Chapter Twenty-Two

The Donning

Harry settled himself in Draco's arms in front of the fire. "So how was your night last night, guys?" He looked around the Gryffindor common room at his friends. Ginny was sitting on Colin's lap in a comfy armchair to the right of the couch. Ron and Hermione were mirroring Draco and Harry's position on the opposite end of the couch.

"Oh, it was lovely," said Ginny. She looked down at Colin lovingly. "Collie was sweet enough to make up his room for us and there were candles and incense and everything. It was wonderful…" Her voice faded off as her mind visibly disappeared to another place and time, namely the night before.

Harry snorted quietly. Collie, huh? Well obviously Colin had a good night, too! Harry looked at Colin. Colin was grinning back at him exactly the way Crookshanks, Hermione's cat, always looked when he just indulged in a delicious dinner of mice. Harry grinned back and winked.

"How about you guys?" asked Draco, looking at Hermione and Ron. Harry was so proud that Draco was getting over his disgust for the rest of the Gryffindors.

Harry watched as Ron's eyebrows disappeared into his hairline. And Ron is still amazed that Draco isn't plotting something. Hermione, who'd just glanced up at Ron, saw the look, too, and elbowed her boyfriend before answering, "Very nice. Thank you."

Ron looked like he wanted to tell how nice it had been, but then thought better of it. Harry knew Hermione was fairly private about what happened between herself and Ron, and made sure that Ron was as well. Harry winked at Ron, knowing he'd probably hear the details another time. Ron winked back and asked, "So how was your night, you two? What did you get each other?"

Harry and Draco looked at each other and smiled. Draco spoke first.

"Har gave me enchanted parchment and a dragon pendant." Harry sat up a bit so Draco could pull out the necklace and show it to the Gryffindors. Both girls leaned in, fascinated.

"What is the parchment enchanted to do?" asked Colin. Ron nodded. While the girls were more interested in the jewelry, the boys were not. Harry explained that he had a matching sheet and what the functions of both the parchment and the pendant were. The rest of the Gryffindors were impressed and the girls, of course, wanted to see Harry's lion.

"What did Draco get you, Harry?" Hermione looked to her best friend after she and Ginny were finished gushing about his lion pendant.

Harry held out his right hand and wiggled his fingers. The ring Draco gave him was glittering cheerily on his middle finger and his friends all gasped. The girls gaped at the gold and jewels on Harry's central digit. Harry grinned at Ron and Colin, who were looking quite impressed.

"Isn't it fabulous?" said Harry. The girls gushed their approval.

Harry turned his head to face his boyfriend and the current grin spread. Harry leaned in and placed a light kiss on his boyfriend's lips. Draco evidently wanted more than just a small kiss because when Harry tried to pull away, Draco slipped a hand to the base of Harry's neck and drew the Gryffindor's lips back to his. Harry turned more toward to Draco and relaxed into the embrace. The two lost themselves in the entanglement of their tongues, only to be brought back to the present when Ron cleared his throat loudly and said, "Erm, guys?"

Harry finally managed to separate his lips from Draco's and turned back to his friends. "Um. Oops." He blushed as his friends laughed around him.

Draco cleared his throat behind Harry. "So, uh. What were we talking about?"


~*~*~*~

Draco pulled out a small bag from behind him, while Harry looked at him curiously. Draco smiled slyly, knowing that Harry did not notice that Draco'd brought the bag with him. Then he pulled out four small boxes, neatly wrapped in scarlet paper and each with a gold bow on the top. He tossed each of the boxes lightly to the correct surprised Gryffindor and leaned back as ten eyes stared at him in utter disbelief.

"What?" asked Draco innocently. He looked at Harry and winked. The other four Gryffindors sat motionless, gaping at the blonde. "Sorry they're a day late."

Harry grinned at his boyfriend and wrapped his arms around Draco and squeezed. Draco smiled and squeezed back. Draco watched as Harry turned back to his friends and nodded as if telling them Draco was safe. You would think they would know that by now, mused Draco. Then again, we've only been civil for a couple weeks… I guess it's still a bit hard to trust me. "Well, go on then! I promise, they won't bite!"

Hermione and Colin smiled weakly at the joke. Ron studied Draco, and finally was the first to brave the wrappings on the package in his lap. Draco pointed at the paper in the red-head's hand and said, "Toss that into the fire, will you?"

Ron, as well as the other three gift recipients, looked confused. Harry was wearing a knowing smile. After an internal debate, Ron tossed the ball of gift wrap into the fire. The flames turned white and red stars erupted from the fire. Hermione and Ginny gasped. Ron and Colin gaped. Draco and Harry grinned. Recovering from the surprise, Ron lifted the lid of the box in his lap and there was a pile of goodies from Zonko's. Ron looked up at Draco and a small smile spread across his lips. Ron opened his mouth to say something, and it looked to Draco like it was very difficult.

Words eventually melded into a coherent statement, which came tumbling out of the red-head's mouth before he had another chance to really think about what he was saying. "Thank you, Draco."

