All I Wanted This Christmas

Harry stepped out of the cab into the cold. Snow had started falling on his way over, and the wind was piercing. He grabbed his bag from the trunk, gave the cabbie some money, and walked up the snowy walkway.

All around him were blinking Christmas lights, Santas, and angels. Hermione and Seamus went all out this year with decorating. There was a swingset and a tricycle being covered by a blanket of snow beside the porch. Harry figured they must to belong to Hermione’s daughter, Hannah. Last time Harry had seen Hannah she was just walking, and now she could ride a tricycle. He really needed to come around more often.

He rang the doorbell and waited. Inside he heard Seamus’s voice saying, “Coming,” and a little girl’s voice repeating excitedly, “I’m coming, I’m coming!”

The door opened and Harry looked down to see a miniature Hermione staring up at him.

“Who are you?’ she asked, eyes wide.

“Harry. You must be Hannah.”

“How did you know my name?” Hannah asked suspiciously.

“I’m a friend of your parents. Last time I saw you, you were a lot younger than now.” She eyed him warily, sizing him up in her four year old way.

“Hannah, dear. Don’t stand with the door open and let all the warm air out,” Seamus said as he walked up toweling off his hands. He started to close the door when he realized someone was standing there. “Oh my, Harry! Come in and get out of the cold!” Harry started to walk in as Seamus lifted Hannah into his arms.

“Do you remember him?” Seamus asked her. She shook her head.

“His name is Harry. He told me. And Daddy, he knew my name!” she said excitedly.

“He did, did he?” Seamus smiled at Harry over her head.

“Me and your mum went to school with Harry when we were kids. He’s a great friend of ours.” Seamus set Hannah back down. She stood close to him, watching the two adults.

“I’m so glad you came. Hermione will be delighted. She’s missed you so much,” Seamus said, grabbing Harry’s bags.

“Yeah. I’ve missed her, too. I’ve just been getting myself together the last couple years.” Seamus nodded and started walking down the hall towards the living room. Hannah ran ahead of him.

“Mum! Harry’s here! Uncle Ron! Harry’s here!”

Harry stopped dead in his tracks and looked at Seamus.

“Ron?” he asked, feeling slightly queasy.

“Yeah.” Seamus shifted uncomfortably. Hermione walked in from the kitchen and smiled brightly at Harry.

“Harry! I’m so glad you’re here!” She ran up to him and embraced him. Then she drew back and hit him. “Why in the hell have you been away so long?”

“You know why,” Harry responded. He still hadn’t moved from the spot he was standing in. “Did Hannah just say Ron’s here?”

“Yes.” Harry started for the door, but Hermione grabbed his arm.

“Wait a damn minute,” she said. Harry halted and turned to face her.

“You didn’t tell me he’d be here.”

“Because I knew you wouldn’t come.”

“Damn straight. I think I’ll be leaving now.”

“Dammit, Harry! Grow up! It’s Christmas. I haven’t seen you in two years. I know the break-up was hard, but it’s only for a few days. Please?” Hermione’s eyes were welling with tears, and Harry hated when she cried. “I’ve missed you. Seamus has missed you. Please. For me? Just do this one thing for me.” Hermione’s eyes pleaded with him and he finally resigned.

“Fine. I’ll stay and I’ll be civil. But I’m not going to play his best friend.”

“That’s fine!” She leaned up and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, thank you!”

Harry followed Hermione and Seamus slowly to the living room, dread growing in his stomach with every step. It had been over two years since Harry had seen Ron – but it wasn’t long enough. Harry’s wounds were still as fresh as if it had happened yesterday.

That day two years ago flashed vividly in Harry’s mind. He still remembered every detail – he had relived that night in his mind a million times since. The words still burned deep in his soul like they had been said only yesterday. No – time had not healed this wound.

Harry walked into the living room and spotted Ron immediately. He was sitting in a chair by the fire with Hannah bouncing on his lap.

“Uncle Ron, this is Harry! He went to school with mum and dad! Did you know him?”

Harry’s heart went out to her innocence. Yes honey, he thought. I knew your Uncle Ron just a little too well.

