I managed to finish this chapter just in time for Christmas eve. I kept my promise. It turned out super long and I could make it even longer but I won't. I drew an image for a mistletoe scene. If you want to see it go to my LiveJournal link from my home page.

Twilight Moon Beams

Christmas Spirit

o0o

Draco paced back and forth in front of the fire place. "I can't believe I'm doing this."

"Come on it isn't that bad." George rolled his eyes from his seat. After he had informed his mother of the consent of his new employee to dinner George had to listen to his mum squeal in excitement for five minutes straight. She loved excuses to cook for large groups.

"It's going to be a disaster." Draco snapped dramatically.

"It's just dinner with my parents." George said flatly. Lemondrop purred as he petted him. "That's right, your mother has gone crazy." Malfoy glared at him for referring to him as a female.

"Your parents hate me." Draco exclaimed overdramatically.

"That's the whole point of this dinner. They don't actually know you." George sighed trying to get the point across. "We need to show them what a bright young man you are."

No matter how much the Slytherin claimed that he didn't care about a bout their opinion George could see it wasn't true. Malfoy had broken out his best clothes and was a complete wreck.

George sighed and stood up. "We have to go, we're already late." Grabbing the blonde by his arm before he attempted an escape. He threw power at their feet saying the Burrow clearly.

…

When they arrived on the other side George pushed Malfoy forward.

Draco brushed the soot off his robes. When he looked up he was met by the smiling face of the female head of the Weasley family. He wondered how long she had been standing there.

"It's so nice to meet you." Mrs. Weasley smiled in welcome. Clasping her hands with a bright smile on her face. Her husband stood behind her with a tight look on his face. It wasn't surprising considering the strained relationship with his father.

"Thank you for inviting me to dinner." Draco nodded returning the greeting. His mother had taught him perfect manners.

"I must get back to the kitchen now. George will show you around." Mrs. Weasley excused herself, she scurried back towards the kitchen. Mr. Weasley followed her without saying a word. It would appear that it would be much harder to get the male head of the family to accept him.

Looking around curiously at his environment. It looked completely different than places Draco was used to. There was a lot of clutter and knickknacks filling every space. The furniture looked well used aand rundown. It was warm and homey though unlike the cold museum atmosphere of the manor. He was sure there wasn't a room I the house that wasn't used to its fullest.

Draco noticed that they had already put up their Christmas tree. It looked like they had gone out to the woods and chopped it down themselves. It had horrible handmade ornaments that looked like children who had no artistic talent made them. It was totally different from the overpriced trees they used to get at the manor. The house elves used to meticulously decorate them in tasteful crystal ornaments.

When Draco walked further into the home he noticed that Weasley was leaning against the wall smirking at him. "Do you have to be here?" He asked with annoyance.

"Mate I live here." Ron said with clear amusement in his tone. "Besides I wouldn't miss this for the world."

Hermione sighed at her boyfriend's vindictiveness. "I'm glad you finally accepted Mrs. Weasley's invitation." She greeted the guest properly.

"I held out for over a week. " Draco sighed at how he gave out under peer pressure.

"Come one. Stop jabbering. I'm sure that the food is already on the table." George started to herd everyone towards the dining room.

When Draco was led around the corner he was met un-expectantly with a table full of Weasley's already seated. "I thought it was just supposed to be you parents?" Draco hissed under his breath in George's ear.

"I lied." George replied with not a hint of quilt in his tone. He put an arm around the reluctant Slytherin's shoulders to lead him forward. "Everyone this is my new employee. Draco Malfoy, if you don't already know him by reputation." He introduced him to the table.

Draco looked around at the family thrown off by the sheer number of them. There was just so many of them. He just luck at they hadn't started to pop out grandchildren yet. When Potter arrived interrupting his introduction, Draco wanted to sigh with relief. He didn't know when the brunets company had become a relief instead of a hindrance.

"Sorry I'm late Mrs. Weasley. The case we were on went a little long." Harry leaned down and kissed the women's rosy cheek who had just come out of the kitchen.

"Oh, it's alright. George and Mr. Malfoy just got here also. You didn't miss anything." Mrs, Weasley easily brushed off his apology.

When Harry reached the blonde's side he couldn't help leaning over and whispering "Is that because someone was freaking out?"

"Shut up." Draco hissed under his breath. He didn't know why he was glad to see Potter anymore.

"Mrs. Weasley sure went all out an invited everybody." Harry commented as he looked over the completely full table. It didn't look like anyone was missing. Even Ginny had brought her boyfriend.

"Mother never misses a chance for a family gathering." George stated.

When Draco was seated he was sandwiched between Potter and George. At least he was seated with people he knew. There were people he recognized and others he had never seen in his life. Across from him was Weasley- Ron to clarify- who was smirking at him. Draco had to resist childishly sticking his tong out.

