3. Crossing The Line.

Albus worked his lips gently against Draco's and, without being aware he had done it, he slipped his hand up to the back of Draco's neck, his fingers sliding into his soft hair. He opened his mouth and Draco, taking this as the sign he had been looking for, slipped his tongue inside, deepening the kiss.

One kiss. Albus told himself. One kiss, then it stops...

Draco however, had other ideas. He shifted his body and moved closer to his teacher so that he was almost sitting in his lap. Draco had felt his excitement rise when Dumbledore had begun to cradle the back of his head so gently. He felt his desire go through the roof when Dumbledore's large, strong hand took hold of the narrowest part of his waist and held him firmly.

One kiss melted seamlessly into another, and another as Draco paused for mere split seconds to breathe before returning his lips to Dumbledore's, kissing him with fervour and dedication.

It was incredible, Albus couldn't deny it. The second Draco's lips had locked with his had been a magic moment, sweet and intoxicating. This beautiful, if irritable and complicated young creature poured all of his energy and enthusiasm into these perfect kisses. Albus felt himself falling over the edge, passing the point of no return. Crossing the line. Desires long forgotten stirred within him as Draco gracefully moved into his lap and wrapped an adoring arm around his neck. Draco seemed to want as much contact with him as was possible, holding his body close and shifting to get as near as he could. It made so little sense, Albus thought, that this spiky aggressive boy who showed nothing but hostility to the whole world had so suddenly become so affectionate, so yielding, so sensual. It made no sense at all, yet it felt amazing.

Had Draco's lust-addled teenage brain been capable of cohesive thoughts, he would have been congratulating himself on the relative ease with which he had gone from a friendly peck on the lips, to full blown passionate kissing. Without too much effort he had managed to get himself off the detention list and into the head teachers lap in less than 48 hours. Dumbledore had been far more receptive to this than Draco had imagined he might be. 'Perhaps I'm not the first...' Draco wondered. If this were the case, it would make taking the next steps easier. Dumbledore had always seemed to Draco to be a very moral man. Draco wondered just how easy it would be to persuade him to take a 15 year old student to his bed? Draco rested his hand on Dumbledore's chest and, aware of a growing firmness in the head teachers lap, he moved his hand lower until he cupped Dumbledore's erection through his robes, caressing firmly as he writhed against him.

It seemed there was not just one line to cross, but many. Indulging Draco's silly misguided kisses was one thing, but how could Albus live with himself if he allowed this? Taking hold of Draco's wrist, although not actually moving his hand away, he pulled back from Draco's lips and confronted this situation.

'Draco! Stop! What are you doing?' He breathed raggedly.

'Kissing.' Draco replied with playful false innocence. He had hoped to avoid talking about what was happening. He felt he could more easily be persuasive with his body than with his words, but he knew it was unlikely that Dumbledore wouldn't have challenged his behaviour at some point.

'I think it should stop here, Draco, don't you?' Dumbledore prompted.

'No.' Draco replied. 'I don't think that at all. I don't want to stop and... I get the impression you don't either, not really.' Draco emphasised his point by working his hand against the prominent hardness beneath Dumbledore's robes.

Dumbledore breathed deeply and tried to retain his clarity of thought.

'You are my student. I am the head teacher. This sort of behaviour, well, it's inappropriate, it's... wrong.'

Draco raised his eyebrows.

'I don't think there's a law against it.' He replied.

'That may well be the case, but that doesn't make it an acceptable way to behave.'

Draco thought for a moment. This was the make-or-break conversation.

'Acceptable to who?' He asked incredulously.

'In the eyes of the world, Draco.' Dumbledore replied somewhat remorsefully. 'It's not the done thing these days.'

'You are being naive if you think it doesn't go on, like, all the time!' Draco pressed. 'Even since I've been at school. Everybody knew that professor...'

'Professor Quirrell. Yes, I know.' Dumbledore finished the sentence.

'And with students far younger than me.' Draco continued.

