Title: Hook, Line, and Sinker
Author: GrapeSmshr
Rated: G to PG-13, depending on the chapter
Coupling: HP/DM slashy goodness
Updates: every Friday.
Summary: H/D *slash* Everyone loves the holidays because love blooms. Each chapter is a different holiday in which Harry and Draco find romance. Tenth holiday: Draco's Birthday!
A/N: I honestly didn't think I'd have this chapter out on time. I know a lot of you will have comments on this one... Unlike the other holidays, this one is like a mini-fic. I think I'm going to write an entirely separate fic based on the plot of this holiday...
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Holiday 10: Draco's Birthday
Rated: PG-13
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Taking another step, Draco Malfoy made a face as his boot sank almost knee-deep in a snowbank. Pulling his foot back out, he shook off the snow and veered off in a new direction. Shivering in the cold wind, he pulled his coat around him more tightly, burying his gloved hands deep in his pockets.
It was two days after Christmas, and Hogwarts was eerily quiet with the absence of the student who left for winter break. Oh, how Draco wished he were one of them. His parents were off on some grand vacation, which was actually a cover-up for a mission the Ministry of Magic sent them on. Since the fall of Voldemort last year and the revelation that the Malfoys were in fact spies for the Order, they had been sent on missions more and more frequently, leaving Draco alone for the holidays.
And what a day to be alone. Two days after Christmas. December twenty-seventh. His birthday. He was celebrating his seventeenth birthday alone. Sure, his parents had sent gifts via owl post, but it really wasn't the same. The whole of Slytherin was gone, save a handful of first and second years that Draco would soon rather avoid. He really should have accepted Blaise's invitation to spend the winter break with the Zabinis.
But no, he had declined for no reason at all. And now he was celebrating his birthday all by himself, something he had never done before. His parents had always thrown him extravagant parties with tons of guests and great food. But this year, nothing. It really was quite depressing.
Had he liked more people in other Houses, he would have found someone to pass the time with. But he was Draco Malfoy, and he didn't really care to spend time with people other than his fellow Slytherins.
Unless that person happened to be Harry Potter.
Combining every irony in both the Muggle and Wizarding worlds would not explain just how Draco had taken to fancying the Gryffindor golden boy. It was something even he didn't understand. Harry Potter was annoying, moody, dense, and a Gryffindor, all strikes in Draco's book. At least, for the usual victim. But Harry was also fiercely loyal, dependable, and very nice to look at. It didn't take much to understand why his fan club was so populated.
But as far as he was concerned, his feelings were a lost cause. There was no way they would be returned. Sure, Harry had been civil toward him on recent occasions, pleasant even, but Draco chalked it up to temporary forgetfulness of the fact that they were enemies. Supposed enemies, at least. If Draco got his way, he would remedy that.
Sighing deeply, he pushed a stray lock of hair out of his eyes as he continued to crunch through the ice.
Out of nowhere, he was smacked in the back of the head. Stopping himself from pitching forward, he felt a searing cold drip down his neck. Snow. Someone had thrown a snowball at him!
Turning around to face his assailant, he was met with another snowball right in the face. Spluttering, Draco wiped the icy slush out of his eyes, pausing at the sound of familiar laughter. Was that...?
Chuckles giving way to a broad grin, Harry Potter approached a still unmoving Draco. "Hey, Malfoy, you look cold."
Gathering his wits, Draco retorted, "In my defense, I was just bombarded with two snowballs that you so graciously threw."
"Oh, I thought you might want to have a snowball fight. Too bad..." he sighed with mock disappointment. Then his face contorted into seriousness. "That's actually not the reason I'm here."
Hmm, Harry Potter on a mission? Draco was most intrigued. But what could Harry possibly have to say to *him*?
Sensing the unasked question, Harry reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a long, slender black box. Holding it out toward the curious blonde, he said, "Happy birthday, Draco."
