• 1-Realization

Fic Title: Realization

Author: Firesword

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and its characters belong to JK Rowling and so on. I just own the muse.

Summary: Harry finally understood the reason why he had willingly helped Snape to rescue Draco. Snape was pushed too far by Charlie, and as a result, they had ended in a bloody, and sticky mess.

Rating: NC-17

Notes: Completed on the 7th of September 2005. One-shot. HP/DM. Slash. Romance. Fluff. A bit of SS/CW. Violence. I think bloodplay is involved. Romance. Post-HBP. And lemons with no plot? Really, really without plot.

["Hello." – normal, audible conversation]

["Hello." – inner voice speaking]

["Finite Incantatem." – spells/incantations][Hello – thoughts]

[ :Hello,: – snake language translated]

by Firesword

It was somewhat noisy and chaotic in the large, white mansion. The noise was driving its owner to the point of yelling, but somehow, he had managed to keep it behind firmly pressed lips. Members of the Order and Aurors were milling around, and they were making Harry’s hall a little crowded.

Emerald eyes closed and their owner took a huge, deep breath. Harry reopened his eyes and glanced at the nearest person beside him. Severus Snape, whose robes were torn and bloodied and whose face was looking very worn and bruised, was staring at the arguing folks before them with an extremely, ill tempered expression.

A soft cough filled with exhaustion made him look down at the person in his arms. Harry scowled darkly and looked up at the shouting crowd.

"I don’t remember allowing anyone to use this as a base for anything," he said quietly.

Silence fell immediately and all heads turned to look at him.

"If you wish to argue–"

"Mister Potter!"

Harry continued to scowl as a bald Auror stood too close to him. "What?"

"You must be mad to allow them sanctuary!"

"Get out if you don’t like what I’m doing," Harry said coldly. "Professor Dumbledore had trusted them and I have proof that they can be trusted."

"But Dumbledore has been dead for nearly a year! We can’t be sure if these ... wizards can be trusted wholly. And no matter the reason, Severus Snape did raise his wand to kill Dumbledore."

"Let me make this clear to you – I trust Snape. It’s more than just the fact that he has inherited Fawkes. So, get out." Harry turned to the Potions master. "Snape, can you brew something for him? I have a stock of ingredients in the basement, and there are some bottles and vials that I don’t quite know their contents or uses. But I think you can rest tonight. I don’t think he’ll wake anytime soon." The older wizard gave him an annoyed look but he nodded, albeit a little reluctantly. Harry carefully wove his way through the silent crowd but he stopped at the foot of the stairs when Hermione blocked his way.

"Harry ... he – he is a Death Eater," Hermione choked. "They’re both Death Eaters. You can’t let him ... and Snape stay here."

"They will stay here, Hermione," he said quietly, but in a very firm tone.

"But–"

"I have decided." Harry looked deeply into Hermione’s eyes. "But there is no guarantee that Draco will want to stay." He gazed at the unconscious face. "He’s out cold and Snape tells me he would be so for some time. I will take care of him while he is unconscious. After that, he has to make his own decision."

Hermione was biting on her lower lip anxiously.

"I don’t think anything bad will come out of this," Harry said quietly. "But I can guarantee you something bad will happen to them if they don’t quit squabbling inside my house. It’s late and I know we’re all tired. Can you ask them to leave, before I lose my head?"

Hermione looked at him dubiously and then she sighed explosively. "Can’t you be a little more tactful in the future, Harry?"

Harry chuckled softly. "That is why you’re talking to them for me. I do not have the patience to be diplomatic." He smiled. "I’ll be putting Draco in my room. I can’t put him in any of the other rooms – they’re not as well-shielded as mine is."

"Okay. You go on ahead, and get some rest. I’ll try to persuade them to take their discussions somewhere else."

"Thanks."

Harry went up the stairs without any further problems. As he walked along the hallway to get to his room, he passed the bedroom in which Ron was sleeping, quite soundly from the looks of it. He stared at his friend a little guiltily but shook his head and moved on. He finally came to the white doors of his bedroom and it opened automatically at his arrival. Harry stepped in, all the while being very careful with the person in his arms.

Candles all around the room lit up and Harry easily made his way to the bed. Gently, he laid Draco down on the mattress. The silver-haired wizard groaned softly, as though in pain, and Harry instinctively made a soothing, shushing sound. He straightened and studied the unconscious figure for several seconds. Then he moved to the foot of the bed. He cautiously removed the high-quality boots from Draco’s feet and socks, and grimaced a little at the unpleasant smell.

He carelessly threw the socks into the laundry basket while he shoved the boots under his four-poster bed. He went back to Draco’s side and tentatively removed the black robes from the Slytherin. After several minutes of consideration, he decided to remove Draco’s light gray shirt as well. He did so without examining Draco’s chest too much, but as he was gathering up Draco’s robes into his arms, his eyes had fallen to stare at the expanse of white flesh.

Harry winced and bit down his lip in sympathy. Draco looked too thin, and Harry reached out to touch a dark, purple blue bruise on a bony shoulder lightly. He pulled his hand back and stood up. He absently dumped the clothes into the laundry basket and he disappeared into his bathroom to fill a basin with water. He set it on top of a dresser, searched for his bottle of liquid soap, and squeezed a bit of its contents into the basin.

