A/N: Forgive the blatant errors in the last chapter. I was babysitting and
was constantly interrupted. I swear I'll go back ASAP and edit them!
Anyway, I made a promise and I intend to keep it.
Graffiti Decorations: I'm glad! Thank you :o)
Lyonessheart: Thank you!! You're ideas are awesome! They actually gave me an idea for Draco's gift to Harry, and that turned into a plot device! ~looks guilty~ I promised to deliver Harry/Draco in this chapter and had no idea how. Let's hear it for my deus ex machina!!!
Love to you all, I can't imagine having better reviewers and I don't know where I'd be with out you!
So! Let's have our selves a merry little Christmas! ...Or not
Since his first year at Hogwart's Harry's favorite holiday had always been Christmas. It was the day he felt most connected with his family, even those already on the other side. As if he could feel all their love, wrapping itself 'round his soul, bringing an unconscious smile to his lips. This Christmas was no different, and as he padded out into the common room, where all the important people in his world were about to gather, he couldn't help but feel lucky.
He was one step out of his bedroom when he stopped dead in his tracks. All over the common room were porcelain dolls. They sat on shelves, under the tree, on furniture. The feeling of all those eyes on him, even inanimate doll eyes ~strike that, especially inanimate doll eyes~ made his stomach crawl.
Before jumping to any conclusions he went to fetch Draco. Maybe he knew something Harry didn't. Even though the door to Draco's room wasn't far away Harry was in a run by the time he got to it ~those eyes~ he shuddered.
He checked himself as he got to the door, tried to slow his breathing down, but it was no use. The accusatory eyes of the dolls were burning holes in his back. He knocked twice, then, without waiting for an answer, opened to door to see Draco quickly shove something under his pillow. Harry had no time for curiosity; he wanted those soulless things out of their living room!
"How many dolls did you guys buy same last week?" Harry managed to gasp out.
Draco looked at him, head tipped to one side, "Hermione bought her one, and I bought her something else, why?"
"Come see." Harry just moved out the way to let Draco into the common room, staying within the doll-free confines of Draco's bedroom. He managed to get his breathe under control by the time Draco returned. "I've no idea where all those dolls came from Harry, there's a card, but perhaps we should get Hermione in here first. She may want to have them checked before she gives them to Samantha...Harry, what's wrong?"
Harry had realized how he'd been acting, and scuffed his feet on Draco's floor. "I was surprised by the dolls, having them all there was- unnerving."
"Ah" Draco said, giving Harry a strange look before going back out into the common room. "Harry," he said, "Why don't you go get Hermione?"
Harry, more than willing to oblige Draco, as it meant he got to leave their rooms for at least a few moments, walked swiftly out the door. As soon as he was out the door his pace slowed. Walking across the hall to Hermione's room he had a little space to wonder who would have sent to dolls, but no one in particular jumped to mind. Softly he knocked on her door, seconds later the door was opened by a very hyper Samantha.
"Uncle Harry! Is it time for presents? Mom said we couldn't go over early because she wasn't sure 'bout where you'd" But what Hermione wasn't sure about Harry wasn't able to catch because out of no where Hermione's hand had clamped itself over Sam's mouth.
"Hello Harry" Hermione said, giggling rather nervously," would you like us to come over now?"
"Actually, Hermione, Draco and I were wondering if you could leave Sam here for a moment and come and look at something." Harry looked down at Sam "I'm sorry sweet, but it's kind of important, and you can follow in about five minutes alright?" Harry said, thinking that five minutes was enough time to vanish the dolls to another room if need be.
"Sure thing, Harry, I'll just be along. Sammy, stay right here and come along in a few minutes." Hermione followed Harry out into the hall and Sam nodded.
"Harry, what's this about?" Hermione almost hissed as they walked to Harry and Draco's rooms.
"You'll see, just come."
Harry let Hermione open the door and she, too, stopped dead. "Harry, who are these from, there must be a hundred of them!"
Just then Draco walked in with a pink envelope. Hermione opened it, and all she could do was stare and the card that she pulled out. When asked whom it was from all she said was "Ron". Harry and Draco just looked at each other, neither could think of anything to say.
A few moments passed, and a previously forgotten Samantha came bouncing into the room. "Mommy, did you get me all these dolls? I thought we could only afford one...mommy?"
