PART THREE


Narcissa visited again. This time she asked Harry to stay. Harry claimed that he had errands to run and wouldn't be able to stay for lunch. He nodded and smiled at Draco who seemed a bit taken aback by Harry's refusal to stay. Harry also noticed Narcissa raising her eyebrow when she noticed Draco's response.

Harry wandered aimlessly for a while and eventually found himself in Diagon Alley. He purchased new clothes for Draco, along with new pyjamas and several books. He figured if Draco was going to continue hiding in his room during the day and only come out for a couple hours of telly every night he might as well give him something useful to do.

On his way back, Harry came across a shop called 'For your pleasure.' It was a BDSM accessory shop and Harry was intrigued by it. He looked in through the window and saw a collar on a mannequin. The shopkeeper, a woman who looked around the age of forty with short black hair and an equally short skirt with fishnet stockings invited him in.

"I noticed you looking at the collar. Would you like to see it?" She didn't wait for an answer, and took the collar off the mannequin, handing it to Harry. He didn't respond, just held it. There's no point in being rude, he thought.

The woman continued talking and eventually jumped into the topic of "how to have a conversation with your lover about wearing a collar—discovering your deeply rooted desires and bringing pleasure in the bedroom." Harry awkwardly nodded.

Harry saw the look in her eyes, but she had had no effect on him. "If you've got a new one, I'd like to purchase it please. Can I pay with a credit card?" Harry asked resulting in the woman giving him the biggest grin he'd ever seen on anyone except Ron when one told him it was lunch time. She took the collar from his hand and placed it back on the mannequin.

"Sure, I'll go get it."

Harry eventually returned home, his arms full of purchases. Draco seemed pleased to see him. He had prepared dinner—lamb stew and rice pilaf—Harry's favourite. Harry was even more surprised to see a new kitchen table. It was a gift from Narcissa. In turn, Harry showed Draco the items he'd bought for both Draco and for the flat.

"What's in the other bag?" Draco asked after he opened the bags that were full of new clothes and books.

"It's something personal for myself," Harry answered, placing the bag behind him and attempting to not look uncomfortable. Draco raised an eyebrow and looked even more curious than before. Still, Harry stood his ground and didn't open the bag in front of him. "Well, I'll go freshen up for dinner," Harry announced as he all but sprinted towards his room with the 'mystery bag' and hung the sealed bag behind the door in his room.


•⁰•


Another week passed and the routine continued. Draco spent time alone in his room reading and writing. Nearly every day they would have breakfast and dinner together, and Harry usually left the flat in the afternoon to give Draco his space. He either met up with Hermione for lunch or went to the supermarket because Draco still refused to go to an all-Muggle establishment.

One late morning, Narcissa visited again. She usually visited Draco in the afternoon when Harry wouldn't be home, but she claimed she had errands to run and had to push her appointment early. Harry opted to stay in his room whilst Narcissa visited.

Harry overheard Narcissa telling Draco that he looked healthier than he'd looked in a long time.

"Maybe Harry is good for you."

Harry stood up from his chair when he realised that Draco's mother was speaking about him.

Draco, in his most articulate glory, announced to Narcissa that they only slept next to each other to satisfy the curse.

"Otherwise Potter has no interest in me, nor do I have any interest in him." Harry's heart sank when he heard Draco say the words. "If anything, he only did it to ease his own guilt for allowing the Ministry to sell Death Eaters as slaves."

"But—" Narcissa began to speak again, but Draco harshly told his mother to drop the subject.

Dinner that night was the quietest yet. Harry wasn't sure what else Draco and Narcissa had discussed, but something had put Draco in a bad mood. Draco took the liberty to criticise Harry's selection for groceries in his subtle manner. Harry couldn't even get upset with Draco because he was afraid that would only result in Draco retreating and hiding in his room.

Thankfully, the house phone rang and distracted Harry from thinking about what was bothering Draco.

