Disclaimer: Still not mine. Santa Claus forgot to bring them to me... #sigh#

Author's Note: Happy New Year! Now that that's out of the way, I have to tell you that this chapter is once again not betaed. I have no idea where my beta disappeared to and she hasn't answered my emails either, so well, I didn't want to make you wait once again so long.

From now on, I'll update every Sunday (or Monday at the latest). I think that's better than making you wait so long and updating irregularly or not at all.

Anyway, I think I also need to look for a new beta (though I'd like to talk about it with Silver Lady first #hinthint#), so if anyone is interested please contact me... Thanks!

I apologise for any mistakes! Read and enjoy (and review)!

31/12/07: Thanks to all of you who offered to beta and a special thanks to jharad17, who was first and got the job #bows deeply#. Thank you!

26. ONCE BITTEN, TWICE SHY

The two Malfoy heirs sat next to each other on the soft black leather sofa, moodily staring into the fire, sulking, brooding, moping. It was the 24th of December and they were not at all in a Christmassy mood. Their letters had been returned as had their gifts, and they had received no word at all, except for a small note from Severus, attached to Draco's Christmas present, saying nothing more than the customary, crisp Christmas greetings that not only lacked feeling and warmth (which was to be expected, coming from the Potion's Master), but also information.

Snow was falling softly outside, the windows were starting to ice up in the corners, and the gently cracking fire might have been considered romantic or at least nice, if the two blonds weren't glaring at it.

"How am I supposed to apologise when he doesn't read my letters?" Draco suddenly burst out, kicking a book that innocently lay on the floor. "This sucks!"

"You could say that." Lucius, though also not in a very good mood, at least managed a more neutral and composed tone.

"Salazar, can you be anymore of a bastard?" Draco snapped at him. "This is all your fault!"

"You will not speak to me that way!" Lucius straightened up. "We both fucked up; I don't deny that. And now we both have to find a way to right it again. I care about Harry just as much as you do, I never meant to hurt him, honestly."

"Do you know what they say about people who use phrases like 'honestly,' 'to tell the truth,' and 'I really mean it'? That they are liars!" Draco glared at him. "Why should I believe you? You not only used Harry, you used me!"

"Save your dramatics for someone who's interested in them," Lucius hissed. "I may have used you. That's what Malfoys do, what all purebloods do! They use their children to improve their own reputation and influence. Get used to it. You are still my son, and family sticks together. I never used Harry. Have you not seen how I acted towards him? I made a fool of myself, and I can't say that I care. I do love him."

"So do I," Draco sighed, slumping back into his armchair, his sudden anger deflated. "I'm just a bit frustrated right now."

"You are not the only one." Lucius grinned wryly. "But we are Malfoys, and we don't give up. May the better man win."

"What do you mean?" Draco asked perhaps a bit too innocently.

"Oh please, who do you think you're fooling?" Lucius rolled his eyes. "Except for Harry, perhaps, everyone knows that you want him as more than just a friend. You don't love him, you are in love with him. Why you didn't act on it is anyone's guess, but don't lie to me!"

"Fine, if you want to see it like that." Draco stood up with a huff. "I plan to get Harry back. If you will excuse me."

"I thought about asking Mother to invite the whole Potter family to the New Year's Ball," Lucius offered. "Maybe Harry would come, too."

"And maybe the world will stop turning tomorrow and Harry will just drop into your lap," Draco said with a sneer, striding to the fireplace. "I'm done with being ignored. If Harry doesn't want to see me, he can say so to my face!"

He snapped the box with Floo-Powder open and took a handful of the greyish powder, before throwing it into the flames that lit up the darkening room and tinted it green.

"Draco, do you think this is wise...?" Lucius started, standing up from the sofa.

They were both worried and frustrated, but Draco had taken his self-hatred to a new level, wallowing in guilt and blame. His face showed signs of many sleepless nights and the lack of food: his chin was sharp, his skin shallow, dark rings under his eyes suddenly shone with an almost manic and definitely determined fire.

Lucius' own face was also more edged than was normal, his skin perhaps a bit paler and his eyes perhaps a bit duller, but he was not as desperate as Draco seemed to be. There was still hope, right? Harry seemed to be a very forgiving person, and his love had to count for something. Lucius hadn't given up yet, but he was still more in favour of a rational approach of the problem.

He had sent Harry flowers and chocolates, even written a poem that he had deemed so cheesy that it was now safely locked in his desk, had written him whole pages of apologies and pleas for forgiveness, and he was almost positive that they would have an effect sooner or later. It hurt that Harry hadn't spoken to him, hadn't answered any of his attempts, but had outright ignored him so far. But most of all it was the knowledge that he had hurt Harry that plagued him. He had been an idiot and he should have called off the bet as soon as... No, he shouldn't have made a bet in the first place. This way he had lost the bet and had lost Harry too.

