-- This one is for Nina. Happy birthday!
Phase 7-B – A Christmas To Remember
"Expecto Patronum!"
"Hahahahaahaaa!"
Draco scowled darkly at his cousin who was kneeling on the floor, wrapping her arms round her stomach and laughing hysterically.
"Will you quit it?" he hissed in extreme irritation. A big silver puffy balloon with tail was floating leisurely above his head.
In front of him, Harry sighed after closing the wardrobe containing a Boggart. They had been conducting special training of Patronus Charm for Draco, and when Harry was testing him with a Boggart, it turned out that Draco's worst fear at present was Dementor – like Harry's before. So it made easier for them to practice. The problem was just that after a week of intensive training, Draco's Patronus was still the same balloon, only getting bigger sometimes.
Draco almost wept, ashamed with himself. He wouldn't mind a ferret as his Patronus (he had long abandoned his fantasy to have dragon or serpent as his Patronus). Everything was better than a balloon with tail.
"Let's try again, Draco," Harry said patiently. "Try thinking something else. Maybe the memory of your grandmother."
"Done that. It was when the tail was missing."
"Have you ever tried thinking about Harry?" Tonks asked between her tears of mirth, still slightly breathless. This was the first time she got involved in Draco's training, and she promised herself to attend this training session regularly. It was a rare occasion she could laugh at her cousin this liberally.
Draco flushed and nodded. "I thought about our… date. But…" He was silent afterwards, and the other two occupants in the Room of Requirement frowned at him. "Uh… sorry, Harry. But it made me think about the Trolls and Dementors too, and… and I always had that moment when you caught the Snitch within my memory of you."
"Dracoooo… ," Tonks sighed. "Just concentrate on Harry. Harry only. How handsome he is, how mesmerizing his voice is. This boy is all-round, top-notch perfection." Her cousin sneered at first, but then he nodded towards Harry, indicating he was ready for another go. Harry opened the wardrobe.
"Expecto Patronum!"
Another balloon – this time the tail had a round shape at its tip.
"Oh, a progress!" Tonks exclaimed after she laughed again. "See? Harry makes such a positive thinking! Next time try imagining his naked form."
Harry coughed. Draco choked, and refused to continue the practice for today.
It was almost curfew. For this training, they took a couple of hours after DA meeting. When they both arrived in front of Draco's room, Harry asked if he might come inside for a few minutes, to have a little talk. Draco allowed him, and without wasting time Harry spoke up as Draco closed the door.
"Draco, are you not happy with me?"
"No! I mean yes, I am. You… err… make me happy. Really."
"Don't lie to console me, Draco. Or at least be more eloquent when you're doing it. Please tell me if you are not happy, that's the only thing important for me."
Chewing his lips, Draco pondered his answer. With a confident look, he stated eventually, "Don't worry, Harry. I tell you the truth: I'm happy with you. But are you happy with me?"
"Of course I am! I…"
"I haven't done anything, Harry," Draco interrupted. "I've never done anything to make you happy. Maybe you love me so much that you're happy when I'm happy or something like that, but it sounds impossible for me. If I never do anything to make you happy for the rest of our lives, what are you going to feel about it?"
Overjoyed that Draco was concerned about his feeling, Harry replied, "As long as you're with me, everything will be perfect."
'Shouldn't have asked…' "Even the Hell is perfect. Yeah, yeah, you're a happy man already, Harry. Nice to know you."
Harry ignored it and went on dreamily, "Every time and every place is perfect when I'm with you. You're the only one I need. I'm not lying, Draco."
"I know," Draco admitted quietly. He tried to look neutral, but Harry caught a trace of smile on his lips. The green-eyed boy put his hands on Draco's shoulders.
"It isn't fair I suppose, that I manage to produce a very powerful Patronus only after one second thinking of you, while you still cannot distinguish your happy moments with me from the unhappy ones."
"I'll try harder next time."
"Me too. I'll try harder to win your heart. Soon you'll be able to cast a real Patronus only after one second thinking of me."
Raising an eyebrow elegantly, Draco drawled, "I hope my Patronus wouldn't be a Gryffindor lion then. That, for sure, would ruin my credibility."
His fiancé laughed, "Oh, but judging from the tail, the odds are high, darling."
Draco winced, hoping against hope that Harry was just plain wrong, like whenever he was making a prediction. Yet any lion would be a lot more acceptable than Hufflepuff badger, because if that were the case, he might be seriously compelled to jump from Astronomy Tower.
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As Christmas came nearer, Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was wrapped with joy. Snow piled on the ground outside the castle; Hogwarts had never been such meticulously white while at the same time unusually cold. But inside, it was always nice and warm. Students and teachers alike were constantly in good mood. Even Snape didn't look as sour as usual, though for Harry he was still the same old Snape.
Narcissa herself had suggested that Draco stayed with Harry during holiday and used this opportunity – where people wouldn't disturb them – to get closer to each other. Harry was very grateful with her understanding, having fretted over how to convince Draco to spend holiday with him.
There were three weeks left before Christmas arrived, but the spirit had come early to Hogwarts. Ornaments in nuance of red and green decorated corridors in the castle, while little dwarfs ala Lockhart's cupid roamed around the place performing Christmas carols during lunch break. Students had started discussing their plan for the holiday, and what they would give their special persons for Christmas. It also seemed that the Christmas spirit had affected a certain Ice Prince.
One morning Draco suddenly found himself mulling over his approaching Christmas with Harry. What would Harry give to him? What would he give to Harry?
Harry had been so kind to him, always flooding him with love and caring. Harry never asked anything from him (except for a real kiss, but Draco could always easily decline). When he was contemplating it, Draco realized he wanted to present something special for Harry, at least considering it as the exchange for all the love showered generously upon him. He was quite happy with himself for having such thought, because it meant he had made improvement in developing deeper feeling for his fiancé.
Yes, he would create a perfect Christmas for Harry. He would present something grand and unforgettable. As a surprise.
The only problem was he had no idea how and what to do. Usually it was other people creating a perfect Christmas for him, but he would never apply those second-hand ideas even when he was pressed for time. If a simple-minded Gryffindor Harry could be original, why couldn't he – a proclaimed sophisticated Slytherin – be the same? Yet he couldn't come up with a suitable idea even after racking his brains. Time to gain a little help from outside, but still…
He had asked for any suggestion from Blaise, but Draco dismissed him as soon as Blaise started recommending some smutty propositions. Then he tried Tonks, but he left her immediately because she cried out loudly for anyone to hear how cute it was that a spoiled self-centred brat like Draco wanted to give something for his charming fiancé. Snape was out of question; Draco couldn't imagine combining Christmas, Harry Potter, and Professor Snape all in one room. He didn't ask for help from Ron, because he didn't trust Ron's creativity and his ability to keep a secret, while he didn't want to involve Hermione either. He would probably need to spend some times alone with her, away from Harry, to discuss this matter. Harry could mistake his sudden closeness to Hermione for something else.
Instead of obtaining a hand from Ron, Draco was pestered by the redhead who kept asking him what the perfect Christmas present for Hermione would be. Draco half-heartedly supplied his dearest Weasel a lot of romantic Christmas ideas he could think about. Hermione would spend Christmas holiday in the Burrow with Ron's family. It was Draco himself who announced how nice it would be if she went with Ron to the Burrow for holiday – without Harry and him, in his 'don't-argue-with-me' mode and with the same authoritative tone of a Head Boy. While the Head Girl gave him a half-exasperated, half-amused look and a sisterly smile, Ron only deciphered Draco's action as the blond's own tactic to spend the holiday with Harry in privacy.
On Wednesday, the two engaged boys were walking along the hallway. Harry was reciting the newest story of Greg and Forge to his fiancé beside him, while Draco was still seeking for an inspiration for Harry's Christmas present. He was entertaining the idea of asking for suggestion from Fred and George, and weighing the pros and cons of it, when suddenly he noticed that Harry's step had faltered.
Lifting his eyes to look ahead of him, Draco was genuinely surprised to see Oliver Wood again. The young Quidditch player walked briskly towards them with a thrilled expression. Draco raised an eyebrow before sending Oliver a delicate smile and greeted him warmly as Oliver stopped in front of them.
In turn, Harry greeted him coolly, "Oliver. What a pleasant surprise." His tone said otherwise.
The older man replied cautiously, but still in genial manner, "Hello, Harry. Strange weather today, isn't it guys?"
