The Black Bunny

by Windseeker2305

Harry's had it with his destined role after the Order does something he can't forgive. Now he's done with both sides of the war and wants to be left alone. But since when have his wishes ever counted for anything? LV/HP Slash & MPREG.More warnings inside.

11. Chapter 11

The Black Bunny

Chapter Eleven

Tom walked into the breakfast room the following morning to the sound of raucous laughter belonging to Harry, Hermione, and the twins. He sighed. This breakfast room was supposed to be peaceful. Though it was his own fault for giving the three reusable Portkeys. The moment Tom stepped in and was spotted, Harry's laughter died and he quickly pulled something off the table to sit on it. The others followed his example, their faces turning neutral.

Tom refrained from rolling his eyes. Yes, that doesn't make me suspicious at all.

"Good morning, sir," Granger greeted as soon as he was seated beside her and Harry.

"Morning," he returned to her and then looked at Harry, "but it remains to be seen if it is a good one. Harry, what are you hiding?"

At his question the twins snickered softly, earning a glare from Harry. But they simply shrugged. "Sugar daddy candy," one of them burst out. Hermione giggled.

"Shut up!" Harry hissed. "Do you want to die? He's sitting right here!"

The twins sobered slightly, but not much and Tom was even more curious. Looking over he saw Harry was sitting on the morning Prophet. His eyes narrowed. He knew Skeeter would probably have written about them, about the meeting at St. Mungo's and most likely there would be a front page picture of the two of them. He'd expected that. It didn't concern him overly much as no one beyond his Inner Circle would recognize him and they wouldn't dare out him. Truthfully Tom was looking forward to seeing the picture of Harry preening. To seeing Harry on his arm and happy to be so.

"Let me see." Harry quickly shook his head. "Harry, don't make me force that paper from beneath you," he warned.

Harry cursed his stupidity. He should have vanished the thing the moment Tom stepped into the room. "Alright, but don't get mad."

"Making no promises," Tom responded as Harry lifted his bum and he snatched the paper out from under the little minx. He studied the three around the table before dropping his eyes to the paper. Looking at the picture, Tom didn't find anything that could make them laugh as they were. He and Harry looked extremely presentable. They made a fine looking pair actually. Finally he began to read the article and all he needed to understand their amusement was the headline. His lips pressed into thin lines as he continued on to the article.

THE WEALTHY WIZARD ON HARRY POTTER'S ARM. WHO IS HE?

Yours truly had an up, close, and personal interview with the Chosen One and his new beau. One only need look at the wizard on Harry's arm to know he is wealthy and established. Where did Harry meet such a man? Who is this man who clearly makes the Chosen One happier then people have seen in ages? Despite those questions, there's no question as to how Harry was able to make such a fine catch. Harry Potter is powerful in his own right, and he isn't exactly hard on the eyes, now is he? After some digging, it has been discovered Harry is in the process of being courted by this wizard. One of his many gifts includes a Premium Pass for Quidditch. We all know how much that must have cost his man.

More importantly, as you can see in this picture, apparently Harry and his wealthy candy are soon to be married.

Tom's eyes jerked away from the paper, a sneer forming on his lips. "Me, on your arm? Me, the candy, the trophy?" he hissed at no one in particular. The twins were biting their tongues so hard to keep from saying anything, thus being killed. Hermione sipped her tea and refused to make eye contact. Harry had a hand over his mouth to hide the huge grin that would not go away. "Did she miss the part where you are plastered all over me?!" Tom snarled, jabbing a rigid finger at the picture of the two of them, where picture Harry was constantly rubbing against picture Tom.

Harry shrugged. He didn't know what to say. It was bloody amusing simply because Tom was right. Clearly Tom had Harry on his arm and yet Skeeter wrote it this way, Harry was sure, so that she wouldn't displease Harry in any way. Oh, if only she knew who exactly Harry's fiancé was. "You guys finished with breakfast? You should probably head to Hogsmeade then and take care of, you know…"

"Right you are, Harry," Fred said and he and his brother jumped up, cringing slightly because the Dark Lord was giving them a death glare again. "We'll see you later."

Hermione stood as well and left with them, leaving Harry and Tom alone in silence.

"This is your fault! Clearly you were showing me off!" Tom burst out.

Harry looked at him and smiled. "I'm happy to be with you." Tom scowled to cover up the pleasure he felt at hearing those words easily spoken. And then he felt insanely guilty and fearful of what he had to show Harry.

Tom stood up and hovered over his young lover. "I have meetings to attend to."

"You haven't even touched your breakfast, Tom."

"I haven't much of an appetite," Tom said in parting and then he was gone. Leaving Harry alone and bewildered.

Harry soon left as well, not wanting to stay in the room by himself and quickly traveled to 's. Narcissa was there, sitting beside Draco's bed. Draco was sleeping. His breathing slow and deep.

"His fever has faded," Narcissa informed Harry as he sat down opposite of her. "We'll be taking him home very soon."

"May I come with you?"

Narcissa smiled at him. "Of course, Harry."

Harry returned her smile before his gaze drifted down to study Draco's face. The bruising had his teeth clenching painfully. Fury washed through him at the thought of the two who had caused this and he sincerely hoped the twins and Hermione would not go easy on Ron and Ginny Weasley.

---

"Well, well, well… still trapped?" Fred said as he and the others entered the chilly empty bedroom, finding his siblings still immobile on the floor. He was rather surprised they were still being held by the spells. "Seems Harry and Hermione put a lot of effort into those spells."

Hermione smirked and cast finite on the silencing and petrifying spells. Ron and Ginny, shivering uncontrollably, shot to their feet, though they didn't run, as the twins and Hermione were blocking the only exit.

"What do you think you're going to do?" Ginny asked, scowling at them. "You're really going to take that slimy bastards side."

"You could have killed him!" Hermione shouted. "He may be a prat, but Draco didn't deserve that." With that said, Hermione murmured something, flicked her wand and sent Ginny flying back against the wall.

"Hermione!" Ron shouted.

"Shut up, Ron. You both deserve what you're about to get," George responded calmly.

"You're lucky we're here instead of Draco's people," Fred replied. "His mother is ready to literally strip your flesh right off."

"We're your flesh and blood!" Ginny rasped as she pulled herself off the floor, hand reaching back to her head and wincing. Her hand came away with a smattering of blood. "You bitch!" Hermione grinned and shrugged, stowing away her wand. Ginny snarled and ran at Hermione.

Ron had been inching towards the door and when he saw Fred and George's attentions were on the fighting girls, he sprinted forward, hoping for freedom. When an arm locked around his neck to keep him in place against Fred's chest, he howled in desperate rage. The twins smirked and made him watch as Hermione clearly took charge of Ginny.

George snickered when Hermione managed to slap their sister across the face after Ginny tried to punch her in the stomach. "She's having fun."

Fred laughed and then winced when Hermione managed to plant a fist in Ginny's eye and then her stomach, causing the younger witch to double over. "When this is over, If I were you, I'd piss off back to Romania as soon as possible," he told his younger brother as George grabbed Ron and pulled him back to face Fred. "And Ginny might want to run to Hogwarts as well. Draco will be out for revenge and whatever you think about him, you've got to know he'll come after you. Our lovely Draco is no pansy arse. What we do to you is only a fraction of what he will accomplish. And it makes no difference if you're a girl, Ginny."

Ginny wasn't really paying attention. She was lying on the floor, clutching her bleeding nose, crying hysterically as Hermione stood over the youngest Weasley with her fists on her hips. "You can dish it out, but not take it? Pathetic."

"I never hit him!" she cried.

"Ginny, you liar! You even tried to use sectumsempra on him!"

"So did you!"

The twins and Hermione went very still and stared at the two siblings. Both who quickly realized they should have remained silent on that front. Fred moved until he was nose to nose with his baby brother. "Was Draco awake at that time?" he asked softly, his voice barely a whisper. Low and dark to the point that it caused Ron to shiver, never having witnessed such rage in his usually playful brothers' eyes.

"D-don't know. He was in and out, and he wouldn't fucking talk! We had to do some--"

Fred broke Ron's nose, not even flinching when he felt the cartilage and bone break beneath his fist. "You better hope he wasn't awake for that, Ronnikins. If he remembers… you'll only deserve what's coming to you. We told you he was ours. We told you… and still you did something like this. It's like you said. We're your flesh and blood, but obviously that doesn't mean anything to you as you went out and hurt someone who means something to us."

Ron knew he'd messed up. Knew what was coming and he pleaded to his brothers for forgiveness. He pleads fell on deaf ears though. Fred and George took turns beating him up until he resembled Draco when they'd flown in to rescue the blond. Hermione took no prisoners either. After hearing what Ginny had tried to do, she flew into a rage, straddled Ginny and started to hit the younger witch wherever she could reach. Hermione felt a certain amount of pleasure knowing she'd probably broken Ginny's wrist and several fingers. She's also left Ginny with a smattering of unattractive bruises. And using a spell she found in the Dark Lord's library, made sure those bruises couldn't be easily hidden or healed.

