DEC 10, DEC 11, Harry Potter, More than a Legend H/D (3/6) Title: More than a Legend Prompts: Christmas Crackers and Gingerbread House Author:roma_fics Fandom: Harry Potter Characters: Harry/Draco Rating: R Word total: 1360 Warning(s): No Grinches Allowed! Summary: Harry volunteers to be Father Christmas, without truly understanding what it entails. Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction set in the Harry Potter universe – all recognisable characters and settings are the property of J. K. Rowling and her associates. No copyright infringement is intended. No profit is made from this work. Please observe your local laws with regards to the age-limit and content of this work. Beta: The most awesome eeyore9990
More than a Legend Part 3
Headmistress McGonagall stood in front of the Great Hall door. Harry reached into his pocket as they approached, hoping a peppermint stick would suffice as an apology for being late. Her lips were pursed and her foot tapping on the marble floor. Her eyes widened behind her spectacles as they approached.
"Auror Potter, didn't you take the potion? Why are your robes green? And, Merlin, Mr Malfoy, what happened to your ears, and you most certainly cannot go inside wearing that outfit. Do you even have pants on underneath?"
Harry couldn't help but laugh; it came out deep and loud once again. Draco's blush could only be described as adorable. He set down the sack of presents and, with a flick of his wand, Harry costumed Draco in lush white velvet robes, where missing undergarments wouldn't be noticed. The gold sash remained the same. An addition of a mistletoe wreath upon his head was the perfect touch. He reached up and twisted a small branch off as Draco stuttered through an explanation.
McGonagall shook her head in disbelief. "He took the potion, and this is what happened? Maybe we should go talk to Severus and Albus before seeing the children."
"No! It'll be fine, Minerva," Harry said. Both Draco and McGonagall stared at him in surprise. Never had he taken such liberties as calling the Headmistress by her first name. He smiled and held out the candy cane with one hand and the mistletoe twig with the other. "Which would you prefer?"
McGonagall face reddened as she reached for peppermint. "Harry, I'm not sure what's going on, but if you think it's acceptable, I wouldn't want to disappoint the children. I’m sure they'll be just as happy to see you as they would Father Christmas."
Harry frowned but suddenly his eyes brightened. He lifted the mistletoe over McGonagall's pointed hat and gave her a kiss on the cheek. "But I am Father Christmas."
"And Draco would be your elf?"
"Most definitely mine," Harry responded as he picked up his sack and opened the door to the Great Hall.
"Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas!" Harry bellowed out as he entered the room and made his way to the students dressed in their nightclothes, gathered around the tree. They all stood up, looking surprised and cheered. Harry reached into his bag and tossed Christmas crackers into the air. The students scrambled for them. He noticed one young boy remained by the tree, almost hiding behind the branches. He started to walk over to him, but within two steps, Draco was by the boy's side, bending down and talking to him. The little boy nodded and then smiled. Draco reached down to the floor, picked up a cracker and handed it to him.
Harry's heart sped up, knowing that normally Draco wouldn't have made such a gesture. It pleased him to see the Christmas Spirit was so infectious. The children, even the older ones, squealed with glee as they popped the crackers and blue smoke filled the air. Sugar Quills, Chocolate Frogs, Ice Mice, snow globes depicting Hogwarts, and socks covered the floor. Harry shook his head, laughing; the socks were unexpected.
The two hours Harry was schedule to stay flew by. With ease, he accepted that he knew each child's name as they approached him and mentioned their Christmas wish. Draco seemed startled at first, but came around quickly and handed each student a present with his or her name on the tags. They gave Harry a teasing boo when he told them they couldn't open the gifts until the clock reached midnight. He ended the night reading from Dickens.
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Reluctantly they left the Great Hall and entered the Entrance Hall. Everlasting Icicles hung from the marble staircase railings. Draco took Harry's hand, pulling him towards the hallway leading towards their guest quarters. Harry tugged back.
"It's early, let's go to Hogsmeade," Harry said.
"No way, Potter, am I going to Hogsmeade dressed like this. I'd freeze."
"I'll keep you warm," Harry responded.
Draco rolled his eyes. "You do realise the potion will wear off soon. The recipe said it was good for three hours."
Harry's eyes brightened. "So you're telling me that you want Father Christmas all to yourself. Is that what you want for Christmas? I'm thinking nibbling on those ears could be fun."
"You wouldn't."
"Would too. In fact, I can think of all kinds of ways to spread joy over you tonight," Harry said as his hand slid down the white velvet robes to Draco's bum, stroking it in circles. "These robes are nice, but I think I prefer that tunic."
Draco eyes narrowed. "Since when did Father Christmas get so randy?"
Harry laughed. "Not sure. It wasn't in any of the stories I ever heard. But, please, Draco, come with me to Hogsmeade. I feel like celebrating."
"But…but, Harry, you usually can't stand the attention. You do realise we'll be on the front page of the Daily Prophet?"
"Please. I really feel the need to go. I don't care what they say about us, Draco. I'm tired of hiding who I am, who we are. If they want Auror Potter then they'll have to accept Harry Potter."
Draco smiled. "Okay, but you have to promise to keep me warm."
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Draco sat next to Harry in the Three Broomsticks. They were cheered as they walked in. Harry bought mulled mead for the patrons and handed out candy canes. Draco felt like he was in a dream. Never had he seen Harry so happy and relaxed. They sang carols and toasted babies being born to people he didn't know and betrothal proposals to some he did. Madam Rosmerta's smile had never been so wide. A gingerbread house she had proudly displayed on the bar counter was passed around for people to eat. Harry claimed it was the best he'd ever tasted. Draco, knowing his mother would be offended, had to agree. The front door covered in icing and sugar strands he and Harry shared.
They departed with Harry bellowing Merry Christmas once again. They walked arm in arm down the street as snowflakes floated down, covering their cloaks. It struck him as they reached the Hogs Head Inn that he wasn't chilled.
Aberforth Dumbledore dropped a pitcher of beer when they walked in. Old withered wizards and hags looked up from their stools and smiled toothless smiles at them. Harry sat at the table in the middle and ordered drinks for all.
When the clock struck midnight, Draco brought his hands to ears. The elongated curve and points were still there. It worried him only for a moment. A chorus of God Rest Ye' Merry Gentlemen brought him back to the present. Harry had the patrons laughing hysterically as he sang his own version. Draco frowned a bit when the word hippogriff was mentioned, which made Harry smile even more. He turned to Draco and kissed him. The taste of peppermint filled his mouth as Harry's tongue twisted around his. The crowd applauded.
"Merry Christmas, Draco," Harry said as their lips separated.
"We are visiting Snape and Dumbledore in the morning," Draco said.
Harry tilted his head next to Draco's. "Not until after you open your presents in the morning, and you get to play with your new toys," he whispered in Draco's elfin ear.
"Presents? I only saw one."
"I specialise in stocking gifts," Harry said, as he stood and led Draco towards the door. Together they wished those still present a Merry Christmas, and Harry gave Aberforth an exaggerated nod and wink.
"Where to now?" Draco asked as they stepped out into the alley where snow was starting to accumulate.
Harry looked up to sky and opened his mouth. With his tongue, he caught snowflakes. Draco was sure Harry'd had one too many Christmas drinks.
"I like the taste of the snow farther up North," Harry said and wrapped his arms around Draco. "I think it's time to go make love in that wonderful bed waiting for us."
Draco thought it was a grand idea, but he wasn't sure Harry had ever been further north.