Disclaimer: The Harry Potter universe and characters belongs to J.K. Rowling, unfortunately not me.

A/N: If you haven't yet, go check out my Christmas one-shot entitled "O Awkward Night." Also as a heads up, this is likely to be the last update until after Christmas. Happy Holidays everyone :)

Chapter 25

After spending a better part of the day in the bed, stomachs rumbling from lack of food and limbs sore from lack of movement, the pair dragged themselves up to get ready for the day. Harry padded over to the closet where Draco had made space for some of his clothes, while Draco gathered his things and headed to take a shower. He was just about to cross the threshold into the bathroom when he paused. "Hey, Harry," he called uncertainly.

Harry turned around and was greeted with a shirtless Draco looking up at him from under his hair and biting his lip nervously. "Yeah?"

"You wouldn't want to…er join me, would you?" Draco stuttered.

Harry laughed lightly. He was certain he had never seen the other man quite so unsure of himself. He was about to respond enthusiastically in the positive when there was a tapping at the window. Both men turned towards the sound. There was a Pygmy owl darting around outside the window with a letter tied to his leg. Immediately, Harry recognized the owl as his and knew the letter must be from Ginny. "I would love to, but that'll be from Ginny. I should take care of this."

Harry glanced at Draco out of the corner of his eye to see how he was reacting. Draco's face was expressionless as he nodded curtly and made his way to the bathroom. Harry sighed but knew there was nothing he could do to help right now. It was easy to forget about the divorce and all of the other complications while they were holed up in the Manor, but the real world was bound to intrude sooner or later. Harry couldn't wait for the divorce business to be over so he could devote all of his attention to getting to know everything possible about the gorgeous former enemy that had recently captured his attention. He made his way to the window and took the letter from Puff, the family owl. Lily had named him when she was quite young, and there was no changing his name now. He sat down on Draco's bed and slowly began to unfurl the letter.

Dear Harry,

I have taken a few days to wallow a bit and process everything that is happening. I think I am ready to share the news with the family. As horrible as telling everyone is bound to be, I think it is best to do it sooner rather than later. I don't know about you, but I am ready to begin putting everything behind us and moving on. I sincerely hope that things are going well with Draco, and the last few days have gone better for you than they have for me.

Harry felt his heart constrict painfully in his chest, partly in sympathy for Ginny but mostly in guilt that he was having a great time with Draco.

I have given this some thought, and I am not sure who we should tell first. I was thinking either the kids or Ron and Hermione should be first. Please let me know if you have any preference. I have cleared my schedule all day tomorrow to have some of these conversations, if that works for you. I will await your return owl.

Ginny

Harry continued to stare at the letter for several minutes after he finished reading it. Despite the fact that earlier he couldn't wait to finish this, now that he was facing the reality of explaining the situation to his children, his best friends, and his family, he was crippled with panic. He could just picture the disappointment on everyone's faces, particularly the elder Weasleys. They had always treated him like a son but would that change after they found out about everything? He couldn't even begin to bring himself to imagine the reactions to Draco. He shuddered and quickly redirected his thoughts. There was no use agonizing over it now.

As Harry continued to stare at the letter, he was vaguely aware of the shower turning off. A moment later, Draco reappeared in the bedroom wearing nothing but a towel. Harry let the letter slide out of his fingers and onto the bed beside him as he took in the beautiful man standing across the room. His chest was very pale, almost like marble, and his towel was slung low on his hips, the tiniest hint of blond hair peeking out the top. Harry felt his mouth go dry as he continued to eye Draco. He was a split second from jumping off the bed and dragging Draco back into it with him when the other man spoke, "What did the letter say?" He was clearly trying to sound casual, but the subtle tremble in his voice gave him away.

"She would like to get together tomorrow to start telling people about the divorce," Harry responded, somber once again. Draco's shoulders seemed to sag slightly in relief. Harry paused for a second before deciding to address it. "Draco," he began gently.

Draco made his way across the room and sat down on the bed next to Harry. "Hmm?"

"Even if she had begged for me to come home and forget about the divorce, it wouldn't change anything. You're welcome to read the letter if you'd like," he offered, wanting to reassure Draco.

Draco shook his head and then leaned over so it was resting on Harry's shoulder. Harry shifted so he could put his arm around the other man and pull him closer. "No, thanks though. I'm sorry for being so insecure."