Draco was again startled by the sound of the telephone. He dropped the dish he was carrying as he jumped up to the sound. After nearly three months living with Harry, he still wasn't used to all the Muggle implementations around the house.

Draco watched Harry like a hawk as he talked on the phone.

"Hello?"

Harry was startled by the voice on the other end. He'd recognised it straightaway. It was Leonardo. Harry didn't mean to, but his voice changed and he was sure Draco noticed it also because he turned to look at Harry, eyes curious, wondering who he was talking to.

"Hey, it's Leonardo. Do you want to get together tonight?"

"I am busy at the moment. I can't tonight; I've got a guest," Harry all but whispered into the phone. He was staggeringly nervous.

Draco raised an eyebrow.

"Come on, Harry. I haven't seen you in forever. You've all but disappeared on me," Leonard said plaintively.

"Okay, maybe drinks later on tonight. Ring me up when you're on your way." Harry hung up the phone shortly after. He was afraid to meet Draco's eye, what would he say to him? Draco was still afraid of his own shadow. How would he react to meeting someone new, especially a Muggle?

"Trouble?" Draco asked, killing the silence that had filled the room after Harry hung up the phone.

"Someone—a friend, might stop by later tonight for a drink. With everything that's been going on lately, I have sort of stopped seeing people. I suppose they've noticed," Harry said. He immediately began setting up the kitchen table for dinner.

"Do you require me to disappear for the night?" Draco asked. Harry was unsure of what to say—unsure of Draco's reaction. Was Draco's question genuine, or was he testing Harry?

"He's a Muggle," Harry answered finally. "It shouldn't be a problem if you decide to join us. I mean, it would be nice if you joined us."

Draco nodded and turned to serve the food. They ate quietly and the silence remained for the rest of the evening. Harry did his best to read Draco's expressions, but he had no luck. He did notice that Draco was looking sickly again.

Harry knew he could no longer deny it; he had developed intense feelings for Draco. He thought about shagging him all the time.

After the quiet dinner, Draco and Harry watched telly for an hour before Draco retreated to his room. Harry, unsure of what to do and what to think, hoped that perhaps a shower would make him feel better. It did not.

The telephone rang and Leonardo confirmed that he was coming. Ten minutes later there was a knock on the door and Harry invited Leonardo into his flat. He looked the same as he had months ago.

"Is everything alright?" Leonardo asked, kissing Harry's cheek as he entered the living room and took a seat on the sofa. The sofa where Harry usually sat with Draco to watch telly.

"Yeah, of course," Harry responded with a smile. He still felt Leonardo's kiss on his cheek even though the other man had walked away. At that moment, Harry realised how long it really had been since he'd had a kiss. He'd yearned for a kiss from Draco for so long, especially when they shared a bed together every night and held onto each other as they slept.

Harry stopped in his tracks, thinking of Draco languishing in his room. What if Draco came out right now and saw Leonardo? What would Harry say? How would he explain?

Attempting to push all thoughts of Draco to the back of his mind, Harry poured them a drink.

"So, why haven't you been by the club recently?" Leonardo asked.

"I've just been busy with some personal things," Harry answered, dismissing Leonardo's inquiries.

Fifteen minutes later, Draco slowly walked out of his room and peeked into the living room. Harry noticed that Draco was wearing the brand new Muggle clothes.

He looked incredible.

Draco and Harry exchanged a look that Harry couldn't quite place. His gaze turned to Leonardo, and Harry witnessed the hesitation in Draco's eyes. He quickly made the introductions.

"I see what 'personal things' have kept you busy, Harry," Leonardo joked. He stood up to shake Draco's hand and Draco nodded confidently at Leonardo while shaking his hand.

Harry let out a sigh of relief. He was afraid that Draco would be too scared and would run away. He needed to give Draco more credit.

Harry quickly made a drink for Draco as well before Draco had a chance to leave. They sat quietly at the sofa and Harry was afraid to make eye contact with either one of them. The only time the silence was disrupted was when Leonardo spoke. He mostly kept the conversation about himself. It was as though he knew not to ask Draco any questions.

