Chapter 4

"Maybe this Christmas will mean something more."
Song - Maybe This Christmas, by Ron Sexsmith

4 December 2025

Teddy squealed as Harry pushed him higher on the swing outside the Burrow. "Higher, Uncle Harry!"

"I can go higher! Draco, can you push me higher? Please? I can go as high as Teddy."

Draco was sceptical but gave the little girl an extra bit of height with his next push. The cold didn't seem to affect either child's desire to be outside, their little noses red and running with snot. Teddy was currently wearing a mop of messy, dark hair, emulating his godfather.

Merlin, Draco loved Teddy's godfather so much it was embarrassing. And it wasn't like there was any one reason Draco could point to. It was his smile, the way it crept out of the shadows when Draco least expected it and brightened the room. It was his way of leaving his things strewn about the bedroom, but how he was meticulous about keeping the kitchen clean, scolding Draco for leaving things out after making snacks. It was the way he loved Teddy, the way he loved his friends, giving each of them everything he had and not expecting anything in return, but earning their devotion in the process.

It was the way he loved Draco, always seeing the best in him until Draco wanted to be his best. It was the way he saw love, the way he expected others to love, the way he gave away his love. How could anyone resist wanting to make Harry happy?

The conversation from the night before came back to him with a slight pang.

Harry didn't have any Christmas traditions, particularly any from his childhood. They'd go to the Weasleys for Christmas Day, Harry was adamant about that and so Draco supposed that counted, but there was no excitement about the build-up to the holiday for Harry. No eager anticipation of any event, no particular attachment to decorating or attending a holiday festivity.

But that was then. That was before. Before Draco.

If there was one thing Draco knew how to do, it was how to plan. He'd make this the best December ever. He'd make sure Harry experienced every Christmas activity out there so they could choose the ones they liked and hold on to them, creating their own traditions.

Teddy let out another squeal. Teddy was where Draco's and Harry's relationship began. That long-ago trip to the ice rink, teaching Harry and Teddy to skate, sipping hot chocolates after, walking through the cold park. The spark that stirred for the first time between them that day. And then later, taking the little boy shopping for Andromeda, holding hands — all three of them — through the streets of Hogsmeade.

Hadn't they already started their own traditions?

They had. And now that they lived together, Draco could make sure Harry had the full, ultra-holiday experience.

The giggles of the children brought him back, and he realised Harry was staring with a strange smile. Draco cocked his head and grinned, already beginning to come up with ideas.

It was going to be a busy month.