Chapter 10

The next three weeks passed quickly for the Slytherins. Between meals, classes and homework, Tobias found it hard to find time to continue with the Chamber. He still had the weekends though, so he spent much of his time then either studying or cleaning.

Draco understood why this was so important to Tobias, so he didn't complain when he disappeared at times – Not that he could complain. It was one of those days when Tobias disappeared early in the morning that Draco found himself thinking of his dark-haired fiancé with a small smile on his face. He still had the fond smile on his lips when a pair of arms wrapped around him and a chin rested on his shoulder.

"Hello my Dragon," Tobias whispered into his ear, making him shiver.

"Hello, my Lord," he whispered back, eyes sparkling in mischief.

Tobias chuckled and nuzzled into Draco's neck. "Mmmm, you smell good." Draco smiled at him. "I can spend the rest of today and tomorrow with you Drakontas. I feel as if I have been neglecting you. How does spending today in classes and homework until dinner, when I'll take you to a candle-lit dinner down by the lake sound?"

Draco's jaw dropped slightly at this. "That sounds wonderful, Bi."

Tobias nuzzled into the flesh behind Draco's ear, making him giggle slightly. "Let's go down for breakfast, Dragon."

Draco waited patiently for Tobias to wash and change into his school uniform. Thinking over everything that had occurred since the day Sev had stormed into his father's study, he started to giggle … Giggle? Malfoy's do not giggle! He fought to stop giggling before he was heard. Tobias' arms wrapped around him once more.

"You sound happy."

"I just realised something odd, Bi."

Tobias raised an eyebrow. "And what would that be, dikos mou Drakontas?"

"You are extremely powerful, and that dangerous that there is recorded evidence of my father admitting to being terrified of you. Even your own father is careful not to piss you off too much – Even though I have to admit that it is funny watching you with house-elves."

Tobias shuddered, murmuring, "Vermin."

Draco smiled and snuggled into the warmth behind him. "My point is, you are both powerful and dangerous, but underneath it all you are just a hopeless romantic."

He felt the smile on Tobias' lips when he planted a kiss on the top of his head. "I am dangerous, Dragon, and I am powerful. I am also a hopeless romantic – but only for and towards you. You, Drakontas, are the only being I would humiliate myself willingly for. You deserve nothing but the best. Nothing will stop me from giving you the best, not even loosing respect in Pateras' eyes. Now, let's go down for breakfast."

Before letting him go to wait for him in the Snake Pit, Tobias nuzzled into Draco's neck and as Draco's eyes closed, he placed something into his loose fist. When he opened his eyes, Draco was alone and holding the steam of the most perfect flower he'd ever seen – A black rose with white-rimmed petals. Draco followed his betrothed from the room several moments later, the rose sitting in a vase of pure crystal beside his bed.

If anyone in the common room noticed the single crystal tear making its way down his cheek, they didn't say anything as they surrounded their Lord and his mate.

Severus sat in his chair, thinking. He was starting to worry about Draco. That day the boy had been quiet. Silent during both breakfast and lunch. It was now time for their potions lesson and the boy was that quiet that he wasn't even trying to sabotage potions on the Gryffindor side of the room. When he walked to the front to hand In his sample, Severus seized his chance.

"Draco, see me after class without the young Lord." Draco nodded.

When the lesson had ended, Severus watched his godsons closely in case something gave him a clue as to what was going on with the blonde boy. He blinked, startled. That didn't just happen, did it? No … No it couldn't have … He was just imagining things. Wasn't he? A soft cough drew his attention to the blonde boy before him.

"You wanted to see me, Professor?"

"He … Did he?"

Draco nodded, a small smile on his lips. "Yes, Sev. He did just stroke my cheek and hug me in the Potion's Lab."

It took a while for the older man to break out of his shock. So long in fact, that when he finally snapped out of it, he found Draco seated at one of the benches, surrounded by books and assignments.

"Draco? What?"