Eventually, Draco yawned and his cheeks immediately turned red. "I am sorry. I must be tired," he said. "I had best lie down. If you would excuse me." He stood up and left the room.

Harry immediately stood up as well, sitting down only after Draco left the room. He turned to look at Leonardo who had an eyebrow raised. "Don't look at me like that. He's my guest," Harry said.

"I didn't say anything," Leonardo answered with a sly smile.

"He's just a friend. A friend from school, nothing more," Harry replied, unsure of whether he was convincing himself or Leonardo.

Several more drinks later, Leonardo finally took his leave. As Harry walked him to the door, much to Harry's surprise, Leonardo pulled him in for a deep kiss. "I've missed these lips," he whispered. "I hope your friend from school doesn't mind," he added. Harry felt helpless; he didn't push Leonardo away, but felt guilty for the kiss at the same time. "Don't be a stranger," Leonardo said.

After Leonardo left, Harry closed the door and rested his head on the wood. He was struggling, but couldn't understand the feeling. Harry heard a small crash, and he turned around to see Draco, a slight look of shock was in his eyes.

"Sor—sorry," Draco stuttered. "I didn't mean to intrude. I'll just go," he said, promptly turning and retreating to his room.

"Draco!" Harry called after him. When Draco didn't stop, Harry chased after him, only to find the door locked. Deciding not to using magic, Harry returned to his room and prepared for bed hoping, that Draco would come out of his room on his own.

Draco didn't.

Harry was miserable. He tossed and turned in the bed for several hours, desperately missing Draco. Harry knew now that his loneliness had little to do with the master/slave curse and more to do with the fact that he wanted Draco.

Draco screamed again that night. His nightmares had returned. Harry ran to Draco's room, but it was still locked. He whispered a Calming Spell and the screams seemed to quiet. Harry was sure that his spell soothed Draco. Knowing that Draco's condition worsened when he was cold, Harry whispered another spell to warm Draco's room up by a few degrees. He wanted to make Draco comfortable even if he couldn't be there with him.

Sitting down and resting his head against the wall, Harry fell asleep to the sounds of muffled whimpers.

When he woke a few hours later, he decided not to return to an empty bed. Instead, he made breakfast. When Draco wandered in, freshly showered, he looked disappointed.

"What's the matter?" Harry asked.

"Thanks for pointing out that I am even more useless," Draco mumbled. The contemptuous tone had returned. Harry raised an eyebrow, unsure of what Draco meant. "I can't even provide you with any of your basic needs as your slave. I thought I had satisfied you with cooking meals."

"Draco, you are not useless," Harry replied, exasperated. "I—I just woke up early. I didn't sleep very well last night so I thought I'd just save you some time." Draco didn't look swayed. "Draco," Harry all but whispered as he closed the distance between them. "I need you—in so many ways." Harry brushed Draco's hair off his forehead; his hair was still a bit damp from the shower. He leaned in to kiss Draco, but stopped when Draco hesitated. His heart sank. He was incredibly hurt and felt extraordinarily foolish. Before he could say anything—before Draco could react—their awkward moment was interrupted by an unwelcome knock on the front door. Draco went to open the door, and Harry immediately missed his presence.

Ginny Weasley stood on the other side glaring at Draco.

"Draco, why don't you give us a few moments alone," Harry politely asked.

"Whatever the master desires," Draco answered before leaving the room.

After Draco left the room, Ginny tossed her purse on the sofa.

"I cannot believe you treat that scum with so much respect!"

"Lower your voice, Ginny; Draco can hear you," Harry said, not wanting Draco to react badly.

"Why should I, Harry? He's just a filthy slave!"

Harry's hands shook with anger. He fought to control his magic. "He's not filthy! In fact, I think he's amazing!" Ginny's mouth dropped open, no sound coming out. "He sacrificed himself to save his mother and suffered horribly at the hands of a vindictive master. Draco is more worthy of my respect than…" Harry paused.

