It had been weeks since Harry had become his little lover. Harry didn't protest or fight him. He came meekly to his room every night and submitted to Lucius. Lucius enjoyed the warm young body more and more but every night as he finished Harry sobbed himself to sleep. He wasn't about to consider giving up his lover but he cared about the boy and it was breaking his heart to listen to Harry's sobs.

The day before Harry's birthday he watched Harry and Draco playing chess and turned to Severus. "I need your advice Sev."

Severus knew what was bothering him. "You want advice from me on your love life? I don't really think I'm the one you want love advice from Lucius."

Lucius led him away from the door. "It's just that. I want it to be love advice. I can't convince him I care about him. No matter what. It's breaking my heart Sev."

Severus closed the door to the den behind them. "You knew when you forced him into this, it wouldn't be easy. He's petrified and I don't think you can blame him."

"Petrified? I know I forced him but I haven't hurt him. I have been gentle and done everything I can to make him feel safe with me." Lucius felt exasperated.

"Petrified not that you'll physically hurt him Luc, but emotionally. He's scared to open his heart up and risk just being hurt."

"I won't. The contract is only for two years because I can only have him till he is an adult. I'd have extended it forever if I could."

Severus shook his head. "There is your problem Luc, that is a legal matter. To Harry he is still nothing but your whore, what ever you tell him."

"I can't change it Sev. Even if I wanted, there is no way to release him from the contract. And even if I could he'd run. I can't loose him Sev. I can't."

Severus smiled. "You really love him don't you?"

Lucius seemed as surprised by his answer as Severus was by the realization. "I'm falling for him yes, in love yet, I'm not sure. But I have never felt like this before."

"All I can suggest is to stop trying to make him enjoy the sex and make him see you. Try romancing him, try befriending him, and try something." Severus explained.

Lucius shook his head. "I never had a problem getting someone to fall for me before. I don't even know where to start."

Severus shrugged. "It is his birthday tomorrow. Perhaps start there Lucius."

Severus left the room to leave him some time to think. He knew Severus made some good points but he had no idea how to do this. His little love had been his pet name for Harry but Severus was right, he was falling in love with the boy. He owned the boy for two years but he wanted to have him forever. He had no idea what he could do to convince Harry but Severus had given him an idea for a start.

He went to seek out his son. "Draco, I just wanted you to know that I'm going to London over night. Some business has come up and I will be back tomorrow."

Draco looked up from his game. "I'll miss you dad."

Lucius noticed an odd look in Harry's eyes. "I assume Harry and your godfather can keep you distracted until I return."

Draco hugged his dad and Lucius slipped off out of the room but he wasn't surprised when the door opened behind him or the fact that when he turned around he saw Harry standing behind him.

"You're leaving? I don't have to..." Harry's voice trailed off.

"You're not known as my apprentice yet so know I can't make you come with me. Enjoy you're night off." Lucius told him.

Harry's eyes lit up with relief which made Lucius' heart ache. "Okay."

Lucius reached over and pulled him into a kiss. "I know you don't like being with me Harry but I will change that. I promise one day you'll be willing."

Harry didn't try to move from him. "I am already willing. Have I said no or protested your touches? Have I dissatisfied you?"

Lucius shook his head. "You have been submissive and have satisfied me but your crying at night Harry is breaking my heart. I don't want to make you cry."

Harry tried to smile. "I promise not to bother you with my tears again. You paid for a good little whore. You don't need to be bothered by my feelings at all."

Lucius kissed him one last time. "Harry what bothers me is I'm causing you pain. When I get back I will show you Harry."

He allowed Harry to slip from the room and sighed as he went back to packing a bag and headed to the dinning room where he used the floo to head to the townhouse. His trip he hoped might be a start.

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Harry woke up in the morning happy for once to be able to sleep in as he was alone in his own bed and not in Lucius' bed. He guess it was Lucius' birthday gift to him. He laughed. Luc probably had no idea today was even his birthday. He'd probably have shagged Harry all day if he knew. It was business that took him away.

Harry reminded himself he was having his first birthday with his adoptive dads. His first real birthday. "You should be excited." Harry reminded himself.

It was nearing lunch time he realized when he got out of the shower and was amazed he was let to sleep so long. When he got downstairs he found why they hadn't disturbed him as they had been quite busy.

"Happy birthday." A number of voices called as Harry walked into the parlour.

Along with his dads he found Draco and Severus, the Weasley family including Alicia and Angelina who were dating the twins, Oliver who came with Charlie, and Penny who was of course engaged to Percy. Neville and Luna were also there and had been brought by Neville's grandmother but she had not stayed. Hermione of course as well.

Sirius hugged him tight. "We wanted to make sure that for once you had a birthday you could remember with good memories Harry. You deserve it cub."

Harry's mood picked up as he saw everyone who had come there to be with him and celebrate his birthday with him. He was reminded of just how lucky he was to have so many people who loved him dearly. He wondered what they'd say if they knew the truth but they wouldn't, he told himself.

Draco came over as his friends and he were chatting. "I hope you don't mind being here Harry. Your dads invited me but if you'd rather not then I'll go."

Harry laughed and tugged him into a hug. "You're my friend Draco and you know full well I'm happy to have you here. Now stop being such a prat and have fun."

Fred nodded. "We can put up with a snake. We promise not to hex you. Harry has told us that you have become quite the good friend to him this summer."

