Dear readers, this is the last chapter of "Not so speechless after all". I hope you had much fun reading and, perhaps, will leave a small review. They do keep us writers happy :-)
Cheers,
Morraine
Chapter 4
As soon as they returned from the holiday, Lucius set to writing a notification to let everyone they considered family and friends know of their recent engagement. He radiated pride and happiness, showering Harry with even more affection and love than the night before. It was a mildly astounding feat (How much affection COULD one show after last night, after all?) but not an unwelcome one.
Harry only now noticed the true difference between Lucius and Draco. Where Draco was content to have Harry's word for months on end without doing anything about their engagement, Lucius was determined to make true of his promises. In all actuality he seemed to float on air when doing something even remotely related to their bonding, and he was taking charge of Harry's needs.
Not a day later both put finishing touches on the embroidered, noble cards and then watched the owls that were to carry them fly off in various directions.
"How do you think Ron will react?" Harry asked, chuckling quietly when he already envisioned his friend receiving the notification.
"I hope for his sake that he is happy on your behalf," came the amused reply. Lucius held Harry around his shoulders against his own chest to offer warmth against the still cool May weather. He lowered his voice. "And I hope you'll see in time how much you really mean to me, love."
"I know that already," whispered Harry, smiling radiantly. "I love you, and I have to thank you for opening my eyes like you did."
"Sex is good for a many things," Lucius quipped.
Harry laughed. "Yes, well, my poor bum is having trouble coping with your sexual overdrive."
"I took care of that, did I not?" Lucius purred lustily.
Harry blushed. He remembered all to well how Lucius had applied a soothing healing balm first thing in the morning, using that opportunity to drive Harry crazy with his clever fingers and make him scream like a banshee in heat. Half the forest must have heard him, if the knowing and amused looks of the other hotel guests had been any indication.
"Well, what do we do about our current living arrangements?" Lucius asked, nuzzling Harry's hair lazily. "Do you want to keep your flat?"
"Are you crazy?" Harry asked incredulously. "Somebody already tried to break in. Twice. I don't want a repeat performance when the press gets notice of our engagement." He looked disdainfully out of the window as if the paparazzi were waiting for them at the main gates of the Malfoy premises. "It's not much of a home anymore," he concluded finally.
"You could always live here for the time being, but I gathered you didn't plan on staying in England much longer anyway, now did you?" Lucius sounded almost satisfied.
"You wanted to visit old colleagues and friends," Harry reminded him, pressing a kiss on the back of Lucius' hand. "And I agreed to come with you. When do we leave?"
"Not after your birthday, love. I have to tie some loose ends first, and then I'm all yours."
"Oh, that's sooner than I thought," said Harry appreciatively. "So it is safe to sell my flat? I can really put my horrible collection of mismatched furniture in your precious, newly redecorated manor?" He smirked teasingly.
"As a matter of fact there's the whole second floor of the west wing in need of furniture. If you want you can decorate them as you please."
"Oh, thank you!" Harry squealed and hugged his lover tightly. "I was worried that I'd have to store them away."
Lucius took advantage and kissed Harry hungrily. He had promised to go easy on him for a few days so his backside could recover, but that didn't mean he was letting up completely. There were several ways of making love, and Harry was well aware of that.
The canapee wasn't that far away but they still didn't make it there. Not that one of them complained, the carpets were soft after all.
Later that day the first owls started to swoop in. Harry was excited like a child on Christmas, eager to see how his friends reacted to the news.
--
Owl from Ron Weasley to Harry Potter, Mai 3rd 2006
Harry,
ARE YOU FREAKING CRAZY?? Merlin's balls, you really DO suck for blond gits who have a serious attitude problem! I hope you are aware of the fact that this is your second and last try with one of them. I swear, if that bloke makes you unhappy I'll set Hermione and Charlie and my mother on him! Between them there won't be much left to mourn over.
Still, I'm glad that you seem to have found happiness again. If I have to choose between the ferret and him I'll choose him any day. Just be sure what you're doing before you get hurt again.
Love,
Ron
P.S.: When is the wedding? I expect to be best man, mate!
--
Harry was still laughing about Ron's fiery temper when another owl arrived. Lucius took the letter and sent the small messenger up to their owl tower so it could get a snack and a rest.
"It's from Hermione," said Lucius after he had skimmed over the parchment. "I'll read it to you."
--
Owl from Hermione Weasley to Harry Potter and Lucius Malfoy, Mai 3rd 2006
Dear Harry and Lucius,
I'm sure my hotheaded husband has beaten me to the race to get back at you with a reply. Hopefully you were able to decipher his scrawl.
Congratulations are in order! I'm very happy for you both and wish you the best of luck. Thanks for letting us know. Is it safe to assume that there'll be a wedding following this merry event?
Thank you again for notifying us like this. Be assured that we all feel very special, and you two have to come soon for a little party.
Love,
Hermione
P.S.: Harry, don't let him slip away from you. I know he'll be very good for you. Besides, where would you find someone as handsome as him again?
--
Harry blushed wildly when Lucius read out the last line. This time he didn't miss Lucius smug smile and flushed an even deeper red.
"A family gathering with the Weasleys?" Lucius asked with raised eyebrows. "Who'll ensure my safety? Who can assure that they won't maul me on sight?"
"Snape will be there as well, and Charlie usually sees to it that his grumpy lover is satisfied. If that means he has to protect you to keep him happy then it will be so," said Harry, smirking at Lucius' less than convinced expression.
Just then the next owl came in. It was Snape's grouchy old owl Orpheus – fitting for a black beast with glowing, orange eyes. Harry took the letter and stroked the bird before sending it up to the owl tower. Lucius' hair tickled him when he leaned over Harry's shoulder to read it as well.
--
Owl from Severus Snape to Lucius Malfoy, Mai 3rd 2006
Lucius,
I must seriously implore if you have lost your mind now. Surely having sex again is wonderful but don't you think that being with Potter will put a serious strain on your already tried patience and the ability to suffer? Knowing the brat he would want a deep commitment that's demanding all of you. Hopefully you're up to providing the affection he'll need. Draco hurt him and he doesn't need that again, even if you do so unintenionally. And I do hope you're up to dealing with the press.
If you are ready to take up on that responsibility, however, I send my regards and wish you luck for your joined future. Charlie sends his regards as well, and hopes to see Potter soon.
Severus
--
"Now, that was not nice," pouted Harry. "I'm not that bad, am I?"
Lucius chortled. "No, you aren't, at least not where I'm concerned. The press, however, is. There's a sizeable grain of truth in Severus' warning. They will hunt us down sometime soon, and they will get on our nerves." He took the letter and put it on top of Ron's and Hermione's. "The good thing about notifications is that the Ministry got one as well, as it was and still is custom. This way they're forwarned and can take action to keep the people in check."
"Thankfully you know your way around," muttered Harry and kissed Lucius gratefully on the lips.
Since they had nothing better to do they set up the chessboard and played. Lucius won the first few games but then Harry beat him quite spectacularly and offered hot kisses as compensation. They soon lost track of time, lying on the sofa and snogging like teenagers. Only when sharp raps resounded from the windows they broke it off and Harry scrambled to let the owls in that were hovering outside.
They had supper over the responses of their friends and laughed a great deal. Most were rather accepting, even funny, and inquired curiously about the wedding that was sure to come.
"Come, Harry, I have to be somewhere tonight, and I want you to come with me," said Lucius when they had read the last letter, which happened to be from Lee Jordan, Harry's ex-boyfriend.
So, with his curiosity piqued, Harry put his cloak on and followed Lucius to Diagon Alley, where they made use of the International Apparating Point. Lucius held Harry tightly, and now neither of them cared what other people thought of seeing them together.
"Where are we going?" Harry asked, just before Lucius Apparated them both away.
"Surprise, my love," said Lucius, holding Harry around his waist.
They had landed somewhere on a huge place before a beautiful cathedral that stood out against the blue spring night. It was illuminated by spots, and cheers and chatter was heard from all around. Looking in wonder, Harry looked around and took everything in. Countless people in robes were milling around them. Not a few were smiling at them before passing on.
"Where are we?" Harry asked again.
