Disclaimer: I wish Harry belonged to me, but then again don't we all?

Chapter 8

Today was the first day of the Christmas holidays and Harry was so excited he could hardly sit still at breakfast. For the last 5 weeks Harry's relationship with Draco was entirely comprised of stolen kisses and whispered words, they had decided not to risk sneaking into each others dorms or meeting in empty classrooms. They had met again twice in the Astronomy Tower and explored each other with frustrating restraint under the watchful eye of Harry's new star, but Filch had come too close for comfort that second time and they had not attempted it again.

Harry had spent much of the last 5 weeks poring over the Marauders Map looking for something that might make a suitable love nest for him and Draco, but with no luck. Eight nights out of the last five weeks, when sleep had evaded him, Harry donned his cloak and wandered the halls of Hogwarts looking for a secret room or something that might be appropriate, but yet again he was unsuccessful. Each failed attempt at finding a secret place for him and Draco was like another reminder of how dimly this one spark of happiness was glowing for Harry right now.

Today, however, was going to be different. You see, yesterday nearly every student in the school went home for Christmas; Ron had gone to Romania with his family to visit Charlie, Hermione had left for her usual muggle Christmas, and Neville, Seamus and Dean had all gone home too. Harry was radiant about having his dorm room all to himself, especially since it meant no one would be around for the next two weeks to catch Draco still there in the morning.

There were still a handful of students at Hogwarts for the holidays but none that Harry knew; most were first and third years with one or two second and fifth years, no fourth years and one seventh year. Draco had decided to stay at Hogwarts over the holidays to be with Harry; besides according to Draco neither of his parents celebrated Christmas that much. There were always presents and a big tree at Malfoy Manor during Christmas, but no warm family dinner or Christmas carols; the only jolly Christmas laughter heard in the Manor was at the obligatory Malfoy Christmas party that Lucius threw every year which, given the state of things (Voldemort's return), wasn't going ahead this year anyway.

Christmas Eve was three nights away and Harry had planned a surprise for Draco. From the filtered information Harry had heard about Draco's past it didn't seem like he'd had much of a childhood; much like Harry, Draco had been ignored most of the time. Lucius cast a strict eye over Draco's schoolwork and grades and Narcissa paid him little to no attention at all. He was given anything he asked for in the way of material goods, the finest brooms and gobstone sets, but in the way of affections and fond memories Draco was seriously lacking.

Harry spent most of that first day of the holidays preparing Draco's surprise. The second day he and Draco went shopping in Hogsmeade, they were careful to walk several metres apart from each other at all times and only be in the same store occasionally. It wasn't as enjoyable as they'd hoped but nonetheless they were both quietly satisfied at being able to see each other frequently that day, even if they were forced to sneer when they did.

When Christmas Eve finally arrived, Harry felt like he was visibly glowing, so much so he found himself looking down at his body just to make sure. He just knew Draco was going to love his present and Harry was going to love watching him enjoy it. Just on dusk Draco met Harry in the Entrance Hall as requested, Harry was already there waiting for him. He thought Draco looked adorable all rugged up in thick gloves, a heavy coat and a knitted scarf and hat. Harry led Draco through the snow covered grounds to the edge of the Forbidden Forest before pausing and pulling out a navy blue scarf.

Draco stepped back when Harry reached up to blindfold him. "What!? We're going in there and you expect me to be blindfolded!" Draco protested.

"Don't be such a baby. We're not going far in and I'll protect you if I have to!" Harry unsuccessfully attempted to wrap the scarf around Draco's eyes again. "Come on, Draco! It's a surprise you have to be blindfolded. Please, it's Christmas." Harry pouted just a little.

"Why is it that just because it's Christmas anything goes?" Draco drawled, but nonetheless he let Harry tie the small scarf around his eyes.

Harry carefully guided Draco into the Forbidden Forest; they weren't going far in, at least not far enough in to disturb anything they didn't want to disturb. Harry positioned Draco right where he wanted him then instructed him to remove his blindfold. Harry could only imagine what Draco felt like seeing Harry's surprise for the first time.

The night's sky was beautiful; it was clear and the moon shone big and bright down upon them. Harry had arranged small twinkling yellow fairy lights to sparkle up in the trees around the clearing in which they found themselves and right in the centre of the clearing was Draco's Christmas surprise; a home-made ice rink. Harry had set it up a few days before and filled it with water; he left it for 2 or 3 days to freeze properly so that Draco could use it tonight on Christmas Eve.

Draco didn't say anything for a few minutes, he just stared in amazement.