He had assumed it would be more honourable to just not fulfil the bet than to back out of it. Maybe it was more honourable, but it definitely was more stupid, he thought dryly. No one had the right to hurt Harry, and he would do everything in his power to mend the rift between them, to make Harry forget what he had done and how much pain he had caused him.

"I'm done with being fucking reasonable," Draco snarled, stepping into the green fire. "Potter Manor."

The quiet and peacefulness of Potter Manor was disrupted by a loud bang that originated from the Potion Master's rooms and echoed along the long hallways. Severus swore softly, looking down at the potion he was currently stirring. He groaned and, counting the seconds in his head, quickly pushed the door to his rooms open, freezing as he was almost immediately attacked by a huge plushie teddy-bear, which proudly sported a heart which read "Hug me!" and proceeded to do just that. Severus tumbled to the floor as the teddy-bear smothered him in its soft squeezy arms.

"Get off me, damnit," Severus hissed, futilely trying to keep track of the ticking seconds and to find his wand.

Finally, he managed at least the second task and after throwing the persistent toy off of him, cruelly set it on fire. However, as he hastened back to the potion, it had begun going grey and clumpy. With a swish of his wand, he banished the destroyed potion before stalking back into his room with a grimly satisfied smirk on his face.

"Potter, Black, I know you are here," he stated in a deceivingly sweet voice. "Come out so that I may congratulate you on this great prank."

Sirius and James, hidden behind a tapestry which again hid a secret passageway, were not deceived by the civility. They sneaked back into the main hallway, making it seem like they just happened to pass the Potion Master's room.

"Is there anything you need, Professor?" James asked politely. "Did anything happen?"

"Your little prank," Severus snarled, as he towered easily over them and looked down his hooked nose at them with malicious glee, "destroyed the last of little wolfboy's potion. I'm sure you will know how to break the news to him."

He watched with no small amount of satisfaction as the two boys paled, and he swiftly turned away from them. "It's a really funny prank, I have to admit that." He grinned to himself. "Wouldn't you agree? Maybe that will finally teach you that your actions have consequences."

"Can't you make it again?" Sirius asked desperately.

"Even if I wanted to, which I assure you I don't, this was the last of the potion and your stunt sufficiently ruined it. It takes weeks to make the base you just ruined." Severus sneered. "Now, get out of my room."

"Shit," James cursed as the door slid closed behind them. "Shit, shit, shit."

"Too right," Sirius agreed. "Remus will kill us, if not now then tonight. I've never seen him so happy and relaxed before a full moon."

"Me neither," the other Gryffindor sighed. "I guess we'd better get it over with..."

In fact, Remus did not explode like they had expected him to, he just looked at them in silence for a short eternity before saying that he needed to take a shower. They could hear him screaming in frustration and pain, however, through the pouring water.

"Are you guys coming with me?" His voice was raw as he came out again, and his eyes seemed slightly red.

"Look, Remy...," Sirius faltered in his step as Remus raised his hands.

"Don't."

"I'm so sorry, Remy," Sirius lowered his head.

The amber eyes were strangely expressionless as he walked past them, going outdoors. "I want to get some distance between myself and your family. I'll lock the doors behind me."

"We'll come with you, Moony," James said softly. "It will be just like old times."

"No, it will be like usual." For the first time there was a hint of bitterness in his voice, and for the rest of their hasty walk through the snow-covered estate he was silent.

They didn't get far before Remus stopped. He tensed before falling to his knees in pain. Sirius and James transformed immediately, and the huge black dog butted his head against the other boy, whimpering softly. Remus' hands curled into paws, his clothes tore and fell in shreds into the snow, his face lengthened and his nose formed into a snout, long, sharp, dangerous teeth peeking from under his flews. A low growl erupted from his throat as the full moon illuminated his coarse brown fur and his strong form as he slowly got up again. His yellow eyes focused on the two animals next to him, who looked away guiltily.

A second loud noise rent the returned silence as Draco tumbled out of the fireplace in the main living room and set off the alarm. Harry, who had been sitting curled up in one of the big armchairs next to his grandmother, listening to her soft voice telling him stories about his father, and relishing the nimble fingers that worked through the knots in his hair, startled and instinctively backed away, pulling his wand. Amy also pointed her wand at the intruder, and thudding footsteps could be heard coming down the stairs.

"Look, Harry, if you want to hex me that's okay with me and I can understand. Just listen to me, please," Draco begged, absent-mindedly brushing the soot off his trousers and robes. "Please, Harry, I'm your best friend. Doesn't that count for anything?"

Harry merely shook his head before putting his small hands over his ears, backing away.

"Harry, damnit," Draco snapped, at the end of his tether, and matched Harry's steps. "Just give me two minutes, that's all I'm asking."

