Chapter XVI
Malfoy Manor at Yule
On the day of Christmas Eve, Harry felt as though everyone but him was in the Christmas spirit. Everyone has spent the day putting up Christmas decorations. Harry could not remember Sirius ever being in such a good mood; he was actually singing carols, apparently delighted that he was to have company over Christmas. Harry could hear his voice echoing up through the floor in the cold and empty drawing room where he was sitting alone, watching the sky outside the windows growing whiter. He heard Mrs. Weasley calling his name softly up the stairs around lunchtime he retreated farther upstairs and ignored her.
Harry's plan was to leave at six in the evening, which would give him plenty of time to attend the Malfoy's party. He was shocked when the doorbell rang at precisely six, and when it opened, Hermione walked in.
"What are you doing here?" Harry asked. An innocent question, but Hermione gave him a hard look as she walked further in.
"Skiing isn't my thing," she said a little shortly. "But since you're here, I want to talk with you, Harry."
"About what?" Harry said, glancing between Hermione and a clock on the wall. He still needed to go to his room to get the floo powder, the knife was in his pocket.
"I just missed you, and I worry for you Harry," Hermione said sincerely.
Harry felt off-put. He did not expect this at all. He licked his lips nervously and worried about how he should react. "Worry?"
"Yes, worry," Hermione said. "Ron and I have been hearing these awful rumors and the way you've been acting towards us and Ginny, it's making me worried."
"What are these rumors?" Harry asked, crossing his arms. He could feel the headache that was about to occur.
"Well, uh, I heard that you and Malfoy were… seen together… and you always hold his hand—"
"That is because he is my boyfriend, Hermione," Harry said.
"But that's just the thing, Harry! You two hated each other for years, this doesn't make sense," Hermione said. "Not to mention that I heard that you and he were seen near Myrtle's bathroom. How do we know he's not using you or forcing you to think that you might be gay?"
Harry needed a second to process what Hermione was saying before he gave out a loud, short laugh. "Force me to think that I'm gay!? That's not how this works Hermione! I've been gay since the second I was born. The only forcing that can happen is forcing me to hide it which will never happen again. Draco is my second boyfriend, I told you about Cedric and you and Ronald refuse to believe it."
"He and Cho were dating, they were practically famous for their relationship, I'm sorry if it being all a show is too hard to believe," Hermione said. "And you did not see how devastated Cho was when you returned with Cedric's body."
"How she felt? How she felt—how about how I felt!?" Harry yelled out. "I watched the love of my life die right in front of me! And I couldn't do anything about it! Even when I grieved for him and held his body I was ripped away! I couldn't even go to his fucking funeral!" Harry screamed out, causing Hermione to flinch. "How do you think that makes me feel? His own father who hated everything that has to do with people like us blamed me for his death! I had to sneak out of the Dursleys to visit Cedric and do you know what he did? Huh? Do you want to know!?"
Harry took a step closer to Hermione, glaring angrily at her as he shook with fury. "He tried to curse me," he spat out. "He found our letters and he cursed me for everything. He warned me that if I ever tried to go to Cedric's grave again he would have me arrested! Just for visiting his grave, Hermione! At least Cho was able to say goodbye to her best friend when I never got the chance!"
"You're wrong," Hermione said, shaking her head. "Mr. Diggory would never do that. He was just angry over Cedric's death—"
"AND I'M NOT!?" Harry roared. Footsteps rushed towards them but Harry did not care. "I AM SICK AND TIRED OF PEOPLE TELLING ME ABOUT HOW OTHERS FEEL! OF PEOPLE TELLING ME HOW I'M SUPPOSED TO FEEL! HE WAS MY FUCKING BOYFRIEND AND HE DIED IN FRONT OF ME, GRANGER!"
"Don't yell at her, faggot!" Ron yelled at Harry, the redhead reaching them first. He stood in front of Hermione and glared at Harry, Ginny following after.
"Oi! Don't talk like that!" Tonks said when she entered the room. "Harry, what happened?"