Everyone was filling their plates. Different dishes were being passed around the table. Draco had never experience an environment like this before. Even when his parents had dinner parties everyone was served their individual plates. Draco served himself a small portion of food when it came around to him.

Mrs. Weasley returned with even more food. There were a lot of mouths to feed so it wasn't surprising. Draco wondered how one women could cook for a dozen people when it usually took a couple house elves to accomplish that.

The whooshing sound of someone floo-ing in filled the room. The green flames flashed highlighting the room in an eerie light. Draco turned in his chair to see what other Weasley would be joining them. He could just see the fireplace from his seat. When he was met by the site of a women who looked scarily like his aunt Bellatrix with a baby in her arms.

"Sorry I'm late." Andromeda apologized as she brushed soot off of her robe. "This one did not want to wake up from his nap." She bounced the toddler in her arms who giggled at the action. Strangely it's hair was bright blue.

"I didn't think you were coming." Molly exclaimed. Feeling like a terrible host for not waiting to serve her dinner until everyone guest was present.

"Teddy." Harry cried pushing is chair back and standing up. Rushing over he held his arms out to receive the toddler. Andromeda released the child without a fight. "Did you miss your godfather?" Harry asked rocking the child. The child's response was to blow a spit bubble.

"I actually wanted to have this dinner to meet my son's new employee, Draco Malfoy." As soon as Molly said the name Andromeda snapped her head up and looked at the table. Catching sight of the tplatinum blonde. She approached the table curiously. "I'm Andromeda Tonks." She introduced herself. "My maiden name is Black."

"So you're my…" Draco was totally unprepared to meet a distant family member at the Weasley's house. He knew his mother had a sister named Andromeda that had been stripped from the family for marrying a muggle. He didn't expect everyone with that name would be her.

"Aunt, yes." Andromeda continued the sentence there was a sudden tension in the air.

"Sit down sit down." Molly broke the stare down. Everyone shifted around to make room at the table. The older women ended up near the far end. Andromeda couldn't help but stare at her nephew from down the table. The boy defiantly had Lucius's colouring but his slender figure and features were all Narcissa.

Potter sat back down beside the blonde with the toddler in his lap.

"She's staring at me." Draco exclaimed as he played with the remnants of his meal.

Harry looked up to see who Malfoy was talking about. "Andromeda is just shocked to be reunited with a blood relative. She had as little warning as you did." He bounced Teddy on his lap as he finished his meal. Malfoy sat stiffly beside him.

…

They moved to the living room for tea and biscuits. Mrs. Weasley brought out a tray filled with ginger bread and sugar cookies. The quests spread out about the room.

-Draco looked at the tree that was the current focal point of the living room. "Isn't it a little early?" he inquired. It was only the first of the month. There were 24 days to go.

"Mother is always excited about Christmas." George shrugged off the issue. "This is nothing though. You should see the outdoor tree." He pointed out the window.

An outdoor tree?" Draco stared blankly at his boss. He had never heard of any such practice except for at a market for the public. Looking outside he could see they were in the country. There wasn't a house to be seen in the distance. In the middle of the yard there was a giant ever green tree that was decked out in holiday decoration.

Draco sat down on a chair close to the window. Mrs. Weasley walked over and handed him a box wrapped in green paper. "Oh, you didn't have to get me anything." Draco exclaimed surprised.

"Oh I made it." Molly exclaimed brightly. Her husband flush with an exasperated expression.

Draco's eyes narrowed his eyes in confusion. Slipping his finger under the tape he unwrapped the box. Picking up the item he held it up in front of him and it unfolded. "It's a jumper?" Draco blinked in surprise. Now understanding what Mrs. Weasley meant, the women must have knit it herself.

Ron started to laugh his ass off.

"Oh my god she didn't." Ginny said in mortification. He thought his mother would at least be able to hold off until Christmas. If the jumper had already been gifted what would she send on the big day.

"I figured if you were going to be working with my son, I should initiate you into the family." Mrs. Weasley explained the reason behind the gift. "It's a family tradition."

Draco was still so shock he didn't know what to say. He didn't want to be rude after she invited him into her home. "I'm speechless."

"Put it on."

"Aww." Draco exclaimed in reluctance. A dozen eyes stared him down. With a fake smile he tugged the jumper over his head. His hair became static from the wool brushing against it. Quickly running his finger through the strands to fix it.

"It fits wonderfully." Mrs. Weasley exclaimed with glee. "I was worried it would be too small, but you just looked so skinny in the Prophet."

"It fits fine." Draco shifted uncomfortably in his new jumper. It was a deep forest green with a grey D on the front. The wool was a lot softer against his skin than he thought it would be. It reminded him of the cap Potter had given him. It just clicked where it had originally came from.