"We're in Switzerland, in the wizarding district. This is the biggest marketplace, and this is the cathedral of St Eloisius, the founder of the wizarding community in Bern." Lucius rubbed Harry's shoulders and kissed him on the cheek. "I wanted to show you something."
"Wow, they have fantastic chocolate stores here!" said Harry in amazement. He grabbed Lucius' hand unthinkingly and allowed his fiancé to lead him over the place. He awed at this and that and simply couldn't stop looking at the grand gothic buildings and the myriad of small, exclusive looking shops that were cramped into said buildings and in stands standing all over the place.
Lucius led Harry through the maze of people and stands, holding his hand tightly so he wouldn't lose him. Soon they left the place and ventured down into a small alley. Small shops presented their offerings here as well, and the smell of chocolate and melted cheese nearly drove Harry crazy.
A bit further into the alley Lucius stopped and opened a wooden door to a shop that had gold embroidered windows, golden handles on the door and a golden bell to announce their entrance. From outside it seemed dark but when Harry entered he was greeted by warm, orange and golden light, dark brown wood that held the glass of several glass cases and purple shawls that were draped artfully to cover parts of the peach coloured walls. A golden chandelier was spreading the gentle light.
His breath hitched when Lucius tugged him over to a case that had hundreds of rings in them. Harry was dazed and could only stare.
"Are you mad?" Lucius asked quietly. "I just wanted to show you."
"No, it's just so … overwhelming," Harry admitted. "Do you really want me to see the rings?"
"Why would I not?" Lucius frowned. Then a look of understanding crossed his features. "Ah, Draco simply sprang it up on you. Well, I happen to like to know whether you like your ring or not." His grip around Harry's fingers tightened for a fraction. "Just don't feel pressured. This is the shop where I'd like to buy rings when you're ready. The owner is a good friend of mine."
"Of course I'm ready," replied Harry, looking at Lucius with open adoration. "I just didn't expect this to come up so quickly. I thought you wanted to wait."
"Whatever for?" Lucius smirked. "I give the press two days to make one of our friends blab the news, and if the time comes I want to be able to show them that you're mine."
Moved beyond words, Harry kissed Lucius hand devoutly, paying attention to each knuckle and each fingertip.
"Ah, I thought I heard your voice, Lucius!" said a rough, attractive voice, disrupting the moment between them.
Harry turned around, feeling Lucius' arms snake around his waist once more. The shop owner was a dark haired man in his thirties or forties with dark, mischievous eyes and a cocky smile on his lips. His skin was a bit more tanned than usual for this time of the year, and his dark, longish curly locks fell into his eyes and curled around his neck. He was slender and rather handsome, and Harry, detecting the underlying intimacy in the few words the man had spoken, understood at once why Lucius was friends with him.
"Adrian, it's good to see you again," said Lucius warmly.
"You didn't think you'd be here for rings so soon again, did you?" Adrian chuckled. "Aw, and you got yourself a cute fellow. I must say he looks even better in natura." He cocked his head and looked Harry over before he shook hands with him, all the while grinning merrily. "Hello, Mr Potter. Welcome to my small shop. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. So, what can I do for you gentlemen?"
"Now that I have convinced Harry to marry me we're looking for suitable engagement rings," replied Lucius smugly.
Harry wondered if Lucius had talked to his friend about him often. He seemed to know everything, the way they talked to each other. A flush crept to his cheeks, which only made Lucius and the shopkeeper chuckle.
"Of course you wouldn't want to lose any time, would you?" Adrian opened the glass case after he had calmed down and pulled a tray out. "Have a look at these, Harry." He smiled cockily and Harry permitted him silently to make use of his given name. "Lucius was fawning over them not long ago." He winked and pushed the tray closer to them. "The way he was going on about your situation I wondered if I should just come over to London and kidnap you then present you to him for his birthday, rings included."
Harry knew that Lucius was embarrassed; the way his hold tightened was speaking volumes. "I'd like to see the ones he liked most first," he said, slowly getting excited. This was real!
Adrian's finely shaped hands first showed a simple band made of platinum, then a broad band that had mother-of-pearl inlays in the form of a few runes and then a thick band that was adorned with grapes and vines and wine leafs. It reminded him immediately of their short vacation to Malta, and it was so finely shaped that he loved it at once.
"I like that one best," he said, taking the offered ring from Adrian and admiring it close up. The leafs actually stood a bit out, as did the grapes, making them look more realistic. It was an incredible piece, so elegant and fitting.
"That was the one Lucius wanted most as well," said Adrian. "You both have good taste, and so fitting." He smirked. "I take it that you share some fond memories?"
"That's none of your concern," shot Lucius back, but he was smiling and kissing Harry's ear. "If you're sure we should take them, love," he whispered. "There's not much sense in looking for other pairs if this caught both our fancy."
"I'm very sure," Harry replied gently. A tendril of magic tingled through him, and he revelled in the soft touch. "Are you as well?"
"Mmh," hummed Lucius, causing Harry to shiver.
"Well, then that's settled," said Adrian cheerfully. "But you're no fun, you two! Other couples stand here for hours and try to decide which rings to take. It's half of the fun!"
"We've had too much fun already," moaned Harry, shuddering again when Lucius traced his ear with his tongue.
"I can see that!" Adrian laughed and put the ring and its counterpart into a small box. "When is the wedding, my dear Lucius?"
"I don't know, but you better be prepared to be best man next to Severus," Lucius growled.
"You're mean. I still like him and you are making fun of me." Adrian looked a bit offended for a second, but then he was smiling again and handed Lucius the small parcel before he shooed them out. "Have fun, you love birds!"
Out in the alley again, Harry allowed Lucius to ravish his mouth. "Let's have some fondue," he panted. "I love cheese."
"No cutlery again," quipped Lucius, pushing his tongue into Harry's mouth and enjoying the show of playful resistance before he got what he wanted. "But for you I think I can manage."
They kissed hungrily for a while longer and then set off, looking for a small, cozy restaurant. Harry was so enamoured with Bern that they decided to stay a night and make a tour around the wizarding district at night.
Harry exchanged some money and even managed to lure Lucius out into the Muggle part of Bern where he treated him to some chocolate and wine before they went back through the secret passageway. Eventually they found a restaurant they liked and rented a room for the night.
The fondue was great and Harry was having immense fun teasing Lucius with it. The cheese drew threads all over them during fighting for each other's morsels. At the end of the meal they had to resort to magic to clean up but for Harry it was well worth it. Later, however, it was he who was teased mercilessly for hours ...
--
--
Owl from Harry Potter to Ron and Hermione Weasley, June 23th 2006
Dear Ron and Hermione,
I just wanted to let you know that Lucius and I are going on vacation next month, so I won't be in town for my birthday. Lucius suggested that we could have a late party on September 16st at a small chateau in France that he owns. On that account we can celebrate 'Mione's birthday as well. So what do you think about it? If you agree, more information will follow next time.
Thanks for the great engagement party, I enjoyed it a lot and I know Lucius did too. I really couldn't wish for greater friends! But honestly, who pried Neville from Justin later? I didn't think anyone would be able to manage that. Well, it was a long time in coming, wasn't it?
'Mione, you're doing a great job reining the press in! After Rita Skeeter's imprisonment everything has been quite calm, even when Draco spouted our engagement from the rooftops. I don't know why he bothers, it's not as if it gains him anything.
Oh, and just for now: Lucius sold his shares of the Daily Prophet, just before the stocks were falling in the cellar and below. I know he has something to do with it but who am I to talk him out of his revenge? They deserve everything they get. How much money they lost isn't clear as of yet but we'll know more when we return from our holiday. Keep us updated, please! Tell me, how much did Ron get out of it? Lucius slipped him a clue, I noticed, so there's no point in denying it.
Anyway, I'll write you the biggest postcard you've ever seen!
Much love,
Harry
P.S.: Don't bother writing me, or rather, don't expect an answer if you do; Lucius is keeping me busy, trying to help me settle in. Sometimes I think he needs a practical job to give his hands something to do.
--
Just like Harry had wished Hermione and Ron didn't write him letters that demanded long answers after that letter. He hadn't meant to put them off but he was so occupied with his lover that he was unwilling to share the time he had with him with anyone else. Lucius noticed that, of course, and was only sweeter in return.