Ron looked at him and for a moment there was an awkward silence. But then Ron smiled and looked down at Hannah.

“Yes. I knew Harry a long time ago. A long, long time ago.” Harry was surprised to hear pain in Ron’s voice, but he didn’t care. Ron deserved it.

“Yeah! Christmas is going to be so fun this year!” Hannah clapped excitedly.

“Hermione, didn’t you have another baby?” Harry asked, tearing his eyes from Ron’s. He couldn’t stand to gaze into them for one more second.

“Yes! He’s eight months old. He’s sleeping, but I’ll take you into his room.” Harry gratefully followed Hermione. His body was shaking from seeing Ron again. This was going to be a hard holiday.

“His name is Sirius. I hope you don’t mind.” Hermione smiled weakly at Harry. He nodded.

“He would’ve liked that.” Hermione led him over to a crib, and Harry looked in to find the most adorable baby he’d ever seen. He was chubby, with sandy-blonde hair like Seamus, but it was curly like Hermione’s.

“He’s beautiful.” Harry reached down and stroked his little hand, his little arm. He was completely taken with this baby.

“Are you doing alright?” she asked. Harry contemplated for a minute whether to tell her the truth or not. He finally decided there was no real reason to lie.

“Not really,” he said.

“What’s going on?” she asked, leaning softly on the crib.

“I’ve still not gotten over the break-up. I’m sorry I haven’t been to see you in two years, but I had to leave and get things straightened out.”

“Where all did you go?”

“China, Australia, America, all over Europe.” He shook his head. “I just searched and searched and tried to figure out what went wrong. Where I went wrong, how I could make myself different. But everywhere I went, I was so lonely. Oh so lonely.”

“You had us. You didn’t have to stay away so long.”

“I know. But you were a reminder of Ron, of me and Ron. I didn’t want to think about him and every time I tried to forget about him, I realized I was subconsciously thinking about him anyway. There was no escaping.”

“I’m sorry I invited you both to be here. I miss you both insanely, and I thought two years and several continents was enough. But, obviously I was wrong.”

“It’s okay. At least I won’t be alone this Christmas.”

“True.”

They both quietly walked out of the baby’s room and into the living room. Harry sat down as Hermione and Seamus went into the kitchen to finish dinner, leaving Harry and Ron all alone. Hannah was in the other room playing, and Harry glanced around awkwardly.

“When’d you get here?” he asked.

“Yesterday,” Ron answered stiffly. Harry nodded interestedly. “What have you been up to?” Ron said, trying desperately to make conversation.

“Traveling mostly.”

“Really? Where’d you go?”

“China, America, Greece, Italy.”

“Ooh. I’ve always wanted to go to Italy.”

“I know. You should go. Rome is beautiful,” Harry told him.

“I can’t afford it. I’m living near Hogsmeade, helping Fred and George with their joke shop. It’s really popular, but I still don’t make much. But maybe one day.”

“Yeah.” An awkward silence surrounded them. Harry stood up as Ron started to speak.

“Harry – “ Harry halted and looked down. He didn’t feel like having any conversations that started with his name.

“I’m going to go check on Sirius.” Ron nodded and Harry walked into the baby’s room. He hated the awkwardness, he hated that he was seeing Ron – he hated that he was still so in love with him.

“You’re such a cute baby,” Harry whispered to the sleeping tyke. “Sirius would’ve loved you. Absolutely.” Harry watched him sleep for a few minutes before Sirius started stirring. The baby blinked up and rolled onto his stomach. He started whimpering and Harry picked him up.

“Hey there.” Harry held him in front of his face. “Hey there, Sirius. I’m Harry. I bet you’re hungry, aren’t you? Let’s go find your mum.” Harry leaned over and gave Sirius a big kiss on his cheek, and Sirius giggled appreciatively.

“Did you like that? Are you ticklish?” Harry started tickling Sirius’s stomach, and he squealed in delight. “You’re so cute. You look just like your dad. You know that?” Sirius reached out and grabbed Harry’s glasses. He laughed and Harry chuckled.

