DISCLAIMER: This story is based on situations and characters from the Harry Potter books, which are created and owned, by J. K. Rowling, and various other publishers, including, but not limited to Warner Bros., Inc., Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books, and Raincoast Books. No use other than entertainment is intended and no financial gain is being made. No trademark or copyright infringement is intended. Not mine, except for the plot.

Warning! : This story contains SAME SEX relationship of rather graphic nature. If this offends your sensibilities, please go elsewhere. NOW!

Note from Zed: Note that Chapter numbering has no bearing whatsoever in the timeline *G* — look at the header to see when the event happens.

Thanks to Starkiller for the usual excellent beta work <hugs Starry>

Year Seven

Draco's POV

Two more weeks, love, and the Christmas break would be over. Fourteen days until I see you again; three hundred and thirty six hours of separation. And I am missing you already.

A grey drizzle was falling steadily outside, turning the snow to slush. Bleak winter landscape encompasses the Manor grounds as far as I could see, but none of it could compare to the bleakness that gripped my heart.

The War had ravaged the world as we knew it - tearing families apart, driving friends and foes alike to make terrible choices: choices that seemed easy before Darkness claimed the land. But now that the Darkness had spread slowly but surely, unrelenting in its march, the choices were no longer easy or clear.

As I sat alone, restless and miserable on my bed, the answer became clear.

There was no Good or Bad.

No Dark or Light.

No Right or Wrong.

What had remained was Survival.

Survival, and the sacrifices that must be made if we were to emerge from these difficult times alive.

I remained silent for a long time, constantly mulling over my thoughts. Here I was, alone in my room, surrounded by the material excesses money could buy, yet I was unhappy. God, how I missed you. I felt cold, bone-cold although there was a fire roaring in the fireplace.

I closed my eyes and the memory of your face, stunning in its fragility and honesty, came unbidden to the forefront of my mind. Choose wisely, you had said when we parted, watching my face with an intensity that left me bereft. You brushed your fingers against my cheek and I turned my face into your hand. And kissed it.

Only you knew the risk and the danger that awaited me once I was back in my family's fold. We had never spoken of it, but we had never denied the knowledge that one day I would have to make a choice.

Freely or otherwise.

You knew, love - and yet you trusted me enough to let me go.

How long had I lain here, staring at the darkened canopy of my bed? I had no idea. Time had no meaning for me just then, and my mind was full of you, my thoughts returning to your parting words, Choose wisely, over and over, sounding so loudly in my mind that it hurts.

We both knew the inevitable lay before us choices to be made, paths to be taken. Darkness vs. Light. I had never doubted you, love. Your faith in me was strong; it scoured me of my past sins. And every time we were together, you accepted me as I was; you never judged or chastised me for my past. You restored my faith in myself; you placed me on a pedestal and revered me.

And I loved you.

* * *

It was night when I awoke. I blinked confusedly, trying to recollect where I was. The drizzle had turned into a full force storm, and the rain lashed onto the windowpanes. I rose to one elbow, pushing my tangled hair out of my eyes with my hand. The firelight filled the room, making everything soft-edged in a play of shadows and light. I slowly sat up - for long moments I stared at my hands, and the enormity hit me.

These very hands could kill.

These very hands could heal.

These very hands could love.

At that moment I knew what I must choose.

* * *

My footsteps were leaded as I made my way through the twisting corridors towards Father's study. Anxiety coursed through every fibre of my body. I steeled my resolve.

I noticed with shocked detachment that my hands were trembling as I raised them to knock on the door. I made them into fists; digging my nails into the flesh, hoping the pain would quell the movement. I took a deep breath, forcing my heart to slow its frantic beating.

Now or never.

I knocked and pushed the door open.

* * *
The room was in shadow; the only light came from the fire, which was burning low in the fireplace. Father stood with his back towards me, staring through the French windows at the relentless storm - a Lord surveying his lands. I could see his hands clasped behind his back, his long white blond hair loose on his shoulders, his stance alert and dangerous.

I made it halfway across the study when he turned towards me, his face half hidden in the shadows, his expression unreadable. A cold, chilly fear crept up my belly. I fought the urge to panic and bolt from the room, and firmly stood my ground.

And then he stepped towards me.

Slowly.

His boots made no sound on the carpet.

