Draco had to bite the inside of his cheek to keep himself from laughing at Harry. He didn't want to offend the man, nor was it dignified, so he just nibbled on the soft insides of his own mouth until he thought he'd make himself bleed.
They'd apparated home (he felt a warm, fluttering feeling in his chest at the thought) but ended up down the block and Harry was currently creeping down the street like a muggle cartoon cat-burglar. He was pressed along the neighboring fences, keeping to the short shadows cast by them as he took exaggeratedly long, quiet steps, even tip toeing now and then. Draco finally snorted a laugh, gaining Harry's attention. Any amusement faded when he caught sight of Harry's wide panicked eyes.
"Merlin, will you relax?" Draco hissed quietly as he stepped closer. It was as close as he was going to get to admitting that Harry's cautious attitude was starting to set him on edge. He grabbed Harry by the elbow and drew him closer, raising an eyebrow when he felt how tense Harry's body was. "What's wrong?" he murmured quietly, leaning down to lightly nuzzle Harry's neck in an attempt to calm him. His hands were on Harry's back rubbing large, slow circles in a soothing motion.
Harry sighed and flopped his head forward, resting his forehead on Draco's shoulder. "I'm not sure," he muttered petulantly. "I think I'm worried..."
Draco held back another snort. It was bloody obvious Harry was worried. He waited a long moment for Harry to finish his thought. When Harry didn't, he sighed and gently poked his ribs. "About?"
"Hermione," Harry whispered and gaze darting towards Number 12. He could see lights on, so it couldn't be too late, right? Hermione shouldn't be too upset, right? He sighed again and buried his face in Draco's neck again, slightly calmed by the soothing scent of Draco and the firm arms around him.
Draco chuckled softly and held Harry tighter. That was a worry he really could understand. Hermione was a dear friend but a scary witch, nonetheless.
"I see," he said with a slight nod. "Explain what, in particular, has you acting like... this?" he asked slowly.
He was sure Harry said Hermione strongly suggested (though demanded was likely more accurate) Harry seek him out and was willing to watch the boys for the night even before this whole fiasco happened so he was having a hard time figuring out what would upset Hermione enough to explain Harry's near insane actions.
"She's going to be so mad..." Harry said as he leaned back with a look on his face that was clearly portraying 'duh!' before he whined and burrowed his face in Draco's chest with a miserable sniffle.
Draco could only stand there and hold Harry, his mind a whirl of confusion as he continued to rub Harry's back. What the hell was going on with Harry? Only moments ago he was excited to go home (even in his confusion he smiled as the happy warmth flashed through him again) and have a talk with the boys. He took a deep breath, subtly checking if he could smell alcohol on Harry. He didn't think the other man had drank all that much, but he didn't know what else to think.
"Harry," he said quietly and shook the man slightly to gain his attention. Harry didn't look up but he did make a small noise of acknowledgement that was muffled slightly as he still had his face smooshed into Draco's chest. Draco bit back a sigh; it would have to do. "The boys..." he started.
"Oh!" Harry jerked away and gasped. "The boys! Oh Merlin!" His hands flapped about for a moment, "Let's go!" Harry whirled and started to run up the walk towards the house, leaving a confused and slightly amused Draco to stare after him and make his way up the walk behind him. "Draco! Hurry!" he hissed, turning around to for only a moment.
Draco snorted a laugh this time and shook his head. "I wasn't the one slinking along like a scared shadow," he muttered to himself as he made his way up the walk to Number 12. He nearly walked into Harry, who had stalled on the front stoop, staring at the door with a look of trepidation on his face. "Harry?" he reached out and shook Harry's elbow.
Harry jumped slightly and turned to give Draco a small smile. "Sorry. Ready?" Before Draco could even open his mouth Harry had turned and walked into the house, his steps light but purposeful as he headed towards the main sitting room. "Hermione?" he called out softly.
"Harry!" she called from the kitchen and hurried through the door to see Harry. "Did you—?" she stopped when she saw Draco standing behind Harry. She smiled until she caught his wary body language and his grey eyes darting nervously between her and Harry. "Everything alright?" she asked after a moment of studying the blonde before looking at Harry. She nearly gaped at his cowed stance.
"Hey 'Mione, I'm sorry!" Harry blurted and rushed over and hugged her tightly. "I didn't mean to make such a mess of everything! I didn't mean to stay out so late!"
His voice was getting thick and Hermione was sure he would be crying any moment if she didn't calm him down. She'd find out what the hell was causing his upset later.
"Harry, it's OK. Draco's here, so nothing is messed up and you aren't late. The boys are still up, they just finished another of their cartoon movies a moment ago. They're out in the garden with Angus," she said quickly as she rubbed her hands over Harry's back, trying to calm him. She leaned back and smiled at her friend. "Tea?"
Harry gulped and nodded. "Yeah, sure. Tea sounds brilliant. Draco?" he turned, eyes still,a little shiny as he looked at Draco.
Draco blinked and then nodded at Hermione. "Yes, tea would be nice. Need a hand?"
He really didn't want to help with making tea but he was desperate to get Hermione alone for a moment. Maybe she had some idea what the hell was going on. He ignored Hermione's raised eyebrows and followed the witch into the kitchen, running a hand down Harry's arm as he passed.
As soon as they were in the kitchen he stepped close to her, "What the hell was that?" he asked in a hushed tone.
Hermione chuckled and shrugged one shoulder. "I was actually going to ask you the same thing," she said, a wry smile on her face. At Draco's scowl she raised her hands. "I'm not saying you did anything, but you're the one he's been with recently." Though, Harry didn't seem to be in any different a mood since she last saw him. A state she rarely ever saw him in. She'd really hoped Harry would've come back a bit happier. She narrowed her eyes at Draco, unsure how innocent he really could be.
Draco waved his arms around before he could stop himself. "Well, I didn't do anything! Everything was going fine until we apparated back home. Then he started acting strange and worried you were going to eviscerate him." He narrowed his eyes at Hermione. "Do you often harm him?" he asked, trying to keep his voice calm. He really couldn't see it but he was not above hexing the witch if needed. One time would be a hex too many.
Hermione laughed and turned away to start the tea. A few waves of her wand later had 3 cups on the table and the water heating. She grinned at Draco and leaned against the counter. "No, I do not," she snorted then sighed and looked up to the ceiling as she crossed her arms. "I've never raised a hand or wand to him. Others, yes, so he's right to be scared of what I can do," she smirked at Draco. "But… I suppose I can be a little hard on Harry sometimes. I only want what's best for him," she said quietly and bit her lip.
