~ Chapter Fourteen ~
Ciaran thanked Merlin for small mercies. It was finally the Yule Holidays. He would finally be able to return to the first home that he truly loved and celebrate with people who care for him. However the best part would be the time spent away from Dumbledore and his two stooges.
Even though his father had given the Headmaster a firm ultimatum, he had still attempted to gain Ciaran's attention. Sure he obeyed the rules Severus had set down but it didn't cease from being ridiculously annoying.
Everywhere he went outside of the dungeons, he was accompanied by one of his friends. The fact that they were his friends alleviated the stress of having literal bodyguards yet that was all they managed. Dumbledore still approached him asking him numerous questions about his holidays. Where was he going to be spending Christmas? Who was he celebrating with? Did he think he would have any spare time to visit other friends? It was a continuous repetitive stream of questions that he had already answered previously.
This did not deter Dumbledore in the slightest.
Unfortunately, Ciaran and his entourage were forced to answer the questions politely, making sure that no specific details were given. It was hard and trying but as Slytherin's they could pull this off easily.
When that approach didn't gain the results he wanted, Dumbledore accompanied his questioning with that of the persistence of Granger and Weasley. They were constantly asking when he would be joining them at the Burrow. The pair of them constantly badgered him.
Thankfully, every time they attempted something, Draco took points away for the silliest of things. This distracted them and while they spluttered, the group managed to get away without the annoyance of the endless questions.
Yet they still managed to get close enough to ask questions. They're favourite question was:
"When are you planning on visiting the Burrow? Mum would love to have you and Professor Snape over for lunch of dinner."
Ciaran always answered this the same way no matter who it came from.
"I don't know you. Stop annoying me with these useless questions."
Of course, you could tell that this answer displeased the Headmaster. Not that he cared. Ciaran was free to do what he liked on the holidays (provided they were within the guidelines his father and grandfather set). That was definitely what he planned on doing.
That was why at that very moment, he was standing at the platform waving goodbye to the train as it pulled away from Hogsmeade station. Sure he could have made the pointless journey but why bother when his father would be finished in five minutes and then they would leave Hogwarts for the entire holidays and be at Slytherin Citadel.
Thinking back, Ciaran couldn't help but believe the year so far had been somewhat of a luxury for him. He'd escaped from the Dursley's. His father and grandfather had accepted him into their family. Real friends had been found and the old friends had been thrown away. He'd even managed to escape the grasp of the devious Headmaster somewhat.
In all honesty, he was still treating it as a dream. He'd just lived life so long with everyone dragging him down, that he still couldn't quite grasp the possibility that everything around him was real. After all, Harry Potter was never meant to be happy so how could he expect the same as Ciaran Snape? His mind screamed that he couldn't, yet there was a part of him that said it was all possible. Perhaps it was just the name and the royalties it brought with it that caused his depression.
As Ciaran Snape he couldn't have been happier. He had family that doted upon him. He had friends that laughed and joked around with him. He even had a boyfriend that loved his very being.
Ciaran blushed red.
Draco was something that he definitely hadn't expected. Sure he had noticed when he first had met with Draco at the Citadel that he had wanted to be close. He just hadn't quite known how close. As a child, Draco's dream was to be Harry Potter's best friend. That hadn't happened. Yet know his goal had changed and Ciaran simply couldn't say no.
His boyfriend did more for him than his family could ever hope to imagine. Draco loved him. He didn't simply say this either, he showed his love for Ciaran every second of every day. And it was always in the small things he did.
It was the way he held Ciaran's hand when they walked to class. It was the way Draco fixed his tie in the morning when he was too tired to get it right. Then there was the way Draco fixed his meals to make sure he was eating correctly. The constant checks to make sure that he wasn't hurt in any way. The tickling and teasing were also cute, as well as the times they cuddled in bed or he was kissed on the head. (1)
These things all made Ciaran feel special. Sure he was the heir of the Slytherin line but this was completely different. Ciaran was feeling special because he mattered outside the bloodlines. He was cared about without cause. Draco didn't have any ulterior motives by pursuing Ciaran. No, with Ciaran he was open and honest and that was all he had ever wished for.
It was true that they hadn't gone far in their physical relationship but that could all come later. Ciaran needed an emotional connection first to prove that his lover would be faithful, kind and caring.
Draco was all that and more.