Harry's head shaking increased, and he seemed to consider his hands not good enough protection for his ears, casting a Deafening Spell on himself.

Draco blanched. Was Harry so desperate that he would rob himself of the most important of his senses just to avoid listening to him?

Harry stumbled out of the room, only guided by his memory and his sense of touch. He didn't know if Draco was following him, he didn't want to know. All he cared about was getting as far away as possible to avoid this confrontation. Draco had hurt him, it was his right to be irrational. Draco had betrayed him, it was his right to ignore him. Draco had made clear what he thought of him by his actions and his words, and he would be damned if he would just stand there and take it.

So he ran, and when he fell he scrambled to his feet again, barely noticing the slightly numb and burning feeling in his knee as he ran through the high-ceilinged parlour and into the hall. He didn't stop when cold air hit his face and cooled the hot tear tracks on his cheeks. The cold, knee-deep snow soaked his socks and numbed his feet and made him stumble more than once.

Draco had almost reached Harry when a loud howl made him falter. The howl came from close by, and Draco could easily make out the shape of a huge wolf against the glistening whiteness of the snow, the shape of a wolf Harry was running toward. Futilely, he shouted Harry's name, but Harry keep running. He once again picked up speed, and at the same time as the werewolf lunged - and a stag and a dog appeared behind the wolf - Draco lunged as well, burying Harry's smaller body beneath his own, shielding him.

Sharp teeth pierced his shoulder, and loud barks and howls rent the night, along with the sound of swishing hooves, but the last thought before he passed out was that Harry was safe.

The crystal snow turned red, and the moon suddenly seemed cold and unforgiving and very cruel as it illuminated the two boys in the snow, as well as the still fighting animals that only slowly moved away from them.

Three shadowy persons moved quickly towards the two Slytherins in the snow. The tallest scooped Draco up with an ease that was very surprising considering his lean and thin built. The other wizard took Harry, who had lost consciousness as Draco's weight had pressed him into the snow, into his arms.

"We have to get inside again before Lupin comes back," Severus snapped, his long strides carrying him swiftly through the deep snow; Draco groaned softly in his arms.

"What's with my son and Sirius?" Amy absently patted her grandson's wet hair and threw an anxious look over her shoulder.

"They'll be fine, don't worry," Severus assured her gruffly, carrying his quite heavy burden up the steps to the huge double doors.

In his head he was cursing. He cursed Harry for being so damned stubborn and sensitive. He cursed Draco for being so unreasonable and for not listening to him and for not having a bit more patience. He cursed Black and Potter out of habit and for pulling that prank on him. But mostly he cursed himself for not paying better attention to Harry, and for just letting Lupin go out there without making sure that everyone, especially Harry, was safe. He also cursed himself for not giving Draco more information to avoid his knee-jerk reaction and for not protecting him.

He was not used to seeing his godson like this- Harry yes, he had seen Harry this helpless and vulnerable and hurt and injured way too often- but not his godson. Draco was always the epitome of perfection and strength and power, he seldom had a hair out of place, and he never bowed his head unless it was to look condescendingly down at someone, he never slumped his shoulders, he never admitted to a weakness. There had been very few occasions when he had seen Draco asleep, and now he lay so absolutely limp in his arms, and the wound on his shoulder was bleeding heavily. He cursed again as he looked over at Harry's pale face and saw the soaked bandage. It would be just Harry's luck if his eyes became inflamed once again because of this. It seemed like he was already running a fever, and Harry's poor health would only add to it.

The tall wizard gently put his heavy burden down on his bed before beginning to divest Draco of his robes and shirt so that he could inspect the bite. It looked bad. Of course, he had never really seen such a fresh werewolf bite, but he had seen countless scars and still healing wounds, and this one was vicious and very deep. The wound still oozed blood, and the edges looked a bit green, a sure sign of the infection. Even he didn't know a cure for it, but he could certainly alleviate the difficulties Draco would have to face. So he set to work, after he had bedded Harry next to the blond and poured a Stabilising Potion down Harry's throat.

"I need bandages," he snapped at the married couple that was peering over his shoulder while he cleaned the bite, "and as many healing potions as you have."

"I'll fetch them," Michael offered, glad to be doing something.

"And blankets," Severus added, not bothering to interrupt his work.

Dawn was breaking when he affixed the last bandage, finally having managed to stop the blood flow. At last Draco was stable, and there was nothing more he could do for him. He would survive and have to live with the consequences.

Harry's fever, on the other hand, had risen, and his eyes were an angry red. With a sigh Severus smeared a cooling salve around them and gave Harry a fever-reducer. They couldn't afford another bout of Wizard's Flu so soon after the last. Harry's body wouldn't play along with that, especially after how little he had eaten this last week. Severus briefly glared at the peacefully sleeping blond, but was interrupted in his contemplation as the door was forcefully pushed open. Two black-haired boys tumbled in followed by a hesitant, pale amber-eyed boy.

