A/N: Alright here is the newest chapter. I'm hoping that my readers from the prequel will start coming around again. I've seen some come back so I'm hoping more will too. I just want to remind you that I love you all and I appreciate your support and reviews. Keep that in mind as you read this chapter because I'm pretty sure some of you aren't going to be too happy with me when you get to the end, but remember two things, I love you all and that it's all essential to the story. Please Review and let me know your thoughts :)
Chapter 3
Harry awoke the next morning feeling rested, but alone. He sat up looking around the room noticing that there was a slight amount of steam coming from the bathroom. He grinned and sank into the blankets closing his eyes to feign sleep. He heard the water shut off and he quickly covered his head with the blankets leaving a small opening where he could look out and spy on Draco as he left the bathroom. Right on cue the bathroom door opened with a waft of steam coming out as a very naked, glistening blond haired man walked out of the bathroom. Harry's breath caught as he watched Draco walk over to his wardrobe. Harry slid just enough so that he could continue watching him. Water droplets slid down his back and down the curve of his arse instantly arousing Harry. He let out an unconscious moan which froze Draco in place. Harry froze as well and watched as Draco slowly turned around to look at his wide eyed lover.
"Like what you see?" Draco asked turning to face Harry.
Harry bit his lip and took in the sight that could only be Draco. "You have no idea," he whispered licking his lips unconsciously.
Draco grinned and sauntered over to the bed standing extremely close to Harry's face distracting him by the glistening cock before him. Harry gulped not taking his eyes off of it. Draco chuckled which only made it harder for Harry to focus. With lightening speed Harry threw his arms out gripping Draco's hips pulling his cock to his waiting mouth. He took him in before Draco even realized what was happening. Draco groaned loudly at the heat of Harry's mouth engulfing him. He reached out to grip one of the posts of their bed as Harry expertly sucked and licked and pulled him. It didn't take long before he began pulsing and came into Harry's mouth, who like a trooper swallowed every last drop. Harry pulled back with a pop and grinned happily up at him.
"Mmm… fruity," Harry whispered licking his lips.
Draco laughed and threw the covers off of him. "Now I need a whole new shower," He commented.
"Mind if I join you?" Harry asked seductively.
"Daddy! Papa! Gabe is being mean!" Isabella called through the door while banging loudly on it.
Harry and Draco both sighed. Draco bent over and kissed him gently on the lips giving him an apologetic look. Harry gave him a small smile and slipped out of bed heading for the bathroom. Draco slipped on his robe and opened the door to see his fully awake and irate daughter standing there looking up at him expectantly.
"Isabella, it's barely eight and you and your brother are already having problems?" Draco asked.
"Well, papa, he won't let me watch the Discovery Channel. He'd rather watch his stupid cartoons then learn," Isabella huffed angrily.
Draco laughed. "Honey, it's okay to watch cartoons once in awhile. You can't always be learning. It can get really rather annoying. Just look at your Aunt Hermione. She obsessed about learning and nearly drove Daddy and Uncle Ron to insanity. Take a break from learning and watch some cartoons," Draco said.
"But Papa he is watching a stupid show. He won't let me change the channel to watch the cartoons I like," Isabella protested.
"Alright, let's do it this way. You let him finish the show he's watching and then you can change to yours and take turns watching the cartoons you like. Can you do that?" Draco asked giving her a hopeful smile.
Isabella worked her lip as she debated over that. She sighed loudly and nodded. "I suppose I can compromise, but if he doesn't listen I'm coming back to make you talk to him. Oh and Kreacher says breakfast is ready. Oh and how is Daddy today?" Isabella said.
Draco smiled. "He is doing fine. We'll be down in a bit. Just tell Gabe that I told you that, that's what you two need to do. If he argues, send him my way," He said. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head. She smiled and skipped down the hallway and down the stairs.
Draco closed the door and turned to his wardrobe. He listened to the shower continue to run as he put on a pair of jeans and a navy blue t-shirt. He walked over to the bathroom door and peeked in. Harry stood in the shower staring off at nothing flexing his wand hand. "Babe, breakfast is ready," Draco called. He watched as Harry merely nodded, not looking in his direction. He sighed and closed the door. He walked out of their bedroom closing the door behind him and walking downstairs. He peeked into the living room to see the twins laughing hysterically at a cartoon they were watching. He knew that wasn't one that Isabella picked out and smiled to himself. He walked into the kitchen and sat down at the table piling his plate with food. Kreacher walked in looking worried.
"Good morning Kreacher. Everything alright?" Draco asked looking at him in concern.
