The Best Gift

The Best Gift

Harry Potter started his day in a quandary.

This was nothing new for the Boy Who Lived. After all, his entire life thus far had been one of adversity and challenge; from his snuffing out of Voldemort when he was just a tot, at a little over a year old, to the final bloody battle and victory over the Dark Lord and his forces a mere four years ago.

No, Harry knew he would never have anything resembling a normal life, even after the war. Although he fervently avoided the limelight and almost never made public appearances, his life was still closely observed and scrutinized by the press and wizarding public. In fact, his almost fanatical need for peace and privacy made him even more of a superstar and heroic icon in their world.

Heroics, Harry knew, would be no help in solving the riddle that had just been delivered to him via owl post that morning.

It was a birthday party invitation. Specifically, it was an invitation to Draco Malfoy's birthday party.

For reasons unknown to Harry, Pansy Parkinson had included him on the guest list and was expecting an immediate response, judging from the pretty gray-speckled white owl who currently sat placidly beside Hedwig on her perch waiting for Harry's answering post.

He frowned at the parchment he held in his hand. Although Draco Malfoy had shocked the wizarding world by fighting against Voldemort in the war, Harry had never completely trusted the Slytherin enough to pursue a friendship...or anything beyond that. Draco had changed sides, but he never changed in attitude or personality. He was still arrogant, cocky, and incapable of being around Harry and his friends without baiting and mocking them. He was also extremely attractive and alluring, Harry knew, an opinion he was careful to keep to himself.

Pansy's owl hooted its impatience, snapping Harry out of his reverie. He wondered if his best friends, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, had also been invited. Somehow fairly certain that they would not have been, he decided against disturbing them by floo.

Making a decision he was sure he would regret, he scribbled his response and then tied the folded parchment to the owl. Watching the owl fly off into the distance, Harry wondered how he was going to tell his friends that he would be going to Draco Malfoy's birthday party.

The rest of the week flew by for Harry. He tried to keep himself from obsessing about the forthcoming birthday party. "It's just Malfoy," he told himself. "I'll dash in, say 'hello and happy birthday' to Malfoy and leave." Somehow he wasn't convinced.

Neither were Ron and Hermione when he told them. Ron had been indignant and suspicious. Hermione had been concerned and skeptical.

"Bloody hell, Harry!" Ron had exclaimed. "They're still snakes! The whole lot of them!"

"They might have reporters and photographers there, Harry," Hermione had argued. "You being there would guarantee a media circus for Malfoy which is what they might be planning for."

Harry sighed as he remembered the conversation with his best friends. It was the first time he couldn't wait to get away from them.

"I'm a big boy now," he thought to himself as he dressed for the party in his flat. "I can well take care of myself and Malfoy, too." He frowned. That didn't sound right.

Deciding he did not want to examine his own thoughts too closely right now, he picked up his gift for Malfoy, drew out his wand and following the coordinates provided by Pansy, apparated to the entry way of Malfoy Manor.

He looked around cautiously. He could hear party sounds from the next room. Hoping he could slip in unnoticed, Harry took a deep breath and stepped in.

There were already quite a few people there, most of whom Harry did not know. Many of them paused in their conversing as they did a double take at the sight of Harry, but they quickly resumed their activity. Apparently, his presence was not as momentous an occasion at this party as it normally was considered in most cases. He found he actually welcomed this less than enthusiastic response. In fact, he much preferred it to the fawning, fondling, and petting he had to endure at most social events.

"So you did come, Harry Potter," a female voice drawled behind him. He turned to face a smiling Pansy Parkinson, quite snugly and splendidly dressed in a burgundy colored robe. "I have to admit," she added, "it was a toss up as to whether or not you'd show. I suppose the Gryffindor in you wouldn't allow you to back out now, would it?"

Harry shrugged and smiled. "You invited me. I came. No surprises there, right?"

Pansy smirked. "Some people might be surprised, but I'm not." She took him by the arm. "Come along, Potter. I do have at least one of your friends here." She led him towards one corner of the huge room they were in. "Put your gift here," she said as they passed a long present-laden table.

Harry self-consciously placed his small simply-wrapped gift amongst the more elaborate shimmering, twinkling and spinning packages. He hastily caught up with Pansy who hadn't even slowed down her pace. "Er...where's Malfoy?" he asked her.

"Oh," she said vaguely, "he's around. It is his party, you know. He has to do the social thing."

To Harry's surprise, he heard a familiar Irish brogue talking and laughing easily amongst a group. "Seamus?" he queried as he approached the small group. He froze when he saw his former dorm mate seated in an armchair with another man perched on his lap.

Seamus Finnigan turned and grinned when he saw Harry. "Hey!" He patted the leg of the dark-haired young man on his lap. "Look who's here, pussycat. You remember Harry, don't you?"