"Draco regained consciousness last night," Hermione said to the mostly immobile teens lying on the floor as she and the twins headed to the door. "You'll want to flee. He's sure to have told his family. You know what that means. You know who'll come looking for you. Good luck hiding from them."

---

Draco opened his eyes and immediately noticed he was not in St. Mungo's anymore and was thankfully in his own bed at home. When was I moved? How? "Someone bring me a mirror," he asked aloud the moment his eyes adjusted to the sunlight filtering into the room from the balcony and he saw he was not alone.

"Um…" Harry scratched the back of his neck from where he and the others were standing next to the bed. Harry glanced sideways at Hermione, whom studiously kept from returning Draco's widening eyes. "That's not… a good idea right now, Drake," Harry finally murmured.

Draco turned panicking eyes on the twins. Their faces were blank as they stared across the bed at Granger and Harry. The fact that they weren't looking at him had Draco hyperventilating. It lasted only a minute however. Harry looked at him again and noticed the acute panic. The brunet dropped to his knees and scooped up the blond's hand.

"Sorry, Drake. It was just a joke," he said with a small smile. Granger, the bitch, laughed. George ran to the bathroom and moments later reappeared with a hand mirror.

"Don't joke with my looks, Potter!" he snapped, tearing the mirror from George's hands and only breathing in relief upon seeing he wasn't horribly disfigured. The only thing wrong with his face were the bruises. All broken bones had been healed at St. Mungo's, leaving his features as they had been before the youngest Weasleys dared to touch him.

Arms encircled his head and a face was pressed against his throat. "You're still beautiful, Draco love."

"Get off me," he hissed, pushing at Fred. "How dare you pretend I was less than perfect for even a moment!"

Harry snickered. Then he sobered upon receiving the blond's death glare. He quickly turned to the beside table and picked up a small box. "I brought you fudge! It's got raspberry swirl. I know how much you like raspberry."

"Don't want it," he muttered. Harry's eyes widened. Draco declining his fudge? That was unheard of. "I want to be left alone now."

Hermione left without prompting. Harry shifted from foot to foot, looking torn and down that Draco refused his gift and knowing Draco was going to stew about what happened to him. "Leave the fudge beside the bed, Harry. And come back in a few hours," he commanded.

The brunet perked up, smiled brightly and did as was told. He gave a cheerful wave and left. Draco turned to the twins, who looked absolutely resolved not to go anywhere.

"We're not going," they said, confirming what Draco already knew.

"Go." They shook their heads. "I'm fine. You don't need to be here."

"Draco, we want to be here."

"I don't hold you responsible for the actions of your siblings," he murmured softly, at once knowing he'd soothed them somewhat by the tension that suddenly released from their shoulders.

Before anything else could be said, Draco's parents entered the room. Draco tensed, knowing what was coming. In St. Mungo's his father demanded to know who was responsible. Draco had lied, said he didn't know. And by the narrowing of the elder Malfoy's eyes, he knew his father believed none of it. Draco had not answered even when asked again and had winced when his father hissed the Dark Lord would be by to receive his answer. Draco wisely kept from saying that Harry more than likely would take care of the Dark Lord's wanting to know who was behind it.

Lucius and Narcissa stopped beside the bed now. His mother eyed the twins, giving them small smiles; though her gaze was clearly questioning their continued presence. Lucius cast a hard gaze at his son. "Draco, you will tell us who was responsible for your abduction," Lucius intoned darkly. Draco looked away from his father, his gaze drifted to the end of the bed. He could feel the twins watching him; could practically hear their questions. Why wasn't he telling? Why disobey his father?

If they didn't understand then they were morons. "I never saw them. I was blindfolded."

As much as he hated Weasel and the Weaslette, if he told, his father would make the entire Weasley family pay. He would seek vengeance and so would his mother. Lucius still held a good amount of reign in the Ministry and he would crush the Weasleys. And his mother could be vicious. He couldn't let that happen to the fiends' family.

His father narrowed his eyes and Draco knew his father was aware he was keeping something out. But his mother nodded and took her husband's elbow, gently tugging him out of the room. Draco knew this wasn't the last he would hear about this. His mother was keeping her silence, but he knew she was thinking up a storm, already forming a plan of vengeance for whenever she did discover who dared touch her son.

Draco lifted his eyes to the right side of the bed where the twins sat. They were grinning at him. Apparently they did understand. Draco focused on the one closest to him. Fred. He had an emerald stud in his ear. His eyes were fixated on Draco's face. When their eyes locked, Draco felt a jolt of desire spread through him and it had nothing to do with carnal desire, though that was there too, blast them. His gaze moved to George and he was struck with the same emotion, and he didn't think he'd ever felt so pleased and excited. They were identical and yet their personalities weren't entirely the same. But Draco was attracted to the both of them equally. Were they really in love with him?

"They would be killed. All of them," he whispered.

They nodded and Fred ran a finger down Draco's cheek. "You surprise us every day, Draco Malfoy."

The blond huffed and swatted the hand away. "Please leave the fluff at the door," he murmured, though a smile did play at his lips.

"Now then, Draco love," George began, leaving his chair and climbing onto the bed and stretching out next to the blond. "Are you going to accept our offer?"

"What offer?"

Fred followed his brother's actions, stretching out on the other side, trapping Draco in between them. "Dinner. Dancing. Possibly a night of glorious shagging?"

"Dancing where?"

"Meracus, of course."

"Fine. Only after the bruising is gone. Don't hold your breath on the shagging part. And… Harry has to come with us to Meracus."

The twins grinned. "If we didn't know better," Fred began in his ear.

"We'd say you were scared of us."

Draco shivered from their words ghosting very close to his ear and tried to burrow deep under his covers to hide the blush. Perhaps he was afraid of them a little. He had never in his life expected to fall in love with two men. It was a little daunting. Especially since it was these two. "You shouldn't lie here beside me. Mother may come back and then you'll die and I'll receive another insane tirade about my innocence."

"Would you miss us, Draco? If we were to die?"

"Would you mourn for us?"

"Unfortunately."

The twins smiled and settled down beside him and Draco was too tired to make them move. And truthfully he wouldn't really have made them move anyway. They were warm and cocooned him quite nicely. "Tripe," he muttered. When the house elf appeared, Draco told the elf to warn him if his mother approached his rooms. The elf bowed and popped out. Draco felt it was safe enough to slip unconscious with the twins' limbs draped over him.

---

Harry traveled with Mione through Malfoy Manor after leaving Draco's room, descending the floors to the parlor where he knew Tom was lingering. Hermione laughed quietly to herself. No doubt she was remembering the panic on Draco's face when Harry had implied his face was less than perfect at the moment.

"That was a little mean, wasn't it?" he said, snickering as they reached the bottom step.

"I'll remember the look of horror on his face for years to come."

"Its funny how you two seem to get off by how much horror the other feels. He said the same thing about you and your reaction when I told you about Tom and me."

Hermione grinned. "Guess it's one way to start a friendship. I'm beginning to see what you see. He is sensitive… for a spoiled prat," she said as they neared the parlor.

A voice called out from beyond the parlor. "Hermione."

The two looked down the corridor where Auror Charleston was standing in the Entrance Hall with his partner, Lustre. "Andy," she whispered breathlessly. Harry's eyes widened at her tone and the high blush on her cheeks.

Andy? When did Auror Charleston become Andy to her? "You're on a first name basis now?"

Hermione shrugged and watched Andy murmur something to his partner before striding towards them. Hermione gave a Harry a look. He completely ignored that look and watched the Auror approach. Charleston stopped in front of them and gave Hermione a gorgeous smile. Harry thought the man was good looking enough. Apparently Hermione thought the same if the blush on her face was anything to go by. And then Charleston looked at him and sent him the silent message every bloke sends to another bloke when he wants to be alone with a woman. In answer Harry crossed his arms over his chest and raised an eyebrow.

"I've been putting this off for a while now," Charleston began, ignoring Harry completely and giving Hermione his complete attention. "Circumstances demanded it. But I wondered if I could reserve the right to take you out some evening when it would be appropriate to do so."

Hermione didn't even take a breath. "Yes, of course!"

In response to Charleston's shit eating grin and Hermione's inane giggle, Harry finally and quickly moved away. Hermione… giggling? So strange, he thought as he entered the parlor where Tom and Snape lingered. Harry was still shaking his head in wonder when Tom saw him.

"Something the matter?"

"No… Charleston asked Hermione out and she's acting like a girl. It's weird."

"She is a girl," Tom replied.

"But she blushed… and giggled!"

Tom gave him this look. A look that said he was about to say something Harry wouldn't like in the presence of Snape. "I've several recollections of when you've done the same--"

"I do not giggle!"