Dumbledore nodded.

'I'm afraid it was one of the reasons I was so keen to get rid of him. I would be something of a hypocrite if I were to commit the same offence myself.'

'I hardly think it's the same!' Draco exclaimed. 'He had slept with at least four girls in third year and two in second year, and everyone said he'd used potions to seduce them. I'm a fifth year, there are no potions involved and I... really, really want you, professor.' Draco whispered his final sentence seductively, leaning close once more.

'Draco...' Dumbledore whispered, feeling his resolve shaking as Draco placed teasing kisses on his face and neck. 'I have never done this sort of thing before.'

'Really?' Whispered Draco. 'In all your years at Hogwarts, you've never once taken a student to bed with you?'

His words shook Albus deeply as they left him with no room for uncertainty as to what Draco had in mind for the evening.

'No.' He managed firmly. 'I have never so much as kissed a student until...'

'Until tonight.' Draco finished for him, returning his lips to Dumbledore's mouth, kissing him softly and teasingly.

Albus sighed as the waves of pleasure engulfed him and he was lost in the adventure of exploring Draco's lips, his hands tracing the lines of his slender body beneath his fashionable robes.

'Please professor...' Draco whispered between kisses. 'There's nothing wrong with it... Please, take me to bed with you.'

Albus felt giddy, felt himself falling, and he realised that the point of no return had long been passed. It had not been when he allowed Draco to sit in his lap, it had not been when he allowed Draco to kiss him. It was not even when he invited Draco to stay a while, knowing full well it would only lead to trouble. The point at which he could not go back was the moment in the corridor when he allowed himself to notice and appreciate the delicate velvety softness of Draco's skin. The moment he had let himself dwell on that sensation as he walked back to his office. That was the moment he fell.

Draco took his opportunity and thrust himself desirously against Dumbledore's crotch, hoping to the Gods that his resolve would break soon. Draco was not sure he could cope with waiting much longer, he was hard as a rock simply as a result of kissing. The thought that maybe this was about to go a whole lot further drove him wild with lust. He dearly hoped it would be everything he wanted it to be. He was optimistic, as the touch of Dumbledore's hands even through his robes gave him a taste of the experience, skill and ability they possessed. Draco got the feeling this would not be disappointing.

'If anyone were to find out...' Albus tried to argue.

'Who's going to tell?' Draco asked him playfully. 'I'm not going to tell anyone... I want to be your secret, professor... You want it, I know you do.' He reached his hand down for Albus's cock again and rubbed him back and forth, impressed by the size and the firmness. He longed to get his hands on it, free of robes.

'Gods, Draco!' Albus moaned, his eyelids fluttering. If it had been a long time since he had been kissed, it was even longer since he had been touched like this. Since someone had whispered that they wanted him, since anyone had asked him to take them to bed.

'I want you so much professor!' Draco whispered. 'Please! Don't worry about anything.' He kissed him deeply. 'I want you, and I think that maybe you want me too...?' He asked hopefully.

'You are stunningly beautiful, Draco.' Dumbledore whispered breathlessly. 'I would be mad not to want you, but perhaps, crazy to want you.'

'So be crazy then.' Draco whispered. 'Just for tonight, just for once... be crazy.'

With that convincing plea, Draco stood up and extended his hand to Dumbledore. If ever there was a moment to decide, a moment when he could have backed out, this was it. However, in his mind, in his desires, Albus had already fallen.

He stood up and took Draco's hand. Without any more hesitation, he lead him silently to stairs to his private rooms.

Albus's world seemed hazy as, leading Draco Malfoy by the hand, he followed in the footsteps of so many Hogwarts head masters before him and took a student to his bedroom to become his lover.