Draco blinked once. Twice. He was frozen, couldn't move, and not from the cold. Was this really happening? He regarded the scene before him with shock, wonderment, and disbelief. Harry Potter wanted to give him a birthday gift? Harry actually knew it was his birthday? That was unbelievable!
And yet he believed it.
Almost unconsciously, Draco reached up and took the offered box, holding it before him. "Why?"
Harry shrugged. "I know what it's like to be alone for your birthday," he answered after a pregnant pause. "My Muggle relatives don't exactly celebrate the fact that I was born. Figured you could use some company, even if it is me."
Oh, but how right he was. The ever noble Gryffindor was trying to make him feel better. Under normal circumstances, Draco would have just told him to sod off. But now they had no audience, no friends around to keep up appearances, so they were allowed to let their guards slip a little.
Or a lot.
Draco must have been contemplating for quite some time because Harry finally nodded to the box. "Aren't you going to open it?"
"Oh. Right." Draco's face flushed, but the extra tinge of pink went unnoticed in the bitter cold. Prying off the lid to the box, Draco moved a layer of red tissue paper and then gasped softly.
Slowly taking off his glove, he stuffed that and the box in his pocket, but not before taking out the gift. It was a flat stone, black in color and about an inch in circumference, cool to the touch, and attached to a thin black rope cord. He held the stone against his palm, almost in awe. He thought he knew what it was. If he were right... "You do know what this is, right?"
Harry slowly shook his head. "Not exactly.
Draco closed his fist around it. "It's a fertility stone, used to make you more virile."
"A what? Make you what?" Harry's eyes were so wide with disbelief that Draco wondered briefly if his eyeballs would pop out of their sockets. "I didn't--I mean, I found--I just--"
Watching Harry stutter for a moment, Draco finally couldn't hold a straight face any longer. He burst into laughter, loud and deep, something he hadn't done in a very long time. "I'm only kidding, Potter," he made out between gasps of breath. "It's not for fertility."
Harry harrumphed, but curiousity quickly replaced his annoyance at the blonde. "Then what is it for?"
Opening his fist to gaze at the stone, Draco murmured, "I'm not certain, but I think it's a power stone. It's supposed to make your magic stronger by honing in on your physical capabilities and your emotions." He turned to meet Harry's eyes. "They are extremely rare. Where did you get something like this?"
"From Remus Lupin," Harry said, obviously blown away by this news. "He said he just found them in his attic. They belonged to my parents."
"They?"
Reaching into his shirt, Harry pulled out a stone that matched Draco's in every way except its pearly white color. "I have one also."
Stepping closer, Draco took the stone out of Harry's hand, pulling the ravenhead with him since the cord was around his neck. He held the black stone up next to the white one, examining them closely. Maybe he was imagining things, but he almost felt... this vibration, this humming of energy coming from the two stones.
Harry must have felt something also because he drew in a breath, the smallest of shivers going down his spine.
Releasing the white stone, Draco took a step back. This was some intense magic, he could feel it. Even from that tiny glimmer of energy, he felt it.
But not now.
He looked at the stone that just sat in his hand. No energy, no vibration, not even a little tickle. There was some magic much bigger than he had ever experienced, he imagined, hidden in those two tiny stones. Which was why he did what he did next. "Here. I can't accept this."
The briefest flash of surprise flitted across Harry's face before it disappeared. His eyes flicked to Draco's outstretched hand, the black stone sitting against pale skin. Reaching out, Harry's gloved hand cupped Draco's, closing the blonde's fingers around the stone. "It's a birthday gift. I want you to have it."
Now it was Draco's turn to be surprised. He met Harry's gaze. "Are you sure?"
Gently opening the blonde's fist, Harry took the stone from him. Then he leaned in and put the cord around Draco's neck. His fingers strayed against the pale skin of the Slytherin's jugular before sliding down to his shoulder, making a mental note of the way the blonde leaned into the touch. "I'm sure."
