Step Three: The (Pesky) Relatives

Title: Step Three: The (Pesky) Relatives
Author:

talekayler
Word count: 400
Characters/pairings: Harry/Draco
Challenge:

dracoharry100’s Christmas challenge 2011, prompt of an owl coming in from the cold

Step Two: Chase Away the Cold

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Harry had to give it to Narcissa Malfoy; she had impeccable timing, and seemed set on using it interrupt them every chance she got. How she managed to do it when she wasn’t even anywhere near them was a mystery to Harry. He bit back another groan as Draco put his mug down and walked over to open the window.

A gust of cold air accompanied the owl inside, and Draco stroked a finger over its breast before removing the letter before letting it soar over to the table. It landed with a clatter of talons before Draco’s mug; Harry eyed it warily, knowing from past experience to keep his fingers well out of reach of its beak. Draco made a small surprised noise as he unrolled the scroll.

“What is it?” Harry asked, narrowing his eyes at the owl as it cocked his head at Draco’s mug, amber eyes fixed on the marshmallow.

“An invitation,” Draco said, and the owl darted forward to snatch the marshmallow up. Harry gave an indignant protest and stood, his chair scraping across the floor and sending the owl fluttering back to the edge of the table, marshmallow clamped in its beak.

“Oh, leave Basilicus alone, Harry,” Draco said and gestured with the scroll. “They’ve asked us to dinner. The day after Christmas.”

Harry knew the they referred to Narcissa alone. His hand froze from reaching out to battle with Basilicus over Draco’s marshmallow, who took advantage of Harry’s hesitation and gulped the treat. Harry barely sparred him a glare before turning to Draco.

“After what happened last time we had dinner, I didn’t think they’d ever – ow!” Harry yanked his hand back and clutched it to his chest, glaring at Basilicus. Basilicus merely turned, ruffled his tail feathers, and soared out the window. Draco flicked his wand to close it as Harry brought his finger up to examine it.

“Bloody bird,” he muttered.

“Mother will have smoothed everything over,” Draco said, healing the bite on Harry’s finger. “It’s just dinner,” he said, and brought Harry’s finger to his lips, giving the tip a small kiss.

Harry scrubbed his other hand through his hair. “If Lucius makes one comment about–”

“Then we won’t bother staying for dessert.” Draco grinned. “Or we’ll just partake in a different variety and be sure he knows about it.”

Harry flushed. “I... could be on board with that.”