I do not own any right to Harry Potter, or it's character's/plots, etc.
Also, definitely, not making any money by writing this fanfiction (unless personal satisfaction is now a currency).
Beta'd by: Bombadilo Baby.
A Fascinating Weekend to You All!
-G
The Dark Lords power lashed out, crashing violently against the barriers, like a giant pounding on glass. A last ditch attempt to break free from the prison. The four teachers trembled, sweat sliding down their faces, arms trembled as they struggled to maintain the containment field. If they dropped it before Voldemort's soul was evicted from Quirrell's body they would be left defenceless and exhausted before an angry Dark Lord. Needless to say they wouldn't survive long enough to see the Auror team to arrive.
An ear splitting screech was heard from within the containment field, and yet another wave of magic pounded against their barrier. Pomona cried out weakly, her wand faltering for the briefest moment as a torturous sound was emitted from the form that was Quirrell. None of them saw the wisp of soul slip from the western point, not as the inside of the barrier was encase in brilliant white light, eviscerating all dark magics from within.
Shuddering, all four teachers collapsed to the stone floor. Unconsciousness sweeping over them as their bodies were overtaken by magical exhaustion.
Chapter 24: Going Home
"Draco?" Harry said quietly.
The young blonde Malfoy turned from where he'd been perusing the Headmistress' bookshelf, trying to distract himself.
"Yeah?" he replied, winding his way back over to the large tartan armchair Harry had curled up on in front of the crackling fire.
"Do you think Severus will be back soon?" he asked, small fingers plucking at a loose thread of his pants.
Draco didn't reply for a moment as he stared down at his friend. "Budge up, would you?" he asked, gesturing for Harry to shuffle across.
Harry moved without question, making room for Draco to worm in beside him on the chair. Draco tilted his head until it rested against Harry's unruly black hair. Harry sighed happily, pressing slightly closer to his friend.
"No idea" Draco finally replied in answer to Harry's question.
They sat quietly, staring at the dancing red flames, both thinking about what their Godfather might be doing.
"I'm- I'm really sorry, Draco." Harry whispered quietly. "I know I've been a huge prat the last couple of weeks." He said, scrubbing the tears that budded in the corners of his eyes. "I don't know what was wrong. I didn't mean to – all I could that about was the mirror, and - "
Draco's eyebrows scrunched in confusion as he listened with concern to Harry "Mirror? Harry, what mirror?" he asked, turned to try and meet Harry's gaze.
Harry hesitated for a moment, then the whole story came bubbling out over the next few minutes, including Severus' reaction when he'd discovered out what had happened to Harry. Draco listened wide eyed, horrified to realise that he'd made the complete wrong assumption about what was going on with his friend. He'd thought Harry was upset about the anniversary of his parents death. Draco had been so worried (and hurt) that his new friend would push him away rather than let him try to help. But the truth seemed worse.
Draco pulled Harry to him, wrapping his arms around his friend. Glad to have him back.
"It's alright. It's okay." Draco said into Harry's hair. "I'm not angry with you. Promise, Harry." He said earnestly. "I agree with Uncle Sev. Something's . . . wrong with that Mirror, Harry. I'm – I'm just glad you're feeling better." He said, relieved. "What Godfather did helped, yeah? Do you still . . . want to see it? The Mirror?" he asked hesitantly.
Harry shook his head, still buried against Draco's chest, before glancing hesitantly up. "You. . . you forgive me?" he whispered, almost too soft for Draco to hear. Hardly able to believe that Draco could forgive him for behaving so horribly when the Dursley's had (always) taken any excuse to loath his very existence.
"Yes. Course, Harry." said Draco. "You're my best friend." He said shyly smiling, awkwardly bumping his shoulder against Harry's. Draco bit his lip after a moment, gaze flickering to Harry. "I just-" he stuttered "I thought you didn't want me around." He admitted, unable to look at Harry as he stared down at his hands. "It was getting so close to Halloween, a-and I know that was when your parents- I mean your family . . ." he trailed off awkwardly. "I just wanted to help . . . but everyone was telling me you wanted to be alone."
Harry was shaking his head before he'd even finished. "I wouldn't Dray!" he said earnestly "You're my best friend. . . I – I didn't have . . . you're my first friend too." He admitted. "wouldn't push you away." He mumbled, face bright red with embarrassment as he stared up at Draco.
