"Shhh…I know, baby girl….I know it hurts. Just try to rest…" Harry tried to soothe, wandering around the living room which was as always the warmest in the house.

Flori was wrapped up in an oil-soaked muslin cloth and held closely to his chest, whimpering in pain as her body wished to grow but could not anymore. Charlie had warned him that there would be days like these but this was the first time they were actually experiencing it. It started three days ago after she a nap, just when Harry was sitting by the fireplace and having a chat with Hermione over the open floo network. They were looking forward to seeing the family for the traditional Yuletide celebrations Molly and Arthur hosted every year on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. It started as a mild stiffness in her wing muscles at the shoulders, and spread through her body like wildfire.

And for the past three days she has been crying and whimpering in pain, refusing anything but small sips of water which Harry mixed with nutrient potions to give her body at least some strength to deal with this. It broke his heart. Every cry, every whimper, every look of those big, beautiful eyes asking him silently why it hurt. And Harry was nearly in tears himself, spending every moment with her, day and night. Charlie would have been by his side but as it was before Christmas, the reserve unfortunately faced a high security breach risk from poachers hoping to enrich the black market with valuable dragon parts. They were out day and night for calls around the perimeter, and as he was at a senior position, Charlie led one of the teams that split its time between the nursery and checking on some of the females still guarding their eggs. It was madness, neither of them has slept in three days and tomorrow was Christmas eve, with no hope of it being spent with the rest of their family. If he could have one wish, just one wish for Christmas, he would want to spend it in peace with Charlie and Flori, all of them healthy and well. That was all he wanted…

He looked down, realising Flori has stopped whimpering and sighed in relief when he saw she has fallen asleep. Finally, thank Merlin. He didn't want to let her go but maybe allowing her to spread out in her cot would be good for her… Making up his mind he headed for Flori's room, settling her carefully in her cot and making sure she was under alarm and safety charms before looking around. It took them two weeks in between Charlie's recovery and Harry's apprenticeship in the infirmary, but the cabin was finally more spacious and much brighter with the new paint. It took him another week or so to finish the large wall-painting of the forest scene they had agreed upon, using the soothing activity when he couldn't sleep or needed a break from studying.

They had very little time to actually spend longer than a few moments together over the past weeks, both exhausted from their straining schedules. Charlie however was very supportive, making sure they were both taking care of Flori so they could focus on their work and she would never suffer their absence, and gladly did the housework when Harry was slammed with studies and his practical exams. His first set of exams was the day before Flori took a turn for the worse and he passed with good marks, but there were still areas he needed to improve, suturing especially for when magical healing was not an option. There were so many things they had to sort out, including his further stay, a proper schedule for his studies in the coming months, and most of all their relationship.

Whatever that was currently…

Nearly two months of getting to know each other, becoming closer, sharing a living space and their lives…but since that one afternoon when Charlie held him while he slept, they haven't shared any kind of closeness beyond a quick good night wish with a small kiss on the cheek. Harry felt ready to finally have a steady partner, a home, and he knew that he wanted to do that with Charlie. Or at least give it a try and see if they could actually make it work full time, both 100 percent in.

He looked around at the mess and sighed, knowing there was nothing for it. Nappies and toys scattered, the living room was a complete mess, and the kitchen even worse. Grateful for magic, he flicked his wand at the two front rooms to clean themselves up as he went to tend to Flori's room and things, putting them away quietly and by hand to not wake her up with magic. Two hours later, he was seated on the sofa with a fresh cup of tea, the sun just setting on the horizon, and Flori still thankfully asleep. This was the longest she has slept in the last three days and he was eternally grateful that her aching body was getting some rest. The front door opened, letting in a strong gust of icy air before Charlie pushed it back firmly and at least attempted to close the door somewhat quietly.

"You're home early.." Harry waved at him from the sofa tiredly, shuffling up to get the dragon tamer a cup of tea. Before he could get anywhere near the kitchen, firm arms pulled him close and with a squeak of surprise he was being carried back to the sofa. "Char!"

"Hush, I'll have a sip of yours. Just sit with me for a bit," Charlie offered a small smile, the dark bags under his eyes only rivalled by Harry's.

Harry got comfortable in his lap with no further objections and reached up to just hold the man close. Charlie's arms wrapped around him tightly and they sat quietly for a while, soaking up each other's warmth and presence.