A week into July they left England for a destination of Lucius' choosing. As it turned out their trip led them to New Caledonia, a small island in the Pacific that was ruled by the French. To Harry's utter astonishment Lucius even owned a villa here and showed Harry around proudly. The island was small but certainly big enough to entertain them.
They went out to the sea often, trying to catch some fish with nets and lines. They had so much fun that they barely noticed how they got some colour after only a few days there. Lucius, who had always been pale, took a bit longer but then, after two weeks he had turned an unmistakable shade of caramel brown which Harry loved.
Their trips to the town and all around the island were done in a car since New Caledonia didn't have a very big, closed-off wizarding population. Harry and Lucius could both drive though, and so they took turns exploring the island by car.
Just before his birthday Harry found the promised giant post card for Ron and Hermione and several others to send to their friends. He and Lucius were busy writing them on the floor in front of the fireplace until late into the night and had lots of fun doing it. Lucius described the island colourfully to Snape and Charlie, suggesting that they come here for vacation sometime soon. Harry knew that Charlie would love it and that Snape would grumble. In the end, however, he knew that Snape couldn't deny Charlie a thing.
"Now, let's put away these dreadful cards, love," said Lucius with a long-suffering sigh when a clock chimed midnight in the house. "It's your birthday."
Harry sighed happily. "All right." Ron's and Hermione's card was only half-written, after all, and it certainly could wait until tomorrow. He put it on the coffee table and turned to his lover.
Dobby appeared with a loud crack and served champagne and cake. "Dobby is wishing Master a happy birthday!" he squeaked, bouncing joyfully up and down. "May Master always be happy and content!"
"Thank you very much, Dobby," replied Harry, moved.
Dobby put the tray down, grinned broadly and vanished again, leaving Harry and Lucius to themselves. Lucius took the bottle and poured them both a glass of champagne, handing one to Harry when he was done. Harry watched his every move, and he was certain that his admiration and feelings for the man were obvious to anyone who would be looking had they not retreated to the solitude of the villa.
"To you, my love. May you always look at me like you're looking at me now." Lucius smiled warmly at Harry, making him flush. "I love you, Harry."
"I love you, too," said Harry, stricken. It didn't matter how often Lucius said it to him, it was still hard to believe. Always too breathtaking and too wonderful. He swallowed around a lump in his throat and smiled radiantly at his lover.
They toasted and took a sip, and then Harry blew every single one of the twenty-five candles out. He knew that he had wished for something grand when he was finished, but for this one time he felt he was allowed to be selfish.
With a big knife he cut the cake and they devoured it with relish. When they were almost done Lucius scooped some of the mousse on his index finger and fed it to Harry, looking at him with his catty eyes. He smirked when Harry suckled suggestively on his finger, caressing it with his tongue.
"Forgive me for asking in this highly pleasurable moment, but will you marry me?" Lucius asked silkily, grasping Harry's hand and kissing it lightly.
Harry was surprised, after all he had answered that question already. Still, the look in Lucius' eyes demanded nothing less than an answer, and so he kissed him on the cake-sweet lips and smiled.
"Yes, I do." He smirked. "Afraid that I'd leave you standing in front of the altar like your good-for-nothing son?"
"Naturally," replied Lucius, sniffing haughtily. "After all I'm a Malfoy: greedy, possessive and jealous. Once I have you there'll be no turning back. I won't accept anything less than your honest word for this." He dropped his haughty demeanor and his eyes held a hurt that Harry had thought impossible on this man. "I couldn't bear to lose you, love. You have no idea how much you mean to me. If you have doubts tell me so because there's no turning back for me."
"I dated the wrong Malfoy," said Harry, kissing Lucius again. "I know that I love you, and I know what I want. Ask me as often as you want, the answer will always be the same. I won't run from you as long as you won't run from me. I promise … I love you too damn much to let you ever get away again."
Harry kissed Lucius once again, sliding his tongue into his mouth. His lover and fiancé tasted like the cake, sweet and heady and addicting. Growling, he crawled over him, pinning him to the floor with his body.
"Happy birthday to me," he smirked before he went to devour his willing lover whole.
--
Owl from Hermione Weasley to Harry Potter, August 5th 2006
Dear Harry,
Thanks for your postcard, that really was the biggest card we've ever seen! It's even bigger than Jerry, and he's grown again lately. Oh, I'm so envious, New Caledonia looks so beautiful! I hope you had a wonderful time there. Really, it's so good to see you two finally together, and that you are so happy.
Ron is sending all of his love, and Jerry does as well. Come visit us soon, we're missing you.
Much love,
Hermione
P.S.: There's a party in August and we are expecting you there!
--
Harry had confirmed the invitation, of course, even though Lucius had put up quite a show of scowling and pouting and trying to wheedle Harry out of it. In the end, Harry knew, it was just a way to be lavished with even more attention. Lucius knew that it meant a lot to Harry to celebrate with his friends, and it wasn't as if Snape and a few other friends weren't invited as well. In fact, they had invented quite a devious plan, if only they could postpone the planned Weasley party on their already agreed-upon date in September. Lucius had even declared that he wanted to write the invitations for the party.
"Are you really fine with writing the invitations, love?" Harry asked. He was lounging around in a soft, overstuffed chair and watching Lucius as he wrote the text for their cards. He would write a few words, then scratch a few out and start anew, but he didn't seem to be annoyed in the least.
"If I don't write them everybody will know what's going on at once," replied Lucius with a smirk. "Don't worry, it's quite amusing actually."
"I imagine that Snape will be a problem, though," said Harry cheekily. "He'll see through our plot."
"Want to bet on it, love?" purred Lucius. "I have my way with words, but if you don't believe me then why don't we place a little wager?"
"Let's hear," said Harry eagerly and wiggled up in a sitting position.
"If Severus sees through our little plan I'll be the bride in our wedding night. If not, you'll cater to me and my nefarious whims." He raised an eyebrow invitingly and smiled when Harry's gobsmacked face flushed a bright red. "Are you scared, love?"
"No," Harry managed to get out, "but are you sure you want to be … the bride? I mean, you've never shown any interest in bottoming …"
"I never have," admitted Lucius with a slight shrug, "but it's different with you. I want us to be equals. If you had asked, of course I'd have let you have a go."
A sly grin spread over Harry's face. "But I never have, have I?" he said with a purr. "And why should I, the way you make me feel?" He rose from his comfortable place and swaggered over to his fiancé. Caressing the well-known, handsome face with his warm fingers, he purred, "You're a sex-god, my love."
Lucius put his pen away and grabbed Harry's behind tightly, pulling him closer. His face nuzzled his chest, and soon his mouth had found Harry's left nipple and bit it lightly through the shirt. "Naturally," he said haughtily. "So, do you accept? However, if you do, we must follow some rules."
"Of course," purred Harry, gasping when Lucius stroked his interested cock through his jeans.
"You are not allowed to give tips to either Severus or Charlie or anybody who might tip one of them off. To make it fair, I am not allowed to convince Severus to lie when we ask him. Is that acceptable?" Lucius growled, eager to get Harry out of his annoying clothes and beneath him.
"Oooh, yesss," panted Harry. A tingly feeling ran through him, and the bet was indeed placed and binding. "And now use your magic body and make me scream, love," he demanded.
Lucius was only too happy to oblige.
--
The day for the party came closer and closer. Harry and Lucius had, in between tying loose ends with the Ministry of Magic and Mr Pipe and other people, found a good decorating service for the chateau, ordered food, found a band and, after much writing and re-writing from Lucius, sent out the invitations by owl all over the place. Harry had found the time to pay Hogwarts a visit and Molly Weasley had been frantic when they had turned down her offer to help with the food. This had led to some uncomfortable questions but they were saved by Ron and Hermione who demanded her attention instead.
Harry was, despite all the stress, very happy. He and Lucius had been to a taylor together, getting fitted for their robes. He was content to let Lucius choose their outfit; his future husband had impeccable taste after all. In only one more week they would have their party, and he just knew that it would be wonderful.
Later in the evening, when they were back from their shopping spree, they lounged around in one of the many living rooms the manor had to offer, spent and tired but content.