It was. It hadn't been snowing since yesterday, yet the air was cold enough to keep the existing heap of snow from melting in spite of the sun shining generously above. As a result of it, Hogwarts was still pure white under radiant sunlight.
"So it is. What brought you here?" Harry showed a chilling albeit handsome smile. Draco refrained from sighing.
"My coach is ill, and we couldn't find a substitution for him. So they gave us an early Christmas holiday. I decided to visit Hogwarts before your holiday arrives."
"There's nothing new here. Why not go to some tropical island about the equator to spend your free period?"
Draco threw the fidgeting man in front of him a broad smile as he slung his arm round Harry's shoulder. "Of course Wood had travelled to every tropical island in the world by the time he reached 20. You would never imagine how much a professional Quidditch player's wage is, Harry. Besides, why should he go so far away? Right now it's almost as sunny here as it is in equator zone."
Oliver nodded eagerly. "I always spend Christmas with my family anyway. And Hogwarts has always been my second home."
"Until next year…"
"Well, yes. That's exactly how a lot of witches and wizards, after spending seven years in boarding-school, may think. I remember my father once said the same thing long time ago," Draco intercepted and at the same time moving a little behind Harry before resting his cheek on Harry's shoulder. His arm still remained lazily at its previous place. Draco perceived a soft intake of breath from his fiancé.
Oliver tried to look indifferent while facing the exotic display of these two boys before him. "What are you going to do for holiday?"
"Draco and I will stay in Hogwarts. We haven't planned anything yet, but it's going to be a great time for us," this time Harry replied in a much milder way. Draco's hair tickled his neck. Sometimes showing jealousy had a positive effect too.
"Go see your kids, Oliver. Ron misses you so much," Draco had shifted his head a bit so now he had his chin placed on Harry's shoulder.
"Oh, don't worry. I'd love to have another Butterbeer party like the last time. By the way, I'm arranging a New Year party for everyone who has ever become a player in Gryffindor Quidditch team, old and new. You must be there, Harry. You'll be our honorary member."
Harry tilted his head to smile at Draco, causing his nose to brush lightly against Draco's cheek. Oliver gulped. "Thank you for your invitation, but I want to celebrate New Year with Draco."
"Of course he may come too! Isn't he your fiancé? And it's my pleasure to invite Draco Malfoy. We're still good friends, aren't we, Draco?"
"Naturally," the boy questioned answered briskly. He was concentrating on another prospect in front of him. Oliver was really good-looking and popular. He most likely had had lots of girlfriends, lots of dates, and upper-crust social events. Maybe Oliver could help…
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"You want to give Harry a Christmas surprise? And you ask me for suggestions?"
"Yeah," Draco answered shortly. He had brought Oliver for a walk outside the castle later that day, and after an opening chit-chat, he told Oliver about his predicament.
Oliver scratched his chin. "Well, this is the first time anyone ever asks me to help them planning a surprise." He added hurriedly after perceiving Draco's sign to retreat, "Don't worry. I actually have dozens ideas of an ideal Yule, and I'd love to help you."
"Ever celebrated Christmas with a lover, Oliver? Just the two of you?" Draco asked with a casual smile.
Oliver flushed a little. "That was a long time ago, and a complete fiasco. Drop it, okay? Let's talk about you and Harry, and your first perfect Christmas together. What kind of surprise gift would you like for Harry?"
Draco folded his arms and frowned before answering, "This is the tricky part. I only have a very general idea of what I want to give Harry. Of course it must be something one-of-a-kind. Something exquisite, delightfully memorable, and wonderful." 'Something like him…'
"Ahh," the older boy smiled with kind understanding shining in his eyes, "Draco Malfoy, you're in love with your fiancé."
"Hey! I'm actually planning this for my own sake!" Draco shut his mouth immediately. He lowered his gaze at the untainted snow beneath his feet and said softly, "This is the first time I will celebrate Christmas with Harry. I really want to make it special, mostly for him. Because Harry deserves no less than the best Christmas in the world."
"I see. Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived. He is that special."
Draco took a deep breath, enjoying the scent of winter entering his nostrils. Smiling at the vast white ground before him, he countered without looking at his conversing partner, "He is not that great. He hasn't deprived the world of famine and war. He might not be able to vanquish Voldemort for the second time. Destiny doesn't make a person special. I personally think the most extraordinary thing about Harry is his luck. No one should consider him as special. No one, but me."
The other man waited without a word, and Draco turned to meet his eye when finishing, "Harry is my fiancé, the only person I will spend the rest of my life with. He is special for me, because he's the one and only for me. I want to make him happy because of that. I want to give him the best Christmas in the world because of that."
For some times, the two young men only stood facing each other. The older one just gazed at his younger counterpart, but the gaze was laced with deep adoration which made Draco blush heavily. Eventually Oliver stated, "Merlin, I never knew I would become this insanely jealous of Harry Potter. I don't care that he's so damn popular, but what I'm covetous of him is you as his fiancé."
Draco blushed even deeper, and Oliver continued after a sigh, "I recall saying that you must feel lucky getting engaged to Harry, but now I should say the similar thing to your fiancé. I can't tell who is luckier, you or Harry."
However embarrassed he was, Draco couldn't repress his happy smile. It felt good when someone placed more interest in him than in Harry.
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For some days afterwards, Oliver paid a daily visit to Hogwarts specially to meet Draco. Every time the ex-Gryffindor came, he and the Slytherin boy would exchange a knowing look as if they had been sharing a secret only known to both of them. Then Draco would excuse himself and leave Harry to spend the next few hours with Oliver. Only with Oliver.
The Head Boy was very annoyed, to say the least, at the closeness of Draco and Oliver. It pained him every time he found out that Draco had been spending some amount of time only with Oliver, or every time Draco left him only to meet Oliver. Furthermore, it pained him every time he saw Draco's face so bright before and after he spent those hours with Oliver.
He kept taking a look at his Marauders' Map, and kept finding the dot labelled Draco Malfoy side by side with another labelled Oliver Wood. He was tempted to use his remote-viewing ability or just barge in directly in the middle of whatever conspiracy Draco was planning with Oliver. However, no matter how restive he got, the Golden Boy listened to the better part of his heart telling him to sustain his honour. He must respect Draco's privacy; besides, he had made a promise to his fiancé regarding his remote-viewing ability. Moreover, Harry still remembered when he accused Draco in that still-unresolved-mystery-parchment case. He wanted to trust Draco.
Harry had complained openly to his fiancé, but Draco laughed at him and said he was being ridiculous. If Draco went out with Cho Chang, for example, Harry might protest. Every time Harry questioned what Draco did with Oliver, Draco either answered it was about Quidditch or told him straightforwardly to mind his own business.
Snow fell occasionally only in a flurry, and the weather outside was still sunny during the day but cold. The coldness alone definitely affected Harry Potter these days. His fiancé still attached himself to Oliver, during lunch break, between classes, or some time before dinner. Considering they should not waste their separating time, Draco didn't always leave Harry again whenever Oliver came. Nevertheless, the way they interacted in front of his own eyes disturbed Harry greatly since Oliver seemed to have a certain strong influence over his Slytherin fiancé.
Draco talked much more when he was with Oliver. Sometimes Oliver would whisper something to Draco, and the younger boy would either blush or giggle madly. It was good to hear Draco's pleasant laugh, but still… Harry couldn't help thinking that he was never capable of making Draco laugh so easily. And to see someone else make his beloved Ice Prince blush like that…
On another hand, Draco had had a great time. Unlike Harry, Oliver was very funny, sometimes even without intention. The Slytherin found out too that Oliver was a good listener. Draco could speak freely about his fiancé and received another person's outlook about Harry. It was fun to hear from someone who was not intimate with Harry Potter, but knew him well enough to make objective comments about him. It was also a little embarrassing for Draco to find how passionate he often was when talking about Harry to Oliver.
A lot of discussion sessions went by before Draco eventually found a great idea for Harry's present and worked on the details with Oliver. For the following days, he paused participating in DA meeting and suspended his Patronus training to instead make use of those hours in his secret spot, where he would present the surprise for Harry. A couple of times he called Oliver again to provide him with further essential detail, but all practical works were Draco's sole effort.
