Hey! Thanks for the comments/subscribe/favorites.

This chapter was a hard one to make, I had most of it done, but the last conversation was just not coming together… I thought I wouldn't finish this today, but here it is! This is more of an introduction, next chapters the one I'm really excited about ;)

Anyway, I hope you like the chapter!

-x-

On the next day everyone went home, Draco's friends didn't question why he was staying, in fact Theo looked quite jealous, but unfortunately, with everyone preparing to leave, Draco wasn't able to talk to Harry before he left, he had wanted to discuss a bit more about Snape's behaviour, but they would have to talk about it when they were both back at school.

He went to the Room of Requirements to keep up appearances, but the room he entered was the "Gryffindor's common room", that by now had a lot of green and sophisticated decoration in the mix, making the room quite hideous, but perfect in all that mattered. Since Draco was not going to be fearing for his life for a few days, he decided to work on Harry's Christmas present.

He didn't feel like buying anything, any present would be shallow for a first Christmas, so he thought about all the things he wanted to do or say but couldn't and decided the best present after all was a sentimental one, something that Harry would be able to carry with him, but also something that even if others didn't knew, marked him as Draco's. A ring would be too forward and would send completely wrong messages, a necklace was good to strangle someone, so a big no and he didn't want to mess with the boy's glasses because they were essential to him (although, if Draco knew his prescription, he would buy him a better pair). What he did decide on was an earpiece, something discreet that wouldn't get in the way, but that people would notice. Obviously Draco had to make such a thing, not buy it, so he used all his years of charms and transfiguration into learning how to make a golden cuff with protection runes engraved in red. It was his most delicate work so far and he was very proud of it.

Being on his own for a few days while he worked on his present made him put his guard down, so he was completely unprepared when a Hufflepuff came to him and gave him a note. Dumbledore wanted to talk to him and Draco was reminded of his stupid decision with the mead, obviously the man must have received it and had found out it was him and now he was in big trouble. He was vaguely aware Dumbledore knew something about what had happened to Draco during the summer, but he didn't know how much the man knew, what Snape or Harry had told him, so his entire way to Headmaster's office was a slow torture, he was so worked up by the time he reached the headmaster's office that he was afraid he was going to pass out at some point.

When he saw his cousin there, his cousin who was an auror, he knew he was positively screwed.

"Hey Draco!" she said cheerful something that he would have noticed as a good sign if he hadn't been in panic for the last few minutes.

"Am I gonna get arrested?" was out of Draco's mouth before he could even think to evaluate the situation better. His cousin surprised face finally made Draco realise that maybe this wasn't about the mead.

"Did you do something that could get you arrested?" she asked and Dumbledore looked interested, so maybe he didn't even know about the mead.

"Maybe, but this is something else?" he tried to get out of the subject very poorly while he cursed himself inside, but Dumbledore stopped his cousin from asking questions anyway.

"Actually I was hoping you would help me with a christmas present" Said Dumbledore and Draco was totally not expecting that, so maybe he was trying to build up a conversation about the mead after all.

"Ok..."

"Tonight is christmas eve and I find myself with no adequate present for Harry" and Dumbledore had a knowing look that was also full of mischief and Draco felt silly that only now he realised the old man knew about him and Harry "so I was wondering if you would like to go and join him for christmas"

Draco blinked and he kind of wanted to be offended and embarrassed at the same time because Dumbledore was basically telling him he intended to pretty much send him as a christmas present.

"And I'm allowed to do that?" he asked still not knowing how to react.

"Technically, no, but it certainly is not illegal, which I think is an improvement for your criminal record" and the bastard was making fun of him.

"Even if we could overlook the rules and so I can leave without permission, I'm sure you know that is not the problem" Draco said slowly, not understanding Dumbledore at all, but not really saying no to the proposition, he didn't really want to be alone at christmas.

"Which is why no one will know you are gone and you will be back here tomorrow, ready to join us for dinner"

"It's already better than Cinderella" Said his cousin and he had no idea what she was talking about, but the headmaster apparently got the reference because he chuckled.

"Snape..."