“Ok. Give those back you little devil, you.” Harry gently took the glasses back, and Sirius grabbed his finger. Harry kissed him again and walked into the kitchen.

“You’re just in time, dinner is ready,” Hermione said, looking at Harry. “And who is this handsome baby you’ve brought in with you?” Hermione went over to Harry and nuzzled Sirius with her nose. “Put him in the highchair, ok?”

Harry settled Sirius in the high chair and sat down for dinner. Throughout dinner he made small talk, but mostly listened to Hannah ask questions about her mum and dad when they were young.

After dinner, Harry sat in the living room floor, playing with Hannah and Sirius. He looked up at one point and saw Ron staring at him. Ron quickly looked away, but Harry saw the blush form high in his cheeks. Harry turned back to the kids, purposely avoiding Ron’s eyes and his own thoughts.

Soon Hermione and Seamus took Hannah and Sirius up to bed, much to the chagrin of Hannah who wanted to play with her Uncle Harry some more, leaving Harry and Ron alone. Harry stood up to leave and walked towards the door.

“Harry?” Ron said. Harry turned around slowly and looked at him.

“Yeah?”

“Are you okay?” Ron asked. “I mean, without – alone?”

“I’m great. Thanks.” Harry turned to go again.

“Because I’m not.” Harry stopped again. Ron continued. “I’m awful. I need you, Harry. I’m miserable without you.”

“Ron, I haven’t seen you in over two years and this is what you say to me?” Harry turned around to face Ron. Ron looked so young and vulnerable alone by the fire.

“I know, Harry. I’ve been meaning to tell you for a long time. But every time I picked up the phone, I lost my nerve. It’s sudden, but I had to tell you. It’s like fate brought us together tonight.”

“No, Hermione did. Fate had nothing to do with it.”

“Please, Harry. I miss you so much.” Harry resisted every urge he had to grab Ron and make the last two years disappear.

“Yeah, well, you should’ve thought about that.” Harry turned away from Ron and walked towards the door.

“Dammit, Harry! I said I was sorry. About a million times.”

Harry turned to face Ron again and tried to keep all his emotions in check. He was angry, upset, excited – he felt everything all at once.

“Sorry won’t cut it.”

“Damn your pride, Harry! All I did was kiss some guy. I was scared. We were getting so close. I got scared.”

“So scared you ran to the arms of another man?”

“It was just a kiss. But you let your imagination turn it into something it wasn’t. And your foolish pride tore us apart.”

Harry stepped closer to Ron and clenched his jaw in anger.

“How dare you blame this on me? I didn’t do anything to you.”

“You left me.”

“You kissed someone else.”

“We all make mistakes.”

“And we all have to pay for them.” Harry stormed out of the living room and up to his room. To hell with Ron. To hell with it all.

* * * *

“We found it, Uncle Harry! We found it!” Hannah said, running back to where he was walking with Seamus. Harry shifted Sirius in his arms as the baby tried to grab Harry’s hat off his head.

“That’s great, honey!” Seamus said as Hannah stopped in front of them.

“No, Sirius, you can’t have Harry’s hat,” Harry said, pulling Sirius’s hand down from his black wool cap.

“Mum and Uncle Ron are going to cut it down! Come on!” Hannah ran back ahead of them to where Ron and Hermione were walking around a tree, confused.

“Why did you have to suggest cutting down our own tree?” Seamus asked, watching Ron and Hermione try to figure out the best way to cut down a tree.

“Hagrid always cut down the trees at Hogwarts. Plus this is more fun than going to the supermarket.”

“Supermarket? I was thinking we could go to Hogsmeade and buy a magical tree that has fairies instead of lights and that change from green to blue to red and move.”

“What’s the fun in that? Besides, have you ever seen a funnier site than those two?” Harry pointed and chuckled as Ron crawled around on his hands and knees in the snow as Hermione yelled at him.

“Ok, Ron. I think that’s good.”

“You two are too funny. Give me a kiss you rugged woman, you,” Seamus said as he walked over and gave Hermione a kiss.

“You really are having a blast chopping aren’t you?” Harry asked Ron. Ron was lying on his back, waiting to crawl under the tree, saw at his side.

