I've finally reached the long chapter. Warning to all Molly lovers out there. I dislike Mama Weasley and I'm making her the 'bad guy' of the story. And since poor Arthur needs a kick up the arse to get rid of her, I'm giving him at least one reason. Lucius and Harry are finally getting some much needed page time. I hope you like it. Ron's thoughts on Draco and Bill, and Neville will be in the chapter after this one, in case you're wondering. Also Neville will appear in the chapter after the next one. I'm calling the next chapter 'Harry's Initiative' or Harry Takes Charge. The Boy Who Lived should live a little, don't you think!
Chapter 13
Christmas time was always a busy time around The Burrow. The twins were in charge of decorating the tree, it was a Weasley tradition. Bill always arrived a day before and if Charlie could get away, he'd come with Bill. Ron and Ginny would arrive from Hogwarts a few days before the 25th. This year was no different. The Weasley clan was all coming together, minus Charlie, who had to stay in Romania. Molly had prepared a heap of food to feed the redheads. Ron, Ginny, Hermione and Harry were due to arrive any minute.
" The kids will be here any minute. Be a dear, Arthur and set the table." said Molly.
Arthur sighed and stood from the sofa. Molly was having a good day it seemed. The woman was unpredictable these days, showing signs of extreme mood swings. One minute she was sweet and lovely and the next she would snap and suck the life out of Arthur like a Dementor. It was tiring and with each passing day the man was getting more fed up with his wife. Arthur had suspected that perhaps now that all the kids had moved out, Ron and Ginny soon to be graduating and following the lead of their older brothers, Molly was simply having a crisis. All mothers had that period after their kids had gone their own way. Molly was a mother of seven, surely sending seven kids into the big world was hard on the woman. But it wasn't the only thing troubling the woman. She nagged about Arthur's job at the Ministry, that he should want better. Arthur loved his job and the money was decent, they were not rich, but they had everything they needed.
" Arthur, did you set the table?" asked Molly, peeking into the room.
Arthur answered " The table is set."
The woman's head disappeared and from the kitchen she said " Is Bill coming?"
" He promised to be here, I'm sure he'll come, Molly!" Arthur replied.
Molly cooed " Maybe he'll bring his sweetheart with him. A mother always knows these things. "
" Bill hasn't said anything about seeing someone. Don't get your hopes up, Molly. " argued the man.
The woman continued " Bill will marry a beautiful witch, I'm sure. And the grandkids, I can't wait."
Arthur didn't want to argue and kept his mouth shut. It wasn't long until the door opened and Ron walked in with Ginny.
" Mum, dad... We're here!" said Ron, before coming into the dining room.
Molly came from the kitchen and fussed over her two youngest.
" Mum, you saw us like a month ago." groaned Ron after Molly squeezed the breath out of the boy.
Molly dragged both Ginny and Ron into the kitchen. Arthur asked the kids " I thought Harry and Hermione were coming with you?"
" They'll be here soon. Bill's bringing them." said Ginny.
X
The family was all gathered around the table. Harry was seated between Ron and Bill, Ginny took the place next to Ron. That left Hermione next to Fred and George. Even Percy had come and sat next to Bill. Arthur raised his glass and cleared his throat " This year we have much to be grateful for. Friends and family, our loved ones, who have been by our side during difficult times."
" To peace and prosperity! said Percy.
Fred and George raised the glass and Fred said " To our wonderful family, "
" No matter how annoying. " continued George.
" And to our little brother Harry, " said Fred.
" The slayer of the evillest git ever!" finished George.
The twins said in unison " To Harry!"
The rest raised their glasses and said together " To Harry!"
Harry raised his glass and said " Well, I had help. They refused to let me be a idiotic Gryffindor alone and have stuck by my side ever since we first entered Hogwarts. To Ron and Hermione!"
A chorus of 'Ron' and 'Hermione' emitted from the table.
" I'm bloody hungry, so can we please eat!" said Ron.
Bill chuckled and said " Some things never change."
Harry watched as Ron filled his plate, nearly biting Percy's hand of when the older man reached for the last sausage.
Molly's smile was sickly sweet when she asked " Bill dear, is there something you'd like to tell us?"