Before Draco knew what was happening, he was pulled into the arms of one Harry Potter. As Harry's lips brushed gently against his, realization hit him as to just what was happening. He wrapped his arms around Harry's body, pressing himself further into the kiss with a passion he never knew he possessed. A low moan escaped as Harry's tongue did wonderful things to his own. It seemed Gryffindors weren't *all* innocent and naïve.
Pulling Harry even more tightly against him, Draco's mouth felt like it was on fire. So did his body, actually. He could feel rather than see all of these waves of energy floating around him, engulfing him, drowning him in power. He didn't want the feeling to end, it was so sublime...
But it did, as soon as Harry's lips broke contact with his own.
"Draco..." Harry whispered in an awed tone, eyes wide.
Following the Gryffindor's gaze, Draco's eyes widened also. All around them, in a perfect circle with a good five-foot radius, all of the snow had melted and virtually disappeared. "What the..."
"I think we need to do some research on these stones," Harry murmured solemnly.
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Fifteen minutes later found them in the library. They were the only ones in there save Madam Pince, who was paying them no heed for once. Harry suspected the old biddy was asleep. Thank Merlin for small favors.
Between the two of them, they had a good dozen books scattered all over the table. Some were closed, some dog-eared, and all giving the same information, which wasn't much.
"I give up," Draco complained, closing his book and leaning back in his seat with a scowl of frustration.
"We'll find it soon," Harry answered absently as he flipped through a rather large book with brittle, dusty pages. To be truthful, he was also growing a bit weary of their situation. Would they ever find anything?
"I don't even know why we bother," Draco continued ranting, waving his hands for emphasis. "It's not like we're finding anything useful." He glanced at the Gryffindor when he got no response. It didn't even look like Harry was paying attention to him! "Am I just talking here, or--"
"I found it," Harry interrupted suddenly.
"What?"
Pushing the stacks of books out of the way, Harry scooted the book he was reading so that Draco could see it. "Right here."
As Draco leaned in closer, he began to read. "Power stones have been around since the early twelfth century, when they were used for battle. Having long since been studied, they are understood to hold a much more specific use than once realized. While they do quantifiably magnify the holder's strength in both mental and physical capacities, there are some stipulations to its use. Stipulations?" Draco wrinkled his nose. He should have known there would be rules to using something like this.
"Keep reading," Harry urged, knowing what the text said.
Turning back to the book, the blonde continued on. "Power stones are made in pairs. These pairs cannot be separated from one another for long before their keepers begin to feel an uncomfortable sensation, followed by a series of symptoms that can include but are not limited to headache, fatigue, severe convulsions, even death. If one keeper dies, the keeper of the linked stone does not also die, but both stones are deactivated. This is why they are made to be passed down in a family. In the majority of instances, the keepers of the stones are married, which aids in the prevention of being separated for mass quantities of time. A receiver of the stone may break the connection by giving his stone back to the person whom he had received it from. If an outsider comes in possession of the stone, he would not, under any circumstances, be able to use it unless it was specifically and deliberately bestowed upon him as a gift. That would explain why I felt what I felt," Draco muttered more to himself than to Harry.
His mind was positively reeling from all of this newfound information. First and foremost, he was kissed by Harry Potter! That fact alone was enough to make his heart start racing. But on top of that, he now possessed a magical power stone that bound him to the object of his desire! Sure, there were obvious downsides, namely the headaches and a possible untimely death, but he wasn't planning on spending any time apart from Harry. Then again, maybe Harry didn't feel the same way...
"We're bound to one another now," Harry said slowly, each word weighed down with the meaning of his thought. When Remus had given him the two stones, Harry just thought they were pretty. He never would have imagined they would lead to something like this! Of course, he wasn't one to complain. He couldn't think of another person he would rather spend the rest of his life with, which he knew they would. He glanced over at the blonde, who was sporting a troubled look. He raised an eyebrow.
"Maybe... maybe you made a mistake in giving me this power stone," Draco started, struggling with the words. "I mean, now we're going to have to stay together. It might be... a burden."