Tom smirked and that was all. He didn't even drape an arm around Harry's back as he usually would when they sat together. No hair petting either. Harry didn't think Snape's presence had anything to do with it. Tom had done those things before in front of the sour wizard. So why wasn't he doing it now?

"How is my godson today?" Snape questioned. Harry peered around Tom to look at the Potions' Master who sat in a single chair beside them. He couldn't bring himself to glare now. Not after seeing Snape taking care of both Lucius and Narcissa during the time Draco had been missing. His actions and obvious love for both of them… for the entire Malfoy family had been surprising. Especially since Narcissa was married to Lucius. But Harry now knew Snape felt about Narcissa the same way Lucius did and Narcissa reveled in both their platonic love and care for her.

"He seems okay. Freaked out a moment when we implied his looks had been damaged…" Harry paused and snickered. "He's just angry with the situation."

Hermione ran into the parlor and grabbed Harry's hand, pulling him up and away from Tom. "You need to help me pick out another set!"

"Mione," Harry began, his eye wide in fear and backed away from her. "I helped you two weeks ago… please don't make me--"

"This is important, Harry Potter!" she screeched. "You will or so help me! Your fiancé has nothing on me!!" Before he could refuse, and she knew he wouldn't dare, Hermione twisted her ring and vanished on the spot. Harry trembled.

"What just happened?" Tom asked, staring at the spot Hermione disappeared from.

"Hermione has this… obsession. And if anything gets in the way of her 'obsession', she turns into… well, you've just seen."

"What is this obsession?" Snape asked. "And why does she need your help?"

Harry made them swear not to utter a word before he told them. It wasn't a long explanation, and he didn't think it particularly funny the way he was always dragged into Hermione's fascination with expensive lingerie, but Tom thought it was hilarious. Really, Harry loved Hermione, and he didn't mind going with her, giving his opinion. He was gay. He could give an honest opinion about the way she looked without drooling over her. But it happened frequently. If she could, Hermione would blow all her money on books and lingerie and forget about eating. And if anything changed in her life, anything exciting, or even if her life was monotonous for more weeks than she could handle, it was a new set of lingerie and books.

"Seriously, she needs help—it's not funny!" he snapped in reaction to Tom's continued laughter.

"She… doesn't mind posing in front of you?"

Harry was a little surprised Snape hadn't sneered at the topic of conversation yet. "You're gay, right? One hundred percent?" Snape nodded. "Have you seen Narcissa in her knickers?"

"A few times…"

"You didn't bat an eye right? Bet she didn't either. Because you're gay and you know each other so well. Hermione likes posing for me and receiving an honest answer as to how she looks. Honestly I don't mind it… except it's all the fucking time!" Harry took in a deep breath and then studied Snape before suddenly grinning. "You, Lucius, and Narcissa have platonic sleepovers, don't you?"

He was still snickering over the caught look on Snape's face as Tom took him home.

---

The tension in Remus' shoulders lessened as he dispelled the locking charms on his door and stepped inside. He'd been out on errands and had been sure someone was following him. He could feel eyes on him wherever he went, but no matter how hard he looked, no matter the spells he sent out in search of a watcher, he'd come up with nothing but the Alley patrons around him, and none of those had been paying attention to him. In fact they had tried to steer clear of him, which was usual.

He'd just set his bag of groceries onto the kitchen table when the hair on the back of his neck suddenly stood on end. He spun around towards the front door just as a voice softly spoke out. "It's been many, many moons since I've last seen you, Remus. That time has obviously not been kind to you."

Remus spun away from the door, his nostrils flaring as his gaze landed on the figure leaning against the wall near the corner, near the window he'd been facing in the first place; the figure's arms crossed leisurely over his chest. Remus' lips pulled back in a snarl as he recognized the scent. The scent was cleaner now, but he could still recognize it. He did not, however, recognize the charmingly dressed werewolf leaning against the wall, even if he did know who it was. "How did you get in here?" he demanded, wand in hand and pointed at the elder werewolf's chest, eyes scouring Greyback's features, unable to connect his scent with his appearance. Fenrir looked clean and… civilized. And how did he cover his scent until he wanted me to smell him?

"Such hostility for your Alpha, cub?" Fenrir asked, eyes moving away to study the kitchen and living room, sneering softly at the horrid conditions in which Remus allowed himself to live in. Flea bitten dogs could find better lodgings.

"Don't call me that," Remus snarled. "You are not my Alpha!"

"Have and always will be."

"No," Remus growled.

"Deny all you like, but you know it to be true…" Fenrir locked gazes with Remus and grinned, sharp teeth gleaming in the light. Remus vaguely noticed his teeth were clean and white. "Cub."

"What do you want, Fenrir," he bit out, knowing the elder werewolf hadn't come to kill him. He would have attacked by now if that were his reason for being here.

"I've come with a message."

"From your master?" Remus assumed; his voice a rasped whisper, eyes wide as he studied the elder werewolf.

"Yes. As you know, Harry Potter is no longer involved with the war. And you know what that means, Remus. You know the only real threat to the Dark Lord was that boy. You and your Order made him the only threat. You were involved in making a boy the only weapon against the Dark Lord." Fenrir sneered at the thought. Not because he didn't think the Potter boy was powerful enough, but that the wizards had been stupid enough to rely on one person. Fenrir waited before going on, watching the emotion play over Remus' face. "But you realize this. Must eat you up with guilt."

"You came here with a point, I'm sure, Fenrir. Get to it."

"The Dark Lord seeks to establish equal rights for us. Werewolves and vampires to start with. He's looking to ingrain us into society. Spread the truth… you of all know we do not mindlessly kill and infect people on thoughtless whims. We can contain ourselves each full moon. There's no reason why we should be treated as nothing more than dangerous animals."

"You are a dangerous animal, Fenrir." The elder werewolf grinned and shrugged. Neither admitting or negating such a declaration. "This is the reason why Emmit Shafer was killed?"

"And the others, yes. Why haven't you tried to incapacitate me, cub?"

Remus blinked at the sudden question and stepped back a few paces. A smile curved Fenrir's mouth at the action. Remus could try and deny the wolf inside him, but it was still there, in his every action.

"I will hear what you have to say," Remus finally replied.

"The Dark Lord wanted you to know."

"Why?"

Fenrir pushed away from the wall and closed the distance. "You aren't stupid. He wants you to think." Remus visibly tensed when Fenrir leaned in to him, when the werewolf's scent washed over him. He then quickly backed away, averting his eyes. Fenrir frowned. "You've been without a pack for too long, cub."

The simple statement cut deep and it shouldn't have. "Get out."

"You've always been stubborn as well. Tell me… do you accept the package you receive every month? The Wolfsbane? Or do you ignore it, thinking it to be poison? Do you turn away from it because it is charity?"

"I dislike going insane during the full moons," Remus answered. "How did you know about that?"

"We have eyes and ears everywhere, Remus. You know this. One Hermione Granger sends that package. Brewed by Severus Snape." Fenrir laughed at the absolute shock coloring his face.

"Hermione?" a small smile moved across Remus' face, thinking about the bright witch. "Should have known… she works with Severus? But he's…" Remus narrowed his eyes then. Gaze full of suspicion.

"No," Fenrir chuckled. "She stands beside her friend. They belong to no side. But that muggleborn is a smart one and she cares. So I suppose you really aren't alone. At least you know someone cares about your well being."

"Don't talk as if you care!" Remus barked because it had sounded as if he cared and he had no wish to hear this from Fenrir Greyback.

Fenrir bared his teeth at the open hostility. But that's as far as he went with his warning and smirked maliciously when Remus' head dipped a bit. A clear indication that he was submitting, albeit, reluctantly. "You seem alone now, cub. I'll wager you never once saw yourself affiliated with a group who would slaughter children… or were you a willing participant in that attack? You taught some of those very children."

"Unlike some people, I value the life of a child," Remus returned, his voice coming low, the words tumbling from his throat in low growls. "I knew nothing about that attack until it was all over."

"Defending yourself to me," Fenrir murmured. "Why?"

Remus remained silent and settled on glaring, waiting for Fenrir to leave as he knew the elder werewolf would.

"It really pains me to see one of mine living in these conditions," Fenrir remarked as he finally turned to take his leave.

Remus bared his straight teeth. "I am not one of yours."

"I made you," the elder werewolf replied as he continued towards the door. At the last second he side stepped when a curse was thrown at his back. Remus charged him when his spell missed, enraged beyond belief.

"You destroyed my life!"

Fenrir moved swiftly and spun around, grabbing Remus from behind and shoving him roughly against the door. He leaned in, lips hovered next to Remus' ear. "I saved your life and was paid a great deal to do so. Your parents left important things out… suppose they would have eventually told you. When they were ready. A shame they died before they could confess. Suppose… in the end they were ashamed of the solution they came up with."

"What are you talking about?" Remus panted against the wooden door.

"Your father paid me to bite you."

"Liar!"

