The day after the Yule Ball Harry and Draco were upstairs in his room. Draco was packing to spend the holidays with Remus and Dora, after which he would return to Hogwarts along with Harry and Severus. Harry was seated on the end of Draco's bed. He had come up to help but had soon discovered that it wasn't necessary. Severus had returned Draco's wand and the blond boy was reveling in performing magic freely again, sending all of his possessions sailing into his trunk with a quick flick.

"I think that's everything." Draco fastened the lock on his trunk and sat back on his heels, gazing about his room. "I can't believe I'm saying it, but I'm actually going to miss this place."

"I can't believe it either." Harry grinned at him. "When you first saw this room, you were like, ‘I can't possibly stay in this hovel'."

"I did not say that," Draco protested.

"I bet you thought it."

"Well, I've changed since then," Draco retorted.

"Yeah," Harry agreed, more seriously. "You have changed since then."

Draco came to sit beside him. "Thanks to you," he said quietly.

Harry shook his head. "I didn't do..." he began.

"Yes, you did," Draco interrupted. He gazed at Harry, his silver eyes somber and intense. "You gave me another chance when you really should have kicked me off to Azkaban. You forgave me even though I've done something unforgivable to you."

He paused before adding softly, "Harry, you're the only real friend I've ever had. Hell, I didn't even know what real friendship was until you showed me."

Praise always embarrassed Harry and he could feel himself turning red. He had to smile at Draco though. "I think you've figured it out pretty quickly, especially the way you took on Bletchley and Bole last night. Thanks again, by the way."

Now Draco looked embarrassed too. "Yes, well, someone had to do something. Those gits were being real arses."

"Yeah," Harry agreed.

The clock on the wall chimed the hour. Both boys glanced up at it and then Draco said, "I suppose it's time for me to leave, but first...,"

He raised his wand and called, "Accio Harry's gift!"

A drawer of the night table opened and a small rectangular box flew from it into Draco's hand.

"I don't know if I'll see you again before Christmas, so here." He handed it to Harry.

The box was wrapped in cheerful red paper and tied with a white ribbon. Harry tore the paper and opened the lid of the black box underneath. Inside was a narrow silver bracelet, engraved with gryphons and snakes chasing one another.

Harry held it up, smiling. "Cool. I like the gryphons and snakes."

"That's not all it does though," Draco told him. "It's a portkey, or it can be one. You'll have to activate it by saying "Portus" while you tap it with your wand. Then think of where you wish to be and touch it, and it'll take you there. Be careful though. If you're wearing it and it's already touching your skin, you'll disappear at once."

"Wow." Harry gazed at the bracelet in awe. "That's amazing." He looked up at his friend. "But how did you get it? I thought you weren't supposed to have a portkey without the Ministry's permission."

Draco shrugged. "Grey area. Technically you're not really supposed to, but plenty of people do. Tons of people had one when the war was going on. I know Severus had one."

He paused and then added, "I'm not saying you should go portkeying around the countryside just for a lark, but well, you do have a way of attracting danger. I wanted you to have something to keep you safe."

"Thanks, but I hope I'm done attracting danger. The war is over, after all," Harry said.

"Yeah, but Dolohov and Greyback are still out there." Draco's eyes hardened. "They're never going to hurt me or anyone I care about again."

There was a silence, and then Draco took a deep breath and forced himself to smile, albeit a bit grimly.

"And if you're going to be an Auror, that can be a dangerous career, you know."

"I'm not sure about that anymore," Harry told him. "At first I thought it sounded exciting, and I figured that if Voldemort was after me anyway, I needed to be as well-trained as possible. But now I don't know."

"Well, you have plenty of time to think about it," Draco answered.

"Yeah, that's what Dad says." Harry started to fasten the bracelet on his wrist when a sudden ice-cold fear stopped him. He didn't think of the slavery spell as much as he once had, but now it all washed over him again.

According to the rules of the spell, he wasn't allowed to own anything. If he broke the rules, the spell could punish him in some terrible way.

"Take it back quick!" He whispered, his green eyes huge and his face chalky-white. "I can't own anything. It has to be Dad's."

Draco grabbed his wrist. "It's all right, Harry," he quickly reassured his friend. "I already checked with Severus. He read some paper you've signed and there's a clause that states that anything given to you automatically belongs to Severus. He said Dumbledore had included that so that there would never be any risk of the spell hurting you."

