Hello, Readers :)
Yes, it was incredibly stupid and naive of me to think I could upload every two days whilst working two jobs (with double shifts) and doing all the other boring things necessary for this thing called life. Bloody optimism. I am going to have to widen my upload window to five days, for which I apologise. Have a long chapter (with a bonus scene!) as a peace offering. If you like this story, please add it to your alerts or bookmark it to know when I upload.
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"It's not too late to turn around."
Harry stared at Draco, his head tilted and a single eyebrow raised disbelievingly. "It's literally too late to turn around."
"I think you mean practically not literally, and either way you're wrong. We still have time to run." A soft but clear call of 'enter' came from the other side of the heavy wooden door the two stood before. Draco cursed under his breath, glaring at the amused smirk on Harry's face. "Now it's literally too late to turn around. This is you and you're ceaseless chattering's fault, scarhead."
"Oh, behave, it's Christmas!" Harry called as he pushed open the door, waltzing into the headmaster's office. He ignored his begrudging boyfriend trailing at his heels to nod politely at the other occupants on both of their behalf. "Merry Christmas Eve, everyone!"
Mixed responses filled the air at his cheerful greeting from the gathered staff members. Ginny had been right, Molly was throwing a big party this year. Albus, Severus and Minerva were accompanying the two students to the Burrow for afternoon tea, where they would meet up with a few other friends and family close to the Weasleys. Most of the guests would head back to their respective home that night and re-join them for Christmas dinner the next day, along with all of the other invitees.
"Now that everyone's here, let us be departing," Albus called to the group, his authoritative air somewhat diminished by the bright red and green festive robes he wore.
One by one the staff members vanished through the floo, not sparing a second glance to the two boys still stood just inside the entrance. Draco stepped closer to his boyfriend, tilting his head to speak lowly in his ear, "You know, they really put too much faith in us just mindlessly following them. We could make that runner, now."
"Who's this 'us'? I think you'll find the faith is solely in me," Harry quipped, using Draco's proximity to snag his hand and tow him towards the fireplace. He stilled before it, peering up into guarded silver eyes. "Look, if it's as bad as you think it'll be, we'll go hide in a dark corner somewhere, promise. But please give it a chance. Do you really think I'd intentionally put you through something that I think would be horrible?"
Draco gently pulled his hand free so he could cup Harry's face. He planted a tender kiss at the frown induced furrow between dark brows. "No. I didn't think of it like that. I'm sorry. I'll try, I really will. I'm sorry for how I've been acting, I know these people are dear to you."
"It's okay. To be honest, I don't know how I would react in your position. But thank you, I won't ask any more of you than that. Get to know the real them and let them see the real you. Because, and I might be ever so slightly the tiniest bit biased here, the real you is pretty amazing." Harry smiled warmly, tilting his face up to try and catch lips that were beyond his reach. His smile grew as Draco quickly ducked down to meet him, feeling upturned lips against his own. He pulled away, taking the blonde's hand again before gesturing out at the office. "Besides, if we're getting this much of a reaction from an empty room, imagine how much fun it will be once we have an audience."
Frowning in confusion, Draco's gaze followed his motion. It took him a moment, but realisation had a sharp bark of laughter slipping past pale lips. The portraits of headmasters past were in varying states of shock and indignation; some turned their backs to the couple, some stared wide-eyed and unblinking, and a few shook their fists, their mouths furiously working around silent shouts. An elderly gentleman with a stern face had even gone so far as to enter the portrait of a younger woman, shielding her eyes with the sleeve of a crisply pressed robe as he pointed the tip of his cane at them rudely.
"Neville and I did warn you," Draco chuckled humourlessly. "The pure-blooded and the traditional hate us. Unfortunately, it's the pure-blooded and the traditional that have the most power and influence in our world."
"I didn't realise how shielded we'd been inside Hogwarts," Harry's tone had taken on a darker note, "I mean, the letters are one thing but…it's so different to actually see it."
"I know, baby, but it doesn't matter," Draco spoke softly, a small but genuine smile forming on his lips. "It's me and you, and we're different, and it doesn't matter. Who cares what people think. You say that yourself often enough, you should start believing it. We'll show them, we'll show them all. We've started an army together. This, this is nothing." He placed another kiss to full lips and remained close as he spoke, breath ghosting over tan skin, "You're so brave. One day everyone will see how incredible you are, and they will be begging your forgiveness, you'll see." He kissed him once more before turning them away from judgmental eyes and towards the flickering fire. He gripped Harry's hand tighter, reaching out with his other to grab a generous handful of floo powder. "Let's show them who we are."
"Together." Harry's word held so many meanings. It was an agreement, a declaration, a promise. Side by side, shoulder to shoulder, hand in hand, they stepped through the emerald flames.
They emerged in a bustling, brightly lit kitchen. Eyes were immediately drawn to a huge wooden table, around which sat a crowd on an assortment of mismatched chairs and stools. Molly and Arthur sat with Ginny, Ron, the twins, and Hermione. The professors had monopolised one end of the table, and Remus and Tonks made up the last of the group. The tension grew and conversations died as eyes landed on the new arrivals.
