Hi everyone! I hope you enjoy! I don't have anything else written yet so I've been barely squeaking the chapters in on time. I want to warn you that I might not update directly on time next week. I'll try to have it by Wednesday but it might not be done until Saturday. More at the bottom!

Lori

********** Chapter 11 **********

"Would you like me to call for your parents, Draco?" Harry asked. They'd just finished luncheon with their godfathers and Harry was hoping to move things along.

Draco fell silent for a moment. He considered saying 'no' but what would that do other than postpone the inevitable. He shook his head and smirked. "I'll do it." The blond called for their elf. "Dobby, will you please have my parents escorted to the base of the tower? I'll greet them at the door."

"Dobby, wait." Sirius commanded. "Give this to Charlie."

Dobby took the parchment from Sirius and bowed low to Draco before popping out of the room.

It didn't take long before a knock sounded on the door bringing the blond prince to rush forward.

Draco froze when he didn't recognize the face that appeared. He gasped and stepped back but hadn't long to wait as Harry stepped quickly between Draco and the door. "Charlie, the note from Sirius should've told you not to come up here. You don't understand what's going on. Go back downstairs and send up only the Malfoys."

"I-I'm sorry. We're all r-really worried about you holing up here and n-not coming down for even a short while. I just thought I should check on you, Harry." Charlie stuttered and backed out of the room.

Harry waved to his godfather who followed the redhead out. Once the door was closed, Harry whirled to face Draco. "It's alright, love. You're alright."

Draco had tears in his eyes as he let Harry hold him. "Are they all this way?"

Harry blinked. "I don't understand."

"The rest of your party…" Draco said softly. "Are they all the kind who'll worry over you? Will they really worry until you go and speak to them?"

"Sirius will explain things, love." With a nod and a slight blush on his cheeks, Harry smiled. "They'll understand."

"We must try to hurry this along then." Draco kissed Harry's cheek. "If they all care about you that way, they must be good people and that means we shouldn't keep them waiting for too long."

"Already, you seem to be overcoming your fears, Draco!" Severus gave his godson an encouraging nod.

Sirius came back in at the head of a short line. "Highnesses…your guests."

Narcissa gasped and rushed forward to hug Draco. "Prince Draco! You're awake! The past month has been just horrible without you!" Lucius was happy to see Draco as well but he wasn't as vocal about it. He came forward and shook the prince's hand as his wife stepped back.

While that was going on, Severus had transfigured the love seat back into separate chairs and when the group finally got down to business the room had a much more formal look and feel. Harry and Draco sat beside each other as did Lucius and Narcissa but Severus chose to sit between Lucius and Draco while Sirius took the seat between Harry and his cousin.

"I believe you promised us a chance to look over these supposed betrothal contracts…?" Lucius stared at Harry.

"Yes, of course." Harry nodded and went over to his trunk. He pulled out the small chest and placed it on the table. Next, Harry took his dagger from its sheath and pricked his finger. As soon as his blood was placed on the lock, the lid popped open and Harry lifted out the crown, ring and key before removing the contract.

Draco's attention was drawn to the simple looking crown and ring.

Seeing that, Harry smirked. "They're spelled to change into something pleasant during the appropriate ceremonies. I'd never ask you to wear them as they are unless that's what pleases you."

Draco blushed and turned to watch his father open the contract.

Lucius frowned at the pages which bore his and his wife's names. "How is this possible? I would know if I had sired a child… Cissa's healer would surely be able to tell if she'd ever given birth."

At that moment, Narcissa clutched her forehead. "Luc! I feel dizzy!" She promptly fell face first onto the table.

Draco gasped and hurried to her side. "Cissa? Mum?"

Severus took that moment to examine Lucius' mind. "Stop reading those papers! There is a block in place to keep physical proof from affecting the spell. It was hidden from me until triggered."

"Sirius, what can we do for them?" Harry asked his uncle as Lucius too succumbed to a terrible headache.