The present was more than half-way towards completion when Draco was blocked by several difficult details. He consulted Snape about them without giving away his plan, though Snape probably had suspected it anyway. The Potions Master told him some useful tips, but he would need to obtain certain ingredients from Hogsmeade. After a lot of pleas and long reasoning, Draco was allowed to go to Hogsmeade that Saturday afternoon – without Harry. Tonks escorted him to the village and throughout his exploration to buy all his needs. Five other Order's members watched over him as well to ensure Draco's safety.
After he ticked each item in his list, Draco decided he still had time to meet Oliver at an inn where he stayed in Hogsmeade. Oliver welcomed him inside his room, and soon Draco, Oliver, and Tonks were involved in incessant friendly chatting, mainly discussing Harry, Harry's Christmas present, Harry's life, and many other things about Harry.
It wasn't before curfew that Draco arrived back at Hogwarts. Tonks personally saw him to the door of his room – she was chatting with herself excitedly all the way, and bid her cousin good night. Draco was constantly smiling too, and he had a very good night indeed.
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However, the same good night did not apply to the Head Boy. First thing on Sunday morning, Harry confronted his fiancé in front of the Chimera statue.
"Where have you been last night?"
"Out. Ask Professor Snape for details," his fiancé drawled.
"You returned only after curfew."
"Said who?"
"The map."
"Okay then. So what?"
"Where have you been, Draco? Why are you keeping secret from me?"
"If I remember correctly, and no doubt about that, we have no contract whatsoever stating all my belongings are yours as well. I can have any secret I don't want to share with you, that's my personal right."
Harry shook his head. "I'm not forcing you to tell me everything. But last night you went out of school by yourself. That was dangerous, Draco. And I don't get why Headmaster and Professor Snape gave you the permission."
"Tonks was with me. I know she is not the most competent guardian out there, but let's not insult her."
Harry opened his mouth, shut it again, and sighed. He dragged Draco inside the chamber, ignoring Draco's protest that he needed breakfast even in the weekend. Closing the door, Harry immediately poured his soul out.
"I was almost mad with worry when I couldn't find you in the castle. Only because Professor Snape told me not to worry… I almost went out by myself to search for you, because you still didn't show up until dinner time was over."
"I bet it took Dumbledore himself to 'calm you down'. Really, Harry. You always prove that you're capable of being more reckless than anyone else thinks you are," Draco smiled, patting Harry's cheek.
The other boy grasped his wrist and crushed him in a tight embrace. "I can't help it. I'm too scared of losing you to stay calm whenever you're away from me, even without Voldemort out on the prowl. Please, Draco, don't give me this kind of heart attack again."
Draco lifted his face to meet Harry's eye and explained, "I want to give Professor Snape a special present for his Christmas, and I needed some things to buy in Hogsmeade for it. I couldn't wait because it takes time to prepare this present."
Harry gazed deeply at Draco's silver eyes. He could sense that Draco was still hiding something, yet he knew Draco didn't lie either. Harry decided that this was because Draco didn't want to tell anyone about his Christmas present for Snape.
"Still, you could ask for my company."
"I'm quite sure there were at least five witches and wizards from the Order who guarded me during my presence in Hogsmeade. I was absolutely well-protected. I'm sorry though, because I have wasted our separation time."
"My greatest concern was just for your safety, Draco. I never want to confine your freedom by using our inseparable case. If only the situation were different, I'd let you do everything you want," Harry whispered while tracing Draco's bottom lip gently with a finger. That was all Draco needed to enhance his spirit in making the best Christmas ever for his fiancé.
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Afterwards Draco spent a long time from past lunch time until it was dark in his secret spot, working continuously for Harry's present which had been nearly finished by the time he decided to return to the castle. Just after he left the entrance from the grove to his place, Draco was surprised by the presence of a familiar figure with silver long beard.
The old wizard gave him an amiable look, his blue eyes twinkling visibly over his half-moon spectacles in the dark surroundings.
"Headmaster," the Prefect boy greeted.
"Good evening, Draco. It is a bit too cold out here tonight," Dumbledore smiled warmly.
"Flame Draught is a useful potion, sir."
"Ah, yes. Severus has thoughtfully offered it to me once, but I said to him it would eliminate the gratification from hot chocolate in this season. I agree, however, that for young and active teenagers like you the draught would be proven quite useful indeed."
"Ehm, it's to maintain your body temperature, sir. Not for…"
Dumbledore laughed merrily. "Yes, yes. I know that of course. And you are blushing, Draco." While the boy was struggling to get rid of the undignified blush, the old wizard continued, "Harry will be very delighted, I am very sure of that. Lucky boy, he is. Here his fiancé whom he loves so dearly has spent precious hours to work with the snow until past twilight, all for a surprise gift on forthcoming Christmas. No wonder it is always so warm near that grove over there, so much happiness radiating from a small place behind it. At the same time, the snow covering that place is the thickest and purest Hogwarts ever has. Never before in my life have I seen such a fair ground."
"Uh, that's actually…" Quickly composing himself, Draco smiled in a half-wicked way. "I would soon sue you for spying on me, sir."
The same kind of smile appeared on Dumbledore's face. "That would require a lot of efforts to prove me guilty, considering I am the Headmaster of this school and a Chief Warlock in Wizengamot at the same time. Truthfully, Draco, you may tell me if you need any tiny bit of assistance when working on this secret project. I would more than love to help."
"I appreciate your concern, Professor. However, this is my present for Harry. As long as I can, I will do the entire job by myself. Up till now, everything is going under control."
"I understand perfectly, my boy." The old wizard looked upwards and sighed, "Ah, young love… We do not have to wait until spring; it has been all over this winter air. I believe this is the reason why the sun shines brightly everyday, yet the snow does not melt. Heaven is showing its pleasure and trying to help you too. This is definitely magic of the purest kind."
"Um, sir…"
Dumbledore chuckled and waved his hand. "No need to worry, Draco. I keep my mouth shut in the mean time. I'll ensure this will stay a surprise, a very delightful surprise for Harry."
"Thank you, Professor."
From his pocket Dumbledore brought out his watch. "You missed dinner," the Headmaster stated.
Draco only shrugged. "I'll find something in the kitchen. May I have your permission, sir?"
"Certainly." Dumbledore reached for his pocket once more and pulled a thin package from it, then handed it to Draco. "Kindly give this to Dobby as you are dropping by the kitchen, will you Draco? This is a picture book of fashion he has requested."
"Ah, so that fantastic rumour amongst the house-elves that Dobby now has a girlfriend is true. What a surprising Christmas this year will be," Draco smiled, and walked back to castle.
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Once he stepped into the kitchen, Draco sought a certain house-elf.
"Here, Dobby. From Dumbledore for you," he went right to the point, ignoring Dobby's squeak: "Master Draco! It has been a while, sir!".
Immediately Draco ordered a take-away meal from the house-elves for his dinner. After serving the boy a cup of tea, Dobby unwrapped the package, squeaked again in delight, and started prattling to Draco who sat cosily while waiting for his order being prepared.
"Headmaster is a very great wizard, is he not sir? He remembered Dobby wanted to look decent for Christmas, because Dobby is having a date! A date, sir! Dobby cannot wait for Christmas, and Dobby is going to appear like a gentleman! Filly will have surprise in our first date! Filly is now Dobby's girlfriend, sir!"
"Hmm. Congratulation."
"Dobby is very happy, sir. Many people is concerned about Dobby, including Harry Potter and his friends. Herm is giving Dobby a lovely knitted hat last month. And sir, Harry Potter is coming to the kitchen just now! Harry Potter is very kind, sir, for he is bringing Dobby woollen socks, saying they could help Dobby against winter. Nice, warm socks they are, sir."
"Wonderful. And?" Draco was a good listener sometimes.
"Harry Potter is letting Dobby hug him, sir. Then Harry Potter asked Dobby if Master Draco is coming to the kitchen, because he did not appear in dinner. Dobby said he is not, and Harry Potter did look very, very anxious, sir. Then Dobby said that Master Draco must be in Hogsmeade, like he has yesterday night, and Harry Potter ought not worry because he is meeting his friend there. Harry Potter wanted to know what Dobby is talking about. So Dobby told Harry Potter the truth."
Draco paused, and instead of saying a simple 'Ah' as he intended before, he asked warily, "The truth? What are you talking about?"
"Dobby told Harry Potter that Master Draco was seeing Oliver Wood yesterday night in Hogsmeade, and…"
"YOU TOLD HIM WHAT?"
