Harry and Draco were jerked awake by the banging of their bedroom door opening. They each blinked in the white sunlight, trying to find the source of disturbance.

"Will you two wake up," snapped Hermione's voice from the door. "It is Christmas, you know. I've been up waiting for four hours!"

Harry groaned, attempting to gather his thoughts. He suddenly remembered the events of the previous night and turned his head sharply to look at Draco who blushed violently. Harry grinned at him, pulling the blanket up higher to ensure protection from Hermione's eyes.

"Honestly, get up! I've cooked Christmas lunch," said Hermione impatiently, closing the door as she left.

"Umm, well good morning," Harry said awkwardly, avoiding Draco's piercing stare.

"I think you'll find its afternoon," laughed Draco. "But yes, good morning Harry,"

Harry braved a look into Draco's eyes. He looked happier than he had done since Harry had met him at his house back in July. Something inside Harry jolted and he felt himself instantly feel relieved. Last night hadn't been a wonderful dream, it had really happened. He and Draco had actually had sex. Harry shook his head a little, trying to comprehend it.
So I'm really gay. Harry thought. It was a comforting; relieving feeling he couldn't quite explain to be able to confirm his sexuality to himself.

Draco coughed purposefully, gazing inquiringly into Harry's eyes.

"Oh, sorry," Harry said suddenly, realizing his unfocussed eyes.

"No problem, but I think we should get up. Hermione sounded pretty impatient," said Draco, climbing out of bed.

"Yeah, 'course," replied Harry, his mind a thousand miles away.

--

Down in the kitchen Harry found Hermione fussing over at Kreacher's cupboard. She was kneeling down, trying to talk the elf into wearing a seasonal Father Christmas hat. Kreacher was refusing, tugging as hard as he could on the door which Hermione was holding open with her elbow.

"Kreacher won't! Filthy mudblood dare's touch Kreacher," squealed the elf, pulling harder than ever.

"Stop it Kreacher, please! You'd look so smart in this," said Hermione kindly, pushing the hat forward.

"No! Get… off!" panted Kreacher, trying to kick Hermione's elbow out of the way.

Harry stood frozen in the doorway, stunned. It was one of the most bizarre scenes he'd ever met. What on earth was Hermione thinking?

"Oh come on! It's Christmas, Kreacher!" said Hermione, sounding exasperated and desperate.

"Kreacher doesn't care! Kreacher doesn't celebrate!" growled the elf, abandoning his attempts at closing the door. He sat in his basket, back to Hermione instead.

Hermione frowned at him, placing the hat on the floor by his basket instead. She closed the door to his cupboard gently, turning away to see Harry in the doorway.

"Oh, Harry! Good to see you out of bed," she said cheerfully, standing up and walking towards the small mound of gifts on the table. "Where's Draco?"

"Um, he decided to take a shower," said Harry, still blinking at what he had just witnessed. "Hermione… before he comes down, I wanted to talk to you about um… something that happened last night," Harry said, tearing his eyes from Kreacher's cupboard.

"Mmm? What's wrong Harry?" asked Hermione distractedly, sorting out the gifts in front of her.

"I- I need your full attention, Hermione," said Harry awkwardly.

Hermione looked up, giving him a searching look. "Okay, you've got my attention," she said, taking a seat.

Harry walked forward and dropped down in a seat opposite Hermione, his head racing. He didn't know how to voice his confusion.

Harry took a deep breath. "Hermione, last night Draco and I… we, we had sex for- for the first time," he said, staring determinedly at a chip in the wooden table.

It was a few moments before Hermione spoke. "I don't- I'm not sure I understand, Harry. Is that a bad thing? I thought you felt strongly for Draco?"

"Wha- of course I do!" said Harry wildly, looking up to meet her eyes. "I love him. It was the most incredible night of my life,"

"Umm, so what's the matter?" asked Hermione, frowning slightly.

"That's just it, I don't know," said Harry truthfully. "It was… magical. I don't regret it in the slightest. But I just feel, well, weird,"

Hermione placed a gentle hand on Harry's, which he gripped like it was his lifeline. The comforting touch meant more to Harry than he could ever tell her.
Hermione allowed Harry as much time as he needed before he spoke again. He was so grateful to have someone as understanding as Hermione by his side at a time like this. He shuddered to think of what it would be like to have this sort of conversation with Ron.

"It's Ginny, Hermione…" admitted Harry at last, looking away to hide the tears which were threatening to fog up his glasses.

"Do you still love her?" asked Hermione quietly.

Harry shook his head. "No. I don't think I ever did. But I feel so guilty. She's waiting for me, Hermione. Now I know I'll never be able to give myself to her, and- and I-" he broke off, the emotion building up inside his finally broke and warm tears splashed down his cheeks.
Hermione squeezed his hand firmly before letting it go, walking around the table and dropping herself down onto her knees next to Harry seat. Harry sank down next to her, not even trying to hide his tears. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into her body, offering as much comfort as she could.

Harry cried in Hermione's arms, feeling more embarrassed by the second. But he never pulled away. Hermione was the one person who he felt completely secure with- about absolutely everything.

Eventually, Hermione pulled away, the appearance of Draco's concerned face alerting her. He frowned at her, but she shook her head and hurried back to sorting the presents she'd abandoned earlier. Harry pushed himself to his feet, gathering as much dignity as he could.

Draco rushed towards him, worry clouding his head.

"Just Ginny," said Harry simply. "The guilt of leading her on overcame me for a few minutes and I sort of… broke down," he said awkwardly.

"Oh," said Draco, unsure of what to say. "I'm here for you, Harry. I know it could be a bit awkward, but I do love you. More than you'll ever know. Please don't be hesitant or anything," Draco said, pulling Harry's hand into his own.

Harry stared at him, lost for words. Draco's declaration of his love for Harry in front of Hermione had caught Harry off guard. He knew how Draco felt, of course, but for some reason he was puzzled over, the announcement in front of someone else had meant so much to Harry.

"I love you, too," he replied finally, leaning forward to place a gentle kiss on Draco's lips.

Christmas Day passed without any more dramatic events arising. Hermione, Harry and Draco enjoyed a roast Christmas lunch cooked by Hermione, and they all enjoyed their presents from each other.

Harry had given Draco a commitment ring, Hermione had given Draco a new set of emerald green robes, Draco had given Hermione a book on understanding and defending against Dark Magic, Harry had given Hermione a book on how house-elves liked what she called "enslavement" (Harry thought it was quite an amusing gift), Hermione had given Harry a new set of deep red robes and Draco had given Harry a box with a piece of parchment stuck to it saying "Don't open here".
Harry frowned down at the polished wood, desperate to know what was inside. However, he obeyed Draco's written instruction, placing the box aside.

A few hours later, Harry offered to take the gifts up stairs to put them in their owners' respective rooms. Hermione and Draco didn't object to the idea, and Draco made sure Harry remembered to take the box. Harry left the two playing a game of Wizards Chess and told them he'd be back in a few minutes.

Harry hurried into Hermione's room and placed the two books on her pillow. He quickly left the room and jumped up the stairs to the room he and Draco now shared. He cast the pair of robes aside and this left him with only the box (Draco was wearing the ring Harry gave him).

Harry sat down and unclicked the lock holding the lid down. He pushed it open and blinked down at the box's contents. An assortment of bottled potions and lotions were laying inside, accompanied by a note from Draco. Harry picked up the note and laughed.

Dear Harry,

In here you'll find massage cream, body oil, lube, and a few potions to help us in our sexual exploration of each other. Hope you enjoy it.

Love, Draco

Harry grinned again at the contents, a million ways to use them springing into his mind.