Bill lowered his fork and asked " Tell you what, mum?"
" Dear, I'm your mother and I can see when my children are happy. Come on, tell your mother, who the lucky lady is?" asked Molly.
The redhead almost choked on his food and Harry had to pat the man's back.
Bill choked out " What lucky lady?"
" Bill, you dog!" teased Fred.
George grinned and wiggled his eyebrows.
" Bill, I didn't know you were seeing someone?" asked Ron.
Hermione, Ginny and Harry knew the truth. They were about the only ones who knew who the 'lucky lady' was.
Bill sighed and said vaguely " Yes, I'm seeing someone."
" Why didn't you bring her, dear?" asked Molly.
Arthur interrupted " Molly, Bill will bring her if he's ready."
" It's new, we haven't been together long." said Bill.
Arthur smiled warmly and said " It's understandable."
" What does she look like?" asked Molly, not ready to drop the subject just yet.
The whole conversation was making Bill, Harry and the two girls uncomfortable. The redhead hadn't actually come out to his family. Only Ginny, Charlie and now Harry knew. Charlie had caught him snogging with Oliver Wood a year or two back. Ginny had just asked whether he liked girls or boys when they were younger. But the rest of the Weasleys had no idea that he will not be making any ladies lucky now or in the future.
Molly asked " Bill, is there a reason you don't want to talk about your lady friend?"
Bill looked to Harry and Ginny for support. Both of them gave him encouraging looks.
" My lady friend is not a lady." said Bill.
The twins caught on immediately and grinned widely. Percy saw the twins smirking and put the puzzle together.
" Bill, I'm sure we'll love her even if she isn't a proper lady. Is she a muggle?" inquired Molly.
Bill continued " I mean not a lady as in I'm not seeing a woman."
Molly's face fell. The entire room was dead quiet as they all watched Molly's reaction.
" What do you mean you're not seeing a woman?" asked Molly, voice laced with venom.
Bill said " I'm dating a man!"
Arthur looked away from Molly and said to Bill " Well, it is a surprise. But as long as you are happy, son. "
" No! You can't be dating a man. This... It's not normal!" argued Molly.
Bill snapped " Mum, I'm gay."
" No, you are not. You need to find a nice girl to settle down with. This is just some silly phase you are going through." Molly said with her usual mothering voice.
Percy spoke up " It's about time you found someone, Bill. Congratulations!"
Arthur smiled and said " Yes, we should make a toast. To Bill, for finally finding someone!"
Molly shrieked " No! I will not listen to this. "
" Molly, you need to stop this. Bill prefers men and he has found someone for himself. We should be happy for him!" tried Arthur.
Ginny said " And we are happy for him, right?"
The twins smirked and said together " Hear, hear!"
Harry said " There is nothing wrong about liking the same sex."
" It's an abomination! Men laying with other men, it's disgusting! " argued Molly.
Arthur took a deep breath and said " Bill is our son and he can do as he pleases. If he has chosen this lifestyle then there is nothing you can do about it. "
Percy said " Yeah, mum... Great-uncle Max married a man."
Molly fumed " I will not have this!"
" For Merlin's sake, mum! I'm gay, I like men. I don't want to marry a woman! You just have to deal with it. Dad is okay with it. Charlie, Fred, George, Ginny... they have no problem with it." said Bill.
Ron was still quiet and Harry nudged him. The redhead said "Blimey!"
Bill asked " Are you siding with mum, Ron?"
" No, I mean... Are you happy?" asked Ron.
Bill said " I'm happy, he makes me happy."
" Then I'm happy for you." said Ron.
Hermione smiled and said " That's very grown-up of you, Ron."
Molly was shaking her head and said " How can you all be alright with this! This is wrong. I will not have a son, who fornicates with other men. You need to leave this man you are seeing and find a woman to marry. "
" Or what, mum? " asked Bill.
Molly sneered " Or you are no longer my son."
Arthur snapped at the witch " Molly, think before you speak!"
Bill threw his napkin onto the table and said " Fine, if that is how you want to do this..."
The man stood, his chair scraping the floor. Harry and Hermione followed Bill's lead and also stood from the table.