“Yeah. Who cares if a tree falls on me?” Ron said, laughing. “I figured it would be okay. I’m not so sure I want Hermione chopping down a tree anyway.”

“You look ridiculous crawling in the snow,” Harry said, smiling.

“I’d like to see how you’d look crawling in the snow,” Ron said, reddening as the implications of what he said hit him. “I mean, beside a Christmas tree. To cut down. Yeah.”

Harry didn’t know what to do, or say, so he laughed nervously. “Yeah.”

“Ready to be chopped, Ron,” Hermione called from the other side.

“Alright.” He turned over on his stomach and started crawling under the tree. “I’m sawing really...”

Harry moved back and held Sirius tighter to him. The little tyke was about asleep, and Harry readjusted the blanket around him.

Seamus, Hermione, and Hannah stood over to his right, out of the path of the tree.

“How in the bloody hell am I supposed to cut this bloody trunk straight?” Ron yelled from under the tree.

“Ron! Watch your mouth! I do have kids you know,” Hermione scolded him.

“Sorry.” They all watched as Ron sawed. Harry shook his head roughly when he realized he was staring at Ron’s ass. Sirius was shaken awake and started whining.

“Shit!” Harry said, bouncing Sirius in his arms. He couldn’t help but look back at Ron’s form lying in front of him. Damn, he missed Ron.

“No,” Harry said softly to himself. “You don’t miss Ron. It’s just Christmas and you’re lonely.”

“TIMBER!” Ron yelled and the Christmas tree fell. It hit the ground with a loud ‘thud’.

“Alright! Yeah!” Hannah shouted as she danced around happily.

“My hands are sticky,” Ron pouted as he stood. He held them out for Harry to see.

“Yucky.” Ron wiped his hands on his pants as Harry walked over to the tree.

“Now, Mr. Lets-Have-Christmas-Muggle-Style, how shall we get it back home?”

“Come on, Seamus. Where’s your sense of fun? I grew up having Christmas like this.” Hermione clapped her hands together and squealed.

“How about a simple levitation spell, Mr. Magic-Is-The-Only-Way,” Harry chuckled. “I just wanted to chop it down muggle style. Not carry it back to the house.”

Seamus cast the levitation spell and directed the tree towards the house. The rest followed closely.

They soon got it to the house and tried to get it into the house, but ran into some problems.

“Man, the thing looked smaller outside,” Ron said.

“Compared to the other trees maybe,” Harry responded.

“Well, now what are we going to do?” Hermione asked, disappointed.

“Daddy, can we not have our tree?” Hannah asked, looking crestfallen. The adults stood there, looking at the tree that was too tall to fit into the house for a moment before Seamus spoke.

“Nah, we’ll just raise the ceiling.” With a flick of his want, the ceiling grew another five feet.

“Yeah!” Hannah started running around the tree, which fit perfectly in the house now. Seamus started moving ornaments towards the tree with his wand.

“Stop!” Hermione screamed. Seamus halted them all in midair. Sirius, from his play pen, reached out and tried to grab the suspended ornaments.

“Let’s put them on ourselves,” she said.

“All of them?” Seamus asked, looking at the tree which easily stood twelve feet.

“Maybe not the top. But the bottom.”

“Alright. Whatever you want dear.”

“Mommy! The tree is beautiful! And it’s so big! Oh! It’s just what I wanted!” Hannah said, throwing her arms around Hermione. “Thankyouthankyouthankyou!”

“Seamus, this is such a gorgeous tree! I’m so excited! Let’s start decorating it!” Hermione said, rubbing her hands together eagerly.

With a flick of his wand, Seamus moved all the suspended ornaments back into the boxes. Hannah ran eagerly towards it, milling through the brightly colored balls.

“Careful honey,” Seamus said, going to help her. Both Harry and Ron looked at each other with uncertainty on their faces from across the room. They both knew they weren’t part of the family and didn’t want to intrude on this special family time.

“What on earth are you two doing standing back there? Grab an ornament and come on! You act like strangers or something,” Hermione said, throwing a round, green glass ornament at Ron.

