Chapter 11

Setting foot in Hogwarts brought with it the overwhelming sense of peace that no other place held for Harry. Only a few students remained over the long Summer break. From her first year as headmistress Professor McGonagall –Minerva- had set about making arrangements for students who were for whatever reason unable or unwilling to return home. Harry saw a few sprawled on the grass by the lake, taking in the last of the waning sun. The portraits were just as he remembered them, even in first year. Harry waved to a few, smiling as some began to jump frames so they could keep up with him.

He found her by the kitchens, deep in conversation with an elderly house elf that Harry vaguely remembered.

"Harry," McGonagall called when she saw him. She pulled him into a quick hug.

"Professor," Harry smiled, laughing when she clucked her tongue and gave him a disapproving look.

"How many times must I remind you, Auror Potter that it is Minerva."

"That would be former, Auror," Harry grinned. "And hopefully, Professor Potter in the near future." He tried to give her his best smile, the one that had him winning the Witch Weekly's most Charming Smile award year after year. Actually on second thought perhaps channeling his inner Gilderoy Lockhart was probably not the best idea.

He held out a hand to the house elf instead who introduced himself as Karn, head of the kitchens.

"Well it appears Albus and Neville were right, not for the first time," said McGonagall. "I was going to send out letters to others who could potentially fill the role but they asked me to wait just one more day."

Harry smiled guiltily. "I had been considering it for a while," he admitted. "Ever since Neville told me the position had freed up."

"Yes, yes, Alessandra finally decided her true passions rested in curse breaking." McGonagall sighed. "Teaching isn't for everyone, Harry."

Harry nodded warily. He didn't quite know what to say to that but that was alright because just then Karn stepped forward, holding two small plates of miniature potatoes coated in herbs. "The second addition to the menu, Headmistress," said the elf, holding it up first to McGonagall and then Harry.

"We are making preparations for the start of term," McGonagall explained when she saw the puzzled look on Harry's face. "The house elves have a system where they are each allowed to propose a new item for the menu at the Welcoming feast. We're sampling the favourites."

"Ah, thank you," said Harry accepting his plate from the elf. He knew something was off the second he bit into it. He caught McGonagall's eye but the headmistress was simply chewing thoughtfully. Trying not to cringe Harry swallowed it quickly.

"Herbed potato stuffed with lime jelly," Karn explained solemnly. "My personal favourite."

"Ah," said Harry weakly. The house elf was watching them both with a look of such poorly veiled anticipation that Harry didn't have the heart to disappoint him. "It's unique."

"That was quite a combination, Karn," McGonagall nodded faring better at keeping a neutral face. "But the caramel pumpkin pastry was definitely my favourite so far."

Karn nodded before turning to Harry. "Would you like to try the caramel pumpkin pastries, Sir?"

"Uh, sure," Harry smiled doubtfully. Karn seemed satisfied though, with a nod he disappeared back into the bustling kitchen.

"The elves have a slightly different pallete to us," said McGonagall. "Which is why we intervene. I really am glad you're here, Harry. I think you will make an excellent addition to our staff. You have a lot to offer, especially in terms of practical skill."

Harry smiled. "Are you sure? I mean they put me in charge of the auror trainees once and that didn't exactly go well for anyone involved."

McGonagall shook her head. "Your job here is to inspire rather than simply testing their strength," she told him. "Make the students want to spend time reading up on Defence."

"And the Dark Arts?" Harry asked.

"Teach them not to fear it but to accept it."

Harry nodded. "I know, it's just that I've been with the Aurors for so long I've kind of forgotten how to do anything else."

"I know," nodded McGonagall. "When I read him your letter Albus told me he was so proud of you for walking away from the Ministry."

Harry shrugged. "I really should have done it a long time ago."

"Better late than never," smiled McGonagall. "You taught your peers in fifth year, did you not?"

"Yes, but-"

"Believe me, Harry, teaching your peers is in many ways more difficult than a class of eleven year olds." Harry nodded. "And really Harry if I thought you would be a less than excellent teacher we would not be having this conversation right now. Do you trust my judgement?"

"I do Prof-Minerva."

"Good. I have taken the liberty of assembling some of the textbooks Professors have liked to use in the past and a set of curriculum plans Alessandra left behind. You are welcome to make changes of course." She muttered something under her breath and a pile of books and parchments came flying down the corridor, stopping sharply and hovering just in front of Harry. McGonagall must have noticed his wide eyes because she smiled reassuringly. "These are just to get you started, Harry. Take a look through them but the course you want to take with your students is entirely up to you."

