December 14 - trees
"This one Dad!" James called from behind a tree.
"No, this one," yelled Liam.
Five others called for Harry to come and look at the tree they had chosen. Draco bit his lip to keep from laughing but only for a moment then he gave into the impulse.
"I know, I know," Harry grimaced. "You warned me."
"I did," the blond acknowledged, "but we'll figure it out."
"Whatcha think Teds?" Harry inquired of the little boy holding his hand, "should we go look at all of them."
Teddy nodded and the trio began to tramp through the snow to see each tree that had been picked out. Caela abandoned the one she had chosen and took Draco's hand. The four of them now continued on evaluating the other trees.
Harry asked for the two little ones' opinions and Draco's. None of them wanted to pick one person over another, because that's how they felt it was rather than picking trees. The two adults worried that picking a tree chosen by one child would make the others feel left out. Finally, Harry decreed that they would continue looking. All twelve of them walked further into the woods on the manor property looking this way and that at the various evergreens. Draco stopped suddenly.
"Do you see something?" Harry wanted to know.
"I think maybe this way."
Draco turned and pointed then started off in that direction. The others followed how about fifty meters along he stopped and stood next to a tree that was nearly three meters tall.
"I know it's huge," he said, "but it should fit in the playroom under the peaked ceiling with no problem and still have room for a topper."
"It should," Harry nodded. He walked around the tree looking this way and that, at the branches, needles, and trunk. "I don't see any big holes. It's very straight. The needles don't look like they'll fall off as soon as we cut it down. This might be the first one."
He turned to the children. "What do you think? Would you like this tree for your playroom?"
Ten heads nodded accompanied by ten voices shouting out yes.
"All right then, Draco, you found it. You can do the honors."
The other man withdrew his wand from his pocket crouched down low on the ground and aimed it at the trunk making a quick slashing motion. The tree began to fall. He swished the wand just in time to levitate the tree and keep it from hitting the ground.
"Okay, one more," Harry said. "Let's find the tree for the drawing room."
Again the children scattered looking amongst the trees and playing hide and seek. Several moments later Teddy came up and tugged at Harry's sleeve "This way Daddy," the boy said eagerly.
Harry looked around and seeing none of the other children watching allowed himself to be led by the small child down the row to stop in front of a tree that he couldn't deny even upon first glance was absolutely perfect.
"Everyone come here," he called. "I think we have it. You have to see it."
This time it was Draco who circled the tree looking it up and down for any imperfections. Finding none he nodded.
"Who wants this tree?" Harry asked. Ten small hands flew into the air.
"All right then." Harry dropped to the ground and copied Draco's motions from earlier; they now had two trees floating behind them. They headed back to the Manor where Narcissa greeted them with hot cocoa, spiced cider, and popcorn balls. The children ate their fill and thanked her without prompting.
Draco then began to take the children through the Floo back to Grimmauld Place where Kreacher and Winky were waiting. The three oldest children attempted the Floo by themselves for the first time, after having made a few trips with one of the men with the child calling out the destination. They were all successful leaving both Harry and Draco heaving a sigh of relief that it would be easier for them all to get places now. Once all of the children were through, Harry grabbed hold of both trees as best he could and apparated to the back garden.
Draco met him at the door and again they levitated the two trees. He took the biggest one carefully up all of the stairs to the attic to the waiting tree stand. Winky met him there and used her magic to hold the tree still while he tightened the screws of the tree stand and then cast a quick charm to fill it with water.
Harry took the other tree to the drawing room across from the fireplace and placed it in the stand there with Kreacher's assistance.
"Lunchtime," he called. "Then we can decorate."
"Are these trees gonna look like the movie one?" James asked.
"No, these will be different. The lighting will be different and some of the ornaments," Draco answered.
"Because that's a Muggle tree?" Liam guessed.
"Yes," Harry confirmed. "That tree uses electricity for its lights. We can't do electric lights here."
"Electric and magic don't mix," Marcus recited.
"Exactly."
"On magic trees, we use special candles," Draco told them. "They have flames that don't actually burn. They feel warm but won't hurt you or the tree."
"We also have some ornaments that are charmed to move. So which tree should we decorate first?"
The children began a lively discussion coming to the decision that they should start with the playroom and then the drawing room so they would be downstairs in time for dinner.
Draco leaned over to Harry and whispered, "You know they think they're getting out of nap time."
"Of course they do," Harry whispered back. "They're not thinking about the fact that their rooms are between the two trees."
The two men chuckled together.
Thirty minutes into decorating the playroom tree the bottom half was covered in ornaments while the top half was much more sparse. The two men working as quickly as they could, just couldn't keep up with ten children. Draco bit his lip to keep from laughing as they stood back to look.
"Rest time," Harry announced to a chorus of groans and whines. "If you don't go and rest, you don't get to help with the other tree."
Heads dropped and shoulders sagged but the whining mostly stopped and ten little pairs of feet tromped down the stairs to their rooms.
"So, do we leave the tree this way?" Draco asked, pointing to the bottom, "or do we rearrange it quickly?"
"Do we really care if it's perfect?"
"No, not really."
"Good, because I don't want to upset them by undoing their work. Now, I'm going to go get a cup of coffee and relax for a bit. Care to join me?"
"No, thanks for the offer but I think I'm going to go lie down and read for a bit."
"Okay, if you're sure. I can make you a pot of tea."
"I appreciate it but I'll pass."
Harry nodded and headed down the stairs. He began to wonder if he was imagining that Draco was avoiding him today. It seemed that every time he came near the other man Draco took a step back. He had leaned over to whisper to him at lunch though. It must just be his imagination. As much as they were enjoying this holiday season it was wearing on them. Maybe they should take a day off from any big activities. Still, he'd already promised the children they'd bake the next day. Perhaps on Monday they could simply open calendars and watch a show. It would be nice to take a break.
Draco went to his room and closed the door with a sigh. I really shouldn't avoid him. That won't accomplish anything. He seemed to notice. I need space though. This gets harder every day. Maybe I should think about moving out, but I can't leave the kids. I could tell him how I feel. No, no, I can't. That would be a disaster. I should go ahead and go down to the kitchen, but then what excuse do I give? I'd rather spend my time with him than alone, all the more reason I should just stay here. I have research to do on the damned tapestry anyway. Sighing, he retrieved the books his mother had sent to him and began reading.
The drawing room tree came out more even as Harry had retrieved a step stool for the children to take turns standing on while they decorated. After dinner and a viewing of 'Santa Claus is Coming to Town' the little ones made their way to bed. Harry and Draco sat in the drawing room with the fire going, enjoying a glass of fire whiskey, and looking at the tree.
"Who knew hanging ornament could be so exhausting?" Draco commented. "No wonder there are people who pay to have it done."
"Would you have rather done that?"
"No, this was perfect. It was fun and a wonderful memory for them, for all of us. Still, I am worn out. I'm heading to bed. Baking tomorrow?"
"Yes."
"Ok so I need a good night's sleep and a good dose of caffeine in the morning."
Harry laughed. "Good night."
"Night."