Second Chance (2025 Christmas Story) - Chapter 23

Title: Second Chance – Chapter Twenty-Three
Author: sesheta_66 || AO3: sesheta_66
Prompts used: slythindor100’s early bird prompt Q—Toy Car with Christmas Tree (picture under the cut) and dracoharry100’s prompt 28: Returning Gifts
Pairing: Harry/Draco
Word Count: 4.8K (this part)
Rating: R (eventually; this part PG)
Warning: none
Summary: This is the second Christmas for Draco without Astoria and Harry's first since Ginny remarried. Will best friends Scorpius and Albus be just what they need to rekindle something they'd thought fleeting and lost forever?
Disclaimer: All Harry Potter characters are the property of J.K. Rowling and Bloomsbury/Scholastic. No profit is being made, and no copyright infringement is intended.
Author's Notes: Written for the slythindor100 Early Bird 25 Days of Draco and Harry and the dracoharry100 Christmas Challenge.

On LJ: Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23

OR on AO3





Second Chance – Chapter 23

Thursday was a flurry of activity. Draco finished analysing the newest batch and it had, in fact, been upgraded – or downgraded, depending on how you looked at it. When he presented his findings to the team, he'd been clear that the latest version, in all likelihood, would have been fatal to the majority taking it. The potioneer had increased the potency and the additional catalyst that accelerated the effects, and had included one additional ingredient – essence of belladonna. Draco deferred to the Healers to provide more details on its potential effects, but if he were to guess, the addition of that, toxic in and of itself, to a potion that already induced hallucinations, he'd have said that the intent was clear: the man was out to kill. It was no longer about selling potions and making money, if that had ever been his intent. It was about taking out kids.

He'd still not said much to the aurors and had lawyered up. Even still, he would remain in custody until the new year when the courts would schedule his first appearance.

The team had compiled all the evidence and had catalogued everything. Included in his belongings was an encoded journal that had yet to be deciphered. The evidence was overwhelming, and his magical signature was all over the lab, so they had him dead to rights. But intent mattered. A conviction on drug trafficking carried a significantly lesser sentence that attempted murder, so they hoped that in January they'd be able to read the contents of his journal and determine his motive. Either way, he was going to prison, but everyone on the case was hoping for a life sentence.

By the end of the day, they'd done all they needed before the break and those who scheduled for time off had wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and had left.

Ron came by Harry's office around four o'clock. "I'm heading out. Hermione wants to get a few things ready before picking up the kids. See you at King's Cross?"

Harry grinned. He was looking forward to seeing his kids, even if just for a few minutes. He could use a few bear hugs after the past few weeks of work. "I'll head over there straight from here. Just have a few more things to finish up before calling it a day. See you in a couple of hours."

"See you then."

Half an hour later, Draco knocked on his door. "Well, that's me. I've done the last of the reports (copied both you and Drummond) and left plenty of notes for the lab team. You all know where to reach me if you have any questions or follow-up work you need from me. But other than that, and testifying whenever the court date is scheduled, I think my work here is done."

Harry motioned for him to sit. "Thanks for everything, Draco. You did a great job, and I'm not sure how far along we'd be right now without you."

"I'm sure you–"

"Just take the compliment." Harry had thought about this a lot last night. "It's heartfelt and well-earned. You heard everyone last night. Yes, we would have hired someone else if you hadn't agreed to take the contract, but there's no telling how long it would have taken to crack the case. You are very good at what you do, and have clearly earned your reputation. Mungo's knew what they were doing when they recommended you. I thought you should hear that from me, and not just as part of a group toasting to a job well done."

He fidgeted in his seat. "It was a team effort."

"Yes, it was. And you were an integral part of that team. So thank you for agreeing to work with us."

He exhaled and seemed to relax. "I enjoyed it, to be honest." Draco smiled. "I didn't know what to expect. I'd sworn to never work for the Ministry, but–"

"But then I made you an offer you couldn't refuse?"