“Well, we didn’t want to impose,” Ron said, catching the ornament gingerly. “It’s your home and family.”

“The two of you are my family!” Hermione exclaimed. “You’re my brothers.”

Ron and Harry both grinned goofily, grabbed ornaments, and started putting them on the tree. Ron lifted Hannah up higher so she could put some on the higher branches. Harry held Sirius in his arms and helped guide his little hands to the tree branches.

“Come on, Sirius!” Harry said softly to the child in his arms. Sirius took the ball and started shaking it wildly in his hands.

"No," Harry said, grabbing his arm gently. "You don't want to do that." Sirius looked up at Harry with large, blue eyes, and Harry was momentarily scared Sirius would start screaming. "Let's put it on the tree." Harry moved Sirius's arms slowly to the tree and put the ball on a branch. Sirius started squealing with glee.

"There you go!" Harry kissed the top of Sirius's forehead and he mouth a kiss to Harry. Harry bent closer to his face, and Sirius placed a wet kiss on his nose. "Thank you!"

"Ooh! Uncle Ron! Look!" Hannah squealed in delight as Seamus added ornaments to the top of the tree via magic. There was a whirlwind of color as they flew smoothly through the air.

Harry smiled at the sight. He hadn't felt this happy in a long time. He was with the friends, and only real family, he'd ever known. He'd had nice Christmases at Hogwarts, but nothing like this.

Sirius made another grab for Harry's glasses. "No baby," he cooed, grabbing his hand. Sirius happily took his finger instead and started playing with it. Harry squeezed him tight and smiled even wider. He had only known this kid for one day and he was already in love with him, and if Hermione wasn't his friend, he'd probably steal him. Holding Sirius so tight in his arms made him yearn for a family of his own. He instinctively looked up at Ron, who was helping Hannah hang mistletoe in the doorway.

He smiled softly as he thought what a great dad Ron would be. Much better than himself - Harry had no family experience. But Ron had a huge, wonderful family to draw from. Ron had always wanted children, and lots of them. And Harry at one time had wanted them to build a family together. Looking at Ron with Hannah made him want it all again.

"No," Harry muttered to himself. But before he could shake the thought, Seamus yelled.

"Alright everyone! It's done!" They all gathered around the tree as Seamus plugged in the lights. Harry was amused to see a few fairies lighting the tree also.

"Mommy! It's beautiful! Look daddy, that's the ornament Uncle Ron helped me hang! Way up at the top! Look Uncle Harry!" Hannah bounced from adult to adult showing off her ornament that was so high up.

"Hannah," Harry said. "Sirius put that one up, aren't you proud?" Harry said, pointing to the one they put up.

"Wow, Siri! That is high!" Hannah said, grabbing her brother's hand.

Harry walked around the room, bouncing Sirius and humming softly to him.

"Makes you miss Sirius, holding his namesake." Harry turned around to face Ron.

"Yeah, it does." Harry kissed Sirius on the head, and Sirius yawned contently. "I miss him so much, especially at times like this."

"I do, too. He was like a second father to me. Or maybe an uncle. Like the authority figure who lets you get away with /most/ things, but still watches after you."

"Yeah. I miss Remus, too. I should owl him. I haven't seen him since the funeral."

"He doesn't come out of the woods much, since Sirius died."

"I know," Harry said, trying his best not to get sad.

"Uncle Ron, Uncle Harry! Momma made hot cocoa!" Hannah said as she bounced back into the kitchen.

"When did we become uncles?" Harry asked, walking towards Sirius's room to put him to sleep. He was fast asleep in Harry's arms.

"I've been an uncle," Ron said, following Harry up the stairs.

"Really? Who had kids?" Harry asked as they entered the room.

"Charlie, Bill and Ginny. You know about Percy and Oliver, and Fred and George?" Ron asked. Harry nodded.

"Fred and George were together way back when we were still in school. And Percy had just started dating Oliver when..." Harry hesitated a moment as he placed Sirius in his crib. "I left," he finished.

