Magic On Strike
Five days until Christmas and everyone was rather excited for the holiday, except Severus, he didn't seem to care much. Harry had this odd feeling that wasn't the case, that Severus didn't care about Christmas, but it wasn't his place to force the man to tell him what was bothering him. After all, Severus didn't have to stay at Harry's house. The arrangement for Harry to take in the Malfoy's, Tom, and Bellatrix had hit a point where they could all get along fine. Severus wasn't needed to maintain the peace, especially with Harry and Draco now in a relationship. Yes, back on the 18th, Draco and Harry emerged from the library at dinner time and informed the other people staying there that they were dating. No one made a fuss because Severus has warned them that it was likely going to happen and after the kiss; there was no point in arguing. The boys were happy, everyone would just accept and respect it. Narcissa had warned Lucius not to make a big deal over Draco being with Harry, traditions didn't really matter much anymore. Everyone could have their opinions, but there was no reason to believe some were better than others. Lucius's only complaint was that if Harry and Draco ended up falling in love, wanting to marry, the Malfoy line wouldn't be pure anymore because Harry was a half-blood. Narcissa said it didn't matter, their son's happiness matter more than some ancient blood status list.
This list was known as the Sacred Twenty-Eight, created many years ago, listing twenty-eight families that stayed completely pure blooded. Harry knew of it, and of some families on it, but not all and he also didn't really care. It was stupid to make a list of completely pure family lines because all lines were, in some way, corrupt. Especially given how many lines crossed with others. Harry had been working out the family trees, and found a link between them, over thirty, in fact. Regardless, Lucius promised his wife he wouldn't make a fuss as long as his son was happy. Harry had yet to tell his friends, but planned to do that today because if anything did cause problems; he didn't want it turning into a huge fight during the New Year's party. It was better to get it out of the way now. So currently, it was about 11:00 am. Breakfast was over and cleaned up from, Harry had taken refuge in the library to make the phone call to Hermione, and subsequently, the Weasley's.
Harry pressed the button to call Hermione, and set the phone to his ear. There was a pick up after three rings.
"Hello, Harry," Hermione answered.
"Hi, Hermione." Harry paused. "How are you?"
"Doing alright. How about you?"
"I'm good. Say, is Ron there? I've got something to tell you both." Harry stated.
"Of course he's here, Harry. Hang on, I'll call him in. We're all doing our clothes folding right now." Hermione said. "Ronald! Harry's called."
It was a few moments later when Harry heard the sound of someone coming into the room. "Heya mate." Ron greeted.
"Hi, Ron." Harry replied.
"Harry says he has something to tell us." Hermione remarked.
"What is it, Harry?" Ron asked.
Harry prepared himself. "Okay so…I'm dating someone."
"Oh, Harry. That's lovely." Hermione responded.
"Is it someone we know?" Ron inquired.
"Yes, you do…" Harry paused. "This…Someone is a male."
"A b-boy? But mate, you're a boy." Ron mentioned.
"I like boys and girls. I'm bisexual, I'm attracted to both…" Harry informed.
"Ginny's gonna be upset. You know how long she's wanted to be with you, Harry." Ron informed.
"Sorry, Ron…I love Ginny like a sister, but we could never be more than that. I've grown up with you and your family. It would be weird for me to date Ginny, and I don't like her like that. It would be like me and Hermione dating." Harry told him. "I also haven't considered dating her even as an attempt for you, Ron."
"What do you mean mate?" Ron questioned.
"I understand that if I started dating Ginny and maybe things developed while together, I might like her as more than my best friend's little sister. However, if things didn't work out and we broke up…I wouldn't want to lose my friendship with you or put you in a position that would make you choose between me or her because I see you like a brother and you are her brother. You know what I'm saying…I don't want to date her with no feelings, have her be all happy and then when I finally decide that nothing is gonna form, just break it off. You know it would upset her." Harry told him.
"I guess I get that, but really? You like males and females?" Ron checked.
"I do." Harry confirmed.
"I wish I could say I was surprised, but I had a feeling." Hermione giggled. "Who are you dating?"
Taking a breath, Harry then let it out. "Draco."
Silence on the other end.
"Draco? As is Draco Malfoy?" Hermione asked.
"Yes," Harry said.