He chuckled. "Something like that." He gave Harry a curious look. "You're also very good at what you do, you know, and – shockingly – you seem to have earned your reputation too."

Harry rolled his eyes. "That must have hurt."

"A little bit, yeah." Draco coughed to hide a laugh. "But it's true. You have a great team here and they do a fantastic job, pitching in to help each other out, leaving no stone unturned."

"I like to think so. And in case you missed it, they were pretty receptive to having you as part of that team, even if for a short time."

Draco shuffled uncomfortably in his seat. "Most of them, yes. And they were easy to work with."

Harry didn't comment on the obvious reference to Ron. At least it had never come to blows, and truth be told, Harry was relieved at how well they'd worked together the few times they'd had to. Instead, he teased, "Helps that the lab techs idolise you."

He spread his arms and smirked. "What's not to love?"

Indeed. "So what now?"

"Now I go back to my life before crime-fighting." Harry snorted. "My team has pretty much wrapped everything up for the year, so I'm just going to go home for an hour or so before heading over to King's Cross to get Scorpius."

Harry didn't want him to leave just yet. "Let's grab a pint, then head over to the station together."

"I thought Ginevra had the children."

"She does, but I still want to meet them at the train. Tradition and all that. And I'd like to ask them if they have any special requests I can take care of before they come home. Food and drink for the party, last-minute gifts, whatever."

"Okay, then. On me this time, yeah? It seems I've earned some extra cash this month."

"Sure." Harry left the rest of his work – he'd be back here tomorrow – and grabbed his coat. "But I get to choose the place."

Draco groaned as they left, mumbling something about another pub. They did indeed go back to the pub down the street, but Harry pointed out that since they weren't eating, Draco had nothing to complain about.

"Have you done all your Christmas shopping?" Harry asked.

"Pretty much." He nodded. "I have everything for Scorpius done, and any gifts from just me. Then I have my usual shopping day with Scorpius to pick up the gifts for Astoria's family, Andromeda and Teddy, and anything else he wants to get. Maybe a stocking stuffer or two. How about you?"

Harry grinned as he recalled his favourite gift. He had found the best gift for Arthur – a model car that, with a simple spell, morphed into the full-sized version, fully functional and equipped with many magical spells. It wasn't a Ford Anglia – which was Harry's first choice, obviously – but rather a Volkswagen Beetle, complete with Christmas tree atop, and it would have to do. And if Arthur argued, he'd tell him that there was no such thing as returning gifts for Harry. Besides, it was his and Ron's fault he'd lost his own car all those years ago. And the beauty of it was that Molly need never know, presuming his kids could keep their mouths shut around her. In fact, Percy would be the only one besides her that wouldn't know. As far as the two of them were concerned, it was a quirky novelty gift that they'd never miss once it mysteriously disappeared.

"Most of it," he said, "unless I get a huge list from the kids tonight. Still a few things left, but nothing I can't pick up in the next few days."

Draco's watched buzzed and he glanced at it. "Speaking of the kids, we should get going. The train's due in soon."

When they arrived at the platform, Ron and Hermione were already there and she waved to Harry. Ron, taking in the fact that Harry and Draco had arrived together, scowled.

Harry turned to Draco and noticed he was looking in Ron's direction as well, his smile now gone. "Enjoy your time with Scorpius and I'll see you on Tuesday evening."

Draco turned away from Ron. "See you on Tuesday." Much to Harry's dismay, he didn't sound remotely enthusiastic about the idea.

As Harry approached Ron and Hermione, he ignored Ron's questioning – and annoyed – look. "How've you been?" he asked Hermione, leaning in for a hug. "All set for Christmas?"

"Great, thanks. Still some last-minute shopping to do with the kids, but otherwise we're good."

Ron continued to scowl until the train came into view. His mood improved as the mayhem began and soon he was off gathering up the kids and chatting with friends. With Ginny greeting their children, Harry used this opportunity to speak to Hermione. "Looking forward to seeing everyone on Tuesday."