Harry could feel his heart melt. That was so sweet how Draco didn't want Harry to get roped into something he didn't want when the blonde obviously felt strongly for him. Harry could read him like a book. It was a skill he had picked up after studying he Slytherin intently over the past several months. "Draco, I didn't make a mistake. Not unless you were planning on taking the power stone and running with it."
At the lighthearted teasing, Draco's eyes lit up. He knew that was Harry's way of giving him the reassurance he had been looking for. Shaking his head, he murmured, "No, I plan on sticking around." And with that, he leaned in and pressed his lips to Harry's, sighing blissfully as the ravenhead stroked his chest in long sweeps.
"Are you convinced now?" Harry asked once the kiss ended. His hand still rested possessively against the blonde's chest.
"Oh, I think so. But I may need more... convincing later." Draco smiled wickedly as Harry laughed. "I must say that this is the best birthday gift I have ever received."
"What? The stone?"
"No; you." And Draco kissed him with such passion that there was room for no doubt that the two would indeed stay together.
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Wow. Ten chapters already! You guys are so awesome in helping me brainstorm more holidays! I must say that this is the most consistency I have ever displayed at posting a fic. I'm having so much fun writing! Thanks for all of the reviews from last chapter! To respond to a few things:
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Maiden of Mystery: Yay, happy you're back to reading! I know, these last few chapters have taken a different turn from the others...
funflowerleah: Believe me, I appreciate the constructive criticism just as much as I appreciate the reviews!
BURN THE R.U.M.: Well, it did have that oh-so-cute moment with a snog by the fire... I know that's why *I* liked that chapter so much!
Estrella de la Tarde: Thanks for all of the holiday suggestions! I'm actually contemplating an "ethnic week" for Hogwarts so I can throw in a few American holidays, too. Still working out the kinks on that idea, though...
Moondragon: Love the name change!
Dorkie: Thanks! It's easy to write cutely when the subjects are just so adorable...
Dea Liberty: I dunno if I want to get into the Saint holidays... I know, St. Patrick's day, but that one is pretty famously celebrated. I'll have to do some research.
Sylvia Sylverton: All I have to say is that it was about time someone made Harry the one that speaks out about comments with sexual undertones!
ciceronian: Hehe, thanks. I'm having so much fun writing these chapters!
Starr Light1: I couldn't very well leave out Draco, could I? Not in thie lifetime!
Lunadeath: Ooh, that's a good idea! A picture of them half in shadows with the fire dancing behind them... Definitely gives me the urge to draw it!
soccer-chick250: Oh, I completely agree. Well, I change their personalities because I think it's boring just to always write them the same way. This way, I get to see which personalities work best with my writing style.
MedNar: You don't have to tell me. I live it Texas! South Texas. Coastal Texas. Believe me, I'm more than familiar with the weather. Great heat, ne? What city do your grandparents live in?
Baby Sphinx: Hehe, thanks, I try.
Alexis-Greenleaf: Well, it's not actually a recital. We just play in class every so often, and my pieces are fairly simple. Most of them are written by the man who wrote the book we're using. I'm going to try for a Bach piece for my final, I think.
Layce74: Thanks! I've never seen anything like this done before, and I was inspired.
Brad: Thanks! I definitely go for cuteness.
GoddessMoonLady: Great suggestion! Unfortunately, I had this thing halfway written by the time you reviewed. But that would definitely make a cute Draco b-day fic!
GlowStick: Each chapter stands by itself, so in each holiday they're still single at the beginning. Just think of them as several mini-fics.
Esmerelda Black: Speak like a pirate day? Hehe, that would be pretty hilarious. Maybe after I'm done with all of the actual holidays I could make a few up! What a great idea! Thanks for that!
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Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed! I do so love all of your words of encouragement. I even appreciate your criticisms (given that they're not mean, but I haven't received any like that yet!). I'll keep on writing as long as people are still reading, so I hope you continue to enjoy this fic! Until next week!
