The Alpha Dynasty (Sequel to MARKED FOR DESTINY) (Book 2 of 2)

3. Just a Cottage

A couple of hours later they had arrived at the Manor, and were greeted by everyone there.  Even Dumbledore, McGonagall and Snape had arrived to see the two men come home.  They had been gone long enough, and were adamant that they would stay and see that everyone and everything was all right.

Even their friends had come to the Manor, kissing and hugging them hello, and we can't wait to hear all about your adventures.  Draco and Harry said they would be with them in a minute, they had to drop everything off in their room first.  The others waited for them in the lounge, where Narcissa had asked the elves for some tea and sandwiches. 

After everything had been unpacked, they showered everyone with gifts that they had purchased for them in all the different countries.  

For Snape they had purchased the complete series of books on African Magical Potions.  For Dumbledore, they had given him a trinket made of pure gold, that resembled a phoenix, much like his own bird, Fawkes.  He would be able to wear it on a chain around his neck.

For Mcgonagall, they purchased a cashmere blanket, that bore the face of a snowy white cat who was sitting and reading the newspaper.  It was charmed that when the paper had been read, the cat would go to sleep.  She smiled at their ingenuity.

For Lucius Malfoy, they had a robe specifically made for him.  Out of the finest cotton, it was a dark grey, with the stitching done in a bright silver.  The emblem on the left breast was a large M, and was also charmed to be worn in the summer and the winter alike. 

For Narcissa, they bought a bag of seeds.  The different types of roses and flowers that she would be able to grow in her garden at the Manor, had many colors and fragrances that she would be able to enjoy to her heart's content.  This bag would never empty, said Draco with pride.

For their friends, Pansy, Blaise, Hermoine and Ron, they bought something more personal.  Hermoine received the latest Arithmancy books that she kept saying she couldn't afford herself.  Ron was given new Quidditch gloves and a broom.  Blaise was given a brand new leather jacket in the disgusting color of bright pink, because he loved the color, and Pansy was given a pair of gold earrings.  A cross that beared just one diamond in the center.  

After the many thank yous, they all sat down and asked how their trip had gone.  Harry looked at Draco, bit his bottom lip and said to his husband.  [You start] to which Draco replied by raising one brow and answered him loudly, "Of course I will Harry, I'm better at it", and his husband just laughed.  They didn't know what Harry had said to him, but loved the sound of laughter, that had been missing from the Manor recently.

"Harry and I went to visit all the magical schools around the world.  It was uh.....it was riveting as well as mind blowing.  When we were in Europe, Harry went animal and blew apart a building that he didn't like.  You never did tell me the reason Harry", he asked turning to his lover.

Harry remembered all too well the feeling of repulsion at seeing the sign.  First hearing about it from Xenophilius Lovegood all those years ago, then actually holding them all in his hands, and finally coming to terms with and embracing the fact that they had never meant to be items for good.  All people had wanted, all people would ever want, was power, and he hated it.  And so had destroyed any evidence that pointed to them.  And he would continue to do so.

"When we were visiting Durmstrang, we took a walk around the property and came across a derelict building.  Above the doorway there was a sign.  It was the sign of the Deathly Hallows.  And so just thinking that I should eviscerate the building, I did.  It blew up around us, but don't worry, Draco didn't get hurt", he said.  They all looked shocked at his news, so he went on.

"I did it because the Hallows are evil, and they were never meant to exist together.  The invisibility cloak perhaps is the only one that should be coveted, but the Elder wand and the Resurrection stone should never have been made", he said with tears in his eyes. 

They were all nodding their agreement, and when Draco squeezed his hand, he smiled and nodded at him to carry on telling the story of their honeymoon.  Which Draco did with vigor, he might add.  Hearing his soothing voice was so calming to Harry, that he wasn't even aware that he was growling (purring) just from the sound of it.  When Draco stopped talking, Harry realized what he was doing and apologized.

Draco laughed and said there was no need.  "You're such a sap Harry Potter", he said, kissing him on the cheek.  Harry actually blushed at those words, and shook his head as if to say, stop it you!

On the way home, he and Draco had talked about moving out of the Manor and finding their own place.  Not that they needed to, but the want to have something of their own, that they had chosen together was very strong.  They decided that they would discuss it when they got back home, and knew that their talk was going to be met with frowns.  Narcissa especially didn't want them to leave, and they knew this, but they would cross that bridge when they got there.

"Harry and I have something to tell you all", said Draco with a shaky voice.  This probably wasn't the right time to tell them, but hey, the sooner the better he thought.  Without thinking, he took hold of Harry's hand and moved into his arms.  Being held by his lover was without a doubt that best feeling in the world.  Draco looked up into Harry's emerald orbs, and smiled when his husband spoke to him.

[We will only do it if we have their blessing.  I don't want to break any hearts] said Harry.  Draco rolled his eyes at the sappiness of Harry.  [Of course] he replied.

The exchange was witnessed by everyone, and Narcissa thought or rather felt that what they were going to tell them was not going to be pretty.  She took a deep breath and waited for them to speak.  

"We were wondering if you would be all right with us moving out of the Manor.  Getting our own place", said Draco softly.  Harry bit his bottom lip, because he could feel emotions coming from all of them.  The sadness of Narcissa.  The doubt from Lucius.  The pride from Dumbledore.  The confusion from Severus.  The wonder from Mcgonagall.  He could feel everything.  Which in turn made Draco feel everything, and so started getting tears in his eyes.

"Oh mother, we would always come and visit.  In fact you would probably have to throw us out on most days", he said.

"But then why do you want to leave.  We thought you were happy here", she replied.

"We are happy Narcissa", said Harry, helping his husband with words that he himself could not speak.  "I just thought that if we had our own cottage, then on some days we could go there, or if you and Lucius felt the need for escape, you could go there", he said kindly.  "I don't want to feel like we are imposing", he said with finality.

"It's not that we want to move out, but in the same breath, if the time comes, we should at least consider it and be prepared for it", he said.

She nodded and said all right.  "But not yet?".

Harry shook his head and said, "No, not yet".  She smiled at those words, hoping that the boys would never want to leave the Manor.  Never want to leave her.

"Just a cottage Potter?", huffed Draco, which made everyone in the room laugh.