He returned to the bedroom and placed the basin on top of his empty bedside table. He fetched a small, clean towel and after he ensured the liquid soap had dissolved completely, he wet the towel. He wiped Draco’s body with some difficulty – Draco kept turning away from him. The last thing he cleaned were the Slytherin’s feet, until they, at last, smelled faintly of lime. He dumped the towel into the basin, proceeded to arrange his pillows all around Draco, and finally tucked his blanket around the wizard. Draco relaxed further into the bed, and oddly, Harry found his lips curving into a soft smile. He sat down on the edge of his bed and studied Draco’s face in silence. Minutes passed. A lock of silver hair fell over Draco’s eye and Harry stared at it, somewhat transfixed by the slight glow it produced. However, his fingers soon itched to push it back. He held back, unsure if he should do that, but still, Draco’s hair seemed to call him.

"You should not. Things would change if you do," a voice cautioned.

I’m not afraid of changes. Harry reached out, and gently tucked Draco’s hair behind a slightly pointed ear. He stared at Draco a bit more before standing up and lifting the basin of dirty water. He went to his bathroom silently, and tried as best as he could to be quiet while he bathed.

He went back to the bedroom to get his shirt and loose pants. He wore them and looked around his room. He started to wonder where he should sleep for the night. He could go to the guest room and sleep, but he did not want to leave Draco alone. After some thought, he took one of the pillows he had arranged around the Slytherin’s form. Then he climbed onto the bed carefully, but fortunately, Draco continued to sleep.

Harry lay down at one end of the bed. He was secretly glad that his bed was huge, and unless Draco was a mover or a kicker, he would be able to stay on the bed. Exhaustion finally sank in, and he fell asleep almost immediately.

A few hours passed when Harry finally woke, and he felt slightly peculiar. It was as though someone was staring at him. Then he remembered that he was not alone in the room and he sat up.

Draco was awake and he was staring at Harry with an unreadable expression. They looked at each other, Draco mysteriously, and Harry uncertainly. The silver-haired wizard suddenly whispered,

"I thought you would never come for me."

"I have," Harry answered just as softly after several minutes of silence. His eyes widened with surprise when Draco struggled to sit up. "Hey, you shouldn’t get up. You need to rest," he said urgently, but Draco stubbornly ignored him.

"I thought I’d be left alone. I thought you wouldn’t help me," Draco said in a broken voice. "I know you must hate Severus. I know that you had every reason not to believe him. I thought ... my chances to follow my conscience were gone."

Harry looked at him, and stared fearlessly into the pair of gray eyes. "I have, Draco. I came for you." Rather awkwardly, he placed his arms around Draco. He was a little surprised when Draco had begun to lean into his embrace. Strangely, Harry felt as though it was déjà vu. Holding Draco in his arms felt familiar for some reason.

"I thought I’d be alone again," Draco whispered.

"You won’t be, Draco. I’m here. You’re here with us."

"Stay here."

Harry blinked at the statement.

"Stay here with me. Don’t go away." Draco looked at him pleadingly.

Emerald eyes looked at the aquiline face in confusion. "This is my house. I don’t think I plan to go away anytime soon."

The silver-haired Slytherin pulled away and started to shake his head frantically. "No, that’s not what I mean. I want you to stay here with me. Here. With me."

Harry stared in stunned astonishment. Was he misinterpreting Draco’s request? Was Draco asking what Harry thought he was asking?

"Harry ... please?"

However, Harry did not reply as he was too shocked to do so, and because of it, Draco had suddenly leaned forward. Their lips touched and the sensation blocked all of his other senses. He felt only that – he only felt Draco’s warm lips. He could not remember how to breathe. He heard Draco’s whimper of frustration. Hesitantly, Harry parted his lips to allow Draco’s tongue to seek his. He shuddered. Draco’s tongue did not taste pleasant but neither did it taste unpleasant. It tasted like – it tasted like Draco. A very lonely Draco. And he was reaching for Harry.

The dark-haired wizard groaned softly and held Draco tighter, and his fingers busied themselves by trailing up and down Draco’s spine and rubbing the back of his hips. He ignored the small voice in his mind that remarked that it would be unfair to Ginny.

He tasted Draco and groaned again as his stomach tightened with desire. He was feeling something deep inside his heart. It was as though he was listening to a chord that had been struck, and it was reverberating inside him.

Why does it feel right? Why does it feel as though it’s home? Why does it feel like it is where I should be? Why Draco? Why didn’t it feel like this with Ginny? Why Draco? Harry thought worriedly. Draco was giving him what he had secretly wanted, and he was giving what Draco had needed.

They had stopped kissing, but their lips were still resting against the other. Draco’s arms were rubbing his back soothingly, and so was he. Suddenly, the thought of leaving Draco alone felt incredibly painful to him.

"I love you."

Draco had whispered against his lips. Harry jerked away in mild surprise and he stared stupidly at Draco’s hooded eyes. For the second time, Harry was stumped into muteness.

"Every time He asked me to devise something to kill you ... I knew I would go mad someday. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t ... I love you ... I couldn’t. But I didn’t want you to know either. You hated me. It was safer that way. He would use me ... to get to you, to break you. I didn’t want that to happen ... I could not allow that to happen. I love you. I couldn’t kill you. I couldn’t kill–" Draco’s voice broke and he bit somewhat forcefully on his lower lip.

Harry gazed at Draco with astonishment, and for some reason, Draco tried to look away.

Does he think I’m disgusted with him? Harry wondered. "Draco. Draco – no – look at me. Draco, look at me." He looked penetratingly into the pair of gray eyes. He was slightly disturbed to find that they were shining with unshed tears. "You love me?" He waited anxiously for confirmation.

