Fic: The Perfect Gift - Part 4
Dec. 30th, 2016 08:21 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
Title: The Perfect Gift - Part 4
Author:
alisanne
Rating: PG
Word count: 1300
Characters/pairings: Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy.
Challenge: Written for
dracoharry100/
dracoharry100's Christmas prompts #19 - 24: Hot chocolate / mulled wine / other warm beverage, Azkaban over the holidays, Mixing alcohol with former enemies / opposing houses, Apart for Christmas, Family reunion for Teddy's first Christmas, Sleigh ride.
This is part 4 of my H/D Gift Series (LJ/IJ/DW).
Disclaimer: The characters contained herein are not mine. No money is being made from this fiction, which is presented for entertainment purposes only.
Beta(s):
sevfan and
emynn.
Authors Notes: Even the toughest shoppers have to take a break at times.
Back to Part 3 (LJ/IJ/DW)
~
The Perfect Gift - Part 4
~
Malfoy stares at the parchment.
“So?” says Harry, impatient. “What does it mean?”
“No idea.”
Harry groans. “Merlin, was that whole thing a waste of time, then? Look, Malfoy, can you or can’t you help me, because if not—”
Malfoy raises an eyebrow. “Shopping is a process, Potter, and we’ve barely started.”
“What?” Harry stares at Malfoy. “You’re joking.”
Malfoy smirks. “I’ll have you know I never joke about shopping. Now come on.”
As Malfoy takes off, Harry trails behind him, scowling. He’s hungry and tired and even the sight of Malfoy’s shapely arse ahead of him is not enough to jolt him out of his doldrums. I’m never going to find a gift for Hermione. I’m going to show up at Christmas with nothing…
Still brooding, he follows Malfoy into a building, only looking up when he almost runs Malfoy over. “Wha—” He blinks. “Where are we?”
“I’ve made an executive decision. We’re stopping for refreshments,” says Malfoy, holding up two fingers to a waiter.
“But we don’t have time—” Harry inhales, and the scent of chocolate almost makes him swoon. His stomach grumbles.
Malfoy smirks. “It sounds like you’ve been outvoted.” He gestures. “Come on, Potter. There’s no reason to starve just because we’re shopping.”
Biting his lip, Harry hesitates a moment, but Malfoy’s already being seated and, well, what could it hurt to have a little snack?
When they waiter brings the menu, Harry’s a bit overwhelmed. “What’s good here?”
“The hot chocolate is fabulous,” says Malfoy. “Or, if you’d like to get an early start, the mulled wine is stellar as well.”
Harry rolls his eyes. “Hot chocolate will be fine. It’s probably not a wise idea to mix alcohol and—” He pauses, not sure how to say what he's thinking.
“And what?” Malfoy asks. His eyes narrow. “Former enemies? People in opposing Houses? Slytherins?”
Harry blinks. “Not where I was going with that. I just meant I probably shouldn’t be drinking when I’m going to have to make a decision about what to buy. Who knows what I’d get for Hermione then?”
“Ah.” Malfoy’s shoulder relax. “Fear not, Potter. I’d never let you get her anything horrid.”
“What about expensive?” Harry asks.
Malfoy hums. “That’s another matter. Perhaps it is best if we both avoid the alcohol.”
They order hot chocolate, Malfoy requesting a chocolate croissant with his, Harry a piece of treacle tart. As they wait, they sit in silence.
Harry clears his throat. “Was that really Santa Claus?”
Malfoy shrugs. “Maybe? I mean, who can know? And elves apparently live a very long time. Even if he’s not, he’s a handy person to know.”
“I suppose.” Harry grins. “I know someone who’d love to meet him.”
“Who?”
“My godson, Teddy Lupin.”
Malfoy’s mouth drops open. “You’re Teddy’s godfather? Salazar, you do know he’s my cousin, yes?”
Harry thinks about it. “Yeah, I guess I knew that, I just never thought about it. Andromeda’s very excited about a possible family reunion this year—” He trails off as he recalls why a reunion is necessary. “Er…”
“It’s fine, Potter.” Malfoy sighs, fiddling with his napkin. “I’m just glad that last Christmas was Father’s last in Azkaban. That is not a cheerful place over the holidays.” He shudders.
Harry nods. “I’m sure.” He licks his lips. “And I’m, er, sorry about him ending up there.”