Kreacher looked at him for a minute before speaking. "Master Draco, I have just been down in the basement," He began.
Draco looked down at his plate frowning. "Oh," Draco muttered.
"Kreacher is worried about Master Harry. The basement is in shambles. Master Draco I am scared for him. I don't understand," Kreacher continued.
"Believe me, I have never been more worried in my life about him, even when he was missing. He hasn't been entirely himself since then. I just wish I knew how to help him," Draco said sadly.
"You need to help him sir. I think you are the only one who can help him," Kreacher responded.
"Don't you think I've tried? I can't figure out how to help him. I don't know what to do. I mean he was standing in the shower staring at nothing. I told him breakfast was ready and he barely acknowledged me. I mean his moods are all over the place. One minute he's himself and the next he's off in his own world. What can I do?" Draco said angrily.
A door closed upstairs and a familiar set of footsteps made their way downstairs ending Kreacher and Draco's conversation. Harry walked into the kitchen bending down and kissing the top of Draco's head and bidding a good morning to Kreacher as well.
"Good morning Master Harry, how are you feeling today?" Kreacher asked kindly.
"Great! Thank you. Breakfast looks great!" Harry complimented. He missed the shared glance between Kreacher and Draco as he dug into his breakfast.
Harry and Draco ate their breakfast in comfortable silence aside from Draco inwardly worrying about the man across from him. After about twenty minutes the kitchen door flew open and a dark haired, silver eyed 5 year old was running in and nearly leaping across the table at Harry.
"Daddy! Are you okay? You're not leaving again are you?" Gabe cried.
Harry wrapped his arms around him kissing the top of his head. "I am fine and no I am not leaving aside from when I go to work," Harry replied.
Gabe nodded happily and sat down next to him putting some food on his plate. Isabella came in after him sitting down next to Draco and putting some food on her own plate. The twins talked animatedly about their trip to Diagon Alley and the funny things they watched that morning. Their conversations were interrupted when the floo flickered open. Draco glanced over and saw Neville's disembodied head floating in the flames.
"Neville, what's going on?" Draco asked. He stood and knelt in front of the fireplace.
"Good morning Draco, Harry, listen, I was wondering if we were going to have a meeting about Headmistress McGonagall," He said.
"Oh, yeah. Call around and have them floo on over here as soon as possible. I'll open up the floo in the library so that we can talk about everything. Let's get everyone here in about a half hour?" Draco suggested.
"Okay, see you in a bit," Neville replied breaking the connection.
Draco sat up and cleared his plate and started heading for the door.
"Love, do you want me to sit in or stay with the twins?" Harry asked.
Draco turned to him looking nervous. "I don't know," he whispered.
Harry stood and walked over to him resting his hands on his shoulders. "If you need me there with you I am more than happy to," Harry offered.
"You know what? No I will do this myself. Stay with the twins. Just send me encouraging thoughts," He replied confidently. Harry nodded and kissed him on the lips. He walked back over to the table and sat down. He gave Draco an encouraging smile before he left the kitchen. Draco smiled back and left the room.
He walked up the stairs and entered into the library. He locked and silenced the door and sat down sorting through exactly what he was going to say. He flicked his wand to the floo opening it. Within minutes the whole staff of Hogwarts was sitting around the library waiting patiently for the meeting to start. Not all of them knew that McGonagall was missing.
Draco stood up from his seat nervously and looked around at everyone. "Good morning everyone and thank you for coming on such short notice. Some of you know already, but for those of you who don't Headmistress McGonagall was kidnapped from Hogwarts about a week ago. We don't know who took her or why, but at this time the Auror Department is working diligently on the case. In her absence I am the headmaster as much as that makes me nervous, but that's just how it is. I wanted to have this meeting today to first and fore most figure out where to go from here. Do we start school in a few days or do we postpone it until we can be sure that the students will be safe?" Draco asked.
The room erupted into gasps and murmurs about the news. "We couldn't possibly have school start on time! If she was kidnapped from Hogwarts there is no way to determine that the students will be kept safe," Professor Sinistra exclaimed.
"Well, the aurors have found where the kidnapper or kidnappers came through and have effectively blocked off the hidden entrances into the school. I think that we should still open the school on time, not to mention keep this news out of the Prophet. We don't want everyone to start freaking out again. I think that we will be just fine if we go about things as normal as possible," Ginny explained.
"Well, why did they take Minerva? What is the point? Is it because she's the headmistress?" Professor Flitwick asked.