"Oh." Harry closed his eyes. Relief washed over him so strongly that it made him feel weak and light-headed. He was glad he was already sitting down. Maybe it wouldn't be as obvious.

When he opened his eyes again he found Draco gazing at him with a mixture of compassion and anguish.

"Harry, I'm sorry. I'm so, so sorry," he said, his voice rough with emotion.

Harry tried to smile at him. "It's okay."

It really wasn't, of course. But he had forgiven Draco and he wasn't going to allow the slavery spell to ruin their lives.

So Harry took a deep breath and said more firmly. "Well, that's all right then. And I have something for you, too."

He reached into his pocket, pulled out an envelope, and handed it to Draco.

"What is it?" Draco took the envelope with obvious delight.

Harry had to laugh at him. Draco really did enjoy receiving presents. "Open it and you'll see."

So Draco slit the envelope and pulled out three slips of paper. "Tickets to the British Museum."

Harry nodded. "Yeah, for you and Remus and Dora. Since you all like art and stuff, I thought you might like to go over the holidays. I hear the museum has some really awesome stuff from ancient Egypt."

Draco looked genuinely pleased. "Thanks, Harry. I know we'll have a great time."

They hesitated and then Draco cleared his throat. "Well, I suppose I do need to leave. I told Remus I'd arrive at their flat in time for tea."

He looked a little apprehensive.

"You'll have a wonderful time with Remus and Dora," Harry assured him. "You and Remus are already getting on great, and Dora's lots of fun."

"Yes, well, I hope so. We're cousins, but our families didn't get along, as you might imagine," Draco answered. He paused and added slowly, "Remus has been really nice, but I can't help thinking that he and Dora surely don't want me around. I mean, why would they? They're a couple in love, planning their marriage and their own family. Why would they want some teenage kid living with them? Especially me?"

Harry shook his head. "I think you're wrong, Draco. Remus already likes you and I know Dora will, too. And what do you mean, ‘especially you'?"

Draco looked down and shrugged. "You know, I'm a Malfoy. We were on the wrong side of the war. And we all know how awful I was until just a few weeks ago."

"Draco, did you ever fight for Voldemort?" Harry demanded.

"Of course not. You know that," Draco replied.

"And Remus and Dora know it too," Harry pointed out. "You aren't responsible for what your father did. You're only responsible for yourself. And yeah, you were a prat at school. But you've changed and you're a different person now. Has Remus ever brought up the past and blamed you or punished you for it?"

"No," Draco admitted. "We started over and he's never said a word about how I used to be so snide and disrespectful to him."

"There's nothing to worry about," Harry said firmly. "They're probably all excited about spending Christmas with you."

Draco looked uncertain, but hopeful. "You think?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, I do."

"Thanks." Draco cast a featherlight charm on his trunk and went to pick it up. "Well, I guess I'll find out anyway."

They went downstairs to the parlour where Severus was waiting.

"I was beginning to wonder if you had changed your mind about going to Lupin's for the holidays, Draco," he remarked.

"No, sir, Harry and I just had to exchange our gifts." Draco reached into his pocket and pulled out a long slender box. "And this is for you, Severus. Happy Christmas and thank you for all you've done for me."

Severus opened the box and smiled. "An eagle quill. Thank you, Draco. I'm very proud of you." He rested his hand on Draco's shoulder for a second before handing him a small card. "A Happy Christmas to you as well."

"Oh, thank you, Severus!" Draco held the card so Harry could see that it was a certificate to Honeyduke's.

"Yes, I am well aware of your sweet tooth. Don't forget your dental charms," Severus admonished.

"I'll see you both at Hogwarts after the New Year then," Draco said as he took some Floo powder from the vase on the mantel.

"Happy Christmas!" Harry called after him and then Draco was gone, leaving Harry alone with his father. Severus set the eagle quill on a side table and wrapped his arm around Harry's shoulders.

"So what do you think of Draco's gift, the one he gave to you, I mean?"

Harry tugged his sleeve up and held out his arm to show off the bracelet. "I think it's awesome, but are you sure I won't get into trouble with the spell?"

"Of course. I wouldn't have allowed him to give it to you if I had had any doubts," Severus answered. "Do you remember last summer, when you first woke up from the slavery spell, that Albus had you sign a parchment giving your possessions to me?"

