#17 ~ The Dunderhead's Miracle [G] (RL/SS; HP/DM) Title:
The Dunderhead’s Miracle 17
Author:bonfoi Rating: G Pairing: Remus Lupin/Severus Snape; Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy; Percy Weasley Summary: Rebuilding means forging new relationships…and rediscovering old ones. During the first Voldemort-free Christmas hols, two couples—one brand new, the other separated by time and distance—discover the joys of giving and receiving. Challenge:adventdrabbles 2011: Day 17 ~ Father Christmas Word Count: 907 Genre: Alternate Universe; EWE; Post-Second Voldemort War; Romance; Angst; Humor Warnings: Original characters; Deathly Hallows, what Deathly Hallows? A/N: The necessary interlude…and plot twist.
Disclaimer: The world of Harry Potter, its characters and settings are the copyrighted works of J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., her publishing companies and affiliates. No profit was made from the writing of this story nor was any malice intended in any way, shape or form to the author or the actors/actresses who so brilliantly have brought them to life.
This author is not responsible for underage readers. Please observe the ratings, warnings, and age of legal consent for your country.
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“Narcissa, have you heard from Draco since yesterday?” Lucius asked from behind his Daily Prophet. He felt a chill in the air and lowered the newspaper to glance in his wife’s direction.
“I asked you,” Narcissa’s voice quivered with indignation, “to find our son and his very prominent fiancé. Yesterday!” The words literally froze in the air between them and Lucius brought his newspaper down and then closed it, folded it, and set it aside. He leaned back in his chair and assumed a stoic expression. Narcissa was undeterred.
“You told me, and I quote, ‘Narcissa, dear, they’re young men. They’ll be home for their engagement party.’ Then you kissed me on the cheek.” Narcissa raised her napkin to her lips and patted them before turning a narrow-eyed gaze on him. “Lucius, the party is tonight! Where is my son and Harry?” she practically growled.
Lucius pushed his chair back with sigh. “I shall go to No. Twelve and see if they’re sleeping. Kreacher is certain to have information if nothing else.” He got six steps from the breakfast table when Narcissa’s hex stung him in the arse. He yelped.
“What is that for, madam?” he demanded as he spun around. He surreptitiously tried to sooth the burn on his bum, but gave it up and rubbed at the stinging pain.
“He’s my only son, Lucius, and I like Harry. You bring them home or don’t come back yourself.” Narcissa glared at her husband, who finally realized he’d erred in not doing exactly as he’d said he would.
Lucius returned to the table, to Narcissa’s side, and leaned down to kiss her forehead. “I’m sorry, my dear. I was not attending. I’ll find the troublesome twosome so you can chastise them at length.” He wrapped one hand around her neck and kissed her properly, her lips unyielding at first and then softening enough for it be a kiss shared.
“I may not like Potter,” Lucius whispered, “but I do love you and Draco. I’ll find them, love.”
~o~O~o~
Remus held out his wand as soon as he made it to the corner. He turned to look at the pub’s sign, The Earl of McGonagall. He’d have to remember to ask Minerva if she had any Irish relatives.
“Waiting for the Knight Bus?” a rumbling voice asked.
Remus looked behind, and then up. His eyes widened at the large expanse of red velvet and ermine above his head. “Yes. You?”
“Aye. Time to visit me Mam in Glocca Morra. Said I had to come home to get the fancy cakes she sent me in Auror’s training.” The red wall split and a hand the size of a small ham was held out. “Ryan O’Deay.”
“Remus Lupin,” Remus said as he felt his hand get lost in the other man’s. “I’m going to Glocca Morra as well.”
“Aren’t ye supposed to be dead? I know I read about yer funeral after the war.” Ryan put two fingers in his mouth and gave a piercing whistle. The Irish version of the Knight Bus skidded to a screeching halt at the corner and Ryan bustled Remus on before the ticket-taker could ask them aboard.
“It’s all right, Molly. Here’s two passes fer Glocca Morra. Mr. Lupin’s visiting with me.” Ryan steered Remus toward the back of the bus, were a sofa was miraculously cleared for the big man, and Remus. They sat down and bumped along before the Knight Bus left Wizarding Dublin behind.
“Did anyone every tell you you look like a young Father Christmas?” Remus finally blurted out. “A very large Father Christmas?” His cheeks burned with mortified shock.
O’Deay laughed and his body shook, even though Remus was certain there wasn’t a bowl full of jelly anywhere on the man. “No, but I thank ye for the compliment. My da, rest his soul, was Father Christmas to the orphans for years. But tell me, why’s a dead mon visiting Glocca Morra?”
Remus squirmed a bit and then turned to stare out one of the windows. “I’m looking for someone special, Mr. O’Deay. I found out he survived the war as well.”
“Ye mean my cousin thrice-removed on Mam’s side, I take it? The fella what comes from Prince stock?” Ryan said in soft voice. Remus’ head almost turned itself off his neck with how fast he went from window to Ryan.
“You know him?” he asked incredulously. “You knew he was alive?”
“Never met the mon. Mam only told me Summer Solstice. Said I was the mon of the house and it was my right after Da passed.” Ryan crossed his arms and Remus finally saw the Auror’s badge on the man’s chest.
Ryan shook his head. “Don’t worry none, Mr. Lupin. I may be Garda, but ye’ve done done naught but take the Floo from London to Dublin, not done anyone a bit o’ harm.” Ryan settled himself into the sofa. “The ride to Glocca Morra’s an hour and a half. If ye want, ask me some questions I can answer. Or sleep. Either way, ye’ve naught to fear from me.”
“I’m grateful you came along, Mr. O’Deay.” Remus felt the tension easing out of his shoulders.
“I was sent, but that’s neither here nor there. You’re practically family from what Mam says. We O’Deays may not like every relative, but we give them a fighting chance before we turn them in or turn them loose.”