"I don't think that's it at all. I think their goal was to prove that they could get into the school. Minerva put up quite the fight so I am positive that this kidnapper is really wishing that he hadn't picked her to abduct and that she is alive and giving them hell. I agree with Ginny as well. I think we need to keep to the schedule," Draco replied.
"But if a student gets taken?" Parvati asked.
"We won't let that happen. We will add wards and triple check that the only way into the castle is through the front doors. We can put protective wards over the courtyards so that the students can still go outside, but other than that the only way in and out will be through the front doors. We will also have aurors patrolling regularly," Draco answered.
Everyone looked at each other and most nodded reluctantly. Draco nodded as well.
"Alright, on September 1st I would like all of us at the school at noon. We will check the wards and put up several protective spells, as many as we can think of so that our students will have the utmost amount of protection. Agreed?" Draco asked.
Everyone nodded in agreement. Draco ended the meeting and bid everyone farewell. He sat down heavily in a chair after they all left and closed his eyes. He could feel a headache building at the back of his head. He stood up slowly closing the floo and walking out of the library. He walked down the hall to the boys' bedrooms. He stopped at Teddy's room and knocked. He received no response and opened the door. Teddy was still sleeping soundly.
"Teddy, time to get up. We need to go to Diagon Alley to get school supplies. You've got twenty minutes to get ready," Draco called out to him. Teddy groaned, but threw his blankets off of him and sleepily rose from the bed stumbling to the bathroom. Draco closed the door and moved on to Scorpius's room. He knocked and got no response again so he opened the door. Scorpius was sleeping hard as well. "Scorpius, get up son. You've got twenty minutes to get ready to go. Get a move on," Draco called. Scorpius groaned loudly and threw the covers off of himself, but didn't move. "Scorpius, get up," Draco said again. Scorpius scoffed loudly, but stood and mimicked Teddy's earlier movements. Draco closed the door and walked downstairs.
He could hear Harry and the twins laughing loudly from the living room. He walked in and kissed the twins and Harry individually. "Alright you two, go get dressed. We need to go to Diagon Alley to get your supplies," Draco said. The twins leapt up and whooped in excitement. They ran from the room racing each other to their room. Draco sat down heavily next to Harry. Harry reached up and began gently massaging his neck. Draco closed his eyes dropping his head to his chest.
"How did the meeting go?" Harry asked.
"Fine. We are going to start school on time this year and keep the news of McGonagall's kidnapping out of the papers. We are meeting at noon on the first day to check the wards and everything. I don't think anyone wants to do it, but we know it's better just to keep things the same," Draco replied.
Harry nodded. He continued to massage Draco's neck. After a few minutes they heard four sets of footsteps coming down the steps. The twins were jumping around excitedly as their brothers looked as if they could go back to bed and sleep the rest of the day. Draco and Harry grinned at them and scooped up the younger two. They walked into the kitchen and to the fireplace. Teddy and Scorpius threw down their floo powder and disappeared in the flames. Harry and Gabe followed and then Isabella and Draco came through last.
They arrived at the Leaky Cauldron and acknowledged Tom the barman as they made their way to the alley way. Draco hit the right bricks and the archway opened up. The twins eyes widened equally as they made their way through the arch.
"Alright, we've got lots to do so let's go. No extra stops until we have gotten everything on your lists. Our last stop will be the Weasley's shops and then lunch, okay?" Harry explained. The kids nodded enthusiastically as they made their way to their first stop.
Draco went into the Apothecary with Teddy and Scorpius while Harry and the twins waited outside. Harry glanced around noticing that the book store formally called Obscurus was remodeled and under the name of Ultionis. He lifted an eyebrow at the store. He started walking towards it, but was stopped by his daughter.
"Daddy, no pit stops. We need to wait right here for papa and Teddy and Scorpius," Isabella reminded him.
Harry turned to Isabella and smiled at her. "I just wanted to go check it out for a moment. See if it's worth going into when we are all done. Why don't you and Gabe go inside and wait with papa. Tell him that I went to go look at it real quick, okay?" Harry asked.
Isabella quirked an eyebrow at him, but nodded reluctantly. She grabbed her brother's hand and they walked into the Apothecary. Harry turned and started walking towards the book store. He felt something drawing him to it. As he approached he noticed several Dark Arts books in the window. He looked at them in interest and walked into the store. It smelled of old books bound in leather. He inhaled deeply and smiled at the familiar scent. He looked around noticing that just about every book in the store was related to the study of the Dark Arts and defense. He smiled happily at all the books. There could be some great books here for work. He thought as he advanced further into the store. He walked down the aisles. There was no one else in the store and he began wondering where the shop owner was. He ran his fingers over several of the books feeling a bit overwhelmed at all that were there.