My blood froze in my veins as I saw his face for the first time that night. He had sensed my trepidation; senses keen, like a hunter smelling the fear in its prey. My heart was hammering in my ears, and my body felt cold.

He put his hands on my shoulders as I stood rooted to the spot, and looked deep into me eyes. I held his gaze for what seemed like an eternity in hell; and then I looked away, unable to hold the piercing grey stare that matched mine. My mouth felt dry as sawdust, and the simple act of swallowing hurt.

Tell me, he commanded, his voice deceptively low and soft as he lifted my chin. I had no choice but to look into his eyes again, and felt it rip through my very soul, laying my emotions and secrets bare before him.

At that moment I somehow knew all that I had kept secret and close to my heart had been revealed to him. I braced myself for the inevitable. The wrath, the accusation, the disappointment.

It never came.

My arms hung uselessly at my side as Father wrapped me in his strong embrace. I felt turbulent emotions churned through him, his magical energy overwhelming mine. He took a step back, but did not release my shoulders. I knew how easy was it for him to snap my collarbone, if he had so wanted. I had seen him do that before, many times. We held each other's gaze, grey on grey.

Go, my Son, he whispered in a tone filled with sorrow. Go to him. Let him protect you. Only he could protect you now.

My mind reeled in confusion, unwilling to believe my ears. My breath felt afire, and then I was overcome by the sadness in his eyes, and -

--- love.

Father clasped me close to him, as he use to do when I was a child. Be safe, Draco, he said, his voice low and urgent. We each had to live by the choices we made, his breath stirring my hair. It is still not too late for you.

And I understood; like a barricade had been torn asunder, I finally understood the sacrifice that Father had made for me.

I fought the hot, prickling tears at the back of my eyes; I fought to hold them back. But I failed, and I felt a single tear slide down my cheek, shining in the firelight. I could only nod mutely.

As I stepped away from my Father, the truth hit me.

This would be the last time I see him on neutral grounds. Father had made his choices long ago. The next time we meet we'd be on opposing sides. But for now, he had given me the ultimate gift a parent ever could bestow on their child.

The freewill to choose my destiny.

* * *

Lucius's POV

As he left the room, I knew I had lost our cause a follower forever; but gained the respect and love from my son.

* * *

Draco's POV

I saw Mother waiting in the hallway as I made my way back to my room. She smiled wistfully and beckoned me towards her with an elegant wave of her hand. She looked at my face with such tenderness, and she carefully tucked my hair behind my ears. She pressed her lips to my forehead, and I saw tears shimmering in her eyes.

My emotions were in turmoil as she took me in her arms and hugged me fiercely. And just a suddenly she broke away. She pressed a slender box into my hands and ran the back of her fingers on my cheek.

And then she was gone.

* * *

Back in the confines of my room, I looked at the box Mother gave me, turning it over and over in my hands. I spring the clasp open; inside was a note in my Mother's script.

Be safe, my Son. Farewell.

And a Portkey.

How long did I sit wrestling with my emotions, I had no idea. As the first light of the breaking dawn broke over the eastern skies, I held my breath and tipped the Portkey onto my open palm.

* * *

I landed hard on my feet, and lurched forwards on all fours. The Portkey slipped from my hand, clattering with a metallic noise onto the stone floor. I looked around me, trying to make out the landscape.

Hogwarts.

I was back at Hogwarts.

* * *

The castle was chillingly empty; the feeble light of the early morning filled the rooms, making everything soft-edged and shadowy. An urgent ache coursed through me, filling my mind with just one thing.

I had to see you.

My heart pounded in my ears as I ran through the darkened corridors towards my dormitory. The journey seemed to take much longer than normal as I raced down the stairs dodging the stray obstacles along the way. The dormitory was empty and cold. I kicked my trunk open and grabbed my broom. I ran up the dungeons stairs two at a time, despair putting wings to my feet. I arrived at the deserted quadrangle, where the colonnade threw dark and light relief in alternating patterns.

My footprints crunched on the snow, and I mounted my broom and flew towards Gryffindor Tower. The cold bit through my cloak, sending goosebumps up my arms. The wind chilled my skin, whipping my hair into my eyes and I could hardly keep them open. As I hovered outside your dormitory window, a sudden irrational fear struck me. What if you were not here? What if you had a change of heart?

