The Boy Who Was Given Up

Chapter Thirty-Four: Christmas Special

In a room illuminated by the warm glow of the fireplace, a very happy family sat together. Not all by blood but all by heart.

Every face glowed with the biggest, brightest smiles.

Every body adorned the boldest of Christmas sweaters. From dragons in Santa hats to potions bubbling with candy canes, everyone looked jolly.

It was pure joy.

It was Christmas.

Laughter filled the air as gifts were handed around, wrapping the room in festive cheer.

Two faces shone brighter than the rest.

Draco and Harry, hand in hand, simply glowing. In every possible way.

Pictures were being snapped of the couple, but they did not notice. Their hearts were far too full of love to care.

Everything about this moment was perfect.

Perfect was the only word to describe it.

The picture blurred, faded, and dissolved until Harry woke up in his room at Malfoy Manor.

It had been a few weeks since his adventure in the Amazon with Snape, and it had been amazing.

Harry had returned with a glowing tan and an even brighter personality. He practically floated wherever he went.

He shifted slightly and felt an arm wrapped around his chest. Draco lay next to him, warm and peaceful.

Harry smiled down at his mate, grateful beyond words that Draco was his.

Then he heard a click from across the room.

He looked up to see Petunia, camera in hand, a mischievous grin stretching across her face.

"Mom," Harry groaned.

"Gotta have some photos for the wedding," she replied with a laugh.

Harry rolled his eyes.

"Wake Draco up. Breakfast is ready and I am sure his parents would like to know why I found him here in your bed rather than his own," Petunia added, smirking.

"No, Mom. I like him sleeping here. Please do not make him go back to his room," Harry pleaded.

"Hmmm. Give me one good reason why," Petunia countered.

"I had a good dream last night. No torture, no death. It was pleasant. I haven't even had a nightmare since he has been staying with me," Harry exclaimed.

Petunia smiled weakly. "Well, that is brilliant, Harry."

Harry beamed sheepishly back at her.

"Ugh, fine. I will still tell them I found you here. They know he is not staying in his room anymore. I will suggest this arrangement," Petunia stated.

Harry's face lit up. "Thanks, Mom."

Her smile softened until reality struck. She fixed Harry with a serious gaze.

"But no funny business, Mr."

Harry nodded frantically, hands raised in surrender. "I was not even thinking like that."

Petunia's expression softened again. "I know. Now go meet us in the dining room in five minutes. Even Dudley is up before you two." With that, she smirked and strode off down the corridor.

Harry looked down at Draco again and smiled.

He leaned close and pressed a gentle kiss to Draco's forehead. Slowly, Draco's eyes fluttered open.

"Hey," Draco mumbled.

"Hey there," Harry replied, smiling.

"What has got you so happy this early?" Draco asked sleepily.

"You," Harry said with a grin. "And besides, it is not that early. It is only 8:30, and Mom came in before."

Draco's eyes shot open. "She saw me in here?"

"Yes, but calm down, love. I convinced her to speak to your parents and allow us to stay in the same room so you do not have to sneak in," Harry explained.

"How did you manage that?" Draco asked curiously.

"The truth," Harry said simply.

"And that is?"

"That since you have been staying here, I haven't had any nightmares and last night I had the best dream ever," Harry replied, smiling.

"Oh really? What was it?" Draco asked, his own grin spreading wide.

"I will tell you later, but we need to be down for breakfast. Everyone is waiting," Harry said, smirking at Draco's pout.

Reluctantly, Draco rose and trudged back to his room to get ready.

By the time the two boys reached the dining room, everyone had already started eating.

"Took you guys long enough," Dudley commented, eyes widening at their entrance.

"Yeah, sorry. This lazy one would not get out of bed," Harry chuckled as Draco slapped his arm.

"Yes, speaking of beds, Petunia tells me you are both staying in the same one," Narcissa said, smirking across the table.

Draco turned a deep shade of pink, but Harry sat confidently, shoulders back, ready for this conversation.

"Yes, and I will tell you the same thing I told Mom. Since Draco has been staying with me, I have not had any bad dreams. In fact, last night I had the best dream I think I have ever had," Harry stated happily.

Everyone was surprised by Harry's confidence, all waiting to see him squirm.

"And I do not suppose you would tell us this dream of yours?" Narcissa asked, trying to hold back her smile.

"I would be delighted. You were all in it, in fact, and it was Christmas," Harry began, recounting every detail word for word. By the end, smiles were on every face.

"Well, that truly is a happy dream," Narcissa mused.