Colin, feeling brave after Ron's success, ripped off his wrapping paper and tossed it to the fire. This time there were red flames and golden spirals that shot out like fireworks. He found various and sundry items from Zonko's in his box as well. He stammered his thanks as Hermione and Ginny undid their parcels from the blonde.

Ginny's paper had created a stunning silver flame with blue sparks. Hermione's was green with small shining red hearts. The girls "ooh-"ed at the displays and then opened their boxes. Inside, they both found delectable chocolates from Honeydukes smiling up at them.

Ginny stood and moved toward Draco. Harry, sensing something was coming, sat up and away from Draco, ready to protect him if need be. Ginny drew even with Draco, who looked up at her curiously. Suddenly she threw her arms around Draco's neck and hugged the Slytherin.

Draco put his arms around her waist gingerly. A faint smile played upon his lips. Is this an 'I-forgive-you-for-being-so-damn-rude-all-these-years' thing? I could only hope… The red-headed girl released the stunned blonde boy a second later and walked back to her seat on Colin's lap. Before Draco was capable of recovering from the sudden embrace from a Weasley, he looked up into the chocolate-colored eyes of Hermione. She grinned at him and placed a light kiss on his swiftly reddening cheek. "Thank you, Draco Malfoy," she said quietly, so only he could hear.

After Hermione had settled back into the arms of her somewhat-jealous boyfriend, Harry leaned back into Draco's arms. Draco felt Harry turn over in his arms so that they were now face to face. They smiled at each other, reveling in the warmth and happiness of one another, as were the other two couples in the room. Then Harry leaned in. Draco felt the tickle on the edge of his ear as Harry spoke.

"Welcome to the family, Draco."


~*~*~*~

A couple days passed, and Harry became more and more comfortable with the Slytherins, just as Draco had with the Gryffindors. They alternated their evenings between the two common rooms. Harry smiled as he sat on a leather couch in the Slytherin common room, Draco lounging on his chest. They were watching as Gregory and Vincent tried to play yet another game of Wizard's Chess.

Harry watched in amusement. Draco told Harry he'd given the pair books on the game for Christmas, but that they still were not the best players ever. To Draco's delight, every few minutes, Harry would help out either Vincent or Gregory, quietly telling each a strategic move or two. This earned Harry a tight embrace from Draco every time. Harry was happy to learn that despite their gruff exteriors, Gregory and Vincent were nice guys. Vincent had even offered his hand in friendship, as did Gregory. They even called Harry by his given name, telling him to do the same with them. This thrilled both Harry and Draco.

Harry smiled as Vincent's king surrendered his crown. This is good. Life is good. New friends. New love. Happiness. Life is very good.


~*~*~*~

At dinner that evening, Draco and Harry were sitting extremely close as they ate, and there was no point in time when their bodies were not touching someplace. Dumbledore was smiling at them broadly, apparently happy that the rivalry was over. Draco actually managed a smile back at the old man. He knew he was going to need Dumbledore's help quite a bit in the following weeks. The hand that was not resting on Harry's knee moved to the pocket of his robes where Tyr's Talisman lay in the small, decorative box it had arrived in. I need to ask Dumbledore about this. After the meeting with the headmaster prior to Christmas, Draco felt much more comfortable discussing things with Dumbledore. He was still wary of the professor, but he knew that Dumbledore was on the same side as he was. So, after the excitement of the gift, Draco's mind had instantly been made up. Dumbledore had to know. Draco's free hand wandered from his pocket back to his fork on his plate, and he took a bite of chicken. I'll talk to the old codger after dinner.

At the end of the meal, Draco watched the ancient headmaster get to his feet. "I hope you all are enjoying your holiday. As you all know, the rest of the student body will be returning in one week's time. I must ask you to do one thing for the benefit of many people." All eyes were clouded with confusion as students and professors alike awaited the request to come. Dumbledore's twinkling blue eyes landed upon Harry and Draco. Instantly, Draco realized what he was about to call for, and the Slytherin felt pure gratitude toward the old man.

"I would ask," began Dumbledore again, "that the budding companionship of Mister Potter and Mister Malfoy be kept to those at this table. I believe that it is up to Harry and Draco to decide who is to know about their relationship, and it is not our place to discuss it with anyone." Dumbledore's eyes rested on each person in turn, gaining some sort of acknowledgment from each. Draco's mind was reeling. That old man cares enough about Harry that he will demand his professors keep something quiet… Let alone all the students. Amazing. He looked at Harry, who looked back with his lopsided smile. We are safe. Thank Merlin.


~*~*~*~

Harry looked up as the headmaster began to speak again.

"And I will alert you of one more thing. Unless you are either Mister Potter or Mister Malfoy, if you so happen to mention their involvement to anyone who is not present right now, you will instantly lose twenty-five points from your house, and whomever you have spoken to will have a memory charm placed on them immediately. Please do not give me a reason to do such a thing." Dumbledore looked sternly at the Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw students. The hard look melted away a second later as he smiled broadly. "Now, let us all adjourn to our quarters."

There was a general rustle as everyone stood and started toward the doors to the Great Hall. Harry watched as Draco rose, moving to the head of the table. Harry looked at him questioningly. "Come with me, Harry," said Draco quietly. Harry cocked his head to the side and followed his boyfriend. What's going on?