" I'm sorry, dad... but I can't stay here." said Bill.
Arthur said " I understand, son. I'll owl you."
Bill gave a nod and left the room, Harry said " We support Bill."
Ginny and the twins stood and the girl said " Us as well."
Before Molly could protest, Percy stood like his siblings and said " Bill's my brother and I support his choices.
" No one is leaving, sit down. All of you!" demanded Molly.
Harry, Hermione and Percy said goodbye to Arthur and left to follow Bill.
" Mum, this is ridiculous! " said Ginny.
She stopped at the door and asked " Ron, you coming?"
Ron looked to his mother and saw the woman about to burst with anger. To Ginny's surprise, Ron got to his feet and followed his sister.
After the kids were all gone, Arthur asked " Are you happy now? Not only did you insult our son's choices and his partner, you insulted his brothers and sister. You had no right to make my kids leave."
" He will leave this man and realize that he needs a woman by his side!" argued Molly, not really understanding the situation.
Arthur sighed " Molly, you can't meddle with his life!"
" Bill will do as I say if he knows what is good for him! I'm his mother and he will listen to me." Molly said, ignoring Arthur completely.
Arthur sighed. It was moments like these, when the man seriously questioned his marriage. The thoughts of dissolving his marriage to the woman had been plaguing Arthur for a while now. He just couldn't take it anymore. He wanted to leave Molly when Bill was about a year old. But just before he could do it, Molly told him about Charlie. He couldn't leave his pregnant wife, so he stayed. Before Arthur knew it Percy was born and then Fred and George followed. At some point, Arthur had just accepted his position. But now the kids were grown- up and didn't need their mummy and daddy to be together. Arthur would be free to do what he had wanted do all those years ago.
X
Draco was pacing in the sitting room. Bill had promised to come over after the Christmas dinner at The Borrow, but it was already late and the blonde was worried that perhaps Bill wasn't coming. He had it all planned. Bill was coming over and they would face Lucius Malfoy together. Draco's father still didn't know who Draco was seeing, something Draco was keen on keeping a secret until he was ready. Now he was freaking out because Bill wasn't there. But a Malfoy would never freak out in front of other and that included other Malfoys. When Draco felt the wards letting someone apparate in, he grinned. But what he was not expecting was a swarm of redheads and Harry Potter.
" Hey, sorry I'm a bit late." said Bill and pulled the blonde in for a kiss.
Draco saw Ron gaping like a fish and smirked " You should have prepared your brother, he looks a bit green."
Hermione nudged Harry and asked "Did you tell him where staying for Christmas?
Harry shook his head and said " No, I thought you were supposed to tell him."
The girl smiled sheepishly " I forgot."
Ron yelped " You're dating Malfoy? And what do you mean were staying?"
" Ron, close your mouth before you catch flies." said Hermione.
Ron was still gawking at the blonde and his brother and mumbled " I think I need to sit down..."
A voice from the doorway asked " Why, may I ask, is the entire Weasley clan standing in my foyer?"
Lucius Malfoy stood with his hands behind his back and blonde hair loose from the ribbon. He looked, if possible, even more aristocratic than before.
Draco gulped and looked over to his father, while still being in Bill's arms.
" Father, this is the man I wanted to introduce." Draco said calmly.
Lucius raised an eyebrow and Bill said " Bill Weasley, Sir!"
" Draco, a word in private?" said Lucius and exited the room.
Draco paled a bit and gave Bill one last peck on the lips before following Lucius.
The older blonde stood next to the window, when Draco entered.
" This isn't how I wanted you to find out. I know what you are going to say, but this is my choice. You don't have to like it. This feud between our families has gone too far. I'm staying with Bill, even if you decide to disown me for it." Draco said, mustering up his courage.
Lucius chuckled and asked " How long have you been practicing this speech?"
" A few weeks." said the younger blonde.
The Malfoy patriarch turned to face Draco and said " Remember when I said that now you can live your life as you wish to live it. I meant it, Draco. If you have chosen Bill Weasley then so be it. I simply wanted to know if you are happy."
Draco blinked and asked " You're not disowning me?"
