Abandoned But Happy

Chapter 11

Harry adjusted his dress robes and looked at himself in the mirror. His hair was perfectly styled and he wore contacts that day. He was wearing his favorite dress robes, the same ones he wore to first meet Draco.

"I still don't see why I can't go," Reyna hissed grumpily.

"It's the rules, Rey," Harry responded with a chuckle.

Without waiting for his familiar's response, Harry swept out the door and down to where the ball was taking place. When he entered the room, everyone stopped and stared at him, wondering who he was and where a child learned such grace and elegance. His robes were a vastly different fashion than everyone else's which only added to the attention.

He scanned the room until he found his friend group. They were all sitting together at a table with a seat saved for him beside Draco. He strode over and sat down before examining each of his friends.

The twins wore matching robes of red and gold, which had clearly been bought by someone else, as they were highly expensive looking. Harry knew it was Alex and smiled. His brother was such a good friend.

Alex himself was wearing the Potter colors: silver and red. His robes were also high-end fashion and were clearly tailored for him.

Neville was wearing dark blue robes with lighter blue detailing. He looked confident, for once, and smiled widely at Harry as he sat down.

Draco was wearing dark blue and silver, the Malfoy colors. He looked gorgeous and Harry's mind froze for a moment. His hair was gelled back and his molten silver eyes shone with happiness as he chatted with Blaise.

Blaise was also wearing nice robes. His were pure black and suited him nicely. From what Harry could tell, he and Draco were talking about quidditch, a sport that held no interest for Harry.

Theo was wearing dress robes, but they were slightly too small for him and were obviously not new. He looked out of place among the group because of it, but his expression of joy showed he didn't care.

Finally, his eyes landed on Hermione. She was wearing a gorgeous gown that flowed to her ankles. It was a pale pink and had draping sleeves that covered her hands. She wore diamond jewelry and her hair was pulled back in a sleek bun. She looked like a princess.

Harry immediately engaged into conversation with Theo, looking him over for injuries discretely. They talked about the properties of wards and Harry had to hide a frown when he noticed Theo had several bruises.

Throughout the ball, the boys took turns asking Hermione to dance, and Hermione gladly accepted. Harry danced with Draco mostly, but gave Hermione one dance. Harry was glad to see her enjoying herself.

It was about an hour into the ball when Harry saw a girl his age sitting alone in a corner. He recognized her as Daphne Greengrass, the one he planned to help be Queen. Kissing Draco on the cheek, he walked over to her and sat down.

"So, do you always sit out?" he asked casually.

Daphne turned her icy stare on him. "No," she bit out. "Usually, Draco or Blaise will dance with me, but Draco is always too caught up in you and Blaise is dancing with Granger again."

Harry sighed. "Draco's my bonded," he said softly, watching as realization dawned in her eyes. "Hermione has never had friends or been to a Yule Ball before. We're trying to make this the best we can for her, but it's not right that you suffer for it. So, Miss Greengrass, would you care to join us?"

Daphne sighed but nodded and followed Harry over to their table, sitting down beside Theo. She greeted them all politely and was almost immediately asked to dance by Alex. Smiling, she allowed him to lead her to the dance floor.

"You all are staying the night, right?" Harry asked the group.

Everyone nodded and Draco grinned. "Perfect!"

The ball passed quickly after that, with lots of laughing and talking together. Daphne was quickly included in their friend group and they promised she could bring her friend Tracey in as well.

After the ball was over, Daphne returned home while the rest of the friends went up to Draco's room, where they were planning to exchange gifts.

Harry was delighted with his presents. From Hermione, he got a set of books on French Law. From Alex, he received a cookbook with wizarding recipes. From Neville, he received seeds for some vegetables and spices. From the twins, he got a bunch of candies. From Theo, he got a book on metamorphmagi and their abilities. From Blaise, he received a book on parselmagic that he hadn't read yet. From Draco, he received the Malfoy Consort ring.

Everyone enjoyed his gifts too, Hermione loving hers the most. That was a relief to Harry, as he wasn't sure they would enjoy them.

The next day, after his friends had left, Harry and the Malfoys gathered together in the family room with Severus, Remus, and Sirius and exchanged more presents.

Harry's favorite gift was from Sirius, who had gifted him a permanent portkey into the Black Family Library. Everyone enjoyed the gifts from him as well which he was happy about.

After gift giving, they performed the Yule ritual. The ritual seemed to help Harry's magic settle and made him feel calm and happy. The period of bliss lasted for a week.

∆_______________∆

The Dursleys were amazed by the impressive Malfoy Manor that they were going to spend Christmas in. They had brought all their presents for Harry and Dudley had already opened his.

They walked inside and were immediately tackled in a giant group hug from Harry, who had missed them greatly.

Presents were exchanged and family reunited. It was a joyful Christmas that year and Harry wouldn't have changed it for the world.