"You were terminally ill, Remus Lupin. The Lycanthropy killed that illness. You would have died without my bite. Never would have reached your sixth birthday."

Remus closed his eyes against the panic invading his mind. "You're lying," he whispered desperately. "You're lying. Father insulted you. You did it for vindication. You love infecting children."

Fenrir sighed softly against his ear. "Misconceptions run aplenty, don't they?" he asked and jerked Remus away from the door and watched the cub stumble away. "Think about what I've said."

Remus stood shaking in the middle of his one room flat long after Fenrir had gone, hands trembling, lifted and balled into fists, pressed against his aching temples. Flashes of his childhood before the bite forcing through his barriers. Flashes of his parents. Soft smiles. Sometimes full of sadness when they looked at him. Sadness, pain, and grief. But there was also always love and desperation. Going to St. Mungo's several times when he didn't know why. Bewildered when his father took him to a muggle hospital, still not knowing why. Not knowing what the tests were for. He'd only had a cold. He was always getting colds. But they weren't anything drastic. The colds would go away… and they did, after he'd been bitten. He remembered witnessing a quiet discussion between his parents. His father saying he'd found a solution. Still, Remus refused to believe it.

"Lies," Remus hissed into the silent space around him.

---

Draco was completely recovered. Well, not completely. The blond determined he wouldn't be completely over the incident until he'd had his own revenge. Not revenge taken out by Granger and the twins. Other than that, he was fine. The poorly planned abduction hadn't been all that horrible. It could have been much worse. But even then he'd only been hurt because the Weasleys had tied him up. Had he been loose, it was guaranteed he wouldn't have gained even one broken bone. With or without his wand.

He was no longer bruised and broken and could walk around without thinking he looked less than perfect and currently he had just Flooed into the Dark Lord's manor and heading for the kitchen where he knew Harry to be. Draco felt guilty over the fact that Harry had been doing all of the work lately when it had been Draco's idea to begin with. Nearing the kitchen, a blond brow arched when he could clearly hear pots and pans being slammed down on the counters with obvious intentional force, and as he crept closer Draco could clearly feel Harry's magic lashing out uncontrollably. Obviously something had ticked his friend off.

"Harry?" he asked softly, walking in slowly. It was always best to be cautious when Harry's magic was lashing out because of his temper. Draco found Harry facing away, standing over the stove. Harry's shoulders had been slumped, head dipped down. But as soon as he heard Draco's voice, the brunet perked up. Harry spun around and the smile on his face seemed genuine. Draco would have thought he'd mistaken the anger and despondency if he hadn't felt Harry's magic lashing out a moment ago. So he wasn't fooled and knew something was wrong.

"Hey! Didn't know you were out and about."

Draco smirked. "Well we can't all laze about like you, Potty."

Harry only nodded and returned to what he was doing. Which wasn't much as Draco saw there were no pots on the stove. "Sent out the first round of orders today. Those boxes you ordered were really nice. I liked the designs on them."

"When we have time we can create a design together, yeah?"

"Sounds good."

After a moment of Harry standing there, not saying or doing anything, Draco lost patience. "Potter, what in buggering hell are you doing? And don't tell me you're making anything. I have eyes and clearly you aren't."

Harry partially turned and peered at Draco from the corner of his eyes. "Have you… has your father mentioned anything about… has he been busy recently? Death Eater things, you know?"

Draco's brows creased in thought. "No more than usual. Why do you ask?"

"Tom's been keeping his distance from me. Haven't really seen him in two days and he hasn't told me why. I know he's in the manor. He's been avoiding me, Draco. Makes excuses when I find him and quickly buggers off."

"I know what you're thinking, Harry. Don't jump to conclusions."

"I'm trying not to."

"He probably has good reason…" Draco murmured, though he wondered what it could be. And surprisingly, he felt a sort of tame panic rise within him. He didn't like that Harry feared the Dark Lord's recent actions. Didn't like the thought of Harry losing any of the happiness he'd found here. But, Draco mentally reasoned, he had seen the recent Prophet articles and pictures. The Dark Lord wouldn't have allowed such pictures to be taken if he weren't one hundred percent serious about Harry. "Really, I think you have nothing to worry about. He's the Dark Lord, Harry. He has a war to win, after all. It can't be all about you all the time," he said softly, not trying to be cruel.

Harry looked away, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Suppose so…" then he looked at Draco. "So? How are you and the twins?"

Draco smirked. "They're taking me to dinner."

Harry's face instantly brightened. "You agreed to go on a date? Wicked!"

"And dancing. At the pureblood club you liked. Meracus. You're coming with."

"Why do you want me to come?"

"Because… I told them no shagging yet, but if I'm with them by myself I'm afraid I won't have the willpower to say no," he burst out, blushing horribly.

Harry laughed, his mood instantly brightened. "When is it?"

"Haven't decided yet. Fred and George will be a bit busy the next few nights. Illegal endeavors for my father and all that."

"Let me know when. Now get your arse in gear and help me with the rest of these orders. Don't think now that you've got me into this that you can back out and simply rake in the Galleons without lifting a bloody finger!"

"Alright already… bloody annoying nagging ponce!"

---

Two days later, Harry awoke slowly and blinked away the sleep, immediately knowing he wasn't alone. Usually that wasn't strange, but recently, Harry hadn't seen much of his fiancé in the last week and the little insecurities had begun to rise again, just as Draco had seen. This is why a smile exploded across his face when he realized Tom was beside him. And then he realized he was immobilized, his wrists chained to the headboard. His smile disappeared.

"Tom… this isn't our kink room," he said the first thing to come to mind. From beside him, Tom laughed. That only pissed Harry off. "Why the hell are you laughing? You've been avoiding me," Harry spat and tried to kick Tom as he stood up. "You come to bed only after I've fallen asleep. You're gone when I wake. Our breakfasts together seem to be a thing of the past," Harry ended, his voice trembling.

"I've been preparing," Tom murmured. It bothered Harry that he didn't look at him.

"Preparing for what?" Harry asked, his voice lowering into a whisper in his growing worry. Tom didn't speak, but he did finally look at Harry. "Why have you tied me up? Going to torture me now? Tired of playing with me? Is now the time?"

Shock colored Tom's face and then fury and in seconds, Harry had an angry Dark Lord straddling him. "You think this is a game, Harry?" Tom hissed. "You honestly think this is a game?! Do you think I would give you all of my fucking soul to you as a game?"

"You've been avoiding me!" Harry cried in shock. Tom never cursed outside of their lovemaking.

Tom took a deep breath as he studied Harry's face. He had not realized how much hurt he was causing his lover by keeping some distance until he could do what he had to do. He should have known better than to do something like that though. Especially with Harry, since his lover had every right to question Tom's motives. Harry would be an imbecile not to and as often as Tom called Harry stupid, he never meant it.

He allowed his hands to run through Harry's hair, holding his lover's head gently at the sides. "I did not mean to cause you such fear about us," he murmured, finding it painful to look into those terrified green eyes. "Nothing has changed between us."

"Promise?"

"Yes, I swear it." Tom lowered until he could brush his lips over Harry's, smiling when Harry instantly responded, craning his neck so that he could have more contact. When he pulled away, Harry was back to looking bemused.

"Then what's going on? Why am I tied up?"

"I did something. I did something you will not like."

"You do lots of things I don't like." Harry reminded with a lopsided grin.

Tom placed his palms against the side of Harry's head again and lowered his body so that he could press their foreheads together. "I need to show you something. I need to show you and you will not like it. But I must do this. I want your trust, Harry."

"I- You're not making much sense, Tom. Tell me why I'm tied up."

"I'm not going to give you the chance to run away from me like I know you'll want to. We're going to talk about this after." Tom breathed against Harry's mouth, stealing one more kiss before he pressed into his lover's mind, knowing it may be a while before Harry allowed his touch. "Relax. This will not be painful."

"How can I relax when you've started to worry me again," Harry asked, his eyes gone wide. "Did you kill one of my friends in one of your rage induced tantrums?!" he cried, his tone rising into hysterical proportions.

"Harry, you are the only being in this world that I have ever loved. I will love no other for the rest of my days. Think of this after you've seen what I need to show you. Please."

Harry nodded, sure he was incapable of speech at the moment, and he tried to relax. Tom told him he was going to push a memory, a vision into his mind. And Harry was terrified of what he was about to see. Clearly something had Tom nervous. And then his thoughts clouded as Tom pressed in the vision.

Harry saw himself sprawled on the floor in Tom's office; he seemed to be unconscious. Tom appeared shortly after, shaking his head as he looked down at his unconscious body.

"If you can't handle the alcohol, then why drink?" Tom muttered as he bent down to pick Harry up.

Tom cradled his obviously drunk body against his side and carefully began to lead Harry to his room. About half way there, he saw he'd regained consciousness. Harry snorted quietly when he heard his vision self begin to hum 'it's a small world'. Annoyance immediately colored every inch of the Dark Lord. "Potter. I will put you under unspeakable torture for the annoyance you've given me today," and Harry laughed outright when Tom released his vision self- more like shoved- and his vision self stumbled away into the nearest wall. The look on Tom's furious face was gorgeous.