Molly stood, bustling towards them, her hands flapping and fussing. She pulled Harry away from Draco and towards herself forcefully, holding him at arm's length as she scrutinised every inch of his body. "Harry! How wonderful to see you, dear. Are you eating well? Are you sleeping? How are you, what have you been doing? I hear you're dating? How lovely, what's he-" Her eyes landed on Draco, as if she had only just noticed his presence, before returning to Harry with renewed excitement. "Oh! Is this him? Such a handsome fellow. Dear, I'm so happy for you!" She dragged Harry forward, crushing him to her chest in a fierce embrace.
Harry hugged her back just as fiercely, a relieved sob escaping his lips at her unconditional motherly love and support. He was about to begin answering some of her stream of questions when she pulled away rather quickly, seeming to instantly dismiss him. He laughed when the witch switched her attention to Draco, swooping the taller boy into a hug much of the same fashion. His laughter grew as he watched Draco tense and freeze, his hands hovering up in the air, unintelligible sounds of surprise filling the quiet room. Ignoring his reaction, Molly released him with a huge grin, happy tears threatening to spill from her eyes. She clasped a hand to each of their shoulders.
"Please, please, come in! Take a seat, get comfortable. Have some food, there's plenty to go around. You're both far too skinny." The redhead gave them a warm, firm squeeze before reluctantly letting go, returning to her previous seat.
Taking Draco's hand, Harry led him closer to the table, smiling round at the familiar faces. "Hey, Hermione, Ginny. Ronald." The last name was spoken with a neutral face and a polite nod. He had no intentions of any bad blood between them ruining Christmas or jarring the close-knit family. He tilted his head towards Draco to gain his attention before pointing out others, "Draco, you remember Remus Lupin, the DADA professor from third year? He was a good friend of my dad and godfather's, and now mine. And that's his partner, Tonks, they're an Auror. The twins are, left to right, George and Fred. They were two years above us, if you remember them. Everyone, this is my boyfriend, Draco Malfoy."
Draco snorted at the muted but rather noticeable reaction that last casual statement caused. He ruffled a hand through Harry's hair as he sent him a bemused look, eyes dancing with mirth. "Of course I remember professor Lupin, he was the best defence teacher we ever had. And the twins, how could I forget. And Tonks is my cousin, dunderhead, I've known them significantly longer than you have."
At his words Tonks rose from their seat, a bundle of pink hair and energy. They dashed around the table, punching Draco lightly on the shoulder and mimicking his ruffle of Harry's hair. "Wotcher, guys! Fancy seeing me favourite cousin and favourite troublemaker all cosied up together. Ain't it something."
"Hello, Tonks, it's been a while," Draco replied warmly. "I've not since you since I was still formerly a Malfoy. How are you? You're dating professor Lupin?"
"Ha, yeah, welcome to the black-sheep-of-the-family club." Tonks clamped onto Draco's arm, half dragging him towards their seat and their stiffly smiling partner. "Yes, I am. It's only been a few months, but it's been wonderful."
Harry, who still had a hold of Draco's hand, trailed after the cousins. He released him to stand awkwardly in front of Remus, his feet shuffling and hands burying deep into his pockets. "Hey, Remus."
"Hello, cub," the man let out on a deep sigh. Amber eyes watched Tonks and Draco converse loudly, his tense posture releasing slightly as he watched his partner laugh and joke. His gaze landed back on Harry and he finally stood, pulling the small boy into a brief yet tight hug. "Does he make you happy?"
Harry smiled sweetly, eyes flicking back to Draco who had stopped his conversation and was listening in to their softly spoken words. "Yes. I love him." He ignored the small gasps and tense silence from the other occupants of the room, who were obviously eavesdropping, attention focused solely on the man he considered his honorary godfather.
"And what about you?" Remus asked Draco.
"I love him," Draco spoke confidently, making sure his voice sounded as sincere as he felt. "I care for him deeply. I would never hurt him, and I would quite literally go to war for him."
"And we'll be speaking of that matter later," Remus's muttered under his breath, his voice low and gravelly. He shook his head, extending a hand to the blonde, allowing a smile to pull up his scarred lips when Draco shook it firmly. "That's good enough for me. I support you both, and I wish you well."
"Thank you, Moony," Harry breathed out, giving the tall man another hug. A quiet, derisive snort from across the room had the four turning, looking down the table at Severus Snape. The professor was leaning back in his chair, arms crossed and a cold, distasteful sneer on his face.
"Is something wrong, godfather?" Draco asked lightly, clearly amused.
"So, you tell Lupin you love the brat before you tell me, brat?" Severus drawled out.
Draco clicked his tongue, looking at Severus as if he were a small child and not old enough to be his father. "You can't call us both brat; that would get very confusing very fast."
"Watch your tone, you insufferable creature."
