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“Are you sure this is a good idea?” Draco asks, sitting next to his boyfriend on the couch.
Ron sighs, and he looks over at Draco. “This is the fifth time you’ve asked me that, babe. Yes, I’m sure it’s a good idea. However, I’m not going to force you to go if you don’t want to,”
“I mean, after everything… I’m just shocked your parents agreed…”
“They know we’re dating. I’m pretty sure they’ve mostly gotten over the shock of it all. Besides, I think it’s time I’ve officially introduced you to them as my boyfriend,” Ron says.
“One whole week at the Burrow. Something has to go wrong, right?”
Ron snorts, and he leans against Draco. “I’m sure it’s bound to be a disaster,”
“And you still want to do this?” Draco asks, raising his eyebrows.
“Yes. As long as you want to,” Ron mumbles.
“I want to. I’m just… terrified. You said Potter’s going to be there?” Draco asks nervously.
“Yes. Harry’s going to be there, and so is Hermione at some point,” Ron says, and he looks up at Draco with raised eyebrows. “We’ve been dating a year. When are you going to call him Harry?”
“Potter and I aren’t friends, and I don’t think we’ll ever be,” Draco grumbles. “Rotten little…”
“Watch it,” Ron warns, and gently pokes Draco on the side. “That’s my best friend.”
Draco huffs, and crosses his arms against his chest. “I mean, seriously, Ronald. Out of all the bloody people in the world. Why did you have to be friends with him ?”
Ron laughs softly, and shakes his head. “Come on. There’s nothing wrong with him, Draco. It’s not my fault you had a bad first impression on him and never apologized for it,”
“Apologize for what ?”
Ron rolls his eyes, and he can’t help but laugh a little. “Oh, darling. You’re so stubborn. We are not arguing about this right now,” he leans back, scooting closer to Draco.
Just a few days later, Draco finds himself packing for his week at the Burrow. He’s never been to the Burrow before. He’s heard stories all about it from his father trashing the Weasley’s. But, Draco’s opinions and thoughts have changed ever since he started dating Ron. He’s grateful, because he’s been much happier since he’s been less hateful.
Let’s not get it twisted though, Draco still hates Potter, and he’s not looking forward to being under the same roof as him. He thought after school, he’d never have to see the man again. Unfortunately for Draco, Potter’s name is in the headlines everyday.
“Hey,”
Draco looks over, and sees Ron standing in the doorway. He quickly zips up his duffle bag. “Hey. Are you ready to go?”
Ron chuckles. “Yeah. I was actually going to ask you the same question,”
“I’m ready,” Draco confirms, and grabs his bag.
Ron sighs softly, before walking right up to Draco, kissing him sweetly. “Hey, thank you. For, you know… doing this. I know this is a lot, but it means a lot to me,” he whispers.
“It’s not a lot, Ron. It’s your family. They’re important to you, so I wanna try . Okay?”
Ron nods. “I know. I just wanted to say thank you anyways,”
“You’re welcome,” Draco chuckles. “We should get going. Don’t want to be late.”
“Or, do you mean… you want to get there before Harry does?” Ron teases, nudging Draco.
“Shut up. Let’s go,” Draco mutters, and he glances at Ron with a small smile.
Within seconds, Draco and Ron arrive at the Burrow by Floo Powder.
“Ron!”
Ron looks up, and smiles as soon as his eyes land on Ginny. “Hey. You’re already here?”
Draco groans. “Don’t tell me Potter’s here as well…?”
Ginny chuckles, and shakes her head, before walking over and hugging Ron. “No. Don’t worry your pretty little head, Malfoy. Harry’s at work right now-” she ignores how Draco sighs in relief, “And unfortunately, he won’t be here for another couple hours. He couldn’t get today off. Big day at the ministry,” she says. “You know, the day before Christmas.”
“I imagine it’s busy as hell,” Ron says.
“Is that Ron I here?”