"Than what?" Ginny snapped.

"Than you, Ginny. How can you be so cold?" Harry asked, he was genuinely concerned.

Ginny began sobbing, and Harry hugged her. She rested her head on his shoulder and he awkwardly patted her back. Her tears slowly stopped, and Ginny looked right at him. She moved forward, and it wasn't until her nose nearly touched his that Harry realised what she was doing.

He quickly stumbled back, pushing her away as he did so. "Look, Ginny, I don't want you like that. I never will."

"But why?" Ginny asked.

"I'm in love with someone else," Harry admitted.

"Who?" Ginny's voice was full of contempt.

"I can't tell you. I haven't even told them—I need to do that first," Harry confessed.

"I just—" Ginny threw her hands in the air as if she couldn't find anything to say. "I just cannot believe how much you've changed! You hated that thing."

"Ginny, just listen to—"

Ginny cut him off. "No! When you want to listen to me, you know where to find me!" She grabbed her purse and stormed out of the flat.

After Harry cleaned the kitchen, he knocked on Draco's door and said he had a surprise.

"What is it?" Draco asked, his voice anticipative.

"Do you want to go and visit Pansy?"

Draco's smile warmed Harry's heart. He wished he could just lean in and hug Draco, but he held back.

"Can you be ready in twenty minutes?" Harry asked.

"Sure." Draco's smile widened. "Just let me clean up a bit. Pansy can't stand people who aren't smartly dressed."

Harry had the feeling that Draco was giving him a hint. "I'll just get in the shower as well, then," Harry said, leaving as Draco shut the door.

As Harry entered the shower, he couldn't help but continue thinking of Draco, picturing him in the shower.

He didn't mean to do it, but he felt himself getting hard, his body aching for a release, and Harry touched himself, moaning for—begging for—Draco. Afterward, he immediately felt daft because wanking alone had the opposite effect of how he felt when he was with Draco. Harry was weaker and more tired than before. He was sure that the master/slave curse had something to do with that as well.

When Harry left the shower, he saw Draco waiting for him outside the door.

His breath hitched. Did Draco hear him? One look at the raised eyebrow told Harry that Draco had. Deciding to act nonchalant, Harry ran a hand through his hair. "Ready to leave?" he asked.

This time, Draco raised both his eyebrows, an incredulous look on his face. "I think we need to have a talk, first," he said, expression hard. "I'm not an idiot! I can tell that you're weaker than before! How do you think I feel, knowing that every time you wank my energy levels drop too!" Draco nearly howled in frustration and banged his hand against the wall. "So stop being such a selfish prick! I'm here to see to your needs, so let me." By the end of his tirade, Draco was breathing heavily.

Harry struggled with his conscience. What was he supposed to do? He didn't want to force Draco, but Draco's words did make sense, unfortunately. As always, a small voice said in the back of his mind. Still...

"I just didn't think it would be fair," Harry said. At Draco's confused look, he tried to explain his reasoning. "Remember when I tried to k-ki-kiss you earlier?" Harry stumbled over his words. "You hesitated and pulled back." Draco nodded, and Harry took it as a sign to continue. "I don't feel right asking for sexual release if you don't even want me to kiss you."

"It is part of my slave duties, Potter. I am required to provide for your sexual needs," Draco retorted. Harry noted that while Draco didn't seem overly pleased by his statement, he also didn't sound overly disgusted.

"I consider you a lot more than my slave," Harry said. If the past few days were any indication, Harry wanted Draco to be his partner, his equal.

"I am bound to you for the next two and a half years," Draco stated, effectively ending the conversation.

There was the sound of disgust Harry had been waiting for. Draco was counting the days until his release. Harry made a mental note to look into cutting a slave sentence short. He would ask the Ministry. If Draco desired to be free, Harry would provide that for him.

They Apparated to Pansy's home. When Pansy heard that Draco had stopped by to visit her, she ran through the hallway towards him and embraced him tightly. Harry felt his gut churn, resentful at how easily Pansy was able to wrap her arms around Draco.

