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The Years After	By : Araea Swiftwind Category: Harry Potter > Slash - Male/Male Views: 2598 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor do I make any money off the writing of this piece of fiction. The views expressed herein do not in any way reflect the views of J.K. Rowling or Warner Bros. and their affiliates.

Chapter List
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Part 9 – Chapter 7 - Dec. 25, 1991

Christmas morning was a fairly happy affair. Draco was the first one downstairs. He was happily sitting in front of the tree, eagerly awaiting his parents and their guests arriving so that he could open his presents. Under the tree were six small piles of gifts, though there were two piles that were a bit bigger than the rest. Draco was contemplating the various piles when the first adults came downstairs. Lucius and Narcissa were visions in their formal attire. Lucius was wearing pale silver robes. Narcissa's gown was an icy blue that complimented the silver quite nicely. Draco felt a little underdressed in his dark grey silk pajamas. His parents nodded to him and sat on a settee a small ways behind Draco. Next, Severus entered the room in his typical black robes. Even if it was a holiday, he felt no need to dress differently. Finally, Voldemort and Harry came downstairs. Harry, being too unsteady on his feet due to his malnutrition and lack of exercise recently, was being carried by the tall, dark-haired man. He was in emerald green silk pajamas, whilst his "Uncle Marvolo" was wearing attractive black robes—they were similar to Severus', but much better quality.

Once everyone was seated in the drawing room, Draco looked questioningly at his parents. They shared a reserved smile and nodded ever-so-slightly. Draco's smile widened and he looked at each pile. The one on the farthest left went to his godfather. He handed the presents to Severus and went back to the remaining piles. The next pile was for Lord Voldemort. He handed the pile over without meeting the man's eyes. Next was one of the larger piles of gifts. The presents were all labeled "To Harry". He figured that must be the boy sitting on the Dark Lord's lap, so he handed him the larger pile of gifts. The boy's eyes widened and he stammered out, "Th-thank you." The adults all let out soft chuckles. Draco shrugged and went back to the gifts. The next pile was also a bit larger than the rest. It was his, so he moved them away so that he could give his parents the last two piles.

Once everyone had their gifts, they began to open their presents. Everyone except Harry, of course, who had never had gifts before and therefore didn't trust that he was truly allowed to open them without be told to. He left his presents sitting next to him and watched to see what everyone else received.

Severus received a few potions journals that he'd been eying for some time, a sterling silver stirring rod made by a very famous silversmith in Bulgaria, and a heavy new winter cloak from Draco. Harry felt bad that he wasn't able to get the man who was his mother's best friend anything.

Draco received many cool presents, Harry thought. From his godfather, he received a new gold cauldron and some rare potions ingredients. His parents bought him a crystal dragon figurine and expensive new dress robes in all of his favorite fabrics. And Voldemort gifted him the latest broom, something called a Nimbus 2000. Draco was quite happy with his haul and got up to swiftly hug each person, though he only shook the Dark Lord's hand and skipped over Harry, since the boy hadn't gotten him anything. Harry felt bad once again since he hadn't contributed, and the fact that Draco had blatantly skipped over him hadn't made him feel any better.

Lucius and Narcissa opened their presents together. Lucius received opal cufflinks from his wife, a Felix Felicis potion from Severus, a snake-head walking stick/wand holder and brown leather diary from the Dark Lord, and a set of black acromantula-silk hair ribbons from his son. Narcissa received a lovely opal cocktail ring from her husband, a specially brewed perfume from Severus that makes one's suggestions more alluring, an opal necklace from her son, and a heavy locket with a large silver 'S' emblazoned on the face of it from the Dark Lord.

“Keep them safe,” was all Voldemort said by way of explanation for his gifts.

Finally it was his turn. From Lucius he received a thick text on soul magic, a tome he didn't already possess and hadn't see in the Malfoy library. From Narcissa he received a rather expensive-looking ring in the shape of a serpent imbued with protective charms and an emergency portkey. Severus had brewed him a special variation on Veritaserum that caused the drinker to forget everything he had said under the potion's effects—it also happened to be undetectable in the drinker's system. Draco hadn't been sure what to get for the Dark Lord who had everything, so he had searched for days for something that seemed as if it would work. In a hidden nook in the Slytherin common room, he had found a book written by Salazar Slytherin in a funny language that looked like something a snake would write—if a snake could write. The Dark Lord was quite pleased with everything he had received. The only person who hadn't opened his presents now was Harry.

