Chapter 10: The Reconnection of Howlite Eyes
Author's Note: Hello, I'm back~ this is thankfully the last chapter in regards to Christmas! This is a wholesome chapter so be ready to feel warm and say "aww" by the time this chapter is done. Do know that some of the dialogue belongs to J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone/Philosopher's Stone.
Enjoy!
- The-Songbird-Who-Wrote
It was Christmas morning. Both Draco and Harry were cuddled up next to each other. Draco's head underneath Harry's chin, along with Draco's leg laid across Harry. It was an uncomfortable position, but it kept both boys asleep until Severus had found them.
The man couldn't help but stifle a laugh at the sight of the boys. Severus knew that it would be best to wake the boys, so he did it in a way he would always deny, "Aguamenti." With shrieks from Draco and Harry, the boys were wet and, due to their entangled limbs, fell off the bed with a loud thud.
"Do get ready. I would hate to open gifts by myself." Severus left them as Draco and Harry started to yell to each other to move and get off each other. Chuckling, he went to the kitchen to see Mini putting roast chicken on the table.
"Thank you, Mini. Happy Christmas." Mini turned to give Severus a gummy smile as she cried, "Happy Christmas too, Sir, too. Enjoy the food!" She disappeared with a snap of her fingers.
Severus set himself in the head seat of the table, waiting for his two guests to come tumbling down the stairs. A sip of his tea told him he was drinking Mugwort. He grimaced at the taste but continued to drink it, for Mugwort is beneficial to health. The Daily Prophet at his side looked at him, filled with the nonsense of Minister Fudge trying to be a philanthropist. It was quite disgusting to Severus how many people that believe the lies and propaganda the Prophet writes.
Soon, the thumps on his staircase alerted Severus, who put down his cup of tea and waited for the boys to sit.
"Good morning, Sir!" That was Harry, who smiled softly and took his place at Severus' right, whereas a "Good morning, Godfather." A dull but kind voice from Draco greeted him, as he took Severus' left.
"Good morning to you both. I assume that you both had a... good sleep?" Severus didn't know how to describe the mess of limbs. It was a far cry from good, but it's the best he'll ever say. Both boys nodded and started to eat their food with such speed that Severus thought that they would fall over and choke themselves to death. Severus, himself ate with a sedated pace, taking the time to savor the food Mini made.
With the food finished, all three occupants full, Draco and Harry both turned to Severus and asked, "May we open our gifts now?" Severus took a glance at the clock, and since it was still morning, he let them be.
With happy shouts, both boys ran out of their chairs to open their gifts. Draco had received many books, most relating to Potions, to Severus' satisfaction. Draco preened at the books and then laughed at Ms. Granger's planner for the year in regards to their upcoming exams. Harry, on the other hand, had received books as well, but instead were focused on Defense Against the Dark Arts and Potions theory. Yet, one package addressed to Harry stood out. This put Severus on edge instantly when he had checked last night, that package wasn't there.
Someone must have broken in. But who? What's inside that? I need to check now. With a swish of his robes, Severus immediately stood in front of the package that Harry was looking at nervously.
"Sir, what's in it?" Severus' eyes narrowed. "I don't know yet, and I need to check it for any cursed or dark magic in it. Prior Incantato." When Severus' spell didn't reveal anything suspicious, Severus looked at Harry. With Harry's nod, he opened the gift using his magic, making sure his hands nor any parts of his body touched the package, least it be a portkey.
As the wrapper unfolded, it revealed a cloak Severus hoped to never see again. With the cloak came a note that fell to the ground. Severus picked it up with a flick on his wand, with the card reading, "Your father left this in my possession when he died. It is time it was returned to you. Use it well." Severus knew immediately who sent it. The swirly and loopy handwriting stood out, farther than anyone's writing had. It also seemed that his displeasure was noticeable to the boys as Draco asked, "Godfather, with the way you're clenching your wand like it's about to snap, you must know who sent this to Harry, right?" With a sharp intake of breath, Severus faced Draco and Harry, who patiently waited for him to answer.
With his teeth gritted, Severus replied. "Yes, Draco. It was from the Headmaster. This cloak belonged to your father, Harry. He and his friends used it a lot during their days in Hogwarts. It seems that the Headmaster is giving it back to you." Harry and Draco shared a look at Severus' reaction. Severus couldn't blame them, for he looked like he swallowed a whole lemon.