"Nothing," Harry said, turning to leave.
"Harry don't walk away," Hermione said quickly. "Look, we can forgive you for being confused and I'm sure that Ron and Ginny can forgive the whole Malfoy and Quidditch nonsense, we just want our Harry back, that's all. Won't you even think about apologizing?"
Harry spun to face Hermione and gave her a sneer, "Why should I when I have nothing to apologize for, Granger? I am who I am. If you cannot accept that then I suggest you forget any chances of continuing this friendship because clearly you and Weasel there don't deserve me."
Hermione was speechless for the first time and Harry spun again, leaving her and Ron in the entrance hall as he climbed the stairs. There was movement, and Harry barely glanced to see Tonks holding Ron back as the redhead tried to run after Harry.
Harry went to his room, making sure to slam the door shut, before rushing to his trunk to collect the floo powder and a change of clothes. Harry shrank the bag with his clothes and pocketed it. He double-checked to make sure he had his penknife just as his bedroom door opened and a livid Mrs. Weasley stepped into his room. "I do not know who you think you are, Harry Potter but your attitude will end right now!" she yelled at him. "You will not ruin our Christmas with whatever phase or anger you are going through. You will come downstairs immediately and apologize to everyone, am I clear!?"
Harry gave the woman a cold look he hoped Draco would be proud of, "No, because you are not my mother or guardian. You cannot tell me what to do, Mrs. Weasley. I will not apologize, nor will I spend any more time with Granger or your son and daughter."
"Then you will not eat dinner, Harry," Mrs. Weasley said. "Stay in your room and think about what you've done! I expect an apology in the morning." She closed the door and Harry heard a faint click as she locked it as well.
Harry rolled his eyes and moved to the door, pressing his ear against it as he waited for Mrs. Weasley to walk away. Once he was sure that the hallway was empty, he used his penknife to unlock the door. He stepped outside and quietly closed his door. He moved slowly, keeping his ears open for any sounds as he made his to the staircase to climb up to Walburga Black's bedroom.
It was on the same floor as Sirius's and his brother's, one floor above Harry's room. He took the stairs extra slowly, looking over his shoulder constantly as if expecting Mrs. Weasley or anyone to appear suddenly. Nobody came, and Harry reached the landing before turning into the small corridor. He went towards the nearest door, seeing scorch marks on the dark wood. He figured it must be Sirius's and when he opened it, he saw a recently used bed along with pictures that looked mostly burnt as if blasted in a fit of rage. The room smelled of Sirius's cologne and Harry closed the door before turning down the hall.
He made his way to the door at the end of the corridor and reached for the doorknob. It was locked, and Harry felt that he really shouldn't unlock it as he read the nameplate on the door, Regulus Black. It wasn't the room he was looking for, so Harry left the door alone and turned to the only other door in the hallway, making the short trip over to it, and pulled out his penknife.
He touched a hand to the door as he shimmied the knife in between the door and the frame. He moved the knife towards the lock, and as expected he heard a soft click of the lock. He gently pushed the door and it swung open. Harry smirked and pocketed his knife as he walked into Walburga's room.
As with many places in the house, it was a mess. Everything was covered in thick layers of dust and Harry had to quickly hold his breath to keep from sneezing as he rushed towards a window to open it. The cold air blew in and Harry gasped at it before turning to face the room. The carpet was thick, its original color lost to years of dust and lack of cleaning. The room had a heavy feeling as thick curtains surround the bed and windows, and the walls were stuffed with furniture and portraits, the most disturbing of which was a row of five house elves' heads all staring at the bed. Harry quickly averted his eyes and looked for the fireplace, finding it gated on the other side of the room.
He had to use his knife again to unlock the gate and push it open before standing up. He hoped that wherever he would end up would have a room where he could prepare himself. He patted his pocket to feel his wand and shrunken bag before stepping into the fireplace. He pulled out the floo powder and grabbed a handful of it from the pouch. Harry threw the powder down and yelled out, "Malfoy Manor" and disappeared in a surge of green flames.