"Are you very tired, Harry?" Lucius asked gently. "You don't have to stay up just because of me."
"I like it here," quipped Harry from Lucius' lap, where he had rested his head half an hour ago. His bright green eyes stared up into the eyes of his lover. "I was just wondering how our life will be when everything is done here."
Lucius smiled and carded his fingers through Harry's dark, unruly hair. "Very independent," he replied gently. "Everything is done at the Ministry. I cleared my desk and trained my successor." He sneered. "She's an incompetent, bumbling snipe, but well, it's not my problem anymore. How Fudge could allow her in is beyond me."
"Ha, he surely has his reasons," snorted Harry derisively. "I bet she looks like Umbridge, just like that cow who was writing protocol for him. He has an obscene fondness for stubby, power-hungry women with a sadistic streak to make Spanish inquisitors proud."
"You're not far off," said Lucius smoothly. "But she's not toady. She's fishy."
"Same difference," yawned Harry. He stretched his arms out and scratched over Lucius' chest when he was done. "Damn, today was too much for me."
"That means I'm not getting any tonight," said Lucius dryly, but his lips twitched in an amused smile. His pale, silvery eyes glared into Harry's, and his mouth looked as if he wanted to kiss Harry senseless and change his mind.
"I'll make it up to you in the morning," purred Harry suggestively. "I still have some things left that I want to show you …" His eyes twinkled when Lucius growled.
"Darling, why don't we go to sleep now?" Lucius asked. "That way the night will be over sooner and you can show me." He helped Harry up, kissed him hotly and then pulled him out of the room.
"Wow, you sure have a drive," chuckled Harry. His smaller hand in Lucius' felt so warm, and he inwardly glowed with affection for his fiancé. Gods, but he loved him.
They did their evening ablutions and snuggled into the large bed together. Lucius' body cocooned Harry's perfectly, and his arm was lying like a steel band over his waist. Harry pressed even closer to the man, inhaling his scent and softly caressing his neck and shoulder and chest.
"I love you," he whispered and pressed a chaste kiss on Lucius' mouth.
"I love you too," was the affectionate reply. Lucius' hand stroked over Harry's hair, and then his breath, that was caressing Harry's face gently, evened out.
Harry, despite his own fatigue, took the time to admire his lover. Lucius was beauty personified. His long, white blond hair shone in the moonlight, and his muscled body exuded power even in sleep. Harry found that he missed Lucius' gaze but he looked just as wonderful in his sleep.
Overwhelmed by so much feeling, he closed his eyes and hugged Lucius tightly against him. How anything could feel to right he had no idea, but he wasn't about to question fate.
Sleep was sweet that night, pumped up with emotion as he was. He dreamed many things, good things, and he remembered none of them in the morning. The only thing that interested Harry then was to make true of his promise and wake Lucius properly.
Without saying a word Harry used magic to freshen himself and Lucius up. The small shock of power sizzled up and down his body, already arousing him. Lucius only grunted and turned around, pulling all of the covers with him and leaving Harry bare.
Harry grinned. It would be too easy for him. He slipped off the bed and tiptoed to the foot end. Carefully he pried the covers off of Lucius' feet and then, when Lucius' grip loosened for a moment, from his entire body. He let the fabric float on the floor and then eased himself onto the mattress.
With gentle, soft nips he tended to Lucius' feet, worshipping each toe and the sole, before going on to the calves. Harry was soft as a feather when licking each muscle with utmost care.
When he arrived at the knees Lucius moaned, rolled on his stomach and buried his face in his pillow. Harry couldn't help but look up and admire the strong back in front of him. Lucius was trim and well-built; Harry actually liked to work out together with him, although he himself trained martial arts of several different kinds and Lucius did more body-building. He teased the left knee, finding sensitive spots everywhere before continuing on to the right.
By now Lucius was awake, he knew it. His muscles were taut and he shivered from the effort not to move away from Harry's teasing teeth and tongue.
"Good morning, love," crooned Harry sweetly. He inched up and trapped Lucius' feet under his chest. "Are you up for a ride?"
Taking Lucius' grunt as confirmation, Harry now suckled and bit along Lucius' thighs, enjoying every moan and gasp he got in return. He also enjoyed the hairless skin and the taste, and soon the was biting gently into Lucius' buttocks, licking the skin afterwards.
After some nipping and licking, Harry stroked Lucius' thighs and motioned for him to open his legs up a little. He made himself comfortable and purred when he was settled. He rubbed his cheek against Lucius' ass and then made an eager journey to the really interesting places.
"Oooh, fuck, Harry," whimpered Lucius when Harry pushed his tongue into Lucius' heated body.
Harry took his sweet time. If Lucius' proposition yesterday was any indication his lover had NEVER bottomed. He smirked. It was all the better for him, so he could be the one showing all the little delights to his lover who was so proficient at delivering the completely mind-blowing treatments without knowing what they really did to him.
With dedication he licked over the tender skin, wetting it before plunging in again as far as he could, moving his tongue around. Lucius was making such delightful sounds; it was completely addicting. After a while he returned to licking and sucking the backside of his lover's thighs, leaving marks as he went.
Lucius' legs were quivering and sweat was shining on his back. Harry licked his lips and settled over Lucius, licking off some of the slightly salty fluid. His erect cock fit perfectly in the crack of Lucius' arse, and the blonde moaned deeply at the feeling of Harry's cockhead pressing against his opening for a second.
"You like that, don't you?" whispered Harry hoarsely. "That's what you do to me every time you decide to take me from behind, tormenting me with your prick for forever." He smeared the precome that was leaking and rubbed the length of his cock along Lucius' ass, wetting his hole some more. Between kisses on his shoulders Harry groaned darkly in Lucius' ear, revelling in the shiver that took hold of him. "I would love nothing more than to take you right now, my love, filling you with me and letting you suffer like you let me suffer … but I don't want to spoil my fun."
"Harry, you're a horrible tease," groaned Lucius, clawing at the pillow. He pushed back against him, moaning again when Harry's cock pressed against him so enticingly. "If you don't want to rush it, then do something else at least, I beg you."
"I'll give you an idea, love," purred Harry.
He kissed Lucius' shoulders again. At the same time, his hips started moving, so he was sliding to and fro between Lucius' arse cheeks. His right hand found Lucius' mouth, and the blonde eagerly sucked two fingers in, biting them gently, sucking on them and curling his tongue expertly around the digits.
"Accio lube," said Harry, and Lucius groaned. The jar came out of the drawer and settled right next to Harry where he could reach it easily. The cap was unscrewing itself and flying back onto the nightstand. "Now relax, love."
Enraptured, Harry dipped his fingers in the lube and got off of Lucius to have better access. Slowly, carefully, he rubbed some of the gel in before he pushed one finger in. He knew that Lucius wouldn't break but he didn't want to rush this for anything in the world. He watched closely as his finger slid in deeper, then out slowly, then deeper inside again. Curling his finger, Harry searched for the right spot to pass over and growled with desire when he had found it.
Lucius gasped and moaned in response, pressing his ass against the intruding fingers. Harry's cheeks were flaming; it felt incredible to have this kind of control over a man like Lucius. And he loved giving him pleasure. He eased it off to grant Lucius some air and then redoubled his efforts with a second finger accompanying the first. It would be enough for this time, and remembering his own first time and the long, tender preparation Bill, his first boyfriend, had done on him for months, it would take even more time to make it truly pleasurable for Lucius. No matter what people said, the first time hurt, sometimes more, sometimes less.
"Merlin's balls, Harry, stop teasing me," grunted Lucius. He pushed up on his elbows, turning his head and glaring at Harry with those sharp silver eyes.
Harry grasped the opportunity and snatched those enticing lips in a hungry kiss. He then grasped Lucius' wet cock and squeezed it tightly. Only after a hearty spew of insults and threats from his lover he started rubbing it in time with the thrusts of his unrelenting fingers.
"Mmh, I like you this impatient," teased Harry, breathing kisses on Lucius' ear. "I like seeing you like this …" He stroked Lucius a last time and then released him from his grip. "But I'll leave this pleasure for some other time. Turn around, love."