"Professor Snape will not be informed of this" Dumbledore said, still calm and apparently knowing exactly what Draco's fears were.

"Are you going to change your mind if I tell you I was trying to send you a bottle of poisoned mead?" and the man smiled as if Draco had said something adorable.

"Not if you tell me where the bottle is" he said calmly

"If you don't get it by tomorrow then it might still be with Madam Rosmerta, she was supposed to give it to Slughorn… but there is a chance I messed up the memory charm, I was in a hurry and you should never cast a delicate charm with a time limit"

"Thank you, I would appreciate if you didn't involve others in your murder plans next time" Dumbledore said looking straight at him with a mix of seriousness in his gentle demeanour.

It was the first time they were kind of talking about Draco's summer and it was not what Draco had expected. He actually felt embarrassed about this thing with the mead, it had been stupid to do it on the first place, so now he was getting scolded like a child and he kind of deserved it. But it didn't pass unnoticed the startle expression on his cousin's face or the fact that not only Dumbledore knew what Draco was supposed to be doing, but he was also acting as if it was no big deal and completely expected, like murder was just a little bit of mischieve.

Whatever game Snape was playing with the man, was a very intricate one.

"I asked Harry for his invisibility cloak, I believe you are familiar with it?" Dumbledore said as he put said cloak on the table and Draco nodded a bit automatically, the Headmaster looking like a big (and colourful) puzzle "go get some of your things and them you can meet your cousin at the entrance gates"

He nodded once again and was fast to leave before any of them could ask him any more questions.

Part of him felt better to get the mead out of his back, it had been in his mind ever since he had done it and it was a constant worry since then. He had been so childish in the past, the adults had made this all seem glorious, he had thought so too, had laughed in the world cup while he was sheltered in the woods and now the reality of it was slowly eating him inside, it was ridiculous how much Draco was not cut out for any of this, how much grief he went through only because he cast an imperious. The mark on his arm almost seemed to mock him.

Despite his fears, knowing that Dumbledore was in the know, made him more confident in his own plan with the cabinet and the secrecy he was keeping about it. He was thankful the man had somehow managed to get Draco to stay in school until the end of the school year, but the Headmaster was also watching him and Draco couldn't afford to have his only real plan fail, he might not be able to give the Dark Lord the death he desired, but he could give him an attack inside Hogwarts that no one had ever done before. It had to be enough.

Draco reached his dorm still a bit out of it and he wasn't sure what he was going to need since he was not told where he was going, but he didn't want to waste time and ,since none of his roommates were there, they would not notice his things being gone. With a spell all of his things packed themselves on his truck and a simple charm made it small enough so he could put it in his pocket.

He waited a few seconds longer than necessary on the common room just so others would have a chance to see him there on that day, but as soon as he was far enough, he put on the cloak and went to his cousin. He gave her a little fright, but she was able to not look at the direction he had talked and actually leave without looking suspicious. But once they were out of Hogwarts, she could not keep herself quiet.

"Dumbledore said not to ask..."

"Then maybe you shouldn't"

"But what was the poisoned mead about? this is a long way from making out on cupboards" she continued as if he hadn't said anything.

"It was stupid"

"That is not what I'm asking"

"I panicked over something, so I did something stupid that I didn't even wanted to do in the first place. Dumbledore clearly knows what is going on… so does Harry in some level, so just let it be"

She wanted to protest, it was clear on her face, but eventually she just accepted his answer, Draco supposed that she was one of the people that trusted Dumbledore enough to let him be the judge of things.

"Where are we going anyway?" he asked, partially to cause a bit of a distraction.

"The Weasleys" and he rolled his eyes, why did he even ask "They are being nice to you, don't offend them on their own home"

"I wasn't planning to"

"I don't think your plans and your actions are quite in sync these days" and she was part serious and part teasing, so Draco thought she was trying to break the tense mood between them.

"Luckly, I have you to stop me"

"I'm only delivering you"

"Right… you're going to spend it with your family" He said remembering Andromeda and her husband.

"Yeah"

But her answer didn't have much conviction at all and Draco knew she was lying, maybe she didn't want to tell him or just didn't want to impose herself on the Weasleys when they were already taking him.

