Toppers Wallow

On Monday, when Draco went to the Manor, Lavender reported a slight improvement in Narcissa’s health, saying that what she most needed was undisturbed rest. Draco Apparated back to the cottage before the Blakes went to Grimmauld Place and flooed to the ministry building. Almost at once, after they were seated alongside their friends in the stranger’s gallery, the session began.



Minister Weasley was sworn in with due ceremony.



“Fellows of the Wizengamot, thank you for renewing your confidence in me. I will endeavour to carry out my office for the wellbeing of all. I have, in my first speech to you, a sad report to make, that of the death of fifteen of our Fellows. No matter what their politics they were still Fellows of this august assemblage, so it is fitting that we should stand in silence for their departing.”



There were various derogatory comments, but the Fellows rose and stood in silence.



“Thank you for that solemn remembrance. Now to the next piece of business. With so many Fellows no longer available to us we are in danger of becoming inquorate. Many of you will remember what happened during the goblin wars and how difficult it was to remake our assembly. For those who cannot remember, I suggest you consult with the honourable Professor Binns at Hogwarts, I am quite sure he would love to regale you on the intricacies. Many of us remember his long lessons very well.”



A chuckle ran round the assembly.



“I suggest, therefore that we create some new Fellows this very day whilst we are still quorate, just. I look for propositions from the floor.



“I propose Harry James Potter, Lord Blake; defeater of he-who-was-evil.”



“Seconded.”



“All in favour?”



“Carried nem-con.”



In quick succession, Draco, Hermione and Ron became Fellows. It was obvious that this had been prepared in advance, because the quartet were invested in Malkin made caps and gowns that fitted perfectly.



Each of them made a short acceptance speech. Harry’s was the equivalent of a spluttered thank you and Ron’s not much better. Hermione managed a reference to the rights of other races. Draco, being last, had had time to think things through, and being a Malfoy had the in-built poise to make a coherent speech. After a flowery and obsequious thanking the assembly for the honour he continued:



“My Fellow, Miss Granger, in her acceptance speech, touched on a subject dear to all our hearts, that of the other sentient beings. It would behove this assemblage to act in accordance with its own edicts and set an example to the whole magical world. In the light of this I would propose that we honour the elfin fraternity by electing one from among them one who has proven himself worthy. Many of you will remember the battle of Hogwarts and the leader of the elfin army who proved himself during the fighting. I therefore propose Elder Kreacher as a fit candidate to be considered.”



During the silence that followed Hermione rose and seconded Draco’s proposal.



The hands that first rose in support were those of the new Fellows and the Minister, a ripple of raised hands flowed out from both sources until another nem-con decision was made.



“Fellow members, we seem to have left out others who would help to complete our unity; those of the goblin community. I have two candidates to propose, that is if it is allowed.” Harry looked at Father Weasley, who nodded. “The first is a pillar of that goblin establishment who serves us all so well, Gringott’s. He also is a governor of Hogwarts, namely Mr Griphook Grumbleweed. The second is one who has suffered much at the hands of the recently defeated evil one, having had his entire family killed by Death Eaters. One would think he might be embittered, not so, he strives to make your sons and daughters better and more caring people by teaching at Hogwarts. I have come to greatly rely on his sage advice. He is Hamish Holderness. What say you?”



It was Justin’s father who rose to second Harry’s proposals. Having grasped the nettle of other race representation the Wizengamot wasted no time in adopting two new Fellows. Following that a delegation was voted to ask the centaurs to put forward a representative, and a further two witches were voted in.



“Fellows of the Wizengamot, the family and property of one of our new Fellows has been put in jeopardy by the actions of the so called Master. I propose we rectify this mistake immediately.” It was Amelia Bones who spoke. “The personage of Lucius Malfoy, masquerading as the Master, has forfeited all his property under our laws by assassinating the former minister. This will disinherit his heir who, despite earlier juvenile failings, has fought valiantly on the side of the light, suffering horrible tortures in our cause. I propose that this property, once purified of dark magic, should be restored to the heir intact, so that one of our previously great families may resume its walk in the light and continue to be an example of leadership for us to emulate.”