Numbly, tears running down her cheeks, and her eyes rather wide, Hermione handed Sam the card. All any of them could do was watch for the reaction.
At first they thought she wouldn't do anything, as still as she stood. Soon, though, they could see her face getting red and her fists clench. She, too, now had tears running down her cheeks. From Harry's perspective they looked more like angry tears than grateful ones.
In fascinated horror the watched as Samantha leaned her head back, her mouth to the ceiling, and screamed. It was a sound of anguish and pain. And after about five seconds the heads of the dolls began to explode, sending shards of porcelain all over the room. Showering them in some malevolent parody of the snow falling outside.
Seconds passed like hours as Harry saw Hermione reach to guard Samantha from the downpour, without thinking Harry did the same for Draco. Only Draco seemed intent on sheltering Harry, and they collided into each other and landed in a heap on the floor. In a flash they got on their knees, bending down as if praying, each covering the other's neck with their arm.
It seemed like they stayed that way for hours when all the noise stopped, and bits of glass were no longer falling from above. Hesitantly, Harry got up to see Hermione holding a sobbing Sam. His heart went out to them, but he knew anything he could do now had more to do with getting the room cleaned up, than comforting a broken hearted child.
Draco gathered up the remainder of the presents under the tree, the doll from Hermione still intact, placed them into a pile, and Harry watched as Draco went into his room. Harry called for the house elves to come clean up the glass, and went into his own room to get his presents for the others.
After he had them, he went back into the common room. Kneeling down beside Hermione and Sam he said quietly, "Would you like to go back to your rooms and open some presents?" Hermione looked as though she was about to protest, but Sam nodded and slowly brightened.
"Thanks, Uncle Harry, let's go."
So they walked from the room just as the house elves began to poof themselves in it. Walking the short walk to Hermione's rooms they all stayed silent. Opening the door, Hermione sent Draco with Sam into the common room and pulled Harry aside.
"Harry, I know you want to make her feel better, gods know I do too, but shouldn't we be talking to Dumbledore about what just happened in there?" Harry looked taken aback. "Hermione, she's you child, you should do what you think is best, I just thought... Mione, it's Christmas. She can talk about painful things this afternoon, but let her open presents first." Perhaps he was reading some of his own emotions on to Sam, but he knew how he had felt as a child, and he would have wanted a breather, especially one with presents.
"No, you're right Harry, let's go open presents." And so Harry and Hermione joined Draco and Sam in the common room.
When Sam had opened every last gift there was to open she sat back and looked at Harry.
"Uncle Harry," She cooed, "Don't you have presents for mommy and Draco?"
Harry gulped, on his lap were two fairly large presents. The first he handed to Hermione, keeping the other on his lap. "Mione, as soon as I saw these I knew they were for you."
As Hermione began to carefully pull away the paper she saw the texture of old leather, and started pulling just a little faster. When she had them out of their wrappings she took a look inside and gasped "Rose Effloresce, Harry, are these her original journals?"
Harry nodded, but before he could say more Hermione was against him, hugging tightly. "Oh Harry! Thank you! I've been looking for printed copies ever since I learned about the Order of Merlin, and never could!" then "Harry, these must have cost you a fortune, where ever did you find them?" Harry looked at his feet. Yes, they had cost quite a bit, but the money was nothing when he saw how very perfect they were for her.
"Mione, really, I found them in some shop in Hogsmeade, I don't remember which, I'd been to so many just looking for the gifts." He sighed, "Mione, don't worry about how much they cost, all that matters to me is that you like them, your enjoyment means as much to me as any gift."
"Alright Harry, thank you" she sniffed, "Oh dear, I'm quite leaky today, aren't I?" Harry just smiled and hugged her tighter for a second before releasing her back to her seat on the couch.
Now came the hard part. He had known that Mione would like her gift, but from here on out things got tricky. Trying to look confident and sure he gave Draco the other carefully wrapped box. As Draco took it Harry could see emotions warring in his eyes, but he was not sure which they were.
Draco pulled back the paper reverently, as if receiving the actual gift would break the spell that hung over them all now. Harry watched, butterflies fluttering in his stomach, as Draco finally got to the box that held his gift. He slowly pulled the Dragon sculpture out and set in on the coffee table in front of them. Draco ran one finger down the spine of the Dragon, and Harry was almost positive he could feel it on his own skin.
