Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Freedom Bound in Chains	By : TaintedSensibly Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > Slash - Male/Male Views: 58478 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 13
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Harry Potter characters. I did not make money from this story.

Chapter List
- 58
- 59
- 60
Winter Solstice and Yule
As December arrived, the boys packed a bag and returned to London. Ted was with Andromeda this time, the couple waiting for them at the Leaky Cauldron. It was cold for that time of the year and there was a possible chance for snow, which was rare in the city. Andromeda was excited because she claimed it just wasn’t Yule without snow.
Ted smiled as Draco asked where they were going. They had made an opposite turn and were heading away from the house. “There’s a cafe down the street that has delicious tea and amazing cake,” he explained.
Draco eyed him suspiciously. He was also very suspicious of Andromeda’s rosy cheeks and big smile. He had expected more tension between them after the trial. He was perfectly aware Andromeda wasn’t happy about his and Harry’s relationship, so he’d predicted that seeing bits of Harry’s childhood would have made her more upset about everything. He was really taken off guard by her cheerful demeanor and Ted’s serene smile.
Harry sat next to Draco in the booth Ted had chosen. Their big coats were stuffed on the seat next to them. The two adults didn’t say much until their steaming hot teas and the large slices of cake were delivered. Harry sat happily - peace contentment - radiating from the bond, but Draco remained blank-faced and watchful. Finally, Andromeda and Ted shared a look and told them what was going on.
“I’m pregnant,” Andromeda told them, hazel eyes sparkling. “From Samhain. So are the other women who were present.”
“Okay…” Draco said slowly, looking back and forth between the two. “Congratulations?”
“We want you to know that this won’t change how we feel about you and Harry,” Ted told him, expression as gentle and knowing as always. “You are our children no matter what.”
Draco shrugged. He really didn’t care. He liked the Tonks’, sure, but it’s not like he’d be crushed if they had to part ways.
Harry ducked his head, blushing. He didn’t really deserve their care and concern. It was only right that they cared more about Dora and the new baby. Anything else would make him feel guilty, like he was taking something way from Dora and the baby. He’d be much happier if Andromeda and Ted didn’t treat them the same to be honest.
Seeing the boys expressions, Ted thought it best to change the subject. Even though the boys didn’t understand yet that they were family, he knew they would come to understand in time. It wasn’t something the boys could be forced into accepting. “We are very happy to have our family grow as is Mrs. Weasley, but we wanted you to be aware that not everyone will see it the same way and you might hear things regarding the baby.”
Draco cocked his head to the side. “What do you mean?”
Unconsciously Andromeda put her hand over her stomach in a protective gesture. Her smile dimmed, sadness shading her features. “You see, in the past, before human society was the most dominant on the planet, magical creatures were more abundant and more dangerous. The fae used to capture humans and play with them a lot more often. They’d make them dance until they dropped dead or spirit them away to the land of Faerie never to be seen again. Women who were impregnated while within a faerie ring were not uncommon. The babies would be born deformed - covered in hair, with heads larger than their bodies, very sickly, or other such things. Or they were born perfect in every way - inhumanly perfect. Now most of the time these children didn’t live to adulthood. They were either killed or died, but most of the ones who did were spirited away back to Faerie before the age of eleven. You can imagine the grief this put on the family. Especially because a strong bond always formed between mother and changeling child. The grief of losing that child usually destroyed the mother and she too died or had a tragic end.”
“So none of the babies lived to be adults?” Harry asked wide-eyed - guilt sorrow - trickled through the bond. Andromeda and Ted had only been caught up with the fairies because Harry and Draco were with them.
“Some did,” Ted reassured him gently. “They grew into odd and eccentric people, but they were always very magical and touched the lives of many.”
“Seems like a big risk,” Draco commented. He gently squeezed Harry’s hand. “But you seem happy about it.”
Andromeda nodded. “Yes. I didn’t think I could have another child. I’m very happy to be given this opportunity. Besides, we’re not completely sure it is a changeling. After all, it was Ted I was with, not a fairy.”
“Mrs. Fawcett and Mrs. Diggory did not feel comfortable taking that risk. They chose not to have the babies,” Ted informed them. “I know you are young, and Dromeda didn’t think it was a good idea to tell you this, but I think it’s important that you understand the situation. Especially since you will be big brothers to our baby.”