"Yeah," Ron said, shifting uncomfortably. "Charlie has one kid, Bill has two, and Ginny has one. I feel like I'm getting old," Ron laughed. Harry rose up and faced him. They were standing face to face beside the crib in the darkly lit room. Harry swallowed.

"Me too. I should have a family of my own," he said, looking at Sirius.

"We should have a family of our own," Ron said, almost inaudibly, and placed his hand over Harry's. Harry stood frozen for a moment, just staring at Ron's hand on top of his own. He had forgotten how soft Ron's hand was, and oh so warm.

He slowly looked up at Ron, unsure of what was happening, what he was doing, or anything. He took a step towards Ron when he heard something outside the door.

The spell was immediately broken, and he turned away. Hannah was standing in the doorway, staring at them curiously. They quietly walked out of Sirius's room and shut the door behind them. Hannah was looking at them very peculiarly.

"How about that cocoa?" Harry said, trying to ignore the extremely awkward situation.

"Are you two in love?" Hannah asked without any inhibition. Ron and Harry's mouths both dropped in astonishment.

"Ugh, ugh," Ron stammered, trying to say something.

"I don't know," Harry said, placing his hand on Hannah's shoulder and avoiding Ron's gaze. "I don't know." He walked quickly down the stairs towards the kitchen, not looking back at Ron.

* * * *

Harry woke up to the sound of a quiet whimper. He got out of bed and padded groggily to Sirius's room, only to meet Seamus at the door.

"Go back to bed. I can take care of him," Harry said.

"Sure?"

"Positive."

"Thanks, Harry. I owe you." Seamus patted Harry on the back and walked sleepily back to his and Hermione's room. Harry walked in to see Sirius standing up in his crib, holding on to the bars.

"What is it Siri?" Harry asked going up to him. He lifted him out of the crib, carried him to the table, and changed his diaper. After that, Sirius was still not getting drowsy, so Harry picked him up and carried him downstairs humming softly.

He walked into the living room and saw Ron sitting in a chair by the fire. He walked over to the chair and saw that Ron was asleep. The fire was only dying embers, and it cast a beautiful reddish glow on his face.

Harry squatted down beside him and moved the few stray strands of hair out of his face. Harry noticed that Ron's eyes were red and puffy.

"He couldn't have been crying?" he asked himself. Harry shook his head, stood up, and walked into the kitchen.

Harry fixed himself some milk and cookies, and filled Sirius's bottle with milk.

"There you go, Sirius! Enjoy!" Harry gave him the bottle, and he gladly took it, drinking happily. "Want some of my cookie?" Harry broke off a small piece of his cookie and put it in Sirius's hand. Sirius took the bottle out of his mouth and chewed the cookie. He patted his hands on the tray of his highchair.

Harry put his feet in the chair across from him and stared at his bare feet thinking. He had no clue what was going on between him and Ron. Harry swore there had been some sort of connection between them earlier. But it didn't mean anything, did it? They were just caught up in the Christmas spirit. What could be going on between them? Was Harry falling in love again?

"Don't kid yourself," Harry said softly. "You never fell out of love."

Harry leaned forward and looked at Sirius, who was sucking quite contently on his bottle.

"What do you think, Sirius? Think I'm crazy? Think I should admit to myself I still love Ron?" Sirius put the bottle down and stared at Harry. He mouthed a kiss to Harry and squealed in delight.

"You're a mess, you know that?" Harry laughed as he leaned over and started tickling Sirius. He and Sirius were laughing quite loudly, and soon he heard someone enter the kitchen. He turned around and embarrassedly grinned at Ron.

"You're loud," Ron said, padding sleepily into the kitchen. He opened the refrigerator and grabbed the carton of juice and sat down.

"Sorry."

"You're attached to that kid, huh?" Ron said, pointing to Sirius as he took a swig out of the carton.

"Hermione'd kill you if she saw that."

"Lucky for me you're the only one here."

"Yeah." Sirius made a whimpering sound and extended his arms to Harry. Harry grabbed Sirius out of the highchair, spun him around, and patted his back.

"You'd make an awesome father," Ron said, smiling at Harry.

"So would you," Harry said, turning to face him. He held Ron's gaze for a few moments before speaking again. "If this kid wasn't Hermione's, I think I'd steal it."

