CHAPTER SEVEN: AND HE BROUGHT REINFORCEMENTS
The day was a delight and revelation to the three adults as they trailed after the two boys. Draco gently but insistently pulled Harry to his feet and dragged him to "Their" suite of rooms to show an astounded Harry where all his clothes and toys and books were kept, right next to his own. And Draco kept up a steady chatter and explained all about the various stars and magical constellations that Mother had often narrated to him, and they tried out various names, Harry shyly nodding or shaking his head, but dazedly trailing after Draco, their hands still tightly clutched and never really leaving each other. It was all the confirmation that Narcissa wanted to know they had made the right choice bringing the child home.
Draco had already gone through half a dozen names before he finally proposed "Orion the Hunter" which Harry liked but Draco did not; followed by "Perseus the hero" which Draco liked, but Harry didn't feel too warm about. When Severus, thinking of the Headmaster, suggested "Phoenix" both a constellation and a powerful magical creature, that was a suggestion that Draco strongly approved, and his new friend liked just as much.
Draco fairly strutted and swaggered as he informed Harry that he believed being Phoenix really suited Harry, because of his scar. Harry then got a quick garbled lesson on why and how Draco knew so much about him and his magical scar, and why Harry was like a Phoenix. By then they had all reached Draco's suite. They were still discussing the suitability of calling Harry Phoenix, which both Harry and Draco both immensely liked, since Draco was already a Dragon and both were creatures of Air and Fire. And best friends, Draco was positive, aught to have names that matched well, if nothing else.
Severus, Lucius and a very amused and pleased Narcissa watched, as Draco stood Harry by his side, both studying each other in the mirror and decided that they definitely looked like a mythical ice dragon and a shadow phoenix. And then Draco proceeded to explain all he knew and imagined and presumed about the two mythical creatures, while he systematically pulled open Harry's designated wardrobe and pulled out matching and contrasting day robes and suitable ensemble for Harry to wear.
He had Harry stripped out of his robes and pyjamas and marched embarrassed boy off to a scented tub, and Draco sat right there beside him, helping him pick a favourite scent, create enchanting bubbles and just relax, and come to terms with his new home and life. The entire time, Draco being Draco, kept up a steady and engaging chatter about all his favourite magical activities and magical creatures, and most especially the baby dragon he had seen last year. He was truly thrilled with the enraptured audience of one, and not just because he was the Boy-Who-Lived.
It was the admiration in Harry's eyes, and the complete acceptance of Draco as he was. It was more than he got from any of the enforced companions from all his family associations and social engagements. So he thrilled in his role as Harry's guide to the world of magic. And that included the magical aspects of dressing up and looking presentable. Harry wasn't even given the chance to feel body conscious or shy, even when the adults politely averted their eyes or busied themselves with something else.
The boys were immensely pleased and rather grateful for each other, Draco for someone who honestly admired him and appreciated him exactly as he was, and Harry for the unquestioning acceptance and friendship followed so swiftly after rescuing him from what he knew was his own personal hell. Harry wanted to learn how to look and act at least half as perfect as Draco. A boy couldn't get more magical than Draco Malfoy in his wizardling robes of dazzling green silks and silver trimmings, and boots made from the skin of actual dragons and the perfect hair and smile and a name like Draco, in the eyes of lost little Harry from the cupboard under the stairs.
And Draco revelled in the undivided attention and admiration. He puffed up his chest and lectured Harry the same way Lucius and Narcissa often lectured him on the importance of presentation, image and public masks. And he taught his new friend all the little tricks and nuances and their meanings and importance. And Harry happily lapped up the impromptu lesson and demonstrated gladly while Draco tweaked here and corrected there and patted down his nearly hopeless hair. Draco examined every inch of him and told Harry in immense detail what went well with what, from unmentionables upwards, never mind the smaller boy turning nearly tomato red, even as he paid attention with a near animalistic intensity.
When the chatter took a second's pause, both boys were surprised to see only Tilly for company. Tilly informed them that the family awaited the pleasure of their company at the informal dining and Draco helped Harry slick back and style his own hair, with a lot of Elfin Magic from Tilly, and deeming them both ready and adequately presentable, Tilly popped them both directly to the passage that led to the informal dining. Harry mused that he would need a map to find his way around this place, and Draco thought it a marvellous idea to spend the afternoon.
Harry trailed after Draco, his hand securely fastened in the taller boy's own, and entered a tastefully elegant room that he had imagined would turn Aunt 'Tunia green with envy. Draco's mum and dad and go'father were already seated. He watched carefully while Draco did a funny little bowing and arms flailing and noticed Narcissa's pleased smile of welcome. Immediately Harry did the exact same bowing and then peeked at the seated family to judge their reaction. Apparently, he did well, if Narcissa's widening smile, Lucius's nod and a small smile from the man who healed and doctored Harry was the measure to judge from.
He turned and beamed at his new friend, who looked immensely pleased too. Draco led him to the end of the table and pulled out two chairs and the two of them scrambled on, Draco, gracefully and Harry struggling with the height. Thank goodness for Magic, Harry thought when the chair slowly rose to match a suitable height for him and Draco. He then watched carefully and imitated Draco, in spreading the napkin, placing the cutlery and tinkling the goblet thrice. Once again Draco reached out to pat his arm and smiled at him.
Harry was in heaven; he was sitting at the table with this beautiful family like he was a real person. He would eat with them all, like real people. And no one would send him starving and fatigued, to a cupboard in this house. With all his heart, he wished this was his home and his family. And the wish shone in his face and his glinting green eyes weren't just suspiciously moist; they were glowing like emeralds, just like Draco had seen in those books. His will, intent and the intense yearning of a raw, powerful and untrained mage was unleashed in that single, focused wish.
Lucius stiffened suddenly and barely suppressed a gasp when he felt new wards fall into place. The power of it fairly overwhelmed him. He closed his eyes, and let his own senses explore the new addition and gasped at the heaviness and intensity of blood magic. And it now set to turn his home into a veritable fortress, impenetrable and defined by intent and reached out to taste each and every living, sentient being who called this place home, even Severus. Lucius was somewhat surprised to realize that. When he looked down the table and saw Harry's glowing face and shining eyes, and yearning fairly pouring out of him, he understood. And to reinforce and complete the new change, he picked up his goblet and raised a toast to the powerful new addition to their family.
His voice was gravelly and heavy with the power of the wards that the young wizardling brought with him; "Welcome home Harry. May your presence here bless this home and grounds, always. May you find love, peace and sanctuary in these hallowed halls. May your spirit always recognize this manor as Home. So mote it be." And Narcissa, Severus and even Draco chanted after him, "So mote it be." And Harry pipped in a scant second later, "So mote it be" with a fervour that echoed powerfully in the four winds.