The house-elf cowered in fear as Draco stood up abruptly. "That… that Master Draco… was seeing Oliver Wood… yesterday night in Hogsmeade, and…"
"You… you midget crazy moron! How do you think that would sound to Harry? What the hell do you know about my business? Who gave you the right to spread it? How did you find it out anyway!"
"Dobby is so sorry, sir! Dobby has a friend who is working in Hogsmeade, and…"
"Bloody idiot! I'm planning a big surprise for Harry, and Oliver is helping me! Harry was not supposed to know anything, and now you blew it up! Worse yet, now Harry may think I have an affair with Wood!"
"Forgive Dobby, Master Draco! Dobby is such a midget crazy moron! Bad, bad Dobby! He is knowing nothing of young Master's plan, but cannot keep his mouth shut!" The large, repentant green eyes of the elf met him, shining as if they were repressing tears, and the bat-like ears slumped piteously. Draco felt his heart break at once.
'Sammy… Ugh, damn it! Why should all house-elves look alike?'
Draco gulped, and his next words were much softer than he intended, "Dobby, you silly elf. You love Harry, don't you? You were just jealous of me, and trying to sabotage my relationship with Harry."
"No, sir! Master Draco is taking it wrong! Dobby…"
"Shut the trap. I was kidding. I know you didn't mean anything."
"What trap, Master Draco? Dobby is willing to do anything to pay for his mistake."
Draco sighed. "You can tell Harry you were drunk last night, but I doubt he would believe it." He patted Dobby's head absently, showing the elf that he had forgiven him entirely.
Looking around at the other house-elves in the kitchen – who unsurprisingly had been watching him intently with interested look, Draco instructed, "Okay, you lot. Get back to work, and make sure no one else knows about my conversation with Dobby tonight. Not a single word. And nothing's going on between me and Oliver Wood. Remember that."
Those elves nodded, grinning from ear to ear, and returned to their works.
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The day afterwards, Draco was a bit wary about Harry's reaction when they saw each other again. He felt uneasy because Harry didn't visit his room last night. However, apparently he worried too much. Harry appeared like his normal self, all warm and affectionate towards Draco, who consequently became very pleased and comfortable again.
When on the same day Oliver came without appointment to Hogwarts, Draco was apprehensive for a moment but dismissed that feeling right away because he trusted Harry's mature judgement on this matter. He was excited because Oliver came to see his progress and supplied additional little thoughts for the secret project of Harry's surprise. Draco talked lengthily and joyfully to his older companion, who showed equal enthusiasm during their friendly interaction. Neither of them was aware of a certain pair of emerald eyes watching them from behind a pillar.
Later that evening, Draco returned to the castle in an excellent mood. The final stage for Harry's surprise present had been completed. Just a little more finishing touch, and it would be perfect. He was really proud with himself after accomplishing this plan, which involved a lot of advanced magic. Harry should be glad that Draco had spent so many times and energy to give him a special Christmas gift. Then why was the soon-to-be-recipient of aforesaid gift standing there with a long face?
The Slytherin boy greeted his fiancé, but Harry only replied with a gloomy smile. They were facing each other in the conveniently empty corridor. Dinner had ended and most of the students chose to bask in the warmth of their common rooms. Raising an eyebrow, Draco prompted Harry to speak.
"Why did you go to your private spot alone?" the taller boy asked quietly.
"Sometimes private means belonging to one specific person, Harry," Draco tried to sound casual.
"You've been going there by yourself five nights in a row during last week, not to mention last night and tonight, without letting me to come along with you. You even skip DA meeting and abandon your Patronus training. I would think you're avoiding me. Have I done something wrong?"
"Do you think so? No? Then stop this mushiness, Harry. As if you weren't angsty enough. I'm just feeling like alone recently. Don't worry, it has nothing to do with you. Tomorrow I'll be back to DA. Those Weasleys must have missed me."
Harry couldn't help smiling. "Yes, they have."
Draco smiled too, but his heart pounded faster when Harry's smile faltered and he said, "I missed you too. I still do, because you apparently are not quite here with me."
"What do you mean by that?"
Harry didn't immediately answer. The green-eyed boy appeared tranquil as usual, but his fiancé could sense turmoil raging inside him. Draco felt his palms starting to sweat, though he remained composed.
"I heard you were in Hogsmeade two nights ago to meet Oliver," Harry calmly stated.
"Yes and no. You know my main purpose to Hogsmeade – to buy something for Professor Snape's present. But Oliver was there, and I thought it would be nice to come round for a couple of hours. Turned out I forgot the time," Draco responded just as calm.
"Then why didn't you just tell me so when I asked you? It seemed like you were trying to hide that part with Oliver from me."
"Because that's not important, and I would hate to see you react to it like now. Can we leave this matter here? I'm here and I'm safe, nothing we should fuss over. Tonks was with me all the time, keep that in mind."
"Even if Professor Dumbledore himself were with you, that's not my point. You went home late not because of seeking stuff for Snape's present, but because of Oliver. What is it you've been dealing with him actually, Draco? Don't tell me it's none of my business, because it is. I'm your fiancé."
"Don't make it sound as if I were cheating on you. I repeat this again: I forgot the time when I was visiting him, and unfortunately so did Tonks. When we had started chatting, we were just too immersed in it – there was so much to talk about. He's like an older brother to me."
"It's not like you to befriend someone from Gryffindor easily. Moreover, he's from different generation from you. You and he were never acquainted with each other in the slightest before."
"Does it mean I can never become a friend of him?"
"It's not that. I don't mind you two become friends. Oliver is nice, but I didn't think you and he could be this close."
"We are now. What's wrong with it?"
"You spent too much time alone with him. It's so obvious you like him a lot."
"Again I ask: what's wrong with it? We're normal friends. It's not like I'm going to elope with him."
"Maybe not. But I don't like the way Oliver looks at you; he seems interested in you more than as a friend. Your behaviour around him almost looks like you're encouraging him too. If you keep staying that close to him, he may get the wrong idea."
"What wrong idea? He knows I'm not available. Gods, Harry, this is ridiculous. Stop being such a suspicious, insecure git."
"I'm like this only because I love you."
"Oh, so you blame me now? For your own behaviour?" Draco planted a hand on his hip and tossed his head back in irritation. "Yes, you're always right and I'm always wrong – that's how the Earth keeps moving. It's entirely my fault because I don't love you."
He immediately felt sorry having said that sentence, because of the wounded look on Harry's face. But the words coming out from Harry's mouth the next moment totally altered his sentiment. "Oliver is obviously attracted to you, and before he could make further advances, you'd better make it clear that you're not interested. Otherwise I would take action myself. You don't have to blame yourself if I decide to kill him."
Grabbing the front of Harry's robe, Draco said through gritted teeth, "Stay away from him. You promised me you would end this absurd, obnoxious display of jealousy."
Calmly his fiancé released his robe from Draco's grip. "I have reason for my jealousy. Like I said, you're too close to Oliver till people could mistake you two for lovers. Moreover, you keep blushing and giggling like a girl whenever you're with him. I can't believe you're so easily taken by his… charm," Harry's face looked definitely shirty when he said those last two sentences and he dropped the ultimatum, "I want this unhealthy relationship to end at once. It's not like you couldn't live without him anyway."
They gazed at each other; Harry's expression was calm but dangerous, while Draco's was icy but undeniably upset. Draco broke the silence with a stiff tone, "I get it now, Potter. This whole jealousy thing is not because it's Oliver, this is because it's a he! You think I prefer boys, don't you?"
"It's you who said it. I only think that you acted like a whore."
Draco's eyes flared and the next second he moved to hit the other boy in front of him, but stopped himself just an inch before his fist connected to Harry's nose. Harry didn't move, didn't even blink. He had been expecting the punch. He knew he deserved it. The moment the word 'whore' came out of his mouth, he had regretted it. Slowly Draco put his fist down, his eyes resembling sharp shards of broken glass. He turned around quickly, but Harry caught one of his arms before he walked away. "Wait, Draco…"
This time, Draco punched him for real. Harry staggered backwards, holding his bleeding nose. His fiancé gritted his teeth, "Go to hell, Potter."
Harry straightened his body and rushed to catch up Draco, who had been striding away from there. But the next second after Harry grabbed Draco's arm once again, a wand dug to Harry's chest. Harry's eyes widened but he had no chance to say a word.