"How is she?" he asked into Harry's hair, breathing in the now familiar scent of the young man. It was funny how his cabin used to smell of nothing but dried herbs, as he couldn't really smell himself. Now it smelled of herbs and cooking, but most of all of Harry and Flori. Flori…poor baby girl…

"Still in pain," Harry sighed. "I did everything I could. Potions, massage, oils…everything. I don't know what else to do.."

Charlie shook his head sorrowfully. "There is nothing else for it, we just have to wait it out. Her body either gets better or she looses the battle," he said softly, knowing that the chance of them loosing her was still high at this age, considering her body was supposed to grow the most in the first two years of her development. If her tiny body couldn't take it, there was nothing they could do.

Harry was silent for a moment, not even wanting to think about the possibility of loosing Flori so soon after she entered his life. "Her getting better would be the best Christmas present…" he whispered.

"I know, love," Charlie answered gently and held him closer, not even thinking about what he was saying.

Harry noticed though and smiled a little, lifting his head to look at the redhead. "Can I sleep with you tonight? My room is a mess and I'll probably have nightmares from being too tired if I sleep alone," he admitted.

"Sure you can," Charlie leaned down to peck his cheek but Harry turned his head at the last moment, wanting to feel closer.

Their lips met for the first time, only briefly and sweetly, finally getting them over the already crooked line that remained between close friends and hopeful lovers. Harry leaned in and their lips met again, this time more firmly and with purpose, wanting to show Charlie he was sure this was what he wanted to share with him. The dam was broken and the redhead hoisted him up a bit until Harry squirmed around and straddled his lap. Lips parted and their kiss deepened with passion and joy at finally feeling each other like this; hearts, bodies, and minds in perfect alignment.

Harry's breath hitched when he felt those large, callused hands squeeze his thighs appreciatively just under the roundness of his cheeks. "Can we…" he asked against Charlie's lips, rubbing their hips more firmly together and eliciting a groan from the dragon tamer.

"What if Flori wakes up?" he breathed, trying to keep his brain functioning when all his body wanted to do was take Harry right then and there.

"Cross that bridge when we get that. We'll have to be quick," Harry said with a hint of impatience as he finally managed to shrug off his heavy sweater and feel more of the man's warmth. "Next time we can go slow, but right now I just want to feel you…" he didn't even finish the sentence properly, connecting their lips in a needy kiss.

They were exhausted after the last few days, both physically and emotionally, and all the pent up need for comfort and closeness needed some form of releasing. Charlie didn't question him any further, merely flicked his wand at the floo to disconnect it while he could still think somewhat clearly, and began tugging on Harry's shirt. The bedroom proved to be too far and they ended up on the thankfully soft rug in front of the fireplace instead, the blazing fire adding to the heat of their aroused bodies.

Harry pulled him down for another kiss, letting the redhead settle between his spread thighs. Their bodies rubbed together pleasurably, forcing sounds of pleasure from them both as they grew impatient to feel the other. Charlie reached out blindly for his discarded wand and cast the necessary charms, feeling Harry arch beneath him as the magic hit his body. Next time, Charlie promised himself. Next time he will take however long he pleased to prepare his lover the proper way, something he enjoyed doing to see the pleasure in a partner.

Knowing he was well slicked and loosened by the charms, Harry wrapped his legs around the dragon tamer and lifted his hips to better align their bodies. He cupped Charlie's cheek as they allowed themselves a moment and paused for a beat, sharing an affectionate look and a tender kiss before Charlie was pressing inside him inch by torturous inch. Harry's back bowed in pleasure when they were finally joined, gasping at the dull ache of the stretched muscles accommodating his lover's girth. Charlie had to grit his teeth and remained still just a moment until they both adjusted, the tight heat surrounding him absolutely incredible.

"Hold me.." Harry panted softly and held tightly onto the man he had fallen in love with so naturally.

Charlie's powerful arms wrapped around his bowed back securely and with a quick arch of his hips, he deliver the first of many pointed thrusts inside the young man who held his heart. They knew they had little time, but their bodies wouldn't have last long either way. It was too much and not enough at the same time as their bodies joined over and over in a passionate dance of lovers. Harry's breath was forced out of his lungs when Charlie shifted his angle just right and without any warning he was clutching onto the slick, freckled shoulders as his body tightened and quaked with the intense release. Charlie's hips stuttered at the sudden grip on his body and it only took one more snap of his hips before he followed with a deep satisfied groan, spilling inside his lover and drawing a small whimper from him.