“When a woman gets rid of her pregnancy, it’s called abortion,” Andromeda took over, expression serious. “It’s illegal in the magical world and is considered the same as murder, but some Muggle countries allow it as long as the pregnancy isn’t too advanced. You see, at first it’s just cells that are still dividing and forming. Like a tadpole before it looks like a frog. Some people think at that stage it’s not really a baby or a human yet and it’s okay to flush it out of the body. Other people believe that as soon as the cells begin dividing it’s a human with a soul. Of course, no one knows for sure, but there you have it. All I know is that even the best healers in the world can’t detect even the faintest signs of a magical core within the baby before the eleventh week and sometimes it takes as late as the eighteenth week to detect. Some argue that’s because it’s just so weak and faint, but others say it’s because the baby isn’t really alive until then.”
Harry looked around the table in confusion, his dark wavy bangs hanging over his glasses and shading his eyes.
Ted smiled. “Don’t worry, Harry. It’s a lot to take in. A lot of adults don’t understand this stuff.”
“That’s because wizards disdain Muggle science.” Andromeda sniffed and tossed her head arrogantly. “I’ll be giving you biology worksheets this month. I want you to understand the development process of a fetus. Not just in humans but other animals, too.”
Draco rolled his eyes as - interest - pricked through the bond from a bright-eyed Harry. He poked at his cake with his fork. “So if it’s so illegal, why’d they tell you they were going to stop the pregnancy? Can’t you tell the police on them?”
Andromeda looked at Ted and he answered for them. “It’s illegal in the magical world, but it’s legal in the UK up until the twenty-fourth week of pregnancy. Mrs. Fawcett and Mrs. Diggory were only a few weeks pregnant. I believe in people making their own choices. Mrs. Weasley must feel the same way.”
Draco gave Andromeda a shrewd look. “And you’re hoping to keep it secret that your baby might be a changeling, right? They won’t say anything because then you could expose them for getting rid of the pregnancy.”
Andromeda smiled at him. “They’ll keep it secret for awhile, but I doubt we’ll be able to keep it hidden forever. If our baby is a changeling, they’ll be different. That will only get more apparent as they get older. However, I’d prefer for them to grow up feeling accepted for as long as possible, yes.”
“Does Dora know?” Harry asked curiously.
“No.” Ted took a bite of his cake. “We’ll tell her when she comes home for Yule. This isn’t something we’d want to say in a letter.”
Draco took a bite of his own and was surprised how it practically melted in his mouth. It really was delicious. “When’s she come back?”
“December 19th,” Andromeda answered happily. “It’s going to be a great Yule season this year.”
“Is Yule the same as Christmas?” Harry asked innocently.
“Pretty much.” Andromeda closed her eyes around her bite of chocolate cake. “A lot of wizards celebrate a combination of Christian and Pagan traditions, but not all wizards are Christian.”
“What are you?” Draco asked curiously, but he was distracted by the face Harry was making. The boy had just tried the cake and Draco felt his heart skip a beat at the bliss on the smaller boy’s face.
“I’m purely Pagan,” Andromeda admitted, “but Ted is a Spiritualist. He believes there is truth in all religions, that there is no one right way to practice spirituality.” She shrugged. “He’s a Hufflepuff. He doesn’t want to disrespect any religion, but doesn’t want to commit to any of them, either.”
Ted laughed. “I suppose you can see it that way.” He gave the boys a gentle look. “I believe that spirituality is inherent in human beings. There is something about us that allows us to connect to the greater energies and spirits of the world. I believe some people are more attuned than others. These people are worth listening to and following. I don’t believe, however, in organized religion. It becomes more like a business when money is involved. Almost every religion in the world condemns materialism and greed, so I have an issue with most churches and Christianity in general, but I don’t disagree with all of the teachings. Jesus was truly enlightened.”
“Okay…” Draco drawled again, bored.
Ted laughed. “Don’t ask if you don’t want to know.”
“I’ve never had a Christmas,” Harry suddenly confessed. He looked shyly at Draco.