How many nervous or excited students had made their way up this flight of stairs? Some, like Draco, willingly, others obediently, some, in the worst cases, reluctantly, tearfully, facing a 'punishment' once they reached the room at the top of the tower. Albus would never have been able to so much as sleep in those rooms had he given too much thought to those unhappy students who had been bought there against their will. It was a most disturbing thought. This situation was not like that. Draco wanted to come to his bed with him. He had asked for this. This sort of thing had always gone on at Hogwarts, as at any boarding school. It didn't make it right, Albus thought, but it didn't feel wrong. Not in the slightest, once the decision had been made and there was no turning back. It didn't feel wrong at all.

Dumbledore's bed chamber was at the very top of the tower, an attic room with exposed beams which glistened with tiny lights like fireflies. A large four poster bed stood at the far end of the room the head board against the wall. It was of a similar, although far grander, design to the beds in the dormitories, as though they had all been made at the same time. The bed clothes and curtains were not a scarlet Gryffindor red, as Draco had expected. Instead they were, in his opinion, a far more pleasing rich purple, with elaborate gold embroidery. The room was smaller than Draco had expected, but it felt very secluded and removed from the rest of the school, as though it were completely secret. For this aspect alone, it was perfect. It was also strangely aesthetically pleasing, almost romantic. Subdued lighting twinkled, and the hard lines of the walls softened with colourful tapestries which looked to come from all the continents of the globe. Draco looked about him, taking in these new surroundings. Was he really the only student Dumbledore had ever bought here?

Albus lead him over to the bed where they stood beside it facing one another. Was this really about to happen? Unable to think of the right thing to say, Draco leant in for a kiss.

Albus wrapped his arms around Draco's waist and held him close. Draco was almost exactly the same height as he was. Kissing him like this, Draco seemed far less like a student, far less like a child, and far more like a handsome young man. Although he was slim, he was well built and strong. Albus's tongue delved into Draco's mouth, exploring him deeply. This was really going to happen. Albus accepted it, and kissed with passion and enthusiasm. If he was going to fall from grace he may as well enjoy the fall.

It was Draco who was most anxious to take things further and he began to work his hands inside Dumbledore's robes, desperate for skin to skin contact. Dumbledore steadied himself and decided perhaps he would return the gesture.

Slowly he started to unfasten Draco's robes. Draco tingled with excitement. He couldn't wait to be undressed. He had a great body and he knew it. He was sure the headmaster would be impressed, especially if his claim was true and he really hadn't taken students to bed before. Albus opened Draco's robes and ran his hands lightly over Draco's pale chest. The boy was exquisite! Smooth alabaster skin, like a statue. A freshness and fragility that told you he was young, but definition of form that told you he was certainly not a child. He gave an adorable shiver as Albus caressed his naked chest. 'Perhaps he's nervous', Albus thought.

Reaching up to Draco's face, he gently swept a stray lock of hair back with a caring stroke.

'Have you done this before, Draco?' He whispered.

'Once.' Draco replied honestly, feeling a little nervous despite all of his bravado and arrogance. He had only done this once. With Theodore-three-thrusts-Nott. Draco hadn't had to do anything, just be prepared to take it. What if more was required of him? He felt a disconcerting flutter of nerves as he considered his inexperience.

Dumbledore smiled. He was a little relieved. Although an experienced lover, it had been quite some time since he had practiced these skills. The fact that Draco was not experienced made him feel a little more confident that he would be able to satisfy the boy.

'And, did you enjoy it?' Albus asked. He realised he was assuming the Draco would bottom rather than top. Albus himself enjoyed both, but Draco, perhaps due to his age and lack of experience had 'bottom' written all over him.

'It wasn't very good actually.' Draco confessed. 'He seemed to enjoy it, it didn't last long. I don't think it was really about my enjoyment, to be honest, professor.'

Albus smiled again. He remembered those first, unimpressive sexual encounters! He remembered being a teenager and simply 'letting' people fuck him, people who had no idea to how please him.

'Well, I will take good care of you.' Albus assured and kissed his forehead.

Draco, hard hearted as he was, felt himself melt just a little at these words.