Lucius exhaled sharply, spearing Harry with his glaring eyes. He indeed turned on his back and then sat up when Harry urged him to do so.
"Let me please you," said Harry roughly. His eyes were glued to the weeping erection of his lover, and he licked his lips.
Slowly, to please Lucius, Harry crawled up and lowered himself with his chest on the bed, keeping his behind raised. He knew just how much Lucius was turned on by this sign of submission, and the strong hand in his hair that was guiding him to the matter at hand was showing as much.
With a sigh of appreciation and devotion, Harry took Lucius' cock in his hand and kissed it, licked over it, learning the already memorized contours anew. Lucius' growling was arousing him, his hand was caressing him not-too-gently. Wiggling his ass a bit to tease Lucius, Harry engulfed the hot cock in his hand with his mouth.
The taste exploded in his mouth, he hummed with pleasure and put on his best efforts to please his love. He lived every suck and every throaty hum, and he revelled in his little rewards, like a tug on his hair, or a husky groan, or more of that exquisite taste on his tongue or, oh!, that burning hand on his back that was insistently inching towards his ass and surely had some wicked ideas.
He couldn't help but groan when those ot fingers found their way into him, although there was not much they could really do. Harry sucked hard on Lucius' erection, aiming to break his control. He moaned pitifully, willing those fingers to go deeper. Like always, there was a wonderful, burning feeling in his body. Submitting to Lucius always gave him a thrill – it was pure heaven to be consumed by him and to give everything his lover wanted.
"Enough," said Lucius huskily. "Lay back, Harry."
Harry regretfully let Lucius' cock slip out of his mouth, catching one last drop of precome. Only seconds later he was kissed hungrily and pressed back onto the bed. With a moan Harry welcomed Lucius in his arms, kissing back with all the fervor he could muster. As if playing an instrument he had mastered, Lucius' fingers played over Harry's body, arousing him ruthlessly. Harry reeled from all the attention and opened himself up for his lover when he demanded entrance in his body.
"You're mine," growled Lucius darkly in Harry's ear, pounding into him with exactly measured thrusts. "Say my name, love!"
Harry scratched helplessly over Lucius' broad back. He trembled from the force of the thrusts, and Lucius' words were erotic like hell. With a shudder he accepted that he wouldn't last much longer. He turned his head and stared into Lucius' wonderful, fiery eyes, licking his lips and wishing that he would kiss him again. Oh, Lucius' thick, slick shaft in him was tormenting him. He pressed his thighs against Lucius' sides; not being able to close them, being forced to bear the intrusion. This alone was enough to make him come sometimes, that feeling of helplessness and abandon.
"Say it," demanded Lucius hoarsely, grasping Harry's cock with a slick hand.
Harry whimpered and pressed against his teasing, tormenting lover. Each stroke was so wonderful, so hot. Waves of power flooded him, and so he let go. "Luuu-cius!" he managed shakily, arching into the burning, tight grip and against the body above him. His muscles cramped when he came and he groaned deeply.
Lucius above him hissed in pleasure and ground himself balls deep into Harry's ass. He didn't come though, but watched Harry shiver in the throes of his orgasm.
Harry only moaned weakly when Lucius left him and rolled him around. A fat pillow supported Harry as he was nowhere near being able to stay on his hands and knees by himself. Thumbs parted his arse cheeks and then, agonisingly slowly, Lucius breached him again, sliding torturously slowly back into Harry's body.
"You're still so tight," rasped Lucius into Harry's ear. His long hair caressed Harry's damp back. "I've fucked you so often and still you're impossibly tight." He bit and licked over Harry's shoulders. "It's all mine," he growled possessively, pushing harshly into Harry. "Mine, mine, mine!"
Harry was in a daze. He didn't bother keeping his moans and cries down. He felt so firmly attached to Lucius and yet so otherworldly that all he could do was cling to the bedspread, tremble from the assault and offer Lucius the satisfaction he so obviously wanted.
"Yes, yours," he gasped after a particularly demanding nip to his ear. He turned his head and glanced into the glowing eyes of his lover. "Only yours …" A large hand closed around his erect cock, squeezing rewardingly.
"Yes, you are," growled Lucius, pounding a few last times into Harry. Moments later he was coming hard and with an almost animalistic roar.
Harry nearly blacked out from the pleasure and the feeling of having his air pressed out of his lungs. He whimpered softly, shuddering at the feel of Lucius' hot semen burning in his body. All of him was sweaty, slick and wet, and he loved it.
Minutes later they felt strong enough to separate and have a nice after-sex cuddle. Lucius was horny again fairly soon but he did nothing about it. Harry enjoyed his caresses and kisses and the attention his fiancé paid him. And he was nothing if not generous …
--
"Look who's back again," said a sneering voice. "Lord Malfoy and his pet hero."
Lucius, dressed to impress, turned around to glare at a smirking Nigel Gordon. Fudge's nephew leaned, quite unimpressed, against a pillar and looked them shamelessly up and down. Harry only sneered back. Incidentally they had only come here to get some things sorted out and to prepare the responsible department for their wedding that would come sometime soon but now it looked as if Fudge's annoying, irritating nephew had decided to throw them in for a loop.
"Look who's also back, everybody's darling bootlicker," purred Harry, voice dangerously low.
"What would our dream team want in the Ministry of Magic?" Gordon needled, flushed from the excitement he obviously felt by insulting Harry and Lucius. "Is this a farewell-visit, Malfoy? I didn't think you were that sentimental."
Lucius' icy eyes speared Gordon, and when he spoke his voice was smoother than blitzeis. "I assure you, Gordon, I'm not. I merely took it upon me to tie the last loose ends here. One of those ties being hexing you into next year for insulting my fiancé and myself."
"You would love that, wouldn't you?" Gordon asked menacingly. "But if you do, my uncle will have your wands snapped." He didn't look as if he was afraid at all.
"Hiding behind your uncle now, are you?" sneered Harry. He tugged his gloves off his hands and put them into the pocket of his cloak. Taking his wand, he idly inspected it, showing it off. "I'm a bit disappointed, though … where's your vigilance? Don't you listen to gossip? Not everything they write in newspapers is false and made-up. Haven't you heard that we both are quite able to cast spells without leaving a trace behind?"
"You are?" Gordon asked carefully, the infuriating smirk sliding off his arrogant face.
Harry got away from Lucius' side and slowly advanced on the blond man. "Gordon, surely you're kidding? I did kill Voldemort after all, and even without my wand." He threw it away, not even flinching when it clattered loudly to the ground. "And you see, when there's no wand nobody can prove that I hexed you … Arrogance really isn't going to get you anywhere."
Gordon paled at once and tried to back off. Unfortunately the pillar was in the way and he stumbled when he tried to step around it.
"You're not so brave now, are you?" said Harry in a gentle, mocking voice. "Mmh, how to begin …" He tortured Gordon a bit with a nasty stinging hex, enjoying his squirming.
"I wonder," said Lucius in mock-thought, amusedly watching their adversary pant and twist in pain, "if you could tell us how the press always seemed to know what was going on …"
"Fuck off, Malfoy!" spat Gordon. His light blond hair, formerly combed back, was now flying in every which direction. "And tell your boy toy to stop!"
"Oh, he's not my boy toy," replied Lucius idly, smiling in what he knew was an absolutely infuriating manner. "He's my fiancé, so I can hardly order him around. But perhaps Mr Potter will let up if you tell him the whole story."
"Mr Potter doesn't think so," hissed Harry. "He's quite enjoying this." He put more magic into his hex and cursed Gordon again, just out of spite.
"Owww!" Gordon yowled, sinking to the floor and holding his sides. "My uncle will hear about this!"
"Oooh, Madam Bones will hear about your insults, and we will sue your sorry ass," mocked Harry. "Now spit it out, you moron, or I'll get seriously mad." Crackles of magic danced around his right hand, ready to strike once more.
Gordon looked ready to kill but he quickly gave up, seeing that Lucius was drawing a hidden wand from his cloak. In fact, Nigel Gordon tried to run for it but Harry kicked him to the ground easily, and so Gordon confessed his story in a snivelling, whiny voice. Maybe it was unfair to twist his arm like he did, Harry thought with little remorse, but at least it was getting them somewhere.