'Pussycat' turned and gazed at Harry with languid golden eyes. "Hm," he said slowly, "bird-nest hair, green eyes, glasses and a scar. I think I might remember him." Seamus chuckled and caressed the other man's arse fondly.

Harry stared, wide eyed. "Blaise Zabini?" He remembered the Slytherin was in the same year as he and Seamus. He watched as Blaise wrapped a possessive arm around Seamus and blinked at Harry.

Pansy laughed. "Never know who your friends are sleeping with, eh Potter?" She clapped him on the shoulder. "Have a seat. What do you drink?"

"Um...any kind of white wine is fine," Harry said, "if you have any." Pansy nodded and sashayed off towards the bar.

Harry sat on a small stool next to Seamus' armchair. "So how long...?" he queried, indicating Blaise.

Seamus grinned. "We've actually been seeing each other off and on from about three years ago." He gazed lovingly at his boyfriend still perched on his lap. "Almost a year ago, things got serious between us. We kept it quiet because we didn't know how our friends would react." He chuckled. "We're sort of debuting as a couple at this party. Blaise figured the Slytherins would actually be more casual about us than anyone else."

Harry smiled. "So how is it going so far?"

His Irish friend shrugged. "Good so far. They're actually a friendly lot, you know, Harry." He smiled wickedly at Blaise. "Real friendly." Blaise responded with a deep kiss that had Harry squirming a bit in embarrassment. Seamus sighed. "Friendly," he mused, gazing at the other boy.

Harry cleared his throat. "Um...have you seen Malfoy yet?"

"Huh?" Seamus said, still eyeing Blaise's lips. Remembering Harry was there, he grinned. "Oh yeah. Earlier in the evening before he was swept away by the masses." He gestured vaguely towards another part of the room. "Pansy told you why you're here, Harry, didn't she?"

Harry stared at Seamus. His eyes narrowed suspiciously as Blaise casually placed a hand over Seamus' mouth. "To keep you company, of course, amante," Blaise purred. "After all, a lion's pride should have at least two Gryffindors, right?"

Seamus blinked at his boyfriend and then nodded, his eyes twinkling in amusement. "Oh yeah. That's why," he said, his words muffled by Blaise's hand over his mouth.

Before Harry could query further, Pansy returned with Harry's wine. "Just let Theo know when you want a refill," she told him. "I have to go check on the birthday boy." She sashayed off in the direction Seamus had earlier indicated. Harry figured 'Theo' meant Theodore Nott, whom he had heard Pansy was dating.

"So what have you been doing with yourself since the war, Potter," Blaise inquired. "All Seamus could tell me is that you work somewhere in the ministry."

Knowing that this was meant to distract him from Seamus' earlier remark, but unable to do anything about it at this point, he had a surprisingly enjoyable chat with Seamus, Blaise and a few other Slytherins.

As Harry was having a rather lively discussion about Quidditch with Terrence Diggs, a large crowd of people floated past them led by Pansy. The group stopped near the gift table where a cart had been wheeled in, carrying a very large birthday cake.

"Come along, Draco dear," Harry heard Pansy say. "Let's put some of that excess wind of yours to use, shall we?" Several people snickered and giggled. "It's time to make a wish and blow out your candles."

"A bit juvenile, don't you think, Pansy pet?" a familiar voice drawled. "Besides, with all my lovely friends here, what else could I possibly wish for?" His 'lovely friends' laughed, knowing Draco disliked public expressions of sentiment. "Maybe I should wish for everyone here to strip naked. Would I get my wish, you think?"

"JUST BLOW THE BLOODY CANDLES OUT!" Pansy commanded with the hard voice Harry was more accustomed to from their days at Hogwarts.

Harry stood, trying to peer past the crowd of people. He couldn't see Draco and for some reason, he wanted to. He heard his former nemesis expel a rather large amount of air as people applauded, laughing.

"Aw, sit down, Harry," Seamus said softly with a chuckle. "You look like a kid trying to see a parade." Blaise smiled catlike from his cozy place on Seamus' lap.

"Aren't your legs getting a bit numb?" Harry asked Seamus who was again caressing his boyfriend's arse.

"Nah," Seamus replied, grinning. "My pussycat here is light as a feather." He smiled winningly at 'Pussycat' who rewarded him with another long kiss. Harry rolled his eyes as he sat back down.

Harry stayed in the corner with Seamus and Blaise, deciding that perhaps it was better that he not draw attention away from Draco. Besides, he was getting the impression that Draco did not know Harry was here and he was starting to feel uncertain about the blond Slytherin's reaction to his presence.

Draco gave a splendid show of opening his gifts and fussing over them as his audience laughed and applauded. From what Harry could hear, the gifts did sound rather fancy and extravagant. He began hoping that his simple offering would be ignored.

