FIC: Blue Christmas [Harry/Draco - PG-13]
Title: Blue Christmas
Author: killerangels13
Pairing(s): Harry/Draco
Prompt: “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley
Word Count: ~3700
Rating: PG13
Disclaimer: Harry Potter characters are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended.
Notes: Thank you to the prompter, this fic mostly wrote itself once I started to think about it. A big warm hug thank you to L for the beta work and to the MODs for hosting such a fun fest.
Summary: When your white Christmas turns blue, there’s not much you can do but bake biscuits and hope for the best.
Harry walked along the streets of London trying not to feel so alone. Everywhere he looked there were signs of the coming holiday season. The shop windows were festooned with fairy lights and bright bobbles on display. The lampposts were decorated with evergreen wreaths and bright red bows.
This was going to be his first Christmas alone since he’d started Hogwarts. Ron and Hermione were taking little Rose to meet her grandparents in Australia. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were going to spend some time with Charlie in Romania and Harry just didn’t feel as close to the other Weasleys. He and Ginny had tried making a go at it after the war, but it hadn’t worked out. Now she was off playing Quidditch professionally and had married Dean a few years ago.
Harry had started seeing someone over the summer, but he’d run off on a business venture at the beginning of October. Harry thought they had been getting serious, but now he wasn’t so sure. There had been one brief owl at the beginning to let him know he’d arrived safely, but nothing since.
As he wandered Harry thought about the presents he had already gotten for his friends and if there was anything else they might like. Little Rose was only seven months old and Harry couldn’t help but spoil her. There was one person he hadn’t yet gotten anything for, but wasn’t sure that he would have the opportunity to give it to them. He’d seen something the other day in one of the shops that he'd thought would be perfect, but hadn’t bought it.
Giving in to the cold that finally seeped through his coat Harry made his way to the Thai place he liked best to get some gaeng panang and po pia for supper. When he got home he turned the news on to listen to while eating. Since he’d become an Auror he’d taken to watching the evening news; sometimes reports from the Muggle world gave them leads for a case they were working on. There was nothing of note in tonight’s report so he switched it over to the sports station. Rugby wasn’t the same as watching Quidditch, but it was better than all those sappy holiday movies the other stations were playing. Eventually Harry just turned the telly off and went to bed, hoping the next day would be better.
###
Harry was startled awake by an urgent Tap Tap Tap at his window. Groping for his glasses he stumbled over and was met by a blast of cold air which carried a small snow flurry into his room. The owl that had been tapping lit upon the perch on the dresser and held out its leg. After Harry had retrieved the scroll it tucked its head under its wing to nap.
After a quick glance at the note Harry was fully awake and quickly dressed. One of their cases had just had a break and he needed to get in the field before the leads went cold. It took two jumps, but Harry finally met the rest of the team in the woods just outside of Blackpool. They spent four days chasing leads and suspects over the surrounding countryside. They finally managed to track them to their base and after another day of observation were able to make the arrests. When they got back to headquarters most of the minor players went into the mass holding cells while some of the major ones went into single cells. Harry grabbed a quick shower and changed into clothes from the locker room then joined Stervant for the interrogations.
That night he was able to go home for a couple of hours' sleep, but was back to work before first light the next morning. By the end of the day most of those that had been arrested were moved to short term cells to wait bail; they hadn’t known many details or what all they had been doing. Of those remaining, most were awaiting trial and a few were sent to Azkaban to await trial.
Harry decided to walk home that evening; he needed a good stretch after sitting for two days. There were more people out this evening than he’d expected, scurrying in and out of shops. With only four days until Christmas everyone was trying to get last minute shopping done. Not having paid much attention to where he was going Harry was startled to find himself in front of the curio shop where he’d first seen the statue. On a whim he went in to see if it was still there and bought it. If not for Christmas he could always hold onto it until it felt right to send it.
With his spirits lifted by that bit of spontaneous shopping, Harry bought some chestnuts from a street vendor and went in search of a greens seller. Even if he was spending Christmas by himself the flat could look a little festive. And he had four days off and decorating would be better than moping around. Maybe he’d invite some friends over for New Year.
###
Harry returned from his run just as it started snowing. He liked the idea of a white Christmas; they reminded him of Hogwarts and newness. And it was rare that London ever looked so clean and new. Putting the kettle on Harry jumped in the shower.