George noticed the blonde looking down at the jumper with a furrowed brow. "Verity has one too." He shrugged at his mother's eccentrics. "It's bright yellow with a purple V. I think you got off easy."

"I knew you would most likely get one eventually but I was holding out or Christmas." George contemplated out loud. "I did not expect mum to side swipe you at the first dinner."

Harry smiled to himself at the situation. He could feel someone hovering near him. When he looked over his shoulder he saw Dean standing there. "Can I talk to you for a minute?" His old classmate asked nervously. Harry nodded and they walked into the hall.

"Harry you know…" Dean started awkwardly. "You think he would be able to interact properly with someone he shared a dorm room with for six years." He sighed.

Harry knew what this was all about. "It is fine, I decided not to get back together with Ginny. I'm not going to fault you." He reassured one of his oldest friends that he wasn't mad at him. He found that since he had broken up with Ginny she seldom ever crossed his mind. It was good that he let her o before everyone expected them to get married.

"That's good to hear." Dean sighed with relief. "I better get back to her before she starts wondering where I am." He exclaimed, shooting a smile over his shoulder as he walked back into the room.

When Harry re-entered the room he frowned when he saw Charlie talking to Malfoy. George had told him how he was bisexual and Malfoy wasn't hard on the eyes.

He seriously hoped that he wasn't trying to use the Slytherin's name sake to pick him up. Using the "I'm a dragon tamer you know?" line to try and pick up the blonde. It rubbed him the wrong way for some reason. He stalked over and made an excuse to break up their conversation.

"Charlie, I'm surprised to see you are still here." Harry exclaimed with a tight smile. "I thought you were just here for a short visit." He had seen the dragon tamer at the reopening of Weasley Wizard Wheezes. It was strange to see him so soon since he was usually out of the country.

"Well it was originally. Hagrid asked me if I would take over as the Care of Magical Creatures position…" Charlie shrugged.

"Hagrid's retiring?" Harry exclaimed with true surprise in his tone. Hogwarts was his life. He couldn't imagine the school without the half giant.

"No, no. Hagrid is just taking some time off work to go on a trip with Madame Maxime. I'm subbing for him." Charlie explained further to clarified. He could see the relief flash across Harry's face.

"I hope you're a better teacher." Draco exclaimed resentfully.

"Hagrid isn't that bad of a teacher. He just gets over excited by creatures." Harry reprimanded the Slytherin on his harsh opinion.

"Tell that to my arm." Draco exclaimed, pulling up the sleeve of his Weasley jumper. Harry was shocked to see that there was actually a scar left from where Buckbeak had scratched him.

"Is this a bad time to reveal that I actually own that very same Griffin." Harry had been left Buckbeak in Sirius's will when he died. He had placed the griffin in a stable where someone would take care of him.

"Of course you do." Draco stated blandly. "As long as you keep that beast away from me we'll do fine."

"I better be going, they'll be closing the gate at Hogwarts soon." Charlie exclaimed after he looked at his watch. "Nice talking to you Dragon." He said farewell to the blonde.

"Aw, don't call me that." Draco cried with distaste. "I feel like I'm a child again and my mother is calling me her Little Dragon."

"That's adorable." Harry smiled at the nick name. He could just imagine Narcissa Malfoy cooing to a toddler Draco as he clutched at her skirts. "Little Dragon."

"Shut up Potter." Draco berated himself for letting it slip in front of the brunet. Now he would never hear the end of it. It would haunt him for months, maybe even years to come.

.o.

The evening started to wind down. One by one the Weasley children had started to trickle out. Soon it was only a few patrons talking at the table over drinks.

"It wasn't that bad was it?" Harry teased the Slytherin as they walked into the living room together. He had acquired possession of Teddy from Andromeda who was talking with Mrs. Weasley.

"I guess not." Draco shrugged as he sat on the doily covered couch. It appeared now that the large majority of her children had left the nest, Mrs. Weasley had become avid at crocheting as well as knitting.

Teddy started to squirm and whine. "What's wrong? You hungry?" Harry asked rocking the baby. He knew his bottles in the kitchen. He would need both hands to prepare it. "Hold him for a second." Harry forced the toddler on the blonde.

"Potter-wait." Draco called, he sighed as the brunette disappeared into the kitchen. Turning his attention to the child. "So you're my cousin?" In response the child blew spit bubbles. "Charming."

Harry stood at the door way to the kitchen after retrieving the bottle. Watching Malfoy sitting in the middle of the Burrow with one of Mrs. Weasley's jumpers and holding Teddy if felt surreal but right somehow.

Draco gasped when his cousin's bright blue hair changed to match his own. Looking into the familiar shade of grey eyes it hurt. It hit him so hard that this child was family. One of the last blood relations he had left alive or out of prison.

