-1Chapter 3 - Touch Me

"Are you quite certain you wish to go to the Alley dressed like that little one?"

Fingers yank a few more clumps of my pulled back hair free to drape about my face I plant my hands on my hips. "Ssa, I feel perfectly comfortable going out in this. Plus, who would believe the Savior would wear something like this." Fear curling in the pit of my stomach, I bite my lip, "Unless you don't think I should - I'll change if you think I should." Why was I so uncertain of my own decisions? Merlin damn you Dursleys, your abuse fucked me so badly.

Door gliding open I whirl to face Marvolo's startled face as he takes in the sight of me. "Salazar, you look delectable little Deo."

Cheeks coloring at his compliment I bounce onto my toes, impatient with my inability to give him the thanks I wanted to. Stupid insecurities. He's not going to hurt me. Bracing myself against the possible resurgence of memories I fly across the gap separating us. Lips graze the corner of his mouth tentatively, my mind gibbering in fright. He's not going to hurt me. Shove the unwanted memories away as he cups my cheek in his palm, guarded crimson gaze locked on my expression. Eyes wide I stand frozen before him when he bends to ghost a kiss over my lips. He's not going to hurt me, he's not going to hurt me, he's not going to hurt me. Oh Merlin, I'm going to snap. Hand dropping from my cheek he takes a slight step back, giving me the space I needed to feel safe. Muscles tense I skip away, twirling with a flourish to snatch up my wand. Press my lips to the wood before securing it up my sleeve.

Soft sigh from Ssa, concern in her eyes as she tucks her unbound hair behind an ear. "Be careful Deo, do not take any chances that are unnecessary." Kiss brushed over my forehead she turns to glare at Marvolo, "M'Lord?"

"Yess Cissa, I recall our earlier conversation," he mutters, sliding his tinted lenses over his remarkable eyes.

"Ssa, did you threaten Marvolo?"

"Shush little Deo, I deserved the warning, do you not think? Especially with my actions around you up until now?"

Face scalding I still shoot a scowl at Ssa. "Tut my son, I am allowed to give your companion guidelines on how to behave around you. It is my right, and privilege, as your mother." Hands turn me around and push me in Marvolo's direction. "Now go and enjoy your trip Deo, but do not hesitate to do whatever is needed to return to me. Understood?"

Nodding I hurry after Marvolo's retreating back.

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Dance ahead of Marvolo, the crowds seeming to melt before me. I do suppose I looked a bit like a slightly deranged girl in my choice of attire - but Marvolo liked the way I looked. He said so. Cheeks flushing as I remember the expression that had filled his eyes I flash him an impish smile. Answering smile on his lips he continues to follow a few steps behind me. He was acting as my protector and company, yet still giving me my personal space. Maybe last night's confession hadn't been a mistake after all.

Slow my pace, the twin's shop looming before me with bright, garish colors. If this were all a trap I wanted Marvolo close - he could do what I could not if we had to escape. Push my way past the gawking teens, Marvolo's fingertips on my shoulder. Touch vanishing the second we pass out of the crush of bodies he shifts to my right side. Gaze at him out of the corner of my eye as he scans the bustling joke shop for trouble.

Resigned expression on his face he turns to face me, "Well since you have managed to drag me in here we might as well enjoy ourselves little Deo." Eyes lighting up I run my fingers down his arm before I dart into the crowd to take a look at the twin's creations. It wasn't a trap - the redheaded clan that had taken me in five years ago still wanted me.

Prodding at one of the joke wands with a nail I stifle a shriek as a body crashes against my back. Over riding the urge to panic I lift my head to meet the apologetic eyes of one Seamus Finnegan. Please don't recognize me.

"Sorry miss, I didn' mean to bump you." Lime bright eyes widening, he thought I was a girl, I watch as two faces I know better than my own turn to look at me.

"Seamus you oaf! Ramming into a young girl in that manner!" Bushy haired figure clucking her tongue at him she swats the back of his head. "He really didn't mean to miss, sometimes he doesn't pay too much attention to his surroundings." Hand stuck out she prattles on, oblivious to my stunned silence. "My name's Hermione, the oaf who shoved you into the joke wand display is Seamus, and this redhead is Ron."