Finally, after a great deal of cheering and drama, Draco rubbed his hands together and bowed. "Thank you for your generosity," he said grandly. "I am so very worthy of your adulation."

"Oh wait, Draco," Pansy said loudly. "You've forgotten this little gift."

"Forgotten, my arse," Draco scoffed. "You hid that one on purpose." The other guests snickered and tittered.

Harry felt his heart drop down to his toes. He had a horrible sinking feeling that Pansy had saved his gift for last.

"Who is it from?" he heard Draco ask.

"Never you mind," Pansy replied. "Just open it."

"Whoever wrapped it didn't do a very good job," Draco commented. "Was it you, Goyle?" he asked his friend.

"You opened my present already, you greedy git," Gregory replied. "Why the hell would I give you one more?" Draco and his friends chuckled. Seamus reached over and poked Harry, grinning.

Harry could feel his face burning already as he listened to Draco unwrap his gift. "Ron and Hermione were right," he thought to himself morosely. "This was a very bad idea."

Expecting to hear the cruel and derisive laughter he was so accustomed to from his school days, Harry was somewhat baffled when the room went completely silent. He nervously tried to peer through the sea of bodies in front of him.

"Draco dear?" Pansy queried softly.

"It's just a chess set," someone Harry couldn't see said disparagingly. "Not even wizard's chess." Harry winced.

"It's a very fine chess set," Draco stated quietly, all the cockiness and flair gone from his voice. "It's handmade from polished stone and quite old." He looked at Pansy. "Who is this from? You?"

"No, love," she said fondly. "Here's the tag."

Harry heard Draco gasp. "Potter?" he exclaimed. "Is this some kind of joke, Pansy?" The Slytherin sounded genuinely annoyed.

Girding his legendary courage in both hands, Harry stood and made his way purposefully through the crowd. "No, Malfoy," he replied. "It's not a joke." He could feel the heat creeping up his face again as Draco stared at him in disbelief. "Oh. And happy birthday, by the way," he added lamely.

Draco seemed to be at a loss for words. He turned and stared at Pansy, who smiled and squeezed his free hand since the other one still held Harry's gift. "Potter," he repeated. "This chess set?"

"Um...sorry it's nothing fancy," Harry said quickly. "It belonged to my father. I think it even belonged to his father. He and Sirius used to play a lot." He shrugged. "I play a fair game, but I don't have the passion for it that Dad did, I'm afraid. I kind of thought that you might put it to better use." Harry had to work hard at not shuffling his feet.

Draco gazed at him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. "Thank you, Potter," he said quietly. Then realizing how quiet everyone was around him, he smirked. "All of you prats knew Potter was here and no one told me? What cheek!" His friends chuckled and sniggered. "Well, come on!" Draco commanded. "Cut this cake and pass it around."

Relieved, Harry returned to his seat beside Seamus. His former dorm mate was grinning madly at him. Blaise, still on Seamus' lap, seemed to be smiling smugly. "What's going on, Seamus?" Harry asked warily. He had the distinct impression that he was part of some kind of joke except no one told him about it.

"Aw, Harry," Seamus said teasingly. "Everyone knows you and Malfoy are mad for each other." He snickered at Harry's open-mouthed astonishment. "We've known for ages so don't go shaking your head like that, mate. You saw how happy he was when he saw you."

"Happy?' Harry croaked faintly.

"If the rest of us weren't here gawking," Blaise said blandly, "I swear he would snog you." He smirked at Harry's blushing face.

Harry was in a daze for the rest of the night. Several of the party revelers came up and talked to him, but it all felt surreal to Harry.

Eventually, the center of the room was magically cleared and music began wafting in. Several of the guests began dancing. Blaise finally slid off of Seamus' lap so they could resume their billing and cooing on the dance floor.

Harry sat, bemusedly watching the swaying dancers, still trying to sort out his thoughts about the evening. He wondered if Seamus was right; that everyone knew he was "mad" for Malfoy and Malfoy was happy to see him. The thought brought a funny quiver to his stomach region.

"You're not joining in the fun, Potter," Draco drawled beside him. "If you don't start enjoying yourself, I'll have to tell Pansy she's slacking in her hosting duties."

Harry hoped he successfully hid his blush as he realized how closely Draco stood next to him. "Oh, don't do that," Harry said smirking. "She'll strangle both of us for it."

Draco laughed. Harry noticed that without the derisive sneer, it was quite a pleasant laugh. He felt the funny quiver again.

The blond Slytherin gazed at Harry for a moment. "Come on, Potter," he said finally. "I'll get you another drink."

Harry followed Draco past the throng of dancers to the bar. He blinked in surprise when Draco handed him some white wine. "How did you know?" he queried, holding up the glass.

The other man smirked. "You always have white wine," he replied. "I've known that for a long time." He shook his head and looked almost embarrassed. "That makes me sound like a stalker."

