Cicatrices- Marks That Remain

Abomination

I'M BACKKKKKK

Howdy folks!! :) How are you all? I have you a chapter!! And It's an interesting one at that, at least, in my opinion.

CW for the church being mean to Draco in a way that I think we are all expecting...

Let me know what you all think! And, as always...

Enjoy!

Draco and Harry entered the busy and bustling church, Draco with a tray of sliced rum cake in his hands, and Harry just... being Harry. Draco has found that all the things that used to annoy him about Harry- his glasses, his hair, the way he walks and stands- they are all rather endearing as of late. Especially as of late.

"So... what's special about today's service, again?"

"We're currently in Advent," Draco responded. "We have been in Advent. The last few services have been, er, more special... It's just for the holidays.

"Well, yes I do know what Advent is. I've heard of it. I've just never had it explained. So I don't understand why it's so important, only that it's to do with Christmas."

Draco approached the dessert table, putting his tray down beside a pitcher of water. "According to Maggie- I'm sure you remember her. She also brings sweets every week- today is about Joy."

Today was, in fact, about joy. Though there was a substitute for Father Swain. He must be down with a cold, Draco thinks. It had happened a time or two before, so it wasn't all too unfamiliar for Draco, and it certainly didn't stop the service from being exactly what he felt he needed.

"The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad."

Draco once again noticed Harry making a concerted effort to participate. Draco's heart squeezed a bit as he watched Harry stand and sit and flip through bible pages, always a beat behind. He knew that Harry was doing this for him, and it made his stomach do funny things. Tentatively, Draco reached out to hold Harry's hand. To show his gratitude. He didn't miss Harry's blush at that.

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."

Throughout the mass, Draco could feel the atmosphere liven with each passing moment. He could feel himself becoming lighter, in a sense.

"Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ."

With every note of the church choir and every chord of the organ, he could feel himself breathing easier, feel his problems fading into the background. Today was good. It felt good.

As the service ended and people began to make their way to the weekly snacks and sweets, Draco found himself becoming nervous. His hand was still joined with Harry's, and the mass had thankfully prevented him from actively acknowledging it as they both had other things to focus on. Now, however...

"Your hands are always so cold," Harry chuckled softly. It was Draco's turn to blush. The pews continued to clear out.

"I think it's because I'm thin," he said rather dumbly. And when has his eloquence ever left him over something so silly as a hand?

He caught a glimpse of the substitute walking to join the rest at the food table. "Perhaps we should grab a bite, now," he suggested. He and Harry stood.

"Alright."

Just then, he saw a couple more eyes on them. He let go of Harry's hand, feeling very suddenly nervous. He straightened his tie. "Let's see what other sweets there are besides mine."