"You're dating that arrogant prat!?" Ron yelled. "Harry, why!? He doesn't care about anyone but himself. He's been an arse to you for years, and you're in love with him?"
"Woah, woah. I'm not in love with him, we're dating on a liking one another status. It's not love…Yet. We're leaving room that it could develop more while we're together. Ron, I know he's been an arse, but things are different. I told you…He apologized to me, we became friends." Harry explained.
"I can't even believe this, Harry. You're really dating him?" Ron asked.
"Ronald, calm down. Harry's allowed to date whoever he wants and if he likes Draco…Well, we should be supportive." Hermione offered.
"Thanks, Hermione…" Harry said, thankful.
"Harry, you're my best friend and I'm trying here…But Malfoy?" Ron sighed. More silence. "If he makes you happy, then I'm happy for you. I'll accept, respect, and support it…But I swear to Merlin, Harry, if he hurts you…I'll Avada him. You can tell him I said that or I will next time I see the ferret."
"You can let him know that he won't have to worry about Ron, cause I'll beat him to death if he hurts you." Hermione remarked.
"I'll pass the message." Harry chuckled. "Thank you, Ron. And you as well, Hermione. It means a lot."
"How did…All this happen, Harry?" Hermione inquired.
Harry took a breath and began to tell them when he realized he was bisexual, and that he'd had a small crush on Draco since fourth year. Harry informed them that he buried it because back then he felt it would never happen. It wasn't until this no magic thing where they called a truce when Harry realized that there was a shot and he had to take it. Harry also told them that Draco was bisexual too, and that he started liking Harry during the birthday party. Harry informed his friends how he took his chance, pressing Draco to the wall and kissing him in front of Severus, Tom, Bella, and the Malfoy adults. Then the two went off to talk and decided to get together. "And that's everything."
"Well, like we said…As long as he treats you right, Harry, we're good with it." Hermione stated.
"Thanks. I appreciate it. If you want to tell the rest of the Weasley's, go for it. I don't want any problems for the New Year's party. I'll be sending word to our friends and Draco has already informed his of the same, that we're dating and he doesn't want to hear any negativity." Harry enlightened.
"We'll let everyone know here and see you for the party? Or are we getting together after Christmas?" Ron asked.
"Whatever you guys want to do. I'm only doing Christmas Eve with those in my house, then Christmas with the same, plus Remus, Tonks, Teddy, Andromeda, and Edward." Harry said. "We can get together before the New Year's party, if you want. Or just suffice a phone call and save gift exchange for the bash."
"Why don't we come just a bit earlier the day of the party, before everyone else arrives. We've got gifts for you, but not everyone else." Hermione suggested.
"Works for me. We've got people coming at 6:00 pm, so why don't you come for 4:30 or 5 pm?" Harry offered.
"Okay. I'll tell mum and dad." Ron agreed. "We'll see you soon, Harry."
"Bye! Love you." Hermione said.
"Love you both and the family too." Harry replied before he pulled the phone down and ended the call.
Harry left the phone on his desk and sat back in the chair, sighing out. Harry never doubted Hermione's acceptance, he knew she's be surprised, but support him no matter what. Hermione had never abandoned him, over anything. The two of them were extremely close as friends, and basically siblings. For Ron, Harry had to worry about him because the teen abandoned him during fourth year for a couple months. Yes, they made up, but Ron got testy with Harry after learning the truce was called between Harry and Draco. Thankfully, it all worked out. Hermione and Ron were going to tell the rest of the Weasley family, Draco had already sent word off to his friends from Slytherin, and the only thing Harry had to do was relay the warning to Draco that Hermione and Ron would kill him, brutally, if he hurt Harry. Oh, and Harry had to send word to his other good friends about the relationship. There wouldn't be any problems come the New Year's party. It would just be a good night for all to go into 1997 with.
. . .
It was now the 22nd of December. Harry had spent his days preparing gifts for everyone, and spending time with Draco and the rest of his house guests. Harry would wrap presents at night, and keeping them stashed in his bedroom closet; he hoped everyone would like what he got. Despite how long they'd all lived together, Harry couldn't say with complete confidence that he knew what Lucius, Narcissa, Bellatrix and Tom would like. Severus was easy, anything potions related and Draco would probably enjoy the same things Harry did. Ron, Hermione, and the rest of the Weasley's were pretty simply buys too. Harry did get things for Neville and Luna, already sent them off with Hedwig to drop off. Harry didn't know Dean and Seamus well enough to buy for them, but got them some little nick-knack things from the joke shop that Fred and George owned. Those had been sent with Hedwig as well, on Harry's guess; his owl should return right around Christmas Eve.