Author: GrapeSmshr
Rated: G to PG-13, depending on the chapter
Coupling: HP/DM slashy goodness
Updates: every Friday.
Summary: H/D *slash* Everyone loves the holidays because love blooms. Each chapter is a different holiday in which Harry and Draco find romance. Tenth holiday: Draco's Birthday!
A/N: I honestly didn't think I'd have this chapter out on time. I know a lot of you will have comments on this one... Unlike the other holidays, this one is like a mini-fic. I think I'm going to write an entirely separate fic based on the plot of this holiday...
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Holiday 10: Draco's Birthday
Rated: PG-13
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Taking another step, Draco Malfoy made a face as his boot sank almost knee-deep in a snowbank. Pulling his foot back out, he shook off the snow and veered off in a new direction. Shivering in the cold wind, he pulled his coat around him more tightly, burying his gloved hands deep in his pockets.
It was two days after Christmas, and Hogwarts was eerily quiet with the absence of the student who left for winter break. Oh, how Draco wished he were one of them. His parents were off on some grand vacation, which was actually a cover-up for a mission the Ministry of Magic sent them on. Since the fall of Voldemort last year and the revelation that the Malfoys were in fact spies for the Order, they had been sent on missions more and more frequently, leaving Draco alone for the holidays.
And what a day to be alone. Two days after Christmas. December twenty-seventh. His birthday. He was celebrating his seventeenth birthday alone. Sure, his parents had sent gifts via owl post, but it really wasn't the same. The whole of Slytherin was gone, save a handful of first and second years that Draco would soon rather avoid. He really should have accepted Blaise's invitation to spend the winter break with the Zabinis.
But no, he had declined for no reason at all. And now he was celebrating his birthday all by himself, something he had never done before. His parents had always thrown him extravagant parties with tons of guests and great food. But this year, nothing. It really was quite depressing.
Had he liked more people in other Houses, he would have found someone to pass the time with. But he was Draco Malfoy, and he didn't really care to spend time with people other than his fellow Slytherins.
Unless that person happened to be Harry Potter.
Combining every irony in both the Muggle and Wizarding worlds would not explain just how Draco had taken to fancying the Gryffindor golden boy. It was something even he didn't understand. Harry Potter was annoying, moody, dense, and a Gryffindor, all strikes in Draco's book. At least, for the usual victim. But Harry was also fiercely loyal, dependable, and very nice to look at. It didn't take much to understand why his fan club was so populated.
But as far as he was concerned, his feelings were a lost cause. There was no way they would be returned. Sure, Harry had been civil toward him on recent occasions, pleasant even, but Draco chalked it up to temporary forgetfulness of the fact that they were enemies. Supposed enemies, at least. If Draco got his way, he would remedy that.
Sighing deeply, he pushed a stray lock of hair out of his eyes as he continued to crunch through the ice.
Out of nowhere, he was smacked in the back of the head. Stopping himself from pitching forward, he felt a searing cold drip down his neck. Snow. Someone had thrown a snowball at him!
Turning around to face his assailant, he was met with another snowball right in the face. Spluttering, Draco wiped the icy slush out of his eyes, pausing at the sound of familiar laughter. Was that...?
Chuckles giving way to a broad grin, Harry Potter approached a still unmoving Draco. "Hey, Malfoy, you look cold."
Gathering his wits, Draco retorted, "In my defense, I was just bombarded with two snowballs that you so graciously threw."
"Oh, I thought you might want to have a snowball fight. Too bad..." he sighed with mock disappointment. Then his face contorted into seriousness. "That's actually not the reason I'm here."
Hmm, Harry Potter on a mission? Draco was most intrigued. But what could Harry possibly have to say to *him*?
Sensing the unasked question, Harry reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a long, slender black box. Holding it out toward the curious blonde, he said, "Happy birthday, Draco."