And even as he thought this, Harry wondered when this had happened. He couldn't recall… Harry stood back watching with widened eyes as vision Harry literally threw himself on Tom, initiating everything that happened in the next few minutes. Drunk or not, Harry couldn't believe he'd done that. Though it was kind of hot watching from the sidelines as Tom touched him. Their snogs were hot as hell too! This vision was definitely making his subdued morning erection bloom once more.

"I'm gonna regret all this in the morning… I don't want to regret it."

Tom pulled him into another kiss before saying, "no, you will not regret it."

Harry watched his lover pull his wand on him; watched Tom raise it to his face and knew before he'd spoken the spell what he was going to do.

"Obliviate."

Harry's eyes snapped open, meeting Tom's. Their heads still pressed close together. "Why did you do that?" he whispered.

"Couldn't have you pulling away from me—you would have, Harry. You know it to be true," he said before Harry could disagree. "I told you… I told you before how long I've waited to have you beside me. I was not prepared to wait while you got over that regret."

"Perhaps you shouldn't have taken advantage then," Harry hissed, jerking his wrists. The chains gave him no slack.

"But you're so tempting," Tom purred, running a finger down his lover's cheek. "So beautiful, even when intoxicated. I can never say no to you. How did you expect me to say no then?"

He had a very good flattering point, Harry thought. "You lied… you said you would never lie to me."

"I never lied to you."

"But I asked you! That time Draco came over! I asked you if you saw me the night before."

"Never lied," Tom said, unable to hold back a smirk. "I simply left things out."

"Fucking Slytherin! How many times have you done that to me?"

"Touched you?" Tom inquired, his voice trembling. Something was wrong with him because he found Harry's reactions to all this funny. Perhaps it was because his young fiancé's cock was pressing against his inner thigh. Clearly Harry took pleasure in part of that vision. And he may have been amused because he could see it in Harry's eyes that he would not lose his young lover because of this. Because of his impatience. Tom was feeling so good about the situation that he allowed his hand to travel down to rest on Harry's bare thigh.

"No!" Harry yelled in response to Tom's smart ass question and bucked his hips to dislodge the wandering hand that was very close to the hem of his boxers. "How many times have you obliviated me?"

"Would you believe my answer?"

Harry huffed and looked away. "You know I would," he murmured and Tom could see Harry hated that he would believe him no matter what. This was why he would never lie to Harry.

"That was the only occasion. I won't do it again."

Harry nodded slowly though he continued to look away from Tom. A ferocious frown still on his face and wrinkling his brow. Harry would stay mad at him for some time, pout for ages if he didn't do something. Tom's hand resumed its lazy wandering of Harry's thigh and his free hand moved to grasp his lover's chin in order to make Harry look at him. "Let me make it up to you."

"How? And if you're thinking sex will fix this, I'll murder you."

"I want to take you out to dinner."

Harry's pout slowly vanished to be replaced by excitement. "Really, a date? Out in public where everyone can see us and take pictures of the wealthy candy on my arm?" Tom was nodding before the rest of Harry's words sank in. And then he was the one scowling ferociously. "Yes, I accept then," Harry went on, now with a grin. "How else are you going to make it up to me? You gotta give me something else."

"What else do you want?" Tom asked slowly, already recognizing that devious light in Harry's eyes that told him he probably wouldn't like what his fiancé was about to demand. He wasn't mistaken.

"I want Bunnymort. For the entire day—no, for two whole days. With the exception of our date. You can be human then...actually I want Bunnymort whenever I ask for him."

Tom sat back on Harry's thighs. "No."

"Then you are not forgiven for being a selfish spoiled bastard!" Harry yelled. "Now untie me! I'm going back to my flat!"

Tom was staring at his lover and wondering if Harry realized how amazing he looked when flushed with anger, his unique green eyes flashing brilliantly. Tom leaned forward, placing both hands on Harry's thighs and smirking. "You are not going anywhere."

"Watch me!"

Tom's hands began to move slowly up, his fingertips disappearing beneath the hem of his boxers. "Alright. Show me."

Harry hissed and yanked on the chains again. He started wriggling his hips around, trying to keep Tom's fingers from reaching their goal, but that only served to excite him more despite his frustration and annoyance with his lover. "Just give me what I want and I won't be mad anymore!"

"How about I take what I want now," Tom purred, one hand reaching Harry's erection and gripping it firmly. "And then I'll leave you here until you decide not to be mad at me anymore."

"Wha—That's not… You wouldn't dare!" When Tom arched a dark eyebrow, Harry sucked in a breath. He would. "Can't we compromise?"

"Perhaps," Tom murmured, shifting back further until he could ghost hot breath over Harry's cloth covered cock. "But not now. The sight of you angry and chained is leaving me in only one state of mind. I don't want to talk much now."

By the time they were through, both Harry and Tom were sated and feeling pretty damn good. For the most part. Harry had been unchained and Tom now watched his smugly smirking lover limp to the bathroom. Tom eventually conceded to the Bunnymort thing, if only to keep Harry from returning to the flat. No matter what happened, if Tom had not given in, Harry would have gone just to prove a point. Besides, Tom knew he should never have obliviated him. He should have dealt with the consequences of what had happened that night.

"Oh Bunnymort!"

Tom growled under his breath before shifting. After a few seconds he jumped off the bed and hopped towards the bathroom.

---

Bill stifled a tired groan and tried to look at least a little interested in the ridiculous conversations going around the table presently. Beside him, Remus was the only one remaining silent on the current discussion of pulling any and all persons even remotely suspected of being affiliated with Death Eaters. Remus was slumped in his chair, eyes glued to the hands clasped together on top of the table. Despite being quite young looking, Remus seemed more tired than ever. Tired and perpetually shaken up.

"We'll start with those we know for sure are Death Eaters and work down. Lucius Malfoy for one. He's been allowed to strut through the Ministry for too long."

"You can't arrest people without any proof!" someone shouted over the loud din.

"Then make some proof! We need information! The Death Eaters seemed to have disappeared. With the exception of a kill here and there, there have been no group attacks. No muggle or muggleborn attacks. Strange."

"Isn't that a good thing?" Remus finally spoke softly but only Bill heard him.

Moody stood and slammed a fist on the table. "They could be up to anything! Grab whomever you know is affiliated with them. The Malfoys, the Grangers, Henderson, the Turpins, the Patils, the Davies…" Moody trailed off as Bill slowly stood, a look of pure rage on his face.

"Wasn't it enough that you killed the Davies boy?" he murmured, easily heard now that everyone had quieted upon seeing his face. "The Patils? You have no real proof any of them are Death Eaters or affiliated. None. And the Grangers? Muggles?! Have you lost your mind, Moody? Have you all lost your bloody minds?!" he shouted, disturbed beyond belief by the fact most had been nodding along with the old crazed Auror. Even Shacklebolt and Tonks.

"Hold your tongue boy or you'll find your young brothers next on the list," Moody threatened lowly. "They've been seen quite often with the young Malfoy, haven't they?"

Bill was relieved he wasn't the only one now looking enraged. Finally his parents seemed to have given up agreeing with Moody and stared at the old retired Auror in shock. "N-now Alastor," Arthur began. "That's strictly social."

"My babies have nothing to do with anything concerning to the Dark side!" Molly screeched. "You leave them out of this!"

"All I'm saying," Moody went on, "is that your eldest should stay silent if he doesn't have anything helpful to say."

Molly sent a pleading look at her eldest, a silent command for him to return to his seat. Bill did as he was told, not allowing one ounce of the fury he felt show on his face. That wouldn't help anyone. He knew Moody wasn't simply bluffing. If he caused trouble, Moody would cause trouble for their family, for Fred and George. It was clear as day on his face. Moody knew the plans they were talking about was illegal, and should it be made public, Moody, Shacklebolt and the Order would be in a whole lot of trouble. And Bill knew if the twins were investigated, it would be a very bad thing. Bill wasn't stupid. He knew his brothers were in to something. They had more money than the profits of their business brought in. He was the only one to notice because he was the only one who cared to know about their lives to the extent that he recognized barely there changes. He kept in contact with the twins far more than the rest of their family.

Bill remained silent for the rest of the meeting and tried to not look as if he were bolting as soon as the meeting was over with. Like many, he had felt strongly in the mission of the Order of the Phoenix. He'd given up his curse-breaking job in Egypt to move back to London for the Order. To take up a desk job of all things. And this is what he got. A bunch of madmen and women? People who easily threatened his family? People who were turning parts of their family against each other? It was heart breaking.

"Bill?"

Said redhead turned as he was leaving the house, Kingsley's, to find Remus walking quickly towards him. "What?"

