Home To You (a Draco Malfoy Love Story)

Christmas at Malfoy Manor - Part 1

After Mel's birthday, the couple had been inseparable. Studying during the day with friends, spending long nights in the Room of Requirement. The pieces were falling into place for Draco. Even if it was just a fantasy, he liked to imagine what his life could be like, with Mel. Married, living together - he could be a Potions Master - and then maybe, a teacher? Spending time with friends. Having children who felt loved. He liked to pretend that was what was in front of him. The darkness that was always around him was placated - for now. Until he thought about the Christmas holidays. Three weeks at home with his parents - and no Mel. It was putting a serious damper on his mood.

"What's on your mind?" Mel asked, as they lay in bed together, running her fingers through his hair. He groaned.

"Honestly? My parents," he said. "I'm not looking forward to spending this much time with them." Mel laughed.

"I'm sure you can make it three weeks. You did make it 11 years," she pointed out. She had plans to spend the break with the Weasley's. But the thought of another lonely holiday - when his depression swelled and spiraled - was becoming too much to bear.

"Mel..." he started, "would you ever consider coming home with me for the holidays?" She looked surprised.

"With your parents? Who hate me? And your father, who's a Death Eater?" she asked, with a small smile.

"They don't hate you, they just haven't gotten to know you!" Draco said. "It could be great. I have a whole wing of the house to myself - we can stay together every night. And the grounds are huge - we'll rarely have to see my parents. We all prefer to avoid one another, if we can these days. We can do all of the Christmas traditions you've told me about," he said, warming up to the idea.

"Maybe..." she said, sounding unconvinced.

"It would really mean a lot to me. Christmas is hard for me. Everyone is just happy and I'm... not. I know Christmas means a lot to you too."

"Yeah, why not?" Mel said, grabbing his hand and giving it a quick kiss. "For you, Draco Malfoy, I will go stay in a Death Eater's home for Christmas. But you owe me one." His heart swelled.

"Are you serious? God, I love you. I'll write them tomorrow - not asking, telling them you're coming home with me. Otherwise, I'm staying here. Now, get over here," he said, pulling her into him as she giggled.

The next morning, Draco did as he promised. He wrote his parents:

'Mother and Father - Wanted to let you know that I will be bringing Melanie home with me for the first part of the Christmas holidays. She'll leave before the New Year's party, so no one needs to know she's even there. We'll arrive at King's Cross on the 17th. - Draco'

A note arrived promptly the next morning. 'We'll send a car.'

The afternoon they planned to leave, Draco donned his black peacoat and Slytherin scarf. He couldn't deny the nerves he felt over bringing Mel to his home. He knew it was a selfish decision - he couldn't imagine his parents being kind to her. But he also didn't want to spend the time apart. He needed her. He met her at the front entrance - she was already there, of course. Together, they boarded one of the carriages on the Hogwarts Express and sat with a few of the Slytherins.

"Malfoy Manor, huh Mel? You really are a Gryffindor - stupidly brave," said Blaise. "I'm not sure Lucius and Narcissa are going to be warm and fuzzy - especially when they see that around your neck," he said, gesturing to the necklace. "You know they're going to lose it when they see that, Draco."

"I'm aware Blaise, yes. But honestly, that makes it a little bit better," he said, not looking up. "Mel, it will be fine. We can avoid them for most of the time." She nodded, but looked nervous.