She slowly lowered her gaze until she was looking at Draco, her eyes narrowed before going wide. She made a strange sound that had Draco immediately worried but she said nothing else as she prepared the tea and quickly left the kitchen with the tea and a plate of biscuits floating behind her on a tray.
Draco turned when the boys burst into the kitchen with Angus right behind them. He smiled and gave both boys a small wave, unsure how to act at the moment.
Gabe was the first one in the kitchen and the first to see Draco. He paused on his way to Angus' cupboard and a big smile grew on his face, faltering only for a moment as he reminded himself what to call the blonde man. "Mister Malfoy!" he greeted happily. He turned to quickly give Angus his biscuit and hurried back over to Draco. "You missed it! We had pizza again!"
"Oh?" Draco spared the kitchen door only a glance as he squatted down to get on Gabe's level. "Really?" At Gabe's enthusiastic nod, he hummed and cupped his chin with his hand. "I missed it?" Gabe nodded again, an apologetic expression on his small face now. He held back a surely embarrassing reaction (like a coo, or a giggle or maybe snatching the boy in a tight hug) and just nodded sadly. "Well, I suppose I'll just have to have two next time, yeah?"
Gabe's eyes widened and he giggled. "Yeah! That's a good idea!" He was thrilled. There was going to be a next time! He wiggled his butt and punched the air in a short victory dance.
"Yes, I am prone to those," Draco said and nodded with mock seriousness.
Gabe nodded back as he giggled again at Mr. Malfoy's silliness. He wore suits and nice clothes and acted very proper sometimes but Gabe still thought he was funny. Almost as funny as daddy. Almost as fun, too. "Erm. Mister Malfoy?" he asked, suddenly feeling shy.
Draco leaned forward and lightly touched Gabe's arm. He smiled when Gabe immediately shifted so he was leaning against his knee. "Yes, Gabe?" he wondered at the child's pinking cheeks and smiled. He wanted to put a calming hand on the little boy's tightly twined fingers but he didn't. He wanted Gabe to speak when he was ready.
"Erm." Gabe shifted and fidgeted, his fingers nervously toying with the crease in Mr. Malfoy's trousers. "Were you mad earlier?" He took a deep breath and looked up. It was mature to face things and speak clearly, he reminded himself. Oh, but he really wanted to act like a baby right now and just go hide in his closet or snuggle into Angus' warm, furry side. He squared his little shoulders like he'd seen daddy do. Daddy was brave and smart. "When I called you papa?" he explained further, his voice a quiet whisper.
Draco paused a moment, unsure how to answer. He sighed and decided honesty was best, even if it made everything squirm and fidget inside him. Pleasantly, mostly. "No, I was not mad," he said gently and smiled. He nodded in affirmation when Gabe's eyes (so much like his own, he mused with amazement) widened and he smiled hugely up at Draco. He really wanted Gabe to know how happy it made him but he didn't think he should go down that road without Harry. "Actually, your daddy and I wanted to talk to you about that. You aren't in trouble!" he hurried to add when Gabe's bottom lip trembled and he backed away slightly. He placed a hand lightly on Gabe's shoulder, "Alright?"
Gabe nodded and sniffled. "OK," he agreed quietly. He was pretty sure he wasn't in trouble; daddy had already said he wasn't and now Mr. Malfoy said it too but he couldn't help it! Everyone seemed to be upset! Gabe sniffled again and grabbed Mr. Malfoy's hand when he offered it and they left the kitchen, not seeing the warm expression in Draco's eyes at the gesture.
Hermione looked up as Draco and Gabe walked in, grinning widely as she noticed their joined hands. She peeked at Harry from the corner of her eye and noticed Harry watching them with wide, shiny eyes as his face pinked with emotion.
She nodded to herself and turned to look at Harry, "Did you want me to go?" she asked quietly, nodding her head towards Draco and Gabe as they sat in a chair across from them. She desperately wanted to stay and see what happened (and maybe to help) but she would respect Harry's wishes if he wanted her to leave them in privacy. She grinned when Gabe climbed into Draco's lap the moment the blonde sat down. It was hard holding back a laugh (or an embarrassingly girly coo) at the look of surprise and happiness on the blonde's face.
"No... well, maybe? I don't know." Harry looked to Draco and only got a shrug in response. He huffed and nearly made a rude gesture at him. He didn't mind Hermione being present at all. "I guess not, but keep an ear out for Teddy?"
Hermione nodded and settled back with her tea, her gaze firmly on Harry. "Sure, not a problem, Harry." She continued to watch him as he focused on Gabe and Draco; her eyes narrowed in thought as she sipped her tea.
Harry smiled at Hermione briefly before his attention was back on his son sitting with Draco. "Hey, munchkin," he said softly and smiled reassuringly when Gabe looked at him with a slightly nervous expression. "Erm," he paused, unsure how to start. He looked to Draco again and almost gave him a rude hand gesture again when the blonde only rolled his eyes at him.
"I already let him know I wasn't mad," Draco started.
"Ah," Harry said and stood, making his way over to the chair the two were sharing. He sat on the arm and ruffled Gabe's hair. "Didn't I say that?" he said with a small smile. Gabe nodded and looked between him and Draco. He shifted on the arm, still unsure how to continue. Er... start.
Draco huffed quietly and again rolled his eyes. "I was quite happy to hear it," he said quietly leaning down closer to Gabe as if to make it seem like it was a secret. Gabe gaped at him and then loudly whooped as he hugged him tightly. He looked to Harry, clearly affected by the move, with warm silvery eyes. "I'm—" he paused and when Harry nodded vigorously he swallowed audibly and continued. He forgot all about Hermione as he leaned down again and whispered, "I am your papa."
He resisted the urge to nervously fidget or bite his lip with every ounce of self restraint he had as he watched Gabe for his reaction.
Gabe flinched back and stared at Mr. Malfoy with wide eyes before slowly turning his head to look at daddy, who nodded slowly in agreement. He didn't say anything and jumped from Mr. Malfoy's lap, running out of the room and up the stairs with Angus (who, Harry swore, gave him a fierce doggy-glare as he followed his smallest person) hot on his heels. A door upstairs banged shut a moment later making them both flinch.
"Well," Harry sighed and slid down until he was draped comfortably across Draco's lap, his feet dangling over the other arm and his head leaning to the side to rest against Draco's shoulder. "I did not expect that reaction." He snuggled into Draco's warmth and sighed again. He felt terrible.
"What did you expect?" Draco murmured, his eyes still on the doorway Gabe had run out of moments ago. He gently carded his fingers through Harry's hair, trying to sooth Harry as well as himself. He hadn't expected that reaction either. He felt a little nauseous, honestly, at the thought he might have let Gabe or Harry down in some way. He was trying to tell himself that wasn't Gabe's way of showing his displeasure but it was getting harder and harder to convince himself. He'd only been able to detect shock and confusion before Gabe had run off.
