#12 ~ The Dunderhead's Miracle [PG] (RL/SS; HP/DM) Title:
The Dunderhead’s Miracle 12
Author:bonfoi Rating: PG Pairing: Remus Lupin/Severus Snape; Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy; Kreacher 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 12 ~ Sleigh/Sleigh Ride Word Count: 685 Genre: Alternate Universe; EWE; Post-Second Voldemort War; Romance; Angst; Humor Warnings: Original characters; Deathly Hallows, what Deathly Hallows? House-elf self-abuse A/N: Short, but a necessary stepping stone.
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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“…and that’s your people, Harry,” Draco said, his lips brushing Harry’s ear.
“‘My people’? What do you mean by that?” Harry asked as he leaned forward to look over the side of the Thestral-drawn sleigh. He followed the line of Draco’s pointing finger and could just make out a diamond-shaped bit of land that seemed to shimmer blue against the snow.
“I mean that’s where many of the Potters come from. Part of your family is from Wiltshire.” Draco reached out and pulled Harry back to his side, holding his lover’s mittened hand in his gloved ones.
“So, now that I’ve got you alone…” Harry looked significantly at the sleigh’s driver. Draco laughed. “All right, as alone as we can be. I want to go toward Ireland. I’ve been thinking about what you said about Snape and those Black Irish and I think you’re onto something.”
Harry reached up and brushed his hidden thumb over Draco’s flushed cheek. “I was wondering why we were going north,” he said softly. “Thank you. This means a lot to me, and to Remus. Finding Snape would make things, well, rounded out.”
“If you mean having Snape see what his sacrifices made possible and making your adopted godfather less of a snarling mope at the same time, then I agree wholeheartedly.” Draco kissed Harry’s cool cheek and then renewed the heating charms on the fur blankets while Harry leaned closer.
“So, when did this plan come to you?” he asked.
“After our lovely interlude last night. I didn’t want to waste a moment and I also wanted to spend more time with you, before everything gets hectic. Voila! A sleigh ride and some misdirection, and I get what I want and I make us both happy at the same time.” Draco’s thin face glowed with mischief as Harry laughed out loud.
~o~O~o~
“Kreacher!” Remus shouted. He was growing hoarse pleading with the house-elf to reappear. “Please, Kreacher. I apologize for scaring you, but, but I need to find Severus if he’s alive. Tell me what you know. Please.”
The portraits sneered at Remus, but several pointed toward the upstairs, one going so far as to hold up three fingers. Remus climbed slowly to the third floor, the sound of weeping making him realize he ought to thank that helpful portrait with a nice visit to a tropical landscape.
“Kreacher?” Remus called softly, gently. He opened several doors until he came to one that was stuck in its jamb. Remus knocked after he couldn’t open the door.
“I’m very sorry for yelling, Kreacher. But it’s important that I find Severus Snape. I…” Remus’ voice trailed off uncertainly. Then he stood taller and spoke clearer. “I love him, Kreacher, and I miss him. I have to know if he’s well, or if he really did die.”
The door opened with a soft snick of the mechanism turning. Remus pushed the door open and found himself in a nursery. There were toys—mostly Victorian and older—on the shelves. Kreacher was dusting a toy sleigh and some odd-looking branch-horned deer that drew it.
“Wolfy uncle growls like Mistress.” Kreacher looked up at him, his ears red from tugging, and if Remus looked closer, from ironing. “Kreacher’s not used to that anymore. You scared Kreacher.” The ancient house-elf turned back to his dusting, mumbling to the toys. “Big teeth and powerful wand, you could hurt Kreacher.”
Remus knelt down on the floor, bringing him almost to house-elf height. “Please tell me about Severus’ visits to this house, Kreacher. I promise to keep calm and not reach for my wand.” Remus leaned back on his heels and waited, his bottom lip caught between his teeth.
Kreacher slowly turned around and stared at Remus with huge eyes. “Snape visits before the war. Heals here, sleeps safe here. After Dark Lord’s snake tries to eat him, Snape comes here and Kreacher gives him potions he left. Before Master comes, before wolfy uncle comes all grey and dirty, Snape hides and then leaves.” Kreacher began wringing his hands. “Sends Kreacher goodies.”