Smells Like teen Spirit
A/N: Part two of Christmas. I've updated so fast because I felt so bad about making you all wait so long for the last chapter. Hope this makes up for it though. :)
"Harry! Harry wake up! It's Christmas!" was the sound that greeted the Gryffindor as he opened his eyes Christmas morning. Reaching for his glasses, he was greeted by the sight of a very excitable red-head.
"Ginny, you're seventeen. How do you still get so excited about Christmas?"
"You're never too old for Christmas Harry!" She jumped off his bed and snuck over to Draco, who was still fast asleep on his back, and arm slung over his eyes. "Draco wake up! It's Christmas!"
The blond stirred. "Weasley, I do not appreciate such a rude awakening. I strongly suggest you let me sleep."
She pouted. "But Draco, it's Christmas. You have to get up."
"Not at," he paused to reach for his wand and wave a Tempus charm, "7:30 in a morning, I don't."
"Oh Draco, come on, don't be such a spoil sport and come downstairs, open your presents." Harry told him.
At the word 'presents', Draco's eyes opened. "I have presents?"
"From all of us, yes. Now up! Ten minutes, or I'll come and drag you by your ears." Ginny warned, disappearing back downstairs.
"I honestly have presents?" Draco asked again, still not quite believing it.
"Yes, from all of us. All your friends, the Weasleys, all of us. You didn't seriously think we'd forget you, did you?"
"No, of course not. But what I didn't expect was gifts from the Weasleys as well."
"You haven't seen them yet. Get dressed. Eight minutes before Ginny goes through with her threat. And trust me she will, I have first-hand experience. Hurry up!" He grinned as he disappeared out the door. Draco laughed, and started to get dressed, ready for the day ahead.
xxxDHDHxxx
Harry was the last one to hand out all his presents. He himself had had the typical Weasley jumper, a broom cleaning kit from Ginny, products from the shop from George and Angelina, a diary from Percy and Audrey (who had arrived last night), a pair of dragon-hide boots from Charlie, a selection of French chocolates from Bill, Fleur and Gabrielle, a complete set of Quidditch books from Ron, Hermione had gotten him the latest album from Meat Loaf, a box of chocolates from Andromeda and Teddy, fudge and rock cakes from Hagrid, a set of training snitches from the rest of the Gryffindors, Firewhisky from the Slytherins, Everlasting quills from the Ravenclaws, an expensive scarf from the Hufflepuffs, and a year's subscription to the Quibbler from Neville and Luna. Draco had got him a present as well, but wanted to wait until later. That was fine by Harry, he was waiting until later to give Draco his anyway. Harry simply handed his out. For Molly and Arthur, an expensive bottle of wine. For Bill and Fleur, a beautiful vase for their home. Charlie had the latest book on Dragon wrangling. Percy and Audrey had some flowers for their new home. Harry had found one of the oldest Black family heirlooms and had it cleaned then gave it to Andromeda. He gave Teddy a brand new toy. George and Angelina had a selection of muggle comedy toys to use as inspiration for the shop. Ron had been given the latest Keeper gear, Hermione the latest books on the Misuse of Muggle artefacts (where she planned on working after school), Neville the latest book on Herbology, and for Luna a book on where to find Nargles, as well as a necklace charmed to repel them. The last to receive her gift was Ginny. She found it under the tree.
"Is this it?" She asked, producing a small envelope and a big box.
"You'll like it, I promise."
"I better. If its shit, you'll be on the end of a very painful Bat-Bogey hex." she threatened.
"Ginny, stop swearing!" her mother admonished her.
"Sorry mum." Ginny mumbled. She gave a sly grin to Harry and opened the box first. Inside was a complete set of chaser gear, including gloves, practice Quaffles and Bludgers, and a brand new set of dark green robes with a gold talon on the chest, her name emblazoned across the back. Then she opened the envelope, reading the letter inside. As she read, her eyes grew wider, as did her smile. When she finished, she squealed, shot up from her place on the floor and engulfed Harry in a massive bear hug.
"What? What is it Ginny?" Ron questioned her.
"I can't…seriously Harry...I just…you read it Harry, I can't speak." She handed him the letter while all the time shaking her head.