It was Severus that answered and it didn't make the proposed solution any easier to hear. "I believe we should place them in a stasis charm. It's very similar to the curse Draco was under except that it can be lifted by a particular phrase or password."

"What?" Draco objected strongly. "We just barely got me out of that damn sleep! I won't put them under it! No!"

"Draco, love, please understand…" Harry sighed. "We don't want to but it's the safest option. While awake they are a danger to themselves and us. They could take any number of avenues. What if they tried to take you to Riddle? What if they set another fire to try and escape?"

Draco kissed his mother's temple and sighed. "Yes…you're right, I suppose. But I don't have to like it."

"Why don't you go freshen up for your next meeting and I'll have Charlie and Sirius bring your parents back to the Royal Suite under a stasis charm." Harry gave his love a sad smile.

Draco nodded, grumbling. "Riddle must pay for this."

"He will, Draco." Harry kissed the blond's hand as he slipped away. Harry called Charlie and let Sirius and Severus explain the problem and its solution. When the elders had left the room, Harry knocked on the bathroom door. "We have a few moments alone, love…"

Draco came rushing out into Harry's already open arms.

"Dobby will be bringing Pansy and Blaise up in a little while, but for now, we can just relax." Harry whispered into the blond strands.

Draco shuddered. "It distresses me more than it should…this whole situation."

"You can't help how you feel, Draco." Harry soothed his beloved and held him tightly. "It isn't your fault. Just know that you're safe now. You're safe, and I'll never leave you."

Draco nodded, burying his face into Harry's shoulder.

********** LTF **********

"So…" Harry began after a moment of sitting silently with Draco in his arms. "You know my favorite color…but I don't know yours."

Draco grinned. "Your eyes."

"Green, then." Harry commented wistfully. "I've heard that my mother's eyes were green too. The only photograph I have of my parents was in black and white."

"They were…" Draco told him. "I found a room once – when I was little – with portraits of some people I didn't know. Severus found me and told me I mustn't ever go there again because he had it protected with spells. But he told me who the portraits were of when I asked."

Harry stared at his betrothed. "You have a portrait of my parents?"

Draco nodded once and that's when a knock came at the door. "I'll show you after the visit with…who did you say is coming?"

"Blaise Zabini and Pansy Parkinson." Harry told the blond. "You met them at your twelfth birthday party. I'll get the door and then we'll talk about that portrait room later."

Harry was mentally reeling from this news but his occlumency training kicked in and he was able to distract himself sufficiently to greet their guests. He opened the door and asked the important question. "Severus explained?"

Blaise nodded and Pansy had a sad expression on her face.

"If he feels threatened in any way, I'll ask you to leave." Harry warned them.

"We understand, Harry." Pansy said quietly.

Blaise agreed so Harry stepped aside to let them in. "Draco, these are two of your loyal subjects. When Sirius introduced us, he told me that you would've been raised together…had your parents' the chance."

Draco took a deep breath and stood up to face them, his cape lying elegantly at his back. He motioned for them to come closer but couldn't seem to manage the words.

"Come and sit with us." Harry said softly as he took Draco's hand to comfort him.

With Harry beside him, Draco was able to find the courage to speak up. "I'm terribly sorry about all this fuss."

Blaise's dark eyes snapped up to meet the silver of his prince. "This is no trouble, Your Highness. Trouble is what we will bring to Voldemort when we avenge the wrongs done to your family…and ours."

Harry blinked. "What did he do to your families, Blaise?"

"Not nearly the damage he did to either of yours." The young noble answered glumly.

"But…" Draco seemed startled as well. "Why would you have been invited to my birthday celebration if you were his enemy?"

"My father was friends with yours." Blaise sighed. "When I was born, Lucius was made my godfather. When Voldemort took over the kingdom and locked your parents' memories away, he took my godfather from me."