Harry gulped and took a few deep breaths, suddenly feeling the urge to vomit. He rested a hand on his stomach as he closed his eyes and kept breathing until he no longer felt like the room was spinning or he'd lose his dinner. "I don't know, but not that," he mumbled, his eyes still closed. "I was expecting a happy reaction or at the very worst, him to be angry. A temper tantrum," he added, almost wistfully. Gabe rarely had tantrums but he'd happily take one now.
A soft throat clearing noise had Harry's eyes springing open and a blush creeping up his face when he turned to look at Hermione once he realized the noise came from her. He had completely forgotten she was there. He made to move, but a frown and Draco's firm grip around his hips kept him where he was.
"Harry," Hermione said quietly, still getting used to seeing Draco act in such a way with Harry. She had seen them together before, but the caring and soothing manner was new and she was happy to witness it. It more than a little uplifting to see Draco could be like that. "I think he was just surprised. Give him a minute to digest it and go from there?"
Harry nodded reluctantly and sat up straighter a moment later when he heard tentative footsteps sneaking down the stairs, followed by the telltale click of dog nails on the wooden steps. He heard a muffled "shhh! Quiet Angus!" and smiled. How did Hermione always know these things? He shared a hopeful glance with Draco before turning his attention back onto the doorway.
Teddy popped his head into the room, his hair a dark vibrant red. "What did you guys say to Gabe?" he asked with a scowl, trying not to yell. He was mad but he knew he wasn't allowed to yell at adults. Even if they deserved it. So not fair.
Harry crooked a finger at Teddy and sighed softly with relief when Teddy came right over, even if the child had small fists planted on his hips and a scowl on his face. "We told him something important. Is he mad?"
Teddy's face morphed into confusion and his hair streaked bright yellow. "No, I don't think so. He just slammed his door and now he's in the back of his closet." He reached down and absently stroked Angus, rubbing at his favorite spot between his ears. "Is he in trouble?" he asked warily, not liking the thought one bit. Usually he would, but not if it made Gabe hide in his closet. "What did you tell him?" he asked, his hair fading to a mellow blue as he looked at each adult in the room.
"No, he's not in trouble. Erm," Harry said, placing a comforting hand on Teddy's shoulder. He shared another look with Draco and shook his head as he shifted and knelt on the floor in front of Teddy. "We told him Draco is his papa." He paused to let Teddy digest the information and nodded when his hair flashed a matching white blonde a moment. He smiled; it was Teddy's way of showing understanding and acceptance. "Can you get him to come out?" he asked, after a moment's hesitation. He knew from experience he wouldn't be able to coax Gabe out until he was ready and dragging him out caused more problems than it solved.
Teddy shifted nervously. "I already tried but he told me to..." he trailed off and bit his lip, looking down.
"What?"
Teddy paused, 100% sure Gabe would be in trouble if he told dad Gabe had told him to 'bugger off'. "Er, he said for me to go away," he improvised. His hair briefly flashed a bright pink, a smug feeling of pride welling up he managed to think of something his dad would believe. He turned and ran over to aunt Hermione. "Aunt 'Mione! Can you?"
"Sure," Hermione said, a bit of sarcasm in her voice as she set her mug down and nodded. She stood and squared her shoulders, holding out her hand to Teddy as she waved her other hand in front of her. "Lead the way," she said with a smile.
Teddy grinned, quickly grabbed a few biscuits with his free hand and they made their way out of the room. Angus again followed behind with another look back at Harry.
"That dog just glared at me!" Harry cried indignantly, pointing after the retreating dog. "Twice!"
Draco snorted a laugh and dragged Harry back into his lap. "You're completely barmy," he said fondly as he nuzzled Harry's neck. "I'm sorry," he murmured into Harry's hair a moment later.
Harry spun around, "For what?" he demanded.
"All of... this." Draco waved a hand towards the stairs. He felt terrible that Gabe had run off and felt the need to hide.
Harry stared at Draco for a long moment, unblinking and shocked. He didn't know which was more surprising; Draco apologizing or unnecessarily taking blame. He grabbed Draco's face with both hands and kissed him. Hard. "You're absolutely mental," he mumbled against Draco's lips when he pulled back slightly. Before Draco could balk, or say something scathing no doubt, he hurriedly continued talking; "It's not your fault and I can't tell you how much that turns me on," he finished lowly.
"What?" Draco asked surprised.
"You," Harry sighed and ran a hand down Draco's chest. He snickered to himself; what an odd kink to discover. "Saying sorry and being all chivalrous and all that," he said lowly and grinned, leaning into Draco. "I feel like a right randy bastard right now." He couldn't find it in himself to regret it, even though it was really bad timing.
Draco laughed and grabbed Harry around the hips and pulled him closer. "Well, this is not the right time, but do remember it later, yeah?" he whispered, nipping at Harry's lips.
Harry nodded and whipped his head towards the stairs when multiple footsteps (and clicking toenails) could be heard coming down the stairs. He moved to the armrest again just as Gabe shuffled back into the room.
Draco felt pleased, an indescribable flush of warmth going through him, that Gabe had his stuffed blue dragon clamped under one small arm.
Gabe looked at Harry miserably and started to cry quietly before running over and climbing into Harry's lap, nearly knocking him over in the process. He braced himself with one arm and hugged Gabe tightly with the other. "Alright, love?" he asked, smoothing Gabe's hair with gentle strokes.
Gabe nodded and sniffled loudly, leaning back from daddy's shoulder and wiped his nose with the back of his hand. (Draco winced but didn't say anything.) "Yeah, sorry daddy. Sorry... papa," he said with a small watery smile. When Papa smiled back, Gabe relaxed more against daddy. He didn't mean to run away but he didn't want to cry in front of Mr. Malfoy (no— papa!) and daddy, either! He wasn't a baby anymore, but he did hide in his closet so maybe he wasn't as big as he wanted to be. He sighed and tried to calm down so he would stop crying.
"So, are you going to tell me what happened there, munchkin?" Harry asked quietly, running a hand over Gabe's hair before resting his cheek on the top of Gabe's head.
Gabe sniffled and shifted so he could look up at daddy, his small dark eyebrows drawn together slightly. "I was confused. Then I was scared. Then I got mad," he said quickly, a slight scowl on his small face before it vanished. "But then I got really happy." He shrugged as if it were obvious.
Draco leaned forward, brushing a lock of dark hair out of Gabe's eyes. "Why were you scared?" he asked softly. Everything else he could understand, but he couldn't imagine what could have scared Gabe since he seemed genuinely happy about it now.
