Life Agendas

by Windseeker2305

SEQUEL to Life Renovations and 2nd book of Life Cycle trilogy. Harry and Draco's 7th year has started and along with that, a new order is rising. The Wizarding World will never be the same again. DM/HP,along with other pairings. Completed.

25. Issues

Life Agendas

Chapter Twenty-Five

Issues

The door creaked on its hinges as Harry slowly pushed it open only enough to peek inside. He didn't sense his husband inside but that didn't mean he wasn't inside shielding himself; dampening his scent and aura, hunkered down and waiting to spring on-

"Problems?"

Harry gasped and spun around, inadvertently hitting the door and swinging it open allowing Lucius to finally see who had been opening it in the first place. Tom stood in front of his little brother with a brow raised, wondering why there had been a moment of panic flashing in his green eyes before the Dark Lord was recognized, and then the panic turned to relief. Tom couldn't help but notice that the relief was also tinged slightly with disappointment.

"Tom! Scared the bloody hell out of me," Harry whispered.

"Obviously." Tom leaned in to peer over his brother's shoulder, catching sight of Lucius glaring at them. He turned back to Harry. "So… what were you doing?"

"Err… just making sure Draco wasn't in or around or planning to ambush me…"

"And why," Tom began as he took Harry's elbow and steered him into the study, "would you be hiding from Draco?"

"Um… last night I may have dumped a huge helping of treacle tart onto his head."

Tom began to snicker, "you've been hiding the entire time?"

"It was an accident," Harry whined before sinking down beside his father-in-law. "Spent the night here after the Saen said Draco returned to school. It was in his hair. All over. You should have seen his face…"

Tom laughed good and hard for the next few minutes and with each passing minute, Harry's emotions began to take a turn for the worse. Finally Lucius sighed and placed the book he'd been reading on the table and lay a hand on the trembling Gryffindor's arm.

"That is quite enough, Tom."

Tom abruptly stopped and glared scathingly until Lucius cut a glace to boy beside him. His glare immediately disappeared when he saw Harry was bent forward with head in his hands.

"I didn't mean to do it. He probably hates me now…" both Lucius and Tom were dismayed to hear his voice trembling and on the verge of tears.

"Harry, don't be ridiculous," Tom knelt before him and placed a hand onto the Gryffindor's bent head. A moment later Harry burst into tears.

"I pulled down my shields this morning to try and apologize and he wouldn't talk to me… he'll never forgive me for doing that to his hair!"

Tom sat back with a groan. "It's only hair!" he snapped. Harry forcibly shook his head and went on to cry in his hands. "Lucius, take care of him. I'll return shortly."

Lucius sighed. "You need to stop crying. Draco doesn't hate you."

"Shut up, Lucius. You don't know."

The blond looked heavenward and awkwardly rubbed Harry's back, knowing that trying to soothe his son was a fruitless effort at this point, as it was the hormones rearing its ugly head with a vengeance.

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"What are you doing?"

Draco looked up from his book with a frown. "Homework. Aren't you supposed to be at the manor?"

Tom scowled as he strode forward and slammed the book closed. He then grabbed Draco's collar and jerked his brother to his feet. "Have you any idea how distraught Harry is right now?! Sitting at home crying his bloody eyes out because he thinks you hate him… all because of your stupid hair! By the way, what he did… I found that highly amusing."

Draco pulled away, grimacing at the use of his stiff muscles, and scowled right back. "He's an idiot if he thinks I hate him. Harry knows better."

"He's not thinking straight at the moment, Draco. Maybe it has to do with the fact you refuse to talk to him. Just go do what you do and calm your pregnant and highly emotional mate. You aren't still angry about what happened?"

Draco winced as moved away towards the bedroom. "No. Dagon helped me out with that. Beat the anger right out. The demon's very angry… doesn't like being ignored, apparently."

"So that's why you're moving around like that. As if your body might shatter."