Harry nodded. "Yes."

"Albus was clever enough to add a clause that included future items as well," Severus explained. "I read over the paper very carefully back in September when the Weasley twins gave you a box of joke items and you worried about it."

"Yeah, I remember that," Harry agreed. "So if someone gives me something, it's all right with the spell then? Everything is automatically yours anyway?"

"Yes." Severus studied Harry carefully, his eyes soft. "I'm sorry it has to be that way."

Harry nodded. "I know. I don't like it, but I know that you do all you can to make up for it. You give me tons of stuff, more than I would ever ask for."

"That's not very difficult, considering that you never ask for anything," Severus said.

"I never have to ask. You already give me everything I could possibly want." Harry leaned against him for a moment before they walked over and sat down in the chairs near the window. A silver teapot and a plate of sandwiches appeared on a small round table between them.

"Speaking of something you want, the Weasleys have invited you to spend this weekend with them," Severus mentioned as they helped themselves to tea. "And before you ask, yes, it would be fine with the spell. You are able to be away from me for three months of the year, so one weekend should be no problem at all, if you want to go, that is."

Harry considered, but then frowned. "But Sunday is Christmas Eve. I don't want to be away from you then."

"What Molly suggested was for you to come over Saturday morning, stay the night, and then I would come to the Burrow on Sunday morning. We would have lunch and exchange gifts with them before returning home. It's up to you, of course, Harry, but if you want to go, it's all right. We would be together on Christmas Eve," Severus told him.

"Okay then, if you're sure you'll be all right?" Harry asked.

Severus nodded. "I will be fine. If we're returning to Hogwarts after the holidays, then I need to prepare for teaching full-time again. I can review materials while you're visiting with your friends."

***

So early Saturday morning Harry left Prince Hall and flooed to the Burrow. The Weasleys were waiting to greet him as soon as he stepped from the tall fireplace into the warm crowded kitchen.

"Harry, dear, it's wonderful to see you again." Mrs. Weasley gathered him into her arms and embraced him.

"Mrs. Weasley." Harry hugged her back.

After a moment he stepped back and greeted Mr. Weasley.

"Glad you could come, Harry. It's been too long since you were here," Mr. Weasley said as they shook hands.

"Thank you, sir."

Ron and Ginny had been hanging back but as soon as their parents stepped aside they were all over Harry, hugging him and clapping him on the back. Like him, they wore warm sweatshirts and jeans. They greeted each other boisterously before stepping back and giving Harry a chance to glance around.

It had been a while since he had seen the Burrow, but it was as cozy and welcoming as ever, with a blue vase filled with daisies on the kitchen table, a stack of books piled on a corner chair, and now that it wasn't being used for transportation, a cheerful little fire burning in the kitchen fireplace. Mrs. Weasley wore a jumper and flowered skirt, while her husband also wore a jumper and, not surprisingly, Muggle blue jeans. They both seemed happy and relaxed, though busy preparing for the holidays.

Mrs. Weasley bustled back to the oven, saying over her shoulder, "Arthur, dear, I'm sure we'll need the extra table set up for all the company tomorrow, if you don't mind seeing to it."

"What do you need us to do, Mum?" Ron asked, as he reached for a biscuit on a platter on the counter.

"Well, the garden needs de-gnoming again. But other than that, you children just enjoy your holiday," she answered, half-heartedly swatting at his hand. "Really, Ron, those are for dessert tomorrow."

"Mum, there're already enough biscuits to feed an army." Ron managed to sneak a few more.

"Well, we'll have an army tomorrow," Mrs. Weasley retorted, shooing them out of the kitchen.

Harry smiled as he followed Ron and Ginny into the sitting room, all of them munching on sugar biscuits.

The day passed quickly and happily. They de-gnomed the garden, held broomstick races in the big field near the Burrow, played gobstones and Exploding Snap, and listened to the wireless.

In the evening they helped Mrs. Weasley prepare a salad and beef stew for dinner. It was fortunate that Mrs. Weasley did have enough food for an army as Fred and George appeared on the kitchen doorstep just as everyone was sitting down.

"Boys! We weren't expecting you until in the morning!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed joyfully. She hurried to give them a hug and usher them inside.

"Yes, well, we closed up the shop and figured we might as well come on" Fred replied with a grin.