While his tea steeped Harry searched for a Christmas station on the wireless. Nothing accompanied biscuit baking like good classic Christmas songs. Even though he didn’t believe in Santa anymore Harry always left biscuits for the owls and elves that did help all his friends deliver presents. And you couldn’t have Christmas without biscuits. Harry was on his fourth batch when a sad bluesy song cut through his thoughts and made him stop to listen.
Decorations of red
On a green Christmas tree,
Won’t be the same dear,
If you’re not here with me.
It had been a while since Harry had had a reason to actually listen to those lyrics; usually he didn’t like that song and would block it out or change the station when it would come on. With his hands covered in dough and flour, and the wireless in the other room, he was sort of stuck listening. But this year the song spoke to him on a deeper level.
You’ll be doing alright,
With your Christmas of white,
But I’ll have a blue, blue blue blue Christmas.
Harry did hope all his friends were having a good Christmas, even if they weren’t all going to be white. When the song changed Harry pushed the melancholy thoughts away and concentrated on finishing the biscuits.
It wasn’t until later when Harry was getting ready for bed that the song drifted back through his head. He thought back on all the years that he’d spent Christmas alone at the Dursleys' or at Hogwarts, but none of those felt quite so alone. At the Dursleys' it was the one day he could usually count on being left alone so had created his own celebrations. At Hogwarts there was always a few other students around, and if not, Hagrid was always up for a visit. But since leaving school this was the first year Harry didn’t have any plans or anyone to share them with.
The way they had talked over the summer and how they were going, Harry had hoped he’d have someone to share it with, or at least be able to share owls. But Harry didn’t know where to send an owl, and hadn’t had anything since that first quick note.
Knowing things always looked better in the daylight, Harry tried to get some sleep. When he woke the sun was already well up, and looking out the window he could see the snow hadn’t stopped much and they did indeed get a white Christmas that year. Going downstairs to make cocoa Harry saw that his friends had all sent him presents even though they couldn’t be together. The stack that he had wrapped for delivery was also gone, with the exception of the statue he’d bought earlier that week. Though it wasn’t where he’d left it, so the elves either didn’t know where to take it or couldn’t take it. Trying not to think on it too much, Harry put the present in the cupboard and set about making breakfast.
The day passed pleasantly and Harry enjoyed opening all of his presents. A new jumper from Mrs. Weasley, books and chocolates from Ron and Hermione, tickets from Ginny for the next time they were in town, and an assortment of oddities and other things from the rest of his friends. By the time he went to bed that evening Harry had forgotten that he was feeling blue.
###
Getting back to work was almost a relief. Some of the trial dates had been set and the team was trying to get the evidence in order. The festiveness that goes along with Christmas was slowly fading as real life started to intrude again.
Harry had an invitation from Seamus to attend the New Years bash in Dublin with him and some friends. He hadn’t said yes exactly, but wasn’t sure he wanted to spend the evening by himself. He still hadn’t made up his mind when Seamus burst into his place mid afternoon to pick him up.
“Come on Harry. If we’re going to catch the ferry we need to get going. I don’t see your bags, are you even packed yet?”
“Just putting stuff together now, I’ll be right back.” Harry hurried away to throw a few things in a bag. Going out with Seamus and friends was at least better than staying home by himself. When he got back Seamus was on his way back out to the car so Harry grabbed his coat and followed.
“Harry!”
Harry paused in locking the door to look up the street. “Draco? What are you doing here?”
“I just got back this morning. Thought I’d come by and see if you had any plans.” Draco looked toward the curb where the car was waiting.
“I don’t, not really anyway. But, where have you been?”
“Maybe out here isn’t the best place to talk.”
“Oi, Harry,” Seamus called from the car. “Are you coming or not? We need to get going.”
“Er, not.”
“Good, we didn’t have room anyway. Oh, and Harry, do try to behave yourself.” Harry and Draco stood there watching as Seamus pulled into traffic, laughing as he made a U-turn to get headed in the right direction.
“Are you going to invite me in?” Draco asked when they continued to stand there.
“What? Oh, yeah,” Harry fumbled for the key so he could unlock the door. Leading the way into the flat Harry set his bag down and hung up his coat. “I can put some tea on if you’d like. Or some chocolate?”
