Notes: Part of the "Fighting Darkness" AU. This ficlet has been written for Maya :)

"Potter!" Severus Snape's angry voice could be heard throughout the dungeons. The young man in question looked up from the book he had been reading (Dickens' "Christmas Carol", which he had received from Draco the previous year) and raised a questioning eyebrow in a rather Snape-like fashion. "What in Merlin's name is the greenery doing in my quarters?"

'Here we go again.' Harry sighed and smiled sweetly at his lover of two years. "First of all, it's a Christmas tree; I'm sure even you have heard of that tradition. And secondly, as you keep on telling me, these are our rooms. Anyway, it was Draco's idea." And that was only half a lie. Actually the both of them had decided on having a tree this year. And a mistletoe - hanging above their bedroom door... But Harry wasn't going to mention that little detail just now. Severus seemed quite murderous as it was.

"Two hours, Potter. I give you two hours starting now to get rid of that so-called tree. Or else..."

"The tree stays right where it is, Severus." Draco's voice sounded from the door. Floating in front of him was a bowl filled with tiny gift-wrapped packages - probably his shrunken presents for his two lovers - boughs of holly and ivy, and several potted poinsettias. "If Remus and father can have one in Southern France, I want one as well!"

"If you want a Christmas tree, go to the Great Hall. There are several there. I will not allow you two to turn my dungeons into..."

Draco's silver eyes were sparkling dangerously. "So you want Harry and me to move up there for the holidays? Or do you want us to make the move permanent, since these are your dungeons?"

Oh dear... Battle of wills again. Harry couldn't remember how often he'd seen the two Slytherins at each other's throats; over mere trifles. But this was a matter of great importance. And desperate times call for desperate measures, or so he'd read somewhere. "Sev, please. We know how long it's been since you had a proper Christmas celebration. Allow us to remedy that, please?"

The Potions Master had spun around the moment he'd been addressed as 'Sev', ready to snap at the annoying Gryffindork. But the look in those beautiful emerald eyes made him reconsider. The whelp was right, after all. And then, there was something he had forgotten... Harry had never had a real Christmas. Not when he was living at the Dursley's home, nor while he was a Hogwarts student. He had had his friends with him then, yes, but not his family and loved ones. And the past two years... At first, Harry and Draco had needed to study for their NEWTS, and then there had been the final battle with Voldemort.

Reaching out for Harry, he took his hand and brought it to his lips. "We shall make this a holiday to remember." Turning his gaze to Draco, he added in a rather un-Snapish manner, "I'm sorry. I guess I need some time yet to accept that I'm no longer alone, especially during such festive times. And that we don't have to fear a new attack anymore... I ... I love the both of you. And if you like the greenery, be my guest." Then he turned and almost fled into his private laboratory, robes billowing behind him.

Harry and Draco exchanged startled glances and then burst into laughter. Finally, the blond managed, "Didn't know he had it in him to be so sappy..."

More giggles could be heard from the rooms that were shared by the Potions Master, the DADA teacher, and the Ancient Runes Instructor. This one would indeed be a Christmas to remember.