“Yes, mum! He’s arrived with Draco. Come say hello!” Ginny shouts.
Molly appears in the living room doorway a second later. “Oh! Ron, dear. I’m so happy you’ve made it,” she walks over and pulls him into a hug. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“You saw me just a bit ago, mum,” Ron chuckles as he hugs her back, before pulling away.
“It was two months ago. You should really visit your mother more often. You know, ever since you kids started growing up and moving out, this house is too quiet,” Molly complains.
“We’ll visit more, mum. I promise,” Ron assures her.
Molly looks over, and she gasps as soon as she spots Draco. “Draco! Oh, how lovely to see you,” she walks over and hugs him as well. “I’m so pleased you could make it.”
“Yes, of course, Mrs. Weasley. Thank you for having me over,” Draco says politely, pulling away from the hug.
Ginny raises her eyebrows as she watches Draco interact with their mother, and she looks over at Ron. “What have you done with him? I never knew he had manners,”
Draco huffs, and looks at Ginny. “I have manners,”
“I’ve never seen them before,” Ginny retorts.
“Ginny,” Ron hisses, glaring at his younger sister. “Enough with that now. We’re not here to start silly arguments like we’re children. It’s bloody Christmas.”
“Sorry,” Ginny quickly apologizes, glancing at Draco. “It’s just a little weird, and all I’ve heard about him is what Harry has told me. They weren’t exactly nice things, either.”
“I’ll admit I was a bit of a…” Draco pauses. “ Brat -” He clears his throat. “In school. But, I’m an adult now. I’ve changed my ways from before, thank you very much.”
“Exactly. I wouldn’t be dating him if he was the same person, Gin. You know that,” Ron says.
“Alright, alright. I get it,” Ginny says. “Besides, you know me. I can be a bit sassy sometimes.”
Molly chuckles. “ Sometimes ?” She shakes her head. “Dear, being sassy is your personality. Now, come on. We’ve got to finish making the food for tomorrow.”
“Mum, please. Can I take a break? We’ve been cooking all day,” Ginny complains.
“I can help,” Draco offers, looking over at Molly. “I always helped my mother with cooking.”
“It’s true. He’s a good cook, mum. His food is amazing,” Ron speaks up, nodding eagerly.
“Well, alright then. If you’re really up for it,” Molly says, surprised.
“Well, if that’s the case, I’ll take your bags upstairs. I’ll come find you later,” Ron says, walking over and gently grabbing Draco’s bag from him. Ron gives him a knowing look, before turning and heading up the stairs with Ginny.
“Well, we best get to it, then!” Molly exclaims, before leading the way into the kitchen.
Draco takes a deep breath before following her into the kitchen. He doesn’t like cooking at all, but he knows he’s good at it and he wasn’t lying about helping his mother, and now he’s willing to do anything to put a good first impression on Ron’s family while he’s at the Burrow. He clearly loves Ron, and he doesn’t want anything to disturb their relationship.
A few hours have passed since Draco and Ron have arrived at the Burrow. Draco has been helping Molly with all of the cooking while Ginny and Ron have started the decorating. Luckily, the decorating doesn’t take very long with the use of wands and magic.
Draco is putting away all the food into the fridge when he hears excited shouting.
“Blimey, it’s about time you arrive here, mate!”
“I couldn’t get off work. Everybody needed me for everything! You wouldn’t believe it!”
Draco freezes as soon as he recognizes the voice. It’s Harry bloody Potter. Draco nearly forgot that he was going to have to face him while being at the Burrow. Even after the battle and when he and Ron started dating, the two never talked and made amends.
“It’s great to see you again,”
“It’s been awhile, hasn’t it? We haven’t had time to catch up with each other lately,”
“Would you like to go join them, dear?”
Draco startles, and he looks over and sees Molly standing there. “I, uh-” He clears his throat. “No, actually. I think I’m perfectly fine right here.” Because he definitely does not want to face Harry Potter yet, especially in front of his boyfriend. He already knows Ron says that he doesn’t have to worry when it comes to Potter, but he’s not quite sure he believes that.