"Sir, it's alright if you don't want me to have the cloak. Besides, what would I need the thing for? I have no use for it anyway. You can hold onto it. I think you may need it more than me." Severus couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at this. Harry flushed in response and quickly said, "Well, I mean, the best I'll use it is to sneak into the Library to read books, but you'll get mad at me breaking the rules, and well, I want a perfectly clean record at Hogwarts you know?" Severus couldn't fault the boy's point and sighed. "Alright, if you are sure. I wouldn't have minded giving this to you, as it does rightfully belong to you. Why it was in the Headmaster's possession, I do not know. But once more, if you are sure, I'll be holding on to it until you are ready to claim it." With a confident nod from Harry, Severus folded the cloak and set it aside.
He drew a letter from the pocket of his robe and handed it to Harry. "Happy Christmas, Harry." Harry, with head, cocked to the side to show his confusion, opened the letter. His emerald eyes quickly read through the letter's content, and when he was done, his eyes were filled with hope and tears. "This is real? You want to adopt me as your own?" With a soft smile, Severus nodded and opened his arms. With a cry of joy, Harry ran into them, hugging Severus in the process. "Yes, oh yes, I would love to be your son, Sir!" Severus couldn't help but draw Harry closer to him when the boy hugged him tighter. When they drew apart, Harry looked at him. "Does this mean I can call you, Dad?" Severus' heart lifted and soared with joy, and he whispered, "Yes. You can call me Dad, son." And they hugged again.
E&H E
Both new father and son didn't notice Draco's sad howlite eyes. For Draco too wished the relationship with his father would mend soon. No matter the evil deeds his father may have done, his father was still his father, and Draco missed him dearly. Even more, Draco missed his mother. He missed her hugs and smile. He missed his home.
Tapping on the window broke his godfather and Harry apart. All three of them stared at the window as an owl kept tapping on it. On further inspection, Draco realized it was his mother's small Long-Eared Owl, Pulchritudo. Draco immediately looked at Severus, who had his wand ready to blast the bird away.
"NO! Godfather, that's Pulchritudo, mother's owl. She sent me something. May you please let Chrit through?" With a sigh, Godfather opened his window to let Chrit through. She flapped her wings to Draco and stuck her little leg out to reveal a letter tied around it.
Dear Draco,
I hope this letter finds you well. If I am right, I assume you are with your godfather and Mr. Potter. If that is true, then I hope that you three, yes three, can attend the Christmas dinner here in the Manor. It's been very quiet and lonely here without your presence to illuminate it. I miss you very much, my little dragon. Your father too, also misses you, whether he says it or not. You know how your father hates to speak of his emotions. But do consider coming. It'll make my Christmas brighter than it is.
With much love,
Your mother, Narcissa
Draco stared and read the letter over and over again. His mother and father wanted him home. He numbly passed the letter to his godfather, who looked at Harry.
"Draco, it's alright, we can go. I would love for you and your parents to celebrate Christmas together." Harry said as he grabbed Draco's hands. Draco looked at Harry and nodded. His godfather was still reading the letter.
"Draco, write to your mother to expect us later for dinner." With a gasp, Draco smiled and ran up the stairs to grab a piece of parchment, ink, and a quill. He quickly wrote back and sent Chrit away with a response to his mother.
To my loving mother,
Please have three more dishes prepared. We will see you soon. I miss you both dearly.
Your loving son,
Draco
E&H E
Narcissa was elated to receive her son's letter. It made her very happy to know that her son was coming, even though it meant that Severus and Mr. Potter would come along. She knew that it would be the only way Draco would say yes to coming.
"Lucius, Draco said yes." She caught her husband in his study. She noticed that Lucius' hand stilled above the inkwell as he snapped his head up to look at her.
"Is that so? Hm, I suppose we'll have to tell the house elves to prepare three more of the dinner we will have tonight." Ah, so Lucius doesn't want me to know how he is looking forward to this? Hm, I'll let him be. After all, he'll be very open and honest later.
With a soft click of the door's to the study, Narcissa headed to the drawing-room and called for their house-elf, Dobby.
"Dobby." With a puff, Dobby appeared, bowing low to her. Narcissa did not pay mind to the creature before her.
"Prepare three more plates for dinner. We are expecting three more guests and do tidy up around the Manor. I suspect that they will stay the night." She saw Dobby give her a vigorous nod. "Yes, Mistress. Dobby will do what Mistress says. Dobby is a good elf." With a harsh crack, Dobby disappeared to do the work laid out for him.
Now, Narcissa had to prepare herself for her son is coming home.
E&H E
Harry found himself being nervous in the formal dress robes that his new father had him wear. The robes were tight and made Harry sweat even more. He was already nervous and anxious, and now his dress robes had to make it worse. But Harry decided to endure this for Draco. He knew how his best friend had missed his family, and all Harry wanted was for Draco's wish to come true.