“Tea would be fine,” Draco hung his coat by the door and wandered around looking at the decorations Harry had put up.
Harry came out of the kitchen with the tea tray and set it on the coffee table. Taking a seat on the sofa he was pleased when Draco joined him. Pouring them each a cup Harry handed Draco one while he added some lemon and cinnamon to his.
“You do know how to ruin a perfect cup of tea, don’t you,” Draco commented as he added a splash of cream to his cup.
“I’m not asking you to drink it. So tell me, where have you been that was so secluded you couldn’t even write?”
“We weren’t exactly secluded, just really busy. Greg got a tip on some Huallepen that were running wild in South America. We had to leave right away if we had any chance of catching them. As it was we chased them thorough Brazil and Peru, finally catching them in Chile. They really are magnificent creatures.”
“What was the goal in tracking and capturing them?”
“Not capture, observe and tag. We’re trying to determine if the species on a whole has adapted to the new climate or if we can bring some of them back to Europe. Greg is unsure if it’s doable, but I believe we could find a comparative environment so that we could bring them back over.”
Draco spent the next couple hours regaling Harry with tails from his trip. Harry didn’t have anything to fix for supper on hand so they went out for sushi. It was snowing as they walked back and Harry tried to catch some of the flakes on his tongue. Draco laughed at him until Harry stopped to pout. When Draco turned to look at him there were flakes caught on his eyelashes. As he stood there trying to blink them away Harry gave into temptation and pulled him in for a kiss.
They stood there kissing as the snow slowly drifted around them, not caring who might walk past. When they finally came up for air Harry rested his forehead on Draco’s as he held him close.
“I missed you,” Draco whispered, his breath ghosting over Harry’s lips.
“Harry pulled Draco in for another kiss. “Say you’ll stay at mine tonight,” he insisted between kisses. “But decide quick, it’s getting cold out here.”
Draco pulled back enough to look around and see there wasn’t anyone close to them. Wrapping his arms tighter he Apparated both of them back to Harry’s place.
“We didn’t have to go that quick, it wasn’t that far of a walk.” Harry shrugged out of his coat and took Draco’s as well. When Harry got back to the living room Draco wasn’t there, but there was a suspicious looking trail of clothing leading down the hall toward the bedroom. Harry leaned against the door jamb as he watched Draco wiggle out of his denims. “A little excited are we?”
Draco turned to look over his shoulder, “We have some lost time to make up. I didn’t see the need to wait.”
Harry made his way slowly across the room, coming to a stop in front of Draco, who was now facing him and devoid of all his clothes.
“You have too many clothes on though; we shall have to remedy that.” Pulling Harry closer by his belt loops Draco slid his hands under Harry’s jumper, proceeding to divest Harry of his clothing.
###
Harry and Draco found themselves on the roof with mugs of cocoa just before midnight. Bundled in sleep pants and jumpers they waited for the fireworks to start. Draco had suggested they stay in bed where it was warm, but Harry insisted they had to see the display.
Having finished his cocoa Harry wrapped his arms around Draco, pulling him close and resting his chin on his shoulder. From their vantage point they could see as the city came to life for the celebration.
Harry could tell Draco was starting to get impatient with the waiting; just as he was about to suggest Draco could go back inside if he wanted, they heard the tell tale whistle of a firework being set off. Just as it exploded Big Ben started to chime the hour. Though they had come up to watch the fireworks Harry couldn’t resist turning Draco in his arms and stealing a New Years kiss. Draco offered no resistance and snuggled closer to Harry as he returned the kiss.
“Happy New Year,” Harry whispered when they broke apart.
“Happy New Year,” Draco whispered back.
They watched some of the fireworks, but mostly lost themselves in each other. They remained on the roof long after the show was over until not even their warming charms could keep the cold at bay. Slowly they made their way back down to Harry’s flat and into the warmth and comfort of the bedroom.
###
Harry was in the kitchen working on breakfast when Draco strolled in and took a seat at the table. Harry brought him a cuppa, setting cream and sugar down with it and stealing a kiss before going back to work.