As it turned out, it had indeed been Nigel Gordon who had been spying on Mr Weasley, read the private mail Harry had sent, had read in their files and had violated the register of announced and consumed marriages. To neither Harry's nor Lucius' surprise Gordon had also been the one to tip Rita Skeeter off just before the authorities were about to get her. To top it all off he had done it on Fudge's request.
"Now tell me, are you happy, Gordon?" Lucius asked smoothly. "It's not every day that a dirty rat like you gets the opportunity to make life difficult for people like us." Gordon probably would have answered, but a quelling look from Harry and an even harder boot in his back silenced him. "I bet you even got off on the idea of spreading rumours like you did. You're just like your uncle, sick and perverted."
Harry could tell that Lucius was royally pissed off. His eyes looked dangerous even to him and a faint tremor in his left hand betrayed his calm exterior. Harry could feel the raging longing in him to just hex the snivelling coward to ashes.
"Sick and perverted!" spat Gordon from the floor. "You are sick, Potter! First fucking the junior and now the senior! Are they any good? Well, you obviously are worth their while, you little whore!"
Harry went white with rage. One look from Lucius told him to turn around - now. Harry accepted the offer and listened how Lucius cursed Gordon into a pulp. He did the things he wished to do to the rat and more, but as Harry Potter he couldn't extract revenge like that. He had a function as role-model to maintain. That didn't mean that he wasn't enjoying this immensely. The last few curses were hissed quietly. They seemed to have a lasting effect because Gordon was shrieking with rage when Lucius finally put his wand away.
"Let's go, Harry," said Lucius lightly when he was finished. "My business here is done. Everything else can be done by letter and Floo."
"Yes, my love," chirped Harry back, throwing a last, smug look at Gordon's crumpled form. "By the way, what did you do to him?"
Oh, he really enjoyed the rat's twitching face. Lucius grabbed Harry's hand and kissed it devoutly. All the anger that had taken a hold of him was leaving now and he gave his fiancé a bright smile.
"Only this and that," commented Lucius, putting his wand away. "I just hexed him with Confidentis Non-Revalo, which is much less than he deserved."
"It's damn fucking irreversible!" howled Gordon from behind. He tried to stand up but failed miserably.
"As it should be," replied Lucius in satisfaction. "It's a neat little spell, binding a person's confidence to their most valued assets … or what they consider them to be." He sneered in Gordon's direction. "In his case I chose his tongue."
"Why not his balls?" pouted Harry.
"We can do that anyway if you'd like," offered Lucius, chuckling sinisterly. "Well, I for my part thought that someone like him can do much more harm with his tongue rather than his dick. Although," he looked Gordon's miserable form up and down condescendingly, "fathering a child would be just as unbecoming on him."
"No matter," sighed Harry, kissing Lucius gratefully on the mouth. "As long as he'll keep his mouth shut …"
"Oh, he will if he knows what's good for him," said Lucius airily. "But come now, we wasted too much time on him already. I promised you lunch, didn't I?"
Without so much as a goodbye they left Gordon in the corridor, leaving the Ministry of Magic, holding hands. It had a feeling of Us Against The Rest Of The World, which Harry liked a lot.
Lunch was nice, and after dessert they paid their taylor a visit to get their robes. The party was this Saturday, and slowly nerves were starting to show.
"Do we have everything?" Harry asked anxiously.
"They won't wish for anything," replied Lucius reassuringly. "Everything is taken care of." He smirked good-naturedly. "You handled the preparations very well, Harry. Everything will be fine."
Harry sighed. "I hope so, it's the last really big party we'll have together for some time. I want it to be special."
Lucius only kissed Harry on the lips and then paid the taylor. Of course it would be special, what else did Harry expect? For him, Lucius would make everything special.
"I'm not annoying you, am I?" Harry asked in a small voice. "If I am, I'm sorry."
Lucius smirked. "Not much, no. Now come, let's get home and pack our bags, love."
They Apparated home to the Manor. Somehow the air was charged with a certain SOMETHING, and after thinking about it for a moment Harry knew what it was.
It was a feeling of letting go.
It was mid-September, the year was already fading out again, bathing the lands in warm, strong colours and scents that made people think of new adventures and faraway places. He couldn't believe that his failed wedding had been over a year ago. Strange, this last year seemed so short to him, although so much had happened. It was incredible that he had found his true love along the way througout all this trouble and was about to start a new life with him.
Lucius kissed him before he left Harry in the entrance hall of the manor to which they had Apparated. Harry ventured to the wing he had come to call his and started to select a few items he wanted to take with him. He was a light packer, only taking what he really needed for a journey. Lucius, of course, knew that by now. He was by no means minimalistic, never had been with a lifestyle like his, and Harry knew that his lover would see to it that he packed enough for their trip. Right now, however, he wanted to lose himself in some fond memories.
His time at the manor had been short but satisfying. And although he loved the house he really wanted to get away. He was more than glad that life had played out the way it had, it gave him uncounted possibilities to see what he wanted to do later on. And the best was that he had Lucius with him.
Smiling softly, Harry touched several pieces of furniture, little knickknacks and paintings. Everything meant so much to him, and with each piece he touched a bit of his moved past. Lucius couldn't possibly know what it meant to Harry to get these things out of that Gringotts vault where he had storaged them.
It was two hours later when Lucius found him there, staring dreamily out of the window and into the impossibly blue summer sky which was just starting to fade a bit. Clouds, painted in a soft pink, feathered over the endless dome like whisps of mist, and the golden sun in the distance was just about to set.
Harry sighed softly in appreciation when Lucius hugged him from behind, nuzzling his hair with his nose. "It's so beautiful here, Lucius," he said quietly. "It's perfect."
"You're so easy to please," teased Lucius, kissing the top of Harry's head. They remained like this for a while, and then Lucius pulled Harry up. "Come, let's get your things packed up. After that we could have dinner on the terrace."
"Sounds great," said Harry. He flexed his fingers in Lucius' grip and smiled. Everything he had ever wanted was here, and he was already holding it in his hand. "I love you," he murmured and breathed a kiss on Lucius' waiting lips.
Lucius' answering kiss was sweet, and the warm air of the evening made it even sweeter.
--
To say he was nervous was the understatement of the year. Harry had been in a snitch ever since he and Lucius had Apparated over to France two days ago. Preparations had been going well, however; Dobby and the other house elves of Malfoy Manor did good work after all.
Now, in late afternoon, the buffet and the villa gardens were ready for the visitors that kept coming. Harry took a last, deep breath, looked deeply into Lucius' eyes and then went to greet their first guests.
"Harry!" cried a very happy Hermione. She threw himself into his arms and squeezed him tightly. "Oh my god, it's beautiful here!" She kissed him on both cheeks and then handed him over to Ron, who wasn't much better than her.
"Looks like it will be a wonderful party, mate," said Ron, eyeing the food with delight when he was done suffocating Harry. "Man, I can even see the sea from here! How the heck did you find such a location?"
"Well, with the right connections … where's Jerry, by the way?" Harry asked. All the tension was slowly bleeding out of him. Seeing Ron and Hermione after weeks immediately made him feel better.
"We left him with Molly," explained Hermione. "We wanted to get you first." She stepped back and looked Harry up and down. "Merlin, but you look wonderful. I'm so happy for you."
Harry smiled. "Thanks, 'Mione … oh, there's Charlie with Snape, I'll go and greet them."
She agreed, and so Harry started greeting his other guests. Charlie gave him a big bear hug and Snape inclined his head politely. He looked suspiciously around and Harry made a mental note. The next were Lavender and her husband, some Ravenclaw from their year. Millicent Bulstrode and Gregory Goyle were the next. They brought a baby with them and Harry learned that her name was Gudlinda Goyle. He shuddered. God, did all the pureblood families have to give their offspring such horrible names?
Adrian arrived at some point and Harry and Lucius went to greet him. Knowing that his fiancé wanted to talk to him for a bit, Harry left Lucius and Adrian alone and went to greet other newcomers. He talked to people all over the park, glad to see so many friends again. Some he really hadn't seen in ages.
"Harry!" called a voice over the commotion.