I threw caution to the wind and decided to chance it. I drew my wand out, and cast the spell to unlock the windows.

Suddenly strong arms were grabbing at me, hauling me inside. I stumbled, my broom clattering noisily onto the floor. Then those same arms were pulling me upright, wrapping me in an embrace.

I sensed rather than felt the hot, urgent kisses that rained on me - covering my cheeks, my eyes, my mouth. I clung to you as profound relief swept through me. God, I had so missed you.

You took my hand and led me to your bed, your eyes never leaving my face. I lowered my eyes, forcing my heart to slow its frantic beat as I followed you, step by step.

And your hands were all over me again, and it felt so good. I'd never realized how much I missed them. But now, having those beautiful hands on me, caressing me, I felt my fear and tension melt away. I nuzzled into your neck, breathing in the warmth there, my tongue flicking tiny circles against your jugular.

You came back, you whispered in my ear, your breath warm on my frozen cheek.

Then your hands were underneath my cloak, trailing slowly up my spine, stroking me tenderly as only you knew how. I was lost in your embrace, insensate. You trailed slow kisses on my face, and I could only nod mutely. And your hands were on my skin, warming the flesh there. My cloak slid down to the floor, my robes undone.

Then you kissed me.

I clung to you like a drowning man clinging to a lifeline. My body felt on fire, and all I could hear was the pounding of my blood in my ears. I could not tell when we went from vertical to horizontal, locked in a fierce embrace, your body on top of mine.

You covered me with hungry kisses, and I realised every time you kissed me, you kissed me senseless. I reached up and hooked my arms around your neck and drew you down, unwilling to let you go.

* * *

Harry's POV

My eyes snapped open and I found myself staring wide-eyed into the canopy of my bed. An irrational coldness crept through me, sending chills up my spine. I sensed your presence long before I saw you hovering hesitantly outside the windows. My heart skipped a beat, my emotions conflicting within me. I crossed the room in urgent strides, my mind filled with fear and hope.

Why were you back so soon? Had something gone wrong? Did they force you to turn towards the Dark; or did you make that decision entirely on your own? Had you come surreptitiously under the cloak of darkness; while I was sleeping, alone and vulnerable, to do the bidding of your Father and his Master?

The damning voice screamed in my head, planting fear and doubt against you, my love. I steeled my will and quelled my internal demons.

I flung the windows open almost at the exact moment you drew out your wand. I grabbed you by your arms and pulled you inside. Your broomstick clattered onto the floor.

Your body was icy cold and your grey eyes had a haunted look within them. I knew without being told that something profound had happened. I gathered you in my arms, and covered you with kisses. Your lips felt so cold and I warmed them with my kisses. You clung to me, your body shivering with cold - or was it something else? I did not know. I did not care.

I stepped back and led you by your hand to my bed. You lowered your eyes, hiding the darkness within. I felt your pulse racing in counterpoint to my own erratic heartbeat.

Your body felt so tense, emotions highly-strung, as I drew you into my embrace. God, I'd missed you so much, my love. How good it felt to hold you in my arms again; it felt so right. We felt so right.

You lowered your head onto my shoulder, turning your face towards my neck. I closed my eyes to the sensation of your warm breath against my skin, your tongue running slick circles on my throat. I cradled the back of your head gently and whispered in your ear, You came back.

I lifted your face towards mine and covered you with gentle kisses, and you closed your eyes - a wistful smile on your lips. I felt the stress in your body dissipate and you nodded silently.

Have I ever told you how much I loved you? Perhaps not. Have you ever wondered how much you meant to me? How I lived with the constant fear that one day you might walk away and never come back? Where would I be then?

But you were here; and that was all that mattered.

Your cloak slipped to the floor, followed by your robes; your fingers working its way feverishly to unbutton my shirt, sliding it over my head. And we were melding against each other, skin to skin, hot and flushed with mutual desire.

I kissed you.

Your lips parted willingly against mine and I felt your tongue reaching urgently into my mouth. I could feel the heat, the sheer desperation in your kisses. You clung to me, your fingers raking down my back, marking the skin, as we fell onto the bed in a frenzy of desperate kisses.