Draco stared at him in surprise, a bright bubble of happiness swelling in his chest. He stood up suddenly, pulling Harry towards the window. Suddenly knowing exactly what he wanted to do. "Right." He said, definitely. "Come on."
He walked across the room, then reached up on his toes to flick the latch, Draco pushed against the stubborn window to crack it open.
"Call Caladrius" Draco urged, nudging Harry toward the half open window.
Harry turned in confusion to Draco. "What? How? She's in the owlery. She won't hear me." He said, flicking an uncertain glance towards the window. He couldn't hear the distant sounds of the Quidditch game anymore, and vaguely wondered if the game was over already. Hopefully Slytherin had won.
Draco was shaking his head. "She's your familiar. Pretty sure you bonded near the start of term. She'll hear you call for her, like when I call for Dotty or Dobby. Though obviously it will take a little longer for her to get here." He told Harry. "Besides, she'll make you feel better. Familiars always do." He explained.
"I'd show you by calling Altair, but I just sent him out today with a letter for Mother, and I don't want to confuse him." Draco explained.
Harry looked sceptically out the window, but nevertheless called out. "Caladrius?! Can you, er, come here . . . please?" he said uncertainly, turning to scowl slightly at his friends light snickers.
Draco stood beside Harry at the window, staring out. "You can just call her name, next time you try." he said, chuckling "She'll come. Father told me that some wizards and witches have bonded so closely with their familiars that they even come just by thinking about them. Like wishing them to you." Draco said, grey eyes bright.
Harry thought it sounded pretty cool too as he kept his eyes searching for the familiar soft cream and brown wings. A minute or so later Harry face went slack with surprise, then happiness, as his beloved bird soared down to their window.
"Cala!" he welcomed her with a broad smile, arm held aloft for her to purchase on.
She daintily swept through the window, alighting gracefully on Harry's arm, careful not to grip too hard with her claws. Ink black eyes (filled with warmth that reminded Harry so strongly of his Godfather) looked inquisitively at Harry. Caladrius hooted quietly in question, tilting her head to observe her human for the briefest of moments. Something she saw prompted he to act because she shuffled closer, sensing her Human's need for reassurance, nestling against Harry's neck in comfort. She reached up to nibble softly at his ear, startling a laugh out of Harry as he immediately shied away from the tickling sensation.
Harry was barely aware of his broad smile until his gaze drifted up and he caught Draco delighted (with definite smug undertones) grin.
Draco walked towards the two, careful not to startle Cala. So happy to see a smile true smile on his friends face again. "Feeling better, yeah?" he checked, one hand reaching out slowly, waiting for the familiar's permission.
At Cala's faint head bob, Draco stretched his arm out the full distance to gently run his fingers along the silky feathers of her back.
"You'll help me look after this idiot, won't you Cala?" Draco joked to the owl, smile crooked.
Harry raised a bemused eyebrow, but didn't comment. With his spare hand, Harry stretched to close the window, before walking carefully back towards the armchair. Everything made slightly more awkward by his attempts to remain steady for Cala.
They spent the next couple of hours either speaking quietly or stroking Cala's feather's. Harry felt so comfortable and safe. Properly happy for the first time in ages. Harry told Draco a little more about his life with the Dursley's, and Draco in return told him what it was like growing up as a Malfoy. They were fast asleep together on the armchair when their Godfather and the Headmistress finally strode through the door.
And it was with weary bemusement the two teacher's took in the sight of the two boys: scrunched up next to each other on the one chair, heads tucked together, presided over by one creamy white owl (currently perched on the armrest).
Severus stepped forward. "I'll take them down to the Dungeon's. They'll need to pack along with the rest of the students. I'll apprise my Prefect's of the situation and advise them to assist any of the younger years with packing their belongings." He said quietly.
Reaching forward to gently shake his two Godson's awake, Severus smiled slightly at their sleepy eyed gaze as they looked up.
"Come on you two, the Headmistress requires the use of her office." He said, gesturing with his head towards the doorway.
Twin sets of eyes widened as they become conscious of their surroundings once more, both boys jumping up from the seat.
"What happened?" "Are you alright?" Both boys asked their Godfather hurriedly.
"We're fine, but I need to escort you both down to your Dormitories. The Governor's of Hogwart's have decided to start the winter break early so that they have sufficient time to renew the wards, and fully cleanse the school before the next term starts." Severus explained patiently, ushering the two boys forward. "We need to get both of you packed, the train will be arriving at the Station tomorrow."
