..

Notes:

Recently, I went on a fairytale movie watching binge, and it's all I have been thinking about. I just wanted to watch a whole bunch of 90-minute films about magical places where good people fall in love and live happily ever after! So that's how this story came into fruition – I wanted to write about that cheesy love story. This story is Cinderella centric (with more influence from the 2015 live action film than the animation) but will still hopefully be unique.

There will be lines taken directly from the film and maybe a few from the 1950s animation throughout the entire story so I will just put the disclaimer here: Lines that I have taken from the 1950 and 2015 Disney films titled Cinderella are not my own and all rights are reserved by their respective owners.

Also, I chose the pairing of Harry/George because I find it cute and I wanted the "royal" role to be someone other than Draco, Tom, or Severus, that most tend to write about when pairing Harry with a male in these kinds of stories.

Edit: I know that it is 2018 and we have come a long way when it concerns social changes and roles in our society. I am very much a person who agrees with these changes like challenging the social roles of men and woman (or at least what it means to be feminine and masculine), letting people love who they love and marrying them and people treating everyone with respect no matter race, color, religion, etc. But, this is an old story that has been around for a long time. I by no means want to insult anyone with my writing in this story, but I will be 'realistic' with the setting and how people thought back then. Harry (and George obviously) are gay but being anything but heterosexual in this time is most certainly taboo. I will broach this subject though I obviously won't go too in depth. This is just to let everyone know where I stand and that I hope people will not be too rude to me thinking that these are my beliefs.

Chapter One: Amour

Once upon a time, in lands far to the west, there lived a young couple who resided on the outskirts of a kingdom.

They were young in heart and age and they were hopelessly in love.

Though most people told them that they should be cautious since they were just beginning their lives, the couple were already set in a steady amount of prosperity and a healthy lifestyle, for the young man hailed from a lineage of wealthy merchants. He himself joined in his family's traditions and became a merchant when the time came for him to find himself a wife.

Yet, the couple's fortune did not go to their heads. For love and happiness was all they needed to be content with their lives in all the days to come. And just so, a year later, their love brought a child into their lives. He was their whole world, and in their eyes, there was no one in the entire world that was more stunning and precious.

With a crown of dark hair that matched his father and a pair of bright eyes that reflected his mother, he was a beautiful babe that would grow up knowing nothing but wonder and truth, courage and faith, love and kindness. James and Lily Potter welcomed little Harry into the world on the eve of August, and from that day on, the small family of three would need nothing but each other to be content.

The babe soon grew into a young child and he continued to hold the values that his parents instructed him on. As a child, he was a curious little thing who loved to learn new things every day and find a bit of adventure around every corner.

When his father was gone on his long trips that took him to the various countries and kingdoms, Harry would spend all his time with his mother. With a face as soft as a flower petal and red hair as bright as the ripest apple, Harry was always struck by Lily's beauty. Whenever the moment would allow him, young Harry would never leave her side throughout the day.

Absorbing everything she taught him, Harry learned to appreciate all walks of life.

For as long as he could remember, young Harry had trouble making human friends. It was an unfortunate side effect of being taught from home, but Harry was adaptable. Instead, he learned to befriend all the animals that lived upon their lands. The goose and the chickens were lovely to speak to in the mornings and the goats and horses where a joy to listen to in the evenings, but it was the mice, of all things, that Harry loved the most. The little creatures were swift and nimble, and they loved to help in any way they could.

Whenever Harry was behind in his chores or lonely in the middle of the night, the small mice were there to comfort him. Giving each of the critters a name, Harry found that he grew even closer to them. Even with an imagination as wild and extravagant as his own, Harry was certain that they understood him whenever he spoke to them.

If he ever tried to explain his reasoning's to his father, James would simply smile and pat his head. He never tried to deny his child the wonderment of animals communicating with him, but Harry could tell that the man thought it was his imagination.

Lily on the other hand, would always ask Harry about the mice.

She always listened to his tales with a smile stretched across her lips and loving look in her eyes. Harry was certain that she did not truly believe him either, but on more than one occasion, Harry saw the redhead glance towards the corners of the room or spare a look at high shelves where Harry knew his little friends liked to reside with a knowing light sparkling in her eye.

