A/N: Some of you are going to really love this chapter! (cackles madly) Just a little thank you for putting up with the long time between updates. Enjoy!
A/N2: M for Mature!
Tenderness
~ Thursday, March 15 ~
Shadow stared at the ceiling, his mind racing. It was in these quiet moments when he was alone that he could think the clearest. Neville had return to the woods when Draco had grown sleepy a few hours past dawn and suggested they all get some sleep. Shadow didn't let Nev leave before getting a promise that he would come back at dusk – when they'd most likely wake up.
Draco was dead to the world, softly snoring with an arm wrapped around Shadow's waist. Shadow couldn't sleep. He'd done enough of that as it was, and besides, he really had a lot to consider. It was only now hitting him. He'd been in a coma for three years. The lives of everyone he knew had continued.
And not for the better in some cases, he thought, looking down at his lover's profile.
Gently, Shadow pulled free of Draco's embrace. He was wearing pajama pants, so he only bothered to slip on a long night robe before tip-toeing out of the room. He needn't have been so careful. Draco may not be suffering from the effects of vampirism anymore, but he still slept rather soundly when the sun was up. Nonetheless, habits were hard to shake. He made it to the guest room, Draco's room, without being discovered and shut the door carefully behind him.
"Omi!" he called.
"Yes, young Master?" The elf appeared almost instantly. His large blue eyes were brighter than they had been in years, almost distracting from his many wrinkles and white hair. It seemed like decades had passed since Shadow had seen him last instead of just a few years.
"Hi, Omi. Are you busy today?"
"Oh, no, young Master. I's not too busy to do something for you," Omi assured him, a large smile splitting his face. He bounced on his toes, he was so eager to help.
"I was wondering if you could go and find out some information for me. I know it's not what you usually do, but…"
"I can do it, Master! Omi need only know who," the elf cried.
"Well…" Shadow sat down on the bed, thinking. "George and Fred Weasley. Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley. Ginny Weasley and Luna Lovegood. Rogan Harper, Miles Bletchy, and Lillian… I forget her last name, but she is usually with the other two. Charlie and Bill Weasley. Minerva McGonagall." His mind slid to enemies instead of just friends. "Dolores Umbridge." He blinked. Was she the only enemy who was still alive? The thought brought a smile to his face.
"Is that all, sir?" Omi asked, brow scrunched as he tried to memorize the list.
"For now." Shadow smiled at him. "Thank you, Omi. It really means a lot to me."
Omi smiled back, true affection in his gaze. "I is very pleased to serve you, Master." With that, he disappeared with a crack.
Shadow shook his head but couldn't help feeling affection for the little guy. Omi was a part of the family. The good mood didn't last. He bit his lip, suddenly nervous about the news the elf would bring back. From as far as he could see, Neville and Draco hadn't been doing well in his absence. Severus was the same as ever, if a little tired and rough around the edges. In fact, the only two who seemed to have thrived were Sirius who looked better than ever and Remus who had a wife and son he adored.
The minutes passed slowly. Shadow had no idea how long it would take for Omi to gather information about all the people he'd asked about, so he stood and began to pace. He needed to think of something to do about Neville. His brother had obviously relinquished some of his humanity. Was there a way to get Neville to take it back, or could all he hope for was to stall the inevitable transition into becoming Earth? No matter, he had to try. What he needed to do was to get Neville to care about more people.
Nodding, Shadow moved to the desk in the corner. He pulled out a piece of parchment and an Ever-Quill and began jotting down notes and ideas concerning Neville. These thoughts transitioned to thoughts of the wedding, since most of his plan revolved around Neville helping him with it. They needed to go shopping for formal robes. Shadow smiled, knowing Draco would love that outing at least. The quill stopped in mid word. Could he actually go out and shop? The idea of a crowd, of strangers watching him, maybe even brushing up against him, had a cold sweat breaking out along his hair line and the blood rush from his head.
"Shit," he cursed, fisting his hands. He really didn't want anyone touching him. Well, maybe Draco, but even he didn't like Draco to touch him without seeing it coming. He about jumped out of his skin when Draco surprised him in the shower the other night.