His vision began to blur as fireplaces rushed by him. Harry hated traveling by floo, so he closed his eyes until the spinning sensation stopped. He stepped out, opening his eyes, to see that he was in a long room with multiple fireplaces. There were house elves all wearing sacks with an elaborate M on them, greeting them. "Please follow the path to the party," the house elf near him said.
"Sorry, is there a place to freshen up?" Harry asked the house elf. The elf looked at Harry for a moment before pointing at a door in front of them, "Master may use that door to freshen up before making Master's way to the main house," the elf said.
"Thanks," Harry said and quickly walked towards the door. It led to a bathroom, which was perfect for Harry. He locked the door with a touch of his wand and found hooks he could use for his clothes. He pulled out his bag and it grew to its original size. He pulled out the clothes Draco brought him and began to change.
He changed into a deep emerald silky button-down shirt and black trousers. He put over that a black vest and stood in front of the mirror as he tried to do something with his hair. The raven locks refused to cooperate, so he washed his face and gave himself one final check, blushing slightly as anticipation filled him. He shrunk his bag with his old clothes and pocketed it before exiting. The house elves led Harry out of the fireplace room, and he stepped outside, gasping as he turned around.
He and the other guests all came out of a separate building that had a direct path to the main house. The path itself had numerous arches, all made of ice and glimmering with different colors as what looked like small birds made of ice and snow flew about from arch to arch. Snow blanketed the ground and main house, giving everything a winter wonderland sort of feel as large crystal snowflakes the size of Harry's head floated along the pathway. Harry followed a small group in front of him down the pathway, amazed at the floating lanterns that lit the way, their light dancing off of the arches and snowflakes. On the sides were large moving ice sculptures of various creatures, the most spectacular one being a dragon that seemed to roar silently at the partygoers as it stalked the grounds. Large evergreens spaced out around the grounds, all decorated with ornaments and twinkling lights. From inside the main house, Harry could hear the faint sound of classical Christmas music, most likely played by a full orchestra.
As he got nearer to Malfoy Manor, Harry saw that the doors were open and one person waiting for the guests, greeting them all in turn. Harry's heart jumped at the sight of Draco Malfoy, his cheeks blushing deeply and a smile growing. He looked immaculate in his suit, a simple black shirt, and slacks with a green vest that matched Harry's shirt. He had a polite expression on his face as he shook the men's hands and greeted everyone. His eyes lit up at the sight of Harry, and Harry smiled back, walking slightly quicker just to be with Draco again.
"My precious treasure!" Draco declared when Harry was close enough. He grabbed Harry's hand and pulled him close, kissing Harry fully. "I'm so happy you're here."
"Me too," Harry smiled. Draco's hand snaked around his waist and the two smiled.
"Stay with me, my treasure?" Draco asked.
"If I'm your treasure does that mean you're my dragon?" Harry teased.
"Very much so, Harry," Draco purred and gave Harry another kiss. Harry leaned against Draco's shoulder, smiling brilliantly when he heard a gasp from the upcoming group of adults, recognizing none of them. Draco greeted them politely, standing tall and proud as he held Harry in one hand and shook hands with the other. "Mr. and Mrs. Dunbar, my parents will be delighted to see you were able to come," he said. "Please, enjoy the party." The Dunbars left and Draco whispered, "They work for the Ministry, the husband is a higher-up who fully believes in whatever sludge the Ministry and Prophet produce."
"Well, I'll be damned! Potter, that you?"
Harry looked up to see Marcus Flint stroll up to them with a pretty girl on his arm. "What in the hell are you doing here, Potter?"
"He is here as my guest, Flint," Draco said, still shaking his hand but holding it tightly as he said, "And I hope you remember the rules for my parents' party."
"I'm just surprised Malfoy," Flint said. "I heard you switched teams, Potter, and you're scoring wins for Slytherin in Quidditch now?"
"I am," Harry said carefully. "What's it to you?"