The work the household did every day to keep the mansion and grounds running smoothly was also something Harry learned to appreciate and, eventually, help with. He and his mother would assist with small chores in the morning to alleviate some of the workload that everyone had to do. And every day, after those morning chores, mother and son would pack a lunch in their basket and escape to the meadows behind their home to spend afternoons upon a hill of flowers where nothing but laughter could be heard upon the winds.

The two would play games of chase, build the most extravagant flower crowns, and find all types of images in the shifting clouds above. And in those moments, when mother and son were alone, their conversations were made up of the most magical and mysterious words. Harry would tell his mother of all the amazing and fantastical creatures he would read about in his story books and ask his mother if they were indeed real.

Though Harry was convinced they were made up, he was always surprised and happy to hear his mother nod her head and say that she did believe that such creatures and animals lived somewhere in the world. One time, Harry even asked his mother if she thought Fairy Godmothers were real and once more, Lily gave a bright smile as she told her beloved son that yes, Fairy Godmothers were as real as humans and mice.

When one would ever find the two in each other's company, there was never a face that did not shine with a smile at the sight of the love mother and child shared.

Harry's father would return every two months with talk of all the wonders he saw on his travels and all the people he met. With his return, James would also bring home a gift for his child. A small, modest souvenir from wherever he had been would grace Harry's delicate hands as soon as his father stepped off the carriage, and it would always soon join Harry's growing collection that graced the shelves above his bed.

Before he would head out for another trip, James would always take young Harry aside and ask him what he wished to be brought home from the exotic places around the world. And every time, young Harry would give the same request – something small enough to fit in the palm of his hand.

Harry would also request that his souvenir be properly taken care of. In this sense, he would always remind his father that this meant his carriage must travel a reasonable pace and must not wander off the road in search of a shortcut, for the thing most precious to him would surely be gone should he make haste home.

James would then smile in understanding and cup the top of his child's head and ruffle his fingers through the thick, wild locks. He knew Harry spoke of James himself coming home safely and not the trinket, but he would still always make sure to bring home an object that would fit in his small palm.

This routine had been all the small family had known for the better part of decade with Harry turning ten in just a few short months.

It was difficult at times when they were apart, but they learned all the better to appreciate the times that they were in each other's company.

Until one fateful day, after tucking her son in for the night, Lily fell terribly ill.

Distraught, James hired every available doctor in the lands. He hoped that one of them may find and cure what ailed his wife, but it was to no avail. A strange sickness that few had heard of plagued the red head, and most of the doctors agreed upon one thing – Lily had but a few weeks left before the illness would take her.

It was on the last day that Lily would take breath, that she requested Harry come sit with her in the sunroom, for she had one last thing to teach her son.

Harry had slowly opened the door into the sunroom, cautious to make as little noise as possible so that he may not disturb his mother. He peeked inside to see her sitting around the small, circular table in the center of the room.

Her face was tilted upward with eyes closed, letting the rays of light that filtered through the stained windows fall upon her pale figure. Her hands were clasped upon the table and as he walked closer, Harry could see her squeeze them to try and stop the subtle tremor that wracked through her slender body.

"Mother," came the softest whisper to let her know that he had arrived as she had asked of him.

"Harry," Lily was quick to open her eyes to find her child as she greeted him. She reached out a hand for one of his own which he gladly accepted as he sat down in the chair next to her, allowing her to rest her arm on the tables surface once more.

"You wished to see me?"

"Yes, my child, I did. Harry, I do not believe I have much time left in this world-"

"Please don't say that!" Harry exclaimed as tears began to fill his eyes. He squeezed his mother's hand as much as he would allow the frail woman to handle to try and get his words across, but Lily continued.

"Oh, Harry. My baby boy, I do not wish to hurt you so, but I must tell you this for I do not want to leave without regret. It hurts us both, I know this, but you must listen. Listen and learn and grow. Can you do that my sweet?"

With pursed lips, Harry gave a small nod of understanding as he reached forward with his other hand to clasp at both of her own.

"I'm going to tell you a secret my Harry. A great secret that will help through all the hardships that life may bring to you. You must always remember this: Have courage and be kind. You have more kindness in your little finger than most do in their whole body and it has power. More than you know. And magic."

"Magic?" Harry asked in a small, wonderous tone.

"Truly. Have courage and be kind, my darling. Will you promise me?" Lily by this point had leaned forward to gaze into her child's eyes. Both reflected tears as they understood the importance of their conversation, but neither would let them fall for that would mean it was certain.