Just then, their hot chocolate and pastries arrive. Harry assumes Malfoy won’t respond to his last comment, but once the waiter leaves, he does. “Thanks. You did your best. I do remember you spoke for him at the trial.” Malfoy exhales. “It’s been especially hard for Mother. She hated being apart from him for Christmas. She’s really looking forward to celebrating the holidays with me and Aunt Andromeda and Father, the whole family.” He sips, his face relaxing. “Delicious.”
“And Teddy. He’ll be there, too.” Harry takes a drink, biting back a moan. “Merlin, that’s fabulous.”
“Isn’t it?” Malfoy smiles. “And yes, Teddy will be there, too. He’s quite enchanted Mother, actually. And me, too, to be honest.”
“He’s a great kid,” Harry agrees. “Have you got him a gift yet?” he asks, taking a bite of his tart.
“Teddy?” Malfoy nods, taking a neat bite of his croissant. He chews, swallows, and Harry tried not to watch his throat move. “He’s Quidditch mad,” Malfoy continues, “loves the Falcons, so I got him his own uniform.”
“Ah.” Harry laughs. “I got tickets to take him to a Falcon’s game. Oliver Wood plays for them, so we’re going to meet the team after.”
Malfoy raises an eyebrow, looking impressed. “Very nice, Potter. That’s a gift I wouldn’t mind getting myself.”
“Oh?” Harry clears his throat. “Well, as it happens, I do have an extra ticket. Would you like to go with us?”
Malfoy blinks. “I…yes, I’d love to. That’s decent of you, Potter.” He smirks. “I’ll be sure to keep it quiet, however. Otherwise people might think it’s a date.”
Feeling bold, Harry smirks back. “Would that be such a problem?”
He’s treated to the sight of Malfoy’s mouth dropping open again. “It wouldn’t be for me,” Malfoy finally says quietly.
“Me either.” Harry gives Malfoy a slow, appreciative once-over. “I wouldn’t mind one bit.”
Malfoy’s eyes go a molten silver. “Potter, are you flirting with me?”
“If you have to ask, I must be doing it wrong,” says Harry. “Sorry. It’s been a while—” His words stumble to a stop as Malfoy reaches across the table, taking his hand.
“No need to apologise.” Malfoy smiles faintly. “It’s been a while for me, too.”
“Really?” Harry asks. “Someone who looks like you?”
Malfoy laughs softly, the sound making something inside Harry clench. “You, Potter, are good for my ego.”
“Yeah? You’re not so bad yourself,” says Harry. He grins. “Have you thought about how we’re going to take Teddy to the game?”
“It wasn’t exactly what I was thinking about this second, no,” murmurs Malfoy, his eyes dropping to Harry’s mouth.
Harry swallows hard. He can’t just lean across the table and snog Malfoy, can he?
“But clearly you are,” Malfoy continues. Eyes back on Harry’s, he inclines his head. “So what were you thinking?”
“A sleigh ride,” Harry says. “One of those flying rides you can arrange from Diagon.”
“He’d love it,” Malfoy agrees. “And it has one other advantage.”
“Oh?”
“Yes.” The light in Malfoy’s eyes is wicked. “It’s very romantic.”
“Once we drop him off,” Harry breathes, “we can…um—”
“We can see what happens,” murmurs Malfoy. “Now, as…comfortable as this is, we need to find Granger a gift. There’s another place we could try, only I’m not sure it’s open. If only we could c—” His eyes go wide.
“What?” says Harry. “What is it?”
“Those numbers Nick gave you. Can I see them again?”
“Sure.” Harry pulls the parchment out of his pocket. “Here you go.”
Malfoy spreads it out on the table. “Yes! It’s a telephone number.”
Harry stares. “Bloody hell, it is!” He blinks. “Wait, you know about telephones?”
Malfoy snorts. “Of course.” And, pulling out a mobile, he inputs the numbers.
Harry shakes his head. “How…why… You have a mobile?”
Malfoy motions for him to be quiet. “Hello. Yes, who is this I’m calling?” He listens, then nods. “Lovely. Thanks.”
“Well?” Harry asks. “Who is it? And how is it you have a mobile?”
“I’m a modern wizard, Potter.” Malfoy laughs. “Pansy made me get it. It’s her new thing and she always wants to stay in touch. Anyway, I was right.”