"That is-wow okay, I guess I can flick through them this week." He had the distinct feeling that he had bitten off a lot more than he could chew. The guest lectures he gave a few times each year had been fun. He could prepare a talk about some of his most exciting cases and it had always earned him the unwavering attention of most of the students, especially the younger ones. However the thought of planning an entire year's worth...

"Spicy caramel and pumpkin pastry," said Karn, stepping up to him again with a new plate. Harry had to admit this one actually did look quite appetizing.

"Thank you, Karn," he told the house elf. He took a second to brace himself, schooling his face into a sort of thoughtful neutrality as McGonagall had before. Apparently his efforts were wasted though because the dish was absolutely delicious. "That was amazing!"

Karn looked pleased with himself. "Karn is glad you enjoyed it, Sir." He turned to McGonagall. "Karn will add this to the list for the feast."

"Yes, please," she smiled. "As always it has been a pleasure trying your dishes."

With a silent bow, Karn collected Harry's empty plate and left, the portrait over the entrance swinging back into place.

"I have faith in you, Harry," McGonagall told him and the look she gave was strangely reminiscent of Dumbledore's. It was the one where he would seemingly look right through into the core of his being. "I do hope you find it in yourself as well."

They walked together to the entrance hall where she gave Harry another tight hug. "I look forward to greeting you as a colleague the next time you are here, Harry," she said and if her eyes looked a little bit teary, Harry though best not to mention it.

He thanked her profusely. "At least this way I can make sure Teddy doesn't get into too much trouble."

"Yes," said McGonagall warily. "I was going to have someone watch that boy carefully. Son of a Marauder and his godfather is Harry Potter no less. He'll be brimming with trouble."

Harry laughed. "That much you can be sure of."

Harry had completely forgotten about his offer to help Draco with his new apartment till an owl called on him just as he was getting back from his daily run. He frowned down at the note for a few minutes, because while he really did have nothing better to do that afternoon, the prospect of spending alone time with Draco was still daunting. He contemplated just feigning illness or maybe some kind of work emergency instead.

Making a snap decision he had ended up at Andromeda's door and before he knew what was happening he had Rose (who had been visiting that day apparently) wrapped in one arm and Teddy in the other.

"They're all yours," Andromeda told him. "And tell Ronald if you see him that he is never to bring lollies into my house again or so help me I will have him running around chasing these two for hours."

Harry laughed. "I'll let him know."

They took the subway to Draco's new place. Harry found out exactly what Andromeda had meant as they walked down the street, trying to find the right building. Rose skipped around him in circles twirling what looked to Harry like a Pirate's hat in her hands while Teddy, being older and obviously more mature took to chattering at a mile a minute instead.

Harry had been holding off telling the boy about Hogwarts until after he'd confirmed it with McGonagall. Now as they approached Draco's building, Harry figured it was as good a time as ever.

"Ted?"

The boy paused and Harry could almost see him trying to catch his breath. "Yes?"

"Do you remember how I told you once that I might be quitting my job?"

Teddy nodded. "And I told you not to because the aurors were so cool."

Harry nodded. "You said you wanted me to keep saving the world." Harry took a deep breath. "Well, the world doesn't need saving anymore, Ted."

"I know," said the boy solemnly.

"I've been offered a new job," Harry told him, trying not to be struck by how much understanding there seemed to be on his godson's face. This seemed to pique Rose's interest as well. She stopped the little pirouettes she had been doing and watched him with wide eyes.

Harry ran a hand through his hair wondering why on earth he felt so nervous about this. To be honest it was mainly for Ted's sake. He knew how excited the boy was about going to Hogwarts and the prospect of new friends and new adventures and finally learning proper spells. Harry just hoped he wouldn't mind having his godfather around as well on that journey.

"It's at Hogwarts. I'm going to be the new Defence against the Dark Arts Professor," Harry said all at once. He watched Teddy's eyes widen as he gaped. "Only if it's okay with you, of course," Harry added quickly.

Teddy practically lunged at him, whooping in delight and almost knocking him over as he wrapped his arms around Harry. "That means I won't have to leave you behind!" he cried. "You're coming to Hogwarts with me!"

Harry laughed. "I will be your Professor though and I won't be able to play favourites."

"But you won't give us homework on weekends, right?"