"Professor Dumbledore? Sir?" Draco walked up to the man. Dumbledore turned and looked down at the couple. His eyes crinkled into a smile.

"What can I do for you, Mister Malfoy?"

Harry looked on silently as his boyfriend stood in front of the headmaster. "I need to discuss something with you privately."

Harry was confused, as was Dumbledore. He felt the older man's eyes on him, and when he met the gaze, Harry just shrugged. Dumbledore looked back at the blonde teen before him and nodded slowly. "Come with me then. I assume you want Harry to be with us during this discussion?"

Draco nodded and Harry felt Draco reach for his hand. Their rings started playing again as the couple walked through the corridors. Unlike the last trip to Dumbledore's office, Harry did not have the overwhelming sense of foreboding. He was extremely curious, though.

At the gargoyle, Dumbledore proclaimed "Ton-Tongue Toffees" again. Harry smiled at the password, still amused at the Wizard Wheezes password, and stepped onto the revolving staircase after the headmaster. Draco followed him, and the three entered the office.


~*~*~*~

After they were all seated, Dumbledore leaned back in his high-backed chair and asked, "Now, what is it you need to talk to me about, Draco?"

Draco took a deep breath and drew out the small box from his robes. It was a wooden box, about three inches square and an inch deep, and carved with ornate decorations. Carved into the center of the lid was a hand with what looked like a beam of light discharged from the palm. Draco stood and slid the box across the desk at the old man.

He sat back down as ancient blue eyes examined the wooden case and the contents thereof. After the headmaster's eyes registered the inscription on the back of the talisman, the piercing blue eyes flew up to meet young blue ones. "From whom did you obtain this?" asked Dumbledore, amazed.

Apparently the man can read Sanskrit… Or whatever that language is on the thing. "It was a Christmas gift from my parents. I would assume it was my father's doing."

Dumbledore nodded thoughtfully. "You have not yet enlightened him regarding your relationship with Harry." It was not a question. Just a statement of fact.

"That is correct, sir." Draco decided he just wanted to get to the point so he and Harry could get to bed. "Professor, do you suppose that would be safe to wear the pendant for the two weeks and then pass it?"

Dumbledore was studying the talisman carefully. After a while, he looked up at Draco. "Can you please tell me what you know about this talisman? I am quite curious."

"Yes, sir. I do not know much about it yet. Although, if I ask Hermione, I am sure we can find out quite a bit together." Draco saw Harry's eyebrow disappear under his black fringe at the mention of Hermione, but he chose to ignore it. Draco then explained everything the note from his father had. Dumbledore nodded as Draco talked, obviously taking in everything possible.

When Draco was finished, the headmaster gave a final nod and stood. Under the watch of the two boys, the older man began pacing. After a moment, he picked up the talisman and, after resuming his pacing, he inspected the pendant again. After several minutes of silence, Draco spoke again.

"Sir?" Dumbledore stopped pacing and looked up. It seemed as though he had forgotten the boys were even in the room.

"Yes, Draco?"

"Do you think it's safe to wear?" Draco gestured toward the pendant sitting in the headmaster's hand. The antique blue eyes looked down at the talisman and then back at the adolescent blue eyes staring at him. Then he held out the pendant for Draco to take.

"Yes."

Draco stepped forward and retrieved the talisman from the wrinkled fingers. He looked down at the bronze circle now sitting in his own hands. Then the two pairs of blue eyes met again. "Sir, shall I put it on now?"

"If you wish. But please note the time. You must take it off exactly fourteen days from now." Dumbledore pulled out a complex looking watch. "Right now it is the twenty-ninth of December, seven pm. You must remove that pendant on the twelfth of January at seven in the evening. I don't want to think what may happen if you do not remove it in time."

Draco nodded grimly and put the leather lacing of the pendant around his neck. The strip of leather attached to the disk was extremely long, and the talisman hit the front of his robes lightly. Draco picked up the charm and dropped it through the neck of his robes and onto his bare chest. The metal was cold for a second. Then, instantly, he felt the talisman getting hot. He pulled a face at the sensation.

Harry, who'd been watching the whole exchange quietly, put a hand on Draco's arm. "Dray? You okay?"

"Yes. I'm fine. Tyr's little necklace has just decided to burn me." He rubbed at his chest where the talisman sat. But there was something wrong. His eyebrows knitted together in confusion.

"What is it, son?" asked Dumbledore, concerned for the young blonde.

Draco ran another hand down his chest. Something is very not right. "Erm, Professor, I think I need to check something. But you'll have to excuse my actions."

While Harry and Dumbledore looked on, both extremely worried and confused, Draco undid his robes and shrugged them off and to the floor. Then he pulled the red wooly sweater and black tee shirt from his torso. He gasped as he stared at his now-bare chest. The leather that had been attached to the pendant was gone except for a small, almost-imperceptible knot at the base of Draco's neck. The disk was now embedded in Draco's skin. He looked up at Dumbledore, who looked just as surprised as Draco. And the next words that escaped Harry's mouth just about summed up the thoughts of all three wizards.

"Holy shit."

~*~TBC~*~