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hp_goldenageTitle: Every Cottage Has a Story
Author:![[archiveofourown.org profile]](https://p.dreamwidth.org/b164c54b26e4/-/archiveofourown.org/favicon.ico)
Romaine
Characters/Pairings: Harry/Ginny/Draco, James/OC
Rating: PG
Word Count: 5,387
Content/Warning(s): Threesome M/F/M discussed
Summary/Prompt:
Prompt: M11 (Multiple Pairings): They've been together for decades, and decide to open their relationship.
Summary: Harry and Ginny Potter live in a cottage in Hogsmeade. The previous owner was their eldest son James Sirius Potter, but he now lives in the home he grew up in, 12 Grimmauld Place. The switch happened years before, when his third child came along, and the cottage was too small for the family and Grimmauld Place was too large for his parents. How Draco Malfoy fit into his parents lives he wasn’t quite sure. James did know that his brother and brother-in-law were the instigators of the situation, though. When they became friends in the House of Slytherin, eventually their parents did too. After the death of Astoria, Draco was known to bring a friend, always a different friend, to family occasions. Then after a decade or so he would just show up alone. When his parents moved into the Hogsmeade cottage, so did Draco Malfoy.
A/N: Thank you A for once again for betaing and britpicking. And M for the alpha read and further betaing. Both of you are treasured.
Also, thank you Mods for hosting this fest. It is fun to write for and is even more fun to read the stories it produces.
Read at AO3 or below:
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Chapter 1: In Plain Sight
Harry had said that they were just getting older, and Draco needed care. Besides, they were family now, weren’t they? Family by marriage, not that they were blood related, though if one was to look at any magical family tree it was likely they all were. James didn’t doubt that Draco needed some care, but he was wealthy enough to hire someone. He did, however, doubt that getting older bit for his parents. Harry was fierce as ever as Head Auror and he still insisted on going out into the field a few times a year. During those excursions the whole family ignored their lack of religious beliefs and prayed to whatever deity they could think of until he was safely back home. And his mother, Ginny, was always going on trips reporting on her beloved Quidditch teams. The only one who actually stayed at the cottage full time, was Draco. In James’ opinion the situation was quite peculiar. And whilst he’d never let his parents know, he’d never been very happy about it.
Three years ago, James had plied Albus and Scorpius with Ogden’s finest at the Hog’s Head Inn. It was then he learned a few things about his parents and Draco that he wished he hadn’t. Everyone knew that his parents were childhood sweethearts. Just as everyone knew that his father and Draco were not. They were nemeses for most of their time at Hogwarts, but something changed. There had been a party, Scorpius told him, at Hogwarts for Harry’s eighteenth birthday. Most of the attendees had arrived to help restore the castle at the beginning of June. Harry had not. Daphne Greengrass and Seamus Finnigan had started dating by the end of that first summer month. They were the ones who hosted Harry’s birthday party in the Gryffindor Common room. Too much alcohol and too hot of tempers led to Harry and Draco sniping at each other. And then the fists came out. The other attendees told them take it outside when they drew their wands. No one was in the mood for that crap anymore. They both promptly stormed out of the Common room. They weren’t seen for the rest of the night. The following morning, after hangovers had been addressed, they all realised Harry and Draco hadn’t returned. They feared there might have been a murder or serious injuries at the least. They put out a castle-wide search. It was mum, Al told him, that found them in a classroom stripped naked on a conjured bed. Dad was highly embarrassed, and Draco had given her a smirk but couldn’t hide his cheeks being bright red before grabbing his robes and running out the door. She said Dad told her he didn’t remember anything about what happened, but she said she didn’t quite believe him. However, in the long run it didn’t matter.
James knew it couldn’t have mattered, because Draco had married Astoria Greengrass and they had looked more than happy until her death over twenty years ago. And that his father loved his mother was never in doubt. Not even a little bit. As he stepped out of the Three Broomsticks on High Street, with a coffee-to-go in hand, he spotted his mother with Draco. They were looking in the window of Familiars, the newest establishment to be added to Hogsmeade’s collection of shops. James had been involved with the loan approval at Gringotts. Draco had his arm over his mum’s shoulder, and as he looked more closely, he’d noticed her head resting on his shoulder. Draco pointed at something, and she started laughing. It was intimate, but they were close friends, he thought. Draco turned his head and his eyes caught James’. Draco nodded. His lips moved and then his mother turned to his direction. Her eyes brightened and she walked towards him.
“James, love, what are you doing here? Early Valentine’s shopping? We just saw the nicest Kneazles in the window. Would Janice want one? I’m sure the kids would love one for when they come home.”
“Mum, slow down. I’m here to talk with Aberforth. He’s thinking of selling his place. He wants an official appraisal.”
“Aberforth is selling?” Draco asked. James wasn’t sure he’d ever seen Draco look so surprised, and if he had to guess, interested.
“Oh, James, come to the house afterwards. We should talk. Draco will make lunch. He already has the mushroom bisque started, and I’ll make tea.” James hid his smile. His mother did not inherit his grandmother’s cooking skills. When they were growing up and all living at Grimmauld, his father would cook breakfast before leaving for work and dinners if he was home, otherwise they’d have leftovers, sandwiches, or take-away. He smiled when he remembered when she did try now and then. Burnt cheese toasties, overcooked vegetables, and the worst was her undercooked steak and kidney pie.
“Mum, I’m kind of busy today. Can we make it this weekend?” He saw the disappointment cross her face. Apparently, Draco saw it too. He squeezed her shoulder with his hand still resting on it.
“James, if you could. Just for a few minutes. We could skip the lunch, but this is kind of important,” Draco said. “Your father is home today, and I think he’d like to be in on this discussion.”
James blinked. “Dad is home? Is he okay?”
Ginny smiled. It was her warm smile, which meant everything was okay. He and his siblings all knew to watch out for the smile that appeared sincere until the right corner of her mouth twitched. “He’s fine. Things are slow at the Ministry, and you know he rarely takes his annual leave, so, he took the day off. He’s out in the garden playing in the mud.” James laughed. Lily was the other gardener in the family and she and Harry would spend many a weekend in the Spring preparing the soil.
“Isn’t a bit early for him to be out there?”
“Oh, he’s just planting the sweet pea seeds by the trellises and winter pansies in the window boxes. The sweet peas are Draco’s favourite and the pansies are for me. He should be in by now. He and Draco have planned for a day of doing nothing but playing chess and discussing what needs to be planted come spring proper.”
James wanted to shake his head but instead he agreed to stop by for a very short visit after conferring with Aberforth Dumbledore. The wizard was ancient now and wanted to retire to Upper Flagley where all good witches and wizards retired to. James walked through the town and only turned once to see if he could spot his mother with Draco again. They were turning the corner at High Street and Hengist Way to head up to the cottage. It was at the very end of Hengist Way, which had been named after the founder of Hogsmeade. They were walking slowly, Draco’s rheumatism had become more prominent as the years progressed. Scorpius, who was Healer at St Mungo’s had told him it was a result of the Dark Mark. All of the Death Eaters still living were afflicted with it.