"Likewise with your mother and me." Pansy confessed. "Our mothers were classmates and loved each other like sisters. She was made my godmother. Part of the reason Blaise and I are betrothed is that our families took over the roles your parents were forced to abandon. We grew up together and became quite close."

"He likely didn't know or care whose lives he'd be tearing apart so he didn't consider us enemies." Blaise frowned but let his hand curl around Pansy's.

"I wonder if my parents had godchildren…" Harry sighed longing to know more about Lily and James Potter. After a moment of silence, Harry looked up at Draco. "Pansy taught us this neat little spell to see through things. Maybe she can teach it to you another time."

"I'd love to!" Pansy nodded cautiously. "I-I'd like to consider you a cousin…if that's alright…"

"I'd like that." Draco bit his lip. "With my parents being your godparents, that's how we would've regarded each other."

"Blaise, I'll be down to speak with everyone in a while." Harry murmured as he walked the pair to the door. "I'll call for Ron and Hermione soon but he needs a break."

Blaise nodded. "I understand. I hope he's up to this."

"We'll make sure he is by the time we are." Harry replied as he closed the door behind them. "Dobby, tea please?"

A tea service appeared on the table.

"Oh, Harry…" Draco cried as his betrothed poured them cups of tea. "I can't believe how it happened! One night saw me taken from my parents…my parents taken from their child and godchildren…any children my parents might've had after me…as well as your own family torn apart!"

Thinking to lighten the mood, Harry pointed out that Narcissa was still young enough to have children if Riddle hadn't damaged her body.

Draco grimaced as he sipped his tea. "I'd rather not think about my parents doing that."

Harry only chuckled as he relaxed into his new life.

********** LTF **********

Draco steeled himself to meet the supporters of Harry's family. Remus Lupin was apparently going to join them for a few moments before leaving them alone with Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. (That one had taken several tries to pronounce.)

Harry greeted his father's old friend and then turned to face Draco. "I thought you should meet the man I've asked to ward our future home."

Draco glanced at their visitor and nodded blushingly. "Hello, Mr. Lupin."

"It is wonderful to meet you, Your Highness." Remus bowed slightly. "I'm happy to see you and Harry together and safe."

Draco once again sank his teeth into his lip. "That's very kind of you."

"Harry, Sirius has asked me to take a little trip." Remus told the brunette. "To Hogsmeade."

Harry looked at the other man. "That's near Hogwarts."

"Just outside." The older man said lightly. He knew this was likely to lead to an attack on the castle.

"You'll be spying." Harry took a guess.

Remus nodded. "Its information you need…and I can get close without drawing attention."

"Why's that?" Draco asked tilting his head.

Harry met Remus' eyes for a moment before looking at his betrothed. "Riddle's men already questioned him once."

"It was a while ago, but they do know my name and face…" Remus nodded slightly. "So I just can't make myself too obvious. I should be safe enough if I keep my head down."

"I'll be speaking with Siri soon. We might send one or two of the others with you." Harry confided. "If not, then they'll join you in a few days. Don't leave until Siri speaks to you again."

"As you wish, Your Highness." Remus bowed properly, and mused as he left that James' son really seemed to be coming into his own. He smiled at Ron and Hermione as they made their way up the tower stairs.

After seeing Remus out, Harry had glimpsed Ron's hair, so he waited for Hermione and the other boy at the door.

Draco chewed his lip nervously until Harry had hugged his friends and come back to his side.

"Draco-love, this is Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger." Harry squeezed his betrothed's hand. "I'm in a similar position with them as you are with Pansy and Blaise, you see, because I would've grown up with them had Riddle not killed my parents. Over the past month or so, I've gotten to know them fairly well and as soon as you feel comfortable, you will too."

These two made Draco nervous. There wasn't a family connection to calm him like there was with Sirius…and the connection he shared with Blaise and Pansy was something else altogether. Draco's hand trembled as he tried to lift it from Harry's arm.

The brunette seemed to understand that there was something wrong. "Draco? Are you alright?"