"I promise."

"That's a good boy. Come here."

She released her hold upon her child's hands and instead opened her arms, allowing her son to quickly rise from his seat to run into her breast. He rested his head below her chin and Lily began to feel dampness soak into her dress. She allowed herself to close her eyes to revel in the warmth of her child before she raised her head towards the door.

There stood James with a look of sorrow. He knees seemed to shake from his own weight and before he knew it, he was at their side. Joining in the embrace, he fell to his knees so that he could rest his own head upon his wife's and the three simply stayed together for a few moments. All the while, sniffling could be heard from the three as they finally allowed all their tears to fall.

"I love you, so very much, my dear Harry." Lily finally said.

More sounds of sniffling could be heard, and Lily felt even more tears soak through her clothing before she heard her son reply.

"I love you too, mama."

And just like that, the small family of three became two.

.

.

Time passed, and pain turned to memory.

Harry grew once more, into a beautiful young man and all the while, he stayed the same for he remembered the words his mother spoke to him. And he would never forget them for as long as he lived.

Have courage and be kind.

.

.

It was a warm spring afternoon when Harry and James could be found sitting in the parlor. The two sat relaxed in their favorite chairs as they sipped cups of tea while Harry read aloud a chapter from one of his favorite books.

The young man had finished the recent chapter for the day and was closing the book when James finally set his teacup down, preparing to speak with the younger male.

Clearing his throat to gain Harry's attention, James began his rehearsed speech from this morning, "Harry, there is something of great importance that I wish to speak with you about."

"Yes, father?"

"Well, do you remember my fellow merchant that resides just a few kingdoms over? He was a good acquaintance of mine and I believe you met him once when he was here on a business trip."

"Yes, I think I do. A Lucius Malfoy, correct? Yes, I do believe I can remember a man with such pale, long hair," Harry finished with the faintest of giggles at the thought of the well primed locks the older man possessed.

James began to lean forward slightly to gain his sons attention once more, a serious look quickly silencing the laughter, "Yes, Lucius. Well it is with unfortunate news that Mr. Malfoy has passed just last weekend. A horrible hunting trip gone wrong I was informed. And with his passing, it has left his wife, Narcissa, a widow."

Here, James paused in his speech, instead gazing right into Harry's own eyes to see if he understood where he was going with this conversation. Seeing, for the most part, a look of confusion, James continued, "I do not believe you have had the pleasure of meeting her before, but I must tell you Harry, that she is quite the beautiful woman. It is also not proper for a woman of her standing to be left alone after such a tragedy, and I was to think that should we meet…"

He trailed off after he saw the beginnings of understanding grow on his son's face.

The flash of understanding came and went however, and sorrow filled its place. Harry turned his gaze away from his father and instead looked at his hands as they rested upon his lap. James wanted to marry again.

It hurt to know that with his mother gone, his father would want to find another woman, but at the same time, it has been six years since she passed. That was quite a long time to be alone and Harry was not blind. He noticed that his father had been declining in his own health ever since they lost Lily. His skin had become pale and his face seemed to age several years.

He was sad and lonely, and he simply wanted to be happy once more. Who was Harry to deny his own father that?

Giving a sigh of acceptance, Harry looked up at his father with a small smile. For the most part, it was genuine, but both knew that there was bit of force behind it, for what child could ever be truly happy that one of their parents wanted to find love after losing their spouse.

"Yes, of course father. You deserve to be happy once more and if Ms. Narcissa is the woman you believe will bring you this, then who am I to deny you the opportunity?"

Relief shined in James's face and he leaned over the coffee table to clasp Harry's hands, "Yes! Yes Harry, I do wish to happy. Do you think I am permitted to have this? Just one more chance in my life to settle down and live a life worth it all?"

"Indeed father. You deserve all the happiness in the world." Even as he spoke these words, a few tears formed in the corners of his eyes.

Hearing the hope in James's voice was heart breaking. The man should not have burdened himself with trying to appease Harry about marrying another woman. Harry was still only a child in the eyes of most, and James should have looked after his own heart. If that meant marrying without asking for permission from his own child, then so be it.

"Thank you, my boy! And Narcissa is a wonderful woman, I promise you. She'll merely be your step-mother and you will not need to worry yourself about replacing Lily – no one ever could. Nothing will change I promise you; we will simply gain more family. You will have siblings now, wont that be exciting? A brother and a sister imagine that!"