The entrance to Malfoy Manor was brightly lit as Christmas decorations were hung around. They were small but elegant nonetheless. They were met with both Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, who immediately embraced Draco. Draco as well embraced back and said something that Harry couldn't hear, but it made Mrs. Malfoy smile. Harry, on the other hand, gave a customary kiss to Mrs. Malfoy's hand, who took it gracefully and gave Harry a small smile. He also gave Mr. Malfoy a bow of his head to show respect, was thankfully reciprocated. Harry's dad and Mr. Malfoy looked at each other for a few moments before exchanging tense nods.
"Shall we eat dinner?" Mrs. Malfoy asked as she led them to the dining room. Harry's eyes widened. There was food everywhere. From chicken to something that looked suspiciously like lamb to even lobster was on the table. It was a feast for a king.
"Do dig in. The food will not eat itself." With Mr. Malfoy's permission, Harry dug in, remembering his table manners.
The table was quiet as everyone dug in and ate. The tense atmosphere made Harry nervous about who was going to speak next. It did not help that everyone was serious as they ate. It was nothing like home where the atmosphere was comfy, and Harry was allowed to smile and laugh. Here it was quiet, and Harry was frightened to even crack a little smile. Thankfully it was broken by Mr. Malfoy.
"Draco, may we talk?" Harry looked at his friend, who furrowed his eyebrows and glanced at Mrs. Malfoy. At her nod, Draco stood and followed his father outside of the dining room. Good luck, Draco. You'll need it. Harry thought as he continued to eat the lobster on his plate.
E&H E
Draco did not know what to expect. He was nervous and frightened. Would his father yell at him? Would he scold him and still demand a re-sorting? Draco truly did not know.
"I wish to talk to you about your Sorting." Draco immediately tensed up.
"What about my Sorting?" His father sighed and spoke. "Although I had hoped for you to be in Slytherin, Ravenclaw also has its merits. I want you to know that I am still proud of you regardless."
Draco was taken aback. His father never spoke so openly about these kinds of emotions with him. But Draco wanted to ask further.
"What about my choice of friends?" With a pained look, Lucius spoke once more. "I am not too pleased with your choice of friends. Mr. Potter was bad enough, but you let yourself fraternize with the Longbottom and, even worse, a Mudblood. I am still disappointed with your friends. But I know that you do not care for my displeasure and would continue to be friends with them. But do make sure that they know you are superior to them."
Now, Draco was scared. His father never talked like this before. Was his father not his father? His father would never rationalize his reasons, only if they benefited him, but never for Draco's benefit.
"Why are you telling me all of this." There was a pregnant pause before his father once more replied. "Because you are my son, and I have missed you dearly. Your lack of presence affected me more than I thought it would. I find myself wishing for your presence to tell me about Hogwarts and what you are learning. For you to bother me with your questions that I have no answer to. I find myself missing you. Very much."
At this, Draco couldn't help but let the tears fall out of his eyes. He hugged his father tightly as he whispered, "I missed you a lot too, Father."
E&H E
Narcissa had long excused herself after Draco and Lucius left. With an Imperio and an excellent brew of Veritaserum, it was quite easy to get Lucius to tell Draco the truth. She was growing tired of Lucius' silent brooding. It made her face wrinkle up, and that was something her face did not need at all. When her husband and son hugged. She knew her job was done and went on her way back to the dinner table where Severus and Harry conversed quietly.
E&H E
When dinner was done, Severus hoped to go back home quickly. Instead, Narcissa had more plans up her sleeve.
"I hope the three of you wouldn't mind staying to New Years'? The event gets lonely when you don't have people to spend it with." This odded Severus out. Narcissa seemed to be asking these questions without Lucius' consent. He glanced once more at Lucius and was shocked to see the man's eyes glazed over, a sign of being feed Veritaserum. He quickly looked at Narcissa, who sent him a small smile, her cobalt eyes twinkling. Instantly, Severus looked at Draco, who had red eyes, and immediately understood. Narcissa, you sly woman. Severus sent her a smirk, which made her smile wider.
Severus looked at Harry, who looked right back. With a silent understanding, Severus spoke.
"Of course, we would be honored to join you all for the rest of the holiday."
Author's Note:
Whew, and done! Sorry for posting a few minutes late, I was formatting again TT~TT. But I hoped that you enjoyed the reconciliation between father and son, even though it was somewhat forced.
Next chapter is a surprise~ to keep you all guessing. Know that questions and reviews are welcome. Just to let you all know, I'm still looking for beta(s) who are willing to help me with this project. If you're interested let me know. Thank you so much and see you all soon!
- The-Songbird-Who-Wrote