"Good morning, how may I help you?" A silky, deep voice asked. Harry tensed slightly as he turned to look at the person who addressed him. He stared at the younger man before him and felt a tingle within his fingertips as he looked into the man's eyes. He was about Harry's height with dark brown hair and expressive hazel eyes. He was well built and slender. He gave Harry a friendly smile which made Harry's stomach pummel in a way he never expected.
"Um, good morning. I…uh…am just looking around, thank you," Harry replied. He felt sweat building on his brow as he turned away. What the hell is wrong with me? I should not be acting this way. He ran a hand over his face to try and calm his nerves. But there was something going on with him; a feeling that he hadn't felt in a long time.
"Do you have an interest in the Dark Arts?" the man asked. He stepped closer to Harry sending Harry's temperature up a few degrees.
He gulped and looked over to the man. His eyes were mesmerizing and Harry found himself entranced by them. "I…I…" he cleared his throat before continuing. "I teach Defense Against the Dark Arts. The subject is very fascinating. You've got some wonderful books here," Harry replied motioning to all the books.
The man smiled at him which sent Harry's insides turning. Oh gods, what is going on here? "Well thank you. By the way, my name is Lucas Roberts. I own this place now," the man said extending his hand to Harry. He glanced down at the man's hand and gulped again. He reached out and took it. Suddenly a tingle shot up his arm and he felt different, like his old self again. He stared down at Lucas's hand and back up to the man who was smiling again at him. He didn't let go and glanced as Lucas's hand relaxed in his own and changed the pressure to an almost flirtatious touch. Harry's eyes widened and he immediately let go of his hand and ran a hand through his hair.
Lucas merely smiled at him. "And your name is?" He asked.
"Um, Harry Potter," He replied.
"Well, it's nice to meet you Harry. Would you like to see our newest arrival? It's got a lot of great theories on the Dark Arts. It might be something that you can pull lessons from for your students," Lucas said. He motioned to the front of the store and Harry nodded. Lucas gave him another dazzling smile and turned to walk towards the front of the store. Harry flexed his fingers feeling the familiar sensation of his magic, the way it used to be. He smiled to himself thinking that he was finally gaining the control and familiarity back.
Lucas reached over and pulled a book from a display near the register and handed it over to Harry his hand brushing his own. Harry blushed deeply and looked up at him. He gulped again and then looked back down at the book. He opened it and glanced over the first few chapters. It piqued his interest and he found himself totally engrossed in the book. All the while Lucas watched him. Harry finally looked up and smiled.
"Wow, this has a lot of great stuff in it. Some of these theories I haven't even heard about. How long have you been working in the Dark Arts?" He asked looking up at him in genuine interest.
Lucas smiled as he reached out and took the book from Harry brushing his hand against his once again. Harry felt the jolt go through him and smiled unconsciously. Lucas smirked at him. "Well, I've been studying them for about ten years now I think. I've been looking to open my own book store for awhile and I just happened across the owner of this place in London and he told me he was wanting to sell it so I told him that I'd buy it from him and so I've turned it into this. It's great to have all this knowledge at my fingertips. The Dark Arts are so fascinating as you so eloquently put it," Lucas replied reaching out to touch Harry's arm. Once again he felt the tingle come through him again and pool in his belly.
"Yeah, this is great. I think I've found my new favorite store. Hmm, I'd like to get this book, but I'd like to look around some more if you don't mind," Harry said shyly. Lucas smiled brightly at him and nodded his head. Harry walked away from him taking several deep breaths. I need to get a hold of myself. I am blushing like a school girl. What is wrong with me? I'm with Draco. I love Draco. He is my life. I'm a father. I can't be doing this, but there is just something about this man. How is it possible that his touch is making me feel like myself again? Stop, Harry, you cannot be thinking about this man like this.
"Harry, are you alright? You look like your fighting an inner battle or something," Lucas said standing surprisingly close to Harry, so close that he could feel his breath on the back of his neck. Harry turned around and was too close for comfort, but instantly felt a magical charge being transferred to himself. He looked into Lucas eyes searching for an answer to his inner turmoil. Suddenly the front door opened breaking Harry out of his trance. They both turned to see a confused Draco staring back at them. Draco wasn't stupid, he could feel the tension in the room and it made his stomach drop and his heart race. He looked at the proximity of Harry and Lucas and he felt his world begin to crumble slightly.