"Nothing. Just curious," Flint said before turning to the girl he was with, "Come on Sofia, I can tell you all about how I've beaten Potter at Quidditch in school."
"You must have a poor memory, Flint. I seem to remember beating you," Harry said.
"But now your victories are Slytherin victories, so who is the victor in the end?" Flint said, chuckling as he and his girl walked into the home. Harry stared at him for a moment before looking at Draco, who just shrugged.
More and more guests started to arrive, Draco greeted them all before explaining who they were to Harry. The Minister, Draco told him, was thankfully too busy to attend, while a few reporters from the Daily Prophet were invited to come for until after Mr. Malfoy's secret announcement. "Father has been building up his announcement for weeks," Draco told him. "He wanted the whole Ministry to be here and see what he can do."
"Then let's hope he doesn't disappoint," Harry said.
Most of the guests only stared at Harry for a couple of seconds before moving on. Sometimes, Harry would kiss Draco's cheek just to do so, and he always enjoyed the reaction it would garter from whatever group was walking up towards them. He hoped to see some of their friends, but Draco told him that they already had arrived before Harry. Harry was disappointed that he couldn't greet them by kissing Draco, but he decided that he will make up for it somehow later that night. Perhaps kissing him while they dance in the center of the manor?
The last of the guests seemed to arrive and Draco smiled at the elderly man who walked up to them, "Mr. Yaxley, Father will be very pleased that you were able to come. He told me to inform you that he is waiting for you in his study."
"Yes, yes, thank you Draco and…" Yaxley eyed Harry for a moment before saying evenly, "Potter." He walked in, and Harry heard his voice a second later saying, "Mrs. Malfoy, your home looks as exquisite as ever!"
"Thank you, Corban, I am pleased to see you here," a female voice answered. Harry and Draco turned to see Mrs. Malfoy walking up to them wearing a rather stunning silver dress. "Draco, I heard that you had a special guest," she said, eyeing Harry. "It has been some time, Mr. Potter," she said.
Harry stared at the woman for a while, before nodding, remembering the last time he saw her during the Quidditch Championship. "It is nice to see you too, Mrs. Malfoy," he said politely. Mrs. Malfoy offered her hand and Harry took it hesitantly, glancing at Draco on what to do.
"When greeting a lady, a gentleman kisses her hand, Mr. Potter," Mrs. Malfoy said.
"Oh," Harry said, blushing fiercely as he bent to give Mrs. Malfoy's hand a hesitant, uncertain kiss before standing up a bit too quickly and letting go.
"Hmm," Mrs. Malfoy said, sounding unimpressed. "Draco, darling, your friends are waiting for you in the dancing hall."
"Thank you, mother," Draco said.
"And Mr. Potter, I have read countless articles about your recent… illnesses starting from this summer, along with my Draco's letters," Mrs. Malfoy began, "I hope you enjoy my home, but just know that I will be keeping an eye on you."
"Of course, Mrs. Malfoy," Harry said, and Draco squeezed his waist lightly, pulling him even closer. "I'm looking forward to Mr. Malfoy freeing all of his house elves and hiring them again."
"My treasure does not believe that father will do that," Draco told his mother, smirking lightly. "But he will learn very quickly that Malfoys always keep their promises."
"That we do," Mrs. Malfoy said, "You remember that, Mr. Potter."
"Yes, ma'am," Harry said.
Looking the least bit impressed, Mrs. Malfoy gave them the smallest of smiles before turning and walking away. Draco smiled proudly and kissed Harry.
"You did beautifully, treasure!"
"Are you sure? She looked like she wanted to kill me," Harry said, looking slightly pale.
"That's because she is just protective of me," Draco said. "You're my first boyfriend, after all."
"Protective, huh? Sounds like you, Dragon," Harry said, winking at Draco. Draco only kissed him again and pinched his butt. "Draco!" Harry laughed.
"Come on, this dragon wants to show off his favorite treasure," Draco growled. He took his hand and pulled Harry inside, the doors closing behind them.