He chuckled. "I take it you like it?" She gave him a look. "That's a yes. Anyway," he gave a little cough, then began to read. "'Dear Ginerva Weasley, it has come to our attention that your skills not only as a chaser, but as a seeker, are above the skills of most people your age, something we have received the backing off from many people, Harry Potter being one of them. As a result, we would like to offer you the chance to trial with our team in the coming year. A reply is needed by the third day of the first month, 1999. We would be delighted if you accepted the offer. Waiting to hear from you, Mercedes Jones, manager of the Holyhead Harpies, and Gwenog Jones, Captain of the Holyhead Harpies'."
"Seriously? You got Ginny a trial for the Holyhead Harpies?" Ron was estatic.
"Yep. There's no denying she's a great player, both as seeker and chaser. Are you gonna go Gin?"
"Of course! This is a brilliant opportunity!" she squealed, again.
"Oh I'm so proud of you Ginny. Come here, give your mum a hug. Or are you too old?" Molly asked tearfully, all the while beaming. The girl grinned and gave her mum a hug, while Arthur wrapped his arms around them both, telling his only daughter how proud he was of her. Hermione smiled at the scene, and squeezed herself in between Harry and Draco on the sofa.
"Name dropping Harry, rather than just letting her apply for herself? Really?"
"Yes Hermione, name dropping. I don't like to use my fame to get favours, you know I don't. But occasions such as telling my story to the Prophet, or getting Ginny this chance are times when I will use it. It's the least I could do for her, after breaking her heart. Besides, look at the smile on her face. How could you not deny her that?"
Hermione nodded her head. "I suppose." She rounded on Draco. "Did you know he was going to do this?"
"Yep. He went to the post office in Hogsmede when we went to get the last minute presents. He asked for the reply to be delivered there rather than back to the school so nobody would know what he was up to. I was sworn to secrecy." He replied with a smile.
"I see. Well she seems to like it."
"That she does. That she does." Draco replied, whilst Harry just sat smug.
xxxDHDHxxx
Dinner was an interesting affair. Draco had just started getting used to not just the amount of people, but to the sheer amount of food Molly did when they all sat down at the table. As well as all the Weasleys, Andromeda and Teddy, Hemione's parents were there, the Delacours were there, Angelina's parents and Audrey's parents were there, Dean and his family were there, Neville and his gran were there, Luna and her father were there, and Kingsley and his family were there, All in all, there were thirty-six people sat in the kitchen, which Draco swore had grown again since the night before. Molly had made more food than was possible, and yet it all managed to get eaten. There was a silence again to remember Fred, Remus and Tonks, and Arthur said some more words. Draco once again apologised for his behaviour, despite being told not to by the elders. He had responded by telling them he felt obliged. After dinner, George had started causing mischief, though it was easy to tell he was at a bit of a loss without his brother.
But that wasn't what was imprinted in Draco's mind the most. All night, he and Harry had been exchanging touches and glances that was more than considered just a friendship. And now, after they were in their room, Draco was going to do something about it.
"Time for our presents now I think. You go first." Draco said as Harry closed the door.
"OK, just give me a sec…" He reached into his trunk ad pulled out a carefully wrapped box. He handed it to the other boy. "Merry Christmas Draco."
Draco took the box from his friend and carefully unwrapped it. He found, inside a very expensive box, with a necklace nestled inside of it. On a single silver chain hung a Star of Sierra Leone. "And how much did this cost exactly?"
"Does it matter? The diamond, the Star, has had charms placed on it to protect you against any curses, jinxes or hexes sent your way. I remember what you said about not always being able to protect yourself against the bullies. I can't always be there, like you said, so I wanted to give you this as help. And also as reminder that I'll always be there for you in some sort of way." He said with a smile. He gently took the necklace from the box and clasped it around Draco's neck.
Draco turned back to him. "Thank you Harry, it's beautiful. Thank you for the sentiment behind it as well. And now, for my present…" Slowly, Draco leaned in, all the time never taking his eyes off of Harry's. Slowly, but firmly, the Slytherin kissed the Gryffindor. His lips moved slowly against the other boys, but not for long, for Harry pulled away in shock and strode to the other side of the room, his back to Draco. Slowly, the latter stood and took one step forward, so as not to scare the other boy. "Harry…"
"Why would you do that?" Harry asked quietly. "Why?"
"I think it's obvious."
"Don't." He spun round, tears threatening to fall. "Don't pretend. You've been saying for ages that you want to wait, making up bullshit excuses like you want us to be friends first, or you aren't ready for what the press are going to say. I've gone along with that, because I love you. You know how I feel, I know how you feel, but you've never said you're ready. So don't you dare, don't you fucking dare say to me 'I think it's obvious', because it isn't. I receive mixed signals from you all the time Draco. It is anything but obvious."