Sheer overwhelming despair washed through him. What was he going to do with the rest of his life? He could hardly step outside the front door. The thought of a shopping trip made him want to curl up in the corner and whimper. Even if he could walk around freely, he wasn't qualified to do anything. He hadn't even graduated from Hogwarts. Now that he thought about it, neither had Draco. They couldn't just live off of Severus. The man looked worn down. He needed a break, not more responsibility. Besides, Draco had turned eighteen last June. Shadow Snape technically turned eighteen last month. It was time to support themselves.
"Yeah, but doing what?" he muttered, running a hand roughly through his messy curls. Luckily, His increasingly agitated thoughts were disrupted by the loud return of Omi.
"I have news, sir."
Shadow hesitated but then nodded. "What'd you find out?"
"I talked to the elves at Hogwarts, sir. They knew all those you wanted to hear about." Omi looked rather pleased with himself that he had learned about each name his Master had given him.
"Good job, Omi," Shadow praised him, grinning at the way it made Omi squirm.
"Fred Weasley died a few days after the war, sir. George Weasley hasn't been seen much. He stays at home. Hermione Granger disappeared after Ron Weasley traded his life for hers using a very big spell. He's now a great hero."
Shadow felt his heart squeeze in his chest at the horrible news. Fred and Ron dead? Hermione missing? George a shut in? Omi continued oblivious to his distress.
"Ginny Weasley, Luna Lovegood, Rogan Harper, Miles Bletchy, and Lillian Derrick are in their last year of school and will graduate this June. Tibby says Ginny Weasley wants to be a mighty Auror, and that Rogan has proposed to both Miles Bletchy and Lillian Derrick. They will be the first Triad formed in fifteen years."
"That's good," Shadow sighed in relief.
"Miles Bletchy might not live to the wedding. It's set in May. His bone disease has made him very weak and sick, sir," Omi reported sadly. "The elves are very sad. Miles Bletchy is always kind to them."
Shadow gritted his teeth and waved the elf on.
"Charlie Weasley died in the final battle at Hogwarts. Bill Weasley was infected with the werewolf virus, but since he was bitten during the day and not on a full moon, he does not change every month. It merely disfigured his physical appearance and heightened his senses. He and his wife have tried to make young, but they think the disease has rendered him infertile. Minerva McGonagall is Headmistress and is doing well. She is dating a Mr. Young."
"And Umbridge?" he whispered, overwhelmed.
"Dolores Umbridge is missing since the final battle, but the elves know, sir." Omi shifted uncomfortably. "I's not wanting to get anyone in trouble."
"You won't. I'll keep it secret," Shadow promised, all his attention on the elf. Dark rage stirred in his breast. So much lost, so many lives ruined. Umbridge would pay for her contribution to that if she hadn't already.
"Young Draco Black killed her, sir, and gave her body to the centaurs," Omi answered weakly. He held his breath, expecting anger.
Shadow blinked and then threw his head back and laughed. He laughed so hard tears slid down his cheeks. It took several minutes to catch his breath. "Oh, Omi, that's the best news you've given me."
Omi smiled tentatively back. "Can I do anything else for you, young Master?"
"No. No, you've done enough." Still chuckling and wiping his eyes, Shadow shook his head. "Thank you."
"You are welcome, sir." Omi hesitated before leaving. "Can I get you lunch? It is noon, Master."
He wasn't hungry, but he knew he should eat even if it was only to try and gain back some weight. "I'll have a sandwich and some milk."
"Yes, sir!" Omi cried happily. "Right away, sir!"
Shadow ate his sandwich slowly, his mind trying to wrap around everything he'd been told. It actually took effort to turn his thoughts away from those who'd died and focus on those he could still help. Not that they'd want his help, maybe. He'd abandoned them after all. Still, Shadow had to do something to at least atone for his long absence. The question was what could he do to help?
xXxXxXx
Draco woke to find the bed empty and the red-gold light of sunset spilling in through the window. Stretching, he got up and padded across the room in search of his wayward fiancé. A sixth sense drew him to his old bedroom. Pushing the door open, he found his lover staring outside with ink-stained fingers and a thoughtful look on his face. Several pieces of parchment were balled up at his feet.
"Hey, lover. Miss me?" he called softly, not wanting to startle the beautiful man.