"You wished to speak to me, but the shock of seeing Bi being affectionate distracted you for the last …" he checked the time, "forty-five minutes. Don't worry, Sev, I put the time to good use." He indicated the books around him.

Severus nodded. "What has been wrong with you today? You've been abnormally quiet and, dare I say it, tame."

Draco blushed slightly, a small smile on his face. "I … I think I may," he paused and took a deep breath. "How did you know that you loved Remus?"

Severus blinked, the question not what he was expecting. "Why do you w… Oh. Um … Draco. Do you think you may be falling for your betrothed?"

Draco shook his head. "I don't think I'm falling for him, Sev. I have fallen for him. I just want to know when it happened."

Severus nodded. "So that's what has had you acting the way you have been today. You've realised …" He stopped at Draco's shaking head. "Then why?"

Draco took a deep breath. "Because Tobias has plans for us tonight – Dinner by the lake, and he revealed how he feels about me."

Severus' interest was sparked. He waited for a few moments before, "Well? What did he say?"

Draco caught Severus' eye and performed a reverse legitamens, putting the memory of that morning into his mind. When it got to when Draco opened his eyes to see the rose, Severus' eyes widened. At Draco's slow nod, Severus fainted. Draco cast an enervate on his professor just as someone knocked on the door. Draco opened it while Severus shakily stood. Both their jaws dropped at the sight before them.

Vince and Greg stood side by side in grey-green dress pants and crisp white shirts. In Greg's hand was a scroll held together with a silver ribbon. He handed this to Draco. As Draco opened it, another rose appeared in his hand, a green ribbon wrapped around it.

Smiling, Draco smelt the rose, this time white edged in black, as he read what was written on the scroll.

Dearest Drakontas

I would be very happy indeed if you would accept this invitation to join me for dinner tonight. Vincent and Gregory will escort you to our rooms for you to prepare, if you accept. They will also escort you to our table, where you will meet me. You need only bring yourself.

Always yours,

Tobias

Severus watched in shocked surprise as tears sprang to Draco's eyes as he read the invitation. Reading it over his shoulder, his jaw dropped. When Tobias started something, he made sure it was completed – and completed properly!

After Draco left, he practically ran back to his desk, a grin on his face. Just wait until his Lord, Remus, Lucius and Narcissa hear about this!

Two hours later, three owls arrived at their destinations. It was amazing that no one heard the commotion going on in Riddle House that night.

Once they read the letters, both the Malfoys and Remus apparated to their Lords house only to find the Dark Lord – his eyes now fully Hazel and his skin looking more like that of his youth and less like that of a corpse – dancing around the room with a terrified Pettigrew as his dance partner.

"I guess Sev got into contact with you as well, milord," Lucius chuckled, watching Pettigrew's face shift into petrified rather than terrified.

Voldemort stopped dancing and released his victim, I mean dance partner. "Yes he did! Isn't it amazing? I wouldn't be surprised if the boy proposes soon!"

The three adults exchanged shocked looks. They hadn't even thought of that possibility. They looked back at their Lord to find him jumping on the spot in excitement, re-reading the letter. Once more they exchanged looks. Silently they agreed to confront Tobias about what that potion he made the Dark Lord – Just in case there would be other scary side effects.

Draco let Vince and Greg escort him back to the Snake Pit. Greeting everyone he knew, he made his way to his dorm to find new clothing on his bed. A pearl-grey shirt and slate grey dress pants. Smirking, he made his way to the bathroom.

Two hours later, Vince and Greg escorted Draco to the lake. Draco wasn't sure if he could believe it. Neither boy had left him at any time during the two hours, except to allow him time to shower and dress. They hadn't even left to have their own food.

He was shocked out of his musings by a hand landing on his shoulder, preventing him from walking into a bush. Ten minutes later, Tobias walked up to them from the Forbidden Forest. He shook both escorts' hands before bowing and extending his arm to Draco. Smiling, Draco accepted the arm and the two of them watched Vince and Greg made their way back to the castle – and their own dinner.