James's face shone with happiness and imagination at the new people who would soon grace their home.

For Harry however, he felt wary. He tried to smile for his father, but inside, he knew that things would indeed change. No matter how nice and pleasant his step-relatives would be, there would always been a string of tension knowing that there had once been another husband and wife in the two households who had passed and pushed the two families together.

And so, in no more than three months, everything changed again.

James traveled to the kingdom where his new wife-to-be lived, and they had a grand ceremony. James had asked Harry to come but he declined to attend. He used the excuse of helping around the household and tidying it up for that arrival of the new family members.

In truth, Harry simply wanted time alone and have the chance to burn the memory of his home into his mind before it would be transformed with new people residing within.

James had given Harry a look that told him he understood what he was doing, but let it go.

The months with James away were always hard, especially after Lily passed, but it seemed to Harry that this time put even more stress upon his shoulders. When James would return from this trip, Harry would have a step-mother and step-siblings.

The change would be quick and difficult, but all Harry had to do to calm down was remember his mother's words, and all was well.

When the letter came, telling Harry that they had wed and were now traveling back home, all the young man could do was pace in anxiety.

A week and a half later, Harry's father and his new family arrived.

.

.

He could hear the telling signs of hoofs and wooden wheels moving along the dirt road that led up to the front of the mansion. Windows had been left open to allow fresh summer air in to liven up the rooms, while Harry had sat in the parlor, awaiting the arrival of his family.

Quickly standing up, Harry raced into the main hall and stopped short at a large hanging mirror. He straightened the wrinkles in his white shirt, tucked the ends into his black trousers, and tried to smooth his wild hair. The locks permitted Harry a minute of looking smart before they sprung back up to stand at all angles upon his head.

Shaking his head in acceptance, he then headed for the front door and all too soon, he stood at the top of the steps with his hands firmly clasped in front of himself, ready to welcome his family home from their travels.

The carriage had not even come to a complete stop around the front fountain, yet the sounds of laughter and sniggering could easily be heard. The closed window curtain shifted out of the way and Harry spotted narrowed eyes as they examined their surroundings. Swinging back into place, the curtain did nothing to hide the new round of laughter that came from within.

When the carriage finally stopped, and the footman came around to open the door, Harry was pleased to see his father step out. Tension melted off the young man's shoulders and with a smile, he finally stepped of the front steps and headed to greet the older man.

"Welcome home father. I hope travel along the roads was pleasant?"

Before James was able to reply to his son, another voice interrupted.

"Pleasant? What in the world is pleasant about being stuck in a carriage all this time? The rocking was simply terrible on my shoulders and the rain made the roads all muddy. Every time we stopped for the night, it was practically a gamble to see if my dress would stay clean." It was a beautiful young woman that had spoken as she followed James out of the carriage. Platinum blonde hair flowed behind her and the dress she wore was an extravagant piece of cloth that complimented her figure.

"Astoria, dear, Harry did not mean pleasant in that way. No, he was simply asking if we are in good health after such a long amount of travel," James tried to ease the confusion before anything bitter could grow between the two as he held out his hand to help his new step-daughter down the last step.

"Well then perhaps, it would have been better to phrase it differently. If there is the possibility of a misunderstanding, surely one would want to rearticulate it, no?" Another, masculine, voice joined the conversation as a second blonde landed upon the gravel.

James had a strained look on his face as he turned to Harry. With a thinning of his lips, Harry understood that he wished for him to ease the conversation quickly.

Giving a tight smile in greeting, Harry finally stepped forward with hand outstretched. The male glanced at the hand before reaching forward to shake it. Harry then tuned to the female and bowed as he raised his palm up. She graciously placed her hand in his and Harry kissed the top like the gentleman he was taught to be.

Stepping back, Harry then took the opportunity to correct himself to his new siblings. "I apologize for confusing you. It is a habit of mine to ask that question to my father whenever he returns home. Yes, pleasant can have a variety of meanings, but between us, it has always meant health of the body."

"Thank you my dear, for straightening that out. My children can be a bit… eager, but I assure you, they mean well and after you three get to know one another, I hope we will be able to get along just fine." It was last, but certainly not least, the final blonde that stepped out the carriage and onto the gravel (with a helping hand from James) that intimidated Harry the most.