"You watch your-" whatever retort Draco had wanted to make died short as a new person came into the room. His eyes widened as they fell on a beautiful blonde woman. "Fleur?"
The witch gasped and rushed towards him, clutching his hands up into hers. She placed a kiss to the air just above each of his cheeks as he mirrored the gesture. "Draco!"
Harry stared at the two, eyebrows raised in confusion. Judging by the stunned silence of the room he wasn't the only one feeling that way. "Hello, Fleur. You two know each other?"
"'Arry!" She leant in, greeting Harry in the same way she had Draco. "Yes, yes, we grew up together in France. Draco is a long-time friend."
Seeing the confused look grow even deeper on his boyfriend's face, Draco decided to put him out of his misery, despite his own amusement in winding Harry up. "Please don't tell me you thought Malfoy was an English name, scarhead. Even you can't be that clueless. I was born in France, and as a child I spent just as much time there as I did in England. The Malfoys have ties with the French pureblood families as well as the English, the Delacours included. I'm acquainted with quite a few Beuxbatons students."
Fleur nodded enthusiastically. "Such a shame he went Hogwarts, is not as good. I don't see him since he got his letter, only once at the Triwizard Tournament. Is good to see you again, Draco, and you, 'Arry."
"Yes, it's a shame it's been so long. We didn't get much time to catch up during the tournament, what with Fleur being a champion." Draco's smile was bittersweet as he remembered the events of that year. He turned back to Fleur, "I never expected to see you today, what brings you here?"
"Ah, am dating Bill Weasley." Fleur's expressive face filled with utter devotion as she mentioned the eldest Weasley brother's name. "I get my handsome man, Draco gets his, Harry gets his. Merveilleux!"
As if summoned by his name, Bill stepped into the room, an arm thrown around Charlie's shoulder. The two waved politely before they headed over to join in the main conversation. They stopped short of Harry and Draco, and Fleur was pulled under Bill's other arm, a kiss pressed to the top of her neat hair as she tucked herself into his side.
"Now I know why you insist on spending so much time here," Draco murmured into Harry's ear as he nodded in greeting. "Where have they been hiding?"
"I know, right, they definitely got the good genes." Harry whispered back. He giggled as he stepped into Charlie's embrace and was pulled clumsily against the two eldest Weasley brothers. He sighed as he stepped back to Draco's side; he didn't get to see them often, and he missed them. They were the cool big brothers he'd always wished he'd had. Lifting a hand, he gestured to Bill, his own eyes tracing familiar long hair, the sharp point of a dragon fang earing, and thin, bronzed, elegant features. "This is Bill Weasley, he's a curse-breaker for Gringotts and lives in Egypt. Bill, Draco."
"Merlin, has it been that long?" Bill shook his head, a few locks of sun-bleached red hair falling free of his loose ponytail. "I've not lived in Egypt since the summer. I'm on leave at Gringotts and will be staying in England for a work for the Order. I'm using it as a chance to settle down more with Fleur. We've just bought a house together, a little cottage by the sea."
"You? You're settling down?" Harry asked, his mouth gaping in shock.
Fleur placed a hand on the chest of her boyfriend, fluttering the other delicately at Harry. "Ay, don't worry, 'Arry, he's not broken. He still goes on exciting adventures…or he will, once he's finished with the Order. I'm not tying him down. He just has a home to come back to, now."
"He's always had a home to come back to." The dark mutter from across the room had the large group blinking at Molly Weasley, having temporarily forgotten the rest of the guests.
Charlie broke the awkward silence that followed, a deep, rumbling laughter spilling from weather chapped lips, "She didn't mean it like that, mum. Be nice." The short but heavily muscled man turned his attention to Draco, a lopsided, cheeky grin falling across his freckled face and lighting up his eyes. "Hi, I'm Charlie. I graduated the year before you, Harry and Ron came to Hogwarts, that's why we've never met." He lifted a heavy hand for the blonde to shake, long pale fingers cold against his own sun-kissed skin. "I don't know what the others have said or what they're thinking, but I say welcome to the Burrow. Harry's a good kid, if he likes you, then I like you."
"Thanks, Charlie," Harry grinned dopily. "He's being modest, though, Draco. You haven't met him because he lives in Romania being a badass dragonologist." He tipped his chin, indicating the billowing linen tunic the redhead wore. The cut off sleeves and the deep V of the neckline showed off numerous tattoos over thickly muscled arms and chest. Several were clearly dragon themed, and the dark ink wove over more faded burn scars than the average person should ever have.
Shaking his head, Charlie sighed, a sad, wistful look in blue eyes. "Wrong again, kid. We should really catch up more often. I left that job the same time Bill went on leave from Gringotts. I'm working for the Order full time now, too."
Harry's head shot up at the words. He spun on his heel, seeking out Albus. All eyes fell on him or the headmaster at his sudden movement, curious of the disbelieving look on his face. "You made Bill and Charlie leave their jobs, sir?"