"Same. We'll bring our usual cheese platter."

"Sounds good. So … I have something to discuss with you. As you know, Al and Scorpius are close friends."

"Mm hmm."

"So Al wants to have Scorpius over to the party too."

She narrowed her eyes. "And?"

"And, well, he also figured that since all the other parents stick around, that we should invite Draco as well." He waited for a response but when she said nothing, he continued. "So I did."

"I see." She glanced over to where Draco was standing. "And what did he say?"

"He said he would, but if it got uncomfortable, he'd leave."

"And by if it gets uncomfortable, you mean if Ronald makes it uncomfortable."

No point denying the obvious. "Yes."

"And you're telling me this because … what? You want me to smooth things over?"

He grinned. "Al thought that would be best. He's already spoken to Rose, I think."

She chuckled. "Fine. I presume, since I didn't get an earful from my husband – other than the daily why do I have to work with that ferret rants, that you haven't yet broken the news to him?"

"I have not."

"And you expect me to?"

"No. I can tell him. But I thought I'd run it past you first. See what you think. Tell him now and let him stew about it all weekend? Wait until Monday or Tuesday so he can prepare but not go crazy? Or don't bother telling him and just have Draco show up?"

She glanced towards Draco again, then towards Ron. "Let me think about it and get back to you."

"You're a peach."

"Yeah, yeah."

While on the subject, he asked, "Why exactly is he so angry, so many years later? I mean I understand back during the war and shortly after, but it's been twenty years. And they sort-of got on during this case."

"Did they now?"

"Well they didn't fight. And Ron didn't scream the house down."

"Ah, well, that's because he saved it for home."

"Shit, Hermione, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to put you in that position."

"Oh, never mind that. I'm used to him ranting about this and that. Then he gets it off his chest and moves on."

"But that's the thing. He hasn't moved on. He was so pissed about my testifying that he didn't speak to me for months. Then after that it took a long time to feel like things were nearly back to normal. But even then, it never felt the same. And we never talked about it. I don't get it."

"Oh, Harry, don't you see? He felt betrayed by you. Like you chose Draco over Ron."

"What? But–" Harry didn't know what to say. "I explained it to him, what Draco had gone through, that he hadn't meant to hurt Ron or Katie. He was just a teenager whose parents were being threatened, and who stupidly, carelessly tried to do what Voldemort had ordered him to do. He didn't think through his actions, but he didn't deserve life in prison."

"I know all that, and I agree with you, but …" She bit her lip and glanced Ron's way again.

"But what?"

"But … well, it drove him mad how obsessed you were with Draco in school, especially in sixth year. Long before you testified for him." She hesitated and Harry let the silence linger. "I think he thought maybe there was more to it, even then."

"More to what?"

"I don't know, Harry. Maybe you were going to replace him as your best friend. Maybe more than that. It's … well, now you hired him to work at the Ministry." Harry stared at her, trying to process exactly what she was suggesting. "Why did you hire him anyway?"

"Because he was recommended by St Mungo's. They said he was the best."

"Oh, Ron didn't say." She glanced towards Draco. "Is he really that good?"

Harry nodded. "He's really that good."

"Oh. I didn't realise. I mean, I've heard whispers, but nothing definitive."

Whispers of what he didn't ask, as their conversation was interrupted by the appearance of Ron, Ginny and the five kids. Harry got the bear hugs he'd been hoping for, as well as a list of things to pick up before he saw them again Monday night. He then wished his own brood a happy trip to Mallorca – to which their cousins groaned, wishing they could go too – and said he'd see them soon. He bade farewell to Ron, Hermione and their kids and left the station.