Harry tightened his grip around him. "It's completely understandable. If it makes you feel better, if it were up to me I'd never leave here," he murmured, only half aware that he was still saying these things out loud. When he realized that he had indeed vocalized the last part, he felt himself blush. "Er it's way too early in this to be saying things like that."

Draco chuckled but didn't respond. Instead he turned his head to look at Harry and slowly pulled the dark haired man down until their lips were pressed together in a tender kiss. Harry returned the gentle pressure, their lips not really moving but just pressed together. Draco pulled back slightly and smiled up at Harry. "So who are you going to tell first?" he inquired.

"Well, Ginny suggested either the kids or Ron and Hermione. I think we should tell the kids first. They deserve to know, and at least Al already knows and somewhat approves. It'll make it a little easier."

"I think that's probably the best approach. They're bound to be upset either way, but if they feel like they're the last to know, it'll only make it worse."

Harry nodded. "I'll just write Ginny back quickly, and then we can do whatever you want to do."

Draco cocked his eyebrow skeptically. "Anything?" he asked suggestively, his voice dropping an octave as he nuzzled his nose against Harry's neck.

Harry giggled at the sensation. "Well maybe not anything, you horny bastard."

Draco gave him a mock pout before turning his nuzzles into kisses and nips up and down Harry's neck. "One of these days, Potter, I will have my way with you."

"And how do you know it won't be I having my way with you, hmm?" the end of his question morphing into a moan of pleasure as Draco continued his assault on his neck.

Draco pulled back to meet Harry's eyes, his own eyes darkening with lust. "Lucky for you, I enjoy both positions."

Harry shivered and pulled Draco's mouth up to his forcefully. Ginny's letter could wait a little bit.

The next morning, Harry made sure that he and Draco were up and ready for the day quite early. Ginny was Firecalling the Manor when she was ready to go to Hogwarts, and then he was meeting her at the Three Broomsticks where they had gotten permission to use the Floo to get to the Headmistresses office. Their children would be gathered there waiting for them. He didn't want to take any risks of Ginny seeing something that would in any way upset her or made her uncomfortable. At approximately quarter to ten, the Floo roared to life. Harry and Draco were sitting in the study where they could easily hear the Floo. "Harry?" he heard Ginny call from the fire.

"I'm going to head out. I'll be back sometime this evening, I think," Harry said to Draco who had been uncharacteristically quiet that morning.

Draco nodded. He stood up and hugged Harry, giving him a peck on the cheek. "Good luck," he whispered.

"Try not to miss me too much," Harry joked with a wink. He planted a gentle kiss on Draco's lips and then headed to the front room.

"Hey, Gin," Harry called to the fire. "I'll meet you at the Three Broomsticks."

Ginny nodded once and with that the fire died again. Harry took one deep breath and then Disapparated with a pop.

The next moment Harry found himself staring at his first real home in the distance. Ginny appeared at his side a second later. They stared at each other for an awkward moment before Harry took a step towards her and pulled her into a hug. "I'm so sorry, Ginny," he mumbled into her hair.

Ginny pulled back after a moment. "Me too, Harry, me too." She sighed and then seemed to pull herself together. "Off to Hogwarts then."

The pair Flooed to the Headmistress's office, their children sitting in a row of chairs in front of the desk, the Headmistress nowhere to be found. "Mom, Dad! What's going on? Is everyone okay?" James exclaimed.

He vaguely heard Ginny reassuring him that no one was hurt or dying as he looked past her and locked eyes with Al, who was looking at him with a questioning look. Harry nodded once attempting to indicate that they were here to discuss what he so obviously assumed. Al nodded back in understanding. Ginny and Harry made their way in front of the large desk to stand in front of their kids. "Well, you're probably wondering why we called you here on a Saturday," Harry began awkwardly. He didn't want to drag this out with small talk because he knew his kids were far too impatient for that.

All three of his kids nodded, although Al was clearly doing it for show, his face emotionless as he waited for the inevitable. Harry looked at Ginny helplessly, not knowing how to say it. Ginny laid a gentle hand on his shoulder before turning back to the kids. "This isn't an easy thing to say, but we came here to tell you we're getting a divorce."

Silence reigned for a beat as the kids each processed what had just been said. Al sagged in relief that he no longer had to keep the secret from his siblings. James stared at them blankly before balling his hands into fists and flushing in anger. Lily stared straight ahead, almost like she hadn't heard, until a few tears slipped out of the corner of her eyes. "We wanted you to be the first to know. We're both very sad that it's come to this, but we don't see any alternative."