The werewolf looked over his shoulder before taking Bill's elbow and leading him away down the road until they could disappear into the shadows. "You speak to your brothers often. The twins?" Bill nodded slowly. "Could they deliver a message to Harry for me?"

Merlin, please don't let this be another ploy. "I'll not be a tool to get Harry for the Order, Remus. If that's what this, then you can forget it. I'll check the letter," he promised. "I'll run tests for spells and Portkeys…"

Remus smiled. "You may do so. I only want to talk to him."

"About the war?"

"Perhaps, but nothing about him returning to the Order. I simply want to… see him again," Remus explained as he reached within his robes for the letter he'd written a few days ago. Bill took it and stowed the missive away in his back pocket. He would do what he promised and when he got home, he'd search for anything amiss within the letter.

"Remus," he began slowly, uncertain if he should say what he was thinking.

"We mustn't let them terrorize innocent people," Remus voiced his thoughts. And then he cocked his head at Bill. "You do realize what Harry said is true. The Order was responsible for the Slytherin attack."

Bill's face crumpled. "I didn't want to believe it," he whispered. "I didn't…"

"Keep your ears open, Bill. Those we know who haven't anything to do with anything need to be warned."

The redhead nodded and watched Remus back away a bit before he could Apparate. Bill closed his eyes on a sigh and Apparated away himself.

---

As Harry dressed for his date with Tom, he practically thrummed with excitement. Their first date… sort of. A little late in coming, but still! Tom said he'd made reservations at a restaurant in the upscale portion of Diagon Alley. Harry wondered if it were the same restaurant Draco had taken him and Hermione to. Probably. Tom wouldn't be caught dead in anything less formal and lavish than that.

"Master. Guests here to see you."

Harry turned to the quaking house elf behind him, smiling. "Who?"

"Fred and George Wheezies, Master."

"Tell them to come up, please."

"Right away, Master."

Within minutes the twins were on him, exclaiming over his dapper appearance and inquiring about his hot date tonight.

"We've a letter from Remus for you," Fred told him after a time, holding the letter out. "It's safe. Bill checked it."

Harry stared blankly at the outstretched hand; at the unassuming folded piece of parchment. "Remus?" he asked.

"He wants to see you, Harry. He misses you."

Harry closed his eyes and shook his head. Hands dropped on his shoulders and squeezed. Opening his eyes, he found two blue pair staring back at him with understanding. "Leave the letter until after your date. But you should read it, Harry."

Harry finally nodded and took the letter, slipping it in the inside pocket of his formal royal blue robes. He cleared his throat and attempted to grin. "How do I look?"

"Very handsome," George replied with a firm nod.

"Your new glasses are divine, Harry. Makes your eyes so bloody big and bright."

Harry smiled and turned back to the mirror. "So where is he taking you?" Fred asked as he and George draped companionable arms around the younger wizard.

"Not sure. Somewhere nice."

"High end too, probably," George murmured. Harry nodded.

"Is it necessary to drape yourselves all over him at every possible turn?" a low silky voice questioned from the door way.

The twins hastily backed away while Harry turned and grinned at the possessive gleam shining in Tom's eyes. "They can't do it to Drake since Narcissa has taken to following him wherever he goes."

Fred cleared his throat. "We… we like to coddle."

"Suppose we get that from Mum."

"And Harry is absolutely gorgeously cuddly and we miss our darling Draco."

Harry laughed. "They've always been touchy feely."

Tom sneered. "I'm three breaths away from cursing the two of you."

Fred and George quickly vacated the area after such a threat, winking at Harry as they ran by Tom and out the door. "That's not very nice," Harry said as he allowed Tom to steer him out of his room. "They really do miss Draco."

"They should grow some bollocks and stand up to Narcissa."

Harry paused in his steps, gaping up at his lover. Both from the crude language and from the statement. The crude language had Harry's blood boiling pleasantly. But the statement itself had him shaking in terror for his friends' lives. "That's insane talk! You must have seen her on occasion when she gets that maniacal gleam in her eyes! Not even Lucius has pressed that subject with her." Tom made some sort of noncommittal sound and pressed Harry forward to get moving again. Harry looked at him. "Why don't you broach the subject with her?"

Tom literally paled at such a thought. He rather thought Narcissa would risk death by his temper and still tirade about Draco, her innocent baby. He had no wish to go there with Narcissa Malfoy. "It isn't my business. Why should I waste energy on something I care nothing about? He's not my son."

Harry snorted. "Right. That's why you won't do it."

"Silence, Harry."

Tom Apparated them to the district of Diagon Alley where Draco's restaurant was located, but after a few minutes of walking they bypassed that restaurant. "Where are we going?"

"Servile."

"Merlin, please don't let it be as depressing as it sounds. I don't want slaves serving me."

"Last I checked, slavery was illegal. Stop fretting. You will enjoy yourself."

Harry rolled his eyes. That sounded like a command. Freaking dictator. "I don't fret," he muttered.

Tom chuckled softly and ran a hand through Harry's hair as they walked into the restaurant. Harry looked around as Tom was immediately approached by a hostess despite them being at the back of the line. It was a place of white marble. Everywhere, including tall pillars placed around the main dining area. It would have seemed cold and shallow had it not been for the copious amounts of cushions and soft lighting, warm gleaming wood and soft music playing in the background. Harry liked that it was both soft and cold looking and he especially liked the table he and Tom were immediately led to. He hardly paid any attention to the fact most of the muted conversations had stopped upon their entrance and that he and Tom were being eyed curiously.

Soon they were seated in an alcove. Harry was pleased with this arrangement. They weren't exactly hidden away; the rest of the restaurant was visible to them and vice versa, but here they could speak without being heard and the alcove made him feel as if they were alone when he pulled his eyes away from the opening to look at Tom. They hadn't yet settled down before they were immediately approached by a waiter. Tom ordered them a bottle of wine, with another on standby. Harry blushed when Tom sent him a perverted grin after ordering the second.

"Trying to get me sloshed?"

"Why yes, Harry. I am."

After the wine was brought, Harry asked Tom to order for him. After, they fell into a comfortable silence for a time and Harry's attention immediately went to the letter he'd received earlier. "Remus wrote to me," he murmured, rubbing his hand over his breast pocket.

If Tom was surprised, he didn't show it. Though he did look interested. "And what did he have to say?"

The waiter returned by that time with their meals and Harry waited until he'd left before answering. "Haven't read it yet. The twins thought I should wait…"

Tom held out a hand, palm facing up. Harry sighed and retrieved the letter. "The twins said Bill checked the letter over already."

"Give it to me."

Harry passed it over, watching Tom's face as the Dark Lord quickly read through it. Tom's blank expression never changed as he read and Harry didn't get any kind of clue as to what was in the letter. He figured Tom was checking to make sure Remus hadn't written to him about the war. Finally when Tom was finished he gave the letter back. Harry returned it to his pocket and then grabbed his wine glass to down half the contents.

"Harry… what do you want for the future?"

Harry nearly spit up his wine. The question seemed to come out of nowhere. He certainly hadn't expected this kind of question from Tom, especially since they had never really discussed the future. Tom looked pleased that he'd managed to shock Harry. Because of this, Harry answered truthfully and he deliberately answered with something he knew would make Tom uncomfortable.

"I want children, of course." The stricken look on Tom's face was priceless. Harry covered a laugh by taking a drink when the Dark Lord pulled at his collar as if it were too tight. "Don't you want children, Tom?" he asked sweetly.

"An heir would be nice," Tom murmured, evading Harry's amused gaze to concentrate on his dinner of baked salmon.

"No, not an heir, Tom. A child. To love and nurture. Not a small being that you can mold after yourself. Not a little mini you that will be foisted off on nannies and tutors."

"I'm not… parenting material, Harry."

Harry gave him a lopsided grin. "We'll see."

Tom's eyes locked with his fiancé's and he was suddenly wary. There was a decidedly hard glint in Harry's eyes; cunning and conniving and assured. Tom felt like he was falling. His little lover was certainly going to be a force to be reckoned with. And though he was now nervous of what Harry was planning, he was also thrilled by the deviousness his lover possessed and hid so well from most of the world. He couldn't help the broad smile that appeared on his face. That smile grew when Harry practically melted in his seat, his cheeks exploding in red.

"How is your business going? The baking endeavor with Draco?"

Harry sat straight in his seat and grinned. "Brilliant! I had to start shipping orders off myself since Draco was recovering, but I didn't mind and he came over earlier in the week to help once he was better. One of the shops Drake visited in Diagon Alley make custom boxes- Fred and George told him about it. Getting more orders everyday and making a killing."

"What are you calling it?"

"Draco thought about Savior Fudge." Tom snorted and shook his head. "Yeah, my thoughts exactly. I'm not a savior and I didn't want it to just be fudge since we'll probably start selling other things as well."

"So what are you calling it?"

"We decided on M.R.'s Decadent Confections."

Tom liked the name. And he rather thought Harry was his own decadent confection. "Can you make candy as well?"