On the way home, Harry reflected on what Hermione had said. He hadn't been obsessed with Draco in school. He'd hated him. He'd been a royal pain in Harry's arse. A thorn in his side. Okay, Harry had been preoccupied with him in sixth year, but only because he'd known Draco had been up to something, and no one had believed him, including Ron. He'd had no choice but to prove it to everyone. And in the end he'd been vindicated.

But how did that translate into replacing Ron as his friend? He and Draco had hated each other in school. And why the hell would any of that matter now anyway? Ron and Hermione were happily married – if anyone had been pushed out of their friendship trio, it had been Harry, and he didn't go round glaring at Hermione. Ron and Harry worked together. All three of them had busy lives that meant they didn't spent a lot of time together outside of work, but they still made a point of getting together at least once a month.

Then Harry replayed the past few weeks, trying to see things from Ron's perspective. Harry and Ron had worked together for years, had made drastic changes at the Ministry and had built one hell of an auror team. Then Harry had brought Draco in to the mix. Maybe not directly with the aurors on the most part, but still invading his – their – space. When Ron had tried to object, Harry had overridden his argument. He'd said Ron wouldn't have to work directly with him most of the time, but in the end he'd had to, even if only a few times. Then when Ron had made that smart-arse remark to Draco, Harry had stepped in to stop him. Rightfully so, but Ron might not have seen it that way, might have seen it as Harry taking Draco's side. Then fast forward to last night, and the whole team working the case – aurors and lab geeks alike – had toasted Draco for all his efforts, and Drummond, whom Ron had mentored, had even given Draco credit for cracking the case.

Okay, so Harry could see why Ron might feel threatened. He was wrong, obviously, but thinking back on their lives, Ron had often displayed an inability to see past his own obstinacy. But Ron was an adult now; they all were. And he needed to act like one. Harry was all for being understanding, and had been known for cutting people some slack, particularly when they'd been weighed down by other things, but Ron was acting like they were all still back in school. The glares, the snippy remarks.

Draco would no longer be working with them, but Harry didn't want to go back to his life before the snarky Slytherin had re-entered his life. He had no idea if Draco felt the same way or not, but they'd got on well, and he thought – hoped – that it would lead to more. They'd walked away from what they'd had, or what they'd started to have, years ago, in large part because of what they'd known other people would say and the pressure that might have had on any relationship they might have gone forward with.

But, like Ron, they weren't children any more. And Harry would be damned if he'd let other people's opinions dictate what he was going to do with the rest of his life. He and Ginny had had a good run and had three wonderful children. But that was over. She'd moved on with her life, and though Harry hadn't considered it before Draco came back into the picture, he meant to do the same going forward.

Whether his future included Draco as a friend, a fellow parent of friends, or as more remained to be seen. But he knew for certain he wanted to find out. No matter what Ron or anyone else had to say on the matter. How it might impact his and Ron's friendship, well … that would be up to Ron.

The next few days passed with little fanfare. Paperwork at the office and shopping after work.

Ginny had dropped off the kids the previous night, and they'd all been up until way too late talking about their trip and all the gifts they'd got for everyone. To Harry's great pleasure, they'd all agreed that Harry's gift for Arthur would be a hit.

And now the party preparations were done, and they'd just finished supper – Harry followed Ginny's long-established tradition of giving everyone a healthy meal before the festivities began and all the junk was available for consumption. As guests started arriving, the kids went to the play room where all the games were, and where they didn't need to listen to the old folks nattering away. But Al had stayed back.

"Dad, could we talk?"

Harry excused himself and went to the kitchen with Al. "What's up?"

"Mr Malfoy's coming, right?"

"Yes, he is."

"And you talked to Aunt Hermione, right?"

"I did, Al. I told you that last night."

"Okay. Do you think it'll be okay?" Harry had no idea. Hermione had told him that it might be best if they all said nothing to Ron, just let it happen organically. She and Rose had apparently discussed it and had decided that would be the best course of action. Harry wasn't so sure, but deferred to the women in Ron's life.