Everyone stood up and came to greet them as the twins shed their coats, hats, and scarves. They wore heavy dark blue jumpers and khaki trousers underneath.

"Sorry we didn't give you any warning," George told his mother. "But we didn't come empty-handed."

He held up two plates. "We brought bread and dessert."

"Oh, you know there's always plenty," Mrs. Weasley beamed. "Just set those down on the table, George. We're just about to eat."

"Impeccable timing as always," Fred winked at them.

They sat back at the table and began to pass dishes around, piling food high on their plates. But Ginny eyed the twins' offerings suspiciously.

"It's not trick food, is it? It won't turn our noses blue or make us speak gibberish?"

"Would we do that?" Fred demanded in mock indignation.

"Yes!" Everyone chorused.

"Ah, they know us too well." George shook his head. He grinned at Ginny. "No, it's just ordinary loaf bread and a pie. But those aren't bad ideas, Gin. We might have to offer you a job in our research department when you're out of school."

Everyone laughed and started to eat.

Late that night Harry lay in a narrow extra bed in Ron's room, looking out the small window at the patch of night sky and a few twinkling stars. He had been so busy having fun with his friends during the day that he hadn't thought much about anything else. But he often gazed out of his own window before going to sleep and doing so made him think of home and his father.

He wasn't exactly homesick; of course he wasn't. He was sixteen and entirely too old for that. But he did wonder if Severus were asleep yet and what he'd done during the day.

"Harry?"

Harry looked over to the bed across from him and saw that Ron was awake, lying on his side and watching him in concern.

"We didn't have much chance to talk today, but are you okay and all? I mean you seemed all right at the Yule Ball after Malfoy acted the hero, but are you really?"

Harry nodded. "Yeah, I think so. Everyone knows about the spell now anyway, and it was really good to see that everyone, you know, still likes me and all."

"Well, of course they do. We told you that everyone would stick up for you," Ron said.

"Yeah, you did," Harry agreed. "But I think I had to see it for myself before I could believe it. You know?"

Ron nodded. "Yeah."

"Draco wasn't acting the hero," Harry added after a moment. "We really are friends now and he was upset for me."

Ron sighed. "I suppose."

"He really does feel horrible about it all," Harry said.

"He should," Ron muttered. But then he sighed again. "But yeah, I can see that he's changed. And he was good at the Yule Ball, sticking up for you like that. So I'll try to give him a chance. Merlin, I can't believe I just said that."

Harry grinned. "Thanks, Ron. I think Draco might need us when we all go back to Hogwarts," he went on, more seriously. "He's a little nervous about it, I think, although he won't admit it."

"He'll be fine. Not all of the Slytherins are awful, I guess," Ron answered.

Harry stared at him. "Who are you and what did you do with Ron Weasley?"

Ron laughed. "What a turnabout, huh? I still say some of them are bad news, like Bletchley and Bole, and Theo Nott is no prize either. But I have to admit that Daphne Greengrass and Pansy Parkinson seem all right. Seamus and Dean are dating them, by the way."

"I noticed they were together at the Yule Ball," Harry remarked. "How did that come about?"

"Well, do you remember way back at the beginning of the year when your dad partnered them in Potions?" Ron asked. "I guess they just started talking and getting along and it went from there."

Harry laughed. "I'll have to tell Dad."

Ron grinned. "Severus Snape, match-maker. If he ever gets tired of teaching Potions, he can have a new career."

They both laughed.

"But still, it'll be good for Draco to be friends with us, too," Harry said after a moment.

"Well, I'll try if he will," Ron promised. "But he better not make any digs at my family or the Burrow anymore."

"He won't. He's really sorry for all the stuff he used to do," Harry said. "I thnk he's working up the nerve to apologize to you guys."

"Hmm. I'll believe that when it happens," Ron remarked. "But then again, I never thought he'd change at all, and I guess he has."

"Anyway, I'm just glad you're coming back to Hogwarts," Ron went on after a moment. "I can't wait for us to be in class again...and playing Quidditch! Slytherin's in the lead for the Cup so far. That little Morland kid's not a bad Seeker. Harry, we need you."

"Yeah, it'll be good to play again," Harry agreed. "And I can't wait to see the national team on Boxing Day, too."

"Yeah, that'll be awesome," Ron nodded.

They talked about Quidditch, Hogwarts, Christmas, and upcoming new year far into the night.