The Following Christmas
Harry didn't get much sleep on Christmas Eve, he was much too nervous. He knew that he was making the right decision, but it was a risk all the same. He rearranged his pillows and turned to watch the man beside him sleep. He kept this up sleeping fitfully until dawn when he slipped carefully out of bed.
In the kitchen Harry prepared a breakfast tray for his partner. He cursed silently as his shaking hands caused the cream to spill and he vanished the mess with a wave of his wand. Pulling the small box out of it's hiding place in the pantry he placed it on the tray and took a deep breath.
Returning to their bedroom he sat the tray on the nightstand and slid over to the sleeping werewolf.
"Wake up Re. Happy Christmas." Harry said, placing a kiss on his love's cheek.
"Huh? Oh, Happy Christmas Harry. What time is it?"
Harry looked sheepish. "It's very early, but I couldn't wait. We can have a bit of a lie-in later. I wanted to give you your present."
"I see. Is that tea I smell? I could use a few sips first. " Remus said and accepted the cup when Harry retrieved it from the tray and passed it along.
Harry waited while the other man had some tea, hoping it would put him in a better frame of mind. Finally Remus sat his cup aside and smiled.
"So where is this gift that you had to give me at the crack of dawn?" The werewolf asked, looking around for a package.
Harry reached over and picked up the small package placing it between them. He took Remus's hand and looked somberly into his love's eyes.
"Since you've come into my life I actually feel like I really can have a normal life, a life with someone who is in love with Harry, not some ideal hero. I know that there is no legal way to formalize our commitment, but I want you to know that I would marry you if I could." As he spoke he took the cover off the small package to reveal a matching set of platinum bands. "I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Will you wear this ring? "
As Harry spoke Remus just sat in shock. He had felt the same way for some time, but had never been able to convince himself that Harry could feel the same, at least not any time soon. Yet, here Harry was, asking if he would love him the rest of his life. Overcome with emotion Remus bowed his head and tried to get his self together. Then he realized that Harry had stopped talking, but he was breathing oddly and the slight tremble of his hands had turned to a definite shake on observing Remus's reaction.
Harry's obvious distress was enough to snap Remus out of his shock and answer. "Yes! It just took me a minute to convince myself I wasn't dreaming is all. Of course I'll wear the ring, I don't know what I'd do without you now."
Harry's face lit up and he threw himself into Remus's arms with so much enthusiasm they both toppled back on the bed, which was rather convenient really considering how they spent the rest of the time before they were expected at Sirius's for dinner.
