A/N: I've been so addicted to writing the story that I've not been able to give much time for anyone to review so I'm just going with it. I hope you are all enjoying and if so, please review the chapters as it will really help me to understand what you all like and don't like. Also, Greta news, they kiss in this chapter! Yey! I hope you enjoy!

Chapter 9 - Strong connections

It was Christmas Eve and Harry sat with Hermione and Malfoy in the great hall playing muggle board games.

"So I have to climb ladders but fall down the snakes?" Malfoy enjoyed the game but he still didn't quite understand the basic concept.

"Yes!" Harry and Hermione said simultaneously with a slither of annoyance.

"Sorry, I've just never played a game like this. He rolled the dice and waited.

" Why isn't anything happening? "

" It's a muggle game. "

" Oh OK, so I have to move it?"

" Yes! "

As much as it was slightly annoying that Draco didn't understand the rules, the three still enjoyed playing the games and Draco even won a game of wizards chess. They went back to the common room and they parted with Hermione. It didn't occur to the two boys that they could sleep upstairs because Ron wasn't there so they remained downstairs.

This time, Draco was awoken by Harry and his dreams.

"Please don't... not yet... I can't do it. I can't!"

Instead of waking him up, Draco got onto the sofa with Harry and held him tight in his arms. His fidgeting and shouts stopped and he fell asleep calmy again. The warmth of Harry in his arms made him comfortable and he fell asleep until the morning.

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Harry woke up first and felt something around him. Upon turning his head, he saw Draco was snoring and didn't want to wake him. He didn't expect this but thought of it as a beautiful, early Christmas present. Draco stirred and Harry stayed in his arms. The warmth from Draco's embrace made him happy and thankful that he could stay here for Christmas. He heard footsteps on the stairs and leapt out of Draco's embrace to sit on the opposite sofa. Hemione came through the door and sat with Harry.

Whispering to not wake the sleeping blonde Hermione wished him a merry Christmas and passed him his gift from her from beneath the tree. He unwrapped the box and inside there was a bag of owl treats.

"Hermione, I don't understand?"

She gained a massive smile on her face and replied, "Suprise! I've got you a new owl. I hope you like it."

"Oh, Hermione, that's amazing! You didn't have to, thank you soo much!"

"That's OK, come down to the owlery tonight at seven and I'll introduce you."

Harry grabbed the box with Hermione's name on and presented her the gift. She opened it and she saw a photo album. It only had a few pictures in, mainly of the three of them and some of her and Ron, but she loved it and hugged Harry. She hadn't expected something so generous and her crying woke Malfoy.

"Merry Christmas. Oh sorry, are you alright Hermione?"

"Oh, hi. Merry Christmas. Yeah, it's just Harry's gift is beautiful."

They opened the rest of their gifts as the remaining eighth years came down and the atmosphere was amazing. There was only 6 of them but it made it that bit more special. They didn't head down to breakfast as they had a large Christmas dinner later that day. Harry took Draco up to the dorm and he passed him a box with his name on.

"Ooh, what's this?"

"I wanted to get you something because I wanted to cheer you up. Don't worry if you don't like it, it's just something that reminded me of you."

"Oh no, I haven't got anything for you. I didn't know you were going to get me anything."

"That's fine, I didn't expect anything."

"OK, thank you."

He began to unwrap the gift and gasped with shock. He covered his mouth and tears ran down his face.

"Oh wow! That's incredible! How did you... ?"

He couldn't believe his eyes when he unwrapped a beautiful, silver ring. Upon closer inspection he saw it was a snake that wrapped around to make a ring. He looked at Harry and grabbed him by the shoulders and pulled him into a hug. They stayed, enjoying each others warmth before pulling apart. Draco was still in shock that he shot forward again and planted a kiss on Harry's lips. They stayed locked until he noticed Harry kissing back. They stayed in each others arms before pulling away for air. Staring into each others eyes, they remained in place and they both knew what those feelings were deep down. It was love.

They didn't know how to react but decided not to tell anyone anything yet. They didn't break their gaze into each other until Harry told Draco to put on the ring.

"Thank you so much. It fits perfectly."

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

Draco joined Harry and Hermione for the Christmas feast and he really enjoyed sitting with them. He moved closer to Harry and he put his hand on Harry's leg. Harry hadn't expected it and jumped suddenly.

" Are you alright, Harry? "Hermione questioned him, worried.

"Yeah I'm alright, just, erm, just a hot potato."

Draco smiled and mouthed sorry to Harry. Harry shook his head lightly and placed his hand onto Draco instead. They sat in comfort as they enjoyed their food and they remained behind after everything was eaten to spend time together. They spoke with Hermione and laughed at the jokes, although they were really bad, almost as bad as muggle ones and they were all wearing hats from the crackers. This was what Draco had wanted. He had never had such a great Christmas in his life and he wanted this every year. He was glad he had made friends with the two and maybe his relationship with Harry could develop further.

The three went down to the owlery to meet Harry's new owl and they discovered some post for them.

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/

They made their way back to the common room and sat on the sofas to relax. Hermione showed them the necklace that Ron had bought her.

"That's really beautiful, Hermione, what did you get Ron?" Harry was pleased for his friends.

"Thank you. I got him a picture frame with a picture of us two in it and some other things aswell."

"That's really nice. I'm sure he will love them."

They opened their post and there was a letter and jumper each for Harry and Hermione. They put them on immediately and read their letters. They were glad to know they were enjoying Christmas and they had enjoyed their gifts. Eventually, Hermione said good night and wished Harry and Draco Merry Christmas, hugging them both in the process. Draco hadn't expected it and Hermione realised and pulled away.

"I'm sorry, I'm just used to doing it at Christmas."

"That's alright. Come on." Draco pulled her into a hug and thanked her for being so kind to him.

Then Harry and Draco were the only ones left. They sat beside each other, holding hands and Harry leant his head onto Draco's shoulder.

"So, do you want to come with me to Hogsmeade on Saturday? Only if you want, of course."

"That sounds wonderful Draco. I can't wait."

They grew tired as the fire began to die and they lay beside each other, Draco holding Harry again, on the sofa and fell asleep in each others loving embrace.

A/N: What do you think? They're kind of together now, just need to make it official! I'm so excited! Thank you all so much, don't forget to review.