“Okay, where did you call?” Harry asks.
“A stationer’s shop.” Malfoy signals for the bill.
“Paper? I’m getting her paper?”
Malfoy smiles. “You’ll see.”
~
Part 5 (LJ/IJ/DW)
Author:
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
Rating: PG
Word count: 1300
Characters/pairings: Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy.
Challenge: Written for
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
This is part 4 of my H/D Gift Series (LJ/IJ/DW).
Disclaimer: The characters contained herein are not mine. No money is being made from this fiction, which is presented for entertainment purposes only.
Beta(s):
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
Authors Notes: Even the toughest shoppers have to take a break at times.
Back to Part 3 (LJ/IJ/DW)
~
The Perfect Gift - Part 4
~
Malfoy stares at the parchment.
“So?” says Harry, impatient. “What does it mean?”
“No idea.”
Harry groans. “Merlin, was that whole thing a waste of time, then? Look, Malfoy, can you or can’t you help me, because if not—”
Malfoy raises an eyebrow. “Shopping is a process, Potter, and we’ve barely started.”
“What?” Harry stares at Malfoy. “You’re joking.”
Malfoy smirks. “I’ll have you know I never joke about shopping. Now come on.”
As Malfoy takes off, Harry trails behind him, scowling. He’s hungry and tired and even the sight of Malfoy’s shapely arse ahead of him is not enough to jolt him out of his doldrums. I’m never going to find a gift for Hermione. I’m going to show up at Christmas with nothing…
Still brooding, he follows Malfoy into a building, only looking up when he almost runs Malfoy over. “Wha—” He blinks. “Where are we?”
“I’ve made an executive decision. We’re stopping for refreshments,” says Malfoy, holding up two fingers to a waiter.
“But we don’t have time—” Harry inhales, and the scent of chocolate almost makes him swoon. His stomach grumbles.
Malfoy smirks. “It sounds like you’ve been outvoted.” He gestures. “Come on, Potter. There’s no reason to starve just because we’re shopping.”
Biting his lip, Harry hesitates a moment, but Malfoy’s already being seated and, well, what could it hurt to have a little snack?
When they waiter brings the menu, Harry’s a bit overwhelmed. “What’s good here?”
“The hot chocolate is fabulous,” says Malfoy. “Or, if you’d like to get an early start, the mulled wine is stellar as well.”
Harry rolls his eyes. “Hot chocolate will be fine. It’s probably not a wise idea to mix alcohol and—” He pauses, not sure how to say what he's thinking.
“And what?” Malfoy asks. His eyes narrow. “Former enemies? People in opposing Houses? Slytherins?”
Harry blinks. “Not where I was going with that. I just meant I probably shouldn’t be drinking when I’m going to have to make a decision about what to buy. Who knows what I’d get for Hermione then?”
“Ah.” Malfoy’s shoulder relax. “Fear not, Potter. I’d never let you get her anything horrid.”
“What about expensive?” Harry asks.
Malfoy hums. “That’s another matter. Perhaps it is best if we both avoid the alcohol.”
They order hot chocolate, Malfoy requesting a chocolate croissant with his, Harry a piece of treacle tart. As they wait, they sit in silence.
Harry clears his throat. “Was that really Santa Claus?”
Malfoy shrugs. “Maybe? I mean, who can know? And elves apparently live a very long time. Even if he’s not, he’s a handy person to know.”
“I suppose.” Harry grins. “I know someone who’d love to meet him.”
“Who?”
“My godson, Teddy Lupin.”
Malfoy’s mouth drops open. “You’re Teddy’s godfather? Salazar, you do know he’s my cousin, yes?”
Harry thinks about it. “Yeah, I guess I knew that, I just never thought about it. Andromeda’s very excited about a possible family reunion this year—” He trails off as he recalls why a reunion is necessary. “Er…”
“It’s fine, Potter.” Malfoy sighs, fiddling with his napkin. “I’m just glad that last Christmas was Father’s last in Azkaban. That is not a cheerful place over the holidays.” He shudders.
Harry nods. “I’m sure.” He licks his lips. “And I’m, er, sorry about him ending up there.”
Just then, their hot chocolate and pastries arrive. Harry assumes Malfoy won’t respond to his last comment, but once the waiter leaves, he does. “Thanks. You did your best. I do remember you spoke for him at the trial.” Malfoy exhales. “It’s been especially hard for Mother. She hated being apart from him for Christmas. She’s really looking forward to celebrating the holidays with me and Aunt Andromeda and Father, the whole family.” He sips, his face relaxing. “Delicious.”