The messy-haired child looked rather sheepish when everyone turned their gaze to him. He fidgeted for a moment before saying, "But, I not give an’thin’...’nd you dun know me...’nd I not been good...I not deserve gifts..."

The look on Draco's face said he frankly agreed wholeheartedly and would be more than happy to relieve Harry of his gifts. He even began leaning forward a bit when Lucius used his new cane to prod his son in the back so that he would wipe the look off his face. Draco turned to look at him a moment before settling back and trying to be still and patient.

After dealing with his son, he addressed Harry. "Harry, we had time to get you things, and we wanted to. You didn't know you'd be meeting new people at all, so it's understandable that you couldn't have bought us anything. It's okay. You may open your gifts."

"But...I never gotted gifts a’fore..."

Severus responded this time, mildly irritated. "There is a first time for everything. Go on, before you insult everyone who thought enough of you to choose something."

Harry hated disappointing people, and desperately didn't want to be rude or insult someone. He picked up the smallest gift first. Inside was a photo album. It was full of pictures of people he didn't recognize. Under one picture of a red-haired woman and a black-haired man was the caption: Lily and James Potter - Expecting. So, these people were his parents. He didn't know what the word "Expecting" meant, but he felt as though it didn't matter. For the first time he had a face to go with those soft whispers he remembered. He was so engrossed in looking at the pictures that he had forgotten he had other gifts. The others waited patiently for him to come back to himself. The adults realized how hard this must be on him, having been neglected all his life then taken away from the only place he'd ever known and thrust into a strange situation. The Dark Lord had informed Narcissa of Harry's past ten years and some of the things that the Dursleys had done to him.

Draco, however, wasn't good at being patient. After a few minutes, he began to fidget. His father prodded him with his cane again. He stopped moving at once, though Lucius and Narcissa could see the effort it took him. Lucius had to remember to thank the Dark Lord for the gift; it came quite in handy.

Finally, Harry came out of his thoughts and blushed as he realized that everyone was still watching him. He softly apologized and set the album aside. Next was a squashy package. He opened it to find a rather ragged looking teddy bear inside. He tilted his head slightly to the side and appraised the old toy.

Voldemort answered the unasked question "It was yours, when you were a baby. It was found in your house."

Harry blushed again and held tightly to the bear, trying to remember it. He had a faint feeling that it had been in his crib with him when the green light flashed, but he couldn't get a clear lock on it. He smiled and said, "Thanks, Uncle 'Volo."

Everyone present was shocked at the name Harry had called the Dark Lord, except the Dark Lord himself. "You're welcome, Harry."

The next present was a rather large fuzzy blanket with a coat of arms in the middle and four different colors around the edges. On one side was a blue background with a bronze eagle in the middle of it. Next to that was a scarlet background with a golden lion rampant in the middle. Then was a yellow background with a badger, and finally was an emerald green background with a silver snake. The coat of arms in the middle had the same four animals and a large H in the middle of it. Under the coat of arms was a ribbon bearing the words: “Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titilandus.”

He smiled brightly and hugged the blanket to himself. It was warm, the warmest thing he'd ever owned. "Thank you," he said to the air, not knowing who gave it to him.

Lucius and Narcissa both responded "You are quite welcome."

The next package was a broom just like Draco's. Harry had never seen a broom before, but judging from Draco's earlier reaction, this one must be nice. He smiled, set the broom aside, and attempted to pick up the last present. It was a very large box, at least by Harry's standards. Inside were several different colored robes. Some were emerald green like his pajamas, and some were scarlet like that part of the blanket that had the lion on it, and some were black like Uncle Severus' eyes. And at the very bottom of the box was a handsome-looking cloak. It too was black, but it had dark sable fur around the hood and front edging. The bottom was hemmed with the same color satin. It was probably the most expensive piece of clothing he would ever own. He was so happy and surprised it rendered him speechless. Severus, Narcissa and Lucius all said, "You're welcome, Harry," softly so that he would know they were the ones who had done this for him.