Draco watched him back. “Me, either. I was too young at the orphanage I guess and you can bet Christmas wasn’t a thing at the Hold, but Remus told us about it before. Harry’s wanted to have one ever since. Last year we were in Faerie, so we missed it.”
- embarrassment shame desire - “Sorry,” Harry muttered and ducked his head.
Andromeda instantly teared up. “Of course you’ll have one! This year you’ll even get two! One with us and one with Narcissa. I promise it’ll be amazing.”
Ted wrapped his arm around Andromeda’s shoulders and gave her a gentle squeeze while Draco mirrored him, wrapping his arm around Harry.
“Don’t be sorry,” Draco whispered in his ear. “You heard me. I haven’t had one either.”
Harry looked up, eyes a clear green. “I want you to have a Christmas, Draco.”
Draco smiled and kissed his cheek. “And I want you with me when I do.”
- LOVE happy trust - “Yes, Draco,” he said and settled against the blond, smiling.
…
The days passed quickly. The boys studied their science and continued to practice math and reading. They saw plays and movies, played in the park. Remus stopped by a couple times and Severus came to check Draco’s progress with Occlumency and the memory spell. Draco slowly relaxed and stopped watching Andromeda like a hawk. She was too over the moon about the pregnancy to fret over him and Harry.
In fact, on the afternoon Dora was arriving on the train, Andromeda was feeling so nauseous that she had to stay home while Ted, Draco, and Harry donned their winter coats, scarves, hats, and gloves to pick Dora up at King’s Cross Station.
Draco held Harry’s hand tightly as they arrived at Platform 9 3/4. Pointing and whispering followed them. Ted stood close by and ignored the excitement. A few people tried to approach, but Ted had cast a Warding Charm that kept everyone at a twenty-foot distance. After those few who tried to approach were diverted, others learned to keep back. That didn’t stop them from staring and gossiping, however.
Molly arrived with Arthur, the twins, Ron, and Ginny. She saw them and waved, not even trying to get close. Ted waved back. The train began to arrive. It bellowed steam, the engine a gorgeous dark red with gold writing on its side proudly stating: The Hogwarts Express. The sound was enormous as the train slowed and finally came to a stop. The doors opened and a sea of teenagers came pouring out. Draco watched in interest. He couldn’t believe how many kids there were! He’d never seen so many all in one place. How were they even going to find Dora in this mess?
Suddenly pink caught his attention. Dora, her hair in a bright pink bob, stood saying goodbye to a group of boys before cutting through the crowd. She didn’t trip until she reached the barrier. Ted canceled the spell and helped his daughter get back on her feet. She bounced up with a big smile and flung her arms around Draco and then Harry.
“I missed you, guys! How are you?”
Draco had to brace Harry so that the smaller boy didn’t get knocked over. “We’ve been busy,” he drawled.
Dora grew somber. “I bet.” Then her bright smile returned in full force. “Well, we’re going to have a blast over break! I’ll make sure of it.”
Molly approached with her enormous family. There were so many of them that they effectively served as a shield from the others who had realized that Draco and Harry were now approachable.
“Ted! How lovely to see you!” Molly exclaimed cheerfully. “How’s Andromeda?”
“She’s at home resting. Feeling a bit sick today,” Ted said with a wry smile.
Molly smiled back. “Poor thing. Here, let me give you a recipe that works wonders.”
She turned to one of the older boys and asked him for parchment and a quill. As she did this, Arthur introduced them to the boys they didn’t recognize.
“Ted, this is my oldest, Bill, he’s in his Sixth year, and his younger brother Charlie, he’s in Fifth.” Arthur gently grabbed a skinny boy by the shoulder and pulled him forward.
The boy had glasses and had a blank expression unlike Bill and Charlie who were smiling with polite interest. He stared with eyes that Draco recognized. Draco’s attention sharpened and he watched the kid very attentively.
“And this is Percy who’s in his First year,” the man continued oblivious. “All of them are House Gryffindor. Boys, this is Ted Tonks, Draco and Harry.”
“Nice to meet you,” Bill offered.
“Mum’s gonna invite you…”
“…to come to the horse races on Boxing Day with us,” the twins took turns saying, wearing matching grins.