Harry tightened the hold of his legs around Charlie's waist, and the dragon tamer didn't disappoint when he gently separated their hips but otherwise didn't move. He caressed the length of Harry's trim waist, their skin slick and cheeks rosy from the exertion of their love making. "Does this mean you'll stay?" Charlie asked against Harry's lips between languid kisses.

Harry chuckled. "I would say that I will if you have me, but you just did," he said cheekily, squealing a bit when Charlie tickled his side. Charlie smiled at the cheek but sobered quickly, still expecting his answer. And Harry didn't hesitate in giving it to him. "Yes, I want to stay. As long as you'll have me or as long as we both want to do this," he motioned between them.

"Are you sure your feet won't get the traveler's itch?" Charlie asked cautiously. He would be disappointed if Harry decided that he wanted to keep wandering around the globe. It would however be much worse if he later found out that he kept Harry here instead of letting him do his heart's desire, and their relationship grew bitter with regret and resentment as a result of it.

Harry shook his head. "I don't think I ever want to stop learning and traveling. We can always go on holidays. It doesn't even have to be far, just somewhere new to enjoy," he said hopefully. Hermione learned about the world through books and her own means, but traveling and discovering things he had no idea about before were his way of learning what life had to offer. "But at the same time…I feel like I'm home. This," he rubbed Charlie's chest to specify the two of them, "this feels like home," he added softly.

It meant a lot to hear those words from Harry, knowing he considered very few places a true home. "You know me by now, and what I have to offer. Will this be enough for you?"

Harry looked around the warm, currently slightly messy household, and couldn't help but smile. "Yes. More than enough. I've always wanted someone I can consider a partner, to take care of and be taken care of by. Someone I know I can trust and lean on, and who can receive the same care in return. And someone to love. A family of my own…" he admitted. It wasn't a sore spot anymore but having a family to call his own made him feel like he found the things that made it worth having fought Voldemort all those years over and over. Peace, love, and a home.

"You make a great mum," Charlie winked, wanting to keep that smile on his lover's face.

Harry rolled his eyes. "If you're making fun of, it won't work. Mums are awesome, and scary. Look at yours," he grinned, seeing Charlie shudder.

"Okay, can we not talk about my mother when we are naked?" he grimaced a little, shifting to rest on his side more comfortably.

Harry grinned and reached up to caress Charlie's stubbled cheek, his smile softening. "Think we can make it work?"

Charlie nodded. "I have no doubt. I don't believe in coincidences, and the fact that you came into my life at the same time that Flori did tells me that we were meant to be a family. And we already make it work if you think about it," he reminded. All the restless nights, taking care of each other, sharing responsibilities… it really has been only a couple of months but their lives have taken a 180 degree turn from the moment their life paths crossed. And he wouldn't have it any other way. "I want you to stay as long as you want to be here, with me, and with Flori," he added, wanting Harry to hear the words he already knew anyway.

Harry pulled him down for a deep, affectionate kiss and was just about to suggest a shower when the alarm tingled, letting them know that Flori was awake.

"I'll go check on her, you start the shower," Charlie squeezed his hip and quickly pulled his boxers on before hurrying to Flori's room.

Harry gathered himself and headed for the bathroom. Yes, life was good.

...

Ginny groaned, woken by the storm raging outside. Of course, bloody typical for London. White Christmas? Forget it. Soaking rain and miserable cold wind. She shuddered at the thought of having to leave the flat for the annual Yule/Christmas bash at the Burrow. And she bet Hermione wasn't exactly ecstatic either. Speaking of Hermione, where did her witch go? She lay quietly for a moment before registering the sounds coming from the kitchen and sniffed. Hmm, nothing so far, maybe she just got started. Searching the floor for her knickers, she pulled them on before shuffling into her tank top, and opened the door. The beautiful smell of coffee and bacon slapped her olfactory system and she salivated right on cue like a Pavlov's dog. What? She was a Weasley, she needed good feeding…