" Heavens no, where would I get another heir." said Lucius.
Draco let out the breath he had been holding and asked " What about all the bad blood between the Weasleys and Malfoys?"
" Draco, your happiness is important to me. If this is what you want then I will not stand in your way. I have made mistakes, I admit it. One of those mistakes was being weak. I didn't stand up to my father and allowed myself to be dragged into a life I never wanted as a child. I had dreams and I pictured a different future. That was before Narcissa and I married. I was foolish enough to believe something that was not true. Joining the Dark Lord was a grave error on my part. The idea of total blood purity and dark magic was an utopia created by a deranged wizard. I see that now and I have paid for believing it then. I would greatly cherish the chance to change the course of the past, but I cannot. Nothing will erase my actions and partake of the war. But I can change my future by making amends with my past. Thankfully some of the people I have hurt are still alive and I can ask for forgiveness. "
Neither of them noticed someone standing in the doorway until a voice said " Forgiveness is the first step towards healing."
Both blondes turned and Harry said " Bill was worried and they sent me."
" Some brave Gryffindors they are." smirked Draco and gave his father a look that meant 'thank you'.
After Draco had exited the room, Lucius asked " Eavesdropping, Mr. Potter?"
Harry blushed and said " I didn't mean to."
" Since my son is entertaining the Weasleys, would you care for a drink?" asked the blonde.
Harry answered " Sure, just nothing too strong."
Lucius had a wide selection of drinks, Harry discovered as he saw the blonde pouring him a glass.
" It's similar to Firewhiskey, but has a more gentle edge to it." Lucius said as he handed Harry his drink.
The teen took the drink, but his eyes were fixed on the blonde. Catching himself staring, Harry took a sip from his drink and pointedly looked around the room.
" As I understand, you were aware of my son's relationship with Bill Weasley?" asked Lucius, motioning Harry to sit.
Harry said " Yes. Draco wasn't sure about it at first, but they're good together. They have perfect balance. Bill balances Draco's temper and arrogance with his cool nerve and fun loving nature. They fit."
Lucius said " I have no desire to run my son's life. My late wife tried to do so and it did not end well for her, I'm afraid.
" Draco told me about his mother and the lack of affection on her part." Harry said.
Lucius sighed " Unfortunately Narcissa Black did not have a caring bone in her body. Dreadful woman..."
Harry didn't want to pry, but asked anyway " Why didn't you divorce her?"
" Divorce is an unheard thing among purebloods. If the match is not perfect, both parties usually have affairs. My marriage was an arranged one, giving me no say in the matter. Narcissa was not too saddened though, she had free reign in the Malfoy vaults. Dissolving our marriage would have meant splitting the Malfoy fortune between us. I did not want to give her the pleasure of robbing me and disgracing the Malfoy name. Also, she hated me, couldn't stand my presence as she once said." explained Lucius.
Harry chuckle and said " She doesn't sound like a smart woman."
" She really wasn't, I assure you." Lucius said.
Harry shifted in his seat and said " She didn't realize what she had."
Lucius raised an eyebrow at Harry's comment. An enticing blush spread across the teen's face, when Harry himself realized that he had said it out loud.
" Anyway... Are you sure you don't mind us staying here?" Harry asked the blonde.
Lucius answered " I assure you that it is not a problem. The Manor is big enough to accommodate everyone."
Draco poked his head into the room and said " Harry, the Gryffindors are getting restless without you."
" Oh right... I'll just go, it was nice talking to you Mr. Malfoy." Harry stammered out and stood.
The blonde gave a nod and watched the teen rush out the door.
Draco eyed his father and asked " What did you two talk about? Potter was blushing like a schoolgirl."
Lucius emptied his glass and ignored his son's question, he said " Have the house elves prepare rooms for your friends. I'll be back later."
" You're leaving?" Draco inquired.
Lucius said " I'm going to visit Severus."
The younger blonde sighed " Well, they are all probably hungry, so I'll have dinner prepared. Mother Weasel apparently had a fit."
Lucius sneered " The Prewetts never had any class."
Draco chuckled and went to find his wayward lover and the rest of the Gryffindors.