Harry turned and was swept in a strong embrace by Bill Weasley. "Hello!" he said with a silly grin. "I'm so glad you could make it!"
"I wouldn't miss such a party for anything in the world," replied Bill, giving Harry a scratchy kiss on the cheek. "Well, where are all the eligible bachelors?"
"The bar isn't open yet," laughed Harry, "so you'll have to wait for a bit longer."
"Aw, man," pouted the redhead. "If there's nothing to get yet I'll go find mom and dad. Have you seen them somewhere?"
"The last time I've seen red hair it was with Lisa Turpin and Crabbe. Good luck!" Harry pushed Bill on his way and went to greet Lee Jordan and his latest boyfriend.
People kept coming ceaselessly, and Lucius and Harry were busy welcoming them all personally until the evening had come. The house elves had been just as busy, offering drinks and appetisers. The band had started playing light music sometime ago, entertaining the guests. To Harry it seemed as if the stream of arriving people would never end, but then everybody they had been expecting was finally there.
"My, what a wonderful place," remarked Dumbledore, beaming at Harry and Lucius. "A delightful setting for a party indeed." His beard was adorned with fireflies which now came to life, one by one, and he wore the most imposing robes Harry had ever seen on the man. They were scarlet red with golden stars and moons and blue butterflies all over. "A delightful setting for everything." He smiled meaningfully and glided off, over to McGonagall, Hagrid and Flitwick, who were amusing themselves with party crackers.
"Did you HAVE to ask the old coot to come?" Lucius asked in mock irritation.
"For good luck," replied Harry softly, stealing a heated kiss from his lover.
They kissed for long minutes, unaware of the people watching them interestedly and with varying degrees of disbelief.
"It's time," said Lucius quietly. His eyes searched Harry's but Harry only smiled reassuringly and took his hand.
"So it is," he said equally quietly. "Let's go, love."
They left their guests and entered the villa. Both changed their clothes for the dress robes. They were neither too fancy nor too plain and looked good on them. Both appreciated the sight of the other for a moment, righting cravats and pins and strings.
"Will you give me a last kiss?" Lucius murmured gently in Harry's ear.
"With pleasure," sighed Harry and kissed Lucius on the soft lips. He resisted the urge to burrow his hands in Lucius' hair and ruin his ponytail but kissed him with an urgency he didn't think he still had left. The strong arms around his body offered comfort and security, and he felt himself glow with love for Lucius.
After that kiss they looked out of the large window and over the park, where their guests mingled and had a good time without them. Music sounded up to them, just as the laughter and the hundreds of voices did. The sun was about to set and slowly took on a golden colour, bathing everything in a magical light.
"Ready?" Lucius inquired gently. His voice was smooth and calm and tickled Harry's ear teasingly.
Harry only smiled for an answer and took Lucius' hands. Together they wandered through the villa, getting out into the open and striding to a patio that was adorned with the flowers of the season and brightly coloured shawls. A soft wind was moving them this way and that, and the scent of the sea and the flowers in the park made Harry a bit light-headed.
Lucius watched the crowd for a moment, then he took a glass of wine from a house elf and tapped his wand against it.
The tingling instantly alerted the guests, the band stopped playing, and suddenly it was very still. Only the soft rushing of the sea could be heard, and the occasional cry of a seagull. Lucius tapped his throat and cast the Sonorus Charm on himself.
"Dear guests, ladies and gentlemen," he said over the silence, "thank you for showing up in such great numbers. We're happy to welcome you to our party, which is very important to us in more than one way." He took Harry's hand in his and squeezed it gently. "For one, this will be the last time for us to see you all together because Harry and I are leaving in two weeks and won't return for quite some time."
The silence, if possible, became even more oppressing. People stared accusingly at Lucius as if he had forced Harry to agree to this somehow. Lucius wasn't pertubed, however. If anything he revelled in this attention and drawled the following announcement even more.
"We wish for you to celebrate this day with us since it's not only a farewell party but also our long overdue wedding." He lifted Harry's hand to his lips and kissed it devoutly.
Harry had seen it coming; people exploded, shouting in surprise, shock and outrage. A few even fainted on the spot.
Ron shouted, "Harry, why didn't you tell us?"
Lucius smirked. "Don't worry, Mr Weasley, I'll return him in time for a reunion, for Christmas at the latest."
"Bastard!" cried Ron angrily. He bristled even more when Lucius bowed and said, "With pleasure."
"Now, now," said Dumbledore cheefully, "there's no need to get loud. This is a joyful event and we should celebrate it as such."
"Bloody old codger," muttered Snape darkly. He'd been lurking around, with Charlie by his side.
Harry sighed. Why did they all have to be so melodramatic about it? Since the day they had sent the announcement of their engagement out it had been clear for him that they would get married eventually. He snuggled into Lucius' arm and gratefully accepted the soothing kiss to his forehead.
After a while Lucius tapped his wine glass once more, actually getting the people silent again. He smirked. "Yes, it's our wedding day, ladies and gentlemen, and we're pleased to have you here as guests and witnesses. For a proper wedding, however, we do need someone to bond us first." He released Harry, so he could charm himself with Sonorus as well.
"For this we both decided to ask a wizard who has always been a part of both our lives, whether we wanted it or not," said Harry with a confidence he didn't think he had left after the previous uproar. The crowd of guests was dead silent, and even Ron and Hermione looked murderously at him for keeping such a huge thing from them. He quirked an odd smile. "Albus, would you do us the honour and be our bond wizard?"
Another wave of murmurs started, but Dumbledore only clapped his hands cheerfully. McGonagall next to him looked as if she was close to fainting, and Flitwick stood, mouth agape, right beside her. The fireflies in Dumbledore's beard jiggled when he moved to stand by Harry and Lucius.
"The honour is all mine, dear boys," he said genially. "I'm overjoyed to be the one to bond you." He hummed and went to take his place on the dais, looking for all in the world as if he belonged there.
"Harry, are you SURE that this is what you want?" asked Mrs Weasley into the oppressing silence. "I mean, are you sure he'll make you happy?"
Harry smiled a bright smile, leaning his head against Lucius' shoulder. "Yes, I'm very sure. Besides, I hope I'll make him happy, too. Sorry for surprising you like this, but I want this more than anything, and we didn't want to wait for someone to show up and ruin it for us."
The tension broke when a few started to laugh - during the last weeks Narcissa had come out of hiding and insulted her ex-husband and Harry to the best of her abilities, using the paper as well as the wizarding broadcast to spew her venom. Draco had happily joined her but by then Harry had overcome his fury and sadness and it hadn't fazed him more than any other presumptuous attempt to ruin his life.
Lucius bowed his head in Dumbledore's direction in thanks. Slipping his arm around Harry's waist and pulling him close, he smirked. "Please remember that we also need best men, dear friends. Severus and Adrian, I humbly ask for your presence to stand up for me."
Snape looked truly shocked, and had for the whole time since Lucius had announced the wedding taking place right now. Harry conceded the bet to Lucius; Snape obviously hadn't thought they would go through with it, even though he seemed to have suspected at least something. Charlie nudged him, smiling broadly. Adrian, who had been standing a bit farther away, closed his shock-opened mouth and nodded. Both made their way through the masses of people and sided with Lucius eventually, shaking his hand and asserting their willingness in a respectful tone.
Harry looked into the crowd, smiling at his chosen friends. "Ron and Bill, please humble me with your presence and stand up for me."
"YES!" cried Ron. His pallor had vanished and he was grinning even sillier than Bill or Lee or even Charlie. He pecked Hermione on the cheek, who was still staring gobsmacked at Harry and Lucius, and bounded up to Harry, clapping him on the back heartily and accepting the request with delight.
Bill stepped up to Harry and spoke the formal words of assent quietly, squeezing Harry's arm gently in support. His smile and bright eyes bespoke his happiness and Harry was moved by just how happy his ex-boyfriend was for him.
"We're not finished yet," reminded Lucius the crowd. "Since it would be silly to have a bridesmaid we decided upon the ring bearer together instead and chose …," he dragged the moment out, smirking when people were getting anxious, "Minerva McGonagall, please come up and do us the honour."