“Why didn’t you wake me? I could have helped.” After adding a substantial amount of sugar and a splash of cream Draco took a sip of tea. “Mmm, this tastes like heaven. Do you know how hard it is to get a good cuppa over in South America? Over there it’s all about the coffee; vile, bitter drink.”
“I do know all about that. I figured you could use the sleep, international travel always takes a lot out of me and you have been on the move and camping. I figured you needed it. Besides, there’s not enough room in here for more than one person to work at a time. And now I’m done anyways.” Bringing two plates to the table Harry sat down across from Draco.
When they were done eating Draco picked up the plates and took them to the sink to wash up. “Did you have any grand and exciting plans for today? I don’t want to keep you from anything you already had set.”
“I didn’t have any plans, though if you’re free we should go watch the parade. I usually get a good seat and then we could go to the Leaky for a late lunch. But only if you're available.”
Having finished the washing up Draco made his way back over and wormed his way between Harry and the table until he was straddling Harry’s lap. “I could probably be persuaded to attend the festivities. But first I have a surprise for you.”
“This isn’t much of a surprise, but I’ll take it anyway,” Harry said as he pulled Draco more firmly to him.
“As much as I love this idea, that’s not the surprise.” Reaching behind him Draco picked up a package that Harry hadn’t noticed. “I got you a Christmas present while I was over in South America.”
Harry opened the package to find two chocolate bars and a long tissue wrapped item. After studying the chocolates for a minute Harry set them aside to concentrate on the remaining item. Unwrapping the tissue he found an attractive woven bracelet made from leather and two kinds of beads that he’d never seen before. “The blue ones are lapis lazuli, which is native to that area, and the other ones are green agate.” Draco took the bracelet from Harry while explaining it and looped it around his wrist. “I imbued it with some general spells of protection, knowing you haven’t changed much since school and still run headlong into situations. It also has the foundation charms to become a portkey. And just as I thought, it compliments your other one nicely.”
Harry held his hand up to look at his new bracelet. It did look very nice and went well with the thin braided one he’d found in Sirius’ room when he cleaned out Grimmauld Place. It had been in a box of things from when he’d been at Hogwarts with Harry’s parents. Harry liked it and thought it would be a nice reminder of those whom he had lost, so he’d started wearing it and hadn’t taken it off since. The two bracelets complimented each other well and were a nice mix of old and new.
“Thank you,” Harry pulled Draco in for a soft, gentle kiss. “And I’m sure the chocolates will be wonderful too. Now I’ve something for you, but it’s in the other room.”
Gently setting Draco back on his feet Harry led the way into the other room. As Draco settled onto the sofa Harry went to the cupboard to retrieve the present he’d put there the other day. Coming over to sit next to Draco Harry handed him the brightly coloured present. Draco opened it to reveal a statue of a man rising from a pile of ruins and as he spread his arms they became wings. It started in shades of gray, all solemn and bleak, and became the vibrant reds and golds of a phoenix. Though he’d found it in a Muggle shop Harry had charmed it to go through the transformation.
“I know it’s not what most people would get you, but it reminded me of you. You really did a lot to overcome your involvement in the war. I didn’t know what else you might like -” Harry was cut off as Draco leaned over for a kiss.
“I like it just fine. It’s perfect in fact. But you could come closer and I’ll tell you what I’d really like.”
###
“I thought you were taking me to the parade?” Draco asked later, as they lay cuddled on the sofa.
“The parade will be there next year, I’ll take you then.” Harry pulled Draco closer to him and nuzzled his neck.
“What if I’m not here next year?”
“You will be, you kissed me back at midnight, that’s as good as a promise.” Harry leaned up on one elbow so he could look down at Draco. “Or are you planning to run off to South America again?”
“We will have to go back at some point to get some more information. I was hoping you might come with me for part of it, that is, if you can get away from the office for a couple weeks. And then of course there’s getting them settled into their new home, which could take some time.”
“You want me to come to South America with you?”
“Of course, you’d love the place. And you were telling me that Stervant thinks you should take more time off once in a while. We know where the Huallepen are now and can track them so we wouldn’t be gone as long; we weren’t supposed to be gone so long this time. Besides, you kissed me at midnight.”
“You kissed back.”
“Of course I did, there’s nothing more foretelling than a kiss shared as the New Year rings in. Perhaps we should make sure the magic took.” With that Draco wrapped his arms around Harry and pulled him back down.