Though her hair was just as striking and bright as her two offspring, the dark eyebrows and lashes gave away her natural hair color. Yet, the mismatch did nothing to deter her beauty. Blue eyes stood out as they were surrounded by heavy eye-shadow and her red lips were perfect upon thin lips. Her aged skin still appeared smooth and soft, while her cheeks naturally held the faintest blush. Posture was perfect, and her hands were delicately clasped in front as she looked over Harry.

She wore a small off placed, black veil that casted square shadows across her sharp cheekbones. Surrounded by black and dark greens, her dress was some of the best fabric that that could be bought which showed off her deep collar bones and flared out at the shoulders. Her smile was sharp, and her eyes lidded as she looked Harry up and down. Harry knew it was customary for a widow to wear black after their spouses passing, but Harry found it a bit odd and rude that she still bore the colors so much even though she was now remarried.

Harry stepped forward once more and bowed as he stretched out his hand, awaiting her own.

There was a pause which prompted Harry to peer up to see what was wrong. Her eyes met his and from their angle, he knew that only the two of them could properly see each other. She glared at him as her lips pursed but before he could say a word, the look was gone, and she finally rested her hand in his own. He placed a small peck before he stood once more.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady. Welcome to Potter Manor."

"My, what the gentleman you are. The pleasure is all mine. I do hope you can find it in your heart to welcome us into your home?"

The words were nothing but pleasant, but the undertone was not lost upon Harry. He could tell that she was testing him to see if there was any resentment towards her. After all, she was the one to steal his father's heart after Lily.

Taking in a small breath, Harry looked at her with a confident smile as he hid a hand behind him so that he could fist it in growing frustration. "Of course, not Step-mother. This is now our home, after all."

One elegant eyebrow seemed to twitch at the title before is smoothed once more.

Silence began to fill the air before James was smart enough to break it, "Well then, I suppose proper introductions are in order, don't you think, dear?" He looked to Narcissa as he took her arm in his.

With a nod in agreement, the older woman waved her hand to beckon her two children to her other side. They were quick to follow her unspoken order and soon, the two siblings stood in front of Harry.

With a bow, the boy introduced himself as Draco Lucius Malfoy, the eldest of the two.

With a curtsy, the girl introduced herself as Astoria Narcissa Malfoy, the youngest of the two.

Harry then followed in the same fashion, giving his own full name of Harry James Potter.

"I do you hope you two will forgive me, but I simply could not force my children to change their surname and leave behind one the of the last memories of their father," Narcissa said after introductions were out of the way.

The more she spoke, the more frustrated Harry became. He could easily tell that she was trying to push buttons and get a reaction out of him, for whatever reason.

"Oh, that's quite alright my dear, I understand. If the roles were reversed, I would hope that you would allow Harry to keep his name as well." James had replied for him and Harry was happy that he did not have to speak to the older woman.

"How in the world would that work?" Astoria said in a high tone. "You're the husband so your name would never change. It seems silly to me to think of that comparison when it is simply not the same."

"Astoria!" Narcissa said in a stern tone as she sharply turned her head to look at her daughter. She then turned to James with an apology on her lips, but James cut her off.

"It's alright dear, Astoria is quite right. I apologize Astoria, that was a bit silly of me. But I was simply stating that if the roles were indeed different, I would hope you would be as accepting of my Harry keeping his surname just as I am allowing you right now."

Harry was stunned and pleased. His father, ever the aristocrat, had been able to get his point across while also subtly scolding his new step-daughter.

He was sure everyone knew what he had just done, and no one dared to challenge the man in his own home. It was a small feat, but it was sweet justice all the same. Harry was happy to see the new family members be put down a peg or two after all the snotty-ness that they seemed to emit in the few moments they have already been here.

After the moment passed, James was finally able to gather everyone and welcome them into the house. Draco and Astoria were quick to leave the new parents and Harry alone as they peered into every room and observed the décor and layout of the magnificent manor.

With arms still intertwined, the newlyweds leisurely strolled into each room, taking their time to look around as James let Narcissa see what her new home looked like. Harry followed behind them for a while but eventually let them be.

As he turned to leave the dining room to head in the direction of the voices of his step-siblings, he heard another carriage pulling forward onto the gravel.