Draco shook his head and tried to hide that he was tearing up. He stood and walked quickly toward the bathroom, not stopping until the door closed behind him. His fear had him sitting on the edge of the bathtub with his arms wrapped around himself.

"Sorry, guys." Worried, Harry bit his lip glancing between his friends and the door his fiancé had needed to hide behind. "I guess we're just moving too fast. I'll visit with the rest of you as soon as Severus comes up to visit with Draco."

"Sure, Harry." Hermione sighed. "I'm really looking forward to spending a little time with you both. I've been eager to hear what Prince Draco was able to study while Voldemort kept him imprisoned here."

Harry's eyes widened. "Mione, you stay. You alone might make less of an impact on his nerves. Ron, I'll be down after dinner to visit your family." He stood and hurried to Draco's bathroom door. "Draco? May I come in?" There was a muffled noise that made Harry open the door quickly. Harry gasped as he rushed to pull the other boy up and into his arms. "Draco-love!"

"I'm sorry, Harry." Draco buried his face into Harry's shoulder. "I just couldn't stay out there another minute."

"I know, baby, I know." Harry held his betrothed tightly to try and soothe him. "I think it was too much for you to handle two people at once when they have not connection to you so I sent Ron away."

Draco's mind froze at the new endearment that had dropped from Harry's lips. Baby…Draco relaxed into Harry's embrace for a moment and then pushed back to look up at him. "You – you called me 'baby'."

Harry paled, not understanding right away. "You don't mind that one, do you?"

Draco smiled and bit his lip. "No, I-I like it."

Harry gave a sigh of relief. "Would you like to try again with Hermione? You have some things in common and I can join in the conversation too. We've been studying a lot along with our training."

Draco took a deep breath before answering. "I think I should…M-maybe I should have a calming draught."

"Why not keep one ready but try without it first?" Harry frowned. "I don't know much about potions but I know some of them can be addictive."

Draco nodded and took Harry's arm as they left the safety of the bathroom. Seeing the girl he'd only just met sitting and fiddling with a cup of tea on her lap made him tense but Harry soothed him with a light touch on his hand. "S-so…I hear you and Harry and the others…" He trailed off as his breath grew short.

Hermione gasped as she noted the difference.

"Go on, Mione." Harry had been watching him and so he noticed as quickly as it happened and called Dobby to get Severus and a calming draught. "I'll let you know when he's ready to try again."

She hurried out of the room just as Dobby got back with the draught. "Master Severus is saying only three drops."

Harry nodded and coaxed Draco into opening his mouth for the correct dosage. Then he put his arms around the other boy, rocking him gently.

Severus had sent the draught with Draco's elf and made his own way up as fast as he could, passing the muggleborn girl on the stairs. When Severus came in, Harry could see that he was worried.

"He did really well with Siri and then Blaise and Pansy..." Harry shook his head. "Even Remus didn't set him off this way."

"I have a theory." It pleased Severus to see Draco's eyes flicker up to look at him as he ran his fingers through his godson's blond hair. "Next time, perhaps Blaise and Pansy could join you along with Mr. Weasley and Miss Granger to give him a feeling of balance."

Harry nodded slowly until another thought hit him. "Or what if you, Blaise and Pansy all joined us? That way he'd feel more control of the situation."

"W-What if…" Draco whispered weakly.

"It's alright, baby." Harry said softly caressing Draco's upper back. "You're alright."

Severus was shocked that Draco was allowing this endearment but said nothing.

"W-What if my unofficial c-cousins stayed with us the whole time and Uncle S-Severus only checked in periodically?" Draco's breathing had become calm and even but his nerves had yet to return to normal.

Harry said nothing, only looking up at Severus.

Severus nodded. "That is acceptable to me."

"Alright, after breakfast in the morning, we'll have the four of them join us…" Harry began, still caressing the blond's back lightly.

Draco interrupted with a shake of his head. "After dinner…please?"