Harry nodded. "I'm experimenting right now, gathering recipes and creating my own. It's fun."

"What does the M.R. stand for?"

Harry fiddled with his fork a moment. "It's… ask me again some other time, please Tom?"

"Alright."

When they had finished dinner and ordered desert, it was then that Tom dropped the bomb. "I'll be leaving on another trip in a few days."

The pleasant warmth from the wine and Tom's presence seemed to vanish in seconds."For how long?"

"A week. Perhaps longer if things do not go as planned."

Harry gritted his teeth and nodded. There was nothing he could say to that since he knew Tom would go no matter what he said.

"It's almost over, Harry."

"If you're in trouble, please tell me. Send an owl or something."

"I don't want you picking sides."

Harry sighed. "It's a little too late for that, isn't it? You are my side."

Tom's face softened. "It will not come to that, Harry. You will not be put in that position."

Harry returned his smile and as he dug into his chocolate velvet pie, he sincerely hoped Tom could keep that promise. A moment later he was wrinkling his nose, staring at his dessert.

"Something wrong?" Tom asked, amused by Harry's expression. His amusement grew with Harry's next statement.

"This is atrocious! Good Merlin! What did they use for this? Chocolate colored sand? What a fucking waste!"

"It seems adequate to me."

"Then you have no taste. I could make this better."

---

Harry sat up in the darkness, the sheet falling to pool at his waist as his eyes tried to focus in the dark. He wasn't sure what had woken him, but he suspected it was his subconscious telling him not to wait until the morning to read that letter as he had previously thought to. He looked for the mound of clothes near the door where Tom had striped his clothes off some hours ago the moment they stumbled into the bedroom, already hard beyond limits and panting against each other. The clothes weren't there and he frowned. The house elves must have taken them away. Which was alright, but now he didn't know where his letter was.

A lazy smile grew on his face as he turned to look at his bed partner. Tom did not sleep with a peaceful expression. Even in his sleep, the Dark Lord looked like he was scheming, his brow creased slightly in concentration. Harry caressed the arm lazily draped around his waist before gently removing it and climbing from bed. After collecting his glasses and putting them on, Harry moved around the room, searching for the letter. He ended up by the bed again, finding the letter on the bedside table sitting next his side of the bed.

Harry grabbed the letter and moved in to the sitting room before plopping down on the soft black leather sofa. He curled his legs underneath him and stared at the letter in his hands. He knew it was a short letter. It hadn't taken Tom very long at all to read it. Steeling himself, Harry finally opened it and read.

Harry,

Please forgive me for not writing you sooner. For not finding a way to contact you. I can admit that I'm ashamed. I do not resent you for the position you've taken in the war. And I will not try and change your mind. I would really like to see you again, Harry. To talk to you. About you and not the war. Things have been difficult… Please give it some thought. I await your response.

Remus

"Things have been difficult," Harry murmured, knowing Remus had thought to put more and decided against it. For Remus to have wrote that meant the werewolf was probably overwhelmed by the problems he was facing. They'd always been able to talk to each other without it having anything to do with the war, even when Harry was still the Order's poster boy. Remus had always tried to talk about other things when he seemed bogged down with his worry over the war. Perhaps they could continue on that. And if Remus needed help… and probably companionship, Harry wanted to give it to him.

Harry jumped up and ran down the hall to his own room and then down to his study. He quickly penned out a reply, located Damas and sent him out. Damas wasn't pleased, as usual, to be thrown out of the manor so late at night, but Harry didn't care. He'd long since gotten use to the demon bird and glared at the eagle when Damas hissed at him. "Just take it." Once back in the bedroom, Harry slipped under the warm covers and against Tom.

"What did you decide?"

Harry wasn't really surprised Tom was awake. "I'll meet him tomorrow."

Tom sighed. "Why must you be so hasty?"

"Because I can."

Harry gasped when Tom suddenly rolled over to lie on top of him. "You will take someone with you."

"Course. I'll take Bunnymort."

Tom growled and dropped his face down into Harry's pillow. The brat snickered and nuzzled the cheek next to his. "Never should have agreed to that."

"But you did and so you have to."

"Not tomorrow. There is much to do tomorrow… I'll make it up to you."

"You spoil me," Harry murmured, closing his eyes against the feel of Tom's large hands running along his hips and then further down, to lift and hook Harry's legs around his waist.

"To make up for my controlling nature," Tom replied in agreement, his mouth moving lazily against Harry's neck. Tom's hips began to rock softly, creating delightful friction and causing Harry's cock to awaken. "Bring someone with you."

"Okay," he moaned out, head rolling to the side to give his apparently insatiable partner better access.

---

Harry and Hermione met Remus right outside of the Leaky Cauldron on the London side late afternoon the next day. Harry gave Remus a small smile as he led him and Hermione down the street until they could duck into a vacant alley. Harry took hold of Remus' arm and Apparated them to the muggle flat he continued to pay rent on with Hermione following after them.

"I'll make tea," Hermione murmured and bustled off to the kitchen while Harry and Remus took seats in the living room. Harry studied Remus, noticing the changes to the elder wizard and immediately he knew something was up with him.

"It feels weird being here with you," Harry finally said. "I never thought I'd see you face to face again, Remus. Not after all that's happened." Remus looked pained at his honest confession. Harry was only a little sorry, but it had to be said.

"I wanted to let you know I was not a participant of the Slytherin attacks. I didn't even know about it until after it happened. And even then I didn't realize it had been the Order. Denial, I suppose."

"Now that you do know?"

Remus knew what Harry was asking and sighed. "So many lives are at risk, Harry." The brunet across from him tensed. "No, I'm not talking about you returning. You have no idea the kinds of plans the Order is making. Innocent people are being targeted. I can't leave the Order…"

"I guess that makes sense."

Remus looked down at his clasped hands. "Greyback came to see me," he said quietly. Hermione dropped the tea pot she'd been handling. Remus chuckled. "Yes, my reaction felt something like that."

"What did he do?"

"He spoke."

"What did he say?"

"Harry," Hermione interrupted before Remus could say anything. "Are you sure you want to know?"

Harry didn't know what to say. On one hand he did want to know, because he knew Tom must have sent Greyback. But on the other hand, no, he didn't want to know. In the end Remus sensed his warring thoughts and gave him a smile. One that wasn't loaded with his problems. "No worries, Harry. We'll speak of other things. How have you been? I see you've been living," the elder wizard said, pulling out a clipping of the Prophet and staring at it. "You look happy."

Harry leaned forward to get a better look. He'd assumed it would have been a picture of him and Tom, since those pictures were printed every day. There had even been one of them this morning. A snapshot caught at the restaurant. Tom had been laughing and Harry had been caught ogling his fiancé like a love sick fool. But the picture Remus held was an older one of him, Drake, and the twins leaving the Wizards' Den, laughing and joking with each other.

"It's good to see you living how you want. It's good to see you sticking to your principles and what you believe in. You're not letting anyone bring you down because of your decision. Your strength astounds me, cub."

"R-Remus…" Harry found himself choked up.

"I think," Remus went on with that same smile, "James and Lily would be proud, Harry. No matter the decision. It's the fact that you made the decision and have stuck to it."

Still Harry could say nothing and he was relieved when Hermione sat beside him, placing the tray of tea on the coffee table and distracting Remus who went on to thank Hermione for the monthly Wolfsbane. She looked shocked that he knew and then a little afraid because he did. If he knew that, then he might know who made it at her request.

"I know Severus makes it. I'm not going to ask how or why you are still in contact with him."

"How did you find out?"

"Fenrir," he answered. Harry heard a growl beneath the name and his lips twitched. "You keep your eyes open and be alert. You two may be neutral but it seems like the Death Eaters are still watching you."

Oh geez. Now Harry felt guilty for making Remus worry needlessly. "At this point I think we're in danger of the Order more."

"Yes, that's true," Remus replied, looking at Hermione.

The witch caught his look and sighed. "Again? Merlin, and I was getting used to being able to go see my parents whenever I want."

"It's not just you, Hermione. Prepare your parents."

"I'll send them on a holiday. Thank you, Remus."

Remus nodded before turning to Harry. "I've learned long ago not to take what is printed in the Daily Prophet at face value, but the pictures they've been printing recently are fairly self explanatory." Harry laughed and nodded, knowing what Remus was speaking about. "Does he take good care of you?" the werewolf asked, looking down at Harry's engagement ring.

"Yeah. And I'd like to think I'm making some sort of mark on him as well," Harry murmured, thinking about some of Tom's more extreme malevolent actions.

"You are," Hermione responded quietly.

Remus looked at them in question. "He's been known to throw tantrums," Harry explained with a grin.

Remus' top lip pulled back in a silent snarl. "Is he abusive, Harry?"

"No! Never!" Harry shook his head quickly. "It's just… he likes to lose his temper—but not with me!"

"He treats Harry well," Hermione said more calmly.