X
" Wow, this place is huge!" Ginny gasped.
The group entered the drawing room, which held memories for the Golden Trio. Thankfully it did not resemble the old room much as Lucius had it redone and cleaned.
" It's different than I remember." Hermione said.
Draco spoke " We had it redone. Father wanted to remove everything that had been tainted by the Dark Lord and Death Eaters. Most of the rooms in the Manor have been redone in some extent."
" It's beautiful, I like the mantelpiece." Hermione said to the blonde.
Harry looked up and noticed that the chandelier, which Dobby had destroyed was once again hanging.
" It's not the same if that's what you're thinking. It looks like it, but it is a different one." Draco said, when he noticed Harry eyeing the ceiling.
Ginny sat down in one of the armchairs and said " No wonder you acted like a pompous git. You live in a bloody castle!"
" The Manor and the land has been ours for many centuries." Draco explained.
Fred, who had been examining the portraits, asked " Who's that on the portrait?"
" Septimus Malfoy, my great-great-great-grandfather or something." Draco said.
Both Fred and George said " Looks like a tosser."
Hermione, who was closest to them, whacked Fred on the head.
" What was that for! George said it too!" Fred protested.
Hermione whacked the laughing George too and the redhead asked " Oi! What was that for, woman?"
As the group scattered around the room, Bill pulled Draco to the side and asked " Are you okay?"
" I'm fine. I just can't believe my father took it so well. I excepted him to curse or give me a lecture of why we don't associate with blood traitors. But he didn't, just gave me a speech on how my happiness comes first." Draco explained.
Bill said " That's good. Now we only have my mum to worry about, I think dad will be okay once we tell him. And Ron will come around."
" I'm sorry your mother was so horrible to you. You'd think my family would have a problem with me not marrying a pretty pureblood debutant. But I guess that would make my father a hypocrite." Draco explained to the redhead.
The redhead sniggered " It is a great loss for the women in Britain. But it would have been a shame to waist that charm on them anyway. "
" Thinking about trading me for my father ?" Draco joked.
Bill said " I don't know. Perhaps a bit too old for my tastes, but you know what they say about older and experienced men."
Draco snorted " Git... Besides, you seem to be a bit old for his taste. I must say, Potter blushes rather fetchingly."
Bill looked over to the teen and asked " I think it's going to be an interesting Yule break, don't you think?"
The blonde smirked " I hope Harry knows what he is doing."
X
Severus Snape had opened his Floo for Lucius to come through and was currently waiting for the man. He needed to talk and hopefully the blonde would provide him some answers. The Floo flashed green and the Malfoy patriarch stepped out of it.
" Severus!" the man greeted.
Snape grunted and handed the blonde a glass. Lucius frowned and said " You seem rather annoyed by something. Has someone ruffled your feathers, Severus?"
Snape glared and grumbled " I need your advice, not your cheek."
" Forgive me. What is this urgent matter you needed to talk about?" the blonde asked.
Severus sipped his own drink and said " The wolf kissed me!"
Lucius asked in confusion " I'm afraid I don't quite follow. Wolf?"
" How many wolves to do know, Lucius. The werewolf, Lupin!" Severus sneered.
Lucius pointed out " I don't actually know him, Severus."
" Does the colour of your hair indicate your level of intelligence. Did you not hear the most important part of the sentence. He kissed me!" Severus snarled out.
The Malfoy Lord only raised an eyebrow and said " Stop acting like a Huffelpuff, Severus. Lupin kissed you and..."
" And what? Isn't it enough!" Severus grumbled.
Lucius sighed and asked " And why exactly am I here. Do hear your insults?"
" I apologize for that. I'm understandably upset." Snape said.
The blonde asked " Because a man, who treated you poorly in school, kissed you? Or because it was a man, who kissed you?"
" You know I experimented in my youth. It is not the fact that Lupin is a man, but the fact that it is Remus Lupin, friend of James Potter and Sirius Black." Severus explained.
Lucius said " The crux of the matter is your hatred of James Potter. As I recall your own words, Remus was always closer to Lily than James. This petty school yard rivalry has gone on far too long, don't you agree. If Harry Potter, the Saviour of the Wizarding World can spend Yule with his former enemy, than I'm positive that you can forgive Remus Lupin for being a stupid Gryffindor more than twenty years ago."