Voldemort gave the boy a soft smile and held him a bit closer to his chest. He whispered in his ear, "Later, we'll get a tailor to measure you for some more comfortable clothing."

Harry's eyes opened wide and he turned to look at the man he was sitting on. He didn’t know what a tailor was, but he knew that he didn’t deserve new clothes. He hadn’t been a good boy in a long time. "New clothes? Why?"

He frowned down at his young charge. "We can't allow you to continue wearing those rags you came in. They aren't fit for a house elf. You must have something befitting a nephew of mine."

Harry looked cowed at once. He didn't want to embarrass anyone. "Of course, Uncle 'Volo."

O_O_O_O_O_O

"So, is the Dark Lord really your uncle?" Draco asked later when Harry and Draco were alone upstairs, giving the adults time and space to discuss matters. The blond boy wasn’t sure how he felt about this new boy, but there was just something about him that rubbed the older boy the wrong way. He had to get to the bottom of his presence in the manor.

Harry wasn’t sure that he liked being alone with this boy called “Draco.” He sort of reminded him of his cousin who hadn't ever been very nice to him. Uncle ‘Volo thought it was okay, though, so he wasn't going to complain.

"No. He said we like family. Sev’rus like his son. Sev’rus mummy’s friend.”

"Oh, okay." Draco wasn't sure what to say to that. He didn’t see how Severus being this boy’s mum’s friend made them family. And since when did the Dark Lord see Severus as his son? That was a though for another time, though. He still needed to unearth the truth of the boy’s presence. “Why are you even here?”

Harry didn’t know why the other boy kept on asking him questions. It seemed like the boy didn’t like him. He was used to people not liking him, though. So as to keep the boy from getting angrier, Harry answered quietly, “Keep me safe.”

“Safe from what?” Draco was getting annoyed. Getting answers from this kid was like pulling teeth.

Harry was starting to feel scared. The boy seemed so angry. Was he going to hit Harry? Harry didn’t want to get hit again. Uncle ‘Volo promised to keep Harry safe. But Harry didn’t have an answer for Draco. If he didn’t answer, he was sure he’d get hit. His cousin always hit him, whether he answered or not. “Dunno.”

“Why do you speak like a baby? Don’t you know how to speak properly?” Draco was disgusted to see someone seemingly his own age acting so childishly. His patience was all but gone. He wanted answers, but this kid seemed way too stupid to give them to him.

“No.” Harry wasn’t sure what he should say anymore. Draco seemed so angry. Harry wanted to crawl in a ball and make himself small. He wanted the safety of his cupboard, or Uncle ‘Volo. But, since he didn’t have his cupboard, and Uncle ‘Volo was busy, and Harry didn’t know what else to do, he started to cry. At first, they were just silent tears coursing down his face. After a moment, they turned into full blown sobs.

Draco was taken aback. He was not expecting Harry to burst into tears. Draco looked around frantically, making sure none of the adults had come back yet. He knew for sure that if they came in and found Harry crying, they would blame it on him. And Draco hadn’t done anything wrong. He was just asking questions. He hadn’t hurt the boy, or threatened him in any way. He had to get Harry to stop crying, the sooner the better.

“Harry, stop crying this instant. You are not a baby, so stop acting like one!”

At the sound of the harsh words, Harry started crying harder, if that was even possible. He was so scared, so afraid of being hurt, of this big place, of these new people. He just wanted the place he knew, the people he knew. They might not have been nice to him, but he always knew what to expect from them. He knew they would hit him. He didn’t have to sit there and wonder when they would explode in rage. But these new people were different. They said they wanted to keep him safe. They said that they wanted to help him. But surely they would hit him sometime. He was a bad boy. He deserved to be hit. He was nobody.

When Harry didn’t stop crying, and instead the cries got louder, Draco knew there was nothing else he could do. He could keep trying, but it didn’t seem to be working. He could leave the room, Harry, and hide in his room, hoping his parents wouldn’t come looking for him. But he knew that wouldn’t really work. Inevitably, someone would come after him, if only to get answers. And inevitably, this whole mess would be blamed on him. He shuddered at the thought of the displeased look on the Dark Lord’s face. He’d be on the receiving end of a crucio for sure.