Eyes fleeing her warm brown stare they dart wildly, my uncertainty filling me. What should I say? I wanted to talk to them, but would they recognize my voice? Would they accidentally give me away? They thought I was a girl! My voice would fix that assumption real quick if I could make my vocal cords work. Oh Merlin, I wasn't used to crowds without a group to protect me. Silver gloved hand breaking through my musings Marvolo manages to slide to my side. Covered eyes directed at the trio he stands in front of me, blocking me from them. Tug at his sleeve, I had this pressing need for him to pick me up and stop staring at my 'friends'. Face turning in question he scoops me readily off the floor as I hold my hands up in query.

"Do you wish to leave little Deo? Maybe come back later?" Shake my head in denial; no, I just needed to recoup. "A few minutes to breath then?" Nod with a weak laugh. "Silly child, what ever am I going to tell your parents?" Blow him a raspberry in response gaze wandering to the still trio of Gryffindors.

Lick my lips, I had to say something, "S'ok, no harm done." Giggle as all three turn an embarrassed red shade at the sound of my voice.

"Deo?"

"They thought I was a girl," I snicker. Tossing his head back Marvolo laughs. Heart fluttering at the sound I wriggle in his grip. Slide down his side, still snug against him, "I'm Deomor and this is my bodyguard Ra."

Recovering herself first Hermione nods, "Pleasure to meet you Deomor; erm, sorry we assumed you were a girl."

"S'ok, no harm. Besides, I have a feeling it's going to happen a lot in the future." Snort of agreement from over my head, "Ra!"

"What little Deo?" Fingers drum a soft staccato against my hip. "You do recall what I said earlier about your choice of dress? That has not changed, I was merely agreeing with your statement." Stomach jumping with butterflies I can't keep the blush from coloring my cheeks.

Questions in their eyes Ron opens his mouth to speak when a loud boom rocks the store. Steadying me along the line of his body Marvolo grips a handful of my skirt. Blue smoke heralding the twin's appearance he shifts against my arousal. Watch the twins wave their hands in an attempt to dissipate the growing haze I freeze as a pair of gloved fingers slip beneath my skirt's waistband. Coughing, one of the twins shakes his head at the other. Silencing the babble with a loud crack the twins shrug, "Sorry people, our experiment got away from us -"

"- so we're going to have to ask you all to leave while we clear out this smoke."

Groans fill the shop as people begin to shuffle towards the exit, the blue smoke curling out the door. Turn away from watching the twins, sharing a brief kiss with Marvolo before gazing into the swirling smoke. Cough from over my head reminding me of our location I quirk a brow at him. "Shall we little Deo?"

Grunt of denial I shrug free of his arm - please let the skirt hide my erection - and make for the three redheads and Hermione.

"Deomor? You need to leave, Ron and I are working for the twins today."

Plant my feet and frown up at the twins as they arch their brows. Marvolo's presence behind me I release my breath and gather my courage. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

Surprise, then recognition flooding the four faces I manage a proud grin as I hear the shop's lock turn. Arms reaching for me suddenly Hermione jumps as I bare my teeth and hiss in response. "No, please, give me a minute first," I whisper when she tries to pull me into a hug again feet shifting me out of reach without thought.

Gloved grip on my elbow startling me I swing my fist before I can think, knocking Marvolo's sunglasses to the floor with a growl. Fingers release me instantly. Anger dissolving with a single gasp I twist to find Marvolo with his eyes patiently closed, a flushed spot on the cheek I struck. "Why is it that I am always the one you swing at little Deo? You never strike at Lucius or Draco; Salazar, I haven't even seen you go after Severus."

Hands before my face I shudder. "S-sorry, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I swear." Voice mumbling onward I tremble, maybe last night had been a mistake. Maybe he still wanted to kill me, and he was just pretending to like me. This whole summer was a mistake. Whimper escaping my throat I freeze as Marvolo's eyes fly open at the sound.

"Fuck, Cissa's going to scream at me now," he mutters, ignoring the startled intakes of breath. "Deo, I'm sorry, I screwed up again. Okay? I did not mean for it to come out sounding like that. Please don't cry." One hand upheld towards the others, stilling their shrieks, he ducks his chin and laughs. "I'm really no good at this whole thing Deo, but believe me when I say that I would never intentionally hurt you anymore."

Shift a bit back their direction I scrub at my eyes, "Is Ssa really going to scream at you?"

"Yes, I made you cry again, so she gets to yell at me for being an idiot."

"If I don't tell her she won't yell at you." Seize his lowered hand and meet his eyes, "I don't want you to be yelled at twice in one day." Chuckling he rolls his eyes at me. "Sides, you're wrong about being the only one I strike at."