"What is all this?" he whispered finally.

"It's an ice rink! Do wizards use ice rinks? It's for skating on." Harry beamed at Draco pleased Draco was stunned into silence.

"We have something similar I believe, but I've never done it before," Draco answered. "How does it work then?"

"Well, you'll need these." Harry handed Draco a medium sized box wrapped in ribbon. Inside was a pair of new ice skates.

"They're muggle ones, I didn't know if wizards did this or not. I bought myself some too, I've never done this either, I was only allowed to watch Dudley when we were kids; but I'm sure we can figure it out together." Harry smiled at Draco again, who was looking skeptically at his new muggle ice skates like he thought they might fall apart in his hands. But Harry had obviously put a lot of effort into this and so he put them on with a nervous smile and pushed out on to the ice with Harry.

The two boys had a blast trying ice skating together for the first time; they left that little rink with bruises all over their bums and legs from the countless times they both fell clutching each other and laughing hysterically. Draco had never had so much fun in his whole life; he'd never received a better, more thoughtful gift.

As they were walking back to the castle, completely exhausted, Draco cleared his throat to thank Harry for the best Christmas he'd ever had.

"It's been amazing, I'm so grateful," he said. "I got you something too, but it's not nearly as good as that was. I'm sorry."

The two boys stopped, standing in the sparkling snow, as Draco handed Harry a small box wrapped in green paper. Harry smiled brightly at Draco before opening his present. Inside was an old expensive looking ring with a large clear emerald stone set in the centre. Harry's smile was replaced with a look of soft surprise and gratitude.

"Draco," he murmured, "it's beautiful, but I can't accept it. It's too much."

"Don't you like it? I thought it would go with your eyes." Draco looked slightly hurt.

"No, I love it. But, Draco, this must have cost a fortune!"

"Not really. It's a Black family heirloom so it's as much yours as it is mine."

"Really?"

"Yes, Mother gave it to me about 6 years ago, I was 10. It was one of the only times she ever told me she loved me," he whispered softly. Harry held his breath as Draco spoke; it was unlike him to be so open about his family life. Draco cleared his throat and continued talking casually, almost as though he was trying to cover up his painful confession of a loveless childhood.

"My Grandmother, her mother, had just died and Mother was going through her things, sorting them out. When she came across this ring I just happened to be in the room bringing her some tea; she called me over to her and told me how this ring had belonged to my Great-great-great Uncle or something. Apparently he found this emerald in a Colombian mine and he had it set into this ring. She gave me the ring and told me to remember I was as much a Black as I am a Malfoy; then she kissed me, told me she loved me and sent me on my way."

He looked at Harry deeply, determined to convey the meaning of the ring and parallel it to his feelings for Harry. "Its one of the most precious things I own and I want you to have it; even more now than I did this morning when I wrapped it."

Harry could see all the emotion in Draco's eyes; Draco was giving Harry his heart. Harry was speechless; he didn't know what to say. "Are you sure you want me to have it?" he whispered eventually.

"Yes, I'm sure."

Harry kissed Draco as they stood in the moonlight. "I'll wear it always then."

Harry wandered up to his bed clutching the box Draco gave him only minutes before tightly in his hands. He was surprised, but touched, at all the meaning and emotion attached to the gift; Draco was allowing himself to fall for Harry far easier than Harry ever expected especially given his apprehensiveness at the very start. It wasn't lost on Harry how vulnerable Draco was allowing himself to be in this relationship, it was unlike Draco who was usually all about self-preservation.

Once he had settled into bed Harry opened the small box again to examine the ring; it was beautiful. The ring had a thick silver band, slightly tarnished with age but still obviously well taken care of. The emerald was flawless and a clear deep green, it was about the size of Harry's thumb nail and set into an intricate silver frame with 6 small diamonds surrounding it. Harry slipped it on his middle finger; it fit perfectly although it stood out rather a lot. How would he explain this to people? It's not as though he could tell them Draco gave it to him for Christmas.

As he shifted in bed thinking over his dilemma – how would he wear it (which he'd promised Draco he would) without attracting too much attention? – the box fell onto the floor and a silver chain slipped out next to it. Harry looked down at the chain and smiled, Draco had already thought about this problem and solved it for him; Harry would wear the ring around his neck and under his robes. As he slipped the ring onto the chain and clipped it around his neck he promised himself that he and Draco wouldn't always have to hide their relationship. One day I will be able wear this ring on my finger in public and tell everyone who gave it to me and why, he thought.