"I really don't know, Al. But if it becomes unpleasant, Mr Malfoy will leave and come back to pick Scorpius up later." He looked relieved. Harry put a hand on his shoulder. "Don't you worry about anything. When they arrive, I'll send Scorpius to join you lot, yeah?"

"Okay. Thanks, Dad."

By the time Draco arrived with Scorpius, the party was well underway and they were the last to arrive. "Glad you could make it," Harry said. "The fun party is upstairs, second room on the left," he said to Scorpius, and winked. He looked at his dad, who nodded, and then took off up the stairs. Harry said to Draco, "Ready?"

"As I'll ever be," he said, again not sounding enthused.

Harry chuckled. "Ron's not the only one here, and the two of you got on alright, so come on through."

He mumbled something that sounded suspiciously like "house full of Gryffindors" and Harry nudged him in the shoulder.

"All houses are represented, I'll have you know," Harry assured him.

"Sure they are."

Those who'd been in their year greeted him like an old friend.

"Draco, good to see you."

"Long time, no see."

"Malfoy! I hear you'd give Snape a run for his money these days."

Those who hadn't known him from school recognised his name from his philanthropic efforts or knew of him because of Scorpius. All in all, he'd been greeted pleasantly by most of the guests.

Andromeda gave him a big hug. "Oh, Teddy will be so glad to see you."

"I didn't know you'd be here," he said to his aunt.

"Oh, I won't be staying long – it's for the young folks – but Harry always insists I stay at least long enough for a drink and to try Luna's special concoction. She brings something new every year." She leaned in and whispered, "This year it's safe enough to eat. Nothing too crazy." She pulled back and winked. "You never know with that one."

Even Ron was behaving himself. He didn't look happy, but he turned his attention away from Draco and towards a conversation with Seamus and Dean.

Harry relaxed. "Okay then?" Draco nodded. "What can I get you to drink?"

After warning Draco not to accept anything from George Weasley (unless he wanted to throw up or sprout feathers) or accept a drinking challenge from Seamus, he left him with Andromeda and Luna and went to mingle with his other guests.

Things went well, and when Andromeda left at around nine o'clock, she brought Teddy in to see Draco. He immediately announced, "Wow! I thought you two didn't get along and that's why we always had two Christmases at our place." He turned to his grandmother. "We should totally have them all over together!"

Andromeda smiled and said, "You know, I think that might be a nice idea, Teddy. What say you boys?"

Harry and Draco exchanged a glance and a nod, then Draco said, "Well, I can check with Mother, but I'd say that's fine." Harry nodded.

"Great!" Clearly unconcerned about her sister's thoughts, she went on. "Let's say the 26th then. Does that work for everyone?" They all agreed it would work just fine and they would see her then.

As she left, Harry heard Ron's voice in the background accepting a challenge from Seamus, and thought things might start to go downhill fast. He cornered Hermione to see if she could maybe keep an eye on him – generally a jovial drunk, if Ron had a reason to be angry, it would come out with no filter once he was three sheets to the wind.

At shortly after ten, as Harry was getting a plate of food, Draco leaned in to him and said, "Thanks for inviting me."

Harry breathed in the scent of sandalwood and wanted to pull the man closer. He turned instead to face him. "You're leaving? But it's still early."

He nodded. "Yes, but I do believe your friend is only barely containing his annoyance at my presence and his looks are getting more pointed and lengthy as the night progresses."

Harry frowned. "Let me at him!"

Draco laughed and put a hand on his chest, presumably to stop him. Now Harry really wanted to pull him in closer. "Oh, that would be a sight! Let's just say I've had a nice time, and I appreciate the hospitality." Harry did his best not to pout and he was pretty sure he pulled it off. "Scorpius is having a great time, so I told him I'd be back later to pick him up. What time would be best?"

Harry shrugged. "After midnight." He looked over Draco's shoulder at Ron, who was staring daggers at both of them from across the room. Turning back to Draco, he said, "Some people have work in the morning and will leave earlier, but I can call you when the coast is clear."