"Malfoy." Harry called, a little worried he walked over. "Draco?" The blonde looked a little petrified. Deciding he better grab Teddy before Malfoy unconsciously loosened his grip. He maneuvered the toddler into his arms.

The grey eyes finally blinked and the Slytherin looked up. "Oh sorry. Just wasn't expecting that."

"It's alright. My fault anyway." Harry exclaimed as he got a better grip on Teddy. "I guess I should have warned you about Teddy's metamorphous powers, huh."

"That would be good in the future with strangers." Draco raised a condescending eyebrow as he sat back into the couch cushions.

Harry sat down beside the blonde and started to feed Teddy the bottle. He sucked on the nipple until it was completely empty. Once Teddy was fed he drifted off to sleep.

It wasn't long until Andromeda came along to collect the infant. She collected the sleeping toddler in her arm. Turning she addressed her nephew. "We should have tea sometime. There aren't very many Blacks left. I would like to hear about my sister also."

"Drop by the shop sometime." Draco replied back kindly. He didn't feel comfortable enough to go to his aunt's house.

"Right. I almost forgot you're working there now. I'll send an owl when I'm coming." Andromeda nodded in understanding. "I must go now. This one is up way passed his bed time." She turned and walked towards the fireplace. The floo flashed green and they were gone.

It was late in the evening by the time they actually left.

o0o

A blonde owl arrived at the apartment that belonged to Draco's mother the next night.

In earlier letters Draco had been informed about what she was doing. She had made her way to the south of France where she had been able to procure a small apartment over a shop where she worked selling clothes. It only had a small salary besides the rooming. In his last letter he had asked if she could come for a visit.

Draco read through his mother's letter. He sighed in disappointment when he finished reading her words of regret. It would cost too much to make the trip. She had also picked up some extra shifts for the holidays.

'There was nothing to look forward to this year.' Draco thought with a sigh. His father was in prison for the foreseeable future. His mother was in France and unable to return for the holiday because she couldn't afford the trip to come see him. This would be the first Christmas ever that he wouldn't see his mother.

Draco decided he would berry himself in work so that he wouldn't have to think about it.

.

The shop was crazy now that it was so close to Christmas. Things were practically flying off the shelves.

"I hate you George." Lee Jordon exclaimed as he struggled under heavy boxes. "This is roommate labour

"Love you too." George called back as he continued walking. It had grown so busy at the shop that George had resulted to bribing his friends to help out. Hopefully they would make it through the holidays without a hitch. He tried to do as much as he could to make everything run smoothly.

He approached the cash register area. "How's it going?"

"Busy." Verity replied tiredly. "I take back what I said about hating when the shop is empty. I want my vacant shop back." Verity complained as she rung up another customer. It seemed like the line was never ending. "I want a break."

"I'll take over." Hermione volunteered since she overheard the conversation.

"Thank you." Verity cried with relief. She immediately dashed away from the till.

"Don't let her take too long a break." George told her and Hermione waved his worry off as she started to serve customers. Turning around he looked to see what he could do next. When he spotted Harry making his way through the crowd he belined towards him. "Good you're here now. You can help then." He handed a maroon apron to the brunet that he had grabbed.

Harry blinked as he was suddenly bombarded with the request. "I just got back from training though." He whined tiredly as he pushed the apron back at the red head. Harry had come to the shop on the way home expecting to be able to relax after a long day.

"You come to my shop every day, it's the least you could do." George exclaimed with narrowed eyes. He could still see the brunet's reluctance. "If you don't help out you are banned from coming here." The apron was snatched from his hands. George smirked as he turned and walked away.

"You shouldn't even bother arguing." Ron informed him as he walked past with a box in his arms to restock some of the shelves. "I had no choice but to come and help myself."

"Does he have everyone available working?" Harry asked as tied the apron around his waist.

"Pretty much. George hired a few seasonal workers but he only has enough money in the budget for two of them. It wasn't enough so he's forcing family and friends to pick up the slack." Ron nodded as he opened the box and started to fill the empty shelf space.

"Mommy, it is Harry Potter." A little girl pulled on her mother's skirt and pointed at him. A large quantity of the shop turned to stare in their direction.

George turned and made his way back towards then when he heard the little girl's announcement. Putting a celebrity on the main floor was a bad idea. "You better go in the back room." He grabbed Harry's arm and tugged him through the crowd. "Ron you're promoted from stock boy to salesman." George yelled over his shoulder at his brother as he herded Harry into the storage room.

.

Draco looked up from the cauldron he was brewing when someone stumbled into the room. "You got roped into helping too." He asked when he saw Potter decked out in an apron with shops logo. "I saw Weasley and that guy who used to do the Quidditch commentating earlier."

"Yeah. It's a team effort it seems." Harry sighed tiredly as he collapsed at the work bench.