"Hold my arm, we can apparate from here, I suppose you have done it before?"

He nodded and took her arm and soon they were not very far from a house that looked more like a strange piece of art, than a place people should be living in. His judgment was probably on his face because his cousin gave him a warning look and he made sure to clean his face and just accept he was about to live some kind of crazy adventure.

"Come on" said his cousin urging him to move fast but under her breath he was able to hear her muttered "So I can leave before he sees me"

"So there is a he" he thought amused.

So his cousin was running from a man and Draco suspected she had been chosen for this particular mission for this very reason. Apparently Dumbledore was in a matchmaking mood this christmas, which considering the war building around then, made Draco understand why the Dark Lord considered the man such a fool, for only him would put love as a high priority in a war.

His cousin had a whispered conversation with whoever opened the door and soon they were both being hushed inside the house. It wasn't so bad on the inside as it was on the outside, it was a bit messy and kind of full, but it was very alive and very… Weasley. As soon as everyone noticed them, all conversation stopped and every eye on the room was looking at them, making Draco wonder for just a moment if they were going to tell him to leave.

"Draco!" His boyfriend, obviously, was the first to react and stand, surprise and a bit of worry all over his face.

"So Dumbledore's fairy godmother powers don't end at midnight, but he needs to be back in the castle for dinner tomorrow" said his cousin smiling and acting as if nothing was wrong. At the corner of his eyes Draco noticed Mrs Weasley smiling, she didn't look surprised, so Dumbledore had had the good sense to tell the woman first at least.

"But… why?" asked Harry, not being mean, just confused.

"Cause it's christmas" said his cousin and that softened a lot of the atmosphere in the house.

It was also more than enough for Harry, because he just moved quickly to Draco and not bothering with anyone else, kissed him and that alone made this entire thing worth it, not even the twin's wolf whistles could ruin this, because the smile on Harry's face when they broke apart was enough to evaporate any embarrassment.

"Just so you know" said one of the twins "this is a family home, so you're not allowed to sleep together, only Ronnikins is allowed to sleep with Harry"

Weasley protested for a second but Draco just laughed at them.

"He is not allowed to share with you either, Fred" said Mr. Weasley, his voice severe, but with mischief in his eyes.

"We will put him with Remus in Bill's room" said Mrs Weasley, so apparently bedroom arrangements were a serious matter in the house.

"And I should be going" his cousin said suddenly and Draco took a moment to look at her nervous demeanour.

"Please, you should stay" begged Mrs. Weasley.

That was when Draco noticed where both women were pretending not to look while Mrs. Weasley begged the girl to stay: his old professor Remus Lupin was in the room and looking as nervous as his cousin.

"Lupin? Doesn't she know he is a werewolf?"

She was almost getting free from Mrs Weasley, but Draco was surrounded by Gryffindors, Celestina Warbeck was playing in the background and his boyfriend was still holding him, so all that certainly must have messed up with his head.

"You can't leave" he said and the girl immediately froze as did Mrs. Weasley "I never spent christmas without family before"

His cousin a hundred percent knew he was playing her, he could barely say it with a straight face, but it did take her by surprise which gave Mrs. Weasley plenty of time to argue.

"Your house is full" said his cousin in a desperate attempt.

"You're an auror, I'm sure you must have slept on all sorts of places with all sorts of people, professionally" Draco's smirk kind of ruined his initial lie, but he was enjoying himself too much "You can have my bed and I will get the couch, I will be back at Hogwarts tomorrow, one night without a bed won't kill me" It might actually, at least for his back, but good deeds apparently requires great sacrifice too.

It showed a lot about Mrs. Weasley's desperation that she agreed with Draco immediately and his cousin was completely out of arguments, so with a hateful look at Draco's direction, she agreed to stay. Most of the people in the room seemed confused, but three Weasleys had satisfied smiles, so all was well.

"You are terrible" said his cousin, approaching him.

"You are welcome to add that to my criminal records" he said and she snorted, but her hair turned pinkish for a minute, so she would forgive him eventually.

