The Engagement

Though he couldn’t quite understand why, Harry was really glad the courting part in the “get Harry and Draco together” masterplan was axed. I mean “slay a dragon and offer its skin to your beloved” was very old fashioned. Though maybe a basilisk would’ve counted. Harry was sure the remains of the basilisk still lay in the Chamber of Secrets. Anyway, Harry couldn’t comprehend what Draco would even use the skin of a dangerous animal for. If Harry would give him the skin, Draco surely would be disgusted. Good, that’s off the table now.

Hermione was quite adamant about Harry practicing dancing, though. “You need it at the New Year’s Ball at Malfoy Manor, Harry. Surely, you don’t want to embarrass Draco with your horrible two left feet!”

So, every day, he would sneak into the garden shed with Ron and Hermione for an hour to practice. While Hermione instructed him and was his dance partner, Ron helpfully sat nearby to keep a lookout and commented on their dancing. Well, he commented only on Harry’s dancing. By Christmas Eve he had perfected his imitation of Draco in second year. Every practice session would infallibly begin with Ron sneering “Training for the ballet, Pottah?” And every time Ron would collapse on the floor laughing, Hermione would giggle, and Harry would groan.

Finally, it was Christmas Day and Harry could take a break from dance lessons. In the morning, everyone gathered in the living room to exchange presents. From Hermione, Harry got a book –predictable– about the most famous wizarding love stories and from Ron he got a broomcare kit. Ginny gifted him a jam jar filled with, if the label could be believed, fresh pickled toad. Confused Harry read the attached Christmas Card:
    “His eyes are not green as a fresh pickled toad!
     I hereby admit it, so Draco may gloat.
     The Slytherin Ice Prince is constantly bragging.
     I was wrong and he was right:
     Harrys eyes shine like emeralds so bright.
     Draco is fine, so please ask him ‘Be mine?’
     ‘Cause I can’t stand no more whining.
     Ps: Just kiss him already! Seeing both of you dance around each other is sickenly sweet, it pisses me off.”

Torn between amusement and embarrassment, Harry thanked Ginny who winked at him. “Four years later and I still got it. Poetry should become my profession” she said smugly.

Just as Harry put his head through his traditional Weasley-jumper he caught a glance at Draco who was currently sporting his own Weasley-jumper. It was baby blue with a grey D and suited his complexion and eyes perfectly. The blonde looked close to tears when he thanked Molly who hugged him and said “Welcome into the family, Draco. You’re one of us, now.”

Merlin, Draco was so adorable, so cute. The jumper softened his pointed features. God, Harry wanted to cuddle him and never let him go. Just as Harry mustered up his courage to go to Draco to give him his present personally, Sirius came in. “Merry Christmas, Harry!” he yelled, grinning widely and wrapped his godson into a hug.

Sirius guided Harry outside, to get a private moment. “Here”, he said while taking Harry’s hand and letting something small but solid fall into his palm. Harry inspected the item and found a signet ring. “Is that…” the boy asked amazed. “It is!” Sirius said solemly. “As my godson, I want you to be my heir. You know, I don’t give a shit about the Black family tradition. But I wanted to give you something symbolic to show you that we’re family.”
Harrys eyes watered. “Sirius, this means so much to me! Thank you!”

Sirius hugged Harry again. “I’m so proud of you, Harry. How’s it going with blondie?”

“We’re getting on surprisingly well. Actually, I really like him.” The black-haired boy blushed.

“That’s good to hear. Don’t worry about the engagement, though. I have a few cards up my sleeve, so you don’t have to get too attached, alright?” Sirius ruffled Harry’s head. Before the boy could ask what his godfather meant with that, Molly called them to come and get something to eat. While eating the Christmas feast and staring longingly at Draco, Harry soon forgot Sirius ominous words.

The day proceeded fast with games, singing carols, and more eating. It was already late at night and Harry hadn’t had one minute alone with Draco. Finally, he caught him alone when everyone but Fred and George went to bed.

“Hey, do you have a minute?” Harry asked softly, suddenly very nervous.

“Yes, I wanted to speak to you, too. But the day was very hectic” Draco answered, chuckling shyly.

“Yeah, it’s always lively here. I, uhm, I have something for you. Merry Christmas”, Harry gave Draco a small box, wrapped in silver paper. With nimble fingers the blonde opened his gift and gasped delighted. “Help me put it on?” Draco turned his back to Harry and tilted his head to expose his neck. “You can add it to the necklace I’m wearing.”

The black-haired boy took the necklace off Draco's neck, feeling giddy and getting really warm at the sight of the engagement ring that hung on the chain. Then he added the silver runespoor pendant to the chain. His fingers were shaking slightly as he put the necklace on Draco. Merlin, Draco's neck was beautiful with all that smooth, pale skin. Standing so near the blonde and inhaling his scent made Harry dizzy and he couldn’t suppress the urge to caress the long, elegant neck.

Draco turned around slowly. They were standing now so close their noses were touching. Harry still had his hands lingering where Draco’s neck joined the face.
“I have something for you, too.” Draco whispered and raised his hands. Harry felt slender fingers working around his neck before coming to rest on his chest hesitantly.

“This is a Malfoy heirloom. It’s given to the person who is marrying into the family as a wedding gift. I know we’re not married yet but I wanted you to know that I’m okay with our engagement, that I’m okay with you.” Harry could feel Draco’s cheeks heating under his palms and it was a glorious sensation.

Harry wistfully removed one hand from Draco’s cheek to inspect the necklace. It was black with a serpentine creature which stared at Harry with diamond eyes. He looked up to his fiancé and thought ‘Godric, he’s so beautiful’. But what he said was “It’s beautiful, thank you.”

They stared at each other, mesmerized. Draco cleared his throat. “Well, then, I think I should go to bed. It is rather late.”

Disppointment washed over Harry. “Yes, of course.” Taking a step backwards the Gryffindor looked over Draco’s shoulder, frustrated. He startled when his gaze met the twins’ who were wildly gesticulating. Fred and George pointed above their heads and made kissing faces, then pointed in Harry’s and Draco’s direction.

Confused, Harry looked upwards and was met with a mistletoe. Oh. He looked back to the twins who made kissing faces more ferociously and wriggled their eyebrows suggestively at Harry. Oooooh.

The black-haired boy turned to the blonde again and pulled him closer. “There’s a mistletoe above our heads.” Harry murmured, his heart racing.

Draco looked up. “Oh”, he said softly. “Well, then. Merry Christmas, Harry.” He pecked Harry’s lips and retreated swiftly to his room, leaving a stunned Harry Potter behind.

Fred whistled appreciatively and George gave him a thumbs up. With a dopey grin Harry said “He called me Harry!”

Harry felt as if he was the king of the world. Lightheaded and with his heart soaring he went to bed.