The Tattoo {drarry}

Happy Christmas, Part I

The old Hogwarts crew had decided to get together for the holiday season. While Harry was nervous about how his friends may feel about the new...addition on his arm, he tried to reassure himself it would be okay.

The night before, he was half tempted to just bandage it, wear a long-sleeved jumper, and call it done. He didn't see the group that much anymore anyways, right? He could probably go for forever without them finding out.

He discussed his idea with Draco over coffee the next morning.

He nodded his head. "Honestly, it's up to you. Hiding something like that isn't fun. Trust me, I would know. But, they are your friends, and I think at the very least Hermione will be understanding. Ron? I'm not so sure."

Harry knew Draco was right. This had the possibility to go very wrong. Harry decided that maybe, if he explained the tattoo, before showing them, that they would be more accepting of it.

Harry put on his H sweater which Mrs. Weasley had given him last year, couldn't hurt, right?

Draco began cooking the meal for the group, it had become a hobby of his recently. Even when Harry pointed out it would be much easier to simply use magic, Draco shook his head.

"Now that I've gotten the basics down, it's actually enjoyable for me," Draco replied, clad in his emerald green sweater and black trousers. In a way, the two made for a very festive color, one in red, and the other in green. It was the simple things like this that made Harry happy nowadays.

Finally, Ron and Hermione arrived, dressed in their respective R and H sweaters, and carrying multiple gifts. Hermione instantly enveloped Harry in a hug, and without a second thought, hugged Draco as well.

"Happy Christmas you two." She said cheerfully.

Maybe this wouldn't be as bad as Harry thought?

Ron followed Hermione, shaking Harry's hand.

"Good to see you mate," He said. Ron hesitated a second, and then extended a hand to Draco as well.

"Malfoy," he said with a polite nod.

Harry knew he wasn't the only one nervous for this encounter. Only Hermione had visited their home before. When Ron had first found out, he was furious, and refused to talk to Harry for at least a month. However, recently Ron and Harry had been exchanging letters, beginning to repair the friendship that had once appeared to be broken.

The four stood awkwardly in the doorway for a moment, before Harry realized he should say something.

"Here, come on in," he said. "Let me give you a short tour. Draco, do you think you can handle the food in the meantime."

Draco let out a short laugh.

"You know I've gotten better," he replied. "I'll be just fine."

Harry took the two on a route throughout the house, showing them their small, but homey, flat.

"I really like what you both have done with the place," Hermione said as they walked throughout the house.

"Thank you," Harry replied. "Although, I have to admit, it was more Draco's doing than my own."

"Well, he's done an amazing job then."

"Listen," Harry started. "I really want to thank the both of you for coming. I know the situation was quite...different, but I appreciate the both of you---"

"Harry, stop," Hermione cut him off. "You don't need to thank us. I know it was a shock to us, and it took Ron a little bit to come around, but we love you Harry. I'm happy you're happy."

She gave him another hug.

"Right, Ronald?" she said, turning to Ron, who had remained pretty quiet throughout the tour.

"Right," Ron said, nodding in agreement.

"Thanks, you guys," Harry said, a warmth in his smile. Even the minimal response of agreement from Ron made Harry feel a little more calm. "Let's head back downstairs and hope that Draco hasn't burned down the kitchen yet."

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Hello Hello Hello! I'm back! I've been busy with college, but have started coming back to some of my stories. As a journalism major, it's nice to come back to write fiction every once in a while. Thank you all for your continued interest and support of this story, it means a lot! 

ps. I couldn't go long without including the golden trio in here. Plus, it's been snowing on campus, and it's already getting me into the holiday spirit!