"Oh?"

Short nod, "I managed to bite Sev's arm and kick him in the groin before Ssa and Cius asked him to make himself scarce for a few days."

"Ouch, poor Severus, the man has my sympathies." Dropping his upheld hand he leans forward. "We right again little Deo?" Close the distance without a thought I nuzzle his jaw, moving with him to catch his lips with mine.

Break free of the gentle kiss, twisting him around to face the remarkably silent Gryffindors. "We are Marvolo, I promise I'll try not to swing at you so often." Slight squeeze of his hand on mine. "Now, back to what I came here for." Arch a brow at the group standing in front of me.

"Har -"

"Deomor."

"Deomor, that's -"

"Marvolo."

"Well yes, but -"

"Nothing 'Mione, he hasn't done anything to hurt you or anyone else since we entered the Alley over an hour ago."

"Erm, right mate," George interjects as 'Mione opens her mouth, "Might we speak with you without - Marvolo?"

Flick my eyes to see a sheepish smile curl his mouth as he shakes his head, "Sorry Mr. Weasley, I'm under strict orders not to leave Deo's side while we're out."

"Surely they don't mean for you to glue yourself to his side? Maybe just the distance of this room?" Fred counters.

"No can do, if Narcissa found out I disobeyed this order she'll do worse than yell at me, she'll invite her sister to yell at me."

Growl rumbling into the startled silence I wrap my arms around Marvolo's waist. "I'll kill Bellatrix if she lays a finger on you."

Hands caressing my arms Marvolo mutters, "Right, he hates Bella, now I remember this."

Bell chiming behind Marvolo I clutch at him as Arthur's voice fills the silence. "Fred? George? Everything alright? The Ministry heard you'd had a mishap, so they sent Lucius Malfoy and I over to check on things."

"Easy Deo," Marvolo cautions as my growl strengthens. "Lucius? Lock down the store will you? Make sure no one else can get in or sense Deo's impending explosion?"

Familiar feel of Cius' wards filling the building I hear Arthur gasp as Cius mutters, "What did you do this time M'Lord? Do I need to report this to Cissa?"

Hissing I hold Marvolo tight, his hands rubbing up and down my back in an effort to calm me. "Please Lucius, I mentioned Bella yelling at me. Did not know it would set him off this quickly."

"Deo hates Bella M'Lord, more than he hates the coot."

"I realize that now, thank you," he snips.

Recovering himself Arthur levels his wand at Marvolo.

Snarling I snap, power beyond my control zinging through my veins to fill the shop's walls with a howling wind. No one was going touch Marvolo! Not even one of the Weasleys! Flurry of blond as Cius jerks the elder Weasley's wand from his fingers and steps back to watch me with guarded eyes.

"Ease down little Deo, no one's going to hurt me. We can explain things to Mr. Weasley easier when you're calm." Energy skittering down my spine I shudder, pulling the white-hot power back inside. "That's it Deo, reign it back." Wind silencing I lean against Marvolo's chest as the last wisps of the storm slip back under my control. Tilt my head up to meet his gaze tiredly. Mouth descending on mine warmly he hugs me close. Numbed by the effort of calling back my anger I part my lips beneath his. Tongue brushing mine he shivers as a tiny burst of the storm's lingering power jumps to him. Arms snug around me he draws back slowly. Nose pressed to mine he purrs:you were superb little Deo.: Swift second kiss before he rests his chin atop my head. "Lucius, return Mr. Weasley's wand if you will." Scooping me from the floor Marvolo presses another kiss to my forehead. "I think it would be best to continue this conversation at the Manor if the Weasley's are still willing to do so."

Head lolling to the side I yawn at the twins. "We wrote the letter and asked him to come to us; we'll come along to continue this."

Surprise lighting Arthur's frown he peers at me, "That's?"

"Yeah Dad, it is," Ron supplies stepping to join his brothers, "I'm going too."

Short shake of her hair, "Someone's got to balance these redheads out, that is if you'll have me as well Mr. Malfoy."

Glacial eyes regarding Hermione sharply Cius shrugs, "I do not care for half-bloods; however, we just got Deo calmed so you are welcome to come along to keep him from exploding again Miss Granger."

"Might as well count me in as well Lucius, I haven't the slightest idea what is going on but I've got to keep and eye on the kids."