Author: killerangels13
Pairing(s): Harry/Draco
Prompt: “Blue Christmas” by Elvis Presley
Word Count: ~3700
Rating: PG13
Disclaimer: Harry Potter characters are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended.
Notes: Thank you to the prompter, this fic mostly wrote itself once I started to think about it. A big warm hug thank you to L for the beta work and to the MODs for hosting such a fun fest.
Summary: When your white Christmas turns blue, there’s not much you can do but bake biscuits and hope for the best.
Harry walked along the streets of London trying not to feel so alone. Everywhere he looked there were signs of the coming holiday season. The shop windows were festooned with fairy lights and bright bobbles on display. The lampposts were decorated with evergreen wreaths and bright red bows.
This was going to be his first Christmas alone since he’d started Hogwarts. Ron and Hermione were taking little Rose to meet her grandparents in Australia. Mr. and Mrs. Weasley were going to spend some time with Charlie in Romania and Harry just didn’t feel as close to the other Weasleys. He and Ginny had tried making a go at it after the war, but it hadn’t worked out. Now she was off playing Quidditch professionally and had married Dean a few years ago.
Harry had started seeing someone over the summer, but he’d run off on a business venture at the beginning of October. Harry thought they had been getting serious, but now he wasn’t so sure. There had been one brief owl at the beginning to let him know he’d arrived safely, but nothing since.
As he wandered Harry thought about the presents he had already gotten for his friends and if there was anything else they might like. Little Rose was only seven months old and Harry couldn’t help but spoil her. There was one person he hadn’t yet gotten anything for, but wasn’t sure that he would have the opportunity to give it to them. He’d seen something the other day in one of the shops that he'd thought would be perfect, but hadn’t bought it.
Giving in to the cold that finally seeped through his coat Harry made his way to the Thai place he liked best to get some gaeng panang and po pia for supper. When he got home he turned the news on to listen to while eating. Since he’d become an Auror he’d taken to watching the evening news; sometimes reports from the Muggle world gave them leads for a case they were working on. There was nothing of note in tonight’s report so he switched it over to the sports station. Rugby wasn’t the same as watching Quidditch, but it was better than all those sappy holiday movies the other stations were playing. Eventually Harry just turned the telly off and went to bed, hoping the next day would be better.
###
Harry was startled awake by an urgent Tap Tap Tap at his window. Groping for his glasses he stumbled over and was met by a blast of cold air which carried a small snow flurry into his room. The owl that had been tapping lit upon the perch on the dresser and held out its leg. After Harry had retrieved the scroll it tucked its head under its wing to nap.
After a quick glance at the note Harry was fully awake and quickly dressed. One of their cases had just had a break and he needed to get in the field before the leads went cold. It took two jumps, but Harry finally met the rest of the team in the woods just outside of Blackpool. They spent four days chasing leads and suspects over the surrounding countryside. They finally managed to track them to their base and after another day of observation were able to make the arrests. When they got back to headquarters most of the minor players went into the mass holding cells while some of the major ones went into single cells. Harry grabbed a quick shower and changed into clothes from the locker room then joined Stervant for the interrogations.
That night he was able to go home for a couple of hours' sleep, but was back to work before first light the next morning. By the end of the day most of those that had been arrested were moved to short term cells to wait bail; they hadn’t known many details or what all they had been doing. Of those remaining, most were awaiting trial and a few were sent to Azkaban to await trial.
Harry decided to walk home that evening; he needed a good stretch after sitting for two days. There were more people out this evening than he’d expected, scurrying in and out of shops. With only four days until Christmas everyone was trying to get last minute shopping done. Not having paid much attention to where he was going Harry was startled to find himself in front of the curio shop where he’d first seen the statue. On a whim he went in to see if it was still there and bought it. If not for Christmas he could always hold onto it until it felt right to send it.
With his spirits lifted by that bit of spontaneous shopping, Harry bought some chestnuts from a street vendor and went in search of a greens seller. Even if he was spending Christmas by himself the flat could look a little festive. And he had four days off and decorating would be better than moping around. Maybe he’d invite some friends over for New Year.
###
Harry returned from his run just as it started snowing. He liked the idea of a white Christmas; they reminded him of Hogwarts and newness. And it was rare that London ever looked so clean and new. Putting the kettle on Harry jumped in the shower.