The two-colored eyes focused on him and Draco felt a rush knowing he had Shadow's full attention. He didn't think he'd ever get tired of it or the sweet welcoming smile that spread across his lover's face.
"Good evening," Shadow answered and lifted a hand in welcome, gesturing him over. "Tell me what you think about this."
But Draco wasn't having any of that. He wanted Shadow's attention on him, not some new project, whatever it was. That could come later. His attempt at seduction in the bathroom had failed, but he was determined to succeed this time. He let a smirk slide across his lips. Shadow's brow furrowed minutely, still unaware he was being stalked.
Draco strode slowly across the floor, letting his hips sway with each step, knowing his pants would slip just enough to reveal his hipbones. "I asked if you missed me, Shadow," he reminded, his voice turning into a velvet purr.
Shadow's glorious eyes widened and he visibly swallowed. Draco's mind instantly flashed to fantasies of Shadow swallowing around him, and he felt his pulse speed up, the raw hunger doubling. He wanted Shadow under him writhing, eyes clouded with lust, voice crying out his pleasure. He wanted it so badly he could literally taste it.
He lifted his hand and slowly ran it through his silky hair, tilting his head into the caress and exposing his throat. He parted his lips, his tongue slowly wetting them. "I missed you."
Shadow couldn't take his eyes off his lover's gorgeous body, suddenly hyperaware that they were both half-naked. "Draco…" he gasped out.
"Yes?" the blond answered huskily. His hand fell from his head to trail down his chest. Both pink nipples hardened as his fingers ran smoothly, slowly down his skin. His stomach muscles tightened at the tickling sensation, and his pants were obviously tented by the time he traced over his hip and down his clothed thigh.
Shadow felt his heart beating deep and steady in his chest, his whole being riveted on Draco. He could feel the heat his mate's body gave off, sense his arousal and deep-seated love, could hear his quickening breaths, and Shadow could smell the warm scent that was uniquely Draco. It saturated the room, wrapped around him, and filled his lungs with every breath. Every nerve ending came alive, sending tingling pleasure dancing along his skin, a promise of what was to come.
Draco thrilled as Shadow's eyes darkened with lust. He was doing this to his love. Only he could make Shadow tremble with desire. He closed the distance between them. One hand on either side of the chair, braced against the desk, Draco bent forward, his mouth right against his lover's ear. "So do you miss me?" he whispered.
Shadow answered with a gasp.
Draco chuckled and let his lips trail down, across the sharp jaw, sliding smoothly to the pointed chin. His licked upward, brushing the full bottom lip that was silently begging to be kissed. "I love you," he murmured gently. He looked up and held Shadow's bright eyes. "Can't get enough of you. Need you."
Shadow couldn't take it anymore. One hand snaked out and grasped the back of Draco's neck, pulling his head down roughly. Their mouths collided, sharp pain flared through Shadow's lip and the coppery taste of blood flavored the heated kiss. Draco growled and practically shoved his tongue forward, his eyes turning into glowing silver discs.
Whimpering, Shadow scrapped his nails down the muscled stomach, his fingers catching on the waist band of Draco's pants. He yanked his lover's hips forward, arching his own, desperate for more contact, but the angle wasn't right, their skin still wasn't touching.
Draco dropped both hands to Shadow's slender waist and lifted. Long legs wrapped responsively around him while lean arms wrapped around his shoulders and neck. Their chests pressed flush against each other, their hearts communing through rapid Morse code. They bit and kissed and sucked, moans and gasps swallowed whole. Then Draco felt the thighs encircling him tighten as Shadow rocked against his stomach. Through their pants Draco felt the cool slickness of pre-cum and thought he'd combust with desire.
Shadow's back hit the wall hard. His mouth broke free as he cried out, hands clawing at Draco's shoulders as the blond pressed against his aching need and rubbed almost viciously against him. He stared into Draco's hungry eyes with equal fervor. It occurred to him that they had won. They had beaten all the odds and survived the war, out-lived their enemies, and would now be together forever. Shadow grinned, breathless and exhilarated. Draco groaned, equally winded and dropped his head to lick and bite at Shadow's neck and shoulders.
So alive, so good, hot, more, need more… Shadow's fevered mind babbled.