Harry looked at him questioning, but amused, he knew something was going on even if he didn't know what, so Draco whispered to him he would tell him later and let himself be guided to the middle of the room, he knew how much Harry wanted to show him off in the only place he could actually admit to their relationship.

"So I finally get to meet you properly" Said one of the Weasleys in the corner, who was apparently accompanied by Fleur Delacour of all people "not that I haven't heard plenty, but since opinions seems to vary between you being terrible and you hanging the moon and the stars, I have yet to make up my mind"

"He is kind of both" Said George

But Bill Weasley was smiling and at no point looked at him suspicious, so Draco probably had his approval already and was just receiving some kind of 'big brother' speech.

"How are you anyway?" asked Fred "You scared us that day at the shop"

"My summer was terrible, but I won't have to go home for now, so I'm doing great" said Draco. He didn't want to get into details at the moment.

"But why are you here?" asked the girl Weasley, she had been looking mad since he stepped foot inside the house.

"Dumbledore thought I looked like a nice good-looking christmas present" he said with a smirk, but his face soon turned a bit more serious "No one knows I'm here, in fact as far as anyone knows I'm still at Hogwarts and it need to remain like that"

The group understood his meaning and even the girl Weasley seemed to accept it, they might not like him, but they all liked Harry.

"So Dumbledore was feeling like giving love this year" said Lupin getting closer.

"He is a very scheming person" said Draco looking at Lupin with a meaningful look, the man knew as well why his cousin was sent with him.

"You're not very far behind are you?" said the professor with a feral smile that Draco had never thought would suit him so well.

"I take my mother's teaching very seriously, as a guest, it is good form to please my host" said Draco and the man snorted.

"Yes, how silly of me. Your mother taught you well, I think you might be Molly's favourite person tonight" And the man looked a bit conflicted, apparently whatever was going on between him and Draco's cousin was complicated.

"Well it's no secret I like blonds" said Bill and he looked from Lupin to Delacour and then kissed her with a silly smile on his face.

"When did that happen?" Asked Draco confused, he didn't remember Delacour interacting much with the Weasleys.

"It's what we all have been asking" said the idiot Weasley.

"I was actually curious to hear how did this happened," said Lupin, pointing at Draco and Harry.

"Me too!" said his cousin coming closer and trying really hard not to look at Lupin, they were ridiculous "I thought it was just a cupboard thing"

"Cupboard thing?" asked Lupin.

"We found a couch" Draco smirked, the twins giggled and Weasley snorted behind him, he never asked Harry about what he was telling his friends, apparently a bit too much.

"Did you two find out anything else since… that talk?" asked Lupin, uncomfortable to mention the talk that had ended quite badly.

"Madam Pomfrey ran some tests" said Harry

"Yeah, but it's just the assessment of what is already here" said Draco "the why is still a mystery, so we decided to just accept it and hope it doesn't kill us"

"Is that likely?" Asked Lupin alarmed.

"For me yes" and the man was confused for a second until he must have remembered that Harry didn't have his side of the connection "but since there are a lot of other things that might kill me this year, this is the least of my problems"

"That is quite impressive considering what you said last term" said the girl Weasley looking at him intensively.

"And that is how bad my summer was"

The girl wanted to say something else, but her idiot brother told her to leave it. It was then that Draco realised the boy had not protested about his presence or said something bad. Also Granger was not there.

"Where is Granger?" he asked "are you two still fighting?"

"How do you know that?" the idiot asked, but Harry was the one who jumped to answer.

"We don't just make out like you and Lavander, we talk too"

Weasley blushed and got annoyed and Draco was pleased enough to turn and give his boyfriend a quick kiss, in front of people, just because he could.

"What was that for?" Harry asked smiling

"We have been talking a lot since the last one" he smirked and everyone around were laughing or making some amused noise, but Harry had that smile on his face, so Draco just kissed him again ignoring everyone.

"Who wants egg-nog?" came Mr. Weasley's interruption and they stopped to sit down and snuggle on the couch as conversation and the dinner preparations started to flow again.

