Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. All characters belong to J.K. Rowling.

A/N: Some Christmas time fluffy moments =)

"Don't you want to play Hermione?" Ron asked as he and Harry finished their second game of Exploding Snap. The trio was sitting in the Gryffindor common room by the fireplace.

"No thanks. I really want to get a start on the potions essay; it's definitely going to take some time." Hermione's voice was cheerful as she thumbed through her potions text.

Ron shook his head in amazement. "Honestly Hermione, I think you consider homework the Professors' Christmas present to us."

Hermione sniffed. "I do not Ronald. I just like a challenge that's all." She defended herself.

Harry made a face. "My Dad not only assigns an essay over Christmas but a super challenging essay. Brilliant."

"McGonagall also assigned an essay but at least it's a short one." Ron said as he began to set up the chess board. "Personally, I think Professors should not be allowed to assign homework over the holiday."

"Or weekends." Harry joked.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Or how about any day ending with a y?" She said sarcastically. When Harry and Ron's eyes lit up she laughed. "Wishful thinking boys."

"Are those all the books you are taking home with you?" Harry asked curiously when he noticed the pile sitting next to Hermione. He knew she was taking all of the electives but didn't know how she could possibly manage her time with all her classes.

"Yup." Hermione ignored his suspicious look and continued working.

As Ron took one of his players, Harry told himself he would start his potions essay after this game. The next game for sure.

HPHPHPHP

"Did you have fun?" Severus asked after he and Harry had returned to their quarters.

Harry yawned. "Yeah, I did."

"Go get ready for bed." Severus gently nudged Harry towards his room.

"Okay but I'm not sleepy yet." Harry said as he tried to hide another yawn.

"Go on." Severus watched as Harry walked into his room. He thought of making tea for both of them but he had a feeling Harry would be asleep before long. His son never wanted to admit he was tired. He had been the same as a toddler, always fighting hard to not fall asleep.

"All right Harry, time for sleep." Severus gently put his son down in his crib.

"No sweep Daddy." Harry whined, his chubby hands rubbing his sleepy eyes.

"You're not sleepy?" Severus kept his voice low and soothing as he pulled a blanket over his son and gently rocked the crib.

Little Harry yawned. "Not sweepy." He agreed as he shut his little eyes and a minute later was fast asleep.

Severus smiled as he watched his child. He had never thought growing up that he would have a child, never thought that he had what it took to be a good father. It was thanks to Lily's love and confidence in him that he now had this miracle, this child who filled him with so much joy.

"He's asleep?" Lily whispered, coming up behind Severus.

Severus nodded and made sure the baby monitor was working before taking Lily's hand and leaving the room. They both stood at the doorway and watched their baby sleeping.

"Did he insist he wasn't tired?" Lily asked as Severus put his arm around her.

Severus chuckled. "He did. Stubborn little boy."

"He gets that from you." Lily told him.

"I do believe you are mistaken on that." Severus smirked. "He gets it from you."

"He does not." Lily crossed her arms. She grinned. "All right, maybe he gets it from both of us."

Laughing, Severus folded Lily into a hug and thought about how perfect everything was. A wife he loved completely and a son whom he loved more than he ever had thought possible.

Severus peeked into Harry's room and bit his lip to keep from laughing out loud. Harry had changed into his pajamas and fallen asleep on top of his bed. Carefully Severus maneuvered Harry into his bed and covered him with his comforter. He lightly ran his hand through his son's hair, frowning at the lightning bolt scar. If they could catch Voldemort now, before the monster had a chance to fully come back then Harry would finally be safe. Severus watched his son sleep for a moment, finding it as comforting now as when Harry was a toddler. He quietly left the room, deciding to retire for the night as well.

HPHPHPHP

The floo in the Snape Cottage flared to life as Severus and Harry stepped out. Severus immediately cast a warming charm on Harry and started a fire so the rooms would warm up.

"Ahh, holiday break. A time to sleep in, fly, play in the snow…" Harry said happily.

"Put your things away, do your homework…" Severus pulled Harry's trunk out of his pocket and restored it to its original size. He did the same with Harry's broom and Hedwig's empty cage.

Harry made a face. "Killjoy." He muttered as he headed upstairs. He ignored his Dad's laughter as he went into his bedroom to unpack. He felt so content being here. He, like his Dad, considered their quarters at Hogwarts as home but he felt more so about the cottage. Probably because Mum lived here, Harry thought as he put his things away. Once upon a time the three of them had lived here together. Harry put Hedwig's cage on the stand his Dad had bought for her and opened his window. Hedwig would most likely be arriving soon though she liked to take her time flying and stretch her wings.

Once Harry had put his clothes and books away he heard a hoot and Hedwig swept into his room. "Hey girl!" Harry gave her a scratch on her head. "Maybe we can fly together while we are here." He said. Hedwig gave a hoot of approval as she settled herself in her cage to rest. "Tomorrow I have several packages that need to be mailed so rest up okay?" Harry ruffled her feathers and she cooed in response. He made sure she had food and water and then wandered downstairs. He wished he could have brought Snuffles but his Dad had not taken to the idea so Harry hadn't pushed it. Hagrid had assured him that he was looking after Snuffles and still trying to find the dog's owners. At least Snuffles has Fang to play with, Harry told himself.