Draco blinked once. Twice. He was frozen, couldn't move, and not from the cold. Was this really happening? He regarded the scene before him with shock, wonderment, and disbelief. Harry Potter wanted to give him a birthday gift? Harry actually knew it was his birthday? That was unbelievable!
And yet he believed it.
Almost unconsciously, Draco reached up and took the offered box, holding it before him. "Why?"
Harry shrugged. "I know what it's like to be alone for your birthday," he answered after a pregnant pause. "My Muggle relatives don't exactly celebrate the fact that I was born. Figured you could use some company, even if it is me."
Oh, but how right he was. The ever noble Gryffindor was trying to make him feel better. Under normal circumstances, Draco would have just told him to sod off. But now they had no audience, no friends around to keep up appearances, so they were allowed to let their guards slip a little.
Or a lot.
Draco must have been contemplating for quite some time because Harry finally nodded to the box. "Aren't you going to open it?"
"Oh. Right." Draco's face flushed, but the extra tinge of pink went unnoticed in the bitter cold. Prying off the lid to the box, Draco moved a layer of red tissue paper and then gasped softly.
Slowly taking off his glove, he stuffed that and the box in his pocket, but not before taking out the gift. It was a flat stone, black in color and about an inch in circumference, cool to the touch, and attached to a thin black rope cord. He held the stone against his palm, almost in awe. He thought he knew what it was. If he were right... "You do know what this is, right?"
Harry slowly shook his head. "Not exactly.
Draco closed his fist around it. "It's a fertility stone, used to make you more virile."
"A what? Make you what?" Harry's eyes were so wide with disbelief that Draco wondered briefly if his eyeballs would pop out of their sockets. "I didn't--I mean, I found--I just--"
Watching Harry stutter for a moment, Draco finally couldn't hold a straight face any longer. He burst into laughter, loud and deep, something he hadn't done in a very long time. "I'm only kidding, Potter," he made out between gasps of breath. "It's not for fertility."
Harry harrumphed, but curiousity quickly replaced his annoyance at the blonde. "Then what is it for?"
Opening his fist to gaze at the stone, Draco murmured, "I'm not certain, but I think it's a power stone. It's supposed to make your magic stronger by honing in on your physical capabilities and your emotions." He turned to meet Harry's eyes. "They are extremely rare. Where did you get something like this?"
"From Remus Lupin," Harry said, obviously blown away by this news. "He said he just found them in his attic. They belonged to my parents."
"They?"
Reaching into his shirt, Harry pulled out a stone that matched Draco's in every way except its pearly white color. "I have one also."
Stepping closer, Draco took the stone out of Harry's hand, pulling the ravenhead with him since the cord was around his neck. He held the black stone up next to the white one, examining them closely. Maybe he was imagining things, but he almost felt... this vibration, this humming of energy coming from the two stones.
Harry must have felt something also because he drew in a breath, the smallest of shivers going down his spine.
Releasing the white stone, Draco took a step back. This was some intense magic, he could feel it. Even from that tiny glimmer of energy, he felt it.
But not now.
He looked at the stone that just sat in his hand. No energy, no vibration, not even a little tickle. There was some magic much bigger than he had ever experienced, he imagined, hidden in those two tiny stones. Which was why he did what he did next. "Here. I can't accept this."
The briefest flash of surprise flitted across Harry's face before it disappeared. His eyes flicked to Draco's outstretched hand, the black stone sitting against pale skin. Reaching out, Harry's gloved hand cupped Draco's, closing the blonde's fingers around the stone. "It's a birthday gift. I want you to have it."
Now it was Draco's turn to be surprised. He met Harry's gaze. "Are you sure?"
Gently opening the blonde's fist, Harry took the stone from him. Then he leaned in and put the cord around Draco's neck. His fingers strayed against the pale skin of the Slytherin's jugular before sliding down to his shoulder, making a mental note of the way the blonde leaned into the touch. "I'm sure."