“Say you’ll come!” Ginny gushed, bright red and clinging to Ron’s arm.
Ron shuffled his feet, clearly embarrassed, but he didn’t push her off.
Draco continued to watch the boy they called Percy as Ted, Arthur, and Molly talked and Harry shyly spoke with the other Weasley kids. Percy seemed to fade into the background. He stood with them but he was apart, too. He was apathetic. He didn’t care one way or another about anything that was happening around him.
“What’s it like being a First year?” Draco asked suddenly, cutting into the other conversations.
In the sudden hush, Percy answered, “Fine.”
Molly frowned, suddenly sensing something was wrong with her son. Draco continued to watch him as the other kids including Dora began to exclaim how great Hogwarts was.
Ted cut in, saying his goodbyes, and promised to have Andromeda get in contact with Molly. Dora waved happily as they made their way off the platform and into the crowd.
Ted carefully cast a Disillusionment Charm so they weren’t bothered. “What do you think, kids?” he asked cheerfully. “Want to walk or take the tube?”
It was a quick ten minute ride on the tube back to the house, but by foot it would take them over thirty minutes.
“Let’s walk!” Dora enthused. “I’ve been on a train forever already.”
After window shopping and a brief game of tag between the kids at a small park, they finally made it back to the house. Andromeda had already started dinner and told them Remus was expected, but before that she and Ted had something to share with her.
Dora was super excited as soon as they explained about the baby. She made a vow that no one would bully the baby about being a changeling anymore than she’d let anyone pick on Draco or Harry. Ted gave his daughter a proud smile and warm hug.
That night Remus came for dinner. Harry ran to the door with Draco following at his heels. Remus tugged both boys into a brief hug before pulling out two wrapped presents from his shoulder bag.
- surprise guilt - “I don’t need a present!” Harry said worriedly.
“I know.” Remus gently touched his cheek. “I wanted to give it to you.” He shot Draco a smile. “You’re not going to argue with me, too, are you?”
Draco smirked. “Nope.”
Remus laughed and let the boys lead him to the living room where Andromeda, Dora, and Ted were waiting. Dora turned a bright red and her hair a pale pink when Remus handed her a wrapped gift as well. He made them all promise to not open their gifts until Christmas, or Gifting Day as the Pagans called it.
Dinner was a lively affair. Remus was in high spirits and told them hilarious stories about his days in Hogwarts and showed them interesting spells. One of them made it snow in the living room. Dora spun in a circle, arms outstretched. The snow flakes were especially beautiful and the cold tickled as they brushed her skin. Harry held his hands out, eyes wide with wonder, letting the snow build up on his open palms. Draco smiled as he watched them both.
At first Andromeda was concerned, but she smiled happily once she noticed that the snow disappeared just before hitting the floor or furniture. “You’ll join us, won’t you?” she asked warmly, placing a gentle hand on Remus’s arm. “On Boxing Day with the Weasleys. They asked me to invite you.”
“Boxing Day is the 28th this year?” he asked.
“Yes,” Ted agreed. “You’re also invited to our New Years celebration.”
Remus smiled, shadows in his eyes that only Draco recognized. “Thank you for the invitation. I’d love to join you on Boxing Day, but I have plans for New Years.”
Draco knew that must mean he’d be sick due to the moon. He turned his attention to Harry, not wanting to give them any reason to suspect Remus. Harry was trying to catch more snow on his tongue than Dora. They were both giggling like mad and it made Draco laugh, too.
…
Only two days after Dora’s return, Harry and Draco went back to the Malfoys for their three day visit. Narcissa had scheduled it so that she’d have the boys on the night of the Winter Solstice. It was her favorite holiday and she wanted the boys to celebrate it with her.
Over dinner, the boys told her about the baby and Narcissa had to bite down on bitter jealousy. Perhaps the faerie ring would have been enough to counter the Malfoy curse. Feeling Lucius’s knowing eyes on her, she quickly changed the subject.
They passed a peaceful night together. The next morning, on the twenty-second, they got dressed in their warmest clothes after a hearty breakfast. Together they made their way to the woods, their breath frosting the air. It was just over forty degrees Fahrenheit or four degrees Celsius. The breeze seemed to cut through any exposed skin.