"Please do Arthur," narrow eyed glare directed at the redheaded patriarch, "and no searching!"

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Step free of the fireplace and into the Manor's Receiving Room Deo still quietly held in my arms. He must really be tired to allow me to continue to hold him this closely. Meet his half closed eyes with a smile I almost dip my lips to his for another kiss. No, better not to take advantage of his lethargic state, he wouldn't like being used in that manner. Nearly silent groan as I lift my head I arch a brow at him. Did he want me to kiss him again? Drop my mouth closer to his, smiling when he closes the gap.

Lips pliant beneath mine he loops an arm around my neck, mouth opening at my gentle nip. Plundering his mouth I can't help but shiver as another shock of his power fills our kiss. Pulling away regretfully I silence his complaint with another kiss. "Sh Deo, we've got others following behind us and we've still got to tell Cissa company's coming."

Nodding he squirms in my grip, clearly wanting to be set on his feet. Try not to let him see the disappointment I feel as I release him. Start when he relocks his arm around my waist. :Ssa'll be more concerned if you're carrying me, or I'd let you keep me in your arms.: Cheek pressed to my chest he sighs:I feel safe when you hold me.:

Some sort of surprise must have shown on my face, I can think of no other explanation for what followed that brief pause after his confession. Tearing himself from my side without a sound he jerks his fingers through the air near the still crackling fire. Flames freezing in their place he flicks his nails together. Bright eyes lock on my face as he whirls to stand within arms reach.

"I'm not sure how long I can hold the floo from allowing them through; Merlin, I'm not even sure what or how I did this." Hands reach out and seize my cheeks, "Marvolo, please don't make me constantly second guess myself - I get enough of that without your help. I know neither of us are any good at this, but I have not lied to you since you pulled me up from the asphalt in London." Mouth ghosting over mine he whispers, "I'm damaged goods, I know this, and I still want to try this thing with you. Please, I really do like you -"

Cut off his words with a sharp kiss, sweeping him up against my chest. Arms rise to lock behind my neck, fingers tangling with my hair. Brief pause to seek oxygen before his mouth is once more beneath mine, demanding more. Pressing himself tight to my front he lifts himself to his toes. Scooping him into my arms I whimper when he wraps his legs around my hips, bringing our groins flush against each other. Knees quivering I sink slowly to the floor, Deo still held in my arms. Toppling myself backwards I echo his moan, the move having shifted our hips. Hands caressing the back of his thighs I release his lips for another gulp of air.

"Oh God," he whispers nose pressed to mine. Arch my hips to meet his, hands finding purchase on his hips. Back bowing away from me he shudders. Head dropping forward, strands of his bound hair tickling my face, he matches the rhythm I'm setting. Tensing beneath him I meet his wide eyes. Mouth parted, he rocks against me. "Please, Merlin please, don't stop now."

Inarticulate cry fighting free of my throat I find my release, Deo's hopeless wail echoing in the room. Collapsing over me he gasps for breath. Wandless cleaning spell leaving my tongue I drag a hand up to hold the back of his head.

Shifting weakly he captures my mouth with his. Languidly answering his kiss I move my lips to the junction between his jaw and neck. Pop of the fire filling the silence I nip the delicate skin beneath my teeth.

"Mar-Marvolo, what - what are you doing?"

Lift my eyes to gaze at him softly. "Am I hurting you little Deo?" Flick my tongue into the shell of his ear.

"N-no, but?"

Teeth scraping over the fresh mark on his skin I grin at the shudder that races through him. "Just leaving a different sort of mark on you little Deo. Now, we really must go warn Cissa of the incoming company." Release him from my embrace and rise, turning for the door. Silence behind me I twist, "Are you coming little Deo?"

Shining eyes lift to seize my gaze, a pale hand barely touching the mark. Does he have any clue how beautiful he is right now. Heart crashing against my ribs I clutch at my chest. Dear Merlin, to feel this strength in such a soft emotion. Flush coloring my face I fight to keep my eyes locked to his. I love this boy. Do not care that he is - no, was - the Boy-Who-Lived and my enemy. This boy was someone entirely new, someone I need to have near me. With me always.

Reading something in my face he breaks into a brilliant smile. Shifting to his feet he closes the distance between us. Hands curl around my neck, press of his still too thin body against mine. Cradle his face between my hands, "I love you little Deo, my little raven haired star." Lips meet mine as the fire flares and the door opens.