James strolled up Hengist Way. He loved all the cottages on this old residential street. Especially the smaller ones with colourful gardens and thatched roofs. He remembered the day he and Janice had moved in. From the outside their two-story white cottage with its slated roof appeared small, but it had plenty of common space on the first floor. Along with what used to be a guest room, which was now Draco’s bedroom. The wooden stairs and railings leading to the second floor and then the attic, James and Harry had refinished together. Grandpa Arthur helped with the turning of the spindles. The two bedrooms upstairs were plenty for his parents, and any guests; usually grandchildren. He missed the quietness of the area and the garden.
“Dad,” James said as the door opened before he could knock. He was quickly enveloped in a strong warm hug.
“James, come in. I’ve been told we have little time so come into the kitchen and we’ll have lunch while we talk. You can’t miss out on Draco’s mushroom bisque, and I made bread.” James didn’t need to be told the latter. He could smell it the minute the door opened. His father made the finest bread. A crisp to the crust, and a soft centre that was solid enough to chew. Perfect for dunking into soup.
“So, tell us about Aberforth. Is he really selling?” Harry asked, as he scooted Sir Grayson, the family’s old grey tabby cat, off his chair and sat down with the rest of them at the kitchen table. James saw the same look in his father’s eyes that he’d seen in Draco’s earlier.
“Okay,” James replied drawing out the word. “But then I want to know why your and Draco’s eyes lit up like Christmas trees when I mentioned this.” His mother cleared her throat, Draco gave a small chuckle, and his father broke out in a smile.
“Will do,” Harry said. “Go ahead. Tell us.”
“Aberforth is retiring. And will be putting the place on the market in a few weeks. As you know, he lives upstairs and there are other rooms he rents out now and then, mainly to staff and travelling folks down on their luck. Right now, Julie lives up there, too. She’d like to stay if possible and keep her waitressing job.” James saw the looks and nods pass between the three. He took a spoonful of soup and had to admit he was glad he stayed for lunch. The variety of wild mushrooms and splash of sherry gave a deep, rich flavour. He waited for his father to respond but was surprised when his mother placed her hand on his arm.
“You can’t tell anyone right now, but your father is going to retire. And you know very well, he can’t sit still very long. He and Draco have been discussing opening an establishment here but couldn’t settle on what.”
“Draco wanted a proper tea shop, and I wanted a bakery. We, of course, could combine the two. But any way we did it, we’d be ruffling some feathers with Madam Puddifoot’s daughter. Also, that would mean a lot of baking…early in the morning.” Draco snickered at this. James didn’t quite get what was funny about his dad’s comment. He felt like he was missing something. He guessed it was an inside joke.
“You’re serious?” James said as he looked at his father. The hair was now more speckled grey than dark brown and the line between his eyes and the ones across his forehead were now permanent from furrowing his brow. Still, he couldn’t come close to imagining his father not being an Auror. “Why? Dad, you’re not that old and mum isn’t retiring.” James added and then looked at his mother. “Are you?”
Ginny laughed and shook her head. “Absolutely not. They’ll have to pry the quill out of my cold, dead hand.”
“Well thank you, James, for not thinking I’m too old, but I’m beginning to feel it. I probably should’ve moved on a while ago but couldn’t think of what else to do. It’s been my whole life. But then Draco mentioned that he was looking into opening a small part-time business and we got to talking.”
“So, it was Draco’s idea?” James said gruffly.
Harry narrowed his eyes. “That is not what I said.”
James sighed. He looked at the three people around the table. Draco had his eyes focused on his cup of tea, stirring it back and forth. Ginny was looking at Harry. “I’ve got to go back to Gringotts. Just think about it, Dad, before you make a rash decision,” James said and stood.
“James!” Harry called as he walked out of the kitchen.
“I’ll go talk to him,” Ginny said and ran after him.
James was surprised it was his mother who pulled on his cloak and forced him to stop halfway down the front garden path. He expected his father. “It’s not because of Draco, James. Well, it’s partially because of Draco, but Harry has wanted to leave for a long time.”
James inhaled deeply as he looked down at his mother. She had aged too but with her long red hair and insistence on being in top physical condition, she looked much younger than his father. It was only her face, exposed to years of weather while playing and then reporting on Quidditch, that told her story. “What does partially because of Draco mean, Mother?”
“It means that Draco doesn’t have another fifty good years. He more than likely has only another twenty.”
“Wait! Scorpius said those with the Dark Mark were failing in their nineties.”
Ginny grabbed onto the front of James’ cloak. “James, he was branded at sixteen. It’s not the age, but the amount of time you’ve had it.”
“Okay, Mum. But it still doesn’t make sense and you know it. None of this has made sense since he moved in with you and Dad. I remember he was sullen after Astoria died for quite a few years and then he dated all of the time.”
Ginny barked out a laugh. “Yes, he had someone new at each event. That was just sex, James, not love or companionship.”
“So, did he give up or something?” James asked. The whole conversation he found baffling. He wanted to talk about his dad and why he was retiring. Not about Draco Malfoy, even though he was the one who brought his name up. He knew he was the one with the problem regarding Draco and maybe that was because he was the oldest. He’d heard more stories when they were fresh, and when his mother’s family talked more freely about those times. He knew why Uncle Bill had scars on his face, why Uncle George still had bad days, and why Aunt Hermione had a rose tattoo on her neck. He never blamed Scorpius, but Draco was a different story. He had the Dark Mark. He’d been one of them.
“Or something,” Ginny said and let go of his cloak. James frowned.
“What the hell does that mean?”
“Don’t talk to me like that, James Sirius!” Ginny replied sternly. “I’m sorry that you haven’t noticed what’s slap-bang in front of your face. You’re like a Muggle not seeing magic.” James sighed deeply and shook his head.
“Mother, please just tell me. What am I missing?”
Ginny took his hand in hers. It was larger than Harry’s or Draco’s. “James, I need you to listen to me without interruption.” James rolled his eyes but nodded affirmatively. “I’m in love with Draco, and I’m still in love with your father.”
James gasped. He had to hold back from yelling ‘what the hell’ to his own mother. How could his father put up with this?
“And your father is in love with me and is also in love with Draco. And Draco in return is in love with both of us. We are what’s called a triad, polycule, throuple, or whatever. We just call ourselves a team. Draco is the one who has held us all together over the years…even before we moved here.”
“What?” James spurted out, going against his mother’s wishes. “That’s—that’s preposterous.”
