Christmas at War by HPFangirl71

Part 12: Of Gifts and Ornaments…

Harry was up early, sitting in the kitchen amidst a horde of unwrapped presents. For some reason Harry dreaded facing Draco this morning. The man had seemed so frightened and unsure of himself last night. Harry had never seen Draco in such a vulnerable state, at least not since the end of sixth year and he'd had a genuine reason back then. This time it was all about Harry and he felt bad for making Draco feel this way. Harry knew it was his plans to go save Luna that had Draco so on edge lately but he didn't know what to do to fix the problem. It didn't help that there had been tension between him and Ron as well over the decision. For once, Draco and Ron were on the same page although for very differing reasons.

Harry shook his head loose from his thoughts as he finished wrapping up the presents he had laid before him. He wasn't the best wrapper but he could make it suffice and his bows didn't look too shabby, thanks to some nifty charms spell work Hermione had taught him. After Harry affixed the last few gift tags with large red bows, he swept all the gold wrapped boxes into his arms and placed them under the brightly lit tree in the living room. The tree wasn't anything like the large ones filled with fairy lights he was used to at Hogwarts but Molly had done her best to make it special. There were even silver ornaments to represent each individual member of the order. He fondly fingered the dragon hanging upon one of the lower branches. It brought a smile to Harry's face when he saw how closely it was hung to his own stag ornament. It showed how accepting his adopted mother had been of his relationship with Draco.

Harry made his way back to the kitchen and quickly cleaned up his mess. He picked up one small box that he'd set aside earlier and placed it in his trouser pocket. He then grabbed the two mugs of hot chocolate that had been left warming nearby and headed toward Draco's bedroom. Harry entered the room and couldn't help but smile broadly at the sight that now met his eyes. Draco was strewn comfortably across the middle of his bed, his chest pale and naked in the morning sunlight. Harry set the cocoa onto the end table and then climbed beneath the covers with Draco. He snuggled his head under the man's chin and felt an arm wrap tightly around his waist. He heard Draco sigh and felt an affectionate kiss atop of his head. He looked up with a happy smile adorning his face and Draco bent down to kiss his mouth. Harry reveled in the taste of the man's lips and knew that what he was doing was the right thing to do. Having Draco safe and in his arms was worth every bit of drama they might have to go through because he truly did love the man with all his heart…

He pulled the gold box out of his pocket and placed it on Draco's chest. He gave him a look of surprise but then smiled fondly at Harry.

"Not that I'm complaining about getting a gift but it's a bit early isn't it?"

"Its something I wanted you to have before we went on our mission to the manor" Harry said, his voice a rough whisper as he saw the light go out of Draco's eyes.

"See… even you think you might not make it back"

Draco pulled his arm away from Harry and pushed himself to a sitting position. Harry could see the pout of his lip quivering with emotion.

"Draco stop, it's not like that at all. I just thought it might make you feel better about us"

Draco now looked at the box with trepidation in his eyes.

"Please tell me it's not a bonding ring. I'm not quite ready for that type of commitment just yet"

Harry just smiled, nudging him to open the box. Draco pulled at the green ribbon and let the pieces of the box fall open, revealing a pewter key dangling from a silver chain. He looked up at Harry with questioning grey eyes.

"It's the key to Grimmauld Place, Sirius' old house. See he left it to me when he died and it's the closest thing I have to a home. It used to be the Order's hideout until we moved here. Anyways, I want you to have one of the keys to the place… it's a muggle custom when you ask someone to move in with you"

Harry's face was flushed with embarrassment as he bumbled through his explanation of the gift. Draco could only stare at him in wonderment. Harry wanted him to live with him? Suddenly he pulled Harry into his arms and whispered a reply into his ear.

"It's the most beautiful present anyone's ever given me…"

Draco's voice broke with emotion and Harry felt the blonde reach up to wipe a tear from his eye but when he pulled out of the embrace, he was fully composed but still staring in amazement at Harry. Suddenly he pulled his gaze away and the words he spoke were tender yet defensive.

"Look I'm only going to say this once Potter so you better be listening because it's all you get for now. Yes, I'll move in with you after this whole mess is sorted. I'm taking this key as a promise that you'll be coming back from this crazy mission of yours and it better be or so help you, because I love you and I don't want to live without you."

Draco's face had turned to look into Harry's as he spoke out his confession of love. Harry smiled at him and then kissed him gently on the lips.

"I love you too," He whispered simply as he pulled the man back into his embrace.