled. "It was almost enough just to watch you."
"Bollocks," Draco smirked, and began to move his hips against Harry's.
Out of his control, Harry's body responded. He pushed forward and pulled back until he'd spent himself inside his lover for the first time.
Afterward, they lay together entwined.
"Is that what it's like for you every time?"
Harry looked to Draco. "What do you mean?"
"Do I make you feel so . . . "
"So . . . what?"
"Like the only other person in the world. Do I make you feel like you're the only person I've ever loved? Ever could love?"
Harry nodded. "Yes. Is that how I made you feel?"
"That's how you always make me feel."
"Because you are." Harry knew then, that they would be able to overcome any obstacles that came their way, including Teddy. And he dared to hope that one day, the three of them would become a true family.
〪o 〫O〬 o〭
If you've been paying attention, you'll be able to figure out the title of the next chapter :) It's been sort of a pain keeping track of the days. Next time, I'll stick to the date. Just to put it in perspective, this chapter starts on December 31, 2005. The story began on Sunday, February 20.