Your breathing became harsher, as I moved to cover your body with mine. I held your head in place with one hand, tangling my fingers in your tousled hair and slid the other around your waist. Your heart was beating impossibly fast in tune to my own. I pressed you closer, as if I could fuse our bodies together. You arched your body just as I ground my hips down against yours, the shock sending me teetering to the edge of consciousness.

Harry, you gasped, your eyes fluttering open; your face flushed with arousal.

I bit down gently on your chin, and eased down the zipper on your trousers, pushing them down your hips, letting you kick them off as I went to work on mine. My coherent thoughts dissolved as I heard your impassioned pleas: Oh yes, oh yes.

We clung to each other for what seemed like an eternity, no words were spoken - our bodies coming together, articulating our emotions more eloquently than mere words. As I rolled off you, our passion spent, I noticed the tears tracking down your cheeks. I reeled back in shock, my heart thumping madly in my mouth.

And I felt cold, bone-cold - yet I was drenched in sweat from our lovemaking. Blind panic overcame me as I grabbed my wand from the bedside table and set up a ward around the bed. My pulse was racing, as I choked a tremulous Lumos. The light cast an eerie glow on the bed, the metallic tang of magic hung in the air. You gasped in shock as I grabbed your arms roughly, pulling you up searching for the dreaded mark.

Your arms were unmarked.

Still the irrational fear gnawed my insides, and I controlled my breathing, forcing my hands steady. I held the wand in my sweat slicked hand, going over every inch of your skin, turning you over with more force than necessary - searching and probing.

There was nothing.

Your choking sob brought me back from the edge, and I looked at your tear-streaked face. I recoiled at the memory of my action, but I had to be sure, love. I'd never meant to hurt you.

I pulled you up against my chest as I lay back on the pillows, the blankets tangling over our entwined bodies. You lay in the crook of my arm and chest, without a single protest, your hand trailing gently on my stomach. I brushed the tears from your face with gentle, wondering fingers; one hand squeezing your shoulders. Oh God, please forgive me my love - I should have never doubted you. But I had to be sure.

Harry, your voice was hushed and full of ache that I felt too clearly; an ache that was matched by the one in my own heart.

So I did what I could - I held you tight in my arms and rocked you gently like an infant, whispering words, hoping to chase away whatever demons had been tormenting you. But deep down inside, I knew that only you had the power to purge the poison out of yourself; so I held onto you as you cried silent tears onto my chest.

* * *
Draco's POV

The thing that I had been fighting on and off ever since I left Father's study was threatening to overpower me.

The emotions that I felt accumulated to an ache that I could no longer contain. My throat was paralysed and my chest hurt when I tried to breathe. The anguish, the bereavement, the bitterness and a whole slew of hitherto unknown emotions surged to the surface, shattering the barrier that I had been taught to erect with the force of a dam breaking. I screwed up my face against the howl of misery fighting to get out of me.

You held me tight in your arms in a protective embrace, rocking me gently. I wanted to pour my grief out to you, to purge my inner demons but I did not know how.

I cried myself to exhaustion, frantically clinging to you; the pounding in my head finally subsided and the vice-like claws that came with it dissolved as you held me tighter, cooing to me soft comforting words.

You held me close like my own shelter in a storm. I felt your soft, gentle caress; your tentative kiss on my forehead. Your magical energy enveloped me with warmth and protection.

And I knew Father was right.

Only you could keep me safe from the approaching Darkness.

* * *

Harry's POV

You cried yourself to sleep, your hands gripping tightly onto me. I dried the tears on your face and cradled you in my arms, nuzzling you close; breathing in the sweet musky scent of you. I gazed for long moments at your sleeping face, as your features slowly relaxed and your breathing became deep and regular.

I was drifting between consciousness and sleep when I sensed you stirring.

-- love you, you whispered in my ear, then subsided into deep breathing that told me you were still really asleep.

I looked hard and long into your beloved face and felt an ache in my heart. I wanted to protect you so much my love, from whatever impending horrors that would come our way.

Yet, I did not know if I would be able to.

* * *

Draco's POV

Consciousness came in small gentle waves. I felt your body heat enveloping me like a soothing blanket, your fingers tracing small, slow circles on my shoulders as I lay wrapped in your embrace.