'You must talk to me, Draco.' Albus prompted. 'You must tell me if I'm hurting you, you must tell me what you want.'

'I want you.' Draco smiled playfully, slipping his hands up to Dumbledore's shoulder inside his robes. He pushed the heavy fabric back, leaving the head master in only the lighter, under-robe, which was shorter and sleeveless.

Dumbledore suddenly felt self conscious. There was a stark contract between Draco's body and his own. He had correctly assumed that Draco's previous experience had been with a person close to his own age, it was unlikely that Draco had ever seen an older man unclothed before. Dumbledore was not in bad shape for his age, but his arms were not as toned as once they were, nor his legs. The texture of his skin was not as tight as it had been and did not glow with the youthful radiance that Draco's did. Surely the boy would be disgusted and run from the room in horror?

He did not. Draco had expected to feel judgemental himself. He had expected to internally gloat over Dumbledore's aging body compared to his own youth and beauty. The reality of what he felt was quite different and it surprised him.

He tilted his head, looking with curiosity at the exposed flesh of his teacher. He had never seen the head master's arms exposed before, he doubted any student had. He lightly ran his hand over his flesh. The feel of Dumbledore's skin was pleasing to him. It was soft, but the strength and firmness of the muscles beneath could not be ignored. Plus there was the magical aspect to consider. Right in this moment Draco was ever so aware of Dumbledore's incredible magical power. In close and intimate proximity to him, Draco could understand why he was considered to be the greatest wizard who ever lived. This body held all of that immense power and that in itself was irresistible. Like a moth drawn to a flame, he pressed his body against Dumbledore's and draw him into another deep kiss.

How should it happen? Dumbledore wondered. Draco would no doubt be willing and open to suggestion. He'd probably look great on his hands and knees, or standing and bending over... or laying helplessly on his back, legs up in the air... No. Dumbledore told himself. The nasty, spoilt, precocious Draco who he saw around the school, he could happily have bent him over a table and pounded him, but this Draco was a little different. Draco who liked drawing, Draco stroked his arm and smiled, Draco who wanted all the kisses he could possible get... He needed a little affection. Perhaps this was the only way he would accept any? If this affair continued beyond tonight, who knew how it would be? But tonight was about being caring and gentle. If it were not, then Albus felt himself no better than those headmasters who had taken unwilling students up to these rooms.

He reached for the bedclothes and pulled back the blankets, offering Draco the chance to get into the bed. Draco was grateful. He was nervous in spite of himself and his initial intention that he was only playing a game. He was about to have sex with the headmaster. That was scary. It might be less scary under a blanket.

They both slipped beneath the covers. The bed was far more comfortable than the dormitory beds, Draco noticed. Draco lay back against the pillow and Albus leant over him, capturing his lips once more.

The lights had dimmed a little further as they climbed into the bed. The low lighting was also reassuring. They lay beside each other, Albus slightly above Draco, taking the lead role now as Draco had done so when they were downstairs. His hands found their way to the waist band of Draco's trousers and began to work them down so that soon the boy was completely naked. As it was unfair to make Draco more vulnerable than he was, Albus removed his last garment, and their naked bodies could at last be against each other.

Draco breathed harshly with desire. He could feel Dumbledore's cock hard against his own and his longing to get his hands on it returned with a vengeance. He had been holding on to the headmasters shoulders, fingers entwining in his hair, but now one slipped down to his crotch, reaching for his prize. He was delighted when his fingers gripped the shaft and he could fully appreciate the length, the thickness and the firmness. Although it was a little bit frightening, Draco could hardly wait to feel it inside him.

The reality of the sensation of Draco's hand gripping his cock was shocking, thrilling and deeply exhilarating to Albus. The charming way the inexperienced boy tried to please him with his fumbling strokes was enchanting and dizzying in itself. Draco needed a little instruction!