" Perhaps... Why is Potter spending Yule with you?" Severus asked.
Lucius answered " Draco invited him and his friends. Imagine my surprise when I came across an entrance hall full of Weasleys."
" Spending Christmas with Gryffindors." Severus drawled.
Lucius chuckled " I also had the pleasure of meeting my son's significant other, Arthur's first edition."
" I can already envision the family gatherings." Severus laughed.
Lucius couldn't remember the last time he had seen Severus Snape laughing or even smiling.
" I am glad my misery amuses you, Severus."
The dark-haired man said " You really have changed, Lucius."
" I'd like to think that I can finally be the man I could have been. My bastard of a father is dead, so is the shrew of a woman. The Malfoy name has been dragged through the mud far too long." the blonde explained.
Severus asked " What do you plan to do now?"
" I'm not entirely sure. Draco keeps insisting that I leave the Manor and mingle. I'm afraid there are still too many wands pointed my way. He also thinks I should find myself true love or some nonsense like that." Lucius told the man.
Snape pointed out " Perhaps he is right. Narcissa Black was a menace that I would never wish upon anyone."
" I'm an ex-Death Eater, who spent time in Azkaban. Do you know anyone, who would look past all that?" the blonde questioned.
Severus sighed and allowed the subject drop. He returned to his own problem at hand " What do you propose I do about Lupin then?"
" He obviously harbours some romantic feeling towards you, otherwise he would not have kissed you. I know the way your mind thinks and I know what you fear. I think he is a bit too old for pranking, Severus." the blonde said.
Severus explained his fears " I'm afraid Lupin did it as a joke or to rile me up. This much bad blood cannot be wipe cleaned so easily."
" Chances are that he didn't. What then? Would you be opposed to his romantic gestures?" Lucius inquired.
Snape stood abruptly and aimlessly walked around the room with his black robe flapping around him.
" I've been in love with one person my whole life." the man said.
Lucius reasoned with the man " That person is no more. You won't betray her by moving on and finding someone else. Lily married Potter not you, you can't cling to her memory, Severus. "
Severus snapped angrily " Don't you dare talk about that!"
" You know that I only speak the truth. Surely it hurts, I have no doubt. But you're still here, Severus. You can have another chance." the blonde replied.
Severus did not speak. The blonde stood and walked to the fireplace " I promised Draco that I'd not take too long. If you stop sulking, you are welcomed to join us in the Manor."
Lucius disappeared into the green flames, leaving the onyx-eyed man alone with his thoughts.
X
Malfoy Manor was filled with voices, which was an unusual occurrence. Draco lead everyone into the new dining room, which had been added during the summer. The long table was filled with food. That got Ron's attention, who had been quiet for the most of the time.
" Bloody hell, look at the food!" came out of Ron's mouth as they entered the room.
Draco snorted " The house elves are by far the best. The food tastes better that in Hogwarts."
" Don't tell him that, he'll move in!" Hermione joked.
They all got seated. Harry sat next to Hermione, who immediately occupied the seat next to Fred. Draco sat next to Bill, who pulled Ginny into to the seat next to him. Ron just sat down and waited for dinner.
" Isn't your father coming?" Ginny asked the blonde.
Draco said " He went to see Professor Snape."
Harry asked " Maybe he'll invite Snape over."
" Mate, I'm trying to eat!" groaned Ron.
X
Eventually everyone got settled in the rooms which the elves had prepared. To Harry's luck or misfortune, he got the room right across the Master bedroom, which was Lucius's bedroom. Draco and Bill had already disappeared into Draco's room and no one else was moving about. Harry, who wasn't familiar with the Manor, decided to find the kitchen or at least an elf, who'd show him. As the teen wondered the corridors, he came across a dimly lit room. The door was half opened and the dark-haired wizard peered inside. Lucius was sitting in an armchair with a book and a glass of what Harry thought was brandy.
" Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt." Harry apologized.
Lucius told the teen " It's quite alright, Mr. Potter!"
