oOoOo

Harry felt like he'd been hit by a bus. In fact, if the Knight Bus were to run over him, stop and then back up to hit him again, he didn't think that he'd hurt as much as he did at that moment. The smugglers had taken great glee in torturing him with both magical and non-magical means and he shuddered to think of what he must look like. The auror worried that Lucius might not even recognize him when he showed up – that is, if the elder wizard did show up.

It was difficult for Harry to determine just how much time had passed since he'd been captured but he thought that it must have been several hours and there was still no sign of the man. Harry was starting to think that he should have contacted Ron or Ginny instead. Of course he knew that he couldn't really have done that – not without compromising his true identity.

Biting back a groan, he tried to move a little but he was still securely bound in ropes of air. By far the greatest torture of any that had come that evening was the fact that he couldn't scratch the tip of his nose and it was itching almost as badly as the time the twins had put itching powder in his handkerchief. He tried puffing air across it by moving his lips but that had no effect whatsoever. Finally he just heaved a sigh, wincing at the pain that greeted him from what he assumed to be a cracked rib. All he could do was lay there feeling sorry for himself as he tried to ignore the itch.

The irony that the great and famous Harry Potter was at the mercy of common thugs wasn't lost on him. There had to be something that he could do. If only he could think without his damn nose constantly interrupting!

Harry heard voices in the hall, moving steadily closer and he struggled again to get free. Even though he knew it was futile, he didn't want to die bound like a slave. As it turned out, he was saved from having to mount his own rescue. One of the men who entered the room was Harry's captor – the leader of the smugglers – and the other one was Lucius. He'd finally come.

"So you see, Lucius, he is alive just like I promised and largely unharmed. We were obliged to kill the other one when he tried to escape, but this fellow decided that he wanted to save his own neck. After a little prodding," the man gave a nasty grin, "he told us that he works for you. I don't know why you would send men to spy on my operation but I promise you, if you send any more they won't be as lucky as this one."

Lucius cast his haughty gaze over Harry, who thought his lover was doing an admirable job of hiding his emotions. "To be honest, Antonin, I don't know why I bothered to meet your demands at all. This one is useless."

Take it easy, Love, or we'll both…wait. Antonin?

Harry strained to look closer at the man with Lucius. It dawned on him at last that the leader of this gang of smugglers was none other than Antonin Dolohov. Little wonder that Harry hadn't recognized him before. Time had not been kind to the former Death Eater. But hadn't Flitwick killed the bastard at the Battle of Hogwarts?

"I could still dispose of him for you," Dolohov sneered as he raised his wand, "since you're not equipped to do it yourself anymore."

"No!" Harry knew that Lucius was trying not to sound too desperate lest his former comrade sense something amiss, but his control was slipping. He needed to hide his emotions and retain the mask of hauteur and bravado if he didn't want to get them both killed. Harry silently begged his lover to be more careful.

"I already brought the gold that your man demanded I bring. I wish to make the exchange and be on my way back to Wiltshire as soon as possible. You won't hear anything else from us, you have my word." He directed this last comment sternly at Harry.

"And if I should require more than that?"

Dolohov must have figured out that there was more to the situation than met the eye – damn him. Lucius didn't appear to be moved by the question but Harry couldn't know what was going on in his head.

"A deal is a deal. I brought the ransom and now I want you to release my man." When it looked like Dolohov would argue, Lucius added, "And give him back his wand!"

"How do I know he won't attack me the moment he's free?"

"I gave you my word." Lucius scowled at Dolohov's laugh. "You doubt that now too? What do I have to gain by attacking you…or letting him attack you? As you so kindly pointed out, I have no wand and the two of us are outnumbered. If you want your gold you will have to honor our bargain."

Harry watched as conflicting emotions showed on Dolohov's face. For his part, Harry almost forgot to breathe and he expected that Lucius probably felt the same way. In the end, greed won out and the auror started breathing again.

"Fine," Dolohov spat, "but two of my men will escort you out of the city. Only then will he get his wand back."

"What's to keep them from double-crossing us then?" Lucius demanded. Dolohov gave him the same nasty smile as before.

"That's my bargain. You will just have to trust me, Lucius."

"Not even as far as I could throw you, Antonin, but as I have no choice, we have a deal."