“What are we looking for again?” Draco asked.
Narcissa smiled back at him. “Our Yule tree. It represents life and family at this dark time of the year. It reminds us that we are not alone and we must take joy in one another especially in dark times. We will cut the tree down and trim the end to keep as our Yule log. Then we will place the tree in the ballroom by the front windows and decorate it together. Tonight we will light the Yule log from the remains of last year’s log, thus perpetuating our tradition and history, pushing it forward into the uncertain future, one flame moving to the next. The log will burn throughout the night and then smolder for the Twelve Days of Yule.”
Draco sighed making Narcissa laugh, much to the surprise of both boys.
“It doesn’t sound nice, but trust me you’ll love it,” she assured them. Eyes bright and cheeks red with cold, she reached forward to capture Lucius’s hand. He returned her smile.
They looked for their tree for hours. Narcissa would argue about each one they picked until they finally found one she agreed with. It stood twelve feet tall with the bottom branches creating an eight foot wide circle. Narcissa took the boys hands in hers and pulled them some distance away. Lucius stood, his long hair lifting in the cold breeze and aimed his wand. The boys jumped as a loud crack sounded and pine needles rained down. Braced, Lucius cast again and lifted the tree a foot in the air.
Narcissa, grinning, released Harry’s hand and took out her wand. A sharp spell later, a foot of the base of the tree was severed, falling to the ground with a thump they felt through their feet. Then Lucius took a deep breath and slowly the tree began to rise over the tops of all the others. Narcissa hovered the Yule log after them and they made their way back the way they came. It took a good half hour to reach the edge of the woods. Lucius was sweating by that point. He spelled the tree down gently and sat on the ground to get his breath back.
Narcissa exclaimed in joy about how beautiful the tree was and how perfect. She pointed out to Harry the thickness of the branches and their sturdiness, the color of the needles and the smell. Her enthusiasm was contagious and soon - excitement awe - sang through the bond, making Draco shake his head with a smile.
They had a light lunch there on the grass with a winter sky clear and blue above them. It had warmed up a bit, but it was still cold enough for their coats. When Lucius felt ready, he hovered the massive tree once more, Narcissa hovered the log, and they made their way back to the manor. Dobby and Lottie took over as soon as they arrived, and they all made their way to the ballroom where the elves began to set and stabilize the tree. The Yule log was placed next to the massive fireplace where it would be prepared with herbs, wine, and holly before being lit at sunset.
Lucius cracked his neck and rolled his shoulders, grinning. “Well, boys, what should our theme be this year?”
A table was brought with chairs as well as cushions and rugs for the floor. Steaming mugs of hot chocolate were set out. Their coats were discarded and taken away by Lottie. It wasn’t warm by any means in the manor, but climate spells kept the rooms warm enough that they could be comfortable in just their sweaters. Draco and Lucius wore matching dark grey sweaters with Draco in his beloved jeans and Lucius in black slacks. Narcissa wore a pale blue sweater with a white skirt and Harry wore a dark purple sweater over his grey slacks.
“Theme?” Harry asked standing next to Draco’s chair. Draco casually wrapped an arm around his waist.
“We always decorate to a theme for Yule,” Lucius explained. “For the past several years our theme was the color white. It could be a color, a time period, anything you can decorate to.”
Harry immediately looked to Draco. Narcissa and Lucius followed his gaze and were soon looking at Draco, too.
Looking back at their expectant faces, Draco sighed again. He thought about everything he’d learned about Christmas and now Yule. One thing seemed to keep coming up it seemed to him. “Snow?” he offered with a shrug.
Narcissa clapped her hands happily. “A Winter Wonderland. Perfect!” She excitedly called for Lottie to fetch the charmed paper.
Lucius helped her add to the spells on the parchment and began to show the boys how to cut out snowflakes. Once they were done, Lucius and Narcissa would tap the paper and their snowflakes would become three dimensional and crystal clear like glass, sparkling and shimmering in the light. Harry was delighted. While they worked, Narcissa began to create icicles. Lucius, meanwhile, began to cast the spell Remus had shown them on the ceiling of the ballroom so that it looked like it was snowing.