"I love you," Draco answered in a hushed tone.

Harry felt the twinge in his heart again. An image of two lines fused together flashed in his mind unexpectedly, and he blinked at how his perception had changed abruptly. He had seen something and a small part of him had understood what it had meant. Although the majority of his mind was still confused, he had managed a smile and he had gone on to embrace Draco.

Then in a very certain voice, Harry said, "I love you."

It was as though light had shone through his heart, and he could see everything clearly. Now, he understood. He understood why he had listened to Snape with great patience several months ago. He understood why he had wanted to rescue Draco. He understood what Draco meant to him now. He wondered if Draco felt it too. He wondered if Draco saw it as well. In his mind’s eye, Harry saw two lines burning and melting, and then, golden light sealed the lines together.

"Stay here with me."

Harry knew that after acknowledging his feelings for Draco, and after accepting Draco’s declaration as truth, he would never leave the silver-haired wizard. He smiled again, and rested his cheek against Draco’s hair. In his dreaminess, he had allowed Draco to push him back to the bed, and Harry could only feel bewildered when the other wizard had positioned himself on top of him.

"Harry, do you trust me?" Draco asked suddenly in a quiet voice.

Draco lifted his face and stared unblinkingly at him. Gray eyes searched his for something, and then the gray eyes darkened.

"I know I have caused you nothing but pain since we’d first met," Draco said, and he looked ashamed. "But now ... Harry, can you trust me to give you pleasure?" Draco was looking at him so earnestly that Harry could not fight the furious blush spreading on his face. The black-haired wizard coughed.

"Draco," he coughed, "what are you saying?"

"Harry, please?" Draco looked at him with peculiar tenderness and he gently touched Harry’s face with his fingers.

Each stroke of Draco’s fingers felt soothing and soon, Harry’s eyes fell shut and he lost himself to the sensation of Draco’s caresses.

"You’re so beautiful, Harry," Draco whispered above him.

Warmth spread throughout Harry and he opened his eyes to study Draco’s face. Draco was looking at him, and it had struck him just how different the stare had felt. If they had been in the Great Hall back at Hogwarts and were staring at each other, Harry would never have noticed the affectionate look or the regret that was present in Draco’s eyes.

"I’m sorry," Draco whispered again and his fingers touched the bridge of Harry’s nose.

Harry smiled gently and reached out to caress the side of Draco’s face. "Don’t worry about it." Then he captured the other wizard’s fingers and trailed them along his nose. "See? It’s not even crooked." An image flashed in his mind and Harry winced when he remembered the spell that he had cast on Draco.

"Did Severus give you a lecture about it?"

Harry swallowed and shook his head shamefully. "Draco, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to – I didn’t even know how it would–" The silver-haired wizard placed his fingers on Harry’s lips.

"I was hurt at first ... that you would consider using an unknown spell on a schoolmate. But, as you said, don’t worry about it. You’re forgiven."

"Thank you," Harry whispered. When Draco buried his face in his neck, Harry knew he would not be able to resist from holding Draco tightly in his arms. "If this is hurting you, tell me, okay?"

"No. Not hurting. But I’ll tell you if you’re breaking my ribs."

Harry chuckled weakly at that. He slid his arms higher so that he could rub Draco’s neck and back more easily. He was really enjoying holding Draco in his arms that it had taken him several seconds to realize that Draco was exclaiming about something.

"What?" he asked in confusion.

"You bathed me?" Draco looked at him with wide eyes.

"Er, not really. I washed you with a towel." Harry squirmed guiltily.

"Oh. Thank you."

"You’re welcome."

They stared at each other again, and this time Draco blushed as well.

"You haven’t answered me," Draco spoke again, but shyly.

Harry looked at the wizard blankly. "What?"

"I asked whether you can trust me to give you pleasure."

Surely, he is not serious. He swallowed nervously. "Well, you are giving me pleasure by allowing me to hold you," he said jokingly.

Something flickered in Draco’s eyes. "This is giving you pleasure?" he asked as though in curiosity and he squeezed Harry’s waist lightly.

"Yes..."

"You don’t sound certain."

Was it his imagination, or had he seen Draco smiling somewhat slyly for a second?

"What about this?" Draco’s lips hovered above his left cheek for a moment and then they brushed against his skin very gently. Harry’s eyes had closed automatically for the intimate touch and his heart fluttered at the simple yet significant feeling. "Or this?" Draco’s whisper tickled his ear and he moaned softly as soft lips suckled at the spot behind his ear.

Harry did not call Draco’s name aloud, but his lips had moved silently and a few seconds later, he had groaned. Draco was nibbling at his earlobe, his neck, and more fiercely on the junction between shoulder and neck. It was not just the wizard’s lips that had made him groan, but the slow grinding of the wizard’s pelvis against him. He felt Draco shifting, and then he thrust his hips forward again. It provoked a sudden gasp from Harry, and he shuddered when Draco repeated the action several times.

He arched into the wizard above him. Draco’s lips were latched on his Adam’s apple and all that he could feel was the heat from the mouth and the body that was covering his.

"Draco," he moaned. Almost uncontrollably, he held the back of Draco’s head and held it there. The Slytherin sucked harder on his flesh, and Harry’s body seemed to enjoy it a lot. He tried to suppress his whimpers as he felt the unmistakable erection grinding against his own.