The two former Death Eaters shook hands and Dolohov turned to leave the room. "My men will be along shortly to collect you."

"Won't you release H…him first?" Dolohov looked back in time to see Lucius nod toward Harry again.

"No. I'll return shortly." Without further ado, he strode from the room, leaving Lucius and Harry alone.

Lucius waited until the sound of footsteps faded away before rushing to Harry's side. "Harry, are you all right? Can you speak?"

"Y-yeah," there was a tremor in Harry's voice as he felt a stabbing pain in his lower chest, "I think one of my ribs might be cracked…but please just…SCRATCH MY NOSE!"

Lucius stared at him as though he'd grown another head. "Do what?"

"Damn it, Lucius! I said scratch my nose. It's been itching for hours!"

Shaking with silent laughter, the elder man reached over to do as Harry asked. Harry's eyes rolled up in bliss and he heard Lucius say, "Only you would think more about an itchy nose than a broken rib."

"I'm used to pain," Harry panted, "but itches are bloody torture!"

"All right, all right. Better?"

"Oh yes, much. Thanks, Love."

Lucius sat back on his heels and looked down at Harry for a moment. "How good do you think the odds are of our getting out of here alive?"

"I don't know. If Dolohov decides he would rather have us dead, or if those thugs decide to kill us before they give me my wand, then we're finished. I don't think I can win a fight like that in my current state."

"Once we're outside I can demand that they give me your wand. I think they underestimate me as much as everyone else does these days."

"In light of our predicament, that's probably a good thing."

"I agree. Harry, why on earth did you tell them that you're working for me?"

"I couldn't very well tell them that I'm an auror could I? I figured if they thought I worked for you then they might try to do a deal with you, or at least tell you where to find me, and you would bring help."

"But you contacted me when you were in trouble. Why not one of your Ministry chums?"

"Oh Lucius," Harry felt very tired suddenly, "you were my best option at the time. And if you can get us out of here I'll swear that you always are."

"I'll get us out of here," Lucius leaned down to give him a kiss, "and if I don't, I'll be proud to die beside you."

"What? A Malfoy not doing anything he can to save his own skin? That's surprising." Harry chuckled and groaned at the renewed pain.

"I'm here to save you, aren't I? Besides, I've been corrupted by a Gryffindor."

"Yes. Yes, you are and yes you have." Harry paused and looked up into his lover's eyes. "If they kill us we'll both vanish without a trace. I wonder if anyone will think that we ran off together."

"They'll probably think I kidnapped and killed you and then disappeared to keep from going back to prison."

"Probably a fair assumption on their parts." Harry had to laugh, or rather give a sort of snort-groan, at the expression on his lover's face. "Sorry."

Lucius was about to reply when they heard noises in the hall. The elder wizard was on his feet in an instant and he strode across the room so that their captors wouldn't see them too close together.

"All right, Malfoy. These two gentlemen," Dolohov gave a third nasty smile. He seemed to be very good at those, "will escort you out of the city. I don't want to see your pretty face or his ugly one," he pointed to Harry, "in it again or I'll be forced to do something drastic. I don't think anyone wants that now do they?"

"Certainly not, Antonin. I wish I could say that it was a pleasure to see you again but it wasn't."

"The feeling's mutual. Give my regards to your lovely wife."

Dolohov left the room and the two toughs removed Harry's bonds and pulled him up off the floor. The pain was excruciating and it was all that the auror could do to remain conscious. The taller of the two smugglers nodded Lucius forward and after he turned to the door, began half-dragging Harry along behind. In a way Harry was grateful for this because he was sure he couldn't have made it on his own.

After a few minutes spent navigating through the hideout with the tall smuggler barking directions to Malfoy, the four men emerged into the early-morning air outside. The salty, fishy smell seemed almost sweet to Harry after his time in the musty storeroom where he'd been held. The ocean breeze carried with it the scent of freedom.

Lucius turned toward the tall man and addressed him firmly. "You have the boy's wand?"

The thug grunted, "Ja."

"Then give it to me and I'll apparate the two of us back to England from here. There's no good reason to make the poor fellow walk in his state."

"Against the orders," Harry's captor growled and dragged Harry forwards another step.

"I don't give a damn about 'the orders.' What I do care about is the health of my employee. He has a broken rib and Merlin knows what else is wrong with him after your rough treatment. I won't let him be subjected to this."