He peered outside to see some of the household unloading various furniture and decorations from the arrived carriage. Stepping outside once more, Harry stopped Neville Longbottom, one of the laborers that worked on the grounds, to ask what was going on.

He told Harry that it was a second carriage that belonged to Narcissa and her children. Apparently, she had thought it best to bring some of her more extravagant furniture and decorative pieces with her to her new home.

Harry watched for a few moments as the household brought in a love-seat, two lamps, and a large rug. He eventually stepped in to help and he happily took one side of the large, rolled up carpet. The one who had been holding it first, a young man by the name of Colin, had tried to object, but Harry was a firm believer in helping everyone no matter who they were. Even though it was part of Colin's job, Harry simply could not stand there and let hard working people pass by while he had two good hands to make the work go by quicker.

As he and Neville set down the heavy burden in the front hall, Draco and Astoria came down the stairs.

"What in the world are you doing?" Draco asked as he stopped short of the last few steps. The extra height made him tower over the two and as he placed one hand on the rail and the other on his hip, Harry though he looked like a spoiled prince.

"Helping to bring all of the things you brought here."

"But why?" Astoria chimed in. "That's what the help does. They help bring in our things so that we don't have to lift a finger."

"You may believe that, but I actually enjoy assisting around the house. If one has the hands to do the work, it would benefit everyone if they chipped in to get things done quicker for everyone involved. They may be 'help' to you, but they are still people who can only work so much in a day."

Neither had anything to say to that and Astoria just sniffed and gave a 'hmm' as she passed him to walk into the parlor.

Draco moved to follow her and as he walked passed where Harry and Neville still stood, he pushed Neville's shoulder which bumped into the wall. There was no force behind the act, but the intention was quite clear to all three in the hall.

With a glare directed at their backs, Harry turned to Neville to see if her was alright. He said it was nothing and that it did not hurt.

After rubbing his shoulder all the same though, he eventually turned to head outside once more to bring in more furniture and Harry happily followed.

His siblings may have thought that the household workers were nothing but slaves, but Harry did not. His mother taught him better than that and besides, these people were his friends.

.

.

Months passed, and it was soon the middle of the winter. James took time off traveling to help his new family settle in and feel more at home. Harry was the happiest with the outcome, glad to spend as much time with his father as he could before he would need to leave once more once the winter ended. With most of the lands currently covered in snow, people tended to stay indoors and at Potter Manor, it was no different.

The various fireplaces within the home were always roaring with flames and for the most part, the mansion was warm with the heat and glow. It was the attic, up above in the tower towards the back of the home, that did not permit warmth to grace its walls.

Though no one dared to go up there due to the temperature, it still affected the rest of the house since the draft would tend to travel down the swirling steps during the nights and leave chilled halls to be felt by the residents when they awoke the next morning.

And yet, the family and household made do with the small issue and continued to live peacefully for the most part.

Draco and Astoria, however, were quick to tell anyone who was within hearing range that they were cold, and something simply needed to be done to fix the issue.

Narcissa tended to agree with her children, but she was smart enough to only voice these thoughts to James behind closed doors. It was, after all, not proper for a lady to complain about such an issue where those below her could eavesdrop.

He would hear her arguments, but James would always explain to his wife that the house was ancestral and old. It would make sense that the highest part of the home would be cold in the winter (and warm in the summer) and that not much could be done. The money to build or fix the issue would be quite high and no one is ever up in the attic for long periods of time, so the need to fix it is not a priority.

Narcissa would then reluctantly agree with her husband and move on until the next time her children would bring up the issue and she would once again seek out James to argue about the tower.

The matter never truly went away, but as the months passed and spring once again graced the kingdom, the Malfoy's had no reason to speak of the cold halls any longer.

It was also when the beginnings of spring sprouted that James would start his travels once more. The winters tended to freeze the roads and travel within the kingdom was usually reduced to emergencies and the experienced travelers. Yet, with the roads now thawed, it was time for James to once again start up his business and return to his merchant travels.

And so, as he began preparations to once again head for the bizarre and mysterious kingdoms and lands that stretched beyond the usual boarders, James asked his son what he would like to be returned to him this time.

As per usual, Harry gave his father a smile and asked for a figure that would be small enough to fit in his hand. Even as the years passed by and Harry requested the same thing, the objects had progressively gotten bigger in size since he himself grew from child to young adult. It was when he reminded his father for the umpteenth time that he should be cautious on his journey so that he would return home safely, Astoria interrupted them.