When the door to the castle shut, Tobias stepped away from Draco and looked him over, some unnamed emotion flittering deep in his eyes. Draco felt the tell-tale heat of a blush on his face.

Tobias looked him over, taking in the slight flush, the new clothes and the blonde hair, which had been tied back with a slightly sparkling green-grey ribbon.

"Beautiful," he whispered, running a fingertip over Draco's cheek. "You, Drakontas, are perfection personified." Tobias bowed over the hand in his and planted a soft kiss on the fingers. "May I escort you to our table?"

Draco nodded, fighting the urge to swoon. Who would have guessed that deep down the Slytherin Ice Prince was a romantic? Not Draco that's for sure. When Tobias raised the Ivy to one side of the shrub and led him to the entrance for his first glimpse of what lay behind it, Draco lost his fight.

Tobias guided the blonde into the private clearing and gave him a drink to calm him. Once calm, Draco looked around the area with eyes filled with tears of wonder. Ivy and vines enclosed the clearing on three sides. The open side revealed the lake, dark in the night and reflecting the stars of the clear night sky above it. Along one side of the clearing lay an area hidden behind a woven divider of heather with a border of white daisy and bluebell flowers. The area they were seated in held a living sun lounge of woven vines and Ivy – on which they were seated. In the centre of the clearing stood a table complete with four chairs. Looking closer at it from where he was, he noticed the antique look of it. He thought it might be made of Blackwood or Walnut.

Draco almost jumped when one of the lights glided over to him. He giggled when he realised that it was a fire-fairy. He looked at Tobias in awe when beautiful otherworldly voices started to sing. Tobias smiled at him; his eyes softer then Draco had ever seen them.

"Do you like it?"

Draco nodded, speechless at the pure emotion coming from those green eyes. A soft noise beside them made Draco jump. To his left was a centaur; his horse parts black with rust socks and light brown hair and tail. Behind him was a youngster who was obviously his foal. The foal held a tray with two green crystal cups and a pitcher of some chilled liquid. His Sire held a tray with covered plates and cutlery.

Standing, both Tobias and Draco bowed to the two new comers. The elder of the two smiled and bowed back in the way of centaurs and hypogryphs.

"Mr Malfoy. Mr Black. It is an honour to be here. I am Ruen and this is my son, R'thir. We are in charge of your food and drink tonight. Mr Snape bids me to give you this." He pulled Tobias' potion from a woven bag.

Tobias nodded and excused himself so he could take it in private. Returning to the group, he escorted Draco to the table. Once Draco was seated, Tobias sat and Ruen set the table, including the covered plates. R'thir served the drinks – something bubbling and pink – before the covers were removed from the plates. Draco's mouth watered at the smell coming from the plates. As the centaurs left, both humans rose respectfully to their feet. Before Ruen left, he said. "We shall be back in forty five minutes, milord. Enjoy your starter."

Seating themselves, they finally allowed themselves to look at their starter. Draco hummed in delight, as he tasted the smoked Haddock Chowder. Tobias watched him with a small smile. All the food served tonight had been doctored so he could eat them also. He also tried the chowder and almost purred in delight – The sheep's milk used suited it perfectly.

Sipping the drink after the chowder was finished, both boys were delightfully surprised. The drink was slightly tart and very refreshing. The two of them were chatting about their favourite spells to perform in each class when Ruen and R'thir returned.

"It's alright, you can remain seated Lords." Ruen said, amused. "Tonight is about the two of you. We have agreed to join you because you show us the same degree of respect as you do to those of your own species. You do not need to show that respect to us all the time. You are members of our herd now." The centaur smiled.

Tobias bowed to him from his seat. "Thank you for your kind words, Ruen. May I enquire about the drink we have tonight? It has the most exquisite taste."

Ruen smiled at his son, gesturing for him to speak.