Harry had to admire the air of command in Lucius' tone. He could well believe that at some time in his younger life, Lucius had been a valued commander in Voldemort's army. In fact, if not for a few fatal flaws and some bad life choices, he could even have been a great leader for the wizarding world.

The two smugglers looked at each other and began to confer in Flemish. After a moment, the first man shrugged and pushed Harry forward. The auror promptly collapsed in a heap at Lucius' feet.

"Take him and good riddance," the shorter man spat as the tall one tossed Harry's wand to Lucius. The thugs turned and disappeared back into the building without further ado, leaving Harry and Lucius alone on the street.

"I can't believe that worked," the auror muttered.

"Me neither," Lucius bent to help Harry back to his feet. "I should apparate you straight to St. Mungo's to make sure they didn't leave any latent curses on you."

Harry shook his head. "Please just take me home. I think all the damage is non-magical."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes. Please, Lucius."

Lucius nodded, wrapped his arm around Harry's back and apparated the pair of them to the London flat. Once there, Harry sank gratefully onto the bed. "By God, I don't think a mattress has ever felt this good!"

It was adorable the way Lucius came over to pull Harry's boots off and then fuss with his pillow. Harry wanted to laugh but he just didn't have the energy left. "You rest, my boy. I'll run you a bath and then come back to mend the injuries that I can."

"Don't rush." Harry closed his eyes and less than a minute later he dropped off to sleep.

He awoke to the tingling sensation of magic. It was quite pleasant – or at least it was until he felt as though he'd been plunged into a vat of ice water. Harry gasped and tried to sit up but a strong hand pushed against his shoulder to hold him down.

"Calm yourself, Harry. That was just the spell to mend your ribs." Harry gazed up into Lucius' impossibly blue eyes and let himself relax. "Take a deep breath and tell me how it feels."

Harry cautiously took a breath and then let it out. There was no pain to speak of but he felt as though his lung capacity was somehow diminished. He told Lucius this.

"I think that is just a byproduct of the injury. I'm afraid I don't have significant skill at healing injuries, only at inflicting them," he offered a self-conscious smile, "but the shortness of breath should go away."

"I really hope so," Harry reached up and pulled the other man into a kiss, "I wouldn't want to be making love to you and then pass out for lack of oxygen."

Lucius chuckled and reached down to play his fingers through Harry's beard. "I think we should get you cleaned up before we even think about that."

"Why? You don't like the beard?"

"It doesn't suit you, Harry."

Harry laughed and this time he was glad to find that it didn't hurt. "I'll take your opinion into account then. What if I just trim it?"

"Hmm, we'll see. Bath time first."

Harry allowed his lover to drag him out of bed and into the bathroom. Lucius even insisted on undressing him and Harry thought that his lover's touch felt heavenly as he pulled the soiled clothes away.

It came as no surprise to either of them that by the time Lucius got Harry naked, the younger man had an erection. When Lucius laughed and dropped his hand to fondle it, Harry almost came on the spot.

"Fuck…" he murmured as he leaned back against Lucius, "oh…much more of that and I'll come all over your hand."

"Don't fight it, Harry," Lucius snaked his free arm possessively around Harry's chest and started kissing the side of his neck. As he did so, he tightened his fingers around Harry's cock and pulled with strong, slow strokes. Harry gasped and moaned as the pleasure assaulted his senses. It wasn't long at all before his back arched and he pumped his fluids out onto the floor with a cry. He heard Lucius laughing again but it was a minute before Harry could find the breath to pant, "What's funny?"

"For a second there, I thought your cum was going to hit the wall on the far side of the room."

"No sex…in a week…will do that…to a guy."

"Especially an oversexed young man like you." Lucius kissed his neck one last time and then pushed him toward the tub. "Now let's get you clean so that I can dirty you again."

"I like the sound of that."

"Of course you do."

oOoOo

Lucius could not even put into words how happy and relieved he was to have Harry home safe and sound. Instead of words then, he used his hands to convey everything that he couldn't say. After he'd shaved off Potter's offensive beard, he climbed into the bath behind Harry and urged the young man to lie back against him. Harry uttered a delicious little sigh and relaxed into the embrace.