These moments between sleep and full wakefulness, the shared intimacy between lovers allowed me to forget the horrors and atrocities of the world outside. The inevitable full-scale war, my Father's part in it, our struggle for survival against the threatening Darkness.

Darkness that used to hold me in its thrall when I was young, foolish and arrogant. I was seduced by its power and promises. But I had since realised that power did not count for everything; there was how much you were willing to sacrifice for what you wanted.

I felt you stir against me, gathering me in your arms, pressing light butterfly kisses on my eyelids. It never failed to amaze me how you could be so gentle and tender towards me - yet ruthless to your enemies and those who threatened harm to your loved ones.

I knew you had many questions that demanded answers; yet you kept your silence, allowing me the freedom to make my own decisions, on my own terms. You had never demanded anything from me that I had been unwilling to give; and for that I love and respect you.

You turned on your side and we lay face-to-face, foreheads bumping together. You cupped my head with one hand, tracing lazy circles in my tousled hair, and slid the other around my waist, stroking my back in gentle, sensuous caresses. I surrendered to the barrage of sensations and responded by entwining our legs together, and pressing my lips against yours. I pushed my naked body close to you, taking comfort in your possessive embrace.

* * *

Harry's POV

The persistent drizzle finally stopped in mid-afternoon leaving the sky clear and clean. The sun broke through the clouds, sending strokes of gold and pink across the room. Dust motes swirled in the weak light that streamed through the windows.

The room was chilly, as the fire had gone out sometime after daybreak.

You sat across from me on the bed, head bowed, fingers worrying a stray thread on the quilt. We sat in silence for hours, each not knowing how to broach the subject.

I could not stay passive anymore. I beckoned you to the window, handed you your broom, my own already in my hands. We flew to the lake and settled down in a secluded spot, watching the icy beauty of the winter landscape of the surrounding mountains.

I brushed a stray lock out of your eyes. Had I told you how much I love touching your hair and see your tender expression? I smiled at the sudden thought, and I could not help but run the back of my fingers gently from your hairline to your cheek. You turned your face into my hand and kissed it.

You took my hands in yours, rubbing them softly, as if to warm them. Your eyes were locked firmly on the ground, and I heard the sharp intake of breath, moments before you tightened your grip.

And then you spoke, hesitantly at first; then in a rush of words - as if afraid if you should falter it would remain unspoken forever. You poured out your soul, your voice ragged with grief and sorrow; and I let you, not once interrupting. When the words were exhausted from your lips, and silence fell between us, I finally braved a look into your eyes.

There was an unfamiliar fire burning within, and a longing so strong, I felt my breath catch in my throat. It pleaded to me as waves of raw emotions swept through your face, laying your soul bare. And then you let go of my hands and turned away.

You stood staring out at the lake, your back towards me, your arms wrapped around yourself in a posture of sadness and defeat. Were you crying my love? I couldn't tell. All I knew was that I wanted to hold you, to protect you, to love you and keep you safe. I wanted to take away your sadness and pain, and see that smile on your face again.

I crossed the few feet between us and took you in my arms. You returned the embrace, hesitantly at first, then with a sob that was half grief and half relief, held me so tightly that my body hurt.

Then, I took a step back, but my hands did not leave your shoulders. You tilted your chin towards me, your fringe obscuring your eyes, and for the first time that day you smiled. Whatever you read in my face made you smile; like the sun coming from behind the clouds, your smile left me dazzled in its honesty.

And I knew, without you having to utter a single word that you loved me, unreservedly. And I you, I whispered.

Then suddenly, there was no distance between us, and I was holding you in my arms again - our bodies melding together as we covered each other with hot, urgent kisses. We sank to our knees, tumbling in the snow, locked in our passion.

I gasped as I felt your icy hand sliding under my jumper, making contact with the bare skin. I shook my head and grinned weakly; my glasses askew and my hair full of snow. You looked at me in a mixture of surprise and amusement - I must have looked like a pathetic half-drowned rat, shivering in the cold. Your mouth twisted into a smile. And you laughed.

Your laughter was like silvery peals, it echoed into the distance; the only sound for miles around. And when it finally subsided there were tears of merriment in your eyes. You looked at me with profound tenderness, and my heart ached - I could hardly breathe.

You rolled off me and offered your hand, pulling me up, brushing the snow out of my hair and gently setting my glasses straight. Your lips curled in a small mischievous smile, and you planted a small chaste kiss on the corner of my mouth.