“Shh,” Ginny said and raised a finger to his lips. “You wouldn’t have known but your father and I were very close to separating. We both thought it would get better after all of you were off on your own, making lives for yourselves, but it only resulted with more distance building between us. We’d forgotten how to talk to each other instead of at each other. We forgot what was special about each other. We forgot about us.”
“And Draco Malfoy helped with that?” James said after removing his mother’s finger from his mouth. What his mother was telling him about her and his father’s relationship, was earth shattering. They were his foundation. How could he have not known. And…and how could they have truly forgiven Draco.
“Yes. And I need you to know that the original idea of this was not Draco’s. Far from it. It was your father’s. He wanted Draco but he didn’t want to lose me and the family. And I wanted Draco. Draco talks with me about my job. He shops with me, and we have tea. We trade romance novels and gossip about old classmates and famous Quidditch players. With your dad, he plays chess, talks politics, gardens, and cooks. And they tease each other mercilessly until they’re both rolling in laughter.”
“And what about you and Dad?” James asked.
Ginny smiled. And it was her soft genuine smile. “James, your father and I have history. We have you and Al and Lily and our grandchildren. And we’ve never stopped loving each other. My heart still melts when he walks in the room. To be honest, I’ve never been more in love with him than I am now.”
James took a deep breath. He had so many questions and some ventured into an area he had no business asking about, but he had to know how far this relationship went. “Mum, you don’t have to answer, but is this relationship just emotional?”
He watched as a deep blush came to his mother’s cheeks. He knew he shouldn’t have made the inquiry. “I’m sorry. I—I shouldn’t have asked,” he sputtered.
However, he almost laughed as he watched her straighten her shoulders and stern her face. He and his siblings referred to it as mum going Gryffindor. “No, son, it is not just emotional. I will not go into more details than this, as it might scar you for life, but we each have relations with each other separately and on some occasions all three of us together.”
“Merlin,” James muttered. And now that he had his answer it led to more questions. How logistically could that all work? Wasn’t there jealousy? How did they signal whose turn it was?
“Now, you should get back to work and you need to make sure your father and Draco get the Hogs Head Inn. It would be perfect for them. They could cook during lunchtime and open late in the afternoon. Your father could bartend, which you know he loves doing. Julie can waitress and Draco can prepare dinner servings. I’m sure they’d have to hire others to make it all work, but they’d have a project to work on together. And I could sit at the bar and get free drinks.”
James nodded. “Yes, I get it now. Just one more question do Al and Lily know?”
Ginny released another laugh. “Yes, Al and Scorpius have known the longest. They, of course, picked up on how your father and Draco behaved around each other long ago.”
“And Lily?”
Ginny coughed. “Um, she might have come through the Floo the one time we forgot to close it for the night. It was the year before last after your father’s birthday party. If you want any more details than that, you will have to ask her.”
James couldn’t help but laugh. He knew the minute he returned to the marble mausoleum he worked in; he’d be owling his sister to meet him for dinner. “Okay, Mum, I really do need to go. I have a feeling I’ll be breaking into the good booze tonight and be drunk as a skunk by bedtime.” He pulled his mother close and kissed her on the top of her head. This was their life, he surmised. Who was he to judge…but he couldn’t really help it. Or maybe it was time to let go of that bias he’d picked up as a child. One thing he did know, he'd have to start paying more attention to his own marriage. Maybe he should do that early Valentine’s shopping tomorrow.
Chapter 2: The Romantic One
James Apparated back to the cottage in Hogsmeade with Harry and Draco after they both signed all the paperwork involved with their purchase of the Hogs Head Inn. It still struck him funny that the goblins glared at his father whenever he entered Gringotts. He did know that they never replaced the dragon that was once chained in the bowels where the premier vaults are kept. It was still under discussion whether his father and Draco would change the name of the Hog’s Head Inn and what it would be if they did. This was the first time since the revelation had been made that he’d been alone with just his father and Draco. He tried to be sly in observing their behaviour during the signing process but knew he failed when his father caught him watching and rolled his eyes. There was nothing that happened out of the ordinary and maybe that was it. His mother was right, it was all before him and he hadn’t noticed. They sat close together. Draco made fun of his father’s signature, his father elbowed him, Draco feigned being hurt and Harry had gently put his hand on Draco’s wrist. It was all there before his eyes, it all appeared like a close friendship but with a hint of more. No wonder Scorpius and Al had discovered years before Lily and him.
James held up the paperwork they had just finished signing and a physical key. Draco took the copy of the paperwork and stepped away to file it in their office. Harry grabbed for the dangling key. “Should we go take a look?” James asked, once Harry had snatched the key from his raised hand.
Harry glanced behind him, James looked over Harry’s shoulder, not seeing anyone. “James, you’re welcome to stop by in a few hours, but this is something I’d like to do alone with just Draco.”
James blinked. Not quite understanding what his father was telling him. Why wouldn’t he want to share this moment with his son… “Oh, oh,” he mumbled. “Sure, Dad. I know everyone else wants to see it, too. How about we all stop by around four and have a celebratory cocktail?” James said, covering his embarrassment. He had to admit, even though what he witnessed today between his father and Draco, he couldn’t imagine them physically together. Frankly he actively avoided all thoughts that led in that direction. What Lily had told him she’d witnessed on their father’s birthday was traumatising enough.
“That would be fantastic. Showing everyone at once and celebrating with a bit of the stock. Your mother should be home by then,” Harry replied with a generous smile.
James brought his siblings, Janice, and Scorpius with him at precisely four in the afternoon. Al was about to open the door but stopped suddenly. “Maybe Scorp and I should go in first…just in case.” They all laughed, but then they all agreed. James glanced over to Janice when she slipped her hand into his. She knew that while he accepted this relationship his parents had with Draco Malfoy, he was still adjusting to it. Janice’s hand was warm, it always was. The door popped open within a few moments. Albus was smiling. “All clear, but mum’s here, too, and they’re all a bit tipsy.”
The establishment, James noted as he stepped in with the others, already had a different feel…and smell. There wasn’t even a hint of the scent of goats. Instead, it was of pine and lemon, which he guessed came from cleaning solutions. “Come in, come in,” Harry shouted from a barstool. The bar was small and only sat six. Ginny was next to him, their shoulders touching. Draco, to the surprise of all, was behind the bar in black trousers, white shirt, and black and green striped braces with a black bow tie. There were two sleeve garters, one on each upper arm. James squinted as they appeared to be Gryffindor colours. He looked as if he stepped straight out of the roaring 20s from across the pond.
“What can I get you?” Draco said with a tilted smile. “Selection is a bit limited. We have cheap champagne, questionable whiskey, stale ale, and a selection of ciders, some of which miraculously seem still to be just about passable. Food will be coming out soon. Julie’s helping out tonight until we get the hang of it.”
