Title: Christmas Memories
Author: Janieohio
Rating: M on FFnet, Explicit on AO3 (FFnet has slightly edited, less explicit versions of explicit chapters. If you want to read the more explicit moments that are toned down here, you can follow the story on AO3 under the same author name.)
Tags: Advent Fic, Established Relationship, Fluff, Humor, Hurt/Comfort, Hijinks & Shenanigans, Christmas, Traditions, Family, Auror Harry Potter, Potioneer Draco Malfoy, Short Chapters, Part of Series, 25 Days of Harry and Draco 2021 Early Bird
Summary:
It's Draco's first Christmas living with Harry, and okay, maybe it's a little bit "extra", but he's Draco sodding Malfoy and if he wants to give Harry the best Christmas ever, it's his right as his boyfriend. So strap on your Santa hat and hang on tight, because this is going to be a bumpy and slightly ridiculous sleigh ride.
One chapter posted each day for 25 days. Set in That's Life Together universe but can be read alone.
Author's Note:
Happy Christmas once again, my friends! Again this December, I'm participating in the 25 days of Harry and Draco challenge. The premise of this challenge is to follow a series of holiday-themed prompts and write/post something for each day, one image prompt inspiring each day's story. The prompt may only be loosely related, but I'll post it with each chapter.
This year I'm also posting a holiday song associated with each chapter, so you can follow my playlist on Spotify as it grows with each chapter. And, if you like recipes, I'll be posting a holiday recipe with each chapter as well. Some of these are inspired by the chapter, but others are just random ones I liked and wanted to share. You can find the links for both the recipes and the playlist in my user profile listed under this story.
And thanks go out to the lovely EvaEleanor for her beta work on this story during the busy holiday season. Thanks, Eva! Love you, darling!
Christmas Memories
by Janieohio
Chapter 1
"I'll be home for Christmas, you can plan on me."
Song - I'll Be Home For Christmas, Colin and Caroline
1 December 2005
Draco
"It's bloody cold in here," Draco grumbled, hanging his bag, cloak, and robes on the hook by the front door in the entryway of Grimmauld Place. "Harry?" he asked, not really expecting a response. It was nearly six in the evening, but it was rare that Harry beat him home. 'The life of an Auror,' Harry would say when Draco whinged, giving him a guilty smile.
Tonight, however, surprised him. "In here!" Harry yelled from the door leading to the kitchen.
Grabbing his favourite green cardigan and pulling it over his button-up shirt, Draco walked down the hallway, letting his fingers trail over the beautiful settle-bench he and Harry had picked out together the previous spring. It was one of the few pieces that Harry had found himself, instead of simply choosing from the ones pre-picked by Draco. It wasn't as polished as Draco would have chosen, but it reminded him of Harry: classic, sturdy, functional, with beautiful, understated lines that drew Draco's caresses each time he passed.
He pushed the door open and stepped into the warm kitchen. He was assaulted with the fragrance of rosemary, tomatoes, and maybe thyme? "Wow, it smells great in here. How long have you been home?"
Harry turned from the hob, a smile lighting his eyes. "Thanks. It's just bangers and mash, but it's Molly's recipe you raved about last month."
Draco caught Harry around the waist and drew him close. "When did you learn to make that?" he asked, snuggling his nose into the crook of Harry's neck. "And why do you smell like rosemary?"
Harry tilted his head, giving Draco better access. "It's in the gravy." He let out a low chuckle and ran his hand through Draco's hair. "What's this all about?"
"Can't a bloke be happy to see his boyfriend?" Draco asked, pulling his head back and cocking his eyebrow in a saucy manner he knew Harry liked. "Besides, it's cold out there and you're warm."
"Ah, I see. I'm just the same as a hot water bottle." Draco loved the sound of Harry's voice when he was teasing and proceeded to poke him in the side, making Harry jump.
"Exactly. Like a really loud, messy, hot water bottle."
"Hey!" Harry pushed him away, laughing. "A hot water bottle that's cooking you dinner. Now wash up and set the table, you arse."
The banter continued as Draco did just that, the soft glow of the kitchen warming Draco almost as much as the hot food they were sharing. He took a sip of his Cabernet and sighed. "This is nice."
"You're easy these days," Harry said, but his smile showed his appreciation. Harry had a lot of different smiles: shy, playful, content, irritated, pained, sexy. This was one of Draco's favourites, though. It could only be termed as besotted. Draco should know, as he saw the same smile on his own face all too often.
"Not something I've ever been told outside the bedroom," Draco returned with a smirk. "Seriously, though, can you believe it's December? It seems like just yesterday we were taking Teddy swimming and having picnics. "I'm assuming you closed your case, then, since you're home so early?"
Harry nodded. "Still can't talk about it, but it's all wrapped up with a pretty bow. Even got a confession."
"Nice job, love," Draco said, feeling immensely proud of his boyfriend. "So, does that mean we might get a chance to make some plans for the holiday this year? You're not going to spend the month on stakeouts like last year?"
"It wasn't the whole month," Harry laughed, but he looked pained. "You know I hated that. We didn't really get to do anything much together."
"Well, this year, you'll be home with me."
Harry's eyes sparkled and he reached his hand out to Draco. "I like the sound of that."
Draco pulled Harry's hand, urging him to move around the table and to cuddle onto Draco's lap. "Me too," Draco agreed.
"You're my home, you know," Harry said into Draco's ear. "There's nowhere else I'd want to be."
"Potter," Draco murmured, sincerely touched. But Harry caught his lips with his own, and whatever response he'd had ready was quickly forgotten as the rest of their dinner grew cold.
A/N:
Ok, so here we go again! Each chapter will be of varying lengths, but most will be in the 800-1200 word range. I'm still writing this and am only about a week ahead of posting right now, but I have the story scoped out and hopefully, I'll keep well ahead of the calendar.
Happy December, everyone! See you tomorrow!