We walked back to the castle, hand in hand; broomsticks over our shoulders.

* * *

Night comes early in winter, and since there weren't many students staying back in Gryffindor during the Christmas break, I didn't have to persuade you spend the night with me. You didn't protest, nor were you inclined to. You would have done so without me asking you.

We made our way back to the dorm after dinner, replete and comfortable in each other's company. My mind wandered back to the lakeside earlier in the afternoon; to your soul-baring confession about your father, your insecurities, your fears, your hopes for the future and your unspoken hope for us. I knew deep in my heart, I wanted so much to protect you, to prove to you that your father was right - and his sacrifice had not been in vain; even for a notorious Death Eater, whom one day I might have to face down.

I was still staggering under the import of the situation, and was mildly surprised to find myself standing before the Fat Lady. You touched my elbow gently, a small questioning smile on your lips. I brought myself back to reality, glanced sideways at you and gave the password.

We passed a couple of junior students in the common room who ignored us, engrossed in some animated debate of their own. They reminded me of my best friends, and our crazy plotting and planning against the Dark Lord when he hadn't returned to full power. I smiled wistfully at the memory. You must have seen the shadow in my eyes, and you squeezed my hand gently.

And then we were outside the dormitory. You stepped forward and pushed the door open, beckoning me inside and sliding the bolts in as soon as I stepped over the threshold; a small smile curling your lips.

A fire was burning in the fireplace and the house-elves had been in to tidy the place. I watched you in silence as you walked around the room - touching the hangings on the empty beds, picking up objects at random and replacing them, staring at Dean's Muggle football poster and grimacing at Ron's gaudy Chudley Cannon's - all the while avoiding any eye contact. You strolled to the hearth, and squatted facing the fire, your back towards me. Your white blond hair turned golden in the reflected light, and you looked like an angel.

I crossed the room and placed a hand on your shoulder, gripping it lightly. You turned your face and looked down at my hand, then up towards me. I staggered mentally as I found myself gazing into the darkened greyness of your eyes, eyes that seemed mainly pupils. You straightened up with deliberate slowness, your cloak slipping to the ground, watching my face intently.

I stood rooted to the spot as you gently unclasped my cloak and slid it off my shoulders, never breaking the eye contact. I felt alternatively hot and cold, as your fingers moved underneath my jumper; and I noticed with detached amusement that your loose shirt was already unlaced down to your navel and your feet bare.

Then your lips were gently and softly brushing against my cheek. You ran them along my neck, just barely making contact with the skin. My heart was pounding in my ears yet again, and I gasped as you softly sucked at my pulse point, your warm breath on my neck.

Your fingers trailed slow caresses down my spine and you stepped closer to me. My senses were on fire and I felt the stirring of primitive arousal deep inside of me. I could smell the musky undertones of your skin and the sweetness of your breath.

Your removed my glasses and placed them carefully on the mantelpiece, your gaze firmly on my face. Then you were pulling my jumper off, undressing me slowly, seductively. You ran your fingers through my hair and I started making strange sound I couldn't stop. My mind was full of you and I held your face in my hands - my fingers tracing the fragile contours of your cheeks, you eyes, your nose and your lips.

My beloved, I whispered, willing you to understand the sheer volume of love that I felt. Had I ever told you how much I love you, wanted you and needed you? But I am no master of words, and words had always failed me, and I ached inside knowing that I couldn't articulate my love for you and how much I love you - except physically.

As I gazed once again into your eyes, I saw the understanding etched within it, and the very same emotions mirrored in the windows of your soul.

* * *
Draco's POV

Earlier by the lakeside, I had never imagined that pouring my soul out to the only person that I loved so dearly beyond life could trigger the catharsis within me. I felt the leaden burden of confused emotions lift from my shoulders and disappeared into the ether. And then you were holding me, making soft comforting sounds in my ear, so tenderly that it hurt.

I felt a strange stirring deep within me and a sudden violent desire ripped through every nerve in my body. I realised at that instant how desperately I wanted to consummate my love for you - to share with you, and only you, unreservedly, all of me. Body, mind and soul.

And now as I looked into your darkened emerald gaze, I saw the same burning desire in your eyes. My heart jumped for joy.