"What? Me?" McGonagall asked in apparent shock. Flitwick, who stood next to her, elbowed her knee to get her out of her stupor.
"You've played a great role in both our lives," said Harry, taking her hand when she had come up to them. "And we couldn't think of a better woman to guide us both into matrimony."
Titters could be heard, which was understandable since a good two thirds of the guests had gone to school with Professor McGonagall, be it as Griffindor under her tutelage or just as her pupil. Most of them knew her well, and nobody could belie the truthfulness of that statement.
McGonagall swooned where she was standing but caught herself and visibly straightened her posture. "Very well, I accept. But we do have to talk about your horrible sense of timing." More titters could be heard among the crowd. "You too, Lucius."
"Later," replied Lucius smugly. "Much later."
"Are we complete now? Yes? Very well, then the ceremony may begin," said Dumbledore from his position on the dais. After Harry's and Lucius' assent he overtook the ceremony. "Please come up to me, my boys."
Lucius handed McGonagall the rings and then led Harry to the dais. Bill, Ron, Adrian and Snape followed them solemnly at the same, slow pace. The golden sun painted everything in beautiful colours, and the soft breeze moved their cloaks in a gentle fashion. Harry, who had linked his arm with Lucius', breathed in the sweet air and then glanced at Lucius. This moment was so perfect that he thought he could die on the spot and die as happiest man on earth.
Dumbledore looked at the assembled crowd. His eyes twinkled brightly in the evening light, and the fireflies in his beard buzzed gently. "My dear ladies and gentlemen, apparently we're assembled today to witness the bonding of Harry James Potter and Lucius Cyprianus Malfoy." Laughter came up; it had been a huge surprise after all. "It is my great pleasure and pride to perform the bonding and give my blessings to this couple."
The old wizard made a great show of drawing his wand and performing an elaborate spell. Out of thin air a thick, old book, bound in dark brown leather and with creamy, yellow pages, appeared, and with it a large, scarlet quill with golden tip. Both hovered in front of Dumbledore, suspended in the air at a comfortable height.
"Marriage is a serious decision, and a thing not to be decided lightly," said Dumbledore solemnly. "Marriage is the union of the hearts, bodies and souls of two beings, not to be separated again. The promises we give during the bonding ceremony are holy, they are magic in its purest sense because there is no magic without will and intent." The quill wrote the words on the empty page, quivering from movement and the gentle wind. "My boys, are you both truly willing to enter this bonding ceremony? If you have doubts you may voice them now."
"I am willing and have no doubts," said Harry calmly and without hesitation.
"I am willing and have no doubts as well," said Lucius. He stroked the back of Harry's hand with his thumb.
"Wonderful." Dumbledore's eyes shone in the golden light of the sun and also from magic. "Does anyone of the guests have any doubts? If so, you may speak now or remain silent during the following ceremony."
Nobody said a word, maybe because Hermione and Charlie and a few other close friends of Harry and Lucius glared daringly into the crowd.
Dumbledore smiled broadly. "Very well, then we'll proceed, my boys." He raised his wand once more and chanted a long, obscure-sounding spell. Lights shot out of his wand and surrounded the dais, the two grooms and their best men as well as the ring bearer. When he was finished the dais was surrounded by a dome of magic energy which shimmered in every imaginable colour in the evening light.
Dumbledore then lowered his wand and looked at Lucius with his all-knowing eyes. "Lucius Cyprianus Malfoy, you've been bonded before but the match was not a good one. Now you've expressed your wish and willingness to be bonded to Harold James Potter in front of your witnesses. Do you pledge your loyalty to Harry, to love and cherish him, to take care of him in health and sickness?"
"Yes, I do," said Lucius in his smooth voice.
Harry looked at him, blushing slightly at the incredible sight his soon-to-be husband gave that evening. These few words sent shivers down his spine, so he grasped Lucius' hand tighter.
"And do you swear to care for him with your love, to stand by him, to make him happy every way you can, and do you swear to worship the bond you're willing to form?" Dumbledore asked. His voice had lost its gentleness, but his face was still looking genial.
"Yes, I do," replied Lucius steadily, with a touch of passion in his voice. He turned his head and looked at Harry. His silver eyes burned into Harry's. "Merlin, I do," he whispered, so that only Harry and perhaps Dumbledore could hear him. He took one ring from the cushion McGonagall carried and slowly slipped it onto Harry's left ring finger.
"So it must be," Dumbledore called out. The scarlet feather scribbled into the book, and a golden glow shone from the page. Among the guests murmurs broke out; it was apparent that a lot of them hadn't believed them to go through with it, and now that Lucius had spoken his vows the reality of the situation was starting to sink in. "Silence please, ladies and gentlemen. Let our grooms speak their vows."
I love you, mouthed Lucius, smirking teasingly when Harry swallowed and fought for his composure.
Dumbledore tapped his wand against the book. It immediately got him the attention he wanted. He then turned to Harry and smiled like Harry's grandfather might have smiled had he seen his grandson standing here today. "Harry," he said with a tender voice, "we all know that you've had a life full of hardships, of which Voldemort was only one. I can only apologize for my failings during all those years. I truly want your best, my boy, and I hope that you have found the best in the man standing here by your side."
Harry looked into Dumbledore's impossibly bright blue eyes and inwardly saluted the magic that shone from every fibre of the man. There was no lie in his eyes, and all the grudges were gone from his mind and heart. In this moment he forgave Dumbledore every single thing he had done to him, things that went from meddling to outright ordering around.
"Harold James Potter, you have expressed your wish and willingness to enter the bonding ceremony and take Lucius Cyprianus Malfoy as husband. Do you pledge your loyalty to him, to love and cherish him, to take care of him in health and sickness?"
Harry raised Lucius' hand to his lips and kissed it lightly. "Yes, I do," he said with a voice that showed his emotions.
"And do you swear to care for him with your love, to stand by him, to make him happy every way you can?" Dumbledore cleared his throat and Harry made use of the tiny break and smiled shyly at his lover. "And do you swear to worship the bond you're willing to form?"
That question again. Funny how it didn't faze him at all this time. He loved Lucius with all his heart, and he would be a fool to leave such a wonderful man at the altar. He couldn't think of anything else than living with him, and loving him and making him happy. He looked first at Dumbledore, who was waiting patiently for his answer, and then at his blond friend and lover and smiled brightly.
"Merlin, yes, I do," said Harry into the expectant silence.
Shouts of surprise sounded over the gardens and people started murmuring and talking again, watching with unabashed curiosity and glee how Lucius bent down to kiss Harry possessively. Shots and sparkles of bonding magic zipped through their bodies, drawing them even closer, although not even one thread could fit between them.
"So it must be!" boomed Dumbledore's voice over the noise. "Hereby I declare you as married and bonded!" It was obvious that he wanted to end the ceremony so nothing could disturb the pair in front of him.
All hell broke loose when the scarlet quill scribbled the last line into the book which then vanished with a loud crack. Applause came up, loud and furious. Harry's and Lucius' best men had trouble keeping the well-wishers off their backs for a few moments, so they could enjoy the magic of the moment.
Over the commotion Harry managed to take the other ring from McGonagall and slide it onto Lucius' finger. Tears clouded his vision; he was so incredibly happy. Lucius' warm lips kissed his tears away as soon as they touched his cheeks, and they both seemed to be unable to say anything else than, "I love you" over and over again.
"I … I did it," choked Harry. "I really said yes." He snuggled further against Lucius and kissed his chest and shoulder, uncaring of the fact that he only kissed the expensive fabric. "It was so easy, Lucius." He sniffed. "God, I love you so much."
Lucius smiled his teasing, gentle smile and raised Harry's face up. Harry drowned in that wet silver gaze that was caressing him with its gentleness and lust and devotion. "First I thought you would run again, you were so silent. But I guess you were not so speechless after all, my love. My husband."
Harry quirked a comical little smile. "No, not so speechless after all," he agreed, sighing contentedly. And then he proceeded to kiss the living daylights out of his husband.
- FIN -
AN: This was it. I know the ending is very corny but I just had to give them their happy ending. Hopefully you all had as much fun reading as I had writing the story. Maybe you'll leave a small, last review, that would be great. Thanks for staying with me!
Cheers,
Morraine