"What have you been doing though? You're all sweaty." Draco asked noticing Potter's state. The fringe of his hair was stuck to his forehead.

"George stuffed me in the back room because I was gathering too much attention." Harry sighed as he ran his hand through his hair. "I'm here hiding from him."

"Great hiding place, somewhere you come almost every day." Draco exclaimed sarcastically. As the days went on the shop had gotten even busier. It was only a couple days till Christmas now. "George is over stressed right now so he has everyone working their asses off." Draco exclaimed as he continued brewing.

"Yeah. I think Verity is sleeping in your bed." Harry informed him.

"What?" Draco cried turning around to look at the brunet. As one of the only people who knew how to use the cash register she was constantly busy. She was exhausted now so Draco didn't fault her. "She better change the sheets when she's done."

"At least you two are getting paid for the work you are doing." Harry replied cynically.

"If George isn't paying you guys why are you helping?" Draco asked curiously, looking up from his potion book.

"I think George is black mailing everyone." Harry replied flatly since he knew it was true.

"What's he have on you then?" Draco asked curiously, leaning forward on the table.

"Nothing." Harry replied immediately. "George just threatened to ban me from the shop if I didn't."

"I would have just left. George would forget about that threat by the next morning." Draco scoffed at the Brunets reasoning. "Beside you own a portion of the store. If George wanted to ban you, he would have to buy you out."

"Right. I forgot about that." Harry replied with surprised tone. "Fuck." He always considered the shop George's but he actually owned 1/3 of it.

"You really are a silent partner." Draco shook his head. How much money did Potter have if he could just forget that he owned part of a business?

"There you are. You need to get back to work." George cried when he entered the room. Harry slumped out of the room knowing it was futile to argue. "And you, you don't have time to socialize."

"I'm brewing as fast as I can." Draco replied sardonically. "Unless you want an explosion?" He asked with a raised platinum eyebrow.

"Right. Carry on." George sighed as he went back to running the shop.

.

When Draco returned to his apartment that evening he found George and Potter sitting drinking. There were paper spread out everywhere around them. "What are you two doing?" Draco inquired as he hung up hi work robe.

"I have a new product I want to get running." George explained the reason for all the blue prints and notes. After over a year he was finally managing to work without his brother to bounce ideas off of. Malfoy leaned over to look the notes over.

"Where did you get the funding for this?" Draco had been the one doing the books. The shop had only been reopened for a month. He knew that they hadn't put enough money away to start making a new product this complex.

"A business partner is funding the bill until the product is up and running." George explained with a smile.

"We have a generous benefactor-" Draco raised a platinum eyebrow in surprise. "Who?"

Harry slumped in his chair sending a glare at George. Malfoy had reminded him that he had some stake in this business. He should start helping out more.

"I'm making jelly lightning bolts as an ode to his generosity." George held up a candy wrapper.

"George no." Harry whined in embarrassment, sinking even further in his chair.

"I'm sure they will be best sellers." George opened the package and removed the candy from the packet to hold it up for them to see. The jelly was yellow and slightly see through. He took a bit out of it so it looked like a squiggle.

"Shouldn't you be making Christmas things?" Harry snapped at George in embarrassment. "Speaking of Christmas, there are absolutely no decorations in here. Where's your Christmas spirit?" Harry asked, noticing it looked like any other time of the year in the apartment. No tree or lights had been put up.

"I'm taking a pass on Christmas this year." Draco replied with crossed arms sitting in his favorite chair.

"You're like Ebenezer Scrooge." Harry exclaimed with exasperation.

"Who?" Draco asked confused. Whoever this person is they had the most horrible sounding name.

"He's a fictional Character…three ghosts of past present and future. Ring any bells?" Harry asked with some exasperation in his tone. The blonde's face became even more blank. "Or like the Grinch."

"Harry, I think you're just confusing him even more." George pointed out. "Malfoy here isn't going to know fictional muggle stories."

"Oh." Draco realized why he had never heard of any of these people.

"Any way they both hate Christmas but by the end of the stories they love it." Harry sighed in defeat. What he was trying to explain was going right over the Slytherin's head.

"I used to love Christmas, I just don't see the point any more without my family around to celebrate." Draco replied pessimistically.

"As an orphan, I've learned that you have to make your own family." Harry exclaimed brightly.

Draco shifted uncomfortably. Here he was feeling sorry for himself when both his parents are still alive. When he saved up enough money he could go visit his mother in France. If he really wanted to he could visit his father even. Potter didn't have that chance. "I guess you're right."

He poured a glass of fire whiskey and offered it to Potter as an apology to his insensitive comment earlier.

o0o

Draco was taking his lunch break in the apartment when suddenly the floo lit up. He was so surprised he almost dropped his sandwich that Missy had made him. Looking up he saw Potter stepping out brushing soot off his clothes.