Harry was watching the Draco, and Draco was looking right back at him. Neither watching the Dragon. Sam broke to silence when she said "Uncle Harry! What did you do to the Dragon! It never moved before!"
Harry looked down at the gift he had worked so hard on. The Dragon slowly stretched, and Draco watched it, seemingly rapt. The Dragon was about the size of a basketball, but all black. It's eyes were a silver that reminded Harry so much of Draco it was almost eerie.
"Thank you Harry" Draco said quietly, watching in awe as the dragon made as to sleep on his lap.
"But, but Uncle Harry!" Sam began again, "What did you do to it?"
At this Harry smiled. That had been a tricky bit of magic. "It's a pensieve, you put the strands of memory in it's mouth, but it's bound to Draco, and it's charmed alive."
Hermione's jaw dropped. "Harry that takes ages, and you would have had to find a power source to keep the charm going, and the carvings, and, Harry that would take ages to make!"
Harry just smiled again and looked expectantly at the last box sitting on the arm of Draco's chair.
Picking up the dragon and setting in on his shoulder Draco grabbed the last present and said, "Right then, I'll just give this to Dumbledore, since were heading there anyway."
Harry was devastated, although he knew Draco probably reciprocate Harry's love; he had thought they had gained some semblance of friendship. It was not the lack of present that had him upset, but the blatant disregard for his feelings, and now he—
"Oh Harry, do stop looking like a kicked puppy, I was only joking, this is for you." Feeling extremely foolish, Harry took the present from Draco's hand.
Unwrapping it he saw shinny black. Pulling all the paper off he saw it was a black jewel-box. One side of the lid featured a dragon, the other a lion. Pulling open the hinged lid Harry saw the biggest emerald he'd ever seen. He barely touched it and it sprung to life, green flames erupting all around it as it floated in front of Harry's face.
Harry looked over at Draco, who had lost his pretension and seemed diffident. "It's like a pensieve. You just, stare at it, and think of something you'd like to relive and it's like your there again. You experience everything all over. You can also put memories into it, but they don't leave your mind. They exist in both places. I've put a few in already. To access them you tap your wand against the emerald twice and saw the incantation that's around the lid of the box."
Harry nodded, "Thank you Draco, it's gorgeous." Harry couldn't out into words how he felt at this moment, he wasn't sure if he'd be able to breathe normally again, and his heart was not just skipping beats, but running, leaping, and pole vaulting them.
Unsure of how to act he looked over at Hermione, who was sputtering noisily. Harry laughed himself into stitches at the sight.
"C'mon Mione, let's go talk to Dumbledore." And so the four of them sobered instantly, remembering things they had wanted to out off, the magic broken.
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Dobby looked around the mess that had been made of Master Harry's room. Seeing the card laying on the floor, and the signature, Dobby had an idea. Who ever said house elves were beyond a little revenge?
*************************************
Hermione was sitting in a plushy chair in Dumbledore's office. Harry was holding her hand while she leaned her head back, sighing.
"It'll be alright Mione" Harry told her, his voice soft. Hermione wished she could believe him, but this was Sam. She couldn't have anything happen to Sam. She was bracing herself.
"Harry," Draco started, "How are you so sure, witches and wizards that young aren't supposed to be able to do strong magic with or without a want, but most definitely not without one."
"No, I know that's not true, and so does Hermione. I did wandless magic many times when I was angry as a child. I've gotten a hold on it, certainly, but before that there were some dramatic effects, remember Mione?" And she had to grin. Harry moved onto the floor in front of her, met her eyes with his. "Hermione, this accidental magic isn't a big deal, really it isn't, you've read the books, you know that. What the real problem is, and the one I think you don't really want to face is that Ron sent those dolls, the first time he'd sent her or you anything, and that's how she reacted. You're scared, the depth of emotion there, and that Ron is somehow back into your life again, when you were finally rid of the pain."
Damn him, damn that Harry Potter if he didn't cut right to the root of her pain and fear. Unable to hide the truth from herself, unable to displace the worry, fear, and anger, she fell to the floor and into Harry's arms. He cradled her close and she released the words she'd really been holding in check.