“Champagne, please,” Janice said as she leaned over to Harry and Ginny, giving each a kiss on the cheek. James gave them a squeeze on their shoulders. The bar was highly polished, and its deep brown grains showed through. Vanished was the sawdust that rested on years of spilt drink and other liquids. He’d never seen it like this before. He took a quick look around. The windows were clean of decades of grime. Natural light filtered in. The floor was cleaned enough so that the soles of his shoes didn’t stick with every step. A broom stood still in mid-sweep on the furthest wall. The cobwebs were still a bit thick over there.
Lily and Scorpius had commandeered a close by table, and with a few quick Scourgifies, found it respectable enough to sit around without damaging their lime green robes. Without asking, Draco sent over a pot of tea. James knew that both would be working at St Mungo’s over the weekend starting early tomorrow morning. Scorpius was on the fourth floor assigned to spell damage, where it allowed him time to research the long-term effects of the Dark Mark. Lily, as a Mediwizard, was usually out in the field handling disasters and those who couldn’t make it into the hospital on their own.
“We need music,” Albus said as he went behind the bar and gave Draco a kiss on his cheek while pulling on one of the sleeve garters and letting it snap back. “Nice outfit. Does this portend of things to come?”
“Absolutely not. This was Ginny’s idea.”
“It does appear that you’re enjoying it, though,” James said as he lifted the pint of ale Draco put on the bar in front of him. “Any further ideas on what you’re going to do with it?”
“Ah, still working on it,” Harry said. “And you’re right, Al, some music would be nice.”
“I’ve got a wireless upstairs,” Julie said loudly as she manoeuvred through the kitchen door with a tureen of stew and loaves of bread. James looked over to the table where the friendly witch was placing the meal. He’d only seen her a few times before, as he’d rarely came into the Hogs Head. She seemed to be game with the attire as she sported an outfit much like Draco’s. “I’ll bring it down and then will be leaving to visit Aberforth in Upper Flagley.”
As James slipped between warm sheets, he realised he was smiling. He was happy. Janice was still in the loo, preparing for bed and he knew that tonight they’d be making love. He couldn’t remember a more wonderful time spent with his family in his adult life. As kids, each of his parents tried to involve them in their work lives. All his friends were jealous because he had box seats to his mother’s games and travelled with her when she started reporting. And Harry would sneak them into the Ministry on weekends, where they’d usually end up in the Minister’s office enjoying treats courtesy of the Minister for Magic himself. But never, besides at Christmas, had he seen his parents laugh and truly be together. Tonight, they behaved as if there were no cares in the world.
However, he had to admit, it wasn’t just his parents, it was Draco. It was Draco who watched how much alcohol everyone drank and provided gigglewater and pumpkin fizz between rounds. It was he who coerced his dad to dance with his mum, something none of them had ever witnessed before. Draco had then asked for Lily’s hand and proceeded to the small and previously unseen dance floor. Scorpius quickly grabbed Al’s hand and Janice had grabbed his to join in. In mere moments they were all dressed in zoot suits with fedora hats and flapper dresses with feather headbands. Jazz and blues filled the room. James didn’t know how Draco did it all but when it was his turn to dance with Scorpius, Scorpius had whispered, “My father is a romantic.”
“Are you still thinking about the kiss” Janice asked as she entered the room in a negligee he’d never seen before. The silver see-through silk highlighted her long black hair, which was now free flowing.
“Janice,” James whispered. He pulled down the duvet on her side of the bed. She slipped in but raised her hand as he turned on his side to face her.
“I think we should talk first, love.”
“I wasn’t thinking about the kiss. I was thinking about what Scorpius told me when we danced. He said his father is a romantic. You know my grandfather is too. I’d never thought about it before, but mum and dad aren’t. I mean they are in their own quiet way, I guess. But Dad…, everyone has always wanted something from him, including Mum. And now there’s Draco showering him with attention. Not in an overwhelming way, but small things, showing that he knows and cares about him. He’s always said he didn’t like public attention, Janice. But my God, he’s been starved of individual attention his whole life. It was there in front of us all to see. But we didn’t.”
“And Ginny? What did you see there?” Janice asked. Her hands stroked his arm and shoulder as he gave a deep sigh. He leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek and then smiled.
“Mum and Dad are both fierce. They run hot. They’ve been the power couple in Britain for decades. Dad has always appreciated her strength and he’s been there for her in the hard times, but Draco is cool like a breeze. He’s there for her weaknesses. Mum has always been insecure, even though she tries to hide it, about her tomboyish looks. I know Dad thinks she’s gorgeous as is, but Draco makes her feel feminine. That dress he put her in. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Mum dressed up in blue. It’s always been red, green or black. And she’d never have worn something with a slit that far up her legs.”
“And that sparkling headband with the silver feather. She was the belle tonight.”
“Not sure about that, Janice. I’m not sure I’ll ever forget seeing you in gold.”
Janice gave him a smile. The smile that let him know he’d touched her heart.
“James, I think what we saw tonight was how Draco views your parents. I think that is how he views your mother. When I see them alone together, she dresses differently than she normally does when we’re all around. Her hair is down. She just looks softer. And your father’s outfit tonight wasn’t the poshest, Scorpius’ was, but it was the coolest with those red braces, and it was definitely the most personal.”
“The hat’s headband feathers,” James said softly. Janice nodded. “The red from a phoenix and white from a snowy owl. You know Dad’s never had another owl of his own? Always uses Jasper, our family owl, or a Ministry one.” James sighed and brought the duvet over their shoulders. The night air drifting through the cracked open window gave him a chill. Janice, slept with the bedroom window open. Something about fresh air inhibiting bad dreams. James remembered when his father found out about it when they lived in Hogsmeade, he immediately put-up protection spells around the window frame that even an ant couldn’t cross. Here in Grimmauld, they were on the third floor and the house remained unplottable and under Fidelius. James had to admit that he now liked the random breezes coming through.
“And the kiss after the toast?” Janice said as she snuggled in closer to him. “I’m not sure I ever saw that expression on your face before.”
James chuckled. “I’m not sure I ever saw that expression on Dad’s face before. He looked completely smitten. He just melted. At least he did before Draco took his hat and hid their faces behind it. And Mum wasn’t even phased a bit. She glanced over, gave a huge smile, and then turned back to Al discussing his next diplomatic trip with Aunt Hermione.”
“So, you’re okay with all of this now?” Janice asked as she twisted back and reached for her wand on the bedside table. The room became dark.
“Yeah. I think I am. I just hope Scorpius finds that cure,” James replied and then released a pleasant sigh as Janice stroked his arm again. “Even if he doesn’t, I’m positive Draco will never end up in St Oswald's nursing home in Upper Flagley. Sorrowful memories or not, I’m pretty sure Dad would break down and hire a house-elf for more support.”
“I’m sure he would, too. Okay, enough about the team. Time for us,” Janice said as her hand slid down his arm to his thigh.
“Agree,” James whispered and returned the gesture.