"I'm sure you're in agreement, my boy, that the war effort is of great importance in these current times." Albus peered up at him, his glasses flashing in the light of the kitchen.
"Absolutely," Harry agreed easily. "But being in this war, and what role you play in it, is solely down to the individual to decide. If we sacrifice the things we love, then what are we fighting for? If we're miserable, what's the point?"
Albus smiled fondly. "Oh, to be so young an innocent. It's a blessing, Harry, savour it. Things are not that simple. A war needs soldiers."
Harry kept his voice calm, neutral, "Yes, it does. But being a soldier is optional. It is not something to be done out of guilt, or pressure, or because you've been forced."
"I don't think you're quite understanding me, Harry," Dumbledore's tone turned patronising, the slightest frown pulling at bearded lips.
"With respect, I don't think you're understanding me, sir," Harry bit out coldly. He turned to Bill and Charlie, his eyes pleading silently for their honesty, "If you don't mind me asking, were either of you formerly asked to join the Order, or was your enrolment decided for you? Did you know what the group was, what they did, what your roles would be, before you became members?"
The two brothers looked at each other, startled. A quick, unspoken conversation seemed to occur between them before they faced the room, heads shaking cautiously, hesitantly.
"Do you want to be members?" This time there was no hesitation in the answers to Harry's question.
"Of course."
"Yes, we want to fight against You Know Who's forces."
Harry nodded, continuing, "Has everything you've given up for the Order been done so willingly? Did you choose to leave your jobs and become fulltime members? Do you have any say in the tasks you are asked to fulfil?" Each of his questions were met with twin headshakes, blue eyes downcast at the looks they were receiving from the room as they indicated the negative. "Do you feel as if you could have benefitted the Light, aided the war effort, and performed duties for the Order without giving up what you have?"
"It might be easier if I was still at the reserve," Charlie acknowledged, his head ducked under the gaze of the headmaster. "It's harder to recruit foreign wizards and spread awareness without the contacts and influence that working there got me. I was more successful when I was there fulltime and volunteered for the Order. I was happier too, more motivated."
"Sorry, everyone, but Charlie's right," Bill added. "It was a lot easier when I had the best travel goblins could get, a team, and a steady income. It used to feel more rewarding, more meaningful. At the moment I don't have access to any of Gringotts' information and resources, and it's difficult working on my own."
Dumbledore held up a hand, effectively silencing the conversation and other quiet whisperings. "I am sorry to hear of your complaints, my boys. I must ask why you never spoke up before, especially as you've made it abundantly clear that your successes have been diminished over the past few months."
"They did, Albus," Minerva spoke up, her voice stern. "They have voiced their opinions many times, and have each time been shut down." The silent 'by you' hung in the air.
Remus's soft, deep voice joined the conversation, "I have also said the same things Bill and Charlie have. I have been struggling to fulfil my assignments, too, and I fear it may be due to the time restraints, pressure, and lack of freedom within the role given to me. I have also repeatedly requested to have a team, or at least a partner, assist me on my missions. Each time I have been declined and have even been accused of wanting to sabotage the Order by stealing manpower."
"If I remember correctly," Severus drawled, his voice jarringly bored, "They, and certain other members, were told it was their duty to give a hundred percent of their time and effort to the Order. That to do any less would lead to certain failure and might as well be treated as treason against the Light."
Dumbledore chucked humourlessly, his hands resting placatingly on the table before him. "I assure you all, if your claims are true and there were such words spoken, they were nothing more than greatly misunderstood harmless pep talks and well-intentioned advice designed to inspire and increase productivity. I apologise if anything said, especially by myself, has been taken out of context or misconstrued by members."
Harry blinked owlishly at the headmaster, dumbfounded that the man had somehow twisted his own shortcomings to be the fault of others. He didn't bother gracing him with a response, knowing it would most likely be futile. A hand brushed against his and he looked to see Draco sporting his own look of pure disbelief. Their eyes locked and an understanding fell between them. Breaking the tension of the room, Harry smiled brightly, taking a seat and waiting for everyone else to settle into theirs. He reached for a teapot, pouring tea for him and Draco as the blonde begun preparing two scones.
He looked around the room, carefully discerning the reactions of the gathered crowd. Hermione had moved to sit beside her Head of House and the two witches held a quiet conversation interspersed with small glances and smiles to Harry and Draco, occasionally seeking Severus's opinion. Molly and Arthur were in what looked like a heated discussion with their two youngest children, Ginny's arms crossed defiantly and Ron's face growing decidedly red. Remus and Tonks were pressed close together, whispering loudly, but whenever Harry tried to listen in, their voices sounded muffled and distorted. Fred and George had joined their eldest brothers and Fleur, laughing and joking as Bill and Charlie stared unseeingly at the cakes and pastries generously heaped upon the table. Dumbledore seemed to be doing his own quite assessment of the room, his eyes twinkling as they scrutinised, before finally landing on green.