Dumbledore reached his own hand down and took a gentle hold of Draco's dick. Draco gasped and his eyes fluttered at the intensity of Dumbledore's firm yet gentle strokes, slowly caressing his cock so sensuously. He could climax far too quickly as this rate! He focused on adapting his own ministrations to Dumbledore's cock to match those he was receiving.

Dumbledore smiled. Draco was a fast learner.

The heavy blankets enveloped them both, keeping them warm and secluded, creating a secret world of sensual exploration. The low lighting meant that they were guided more by touch than by sight. Hands wondered over uncharted flesh the touch drawing out needy gasps and sighs of desire. It felt so right, so natural yet so exciting. Draco's young lithe body thrust against Albus, wanting closeness, wanting contact. Draco would hold his eye contact too, in the dimly lit room. Perhaps it was less intimidating here than it had been in the office. Draco's grey eyes shone with need and longing. This angry, aggressive boy had become so gentle and receptive as a result of their physical closeness. It was the right time to take the next step.

Draco drew a deep excited breath as he felt Dumbledore's hand cup his balls and his fingers reach back towards his entrance.

'Are you sure this is what you want, Draco?' Albus whispered. He would have found it incredibly difficult to stop if Draco had been unsure, but he would have done so. However, there was no need.

'Merlin, yes!' Gasped Draco, tilting his hips upwards, desperate to be penetrated.

A whispered lubrication charm made it easy for Dumbledore to slide one finger slickly into Draco's ass. It seemed almost to immobilise Draco for a moment as he held his breath and his whole body froze. The intensity, the satisfaction the completeness he felt almost shut him down, pacified him but at the same time push him to higher levels of lust than he had ever known.

Dumbledore explored the heat of Draco's passage, longing for the moment when he could bury his cock inside him. The boy was beautiful, willing and nubile... how and why had Albus ever questioned the rightness of this? Still, he took time and great care to make Draco ready. Draco was young, slim and inexperienced. He was tight. The idea was not to hurt him, but to please him. For sex to be anything other than a painful endurance test, Draco would need to be thoroughly prepared, his muscles relaxed, his passage opened. Dumbledore knew that he was somewhat well endowed, in the past, lovers had complained and even not been able to take him. Making Draco ready was very important.

He slipped his finger back and forth slowly, never rushing or being even the slightest bit rough. Draco, now over his momentary paralysis, arched his back, keening up from the mattress and writhing with breathless gasps. Enjoying every moment, loving being touched so carefully, as though he were the most precious and delicate thing in the world. This really was going to be everything his disappointing first time had not been! Only when Draco was well and truly ready, did Albus give him a second finger.

He scissored his fingers inside Draco effectively massaging the muscles inside him, helping him to relax despite his nervousness.

Draco felt strange as he realised just how much their roles had changed from how they had been downstairs in the office. Draco had arrived with wicked intentions and had done his best to coerce Dumbledore into this. Now they had begun it was Draco who felt nervous and Dumbledore who took control. Draco found this oddly enjoyable. He realised he may be inclined to develop a kink for being dominated, but that aside, he felt incredibly safe with Dumbledore in control. He liked the feeling of knowing and trusting that he would be looked after and that his pleasure mattered. Dumbledore was deeply concerned about Draco's enjoyment. He had no need to worry on that front as Draco was almost delirious with pleasure, having not known being touched this way could be quite so breathtakingly good.

A third finger made him flinch initially and Dumbledore slowed his pace and was almost still while Draco got used to the sensation. This was enough. Enough to take Draco over the edge, but he so wanted to be fucked before he climaxed. Really fucked.

'Please, Professor.' He gasped, trying his best to hold back. 'Please... I'm... I'm ready.'

This was it, Albus thought. He was really going to do this. He was really going to have sex with a student. And by this point, he figured he may as well, because he had already crossed all of the lines he could think of. 'In for a Knut, in for Galleon!' He may as well be hung for a sheep as for a lamb, as the muggle saying goes.