"I can make no promises," Harry told him. Teddy pouted.

"Does this mean you're going away as well?" Rose asked, suddenly looking very concerned. "Teddy says we can only see him in the holidays, Uncle Harry. You can't go away as well!"

Harry bent down so he could pull her into a hug too. "I'll be able to come visit on the weekends just like I do now, love," he assured her.

She wrapped her arms around him and nodded into his shoulder. "Okay, and can I come visit the castle?" she asked. "I want to see Teddy."

"I'm sure we can arrange something," Harry smiled. Rose had visited Hogwarts a few times but she had been too young to remember it. "Perhaps if you let me borrow your hat sometime." Rose nodded eagerly, placing it on his head. It was much too small and sat at an odd angle when he straightened up but he let it be. He gave her an elaborate bow instead. "I feel privelaged to have even set eyes on your hat Captain Rose. Would you now do me the honour of accompanying me up this flight of stairs?"

Rose giggled but took his hand as they headed up. From the outside it looked like a pretty decent place. Not too flashy although Draco could definitely have afforded it but it wasn't the worst either. Teddy took the stairs two at a time, racing up to the 4th floor. Harry could hear him banging on a door even from a couple of floors down and he just hoped it was the right one.

"Draco!" the boy cried.

Harry could hear Draco's muffled laughter as he and Rose finally caught up. "I was wondering when you were going to come up. I heard you all the way from up here." He looked up and when he finally seemed to notice Harry and Rose he smiled. "Well hello again."

Harry felt Rose straightening up beside him before holding out her hand expectantly. It took a second for Harry to realize she was asking for the hat he was still wearing. When he handed it over she neatly placed it down on her wild curls and strode up to Draco. "I'm Pirate Rose, Captain of the great ship Weasley," she said, holding out her hand.

Draco looked like he was struggling to hide his amusement. He nodded solemnly and shook her hand. "It is an honour to meet you, Captain."

Rose smiled widely at that. "I'm going to be just like Potty Periwinkle," she informed him excitedly. "And I'm going to go on adventures!"

"I guess we'll just have to find you a ship then." He met Harry's eye over her head and smiled. "Come on in. I've started on the living room. Well I did the window sills, hope you don't mind"

Sure enough as soon as they stepped in they could smell the paint. He'd laid out plastic on the floor that crinkled as they walked through into the living room. The apartment was a comfortable looking two bedroom with a huge window looking down at the street below them. There wasn't any furniture yet, just a few boxes laid out in the middle of one of the bedrooms. He'd probably get the rest from the Manor soon, Harry thought.

Once they'd all finished filing around the place looking into every door and cupboard they could find, Draco began handing out paintbrushes. "I couldn't decide how dark I wanted it to be so I ended up just flipping a coin. What do you think?"

Rose wrinkled her nose at the huge tin of paint that sat in the middle of the room. "Are we painting it this colour?" she demanded, pointing at it.

"You don't like it?"

"It's so-"

"Boring?" Teddy finished for her. She nodded.

"Why can't we paint it something like green?" she demanded. "Or pink!"

"Purple?" Teddy supplied. "What is this colour? It looks like parchment."

Draco looked to Harry. "It's called Camelot. What do you think?"

"I mean I think it's fine," he shrugged. He tried to imagine going home to a hot pink living room and cringed internally. "But maybe we're getting old."

Draco frowned, moving to the counter top where he had laid out a huge colour palette. "I suppose we could try something else…"

Rose and Teddy practically bounced over, tiptoeing so they could have a look as well. "The yellow!" Rose cried almost immediately.

"I like this one," Teddy said, pointing to a turquoise that was called Jack-in-a-box for reasons beyond Harry's comprehension. He looked to Draco because after all this was his living room and however they ended up painting it, it would have to be Draco that was going to be staring at these walls every day.

Draco ran his fingers over the sheet, stopping every now and then to look around the room. "Well I suppose we could go for something a little more-" he frowned. "Mother won't like it but-grey stone?"

"Boring," said Teddy and Rose at once.

"Al fresco?"

Harry shook his head. "I'm pretty sure Umbridge had a colour very similar to that."

Draco looked horrified at that thought and moved his hand swiftly to the other side of the pallete. "How about this one?" he asked, pointing to a deep sea green.

Teddy stood on his tiptoes and tilted his head. "Twist," he read. "I still like Jack-in-the-box but this will do."