It was strange to see Potter in just normal street clothes instead of the grey trench coat. He had on a navy jumper with a white dress shirt underneath. "Why aren't you wearing your auror robes?" Draco found himself asking without thinking.

"We are actually on Christmas break now. So I'm free from any auror training until about January fifth." Harry replied with clear glee at the fact in his voice. He looked at where Malfoy's voice came from and furrowed his brows. "You're actually wearing it." Harry exclaimed in surprise, gesturing at the Slytherin.

Draco looked down to what he was wearing and he blushed when he realized why Potter was so shocked. That morning he had thrown on the green jumper that Mrs. Weasley had made for him. "I was cold and this jumper is really warm, so…" He shrugged uncomfortably.

"They are very comfortable. Now you can't fault me for earing mine all through Hogwarts." Harry smirked at the Slytherin.

Draco stood up since he was done his lunch anyway. "I have to get back to work." He exclaimed as he exited the room.

"Don't run away. I was just teasing you." Harry called after the blonde who ignored his apology. He stood up with a sigh. Malfoy was so sensitive' he thought to himself as he followed the after him.

Draco was just walking through the door to the work room when suddenly he felt a force stopping him. Looking up he met a sprig of mistletoe.

"What are you doing standing in the doorway?" Harry asked curiously as he approached. He thought for sure the Slytherin would be immersed back in work already.

"Potter no…" Draco started to cry but the brunet had already reached the door. He stomped his foot when he realized what this meant. "This is just great."

"What the hell." Harry exclaimed as he tried to move into the workroom but finding a force stopping him. He looked at Malfoy for the answer and he just pointed upwards. When he saw the small innocent looking sprig of mistletoe he swore.

"I don't have my wand on me. Do you." Draco asked after checking his pockets. Potter shook his head realising he had left his wand on the table in the apartment in his rush to catch Malfoy.

"That should we do then? We're trapped here." Draco inquired, shifting anxiously. He knew that this was one of the Weasley holiday pranks. It looked harmless but he knew what it wanted. Things were never as innocent as they looked while in Weasley Wizard Wheezes.

"We should just get it over with." Harry tried to mentally prepare himself. Kissing Malfoy was not what he thought he would be doing today. It was only a peck on the lips though, it wasn't like he had to share saliva with him.

"Why are you so calm about this?" Draco asked annoyed how this didn't seem to bother the brunet.

"This really isn't a new prank. It's a Weasley twin holiday classic." Harry shrugged off the issue. "In sixth year, there was one of these placed in the entrance to the Gryffindor common room, with a permanent sticking charm."

"Aww, yes my trap has caught two perfect specimens." George smirked diabolically at them as he approached. Rubbing his hands together with anticipation. He had heard Harry curse loudly from his office, he knew what it meant so he had come to check it out.

"This was your plan all along wasn't it?" Draco pointed a finger at the red head accusingly.

"What makes you say that?" George asked trying to look innocent. "I'm hurt."

"Why else would you put it in the doorway to my workroom?" Draco growled out. "The only people who ever go in here are me, Potter, and very rarely you. Unless this is your way to announce your interest?" He asked sarcastically, knowing it was totally platonic relationship between them.

"You found me out. I hand planned to lure you under it myself but Harry beat me to it." George exclaimed dramatically, pretending to swoon.

"Hah ha, very funny. Can you take it down now?" Draco asked cynically.

"No can do. It wouldn't be a prank if it was so easily avoided by a simple spell." George shook his head. "All you have to do is kiss each other." He said like it was a tiny detail.

"Has it escaped your notice that we are both guys and I am straight." Harry asked his friend. He had never kissed a male in his life. George thought Harry was just in denial about his sexual orientation. He had heard the whole reason for his break up with his sister through the family grapevine.

"Draco needs to get into the Christmas spirit. I thought this was the perfect chance." George explained his shotty reasoning for choosing them. "You have to do it now since the charm won't release you till you kiss each other."

Draco took a deep breath. "Ok, let's get this over with." He stood directly in front of Potter pursing his lips.

Harry realized that sometime since sixth year he had grown taller than Malfoy. The blonde's nose was at the same level as his jaw. It was strange sine he had always been shorter before. It was probably the Hermione had made him take some health shakes to counteract the malnutrition he suffered in childhood. Harry guessed they worked since he had reached a respectable height now.

"Don't look so smug." Draco accused as he realized how Potter had realized he had superior height on him. "Ready?" The brunet nodded and leaned forward. They quickly touched their lips together and then tried to dash in opposite directions.

"What the hell. Why didn't that work?" Harry asked himself since he had done it many times before at school. A peck on the cheek was usually enough to release the spell. Then it clicked. "George, why didn't that work?" He asked with a dangerous note in his tone.