"What?!" the yelped in shock.
"Come along" Severus said. It had been a long morning and he was already tired. Regrettably there was still much left to do. "I shall be explaining this further with your House mates once we arrive, and I have no desire to repeat myself."
Harry and Draco shared a glance, then hurried to catch up with their Godfather.
6 weeks later. Tuesday 22nd, December. Night of the Winter Solstice
Draco stared around the lounge room in contentment.
It was the night of the Winter Solstice so, naturally, the Malfoy Manor was beautifully illuminated by the crackling fire and softly burning candles. Other decorations had been placed, including the holly over doorways and the branches of ivy and mistletoe drifting gracefully along the roof.
It had taken he and Harry and his Mother the majority of the day to complete, and he was quite happily tired now as the night wore on. They'd trekked around the frosty Manor garden to collect all the fresh produce, Yule log, and decorations for the celebration. He'd eagerly explaining to Harry the traditions and history behind their actions as their breaths made steamy clouds in the cold air. He remembered his horror at hearing that his friend had never been allowed to celebrate Christmas with the Muggle's, let alone Yule. In fact the entire Malfoy family and Severus had fought the urge to fling curses at the Dursley family on hearing this piece of news, barely managing to control themselves. It had only been Harry who was oblivious to their murderous intent.
Eventually, the sun had set and his Father had set the Yule log alight. They'd been gathered in the lounge room since, happily settled around it's flames.
"Hey, Draco?" Harry's quiet voice broke through his thoughts. Draco turned his head to face the boy lying beside him on the luscious thick rug.
Harry held up his apple. "how am I supposed to roast this?" he whispered with confusion, trying not to catch the attention of Dotty who'd just handed out the fruit.
A burst of laughter bubbled up as Draco placed down the deck of exploding snap cards he'd been shuffling. They'd just stopped after their fifth game to sip at the freshly brewed ginger tea Dobby had served. Draco reached across to pick up one of the thin metal pokers they'd laid out near the fireplace before gesturing for Harry to pass over his apple. Careful to pierce it through the centre, Draco speared the fruit before passing it back to Harry.
"Here, try to hold it over the coals not the flames so that it doesn't burn." He advised, eagerly preparing his own desert for roasting over the large open fireplace.
The sound of Severus and his parents talking happily whilst they lounged on the couches behind them drifted around the room. Draco could smell the glasses of spiced cider they were drinking even from here. Draco had wheedled a sip from his Father only to promptly scrunch up his nose at the taste. The ginger tea tasted much better.
"Like this?" Harry asked, face scrunched in concentration, hovering his fruit over the coals tentatively.
Draco smiled broadly, filled with a wash of happiness. He couldn't help basking in the room around him. He didn't think he'd had a Yule night this brilliant for years, definitely not since his great grandparents and uncles had visited several years ago for an entire week over the Winter Solstice. Most years he spent a fun, but quiet, night with his parents, Dotty and Dobby before going to bed.
"Mmmm" Draco answered noncommittedly, instead reaching across to manoeuvre Harry's arm to a slightly different position over the coals. "Try there, you need it a little hotter, just not too close to the flames."
"Ooohh" Harry replied, focused intently on his fruit.
Draco's lips flashed in a crooked smile, trying not to laugh at the serious expression on his friends face.
He kept half an eye on Harry's fruit whilst he cooked his own, prompting Harry a couple of times to rotate the poker when he'd come close to burning the bottom of the apple. Once the apple skins were starting to loosen he pulled his off the fire, making sure Harry following suit. Very carefully, he showed Harry how to peel off the skin, then roll them in sugar and cinnamon.
"They just need a bit longer" Draco told him, gesturing for Harry to put it back over the coals. "They glaze." he explained, absently eating his apple skin as he finished roasting the apple.
When they were done, Harry excitedly pulled his apple from the fireplace.
"Dad!" he called, turning to face Severus with a beaming smile. "My apple's done!" he exclaimed, standing up and holding his almost perfectly cooked apple carefully out for observation.
Severus withheld a laugh "So it is" he confirmed, eyes bright as he flicked his wand.
Harry yelped in surprise as his apple lost a slice from one side, which darted across the room to Severus' waiting hand. Their Godfather popped it in his mouth, chewing slowly.
"Delicious" he congratulated.
Draco burst into laughter at his friends face, which couldn't seem to settle on either proud or affronted.