Once they were done with their decorations, they began to attach the crystal snowflakes and shimmering icicles to the branches of the tree. The sky was darkening by this time and Lottie brought them thin white candles. With a wave of Lucius’s wand, they lifted and scattered to hover amongst the branches, illuminating the snow flakes and icicles so that crystalline light seemed to sparkle from the depths. It was a breathtaking sight.
“Come. It’s time to light the Yule log.”
Harry and Draco helped Narcissa decorate it with ivy and holly, splashing it with wine. Lucius arrived with last year’s log and breathed on it, fire magically bursting to gentle life. They watched as he settled it next to this years log. Slowly, the flames caught on the new. The smell of the smoke was sweet and woodsy.
Narcissa wrapped her arms around the boys and held them close. “Happy Yule,” she whispered.
“Happy Yule,” Harry echoed back, smiling.
They ate dinner at the small table set next to the tree and just enjoyed each other, their beautiful tree, and the warmth of the Yule fire. Afterward, Narcissa asked Lucius to coat half the ballroom floor in ice and had Lottie fetch their ice skates. (She had purchased all of them a pair while the boys were with Andromeda.)
Lucius resisted joining in, but soon he was skating along the ice, laughing. Draco and Harry were awkward at first, but soon they got their balance and were racing after each other over the icy surface. As Narcissa tried to teach them how to spin and turn, Lucius caught her about the waist and kissed her, making her laugh joyously. Soon after, Harry tumbled, pulling Draco down on top of him. Draco stole a kiss, - joy love - filling them both to the brim.
They stayed up all night: playing, decorating, skating, eating sweats, drinking chocolate, laughing. As the sun rose, they noticed the log had burnt down to just embers and coals with a red-gold center. It would continue to smolder for twelve days until they put it out after New Years to be saved for next Yule.
They stood as a family in front of the fireplace, closer than ever before. Lucius bent and kissed first Draco’s forehead and then Harry’s. “I will always be your family,” he told them both. “I love you.”
Draco nodded his head, holding Harry’s hand tightly, but Harry gave Lucius a warm smile. “Love you,” he told him for the very first time, making Lucius’s eyes bright.
Teary-eyed, Narcissa kissed Draco’s cheek and then Harry’s. “I will love you always,” she promised and pulled them both in to her chest, hugging them together.
Harry hugged her around the neck with one arm, his other smashed up against Draco. “Love you, Narcissa.” He kissed her cheek.
“Thank you,” Draco told her softly.
…
They slept until noon. By unspoken agreement, they returned to the small table set up by the tree and fire in the ballroom. Narcissa and Lucius were already there having a light brunch. Draco and Harry joined them. Lucius suggested they all go for a ride, so the four of them bundled up again and rode their beautiful horses across the grounds all afternoon. There was no snow on the ground, but it was peaceful and still, the earth beginning to go dormant for winter.
That night, after a warm dinner of roast beef, Harry was woken shortly before midnight by Dobby. The elf’s pale green eyes practically shone with excitement. “Young sir, Young Master Draco wanted me to give you this.”
Harry took the folded note and sat up, the heavy blanket falling to his waist. He reached for his glasses and slipped them on.
Harry, this is a time for gifts. I have a gift for you, but you also have a gift for me. Your gift is in the closet. My gift is that you put it on and meet me in ballroom.
Heart pumping, sleep falling away from his mind, Harry climbed naked from the warm covers. He shivered as the cool air hit his skin and he quickly moved to the closet, pulling it open. Candles had been lit inside and on a metal wire mannequin was a gorgeous ballgown. Harry’s chest constricted until he literally couldn’t take a breath. Feeling like he was in a dream, he reached his fingers forward to gently skim the lavender chiffon skirt.
The gown… It was gorgeous, beyond beautiful… The top was made out of the most gorgeously sewn white lace: flowers and vines and delicate little curls over the softest white silk. The silk formed a tube-top type bodice that hugged Harry’s slender torso while the beautiful lace over his collarbones, slender neck, and long sleeves were sheer, falling over bare skin. The lace sleeves dipped over the back of his hands with a loop for his middle finger to hold it in place. The skirt was full like a bell with layers of the most fine chiffon, the ouster most layer a beautiful pinkish- lavender, a color that was both soft and dreamy. Along the bottom of the skirt, white lace flowers and vines were sewn with whimsy and grace. They crawled up the chiffon in several places, the purest white against the softest purple. Around his hips sat a wide silk ribbon that hid the meeting of the bodice and skirt and cinched his waist even smaller. It tied in a beautiful bow at his lower back.