Ciaran smiled and breathed in deeply. He felt so relaxed. His life was perfection in his eyes. Everything was going according to plan with their task and now with the holidays, they could relax and return with a clear head to further their progress. He almost felt like acting like a child and falling backwards into the snow, arms spread wide.
Ha! If only he could-
"Ciaran, cease day-dreaming and come. We should leave while Headmaster Dumbledore is occupied." His father called.
Shaking his head, Ciaran turned and began to follow his father into Hogsmeade. His father had obviously had enough of the Headmaster and wanted to leave without the man making more of a fuss.
Together, they walked into the small town below the school and headed to a secluded area. Why his father desired to move this far away from the school's wards, Ciaran didn't know. It wasn't necessary. However, he wasn't going to complain. His father had a reason for doing everything and often those reasons were rather lengthy to explain. He didn't desire to be lecture for the next half an hour or so.
Silently, his father wrapped his arms around his son and disapparated from Hogwarts.
x-x-x-x-x
Together, they appeared in the foyer of Slytherin Citadel. Ciaran swayed a little, still unused to the travel. Somehow, he doubted that he would ever become accustomed to it.
Severus released his son and began to lead him away from the foyer and further into the house. The first item on their agenda would always be to present themselves to the Dark Lord. This was done not just out of protocol but also because Marvolo had the right to see his only heir upon his return.
Swiftly, they made their way through the seemingly endless halls and towards the library. At this time of the day, that was the best bet to where anyone could locate the Dark Lord.
They reached the door and knocked before waiting for a reply. It took several minutes before they heard a voice from within.
"Enter," was all that was said.
Ciaran entered first. It was protocol after all and tedious (for Ciaran) to follow. This was all because Ciaran was blood related to the Dark Lord while his father was only married into the family. While they both would stand above the remainder of the Death Eaters, Ciaran would always be on top.
"Ciaran, it is good to see you again." His grandfather said as he walked into the library.
"It's good to see you as well, grandfather." Ciaran answered, smiling.
Truthfully, it was good to be in the place he finally called home. He loved being surrounded by his family.
"I hope you have had a productive year? Have your studies been faring well?" Marvolo asked looking up from his research.
"My studies have been well, ask father. I'm not the top student of my year but I'm in the top ten of each of my classes." Ciaran spoke confidently.
As Harry Potter, that was one thing that he couldn't really boast about. The only thing Harry had been excellent at was Defence Against the Dark Arts. After all, it was expected of him. However with significantly few problems looming over his head, he'd been able to concentrate more this year than any other before.
"Ciaran is highly dedicated to doing well in his classes." Severus confirmed.
"That is most excellent. Is everything else working as planned?" he enquired.
Severus frowned. He knew that his son and Draco were attempting something on the Dark Lord's orders yet he didn't know what. No one had been informed of what was expected of the pair only that they needed to have it done by a certain time. This worried him greatly. If his son was attempting something that was monumental to their cause, why hadn't the task been given to someone with more experience?
Surely, there could have been someone more willing to do the task. Anyone with more experience in what the Death Eaters accomplished daily would have been preferable. Yet their master had bestowed the task to possibly the youngest members of their group. It baffled many of their number though they trusted their master's judgement.
"Draco and I will have everything ready to present to you later." Ciaran replied.
Severus reframed from speaking his thoughts. If there was one thing he desperately didn't want, it was to be punished before his son.
"Very well, I hope that this information will be presentable to everyone and not simply me."
Ciaran heard it. It was a subtle warning about how far they had come along in their task. If the information given wasn't up to standards they would be in serious trouble. Both would be punished for not preparing everything in time.
"I believe, grandfather, that the information Draco and I will present to you will be more than adequate for the other Death Eaters to hear." Ciaran confirmed.
Smirking, Marvolo stood and hugged his only heir. It would be an odd sight to most yet not to them. Ciaran was still slightly uncomfortable with it considering he didn't really see much of the man but it was something he was learning to love. With his two fatherly-figures, he felt safe and content. Sure that didn't mean he felt that all the time around them (especially when they were torturing people) but these were holes that they could work on.
Marvolo, of course, didn't quite grasp the concept. Anything to do with emotions, he was lacking. They would both just have to teach and learn until they came to an understanding.
With his father, it wasn't quite the same. Sure he had spent years harassing him, but it wasn't as bad. He knew that his father was simply trying to protect Harry Potter the only way he knew how, by keeping a distance. The most reassuring part of having Severus as a father was he was just as nervous and unsure as Ciaran. He never showed it emotionally but physically you could see the little things that made all the difference.