The elder wizard kissed and caressed his lover, eliciting a litany of moans and hums of pleasure. By the time the bath water went tepid, Harry was nearly asleep in Lucius' arms. Despite his lusty words, that was fine with Lucius. There was no need to rush. Malfoy could be patient for a while.

Somehow he managed to coax and cajole Harry out of the tub so that they could both dry off. Then he led the sleepy-eyed auror off to bed and tucked Harry close against his chest. "Don't ever give me a scare like that again, do you hear me, Potter?"

"Mmm hmm."

And just like that, Harry was asleep. Lucius rubbed the boy's back for a while but he couldn't hold out against exhaustion for very long himself. When he woke, late morning light streamed through the window and he felt an urgent need to pee. Disentangling himself from his lover's arms, he rose and stumbled off to the toilet.

He returned several minutes later to find Harry awake and peering up at him. The dark bruises that Lucius had ignored the night before stood out on the young man's perfect skin. Harry was certainly the worse for wear physically but Lucius could tell that his spirit was undimmed.

Harry bore his lover's stare with grace for a couple minutes but then he got bored with it and beckoned the older wizard over. Lucius went to sit on the side of the bed and leaned down so that he could give Harry a kiss.

"You look awful but how do you feel?"

"Better. Stiff and sore, but better."

"Would you like some breakfast?"

"Yes, but not until I've had you."

Harry pulled Lucius into another kiss and as it lingered, slid his hand down Lucius' chest to his belly and then further on to his cock. Lucius gave a hum of pleasure and twisted to give Harry better access. Talented fingers brought his manhood to life and it wasn't long before Lucius was groping in the nightstand for lube.

Once he'd located it, he redirected Harry's hand from what it was doing long enough to pool some of the liquid into Harry's palm. He breathed a long sigh when he felt the auror's hand back on him, slicking it over his erection. Lucius savored the feeling for a bit and then rose to take position between Harry's legs. Without much ado, he slid into his lover's welcoming body with a moan.

Harry echoed the sound and reached up to playfully tweak one of Lucius' nipples. It was meant as a sign that as good as it felt to have the elder wizard inside of him; he was all right and wanted more. Lucius gave him more, with abandon.

The auror came first, which was less than surprising, but it didn't take Lucius much longer. When they were both spent, Lucius settled by Harry's side again and kissed him. "How was that?"

"Brilliant! Just what I needed."

"Me too. When we've recovered, do you think we could have something to eat? I'm starving."

The auror chuckled and nodded. "Yeah, I could use some food too. Dolohov's hospitality was appalling."

"Antonin's hospitality has always been appalling."

Harry laughed and then seemed to be thinking about this for a few moments. "Lucius…"

"Hmm?"

"Did you know he was still alive?"

Lucius shook his head. "Not until last night. I thought he died at Hogwarts."

"So did I. Now I can't help wondering how he survived, how he got out of the country and how many more of your former chums are out there somewhere?"

"I don't know, Harry. It's not as though we have Death Eater reunions to reminisce about past glories and where it all went wrong."

Harry sighed. "I'll have to report all of this to the Minister and see what he wants to do."

"If there is anything that I can help you with, let me know."

"You're being helpful all of a sudden," the look Harry gave him conveyed suspicion.

"I have to prove that I'm rehabilitated if I'm going to be granted a new wand don't I? Aiding a Ministry investigation can only look good to the Wizengamot."

"Devious Lucius," the suspicion vanished and Harry stroked Lucius' shoulder fondly, "but yes, it will look good."

"Besides, there is no love lost between Dolohov and me. I'd be happy to see him back in a cell."

"If everything goes to plan, you'll get your wish."

"My dear Mister Potter, you of all people should know that things very rarely go to plan."

"You do have a point."

Lucius nodded, "Yes, I do, but to direct this conversation away from my fellow former Death Eater and back to myself, my wand hearing is a week from Thursday. Three p.m."

"I'll see if I can clear a place in my diary."

"You had better, my love, or this is not going to happen. I need you."

"I know, Lucius. Never fear."

"I won't…but only because you're Harry Potter."

"The one and only."

The elder wizard chuckled and stole a kiss. "Let's eat now. You need to get to the Ministry and I need to return to the Manor. I'm sure Narcissa has noticed that I'm not there by now."

"And we wouldn't want her to think you've gone missing permanently."