"Shit."

"Crap."

"Oh my..."

They said simultaneously, and Sirius wrapped his arm around the werewolf's waist, supporting him.

"You could say that," Severus sneered and watched in mild disinterest as Amy wrapped all three of them in a hug.

"Is Harry, too...?" Remus croaked, his eyes red-rimmed but dry.

"No, Draco shielded him," Amy said softly and tried to embrace him but he shied back. "It's not your fault, Remus."

"Maybe you should all have a lie-down," Severus suggested resolutely. "These two will sleep until well into the afternoon, and you definitely look like you could use it."

"What's wrong with Harry?" James asked, freeing himself from his mother's leading hand.

"He will be alright, Potter," Severus sighed. "He's running a fever and has a few minor bruises, but nothing life-threatening."

"Thanks, Professor," there was no scorn or sarcasm in that simple statement, only resignation, relief and a kind of maturity Severus had never associated with his former rival.

Severus closed the door behind them with a swish of his wand and turned back to his two patients, noting with slight amusement that Harry had snuggled up to Draco, and that Draco had put an arm around Harry's frail form.

"Can't keep your hands to yourself, can you?" Severus asked the sleeping blond with a weary sigh. "Poor Harry, two Malfoys chasing after you. You never go the easy way..."

His eyes grew heavy, and he quickly downed an extra-strong Pepper-up Potion before his tired body had time to demand its toll. His gaze wandered over his two students as he took a seat on Draco's side of the bed.

Draco's skin was quickly regaining its healthy colour, and Severus could almost see as the fast regeneration abilities of werewolves kicked in, helping him recover and healing him. That was one of the good aspects of being a werewolf. They had enormous strength, enhanced hearing and smell, and they recovered from injuries and wounds pretty quickly. But Draco would have to deal with the negative aspects as well. The sickness and the general uneasiness come full moon, the possessive behaviour- and knowing Draco this would be bad- the pain during the transformation, the loss of control and finally the longing for a mate.

He sighed as his gaze wandered over to Harry. Why was it always Harry? And why had Draco waited so long to express himself? He had been in love with Harry for so long, maybe forever, and then after Harry's abduction he had quenched those feelings and had inadvertently hurt Harry by doing so- of course all with good intentions. Draco always had the best intentions when it came to Harry - so did he, come to think of it - but more often than not Draco's intentions backfired, and Harry ended up in tears or in the infirmary.

Harry's body shook with coughs and he looked so painfully small next to Draco's tall frame. Suddenly he jerked awake, frantically searching around him.

"Harry, calm down," Severus ordered, walking over to his little imp. "Calm down, and I'll explain everything to you."

"Draco? Where's Draco? We were outside and he pushed me down and then it smelled like blood and he grew limp and it was the full moon, oh Merlin, what happened? What happened?"

"Draco is okay, Harry," Severus gently took the hysterical boy into his arms. "He's lying right next to you. Something went wrong with Lu... Remus' potion last night and he had no control over his actions. Draco was bitten, Harry." He gently tightened his hold. "He threw you down so that Remus couldn't get to you. He protected you."

"My fault," Harry sobbed. "Make it undone, Sev! Make it undone! He should have let me be bitten."

"No, Harry," Severus shook him slightly. "Draco knew what he did. If you want to believe it or not, you mean everything to him. Draco will be able to cope with this much better than you."

"It was my fault! I ran outside even though I knew it was the full moon. Without me this wouldn't have happened," the blind boy cried.

"It was still Draco's decision, imp, respect that..."

"How can I? I ruined his life," Harry sniffed.

"You make our lives worthwhile," the Potion Master smiled softly down at him. "Draco is a strong person like Lu... Remus. Didn't you tell me that Remus is strong, and that he is everything good and honest in this world? Won't you grant Draco the same strength? Because I do, he'll be strong as well. It will be okay."

"I ruined everything because I was so stubborn," Harry sobbed.

"You were hurt, Harry, we all act a little irrational in situations like that," Severus reassured him, "and you are starting again. Here, drink this," he quickly poured another sleeping potion down Harry's throat before he had time to protest. "We all love you, okay, just let this be enough for now."

Harry surrendered to sleep once more, and as soon as his head hit the pillow Draco protectively curled around him, shielding him from all evil and everything else as well.

A timid knock on the door distracted Severus, and an even more timid house-elf told him that breakfast was served and asked if he wanted to have it brought up. With a glance at the sleeping boys he decided that a bit of time away from them would do him good, so he followed the little creature downstairs.