“Let Dobby add the final touches,” the little elf said softly.
Baby’s breath appeared and was woven into his hair, his lashes were darkened, and his eyes were temporarily spelled for clear vision, which allowed him to take his glasses off. Finally, his nails were gently buffed and polished with a clear shine.
Looking at himself in the full-length bathroom mirror was like seeing a whole new person. His cheeks and lips were flushed dark pink with pleasure. His eyes looked larger, the green of them brighter without his glasses. His hair didn’t look messy for once; the slight weight of the small flowers taming it into something fae and cute. And his collar looked exotic under the white lace that covered his throat, making his neck look long and elegant. He had never looked so beautiful.
Holding Dobby’s hand, Harry stepped into the lavender slippers that went with the gown. His heart thundered in his chest. His lips parted as he gasped softly for air. He followed Dobby from the room hardly breathing he felt so much - joy excitement love nervousness. The skirt swooshed in a soft sigh with every step he took. The dress trailed gracefully behind him as he descended the stairs. Candles were lit along the way, a trail of golden light. At the bottom of the steps, he had to pause to take another breath.
Dobby waited patiently, smiling with tears in his eyes. “You’s look beautiful, young sir.”
Harry smiled, lips trembling. “Thank you, Dobby,” he said with deepest gratitude. He knew he only looked beautiful because of the elf’s efforts and the gorgeous dress.
“Come. Young master waits.” Dobby gently tugged Harry forward by his hand.
Dobby stepped aside at the entrance to the ballroom, bowing at the waist. Harry folded his hands in front of him nervously and stepped forward. Draco stood just inside, a smile on his lips. He wore his most formal dress robes that buttoned closed at his waist but flared open to reveal his expensive dress pants and shoes. The neck was open in a deep V, revealing his dark blue waist vest and button down. A blue tie was at his throat and his hair was slicked back.
Draco’s eyes widened when he caught sight of Harry and he smiled, his cheeks red. He bowed deeply at the waist and offered his hand. “Harry. You look gorgeous.”
Harry put his hand in his without thinking and the blond pulled him forward so they were standing chest to chest.
Looking deep into Harry’s uncovered green eyes, Draco whispered, “Thank you for this gift.”
Harry was speechless, - LOVE surprise joy - pounded like waves against his chest and throat, keeping him silent. His eyes would have said it all, even if there hadn’t been a bond, and Draco smiled the smile that was just Harry’s. He bent and kissed the smaller boy, thrilling in the way Harry melted against him.
Lips throbbing, Draco lifted his head. “May I have this dance?”
On cue, the spelled Malfoy instruments set unnoticed in the corner began to play a soft waltz. Harry stared into Draco’s eyes and let the blond move them across the floor. The light of a hundred candles created a soft glow that sparkled off the spelled snow still falling from the ceiling and off the crystal snowflakes and icicles in the tree. Harry’s skirt flared with every turn, opening like a blossoming flower. Tears dampened Harry’s lashes and he rested his head on Draco’s shoulder, their bodies moving as one.
* I love you, Harry. You look so amazing. Thank you for giving this to me. *
Harry blushed a hot red. “Love you. So much. Draco…” He lifted his head to look into Draco’s bright silver eyes, nearly overcome with - deep gratitude LOVE. “Yours. Yours forever. Love you forever.”
Draco kissed him again, thrusting his tongue inside the boy’s mouth as he swung Harry into a low dip. Harry never tensed, trusting Draco completely, easily submitting to his hold. When they came up for air, Draco pulled him back into the dance. He was grinning; Harry smiled with him.
A faster dance followed the waltz. They high-stepped and pranced around the room, laughing. They came back together again and again as if drawn like magnets. Soon they were both flushed and breathless. Clasping hands, they pulled back and spun in a circle together. Harry tilted this head back and let the spelled snow tickle his face just before it disappeared. It felt like a dream, a perfect dream.