" Harry, Mr. Potter sounds like some stuffy old librarian." Harry said.
Lucius inclined his head and said " Very well, Harry. Then I must insist you call me Lucius in return."
" Okay... I was actually looking for the kitchen. Maybe you could point me towards it." the teen said.
Lucius chuckled " I'm afraid I myself can't remember. I have never used it myself."
" Oh, never mind then." Harry said.
The blonde asked " Perhaps you'd like a drink or a game of chess?"
" I'm rubbish at chess actually." Harry said timidly.
Lucius placed the book on the table and gestured towards the armchair across from him.
" Severus is far too good in it and I can never win with him." the blonde said.
Harry sat down and Lucius conjured a chess set, which by the look of it was made of marble and the pieces made of glass. He noticed how he got the white ones as Lucius played with the black ones. The first few moves were simple ones and Harry remembered a few of Ron's advices.
" I haven't had the chance to personally thank you, Harry. For helping Draco and myself." Lucius said and he moved another piece.
Harry said " I only did what was right. You helped me and I returned the favour."
" Nothing will excuse my actions towards you and your friends, but I hope that you accept my apologizes. Protecting Draco was my first priority." the blonde explained.
Harry moved one of his pawn on the chessboard and looked up " Nothing will change what has been said or done, but like I told Draco, it is in the past. We are living in the future and it is our privilege to shape it for the better."
" Indeed!" Lucius drawled and took out one of Harry's pieces.
They played in silence for a while until Harry noticed something. The sleeve of Lucius's dress shirt had ridden up at some point and Harry could see the pale and smooth flesh. Unable to hold back, Harry caught the man's arm and pushed the sleeve up a bit more. Lucius flinched at the contact, but soon relaxed as Harry's hands were gentle.
" It's gone." Harry said as if stating a fact.
Lucius spoke " It disappeared the minute you defeated him."
The teen tenderly touched the skin and ran his fingers across it. He could see faint scarring and the outline of the Dark Mark, but mostly it was gone.
When Harry realised what he was doing, he released the man's hand and pulled away. Lucius too snapped out of the spell and pulled his hand away, rolling the sleeve back down.
" I knew he would return. You defeated him at the age of one, the Boy Who Lived. But we all knew he'd return as the Mark stayed. When it burned once again I answered to his call. It would have been unwise not to!" Lucius told Harry.
The younger man asked " Was he right, in the graveyard? He said that you never tried to find him."
" I must admit that I had not done anything to find him." the blonde said.
Harry asked " But why?"
" When I joined his ranks, I believed his cause. But like all illusions fade, my blind faith in him diminished over time. And I had Draco to think about." the man explained.
Harry allowed the matter drop and changed the subject " Has the Ministry allowed you to have a wand?"
" They are undoubtedly delaying it. Apparently I am a very dangerous wizard." Malfoy said with a smile.
Harry discovered that he really liked the smile. Before, he couldn't even picture Lucius Malfoy with a smile, but Harry realized that he wanted to see it more.
" I have no doubt that you are." Harry said.
Lucius asked " A compliment, from Harry Potter himself?"
" I believe you were asking for it, Lucius." Harry smiled.
The blonde pointed out " Very insightful of you. Oh, and checkmate."
Harry stared at the board and said " I warned you that I'm rubbish at this."
The blonde said " An enjoyable game nevertheless, with such enjoyable company."
Harry tried to contain his flushed appearance and not say something totally out of line.
" I enjoyed the company as well." Harry replied.
X
Breakfast was very much like the one in Hogwarts. Chattering and minor food fights were essential. Bill and Draco were too wrapped up in each other to notice, when Fred and George flicked toast at each other or when Ginny dropped her juice into Ron's lap. Hermione and Harry were conversing about some plant and it's healing ability. No one noticed Lucius standing by the door with his usual blank expression. It was Draco, who saw him first.
" Good morning, father!" the blonde said and untangled himself from Bill.
Lucius replied " Morning!"
Everyone seemed to froze, even the toast which had been flying towards Fred. The Malfoy patriarch walked to the seat, where the Head of the Family usually sat and gracefully lowered himself into the seat, while the entire table watched him. Harry and Hermione didn't seem to pay attention and Harry didn't tremble in fear, when Lucius was mentioned.