"Stupefy," although it was barely above a whisper, the power fuelled by rage behind the stunning spell breached Harry's defensive barrier straight away and it hit the target without being weakened. Draco watched his fiancé collapse to the floor with cold expression, and after a few seconds staying motionless, he turned his back and left the unconscious Harry Potter.
"V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V"
"I told him he acted like a whore. He hit me, and before I could say sorry he stunned me. I tried to see him again, but he didn't want to come out his room," Harry narrated dolefully later that night in front of Ron and Hermione, who glanced at each other with pitying look.
Because of the quarrel, Harry and Draco didn't speak for the whole week afterwards. Well, Harry tried non-stop to talk and apologize again, but his fiancé ignored him. Harry was very miserable, to say the least. His two best friends tried to console him, but nothing could save a Boy-Who-Is-Heartbroken other than the source of the despair himself. Both Ron and Hermione had apologized to Draco on Harry's behalf, but Draco only nodded at them without doing anything else.
Draco wasn't exactly in a good mood either, but he wanted to keep this quarrel as a personal matter only. Oliver asked him if something had happened between him and Harry, but Draco easily convinced him that everything was just fine by maintaining his 'no, nothing's wrong' mask and hundred plausible excuses why he seemed to avoid Harry lately. He also did the same for Blaise, who had been suspicious that Harry had hurt him.
It was harder with Snape, because the Professor could tell that he was lying. However, Draco told his godfather that he could handle this by himself as a grown-up, and he expected Snape's agreement to make this only between Harry and him. Snape granted his wish, and although the Professor was ready to confront Harry afterwards, the forlorn feeling Harry was undeniably suffering right now caused Snape to withdraw his intent and even roused a tiny bit compassion in his heart.
Draco deliberately didn't try keeping his distance to Oliver, and when Oliver came for the last time to Hogwarts two days after the row with Harry, the Slytherin boy insisted on accompanying him back to Hogsmeade and said that in front of Harry. That moment, Draco even flirted coyly with the older man. So Harry thought he acted like a whore, when he was just trying to plan something special for Harry. He should show Harry how acting like whore actually looked like. But Harry's jealousy seeing his fiancé with another man was easily overridden by the anguish due to the realization that this was all because he had hurt Draco.
Despite still being angry at Harry, as days went by, Draco couldn't prevent his heart melting from Harry's earnest attempts to apologize. No one could empathize with Harry's misery more than Draco himself. Ron and Hermione had done a lot too talking him into forgiving Harry. Still, his pride forbade him to disregard so quickly what Harry had said to him.
Christmas holiday finally came. For three days, Draco went home to Malfoy Manor, trying to avoid Harry and to stop his heart melting even further. But on Christmas morning, Narcissa sent her son back to Hogwarts, sulking and snivelling all the way. The reason she forced Draco to return to his fiancé concerned the limited time for them to separate. Draco's days at Malfoy Manor without Harry had made the 72 hours used up in a blink of eye just in the beginning of the new 30-day period.
"V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V"
It was on midday of Christmas, and Draco was taking pleasure in scolding a cringing first year Gryffindor when it happened.
"You're lucky it's Christmas, otherwise I'd send you to a detention with Filch, or better yet, with Professor Snapeehh? Arrrggghhh!" He was suddenly lifted from the ground and viciously pulled along the hallway, leaving the first year gaping in sheer amazement.
At the same time, Harry was flying on his broom over Quidditch pitch when he suddenly felt the pull of the bond. He didn't even have a chance to scream because in a great speed, he was hauled along with his broomstick since he held a firm grip on it. Harry's eyes widened at the sight before him when he had stopped near the castle ten seconds later. A window at one tower was blasted open by an unseen force and a blond boy he recognized at once as the fiancé he hadn't seen for days, even after he returned from Malfoy Manor, was flying through it, yelling at the top of his voice.
Harry immediately steered his broom to dash towards the flying boy, who suddenly dived down to Harry's direction. Two hundred feet above the ground, Draco fell right into Harry's waiting arms.
After overcoming his shock, Draco bristled, "If I ever met the deranged person who invented Amora Aevus, I would eviscerate that git!"
Harry grinned, "Before you eviscerate the git, remind me to thank him or her. It's not an everyday occasion to have Draco Malfoy falling like an angel from heaven into a mortal's arms. I'm such a lucky guy."
A smack on the back of Harry's head preceded Draco's heated reply, "Have you no brain! I'm a mortal! I almost died just now!"
"No, you didn't. The magic seems to have special protection applied on us every time it forces us to close the limited distance. For your case, it has conjured something like a cushion at the spot where you were going to land. Even if I hadn't caught you, this cushion would've protected your fall."
Harry brought down his broomstick and landed on the ground, then showed Draco the magic cushion. It was a glowing elastic mattress-like figure with spring mechanism. Still, Draco wasn't impressed. He had bad memory with bouncing thing.
"This kind of thing wouldn't ensure my safety at all. From that height it would still break my bones."
"You look like you were made of porcelain, but you're not that fragile."
"My body wasn't made from porcelain, but it wasn't made from rock either! Look what the charm had caused me to suffer when it was dragging me to you! I got a gash on my skin!" Draco raised his injured left hand.
"Let me see." Harry took Draco's hand and examined the said gash on the back of the hand. Blood welled up along the wound but it wasn't a deep cut.
"It's not a gash, Draco." He tightened his hold as Draco tried to jerk back his hand, scowling in irritation that Harry underestimated his pain. Harry gave him a kind smile, "It must be painful, but I'm glad this wound is not bad. I can heal it." He put his palm on Draco's wound, and a white glow appeared. The next moment Draco's skin was as smooth as before.
Draco stared at Harry. "Have you been taking apprenticeship with Madam Pomfrey?"
"Not necessarily. That was just a simple healing spell I performed by wandless magic." Harry shrugged before continuing, "I'm not the brightest person in medical field."
"Too bad. It would be very useful if you could become a healer or mediwizard." In his mind, Draco breathed in relief. It was true that mediwizard ability was useful, but he couldn't take it any more that Harry was so bloody gifted in almost every area of magic.
"I wish I could too. That would make it easier for me to always ensure your safety."
"Thanks for underestimating me. I mean it would be useful for yourself when you're facing Voldemort."
"I only want to protect you, Draco. You're the only one that matters for me, and not because of any bond. All I want is for you to be safe and happy."
Something squeezed Draco's chest, and he recognized it as his own perception of Harry's feelings. This was the longing, the love.
After watching his fiancé closely for a moment, the black-haired boy closed his eyes and whispered, "Like you said, I was a suspicious, insecure git showing an absurd, obnoxious display of jealousy. I was wrong and stupid for accusing you, and I've paid a hell for it. Those days after our row were the most excruciating moments in my life. Whenever I hurt you, it will be I who hurt the most. That's what I told your mother, the day after we found out about the bond. I wasn't exaggerating, but that time I wasn't truly aware of how deep the pain I would suffer when it really happened. I've hurt you, Draco and because of it I… I…"
Draco stared at his fiancé, because he saw tears trickling down Harry's cheeks. "Harry…" 'What am I supposed to do? Tell him not to cry? And I don't bring handkerchief. Why should he cry anyway?'
The words from Ron and Hermione emerged from his memory.
"He was stupid, Draco, but Harry has regretted whatever he said to you. He didn't really mean it. He was just having his idiot moment. But he loves you, and that's the only truth. He won't survive long without you – bonded or not."
"Harry is more than miserable right now. He'll never do that again. Please, Draco, Harry loves you so much. Please forgive him."
Even Ron and Hermione knew the right words without empathizing with Harry. When he tried to raise his left hand in a spur to wipe Harry's tears, Draco realized Harry was still clasping his hand tightly, as if he would never let go of Draco for the second time.
Harry used his free hand to dab his wet face with his sleeve and sniffed softly. He opened his green eyes to look longingly at Draco, who was trying hard not to cry as well. "What should I do so you will forgive me?"
His fiancé averted his eyes and didn't reply, but his heart melted effectively under the cold winter air. They were silent after that, Harry still holding Draco's hand. From the sky, flakes of snow started falling.
"You know what," Draco abruptly started speaking in a rather hoarse voice. "It wasn't like what you thought it was. Oliver and I are just good friends. I laughed because what he said was funny. I blushed because he said – you know – things that make me blush. I like being with him because he knows a lot of things besides Quidditch. I spent some times just with him, including that one night in Hogsmeade, because… I… we were talking about you. He helped me planning my first Christmas with you, something for your gift… so I… could make you happy in this occasion."