Harry and Draco rather carelessly spent their entire holidays together which, in a few weeks, Harry would think better of, but for now Draco filled his senses and his thoughts so completely there was room for little else. They spent their days blissfully enjoying each others company; getting to know each other and slowly but surely falling in love, although Harry was nervous about admitting it, even to himself.

Draco, Harry learned during these precious days, was an early riser; he woke each morning with the sun and, depending on the weather, routinely ran through the grounds of Hogwarts before breakfast. Harry who failed to understand the pleasure Draco drew from this regular exercise decided to join him once or twice; afterwards he still failed to understand how such a task could be considered enjoyable, especially running in the snow.

The two boys could often be found playing chess or cards in the library, Draco was generally better than Harry at both chess and cards and was often seen leaving the library looking rather pleased with himself. Harry, however, frequently got his own back during the times Draco agreed to practice quidditch moves with Harry. Harry often wondered why Draco kept agreeing to fly with him since he was always more than a little put out with Harry afterwards and on a bright, but cold, Wednesday afternoon in the last week of the holidays Harry got his answer.

On the quidditch pitch, Harry was best known for his quick reflexes on his Firebolt, he was able to pull out of sharp dives and gracefully weave around other players faster and closer than any other flyer in Hogwarts. Harry had been practicing getting around Draco and racing him around the stands and hoops for the last week and a half and for the first time, on this particular day, Draco got the better of him. The task was for Harry to get across the Quidditch pitch and Draco was to try and stop him; Harry had feigned going up and over Draco and at the last minute pulled down to sneak under him, but Draco was ready. He followed Harry closely as he tried to pass him with several different moves; countering him perfectly until in frustration Harry stopped and looked into Draco's smug face.

"Are you reading my mind Draco?" Harry asked, his cheeks were pink with wind burn.

"Certainly looks that way doesn't it lover?" Draco replied smiling broadly.

Harry frowned looking confused, he tilted his head to the side just a touch; Harry knew this particular move would unravel all Draco Malfoy's defenses. "I don't understand," he whispered innocently.

Over the last few weeks Harry had learned of Draco's fondness of winning, especially when it came to Harry; he was Draco's equal, his rival and if Draco could better him he felt he could better anyone. Harry let him win mostly unless he felt it would bruise his own ego to submit; in quidditch he never let Draco win.

"Never trust the enemy, Harry," Draco replied, giving up his secret willingly at Harry's adorable request. "I may be your boyfriend but I'm still a rival seeker; I've been learning your style. You are so predictable love, I can't believe I never noticed it before but you are!"

Harry's mouth dropped open in shock; how could he have been so stupid! He'd played right into Draco's hands! Harry felt so betrayed, he'd been tricked; he'd been used.

"Bastard," Harry whispered not necessarily for Draco to hear, although he did anyway.

"Harry, don't be upset," Draco pleaded. "It was all in good fun!"

"You tricked me!" Harry accused.

"I didn't! You invited me to practice quidditch; I've never asked you out here. You can't be angry just because I used it to my benefit!"

"If I'd known you were using me like this I would have never invited you here!"

Harry turned on his broom and flew down to the change rooms in a rage; he couldn't believe Draco had defended his actions, he didn't even apologise! He could see Draco following him out of the corner of his eye but he didn't care, in fact he moved even faster making it harder for Draco to catch up.

"Harry you fag! Stop it and talk to me!" Draco yelled at him angrily once both boys were inside the change rooms and out of the cold wind.

Harry violently spun to face Draco further enraged at being called a fag. "What?!" he demanded.

"Why are you so angry?" Draco snapped at him. "So I'm going to be more of a challenge for you now, so what? Isn't that a good thing?"

Harry remained silent, his anger bubbling inside him.

"Don't you want to get better at quidditch?" Draco continued. "Don't you want to challenge yourself? Shake your style up a bit? Maybe even learn to be more unpredictable?"

Harry started to breathe slower as his anger subsided; maybe a bit of a challenge won't be such a bad thing, he thought. He could feel his lust for the sexy blonde begin to grow, his emotions were high anyway and they easily made the transition from anger into an intense arousal. The switch did not go unnoticed by Draco either who smirked at the familiar twinkle in Harry's eyes which meant he would be getting lucky again.

"Call me a fag did you, Slut?" Harry growled.

Draco raised his eyebrows, intrigued by this new facet of Harry's sexuality; he'd never talked dirty to him before.