Draco was willing to let conversation pass him by, but ended up joining when Lupin mentioned Greyback.

"I saw him once in the summer, but it was quick, mother got really mad, she didn't want to let him inside the house, but since she is no longer allowed to make decisions on our house, she told me to lock myself at my father's study until he left"

"He was in your house?" Lupin said both surprised and terrified.

"We sent aurors to check your place" said his cousin.

"The people you're looking for aren't always there" said Draco giving his cousin a meaningful look, he knew they had been keeping tabs on his mother ever since Bella had escaped Azkaban.

"Back on my day, a terrible summer was getting sunburned and not being allowed to see my friends" said Lupin, but he didn't insist on the topic, the couple was only now understanding a little bit more how messed things were for Draco.

Mr. Weasley came over with the egg-nog, it almost didn't have any alcohol, but it tasted pretty good, the warmth of it taking away the terrible topic from before, but still Draco decided to leave Harry talking with Lupin and moved to talk with Fred and George, the two had became very successful businessmen since he last had time to properly talk to them.

"You shouldn't be selling love potions" said Draco "all the girls in school are trying to give Harry some"

"They only last a day, but we can give you an antidote if you want" said George

"I'm glad you two worked out" Said Fred "Harry was really down on the summer, part of it was trying to find a way for you to talk to him again"

"I was mad at him for half the summer, so I thought he was too" Draco said looking at the boy from across the room.

"He was initially, but it was more because he was grieving Sirius than because of you. The Ministry thing was a trap and he fell for it, he was already feeling guilty about it before you threw it at his face, so being mad was a first reaction. In a way, you were right to say Harry wasn't thinking about you, but it wasn't because he didn't care, I think until your fight, he didn't exactly understand how much this affected and hurt you. One single decision caused a lot of harm, there was nothing he could do about Sirius, but he still could try to make things right with you" said Fred

"He said that, that he didn't realise"

"None of us did, we saw you in the infirmary a few times, but we never really paid attention" said George "We eventually understood you were frustrated with being sick, but it took us a while to realise you had spent years thinking you were going to die"

"Harry knows the origin of his pain is You-Know-Who, so he expected you to react against him, but you got mad at Harry instead and, specially on that day, you had a very valid reason to" said Fred.

"I thought I wanted to die after that, but then I looked at the Dark Lord and I knew it wasn't true. I admit I never thought I had to worry about being killed by the Dark Lord"

"A lot of times we didn't understand the real threat that he was either, I'm sure that was even more distant for you since you are supposed to be part of the group he likes" said Fred.

"He likes no one. The ones that truly like him do it only because they are as sick as he is"

"Must have been a hard lesson to learn" said George.

"You can say that… I can't leave him though"

"You can, you always can, but then you would be sacrificing other things, just like you will lose others if you stay" said Fred.

"You mean I'm gonna lose Harry if I stay"

"No, I don't think Harry is one of those things" said Fred and Draco looked at him confused "Harry crushed on you hard last year…he was willing to try even when he started to suspect you were a Death Eater, and he is just so happy with you… I think he will stick with you if you let him"

"It makes no sense for him to like me" Draco said in a small voice.

"I don't think liking anyone ever has any logic… but I think you two are not the most strange couple ever, even if you two didn't start off as friends, you have known each other for years, Harry has probably talked more to you over the years than Ron ever talked to Lavender Brown and Ginny told us she is acting as if Ron will ask her to marry him at any moment" Said George

"Sometimes I have the impression he wants me to turn my back on my entire life for him" Draco finally admitted, it had been something he had been thinking since he overheard the golden trio at the three broomsticks.

"He never said it to us, but I wouldn't be surprised if he really wanted you to stand up and fight with him" said Fred "but just because he wants it, doesn't mean he expects you to do it"

"I think maybe he does"

"Give him some credit, Harry knows you are doing something for You-Know-Who and he still wants to date you, so he might not understand your actions, but he will accept them if he knows where your heart is"

Draco looked across the room where Harry was still talking to Lupin, he looked happier just because Draco had showed up.

"I don't think my heart and my actions are quite in sync these days" he said without taking his eyes from Harry.