"I left a note but I don't want to worry her either."

"Such a loving husband you are."

"Do not mock me, Mister Potter." He smacked Harry's buttock. "I happen to know that you are a loving husband too."

Harry didn't reply for several seconds and Lucius was afraid he'd pushed the teasing too far. Finally though, Harry nodded. "Yeah."

"What's wrong?"

"It's nothing. Don't worry about it."

Lucius watched him closely but then figured that if Harry wanted to talk about it, he would. The elder wizard shrugged. "All right. You do know that you can talk to me if you need to."

"I know, Lucius. Thanks."

"Don't mention it. Now, breakfast?"

"I'd love some."

oOoOo

The young witch stationed in front of the Minister's door looked up and a smile bloomed on her face. That is until she really saw him and the smile slid into a frown. "Hello Harry! Wow, what happened to you?"

"Uh, hullo Padma, it's a long story. Is the Minister in? I've got some urgent matters to discuss with him."

"He's got Mister Weasley in there with him. Shouldn't be more than five minutes until they're done."

"No problem. I don't care if Arthur hears what I have to report." Without waiting for Padma's response, he gave her a little wave and pushed his way into Kingsley's office. The two men inside looked up in surprise but when they saw who it was, both rose to their feet with matching expressions of concern.

"Harry, my boy!" Arthur clasped his hand in greeting. "What have you done to your face?"

"Long story, Arthur. One I'm here to tell, actually."

"I was wondering if I was ever going to see you again. You haven't been by for dinner in ages!"

"Potter has been working undercover for us, haven't you Potter?"

Harry nodded, "I was, yes."

"Was?" Kingsley's eyes glittered with anticipation. You could take a man out of the ranks of the aurors but you couldn't take the auror out of the man. "Am I to presume that means your mission is complete? Tell me what you found."

"Would you mind if we sit down while I make my report? I'm still not quite recovered yet."

"Yes, I think we can see that." Arthur scooted his arm chair over to Harry so that the young man could have a seat. Potter sat down gratefully and began his report.

"The Minister sent me and Erind Bagley to Belgium. Our mission was to see what we could discover about a smuggling ring that has been funneling dark artifacts from there to Britain. We thought that they were common criminals but yesterday we discovered that there was more to the operation than we first thought. I kept watch while Erind grabbed a stack of incriminating scrolls but we were caught in the act and Erind was killed."

Kingsley sighed. "He was one of our best operatives."

"It gets better. After they had their fun knocking me around a bit, I found out that their leader is none other than Antonin Dolohov."

The two elder men shared a glance that spoke a thousand words. "That is not good news at all." Arthur looked back to Harry, "How did you manage to escape?"

After clearing his throat and staring down at his shoes, the auror forced himself to answer. "Lucius Malfoy got me out."

"What! He's part of this too? I knew we should have…"

Harry cut Arthur off by raising his hand. "No, he was there to save me. I knew I couldn't call Ron or anyone here without giving myself away so I sent my patronus to Lucius and asked him to get help. Then I told the smugglers – this was before I knew Dolohov was their leader – that I worked for Malfoy. Instead of getting help, Lucius came alone with a ransom to free me. He was just as surprised as I was to learn that Dolohov is alive but he played his part admirably and he got me out. Lucius saved my life."

Arthur and Kingsley looked astonished at this whole turn of events and silence lingered as they both processed what the auror had told them. "That doesn't make any sense. Why would you turn to Lucius Malfoy and better yet, why would he bring a ransom to save you?"

"You'll forgive me for agreeing with Arthur, Harry, but this whole story seems far-fetched."

"Look, I would be willing to take veritaserum and repeat it under oath if you don't believe me." Harry hated it when people didn't believe what he told them.

Kingsley shook his head and made a placating gesture. "That won't be necessary, Potter. I know you've had a trying time. However, you will admit that this is quite a strange series of events."

"I do, of course."

"Why don't you go on down to your office and fill the rest of the aurors in? We'll set a meeting for this afternoon to discuss how best to proceed with this new intelligence. Something has to be done to stop the trafficking ring and get Dolohov back in Azkaban where he belongs."

"What about Erind, Sir? I don't know what happened to his body but we should at least do something for his family."

"Leave that to me, Potter, but rest assured, Mister Bagley will not be forgotten."