Severus was standing with the adults and smiled as he watched his godson. Though Lucius and Narcissa had never been in love so Luc was not mourning her death, the summer had been hard on Draco and Severus was more and more grateful with every passing day for the friendship that they developed. He was worried for both boys though if Harry's relationship with Lucius came to light.

Harry smiled at his friends. "Not really a place for quidditch around here but the beach is awesome and there are some amazing caves to go exploring as well."

George laughed. "I think we could have some fun down there but I say for one we should go and have some lunch first. The food looks pretty good."

Sirius directed them at the food. "Inspired by a trip into muggle London that Remus and Harry had. Pizza for lunch and hamburgers for dinner tonight."

Remus smiled when he saw Harry's glance. "Your friends will be spending the night for a big sleep over Harry."

After lunch Harry and his friends headed into the caverns and they spent the afternoon playing hide and go seek in the deep caverns. Everyone had brought bathing suits as well so they spent some time in the water as well. For Harry whose last proper birthday had been his first birthday, when his parents were alive, this was an amazing day. Over dinner he was showered in gifts. A lot pranks and sweets from his friends and the Weasleys, a book from Hermione.

Sirius and Remus handed him a package and he stared in shock. "A broom? A lightening bolt? You guys, I already have my firebolt Siri gave me. That's enough."

Remus hugged him. "We wanted to make today as special as possible for you and we thought the top broom was the perfect gift but Sirius has something else."

Sirius smiled and handed him papers. "You can say no of course but we'd like to adopt you and make this official Harry. I know James would have approved."

Harry looked down at the adoption papers and he felt mixed emotions. He wanted them to be his dads more then he could say and he knew that James and his mum would have approved but he wasn't even sure if this was legal. With the contract with Lucius, could he agree to this? He looked out of the corner of his eye at Severus who seemed to know what he was thinking and the man smiled slightly and nodded.

Harry jumped up and hugged the two men. "Thank you. This means the world to me. I'd be so honoured for you two to adopt me. It is the best gift."

Remus kissed him. "We plan on marrying in the fall. You don't have too, but we thought you might consider becoming a Black like me. Potter-Black that is."

Harry happily signed the papers including adding the clause of the change of his last name. James was a picture to him. Sirius and Remus were his real dads and he could really have that for once. He let his thoughts about Lucius slip away for a time. His worries arose by bed time though as he had noted Lucius' return.

Severus came to him as his friends were preparing for bed. "Lucius doesn't expect you tonight of course. He told me to tell you to enjoy your friends."

Fred came over to him. "We convinced the others we get the privilege of bunking with you tonight, in case you need to slip away."

Harry shook his head. "Lucius doesn't expect me tonight but I'd be happy for your company tonight."

Though the house was massive and had more then enough rooms for them to all have their own they had wanted to have a sleep over feel and his friends ranged in the rooms around him. The twins had put up a hard fight to share with him, not sure if Harry might be expected even tonight. Harry was relieved though to have them to talk to that night.

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His friends left the next day after lunch and he spent most of the afternoon talking quidditch and brooms with Draco. Draco had got Harry a year subscription to the quidditch monthly magazine that they both liked. They were reading the first copy and only took a break for dinner.

That night though Harry knew Lucius would be expecting him after a two night reprieve and presented himself in his room. "I'm here."

Lucius came to his side and drew him into a long hard kiss. "I missed having you in my bed my little love. I wish the world knew you as my apprentice."

Harry stood still as the man slipped his robe from his shoulders. "Thank you for not summoning me last night."

Lucius led him towards the bed but Harry was surprised when Lucius simply asked him to sit. "Don't think I didn't know it was your birthday Harry."

Harry was a bit surprised. "I wasn't sure you would. I don't know if you heard, Sirius and Remus have adopted me. Severus assured me this wouldn't interfere with it."

Lucius shook his head. "This contract would not stop their adoption Harry. I went to London for some business for you as well. I hope perhaps it might help."

For the second time in 24hours Harry was handed some paper work but also what looked like a muggle bank card and a small wallet. He looked at the paper work confused and back up at Lucius.

Lucius explained. "I know it bothered you that you had to rely on me Harry. I have transferred money to your name. You can use the money any way you choose and will never have to answer to me for it's use. I never wanted you to feel like I was spying on you."

Harry was amazed. Fred and George's money was in his mind but Lucius didn't know about that money. For Lucius to make a point of giving him an account so he could have his own freedom meant a lot to him. Lucius explained the stores were told to only put Harry's essentials like clothes on his tab.

"Thank you. I appreciate this Lucius." Harry said simply.

Lucius put the things on the desk. "I meant what I said before we left that I'd work to making you feel more comfortable Harry and I meant it."

Harry wished he could believe the man's words but he just couldn't. "Okay."

Lucius gently positioned Harry for his use. He had missed the boy. Not just physically in his bed though. He missed Harry. He was hoping to announce Harry's apprenticeship soon for he wanted more then nights with Harry. As he pumped into Harry he gently kissed Harry along the back tenderly. He emptied himself and while he could have gone a few more rounds after being away two days, he stopped himself. He cleaned them both off and pulled Harry down and into his arms to sleep. There was time enough for that

"Night my love." He whispered.

Harry had not made a sound but he knew Harry was crying. "Night Lucius."

He held Harry close aware as the boy drifted off that Harry had forced himself to cry silently thinking Lucius would not know. He thought Lucius was annoyed with his crying so he had done his best to stop it. Lucius hated it. He wasn't annoyed, he was concerned. He had seen that the gift had touched Harry a bit. It was a start.

"Sleep my love, I promise I'll stop those tears for real one day" Lucius whispered.