He drew his fingers out of Draco and positioned himself on top of him, between his legs. He kissed Draco and stroked his pretty, flushed face kindly. Then, with one hand, he took hold of Draco's hard cock. He gripped him tightly, securely holding back his climax and keeping him poised on the edge. He moved the head of his own achingly hard cock to Draco's entrance. Whispering another lubrication charm, he pressed against Draco and slid inside him.

If Draco had been frozen into submission with one finger, it was nothing compared to this. He seemed to almost become lifeless, completely overwhelmed by the sensation of being filled by another person. His wide eyes stared up into Dumbledore's kindly face. It hadn't been like this with Theodore. They hadn't been face to face, for a start, but beyond that, it hadn't been overpowering, intense or amazing. This was.

Dumbledore gasped deeply as he savoured the sensation of the heat and tightness of Draco. He stayed completely still allowing him time to be accustomed to being so full and to allow himself the time to be accustomed to the intensity of being inside him. It was several breathless moments before he slowly drew back and then pushed inside again with gentle, masterful thrusts.

Draco quivered in ecstasy. He saw stars explode behind his eyes. He felt calmer and more content than he could remember feeling in his life, but at the same time, more excited and exhilarated too. Dumbledore's cock hit places inside him he didn't even know existed. Dumbledore's hand tugged at his dick... He couldn't take this for very long without...

Draco cried out loud as he came, gripping the sheets at either side of him. Albus felt Draco's intense climax and was delighted that Draco was getting so much satisfaction from this. He kissed the boy again to assure him it was alright, that there was more pleasure still to come.

Draco gripped his shoulders tightly as Albus continued to bury his cock inside him, pulling back and delving in over and over again in a slow steady rhythm.

It wasn't only Draco who was somewhat blown away by this experience. Albus would have been the first to admit that it had been a while since he had done this sort of thing, but he didn't remember it being this good! Draco, for all his nastiness, seemed positively built for this. Where ever in life they may not have seen eye to eye, Draco and he were certainly compatible in the bedroom! Frighteningly so. This was some of the best sex Albus had ever had. Draco's freshness and youthful desire was so enchanting and beguiling. In addition to this, it was uncomfortably appealing that Draco was usually so difficult and disobedient yet now was so sensual and biddable. There was quite a thrill in mastering this feisty young colt and making him behave like putty in your hands!

It wasn't right that it should be so good. They were not in love, they were not truly equals. They had not been friends and did not have much in common... And Albus knew he should not derive any pleasure from the knowledge that he, the headmaster and was screwing the naughtiest boy in the school... Gods! It felt so good!

Draco had climaxed twice by the time Albus finally quickened his pace, taking hold of Draco's hips and holding him just as he needed him to reach orgasm. With a deep satisfied groan he came hard inside Draco, filling him with his fluid, lost in a moment of ecstasy. Head spinning, he kissed Draco softly before climbing off him and laying beside him, one hand resting on one of Draco's, wanting to show him affection without crowding him.

Draco himself was half delirious from being pleasured and fucked and kissed for quite so long. He had naively assumed that at Dumbledore's age he might have been somewhat lacking in the stamina department, but this had not been the case at all.

'Are you alright, Draco?' Dumbledore asked softly.

'Uh -hu.' Was the only response Draco was able to give, but he sounded happy.

Dumbledore smiled and wrapped his arms around Draco because he knew that Draco would need some support to 'come down' from the place he had just been, emotionally.

Draco relaxed against his body and lightly hugged him back, his brain unclouding.

Less than five minutes passed before Draco disentangled himself from the embrace and sat up, afraid if he stayed any longer he was in danger of crossing a line that he was not prepared to cross.

He did however, give Dumbledore a small smile as he began to dress. Albus stood up and wrapped a dressing gown around himself before he and Draco descended the staircase.

Draco paused at the office door before he opened it and turned to face Dumbledore. The headmaster looked deeply satisfied, but perhaps somewhat disconcerted too.

'Thank you, professor.' Draco grinned.