"The house-elves only gave us bubbly water, so my Sire allowed me to add the juice of crushed redcurrants in it. I hope I didn't insult you by doing so, MaSirra."

Tobias smiled. "No, R'thir, you didn't insult us. We very much enjoy it. May we have another glass each?" The youngster beamed and nodded, rushing to refill their glasses before leaving the pitcher between them. Ruen watched him collect the used cutlery before placing the new plates before them. Removing the covers from the plates, he bowed in the form of humans and left.

Smiling at each other, they looked at their plates. Tobias licked his lips at the venison en croute with herb pancakes and side salad. Draco watched as Tobias shivered with pleasure when the first bit hit his tongue. He agreed as he'd had the same reaction.

During this part of the meal, the two of them spoke of their pasts – family life, previous partners and if they slept with them. Draco had been surprised to discover that he was Tobias' first relationship and if it hadn't have been for his Uncle he would be pure. Discovering this, Draco hurried to reassure his intended.

"Bi, listen to me. None of what he did to you matters in the cause of my loving you. A muggle cannot take the virginity of some magical unless they are married. To the wizarding world, a witch or wizard is only classified as being deflowered if the witch or wizard involved gives consent with heart, mind and soul. You are still pure in every way until the day you give yourself to someone sexually."

Tobias slowly raised his tear-stained face. "Honest?"

"Honest, Bi. Why would I lie to you? It goes back to the dark ages where if a witch was caught the men in the town or village she was found in were allowed to rape her before burning her at the stake. This became a magical law so ingrained that over the years the magic in us and our world made it so hard for a witch or wizard to be de-flowered that only another with magic could take their virginity, and only then with the said witch or wizard's permission. If they didn't have permission, the one who forced them got sick, was crippled or died. Where do you think the muggle superstition of sleeping with a virgin was bad and so had someone else do it for them came from?"

Tobias was listening, taking Draco's words to heart. "Is … is that why I'm angry about the fact I was forced into it, but not scared to let another touch me in that way, like muggles are?"

Draco nodded. "Our magic makes it so. Many witches and the occasional wizard, was forced into sleeping with someone they didn't wish to sleep with before they were married due to rape. After this, the victim could not face their intended and so they didn't have a good marriage. In the end, magic kind of … evolved, I guess you could say, to remove the trauma but not the anger."

Draco looked deep into his intended's eyes. "If Remus hadn't of killed your family, your Uncle still would have died. The magic that stops the trauma would still have punished him. The punishment for one family member raping another is always death." Draco cuddled closer to him before whispering, "But the magic would not have had a chance to kill him. Do you know why?"

Tobias shook his head.

"Because I would have killed him with my bare hands for doing that to you. I was prepared to do it the day Sev came to us for help. The only reason I didn't do anything about it was because I heard the Dark Lord promise the muggles to Remus, and I didn't want to be the one to make him loose control of this wolven side."

Tobias gave him a watery smile and cuddled into Draco's chest. Draco smiled, and getting an idea, picked Tobias up bridal style and carried him to the sun lounge, where he sat, cradling him in his lap.

Tobias shifted slightly so he could hide his face in Draco's chest like a small, timid child. Draco rocked the sun lounge slightly, his heart fighting over whether he should be happy the rave-haired youth allowed him to do this, or outraged that anyone could treat his intended in a way that was beneath what he deserved. Resting his cheek on Tobias' head, Draco vowed to treat the angel before him the way he deserved to be treated. Deep in his thoughts, Draco hadn't noticed that Tobias had fallen asleep, nor had he planned on falling asleep himself.

That was how R'thir and Ruen found the two of them when they arrived with dessert. They cleaned up silently and let the two of them sleep in the comfort of each other's arms.

Names

Drakontas – Dragon

dikos mou Drakontas – My Dragon

Pateras – Father

Ruen – pronounced Roe-n

R'thir – pronounced R-Thur

MaSirra – pronounced May-She-Ra