Disclaimer: I am not J.K. Rowling. This story is merely my way of saluting her. I do not own any of these characters; I just manipulate their thoughts. I also want to give props to Beren and Mijan for inspiring my stories.
-x-
The Burrow was a madhouse, as always. Squeezing an entire family into a house had its own issues, but squeezing the different personalities under one roof could only lead to one result – chaos. Fred and George had pulled so many pranks within the span of two days that everyone had to watch where their feet landed and what their hands touched. Charlie and Bill were always seen wrestling each other to the ground. Percy would be watching the brothers with disapproval. Ron and Hermione kept sneaking off to do the unmentionable. Thank goodness for Ginny, Harry thought. She was Harry's company for the holidays. Harry was glad that Ginny had gotten over her fan girl crush and started to talk to Harry like he was a real person. He could talk to her about Quidditch, school, and even charms and spells that Harry knew weren't all that educational but still had hilarious and often unnecessarily embarrassing results.
He also received frequent visits from unknown owls. Ron and Hermione were perturbed that Harry received so many letters. He shrugged it off by vaguely mentioning that they were from his fans, wishing him a happy Christmas. When everyone went to sleep at night, Harry would eagerly open the letters and read it against his wand light. Draco had a way with words, and Harry had had to catch himself from bursting out laughing more than once as he read the letters. He couldn't write as often as Draco because he was almost never alone, but he knew that Draco understood. 'Of course you won't have a moment of peace, that house is overrun with Weasels. It's like they multiply every year!' Harry could imagine Draco saying.
The eve of Christmas was spent with lots of drinks and even more food. Mrs. Weasley's cooking was to die for, as always. Harry had more than his share of chicken and casseroles. He was lounging lazily on the couch, watching the clamor around him. At the Weasley residence, every waking moment was something different. Fred and George were turning the Christmas decorations into miniature squeaking trolls; the trolls were none too happy to find themselves hanging on a tree. Ron and Hermione were sneaking drunken kisses past Mrs. Weasley. Charlie, Bill, and Ginny were talking about their many adventures from the past three months. Percy and Mr. Weasley were busily discussing Ministry issues.
"Here, Harry, have some chocolate milk," Mrs. Weasley said, handing him a very large cup of steaming milk covered with colorful marshmallows.
Harry smiled happily at Mrs. Weasley. She was such a mother. She knew what he liked and disliked, to a tee. "Thanks, Mrs. Weasley," he said and gently sipped on the warm chocolate. He could see that the family was not planning on sleeping that night. It was already past two, and the loud chatter hadn't died down yet. I suppose I could catch some sleep after I open my presents. Harry had been trying to peek at his pile, hoping that he could catch a glimpse of Draco's gift. He hadn't been able to all week, and now his mind was filled with anticipation. I hope he likes what I got him, Harry thought. Harry had found a beautiful diary on one of his visits to Hogsmeade. The cover was velvety and green, Draco's favorite color. The edges of the papers were lined with beautiful, slender snakes. They moved every time the pages were flipped. It was pure and elegant. It was made for Draco.
Within the next four hours, the entire family was thoroughly exhausted but refused to fall asleep before opening their presents. Harry sat giddily as his pile of presents was floated over to his feet. Soon the room was filled with shredded wrapping paper and strewn ribbon. Harry received a sweater from Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, which he immediately wore. He got a bag of jokes and pranks from the Weasley twins, which he didn't dare open, lest it burst sparkles into Harry's face. From Ron, he received a pack of Quidditch cards, collector's edition. Hermione gave him a book on different methods to heal a person, which Harry cherished. Percy, Bill, and Charlie gave him Seeker gloves. Ginny gave him a box of assorted chocolates. Remus had gifted him a small pensive. But the best present of all, he kept for last. Everyone was looking at Harry expectantly, wondering whom the last present was from.
The tag read, "To Harry Potter, From a Not-So-Secret Admirer." The entire gathering ooh-ed at this, causing Harry to blush slightly. It was wrapped in classic Slytherin green paper and tied simply with a bow. Harry delicately undid the ribbon and opened the wrapping paper.
Inside the box, nestled in tissue, was a small ruby gemstone. It was attached to an almost invisible silver chain; Harry assumed it was to be worn as a necklace. He lifted the ruby by the chain and delicately touched it. Suddenly he felt the rush of wild magic flowing through him and into the stone. He quickly let go of the gem, letting it hang from the chain. The ruby was glowing red.
"Harry… That's amazing!" Hermione said quietly. "This way you can always stow away your excess magic into the stone instead of carrying it in with you! This is an awfully expensive gift, who do you suppose it's from?" Hermione flipped over the card, looking for any clues.
Harry hesitantly touched the stone again, this time ready for the heady rush of magic he was going to feel. The stone glowed brighter and brighter as Harry pushed more magic into it. After a few minutes, Harry let go of the stone, feeling lighter and less burdened. He laughed brightly at the feeling before pulling the pendant over his head. It stayed hidden under his shirt, resting near his heart. The room was silent for a few moments as everyone stared at Harry's happy face.
"Well, now that that's done, everybody off to bed. Ginny, you are asleep on your feet! Fred, George, don't you dare poke those poor trolls. Ron and Hermione, if you don't get your hands off of each other, I'll –" Mrs. Weasley started to usher everyone upstairs and into bed.
Harry stumbled into his room, thoroughly wiped out. He fell asleep clutching the necklace to his chest, smiling softly.
-x-
Harry was starting to worry by the time New Year's Eve approached. Draco's letters had stopped abruptly after Christmas Day. Harry had assumed at the beginning that Draco had been busy with his own family gatherings and lavish parties. But after three days of not receiving any letters, Harry had started to spend his time staring out the window, willing an owl to fly up to it. He tried to go about his day, smiling cheerfully for the Weasleys, but by nighttime, he'd be tired of his act. He wouldn't be able to sleep until the break of dawn. He had sent Hedwig over to the Malfoy Manor twice, but the snowy owl had always returned with the undelivered message.
On New Year's Eve, Harry was sitting glumly in his room, staring at the fog his breath was making against he window. He idly toyed with his pendant, wishing Draco would just hurry up and write back.
That's when he heard the commotion at the front door. At first, he just heard loud banging, someone knocking to get inside the house. Harry was startled, but thought nothing of it. Then he heard Ron's terrified shouts and racing feet. Harry perked his ears curiously. He made his way out of his room and down the many stairs to the main foyer. His heart stopped when he saw the sight.
Draco was standing at the doorstep, shivering dreadfully. The Weasley children all had their wands out, ready to hex him if he made the wrong move. Mrs. Weasley was trying to get her children to calm down while Mr. Weasley and Hermione were staring helplessly at the crowd. Draco's wild eyes roved over the family before resting on Harry's. Harry let his mind reach out to Draco's quickly.
"Oh," he gasped as he felt a torrent of fear and sadness fill him. Harry stumbled down the rest of the stairs and ran up to Draco. He ignored the shouts of protest coming from his friends. He gently touched Draco's shoulders, forcing him to look at Harry.
"I – I swear, I didn't want to," Draco's voice cracked as tears fell from his eyes. Harry's eyes welled up when he felt Draco's shame. Harry gently lifted up Draco's sleeve and inhaled sharply when he saw the Dark Mark etched into Draco's pale skin. "I'm so sorry," Draco whispered, before fainting into Harry's arms.
-x-