"Bollocks!" James yelled, leaping out of his chair. "If you really wanted to you could fix this, but you're just giving up!"

Harry felt a lump form in his throat and heard Ginny sniffle beside him. "I'm so sorry, Jamie, but it's just not in the cards for us," she said quietly.

"But why the bloody hell not? Did one of you fuck someone else?" James demanded.

Harry felt his insides freeze and refused to meet his son's eyes. "No, nothing like that. We grew up, and we grow apart. It happens. Neither of us have been happy together for awhile, but we never really acknowledged it because we were so busy with you lot," Harry responded calmly, neither he nor Ginny feeling the need to scold their oldest for his choice of language.

"And we'll still be a family. Your father and I are parting on good terms. We may be sad about it, but we are in agreement and will be civil," Ginny added.

James sighed and sat back into his chair. "Sorry," he mumbled. "I'm just upset."

"Us too," Ginny said sympathetically.

Everyone was silent for a moment until there was a loud sob from Lily. Immediately, she had everyone surrounding her in a group hug. Being the youngest and the only girl meant that everyone had always been quick to comfort her whenever anything went wrong. They continued to stand all together, hugging for a few more moments before they slowly parted. Harry surveyed his children helplessly. He knew they were upset, and there was absolutely nothing he could say or do to make it better. James cleared his throat quietly before beginning tentatively, "I'm glad that you told us first, but I think I speak for all of us when I say we're upset. Maybe we just need some time to process this?" He looked around at his siblings who both nodded in agreement.

"That's completely fine. If you feel the need to talk about anything please owl or ask the Headmistress to use her Floo," Ginny urged.

The three nodded once more, all making their way to their parents for one last hug. James was the first to leave, followed closely by Lily. Albus lingered for a moment, surveying his father. "Did you need something, sweetheart?" Ginny asked, kissing him on the temple.

Al bit his lip before responding, "I'd kind of like to talk to Dad if that's alright."

"Absolutely. I'll just wait for you at the Three Broomsticks," Ginny addressed Harry.

"Alright, I'll be there soon." Ginny made her way to the Floo, and a minute later she was gone. Harry sat down in one of the chairs, gesturing for Al to do the same. "What's up, Al?"

"Well, um, the thing is, I, erm, kind of have a date tonight," he stuttered.

Harry's face broke into a large grin. "That's great, Al! Who is the lucky guy?"

"Promise you won't be mad?"

"Why on earth would I be mad?"

"Well, his name is Theo, and he's um named after his father."

Harry stared at his son blankly for a moment before the pieces clicked into place. "Theo Nott's son." Al nodded. "Theo Nott and Pansy Nott née Parkinson's son." Al nodded once again, biting his lip nervously once again. "Oh, Al, I'm not mad. Anything that may have happened between his parents and I is ancient history. Since that time, you befriended a Malfoy and I'm practically dating one. If I can put that history behind me, I can put all of my school day animosity behind me."

Al beamed at his father and gave him a big hug. "Thanks, Dad! I really didn't want you to be mad." Harry chuckled and hugged his son back. When Scorpius pulled away from him, he was smirking. "So practically dating a Malfoy, huh?" he inquired with a raised eyebrow.

Harry couldn't help the thrilled laugh that escaped his mouth. "Yes, there has been no conversations about our relationship just yet, but I have been staying with him for the past couple days."

Al squealed in delight. "Just wait until I tell Scorpius! He'll be so excited. His dad's been so lonely for awhile now."

"Hopefully not anymore. Now I've got to go meet your mother. We're going to talk to Ron and Hermione next."

"Okay, but you have to promise to keep me updated on the Mr. Malfoy situation."

"If there are any new developments, we will owl you and Scorpius, but only if you keep me updated on your date."

"Daaaaaaad," Al whined in embarrassment.

"Alright, alright. We'll keep you updated either way. Have fun tonight."

"You too," Al answered with another smirk.

With one more hug, Harry made his way to the Floo, a slight bounce in his step from talking about Draco. He was glad he had a chance to talk to his son. It helped his mood immensely, and he definitely needed some happiness before going to talk to his best friends, one of whom just happened to be his soon to be ex-wife's protective, older brother.