Harry stayed with them for ten minutes or so before he felt too awkward to linger around. He looked for an excuse to leave before remembering that he was supposed to meet with Hermione anyways.

"I don't mean to interrupt," Harry said, cutting into Pansy and Draco's conversation, "but I really have to go and meet Hermione. Draco, would you stay with Pansy until I return."

Draco shrugged, seemingly unfazed. "Whatever you wish, Master."

Harry unclasped the locket he was wearing and handed it to Draco.

"This will protect you, and if you're in danger, I can easily find you," Harry said. He reached for the bracelet Draco was wearing and took it off of his wrist. "I need to keep this," he added without any more explanation. He figured that Draco respected the master-slave relationship and wouldn't argue with Harry in front of a third party.

"That's powerful magic, Potter," Pansy stated, impressed.

"Indeed," Harry replied before he turned to leave.

"Be safe," Draco uttered before Harry walked away. Draco's statement took Harry by surprise. He wondered if Draco had heard his conversation with Ginny.

Pansy and Draco must have thought the he was gone, because Pansy turned to Draco and spoke. "Draco, you've won the lottery with the best master in the entire wizarding community." Her voice was casual, teasing Draco.

"He doesn't treat me like his slave," Draco admitted.

"Then how does he treat you?"

"He treats me like his friend. His equal."

"And that's bad?"

"It certainly makes it hard for me to hate him."

"I am sure that's not the only thing it makes hard."

Harry Disapparated hastily before he heard any more of the conversation.


•⁰•


He landed unsteadily outside Hermione's home, and Hermione let him in before he could knock. They settled into chairs across from each other.

Seeing Harry pick at the fabric covering the arm of the chair, Hermione didn't bother offering food.

"You're here about the curse, right?" she asked.

Harry looked up, relieved that she had brought up the subject. "Do you have any more information?"

"No," Hermione said, shaking her head. "I'm sorry."

Harry looked down again, pulling at a loose thread. "It's okay."

"No, it's not," Hermione said. "Something's wrong, Harry. What is bothering you?" she asked. "It's more than just the curse, yes?"

"I'm weak all the time now! And the only time I'm not is when I do things I want to do but shouldn't do, and I don't know what to think or do," Harry said, reluctantly telling Hermione about his encounter with Draco in the bathroom.

"But, I don't want to rely on Draco for a sexual release to feel better. I think my magic is the reason we are still able-bodied and capable of moving around. If this curse was placed on someone else I am sure they would be suffering a lot more right now."

"You have all my love and respect, Harry," Hermione said, "but he is your slave, and you do own him. Why are you so uncomfortable requiring from him what is apparently magically imposed on you both? It's life and death."

"I can't believe you of all people are saying this to me Hermione! You've fought so hard for better treatments of house-elves and you were the only person who fought so vocally about the slave auction by the Ministry. Now you're asking me to just shag him!"

Hermione sighed. "You're in love with him," she said. "I am not asking you to shag your slave—I know that's what I sound like—I know. But like I said, you're in love—"

"I want him to want me because he desires me, not because we're magically required to have sex or we'll die," Harry nearly shouted. He tried to calm down. "Sleeping in the same bed has been helping."

"But for how long?"

"He's counting the days until he's free. That's not a sign of someone who would want to shag me willingly." They stayed silent for a while. "His touch keeps me calm," he said playing with Draco's bracelet that rested on his wrist. "I gave him my locket—Sirius' locket—and charmed it with a protection spell. He's got a piece of me with him so he'll be safe and if he's in danger, I'll know."

"Harry, you have to tell him!" Hermione spoke in a commanding voice. "You have to tell him how you feel!"

"And then what? He'll feel obligated to love me back and allow me to shag him out of duty?"