The sight that met her in the kitchen was worth stumbling her way out of bed for. Not only could she now see the heavenly pork meat in the pan, it was watched like a hawk by Hermione. In the black lace thong from last night, and an apron. She was not sure what karma was rewarding her for, but Merlin was she going to enjoy the sight. One thing Hermione could make perfectly was a proper breakfast. They were both egg people with good metabolism, so eggs and bacon were never really missing from either of their fridges. Bloody hell she was starving…

And no wonder really, after last night. He eyes traveled over the expanse of Hermione's soft back, counting the bite marks she left on her journey to the plush, a bit jiggly ass. Merlin, that ass just made her day every time she saw it. It really was that simple for Ginny. Flashes of last night came forward in her mind, reliving the way Hermione's body writhed in pleasure stretched out beneath her, back arching and belly going taunt as she teased the brunette a moment too long right there, fingers crooked into that magical little spot. A moment too long so that her pleasure was nearly uncomfortable in its intensity, but not long enough to grant her the release she was so desperately craving. They stopped counting at four and kept going, napping in between and languidly enjoying each other's body.

It took Hermione a little while to get back into her skin and allow for more intimate touches, but Ginny knew better than to open that discussion without Hermione starting it first. They talked about it briefly, and Hermione let her know that she was fine working through it herself, as long as Ginny was there was her. And she was. Every step. The jumpiness, the nightmares…for a couple of weeks it was like the time right after the war when it still yet had to sink in that the war was over and they really were free. But they got busy with work, and Ginny helped her shake off the lingering worries one gentle touch at a time. Last night was an accumulation of weeks of desire, too much work stress and the most simple, human need for closeness. They were both thankfully tactile, physical people at this stage in their lives, and finally having the freedom to focus on their relationship instead of work was a welcome reprieve.

One blessed week of peace (hopefully) before they had to check in with Kingsley (unless someone was an asshole and decided to commit homicide over Christmas), and then another four days around New Year's Eve. Knowing Hermione though, New Years Eve and the first two days of January will be spent in the examination room filled to capacity. Drunken duels, maybe a couple of suicides for those who couldn't bare getting through another year alive, and possibly some asshole who finds it hilarious to get retribution for whatever petty business during Christmas, when it hurts the most. Her conscience chided her for putting it so crudely but she had long lost interest in putting it any other way. Professional deformation was easily obtained in their line of work, and truth be told, putting it any other way wouldn't change the fact that her partner would be working when they should be resting.

Partner. They finally got there. Years of solid friendship, mutual respect and love, and the underlying attraction all came to fruition some time during the dreadful succubus case. The timing could have been better and they most definitely wouldn't be sappy enough to try and put a precise date on it just to celebrate an anniversary. If they lasted that is. But Ginny really had no worry about that. November definitely was their month….

"Are you going to stare at my ass for the rest of the day or shall we have breakfast?" Hermione asked, plating up the beans.

Ginny grinned and stepped into the kitchen properly, wrapping her arms tightly around Hermione's waist in order to press close. "Moooorning."

"It sort of still is I guess, hard to tell with all that bloody rain. Clock says it's half ten and Molly will have kittens if we don't arrive by one for lunch," she mused, turning her head so they could share a quick good morning kiss, before focusing on getting the last of the bacon on their plates. "Pour the coffee, would you?"

"Yes, madame," Ginny grinned cheekily and pulled out a chair for them each before getting seated and pouring out the coffee. She caught sight of the Prophet and picked it up disdainfully. "Remind me again why you still get this trash?" she asked.

"For the book release section, and the obituaries," Hermione answered simply, and Ginny didn't doubt she was being perfectly serious.

She just shook her head and dug into the food the moment it was set before her, groaning in pleasure at the carbs fuelling her body at last. Hermione just raised an amused brow before getting rid of the apron and pulling on her bathrobe, sitting down to enjoy her coffee and the paper first. It was peaceful, having a slow morning for once, and just enjoying each other's company after a night spent together. Hermione shifted a little in her seat, her body still deliciously sore like it hasn't been in an age, and her lips were in need of some serious vaseline treatment after hours spent kissing for the simple pleasure of being connected that way.

She browsed over the book section, noticing a picture of one of the authors next to their book, reminding her entirely of that women from 'How I met your mother'. Thinking of which…

"So, what are you going to tell your mother about the fact that you're moving in with me?" she asked nonchalantly, hiding a grin in her coffee when Ginny choked and spluttered beside her. Happy Christmas indeed.