The door had hardly closed after the Potion Master when Draco blinked his eyes open and turned his head to look at Harry's sleeping face. It was amazing how easy it was to read Harry's expression. You could always tell when he was happy or sad or frightened, every nuance of pain and love and experience was written in his face. They say that the eyes are the mirrors of your soul, Draco mused, but with Harry it was not the eyes, not even his face but his whole being. He was always so truthful and open and pure that his whole body radiated his soul to the outside. Draco gently touched his finger to Harry's pale, beautiful face, caressing him lovingly.

"It's not your fault, Harry," he whispered, putting his other hand on the small of Harry's back and tugging him closer. "I don't mind being a werewolf as long as you forgive me."

"How could I possibly still be angry at you? You saved my life... and destroyed yours." Harry pressed closer to him. "I'm so sorry, Draco. Please forgive me. I'm sorry."

"For what, Harry? I put pressure on you, I ran after you, I hurt you." Draco gently kissed Harry's nose. "My life isn't destroyed if I get to have you back in my life, You have to forgive me, not the other way round. I'm sorry, Harry."

"I overreacted and I said mean things and I was stubborn and wouldn't listen," Harry started to ramble. "But you said mean things, too."

"Harry, I really wanted to protect you, but I admit that I was also very selfish." Draco sat up slightly, taking Harry's hands in his. "I wanted to break you and Lucius up because I want you for myself, Harry. I've loved you for so long, and it hurt to see you with someone else."

"Why, why didn't say something?" Harry asked tearfully.

"You looked so happy," Draco tried to explain himself, "and I didn't want to destroy this for you, but when I learned about the bet I just... I was relieved because that meant that Lucius wasn't the right one for you, and I wanted to tell you. Merlin, you don't know how badly I wanted to tell you... But I was also afraid, because a part of me feared that you might not believe me, might choose Lucius over me, and I couldn't bear that. I didn't want to be blamed and I thought it would be easier for you if you never learned of it, if I camouflaged it as a regular break-up. I truly never meant to hurt you, please believe me."

"But you said..."

"What did I say, Harry?" Draco asked in concern.

"That no one would ever love me," Harry whispered and Draco gasped.

"I never said that, Harry, a lot of people love you. I do and Lucius does, too," Draco assured him, "Why would I say that?"

"You said that you knew Lucius couldn't love me," Harry sniffed, "and you didn't want me."

"Of course I want you, I've always wanted you," Draco protested vehemently. "You are my everything."

"Draco, I might be oblivious but I'm not dumb," Harry shook his head unwillingly. "You were flirting with me all the time before my captivity and then you wouldn't even touch me. You were disgusted with me and you told me that you just wanted to be friends. I know enough about relationships to know that you don't say something like that to someone you're in love with."

"Harry." Draco embraced him once more. "I'm sorry if you thought that, but you were not ready for any kind of physical relationship, and I didn't want you to freak out. I wanted to at least be your friend, I thought you would come to me when you are ready, Harry. Do you know how often I wanted to kiss you and make you mine forever? You are so unbelievably beautiful and sexy, featherweight. I tried to be your best friend, your brother, and you see where that got us. I don't want to be merely your friend, I want to be your boy-friend. I want you all to myself, I want to be the only one who's allowed to touch you and kiss you. I want to have your love, forever."

"I thought you..."

"Harry, don't finish that sentence," Draco interrupted him, kissing the tears away that slowly ran down his cheeks. "I love you. You are beautiful and unique and pure and every good character trait that was ever invented." Harry blushed and Draco laughed in satisfaction. "I will not lose you, Harry, so if you don't want to be together with me, I'll be your friend, and I will try to behave myself. What do you want, Harry?"

"I want to be loved," Harry finally whispered.

"By me?"

"Yes, by you. I want you to love me," Harry declared, "but..."

"Shh, featherweight, I don't expect anything from you," Draco silenced him. "Whatever you give me will be enough."

"Are you sure? After what happened, are you sure you want an unstable boy-friend to top it off?"

"If that unstable boy-friend is you, gladly," Draco chuckled. "If however you are speaking of one of your Gryffindor friends, no thanks."

"Draco, I'm serious. You know me..."

"That's exactly why I want this," Draco told him earnestly. "I want to be there for you and I want to help you overcome your fears and show you all the good things life has to offer. I want to show you that love isn't dirty, and I want to make you feel safe. I want to give you a reason to smile more often, and I want to look out for you. And if you sometimes snap at me or lose your temper or shut me out, that's a price I'm willing to pay as long as you are happy."

"You are too good for me," Harry sighed, hastily wiping away some of his tears, though they soon were replaced by new ones.

"Never," Draco chuckled, finally getting to kiss his Harry. "Now, shouldn't you be sleeping?"

"Are you sure that you're not angry with me?" Harry asked to assure himself.

"Yes, absolutely, now sleep, okay?" Draco repeated patiently, smiling softly down at the smaller boy.

"Don't be angry with Remus, please?" Harry added, snuggling into the blond. "This doesn't change who you are."