Hot lips came up to his chin and kissed it warmly, before capturing Harry’s lips. He eagerly participated in the kiss and somehow, his hands slid underneath the waistband of Draco’s trousers. His fingers met smooth skin, and he started to caress and squeeze the exposed flesh.

Draco broke away from the kiss and Harry stared up at his lust-filled, gray eyes. Draco was not staring at him – the Slytherin’s eyes were focusing at a point below his chin. He did not have to wait long for Draco to enlighten him, because at the next eye-blink, Draco had gotten into a straddling position and he was trying to get rid of Harry’s cotton T-shirt. Harry lifted his body a little and raised his arms over his. His shirt came off and Draco tossed it carelessly over to one side. Silver eyes moved down slowly, and they hungrily returned to watch him. Hot palms rested heavily on his shoulders and Draco started to drag them languidly downward. Fingertips playfully flicked on his nipples on their slow journey and Harry hissed at the sparks that introduced to his nerves. He trembled a little when Draco rubbed his stomach. He arched when fingers teased the skin just below his navel.

"You look so good," Draco murmured. "I don’t know where to start." Again, his gray eyes moved up and down to study Harry.

Harry felt his face flaming in embarrassment under Draco’s scrutiny. "Isn’t it too sudden to...?" His voice trailed off when his eyes fell on the hard column visible in tight, black trousers. He licked his lips absently, and continued to stare avidly at the bulge.

Draco must have noticed what he was looking at. A few seconds later, Draco had gripped his hips firmly and had undulated forward. Harry purred unconsciously to see the bulge straining within the confines of Draco’s pants.

"Do you like that, Harry?" Draco inquired mischievously. "Does this give you pleasure?"

Harry gulped and shook his head slightly to clear his dreamy mind. "I thought the answer is obvious," he answered in a strained voice.

Draco laughed softly and it sounded angelic to Harry’s ears. It was something that he would want to hear more from the silver-haired wizard in the future.

"It is," Draco agreed with a soft smile. He rocked forward again, and Harry watched as his eyes fluttered close in bliss.

Seeing the other wizard moving up and down was creating a fantasy deep in his mind. Harry groaned and felt his cock throbbing in excitement. Then it pulsed strongly when hands started to squeeze it expertly through the thin layer of fabric. Harry automatically tensed and before he knew it, he started to drive himself into Draco’s hands.

"Harry, can I?" Draco sounded urgent. "Please?" He leaned forward and kissed the side of Harry’s face fervently. "Please, let me," he whispered.

Harry wrapped one arm around Draco’s waist while the other cupped Draco’s chin. He turned the wizard’s face to him. He stared at lush, pink lips for several seconds. Then he raised himself slightly to kiss them. He pulled away and hesitantly hooked his fingers under the waistband of Draco’s black trousers.

Draco closed his eyes and smiled faintly as he sat up again. Harry’s fingers moved around to unbutton the Slytherin’s trousers. Harry grew bolder as he unfastened each button, and when he finally undid the last one, he stared longingly at the exposed groin.

Holding Draco’s waist, Harry sat up. "Stand up," he whispered shyly. Draco did so carefully and Harry pulled the clothing down. Draco’s black trousers were soon forgotten, as Harry was busy taking in a very aroused wizard. He studied the fine mat of pale blonde pubic hair intently. Tentatively, he touched them, and it surprised him to know that they felt soft to the touch. His fingers skimmed to the side and finally touched the hard length before him. His eyes looked up to stare at Draco, who stared down at him with intense, gray eyes. Harry gently pulled the foreskin upward, and down, and pulled it up over the head again. Draco whimpered and Harry felt the cock pulsing in his hand. He stared at the length and he saw the shiny emission oozing slowly out of the small slit.

Excitement thrummed in his veins as he leaned forward and heard Draco gasp before his tongue flicked out to taste the liquid. Fingers delved into his hair, but Harry did not pay much attention to them.

That was surprising.

"Harry." Draco whimpered again.

Harry pulled the loose skin to reveal the smooth, silky head. It looked so tantalizing. He looked up again at Draco as he wrapped his lips around the head and sucked gently. More pre-emission dribbled onto his tongue and Harry enthusiastically flicked his tongue against the opening.

He tasted Draco all around and shivered to hear the soft moans of ecstasy from above him.

"Stop," Draco pleaded. "Please, Harry. Stop. Harry ... Harry…."

He did not want to stop. He was too consumed with lust to let go of Draco. Instead, he was encouraging Draco to drive into his mouth with small, shallow thrusts.

"No," Draco whimpered.

"Not ... yet. Harry, stop." Draco pulled away from his mouth roughly. Somewhat aggressively, he pushed Harry down on the bed and straddled the Gryffindor.

Harry’s heart pounded violently in his chest and he felt wet. He groaned softly. He covered Draco’s erection with one hand and slowly pumped it.

"No," Draco growled and pulled his hand away. Harry whimpered in disappointment. "Your turn now."

Soon, Harry lay naked with Draco’s head on his lap and pumped his cock slowly into Draco’s mouth. This was the first time anyone had done this to him, and Harry was totally enthralled with the experience. Draco suddenly moved his mouth away. Harry did not protest, as Draco was immediately worshipping the base of his cock and his balls. They were the places that Draco could not reach while he was pleasuring Harry with his mouth, and that had told Harry that the wizard was just as new to this as he was.