The greatest majority understood and voted in favour of Draco taking charge of all the Malfoy estates and appurtenances.



Various procedural items followed, including trial dates for the recently arrested people accused of being Death Eaters. The final act was the enrobing of the five newest candidates, as they had all responded to the Wizengamot’s call promptly.



After Arthur had presented is credentials to a surprised Muggle Prime Minister an impromptu party took place at Magnet Cottage. Including the whole Weasley clan, the Grumbleweed family, Winky and Kreacher and all the new Fellows. The Granger parents were included too, being side-alonged from the Potteries a day earlier than had been planned. They were allotted one of the double rooms upstairs. It took some more persuading for Molly to stay in the other one, but the nearness of London through the new portal settled it, being easier for her husband to access his Ministerial office.



On Tuesday Narcissa was well enough to be moved to the single room at Magnet Cottage, away from the rumpus of Aurors decontaminating the Manor of its evil hexes and dark magic. She complained to Draco that she had not yet been introduced properly his partner and so for a short interval both Blakes sat in her room to bring her up to speed. They also did some surreptitious energy transfer, a new charm that Hermione had invented; so by Wednesday evening Narcissa was well enough to come down to dinner.



“What did you do to her?” Poppy muttered to the two lovers. “She shouldn’t have recovered so quickly.”



After they had explained the process, they were persuaded to go and see Blaise to pass on some added energy to him. Mind you, the Blakes ate mountains of chocolate to rectify their own energy levels; three elves were helped in the same way, as well.



§§§§§



The Dursleys moved into their house on Wednesday planning a small family blessing in the afternoon. Unfortunately, the whisper went round and nearly two hundred beings turned up. Draco and Harry quietly boosted Auntie when she appeared to be becoming too overcome.



“What did you two do?” accused Vernon with a smile on his face, after the ceremony. “She’s sprightlier than a rabbit in spring.”



“We can boost people by transferring energy, so now you owe us two big boxes of chocolates, so we can replace it.” Draco replied lightly.



“Just a minute; will these do? I’ll go to the chocolatiers in London tomorrow and replace them, they were for Dudley, but don’t let on.” Vernon looked round furtively.



“Going by train?” asked Harry



“If necessary, but I was really hoping to use your new portals.”



“Of course you can, just ignore Walburga if she shouts at you. Just show her this medallion; you’ll need it anyway to get through the wards there. She’s guarding us against unwanted callers from the Ministry, all wanting preferential treatment.”



“What for?”



“All the great and the good saw us use the mirror defences to preserve the assembly; so they all want us to protect them first. It’s the people with few defences who should get priority. If I were you I wouldn’t say you’re my Uncle to anyone, that is, unless you want to be besieged by petitioners.”



“And here was I just getting used to being the Uncle of the Saviour of Magicdom … Oh well … I’ll just have to revert to my old ignorant ways, won’t I?”



Harry had to look twice at Vernon, before realising that there was a self depreciating smile beneath the moustache. Draco chuckled quietly.



The Blakes walked back to Magnet Cottage, being reminded by John, in passing, of the Christmas Eve carol singing in the village square. At home they found the corps of elves hanging tinsel and holly on everything, with Molly organising them. An enormous Christmas tree filled one of the inner corners of the patio, seeming to sprout out of the top of a mountain of presents.



Harry looked at them: ‘You know, Lover, It seems not long ago when I was amazed to have one present at Christmas. I wonder how many are from real friends?’



‘I didn’t get many either. It was only Mother’s that was appropriate really. Father’s always had some ulterior motive attached. Even the broomstick was so I could beat you; when I didn’t he threatened to beat me with it.’



“Ah, Harry! I hope you don’t mind me decorating your house?”



“No Auntie Molly, I’m glad you did.” Harry saw Draco nod his head in acquiescence.



“I’ve left a list of cards for you to write too, dear. It’s based on the ones you’ve already received and the ones that Arthur’s clerks think you ought to send. There’s a small army of owls upstairs waiting to take them.”



“Right, then we’d better go to the study and do something about it, hadn’t we?”