'Please don't thank me, Draco.' Dumbledore whispered. It made him feel so very guilty!

'No, really, professor.' Draco insisted. 'I've had a wonderful evening. I only wish I could stay longer, but people will notice if I'm not in the dormitory. It's been really nice to, you know... be close to someone.' Draco said softly. He had planned on saying something like this to play on his 'lonely, troubled young man' image. He was surprised just how much he actually meant it when the time came to say it.

'Yes.' Dumbledore agreed, resting his hand on Draco's shoulder. 'Yes, it was.'

'Goodnight Professor.' Draco said calmly and leant in and kissed him softly before opening the door and disappearing into the night.

Albus closed the door behind him and leant back against it for a moment, recovering from the shock of the last few hours, almost not believing it had really happened now that he was alone again. He sighed deeply and began to walk towards the stairs.

'Well Albus! I didn't have you down for that kind of carry on!' A familiar voice rang disconcertingly through the office.

Albus jumped in fright, believing himself alone at this late hour.

'Headmaster Dippet...' He said a tremor of nerves in his voice as he turned towards the portrait of the late head master.

'Don't look so afraid, Albus.' Dippet comforted him. 'You're certainly not the first and I doubt you'll be the last...'

'I didn't mean for it to happen, really I didn't.' Dumbledore sighed, sinking into the arm chair, resting his head in his hands.

'Don't beat yourself up.' Dippet assured him. 'Your young friend didn't seem troubled in the least.'

'It's something I thought I'd never do. It's not acceptable behaviour.' Albus breathed.

'Perhaps not as acceptable as it once was.' Dippet conceded. 'Once upon a time it was practically the expectation. As you know, many of the principles of magical education were founded on traditions from the classical world. As in the ancient Greek civilisations, it was once considered an important part of a young man's education.'

'Yes, but now it's viewed differently.' Albus mused. 'I have always known that these sort of things go on, I just never thought I myself would be a perpetrator of it.'

'Why?' Dippet asked.

'Because it makes me a bad person. I took advantage of a student.' Dumbledore replied.

Dippet gave a small laugh.

'Now I wouldn't want you to think I had been spying on you, Albus. In fact, once I got the gist of where the encounter was going I retreated to my portrait at my great-granddaughters house all too quickly... However, from what little I did see and hear, it didn't sound like you took advantage of him!'

Albus gave a defeated laugh.

'Perhaps not.' He admitted. 'But I am supposed to be the adult. I shouldn't have let it happen.'

'What harm had been done by it Albus?' Dippet asked honestly. 'He strikes me as a boy who would benefit from some caring interventions.'

Albus raised his eyebrows, surprised to hear Dippet speak this way.

'He certainly was very... different... in that situation than in any other. Less guarded, gentler... there's a whole side to him he never shows...'

'He's one of the Malfoys, yes?'

'Yes.' Said Albus. 'Draco Malfoy.'

'Well Albus, I think Draco Malfoy may benefit enormously from your attention and your 'teaching'.'

'Did you ever... indulge... in this type of behaviour, headmaster?' Albus asked curiously.

'Me? No.' Dippet replied. 'I prefer witches, as you know. It was always more taboo to behave that way with the girls. A very odd double standard to my mind. But, no. There was never one student that I saw in that way.'

'I didn't know there was one I saw in that way until tonight, well, perhaps last night.' Dumbledore admitted. ' Headmaster, am I a stupid old man who is making a terrible fool of himself?' He asked earnestly and pleadingly.

Dippet laughed.

'No, I wouldn't' say that. 'You are allowing yourself, and this boy, some pleasure, but I don't see what's foolish about that.'

'But am I using him?' Albus asked.

'I don't know, are you?' Dippet replied.

'I don't love him.' Dumbledore answered. 'I don't even really like him, based on what I have seen of his behaviour and attitude these last five years... But I must admit, there is something about him which I am drawn to. I care about him, of course. I care about all of the students.'