"Harry…I am ready. That's why I'm doing this. I don't give a fucking shit what people say and will say. I love you. We're good enough friends now to still have something in common if it doesn't work out. I love you. This is my gift to you. Me. You can have me, all of me, if you want me." He spread his arms wide to emphasise his point.
"Really?" Harry asked, tears just starting to fall.
Draco stepped forward until he was oh so close to the other boy. They were a hairsbreadth away. Draco reached out and wipes away the tears. "Really. I've finally accepted who I am, who I love. I don't want to wait anymore. I want to be with you. But only if you want me."
Harry shook his head. "How do I know I can trust you?"
"Use Legillemens. I'll bring a memory to the forefront so you can see exactly whether or not I'm telling the truth."
"I don't like doing it, you know I don't…"
"Please?" Draco took his hand and led him to his bed, where they both sat down. "I'll be right next to you, holding your hand. You'll be OK, I promise. Please, for me? Trust me Harry."
Harry stared the other boy in the eyes and saw the honesty in them. "OK. I'll do it." He drew his wand and heaved a big sigh. "Legillemens."
xxxDHDHxxx
He was launched head first into a scene. Draco was sat on his bed in the middle of the night, specifically the night before they had left for Christmas. Harry was fast asleep in his own bed, evident from the drawn curtains. The real Harry was surveying the scene like a ghost this time, standing in the middle of the room unseen, like in a Pensieve. The memory Draco was writing in a diary, that Harry felt compelled to read. He moved so he was sat next to the boy, reading what he was writing.
"Today I have come to the conclusion that I love Harry Potter, and I want to spend the rest of my life with him…no change, that's good." memory-Draco mumbled as he wrote. "I will get what I want before the school year is up." The words 'the school year is up' disappeared before Harry's very eyes. "Change, OK, maybe not fully truthful. I will get what I want before the exams…gone again. Hmmm, I will get what I want before the end of the year?" This time, nothing disappeared. Instead, a message appeared on the page. "'Specifically what time?' You want specifics? Well it wasn't the school year…I will get what I want before we return from the Christmas break?" Nothing happened. "OK, we've established that I'll get what I want. OK. I will get what I want, I will be with Harry." Another question appeared. "'Why?' Because I love him. 'Why else?' What do you mean why else?" The question never changed, just remained on the page. Harry could see the confusion lines on memory-Draco's face. Suddenly, the other boy sighed, got up, and went over to memory-Harry's bed, pulling back the curtains and sitting on the edge. Staring at the other boy, he wrote again, this time only whispering the words. "I will get what I want because I love him, and because I am no longer afraid. We are more than just friends, we are best friends. Soul mates. I am no longer afraid of what people think. I am my own person, and as long as I have him by my side, I will be able to cope with what is sent my way, our way. If he will have me that is." He turned back to the page. Briefly, the words 'better' appeared on the page, before disappearing and leaving what memory-Draco had wrote behind. Then, real-Harry felt a block, and pulled out of Draco's mind as the other boys' shields went back up.
xxxDHDHxxx
"What was that book you were writing in?"
"It was a truth diary. If I wrote something it felt was the truth, it would leave it. If it thought what I wrote was a half-truth, it would question me until I gave the full answer. If I gave a wrong answer, it would erase it, like you saw."
"So what you wrote was the truth?"
"Yes."
"So why didn't you just show me the diary?"
Draco laughed. "Would you have believed me?" He stood up and went to his trunk, taking out said diary and turning to the page in the memory before sitting back down and handing Harry the diary. There, in black and white, were the words. "'Today I have come to the conclusion that I love Harry Potter and I want to spend the rest of my life with him. I will get what I want before we return from the Christmas break, because I love him, and because I am no longer afraid of what people will think. I am my own person, and as long as I have him by my side, I will be able to cope with what is sent my way, our way. If he will have me, that is.' And I will Harry. I will have you. I don't care anymore what other people think. I love you, always and forever. If you want me you can have me. I love you."
Harry turned to the other boy and looked him straight in the eyes. "Say it again." he whispered.
Draco reached out and took the other boy's chin, pulling him closer so their forehead rested together, but their eyes were still open. "I love you." he whispered back.
That was all Harry needed. He kissed him. He wrapped his arms around his love and kissed him. And what was better, Draco reciprocated in kind…
A/N: I'll leave the rest up to you…;)
xxxxx