Gabe bit his lip and shook his head. He didn't want to say why he got scared. Daddy said papa left, even thought he didn't know about him, he was scared it would happen again. He shifted in daddy's lap so he could hug papa with one arm. He didn't want papa to leave again so he was going to be really good.
"Hmm." Harry shared a look with Hermione and sighed. "Alright, you don't have to say why, but will you tell me later?" he asked quietly, hoping only Gabe heard him. Gabe nodded slowly. "Alright, so..." He ran a hand through his hair and breathed out slowly. "Why were you mad?"
Gabe surprised everyone by giggling. "Aunt Hermione told me why you didn't tell me before," he said instead of answering, though Harry figured it explained exactly why he was upset. He placed his small hand on daddy's and looked at him solemnly. "It's OK, daddy."
He had been so mad, he kicked his bed. He didn't like that daddy and papa hadn't told him. He didn't know how long papa had been visiting but it felt like a long time. Aunt Hermione was smart and told him a secret; adults get scared sometimes too and they don't share certain things right away.
"Thanks," Harry laughed and hugged Gabe tightly. "You stinker," he said fondly and loosened his hold. "So, now that that is all out of the way..." he paused and raised a questioning eyebrow. By Gabe's bright expression and big smile, he could guess but he wanted to hear it out loud.
Gabe giggled again and fiddled with Tony, his dragon. "I'm happy," he said shyly, looking at Mr-papa, "that you're my papa." He'd have to ask why it took him so long to visit but for now he was just happy. Happy he was there, happy daddy was smiling and happy that his papa was nice.
Draco nodded mutely, taking a moment to swallow past the lump in his throat. "You do realize," he started hoarsely and cleared his throat, "I'm your actual papa?"
"Yeah," Gabe said cheekily and rolled his eyes, giggling. He moved Tony up and down so his wings would flap before giving his attention back to papa. "Daddy told me about that." He turned to look at papa closely. "We have the same eyes," he said matter-of-factly, his nose nearly touched papa's as he leaned in to peer into his eyes. A pretend papa wouldn't look like him. He leaned back and continued to play with his dragon, squeezing it and giggling when it roared.
"Yes," Draco murmured, "we do." He looked to Harry and blinked when he saw his green eyes were wet again and he was gently running a hand over Gabe's hair with a watery, proud, small smile on his face. He cleared his throat and tried a smile when Gabe looked at him again. Harry was still fighting tears (and losing, he noted with dismay as one escaped and ran down his cheek) and caressing Gabe's unruly hair so he figured it was up to him to relay the other piece of news. "How would you like it if I lived here?"
Hermione smiled and made herself sit still, hoping the family across from her would continue to ignore her. She was thrilled. Gabe looked like Christmas came early as he nodded eagerly and bounced in place.
"Really?" Gabe asked excitedly, bouncing on papa's lap. A whole together family was the best news. Ever! Maybe even better than his birthday and Christmas combined…
Draco grinned. "Really. Your daddy asked me earlier." Gabe was smart enough he didn't feel the need to add the obvious 'and I said yes'. He shook his head and grabbed Gabe around the waist when the little boy kept wiggling and nearly toppled off.
"Yes!" Gabe pumped a fist in the air with a gleeful shout. He looked to daddy for affirmation and repeated the action when he saw daddy nod with a happy grin. "Wait," he paused in his bouncing and gave papa a narrow look that nearly had the blonde laughing. "Why?" he asked, giving papa a wry look. He was super happy papa would stay with them, not just visit, but he wasn't sure if it would be good for daddy or not.
Draco tried not to gape. "What do you mean 'why'? I want to." He made a show of looking around the room, as if he highly approved and wouldn't possibly want to live elsewhere.
"Oh." Gabe giggled and covered his mouth before leaning into Draco's ear to whisper, "Because you like daddy?"
Draco nodded, letting a small smile show. "Yes," he leaned over and poked a finger softly into Gabe's belly, getting a round of giggles from the little boy. He stage whispered, "I do like your daddy, and you. Teddy, as well." Gabe clapped his hands and bounced happily. Draco made a show of looking around before leaning in to whisper again. "Even Angus!" Gabe broke into fresh giggles when Angus perked his ears up at the sound of his name and made a soft 'woof'ing noise.
"Yes!" Gabe shouted and hugged daddy tightly before sliding off his lap and running from the room again, shouting "I'm gonna tell Teddy!" He ran up the stairs, shouting "Teddy!" as he went. He couldn't wait to tell Teddy! Teddy better be happy about it, the moody poop.
Draco sagged in his chair and rested a hand on Harry's knee as he looked up. "Merlin, that was..." he shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. He didn't know what that was other than a roller coaster (he hated those muggle contraptions, but it was an apt analogy) of emotions. "Harry, love?"
"Hmm?"
"You alright?"
Harry blinked before his eyes focused on Draco and he smiled brightly. "Yeah, better than I imagined."
Hermione cleared her throat before Harry could lean down and start snogging Draco, the intent clear by the way he was leaning and the look in his eyes. She laughed when both men looked at her in surprise; those gits had completely forgotten about her!
"I think I'll head home..." she said and got up with a chuckle. She crossed the room and kissed them both on the cheek before she stood with a smile. "I'm glad you finally got your heads out of your arses," she said with a wave and left, stepping through the floo before they could respond.
Harry glared after his friend, muttering as he stared at the fireplace after the flames had died down. "Cheeky witch," he mumbled and glared when Draco laughed. "She said headsand arses, that means the both of us, you git," he grumped and smacked Draco, less than playfully.
Draco sobered and glared up at Harry, "I heard her; it was still funny." He grinned and slid a hand up Harry's thigh, watching as Harry's lips parted and his eyes darkened. "So," he said as he drew small circles on the lightly twitching thigh, "when should I get my things?"
Harry blinked owlishly, his mind trying to keep up and change gears. "How much stuff do you have?" he asked quietly after pausing to think for a bit, imagining Draco trying to bring the entire contents of Malfoy Manor with him. Merlin, just his closets alone would probably fill the house.
Draco snorted at Harry's horrified expression. "Mostly just some personal items... some clothes..." he trailed off as Harry's eyes continued to get wider. He huffed. "What?"
"Just 'some clothes'," Harry deadpanned. "You've been here, you know what kind of space I have."
Draco snorted again and shook his head, ticking off each point on a finger as he spoke. "First, I don't have that much. Second, there's tons of storage here and lastly? You're a wizard, love, you can always expand."