“But…but seriously, Janice, how do they do it when it’s all three?”
-end-
Author:
Characters/Pairings: Harry/Ginny/Draco, James/OC
Rating: PG
Word Count: 5,387
Content/Warning(s): Threesome M/F/M discussed
Summary/Prompt:
Prompt: M11 (Multiple Pairings): They've been together for decades, and decide to open their relationship.
Summary: Harry and Ginny Potter live in a cottage in Hogsmeade. The previous owner was their eldest son James Sirius Potter, but he now lives in the home he grew up in, 12 Grimmauld Place. The switch happened years before, when his third child came along, and the cottage was too small for the family and Grimmauld Place was too large for his parents. How Draco Malfoy fit into his parents lives he wasn’t quite sure. James did know that his brother and brother-in-law were the instigators of the situation, though. When they became friends in the House of Slytherin, eventually their parents did too. After the death of Astoria, Draco was known to bring a friend, always a different friend, to family occasions. Then after a decade or so he would just show up alone. When his parents moved into the Hogsmeade cottage, so did Draco Malfoy.
A/N: Thank you A for once again for betaing and britpicking. And M for the alpha read and further betaing. Both of you are treasured.
Also, thank you Mods for hosting this fest. It is fun to write for and is even more fun to read the stories it produces.
Read at AO3 or below:
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Chapter 1: In Plain Sight
Harry had said that they were just getting older, and Draco needed care. Besides, they were family now, weren’t they? Family by marriage, not that they were blood related, though if one was to look at any magical family tree it was likely they all were. James didn’t doubt that Draco needed some care, but he was wealthy enough to hire someone. He did, however, doubt that getting older bit for his parents. Harry was fierce as ever as Head Auror and he still insisted on going out into the field a few times a year. During those excursions the whole family ignored their lack of religious beliefs and prayed to whatever deity they could think of until he was safely back home. And his mother, Ginny, was always going on trips reporting on her beloved Quidditch teams. The only one who actually stayed at the cottage full time, was Draco. In James’ opinion the situation was quite peculiar. And whilst he’d never let his parents know, he’d never been very happy about it.
Three years ago, James had plied Albus and Scorpius with Ogden’s finest at the Hog’s Head Inn. It was then he learned a few things about his parents and Draco that he wished he hadn’t. Everyone knew that his parents were childhood sweethearts. Just as everyone knew that his father and Draco were not. They were nemeses for most of their time at Hogwarts, but something changed. There had been a party, Scorpius told him, at Hogwarts for Harry’s eighteenth birthday. Most of the attendees had arrived to help restore the castle at the beginning of June. Harry had not. Daphne Greengrass and Seamus Finnigan had started dating by the end of that first summer month. They were the ones who hosted Harry’s birthday party in the Gryffindor Common room. Too much alcohol and too hot of tempers led to Harry and Draco sniping at each other. And then the fists came out. The other attendees told them take it outside when they drew their wands. No one was in the mood for that crap anymore. They both promptly stormed out of the Common room. They weren’t seen for the rest of the night. The following morning, after hangovers had been addressed, they all realised Harry and Draco hadn’t returned. They feared there might have been a murder or serious injuries at the least. They put out a castle-wide search. It was mum, Al told him, that found them in a classroom stripped naked on a conjured bed. Dad was highly embarrassed, and Draco had given her a smirk but couldn’t hide his cheeks being bright red before grabbing his robes and running out the door. She said Dad told her he didn’t remember anything about what happened, but she said she didn’t quite believe him. However, in the long run it didn’t matter.
James knew it couldn’t have mattered, because Draco had married Astoria Greengrass and they had looked more than happy until her death over twenty years ago. And that his father loved his mother was never in doubt. Not even a little bit. As he stepped out of the Three Broomsticks on High Street, with a coffee-to-go in hand, he spotted his mother with Draco. They were looking in the window of Familiars, the newest establishment to be added to Hogsmeade’s collection of shops. James had been involved with the loan approval at Gringotts. Draco had his arm over his mum’s shoulder, and as he looked more closely, he’d noticed her head resting on his shoulder. Draco pointed at something, and she started laughing. It was intimate, but they were close friends, he thought. Draco turned his head and his eyes caught James’. Draco nodded. His lips moved and then his mother turned to his direction. Her eyes brightened and she walked towards him.
“James, love, what are you doing here? Early Valentine’s shopping? We just saw the nicest Kneazles in the window. Would Janice want one? I’m sure the kids would love one for when they come home.”
“Mum, slow down. I’m here to talk with Aberforth. He’s thinking of selling his place. He wants an official appraisal.”
“Aberforth is selling?” Draco asked. James wasn’t sure he’d ever seen Draco look so surprised, and if he had to guess, interested.
“Oh, James, come to the house afterwards. We should talk. Draco will make lunch. He already has the mushroom bisque started, and I’ll make tea.” James hid his smile. His mother did not inherit his grandmother’s cooking skills. When they were growing up and all living at Grimmauld, his father would cook breakfast before leaving for work and dinners if he was home, otherwise they’d have leftovers, sandwiches, or take-away. He smiled when he remembered when she did try now and then. Burnt cheese toasties, overcooked vegetables, and the worst was her undercooked steak and kidney pie.
“Mum, I’m kind of busy today. Can we make it this weekend?” He saw the disappointment cross her face. Apparently, Draco saw it too. He squeezed her shoulder with his hand still resting on it.
“James, if you could. Just for a few minutes. We could skip the lunch, but this is kind of important,” Draco said. “Your father is home today, and I think he’d like to be in on this discussion.”
James blinked. “Dad is home? Is he okay?”
Ginny smiled. It was her warm smile, which meant everything was okay. He and his siblings all knew to watch out for the smile that appeared sincere until the right corner of her mouth twitched. “He’s fine. Things are slow at the Ministry, and you know he rarely takes his annual leave, so, he took the day off. He’s out in the garden playing in the mud.” James laughed. Lily was the other gardener in the family and she and Harry would spend many a weekend in the Spring preparing the soil.
“Isn’t a bit early for him to be out there?”
“Oh, he’s just planting the sweet pea seeds by the trellises and winter pansies in the window boxes. The sweet peas are Draco’s favourite and the pansies are for me. He should be in by now. He and Draco have planned for a day of doing nothing but playing chess and discussing what needs to be planted come spring proper.”
James wanted to shake his head but instead he agreed to stop by for a very short visit after conferring with Aberforth Dumbledore. The wizard was ancient now and wanted to retire to Upper Flagley where all good witches and wizards retired to. James walked through the town and only turned once to see if he could spot his mother with Draco again. They were turning the corner at High Street and Hengist Way to head up to the cottage. It was at the very end of Hengist Way, which had been named after the founder of Hogsmeade. They were walking slowly, Draco’s rheumatism had become more prominent as the years progressed. Scorpius, who was Healer at St Mungo’s had told him it was a result of the Dark Mark. All of the Death Eaters still living were afflicted with it.