Harry was going to go outside and look at the snow covered garden but his Dad's voice halted him.

"Jacket, scarf, hat and gloves." Severus said as he walked through the living room. "Catching a cold will not be a fun Christmas for you."

"I'm wearing a jumper and you put a warming charm on me." Harry pointed out.

"A mild warming charm and this is non-negotiable." Severus said and let some firmness enter his tone.

"All right, you win." Harry threw up his hands. He ran upstairs and put on all his winter clothing items before hurrying back downstairs. He went outside and took in the breathtaking view of the cottage and garden, covered in pure white snow. The stream by them would be frozen and he hoped to later ice skate on it.

Severus walked outside; wearing his own jacket, hat and the scarf Harry had gotten him last year for Christmas. He watched as Harry was concentrated on building something in the snow. "A dog?"

Harry looked up and grinned, his cheeks flushed from the cold. "It's Snuffles!"

"Ah." Severus nodded. He hadn't yet met the stray the Harry was so crazy about and hoped by the time they got back to Hogwarts, Hagrid would have found a home for him. Otherwise he had a feeling Harry would start pleading with him to keep the dog themselves. He bent down and began a sculpting of his own.

Harry finished his snow dog and then walked over to see what his Dad was making. He watched for a moment and then grinned. "Are you making Buckbeak?"

Severus shrugged one shoulder. "Yes, in honor of you helping to save him. Would you like to help me?"

"Yeah!" Harry worked with his Dad and together they made quite an impressive Hippogriff.

"Can we take a picture of it and show Hagrid?" Harry asked excitedly.

Severus nodded and summoned his camera. He snapped a shot of the snow hippogriff and snow snuffles before snapping a shot of Harry. He then charmed the camera to float in front of him and gestured for Harry to join him. He put his arm around his son as the camera took their picture. "Shall we go pick out a tree?" Severus asked.

Harry nodded enthusiastically. They went inside and changed into dry clothes before using the floo to go buy their tree. This year they did not need to pick out ornaments like last year as they had bought plenty. However, Severus couldn't resist buying two more though he hid them from his son.

Once they arrived back home, Severus put the shrunken tree near the fireplace and restored it to its original size. "It's just a good as last years." Harry grinned as he began rummaging through the box of ornaments his Dad had brought in. He picked up the blue bear with the words Harry's First Christmas sewn into it that his Mum had made. He held it for a moment and then hung it at the top of the tree. He put the snow globe that held a picture of him as a newborn with his parents' right next to it. "Dad? Would Mum be proud of me? Be honest."

Severus paused in adding garland to the staircase rails. His son's insecurity seemed to have increased since running into those blasted Dursley's. "Yes, she would be proud of you." Severus said seriously. "She would be as proud as I am Harry. Do you have any idea how amazing you are? The childhood you suffered could have made you bitter and cruel yet you are kind and compassionate. You are also brave and loyal and smart."

Harry looked away until he was sure he wouldn't tear up. "I guess I take after my parents huh?" He offered his Dad a grin.

"Your mother especially." Severus continued to his task. He also put garland along the top of the fireplace and added their stockings. He then joined Harry in put up their ornaments and added colorful lights. "You know, I think we missed a couple of ornaments."

Harry looked into the empty box. "Nope, we hung them all."

"Are you sure?" Severus smirked as he summoned the two ornaments he had bought during their outing.

Harry looked at the lion ornament which when you shook it, it roared. He burst into laughter as he remembered his threat of decorating the tree in only roaring lions. The other ornament was a snake that hissed when you shook it. "These are brilliant! When did you buy them?"

"Today." Severus said in satisfaction as he watched Harry hang them on the tree. "I charmed them to make noise however."

"Today? Wow, I didn't even realize." Harry said, impressed.

"I can be quite stealthy when I want to be." Severus informed his son with a smirk.

Together they sat on the sofa and drank hot chocolate as they admired their beautiful tree. Harry felt so content, safe, and loved as his fears brought on by his relatives began to slowly fade. He was loved and wanted and he finally began to see that he would never be considered a burden or unloved again.

HPHPHPHP

Harry woke up to the sound of scratching at his window. He peeked through his bedcover which was practically covering his head to see Hedwig outside his window, holding a parcel. He quickly got up and opened his window. "Hedwig!" His familiar flew in, dropping the parcel in Harry's hands. He had sent Hedwig yesterday to deliver his gifts and knew she would have spent the night at the Weasley's before coming back. "Here you go girl, Merry Christmas." Harry gave her some of her favorite treats that he had bought for her. She nuzzled his hand before settling down and enjoying her present. Harry threw on his dressing gown and slippers before heading downstairs, carrying the presents Hedwig had delivered. He heard sounds from the kitchen and grabbing his full stocking, as well as his Dad's which he had filled last night, he moved to sit in front of the tree.

Severus came out of the kitchen holding a tray which held to mugs of hot pumpkin cider with whipped cream on top. "Merry Christmas Harry."