"You didn't think I did this for shits and giggles, did you? Well not just shits and giggles." George smirked to himself as he shrugged in amusement. "I thought it was time for an upgrade."

"So this is just product testing." Harry sighed with exasperation in his tone.

"And we are the lab rats." Draco said flatly unamused by the situation he found himself in.

"There is now several setting that the customer can chose from of how much is required to release the spell." George explained the new upgrades he added.

"And you used the highest one?" Harry asked with apprehension. Did they have to get to third base or something before they could go about their day?

"Maybe." George smirked mischievously, then he sighed. "It works with a timer ok. Your lips have to be touching for a certain length of time before the charm releases you."

"Great." Draco scoffed when he heard what they had to do. "If we have to do this, you aren't watching though." Draco looked at his boss with determination. "Leave."

"But I have to see if the charm is successful." George exclaimed trying to make a reason he had to stay and watch.

"I'll tell you if it works or not. Now scat." Draco pointed determinedly. George reluctantly turned to leave them. "Go around the corner."

"So we have some privacy now. How do you want to do this, thing?" Harry gestured at the innocent looking mistletoe that was clearly evil. He was surprised when he was pulled forward by the front of his robe and he felt a warm pair of lips touch his. His eye's widened when he looked into the eyes that dared him to say anything.

Draco had decided to just kiss Potter to get it over with. It would have been too embarrassing if they both had to lean towards each other aware of what would happen. A sneak attack was a much better way to go. It was still a little awkward because Potter's hands had gotten squeezed between them. He tried not to think about what he was doing. As soon as Draco felt the spell release him he dashed away.

Harry stared after the blonde's retreating form with a surprised expression. It happened so quickly he didn't even have a chance to really register what was happening. He touched his lips thoughtfully as he turned around to leave.

"It was just a stupid Christmas tradition. It didn't mean anything." Harry told himself as he left the shop for the day. He probably wouldn't see Malfoy until after Christmas. Hopefully he would be able to look him the eye by then.

o0o

George jumped on the bed that his potion master was occupying. "Wake up. It's Christmas."

"So." Draco snapped as he rolled over and tried to fall back asleep. There really was nothing to look forward to this year. His father was in prison and his mother was in France. He shivered when his blanket was ripped off of him.

Draco sat up and darkly glared at his boss.

With reluctance he climbed from his bed and followed the red head to the living room. A large Christmas tree was placed in the middle of the living room. It hadn't been there the day before. "Where did this come from?' Draco asked amazed that he hadn't heard anything.

"It's one of the Instant Christmas Trees products. For people who are too lazy to buy and decorate one themselves." George exclaimed proudly. "Or in your case, too depressed."

"I'm not depressed." Draco denied the allegation sulkily.

"This whole month you've been moping." George pointed out.

Draco didn't argue because he knew that his boss was right. He was surprised how many gifts he actually did have under the fake tree. Missy must have been hoarding his packages so that he would have a surprise. Looking at them Draco decided which one to open up first.

Knowing Blaize's dirty mind he knew it was safer to open that one in private. He kicked it out of the way so that it was hidden behind the tree and out of George's sight. There was one that had lions on it that roared. Draco furrowed his brow when he saw that Potter had actually bought him something. When he opened Potter's gift he found it was a box of chocolates.

"He knows your weakness." George whispered teasingly.

Draco elbowed him. It was true that this was the second box of chocolates that Potter had gifted him in only a few short months. The last one was an apology, he wondered what this one meant.

When he saw the bright red gift paper George sighed with embarrassment. "Just open it." Molly Weasley was written in a neat script on the tag. Draco was surprised to be receiving something else from the women since he had already gotten a sweater. When he opened it he found matching scarf and mittens to his jumper. The wool was soft against his fingers.

Even though his mother couldn't come herself she had sent a package. When he unwrapped the brown paper it revealed shiny silver wrapping paper. He could see his face in it. He gingerly undid the tape keeping it together.

"Just rip into it." George encouraged.

Draco ignored him and kept the paper intact. When he was done it revealed some new robes. It was a very practical gift. He noticed there was a lump in the middle like something had been placed between them. After he reached in and pulled it out he revealed a stuffed toy dragon.

"That is adorable." George exclaimed when he saw the stuffed animal.

"This was mine when I was a child." Draco blinked in surprise. "I thought it had been lost a long time ago." He used to drag this thing all over the place. That was until he was nine and his father took it away stating that "He would be going to Hogwarts soon, he needed to grow up." It was true he would have been teased mercilessly if he carried a stuff animal around.

Draco blinked when he noticed a very large flat present leaned up against the wall near the tree. "Is this for me also?" Draco asked with surprise, it was cover in green wrapping paper with slithering snakes crawling all over it.