However, Harry was willing to learn. He had also better get used to the idea that even with the slightest of touches on his thighs while Draco was sucking on his cock, it was good enough to make him want to climax. He had to hold Draco’s hands, because no matter where they were touching him, the sensations had shot straight into his cock.

"I’ve wanted to do this to you for the longest time," Draco whispered as he nuzzled Harry’s inner thigh. "I’ve always known it’ll feel good. I’ve always known you’ll look beautiful. Merlin, Harry, you’re so lovely."

The words filled Harry’s ears and he blushed.

"You’d fantasized, Draco?" Harry asked in a hushed tone. Although curious, and slightly flattered, he still felt embarrassed.

"You’ll never know how much I had. Every single night. Every single, fucking-lonely night." Draco crawled up and kissed him seriously.

Harry’s hands moved restlessly along Draco’s back and he tried to press Draco to him but Draco stubbornly continued to hover above him.

"Draco ... please," Harry whimpered, a little frustrated with the lack of friction.

"Please what?" Draco asked in a low voice.

"I want to feel you. On me..."

"Your wish ... is my command," Draco whispered and he gently bore down.

Harry eagerly drove his hips up and gasped loudly as their cocks touched and slid against each other.

"Oh." Draco shuddered.

"You feel so good ... so hard," Harry murmured and arched more into Draco. He had raised his legs up and he had hooked them behind Draco’s thighs.

"Do you want more?" Draco whispered seductively in his ear.

:Yes!: Harry hissed unconsciously in Parseltongue. It felt so good – Draco’s sex felt so wonderful as it rubbed fiercely against his.

"What?" Although Draco had removed his lips from his ear, Draco did not stop thrusting against him.

Draco had sped up his thrusts and he was growling softly. His gray eyes were gleaming with animal lust and it was seeing that look that had made him climax. For several seconds, Harry was blind and deaf. He pumped his hips erratically, and groaned as he felt the cock teasing his throbbed and pulsed all over him.

:So good, Draco ... you’re so hot. Come on me, love.: Harry was prevented from speaking any further as Draco’s lips had pressed on his. He rubbed Draco’s back as he licked Draco’s tongue, and gradually, he calmed down from his excitement. Draco gave him one last peck on the lips and then on the cheek before lifting his head.

Draco had a soft smile on his face and Harry could not help but respond the same way.

"I think you were carried away," Draco said softly.

"Er ... you mean?"

"I think you were speaking in Parseltongue." Draco grinned. "So, I didn’t know what you were hissing about." Then he rested fully on Harry.

Harry blushed and tried to remember what he had said. He ceased to think when Draco tucked his chin on the depression of his neck and shoulder, and he simply hugged the slender wizard to him.

"But you sounded incredibly sexy ... so it’s all right," Draco said dreamily.

Harry chuckled lightly. "Do you want to know what I had said?"

"Not really," Draco answered sleepily. "They were probably words of encouragement, right?"

"Of a kind," Harry said with amusement. He squeezed his arms lightly around Draco’s waist. I could forever cling on to him. :I think I’m in love with you, Draco.: Harry was conscious of what he was saying and he had purposefully emphasized in calling Draco’s name.

Draco jerked and stared at him incredulously. Somewhat to Harry’s amusement, Draco was blushing and his eyes were filled with incredulity. "Say that again," he breathed.

"The last one ... that’s my name, right?"

"Yes. It does sound like your name."

"Sssthrasisss?"

"You have to roll the ‘r’ a bit more," Harry said helpfully.

"Sssthrrrasisss?"

"Yes," Harry murmured. He caressed Draco’s cheek gently. :Draco.:

"Why doesn’t it have an ‘o’ sound?" Draco asked inquisitively.

"I’m not sure. Maybe snakes can’t pronounce it like that." Harry’s eyebrows furrowed a little in thought. "In fact, I don’t remember pronouncing anything with the ‘u’ sound as well."

"Oh." Draco’s expression turned impish suddenly. Harry stared in wonder. The Slytherin looked alive and happy. "How do you say Harry in Parseltongue?"

Harry blinked in surprise. "Er ... Harry?"

"Yes. Teach me how to call you in Parseltongue."

So ... can I look forward to giving Draco lessons on how to speak snake? Harry glowed with happiness. :Harry.: It felt somewhat strange to hear himself say his own name.

"Ssssearthaeirrris?" Draco looked a little confused.

The hair on Harry’s arms prickled and his groin stirred slightly at the sound of it. His reaction was not lost on Draco. The silver haired wizard looked shrewdly at him and a sly smile suddenly curved his lips.

"Ssssearthaeirrris," he whispered seductively.

"Draco." Harry squirmed and Draco laughed. The pale-haired teenager settled comfortably on top of him and let out a contented sigh.

"Stay with me."

"I’m not going anywhere," Harry whispered and kissed the top of Draco’s bony shoulder lovingly. "I’m staying with you. I’m staying with you." After a few minutes had passed and when Draco had truly fallen asleep, he whispered, :Always. I’ll never leave you alone.: Holding Draco tightly in his arms, Harry settled to sleep.

He was awoken by a very different sensation a few hours later. What? Harry thought sleepily. Warmth and tightness surrounded his cock. Why ... oh gods! His stomach muscles tensed in excitement. Quickly, he opened his eyes, and the first thing he saw was Draco’s tranquil expression.

Harry had been moving in his sleep, and even now, he was slowly thrusting his hips up and pulling them down.