“There’s a list for you as well Draco dear. Perhaps you ought to include your Mum as she’s not too well, mmm?”



Harry felt Draco bristle at being called dear. Draco schooled his face: “Thank you Mrs Weasley, we have been rather busy of late, haven’t we.”



“That’s all right dear; you just run along with Harry and sort them.”



Harry caught Draco’s hand: jerking him away from the retort waiting to burst out, and charging towards the stairs.



In their study, Draco spluttered for a moment or two and then calmed down. “I suppose she means well, but I don’t wear antlers yet.”



“Lost them during the rutting season have you?”



“You’re never out of season, you sex maniac, you!”



“Cards first Mr Malfoy, fun later.”



“Is that a promise, Mr Potter?”



“Of course it is. Now don’t distract me while I set up the automatic quills.”



Both of them felt Fawkes approval.



Some time later, a new elf appeared: “Elder Kreacher sent this snack for you Masters. He says that you probably ate enough food at the blessing ceremony, but if you’d like more, Winky would be pleased to make it.”



“Thank you, but this should be enough. When we’ve finished here, perhaps some hot chocolate in our room, mmm?”



“Yes Masters, it shall be as you wish.”



The Blakes giggled as they overheard elfin whispers: “See. I told you they were proper gentlemen, not like our lot were, kicking us all over the place.”



The cards were soon written, only a few were joint ones to their near friends. At a signal from Harry, Erwin and Regent organised the other owls so that their windowsill had a procession of winged messengers going off all over Britain, and some of Draco’s going further afield.



True to his promise Harry proved he was not out of season. He and Draco rutted as they got undressed, rutted in the shower, rutted whilst drying each other off, and a few more ruttings on the bed. The hot chocolate, when it arrived just after the final cleaning spell, was an ideal energy-replacer for another session under the bedcovers. They slept well that night, Harry having taken Draco’s mind off his family worries.



§§§§§



It was Friday and Christmas Eve. Weasley Father and sons had gone to London and work, Ron promising to help out at the shop, and accompanied by Vernon. Hermione went to tell Francis about the research she had accomplished on his clients behalf. The Granger parents were exploring the village with Petunia and Molly, so our two had a quiet breakfast, watching the elfin corps hanging skeins of strung cards across the ceiling. They occasionally asked who a particularly striking one was from, asking the nearest elf to read it to them. Some of them were halting readers, but battled through, so an impromptu English lesson got under way, much to the pleasure of Pullet and Phealey when they came to remind the Blakes about the carol singing.



The square was full; everyone was wearing some form of Christmas decoration. Tinsel scarves, bunches of evergreens, badges with ‘Jesus is the reason for the season’ on them, conical red hats trimmed with white fluff and many more. Kreacher had given his Masters two wide green-trimmed red scarves, with a shepherd embroidered on one side and a king on the other, in the middle was a twinkling star. John and the parish council members gave short readings between each carol and a large steaming loving cup was being passed from hand to hand; it kept the participants from going hoarse and boosted their morale. Harry, received the cup from Ginny, took a large sip of the hot spiced wine, and passed it to Draco, who did the same and passed it on to Daphne. By the time the happening was over, the cup had been round at least six times and the friends were beginning to feel slightly inebriated.



Chez Blake, Winky had steak and dumplings waiting, followed by spotted dick. These two ingredients soon mopped up any excess alcohol, leaving the eaters feeling pleasantly mellow.



§§§§§



Diagon Alley closed for business at about half past two, the Ministry leading the way by half an hour. The Weasleys brought Vernon with them plus Fortescue and Ollivander. The walkers had already returned and Hermione brought Francis with her. Of course Hamish was there and he had asked Dolores to come because she would be all alone, with Molly and Narcissa organising everyone. A running buffet stood on the sideboard because many of the DS Members hung around, intending to Apparate away early on Christmas morning.