As if reading his thoughts, Draco bit down hard on his neck, sucking at the tender spot above the pulse point, making the slender brunet cry out loudly. Shadow, Shadow, Shadow… He pulled his lover's pants off his smooth arse and away from the weeping erection. The silk bunched at the top of milky thighs, trapped there by Draco's body and the legs wrapped around his waist.
Shadow gasped as he rubbed against Draco's hot skin and reveled in the overwhelming wave of physical and emotional sensations as Draco groaned and rocked, granting him the friction he desperately needed. Wet kisses stole his breath; strong steadying hands grounded him; the sharp bites sent electric shocks straight to his nipples and groin.
So close, so close…
"Love you… Love you…" Draco chanted. He was almost blind with need. Shadow was undulating against him, rhythmically squeezing his waist as he rutted against Draco's body, practically mewling… Draco groaned and quickly licked the first two fingers of his right hand. He slid them over the pale cheek and gently pushed up into the tight entrance.
"Ah!" Shadow flung his head back hard, his curls sticking to his sweat-soaked forehead.
Draco froze, his whole body locking in fear. Had he hurt him?
"Don't stop! Don't stop!" Shadow cried out desperately, fists pounding on the blond's shoulders.
A hungry smile stretched Draco's mouth as he rubbed languidly up against his lover, teasing the cock trapped between them. "Did you like that, baby?"
Shadow narrowed his eyes even as he groaned in pleasure. His fogged mind was scrambled, but he knew he was being challenged. He was no passive participant in this. The mere idea made Lockhart flash in front of his eyes. He growled and grabbed a fistful of Draco's hair, tilting his head back. He licked across the swollen lips, wetly across his cheek, over the shell of his ear.
"Do you like it?" he hissed wantonly. "Feels so good, doesn't it, Draco? Never wanna stop. You're mine. Only I can touch you now."
Draco gasped, eyes hazed over. All coherent thought fled and primal lust took over. He slammed his two fingers into that tight heat, desperate to claim, to mark, to give himself, and be taken. Shadow howled, his nails sinking into skin, unknowingly drawing small bloody furrows.
Sloppily, Draco pushed his fingers in and out, spreading them, stretching the tight ring of muscle. He wouldn't last much longer. Shadow's scent was covering him, the gorgeous body clinging to and grinding against his own. The hitching, desperate little gasps his lover was making told him Shadow was going to fall over the edge any minute. He pressed forward, pinning him to the wall, stopping the friction.
"No! Draco! Almost there, almost there!" Shadow dropped his sweaty forehead against Draco's shoulder, almost crying in frustration.
"Hold on, baby," he gasped. "Wait for me."
Draco pulled his fingers out and yanked his pants down. Grasping his cock, he pressed it at his lover's entrance. He couldn't catch his breath. He was panting, mouth open, heart almost bursting out of his chest. He rocked his hips upward, slowly impaling himself. Shadow howled in both pain and pleasure. There was no lubrication, he was barely stretched, but the look on Draco's face - eyes wild, cheeks red, mouth gasping for oxygen, staring at him like he was some amazing being - was incredible.
Draco was out of his head with the sheer realization he was inside Shadow. Sweat-slicked palms grasped at the thin waist. Thrusting up, standing on tip-toe, he pressed his lover down further on him until the tight incredible heat engulfed him completely. Shadow gave a long low cry while a strangled wheeze escaped Draco's throat. White light with sparks of red flashed in front of Draco's eyes as his whole body gave a slow, bone-deep shudder.
Ohgodohgodohgod…
Draco filled him completely, split him open. He was there, inside him, deep and hard. And then he was moving, thrusting, pulling his body up and down relentlessly. Shadow was sobbing. The pain ebbing and flowing, dancing with the sheer pleasure assaulting his system until he was flying, flying, cumming…
"Draco!" he screamed, clinging to the only thing stable in the whole imploding universe.
The silken passage tightened impossibly, and Draco growled, the sensation almost painful. Warmth drenched his chest and stomach; the smell drove him wild. He bucked his hips hard, wishing for a better angle. Shadow curled around his shoulders, gasping like a drowning man, and Draco slammed into him, allowed deeper into the now limp body. Faster, harder, until Shadow was mewling again, whimpering from over sensitization, tightening slowly around him like a vice, and finally Draco tipped over into paradise, bursting at the seams with an almost lion-esque roar.