"I don't blame him, Harry," Draco sighed. "Now really, sleep!"

"Yes, sir!" Harry grinned a little and buried his face in his pillow.

Draco waited a moment till the sleeping potion had regained Harry's undivided attention before he turned to the door. "You can come in."

Remus entered, lingering hesitantly at the door. Draco's emotions were once again hidden behind an impenetrable mask, and Remus gulped.

"I..." Remus never stuttered, he always thought carefully about what he wanted to say, but somehow his eloquence escaped him in face of the composed blond.

Hell, he had just destroyed the Slytherin's life, and Draco just sat there and looked for all the world like nothing had happened or could ever happen to disturb his perfect life. He somehow admired that quality, though it irritated him to no end and completely destroyed his concept- not that he really had one. What could he possibly say to him that wouldn't sound like a cheap excuse?

"I'm sorry," he finally said, lowering his eyes from that piercing gaze.

"Why didn't you take the potion?" Draco challenged evenly.

"James and Sirius... well, they kind of played a prank on Professor Snape," Remus faltered once again. "There wasn't enough time to... Harry didn't know it... I should have let them lock me in, that was irresponsible and stupid and..."

"Can't change it anymore." Draco shrugged uncaringly, looking down at Harry. "Harry's worth it, wouldn't you say?"

"Yes, of course, but... You are a werewolf," Remus whispered, cautiously taking a step into the room.

"I'm not naive, Lupin," Draco sneered. "You bit me." Remus winced. "With the next full moon, I'll will be a werewolf too. How do you think I should react? Run around the room screaming and threatening to sue you?"

"Well, something like that," Remus admitted sheepishly, relieved as a small smile swept over Draco's face.

"Malfoys never run around a room screaming," Draco stated haughtily, "and we only sue people when we can get something out of it. What could I possibly get from you, Lupin?"

"Nothing you don't have already," Remus admitted, "except perhaps revenge. Aren't you angry? I was furious."

"Lupin, I've grown up in a through and through Wizarding home. I know better than to run around outside on a full moon." Draco shook his head ruefully. "It was an unfortunate chain of events, and we both have to cope with it now."

"What do you mean?" Remus asked suspiciously, taking another step forward.

"Look at you, Lupin," Draco waved his hand in a general gesture, "You are a wreck, you are drowning in a sea of guilt. I don't blame you and if you want my forgiveness you can have it, but you should really stop destroying yourself over it... You are a great teacher, everyone admits that, but you taught us more than just defence, Professor." Draco smiled a little at him, transforming his handsome features and making him seem more human and youthful and not like a statue made of the finest marble. "You taught Harry that he's loved and to have at least a tad bit of self-confidence, and that's a right accomplishment. But you also taught us pureblood elitists that you can not measure someone by means of the purity of their blood or even just their magical strength. You showed me that werewolves are still human and not beasts, that they can live their lives so that they can be an example for others. I respect you, everyone does, and if I don't freak out because of this it's because I know that this is not the end of my life."

Remus tiredly sat down on the edge of the bed, putting his head into his hands. "I was always afraid of this moment. I should be the one to comfort you and tell you all these things and not the other way round..."

"That's not necessary," Draco declared. "I never liked it if people tried to convince me of something I knew was absolutely wrong."

"I'll be there for you," Remus finally returned, "and I'll help you with Harry."

Draco nodded graciously. "Thank you, but I don't think I'll need help."

"So sure, Mr. Malfoy?" Harry muttered, nudging him slightly. "I told you to be nice to Remus."

"I am nice," Draco grumbled. "You know how I am when I'm not nice."

"You could be nicer," Harry argued.

"I'm injured," Draco whined. "Take that into consideration. You should be nice to me too."

"I'm always nice," Harry pouted.

"Then you need to be extra nice so that it shows," Draco chuckled. "Shouldn't you be sleeping?"

"My throat hurts," the black-haired boy whispered, "and my eyes hurt too."

"They are inflamed again because your blindfold was soaked," Severus said as he entered the room. "And why are you all awake?"

"Werewolf regeneration," Remus offered quietly. "I guess we woke Harry up."

"Well, then take Harry with you, Remus," Severus ordered. "I have to talk with Draco... and don't you dare snarl at me, Draco. You can visit Harry later."

"Why do I have to go?" Harry whined. "I'm tired."

"Not tired enough," Severus retorted, "and as this is my bed, I decide who gets to stay. Besides, I don't want your troop of Gryffindorks here ever again."

"I can walk by myself," Harry grumbled, carefully getting up. "Don't talk about me."

"I promise nothing," Severus answered, waiting until the door had closed behind the black-haired boy and the werewolf, who had an arm wrapped around Harry's waist.

"How are you doing, Draco?" Severus turned towards his godson. "The truth, if you please."

"I know that I'm a werewolf," Draco said after a while, "But I don't think that it's really sunk in yet. But I have Harry back."