For one, he still acted like a complete grouch in Potions.
"Welcome home, Ciaran." His grandfather spoke, bringing him back to reality. "Now I would think that you desire to unpack your belongings, after all the next few days shall be rather hectic."
Ciaran nodded his head knowing that the words his grandfather spoke were the truth. The Yule holidays would be a mix of normal relaxing, celebrations and Death Eater business. There would most likely not be a lot of time to simply relax for hours at a time. Nope, the only time they would be allowed to relax was in between all the chaos. Ciaran knew that time he would be spending it with Draco.
Slowly, he turned, knowing that Severus would likely remain with his grandfather to speak further about happenings at Hogwarts, most of it, likely to do with him. After all he had spent an enormous amount of time within Dumbledore's unwanted presence lately.
As he reached the door, a thought came to him. Not once since the beginning of term had he really mentioned Charlie. Sure he was there as a block during Defence but other than that there was nothing. Had he been ignoring Charlie that much? When would he even see the man again?
Ciaran could hardly believe it. He saw Charlie every week yet there hadn't been a real reason to speak to him about personal reasons. Besides that, they would often have to sneak around because Charlie wasn't a known supporter. However he missed talking to the one person that he had relied heavily upon in the past.
"What about Charlie?"
Both his grandfather and father turned to him, confusion written across their faces.
"Excuse me?" Marvolo enquired.
"What about Charlie? I didn't even bother to ask where he will be staying or if he'd even leave Hogwarts. I haven't spoken to him in such a long time." Ciaran said guiltily.
"Ciaran, do not fear. I am sure that Charlie is rather enjoying himself staring with Lucius." Severus said smirking.
Ciaran blushed. He hadn't even taken a moment to remember that Charlie and Lucius were seeing each other. He hadn't really bothered to ask. Even with the small amount of things he had to do, his mind was completely filled with them.
"Ah, I see. I will see him at the Yule gathering then."
Not bothering to speak again, Ciaran turned and left the room leaving the adults to speak.
As soon as the door had closed firmly, spells were placed against eavesdropping. Neither Severus nor Marvolo wanted anyone to hear them discussing this especially Ciaran. Both knew that Ciaran didn't take kindly to family members going behind his back even if he trusted them.
The pair sat down around the table, both silent in their observations. Ciaran was beginning to slowly accept them. Sure, they knew that although Ciaran had at first welcomed them into his life, he hadn't accepted them. For someone as abused and neglected as him, it wouldn't happen overnight. The fact that he was coming around to them now was astounding. They had assumed it would take longer. Yet the child continued to surprise them both.
"How has he truly been?" Marvolo enquired, not needing to speak Ciaran's name.
Severus sighed. That question was loaded with numerous problems. If he spoke the truth then the Dark Lord would become angered. If he lied then the Dark Lord would become angered. If he told a half truth, the Dark Lord would find out and still become angered. Honestly, you couldn't do right with this one.
"Ciaran has been handling the change exceedingly well. As he said, his grades have been high but not anywhere close enough to cause unwarranted attention. He does his assignments and always hands them in on time. His behaviour is always exemplary. I believe that he is very gifted in hiding what he truly can achieve from the Headmaster." Severus answered honestly.
"However, we seem to still have trouble with Dumbledore. He isn't anywhere near as bad as he was with Potter, yet he is fairly insistent that Ciaran join the "right cause". So far, we have managed to keep Dumbledore from receiving the answers he desires. But, my Lord, might I say that this won't last."
Marvolo narrowed his eyes on his son-in-law.
"What do you mean?"
"He may not appear it now but Dumbledore will do anything to keep his image. He will do anything to win even if that means kidnapping or brainwashing the one he is after. Ciaran won't remain safe around the other Slytherin's for long. Eventually, the man will get desperate enough to attempt something underhanded. When that happens, we need to be ready to kill him. If he lives, it will only cause more harm than good for everyone."
Marvolo leant back against his chair in thought.
His plans were moving along, there was no doubt in that. Dumbledore wouldn't' be much of a problem for a lot longer. His time was coming to an end and there was nothing the Order could do about it. Not with all Death Eaters working towards the same goal though they wouldn't know this until he revealed it. Until that moment, everyone would simply have to be patient and wait.
Ciaran only had a few months left with that fool of a Headmaster. Hopefully, he would be able to handle everything that the old coot sent his way. If not, they would need to have a contingency plan. Marvolo would not risk Ciaran especially if his grandson knew he couldn't take any more. That was something he would need to work on later.