Harry and Draco had taken full advantage of Harry's empty dorm room over the last week. Draco had stayed the night with Harry most nights; they always went to bed separately then Harry would sneak down to the dungeons to fetch Draco under his invisibility cloak. They didn't always fool around, sometimes they just held each other, but nonetheless Harry was becoming more confident sexually and was most often the instigator.

"Faggot," Draco challenged provocatively, taking a step towards Harry.

Harry was pushing Draco into a row of lockers before he could blink; his back slammed hard into the locker doors and Harry's mouth covered his hungrily in a forceful kiss. Draco was already hard, Harry could feel it pushing into his groin; Draco's hands came down to Harry's ass and squeezed tightly as he pulled Harry up into him further.

Harry broke the kiss and began to undo the buttons on Draco's coat, peeling off the many layers keeping Draco warm when they were out on the quidditch pitch. Harry undressed himself in between removing Draco's layers until they were both naked; Harry wasn't worried about being caught, they hadn't come across anyone else down here during the holidays. Harry grabbed Draco's erection and used it to lead him into the communal showers.

They kissed under the hot running water and caressed each other into a painful desire to be satisfied by the other. Draco could stand the ache in his gut no longer and after nipping Harry lightly on the neck he whispered, "Let me fuck you."

Harry froze in Draco's arms, he knew this would come up eventually but he still wasn't prepared for it. He looked up at Draco his eyes fresh with panic and tried to stutter out some sort of response.

"Hey, I'm sorry," Draco whispered eventually rubbing Harry's naked back soothingly. "Don't worry; we don't have to do anything you don't want to."

"I – I'm just not ready. I've thought about it; tried to get used to the idea and I don't know why but I just can't."

"Understood," Draco whispered, smiling calmly. "Do you mind if I kiss you though?" He purred seductively to get Harry back into his original lustful state; it worked immediately.

"Please do."

When they were suitably back in the mood with every inch of their skin tingling with anticipation, Draco, knowing a blowjob simply wasn't going to cut it this time, suggested another alternative.

"At the risk of totally turning you off," he whispered, "would it be too soon for you to fuck me?"

Harry's eyes lit up and he smiled broadly. "Definitely not," he assured Draco.

He aggressively pressed Draco into the shower tiles kissing him deeply to demonstrate his enthusiasm at the idea. Draco smiled back quickly then frowned.

"It won't always be this way though, you know that right? It's a two-way thing," he said.

"I know," Harry whispered back. "I'll get there I promise, just not today."

Draco stepped out of the shower for half a minute before returning, he immediately answered Harry's questioning eyes with two words, 'lubricant charm', and a nervous smirk. He kissed Harry lightly then turned to face the tiled wall pressing both hands up against it and leaning slightly forward. Harry came up behind him and ran his hand softly down Draco's spine making him shiver.

"Relax, baby," he cooed then he slipped his fingers between Draco's rounded butt cheeks and pushed into him with one and then two slender fingers. The charm worked well and Harry's fingers slipped in easily.

Draco groaned and pushed back into Harry determined to see this through even if it hurt – which it did. After a few minutes and another finger, Draco insisted Harry take the next step; Harry obliged lining himself up and pushing into Draco gently. Draco was glad he was facing away from Harry so he wouldn't see his face as he winced and clenched his teeth from the pain; somehow he managed to fake a moan as though he enjoyed it so Harry wouldn't worry. The pain was excruciating, Draco felt like he was being torn apart; when Harry was all the way in Draco asked him to stop and just stay there. Eventually he urged Harry to move slowly and in between the first few sharp stabs of pain he felt Harry push against his prostate which immediately made the pain worth it in no uncertain terms. Harry moaned into Draco's back as he slowly slid in and out of Draco's virginal arse; he could hear Draco gasp in pleasure every now and again as he pushed in. Harry leaned into Draco as he pumped and reached around to stroke his lover's cock until they both climaxed, crying out in pleasure; first Harry then Draco.

They finished cleaning themselves off in the shower before changing and heading back into the castle for dinner. As usual, Harry went first then Draco followed 5 minutes later, they both took a different route to the Great Hall and arrived separately. Before parting however, Draco asked Harry to meet him the next night outside Slytherin dorms, apparently he wanted to test something and needed Harry's help; he was frustratingly cryptic but Harry agreed nonetheless.

A/N: Ah young love… too bad it doesn't last forever… So enjoy it while you can people you know I'm going to have to shake it up a bit soon!

What will I do to the happy couple?

Review please!

Oh and I'm visiting my parents for 2 weeks and Im not sure when the next chapter will be ready... sorry everyone...