It didn't take long for the commotion to reach the adults downstairs. Voldemort was the first to reach the room. He entered regally and saw Draco sitting in front of Harry, a look of worry and annoyance on his face. Looking at his new nephew, he noticed Harry was curled in on himself and sobbing brokenly. Harry had been the source of the loud noise that interrupted the conversation downstairs. Sparing a moment to wonder what could have happened to make the boy cry so loudly, Voldemort took a deep breath to center himself. He’d deal with Draco later. Immediately, he went to the boy and gathered him up in his arms.

"Shhh, Harry. It's okay, now. Shhh. I'm right here, no need to worry. You're okay." It seemed that the soothing whispers were doing the trick.

As the other adults made it into the room, they saw Draco worrying his bottom lip, wringing his hands and pacing, his eyes trained on Harry and the Dark Lord. Narcissa walked over to her son and took his chin in her firm grasp. "What happened, Draco?"

"We were just talking..." He wouldn't meet his mother's stern gaze. He knew that he hadn’t really done anything wrong, but he also knew that regardless of that fact, he’d be blamed.

"About?" His father asked.

"Just stuff. Nothing, really. I asked him about his relationship with the Dark Lord, and why he was here..." Draco fidgeted in his mother's grip and tried to look down at the floor. He didn’t know why everyone was making such a big deal out of this new boy. What was so special about him that everyone made such a fuss? He was just a scrawny little kid who didn’t know how to speak properly, and somehow wormed his way into the Dark Lord’s good graces. Draco certainly never had the Dark Lord fawning over him in this manner. Not once in all of his eleven years.

Fortunately for Draco, neither elder Malfoy noticed the negative emotions in their son’s eyes. If they had, he’d have been taken to task immediately. As it was, they were very disappointed that their son couldn’t speak with Harry without making the younger boy cry. Their Lord was still cooing softly to the boy to get him to calm down.

The two adult Malfoys sighed as Narcissa let go of her son. "You must now realize that you cannot speak to Harry in the same way that you would one of your other friends? Harry is special, and has been through a lot. He needs time, and space, and a gentler hand than you are used to using.”

"Yes, mother.” He paused and fully trained his eyes on the ground for a moment. After a few heartbeats, he gathered some courage and tried looking into her face again. “I did try to get him to stop crying, but it wasn't helping. He just kept on wailing, no matter what I said to him. What is wrong with him?”

"As I said, Harry has been through a lot," Narcissa began.

"You need not know more than that," Lucius added.

After staying near the door and observing the situation, Severus decided that it might be time for him to act. Draco had been taken to task for his part in causing Harry’s distress, and the Dark Lord still had not gotten Harry to fully calm. The sobs had died down, but the tears were still coming, and the boy was clutching the Dark Lord as if he would disappear.

"My Lord, should I retrieve a calming draught?"

Voldemort whispered another soft word to Harry before turning his attention to his most loyal follower. He, too, could see that Harry wasn’t going to fully calm on his own. Whatever had taken place during his and Draco’s conversation was apparently upsetting enough that the boy was stuck in a loop, memories plaguing him. "Yes, Severus. I'll take him to his room. Meet me there once you have it. A nutrient potion too, I think. He's still much too thin and hasn't eaten yet today."

"Of course, My Lord," Severus bowed and hastened out of the room.

Draco watched the Dark Lord carry Harry to his bedroom down the hall. The thought of all of the coddling the brat was getting was really getting on Draco’s last nerve. Here was this little nobody, sneaking into his house, ruining his Christmas, getting him in trouble for no good reason. It wasn’t fair! It wasn’t right! Draco vowed that he would get to the bottom of this mystery called “Harry.” He’d find out why the boy got so much attention. And if it wasn’t a good enough reason, he’d convince everyone they should just dump the kid somewhere. Eventually, they’d see. Harry didn’t deserve all of their attention, their consideration. Draco was much more deserving. At least he knew how to speak properly.

As soon as the Dark Lord and Harry left the room, the two elder Malfoys turned to their son. They gave him a pointed look, reminding him to be on his best behavior, and left the room. Draco, too, left the play room that he and Harry had been left in not so long ago. It would probably before the best that he stay in his room until it was time to gather for lunch.
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The Years After