Severus took charge of the decision. "That's fine, Draco. I'll send Blaise and Pansy up directly after dinner and then bring Harry's friends with me a little bit after that."

"And we'll have a nice private meal right here." Harry gave Draco a bright smile. "As soon as I get back."

"B-Back?" Draco clung to Harry.

"I need to go down and greet the rest of Ron's family and any of our other allies who came to help us keep control of Malfoy Castle, Love. Your godfather is here and you are safe." Harry kissed the blond's cheek lightly which cause the boy to loosen his hold. "I know you can survive an hour of my absence but I will never leave you completely alone. You can also send Dobby to fetch me if you need me."

"Half." Draco objected. "Half an hour…please, Harry…not more than that. Not yet…"

Harry saw the tears in his betrothed's eyes and gave in. "Alright, love. I'll be back in half an hour." He gave Draco a soft kiss before stepping away.

Draco wrung his hands with every step Harry took toward the door but stopped when Severus took note of this and began a conversation about the new people in the castle.

********** LTF **********

Harry closed the door behind him only when he could hear that Severus had things under control. He rested his head against the door, beginning to despair of his beloved's condition.

"Harry?"

The young prince turned to see his godfather. "I'm so worried about him, Siri."

"He's got Sev. He'll be fine for the moment. Come down to see the Weasleys and you can come back without one worry." Sirius told him. "It's so good to see that all your preparations worked out. You've taken possession of one family home and now we need to plan the invasion of the other."

"I told Remus not to leave until you spoke to him again. I wanted to suggest sending along either Ron or Blaise." Harry informed his godfather who was – in effect – his second in command until Draco was stable enough to take that position.

"It may be a good idea to send someone with him." Sirius nodded as they walked down the staircase together. "But those particular people aren't. Voldemort will have recognized Blaise and Ron's hair pegs him as a Weasley, whose home was attacked for being proven as one of your supporter's strongholds. They would be noticed and taken."

Harry nodded in understanding. "Then who should go with Remus?"

"We have Rubeus Hagrid on our side. He used to be the groundskeeper at Hogwarts. He, and his father before him, took care of the creatures in your family's possession for several generations." Sirius told him. "He's always lived in Hogsmeade and would likely welcome the chance to prove himself to you."

"Hagrid…" Harry suddenly recalled meeting this person at the Weasleys' home before Remus' interview. "Yes, I remember him from Ron's house. You'd said he was one of the riders on the day I was born."

Sirius was glad to see his godson's memory was unaffected by the activities of the last several months. "That's right." He said knocking on a door.

When the door opened, Ron was there with Hermione and the others. Harry was happy to see the Blaise and Pansy were included in the group but there were also several unknown people sitting there too. The moment they saw Harry, quite a few of them stood and began to talk at once while others respectfully took a knee.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please quiet down." Sirius said in a loud voice. "We would like to update you on Prince Draco's condition. Go on, Harry."

Harry talked for a moment of his betrothed's fears but didn't wish to divulge anything too personal, only officially stating that there were plans in place to help the blond and his family with the unfortunate issues that being in the dubious care of Tom Riddle had given them. He then singled out a few people he and Sirius wished to speak with.

"Blaise, Pansy, Ron, and Hermione – We'd like to speak to you first. Please go on to the next room." Harry said with a slight smile. "Mr. Hagrid, if you wouldn't mind meeting me and Sirius after that, I'd be much obliged. After that, if everyone else could stick around, I'd like to meet all those whose faces are unfamiliar to me."

A general chuckle went around the room but he saw many of those nodding as he met their gazes. One of the unknown faces seemed to be around his age.

Harry turned to leave the room only to find Ron's mother and father standing in his way. "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, I hope to visit with you and your family before dinner but that might not be possible. I promised to be back upstairs with Draco soon."

"Oh, that's quite alright, dear!" Mrs. Weasley was very sympathetic. "You take all the time you need, Harry." She hugged him quickly and then let him go to meet his friends.

