The Boy Who Lived

Life Never Goes to Plan

He sighed.

Poor Harry. It really was hideously invasive.

Interestingly, the reporter had managed to find an old grainy image of Beaumont Hall. Draco gulped as he studied it. And he'd thought Malfoy Manor was big! He wondered what Harry would make of it, he'd already complained that Grimmauld Place was too large for him and Teddy but it appeared his familial seat was a smaller version of Hogwarts. It even had turrets and a lake...

On Harry's return, he greeted Harry with a teasing 'Happy birthday, your Grace.'

'Fuck off!' Harry muttered quietly in his ear without any bite, smiling at the sight of his coffee and a treacle tart with a candle stuck in it.

Draco smiled softly, a pink hue creeping up his neck. 'The tart is only because it's your birthday. You still like them?' he queried, knowing full well that Harry did.

Harry smiled and nodded in return, 'yep, still have a sweet tooth!'

'Da! Da!' I've got you a birthday present,' said Teddy excitedly, forcing his way into Harry 's lap.

'You haven't! A present for me! But you didn't need to do that, you're all I need in the world,' Harry said, squeezing Teddy.

'It's from Granny Minnie too, she brought the frame.'

Harry smiled, 'oh well, in that case, I'd better open it.'

Inside it was a photograph of Harry carrying Teddy on his hip, resting his head on Harry's shoulder. Hercules was at his feet. At Harry's other shoulder was Draco, looking far too handsome. Harry grinned.

'All my favourite people. I shall put it on my desk so I can look at you all day.'

'Including Draco?'

'Including Draco...'

Draco blushed.

'Right Teddy,' said Harry. 'You need to go and get your shoes on ready for playgroup.'

'Okay, Da!' and he wriggled away. 'Come on, Hercules,' he yelled as he charged away.

'Have you been feeding him Treacle Tarts? He's got far too much energy for this time in the morning.'

'Says the man just back from running a half-marathon before work. I've got you a present too.' He lifted a beautifully wrapped box from the bench beside him and handed it to Harry.

Harry smiled and began to carefully unwrap it. Inside there was a highly-polished brown leather chest, it was the colour of shiny conkers and smelt of beeswax.

'It's a memory box,' said Draco as Harry carefully undid the toggle on the front and lifted the lid. 'I thought it might be good for you and Teddy going forward, or for things from the past. You know, photos or special items. It's got an extendable charm on it so you can never fill it completely and it's warded against theft and fire, so you can't lose anything in it.'

Harry was overwhelmed. It was so thoughtful and heartfelt. He lifted out a leather-bound book that matched the chest. 'A journal?' he queried.

'No,' flushed Draco as the book magically resized itself to a thick scrapbook.

Inside the cover, Draco had written, Dear Harry, This is a wonderful memoire of your journey to date, from 31st July 1980 to 31st July 2002. I bet you can clearly imagine how I used to sneer over these articles or laugh with glee. I'm so glad things have changed between us but the nostalgia of those times is still important - just to keep you on your toes. I expect you to continue this going forward. Much love, Draco.

Harry turned the first page to find a small newspaper article announcing his birth. Next there was an image of his mother and father holding him as a tiny baby, clearly stopped on their way into the Ministry.