"Yes, this one is from me. Merry Christmas." George cried jollily. "Open it." He demanded with anticipation in his tone.

Draco was nervous about opening a present from George. It could be anything. "It isn't going to attack me is it?"

"No." George scoffed but then he thought on it a little more. "At least not physically."

'The answer wasn't very reassuring.' Draco thought as he ripped the shiny green wrapping paper and immediately the peeved voice of someone emerged. "Is that who I think it is?" He asked himself, quickly ripping off the rest of the paper to see if he was right. "Severus." He said in disbelief when he met the unimpressed look of his godfather.

"Yes, took you long enough." Snape sneered. He had not enjoyed being wrapped up for so long.

"How the hell did you get this?" Draco asked still in shock. As far as he knew Severus had never sat for any portraits.

"Well since Snape was the head master of Hogwarts, the school automatically produced a portrait after he died." George exclaimed like it was obvious.

"That explains why it exists, not why it's here." Draco pointed out. If this was Severus's head masters portrait it should be hung up with all the other portraits in the office.

"Because of the circumstances that Snape was placed in the headmaster position, there have been large arguments about whether he should be placed in the head office or not. Even with Harry's testimony about how he never betrayed Dumbledor has helped." George started to explain.

"How did you get possession of Severus Snape's only portrait?" Draco asked curiously.

"I overheard McGonagall at my mother's Christmas party, talking about how he was just lying in a storage room till they come to a decision. I inquired about procuring it and she agreed to let me borrow it." George shrugged with a smile. "So you are on lone." He addressed the potion master's portrait.

"Thank god for that?" Snape exclaimed snidely.

o0o

The shop was closed on Christmas day but the next day would be one of the busiest shopping days of the year. Diagon Alley would be swarming with shoppers by the next morning. He didn't have time to relax since he needed time to prepare.

Since Draco was brewing potions and he had just been gifted a potion master, he decided it would be a good idea to hang Severus up in the work room. He was totally regretting that thought now. "If you don't stop distracting me while I'm working, I will hang you in the middle of the joke shop." Draco threatened with a glare. "You know how much you hate children."

Snape sneered at his godson. Sitting back in his chair with crossed arms. He watched his protégé work with sharp eyes to see any mistakes. "You know you are wasting your talents here." Severus gestured around the workroom.

"It's not like people were fighting each other to have me work for them." Draco snapped in frustration. "George generously offered to hire me when no one else would. I like working here."

"What is there to like." Snape sneered. "You have too much potential to waste it in a joke shop, making tricks for kids." He had been training Draco to take over his position as potion master at Hogwarts. This was not the future he had expected for the boy.

"Stop judging me!" Draco snapped, fed up with his god father's negative outlook. He found that he was feeling stressed so he was messing up the potion. "I can't deal with you right now." Draco stomped out of the work room. The box of chocolate Potter gave him would come in handy since he needed some stat.

…

Harry entered the work room and found it to be empty. It was strange for this time of the day. Four days had passed since he had seen Malfoy. Hopefully it was enough time so it wouldn't be awkward between them.

"Potter."

He squeaked in fright when he heard a voice talk behind him. It couldn't be who he thought it was. He must be hearing thing. Turning around slowly he paled. "What the fuck!" Harry cursed as he met the dark eyes of one Severus Snape. "When the fuck did you… How?"

"George Weasley's idea of a joke." Snape shrugged. "If you are looking for the Weasley twin he is in his office." Snape exclaimed, trying to lead the boy elsewhere.

"No, I'm not here for George." Harry shook his head. "I'm actually here to see Draco." Snape zeroed in the fact that Potter had actually used his first name.

"Oh Harry, you're here." Draco exclaimed when he came in like it was a normal occurrence. He had a chance to calm down enough to get back to work.

'This isn't right.' Snape thought as he observed their interactions. They are supposed to swear and fight with each other, not leisurely have tea time together. Has the world gone crazy since he died?

"I demand to know what is going on here?" Snape commanded in his teacher voice, like they were naughty students who had played a prank and refused to reveal which one was responsible. Potter and Malfoy shared looks of understanding, shared looks.

"A lot has changed since the end of the war." Draco tried to explain this developemennt. "I've had to adapt to the new world."

"So what? You two are actually, friends." Snape spate the last word out like it was a dirty word.

"Yes, Severus." Draco sighed, rubbing his temples. "We aren't in school anymore."

"It doesn't matter how long you have been out of school, you will always, always, think of each other as Slytherins and Gryffindors." Snape looked at them intently. He knew from his own experience that after seven years it was too ingrained in your mind to think of each other by their houses.

Snape knew that if he was actually alive now would be the time to make his dramatic exit. As a portrait he was trapped with nowhere to go. "I demand you have another painting made of me so I have somewhere to escape to." Snape demanded kicking the edge of the frame.

…TBC