Once he had the others alone he addressed them directly. "Ron, Hermione, we're going to try again after dinner. This time, Blaise and Pansy will be there with us also and Mr. Snape will be checking in a few times during the visit. We think this will give him a sense of balance and control." He gave them all the details that he'd talked about with Severus and Draco.

They accepted the plan with nods and quiet comments to each other as they left to carry on their days, leaving a relieved Harry to meet Sirius and Mr. Hagrid when they joined him moments later. The three of them quickly agreed that Hagrid would go home to his house in Hogsmeade while Remus would take a room at the Three Broomsticks inn. They would meet every few days to exchange information and Remus would report it by way of charmed parchment. In a few weeks they might send another person to join them but, for the time being, Sirius quietly informed Remus of the new plan and sent both men on their way as Harry made his way toward the youngest unfamiliar face.

"Hi, I'm Harrington James Potter – Prince of Scotland's Magical realm." Harry said, holding out his hand. "Might I know your name?"

The other boy had sandy colored hair and a bright smile. "I'm Neville. Neville Longbottom. Your mum and mine were friends."

In the ensuing conversation, Harry found out that Neville's parents had been found out as Potter and Malfoy supporters and tortured to the point of insanity. He'd been raised by his grandmother.

"Your mum was my godmother." Neville told Harry. "I'd like to get to know you and hopefully help avenge your parents."

"I'd like that too, Neville." Harry nodded with new anger. He hadn't taken the time to wonder if his parents had had godchildren as Lucius and Narcissa had. "I'll be right back." Now that he knew this was the case he set a course to his godfather's side. "Siri, did my parents have more godchildren besides Neville?"

"James was going to be my child's godparent…when I had one." Sirius said quietly. "I hope Sev will marry me after all this is over and I still wish to have at least one child due to my title…but I don't know who I'll choose for that role now. Lily had Neville as a godchild and I think one other…a girl. I'll look into it for you, Harry."

Harry nodded with a soft pat on his Uncle Siri's shoulder and turned to call Dobby. "Can you please set up a room for Mr. Neville Longbottom, Dobby?" The elf nodded and popped out of sight as Harry went back over to his 'cousin'.

When Harry reached Neville's side and older woman was standing beside him.

"Your Highness!" The woman curtsied and Harry gave the appropriate bow. "I'm Augusta Longbottom, dear boy."

Harry smiled. "I'm happy to meet you, Madam. Neville and I were just talking and we'd like very much to get to know each other. You'll both stay with us for a while, won't you?"

"Oh! No, dear. I have things to see to at our estate." She smiled at him and then patted her grandson's arm. "Neville is by all means free to stay and socialize but I'm a very busy woman."

"Perhaps we'll meet again soon then, Madam." Harry took her hand and bowed over it. "Neville, I've had a room set up for you by the elves. When you're ready, just call for Dobby."

Neville nodded silently.

The next people he met were cousins of his godfather which he found out by seeing Sirius rush up to a woman and hug her tightly.

"Siri?" Harry asked as he walked up to the group.

He was hugged enthusiastically by his godfather and then introduced to Andromeda Tonks and her family. "Harry… Andy, here, is Narcissa's sister and Draco's aunt! Her husband was disapproved of by their parents and she was disowned but she heard the stories and came with her family to see them. Her daughter's name is Dora."

Harry gasped. "Draco will want to meet them! Have Dobby set rooms for them."

Sirius nodded with a smile. "It's over half an hour, Harry. You'd best hurry."

"Dobby!" Harry called. "How is Draco?"

Dobby pulled at his ears. "Master Draco is being very anxious, Master Harry Potter, sir! He is trying to not worry about Master Harry Potter but is finding it very difficult."

"Can you take me up to him?" Harry asked. "If I go by foot it might take too long."

Dobby grabbed his hand and popped them both up to the tower.

