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“...Auntie Mione took me to see Santa…. And I reminded him what to bring me….”
Harry kneels at the private floo of his New York hotel room, attempting to stifle his yawn at this late hour. He plasters on a bright, interested smile, listening as Teddy babbles excitedly into the flames. “And what exactly did you ask Santa for?”
Harry expects to hear the seven-year-old repeat his extensive wishlist, but instead, his eyes get serious. “Well, ya know he goes to every house in the world… so I asked him to… bring you home.”
Harry swallows the lump in his throat and curses the ministry and his department for separating him from his family on Christmas Eve. It’s nearly impossible to make it back to London in time, but he can’t bear to disappoint his godson. “I might not ride with Santa, Ted, but I promise you…. I'll be there.”
The boy cheers and suddenly disappears from the flames as he’s called to get dressed, the connection staying open. Unsurprisingly, the hazel eyes of his husband appear in the fire. “You know you can't promise that,” Theo says with a sad smile.
“I just…I have to try… I can’t….” Harry sighs into his hands. “I miss you both… I hate this assignment.”
“We miss you too. But we’ll be okay.” Theo’s voice is soft, and Harry wants—to be home with Theo and to celebrate with Teddy. He wants to be anywhere but here.
“And Harry— if anyone can pull off a Christmas miracle, it's you. Just use that Potter luck or whatever chaos it is that follows you around.”
Theo gives him a parting wink, and the floo darkens. Harry doesn't know how he’ll manage it, but he’s got to get home.
XXXX
Hours later, Harry’s knees give out as the portkey deposits him in the atrium of the French Ministry. It's nearly 11 pm, and he’s called in every favour he could. He’s exhausted, frustrated and possibly unemployed—but none of that matters. He’s close enough now that he’s hopeful he'll manage a Christmas miracle.
He gathers his bearings and rushes outside to the closest apparition point. He nearly sends a Patronus, but in the end, decides that his arrival is best as a surprise.
Three quick jumps, and he’ll be home. He fixes Grimmauld firmly in his mind, closes his eyes, and pops out of sight.
He’ll worry about everything else later.
XXXX
He lands roughly in his back garden just as the ringing of nearby church bells officially usher in Christmas and slips quietly through the door. The house is silent and still, but the festive garland and twinkling lights cast a warm glow. He steps into the parlour, and his heart stutters at the sight before him.
Teddy and Theo are curled together on the sofa, bathed in soft Christmas Tree light. Teddy is sprawled over Theo’s lap, facing the chimney and tightly clutching his stuffed stag. He’s fast asleep. “You’re here!” Theo’s voice is quiet with emotion and disbelief. Harry just needs to touch him.
He crosses the room in three quick strides and leans down to cup Theo’s cheek tenderly. He presses their lips together in a soft, sweet kiss. “I did make a promise, didn’t I?”
“You did,” Theo’s voice wobbles as he meets Harry’s eye, but he clears his throat. “Do I want to know how you managed it?”
Harry sags down beside him in exhaustion and relief, shuffling close. Theo’s grip is warm and tender on his arm. Harry chuckles. “Probably not.”
“But, uh… you may have a house husband for the foreseeable future.” Theo snorts.
Teddy shifts below them, and Harry moves to card his hand gently through the boy’s ebony locks. He whispers, “Happy Christmas, cub!”
Before Teddy’s emerald eyes blink open wearily, Theo quickly drops the disillusionment on the presents and vanishes Santa’s snacks. Harry gives him a grateful nod in understanding.
“Dad?” Teddy croaks and then looks around. “Santa?”
Harry’s smile could light the whole room. “He was nice enough to give me a lift tonight!” Teddy’s jaw drops in astonishment, and he suddenly launches at Harry, clinging to his neck and mumbling, “I knew it!”
They don't say anything else for a while, but Harry’s heart clenches at just how close he came to missing this. Theo leans in for another kiss, seemingly reading his thoughts and pressing close. Harry loves him more than he thought possible.
He would give anything for this little unit he created. His family.
“Thank Merlin for that Potter luck.” Theo murmurs.
Harry winks. “More like chaos this time, I’m afraid.”
Theo chuckles, “I wouldn't expect anything less.”
Harry might’ve left a mess behind, but all that matters is that it's Christmas, and he’s home.