Before Draco knew what was happening, he was pulled into the arms of one Harry Potter. As Harry's lips brushed gently against his, realization hit him as to just what was happening. He wrapped his arms around Harry's body, pressing himself further into the kiss with a passion he never knew he possessed. A low moan escaped as Harry's tongue did wonderful things to his own. It seemed Gryffindors weren't *all* innocent and naïve.
Pulling Harry even more tightly against him, Draco's mouth felt like it was on fire. So did his body, actually. He could feel rather than see all of these waves of energy floating around him, engulfing him, drowning him in power. He didn't want the feeling to end, it was so sublime...
But it did, as soon as Harry's lips broke contact with his own.
"Draco..." Harry whispered in an awed tone, eyes wide.
Following the Gryffindor's gaze, Draco's eyes widened also. All around them, in a perfect circle with a good five-foot radius, all of the snow had melted and virtually disappeared. "What the..."
"I think we need to do some research on these stones," Harry murmured solemnly.
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Fifteen minutes later found them in the library. They were the only ones in there save Madam Pince, who was paying them no heed for once. Harry suspected the old biddy was asleep. Thank Merlin for small favors.
Between the two of them, they had a good dozen books scattered all over the table. Some were closed, some dog-eared, and all giving the same information, which wasn't much.
"I give up," Draco complained, closing his book and leaning back in his seat with a scowl of frustration.
"We'll find it soon," Harry answered absently as he flipped through a rather large book with brittle, dusty pages. To be truthful, he was also growing a bit weary of their situation. Would they ever find anything?
"I don't even know why we bother," Draco continued ranting, waving his hands for emphasis. "It's not like we're finding anything useful." He glanced at the Gryffindor when he got no response. It didn't even look like Harry was paying attention to him! "Am I just talking here, or--"
"I found it," Harry interrupted suddenly.
"What?"
Pushing the stacks of books out of the way, Harry scooted the book he was reading so that Draco could see it. "Right here."
As Draco leaned in closer, he began to read. "Power stones have been around since the early twelfth century, when they were used for battle. Having long since been studied, they are understood to hold a much more specific use than once realized. While they do quantifiably magnify the holder's strength in both mental and physical capacities, there are some stipulations to its use. Stipulations?" Draco wrinkled his nose. He should have known there would be rules to using something like this.
"Keep reading," Harry urged, knowing what the text said.
Turning back to the book, the blonde continued on. "Power stones are made in pairs. These pairs cannot be separated from one another for long before their keepers begin to feel an uncomfortable sensation, followed by a series of symptoms that can include but are not limited to headache, fatigue, severe convulsions, even death. If one keeper dies, the keeper of the linked stone does not also die, but both stones are deactivated. This is why they are made to be passed down in a family. In the majority of instances, the keepers of the stones are married, which aids in the prevention of being separated for mass quantities of time. A receiver of the stone may break the connection by giving his stone back to the person whom he had received it from. If an outsider comes in possession of the stone, he would not, under any circumstances, be able to use it unless it was specifically and deliberately bestowed upon him as a gift. That would explain why I felt what I felt," Draco muttered more to himself than to Harry.
His mind was positively reeling from all of this newfound information. First and foremost, he was kissed by Harry Potter! That fact alone was enough to make his heart start racing. But on top of that, he now possessed a magical power stone that bound him to the object of his desire! Sure, there were obvious downsides, namely the headaches and a possible untimely death, but he wasn't planning on spending any time apart from Harry. Then again, maybe Harry didn't feel the same way...
"We're bound to one another now," Harry said slowly, each word weighed down with the meaning of his thought. When Remus had given him the two stones, Harry just thought they were pretty. He never would have imagined they would lead to something like this! Of course, he wasn't one to complain. He couldn't think of another person he would rather spend the rest of his life with, which he knew they would. He glanced over at the blonde, who was sporting a troubled look. He raised an eyebrow.
"Maybe... maybe you made a mistake in giving me this power stone," Draco started, struggling with the words. "I mean, now we're going to have to stay together. It might be... a burden."