Harry slowly lifted the hand in his clutch to his lips and kissed the part where the slash had been there before. He pressed the back of Draco's hand on his cheek and said in a hushed voice, "All's my mistake. How cliché it is; just because you secretly prepared to give something special for me, I misunderstood everything. I thought what I did was protecting what is mine, but I didn't realize I was being downright selfish. I know saying another thousand 'I'm sorry' won't be enough to recompense my mistake, and I've asked you numerous times before. But I ask this again. Can you forgive me, Draco?"
"Oh, I don't know…"
"I'll do anything. Please, forgive me."
Draco smiled. "You're too serious about everything, Harry. Loosen up, otherwise you would have whiter hair than I do."
"So you accept my apology?"
"As if I could win against your puppy dog eyes. Cut it out, will you? I'm sorry too. If only I weren't so over-protective about my secret plan… If only I could hold back my temper and had a clear thought when dealing with your insecurity instead of biting your head off, I could make you understand there was nothing between me and Oliver. I only wanted to create a perfect Christmas for you."
"I only need you to make my Christmas perfect. To make everything perfect." Harry kissed the hand on his clutch again, all the way muttering 'I love you'.
That moment, Draco remembered how often Harry had said those three words to him, and even during their quarrels he still declared the same thing over and over. Never, not even once, Draco had uttered that phrase to Harry in return. He just took it for granted, and right now, after a few days without hearing them, several things became clear for Draco. He had missed the words, had missed the flattering sensation he felt because of how serious Harry was every time he said them, had missed the loving caress which often accompanied them. He had missed Harry.
"V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V"
"Draco? I can tell we've arrived. May I open this blindfold now?"
"Impatient, are we all? And remind me to always trust your faculty of smell. Okay, open your blindfold."
An hour later, Draco had brought Harry to his secret spot, where Harry could collect his special Christmas present. The unique scent of that place told Harry that his surprise was waiting before him. With a broad smile, Harry eagerly took off his blindfold.
What came into his vision was a fairground – white, shimmering, and built entirely of snow. The small clearing had magically expanded and filled with various rides, constructing mini version of a Muggle's amusement park. Merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, roller-coaster, and several entertainment stands brought out the highlight, with the fairies inhabiting that place acting as the neon lights. The strange trees and the bushes below them were decorated like Christmas tree, every ornament made from snow. Meanwhile, a golden Snitch was zooming in and out of view, each time leaving a trail of colourful sparks forming the personalized seasonal greetings: 'Happy Christmas, Harry'.
"Since neither of us has been in a fun-fair before…," Draco trailed off, watching Harry's astonished expression at his Christmas gift.
The black-haired boy turned to him, grinning widely, and abruptly caught Draco's wrist to drag him towards the rides. Draco grinned back. Together they enjoyed Harry's special present amidst the flurry.
Everything here was run either by magic or by the help of several friendly dwarfs, and those objects were warm though constructed from snow. Joyful carols were played in the background to accompany their adventure. The merry-go-round had models of thestral, unicorn, and stag for riding on. The roller-coaster was definitely Harry's favourite. When riding the Ferris wheel, Harry waved cheerfully at the dwarfs below them, and the dwarfs waved back.
They played, laughed, and played again for hours until twilight came. Both of them were physically worn-out, but extremely contented. Harry plopped down on the snowy ground, and Draco followed to sit beside him. The two boys were still sniggering at each other, not betraying the fact that they had been thoroughly exhausted. Suddenly Harry pulled Draco closer.
"I almost forgot," Harry said breathlessly. He brushed snowflakes from Draco's fringe, then twirled the platinum hair round a finger and whispered huskily, "Happy Christmas, my sweetheart."
The warm, peppermint-scented air from between Harry's lips mingled with Draco's own breath, and the blond boy smiled shyly. "You too. Have a wonderful Christmas, Harry."
"I already have," Harry replied. "And the most wonderful part of all is you. I love you, more and more as every second goes by."
"Precisely why you acted like a berk before. Are you sure you're still in this world after riding the roller-coaster for the seventh time?"
His fiancé only smiled when nodding his head. He knew Draco would resort to his sarcastic self when caught off-guard because of Harry's blunt confession. Harry moved to kiss Draco's cheek, but Draco put his fingers lightly over Harry's lips and said, "Wait."
The black-haired boy watched him curiously, Draco's fingers still placed upon his lips. His fiancé removed his hand and put it instead to cup the back of Harry's head. Hesitantly Draco leaned closer and pressed his lips on Harry's left cheek.
Oliver had proposed that Draco kissed Harry and said 'I love you'. Since Draco admitted he had never said that to Harry, Oliver believed it would be the most perfect gift for Harry. That time Draco almost said to him that Harry would be more thankful for the kiss than for the love declaration. But right now, he changed his opinion. What Harry wanted the most was Draco's heart, more than Draco's body.
He still couldn't kiss Harry on the lips, but this kiss was not as chaste and short as before. This time, his kiss was firm and he made it longer than one second. When he pulled back, Draco saw that Harry had been closing his eyes and a contented smile was gracing his face. He waited until Harry opened his eyes, and prepared to present his next gift. However, saying a mere sentence consisted of three simple words was not as easy as it should be.
'I can't do that. There's no point in saying those words without actually meaning them. This is not a time for sarcasm.'
So to make the moment as honest and pure as possible, Draco whispered, "I like you a lot, Harry. More and more as every second goes by."
He didn't make a mistake, for Harry's face after he heard the words was a magnificent view. Draco couldn't help the sudden thought crossing his mind at that time, that he was indeed, the most envied guy in Wizarding World. In that moment, Harry appeared more beautiful than anything else in that place, far more than the glorious combination of sunset and the white fairground behind his back. Harry was simply the most beautiful sight Draco had ever seen.
"Thank you, Draco. You gave me the most precious present I've ever received in my whole life."
"I hope what you mean is this snow fairground, because this was hard to build."
Smiling, Harry caressed Draco's hair and replied, "That, and the kiss, and the words you told me afterwards. You made my Christmas more perfect than I could ever imagine."
He stood up while helping Draco to get on his feet too. "Now it's my turn to make your Christmas brighter." Harry kissed Draco's temple and added after he pulled back, "I have presents for you."
"V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V"
Ron and Hermione had left Hogwarts to the Burrow the day before Draco returned from Malfoy Manor. They didn't want to leave Harry alone at the school, but Harry persuaded them to go. He told them that he was sure Mrs Malfoy would send Draco back because they couldn't separate more than 3 days, and then Harry would strive again to obtain Draco's forgiveness. Albeit reluctantly, Ron and Hermione followed their best friend's suggestion.
Harry was positive that Draco's mother wouldn't let the 3-day period pass while his son was still far-away from his fiancé. However, he became anxious as Draco hadn't come back even after Christmas Eve had passed. Moreover, he missed Draco so much it hurt. That morning, Harry didn't even have the desire to open his Christmas presents. Instead, he hastily went to the Quidditch pitch and spent hours flying on his broomstick above the white field, mourning over his bad luck and abysmal foolishness. Harry didn't know that Draco had returned that day until the bond's efficacious power brought them together again.
Right now Harry felt lighter and happier than whenever he was in the air. He had reconciled with Draco, and he had just received the most unforgettable, perfect Christmas present in his whole life. Harry really felt like the Boy-Who-Lives-Happily-Ever-After.
They walked inside the castle as the final light from the sun disappeared behind the horizon. Still in the Entrance Hall, Draco halted his step to smooth a crease in his robe's sleeve, then continued disposing his entire attire. Harry stopped beside him and waited patiently.
A group of chattering students appeared and walked towards the two boys who were still stood closely in the middle of Entrance Hall. That bunch of students mostly contained girls, and all of them suddenly giggled at Harry and Draco. Draco frowned, but an idea struck him. 'Nooo! Not mistletoe…'
"What are you laughing at?" Harry asked casually. Those students giggled even more, and Draco silently cursed their randiness.
"You two have to kiss!" One girl exclaimed cheerfully.
"You are under mistletoe! Look up there!" Another girl pointed at the point above Harry and Draco, but the next second she was gaping widely. So were the other students.
Nonchalantly Harry looked up and said in a bored tone, "Where?"