Molly chuckles, and shakes her head. “Trust me when I say, you don’t have to worry about Harry, dear. He means absolutely no harm, and I know that you mean no harm either. You’ve been so sweet to Ron. Now, it’s the holidays. Let’s just get along with each other. Follow me,” she says. She places a hand on Draco’s back, and pushes him towards the living room.
“Molly! Goodness, it’s so wonderful to see you again!” Harry exclaims with excitement, walking over to greet her with a hug.
Ron looks over as Molly and Harry excitedly chat with each other, and then he lights up as soon as he sees Draco. He walks over to him. “Hey. I feel like I haven’t seen you in hours,”
Draco chuckles quietly. “You haven’t seen me for hours, babe,”
Ron smiles softly, and he leans over to kiss Draco’s cheek. “How was cooking with mum?”
“Hey Ron, do you-?”
Ron looks back over at Harry, and stares nervously as Harry notices Draco standing beside him. He watches as the two stare at each other.
“Malfoy,”
“Potter,”
Ron can’t help but roll his eyes. “Okay. You two are ridiculous,”
“Ron-” Harry begins, looking over at his best friend.
“No, no. I know you two have unfinished business. However, it’s Christmas. Can’t you guys at least be civil with each other while we’re with the family?” He looks over at Draco hopefully.
“I can be civil,” Draco says, looking right back at Ron. “But can he?”
“I’m standing right here,” Harry grumbles, crossing his arms.
“Harry,” Ron warns, and looks back at Harry. “Civil.”
Harry lets out a sigh of defeat. “Alright. Alright ! I’ll be civil,”
“Well, now that that’s sorted out. I’m sure you all are hungry,” Molly says, and gently claps Harry on the back. “Let’s go eat, shall we?”
Ron gently grabs Draco’s hand, and leads the way into the kitchen.
Dinner goes about as well as it could be. Draco couldn’t be more thrilled when Ron announces that he and Draco are finally heading upstairs for bed.
“First night done. That wasn’t so bad, was it?” Ron asks as he walks into his old bedroom. It’s certainly not fit for two grown men in a committed relationship, but unfortunately, it’s all they’ve got right now. His parents aren’t one for much change.
“Maybe for you,” Draco mumbles.
“What do you mean?” Ron asks, and turns to look at Draco. “You were cooking with mum…”
“That part was fine,” Draco is quick to assure him. “Then Potter came along.”
Ron rolls his eyes. “Harry was fine, babe. Dinner was fine,”
Draco sighs, and steps closer to Ron. “Maybe for you. You weren’t being stared at like a hawk the entire time. How did you not see it?”
“I… wasn’t paying attention. I’m sorry. Was he really doing that?” Ron asks.
“Yes. It’s whatever. I was mostly talking to you and Ginny the whole time. Maybe that was it,” Draco chuckles. “He probably didn’t like that I was getting along with your sister.”
“That would make sense,” Ron sighs. “I’ll have a talk with him tomorrow.”
“You don’t have t-” Draco stops when Ron cuts him off with a sweet kiss. Draco blinks, and he stares at Ron. “Hey, what was that for?”
Ron chuckles. “I know I don’t have to, but I want to. You’re important to me, okay?”
Draco lets out a soft sigh, and he kisses Ron once more. “I love you,”
“I love you too,” Ron says, and he reaches over to gently squeeze Draco’s hand.
The next morning, Ron is greeted by Harry in the kitchen.
“Merry Christmas Harry,”
“Oh, good morning Ron. Merry Christmas! Did you sleep well last night?” Harry asks, and he looks over at Ron. “Is no one else up?”
“No,” Ron chuckles. “I think we’re all getting too old for waking up as early as possible on Christmas. And, I slept fine. Thanks. I’m sure it won’t be long before the others are up.”