"What if he wants her Harry? What if he wants visitation, what if he wants to see her, or have custody? What if he wants to see me, oh gods Harry, I don't think I could take it"
"We'll deal with each thing as it comes, Mione. That's all we've ever been able to do. And don't you worry. If I can face the Dark Lord, I'll be damned if I fall prone in front of a crippled Ron Weasley." She nodded, hugged herself closer to him quickly before straightening herself up and sitting primly in a chair. Harry got up as well and sat down in another chair.
As soon as they were situated Dumbledore walked into the room, holding up his hand to forestall any questions. "Young Samantha had some extra magic in her system, Poppy has given her some sleeping draft and she'll sleep 'til morning and wake up normally. There's nothing to worry about on that front. There is something, though, that I must speak with you about."
Hermione knew what was coming now, he had information on what was going on with Ron, and as much as she needed to knowledge, she dreaded with every shard of her broken heart.
"It seems," Dumbledore began as he sat in the chair behind his desk, "that Mr. Weasley has taken up residence in Hogsmeade. He's refurbished the Shrieking Shack, to be more precise. I don't exactly know what his goals are, but considering this last gift you should do some thinking about Samantha, and her father. This situation is going to take extreme care. Spend the rest of break thinking about how you want this to go, and, considering Samantha's reaction to the gift, what she wants as well. We want to be ready to counter any move he decides to make, but we can't do that when we have ambiguous feelings."
They all exchanged some rather awkward pleasantries, and Hermione walked back to her room followed by Draco. Harry stayed on to talk with Dumbledore.
"Are you going to be alright, Mione" Draco asked as they reached his and Harry's rooms first.
"Yes, I'll be alright. I'll just check on Sam and get some sleep"
"Alright, we'll probably just be in our rooms if you need us"
"Thank you Draco." And really she could say no more. She walked the rest of the way back to her chambers and into Sam's room.
Sitting on the bed she looked down at her sleeping daughter noticing, not for the first time, how much she looked like her father. Thinking thoughts that led nowhere she decided to get ready for bed, knowing that she would probably not sleep a wink.
After she'd gotten into her pajamas she hesitated, and then made her way back to Sam's room. Pulling back the covers she wrapped herself around her daughter, and swore on pain of death, that no one would take her Sam away.
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Draco had showered, and was sitting cross-legged on his bed. His body was almost still; except for the slow strokes he was giving his dragon. His mind, though, was another story entirely. Doubts, regrets, and second thoughts swirled around creating chaos. His insides were twisted, and he kept thinking ~I wonder if he'll look at them tonight. I wonder how he'll react. Oh gods, I should never have done that~
But done it he had. Imbuing the stone he'd given Harry with the only memories he had ever cherished. Hoping that they could speak for him, when he knew he could never speak for himself. The deed done, he now longed for Harry's reaction, even if it was one of disdain. Just so that he would know how to feel. Hermione had been right. If this all worked out it would be worth it, but if it didn't he didn't think he'd be able to go on.
So caught up in his thoughts he hadn't noticed Harry standing, one hand on each side of his doorframe, looking at Draco. When Draco did look up his breath hitched and his heart felt like it would careen out of his chest at the look on that beloved face.
"I never knew, Draco, I never even thought it was possible I" And he saw huge tears fall from Harry's eyes. Knowing what he had to do now gave Draco strength.
Pulling off the bed he walked over and toke Harry in his arms. "None of that matters now Harry, what do you feel now" and Draco waited with bated breath, feeling as if he would fall into those eyes. Suddenly, the green became sharper, more intense than he had ever seen before, and Harry pulled him closer and pressed his lips against Draco's.
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Not far away in Hogsmeade an owl tapped on the window of the Shrieking Shack. Ron wheeled himself over and took the large box from what looked like a Hogwart's school owl. Moving again to his desk he set the package down and started to open it. Inside he saw the remains of many porcelain dolls. Slamming the box into the trash Ron became determined to find the one who had poisoned his family against him, and make sure they paid dearly.
A/N: That would be the longest chapter I've put in so far. Did you like it? Huh, huh? Ron's gotta do some bad stuff before he can redeem himself. Yes, more bad stuff then walking out on his family for ten years. He will redeem himself, although I don't think he gets back together with Hermione. Not really plausible is it? ~Shrugs~ We'll just have to wait and see. I'll have more up tomorrow. I'm not exactly sure when this will show up. I did have it written and uploaded today, though, so I am keeping my promise!