While his tea steeped Harry searched for a Christmas station on the wireless. Nothing accompanied biscuit baking like good classic Christmas songs. Even though he didn’t believe in Santa anymore Harry always left biscuits for the owls and elves that did help all his friends deliver presents. And you couldn’t have Christmas without biscuits. Harry was on his fourth batch when a sad bluesy song cut through his thoughts and made him stop to listen.
Decorations of red
On a green Christmas tree,
Won’t be the same dear,
If you’re not here with me.
It had been a while since Harry had had a reason to actually listen to those lyrics; usually he didn’t like that song and would block it out or change the station when it would come on. With his hands covered in dough and flour, and the wireless in the other room, he was sort of stuck listening. But this year the song spoke to him on a deeper level.
You’ll be doing alright,
With your Christmas of white,
But I’ll have a blue, blue blue blue Christmas.
Harry did hope all his friends were having a good Christmas, even if they weren’t all going to be white. When the song changed Harry pushed the melancholy thoughts away and concentrated on finishing the biscuits.
It wasn’t until later when Harry was getting ready for bed that the song drifted back through his head. He thought back on all the years that he’d spent Christmas alone at the Dursleys' or at Hogwarts, but none of those felt quite so alone. At the Dursleys' it was the one day he could usually count on being left alone so had created his own celebrations. At Hogwarts there was always a few other students around, and if not, Hagrid was always up for a visit. But since leaving school this was the first year Harry didn’t have any plans or anyone to share them with.
The way they had talked over the summer and how they were going, Harry had hoped he’d have someone to share it with, or at least be able to share owls. But Harry didn’t know where to send an owl, and hadn’t had anything since that first quick note.
Knowing things always looked better in the daylight, Harry tried to get some sleep. When he woke the sun was already well up, and looking out the window he could see the snow hadn’t stopped much and they did indeed get a white Christmas that year. Going downstairs to make cocoa Harry saw that his friends had all sent him presents even though they couldn’t be together. The stack that he had wrapped for delivery was also gone, with the exception of the statue he’d bought earlier that week. Though it wasn’t where he’d left it, so the elves either didn’t know where to take it or couldn’t take it. Trying not to think on it too much, Harry put the present in the cupboard and set about making breakfast.
The day passed pleasantly and Harry enjoyed opening all of his presents. A new jumper from Mrs. Weasley, books and chocolates from Ron and Hermione, tickets from Ginny for the next time they were in town, and an assortment of oddities and other things from the rest of his friends. By the time he went to bed that evening Harry had forgotten that he was feeling blue.
###
Getting back to work was almost a relief. Some of the trial dates had been set and the team was trying to get the evidence in order. The festiveness that goes along with Christmas was slowly fading as real life started to intrude again.
Harry had an invitation from Seamus to attend the New Years bash in Dublin with him and some friends. He hadn’t said yes exactly, but wasn’t sure he wanted to spend the evening by himself. He still hadn’t made up his mind when Seamus burst into his place mid afternoon to pick him up.
“Come on Harry. If we’re going to catch the ferry we need to get going. I don’t see your bags, are you even packed yet?”
“Just putting stuff together now, I’ll be right back.” Harry hurried away to throw a few things in a bag. Going out with Seamus and friends was at least better than staying home by himself. When he got back Seamus was on his way back out to the car so Harry grabbed his coat and followed.
“Harry!”
Harry paused in locking the door to look up the street. “Draco? What are you doing here?”
“I just got back this morning. Thought I’d come by and see if you had any plans.” Draco looked toward the curb where the car was waiting.
“I don’t, not really anyway. But, where have you been?”
“Maybe out here isn’t the best place to talk.”
“Oi, Harry,” Seamus called from the car. “Are you coming or not? We need to get going.”
“Er, not.”
“Good, we didn’t have room anyway. Oh, and Harry, do try to behave yourself.” Harry and Draco stood there watching as Seamus pulled into traffic, laughing as he made a U-turn to get headed in the right direction.
“Are you going to invite me in?” Draco asked when they continued to stand there.
“What? Oh, yeah,” Harry fumbled for the key so he could unlock the door. Leading the way into the flat Harry set his bag down and hung up his coat. “I can put some tea on if you’d like. Or some chocolate?”