"Harry, it is so obvious that he feels something too. He slept next to you for weeks until he saw you snogging Leonardo, and then he didn't sleep next to you last night. He felt jealous, maybe even betrayed. Maybe it isn't love, maybe it isn't the same level as your feelings for him, but that doesn't mean he doesn't feel anything for you. You didn't see the way he was outraged when we brought you back from St Mungo's. He's as protective of you as you are of him."

Harry considered Hermione's words and nodded. "I should get back," he finally said. She offered to tag along with him to Pansy's house.

When they arrived, Draco and Pansy were sitting in the greenhouse having tea. Harry thought Pansy was being unusually nice to him. Draco asked why Hermione had to accompany Harry—she began to answer—even though Harry tried to stop her.

"Harry's poured all of his protective energy in the locket." She pointed at the locket around Draco's neck. "So if you were in danger it would protect you like it protected Harry against your former master. I wanted to make sure that he was safe until you both were together and were ready to return to your home."

Draco looked stunned silent by Hermione's words.

"Don't look at me like that," Harry said to Draco as Pansy stood on Draco's left and Hermione stood on Harry's right.

"Like what?" Draco asked.

"Like I mean something to you." Harry replied, not allowing himself to hope that the opposite was true. He let go of Hermione, who looked shocked by Harry's response, and placed his hand on Draco's shoulder. "Let's get back to the flat, I wish to rest."

"Yes, Master," Draco said as he placed his hand on Harry's back supporting him. "Goodbye Pansy, Granger." They Disapparated and arrived at Harry's flat moments later.

Harry immediately sat on the sofa and leaned back. Draco took off Sirius' locket and tied it around Harry's neck. Draco's face was merely centimetres away from Harry's and Harry kept staring at Draco's lips. He wanted to kiss him. Harry closed his eyes. He felt Draco's hand on his wrist as though he was thinking about whether or not he should remove his bracelet from Harry's wrist. Eventually, Draco let the bracelet be where it was and stood up and walked away from Harry on the sofa.

Harry curled up on the sofa and Draco placed a blanket on him. He could hear Draco in the kitchen making tea. Later, Draco brought a mug of tea and placed it on the table. As he began to walk away, Harry pulled on Draco's hand.

"Stay with me."

Draco sat on the floor, slowly caressing Harry's hair as Harry fell asleep. He wasn't sure if it happened or if it was his imagination, but Harry thought he felt Draco's lips on his forehead.


•⁰•


When Harry woke up hours later, he saw dinner set for two on the kitchen table with candlelight and wine glasses. Harry sensed the Heating Charm on the food. Walking closer, he found a note hanging in air.

Please stop by our room to gather your dinner companion. If you can forgive me. ~ DM.

Harry clutched the parchment against his chest. His heart was beating faster than it ever had before. The note had said our room. He walked up slowly towards the bedroom and opened the door. Harry saw more lit candles floating in the air as Draco sat on the floor, kneeling next to the bed in one of the elegant black robes Harry had bought for him.

He was wearing the collar. The collar that had been sealed in a bag behind Harry's door for weeks. There was a chain attached to the collar, and Harry was surprised. He hadn't bought a chain to go with it.

"Draco—" Harry knelt down to be eye to eye with Draco.

"I took the liberty to assume that this gift was meant for me, Master."

Harry gulped. "It was."

"Why didn't you present it to me, when you bought it?"

"I—I didn't want to make you feel obligated to wear it," Harry answered. .

"Is it okay if I wear it now?"

"Yes, of course. It's yours, you can wear it whenever."

"Thank you, Master."

"Draco, you don't have to call me that—all the time."

"I know, but I want to. I accept you as my master, unquestionably."

"I don't want to be your master." Harry declared.

"I love you," Draco announced. "Master."

"But I don't want you to love me just as you—"

"I love you as my master, as my equal, as my partner. I wish to be with you in any and all the ways you require me to be."

"Draco—" Harry hesitated. He was uncomfortable with Draco's testament. "You're not obligated—"

"Honestly, Potter. I am trying to be romantic here," Draco snapped. His tone was irritable for a second, then he smiled like a child again.

