Fall from Grace

Yule Ritual

Chapter 17

Yule Rituals

Harry was happy. It was the first day of Christmas break. The train bringing students home for the holidays has just left, leaving him and Tom alone as the only Slytherins in the castle. He and Tom were currently in the common room, sitting on a loveseat in front of a roaring fire. Tom held his hand and Harry was leaning against him, smiling contently. "This is nice," he said softly, Tom humming in agreement. The two stared out at the fireplace and Harry for once felt at ease with himself. He was warm, he was with Tom, and they were able to finally do something domestic. He was feeling a bit sleepy with how relaxed he was being, he could feel himself slipping into a comfortable space where he did not need to think or worry about anything. It was just him and Tom. With a contented sigh, Harry moved so he was under Tom's arm, their hands switching so Tom was still holding Harry's hand on his lap as Harry lay on his chest. "Love you," Harry murmured.

"What was that?" Tom muttered. Harry immediately snapped out of his trance and blushed deeply. He moved to get away but Tom's arm around him tightened, pulling him deeper into his chest. "I love you too, my prince," Tom whispered.

Harry blushed but smiled, looking up to meet Tom's eyes. "Your aura is so beautiful, my pet," Tom said.

"What color is it?"

"The most beautiful emerald that is overcoming that blinding gold," Tom purred, sounding immensely pleased. Harry smiled warmly at that.

"I'm happy my aura is pleasing," he said. Tom hummed and bent down to kiss the top of Harry's head. "I... if it's not too forward, I have a gift for you, on Christmas—I mean Yule."

Before they left, the boys made sure to educate Harry properly on their holidays, including the importance of Yule as a time of reflection and new beginnings as they celebrate the year with loved ones. It is only right in a sense then that Harry is spending it with Tom, who was currently pulling Harry onto his lap to kiss him properly.

"I will enjoy any and all gifts you want to give me Harry," Tom chuckled.

"Good... uh because I think..." Harry began, feeling like the blushing virgin that he is. He cleared his throat and said, "I know, I want to go all the way with you. On Yule, if that is ok."

Tom's answer was a searing kiss. "Yes, my love! Yes," Tom said, "In that case, I have an idea that'll make it extra special."

"Oh?"

"Yes, my prince, but you'll have to wait until Yule, you can wait three days, can you not?" Tom chuckled. Harry nodded and earned himself another kiss, "Good boy."

There were only six other students in the castle, and thankfully they decided to leave the two Slytherins alone. The two spent their days together, never leaving each other's side. They walked down the empty corridors hand in hand, going out to enjoy the winter snow together, Tom watching as Harry made a snowman the muggle way before using magic to make a snow sculpture of the two kissing. It was perfect in Harry's mind, and on Yule's Eve, the two decided to stay inside by the roaring fire, Christmas music playing from a record player. A thought came to Harry's mind and he asked without prompt, "What did you get your boys for Yule?"

"Our boys, Harry," Tom corrected them. "They are as much as yours as they are mine, now. As for their presents, I've made sure to give them sufficient ones. Lestrange got a new book on magical creatures; hair products for Malfoy, all advertised for males naturally, we do not need to hurt his ego; clothing for most, but I've found a tome that Mulciber will enjoy."

"That's good," Harry hummed. "I always find it hard purchasing gifts, honestly."

"Is this a ploy to find out what I've gotten for you, my kitten?" Tom chuckled. Harry kissed his cheek and smirked.