"Damn. You never even wanted kids. Now you want to steal Hermione's baby?"

"I didn't want kids after the childhood I had. God, can you imagine how fucked up my kids would be?" Harry laughed. "But now, I just - seeing how happy Seamus and Hermione are makes me want a family again, you know? I've been gone so long."

"I know what you mean."

"Well, I think this one needs to go to sleep," Harry said, starting towards the door.

"I need sleep. Someone woke me up," Ron said playfully. Harry stopped and turned around. Ron stood beside him.

"Sorry!"

"It's ok. I forgive you." Ron laughed and looked up. "Oh man, look. We're standing under mistletoe."

"No way," Harry said, looking up. Sure enough, they were standing under the mistletoe Hannah had hung earlier.

"Well, um, I - " Harry stammered. Ron shrugged his shoulders nervously.

"One for old times sake?" Ron asked, blushing slightly.

"Alright," Harry said much too quickly. Ron leaned in slowly and Harry closed his eyes. He had no idea what he was doing, but it didn't matter. He was about to kiss Ron again.

Harry felt the first feather touches of Ron's shy lips to his own, and almost thought he was dreaming. Then he felt the more confident press of Ron's lips and it felt so real. Harry leaned closer to Ron and shifted Sirius in his arms. Ron snaked his arms around Harry's neck as his tongue slid over Harry's parted lips. Harry's tongue anxiously met Ron's and all Harry could think about was how warm and soft Ron's tongue was against his own.

Ron moved closer and bumped against Sirius. Sirius stirred awake and started crying. Harry quickly withdrew from the kiss, instantly regretting it.

"Well, I guess I'll get him to bed. See you in the morning," Harry said awkwardly, still slightly out of breath.

"Yeah. Morning," Ron said breathless. Harry took Sirius to bed and soon crawled into his own. He pulled the covers tight around him and realized the bed was too empty without Ron.

Harry tossed and turned and tried to fall asleep, but he couldn't get the kiss out of his mind. What was he doing alone in this bed? He loved Ron, had never stopped. Who the hell cared if Ron kissed some guy two years ago? Ron loved him, he loved Ron, so why wasn't he down there with Ron, or Ron up there with him? It was time that Harry got Ron back.

Harry threw the covers off of him and walked quietly out of his room. He tiptoed down the stairs, trying to be quiet and listen to see if Ron was still awake. He didn't hear anything, but he didn't care. He couldn't sleep without Ron tonight.

He walked into the living room, hoping Ron was still where he left him. Harry saw Ron staring into the dying fire. He walked quietly up behind him. Ron heard him and turned around.

"I thought you went to bed," Ron said, pulling the blanket closer around him.

"I did, couldn't sleep." Harry sat down beside him on the floor.

"Well, I'm about to go to bed, so I'll leave you," Ron said, starting to get up, but Harry grabbed his arm.

"I love you," Harry blurted out. Ron plopped back down and looked at Harry.

"You love me?"

"Yes. I still love you." Harry unconsciously chewed on his bottom lip, awaiting Ron's response.

"I've missed you," Ron said, opening up the blanket to Harry. Harry grinned and crawled towards Ron, placing an urgent, deep kiss on his lips. Ron wrapped his arms around Harry as Harry crawled into his lap.

"I've missed this," Harry said, staring into the fire and settling himself into Ron's embrace.

"Me too." They both sat there and snuggled by the fire. Harry watched the brilliant lights on the Christmas tree and thought about how lucky he was to still have Ron, after everything.

"Oh shit!" Ron shouted as he jerked back. Harry sat up and turned around to look at him.

"What?"

"Tomorrow's Christmas Eve and I don't have you a present!" Ron said, looking extremely distressed.

"Don't worry about it," Harry said, pulling Ron towards him. He placed another kiss on his lips and snuggled deeper into his arms. "I got all I wanted for Christmas."

Ron wrapped his arms tighter around Harry as he thought about this. "I guess you're right." He placed a kiss on Harry's hair. "Merry Christmas, Harry."

"Merry Christmas, Ron."

The End