"Draco!" Harry sounded strained. "Why...? How...? You’ve never done this, right? Why didn’t you...?" He gulped. "I don’t ... what if you’re hurt?"

"But I’m not," Draco said smugly. He raised his upper body up and Harry groaned. His hips flexed automatically, and he drove deeper into Draco. "See? I’m not hurt."

Draco was tugging gently at his hands and then he was placing them on the proud erection that was bobbing up and down to the rhythm.

"You’re not hurting me at all, Ssssearthaeirrris," Draco whispered. "Not at all."

His mind swam with incoherent thoughts and his body felt overwhelmed with the intimate act. His eyes raked over Draco’s body and finally settled on the erection in his hands.

The emerald-eyed wizard mewled softly at the sound of his name. :Draco, you feel so tight ... you’re so hard...: At his hisses, Draco’s cock throbbed and clear fluid spurted forth from the tiny opening. Mesmerized, Harry swiped his thumb over the wetness and spread it around the head. Draco whimpered and started to ride him faster. His hips moved on their own accord now, and his cock drove into Draco deeper and harder. He touched Draco desperately as the silver-haired teenager let out throaty moans of pleasure.

In and out, he moved inside Draco’s sweet body. Up and down, Draco clasped and unclasped around him.

"Please," Draco moaned.

Firmly, Harry masturbated the other wizard, and he somehow managed to focus on pleasing Draco rather than on his own desires. He felt the strength and silkiness of the length as he pulled the loose foreskin up, and derived pleasure upon hearing the encouraging groans.

All too soon, he felt the familiar tingle. :Please come for me, Draco. Come for me, beautiful.:

"Harry." Draco let out a strangled moan and Harry felt the walls that surrounded him tightened fiercely. "Harry!" Creamy, white essence spurted out of Draco’s cock to coat his stomach and Harry’s fingers. Emerald eyes watched the rivulets intently for several seconds before moving to stare at Draco’s satiated expression. Harry tried to hold out for as long as possible until he felt as though he was going to explode.

:Draco.: At his call, Draco leaned forward to kiss him. Heat covered him and filled him, and he sucked on the flesh inside his mouth hungrily. His hands were planted at Draco’s bottom and he was squeezing the flesh in time with his thrusts. :I’m going to fill you, Draco. You are going to be mine.: He kissed Draco’s pale shoulder fervently.

"Please come, Harry. Come inside me. I want you to come. I want to feel you come," Draco hissed. He kissed and sucked fiercely at Harry’s neck.

His eyes fluttered close and he pressed his face tightly against Draco’s chest. He jerked and he climaxed fiercely inside Draco. Again and again, he felt his cock pulsing, and he felt the wetness of his own seed. Pleasure drummed in his ears and he held on to Draco as though the silver-haired wizard was his lifeline.

"Love you," Draco whispered and kissed his cheek gently.

:Love you too,: Harry murmured sleepily. Sated and exhausted, he fell into deep slumber with his hands wrapped around Draco’s waist.

Severus Snape was trying on the spare clothes Molly Weasley had given him several hours ago, before he had gone to sleep. It was dangerous for him to do so, especially in a house full of people who did not really trust him, but he was weary. Now, after taking a second bath, he felt ready to face the day and the horde of dubious members of the Order, as well as the few Aurors who remained in Harry’s house. He smelled breakfast – eggs, bacon, tea, coffee, butter cake – but he decided to ignore the delicious and aroma. He went in search for the basement Harry had mentioned to him last night. However, when he saw Charlie Weasley looking at him in total disbelief, he paused, and cautiously drew out his wand.

"Why are you here?" Charlie asked sharply.

"You mean to say, ‘Why am I still walking around and not in Azkaban?’" Severus said silkily.

"Right," Charlie growled. "I’m surprised no one has killed you yet, you fu–"

"Charlie, don’t," a voice said quietly.

The two wizards in the hall turned to look at a slightly, opened door.

"Bill. I didn’t know you’re here."

"Fleur wanted to be around all of you. So we came."

"Why is he here?"

"Harry brought him. And Draco Malfoy as well."

"Is he mad?"

"No one knows, Charlie. Snape. If you’re looking for the basement, you have to make a left turn when you see the griffin statue up ahead."

Severus made a soft sound and walked past the dragon keeper. Someone grabbed him forcefully from behind and turned him around.

"Why in the hell are you wearing my clothes?"

Severus stared at Charlie for a long moment. "They are yours?" he asked calmly.

"Yes," Charlie grated.

The Potions master shrugged. "Molly gave it to me. I assumed it was Potter’s." Then walked again toward the statue Bill had spoken of just now.

"Bloody hell ... Bill, can he be trusted?" Severus heard him ask the oldest of the Weasley siblings.

"Harry trusts him ... so, that is saying quite a lot, already."

He met Hermione Granger in the basement. She was studying a jar of purple leaves by the lamplight. He did not greet her, and she did not acknowledge his presence. He studied the rows and rows of bottled ingredients, and tried not to think about the owners who had kept them. Methodically, he started to collect the ingredients needed to make a Calming Potion. He did not think that Draco was ill, or in need of any potion – the young wizard was simply exhausted.

The life of being his minion is not for him. The boy has heart.

Severus also gathered the ingredients needed to create a healing paste for bruises. He could heal cuts well enough, but healing bruises were troublesome and he had rather let them heal with time than doing so magically.