Harry smiled, stepping up to the tin of paint. "Well if you're sure you don't want the Umbridge colour…"

Draco just scowled back. "There will be absolutely no felines in this apartment," he insisted. "No cats."

Rose giggled. "That's what Daddy says too," she said as Harry tried to figure which spell would work best. "It's okay though, Hugo and I want a puppy."

It didn't turn out too badly he decided, looking down with satisfaction at the paint in front of him. "Alright, grab your brushes. Remember, one direction… and Teddy try not to finger paint."

"I wasn't going to," Teddy huffed. His face however said that yes, he had in fact been planning on doing just that.

He took one of the rollers, handing the other to Draco. "So how are we going to do this?"

Draco shrugged. "You are the expert, Mr. Interior design."

Harry rolled his eyes. "We can meet in the middle then, how does that sound?"

"Perfect."

They worked in silence for a while, until Teddy insisted on music so Harry spelled his phone to hover near the center of the room. Teddy with a small roller worked by Draco's side, humming to himself while Rose with her paintbrush danced as she drew patterns on the wall by Harry's.

It was peaceful work and he let himself get lost in it. It was one of the reasons he had taken to redecorating Grimmauld Place. Every day he could come back home and rather than kill time he could do something tangible. Painting the walls was a lot more fun than just staring at it for hours after all.

"Hey, Uncle Harry," said Rose, spinning around. Harry saw the droplets of paint fly towards him but he barely had time dodge before they ended up on his shirt. "Oops." She looked up at him wide-eyed and guilty.

"It's okay, just a few drops," he told her, with a sigh and a soft smile. "It's an old shirt anyway."

"Oh, okay good." She looked relieved. "I just wanted to ask you if we could paint my room as well."

"Sure we can." It wasn't until Harry had turned that he realized drops of the green-blue paint had spattered on the white windowsill Draco had painted before they arrived. "Uh, Draco?" he called. He heard the wrinkling of plastic as Draco made his way across the room.

"Please tell me you don't want to change your shirt because of a little paint, Harry," said the man. Harry didn't need to turn to see the self-satisfied smirk he was wearing.

Ignoring the jibe, he gestured to the paint. "I can vanish it but I need to know what kind of paint you used."

Draco frowned at the splatter for a few seconds before shrugging. "Don't bother," he announced. "It adds character."

"Are you sure?"

"If it'll piss Pansy off, it's good enough for me," Draco chuckled to himself. "I can hide it with the curtains and pull them back every time she comes over."

"You are wicked, did you know that?"

"I prefer devilish," Draco shot back. Harry was sure he muttered something like 'devilishly handsome' under his breath as he retreated. He noticed Teddy watching closely though so he made a face at Draco's back, making the boy laugh.

By the time they made it most of the way around the living room and met in the centre it had been almost two hours. Rose had already taken to sitting by the bucket of paint absent-mindedly swirling it with her paintbrush as she watched them work. She chattered on about a book she had read the other day about house elves and how Teddy should try and make friends with all of them at Hogwarts just like her Mom had talked about.

"Did your Mom tell you about that ridiculous club she made back in school for house elves?" Draco asked her.

"Society for the Promotion of Elvish Welfare," said Rose, nodding proudly. "Kreacher says all the house elves are so grateful and he always brings us gifts from Hogwarts."

Draco snorted. "Didn't they start a rebellion-"

"Draco!" Harry cut him off. "Don't listen to him. Your Mom gave the elves hope and helped them stand up to their masters." Rose looked between the two of them, slightly puzzled. "Actually," said Harry, looking across at Draco. "Rose didn't your Mom tell you about that time she punched Draco Malfoy in the nose."

Rose nodded enthusiastically. "Dad told us actually," she said. "He was so proud of her. He said you were bleeding, Draco," she said, scrambling around so she could face Draco. The dirty look Draco had been directing at Harry disappeared, only to be replaced by a sheepish smile.

"I think she broke my nose but I probably deserved that."

"Yeah, you did," Harry muttered. "Should've done it myself."

Draco either didn't hear or chose to ignore that. "That was a terrible year," Draco told Rose instead. "I was almost mauled to death by a giant beast right in front of a Professor and the rest of the class, no less. Everyone was too stunned to help me, I had to face the creature all on my own."

Rose watched him with wide eyes. "Really?"

Draco nodded. "If Madam Pomfrey hadn't gotten to me in time I might have had a giant scar all down my arm from the gashes that beast inflicted on me."