********** LTF **********

"Harry!"

He'd barely gotten his footing as Draco had collided with him but Dobby was quicker still and conjured a pillow to cushion Harry's head before it hit the floor.

"Hey!" Harry smiled at the blond. "Are you hurt?"

Draco shook his head burying it in Harry's chest. "No. Are you? You were gone so long!"

"It was only forty minutes, Draco." Severus commented lightly as he helped them up.

"And I've got some really good things to tell you!" Harry glossed over the inconvenient truth that would only disturb his betrothed. "I've got an unofficial cousin too! He's downstairs and you'll meet him later this week."

"Like Blaise?" Draco smirked. "That's so nice!"

"But the best news is that your mother's sister is here!" Harry told the blond.

Severus paled. "No! Bella can't be here!"

"Who's Bella?" Harry asked.

"Narcissa's sister! You said she was here!" Severus frowned.

"No. A woman named Andromeda is here and Siri said she was Narcissa's sister." Harry told them.

Draco was looking back and forth at them. "Riddle's favorite follower's name was Bellatrix. Is that the Bella you meant, Uncle?"

Severus nodded. "Andromeda was disowned and so I only knew of her existence but never met her in person. I apologize for overreacting, Harry."

Harry and Draco sat and he talked about the plans that had been made while he was away from Draco's side. Dinner was brought up and Sirius joined them for the meal. Sirius was able to discuss the Tonks family with more ease than Severus had. Draco slowly got used to the idea that Harry had to leave his side sometimes and liked hearing the things that went on outside of his tower. He resolved to meet the Tonks family the next day and Harry's 'cousin' within the week. Tonight, however, with Blaise and Pansy to help, they would be trying yet again with Ron and Hermione.

Draco finished his dessert just as the door was knocked upon. Harry cast the spell for the door to open and Pansy came right over to Draco.

"I heard about what happened earlier, Draco. I hope you're alright!" She kissed his cheek as Blaise reached her side.

Draco stood and shook hands with Blaise before answering Pansy. Harry remained quiet as Draco got used to the presence of his guests. Sirius and Severus left a few minutes later and everyone knew the next time Severus arrived he'd be bringing back Ron and Hermione.

It was only moments later when there was another knock at the door and Severus came in first. Harry watched with pride as his beloved stood with Blaise and Pansy at his back to greet their new guests.

"Hello." Draco's voice was shaky at best but with Harry and Severus as well as his new 'cousins' there was some strength there too. "Do come in."

Harry watched as Hermione and Ron curtsied and bowed. Hermione had a small smile which was tinged with hope. Harry knew he was one of her only friends and he suspected that she hoped the other occupants of this room would join that list. The group fell into easy conversation with Pansy paving the way for Draco to feel more comfortable while Blaise and Harry chatted with Ron. The redhead joined in with the girls soon after Harry pulled Blaise over to see Draco's chess set and then there was no stopping Harry's friends from capturing the attention of his betrothed.

When Ron noticed that they hadn't heard from Blaise on a particular subject, he saw the other boy with Harry and the chess set and suddenly asked the young blond royal if he'd like to play when the other pair had finished their game.

Draco's smile took on a predatory edge as he nodded and knew he'd made a new lifelong friend. Harry was grinning widely as the door closed behind their friends. "You did so well, Draco!" Harry kissed the blond gently. "I'm so proud of you!"

Draco sighed in relief to have Harry to himself again. "Would you mind having Blaise and Pansy in here when you invite Longbottom up later this week? They really helped, Harry!"

Harry lifted Draco's chin so they were gazing into each other's eyes. "Whatever you need, love." They hugged and then separated to get ready for bed. Harry's heart was sure to burst from the love and pride he felt right at that moment and it only calmed when Draco was asleep in his arms

********** LTF **********

In case next chapter doesn't get posted before the holiday:

Merry Christmas to all my Christian readers and to all others Happy Holidays! Thanks for reading!