"I have everything in place, Severus. You have nothing to fear. Ciaran shall not be placed in harm's way." Marvolo reassured the man.
"If you are positive, my Lord, than I believe you."
However Severus, like every father, had doubts. What if nothing went according to plan? What if Ciaran ended up in Azkaban for conspiring against the great Albus Dumbledore? Would he be able to save his son? Would he go back to Azkaban so Ciaran wouldn't have to go through it?
What if… what if… what if…
There were far too many of those in his life. But with his son, he wasn't about to take any chances. If there was a way to keep him safe then Severus would do it.
Logically, he knew that the Dark Lord would have a plan to keep Ciaran safe. There was simply no logic when it came to emotions. One contingency plan just wasn't enough when it came to those you loved. There would always be the need to have numerous plans to keep them all safe. Their lives simply mattered more to you than your own (even if you were a Slytherin).
"Very well, if that is all…" Marvolo questioned.
Severus nodded. It was obvious that he was in the middle of something. The only reason he had listened for so long was because it had to do with his own grandson.
Standing, he left the room. He had potions to sort through anyway.
x-x-x-x-x
Ciaran sighed as he collapsed on his bed. This holiday was the first that he wouldn't have to pretend to enjoy.
When he was with the Weasley's, it was always quite the challenge. It wasn't that their house was a shamble held together by magic. It wasn't even the fact that they had little money to spend on presents. The entire brood of Weasley's were utter slobs.
Ciaran always had to put on a happy persona when stepping into the place because it was an utter catastrophe. He had to smile as they others shovelled food into their mouths. He had to laugh when the others found some item of clothing amongst the trash. He had to act like family and it was far too much to think about.
Now he didn't need to worry about keeping his family happy. If he was unhappy they would be unhappy. So he would be able to speak out against the things that disgusted him. He'd be allowed to point out certain things that made him cringe. If anything it was to be expected.
He sighed happily. There wasn't anything that could possibly make his time at Slytherin Citadel uncomfortable. He was at home.
"What are you doing?"
Ciaran rolled over, startled. He hadn't thought that Draco would immediately arrive at the Citadel when he could spend some time at home. It wasn't that he wasn't pleased about the situation. Draco hardly ever saw his family while he saw Ciaran every day.
"I'm imagining what this Yule will be like. The circumstances have changed greatly and I don't know how I should react to that."
Draco smiled warmly and walked towards him. The instant Draco was there, he'd wrapped an arm around Ciaran and collapsed beside him. Ciaran loved it.
"What are you doing?" he asked in return.
"Do I need a reason to visit you Ciaran?"
He scoffed. Draco would create reasons to see him. He hardly needed excuses anymore when everyone expected it the blond to turn up whenever he desired.
"You know what I mean." Ciaran accused. "We see each other every day. However the only chance you get to see your parents are during the holidays. Aren't you wasting precious time here when you could be at home?"
Draco sighed. This was one thing that he still couldn't get across to Ciaran, self-worth. It was one concept that Ciaran just didn't understand. It was one concept that had been hammered into him by the Dursley's and Dumbledore.
He was making occasional progress. But Ciaran just stumbled infrequently and couldn't work it out unless someone explained it to him. It was quite infuriating for those that truly needed him to understand.
"Ciaran, they are my parents. They'll always be there when I need them. During the holidays, yes I see them a lot more but I don't need to rely on them. If I need to see them, hear their advice, then I'll go and speak with them. Even during the school year, I'll owl them for advice. I don't need to be with them constantly to know they are there for me. It's exactly the same with you and Severus. Severus may not shadow you every day but a part of you always knows that he will be there when you need him." Draco explained.
Ciaran hummed thoughtfully. It was true. Severus didn't follow him around all day long making sure he was safe (others did instead but Draco would argue that it was beside the point). No, his father appeared when he was needed or when Ciaran needed to speak with him. Yet Ciaran knew that he was always loved by the man regardless.
"Fine, I can accept that. However, that doesn't mean you have to be here with me. You could be visiting other relatives or friends you don't see often."
Draco smiled.
"Ciaran, do you really believe I would enjoy being anywhere else but with you?"
Shaking his head, Ciaran snuggled closer to his boyfriend. Draco didn't need a reason to be by his side. He was simply complicating things, making their relationship harder. It wasn't needed.