"Could you concentrate on your feelings regarding your new state?" Severus asked, sneering. "Leave Harry out of this for a moment."

"But that's impossible," the blond retorted. "It's always about Harry, isn't it? And I can't say that I care if I'm a werewolf, as long as I've got Harry. I've said so often that I would take everything for him and now I have to stand by my word. Harry... I don't think he could have survived this, maybe he would have because he's just Harry and because Atropos just loves him too much and won't cut his thread of life, but who ever heard of a blind werewolf? Severus, tell me to my face that you'd rather Harry was bitten!" Severus was silent. "I thought so. I'm glad too." He looked up at the older man.

"I never really noticed when you grew up," Severus muttered more to himself. "I'm proud of you."

"Thank you," Draco smiled a little. "Now, why don't you start telling me all the things I shouldn't do to Harry, threaten me a little for effect, and then give us your blessings?"

"Draco, you really have to be careful with Harry," Severus sighed. "When you pushed him away after we got him back... he was devastated. He thought he had lost all worth with what they had done to him, and though I thought this countless times already, I think that the next blow will be fatal."

"What are you telling me?" Draco furrowed his brow.

"You never knew that Harry tried to take his life one more time," Severus stated, "because of you, because of your decision to be just his friend, because of your refusal to show him your feelings. I just want you to be aware of that fact."

"I will hurt him again, won't I?" Draco groaned, burying his hands in his silvery hair.

"Most likely, yes," Severus agreed.

"Salazar, why can't anything be easy with Harry?" the blue-eyed werewolf moaned. "I don't want to hurt him, Severus."

"I have faith in you, Draco," Severus smirked at him. "Harry will be in good hands with you, and maybe you can build him up before you blow it again."

"How encouraging," Draco sneered, dropping back into his pillows.

"I thought you would want to visit Harry," Severus said and turned around, "but if you'd rather sulk here..."

"I'm coming," Draco jumped up, following a smirking Potion Master.

Harry's room was occupied by all the Gryffindors, and James was once again wrapped tightly around his shivering son.

"What is the meaning of this?" Severus snapped, feeling Harry's forehead. "What did you do now?"

"Nothing, they did nothing," Harry whimpered. "I just had a nightmare, is all."

"Come here, featherweight," Draco coaxed gently. "What was your nightmare about, hm?"

"You."

"Did I do something?" Draco asked with concern, shifting Harry into his lap.

"No." Harry shook his unruly head. "You were dead."

"You will never lose me, Harry," Draco stated, "I'm very happy, okay?"

"Okay," Harry mumbled.

"Merry Christmas," Draco suddenly grinned at him. "Now since you obviously refuse to sleep, you might as well get up and come find some mistletoe with me and maybe presents, though I have to admit that yours is still at Malfoy Manor."

"I didn't get you anything." Harry shifted uncomfortably. "I was so angry with you."

"Oh, now I'm hurt, you know how much I love presents," Draco teased him. "I guess I'll just have to take what I want."

With that he breathed a timid kiss to Harry's lips, pulled back slightly and then kissed him more fiercely.

"Hey, no kissing my son." James pulled him back harshly. "Not in his bed, and not when I'm around."

"Would you rather I kissed him in my bed with no one around?" Draco challenged. "I thought not. Up with you, Harry."

"I'm feeling sick," Harry complained as Draco helped him sit up. "Can't I stay here?"

"You could, but then you have to sleep," the blond declared. "It's your choice, sweetheart."

"Okay, I'm getting up," Harry grumbled. "I want my Weasley sweater. Where's yours? You have to wear it on Christmas."

"At Malfoy Manor, Harry," Draco sighed, glad that he now had a valid excuse. "You can wear your Weasley sweater, and I swear that I will not make any... unfriendly comments."

"I'll make you wear it," Harry told him earnestly and Draco groaned, kissing his nose.

"I know."

"Who is here?" Harry asked a bit nervously.

"Well, everyone," James said, looking around. "Except my parents. They are downstairs waiting for us..."

"Can you all go?" the black-haired boy asked uncertainly. "I'll come down, okay?"

"I have to check your eyes," Severus said softly, sitting down next to Harry and watching as the others left the room. "How are you doing, imp? Are you feeling better?"

"Do you think it's wrong?"

"What are you talking about, Harry?" Severus gently tugged a strand of inky hair behind Harry's ear.

"That I just jumped from one Malfoy to the other," Harry whispered, "Isn't that wrong?"

"Wrong in what way?" Severus returned. "You are following your heart. You are doing what seems right to you. Do you think that Draco is merely a substitute for Lucius?" Harry shook his head. "Then it's not wrong, Harry. Enjoy it, have fun and let me do the worrying- Merlin knows I do enough of that already..."

"Thanks, Sev," Harry murmured, leaning against him. "I love you."