"Quite the disturbance you've managed to create, my boy." The headmaster's voice carried softly.
"Quite," Harry agreed. He reached for the small dish of cream Draco had put before him, going to add it to his scone before a swatting hand gave him pause.
"Heathen. Jam first," Draco muttered quietly.
Rolling his eyes, Harry followed the order, taking his time to prepare the dish just right before returning his attention to Dumbledore. "I merely meant to point out and discuss some key differences in the way we run things," Harry continued conversationally. "Although, that in itself is a difference. We have three leaders of equal standing in the Grey Army. No decision is made by one person alone, and a compromise is always drawn if there is sound argument against an idea. Major decisions will be held to a vote by all members." He let the implications and accusations hang in the air; the Grey Army was not a dictatorship, and he would not have anyone think otherwise.
"That's a lovely sentiment, and ideal for your club. However, real life can often become complicated, and such methods are not always appropriate or efficient," Dumbledore replied, taking a sip from a dainty porcelain cup.
"It works, Albus," Minerva interjected. "The three of them, Miss Granger, Mr Potter and Mr Malfoy, they're good together. They've sought my advice many times over the last few weeks, and I have been more than impressed by their decisions thus far."
"And, you may wish to alter your opinion on the seriousness of the Army, Albus." Severus's drawling voice swept the room, drawing attention effortlessly. The man was powerful, knowledgeable, and respected, and his words were more often than not worth paying mind to. "Whether you like it or not, this is real life. They are preparing to be real soldiers in a real war."
Molly huffed, her voice loud and shrill as she addressed the room, "Please, hasn't there been enough talk of business and war? Let's all just enjoy some food and pleasant company."
Remus and Arthur shared a look, the latter giving the former a firm nod. Remus sighed, scrubbing absently at one of the scars on his cheek. "I'm sorry if this is upsetting you, Molly, however the air needs to be cleared, and certain things need to be said." Amber eyes darted around the room challengingly, daring anyone to disagree with him as he made her a promise, "I assure you that tomorrow, Christmas Day, will be free of all such talk. I think we can all agree it's best to do this now rather than later, so we can all enjoy the rest of holidays."
"Besides, it must be relieving for the children to be able to discuss these matters around friendly faces," Albus agreed with a small chuckle, "Rather than, say, have their business broadcast by the newspapers to be judged by strangers."
Harry looked up sharply at that, his eyes narrow. A pale hand landing on his thigh kept him from commenting and he allowed the headmaster to continue, his aged face turned to directly address Harry.
"With that settled, back to the matter at hand. If they are soldiers as Severus says, surely you must be facing some of the same issues that you rather kindly suggested we in the Order have."
Shrugging nonchalantly, Harry slowly and methodically added several finger sandwiches to his and Draco's plates. "You're already forgetting that this is not solely my organisation, sir. Hermione is much better equipped to deal with that particular inquiry. Hermione, if you are willing?"
"Certainly, Harry," Hermione nodded from across the table, her head high and confident as several gazes landed on her. "Harry, Draco and I felt that each member should give full, informed consent before joining. They have the right to question and refuse anything asked of them, and any member is free to leave without consequence should they choose to. It's all in our records, contracts, and other paperwork. I am happy to show you example copies, if you are interested. Professor Snape, if you are willing?"
"Yes, Miss Granger," Severus acknowledged her before focusing on Dumbledore. "I aided Miss Granger on all of the documentation for the Grey Army myself. I was very impressed with the thought and consideration they had put into upholding their ideals."
Albus peered at his defence professor with calculating eyes. "Surely it's naïve to believe it that simple, Severus. There must have been some drawbacks, some grand ideas that cannot be soundly promised. Some things must be sacrificed or compromised."
Severus kept his expression carefully blank as he countered, "There isn't anything that I would wish to change or that I perceive would cause issues for any member of the Army, be they leaders, tutors, or students. I have spoken in depth to members of each category, and they have all reported satisfaction with how things are being run."
"He's right, it's great," Ginny piped up. "Hermione sat down with me and explained everything I didn't understand. We all know Harry's a good leader, but Draco's been good, too. He's even let me borrow some of personal books and potions equipment."
"Thank you for your testament, Miss Weasley," Severus responded, his tone unusually neutral. "I am pleased with the final outcome of our work. So pleased, in fact, I signed the contracts myself." He felt smug at the small gasps that met his words, for he knew how much weight they held. He didn't do anything without thoroughly thinking it through, assessing and evaluating every possible scenario and outcome. If he trusted the Army, it meant they were truly worthy of that trust.
"As did I," Minerva nodded, a proud smile on her lips. "I have been more involved with other students, working on the scheduling, lesson plans, tutoring resources, and the like. I am also very impressed with what I have seen from the group, these three students in particular. Mr Malfoy, if you are willing?"