"Well then Draco, what do you want to do?"
"This is your first Yule with family Ciaran. Whatever you want to do is fine."
Ciaran smiled, this could be a lot of fun.
x-x-x-x-x
Yule was definitely Ciaran's favourite time of year. He'd never had this much fun in his life.
Fred and George had sent a giant box of pranks early, saying for their Yule present they would like a few photos of Death Eaters being pranked with their gags. Ciaran only agreed after they allowed him to spell the photos against copying, printing and other viewing. It wouldn't do to have his father's minions plastered on the Daily Prophet when caught by childish pranks.
Upon agreement, he had roped Draco into aiding him. Together they had set up several pranks around the Citadel where Death Eaters were certain to walk. Of course they warned their relatives about them beforehand. There wouldn't be enough punishment if someone like the Dark Lord fell into their traps.
So far three Death Eaters had fallen into a Portable Swamp, one had eaten a Canary Cream and two had to become ill by eating far too many of the Skiving Snak Boxes. All had their photos taken and would be sent to Fred and George on Yule. After that however, they were ordered to leave the Death Eaters alone.
That planning took up most of their free time. In between that and sleeping, Draco and Ciaran had been tasked with organizing the library which still wasn't completely up and running. A few boxes were unpacked and books were on the shelves however it was not even near half the complete library. That hadn't really been fun but it had been informative.
Of course none of this could compare to the excitement, Ciaran was feeling for the Yule party.
The ballroom was decorated in tinsel and floating fairy lights. The buffet was tucked away in a corner while the dance floor was lined with more lights that glowed dimly. Tables were in one corner for the main meals yet there was still plenty of room for the giant tree that was decorated by the house-elves. The entire place looked mystical and something out of a fairy-tale. Yet here he was standing in the middle of it.
Earlier that morning, presents had been opened. Ciaran had received some many that he could only remember his favourites and even then they seemed to pale in comparison to this extravaganza.
With his grandfather, he had spent the first fifteen minutes greeting the guests that arrived on time. Most of those were simply pureblood Death Eaters and their families. Some were allies for the cause. Others simply turned up to see the magnificence that the Dark Lord could create for his minions, though only intended to remain neutral in the war.
The Dark Lord didn't care what their allegiances were (as long as they weren't spies for the light). They were present to enjoy the night that Voldemort so generously set up. None were aware that the only reason he was having such a grandiose function was for his grandson. They would never find out.
"You may be excused, Ciaran."
Ciaran turned to Marvolo questioningly.
"Are you sure? I still need to be here for another three minutes."
Marvolo chuckled quietly.
"Go and enjoy your first Yule celebration. It is sure to be something you are not likely to forget."
Smiling brightly at his grandfather, Ciaran nodded and walked down the stairs into the ballroom. The first person he sought out was his father who was sitting quietly at one of the tables.
It was obvious that Severus didn't enjoy these large gatherings. He merely put up with them because it was what his master expected of him. However he was also surrounded with a few friends and they were all drinking and generally enjoying themselves. Realizing that his father was finally enjoying himself, Ciaran decided against interrupting them and instead turned towards Draco and his group.
They were only a small group of their usual friends but it was certainly enough for him. It appeared as if, like his father, he didn't enjoy the large crowds associated with these gatherings.
However before he reached Draco, someone else caught his attention.
Ciaran froze, unsure of what to do. Should he catch the others attention? Should he call the man over? What was it that was expected of him in these situations? His grandfather, father, someone should have told him what to do!
In the end, he decided that simple was best and called out his name.
"Remus?" Ciaran questioned, tears forming in his eyes.
He'd never believed he would see the last connection he had to his mother, James and Sirius. Remus just seemed so close to Dumbledore's beliefs that it would be impossible. But here he was, standing next to Fenrir, waiting for Ciaran to react to his appearance. Remus was simply standing there by Fenrir's side. He wasn't moving forward or backward. The man was stock still.
"Cub, Ciaran, I'm so glad that you're alright." Remus spoke.
Yet he still didn't move from the spot he was standing in. One glance at his grandfather and Ciaran knew that it was that man keeping Remus from reacting. Obviously, the Marvolo wanted to see how Ciaran would truly react to the man before he was allowed to approach. Ciaran however, wasn't having any of that. Remus was still part of his family regardless of who he was now.
Ciaran ran up to the man and threw his arms around him. He still couldn't quite believe that the man was right before his eyes. Remus was here. Remus was with him.