Harry grinned sheepishly, dropping his eyes for a moment. "Oh, right," he said quietly and slid off the chair and stretched. He didn't miss the way Draco's eyes settled on the gap between his jeans and his shirt. "Did you mean to go now?" he asked, not at all bothered that he sounded hopeful. Now that Draco had agreed, he wanted the blonde here as soon as humanly possible. He already felt like it had been too long since he should've been there…
Draco stood and nodded. "I should. Sooner I get it done—" he trailed off and dragged Harry closer with an arm around his waist, claiming his mouth swiftly. He sighed with pleasured contentment when Harry pressed closer, easily molding himself to his front. He reluctantly pulled away but didn't release his hold on Harry's hips just yet. "—the sooner I can return." He pecked another kiss on the corner of Harry's mouth and stepped back and apparated with a wink at Harry.
Gabe ran back in the room, his head whipping around in search of something. "Papa!"
Harry smiled, thrilled Gabe was adapting so easily. "Sorry, love. You just missed him; he went to get some of his things. What's up, munchkin?"
"Oh," Gabe fidgeted again, his fingers playing with the hem of his t-shirt. "I wanna ask something…"
Harry cocked his head slightly and squatted down in front of Gabe. "You can ask me," he offered hopefully.
"Erm, OK... well, I was telling Teddy about papa. And he had a good idea. And we was wondering if papa was gonna share our room?"
Harry blinked at the wide silvery grey gaze and slowly shook his head. When Gabe relaxed and grinned, he realized they didn't want Draco in their room. He swallowed a laugh and hung his head in mock disappointment. "I've got to share my room with him." Gabe was quite aware they had plenty of rooms in the house, meaning no one had to share if they didn't want to but it was nicer not to be alone if they didn't have to be. He actually expected Teddy to be demanding his own room soon.
Gabe patted daddy's shoulder, trying to console him. Sharing a room wasn't so bad, except when you had to share toys or when Teddy tried to mess up his bed on purpose. He was pretty sure he even saw Teddy putting his stuffed dragon by his bum when he farted.
"But then you can have sleepovers!" He smiled up at daddy. He was sure papa would snuggle daddy and help when he had bad dreams. He didn't know why daddy's face got all pink but he shrugged and tried his best to make daddy feel better. "And I bet he gives good bedtime kisses and reads good bedtime stories."
Harry nodded and hummed thoughtfully as he nibbled the inside of his cheek to keep inappropriate giggles or comments at bay. "Indeed," he agreed and scooped Gabe into a hug. He tried not to squeeze too hard but apparently wasn't successful when Gabe squeaked and started to wiggle out of his arms with loud protests. "Sorry, love," he murmured and loosened his hold. "I'm really glad you're happy, I was scared you would be mad at me."
Gabe huffed and crossed his arms over his small chest. "I was mad at you, daddy. But aunt Hermione said you didn't say before 'cause papa just got here and didn't know if he wanted to be a papa." Gabe paused and scrunched his face up in confusion. "He wasalready a papa, how could he not wanna be one?"
Harry could only shrug. Gabe had a very good point but he wasn't about to try to explain the complicated shit that comes with being an adult at times. "Well, I'm glad you aren't mad at me anymore. Are you…" he paused and looked closely at his son. "mad at Draco?"
Gabe sighed and his arms flopped down. He didn't know how to explain how he felt towards papa the first moments so he just shrugged. "Not anymore." He beamed a smile a moment later. "I got my papa now, so I can't be mad." Gabe shifted and angled closer to Harry, cupping his hand around Harry's ear and whispered. "Will he be Teddy's papa too?" he leaned back and nibbled his bottom lip nervously as he waited for daddy to answer.
Teddy used to have a mum but she died so he only had daddy since her and his first daddy died. He thought it would be great if Teddy had Mr. Malfoy for a papa too. Then they be super, realer, closer brothers!
Harry blinked at Gabe a moment. "Did Teddy ask that?"
"Nope," Gabe shook his head and whispered again. "I was wonderin'. I know Teddy had a mum, but then we'd be realer brothers if we both had papa."
Harry's eyes prickled again and he had to look away for a moment to set his wobbly emotions under control. The things his son said! Merlin… He pulled Gabe into his lap and ran a hand over his dark hair. "Well, we'll ask Teddy first and then Draco. I think it would be brilliant, too." He briefly wondered if he should ask Draco first, but it was hard to resist the huge silvery eyes of his son looking up at him with hope and a little determination. Merlin help him. He leaned back to yell for Teddy but he shuffled into the room from around the corner before Harry could even open his mouth. He wagged a finger at Teddy, "You little stinker, listening in."
Teddy grinned unabashedly and bounced on the balls of his feet. "I didn't wanna miss anything good. What did you want me for?" he asked, still bouncing. He didn't want to say he felt slightly left out when he heard about Mr. Malfoy being Gabe's papa (his for realpapa) but he didn't want dad to get upset. His dad always got upset about stuff like that, even though he tried real hard to hide it, and Teddy was sure he would probably start crying –if his watery eyes and pink cheeks were anything to go by.
"Well, Gabe was wondering something…" Harry trailed off and poked Gabe, urging him to speak.
"Erm, well, Teddy… you know that, erm, about papa…" Gabe mumbled then paused and waited for Teddy to nod. He stared at Teddy's now pale blonde hair and smiled. "Did you wanna share?"
Teddy's hair streaked blue. "Share what, bub?" He had only heard whispering, not what they were actually saying so he was confused about what Gabe was talking about.
"My papa!" Gabe hopped off daddy's lap and ran over to grab Teddy's hand. "It's not the same as a mum, but…" he paused and looked back at daddy, feeling lost for words. Sometimes it really stunk being 3 and having a limited vocabulary. He huffed and stomped his foot with frustration. "We could share."
Teddy looked at Gabe with surprise. Share a papa? He felt an irrational urge to hug his annoying little brother so he did, making sure to give him a quick noogie before letting go. "Sure, that'd be cool, I guess," he said, trying to sound cool and unaffected.
Now he knew why dad was looking all weepy; he'd never seen his dad look like that before but he'd seen other people looking weepy and crying. Aunt Hermione, mostly. She cried a lot. Usually when she was really happy. So, maybe it was OK to let the tears come if dad was and it was happy tears? He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand.
"Even if we are sharing a papa, I don't wanna have to share my room," Teddy said, turning and looking at dad, and referring to Mr. Malfoy. He was getting too old to share with Gabe but he'd wait to ask for his own room until Gabe wouldn't cry like a little baby about it. He could probably deal until Gabe was in school too. Real school, not that baby school he went to and doodled pictures all day.
Gabe nodded vigorously. "Nope," he giggled and covered his mouth with his hand. "Papa and daddy are gonna share."