Graffiti Decorations: I'm glad! Thank you :o)
Lyonessheart: Thank you!! You're ideas are awesome! They actually gave me an idea for Draco's gift to Harry, and that turned into a plot device! ~looks guilty~ I promised to deliver Harry/Draco in this chapter and had no idea how. Let's hear it for my deus ex machina!!!
Love to you all, I can't imagine having better reviewers and I don't know where I'd be with out you!
So! Let's have our selves a merry little Christmas! ...Or not
Since his first year at Hogwart's Harry's favorite holiday had always been Christmas. It was the day he felt most connected with his family, even those already on the other side. As if he could feel all their love, wrapping itself 'round his soul, bringing an unconscious smile to his lips. This Christmas was no different, and as he padded out into the common room, where all the important people in his world were about to gather, he couldn't help but feel lucky.
He was one step out of his bedroom when he stopped dead in his tracks. All over the common room were porcelain dolls. They sat on shelves, under the tree, on furniture. The feeling of all those eyes on him, even inanimate doll eyes ~strike that, especially inanimate doll eyes~ made his stomach crawl.
Before jumping to any conclusions he went to fetch Draco. Maybe he knew something Harry didn't. Even though the door to Draco's room wasn't far away Harry was in a run by the time he got to it ~those eyes~ he shuddered.
He checked himself as he got to the door, tried to slow his breathing down, but it was no use. The accusatory eyes of the dolls were burning holes in his back. He knocked twice, then, without waiting for an answer, opened to door to see Draco quickly shove something under his pillow. Harry had no time for curiosity; he wanted those soulless things out of their living room!
"How many dolls did you guys buy same last week?" Harry managed to gasp out.
Draco looked at him, head tipped to one side, "Hermione bought her one, and I bought her something else, why?"
"Come see." Harry just moved out the way to let Draco into the common room, staying within the doll-free confines of Draco's bedroom. He managed to get his breathe under control by the time Draco returned. "I've no idea where all those dolls came from Harry, there's a card, but perhaps we should get Hermione in here first. She may want to have them checked before she gives them to Samantha...Harry, what's wrong?"
Harry had realized how he'd been acting, and scuffed his feet on Draco's floor. "I was surprised by the dolls, having them all there was- unnerving."
"Ah" Draco said, giving Harry a strange look before going back out into the common room. "Harry," he said, "Why don't you go get Hermione?"
Harry, more than willing to oblige Draco, as it meant he got to leave their rooms for at least a few moments, walked swiftly out the door. As soon as he was out the door his pace slowed. Walking across the hall to Hermione's room he had a little space to wonder who would have sent to dolls, but no one in particular jumped to mind. Softly he knocked on her door, seconds later the door was opened by a very hyper Samantha.
"Uncle Harry! Is it time for presents? Mom said we couldn't go over early because she wasn't sure 'bout where you'd" But what Hermione wasn't sure about Harry wasn't able to catch because out of no where Hermione's hand had clamped itself over Sam's mouth.
"Hello Harry" Hermione said, giggling rather nervously," would you like us to come over now?"
"Actually, Hermione, Draco and I were wondering if you could leave Sam here for a moment and come and look at something." Harry looked down at Sam "I'm sorry sweet, but it's kind of important, and you can follow in about five minutes alright?" Harry said, thinking that five minutes was enough time to vanish the dolls to another room if need be.
"Sure thing, Harry, I'll just be along. Sammy, stay right here and come along in a few minutes." Hermione followed Harry out into the hall and Sam nodded.
"Harry, what's this about?" Hermione almost hissed as they walked to Harry and Draco's rooms.
"You'll see, just come."
Harry let Hermione open the door and she, too, stopped dead. "Harry, who are these from, there must be a hundred of them!"
Just then Draco walked in with a pink envelope. Hermione opened it, and all she could do was stare and the card that she pulled out. When asked whom it was from all she said was "Ron". Harry and Draco just looked at each other, neither could think of anything to say.
A few moments passed, and a previously forgotten Samantha came bouncing into the room. "Mommy, did you get me all these dolls? I thought we could only afford one...mommy?"
Numbly, tears running down her cheeks, and her eyes rather wide, Hermione handed Sam the card. All any of them could do was watch for the reaction.
