ximow.cc 
Lucius sobered as he addressed Harry. “I must thank you, Harry, for allowing me to regain my dignity before meeting my family again,” he said formally.
“Seeing you before would’ve just upset them more,” Harry said, shrugging off the gratitude. “They’re going to be happy to see you.”
“Perhaps we should finally go meet them,” Severus suggested tiredly. “Lucius, you are much in need of some Dreamless Sleep, and Harry and I could use some rest as well. Tomorrow will be soon enough for more explanations.”
“Can I take you there in my pocket?” Harry asked hopefully.
“Why?” Lucius asked, eyebrow arched.
“Because I want to surprise them, and this might be the only time I can get away with teasing Draco,” Harry admitted. “He’ll be too happy to see his father to get pissed off at me about the whole ferret issue. Besides, it’ll still be easier for us to travel that way under the cloak.”
Severus and Lucius stared in disbelief at Harry’s audacity, before Lucius started chuckling, Severus joining in a moment later.
“So much for your sense of preserving my dignity,” Lucius said in amusement. “But I will allow it as I believe you have more than earned your moment of fun.”
“Thanks,” Harry said, grinning happily. Lucius was obviously far more relaxed about his ferret form than Draco’s reactions would indicate.
They quickly gathered their things, Severus lifting the charms from the twins while Harry jotted a quick note letting them know he’d been there and he was fine, then they finally left for Grimmauld Place.
Severus slipped them into the house under the Invisibility Cloak. He was acting like he was doing it grudgingly, but Harry noticed the spark of amusement in his eyes. He was looking forward to surprising the others, too.
They took the cloak off just before stepping into the kitchen, not surprised that they could hear quiet voices on the other side of the door with the others waiting up for them. Draco, Narcissa and Remus all sagged with relief when they entered. Harry stepped forward quickly so they wouldn’t get up.
He kissed Narcissa on the cheek in greeting, gave Remus a quick hug, but stepped back before greeting Draco like he normally would.
“Merlin, Harry, where the fuck have you been?” Draco asked, frowning at him and definitely noticing the lack of personal greeting.
“Winky did send back the message that you were all right, but I never quite trust it until I can actually see you,” Narcissa admitted quietly.
“I’m fine, honestly,” Harry said, a mischievous smile forming on his lips. “I brought you back a little present.”
Draco snorted. “Most people accept presents on their birthday, not give them,” he said.
Harry blinked in astonishment, momentarily sidetracked. “It’s my birthday already?” he asked.
“Yes, you prat,” Draco said, irritated. “And now you’re likely going to have to sleep away half the day and then you’ll be leaving again to the Weasleys.”
“Um, I’m sorry,” Harry said, knowing Draco was disappointed that they wouldn’t have more time to spend together on his birthday. “But, well, I’ve got something that’ll more than make up for it.”
“You’ve really brought me back a present?” Draco asked, his interest piqued despite his irritation and lingering worry.
Harry nodded, carefully reaching into his pocket to pull out the white ferret. Draco’s and Narcissa’s eyes opened impossibly wide as the ferret scampered out of Harry’s hand and down his body. Landing on the floor, Lucius swiftly transformed back into himself.
“Father?!”
“Oh, Lucius!”
Narcissa practically flew into her husband’s arms and Draco wasn’t far behind. Harry was certain that he was witnessing an extremely rare group hug between the three of them. He watched the tearful reunion wistfully for a few moments before Severus and Remus came up on either side of him. With their hands on his shoulders, he was guided to the lounge area of the potions room, giving the Malfoys a bit of privacy.
“Are you two all right?” Remus asked, giving Harry a tight hug.
“We’re fine,” Severus said, rolling his eyes at the fact that he was using Harry’s usual line.
Aware that he was witnessing another rare event – he didn’t know anybody more private than Severus – Harry watched Remus lift one hand to brush his knuckles across Severus’ cheek. “I was worried,” Remus said.
Severus’ eyes darted warily to Harry, but he didn’t back away from Remus’ touch. Harry blinked at him a moment before smiling softly. He shrugged Remus’ other arm off his shoulders and turned his back on them to go sit on the couch.
It was good that Severus had someone worried about him. Severus hadn’t shown any weaknesses at the time, but Harry was sure the visit to Azkaban had been extremely difficult for him to endure. He was a little squicked by the idea that they might be kissing behind him, but he was still happy for them.
They joined him a minute later, and he was rather amused by the fact that they sat in armchairs as far away from each other as they possibly could. Harry didn’t envy Remus his task of wearing down some of Severus’ defences, but he obviously respected them, letting Severus distance himself again in front of Harry.
Severus began quietly filling Remus in on the events of the day. Harry was sitting there half-listening and thinking about families when Draco stormed in, straddled Harry’s lap, grabbed his face with both hands and proceeded to snog him senseless.
After long minutes, Draco eventually let up for air, leaving Harry dazed and breathless. “What was that for?” he asked.
“That was . . . I’m glad you’re back safe, happy birthday, and thank you for freeing my father and bringing him here,” Draco said, shifting to sit beside Harry instead of on his lap.
“Severus did more than I did,” Harry spoke automatically, his mind still reeling from the spectacular kiss. His cheeks flushed hotly as he noticed Lucius and Narcissa standing in the doorway.
“Well, Harry, you did mention that there was much still to be explained, but you particularly failed to mention this extra motivation,” Lucius drawled sardonically.
“Um, well, I, uh,” Harry stammered, not getting out anything coherent and whipping his head around to stare at Draco helplessly.
“So eloquent, Harry,” Severus said dryly.
Harry’s shoulders slumped and he tried to move away from Draco. Draco swiftly yanked him back, not letting him go anywhere. “Don’t think you’re going out of my sight again so soon,” Draco said fiercely.
“I was just trying to give you a little privacy,” Harry said defensively.
“You’ve disappeared all day, and now I find out you’ve been to Azkaban,” Draco said. “I want to know that you’re all right.”
“Shouldn’t you be checking up with your father?” Harry asked in bewilderment. “He’s been there for over a year.”
“Well, yes, I know that, you twit,” Draco said. “But Mother needed a few minutes alone with him.”
“So you decided to come snog me?” Harry said, his voice rising in disbelief. “I didn’t think you’d even want your father to know about us.”
Draco finally looked a touch nervous, but it was quickly replaced by resolved determination. “I make my own decisions,” he said firmly.
“Draco,” Harry hissed. “Have you lost your bloody mind? You don’t want to start a fight with your father first thing. Somehow, I can’t quite see him approving of you being with me. I’m not a pureblood and I’m a bloody boy! And I’m Harry Potter!” he added hotly.
“Father will just have to get over it,” Draco snapped. “Surely he would’ve figured it out soon enough anyway, since we’re sharing the same fucking room.”
“I could’ve moved back to my old room,” Harry said doubtfully.
“You dolt,” Draco chided. “Your old room is Severus’ room now. Remember?”
Harry grimaced. “Yeah, well, I don’t want to share a room with him,” he admitted.