Harry flushed, not quite sure how to answer that.

"So, how did Pansy convince you to come?" Draco asked, regaining his smirking composure. "Blackmail and hex threats are normally her favorite methods."

Harry shrugged. "She just sent me an invitation like everybody else, I guess."

Draco stared at Harry. "Just like that? And you came?"

"Um...yeah. Why?"

Draco continued to stare at Harry. "Come on, Potter," he said suddenly. "I need some air." He turned and headed out the room. Harry followed him through a side door out into the garden.

They passed several couples also outside for air and some privacy. Harry soon found himself in a secluded part of the garden with a grove of trees in one direction and an unobstructed view of the moon on the other. Draco slowed his stride down to a stroll and Harry followed suit.

"You know," Draco said as they walked, "at all of my birthday parties, I used to joke and say my day wasn't complete because Potter didn't come to celebrate with me." He chuckled at Harry's expression. "I said that for years. Everyone figured I was being sarcastic so they always laughed." He snorted. "I guess Pansy got tired of hearing me say that."

Harry chewed his lip thoughtfully for a moment. Taking a deep breath, he turned to face the other man. "So now I'm finally here. Is your day complete?"

"Almost," Draco replied softly. "There are a few more things that would do it for me." He reached out and gently touched the side of Harry's face with his fingers.

Harry shivered but kept his gaze locked on Draco. "What would those things be?" he asked, leaning slightly into Draco's fingers.

Draco leaned forward and brushed his lips gently on Harry's. Although the kiss was sweet and gentle like the caress of the breeze that was softly ruffling Harry's hair, the effect sent a shockwave through both of them. Draco gazed at the green-eyed Gryffindor for a moment and was about to pull away when Harry brought his hands up to rest on Draco's shoulders. Before he could lose his nerve, Harry kissed Draco back, more deeply. Wanting more of the heat and throbbing he felt, Harry wound his arms around Draco's neck, closing his eyes and tilting his head to deepen the kiss.

Draco ran his hands up and down Harry's back, relishing the resulting shudder the action brought. To his surprise, he felt Harry's tongue licking and poking his lips, requesting entrance. With a soft moan, Draco parted his lips, shivering at the sensation of Harry invading and plundering his soul through his mouth.

Draco finally raised his head to gaze at the man in his arms. "That would be one of those things," he said unsteadily.

"What would be the other things?" Harry queried, gently licking and nipping Draco's lower lip.

"I don't know," Draco replied breathlessly. "Do you have anyone waiting at home for you, Harry? Any dogs, cats, or fish? Damsels in distress? Adoring fanboys?"

Harry grinned up at him. "That's the first time I've heard you use my given name, Draco," he mused. "And no, I have none of that at home. Just Hedwig and she manages on her own without me. Why do you ask?"

"You have a lot of birthdays to make up for," Draco replied, leaning forward to kiss Harry's cheek and then his ear. "I've been waiting for you to come for years." He nipped the soft lobe inducing a gasp and a sigh from Harry. "It's so like you to take your time and make me wait. I think you and I will just have to hold our own little extended birthday party after Pansy gets rid of my guests."

Harry leaned back to smirk at the Slytherin. "And what makes you think I'm that kind of man, Mr. Malfoy?"

Draco smirked back. "For one thing, Mr. Potter," he said sardonically, "I've been stalking you for years so I know about every boy and girl you've ever dated." He flashed Harry a devastatingly wicked smile. "For another thing, you can't kiss like that and tell me you haven't been practicing some."

Harry flushed both at realizing how much Draco knew about him and how much effect the other man's smile had on him.

"Besides," Draco added, drawing Harry close to him again, "we have to allow at least half the night for fighting and fussing since I can't imagine spending an enormous amount of time in your company without wanting to strangle you on occasion."

"Hey!" Harry protested, laughing. "That's supposed to be my line, you arrogant arse!"

Draco raised an eyebrow at him. "See what I mean, Potter? You're so argumentative." He sighed dramatically. "Lucky for you I'm patient and tolerant."

"Right," Harry snorted. "Delusional much, Malfoy?"

"No.," Draco replied smugly, "I'm not delusional, Harry. I just think big and positive." He smiled. "Look who my big and positive thinking brought to my party."

Harry laughed, unable to stay annoyed at the Slytherin right now. "All right, Draco. Since it's your birthday I'll give you that much." He paused, gazing at the beautiful blond man in his arms. "Happy birthday, Draco," he said. "I hope it's been good for you."

Draco leaned forward for another kiss. "It's been just splendid, Harry, but I think the night is going to be loads better. By the way," he added, his lips a breath away from Harry's, "I love my gift. And the chess set is lovely, too."

Harry smiled and melted into the kiss. He decided coming to Draco Malfoy's birthday party had been a very good idea.