"Love you, too, imp," Severus grumbled.

"You never said that before," Harry returned suspiciously.

"I thought it was about time," Severus sneered. "Besides it's Christmas; people are bound to be a bit more sentimental."

Harry laughed happily, kissing his cheek. "Be careful, Sev, one day someone might think you have a heart."

"There are already some fools who think so," Severus retorted. "Now, hold still, I need to fix the bandage. It's an extra thick one in order to protect your eyes from the brightness of the snow, and it's waterproof too."

"Thank you."

"Go get dressed," the tall man ordered. "I'll wait outside for you."

Harry nodded and obediently searched for the clothes he wanted to wear: His newest Weasley sweater with slightly long sleeves and white-green horizontal stripes and a soft pair of dark-blue jeans. He also brushed his teeth and combed his hair with moderate success, though Draco seemed more than satisfied with the result when they entered the living room. Harry blushed under the compliments and sank a bit deeper into the cushions.

When everyone was seated with a cup of some hot beverage in their hands, Amy urged her son gently, "Jamie, don't you want to tell Harry about your present?"

"Harry," James got up and carefully took Harry's hand. "You said that you never had a family to remember, and as Christmas is the season for family, we all decided to give you a Christmas to remember. Your whole family is here… or at least the part of your family we could get our hands on. My parents are of course here, and so is Lily."

"Mum?" Harry perked up hopefully and was pulled into a warm hug.

"I'm here, honey." Lily smiled at him, gently kissing his cheek. "And my parents are here too, and my sister Petunia. Do you want to meet them?"

"Aunt Petunia?" Harry shied back slightly, and Draco loosely wrapped his arm around Harry's tiny waist. "She's not in the room, Harry, and your uncle isn't here, either. No one will hurt you or insult you, just forget about her. She's not important."

"Why isn't she here?" Harry asked warily.

"I was a bit clumsy with my punch," Sirius said innocently. "I think she went to the bathroom to clean her blouse."

"Harry." Lily's mother approached him with a smile on her pretty face. "I'm glad to finally meet you, our daughter has talked so much about you."

"Really?" Harry asked hopefully.

"Of course, dear, and it's great that we get to spend time with you. May I give you a hug?"

"Okay," Harry nodded timidly, tensing minutely as her arms closed around him and pressed him to her bosom.

"Rose," Mr. Evans chuckled a little. "Let the poor boy get some air. It's nice to meet you, Harry. I'm David, but you can call me grandpa or whatever you like."

"Thank you," Harry smiled at him. "It's great that you came."

"There are still more." James grinned. "May I present to you... the Weasleys!"

"Hey, Harry," Molly's familiar voice wrapped around Harry like a cloak of love and warmth. "We heard that you are also part of our family and so we decided to pay at least a short visit." She walked towards him, a bit surprised when Harry threw himself into her arms. "Sweet Merlin, you are tiny. You need to eat more!"

Harry laughed. "I missed you! Is Arthur here too?"

"Yes, dear, and my sons Bill and Charlie, do you know them?" Molly absently started to card her fingers through Harry's hair.

Harry nodded, but before he could answer a loud wail interrupted him. "Mama, who's that?"

A red-haired whirlwind connected with Molly's leg and also slightly unbalanced Harry, who crouched down. "Hey, Charlie, I'm Harry."

"Hello, Mr. Harry," Charlie greeted politely and Harry chuckled. "Why do you wear that bandage? You can't see with it."

"Charlie, don't be so nosy," Molly reprimanded him, but Harry waved it away.

"It's okay. You see, Charlie, my eyes were hurt pretty badly and they need time to heal, but I have someone who helps me see. Would you want to meet her?"

"Yes," Charlie nodded, giving a squeal when he caught sight of Nightmare gliding imperiously down from the banister of the second floor where many of the books were stored. "Wow, a real dragon! Mama, look at this, a real dragon. What's her name, Mr. Harry? Can I touch her?"

Harry chuckled and Nightmare, for once in a good mood, deigned to fly a few capers and loops. "Her name is Nightmare, Charlie, and it would be great if you could look after her for a while. You know, she's a bit of an attention seeker."

Charlie giggled, but nodded eagerly, hopping onto the sofa so that Nightmare could land in his lap in order for him to pet her.

"Thank you so much. It's great that you're all here." Harry hugged James once more. "Thanks for arranging this."

"No problem, little man. Lily and I had planned this for a while." James grinned at him. "We still have presents to unpack. Ready for the challenge?"

"I think I am." Harry grinned back at him. "I never had a Christmas like this."

"It's about time then," Sirius exclaimed. "Sit back, Harry, and let us give you the presents because we wouldn't want you to bump into things."

Dum, dum, dum... What do you say? Has Draco earned Harry's forgiveness? Good? Bad? Give me something!