Remus sat back, clearly relieved. But then a thoughtful expression crossed his face. "Why haven't either of you spoken his name yet? In fact, his name isn't stated in any of the articles I've read either."

"He likes being Harry Potter's mysterious man," Hermione answered with a laugh.

"I'll tell him you said that."

Hermione crossed her arms. "I'm not afraid of him anymore. Just a little intimidated now and then."

Harry grinned. "You'll find out eventually," he told Remus. It was obvious Remus was still curious, but he let it go and the three spent a good two hours more in lighthearted conversation.

---

Harry and Hermione returned home from their outing both extremely happy after meeting with Remus. Upon their parting Harry could tell the meeting had also done some good for Remus as well and they'd promised to have another get together soon. A house elf immediately popped in once they'd arrived home to tell Harry he was being summoned to Tom's study and that Master's friend was also needed immediately. "Wonder what the rush is?" Harry murmured as they made their way.

Draco was waiting for them outside of the study. He grinned when he spotted them and rushed over, immediately thrusting fingers into Harry's hair, trying to tidy the wild mess of raven locks. Hermione finally batted his hands away. "It's really a futile effort, Malfoy."

"Are you ready for this?" Draco asked, fairly thrumming with excitement.

"Ready for what?" Harry asked. Draco didn't answer; instead he opened the door and thrust Harry inside.

Aside from Tom, there were six others inside the study. Lucius, Severus, and Narcissa. Fred and George were there, as well as a tall skinny old wizard Harry had never seen before. The man had black robes on that looked official in some obscure way and he fidgeted outrageously. Narcissa beamed such a smile at Harry when he stumbled in that he was left blinded for a minute. And then everyone was staring at him expectantly as if he'd been the one to call this meeting. "Err…"

Hermione took a look around and gasped, figuring it out almost immediately. Tom approached Harry, smiling at his bafflement. "Are you ready?"

"Ready for what?" he snapped and behind him Draco snickered.

"For our bonding, of course."

Harry's eyes widened as he took another look around at the people in the room. Before he could make any kind of articulate response, Tom took his hand and pulled him over to the official looking man. Hermione squealed softly under her breath and rushed over to the twins. The three hugged each other silently, excited they were about to watch Harry get married. Draco scowled at them, fully aware that he couldn't even be touched by the twins as his mother was in attendance, and she'd been casting the fiends suspicious glances since 's.

The following moments were like a whirlwind to Harry. He was happy. Ecstatic, even. He couldn't even be bothered to be annoyed that Tom had sprung this upon him. He had known it would happen this way eventually. So he let Tom hold his hands and turned to the official. The bonding took no more than ten minutes. It was an informal bonding but at the end, Harry's engagement ring disappeared in a flash of light and a golden tendril of magic surrounded his and Tom's ring fingers. When the light faded, they had matching golden rings and the official announced them married and bonded for life. And that's all that mattered to Harry.

Harry's smile threatened to crack his face as he signed the official marriage certificate and then he threw himself on Tom, who had also been sporting a smile akin to the smiles young excited boys wore when their parents had finally bought them the toy they'd been begging after for months.

"Lucius, if you would see Thurwhorl out," Tom muttered around Harry's mouth. Lucius nodded and led the fidgety wizard away. Harry hoped not to his death.

"You two stop that now. We need to celebrate," Narcissa said, coming over with two flutes of champagne and forcing herself between Harry and Tom. As Tom accepted the flute, Harry looked around for Draco. The blond was sitting primly on the armrest of a chair. He shot a grin at Harry who smiled back before looking at the others. Hermione rushed over and quickly embraced him. As he hugged back, looking over her shoulder, he saw Draco and the twins eyeing each other. Rather heatedly. And somewhat morosely on Draco's part. And Harry knew they would have like to have stood together if only Narcissa didn't have that insane innocent baby complex.

"Hermione. I baked a yummy pie earlier. It's in the kitchen. Can you and Narcissa go get it?"

"Sure."

"Surely you can order a house elf to deliver it," Narcissa asked, her nose rising in the air a bit.

"It's a work of art! I don't trust the house elves not to drop it," he lied. "Please?"

"Very well. Come along Miss Granger. I must admit his baking is exceptional."

Harry shared a smirk with Hermione when Narcissa turned and headed to the door. "Take your time," he whispered.

Hermione winked at him and then mumbled, only half joking, "the things I do for the blond prat."

"Did you really bake a pie or was that a lie?"

Harry turned back to his new husband (internal- and completely manly-squeal!) and smiled. "No I really made one. Wanted to see if I could make it better than the nasty concoction we were served at Servile."

Tom chuckled and pulled Harry's back against his chest. Harry sighed in contentment when Tom dropped his chin to rest on the crown of his head. The twins rushed over to Draco and the blond nearly fell off the armrest when he was ambushed with four arms, the air rushed from his lungs as they snuggled and groped him unashamedly.

"Get off," he wheezed.

"No Draco, love," the twin with the emerald green shirt on whispered. "We've been without you for too long."

Draco opened his mouth to say something, but George quickly took advantage and slid his lips over the blond's. Harry giggled. Draco didn't even try to push the twins off him. In fact one hand slipped into George's hair while the other slipped around Fred's waist to keep that twin firmly pressed against him. Harry could see why Draco wanted him to accompany the three to the pureblood club. If Draco was serious about holding out on the shagging for a bit, he would need someone there to help keep the three of them in line. Harry was glad Draco had thought of the no shagging rule. It made sense. Usually the blond shagged first and asked questions later, but since this was serious for the three of them, holding out on the shagging was a splendid way for them to grow closer together. Harry suspected Draco was scared too and he could understand that.

Pulling his eyes away from the three, Harry found Snape standing back, sneering at the threesome. Harry laughed, pulling Snape's attention. "I'm sorry. The look on your face…"

Lucius returned before he could reply. Harry wasn't sure that he would have anyway. The blond wizard paused beside Draco and the twins. "Your mother is returning."

The twins slid off Draco immediately, but they didn't move far away. They sat beside him, one running a hand through Draco's hair to straighten it while Draco let his head fall back against the leather of the sofa they sat on. Draco knew his lips were swollen from snogging… Good Merlin, please don't let her notice.

When Granger walked in after his mother, giving him an apologetic look, he hated her a little less; knowing she'd tried her best to stall his mother. Of course, the fact that Granger had damaged her own hand when she'd beaten the fuck out of Ginny Weasley also had a lot to do with his lightened mood towards her. Fred and George had gladly provided a memory that day they had fallen asleep with him on his bed. Draco had been impressed that she'd held nothing back. Draco narrowed his eyes thinking about it. Parts of that memory had clearly been tampered with and he wondered why.

He supposed now wasn't the time to think of such things. Harry and the Dark Lord had just been married after all. Draco sat straighter, barely able to ignore the thighs pressed against his and looked around. Harry was excitedly cutting up pieces of his pie and distributing it, talking a mile a minute with that ever present smile plastered on his face. Draco stared hard at that pie for a moment and decided he must have a piece of it. As he stood, two hands passed quickly over his arse.

He whipped his head around and glared at the offenders. "Please control yourselves."

Two devilish grins were his only reply. Draco turned away from them with his own little smile and approached Harry, who was passing over a piece of his creation to the Dark Lord. Harry ignored everyone else in the room, obviously eagerly waiting to see how his pie fared. Draco accepted a piece from Granger with a nod and watched as the Dark Lord took a bite. Harry sucked in an audible breath. Seems the entire room had and now everyone was watching for the Dark Lord's reaction.

Tom soon became aware of the scrutiny he was under and looked around as Harry's velvet pie practically melted on his tongue. This, this was nothing like the pie they had been served at Servile. Tom hadn't been able to understand Harry's complaint then, but he did now after being presented with an alternative. Apparently his young husband was correct. He had no taste to have not understood. Tom chewed and swallowed and then looked at Harry, who had yet to return to breathing and was now chewing his bottom lip. "You could walk up to Servile right now and they'd pay you mountains of Galleons to be allowed to sell it. This, Harry, is extraordinary."

Harry bounced on his toes and turned to Draco. "He likes it!"

Draco was too busy eating to give one word back, though the blond seemed to take to the pie as well as he took to the fudge. If the moan and eyes rolling to the back of his head was any indication.

"Merlin, Harry. You've outdone yourself here," Hermione murmured. Narcissa, Fred, and George concurred with that.

Behind them, Severus sneered. "I don't see what the big deal is. It is only a pie--" Lucius plopped a fork full into his lover's mouth.

"Give credit where credit is due," the blond murmured, watching as Severus slowly chewed. The corner of his lip twitched when Severus' eyelids fell shut and a truly lost look appeared on his face. And then he scowled. Having enjoyed that bite far too much.

---

A/N: Thank you so much for all your support and reviews. I'm a little astounded at how popular this story is. Hopefully you enjoyed this chapter as well :D

Until next time, have a great day!