Draco looked up, startled by the call of his name, but quickly schooled his features. He had been happy to sit quietly and soak in all of the information, allowing the two stubborn, hard-headed members of their trio to do the talking. If they needed him, he would answer, but beyond that he felt more comfortable with them taking the reins while he stayed in the shadows. That was always his preferred role, especially in situations such as this where he either didn't know the people or didn't know them inside of the relevant context. However, he felt he had garnered sufficient information from his silent observations to join in the conversation without any qualms. "Professor McGonagall and I have been working together on the topics she mentioned. In the Grey Army we play to each of our strengths, and we work with the most appropriate people for the task. Inside the Grey Army, Houses, age, gender, political alignment, anything that divides us, doesn't matter. At least, not in the way one would think it matters. We acknowledge that we are all different, and we celebrate it. We use our differences unite and strengthen, not segregate and weaken." He nodded proudly, his head held high, but the mood his word had set was soon destroyed by raucous laughter.
"Bloody hell, Harry!" Fred exclaimed loudly, the hand he held to his mouth doing nothing to quiet him. "If you can get Snape and Hermione, and McGonagall and Malfoy, to work together, well paint us purple!"
George sighed, sharing a suffering look with Ginny. "He means sign us up. We're happy to lend a hand, if we can." A darkly humorous glint flashed in hazel brown eyes. "Of course, we're not allowed on school property…"
"But we're only an owl away…"
"And we can definitely send you a few…"
"Interesting items and products."
Bill, Fleur and Charlie finished their whispered conversation and nodded. Charlie looked at the three leaders of the Grey Army in turn, addressing them all together, as equals, "Count me in, too. I don't know how much help I can offer, but if you think of anything you want or need, drop me a letter." A chorus of 'thank you' greeted his statement and he smiled happily, steadfastly avoiding the eyes of Dumbledore and his parents.
"Well, if Ginny, Ron, the twins, and Charlie are involved, I suppose I better be, as well," Bill's rich voice filled the room, accompanied by a deep chuckle and the shake of his head. He didn't know quite what he was getting in to, but his instinct told him it was the right thing to do.
"Me too!" Fleur chattered excitedly. "I trust Draco and 'Arry, and Hermione is very wise and kind. They will be fantastic."
"I'm not involved," Ron's words cut through the buzz of the room like a knife into butter.
Molly frowned at her son, "You're not? I think it would be good for you. Learn new things with your friends, I thought you would like that. You loved that other group you had, what was it, the DA? Your grades were so good because of that, your father and I were so proud. Why don't you join your friends?"
"They're not my friends."
"Don't be silly, dear," Molly chided, her hands fussing in the air. "Harry and Hermione are your best friends. I thought anything they do you did too. You're inseparable."
Harry winced at her words, but decided it was best to clear the air himself before the anger he could see building in Ron erupted. "Apologies, Mrs Weasley, I thought you knew. Unfortunately, we had a disagreement, and we are no longer friends. However, I never wanted this to affect Christmas and I was willing to stay civil for the sake of family and friends. I still am, if Ronald is." His simple statement caused chaos and questions were hurled at him left, right, and centre. The guests that already knew of the situation sat back in their seats, watching the scene play out with an almost bored indifference. Draco caught his eye as he nibbled delicately at a cucumber sandwich, anticipation clear in the stormy grey.
"Ha, you ruined that when you all chose him over me. I will never be involved in your stupid gang as long as he's involved," Ron called out over the din of confusion, his eyes flickering between Harry and Hermione. "Some best friends you turned out to be. All of you, you're all traitors, you destroyed Gryffindor. You let him destroy Gryffindor."
Several eyes darted around the room, their owners trying to decipher the identity of the person who could tear apart a seemingly unbreakable friendship and a House known for its stubborn loyalty. Draco raised a hand nonchalantly, "Guilty."
Harry snorted at his amused, smug smirk, batting him gently on the shoulder. He turned to address Molly but knew that, in reality, he was addressing the whole room, "Ronald was rather against me, and any of the other Gryffindors, forming a friendship with Draco. He was significantly more against me being in a relationship with him."
"That's putting it lightly," Draco muttered under his breath for Harry's ears only.
"That's putting it lightly," Hermione spoke up, ignoring the spooked look the two boys in question shot each other. "I am sorry to be the one to inform you, Mrs Weasley, but I feel you must know the truth in order to understand the situation, and so you know to not try to force us back together. Upon hearing of Harry and Draco's relationship, Ronald revealed some rather prejudiced and discriminatory opinions. The majority of Gryffindor were justifiably appalled by his words and actions, and decided his friendship was no longer wanted. We chose to love and support Harry, and will continue to do so, always." Her smile grew warmer when she saw Draco murmur something in Harry's ear that made him blush. The subtle shifting of their arms told her the two were more than likely holding hands under the table. "Over time, we've come to feel the same about Draco."
"You're all Death Eater loving queers, the whole lot of you," Ron spat, standing up with a loud shriek of his wooden chair against the hard floor. He jutted his chin rudely in the direction of the stairs, an ugly sneer on his face. "May I be excused?" The bitter, sarcastic words hung in the air as he stormed off without waiting for a reply.