“And Teddy. He’ll be there, too.” Harry takes a drink, biting back a moan. “Merlin, that’s fabulous.”
“Isn’t it?” Malfoy smiles. “And yes, Teddy will be there, too. He’s quite enchanted Mother, actually. And me, too, to be honest.”
“He’s a great kid,” Harry agrees. “Have you got him a gift yet?” he asks, taking a bite of his tart.
“Teddy?” Malfoy nods, taking a neat bite of his croissant. He chews, swallows, and Harry tried not to watch his throat move. “He’s Quidditch mad,” Malfoy continues, “loves the Falcons, so I got him his own uniform.”
“Ah.” Harry laughs. “I got tickets to take him to a Falcon’s game. Oliver Wood plays for them, so we’re going to meet the team after.”
Malfoy raises an eyebrow, looking impressed. “Very nice, Potter. That’s a gift I wouldn’t mind getting myself.”
“Oh?” Harry clears his throat. “Well, as it happens, I do have an extra ticket. Would you like to go with us?”
Malfoy blinks. “I…yes, I’d love to. That’s decent of you, Potter.” He smirks. “I’ll be sure to keep it quiet, however. Otherwise people might think it’s a date.”
Feeling bold, Harry smirks back. “Would that be such a problem?”
He’s treated to the sight of Malfoy’s mouth dropping open again. “It wouldn’t be for me,” Malfoy finally says quietly.
“Me either.” Harry gives Malfoy a slow, appreciative once-over. “I wouldn’t mind one bit.”
Malfoy’s eyes go a molten silver. “Potter, are you flirting with me?”
“If you have to ask, I must be doing it wrong,” says Harry. “Sorry. It’s been a while—” His words stumble to a stop as Malfoy reaches across the table, taking his hand.
“No need to apologise.” Malfoy smiles faintly. “It’s been a while for me, too.”
“Really?” Harry asks. “Someone who looks like you?”
Malfoy laughs softly, the sound making something inside Harry clench. “You, Potter, are good for my ego.”
“Yeah? You’re not so bad yourself,” says Harry. He grins. “Have you thought about how we’re going to take Teddy to the game?”
“It wasn’t exactly what I was thinking about this second, no,” murmurs Malfoy, his eyes dropping to Harry’s mouth.
Harry swallows hard. He can’t just lean across the table and snog Malfoy, can he?
“But clearly you are,” Malfoy continues. Eyes back on Harry’s, he inclines his head. “So what were you thinking?”
“A sleigh ride,” Harry says. “One of those flying rides you can arrange from Diagon.”
“He’d love it,” Malfoy agrees. “And it has one other advantage.”
“Oh?”
“Yes.” The light in Malfoy’s eyes is wicked. “It’s very romantic.”
“Once we drop him off,” Harry breathes, “we can…um—”
“We can see what happens,” murmurs Malfoy. “Now, as…comfortable as this is, we need to find Granger a gift. There’s another place we could try, only I’m not sure it’s open. If only we could c—” His eyes go wide.
“What?” says Harry. “What is it?”
“Those numbers Nick gave you. Can I see them again?”
“Sure.” Harry pulls the parchment out of his pocket. “Here you go.”
Malfoy spreads it out on the table. “Yes! It’s a telephone number.”
Harry stares. “Bloody hell, it is!” He blinks. “Wait, you know about telephones?”
Malfoy snorts. “Of course.” And, pulling out a mobile, he inputs the numbers.
Harry shakes his head. “How…why… You have a mobile?”
Malfoy motions for him to be quiet. “Hello. Yes, who is this I’m calling?” He listens, then nods. “Lovely. Thanks.”
“Well?” Harry asks. “Who is it? And how is it you have a mobile?”
“I’m a modern wizard, Potter.” Malfoy laughs. “Pansy made me get it. It’s her new thing and she always wants to stay in touch. Anyway, I was right.”
“Okay, where did you call?” Harry asks.
“A stationer’s shop.” Malfoy signals for the bill.
“Paper? I’m getting her paper?”
Malfoy smiles. “You’ll see.”
~
Part 5 (LJ/IJ/DW)