I lifted your hand to my face, gently kissing your fingers one by one. Oh, how I love the feel of your fingers in my mouth, as I ran my tongue slowly over each one, sucking and nipping softly. You have such beautiful hands you know, and I wanted them to hold me, stroke me and caress me senseless.

So I took a step back, and another - leading you to your bed, our clothes strewn on the floor, long forgotten. I pulled you on to my lap, my breath heavy with lust and hunger. And then I felt your tongue flicking across my lips, you warm breath tantalisingly close and all I could do was to close my eyes and moan, surrendering completely to your touch.

Then your tongue was on my neck, my earlobe and my ear. I shuddered as you covered my ear with your mouth and exhaled gently. Your hands were on my shoulders, your breath on my neck, your teeth nipping and teasing its way down my chest and across the flat planes of my belly. Your hands moved slowly to the back of my head, your fingers running circles in my hair. I hauled you up and grabbed your waist tighter, a groan escaping my lips.

I fell flat onto my back, insensate, one hand holding onto your sweat-slicked skin, the other grabbing urgently at the nest of blankets. God, you felt so good. You were moving lower onto my belly, nipping and teasing; your tongue flicking in my belly button, driving me crazy with hitherto unknown desire. I was already in an advanced state of arousal and I knew a touch of your hand could send me spinning into release.

Your body was sliding down my legs, your nails scratching at my hips, your tongue running circles in my inner thighs - and I was thrashing in a frenzy, my arms flung bonelessly over my head, my knees gripping your shoulders and my body arching with intense pleasure.

Then your mouth was covering me, your tongue swirling slowly on my head; your fingers were running light feathery touches on my raphe, and my body jerked convulsively. You knew instinctively what would drive me wild the fastest, love, and then you pressed your thumb firmly into the perineum, sending me right over the edge. Oh god, oh god! I screamed, twisting and turning; my hands clutching wildly at the blankets and I squeezed my eyes shut as lightning bolts shot across the backs of my eyelids.

My heart was pounding like a trip-hammer, my breathing ragged and my vision hazy. I stared half-dazed at you as you crawled up my body, a satisfied smirk on your face. I captured your lips in mine, tasting the sweet saltiness of my release upon your tongue. My hands were shaking - from the cold or apprehension I didn't know, didn't care.

You broke the kiss and hoisted yourself on all fours. I moaned at the sudden loss of contact. You looked at me with such tender passion and my mouth went dry. You lifted a hand and placed it gently on my shoulder, your gaze never leaving my sight. I felt a surge of raw emotions connecting the both of us.

Draco, you called my name so softly, so gently - your fingers running lightly from my collarbone, teasing at my nipples before trailing further down. Draco, you repeated, a smile playing on your lips, your voice seductive; I'd imagine I was being seduced by an Incubus. Then you pressed your hand gently on my hip, your fingers kneading rhythmically into the flesh.

I lost any coherent thoughts as you turned me on my side, and lay beside me - our bodies perfectly aligned from head to toes. You placed a small kiss on my nose and gently bit me on the chin. I sighed and ran my hands on your skin. You had such beautiful skin; so warm and soft - I wondered for the thousandth time how any man could possess such skin.

You nudged your right leg between mine, and I could feel your arousal pressing against my thigh. I responded by hooking my left leg over your hips and smiled a secret smile of amusement when a sudden unbidden thought crossed my mind. You always lie on your left, keeping your wand hand free; a habit shared by olden days warriors so that their sword hand were free to protect themselves and their loved ones from harm.

Were you conscious of that, Harry?

I kissed my way slowly down your body, lingering over your nipples, making them hard as I swirled my tongue slowly over them. Your hands felt good as they tangled in my hair; your fingers stroking my neck in a light sensuous touch. I buried my face in your belly, breathing in your smell - and it made me smile. You, my love, smelled of sex; and I felt my arousal stirring once again.

Your body was hot and slick with a satiny sheen of sweat, and I could hear your heartbeat hammering in your chest. I let my hair tickle your belly, down to your navel and the hollow of your hipbone as I covered every inch of your beautiful skin with hot, hungry kisses. My hands couldn't get enough of you, my love - and I ran feverishly them down your hips, your inner thighs, and your calves. I wanted to possess every inch of you, wanting to make you mine and mine alone.