'That doesn't sound like using someone, does it?' Dippet posed.

Dumbledore smiled weakly.

'Thank you, headmaster.' He said.

'It's nothing to worry about, Albus. Really. I do believe, this way, you will give the boy the education that may be the making of him. He needs you, I think. And it's just possible, Albus, that you need him too. Perhaps not for deep or emotional reasons, but, because it's about time you stopped neglecting your needs and had some enjoyment. I expect he can teach you a thing or two about pleasure and about making sure you get what you want!' Dippet smiled.

Dumbledore was impressed at just how well Dippet seemed to have grasped Draco's personality through his brief observations of him.

'Perhaps...' Dumbledore mused and he pictured Draco's needy longing glances, his keenness to be as close as possible, his desire to be touched... Was it possible that Draco did need this experience to learn a little more about how to be close with another person. Maybe Draco could learn from him in this way? Maybe this was the only was Draco would accept being 'taught' about kindness?

'Go to bed, Albus.' Dippet prompted. 'It's late, and I get the feeling you will need all the energy you can find!' He smiled a suggestive smile before he disappeared out of the frame.

Dumbledore, despite feeling uncomfortable with the last comment, felt generally better for the conversation. What had happened between Draco and himself began to make a little more sense when he thought about it in the context of what Draco might need from him, why he might seek out this type of encounter. Draco could teach him about hedonism and in return he would teach Draco about kindness. It would be an exchange of sorts. He felt better.

He felt better until he fell into his bed. The sheets smelt of Draco's scent, the pillow smelt like his hair smelled... It would have been nice if he could have stayed the whole night... However these thoughts did not trouble Albus for long however as exhaustion got the better of him in minutes once he wrapped the blanket around himself and closed his eyes.

Draco crept into the common room almost silently, thinking he had done well to get back unseen by anyone. His head was spinning with excitement, satisfaction and adrenalin...

'Good night, I take it?' Came a cool voice from the couch in the corner.

Draco jumped and turned to see Graham Montague, the Slytherin Quidditch captain, lounging there, clutching a suspicious looking bottle of drink and a tatty looking copy of a Quidditch magazine which boasted a pin up special on the Holyhead Harpies.

'Fuck! What are you doing here at this time of night? Waiting to scare the shit out of people?' Draco snapped crossly.

Graham laughed.

'Sorry Malfoy. But if you weren't creeping back in at all hours it wouldn't be a problem, would it?'

'Touché!' Draco responded flatly.

'Where have you been anyway?' Graham asked.

Draco raised one pointed eyebrow.

'I am far too much of a gentleman to divulge that information.' He smiled a dirty smile.

Graham nodded and laughed, getting the message.

'Nice work, man.' He congratulated. 'Girl... Boy...? Older, younger...?' He asked with a grin.

'None of your damn business.' Draco smiled slickly. 'I'm going to bed. I need some sleep, you know. It's been an exhausting night!'

'Ok, ok, so you had a shag! Stop boasting!' Graham laughed.

'Later, loser.' Draco grinned as he headed for the dormitory.

Bravado aside, Draco was shaking a little as he climbed into his bed. He pulled the curtains and wrapped himself tightly in the covers. He could almost still feel Dumbledore's warm hands on his body, and his hair seemed to have picked up the smell of sandalwood pipe smoke... It would have been nice to have stayed the whole night... Draco checked himself. There was no point, and no need, to go getting all emotional about this. It had been fun, that was all. All of that business about it being nice to be close to someone... that was all part of his game plan... wasn't it?

It had been overwhelming though. It had affected him. He had been surprised after his encounter with Theodore Nott just how little the whole experience had meant to him. After his encounter with Dumbledore he was shocked at just how much it had meant to him. However, he was not in the business of complicating things with feelings. It had been great, that was all he needed to remember. And the greatest thing about it was that it had set a president. He could go back for more, and Dumbledore could hardly say no, not now that it had happened once. School was going to be a lot more fun this year.