The mistletoe had gone. Draco raised an eyebrow at Harry, who grinned back at him. "Come on," Harry took Draco's wrist and led him away from the gaping students.
As they walked leisurely along the empty corridor, Draco spoke up offhandedly, "So, Harry. That was unexpected, wasting an opportunity to kiss me. Have I lost my appeal in your eyes?"
With a serious expression, Harry explained, "I'm not going to kiss you for the first time under mistletoe."
Draco clasped his hand over his mouth, stifling a snigger. "Ron told me about you and Chang kissing under mistletoe. Were you that traumatized?"
His fiancé flushed a bright red. "It was awful, yes. But Draco, you wouldn't want it too if I kissed you back then, right? Mistletoe is just cliché."
The blond waved his hand. "Surprise. You know what cliché is." The next moment his head snapped towards Harry. In a suspicious look he asked, "Why did you say that? Do you think I always refuse to kiss you because of cliché factor?"
Harry shrugged. "I kind of figured it out that you would probably want your first kiss to happen in a special place and special moment." Harry stopped and so did Draco. The taller boy looked deeply at the silvery eyes of his beloved. "Am I right? You keep rejecting having a kiss with me because you want to wait for the right time?"
"Eh… yeah."
"But? Is there still something else you want for your first kiss?"
Draco shook his head, embarrassed as well as not knowing how to explain about his fright whenever Harry wanted to kiss him on the lips. "I want my first kiss to be perfect. Yes, mistletoe is definitely off my list of perfection. Loony said some time ago it was often infested with Nargles, whatever she meant Nargles were."
Harry smiled lovingly at him and trailed a finger along Draco's cheek to his jaw. "She told me the same, so I guess Nargles are bad. But if you ask me, Draco, every time and every place is perfect for me as long as you're with me."
Draco sighed, "Not that again. I believe it if you only said it once, but now your statement sounds fictive."
"Because you don't know how I feel," Harry replied quietly. He was still smiling, and he reached to stroke Draco's hair. "I don't make fictive statements, Draco, and you know it."
"Yeah. Damn this empathy. Now I have basic skill of Legilimency, but sadly could only work on you. I should have become a Death Eater."
Chuckling lightly, Harry pecked his nose, catching Draco off guard as they were still on open corridor. He draped an arm over Draco's shoulder and they both resumed their walk to the Head Boy's chamber.
"V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V""V"
Inside the chamber, Harry instantly pulled Draco to sit on the carpet in front of the fireplace. Looking about him, Draco noticed that Harry's room was much untidier than usual. The Head Boy had his own Christmas tree there, and there was a heap of presents lying under the tree, completely untouched. The unmistakable atmosphere of depression was still thick in the air.
A light touch on the back of his hand awakened Draco from his wistful reverie. Harry had been sitting in front of him on the carpet and was gazing at him with a small smile. "I'll tidy up this room later. Right now let's continue our Christmas. I want to give you your presents. This has to be a wonderful Christmas for you too."
"Sometimes think more about yourself, Harry," Draco commented softly. "You deserve a lot more of better things in the world."
"I'm the happiest man in the world at this moment, Draco. I can't ask for more."
Harry placed a large box on Draco's lap before he could respond. The blond narrowed his eyes curiously at the box. "This is my present?"
His fiancé nodded. "The first one. Open it."
Draco jumped a little when that box suddenly quaked in his hands. Something inside was alive and moving. The box had holes all along its four sides. He had a firm suspicion what the content was. Draco looked at Harry with widened eyes and saw him smiling calmly. Harry indicated him to open the box. He looked back cautiously at the box, and shakily lifted the lid. 'It's okay. If I die, he'll die too. He won't do such a thing.' After the box was opened, the thing inside it was not at all like anything he had pictured before.
Draco's eyes widened and he carefully picked the small creature with the softest and most amazing silvery fur. "Harry… it's…"
"It's a hamster," Harry supplied. Draco scowled.
"I know that, you prat. I was just going to say that it's v… not a snake. Like what I thought before." Actually he wanted to say that it was very cute.
Harry frowned. "Why would you think so? We're not allowed to have snakes here."
"Oh? And hamsters are allowed? This box is quite big. I imagined since you're a parselmouth and I'm a Slytherin you would find it suitable."
Harry frowned harder. "I made that box big enough so the hamster would feel comfy. I think since I'm a parselmouth and you're a Slytherin then it would be you who give me a snake for my present."
Draco smiled. "Next Christmas then, Harry."
He soon admired the small hamster in his hands. The hamster was truly the sweetest thing he ever saw. It had twin black round eyes shining like onyx and the snout was pinkish. It had a mystic silvery fur with iridescent gleam as if it contained pearly substance. He had never seen such colour on an animal before.
"Where did you buy this hamster? In Wizarding world or a Muggle's store?"
"Neither. I didn't buy it. I transfigured it myself." Harry said proudly.
Draco gasped and asked in a low voice, the glint in his eyes implying mischief. "Tell me, who was it?"
"From a dragon. I transfigured a baby dragon into this hamster. Antipodean Opaleye. Therefore it obtained that amazing colour," Harry explained patiently.
"You turned a dragon into a hamster? That's an advanced thing, but are you crazy? Antipodean Opaleye is currently the rarest breed in the world! You had a baby Antipodean Opaleye! Now… Now a puny rodent!"
Harry listened to his fiancé's tirade about the waste of such significance. "Does this hamster now have the same magical capacity as the real dragon did? I don't think this furry ball could do magic! You know how to reverse it back? If you don't, then we've just lost another member of a protected species! And you said it was still a baby!"
"Draco, we're not allowed to domesticate a dragon, especially at school. Why act like a dragon conservation supporter by the way? You own so many dragon hide boots yourself." Draco interrupted, "Hey! None of them is from a rare breed!" But Harry placated him and continued, "Besides, I think you would love it as a hamster rather than any troublesome dragon, therefore I did what I did. I considered turning it into ferret, but decided against it."
Draco narrowed his eyes. "So you thought it would be better to give me a rodent instead. You knew that ferret eats rodent, didn't you?"
'He's still sensitive about the ferret thing. But Ron called him Ferret all the time.' "Uhm, no. But isn't it cute? Although still not as cute as you."
He got a glare for that, but the hamster lifted its head to look at Draco and sniffled curiously, both its ears flapping up and down endearingly. Draco could do nothing but admitting the obvious.
"Yes, it's cute." A smile broke on Draco's face, and Harry felt relieved.
'I must look after it carefully so my eagle owl won't eat it. A baby dragon, for Merlin's sake,' Draco mused silently. Harry was right. He liked it much more as a hamster than as a dragon, even an Antipodean Opaleye dragon.
"What are you going to name it?" Harry asked him.
Draco glanced a moment at the hamster, then at Harry. "Harry."
Harry looked up, "Yes?" Draco picked up the hamster and brought it to face Harry. He smirked and said, "The name's Harry."
"Uh, Draco… It's too cute to bear my name."
The Slytherin boy spun the hamster to look intently at its face. "Hmm, you're right. James, then."
"James was my father's name."
"So? I'm not going to call it Potter."
Harry sighed exasperatedly. "Stop naming it after me, will you?"
Draco looked incredulous when he exclaimed, "Harry, do you know why you were named after your grandfather and father? It's the same case with my hamster here. This is a tribute for you!"
Harry pouted.
Draco couldn't help grinning at Harry's frustrated expression. He said affectionately, "Harry Potter, are you always this gullible?" Harry's face brightened, and he said in a rush, "So what will you name it?"
His fiancé shook his head and thrust the hamster to Harry's hands. "I have no idea. You name it."
Harry put a concentrating face and said quietly, "Draco."
The bearer of the name replied, "What?" Harry picked up the hamster and brought it to face Draco. He smirked and said, "The name's Draco."
Draco glowered at him, but Harry ignored that and reasoned, "Its fur is almost the same colour with your eyes. Moreover, it was originated from a dragon. So Draco it is."
"Don't make me hit you, Harry."
Harry laughed and quickly amended, "Sorry, love. Hey, let's name it Love!"
"I know you're not imaginative, but you can't suggest such an obnoxious name!" Draco scrunched his nose. "Try again."
"Mmm. How about Silver?" Draco shook his head. "Pearl? Hamlet? Chubby? Lucky? Mochi? Cocco?" Draco kept shaking his head, but stopped abruptly. "Wait. What was the last one?"