"That works. I'll wait for your call."

He left and Harry went back to the party. Eventually, the guests said their goodbyes, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and thanking Harry for hosting. When Hermione went to get Rose and Hugo, however, Harry's lot and Teddy ganged up on her and begged her to let the kids stay. Harry said it was fine – Teddy was already staying and Harry wasn't going to work in the morning – so she said okay.

Harry wished her and Ron a Merry Christmas and said they could have a lie-in the next day. He could get the kids brunch and they could come get them anytime in the afternoon.

Once they'd left, Al and Teddy asked, "Can Scorpius stay too?"

Harry smiled and said he was fine with that, but he'd have to ask his dad. Harry then Floo-called Draco. "Hello there."

"Potter, I was starting to wonder if you were going to call."

Harry smiled. "Ron and Hermione just left. But their kids are staying over, and your cousin Teddy and your son's best friend have asked if he could stay too."

"Oh, no. You've enough on your plate."

"Precisely. One more is a piece of cake!" At Draco's hesitation, he said, "Seriously, Draco, it's fine. Al really wants him to stay, as does Teddy. There's plenty of room, and I'm not working tomorrow. Besides, you'll be hosting Al for two nights. Least I can do."

"Alright then. Give me a few minutes to pack him a bag and I'll bring it over."

Harry announced that Scorpius was allowed to stay, which got a very excited response from Al, Scorpius, Teddy and Rose, then got the kids to clear up the mess they'd made in the party room. They decided on eggs, bacon and waffles for brunch the next day and asked if they'd be allowed to stay up playing quiet games for a bit. Harry agreed to one more hour, after which they had to get their teeth brushed and pyjamas on. It would take him that long to clean up the rest of the place anyway.

Draco came through the Floo a short time later. "Potter?"

"In here," Harry called from the kitchen. "Just putting away the food and clearing up the mess."

He came into the kitchen. "Rest of the night go okay?"

"It did. Kids played a few jokes and hid a few surprises around the house – thanks to Fred for bringing some products from his dad's shop – but otherwise it was fairly quiet. The wives managed to slow the flow of Firewhisky, much to Seamus' shagrin, so nothing got too out of hand and I think fun was had by all." He waved his wand and the wrapped food flew into the fridge. Another wave and the garbage put itself out.

"Handy with those household charms."

Harry bowed. "I have many hidden talents."

Draco laughed. "I just bet you do."

Harry smiled. "I'm glad you could make it. Maybe next year you can stay longer."

Draco smirked. "We'll see. Are the kids still in the game room?"

"They are indeed."

He held up Scorpius' overnight bag. "I'll just go give this to him, then."

"I'll come with you, let them know that time is ticking." At Draco's confused look, he explained, "I gave them another hour to play quietly before getting ready for bed."

They went to go upstairs, but on the landing of the steps, they were halted and couldn't move. Harry looked up and sighed. "Missed one." He pointed up. "Mistletoe. And if I'm not mistaken, it's charmed to hold people captive until they kiss."

"Oh, for the love of–" Draco pulled out his wand.

Harry placed a hand on his arm, suddenly very pleased that Fred had raided his father's stock. "I hear it's worth a year of bad luck not to kiss under mistletoe."

Draco's eyes darkened. "Well then. We'd better not risk it."

Harry didn't know who moved first, but soon his hands were cupping Draco's cheeks, Draco's arms slid around Harry's back, and their lips came together like Harry had longed for since that day a few weeks ago when Draco had first walked into his office. Their bodies shifted and pressed up against each other, aligning perfectly, as they had so long ago. Or had it been just yesterday? He had no idea how long they stood there, embracing, hands roaming and tongues exploring, rediscovering the feel and taste of one another, before they reluctantly broke the kiss.

So caught up in the moment, neither had noticed the Floo come to life and Ron come through with an overnight bag of his own.