" I'd like to have a word with you, Mr. Weasley. Perhaps after breakfast?" Lucius addressed Bill.
Bill replied " Of course."
Draco eyed the Weasleys across the table and laughed. Lucius eyed his son and said " Even if your mother didn't teach you any table manners, I did."
The younger blonde stopped laughing, but could help to snigger " I apologize. It's just... Their expression was as if a Dementor and Umbridge had both entered the room."
There was a small pause until the older Malfoy spoke with a disgusted tone
" I'd look hideous in pink."
Everyone laughed at the comment.
X
At the Burrow thing were still unsettled. Molly was acting as if the previous day had not happened at all. Arthur didn't feel right being at the Burrow without his children. But he was happy that Bill had found someone and that his kids had stepped up to Molly. The man didn't understand his wife's attitude at all. He had no idea that Molly was so bigoted and thought so badly of same-sex relationships. But Arthur recalled that the Prewetts had been all slightly unhinged. Maybe it was a family trait. Be that as it may, Molly's behaviour towards her own son was unacceptable. The man had written a letter to Bill and owled it, but he was still worried about his other children. Bill had his own place, so Arthur hoped that his sister and brothers were there as well.
X
Harry had discovered that the Malfoy Manor had a balcony, which was big enough to accommodate more than twenty people. It was a beautiful night at the Manor. Draco had suggested that they'd have a real Christmas tree. They had all decorated it and even Ron seemed to be enjoying himself, though was still hesitant about his brother's relationship with Draco. No one cowered at Lucius's presence anymore and Fred had even tried to prank the older Malfoy. Thankfully Hermione stopped her boyfriend before he could spell Lucius's hair pink. Harry liked the Manor and spending Christmas at the Manor was to his liking as well. He never thought he'd be friends with Draco, but that was now a reality. Harry never imagined being smitten with Lucius Malfoy, but that was rapidly becoming his reality as well. As Harry watched the sky and the beauty of the gardens, a voice behind him said " It's beautiful, isn't it?"
Harry turned and saw Lucius standing behind him. The light from the room illuminated the doorway and Harry could see the man's silvery eyes and his hair cascading over his shoulder. Harry wanted to slap himself for thinking it, but Lucius really did look like an angel.
" It is beautiful." Harry replied, thought his answer had nothing to do with the night sky.
Lucius came closer and Harry could practically feel the man's warmth next to him.
" I must admit that having the Manor so alive is rather nice. I hope you and your friends are enjoying yourselves." the blonde said.
Harry tore his gaze away from the man long enough to answer " We are. It's all been wonderful!"
" Draco seems happier than I have ever seen him. But I guess he never had a reason to be happy before. I'm glad he has everything he desires." Malfoy said.
Harry said " He's still the same Draco, but having Bill in his life has made him reconsider his old prejudices."
" In one of his letters, he said that Harry Potter was parenting him, even if he himself didn't realize it." Lucius chuckled.
Harry laughed and Lucius continued "You've done remarkable things as a wizard. You saved the Wizarding World by defeating the Dark Lord. But I am most grateful for what you have done for my family."
The teen didn't know what to say to the blonde. No one had thanked him like that. Sure, the entire wizarding community had thanked him and thought of him as a hero. But it was different, not as personal. He looked into the man's piercing eyes and tried not to drown in them. He hadn't noticed how they had subconsciously drifted towards each other, bodies almost touching. Harry could feel his heart hammering in his chest and his breath catching in his lungs. Lucius leaned closer and caught Harry's lips in a kiss. The teen's mind shut down, all sense was gone. All he could feel was the other's lips on his. Harry felt himself respond as he parted his lips for Lucius. He could still feel the snow falling onto his skin, but none of it mattered. Before Harry could let out a moan, Lucius pulled back and Harry could see the uncertainty in his face.
"Forgive me!" Lucius stammered out and was gone before Harry could speak.
Still in a daze, Harry allowed the snowflakes to melt on his face. The teen's mind was still a complete mush. The only thing that Harry could think about was just how perfect the kiss had been. Nothing compared.