Most people rested or read after eating, so that they were in the right mind and energy level to attend Midnight Mass. Harry and Hermione had a quiet slightly tearful time together remembering the occasion of a year ago, soon recovering to go to church and sing ‘O come all ye faithful’ lustily at the end of the service. It took nearly three-quarters-of-an-hour to shake everyone’s hand and wish them a peaceful Christmas before the congregation dispersed. Magnet cottage had mulled wine waiting so it was about two o’clock before the mass DS Apparation. Draco and Harry crawled into bed, kissed and went to sleep.



§§§§§



There was a Christmas morning service, mainly for those who were too young or too frail to attend the Midnight Mass. The servers and musicians were expected to attend so the Magnet Cottage group went to support them. The congregation were more hurried in their farewells, mainly because they were being tugged at by eager offspring wanting to go and open their presents.



The Dursleys came to the Blake’s home for the day making the party complete, Dudley was slightly subdued because Millicent had gone home to her parents. Dean and Seamus would not be staying for Christmas dinner as they had two sets of parents to appease, Apparating away, clutching parcels, just after the morning service, set to return just after the New Year. After the present giving, Daphne took Ginny off chez Greengrass. Gregory and the four Yates went to Woodyates where they would celebrate at the Farm, entertaining the various parents in a family festival, Cole having eventually called a truce with his father.



The eighteen Magicals had a hollow table set up in the Patio near the garden windows. At the head Harry and Draco flanked Narcissa, at the foot Dudley and Vernon flanked Petunia. Hermione, Ron, the Granger Parents, plus Hamish and Dolores sat on the window side, with four Weasleys plus Ollivander and Fortescue on the house side. The mountain of presents was soon given out. Draco and Harry had bought joint presents for most people, so they had quickly added Narcissa’s name to the tags. The Dursleys made trio gifts. The foursome who shared a flat at the shops were a team of donors, parental and betrothed pairs gave jointly, Hamish and Dolores co-operated too.



Once the food had been placed on the groaning sideboard, Molly ordered the house-elves to go and enjoy their own meal. Some of them looked at Draco and Harry, who both made hurried shooing gestures. The corps of elves were encamped in the ‘L’ shaped living room for their meal, each of them had a small gift, given by Kreacher and Winky – donated through a private arrangement with the Blakes.



Whilst Kreacher carved a gigantic turkey for the elves’ feast, Draco followed suit on one not much smaller for the Magicals. Harry acted as meat waiter from sideboard to table, whilst the various tureens were collected and circulated by some of the others. Molly looked slightly put out, but Narcissa gave her a hard stare whenever Molly appeared to be about to interfere. An hour later two carcases adorned the turkey platters flanked by empty tureens and dirty plates. A quick change round, dirties for food, had Harry serving Christmas pudding with Draco as his waiter, about which some of the extended family pulled his leg.



Meal over, the elves, by arrangement, all went to continue their celebrations in the common room at Milkwood, leaving room for the Magicals’ post prandial relaxation. WWW Crackers were pulled. There were funny hats, of course, but with moving headpieces; the small gifts were magical puzzles capable of being solved by a Muggle wearing a charmed medallion. There were no mottos; instead there were challenging party pieces. Hamish had a comic song to sing, Dudley had to walk on his hands across the room, Narcissa made a very graceful pirouette or two. Draco had to mime making a pie, which caused great hilarity as he had never cooked before and he was the victim of misleading advice from the ladies. They found out that Ollivander was a very good story teller, adopting voices for all his characters; so much so, that he was asked to tell another one. Harry was expected to build a house of cards; he never achieved it because everyone would blow it down just when it was on the last story. One of the highlights was Vernon and Mr Grainger pretending to have a wand duel and describing the spells they imagined being used. Somehow, Percy and George never had a turn, but they made up for it later with a brilliant firework display, which the summoned elves were also able to enjoy.



Somewhere about nine in the evening the Christmas cake was cut and eaten with small glasses of liqueur to accompany it. Afterwards Hamish conjured a piano and Ollivander some sheet music. With Dolores playing, Hamish led them in singing Victorian ballads and such-like; they even managed a few dances, trying to remember Mr Foley’s calls. Midnight had the revellers toast each other and depart towards their beds.



The Blakes, on their bed, holding hands in amused peace, recalled some of the best pieces of their day, before kissing each other to sleep.