James strolled up Hengist Way. He loved all the cottages on this old residential street. Especially the smaller ones with colourful gardens and thatched roofs. He remembered the day he and Janice had moved in. From the outside their two-story white cottage with its slated roof appeared small, but it had plenty of common space on the first floor. Along with what used to be a guest room, which was now Draco’s bedroom. The wooden stairs and railings leading to the second floor and then the attic, James and Harry had refinished together. Grandpa Arthur helped with the turning of the spindles. The two bedrooms upstairs were plenty for his parents, and any guests; usually grandchildren. He missed the quietness of the area and the garden.
“Dad,” James said as the door opened before he could knock. He was quickly enveloped in a strong warm hug.
“James, come in. I’ve been told we have little time so come into the kitchen and we’ll have lunch while we talk. You can’t miss out on Draco’s mushroom bisque, and I made bread.” James didn’t need to be told the latter. He could smell it the minute the door opened. His father made the finest bread. A crisp to the crust, and a soft centre that was solid enough to chew. Perfect for dunking into soup.
“So, tell us about Aberforth. Is he really selling?” Harry asked, as he scooted Sir Grayson, the family’s old grey tabby cat, off his chair and sat down with the rest of them at the kitchen table. James saw the same look in his father’s eyes that he’d seen in Draco’s earlier.
“Okay,” James replied drawing out the word. “But then I want to know why your and Draco’s eyes lit up like Christmas trees when I mentioned this.” His mother cleared her throat, Draco gave a small chuckle, and his father broke out in a smile.
“Will do,” Harry said. “Go ahead. Tell us.”
“Aberforth is retiring. And will be putting the place on the market in a few weeks. As you know, he lives upstairs and there are other rooms he rents out now and then, mainly to staff and travelling folks down on their luck. Right now, Julie lives up there, too. She’d like to stay if possible and keep her waitressing job.” James saw the looks and nods pass between the three. He took a spoonful of soup and had to admit he was glad he stayed for lunch. The variety of wild mushrooms and splash of sherry gave a deep, rich flavour. He waited for his father to respond but was surprised when his mother placed her hand on his arm.
“You can’t tell anyone right now, but your father is going to retire. And you know very well, he can’t sit still very long. He and Draco have been discussing opening an establishment here but couldn’t settle on what.”
“Draco wanted a proper tea shop, and I wanted a bakery. We, of course, could combine the two. But any way we did it, we’d be ruffling some feathers with Madam Puddifoot’s daughter. Also, that would mean a lot of baking…early in the morning.” Draco snickered at this. James didn’t quite get what was funny about his dad’s comment. He felt like he was missing something. He guessed it was an inside joke.
“You’re serious?” James said as he looked at his father. The hair was now more speckled grey than dark brown and the line between his eyes and the ones across his forehead were now permanent from furrowing his brow. Still, he couldn’t come close to imagining his father not being an Auror. “Why? Dad, you’re not that old and mum isn’t retiring.” James added and then looked at his mother. “Are you?”
Ginny laughed and shook her head. “Absolutely not. They’ll have to pry the quill out of my cold, dead hand.”
“Well thank you, James, for not thinking I’m too old, but I’m beginning to feel it. I probably should’ve moved on a while ago but couldn’t think of what else to do. It’s been my whole life. But then Draco mentioned that he was looking into opening a small part-time business and we got to talking.”
“So, it was Draco’s idea?” James said gruffly.
Harry narrowed his eyes. “That is not what I said.”
James sighed. He looked at the three people around the table. Draco had his eyes focused on his cup of tea, stirring it back and forth. Ginny was looking at Harry. “I’ve got to go back to Gringotts. Just think about it, Dad, before you make a rash decision,” James said and stood.
“James!” Harry called as he walked out of the kitchen.
“I’ll go talk to him,” Ginny said and ran after him.
James was surprised it was his mother who pulled on his cloak and forced him to stop halfway down the front garden path. He expected his father. “It’s not because of Draco, James. Well, it’s partially because of Draco, but Harry has wanted to leave for a long time.”
James inhaled deeply as he looked down at his mother. She had aged too but with her long red hair and insistence on being in top physical condition, she looked much younger than his father. It was only her face, exposed to years of weather while playing and then reporting on Quidditch, that told her story. “What does partially because of Draco mean, Mother?”
“It means that Draco doesn’t have another fifty good years. He more than likely has only another twenty.”
“Wait! Scorpius said those with the Dark Mark were failing in their nineties.”
Ginny grabbed onto the front of James’ cloak. “James, he was branded at sixteen. It’s not the age, but the amount of time you’ve had it.”
“Okay, Mum. But it still doesn’t make sense and you know it. None of this has made sense since he moved in with you and Dad. I remember he was sullen after Astoria died for quite a few years and then he dated all of the time.”
Ginny barked out a laugh. “Yes, he had someone new at each event. That was just sex, James, not love or companionship.”
“So, did he give up or something?” James asked. The whole conversation he found baffling. He wanted to talk about his dad and why he was retiring. Not about Draco Malfoy, even though he was the one who brought his name up. He knew he was the one with the problem regarding Draco and maybe that was because he was the oldest. He’d heard more stories when they were fresh, and when his mother’s family talked more freely about those times. He knew why Uncle Bill had scars on his face, why Uncle George still had bad days, and why Aunt Hermione had a rose tattoo on her neck. He never blamed Scorpius, but Draco was a different story. He had the Dark Mark. He’d been one of them.
“Or something,” Ginny said and let go of his cloak. James frowned.
“What the hell does that mean?”
“Don’t talk to me like that, James Sirius!” Ginny replied sternly. “I’m sorry that you haven’t noticed what’s slap-bang in front of your face. You’re like a Muggle not seeing magic.” James sighed deeply and shook his head.
“Mother, please just tell me. What am I missing?”
Ginny took his hand in hers. It was larger than Harry’s or Draco’s. “James, I need you to listen to me without interruption.” James rolled his eyes but nodded affirmatively. “I’m in love with Draco, and I’m still in love with your father.”
James gasped. He had to hold back from yelling ‘what the hell’ to his own mother. How could his father put up with this?
“And your father is in love with me and is also in love with Draco. And Draco in return is in love with both of us. We are what’s called a triad, polycule, throuple, or whatever. We just call ourselves a team. Draco is the one who has held us all together over the years…even before we moved here.”
“What?” James spurted out, going against his mother’s wishes. “That’s—that’s preposterous.”
“Shh,” Ginny said and raised a finger to his lips. “You wouldn’t have known but your father and I were very close to separating. We both thought it would get better after all of you were off on your own, making lives for yourselves, but it only resulted with more distance building between us. We’d forgotten how to talk to each other instead of at each other. We forgot what was special about each other. We forgot about us.”