At first they thought she wouldn't do anything, as still as she stood. Soon, though, they could see her face getting red and her fists clench. She, too, now had tears running down her cheeks. From Harry's perspective they looked more like angry tears than grateful ones.
In fascinated horror the watched as Samantha leaned her head back, her mouth to the ceiling, and screamed. It was a sound of anguish and pain. And after about five seconds the heads of the dolls began to explode, sending shards of porcelain all over the room. Showering them in some malevolent parody of the snow falling outside.
Seconds passed like hours as Harry saw Hermione reach to guard Samantha from the downpour, without thinking Harry did the same for Draco. Only Draco seemed intent on sheltering Harry, and they collided into each other and landed in a heap on the floor. In a flash they got on their knees, bending down as if praying, each covering the other's neck with their arm.
It seemed like they stayed that way for hours when all the noise stopped, and bits of glass were no longer falling from above. Hesitantly, Harry got up to see Hermione holding a sobbing Sam. His heart went out to them, but he knew anything he could do now had more to do with getting the room cleaned up, than comforting a broken hearted child.
Draco gathered up the remainder of the presents under the tree, the doll from Hermione still intact, placed them into a pile, and Harry watched as Draco went into his room. Harry called for the house elves to come clean up the glass, and went into his own room to get his presents for the others.
After he had them, he went back into the common room. Kneeling down beside Hermione and Sam he said quietly, "Would you like to go back to your rooms and open some presents?" Hermione looked as though she was about to protest, but Sam nodded and slowly brightened.
"Thanks, Uncle Harry, let's go."
So they walked from the room just as the house elves began to poof themselves in it. Walking the short walk to Hermione's rooms they all stayed silent. Opening the door, Hermione sent Draco with Sam into the common room and pulled Harry aside.
"Harry, I know you want to make her feel better, gods know I do too, but shouldn't we be talking to Dumbledore about what just happened in there?" Harry looked taken aback. "Hermione, she's you child, you should do what you think is best, I just thought... Mione, it's Christmas. She can talk about painful things this afternoon, but let her open presents first." Perhaps he was reading some of his own emotions on to Sam, but he knew how he had felt as a child, and he would have wanted a breather, especially one with presents.
"No, you're right Harry, let's go open presents." And so Harry and Hermione joined Draco and Sam in the common room.
When Sam had opened every last gift there was to open she sat back and looked at Harry.
"Uncle Harry," She cooed, "Don't you have presents for mommy and Draco?"
Harry gulped, on his lap were two fairly large presents. The first he handed to Hermione, keeping the other on his lap. "Mione, as soon as I saw these I knew they were for you."
As Hermione began to carefully pull away the paper she saw the texture of old leather, and started pulling just a little faster. When she had them out of their wrappings she took a look inside and gasped "Rose Effloresce, Harry, are these her original journals?"
Harry nodded, but before he could say more Hermione was against him, hugging tightly. "Oh Harry! Thank you! I've been looking for printed copies ever since I learned about the Order of Merlin, and never could!" then "Harry, these must have cost you a fortune, where ever did you find them?" Harry looked at his feet. Yes, they had cost quite a bit, but the money was nothing when he saw how very perfect they were for her.
"Mione, really, I found them in some shop in Hogsmeade, I don't remember which, I'd been to so many just looking for the gifts." He sighed, "Mione, don't worry about how much they cost, all that matters to me is that you like them, your enjoyment means as much to me as any gift."
"Alright Harry, thank you" she sniffed, "Oh dear, I'm quite leaky today, aren't I?" Harry just smiled and hugged her tighter for a second before releasing her back to her seat on the couch.
Now came the hard part. He had known that Mione would like her gift, but from here on out things got tricky. Trying to look confident and sure he gave Draco the other carefully wrapped box. As Draco took it Harry could see emotions warring in his eyes, but he was not sure which they were.
Draco pulled back the paper reverently, as if receiving the actual gift would break the spell that hung over them all now. Harry watched, butterflies fluttering in his stomach, as Draco finally got to the box that held his gift. He slowly pulled the Dragon sculpture out and set in on the coffee table in front of them. Draco ran one finger down the spine of the Dragon, and Harry was almost positive he could feel it on his own skin.