"Hey!" Harry complained, his reaction ruined by the tug of a smile on his lips.
"Hmm" Lucius mused, also watching the scene with amusement. "I'd say you have the right idea Severus." He commended his friend mildly, and before Draco could hide his apple two slices had already zipped across. Draco's father graciously offered a slice to his wife.
"Thank you, darling." She said with a smile, gracefully biting into her piece of apple.
Draco's mouth was open in outrage.
Narcissa turned to Draco with a warm smile. "From Malfoy to Malfoy, we share this gift of Yule" she cited, dipping her head in acknowledgement.
Lucius turned towards Severus. "In fact, I do believe it's time for one of us to impart another gift." He suggested, lips tilted in a smile.
Draco watched in curiosity as his Godfather's eyes flickered to Harry. He could have swore he sore a spark of something nervous in his gaze before he stood smoothly up.
"Indeed" Severus agreed, walking across the room to one of the small display cabinets. He opened a drawer and took something from it before walking back across.
"I have one last gift to offer you, Harry. Though I would like to be clear now, that you need not accept it." He explained carefully, pulling a small vile from his cloak pocket.
"This" he explained, holding the glowing red potion aloft, the crystal vile glittering in the fire light. "Is a Blood Adoption Potion." he told his ward.
Draco gasped quietly, eyes wide where he stood between where his parents sat, avidly watching Harry and Severus.
"A-a Blood Adoption potion?" Harry asked in confusion, green eyes not on the potion but his Godfather. Draco wondered if everyone else could see the spark of hope and wonder that sparked on Harry's face.
Severus nodded. "It would – it would make you, for all intents and purposes, my son. Combing my genetics with your parents. It would change your appearance slightly to resemble that of my family, and Magic would recognise you as part of the Snape and Prince families." He told Harry, black eyes closely watching his ward. "But Harry, I want you to know this is your choice. Whether you stay my ward, allow me to formally adopt you, or even blood adopt you, I do not want anything but your own desires to sway you. The potion or formal adoption may be competed at any time you choose, or never, just know that any of these options are open to you." Severus' voice was unusually thick. "No matter what you choose, you will always be my son, Harry . . . . and I hope that I would always be your father."
"I – I would be a Snape? I'd be Harry Snape?" Harry asked timidly looking up at his Godfather, and the man he'd come to view as his Dad.
Severus nodded slowly "With the potion, the magic involved would allow you to choose between Potter-Snape, or Snape as your magical name. If you wish to remain purely a Potter you may, of course, remain as my ward. Otherwise you can remain Harry Potter by writing it thus on the formal adoption papers." Severus paused, hesitant to add the next information in case it swayed Harry for the wrong reasons but feeling it was dishonest to leave it out.
"You should know that without the Snape name I cannot pass on any of my familial magics to you." Severus told Harry quietly.
Harry was shaking his head. "I don't care about that" he babbled, eyes locked on Draco's Godfather. "I-I just want you to be my Dad."
Draco sat down on the couch between his parents, leaning into his Father's side. Draco was filled with glowing warmth of content as Lucius' arm wrapped around his shoulder, pulling him closer against his father.
Severus had reached out to cup Harry's face with his palm, long fingers brushing unruly black hair from Harry's face fondly.
"I am. Always." Severus replied before wrapping Harry in a hug.
"Please can I take it?" Draco heard Harry whisper against his Godfather's chest. "The potion?"
Draco beamed up at his parents excitedly, delighted by his friends choice. When they'd talked up in the Headmistress' office Harry had babbled happily about the moment his Godfather had taken up the title 'Dad'. He knew how much it meant to the green eyed boy.
Severus appeared to be frozen in surprise, dark eyes wide as he looked down at his ward.
"Are you sure, Harry? You wouldn't rather wait at least a few days? To be sure of your decision?" he asked uncertainly, though watching him, Draco was certain he was delighted with Harry choice. His Godfather masked his emotions well, but Draco had known the man for his entire life.
Harry was already shaking his head, green eyes alight with excitement and pure happiness. "Please?" he asked again. "I – I'd really like to take it now. I want to be your son." He whispered, looking shyly up at his Godfather.
Severus' gaze swept over Harry face, taking in every detail, looking for any sign of uncertainty.
Then he opened his mouth to reply.
"From Snape to Snape, I share this gift of Yule" Severus replied, eyes warm the warmest black, and presented Harry the Yuletide gift.