"Cocco?"
Draco took the hamster from Harry. "I like that. Call it Cocco."
But Harry shook his head this time. He leaned closer to Draco, straddled him, and encircled the blond boy's neck with his arms, trapping the hamster between them. Harry whispered seductively, "No. It's actually a name I reserve for you and you only. Cocco." Draco shivered. So Harry had decided to give him a pet name. And strangely he loved that name, and especially the way Harry voiced it.
"I'm not going to call you with another name." In other words, he had just given Harry his assent to call him Cocco. He would realize it later that the name sounded girly, but for now it sounded simply sexy.
Harry kissed his forehead. "Of course. I like Harry the most."
Draco found it suddenly difficult to breathe normally. With Harry so close to him, and with this compromising position where he couldn't escape. The other boy's musky scent invaded his sense. He struggled to say, "The hamster's name?"
"Ice."
"Ice? Or Eyes?"
Harry traced the name's spelling by his finger on Draco's chest. "Ice."
"Whatever then." Draco had already lost any will to disagree. Ice was an unusual name for hamster, but it went well with the creature's fur.
Harry moved his hand so it cupped Draco's cheek. He whispered to Draco, "Your cheek's burning, Cocco."
The blushing boy retorted, "I know that already. You're too close." Harry smiled and Draco felt his breath completely taken away. Harry moved even closer, his breath hot on Draco's face. "Cocco…"
Flames flickered in the fireplace. Draco felt his eyes flutter shut. His heart was beating so loudly he was sure Harry could hear it too. But just as Harry closed his eyes, Draco jolted back and brought his hands up instinctively to block Harry's lips from kissing him. It resulted in Harry kissing the thing currently within his clutch, Ice the hamster.
Harry opened his eyes abruptly and pulled back too. But he didn't release Draco, who was blushing madly and looking down guiltily. "Sorry," both boys said simultaneously.
"I'm really daft. Now isn't quite special for you to have your first kiss, right? I must train harder to restrain myself in front of a beauty like you," Harry said, before kissing Draco's cheek this time. Draco only nodded silently.
After a long awkward moment, Harry released Draco and stood up. "I still have another present for you."
He walked to a corner of his room and groped at what seemingly nothing in the air. A rustle of fabric was heard and Harry pulled his Invisibility Cloak to reveal a giant bird cage with crystalline bars.
Draco nearly shrieked. Inside the crystal cage was an enormous bird, with shiny scarlet feather and long golden tail. Harry opened the cage and let it out.
The bird stretched its wings, causing sparks to fly from the fluttering feathers. Then it launched itself to fly around the room's ceiling, a trail of sparkling dust following its elegant movement. It eventually perched on the top of Harry's bedpost, and looked down at the two boys who watched it in awe with its glittering golden eyes.
Draco said breathlessly, "Harry, it's a phoenix…"
"Indeed."
"How did you get it?"
Harry answered with pride, "Just in the same way I got Ice."
Draco fixed him a blank look. "You transfigured it?" Harry nodded.
"What did you transfigure it from? A canary?"
"From nothing, Cocco darling. Well, not exactly nothing, it was created from my own power. I can say I gave birth to this phoenix myself."
Draco didn't buy it for a second, but cursing his empathic connection with Harry, he must admit Harry was serious. Overwhelmed by the revelation, Draco still manage to snort, "So now you're adept with wandless magic and can produce a phoenix troop at your own will. Who am I engaged to? The god of Wizarding World?"
Harry didn't tell Draco that it actually exhausted him very much – body and mind – to conjure this phoenix, and he needed almost a whole year to construct it in stages. He also had Dumbledore assisting him in the hardest part of the project, not that he would ever admit it in front of Draco. So he replied, "I've planned to give a special present for you since long, and here it is. But this phoenix is not a real phoenix. I mean, it doesn't have magical abilities as powerful as the real one like Fawkes. But it's still a magical creature, though I'm not sure what it can really do."
"Still a magical creature, none the less. Merlin, you're truly impossible, Harry." Draco looked sceptical but amazed as well, but somehow he knew Harry had exerted a lot of effort to create this special present. While for one part, this knowledge relieved him because his fiancé was still human, it also made him appreciate Harry's special present deeper.
"I don't think phoenixes really make domesticated pets," Draco mused after a while, watching the bird perching on the bedpost intently. The phoenix opened its beak, but only a barely audible sound came out.
"Err, since this one is not a real phoenix, it's considerably tamer and definitely loves staying indoors. Professor Dumbledore has kindly taken care of the legal documents regarding this phoenix's existence with the Ministry. I assure you, this bird is lovable and very easy to domesticate."
A faint smile broke on the young Slytherin's face and his eyes sparkled.
"Are you going to name it now?" Harry asked softly.
Draco nodded. "Harold."
"It's a she."
"Oh. Haroldine then."
"Cocco…"
Draco shushed him and closed his eyes. Harry was puzzled but a second later he too heard it. A very soft alluring melody was flowing in the air. The phoenix was singing, almost soundlessly, but very beautifully. Still with his eyes closed, Draco said, "Lorelei."
Harry smiled appreciatively, "It's a beautiful name." Draco opened his eyes and smiled back.
The phoenix spiralled down to rest gracefully on Draco's shoulder. That time Draco realized she wasn't as big as Fawkes. He stroked the bird's feather affectionately. Lorelei might not be a real phoenix – she even had wrong eye colour, but for Draco she was the most beautiful and valuable phoenix. He wouldn't want to exchange her with a dozen of Fawkes. Lorelei was the one and only. Because she was from Harry.
TBC
-- Harry's full name is Harry James Potter. However, I have sloppily written it as Harold in previous chapter (and I preserve it for this one too), because somehow I remembered reading it in the first book that it was Harry's name taking after his grandfather's. Turns out I hallucinated…
-- I guess I have to assert here that Draco's feeling towards Hermione is... deeper than a crush. Must be his karma for all the mudblood stuff.
-- Für NayNymic: Okay, here's the rule: Draco can be an ass any time he wants to, yet Harry will still love him. At the same time, Harry can be an angel or beyond, yet Draco may still not love him. Also, please don't think Harry would resent Hermione. Whenever he's not in jealous mode, she is always his best friend. As for her having no real character, perhaps that's because I don't spend pages to describe her. Let's establish it: she is still the bossy, bookish, know-it-all old Hermione, but in lesser extremity.
-- Für Thimble913: -nursing my sore arm after you poked me…- Yes, ma'am! Sorry, ma'am! In truth, I wasn't complaining or anything about you. It's just you were the first person who stated blatantly 'all the OOC-ness', and it was simply too good not to be quoted in that A/N context :-) Well, others only said terms like 'unique / unusual characterization'…
-- Für Draco-Is-A-God: A death threat! Yippee! It was my purpose all along to frustrate anyone who read the (thwarted) after-Quidditch kiss. At least I got one extreme reaction for that. So, mission accomplished : smug look : And thou shalt not flirt with thy cousin, unless the said cousin is Tonks ;-)
About Harry growing up, umm… I'm not sure what you actually meant. He had once promised to control his jealousy, so incident like ones with Hermione and Snape wouldn't happen again.
-- Für avenging niko: skirting away : Why do I have this suspicion you're an accomplished seer, judging from your casual comment of how Draco could produce a Patronus? Were you really just kidding? Btw, I assure you it would take a very strong Imperio to turn Ginny into a Death Eater.
-- Für Stardrops: In case you missed my email, here's the summarized version of the reply to your questions:
One: Does Snape have an extremely sensitive side for Draco, or is he simply pouncing on Harry because he can? -- Both. I believe Snape loves seeing and putting Harry in trouble, and I have confirmed in my last A/N that Snape is harbouring a romantic feeling on Draco as well (Roger, Marie Falcon. Snape shall be paired with someone of his own generation -looking around for Lupin-).
Two: Why was the snitch cracked? -- Um, that was Harry's doing – though he didn't realize it himself. Just a 'dramatic' effect to show how angry Harry was at that moment, while sadly he couldn't act on his fury. You know, when a man is so furious that he could make a glass crack with bare hand, something in that line.
And of course there will be at least one kiss before the end! Wait… There's been one kiss already! Again, mission accomplished.
-- Big thanks for ReflectionsOfReality and marlee for your suggestions of You-Know-What -wink, wink-