A moment of blackout, where they were lost and adrift in a sea of burning ecstasy.
Blinking away tears, Draco felt his trembling legs finally give and he sank slowly to his knees, Shadow's back dragging down the wall with a sensual hiss. He was still breathing hard; Shadow's breath hitched with residual sobs. Draco nuzzled his jaw and lapped gently at the trail of tears. He kissed each eye before dipping back down to that delicious mouth.
Turning, pressing his own back to the wall, he sat down, keeping a tight hold on Shadow so his lover continued to straddle his lap. They shared languid, messy kisses while their hearts returned to more sedate paces. Shadow sighed in contentment, pressing his forehead gently against his lover. Draco smiled, filled with an almost overwhelming sense of adoration for the man in his arms.
"Drey…" The name was hardly a whisper it was so softly spoken. Gently, Shadow stroked over Draco's own tear-streaked cheeks.
Unable to respond, too choked up, so full of emotion, Draco had to squeeze his eyes shut. Soft butterfly kisses rained down on his face, and he forced himself to breathe deeply and evenly, his arms tightening possessively around his lover. It took a few minutes before he could clear his throat and finally open his eyes.
"Are you okay? Did I hurt you?"
"I'm fine," Shadow murmured sleepily. His head rested on Draco's collarbone, tucked under his chin. His hand traced aimlessly over the sweaty skin of the blond's chest, circled a nipple before continuing on in its gentle course. "Feel good."
"We should get in the bath before we stiffen up."
Shadow nodded and slowly forced his limp legs to lift him onto his feet. His arse throbbed, the pain deep and persistent. He ignored it as best he could and tried to get his balance.
Draco stood with equal difficulties, his thighs screaming. His pain was forgotten completely when he noticed the grimace on his lover's face. His smoky grey eyes filled with concern, and he gently scooped Shadow up into his arms bridal style. "Rest," he murmured. "I got you."
Shadow considered protesting but decided it was stupid. He was very comfortable, and it made Draco feel better to take care of him so he might as well let him. With a sigh, he closed his eyes and relaxed, enjoying the lethargy that saturated his body. He had never felt so free and happy in his entire life. It was an amazing feeling.
xXxXxXx
Severus would have enjoyed the quiet dinner more if he hadn't been forced to hear the feverish coupling that occurred two hours ago. It'd been a long time indeed since he'd had to consider such needs, and being forced to realize what marriage would mean for his son and his highly sexual chosen mate did not put him in a good mood. He'd have to see about adding a silencing ward to their bedrooms at least.
Not that he was pleased with that solution; it aggravated him to think Shadow might call for him in need and Severus would be unable to hear. But Draco would most likely always be with him. Severus no longer needed to guard Shadow. As much as his son insisted that he needed Severus still, the older man knew their relationship would have to change or it wouldn't survive the years.
Draco felt his mentor's ire and diplomatically refrained from smirking or making any subtle digs. There was a time when he'd, well, puff out his chest like a peacock, but he'd grown wiser and knew better than to press Severus' buttons. Not to mention Shadow would notice and get upset. And besides, he felt too good to ruin it by picking a fight. Maybe tomorrow if he grew bored and needed amusement.
"What do you think?" Shadow asked after explaining his idea.
"I agree," Severus answered thoughtfully as he always did when presented with a challenge. "We do not know what effects the White magic will have on a natal disease. However, we do know that though Draco's vampirism wasn't completely cured, the worse symptoms are diminished. It may be worth the risk of failure or mutation for Mr. Bletchy since he isn't expected to live much longer."
"Then the sooner the better, right?" Shadow bit his lip nervously, dipping his head forward to hide the shame in his eyes. "I'm not sure I'm ready to go to Hogwarts."
Severus had expected nothing less. "We can floo to the Headmistress' office and discretely meet him in the infirmary. I'm sure Poppy will be pleased to oversee the healing in case things go wrong."
"You don't think they will, do you?"
Draco reached over and held his hand, gently brushing his thumb of the prominent knuckles. "No. White magic heals, Shadow. It doesn't hurt. The worst that can happen is you don't fix him. Nothing will have changed."