“No. Ginny will be waking the whole house up soon. She’s not one to waste a Christmas day!”
“Don’t I know it,” Ron laughs, and shakes his head. He looks over at Harry, and bites his lip. “Harry? Can I talk to you about something real quick?”
“Does this have anything to do with Malfoy?” Harry asks.
Ron sighs. “He has a name. You can call him Draco,”
“I don’t think we’re there yet,” Harry mumbles, and he turns to look at Ron.
“Look, I know that it’s a big change. No one really saw it coming when I announced I was seeing him. But, he’s trying, you know? I know you probably don’t want to hear it, but it’s true. He told me you were glaring daggers at him all night during dinner.”
“I guess I’m not used to seeing you be with someone like him,” Harry says. “The person I know is the person I knew from school. You have to realize that.”
“So, get to know him. I mean, I promise I’m not asking you to be best friends with him. I know that’s likely to never happen with you two, and that’s fine. But Harry, can you at least try to be civil if he tries? He’s probably going to be around for a long while,” Ron says.
Harry sighs as he stares at Ron. “I’ll try,” he says. “Only because I can tell how much you care, and you are my best friend. I promise I’ll try.” He gently places his hand on Ron’s shoulder.
“Thanks,” Ron says quietly, flashing a small smile at Harry. He looks over when he hears footsteps, and raises his eyebrows when he sees Ginny hurry into the kitchen.
“Where is everybody? Are you two the only ones awake?” Ginny asks, her eyes wide.
Ron snorts. “Yes, of course. You do realize it’s-”
“Time doesn’t matter!” Ginny exclaims, before hurrying up the stairs.
Harry shakes his head. “Told you,” he says. “She’s a psycho when it comes to Christmas.”
“Trust me, I’m aware. I grew up dealing with it,” Ron laughs. “I’m going to wake Draco before she traumatizes him and he never wants to come back here. Thanks for talking with me.”
“No problem. Let’s just have a good Christmas,” Harry flashes a smile at Ron.
Ron smiles back at him, before also rushing up the stairs. He quickly hurries to his room, although he’s not surprised when he finds that Draco is already awake. “She woke you?”
Draco chuckles. “I was already awake. No worries,”
Ron sighs in relief, and he walks over to Draco. “Come on, it’s Christmas. I’d hate to drag you downstairs but if I don’t, then Ginny will. Harry already started getting breakfast,”
Draco squints, and he slowly pushes himself up. “Potter?”
Ron rolls his eyes, and he leans down to kiss Draco, before pulling him up from the bed. “Relax, babe. I had a talk with Harry. He’s going to try to be more civil,”
Draco sighs. “Alright. If you say so,”
“I do say so. Now, come on. Let’s go,” Ron says, and he starts pulling Draco towards the door, but is stopped by Draco pulling him back. “What are you-?”
Draco leans forward and kisses him sweetly. “Thank you,”
“For what?” Ron asks, blinking.
Draco chuckles. “For… everything? I guess. I mean, there’s been a lot of big changes since we started dating, and you’ve been patient with me. So, thank you,”
“You’ve been just as patient with me. You don’t have to thank me. I love you, Draco. You should know that by now,” Ron says, raising his eyebrows.
“I do. I love you too,” Draco says, and he kisses Ron once more. “Merry Christmas, babe.”
Ron grins. “Merry Christmas!”
“Ronald Weasley!”
Ron cringes as soon as he hears Ginny yelling for him. “That’s our cue,” he laughs, and he pulls Draco out of the bedroom. “We’re coming!”
“It’s about bloody time, we’re waiting!” Ginny shouts from the bottom of the stairs. “Oh, and Merry Christmas, Draco! I hope Ron filled you in on how crazy the Weasley Christmases are!”
Ron snorts, and he looks over at Draco. “Come on,” he drags Draco down the stairs, joining the other Weasley’s and their friends for Christmas morning.