Just before the sun was began to rise, Draco took Harry by the hand and led him back up the stairs to their room. Harry undressed him carefully, making sure to hang Draco’s clothes so they weren’t damaged or wrinkled.
Once Draco stood completely naked, he grinned wolfishly. “My turn, Harry.”
He slowly walked up and turned the smaller boy so that he was facing the bed. He undid a few of the top buttons down Harry’s neck and laid soft kisses on the soft skin that was revealed.
Harry tilted his head forward, exposing more of his nape - love need submission.
Draco undid the buttons ever so slowly, his lips kissing along his spine until he got to the bow. Untying it, Draco felt like he really was opening a present. Sliding his hands up Harry’s bare back, he slid his hands underneath the lace, catching it and drawing it down Harry’s arms so that it caught on the boy’s elbows.
Turning him, Draco held Harry in place with an arm wrapped around his back and began to suck and nibble at Harry’s sensitive nipples. Harry flung his head back with a gasp, baby’s breath still woven through his hair, his lashes dark and long, his cheeks and lips ruby red with desire. Draco had never wanted to make him feel good so badly in his life.
The dress slid off Harry’s narrow hips and puddled gracefully on the floor. Draco pushed Harry on his back onto the bed. Panting, chest heaving with every breath, Harry stared up at him with unconditional trust and love. Practically growling, Draco slipped his hands under Harry’s butt and slid them up the back of Harry’s thighs, pushing the boy’s legs up and open. Hands just above the back of Harry’s knees, holding the boy’s legs up by his shoulders, he bent and began to lick and suck on the small member hardening up against Harry’s belly.
Harry gasped and moaned, back arching. His pupils were huge as he clutched at the sheets. He called Draco’s name over and over. Just before he reached the crest of pleasure, Draco released his legs and climbed on top of him, stabbing his hips forward. Harry flung his arms around Draco’s shoulders and wailed, his whole body overcome. Draco’s cry echoed his and they collapsed together in a tangle of slender limbs that were damp with sweat.
…
The next day the boys returned to Andromeda’s. The Tonks’ had already picked a tree and decorated it with ornaments. They had spelled fairy lights of different colors onto the tips of the branches, so it looked a lot different from the one Draco and Harry had decorated with Narcissa and Lucius.
Dora had set aside a few ornaments for Draco and Harry to hang and she bounced around them happily, showing him which ornaments were hers and the stories behind each one. They could hardly sleep as Dora kept them up most of the night. The next morning was the twenty fifth, Gift Giving Day, and they all sat together and began to pass out the many presents and packages that had been left under the tree.
Paper and ribbons went flying no matter how careful they were. Books, toys, new baseball gear, and other odds and ends were given to the boys. Dora got a new broom, a nice new journal, some clothes and robes, and jewelry. Andromeda was given the ocean painting Ted had completed. Ted received new art supplies and paints.
After opening all their gifts, they ate lunch and went to play some baseball with the boys new gloves and balls. Remus was invited and he arrived at the park with a glove of his own. It was definitely lopsided and odd to play with just six people, but they had fun.
Remus and the boys made up one side while Team Tonks made up the other. On one play, Dora made an amazing hit on one of Harry’s pitches, but the bat flew out of her hands and nearly took Remus’s head off, much to her mortification. Andromeda was good at fielding the balls and Ted was a great batter, but Remus had a powerful arm and could throw it back to Draco, who played catcher, before anyone could get around the bases. In the end, the boys and Remus won. Harry grinned proudly as Remus hoisted Draco up onto one shoulder and cheered their captain.
Chapter end.
One more chapter and this story will be finished. I’ll be starting the sequel soon, called Freedom Found in Defiance. It will start with the boys beginning their First year at Hogwarts. I plan on taking a short break from posting to write the first few chapters of the sequel and chart the plot. I plan on having Chapter 60, the last chapter of Freedom Found in Chains, out May 13th or so. I should start posting the sequel around Father’s day, June 18th, and I’ll hopefully post every week after that.
Important: Let me know if you like how the first in the series is wrapping up. How’s the pace? Also, please tell me anything you simply MUST see or know before the time jump and the sequel starts.
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Freedom Bound in Chains