Molly had tears in her eyes as she watched the door, staring blankly at the dark corridor long after the back of her son had disappeared. She sobbed brokenly, turning her face into her husband's chest when he put a comforting arm around her shoulder.
Across the table Draco mimicked him, pulling Harry close to his side. He felt the comforting weight of Harry's head on his shoulder and his fingers played absently with the fabric of his boyfriend's shirt. Harry didn't look sad, or even angry, just disappointed. They sat like that for a while, enjoying being close to the other while the tense, awkward atmosphere slowly lifted.
Sitting up with a last quiet sniff, Molly swiped at her eyes before offering the boys a watery smile. "I'm so sorry. I don't know where he got it from. You should have told us what happened at school sooner."
Minerva sighed, a hand resting on the bridge of her glasses. "That was the incident I wrote to you and Arthur about a few weeks ago, Molly. Mr Potter asked me not to mention any specifics as he didn't want to upset you or your family. I fear that he feared you may have all shared Ronald's perspective."
"Never!" Molly declared, looking around her family. She let out a relieved breath when they all nodded agreements to her statement. "Harry's family, and he always will be. We are all joyful when someone in the family falls in love. It's wonderful news, something to be cherished. As long as they're a good person and treat them right, it doesn't matter who they are. And Draco seems like a lovely young man. I just hope none of this nasty business had made him feel unwelcome here."
Draco's grip in Harry's shirt tightened, and he hid his face in Harry's hair until he got his emotions under control. He pressed a kiss to his forehead before giving Molly a warm, genuine smile. "Thank you, Mrs Weasley. Thank all of you. This has gone so much better than I ever expected. I am grateful that you all allowed me into your home and gave me a chance. Or a second chance, in some cases. I am glad Harry has such a kind and loving family."
Harry nodded his agreement with a grin. He cleared his throat rather inelegantly, desperate to get the conversation back onto a topic that wasn't so heavily focused on him, "So, Charlie, Bill, Fleur? Will I still be sending you all owls with our official welcome packs?"
"We do not have welcome packs," Hermione hastened to add, shooting a chastising look at Harry. Her words fell of deaf ears as Harry clapped his hands together happily when they all confirmed their interest in the Grey Army.
Tonks waved their hand excitedly, trying much harder than necessary to gain the trio's attention, "Count us in, too!"
Harry's eyes snapped to Remus, searching the amber depths for any sign of regret or doubt, "Remus?"
The werewolf hesitated, holding his gaze for a long time. He finally nodded, a warm smile lighting up his face. "Of course, cub. Keep me updated, tell me everything, ask me anything. I will always be there for you, whatever you do."
"I could really use your advice on being a good teacher," Harry told him. "Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape have been more than helpful but, like Draco said, you're the best defence teacher we ever had."
Remus felt touched by Harry's words, and so proud of the man he had grown up to be. "Thank you. We can discuss teaching later, I am happy to oblige, however I might not be of great service. From what I've heard, you did an amazing job with the DA, I'm sure you'll be fantastic with the Grey Army, too."
"Thanks, Moony," Harry breathed out. His smile was soft and kind, telling of a deep affection. He shook himself, allowing his grin to become large and dopey. "We'll send you both welcome packs, too!"
"We don't do welcome packs." Hermione glared when she was yet again ignored by her best friend.
Harry tapped at his chin thoughtfully, "Fred and George will be needing them as well."
"We're not doing welcome packs!" Hermione's glare only grew more piercing when the brunette pouted at her, his eyes wide and childlike. "No, Harry, I am not putting together welcome packs." She was hit by a full blast of puppy eyes. She didn't stand a chance. "Oh, fine! Expect your official welcome packs within the next week."
Draco cupped a hand round his mouth, leaning across the table to whisper conspiratorially to her. She humoured him, leaning in, even though his stage whisper could quite clearly be heard by the whole table, "You know, I might have a few of those 'Potter stinks' badges lying around somewhere, if you want to throw a few of them in."
"Send them all to me, immediately," She replied, giving an exaggerated look to either side to check the coast was clear before leaning back in her seat.
Harry watched as the two settled, smug smirks on their faces as if they'd just hatched the most cunning plan in the history of cunning plans. "You two are such dorks."
"Says you, Gryffindork."
"Prat."
"Scarhead."
"Princess."
"I hate you."
With a sweet, adoring smile on his face, Harry patted him lightly on the cheek before placing the briefest of kisses to his lips. "I hate you, too."
The rest of the tea was spent in joyful, companionable conversation, excited chatter and loud laughter filling the room. The occasional attempt was made to include a quietly solemn headmaster sipping his tea, but on the fourth decline he was soon forgotten about as new friendships formed and old ones grew stronger.