"Oh. Right. Sorry," Harry replied. Draco rolled his eyes. He offered his hand to Harry and tilted his head down as though asking for permission to stand, requesting for Harry to help him stand up. Harry wanted nothing more than to wrap his arms around Draco's waist, kiss him, then push him on his bed. But he contained himself.

As they stood face to face, Harry pulled on the chain attached to Draco's collar. "Where did you get this?" His eyes widened, intrigued.

"I Transfigured one of your ties. I hope that's alright. I'd seen you do that before with a tie when you made it into a rope—"

"I remember."

"It was one of the best days of my life," Draco declared.

"What do you mean?"

"The day you freed me, made me yours."

"You like being mine?" Harry asked, his voice still shaking. He couldn't believe that Draco wanted him exactly the way he'd dreamed.

"Of course, Master. It's the best thing that happened to me," Draco replied, kissing Harry's neck as Harry tugged slightly on his chain. "I want to make sure you know, what you said earlier today: don't look at you like you mean something to me. Harry, you mean everything to me."

"You mean that you don't count the days until you'll be free?"

"No, Harry," Draco said, "I count the days I have left to convince you to keep me as yours. Forever."

"I love you, Draco." Harry paused as he stroked Draco's hair. "My pet." Draco whimpered, but it wasn't in fear or shock. "What is it?" Harry asked, troubled as though he might have crossed the line.

"I never thought that I'd hear those words again and find them gratifying."

"Your gratification is my number one concern, Draco," Harry teased, although honest in his discourse.

Harry pulled Draco to his lips. He'd longed to kiss Draco and he couldn't wait any longer. Draco moaned into Harry's mouth and Harry tugged on the chain again. His Draco, his pet, his equal.

The phone rang in the kitchen and Draco groaned. Harry smiled at Draco's reaction and pulled on the chain as he went downstairs to answer it. Draco gladly followed his master. When they arrived in the kitchen, Draco knelt down and rested his head on Harry's hip, like a good pet.

Harry answered the phone; it was Hermione. They talked for a while as Draco was doing his best to distract Harry by rubbing his head against Harry's crotch. Harry kept glancing down at Draco, longing to touch him. Eventually he hung up the phone saying: "Thanks Hermione, I appreciate the information."

"Who was it, Master?" Draco asked, still kneeling as Harry continued to pat his head.

"It was Hermione," Harry answered.

"Oh, good news?"

"I suppose. Come let's sit and eat." Harry sat Draco on his chair across from him as he continued to hold on to the chain attached to Draco's collar. "She said that she found the loophole to break the curse—a way for our health will not be dependent on the need of a sexual release from one another."

"Oh," Draco said, almost disappointedly. "What is it?"

"The curse is broken once the slave gives consent for intercourse. My guess, our guess, was that you were bound to the curse because you never gave consent—" Harry paused, realising that it was still a painful subject for Draco.

Draco shook his head, indicating that he never gave consent for the times Caesar had had sex with him.

Harry continued, "So, if we engage in intercourse, the curse will break given that it's consensual."

"Then if we never have sex again after the first time—when my consent will be given—then we would never need to have sex in order to live?" Draco asked making a face as though he was trying to think it through.

"I suppose, yes." Harry responded. He took a bite of his food.

Draco continued eating as well. They were both quiet for a few minutes. Harry was dying to know what Draco thought.

"So think we should take all precautionary measures," Draco mused.

"Meaning?"

"Consent can mean a lot of things, for many actions, and many locations. I'll have to give consent when I am on my knees, then when we'll be on the sofa, in the shower, your bed, my bed, on the porch in the spring time—"

"What about when I'll be on my knees?" Harry asked with a smirk.

"See? That's an important one too. And other positions: my back, on the stomach, against the wall—" Draco replied, stuffing his face as though he was racing to finish the food.

"It sounds like a lifetime of consent is necessary," Harry replied, delighted.

"I am okay with that," replied Draco.

"Me too."


The End


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