“And Draco Malfoy helped with that?” James said after removing his mother’s finger from his mouth. What his mother was telling him about her and his father’s relationship, was earth shattering. They were his foundation. How could he have not known. And…and how could they have truly forgiven Draco.
“Yes. And I need you to know that the original idea of this was not Draco’s. Far from it. It was your father’s. He wanted Draco but he didn’t want to lose me and the family. And I wanted Draco. Draco talks with me about my job. He shops with me, and we have tea. We trade romance novels and gossip about old classmates and famous Quidditch players. With your dad, he plays chess, talks politics, gardens, and cooks. And they tease each other mercilessly until they’re both rolling in laughter.”
“And what about you and Dad?” James asked.
Ginny smiled. And it was her soft genuine smile. “James, your father and I have history. We have you and Al and Lily and our grandchildren. And we’ve never stopped loving each other. My heart still melts when he walks in the room. To be honest, I’ve never been more in love with him than I am now.”
James took a deep breath. He had so many questions and some ventured into an area he had no business asking about, but he had to know how far this relationship went. “Mum, you don’t have to answer, but is this relationship just emotional?”
He watched as a deep blush came to his mother’s cheeks. He knew he shouldn’t have made the inquiry. “I’m sorry. I—I shouldn’t have asked,” he sputtered.
However, he almost laughed as he watched her straighten her shoulders and stern her face. He and his siblings referred to it as mum going Gryffindor. “No, son, it is not just emotional. I will not go into more details than this, as it might scar you for life, but we each have relations with each other separately and on some occasions all three of us together.”
“Merlin,” James muttered. And now that he had his answer it led to more questions. How logistically could that all work? Wasn’t there jealousy? How did they signal whose turn it was?
“Now, you should get back to work and you need to make sure your father and Draco get the Hogs Head Inn. It would be perfect for them. They could cook during lunchtime and open late in the afternoon. Your father could bartend, which you know he loves doing. Julie can waitress and Draco can prepare dinner servings. I’m sure they’d have to hire others to make it all work, but they’d have a project to work on together. And I could sit at the bar and get free drinks.”
James nodded. “Yes, I get it now. Just one more question do Al and Lily know?”
Ginny released another laugh. “Yes, Al and Scorpius have known the longest. They, of course, picked up on how your father and Draco behaved around each other long ago.”
“And Lily?”
Ginny coughed. “Um, she might have come through the Floo the one time we forgot to close it for the night. It was the year before last after your father’s birthday party. If you want any more details than that, you will have to ask her.”
James couldn’t help but laugh. He knew the minute he returned to the marble mausoleum he worked in; he’d be owling his sister to meet him for dinner. “Okay, Mum, I really do need to go. I have a feeling I’ll be breaking into the good booze tonight and be drunk as a skunk by bedtime.” He pulled his mother close and kissed her on the top of her head. This was their life, he surmised. Who was he to judge…but he couldn’t really help it. Or maybe it was time to let go of that bias he’d picked up as a child. One thing he did know, he'd have to start paying more attention to his own marriage. Maybe he should do that early Valentine’s shopping tomorrow.
Chapter 2: The Romantic One
James Apparated back to the cottage in Hogsmeade with Harry and Draco after they both signed all the paperwork involved with their purchase of the Hogs Head Inn. It still struck him funny that the goblins glared at his father whenever he entered Gringotts. He did know that they never replaced the dragon that was once chained in the bowels where the premier vaults are kept. It was still under discussion whether his father and Draco would change the name of the Hog’s Head Inn and what it would be if they did. This was the first time since the revelation had been made that he’d been alone with just his father and Draco. He tried to be sly in observing their behaviour during the signing process but knew he failed when his father caught him watching and rolled his eyes. There was nothing that happened out of the ordinary and maybe that was it. His mother was right, it was all before him and he hadn’t noticed. They sat close together. Draco made fun of his father’s signature, his father elbowed him, Draco feigned being hurt and Harry had gently put his hand on Draco’s wrist. It was all there before his eyes, it all appeared like a close friendship but with a hint of more. No wonder Scorpius and Al had discovered years before Lily and him.
James held up the paperwork they had just finished signing and a physical key. Draco took the copy of the paperwork and stepped away to file it in their office. Harry grabbed for the dangling key. “Should we go take a look?” James asked, once Harry had snatched the key from his raised hand.
Harry glanced behind him, James looked over Harry’s shoulder, not seeing anyone. “James, you’re welcome to stop by in a few hours, but this is something I’d like to do alone with just Draco.”
James blinked. Not quite understanding what his father was telling him. Why wouldn’t he want to share this moment with his son… “Oh, oh,” he mumbled. “Sure, Dad. I know everyone else wants to see it, too. How about we all stop by around four and have a celebratory cocktail?” James said, covering his embarrassment. He had to admit, even though what he witnessed today between his father and Draco, he couldn’t imagine them physically together. Frankly he actively avoided all thoughts that led in that direction. What Lily had told him she’d witnessed on their father’s birthday was traumatising enough.
“That would be fantastic. Showing everyone at once and celebrating with a bit of the stock. Your mother should be home by then,” Harry replied with a generous smile.
James brought his siblings, Janice, and Scorpius with him at precisely four in the afternoon. Al was about to open the door but stopped suddenly. “Maybe Scorp and I should go in first…just in case.” They all laughed, but then they all agreed. James glanced over to Janice when she slipped her hand into his. She knew that while he accepted this relationship his parents had with Draco Malfoy, he was still adjusting to it. Janice’s hand was warm, it always was. The door popped open within a few moments. Albus was smiling. “All clear, but mum’s here, too, and they’re all a bit tipsy.”
The establishment, James noted as he stepped in with the others, already had a different feel…and smell. There wasn’t even a hint of the scent of goats. Instead, it was of pine and lemon, which he guessed came from cleaning solutions. “Come in, come in,” Harry shouted from a barstool. The bar was small and only sat six. Ginny was next to him, their shoulders touching. Draco, to the surprise of all, was behind the bar in black trousers, white shirt, and black and green striped braces with a black bow tie. There were two sleeve garters, one on each upper arm. James squinted as they appeared to be Gryffindor colours. He looked as if he stepped straight out of the roaring 20s from across the pond.
“What can I get you?” Draco said with a tilted smile. “Selection is a bit limited. We have cheap champagne, questionable whiskey, stale ale, and a selection of ciders, some of which miraculously seem still to be just about passable. Food will be coming out soon. Julie’s helping out tonight until we get the hang of it.”
“Champagne, please,” Janice said as she leaned over to Harry and Ginny, giving each a kiss on the cheek. James gave them a squeeze on their shoulders. The bar was highly polished, and its deep brown grains showed through. Vanished was the sawdust that rested on years of spilt drink and other liquids. He’d never seen it like this before. He took a quick look around. The windows were clean of decades of grime. Natural light filtered in. The floor was cleaned enough so that the soles of his shoes didn’t stick with every step. A broom stood still in mid-sweep on the furthest wall. The cobwebs were still a bit thick over there.