Harry grinned and tried to mock a pout at Teddy. "That's right," he said when Teddy looked at him to elaborate.
"Is that because he's new, daddy?" Gabe asked, his brows scrunched slightly in thought.
"Hmm?"
"Is it because papa is new to our house that you are gonna share?" Gabe asked again.
"Erm, no, but that's a good idea. It'll help him get used to our spooky, drafty house."
Teddy and Gabe nodded at the same time. Dad was great with heating charms, there were more fireplaces than they could count and they each had thick comforters for the winter time but sometimes you could still hear wind whistling and howling through cracks in the creepy old house. Sometimes they all piled together for a nap and it was toasty warm no matter how cold it was outside.
Draco's trunks floated out of the floo, twin whoops of delight coming from the boys when they saw them float and dance into the room. Harry tried not to gape at the number of them coming though... he had stopped counting at 10. "Merlin," he muttered under his breath and waited for Draco to follow his many, many trunks.
Finally, with a flourish that made both boys giggle, Draco stepped out of the floo with a grin on his face. "See? Not that much, darling," he said to Harry in simpering tone.
"Not that much?" Harry repeated, trying to ignore the 'darling'. He just wasn't sure if Draco was mocking him or not with the pet name. "Over a dozen, love."
Draco looked around at the scattered trunks and shrugged one shoulder. "Well, like I said; not that much," he said matter-of-factly and swept over to place a quick kiss on the corner of Harry's mouth. When Gabe and Teddy both said 'ewww' he spun around and managed to smack a loud kiss on Gabe's cheek before Teddy took off running, giggling his bum off as he went. Angus chased after Teddy with a bark before doubling back, knocking Draco over with his paws on the blonde's thighs and licked a long, wet kiss up Draco's cheek.
"Ha ha!" Gabe crowed as papa wiped off Angus' wet kiss with a slight moue of disgust. He giggled; Angus did have really wet kisses.
Harry was still standing still, staring as he tried to absorb what he had just seen. He was grinning like a fool, of course, but pleasantly surprised to see Draco interacting with the boys (and even Angus) in such a carefree, fun way. He shivered lightly; it was rather sexy. "Well, it's been a long day, time for bed!" he called happily, earning twin groans from Gabe and Teddy. He didn't add that they had already surpassed 'bedtime' by about 10 minutes.
"But da-ad!" Teddy hollered from the top of the stairs.
"Bedtime!" Harry repeated and grabbed Gabe around the waist and hoisted him over his shoulder. "Say goodnight to papa," he said quietly, feeling warmth go through him as he said it.
"G'night, papa," Gabe said shyly and leaned out of Harry's grip enough to pat papa gently on the cheek. "You come, too?" he asked, hoping papa would come up as well. Maybe he could get a story from daddy and papa.
Draco nodded, feeling his throat and chest tighten pleasantly. "Sure," he said easily and followed the pair as they made their way upstairs. As they went up the many stairs, Gabe chattered happily about their normal bedtime routines. He nodded and hummed in all the right spots, already knowing most of the routine, but his mind was mostly focused on watching Harry's arse as they climbed the stairs. He glanced back at Gabe and wiggled his fingers in a small wave.
"Oh! And we only get baths when we're dirty," Gabe said with a sly look at daddy. He didn't think daddy had been listening, since his eyes had that unfocused look they get when daddy thinks about stuff. Usually papa stuff.
"Nice try, sneaky munchkin!" Harry said with a grin and poked Gabe in the side. He got a squealing giggle for his troubles and smiled at his son. "But I give you an E for effort, my little sneaky snake."
Gabe beamed and bounced in Harry's arms. "Yay! But, erm, papa?" When he saw papa nod in response, he toyed nervously with daddy's sleeve. "Erm, would you read my story?"
Draco nodded with a smile. He peeked a look at Harry, unsure if he would be upset or not but relaxed at the happy, encouraging smile on Harry's face. He didn't want to over step his bounds but he nearly ached with the chance to bond with Gabe and fit into their routines.
"I'd be honored," he finally said when he was sure he could speak properly. He'd already overheard quite a few of Gabe's favorite stories and prepared himself; Gabe almost always requested funny voices and sound effects.
He could do that.
~*O*~
Draco eyed the trunks critically, lips pursed slightly and his arms folded across his chest casually. He really didn't see what the fuss was about. They weren't all filled with clothes. He had only brought essentials. Nearly a dozen trunks worth, but honestly; he was moving in. He let himself feel the silly thrill, closing his eyes and enjoying it for a moment, before sighing and getting back on task. These trunks might be able to unpack themselves, but he didn't trust his spell work enough to entrust his Italian, hand-made leather shoes and various silk robes and shirts to them. He might be lazy, at times, but he wasn't careless.
He was nearly buried in Harry's closet, easily fitting most of his clothes inside. Harry, of course, didn't own nearly as many clothes as Draco did and he made a mental note to alter that. Maybe not more clothes, but Harry definitely needed better ones. He would never again complain about muggle jeans (they did do amazing things for Harry's arse) but he thought there should be more than that in one's wardrobe. He eyed a woefully outdated set of dress robes and resisted shuddering or rolling his eyes. He shrunk and set the now empty trunk aside and happily dug into one full of carefully packed shoes.
Harry eased into his (no, their) room, easing the door closed slowly to avoid the squeak since he didn't want to alert Draco to his presence yet. He smirked when he felt the silencing wards snap into place. Even if the boys were asleep, it was liberating to know they wouldn't be heard.
Just in case...
He watched with an amused expression as Draco hummed a muggle song and filled his closet, happily watching as Draco bent and shifted, crawling on his knees on occasion to sort and place his shoes on the bottom. He crept closer, avoiding all the boards that creaked and groaned by instinct and years of habit. He was only a foot away when Draco slowly turned his head. Harry smirked when surprise flashed across Draco's face but it was quickly covered by mock annoyance.
"Must you sneak up and perv on me, Potter?" Draco asked dryly, fighting a blush from the naked look of want on Harry's face. He didn't know why he'd had the urge to turn, but he had nearly scared the piss out of himself when he saw Harry standing barely a foot away, his eyes dark and focused on his bent over arse. He hadn't heard him enter the room or even approach. He was thrilled to see the lust but he did have unpacking to do yet.
Harry hummed and wet his lips. "I must," he agreed easily and draped himself over Draco's back, his hands burying into the pale blonde hair lightly as he kissed and nipped at the back of Draco's neck and down his shoulders. "I am a right perv. You should know that, love," he mumbled in between wet, open mouth kisses back up Draco's neck.