"What was it?" Teddy asked.

"It was huge, with a giant beak as sharp as an eagle's but much larger and it had talons too. It came at me with talons that were made for gouging into flesh. And it's wings!" Draco spread his arms out wide to demonstrate. "They would have stretched twice as wide as this room."

"His name was Buckbeak," Harry said, rolling his eyes. "He was a hippogriff and he let me ride him across the lake."

Draco glared. "Don't brag, Potter, it's unbecoming."

"Maybe if you told them you barely suffered a scratch, I wouldn't have to."

"You killed Voldemort," Draco grumbled. "Let me have my theatrics."

Harry conceded to that. "Maybe it's time for a break then," he said, looking around at all they had accomplished so far. They had done a pretty decent job.

Draco nodded. "We can use one of the boxes in the bedroom as a table but there are no chairs I'm afraid."

They ended up sitting cross-legged around a the sturdiest looking bod. Draco had apparently brought juice and cookies for Teddy and Rose who attacked them eagerly. He had also made two cups of steaming tea for himself and Harry.

"Pomegranate?" asked Harry after a sip.

Draco nodded. He had always loved the fruity teas. Apparently he'd always grown up with the strong bitter kind and sweetened tea was fascinating. It had become one of those habits Harry himself couldn't shake. He'd been through every single possible kind of fruit since then.

"So when are you bringing in the rest of your stuff?" He asked looking around the room. There was only a small television and about four or five boxes there, two of which were simply labeled 'books' and another 'clothes'.

"What do you mean?" Draco asked, setting his cup down and lounging back.

"Well, this can't be all," said Harry, gesturing around them.

"If you're talking about furniture, I'll be shopping for it soon. I can survive one night without a proper bed. I'm not the worst at transfiguring."

"No I mean, items, things that you own. Surely this can't be all?" Harry paused when he gaged the look on Draco's face. "This is all that you own? How?"

"I don't know," shrugged Draco. "I didn't really have much use for trinkets and things in France. I spent all my time at that school or writing. One of those boxes is just filled with drafts and stories that didn't quite make it. The rest of my things from growing up, well that's all still at the manor. I don't have a use for it now, do I?"

"So what's in the other one, then?" Teddy asked, pointing to a small box in the corner that looked to have been recently opened.

"Oh, those are just some photos and stuff but-" before he could finish his sentence Teddy with Rose close at his heel was already halfway across the room.

"You have a model airplane?" Teddy demanded, pulling out a small red plane that had the number 8 painted on it in white. "Cool!"

"One of my students made it for me," said Draco. "You can keep it if you like."

He continued to rifle through Draco's things and Rose settled down next to him, leaning over so she could have a look as well. "Draco, what is wrong with your hair," Teddy cried with delight as he pulled out what must have been a photograph.

He showed it to Rose who giggled. "It's so long!" she said, "Longer than Uncle Bill's even! It's pretty though. I like it."

Draco visibly reddened. "It was a new trend," he said defensively. "But then I woke up one day and realised I looked exactly like my father so I went and-"

"Draco, are you bald?" Teddy demanded waving around another picture.

"I am not bald!" Draco insisted. "It's a buzz cut."

"This I have to see," Harry laughed, making to get up. Draco grabbed his arm before he could move out of reach though. "Let go of me!"

"Teddy you will hide that photograph or so help me-"

Teddy looked between them, Draco holding onto Harry like his life depended on it and Harry trying to struggle loose. "I'll just keep this with me here," he said, carefully placing the photo face down underneath his model plane.

Harry sat back down with a grunt. "I will get my hands on that photo, Draco," he warned. "Perhaps I'll even make a copy."

Draco sighed. "I had to wear a beanie for months," he grumbled. "And the one time I didn't my bast-" he stopped himself, looking at the kids. "My co-worker decided it would be fun to surprise me with that picture."

"Tangled!" cried Rose reaching in to pull out a DVD. "We have to watch it, please?"

"As soon as we get the TV set up," Draco assured her.

Teddy continued to dig through the box. He tossed out a green cashmere jumper that Draco must have accidently packed in the wrong box, before diving at something else gleefully. Draco caught the jumper and quickly placed it with his other clothes, folding it neatly before tucking it in.