###
"Everyone quiet!" Molly shrieked, hands firmly on her hips as she scowled at her various children, somehow giving them all the mum-look even though most towered over her. They all fell silent at her command, even those who were fully grown adults or not biologically related. "Right, now stop squabbling and let's get this sorted." She sighed, head working around numerous combinations as she tried to organise the sleeping arrangements for the night. "I won't ask anyone to share with Ron; that's not fair to the people he's hurt, and he's probably already asleep. Hermione and Fleur, you're in Ginny's room."
"Mum! Three people will not fit in my room!"
"Mum, we're adults! We live together! We can share a bloody room."
"I said quiet!" Molly went to cuff them both over the head, but they ducked under her arms. "Fine, Bill and Fleur in Bill's room. But no funny business."
George jabbed an elbow into Bill's side while Fred laughed loudly, "No, that's our trade…"
"They'll be doing a whole other kind of business."
This time Molly was successful, and the twins rubbed at the back of their heads with cheeky grins. She sighed, ticking off her children on her fingers. "Fred and George are in their room. Draco can have Percy's room." The silence hung in the air for a moment as they all thought about the one Weasley who had turned down the Christmas invite. Molly clucked her tongue, trying to kill the dark mood. "That means Harry, you'll have to share with Charlie."
"Err, mum, I'm twenty-four…"
"So?"
"And…Harry's sixteen…" Charlie trailed off, a grimace on his face and hands making vague shapes in the air.
Minerva spoke up from the doorway where she had been quietly observing the chaos with Severus. Dumbledore had already left, but the two professors had stayed to say goodnight to their respective charges. "I think what Charlie is trying to say is that, whilst we trust him implicitly, as Harry is underage it would be inappropriate."
Severus, seeing the confronted look on Molly's face, decided to offer his two cents, "It's not a reflection of anyone's character, it's for the same reasons the dormitories at Hogwarts are separated by year. It's simply a matter of treating our students and wards with objective caution and care, I'm sure you understand. If it were Ronald or Ginevra in a similar situation, I am certain you would feel the same. That is why, in loco parentis, I cannot allow Draco to share with Charlie, either."
Molly sputtered, her hand pressed to her chest in shock. She turned at the sound of laughter, gaping at her twin sons.
"Oh, lay off it, mum."
"Just let Harry and Draco share Percy's room."
"Absolutely not!" Molly let her shrill voice soften as she looked to the couple, her lips pressed in a tight smile, "I'm sorry, dears, but that's also inappropriate. I'm sure your guardians would agree with me."
Severus pushed off from the doorframe, giving a single, elegant shrug, "I have no issue with that arrangement. If they had been sorted into the same House they would have been sharing a room anyway." Severus narrowed his eyes, a disgusted look on his face like he could smell something bad, and he muttered under his breath, "It's not as if they haven't been sharing a room anyway."
"Godfather!" Draco hissed, his pale cheeks turning a delicate pink.
"What? Did you think I wouldn't notice that you haven't so much as stepped a foot into the Slytherin dormitories in weeks?"
"Godfather, please!" Draco hid his burning face in his hand, glaring at Harry through the cracks in his fingers when the brunette let out a ripple of giggles. He reddened further at the suggestive looks the Weasley siblings were shooting them, not helped by Hermione's nodding agreement and Harry sidling up to tuck himself against his side.
Minerva looked more reluctant but none the less gave a curt nod. "I am also aware that Gryffindor has recently gained an honorary member. I do think that that would be the simplest solution to the issue, Molly."
"Oh, fine." Molly heaved out a sigh before flapping her hands in the general direction of the stairs, shooing her children up them. "Bed, now. And no funny business!"
Not having to be told twice, the group fled for their respective rooms in a cacophony of stomping feet. Tugging Draco by the hand, Harry guided him up to Percy's room. The two burst through the door, laughing and breathing heavily.
"Sweet Merlin, a double bed. We might have to stay here for the rest of the holiday after all," Draco stated as he flopped down onto the soft mattress, arms and legs spread out to the four corners.
Harry dove after him, landing with a dull thud and the creak of springs. He sprawled rather gracelessly, head on Draco's chest but limbs thrown out at odd angles. "I don't know how we're going to return to my single bed after this."
A quiet rustle drew both of their attentions and they levered themselves up onto their elbows, watching curiously as a square of parchment was shoved under the door. Letting out a dramatic groan, Harry rolled off the bed and onto his feet, stalking across the room to scoop up the offending note. Falling back onto the mattress, he lifted the parchment above their heads so that they could both read it.
"Some useful spells. From the Masters of Funny Business, Gred and Forge," Harry read aloud, laughing as his eyes flicked over the scrawled list underneath. "Are these all privacy charms?"
"I believe so." The blonde propped himself up, a hand coming to cup Harry's face as he leaned over him, silver eyes dancing with mirth and a hint of desire. "It would be a disaster to let them go to waste, wouldn't it?"
Harry grinned, reaching up to grasp the back of his neck. "Yes, it would," He whispered against pale lips before pulling his boyfriend close.
###
To Be Continued (Within 5 days).
Happy Reading,
Love,
Bambi x