Draco shivered lightly as he snorted quietly with amusement, reaching behind himself to run a hand over Harry's hips and back. "I do know that, pleased to know it..." he murmured and closed the nearest trunk with a spell. He shifted, sliding Harry around until the dark haired man was laying across his lap. "I suppose I can finish that later." He tightened the arms circling Harry's waist and kissed a line up Harry's jaw to behind his ear.
"Capitol idea," Harry mumbled and leaned up to press their lips together. He didn't hold back the soft moan when Draco immediately started sliding his hands along Harry's back and arse. He arched up into Draco, feeling lust shoot through him in a nearly dizzying spike when he felt Draco squeeze and knead his arse through his jeans. "Fuck," he said in a breathless whisper when he found himself rather suddenly naked, but still perched on Draco's lap.
"Exactly," Draco husked, aimlessly throwing his wand in the vicinity of the nightstand. He sucked and nibbled on Harry's collarbone, smirking when Harry's head flopped bonelessly to one side to give him more room. He didn't voice the grunt he wanted to make when he stood with Harry, who was now wrapped around him and wiggling sinuously. He wasn't sure when Harry had moved but he wasn't going to complain since it brought their erections close together.
He gracefully fell onto the bed, pinning Harry under him. He peered down at a flushed and panting Harry and smiled softly. He cupped a flushed cheek but any tender thoughts flew right out of his mind when Harry tilted his head and sucked his thumb into his hot, wet mouth with a soft, guttural moan.
"Fuck," Draco breathed, eyes wide and intently focused on Harry's mouth and tongue working his thumb with obscene abandon. He groaned and pulled his thumb out with a wetpop!, nearly laughing when Harry looked up at him with a disappointed pout. He would rather Harry's talents weren't wasted on his thumb...
Harry was ready to complain until a better idea popped into his head, like a sexual epiphany. He quickly reached out and grabbed Draco by the belt loops (why was the git still dressed?!) to bring the man up to his level and in a quick move had the trousers open, his hard cock out and in his hand. He made a triumphant noise and with a slight realignment, replaced Draco's small thumb with his much larger cock.
He sighed happily, earning an annoying chuckle from Draco, and focused on taking Draco deep and hard. He moved his hands up to grab Draco's arse, using his handhold to bring the man down further so he could get more down his throat. He worked his tongue as best he could, dragging and licking underneath as he pulled back. He groaned, enjoying the heavy warmth of Draco as it dragged across his tongue. He smirked as best he could around his mouthful when Draco voiced a long, shuddering moan. He resumed his task, bobbing and wiggling his head in earnest.
Harry nearly pouted again when Draco forcefully pulled himself out of his mouth. "What?" he asked, his voice slightly hoarse.
"Merlin, Harry," Draco muttered, trying to catch his breath. He didn't think he'd ever seen Harry so... intense before. He was always passionate and very willing but rarely did he act like he'd go insane or die if he didn't have a cock shoved down his throat. It was insanely erotic even if it was puzzling.
"I'm not complaining, love, but I'd rather be in you when I come," he said, voice low, and shimmied down Harry's body. He ignored Harry's hard, leaking cock for the moment as he gently ran his hands under Harry's thighs. He chuckled softly again when Harry eagerly lifted his legs, pressing his knees into his chest, using his hands to hold his legs in place and looked at Draco with lusty anticipation. "Merlin," he repeated and shook his head in bemusement.
When Harry wiggled his hips tantalizingly in front of his face, he smirked and started his oral attack on Harry's twitching, tight ring of muscle. He felt it flutter and finally relax. He shifted his hips off the bed slightly, the urge to rut against the mattress was almost impossible to ignore when Harry was making the most deliciously wanton noises. He alternated with pointed pokes and flat licks, knowing how it drove Harry crazy. He wondered if Harry no longer worried about Draco rimming him or if he was just that far gone to care. He shrugged; he wasn't being stopped and he took the moment to enjoy the sensation.
"Fuck! Good. Done," Harry panted, his hands reaching down to drag Draco's wicked mouth away from his arse. "Now," he commanded, hoping Draco wouldn't hesitate. He was so turned on, he was leaking steadily and this close to just wanking himself for relief.
He must have looked as desperate as he felt because Draco only nodded, leaned in for a kiss (no doubt feeling a lusty thrill when Harry didn't even blink at the action) as he slicked his cock with a wandless lubrication charm and slid inside him in one smooth move. He groaned long and low with the gentle slide, arching into the hurts-so-good-burn as he was slowly filled. His legs twitched down to perch on Draco's hips as he groaned lowly.
"So good," Harry mumbled, his muscles clenching around Draco with the pleasurable burn he craved.
Draco wasn't proud of the squeaking grunt he made when Harry bucked against him, Harry's thighs squeezing along his hips, but luckily he was sure Harry was lost in his own world of bliss he didn't notice. How was he supposed to stay in complete control when surrounded with such tight warmth and Harry writhing around like snake in heat? Even though he knew Harry loved seeing him shake apart, he needed some rational thought so he didn't just pound away like an animal in heat.
He shifted his hips when Harry started to wiggle and arch into him, fully aware Harry was losing patience with his continued stillness. He gripped Harry's hips with both hands, trying to still the man's movements.
"One minute, love," he said softly. Harry pouted but nodded his understanding. He ran his hands up and down Harry's chest, flicking his peaked nipples softly and dragging his blunt nails over the twitching muscles of Harry's stomach. He pressed his chest against Harry's and was immediately pulled all the way down by a hand behind his neck and kissed passionately.
Draco pulled away after long moments. "Hold on," he instructed with a wicked smirk and didn't hold back a chuckle when Harry did just that; one hand flew up to the headboard and the other settled on his hip, the fingers fluttering and teasing the skin there before the grip tightened almost painfully. He nodded and started rocking his hips hard and fast, knowing it was exactly what Harry wanted.
Harry grunted and tried to keep up with Draco's movements, but he was just barely able to keep his grip on Draco. "Oh," he gasped and moaned, loving the pace and arching up into Draco, crying out when the shift had Draco slamming right into his prostate. His eyes rolled back in his head and he could only pant and moan as Draco moved fluidly above him. He was mostly just moaning and chanting Draco's name. He felt Draco's hand move and grab his hips as he circled and grinded his hips in the way that always had Harry seeing stars.
"Harry," Draco panted through clenched teeth. He rarely allowed himself to orgasm before Harry if he could help it, mostly just so he wasn't distracted away from watching Harry writhe and thoroughly embrace the pleasure. He had already heard Harry's strangled warnings and could only hope Harry would tumble into oblivious pleasure soon because he didn't think he could hold out much longer.