Harry found himself looking around at the place again, taking in the bare walls and open space. He tried to picture what it would look like once it was lived in and decided that yeah, it would probably be cozy. Also the hot water probably worked without magical support. He had seriously considered moving into a small flat but in the end he had been too busy to look around (and when he had mentioned it to Kreacher that one time, the house elf had looked so offended Harry never dared bring it up again). Once he had renovated Grimmauld he even convinced himself it was homely enough for him.

Now he'd be moving to Hogwarts. He'd get his own suite as all teachers did and he would make it as homely as he possible could, he decided.

"You definitely managed to find a decent place here," Harry said aloud.

"It's small but it'll do," said Draco. Harry pretended not to notice the way Draco was watching him closely. There was an intensity there he really didn't want to dwell on so he continued to admire the place instead.

"It might be small but it's a lot more inviting than Grimmauld will ever be," Harry mused. "No matter what I do I just can't get rid of the history. It's literally inked into the wall."

"You still can't bring yourself to look at the tree can you?"

"At this point it's more by habit really," Harry shrugged. "I've never had a reason to go in there." He looked around the room, trying to find a way to change the topic without being too obvious. "You know, if you get rid of those ugly purple drapes over there you could probably make this room look bigger."

Draco looked like he was choking on his tea. "You were actually serious about that interior design course, weren't you?" he sputtered.

Harry rolled his eyes. "It was just an observation. I read a few magazines and if you must know, I did get that job at Hogwarts so interior design is not in my future."

"Well that's a pity, apparently you have an eye for it."

"Oh my Barbra, that flower arrangement will not do, peonies with tulips? It simply must go!" said Harry, hand over his forehead in mock disbelief. He was terrible at fake accents and his only comfort was that Draco was even worse.

"Henrietta darling, that wallpaper is one shade too dark and it clashes horribly with the carpet," Draco imitated.

"Dammit Sandra I will not reconsider the pattern on the chaise, perhaps you should reconsider that haircut."

Draco gasped. "How dare you!" he cried, clutching his chest.

"You two are weird," Teddy announced, apparently finally bored with rifling though Draco's belongings.

"Can we set up the TV now?" Rose asked, pointing at it. After Arthur had finally managed to get one working at the Burrow (not without a bit of magic of course) it had become almost a weekly occurrence for the family to gather around the set to watch movies. According to Ron, much to Molly's chagrin Arthur had taken to watching soaps with wide-eyed fascination now as well.

"How about you help me set up the TV," Draco told her, "And Harry and Teddy can finish up the painting."

"You know how to set up the television?" asked Harry doubtfully.

"I did have to assimilate with the muggles, Harry. I think I can manage a straightforward task like this."

Harry wasn't entirely convinced but he gave Draco the benefit of the doubt anyway. It wasn't like he had much experience either. Watching TV with Dudley around was always out of question. He had employed Hermione's help to set up the one at Grimmauld and once that stopped working Harry had simply used charms to keep it running ever since.

He let Teddy finish his side of the wall as far up as he could reach before they swapped sides and Harry finished the rest. It was fairly easy work as they had already covered most of the room already.

"So, Ted," Harry called over, trying to keep his voice just low enough so Draco who was working with Rose in the room couldn't hear. "When are you going to show me that picture?"

"Which one?" asked Teddy feigning innocence.

"I'm going to be your Professor soon, Teddy," Harry reminded him. "It would be a shame if I were to give everyone essays on the first day."

Teddy stared wide-eyed at him for a few seconds. "You can't do that!"

"And why not?"

"Because-because-it doesn't matter. Draco says I can't show you and I don't want him to get upset." He smiled. "It is really funny though."

Harry had to hand it to him, Teddy was above all else immensely loyal. He would just have to work out another way to get that picture. He sighed, making his way across the room once he had finished with his own side.

"So," he said, dropping his voice even further so it was just a whisper. "Do you feel better now that Draco's definitely not moving away again?"

Teddy nodded. "He talked to me," said the boy softly, looking through the open doorway where they could just see Draco's back as he fiddled with wires and Rose watched him curiously. "He said he was sorry that I was upset and he promised he would be staying and now-" Teddy gestured around them. "I guess I'll be leaving him now."

"That's not true," Harry whispered. "We'll be back for the holidays."

Teddy smiled brightly. "You said we,"

"Yes, we," said Harry. "We're in this together aren't we?"

"Yeah," Teddy nodded. "I'm really glad you're going to be there, Harry."