She had heard the tail end of their conversation and realized that James brought home objects from around his travels. She gave a look of surprise as she was 'caught' listening and in appeasement, James offered to bring home something for her and her brother as well so that the two would not feel left out of receiving something unique from lands far away.

Harry resisted rolling his eyes as he heard her sprout off that she would like to have a folding fan with floral printing on it.

He was not a man that held much value in material things and if he did, they had sentimental worth due to the fact they reminded him that his father had returned from those trips. He had hoped she would ask for something with a little more historical or of educational value, but it was not to be. To each their own, he supposed.

When James finally departed a few days later, Harry learned that Draco had eventually asked for a dagger covered in nothing but the finest jewels.

It was the second time that Harry had to stop himself from outright reacting to such a selfish request.

He had already gotten the impression from the new family members that they were most comfortable when they were surrounded by nothing but the finest, but to learn that even with all the extravagant things the two already had, they would dare ask James to bring home such frivolous objects. Did they not realize that those objects did not come free and would be from James's own pocket?

The endless thinking did nothing to calm Harry and as the first few days passed without James there to keep him company, Harry soon began to see the true colors of the remaining Malfoy family.

.

.

It had been three days since James departed.

Following his usual schedule, Harry had awoken at a relatively early hour so that he could gather fresh ingredients from the garden to help make breakfast for the household. With quite a few people, along with their own children, living on the grounds to keep the place running smoothly, the first meal of the day was usually made in larger portions so that everyone would have something to eat and there would not have to be too much work done to create the large amounts. Harry also preferred to help cook breakfast simply because he would not have to dine alone and instead he could sit with everyone and hold pleasant conversations.

Even when James was home, Harry would find himself sleeping in only a few times throughout the year because he simply adored everyone who lived on the grounds. Harry had also found it to be fun nowadays so that he would not think about his father too much and worry about the older man.

Ever since the family grew in the last half year, meal times for the five of them were usually delayed due to the new family members preferring to stay up late and sleep in. For Harry however, he would always be a morning person.

Thus, when most had finished eating that morning, the sun had already finished rising.

Everyone had left to start their own tasks for the day and Harry had offered to clean up the dishes. Everyone thanked him, telling him that with his help, they could all get a head start on their own objectives. It was just moments later that Astoria and Draco walked into the dining room. Without batting an eye, the two siblings sat down in their chairs and grabbed the two newspapers that were placed near their plates.

Harry spotted them after hearing the shifting of the chairs legs against the rugs. With an eye roll at their indifference to the world around them, Harry started gathering more ingredients for their breakfast.

As he planned to step outside to ask the head chef to come in to prepare another meal, Harry noticed that the chef was otherwise occupied with the chicken house. With a small chuckle at hearing the flustered voice drifting through the back-kitchen door, Harry found himself in front of the stove. He was no stranger to making the occasional dish, and with everyone else working so hard, Harry simply could not allow himself to stand in a corner, twiddling his thumbs when he could, instead, be doing something productive for the household.

If that meant he would have to cook for two people he would rather never see again in his life, so be it.

When the breakfast was made, Harry stepped into the dining room. Draco and Astoria looked up from their papers at the same time with shocked expressions. Without saying a word, the green-eyed man placed their meals and silverware in front of the two and headed back to the kitchen.

Seeing the looks that the two blondes made, Harry tried his best to keep quiet and be out of their way as fast as possible, not wanting to get into another argument with them about what a person of his standing should and should not do in his own house.

Throughout the rest of the day, he tried his best to stay away from his family and instead spent time with his closest friend Neville. On the few occasions that he caught a glimpse of the three however, Harry would see them staring right through him and laughing to each other when he would look away. His face would warm up a bit, but every time he would shake his head to get rid of his thoughts and concerns.

The following morning, another situation arouse that caused the chefs and gardeners to be outside all morning. They were struggling to rein in a few of the animals that had found their way into the fenced off garden and were trying to eat all the cabbages and carrots.

Once more, Harry found himself preparing another meal for his step-siblings. Only this time, Narcissa had gotten up alongside her children. And as Harry stepped into the room with two plates in his hands, he stopped short seeing the regal woman piercing him with a hard look.

End Chapter One

Notes:

Well, how was it? Please let me know if this is something worth continuing!