"Merry Christmas Dad!" Harry held out his Dad's stocking which Severus took while handing Harry his mug of cider. "Mmm." Harry took a sip of the delicious cider. "Stockings first?"

"As you wish." Severus watched fondly as Harry reached in and pulled the items out of his stocking one by one. His son truly cherished every moment and didn't want to rush through the gift opening like most children were prone to do. He had filled Harry's stocking with candy, a new Quidditch magazine, and a sketchbook. Harry looked at his Dad in surprise.

"I've noticed you've been starting to draw." Severus explained. "As much as I enjoy the little drawings you add to your essays, the book would probably be a better place for them." He added.

Harry laughed. He did like drawing and he couldn't help but add a drawing here and there when he finished an essay for his Dad. "I love it, thank you."

"You draw well from what I have seen; perhaps it could be a career in your future." Severus suggested.

"Maybe." Harry said and his look thoughtful. "Although Draco mentioned Aurors before and that sounds like an exciting job."

Severus stiffened slightly. That was the last thing he wanted, Harry being an Auror. It was a very dangerous job. "Well, you have some time before deciding on anything. There are many options." Was all he said.

Harry nodded absently as he looked through his new magazine. Severus went through his own stocking and saw that Harry had filled it with his favorite candy as well as a red quill. He heard snickering and looked at Harry questionally.

"It's for grading. I thought your red quill was probably worn out by now." Harry ducked out of the way of the light stinging hex sent at him.

Severus smirked. He did in fact need a new red quill. "I will be sure to put this to good use son, especially when marking your essays." He took the gifts Harry handed him and saw they were from Dumbledore and Minerva.

Harry looked on with interest. "What did Dumbledore get you this year?" Last year the Headmaster had given Severus Gryffindor colored slippers.

"Earmuffs." Severus shook his head distastefully as he pulled out the red and gold present.

Harry laughed and quickly opened his own gift from Dumbledore. Just as he expected, they were silver and green earmuffs. "I think next year we should just open each other's gifts from him."

Severus chuckled. "Sounds like a plan." He raised an eyebrow when he opened a box that was also from Albus and saw that it contained some rare potion ingredients. "He certainly makes up for his little joke gifts." He commented with satisfaction. His present from Minerva consisted of some new potion books as well as a book on being a parent to a teenager. Very funny Minerva, he thought with some amusement.

Harry opened Hermione's gift which was a very realistic figurine of Buckbeak. "Cool." Harry murmured. He opened his next present and grinned when he saw that it was several books in the young wizarding series that Harry had gotten hooked on last year. "Thanks Dad! I love this series!"

"I know you do." Severus smirked. He had introduced the series to Harry last Christmas and his son had devoured the books. It didn't surprise Severus as Lily had been an avid reader and he was a reader himself.

Harry opened presents that contained new clothes, a chess board, and a drawing set full of colored quills for drawing, paints, sketching charcoal, a sharpener and a blending stick. "Wow Dad!"

"I thought it would be good for your doodling." Severus took a sip of his cider. He was enjoying watching Harry open his presents, seeing his child happy was the best gift he could ever receive. "I believe you have two more."

Harry opened his next present and found a new pair of Quidditch gloves. "Thanks! Mine were getting pretty worn."

"Yes, I noticed." Severus drawled lazily. He leaned forward as Harry opened his last present. This gift was in place of the Firebolt he had intended to buy his son. It had been difficult to get, especially on short notice.

Harry stared at the large, thick book. "Quidditch through the Generations." He whispered in awe. This was a rare book and there were only limited editions of it. It had at least three times the information and pictures that Quidditch through the Ages had. Ron had told him about once. "I can't believe it! Thank you so much Dad!" He jumped up to hug Severus.

Severus returned the hug. "I am pleased you like it."

"Like it? I love it!" Harry grinned. He pulled back from the hug and grabbed the last present under the tree. "From me to you."

Severus stared at the red and gold wrapping. "Love the colors Harry." He commented, grinning when his son laughed. He opened the present and gave a low whistle at the beautiful pocket watch. "Harry, this is wonderful!"

"Turn it over."

Severus read the back and immediately pulled Harry into another hug. "I love it son, thank you. And I love you."

"I love you too." Harry whispered into his Dad's shoulder. "Thank you for all my presents. I don't deserve-"

"Yes you do." Severus said, gently pulling Harry back and staring at him.

"I mean, after how I have been acting-" Harry tried again.

"Harry." Severus said in exasperation. "You're forgiven remember? Let that go now. And just because you make mistakes, or act out from time to time does not mean you do not deserve nice things."

Harry relaxed. "Thank you." He said again.

"And thank you." Severus held up his pocket watch. "I will cherish this." He stood up and banished all the wrapping paper. "How about some breakfast?"

"Waffles?" Harry asked hopefully.

"Don't you ever get tired of waffles?" Severus asked.

"No." Harry said honestly and his Dad laughed.

"Waffles it is then." Severus said as he walked into the kitchen.

Harry settled on the sofa and opened his new Quidditch book. Just like last year, it had been a perfect Christmas.

TBC: Reviews are very much appreciated!