Harry was watching the Draco, and Draco was looking right back at him. Neither watching the Dragon. Sam broke to silence when she said "Uncle Harry! What did you do to the Dragon! It never moved before!"
Harry looked down at the gift he had worked so hard on. The Dragon slowly stretched, and Draco watched it, seemingly rapt. The Dragon was about the size of a basketball, but all black. It's eyes were a silver that reminded Harry so much of Draco it was almost eerie.
"Thank you Harry" Draco said quietly, watching in awe as the dragon made as to sleep on his lap.
"But, but Uncle Harry!" Sam began again, "What did you do to it?"
At this Harry smiled. That had been a tricky bit of magic. "It's a pensieve, you put the strands of memory in it's mouth, but it's bound to Draco, and it's charmed alive."
Hermione's jaw dropped. "Harry that takes ages, and you would have had to find a power source to keep the charm going, and the carvings, and, Harry that would take ages to make!"
Harry just smiled again and looked expectantly at the last box sitting on the arm of Draco's chair.
Picking up the dragon and setting in on his shoulder Draco grabbed the last present and said, "Right then, I'll just give this to Dumbledore, since were heading there anyway."
Harry was devastated, although he knew Draco probably reciprocate Harry's love; he had thought they had gained some semblance of friendship. It was not the lack of present that had him upset, but the blatant disregard for his feelings, and now he—
"Oh Harry, do stop looking like a kicked puppy, I was only joking, this is for you." Feeling extremely foolish, Harry took the present from Draco's hand.
Unwrapping it he saw shinny black. Pulling all the paper off he saw it was a black jewel-box. One side of the lid featured a dragon, the other a lion. Pulling open the hinged lid Harry saw the biggest emerald he'd ever seen. He barely touched it and it sprung to life, green flames erupting all around it as it floated in front of Harry's face.
Harry looked over at Draco, who had lost his pretension and seemed diffident. "It's like a pensieve. You just, stare at it, and think of something you'd like to relive and it's like your there again. You experience everything all over. You can also put memories into it, but they don't leave your mind. They exist in both places. I've put a few in already. To access them you tap your wand against the emerald twice and saw the incantation that's around the lid of the box."
Harry nodded, "Thank you Draco, it's gorgeous." Harry couldn't out into words how he felt at this moment, he wasn't sure if he'd be able to breathe normally again, and his heart was not just skipping beats, but running, leaping, and pole vaulting them.
Unsure of how to act he looked over at Hermione, who was sputtering noisily. Harry laughed himself into stitches at the sight.
"C'mon Mione, let's go talk to Dumbledore." And so the four of them sobered instantly, remembering things they had wanted to out off, the magic broken.
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Dobby looked around the mess that had been made of Master Harry's room. Seeing the card laying on the floor, and the signature, Dobby had an idea. Who ever said house elves were beyond a little revenge?
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Hermione was sitting in a plushy chair in Dumbledore's office. Harry was holding her hand while she leaned her head back, sighing.
"It'll be alright Mione" Harry told her, his voice soft. Hermione wished she could believe him, but this was Sam. She couldn't have anything happen to Sam. She was bracing herself.
"Harry," Draco started, "How are you so sure, witches and wizards that young aren't supposed to be able to do strong magic with or without a want, but most definitely not without one."
"No, I know that's not true, and so does Hermione. I did wandless magic many times when I was angry as a child. I've gotten a hold on it, certainly, but before that there were some dramatic effects, remember Mione?" And she had to grin. Harry moved onto the floor in front of her, met her eyes with his. "Hermione, this accidental magic isn't a big deal, really it isn't, you've read the books, you know that. What the real problem is, and the one I think you don't really want to face is that Ron sent those dolls, the first time he'd sent her or you anything, and that's how she reacted. You're scared, the depth of emotion there, and that Ron is somehow back into your life again, when you were finally rid of the pain."
Damn him, damn that Harry Potter if he didn't cut right to the root of her pain and fear. Unable to hide the truth from herself, unable to displace the worry, fear, and anger, she fell to the floor and into Harry's arms. He cradled her close and she released the words she'd really been holding in check.