The time was 5:30 am and Harry had just woken up from a nightmare; it was of Sirius dying again. On the random occasion, Harry would relive the nightmare of Cedric being killed too. The days leading up to Christmas left Harry feeling pretty upset, but he was trying not to let it bother him. Harry rubbed his eyes, grabbed his glasses to try and relax, plus wake up more. Unfortunately, upon sitting up, Harry already knew he didn't feel the best. However, based on the way he felt with a sore throat and stuffy nose; he had a cold. Harry forced himself to get out of bed and head into his bathroom; he relieved himself and went rooting through the cabinet for meds. Harry took the pills, then decided it wouldn't hurt to try and rest a little more. Harry blew his nose and returned to bed, crawling in and pulling the covers up. Harry set his glasses back on the nightstand, ensured his blinds were closed before drifting back to sleep.
Around 7:00 am, Severus saw Bellatrix, Tom, Narcissa, Lucius, and Draco come down the stairs and join him. The potions master was typically always up early, and down in the main room by 6 am. The man would get the coffee and tea ready for the others, who would go through the kitchen first to get their drinks before taking a seat. Harry was usually up with them too, but it was easy to see that the green-eyed teenager had not joined them yet.
"Harry is still sleeping?" Draco asked.
"Must be," Narcissa said.
"I haven't seen him all morning, and I've been down here since 6:15." Severus informed.
"Maybe he stayed up later?" Lucius suggested.
"Possibly. I'm sure he'll wake soon and join us." Narcissa smiled.
Except for the fact Harry did not wake soon. The teenager remained sleeping for hours more, and enough that by 8 am, Severus and Narcissa cooked breakfast for everyone. Bellatrix helped Draco clean everything up and they just sat around watching TV or reading. Now, it was around 12:30 pm before Harry woke again; this time; he showered up and got dressed before coming downstairs as Draco noticed him first.
"Harry! There you are." Draco greeted.
"Morning, Dray," Harry replied.
That right there was off. "Morning?" Severus arched a brow. "Potter, you're aware its 12:30 pm, right?"
"What?" Harry looked at the clock on the stove, microwave, even over the fireplace. "Oh, wow…I didn't think I slept that long…" He admitted.
"I was getting worried." Draco admitted.
"Are you feeling alright, sweetie?" Bellatrix asked. "You look like you're ready to go back to sleep."
"Just tired, I'm fine." Harry told her. Draco went over to hug his boyfriend, and tried to kiss him, but Harry pulled back.
"No kiss?" Draco pouted jokingly.
"I don't want you to get sick." Harry told him.
"So you aren't fine!" Draco jabbed a finger into the male's chest.
"It's just a cold and perfectly normal for this time of year. Calm yourself, Draco," Harry remarked with a smile.
"Is that why you slept so long?" Lucius asked. "You've been out since last night."
"I actually woke up around 5:30 and realized I was still tired and had a stuffy nose. I grabbed meds and decided a little more sleep wouldn't hurt any." Harry replied. "I am fine. It's just a cold; I've lived through many in my sixteen years of life." He added. "I get them all the time. Flu is much worse."
"Why do you get sick so often?" Severus wondered.
"Because my overall health still hasn't recovered from years of neglect. Beaten, starved…It all takes its toll on the body. I only just left the Dursley's last summer. Well, summer before fifth year." Harry clarified as he made himself some tea and then sipped from the cup.
"But you weren't starved at school…" Narcissa mentioned.
"No, of course not. But-," Harry began.
"It's still trauma on the body." Severus commented. "Harry was starved for years, so even at school where there's feasts, three meals a day and the ability to enjoy snacks…Harry couldn't eat a lot. Not because the food wasn't available, but because it would actually make him sick." He stated. "It's how the body reacts. You can't go days and weeks without eating, then stuff yourself full; your body will reject it."
"So even at school, you couldn't eat properly?" Draco frowned.