“Tea would be fine,” Draco hung his coat by the door and wandered around looking at the decorations Harry had put up.
Harry came out of the kitchen with the tea tray and set it on the coffee table. Taking a seat on the sofa he was pleased when Draco joined him. Pouring them each a cup Harry handed Draco one while he added some lemon and cinnamon to his.
“You do know how to ruin a perfect cup of tea, don’t you,” Draco commented as he added a splash of cream to his cup.
“I’m not asking you to drink it. So tell me, where have you been that was so secluded you couldn’t even write?”
“We weren’t exactly secluded, just really busy. Greg got a tip on some Huallepen that were running wild in South America. We had to leave right away if we had any chance of catching them. As it was we chased them thorough Brazil and Peru, finally catching them in Chile. They really are magnificent creatures.”
“What was the goal in tracking and capturing them?”
“Not capture, observe and tag. We’re trying to determine if the species on a whole has adapted to the new climate or if we can bring some of them back to Europe. Greg is unsure if it’s doable, but I believe we could find a comparative environment so that we could bring them back over.”
Draco spent the next couple hours regaling Harry with tails from his trip. Harry didn’t have anything to fix for supper on hand so they went out for sushi. It was snowing as they walked back and Harry tried to catch some of the flakes on his tongue. Draco laughed at him until Harry stopped to pout. When Draco turned to look at him there were flakes caught on his eyelashes. As he stood there trying to blink them away Harry gave into temptation and pulled him in for a kiss.
They stood there kissing as the snow slowly drifted around them, not caring who might walk past. When they finally came up for air Harry rested his forehead on Draco’s as he held him close.
“I missed you,” Draco whispered, his breath ghosting over Harry’s lips.
“Harry pulled Draco in for another kiss. “Say you’ll stay at mine tonight,” he insisted between kisses. “But decide quick, it’s getting cold out here.”
Draco pulled back enough to look around and see there wasn’t anyone close to them. Wrapping his arms tighter he Apparated both of them back to Harry’s place.
“We didn’t have to go that quick, it wasn’t that far of a walk.” Harry shrugged out of his coat and took Draco’s as well. When Harry got back to the living room Draco wasn’t there, but there was a suspicious looking trail of clothing leading down the hall toward the bedroom. Harry leaned against the door jamb as he watched Draco wiggle out of his denims. “A little excited are we?”
Draco turned to look over his shoulder, “We have some lost time to make up. I didn’t see the need to wait.”
Harry made his way slowly across the room, coming to a stop in front of Draco, who was now facing him and devoid of all his clothes.
“You have too many clothes on though; we shall have to remedy that.” Pulling Harry closer by his belt loops Draco slid his hands under Harry’s jumper, proceeding to divest Harry of his clothing.
###
Harry and Draco found themselves on the roof with mugs of cocoa just before midnight. Bundled in sleep pants and jumpers they waited for the fireworks to start. Draco had suggested they stay in bed where it was warm, but Harry insisted they had to see the display.
Having finished his cocoa Harry wrapped his arms around Draco, pulling him close and resting his chin on his shoulder. From their vantage point they could see as the city came to life for the celebration.
Harry could tell Draco was starting to get impatient with the waiting; just as he was about to suggest Draco could go back inside if he wanted, they heard the tell tale whistle of a firework being set off. Just as it exploded Big Ben started to chime the hour. Though they had come up to watch the fireworks Harry couldn’t resist turning Draco in his arms and stealing a New Years kiss. Draco offered no resistance and snuggled closer to Harry as he returned the kiss.
“Happy New Year,” Harry whispered when they broke apart.
“Happy New Year,” Draco whispered back.
They watched some of the fireworks, but mostly lost themselves in each other. They remained on the roof long after the show was over until not even their warming charms could keep the cold at bay. Slowly they made their way back down to Harry’s flat and into the warmth and comfort of the bedroom.
###
Harry was in the kitchen working on breakfast when Draco strolled in and took a seat at the table. Harry brought him a cuppa, setting cream and sugar down with it and stealing a kiss before going back to work.
“Why didn’t you wake me? I could have helped.” After adding a substantial amount of sugar and a splash of cream Draco took a sip of tea. “Mmm, this tastes like heaven. Do you know how hard it is to get a good cuppa over in South America? Over there it’s all about the coffee; vile, bitter drink.”