He had long ago got over the sense of embarrassment that Harry could get him so worked up, they rarely lasted long. Mostly it helped that Harry didn't usually last much longer. He watched Harry twitch and moan under him and nearly sighed with relief when his dark head went back with a screaming moan as he came, decorating their chests and his own stomach with come. He didn't slow his pace, eagerly fucking Harry through his orgasm and finally his own.
Harry's legs wound around Draco, settling comfortably over the swell of the blonde's arse. He tightened his hold when Draco shifted. "Not yet," he mumbled, feeling wonderfully dazed and damn near floating. He sighed happily when Draco immediately stilled, even if he shifted slightly so his weight wasn't on Harry fully. He rolled his eyes. He lost count how many times he'd told the blonde he was never squished under Draco's weight; he wasn't even all that heavy, really. For all his height—and amazing physique—Draco never felt overbearing when laying limp and sated on top of Harry.
He nuzzled into a sweaty, pale neck and licked lazily. He hummed pleasantly; Draco always tasted so good. He absently noted Draco trying to reach his wand without trying to move and smirked.
Draco pulled back from Harry slightly, wondering why the man was smirking now. He felt a slightly cool tingle dance across his skin and rolled his eyes. Of course the clever bastard has perfected a wandless cleaning charm. He smiled and kissed the tip of Harry's nose affectionately. "That'll do for now, love, but we're taking a very long, very hot shower in the morning."
Harry nodded, holding back a yawn. That sounded wonderful. He heard Draco chuckle as much as he felt it reverberate through his chest. He didn't know what was funny but in a few more moments he didn't care as he drifted off to sleep, happily caged under Draco's warm, soothing weight.
~*O*~
"Hermione," Draco said, trying to hide the surprise at seeing the witch puttering around his kitchen first thing in the morning. He blinked stupidly when he realized the sunlight wasn't quite right...
Hermione turned from pouring her tea. "Morning Draco," she chirped and handed him a mug. She grinned when he took it with a pleased smile, her grin grew when his eyes dropped to look at the mug. The blonde's pleased smile morphed into one of shock and she watched as he started to blink rapidly.
She held back a wince when she saw his fingers go white around the mug, hoping he didn't shatter it. Of course, she was hoping for something a bit more overt but teary eyes and a stunned smile was probably the most she would get out of the man at the moment. For Draco, that was quite the reaction.
"Is it big enough?" she asked casually, pointing her chin towards the mug now clenched tightly in both of Draco's slightly shaky hands. She had noticed he favored large mugs, obnoxiously large even; he would rarely finish a mug with less than two reheating charms.
Draco nodded, trying to swallow past the lump in his throat and trying not to blubber in front of Hermione. He liked the witch, but some things you just didn't do in front of other people. He focused his traitorously tearing eyes on the massive mug in his hands. It was one from those hideous novelty shops where you can paint your own design and they fire it into the poor unsuspecting porcelain for eternity.
His thumb traced 'Papa', carefully painted in a bright blue by a child's hand and he forced a lungful of air out of his body. "Yes," he finally managed.
"Gabe made it," Hermione pointed out, needlessly. She could tell Draco was already aware of that fact. It was obviously painted by a child, even though she had helped guide Gabe's hand a little. She beamed up at Draco. "He was very proud of himself. He spelled it properly all on his own."
Draco smiled, his thumb still absently tracing over the painted word. "It's perfect," he said with a decisive nod. Merlin, he was nowhere near under control yet and Hermione was now making herself comfortable at the small table. "When?" was all he could get out safely without choking up or sounding like an utter prat. He knew Hermione wouldn't judge him (hell, she would be more upset if he didn't react at all) but it was second nature to have his guard up around anyone else but Harry anymore.
"We went this morning," she said with a smirk. "You do realize it's nearly noon?"
Draco blinked and had the grace to give her a sheepish smile. It made sense, though. "I didn't. Thank you for looking after the boys."
"You're welcome," Hermione said and waved a hand dismissively, smiling. She had come early, anticipating the need for the couple to need some private time. "It's never really any trouble. Gabe was practically vibrating with excitement. I had to distract him from jumping in your room this morning."
"Ah," Draco said, thankful all over again for Hermione. He took a long sip of the cooling tea and sighed happily. Harry and Hermione were the only people that could make his tea properly without needing instructions. "Thank you again. So, was this the distraction?" he said and raised his mug. His eyes were back on it, even as he listened to Hermione. He was still so touched by the small gesture. Was this what being a father felt like? It was sort of terrifying... he didn't know a person could feel so many damn things at once.
Hermione chuckled. "Not really, no. Gabe wanted to do that after we were at the shop today. He saw the shop yesterday and really wanted to make a bowl for Angus," she said with a grin.
"Well," Draco drawled, happy despite his bland tone, "glad I rank slightly above the dog."
Hermione giggled and nodded. "You should be honored, not many people do," she said cheekily. "Right, well, the boys are upstairs, probably reading." She paused and cocked her head slightly and her grin was back. "Never mind, they're in watching telly now." She snickered, it hadn't taken the boys long to take advantage of Harry and Draco's attention being otherwise occupied.
"Oh, is that... alright?" Draco asked, completely lost and unsure. He was going to have to adapt to living with three people now. He nearly paled; he didn't regret his discussion but he wished he had eased into this slower. He had practically lived here for weeks, but now it just seemed different. More real. He was rarely here at this time on weekdays, so he really didn't know if telly was allowed. Weekends, sure. Weeknights, absolutely.
Hermione nodded with a smile. "Sure, they're watching something educational," she said with a small shrug. "I'm going to head out now," she leaned forward and kissed his cheek and patted his shoulder. "Tell Harry I said hi, yeah?"
Draco nodded and waved as she walked out to the yard to apparate away. He sagged against the counter, gaze fixed on his mug. He let his eyes tear this time and wrapped both hands around the still-warm pottery. He didn't know which part got to him the most; Gabe's complete acceptance of him being his papa or the completely sweet, innocent gesture that handcrafted things implied. He hadn't bothered as a child, though he had wanted to. He had seen the disdain on his mother's face the time they watched a child hand his mum a handcrafted card. He had been crestfallen and hid the card he had made and hadn't tried to do so again.
Well, he was going to treasure this forever. He took another sip and curled his hand around the mug to hold it protectively to his chest. He untucked his wand from his pocket and cast a few protective and preserving charms to be on the safe side.
He pushed open the door to the lounge and greeted his new little roommates with a happy wave. Twin calls of "morning!" rang out before both boys' attention again went to the telly. He grinned and settled between them, his own attention quickly drawn to the telly. He would go drag Harry out of bed and take everyone for lunch in a few minutes.