Lily and Scorpius had commandeered a close by table, and with a few quick Scourgifies, found it respectable enough to sit around without damaging their lime green robes. Without asking, Draco sent over a pot of tea. James knew that both would be working at St Mungo’s over the weekend starting early tomorrow morning. Scorpius was on the fourth floor assigned to spell damage, where it allowed him time to research the long-term effects of the Dark Mark. Lily, as a Mediwizard, was usually out in the field handling disasters and those who couldn’t make it into the hospital on their own.
“We need music,” Albus said as he went behind the bar and gave Draco a kiss on his cheek while pulling on one of the sleeve garters and letting it snap back. “Nice outfit. Does this portend of things to come?”
“Absolutely not. This was Ginny’s idea.”
“It does appear that you’re enjoying it, though,” James said as he lifted the pint of ale Draco put on the bar in front of him. “Any further ideas on what you’re going to do with it?”
“Ah, still working on it,” Harry said. “And you’re right, Al, some music would be nice.”
“I’ve got a wireless upstairs,” Julie said loudly as she manoeuvred through the kitchen door with a tureen of stew and loaves of bread. James looked over to the table where the friendly witch was placing the meal. He’d only seen her a few times before, as he’d rarely came into the Hogs Head. She seemed to be game with the attire as she sported an outfit much like Draco’s. “I’ll bring it down and then will be leaving to visit Aberforth in Upper Flagley.”
As James slipped between warm sheets, he realised he was smiling. He was happy. Janice was still in the loo, preparing for bed and he knew that tonight they’d be making love. He couldn’t remember a more wonderful time spent with his family in his adult life. As kids, each of his parents tried to involve them in their work lives. All his friends were jealous because he had box seats to his mother’s games and travelled with her when she started reporting. And Harry would sneak them into the Ministry on weekends, where they’d usually end up in the Minister’s office enjoying treats courtesy of the Minister for Magic himself. But never, besides at Christmas, had he seen his parents laugh and truly be together. Tonight, they behaved as if there were no cares in the world.
However, he had to admit, it wasn’t just his parents, it was Draco. It was Draco who watched how much alcohol everyone drank and provided gigglewater and pumpkin fizz between rounds. It was he who coerced his dad to dance with his mum, something none of them had ever witnessed before. Draco had then asked for Lily’s hand and proceeded to the small and previously unseen dance floor. Scorpius quickly grabbed Al’s hand and Janice had grabbed his to join in. In mere moments they were all dressed in zoot suits with fedora hats and flapper dresses with feather headbands. Jazz and blues filled the room. James didn’t know how Draco did it all but when it was his turn to dance with Scorpius, Scorpius had whispered, “My father is a romantic.”
“Are you still thinking about the kiss” Janice asked as she entered the room in a negligee he’d never seen before. The silver see-through silk highlighted her long black hair, which was now free flowing.
“Janice,” James whispered. He pulled down the duvet on her side of the bed. She slipped in but raised her hand as he turned on his side to face her.
“I think we should talk first, love.”
“I wasn’t thinking about the kiss. I was thinking about what Scorpius told me when we danced. He said his father is a romantic. You know my grandfather is too. I’d never thought about it before, but mum and dad aren’t. I mean they are in their own quiet way, I guess. But Dad…, everyone has always wanted something from him, including Mum. And now there’s Draco showering him with attention. Not in an overwhelming way, but small things, showing that he knows and cares about him. He’s always said he didn’t like public attention, Janice. But my God, he’s been starved of individual attention his whole life. It was there in front of us all to see. But we didn’t.”
“And Ginny? What did you see there?” Janice asked. Her hands stroked his arm and shoulder as he gave a deep sigh. He leaned over and gave her a peck on the cheek and then smiled.
“Mum and Dad are both fierce. They run hot. They’ve been the power couple in Britain for decades. Dad has always appreciated her strength and he’s been there for her in the hard times, but Draco is cool like a breeze. He’s there for her weaknesses. Mum has always been insecure, even though she tries to hide it, about her tomboyish looks. I know Dad thinks she’s gorgeous as is, but Draco makes her feel feminine. That dress he put her in. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Mum dressed up in blue. It’s always been red, green or black. And she’d never have worn something with a slit that far up her legs.”
“And that sparkling headband with the silver feather. She was the belle tonight.”
“Not sure about that, Janice. I’m not sure I’ll ever forget seeing you in gold.”
Janice gave him a smile. The smile that let him know he’d touched her heart.
“James, I think what we saw tonight was how Draco views your parents. I think that is how he views your mother. When I see them alone together, she dresses differently than she normally does when we’re all around. Her hair is down. She just looks softer. And your father’s outfit tonight wasn’t the poshest, Scorpius’ was, but it was the coolest with those red braces, and it was definitely the most personal.”
“The hat’s headband feathers,” James said softly. Janice nodded. “The red from a phoenix and white from a snowy owl. You know Dad’s never had another owl of his own? Always uses Jasper, our family owl, or a Ministry one.” James sighed and brought the duvet over their shoulders. The night air drifting through the cracked open window gave him a chill. Janice, slept with the bedroom window open. Something about fresh air inhibiting bad dreams. James remembered when his father found out about it when they lived in Hogsmeade, he immediately put-up protection spells around the window frame that even an ant couldn’t cross. Here in Grimmauld, they were on the third floor and the house remained unplottable and under Fidelius. James had to admit that he now liked the random breezes coming through.
“And the kiss after the toast?” Janice said as she snuggled in closer to him. “I’m not sure I ever saw that expression on your face before.”
James chuckled. “I’m not sure I ever saw that expression on Dad’s face before. He looked completely smitten. He just melted. At least he did before Draco took his hat and hid their faces behind it. And Mum wasn’t even phased a bit. She glanced over, gave a huge smile, and then turned back to Al discussing his next diplomatic trip with Aunt Hermione.”
“So, you’re okay with all of this now?” Janice asked as she twisted back and reached for her wand on the bedside table. The room became dark.
“Yeah. I think I am. I just hope Scorpius finds that cure,” James replied and then released a pleasant sigh as Janice stroked his arm again. “Even if he doesn’t, I’m positive Draco will never end up in St Oswald's nursing home in Upper Flagley. Sorrowful memories or not, I’m pretty sure Dad would break down and hire a house-elf for more support.”
“I’m sure he would, too. Okay, enough about the team. Time for us,” Janice said as her hand slid down his arm to his thigh.
“Agree,” James whispered and returned the gesture.
“But…but seriously, Janice, how do they do it when it’s all three?”
-end-
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Date: 2022-03-15 03:26 am (UTC)