"Uh, Harry, what's going on?" Draco asked in a shaky voice. He looked between both men searching their expressions for some sign of what was going on. Harry's expression looked guilty where as Lucas's was smug. Draco moved further into the store. Harry stepped back from Lucas and ran a hand through his hair.
"Draco this is Lucas Roberts. He owns this store. We were just discussing some of the books here. They are all on the Dark Arts and defense as well. Isn't it great? I found an awesome book on some Dark Arts theories," Harry said as he walked towards Draco. He set the book he wanted on the counter and Lucas began ringing it up. Draco glanced at Lucas and narrowed his gaze.
"Lucas, I am Draco Malfoy, Harry's partner," Draco said emphasizing the word partner.
Lucas lifted his eyebrows at him. "Oh I've heard about you. Nice to meet you. Harry didn't mention you," Lucas replied with a smirk that he quickly turned into a smile when Harry looked up at him.
Draco shot Harry a look and watched as Harry looked into Lucas's eyes in a way that he had only ever seen him look at himself. Draco felt his hand begin to shake in his nervousness. He shoved it into his robe pocket and looked away from the both of them. He felt his nose begin to tingle signaling that tears were about to fall. He shook it off and masked his features with a trademark Malfoy look.
"Well, Harry we need to get going. The kids still need to pick up some more things and I think they are going to be hungry soon. Have a nice day Mr. Roberts," Draco said pulling on Harry's arm towards the door. He sent a glare at Lucas as Harry began following him towards the door.
"Thanks for your help Lucas. Nice to meet you," Harry said almost wistfully.
"Anytime Harry. Please do come back again soon," Lucas replied with a smile and a wink. Harry smiled back and as he turned to leave the store Lucas narrowed his gaze and his kind smile turned into a malicious grin.
As the door closed behind them Harry glanced down at the book and flexed his fingers checking to see if he still had some feeling of his old magic. He was pleased to find that he did. He smiled happily which didn't go missed by Draco who rounded on him.
"What in the hell was going on in there?" He demanded.
Harry looked at him in shock. "Nothing. We were just talking about the Dark Arts. Lucas has a lot of great books in there," Harry replied uncomfortably.
Draco narrowed his gaze at Harry. "What the hell did I walk in on and what the hell is this shit that you two are on a first name basis?" Draco seethed.
Harry glared at him. "You didn't walk in on anything. I was in my own little world and he asked if I was alright. That's all. As far as being on a first name basis, it's just what we felt comfortable in doing. Geez Draco, what is your problem?" Harry asked.
Draco huffed. "Gee I don't know maybe because when I walked in it looked like he was about to kiss you and I don't particularly like the way he was looking at you. You are very taken. Didn't you even think to bring that up?" Draco demanded.
Harry rolled his eyes which only made Draco angrier. "He wasn't going to kiss me and he wasn't looking at me any different than any other person does. As far as bringing up my availability status it wasn't like it was something to bring up. 'Oh so this book has some great theories in it and by the way I'm taken so stop looking at me'. Come on Draco. You are being ridiculous," Harry responded angrily.
"Don't be an asshole Harry! That man was not just thinking about the Dark Arts when he was talking to you. I don't think you were either," Draco said in a biting tone.
Harry looked at Draco in shock. "You can't be serious? Do you honestly think that I was thinking about him the way I think about you?" Harry demanded.
Draco crossed his arms and bit his lip. "Well, Harry you were looking guilty when I came in and I didn't like how you looked at him when you were buying that book," Draco said in a hurt voice.
Harry stared at him and then looked down at his feet. I'm such a git. Draco can read me like a book. What was I thinking? Oh that's right, I wasn't. "Draco, I'm sorry. I wasn't-" Harry was interrupted by the kids walking over carrying several packages from the Weasley's shop. Harry looked away from Draco's hurt expression feeling like shit for his thoughts while he was in the book store. Draco also looked away biting his lip trying to keep his emotions in check. Teddy and Scorpius looked between the two picking up instantly on the tension between them.
"Are you guys ready for lunch?" Draco asked putting a smile on his face as he looked at the twins.
"Yes, papa, we are starving," Gabe said rubbing his stomach with his free hand.
"Well, let's go get something to eat then," Harry responded smiling down at them as well. Draco glanced up at him letting the hurt cross his face again and watched as guilt crossed Harry's. Draco felt panic set in, but shook it off to put on a good face for his kids. Teddy and Scorpius looked at each other worriedly as they turned to follow their dad's to a nearby café. No one in the group noticed the very man that was causing the fight between Harry and Draco watching happily from his shop.