Harry returned his smile, feeling a rush of warmth for the boy. He carefully took a small bit of paint on his finger and landed it on the tip of Teddy's nose before the boy could jump back. "I'm glad too," he laughed, as Teddy yelped and starting wiping at his face.

"I'm going to get you back, Harry!" Teddy cried, attacking Harry's back with the roller till his shirt was streaked with it.

Harry half-turned and held his hands up defensively. "Alright, alright, maybe I deserved that." Teddy scowled still trying to jab him with the paintbrush. Before he could answer there was a delighted yell from the other room.

"We fixed it!" Rose cried. "Draco and I did it!"

"If you two barbarians are done attacking each other, you can join us for a movie," Draco said, appearing at the doorway and watching the scene with an amused smile. "I have pop corn."

"We're done!" cried Teddy, bouncing past Harry to join Rose and the TV.

"I'll just finish up here first," Harry told Draco, pointing at the little bit of wall they had still to finish.

When Harry finally joined them, Draco had set up the TV on one end of the room they were all sitting up against the wall on the other end. A huge bowl of popcorn sat between Teddy and Rose and as Harry watched Draco's hand snake over to steal some.

"We started without you," Rose explained. "Sorry! But please turn off the light Uncle Harry." Harry obeyed, easily finding his way by the flashing lights of the TV.

He was about to slide down beside Teddy when Draco called out. "Wait!" He threw something at Harry that he caught instinctively. "I will not have you spreading paint all over my walls," said Draco.

"What do you-oh," he'd almost forgotten about the excellent job Teddy had done painting his back. "Thanks."

He took a seat, between Teddy and Rose, using what seemed to be an old towel against his back to keep from ruining the wall. On the screen Rapunzel had just begun interrogating some guy who went by the name of Flynn Rider apparently.

It was actually a pretty entertaining film. Harry wasn't exactly a huge fan of Disney's too happy fairytale adaptations but he could see the appeal. This one was no different on that account, all about hope and skirting on the edge of danger but never actually showing the grimness of reality. However there was a certain charm to it that Harry could not help but appreciate.

He was so focused on the movie he almost jumped when he felt someone tap his shoulder. His first instinct was to look to Teddy but the boy was just as engrossed in the film as he had been. Over his head though, Harry could just make out Draco catching his gaze and gesturing pointedly to the doorway.

Frowning, Harry nodded, rising slowly to his feet. "Where are you going?" Teddy whispered loudly. Rose glared at him.

"I just need to talk to Harry for a bit, we'll be back before the good bit."

Teddy shrugged, but Harry noticed his gaze following them as they stepped out of the bedroom and shut the door as quietly as he could manage. When they were in the living room, Harry turned on Draco. "So what did you have to tell me so desperately you had to drag me away from Flynn Rider?"

Draco laughed nervously. "Well it's not so much what I have to tell you as it is I have to give you." With that he held out the cashmere sweater Teddy had tossed haphazardly aside earlier. He held it out for Harry now. "I found it while I was packing up the other day, I was going to give it to you before- before I messed everything up."

"Draco…" Harry began but he really didn't know what else to say.

"It's too big for me and-and you'll look good in green, trust me."

Harry looked down at the royal green sweater in Draco's hand doubtfully. Despite everyone's claims that green brought out his eyes he barely owned anything of the colour at all. Actually most of his clothes were varying shades of black and grey with some red thrown in there for good measure (and orange because he could not be friends with Ronald Weasley without proper Chudley Cannon attire).

"It doesn't have to mean anything," Draco said, looking down at it nervously then back up again, to meet Harry's eyes. "I just felt like you should have it." Finally he sighed, looking defeated. "I'm sorry it was a stupid idea, I should have thought it through. Of course you don't want it- you don't even like green and-"

"I'll take it," said Harry at last. "Thank you, Draco." Draco smiled and looked like he wanted to say something else but obviously struggling with the words. "We should get back to the movie," Harry told him, gesturing to the door.

"Right, the movie," he said, letting Harry lead the way in. When he thought Harry wasn't looking Draco practically beamed. It was contagious and in the dark it was easy for Harry to hide his smile as he settled down by Rose who immediately scrambled for his lap and hummed contentedly. He felt Teddy shift as Draco took his seat as well. Ruffling Rose's hair, Harry soon found himself once more engrossed in Rapunzel's quest.

A/N: Going away for a while which means terrible internet. Not sure when the next update will be but expect a month tops. Thank you lovelies for following along this far. Much love :)