I trailed slow kisses from one side of your hip to the other, brushing my lips tantalisingly near your hardness. You shifted slightly, your fingers tracing indolent circles in my hair. I pushed you gently onto your back and rested my head on your belly; my body curled against your legs, my fingers kneading gently in the skin of your inner thighs. I felt your fingers pushing tenderly at my damp fringe, and I looked up into your eyes.

A thrill coursed through me and I felt paralysed by the emotions that I saw burning in the darkened emerald - a potent mixture of lust, desire and love. You looked at me for long moments and gave me a slow sensuous smile. I felt a chill freezing my spine as you placed your thumb in your mouth, sucking it suggestively, then running it over my lips, before finally pushing it into my mouth. I dug my nails convulsively into your hip, making you buck in response.

Then my mouth was sliding over you, and it felt electric. God, how I love the feel of you in my mouth, and I plunged back down, sinking impossibly far down your length. Your nails were digging into my back, one hand clutching at the blankets, your fingers stiffening, and then relaxing alternatively. I closed my eyes to the assault of intense sensations, and my mouth was full of you.

I couldn't process a single coherent thought, couldn't stop myself making strange sounds; my body feverish, my heart beating too loudly in my ears, my blood felt like burning acid - and my nails were raking your skin in wanton abandon, I didn't care if I drew blood.

Then you grabbed my arms and hauled me up to sit on top of you. You covered me with passionate kisses, you hands were everywhere; touching me and stroking me in my secret places with an urgency that left me senseless. I tilted my head back, my hands linked tightly around your neck; and your teeth were on my throat, nipping hard at the jugular. I moaned in abandon, not caring if anyone overheard us.

You had always been passionately aggressive, but tonight there was an extra dimension to your aggression, an added urgency to the blind passion. I was a prisoner of our mutual desire - all I knew was that I wanted you with me, inside me.

God, Harry, I gasped, my voice thick with lust. I love you so much.

For a heart-stopping moment I thought I felt you freeze, and I opened my eyes to gaze into your intense stare. I gently touched your face, tucking a lock of hair behind your ear. You gripped my hips tightly, and you turned your face into my hand; and you ran a slow teasing tongue across my palm. I shuddered at the touch, my body burning. I captured your face in my hands and drowned in those captivating emerald eyes.

I love you so much, I repeated, so softly I couldn't tell if it was all in my mind. And I would love you even if you were a Muggle, or a squib, or -

My voice faltered, and I swallowed hard. My chest had constricted, my heartbeat too loud.

Or? You prompted gently, a tender expression on your face.

I lowered my eyes; unable to hold your gaze, because looking at you was so good it hurt.

- Or a woman, I whispered hoarsely.

Then your lips were upon mine, your tongue prising my mouth open, and your fingers pushing into me - slick and wet - and I was drowning, drowning in hot passionate kisses; my body limp, my mind delirious.

And you were calling out my name, Draco, Draco, Draco, over and over; like a mantra. I would have answered if I could.

Then you were sliding me upwards, and downwards as I sat astride you. And you were guiding me, and I felt every nerve in my body burn with pleasure and pain; you slowly filled me inch by beautiful inch. I lost every coherent thought, every dredge of willpower as I surrendered body, heart and soul to you.

Are you okay? You asked, your voice soft, belying the concern as you watched me intently. I could only nod my head in affirmation.

I pushed against you, eyes fluttering closed, a moan escaping my lips. I pushed a little more, taking all of you inside me. We remained unmoving for what seemed like forever, each drowning in the intense sensation of our consummation.

Then you were sliding me up, so very slowly - as if afraid that I might break. I trembled in your arms, and you kissed me, whispering my name and sweet endearment. And you were sliding me down and up in deliciously long strokes; and I felt a powerful sensation hit me, something hitherto unknown - and I could not help but scream with pleasure.

I never knew losing control could be so good; and we rocked together, locked in passion - our bodies sliding against each other, slick and sweaty, kissing and caressing each other into a frenzy. I was falling, falling into you.

My Harry, my beloved.

As you watched my face shatter into climax, your body got pulled in and we made it together. I knew this was where I belong.

With you.

From this moment on, and forever.

~ Fin ~

© Zed Adams - Aug/Sep 2002