Harry could feel his heart melt. That was so sweet how Draco didn't want Harry to get roped into something he didn't want when the blonde obviously felt strongly for him. Harry could read him like a book. It was a skill he had picked up after studying he Slytherin intently over the past several months. "Draco, I didn't make a mistake. Not unless you were planning on taking the power stone and running with it."
At the lighthearted teasing, Draco's eyes lit up. He knew that was Harry's way of giving him the reassurance he had been looking for. Shaking his head, he murmured, "No, I plan on sticking around." And with that, he leaned in and pressed his lips to Harry's, sighing blissfully as the ravenhead stroked his chest in long sweeps.
"Are you convinced now?" Harry asked once the kiss ended. His hand still rested possessively against the blonde's chest.
"Oh, I think so. But I may need more... convincing later." Draco smiled wickedly as Harry laughed. "I must say that this is the best birthday gift I have ever received."
"What? The stone?"
"No; you." And Draco kissed him with such passion that there was room for no doubt that the two would indeed stay together.
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Wow. Ten chapters already! You guys are so awesome in helping me brainstorm more holidays! I must say that this is the most consistency I have ever displayed at posting a fic. I'm having so much fun writing! Thanks for all of the reviews from last chapter! To respond to a few things:
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Maiden of Mystery: Yay, happy you're back to reading! I know, these last few chapters have taken a different turn from the others...
funflowerleah: Believe me, I appreciate the constructive criticism just as much as I appreciate the reviews!
BURN THE R.U.M.: Well, it did have that oh-so-cute moment with a snog by the fire... I know that's why *I* liked that chapter so much!
Estrella de la Tarde: Thanks for all of the holiday suggestions! I'm actually contemplating an "ethnic week" for Hogwarts so I can throw in a few American holidays, too. Still working out the kinks on that idea, though...
Moondragon: Love the name change!
Dorkie: Thanks! It's easy to write cutely when the subjects are just so adorable...
Dea Liberty: I dunno if I want to get into the Saint holidays... I know, St. Patrick's day, but that one is pretty famously celebrated. I'll have to do some research.
Sylvia Sylverton: All I have to say is that it was about time someone made Harry the one that speaks out about comments with sexual undertones!
ciceronian: Hehe, thanks. I'm having so much fun writing these chapters!
Starr Light1: I couldn't very well leave out Draco, could I? Not in thie lifetime!
Lunadeath: Ooh, that's a good idea! A picture of them half in shadows with the fire dancing behind them... Definitely gives me the urge to draw it!
soccer-chick250: Oh, I completely agree. Well, I change their personalities because I think it's boring just to always write them the same way. This way, I get to see which personalities work best with my writing style.
MedNar: You don't have to tell me. I live it Texas! South Texas. Coastal Texas. Believe me, I'm more than familiar with the weather. Great heat, ne? What city do your grandparents live in?
Baby Sphinx: Hehe, thanks, I try.
Alexis-Greenleaf: Well, it's not actually a recital. We just play in class every so often, and my pieces are fairly simple. Most of them are written by the man who wrote the book we're using. I'm going to try for a Bach piece for my final, I think.
Layce74: Thanks! I've never seen anything like this done before, and I was inspired.
Brad: Thanks! I definitely go for cuteness.
GoddessMoonLady: Great suggestion! Unfortunately, I had this thing halfway written by the time you reviewed. But that would definitely make a cute Draco b-day fic!
GlowStick: Each chapter stands by itself, so in each holiday they're still single at the beginning. Just think of them as several mini-fics.
Esmerelda Black: Speak like a pirate day? Hehe, that would be pretty hilarious. Maybe after I'm done with all of the actual holidays I could make a few up! What a great idea! Thanks for that!
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Thanks to everyone who read and reviewed! I do so love all of your words of encouragement. I even appreciate your criticisms (given that they're not mean, but I haven't received any like that yet!). I'll keep on writing as long as people are still reading, so I hope you continue to enjoy this fic! Until next week!