At some point, Granger left the basement. Severus did not notice it until a pair of talons had closed gently on his shoulder. He looked up abruptly from his cauldron and stared unblinkingly into a pair of amber eyes. After several seconds, he flinched and focused his attention on his bubbling mixture.

He still did not understand why Fawkes had chosen to come for him. The phoenix should have chosen Potter, but Dumbledore had often worked unpredictably and mysteriously.

Three hours later, close to lunchtime, Severus emerged from the basement and he carried a tray of potions and a bowl of healing paste. He frowned when he realized that Granger and her boyfriend were heading to Potter’s bedroom. They were carrying trays of food, but Ron Weasley did not appear to be happy about what he was doing.

"Seriously, Hermione. I think Harry’s gone mad with stress and pressure. How can he trust the bastard when he had witnessed the entire thing? I had expected him to take the sword and gut him. Not this."

"Maybe he’ll explain to us in time."

Severus slowed and let them knock on the door.

"Harry? Are you up?"

"He might be sleeping still. We’ll leave the food inside."

"Okay. Is the door charmed?"

Granger placed her tray down and turned the doorknob. It opened easily. The witch picked the tray up and entered the room. Severus approached the door cautiously when he saw that Weasley was looking at something with a horrified expression.

The Potions master sniffed at the air and swore. He quickly pushed Weasley aside but he froze at the sight of Draco and Harry.

The emerald-eyed Gryffindor was already awake and he was holding Draco in his arms. Draco was curled around Harry, asleep, but his face was of contentment and peace. Severus relaxed, just a little.

"Potter, if I ever come to know that this was not consensual, I will kill you."

"The actual bonding began when I was still asleep." Potter looked at him shrewdly and Severus winced. "I had woken up with myself inside him."

"The git took advantage of you!" Weasley roared.

"Ron, be quiet!" Granger and Potter hissed at once.

"Hmmmm." Severus continued to frown as he set the tray of medicines down on the bedside table.

"I didn’t mind it," Potter said almost dreamily. Then his eyes brightened. "Did Charlie give them to you?"

"What?" Severus frown deepened.

"The robes. He had bought it for you last year and he had wanted to give it to you. You do look all right in teal."

"Hang on there, mate. What are you saying? Charlie was drunk when he had said all that."

"It hadn’t been a joke, Ron. He was ... more than disappointed after he had known that..." Again, Potter stared piercingly at Severus.

The older wizard was unconsciously fisting his fingers. The robes were a gift?

"You had to tell him that, didn’t you, Harry?"

The quiet voice compelled him to turn around and he stared at Charlie.

"What’s going on?" Ron Weasley sounded bewildered.

"Shhhh..." The lone witch shushed.

Severus tried to be impassive from the flicker of emotions in Charlie’s eyes. "Did I not tell you that it is a waste of time to be cultivating that?"

Something buzzed past his left ear.

"I don’t believe that loving someone is a waste of time, you prick."

"It was not an uncommon thing. Students tend to form crushes on their teachers," Severus said flatly.

"It’s been nine years, damn it!" Charlie exploded.

Severus’ eyes widened when the burly Weasley stormed toward him. He was totally unprepared against Charlie’s advance and his back had made contact with the hard wall.

"Ssssearthaeirrris ... what’s going on?" Severus heard a voice ask sleepily.

"Nothing, Draco. Sleep."

"Don’t leave me."

"I won’t."

The heat and closeness of the wizard before him made him focus his attention to Charlie.

"Just on whose side are you on, Snape?" Charlie hissed. "Why did you come back?"

Fingers twisted the front of Severus’ shirt roughly. Despite the situation, a part of Severus managed to study the hands, and he marveled at their strength. Heat rose to his face and he swore pungently.

"Did you know how much it hurt when ... did you even know?" Charlie asked with a very anguished expression. "Instead of ignoring me, why didn’t you just bloody reject me, Severus?"

Severus sneered. "I had ignored you – I had rejected you."

"Did you?" Charlie leaned even closer. "Did you?" he repeated. Charlie did not kiss him, but the younger man had buried his face in his chest.

"This is a madhouse."

"Shush, Ronald. Come, let’s go."

Granger closed the door quietly behind her. Severus’ eyes flickered toward the bed but it appeared that Potter was dozing.

"I don’t have a crush on you. I love you."

"You’re wasting your time."

"It’s my time."

"You will only get hurt, Weasley," Severus snarled. "Now, let go of me."

"No. I won’t."

Severus used force this time and he grabbed at Charlie’s red hair. Quickly, he reversed their positions, and stared down at the dragon keeper. "No good will ever come out of the relationship, Weasley. I’m a Death Eater. I’m tainted. Evil. I can see Death waiting for me in the end. Love won’t bring you happiness. Only sorrow."

"I don’t care," Charlie said angrily.

"Love is weak. It can be manipulated ... it can turn into hatred easily, and I am not going to put myself in a position where I can be betrayed."

"I will never betray you."

"You have never found yourself in his clutches, Weasley."

"I will never betray you."

"And if I do?" Severus smiled cruelly. "You will only gain hurt."

"You’re a coward, Snape."

"Do not call me a coward!"

"Coward," Charlie muttered. "You’re a bloody coward who can’t even face the truth. You’re a bloody coward for not recognizing what you are and what you are capable of."

"I know exactly who I am, Weasley. I am a murderer. Call me a coward once more and I’ll break your neck."

"Coward."

"You are just like the rest of your kind. Foolishly stubborn."

"Coward. Why aren’t you carrying out your death threat?"