"I ate what I could without making myself sick. It never mattered what I did to fix the eating habits because by the time I'd get myself in a place to be eating full meals again…It would be summer and all the work I did was undone. Then there were other factors, like stress. That affects ability to eat and sleep. Mood can affect hunger." Harry shrugged. "Merlin knows my years at Hogwarts haven't been easy."
"He's right." Severus nodded.
"Again. It's just a cold…I'll survive. Told you, it's the one thing I'm really good at doing." Harry smiled. "It'll be three or four days of stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, tired, and coughing. It's not life threatening."
"Well still, it sucks you're likely gonna be sick for Christmas…" Draco muttered. "I can take care of you!"
"I can take care of myself, Dray." Harry told him. "I appreciate the offer, but I'm good. And I wouldn't want you to get sick."
"We've already had lunch, so just handle yourself if you're hungry." Severus told Harry.
The teenager nodded as he set out making his lunch while the others got back to whatever they were doing before. Harry still looked tired, and admitted he was sick, but it seemed like he didn't want people making a fuss over him.
"Did you ever end up telling Hermione and Ron that we're dating?" Draco asked Harry.
"I did, two days ago." Harry nodded.
"How did they take it?" Draco wondered curiously.
"Surprised, as I expected." Harry chuckled.
"But not angry? I know you said you were worried about Ron's reaction." Draco said.
"Well, he brought up the fact I knew his sister likes me first…But I told him why I'd never date her. Not only have we grown up together and she's like a sister to me, but if we did date and nothing developed as far as feelings went; I'd leave her and I wouldn't want Ron in a position to have to choose between us. He'd be torn to stand with his family, or his best friend who he also sees like family." Harry explained. "He understands why I won't date Ginny."
"And Hermione, she's fine with it too?" Draco hoped.
"As long as I'm happy, they both respect and support my decision and happy for me." Harry promised. "Of course, to relay the warnings. Ron says he'll Avada you if you hurt me, and Hermione has threatened to make you relive the third year punch over and over again. And she said she'd do it to beat you down before Ron kills you. It would be a team effort." He informed.
"Threat received." Draco understood. "Sadly, I think I'm more afraid of Granger's punch than Ron's killing curse."
"I think you're just beside yourself that you got socked in the face by a muggle born girl." Harry teased. "Come on, that was way more impressive than any spell she could have thrown at you."
"Yeah, yeah." Draco rolled his eyes. "Well, I've let all my friends know already. They won't care or give us trouble."
"What, no warnings for me not to hurt you?" Harry joked.
"I think that's rather pointless, Harry. Everyone knows how powerful you are, even if they wanted to try and hurt you for hurting me…It wouldn't work." Draco remarked.
"Not much can hurt Harry." Lucius stated. "He fought off Imperio, and still got up to fight after being under Crucio four times at the age of fourteen. Lord knows he survived the killing curse too, as a baby."
"Okay, so I'm immune to some things. And reminder, it was my mother's protection. Not mine. I was just a baby…Regardless, if I ever hurt Draco and deserved the fallout, I'd probably just let them hurt me." Harry retorted. "Moving on. I have sent word to my other friends in my gifts to them, Hedwig's been dropping them off and should be back soon." Harry stated.
"Will your other friends mind?" Draco questioned.
"Probably not. If we could get over our rivalry, it's not so out there that we went from friends to a couple." Harry mentioned. "You need to not panic so much. If anyone in all of Britain is shocked about anything, it's that me and the Dark Lord aren't trying to kill one another the old fashioned way."
"You make a good point." Draco agreed with a smile. "So…How long until Granger and Weasley get together?"
"Your guess is as good as mine," Harry sighed. "Everyone sees it but them."
"Tragic." Draco chuckled. "You want to see them together, don't you?"
"I want them to be happy. Safe and happy, it's all I've ever cared about for my friends and those I call family. It's what makes me as strong as I am, not just the things I've survived in life. As long as I have people I care for and want to protect, I'll fight to my last breath to ensure their futures. That is the difference between a someone who fights for themselves and someone who fights for others. The difference between selfish and selfless." Harry said. "What's one life compared to hundreds? Thousands? Needs of the many outweigh that of one. I've never cared what happens to me, and I probably never will."