"Except that I gave him hope just to take it away."
"I have found it is always better to have hope than to live without it," Severus spoke into the silence.
Shadow smiled softly. He would be eternally grateful for the hope this man had in him, even in the face of years where it seemed he'd never wake again. "Okay. Then you'll contact McGonagall?"
"I will. When would you like to do this?"
Shadow glanced at Draco, blushing furiously. He was tired and sated, having just lost his virginity. He didn't think tonight would be a good night to try an unconventional healing. "Tomorrow after curfew. That way we won't run into anyone accidentally."
"Very well. I shall be gone for a few hours. I have errands to run." Severus patted his mouth and rose from the table gracefully.
Draco waited for him to leave before allowing his expression to reflect his utter happiness. "What do you want to do?"
"Neville will be here soon," Shadow answered quietly, fighting embarrassment. "I guess we have a wedding to plan… Hmmm…"
"I know that look…" Draco narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "What are you thinking?"
Shadow drummed his fingers on the table. "You wouldn't mind if we had a slightly larger wedding, would you?"
"What do you mean?"
"I'm the one who wants to keep it small, right?"
"I don't mind it being small," Draco answered slowly, but he was catching on. "You want to make it bigger, invite more people, so that it gives Longbottom more of a challenge."
Shadow ducked his head. "I want our wedding to be beautiful, for you. I don't really care about decorations or ceremonies or who sees. I just want to be with you forever." He looked up at his lover earnestly. "But if we're going to do the whole wedding thing, then I was thinking we could include George in on the planning. But if it's too small then it will be too easy. We'll have too much time on our hands. It won't keep them engaged."
Draco was of two minds. First, his heart practically sang when Shadow confessed to just wanting to be with him. On the other hand, their wedding was supposed to be about them and Shadow was having it more for other people, including Draco.
"Drey…" Shadow felt his lover's conflicted emotions and hated that he had caused it. "It was a stupid idea. Forget it. We'll keep things the way they are. I'll think of something else."
"No…" Draco shook his head, realizing Shadow was reading him and quickly brought up his Occlumency shields. He smiled and tried to hide his disappointment. "You don't really care about weddings, but you do care about your friends. If the wedding gives you something to do with them, to help them, you'll invest more in it. It's a good idea."
"They're not the only reason…"
Draco cut him off. "Not the only reason, I know." He leaned forward and caught his lips in a gentle kiss.
Shadow felt his worries subside a bit at the loving gesture, but he still couldn't help feeling he had messed things up. Before he could say anything, though, Neville walked serenely into the room.
"I'm going get started on base spells for the portkeys we'll need to include in the invitations. You two have fun." Draco kissed Shadow once more and left the two to their own devices.
"Hey, Nev," Shadow greeted, standing and giving him a hug. "Are you hungry?"
"I am fine," Neville demurred. "What do you need my help with?"
"Well, to start with, I'm not sure about the invite list and we need to know how many are coming so we'll have enough food and space."
That reminded him. If he was going to expand the guest list from intimates to include acquaintances, he might not want to have the wedding right outside their house. It was secret, after all. He didn't exactly want anyone and everyone to just be able to drop by. This was his sanctuary. He explained this to Neville as they got situated in the parlor.
"And I want to write a letter to George. He stood by me and I would like to see him again. Maybe he could help us plan."
Neville considered all the issues Shadow had raised. He hadn't realized just how involved planning a wedding would be. He felt his mind quicken and flow in more human channels, latching onto specifics instead of generalities. It was a bit confusing, his perspective skewing to the side, and he was relieved to hear Shadow was thinking of asking another to help plan.
"I would be glad to see George again," he managed to articulate.
Shadow smiled, sensing empathetically the minute changes in Neville's emotions. "Great. I'll write him. He could come two nights from now."
"Why not tomorrow?" They had a lot of work ahead of them and in his opinion the sooner George got here the better.
Shadow explained about his planned attempted to heal Miles. He was pleased to see Neville's interest. It seemed enlarging the wedding was a good idea after all. He'd just have to think of some way to make it up to Draco.
Chapter end.
A/N: Well, things are moving right along. Let's see if I can keep up! Lol.