"What if he wants her Harry? What if he wants visitation, what if he wants to see her, or have custody? What if he wants to see me, oh gods Harry, I don't think I could take it"
"We'll deal with each thing as it comes, Mione. That's all we've ever been able to do. And don't you worry. If I can face the Dark Lord, I'll be damned if I fall prone in front of a crippled Ron Weasley." She nodded, hugged herself closer to him quickly before straightening herself up and sitting primly in a chair. Harry got up as well and sat down in another chair.
As soon as they were situated Dumbledore walked into the room, holding up his hand to forestall any questions. "Young Samantha had some extra magic in her system, Poppy has given her some sleeping draft and she'll sleep 'til morning and wake up normally. There's nothing to worry about on that front. There is something, though, that I must speak with you about."
Hermione knew what was coming now, he had information on what was going on with Ron, and as much as she needed to knowledge, she dreaded with every shard of her broken heart.
"It seems," Dumbledore began as he sat in the chair behind his desk, "that Mr. Weasley has taken up residence in Hogsmeade. He's refurbished the Shrieking Shack, to be more precise. I don't exactly know what his goals are, but considering this last gift you should do some thinking about Samantha, and her father. This situation is going to take extreme care. Spend the rest of break thinking about how you want this to go, and, considering Samantha's reaction to the gift, what she wants as well. We want to be ready to counter any move he decides to make, but we can't do that when we have ambiguous feelings."
They all exchanged some rather awkward pleasantries, and Hermione walked back to her room followed by Draco. Harry stayed on to talk with Dumbledore.
"Are you going to be alright, Mione" Draco asked as they reached his and Harry's rooms first.
"Yes, I'll be alright. I'll just check on Sam and get some sleep"
"Alright, we'll probably just be in our rooms if you need us"
"Thank you Draco." And really she could say no more. She walked the rest of the way back to her chambers and into Sam's room.
Sitting on the bed she looked down at her sleeping daughter noticing, not for the first time, how much she looked like her father. Thinking thoughts that led nowhere she decided to get ready for bed, knowing that she would probably not sleep a wink.
After she'd gotten into her pajamas she hesitated, and then made her way back to Sam's room. Pulling back the covers she wrapped herself around her daughter, and swore on pain of death, that no one would take her Sam away.
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Draco had showered, and was sitting cross-legged on his bed. His body was almost still; except for the slow strokes he was giving his dragon. His mind, though, was another story entirely. Doubts, regrets, and second thoughts swirled around creating chaos. His insides were twisted, and he kept thinking ~I wonder if he'll look at them tonight. I wonder how he'll react. Oh gods, I should never have done that~
But done it he had. Imbuing the stone he'd given Harry with the only memories he had ever cherished. Hoping that they could speak for him, when he knew he could never speak for himself. The deed done, he now longed for Harry's reaction, even if it was one of disdain. Just so that he would know how to feel. Hermione had been right. If this all worked out it would be worth it, but if it didn't he didn't think he'd be able to go on.
So caught up in his thoughts he hadn't noticed Harry standing, one hand on each side of his doorframe, looking at Draco. When Draco did look up his breath hitched and his heart felt like it would careen out of his chest at the look on that beloved face.
"I never knew, Draco, I never even thought it was possible I" And he saw huge tears fall from Harry's eyes. Knowing what he had to do now gave Draco strength.
Pulling off the bed he walked over and toke Harry in his arms. "None of that matters now Harry, what do you feel now" and Draco waited with bated breath, feeling as if he would fall into those eyes. Suddenly, the green became sharper, more intense than he had ever seen before, and Harry pulled him closer and pressed his lips against Draco's.
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Not far away in Hogsmeade an owl tapped on the window of the Shrieking Shack. Ron wheeled himself over and took the large box from what looked like a Hogwart's school owl. Moving again to his desk he set the package down and started to open it. Inside he saw the remains of many porcelain dolls. Slamming the box into the trash Ron became determined to find the one who had poisoned his family against him, and make sure they paid dearly.
A/N: That would be the longest chapter I've put in so far. Did you like it? Huh, huh? Ron's gotta do some bad stuff before he can redeem himself. Yes, more bad stuff then walking out on his family for ten years. He will redeem himself, although I don't think he gets back together with Hermione. Not really plausible is it? ~Shrugs~ We'll just have to wait and see. I'll have more up tomorrow. I'm not exactly sure when this will show up. I did have it written and uploaded today, though, so I am keeping my promise!