"What are you doing here?" he asked into Remus' neck.
Remus eyes misted over as his cub ran into his arms. He knew this wasn't exactly what the Dark Lord had wanted when he had promised to allow Remus to see Ciaran at Yule. The man had wanted Ciaran to reject or be wary of him. Severus had wanted the same. But Remus knew Ciaran would never do something like that. His cub was very loving especially to those that only wanted what was best for him.
"Cub, did you really believe that I would leave you? You are all I have left."
"…but what about Dumbledore? I thought that you were always loyal to him so I didn't hold much hope that you would…" he trailed off unsure of what he was accusing Remus.
"… that I would follow you no matter who or what you are?" Remus answered.
Ciaran merely nodded his head meekly.
"Ciaran," Remus began firmly, "no matter who you are or who you are connected to, I will always see you as my cub. I've taken care of you since you've been a toddler. I have watched you mature into the young man you are today. There is nothing that would take me away from you especially overprotective family."
A chocked laugh came from Ciaran as he finally pulled away, satisfied that Remus still cared for him.
"I take it they lay down certain rules before you were allowed to see me then."
Remus agreed however that didn't surprise Ciaran. His family were rather protective of him especially around those that they believed were Dumbledore supporters.
"It was worth it though cub, it was all worth it."
Ciaran beamed at him. Having Remus around would be an interesting add- in to the mix of their current lives.
"Where have you been? The last I heard before you disappeared and I left, Dumbledore had you with the werewolves."
"I have been staying with the werewolves. However that is more on the Dark Lord's orders than Dumbledore's." Remus chuckled. "I've been with Fenrir in his camp getting in touch with my inner wolf."
Fenrir had obviously moved off to give them some semblance of privacy. Ciaran was glad for that but wished he could have at least introduced himself first. He didn't even know the man Remus was staying with! Sure he'd heard tales but since Remus didn't say anything about them he wasn't going to put much stock in them.
"I'm glad that you're alright Remy. I worried that I'd lost you." Ciaran said smiling.
Remus hugged Ciaran tightly to him.
"Ciaran, you will never loose me. Regardless of where I am, I will always be with you. I'm merely glad that you are taking all of this so calmly."
Ciaran chuckled before removing from Remus' grip. Calmly wasn't a word that he would use to describe his feelings at the moment. His heart was racing a million miles an hour. He was so delighted that Remus was here he could barely contain himself as a pureblood should.
"Ciaran is everything alright here?"
He spun around to see Draco standing behind him. An arm came around him pulling him slightly away from Remus and into a firm chest. Ciaran could see the jealousy in Draco's eyes regardless of his emotionless façade and smiled lightly. It was cute that Draco was jealous of their past professor though really unnecessary. The man wasn't any way inclined towards him that way.
"Draco everything is fine, why do you ask?"
Draco hummed behind him in disbelief. "Your father and grandfather haven't taken their eyes of the pair of you since you jumped on him."
Taken aback, Ciaran glanced around. His father's eyes fixed on him immediately, assessing to see if he was alright.
'I'm fine. Remus isn't doing anything that should alarm you.' Ciaran thought towards his father.
Severus eyes narrowed but he nodded and turned back to Lucius who as on his right. Marvolo noticing this also turned back towards the vampires he was conversing with.
"They are only watching to make sure I'm comfortable with Remus, Draco, nothing else. I'm fine, really."
Ciaran knew regardless of explaining, Draco wouldn't let him go for a while. The jealousy really was a cute thing.
"Forgive me Remus, but it seems like Draco would like to monopolize my time tonight." He apologized.
Remus barely managed to nod his head before Draco was dragging him over to their Slytherin group of friends. Glancing around the room at all of the people who cared for him, Ciaran smiled. Yes, Yule holidays were definitely his favourite.
(1) Obviously a few of these could be attributed towards more of a mother's love however since Harry didn't exactly have a role model for these I doubt he truthfully would be able to tell the difference between love from a mother and one of a lover. As for Draco, while his mother does obviously care for him I don't see her as a Molly Weasley figure. She would have definitely doted on Draco but I don't think he was shown a lot of motherly affection.
Okay, so here is another chapter for everyone and with this chapter comes the second clue for my competition~ If you want details go to my profile page. The first clue shall also be there.
Clue02: The letters O, R, J and B aren't in my name.
Good Luck. No one has managed to get it yet so keep trying. Thank you for all the reviews!
~MidnighEmber