“I do know all about that. I figured you could use the sleep, international travel always takes a lot out of me and you have been on the move and camping. I figured you needed it. Besides, there’s not enough room in here for more than one person to work at a time. And now I’m done anyways.” Bringing two plates to the table Harry sat down across from Draco.
When they were done eating Draco picked up the plates and took them to the sink to wash up. “Did you have any grand and exciting plans for today? I don’t want to keep you from anything you already had set.”
“I didn’t have any plans, though if you’re free we should go watch the parade. I usually get a good seat and then we could go to the Leaky for a late lunch. But only if you're available.”
Having finished the washing up Draco made his way back over and wormed his way between Harry and the table until he was straddling Harry’s lap. “I could probably be persuaded to attend the festivities. But first I have a surprise for you.”
“This isn’t much of a surprise, but I’ll take it anyway,” Harry said as he pulled Draco more firmly to him.
“As much as I love this idea, that’s not the surprise.” Reaching behind him Draco picked up a package that Harry hadn’t noticed. “I got you a Christmas present while I was over in South America.”
Harry opened the package to find two chocolate bars and a long tissue wrapped item. After studying the chocolates for a minute Harry set them aside to concentrate on the remaining item. Unwrapping the tissue he found an attractive woven bracelet made from leather and two kinds of beads that he’d never seen before. “The blue ones are lapis lazuli, which is native to that area, and the other ones are green agate.” Draco took the bracelet from Harry while explaining it and looped it around his wrist. “I imbued it with some general spells of protection, knowing you haven’t changed much since school and still run headlong into situations. It also has the foundation charms to become a portkey. And just as I thought, it compliments your other one nicely.”
Harry held his hand up to look at his new bracelet. It did look very nice and went well with the thin braided one he’d found in Sirius’ room when he cleaned out Grimmauld Place. It had been in a box of things from when he’d been at Hogwarts with Harry’s parents. Harry liked it and thought it would be a nice reminder of those whom he had lost, so he’d started wearing it and hadn’t taken it off since. The two bracelets complimented each other well and were a nice mix of old and new.
“Thank you,” Harry pulled Draco in for a soft, gentle kiss. “And I’m sure the chocolates will be wonderful too. Now I’ve something for you, but it’s in the other room.”
Gently setting Draco back on his feet Harry led the way into the other room. As Draco settled onto the sofa Harry went to the cupboard to retrieve the present he’d put there the other day. Coming over to sit next to Draco Harry handed him the brightly coloured present. Draco opened it to reveal a statue of a man rising from a pile of ruins and as he spread his arms they became wings. It started in shades of gray, all solemn and bleak, and became the vibrant reds and golds of a phoenix. Though he’d found it in a Muggle shop Harry had charmed it to go through the transformation.
“I know it’s not what most people would get you, but it reminded me of you. You really did a lot to overcome your involvement in the war. I didn’t know what else you might like -” Harry was cut off as Draco leaned over for a kiss.
“I like it just fine. It’s perfect in fact. But you could come closer and I’ll tell you what I’d really like.”
###
“I thought you were taking me to the parade?” Draco asked later, as they lay cuddled on the sofa.
“The parade will be there next year, I’ll take you then.” Harry pulled Draco closer to him and nuzzled his neck.
“What if I’m not here next year?”
“You will be, you kissed me back at midnight, that’s as good as a promise.” Harry leaned up on one elbow so he could look down at Draco. “Or are you planning to run off to South America again?”
“We will have to go back at some point to get some more information. I was hoping you might come with me for part of it, that is, if you can get away from the office for a couple weeks. And then of course there’s getting them settled into their new home, which could take some time.”
“You want me to come to South America with you?”
“Of course, you’d love the place. And you were telling me that Stervant thinks you should take more time off once in a while. We know where the Huallepen are now and can track them so we wouldn’t be gone as long; we weren’t supposed to be gone so long this time. Besides, you kissed me at midnight.”
“You kissed back.”
“Of course I did, there’s nothing more foretelling than a kiss shared as the New Year rings in. Perhaps we should make sure the magic took.” With that Draco wrapped his arms around Harry and pulled him back down.