Severus growled and he acted on impulse. He jerked Charlie’s head back and bit hard on the exposed throat. He heard the wizard’s cry of pain but Severus ignored it.

He ripped off Charlie’s thin shirt and left more bite marks on his left chest. He sucked and swallowed blood and allowed Charlie’s strangled moans to fill his ears. His mouth left the sore nipple and he straightened, before pressing the rest of his body against the younger man. Softly, he uttered an incantation as he tore the front of Charlie’s pants and his own. As seconds passed, he saw Charlie’s eyes widening, but not in fear.

He cupped Charlie’s flaccid cock in his palm and strangely, he gently teased it to hardness. That was enough to stimulate him, but Charlie had ideas of his own.

"Severus ... bite me," Charlie moaned. He frowned as he finally finished the incantation.

"What is the point of marrying you if you’re going to bleed to death?"

"Not there!" Charlie had turned a little pale. "Here." Charlie had taken his hand and had brushed it lightly against his inner thigh. "Bite me here."

Severus’ eyes narrowed as he studied the area and he sank to his knees. Charlie leaned against the wall and he muttered something that sounded like a Lock Charm. The dragon keeper sighed softly as Severus rubbed his thigh and cock languidly. Severus’ fingers wrapped around the base of Charlie’s cock and he guided it into his mouth. He sucked on it wetly. After a while, he released it and replaced his mouth with his hand. Charlie slowly started to fuck his fist and Severus directed his attention to the smooth, pale skin.

He pressed his face against Charlie’s leg and rubbed his cheek against the smoothness. He absently licked his palm and closed his fingers around his own half-erect cock. He lapped at the hot juncture of Charlie thigh and groin, and Charlie’s cock throbbed strongly in his hand.

His hips jerked and he moaned as he finally achieved a full erection. In his excitement, he dragged his teeth across the silky thigh. When he finally came to the desired spot, he closed his teeth and bit fiercely. Charlie gasped loudly and Severus smiled slightly. The wizard standing above him parted his legs wider and Severus bit on a spot higher than the first.

Charlie was starting to pant heavily and the noises that he was making was turning Severus on further, so much that pre-come dripped from his cock to the wooden floor below him. Charlie was just as excited, because Severus felt something warm and sticky trail down his neck. He pumped his hands faster and sucked harder on the fresh wound he had made.

"Severus!" Charlie cried sharply. Severus hurriedly licked the blood from his lips and pulled away. Charlie’s head was thrown back and he had a tight grip on Severus’ black hair. Dreamily, Severus watched Charlie’s cock and he felt it swelling slightly. Unable to resist the temptation, he leaned forward and licked the slit enthusiastically. Seconds later, the organ surged and hot liquid splashed on Severus’ tongue and face. Charlie trembled as his orgasm receded. However, Severus had not yet reached his climax.

Severus stood up shakily and with trembling hands, he pushed Charlie down. "Suck me," he ordered harshly.

He was quickly swallowed and a sharp hiss had escaped from his throat before he could stop himself. Charlie’s tongue fluttered all over his shaft and teased him. He held Charlie by the head and pushed it forward. He groaned as he slid into Charlie’s throat.

"Good..." He drew back and snapped his hips forward. "Harder," he instructed. Charlie obeyed, and sucked him even more fiercely. "Yes," Severus groaned. He could feel his come working its way up. "Faster." Charlie’s head bobbed up and down quickly.

Just as Severus began to shoot, he pulled away and pressed the blunt head of his cock against the bleeding bite on Charlie’s throat.

"Severus!" Charlie whimpered in pain.

His muscles tensed and he hissed in pleasure as his come shot out forcefully onto Charlie’s throat. Then he guided his cock back into Charlie’s mouth and allowed his lover to clean him up.

"If you want to make use of the bathroom, please do. It’s that way."

Severus turned his head sharply at the voice and he squirmed. He had forgotten about Draco and Potter. Fortunately, Draco was still asleep and Potter was not looking directly at him.

"That was the weirdest bonding ritual I’ve ever seen," Potter continued.

Severus calmly pulled himself out of Charlie’s mouth. His lover however, was probably feeling extremely ashamed, because he had immediately pressed his face against Severus’ thigh.

"You should take the official bond."

"That doesn’t matter, Snape. Draco and I are bonded," Potter paused. "Maybe we should do it together, so Charlie won’t have to feel weird about it."

Draco looked at Harry nervously. He could feel that a certain red-haired person was still staring at him even after the bonding ritual. He wished he could snap at her to stop looking at him or at his husband, but he knew that Harry would not be happy if he had done that. He wished he could be like Charlie and Severus – both of them had gone upstairs immediately.

"Sssthrrrasisss," Harry hissed very gently.

Draco smiled and gave Harry a very loving look. "Yes, Harry, I love you so much."

A couple of feet away, Ron spluttered his drink all over the counter and his mother immediately yelled at him.

Harry gave him a surprised look, but fortunately, he did not turn to look at Ginny.

"Ssssearthaeirrris?" Draco smiled.

Harry laughed richly. "I love you too, Draco." Then the raven-haired wizard sidled closer. He hissed into Draco’s ear and the Slytherin shivered.

Although he did not understand everything that Harry was saying, he had the feeling that Harry was telling him that he would rather be in bed right now and making love to Draco.

"You must tell me why you want them to think that the hisses are love words," Harry whispered to him in English.

"I want them to be clueless," Draco responded with a small, mischievous smile.