The blond did not answer and disappeared into the bedroom. When he returned, he held Harry's sacred tin full of Merry's cookies and glared at his brother. "It was not funny."

"Sure you and Harry are the only ones who think so."

Draco growled as he came to stop beside his brother and instantly Shadowed to Malfoy Manor.

Arriving in the parlor, they found Harry curled on the couch with his head on Lucius' thigh, holding a pillow over his face and sniffling softly against the silk fabric. The moment Lucius saw his son he sent him a mighty glare. And after spotting the huge wet spots on his father's dress shirt, Draco understood why Lucius looked like he wanted to do him harm. And now that he saw Harry really had been crying, understood how upset Harry really was about all this, any last minute chastisement he had thought to give his mate flew out of the window. Draco now only felt the incredible need to soothe his mate. To take him somewhere quiet and lavish the cute adorably emotional Gryffindor with love of every kind.

Draco moved before Harry could sense his presence and easily scooped up his mate and promptly Apparated to their bedroom. The moment Harry was dropped on the bed and saw whom had taken him, his eyes widened and he scampered away. Scampered right off the side of the bed, landing on the floor with a thump and moan. Draco was beside him in a second.

"Are you trying to hurt yourself?!" Draco yelled furiously, "idiot!"

Harry covered his face with his hands, "don't yell at me! Don't yell…"

Draco closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm down. "Harry, drop your shields. Let me in."

"No!"

The blond leaned over and pulled the Gryffindor's hands away from his face and then placed his palms over Harry's pale cheeks. Then he smiled brightly when watery green eyes finally met his. "You know I'd give up my hair for you."

"That's a blatant lie," Harry murmured.

Draco grinned. "You should really stop crying. It's childish and probably contagious. You'll have Father crying in no time..."

Two seconds later, Harry had curled in on himself again and was clutching a fist against his chest, while Draco gaped, feeling an incredible sting on his cheek. Draco opened his mouth to ask exactly why he'd just been punched when clearly he'd only been teasing, but Harry's outburst stopped him from saying anything.

"You think I'm pathetic!" he wailed.

It was then that Draco finally realized just how hard this pregnancy was going to be on him as well. According to the books, this was only the tip of the iceberg.

It took some time, but Draco was finally able to calm Harry down, and that was only by getting the Gryffindor to fall asleep. And he accomplished that by sitting his arse on the floor beside Harry and gently stroking his wings until the Gryffindor's breathing slowed and evened out.

After depositing Harry into bed, the blond immediately went in search of his stepfather. He met Sirius as the Animagus was just returning from work, dragging his tired feet out of the Floo room. "Let's get drunk," Draco suggested. "I think we deserve it."

The exhausted look on Sirius' face immediately disappeared. "Yes!"

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Molly answered the door and wasn't very surprised to see Rodolphus standing on the other side, obviously just coming from work. She gave him a wide grin, "Rodolphus. Good afternoon."

"Mrs. Weasley," he handed Molly a slip of paper. "I'm sure you know who this goes to."

"I do indeed."

"And will she receive it?"

"That depends on what it contains."

"Read it if you're so concerned."

Molly read it. Then grinned. "She'll get it."

"Thank you." Rodolphus gave her a nod and then turned on his heel and departed. Molly cackled gleefully as she shut the door. She quickly hurried through the manor and found Petunia walking the halls, slightly bent over, holding both of Devon's hands in hers as she helped him walk in front of her.

"You have a letter… or rather a note has been delivered."

Petunia took in Molly's grinning face, and immediately her heart began to try and beat right out of her chest. Slowly she unfolded the piece of parchment.

Don't be a coward.

Expect me tonight at eight. Your son will be out.

There will be no excuses.

R.L

"The nerve!"

"Apparently you are the one who has struck a nerve with him."

Petunia crumpled the letter in her hand. "Did he say anything else?"

"No…" Molly continued to smile and looked expectant.

Petunia sighed and hoisted Devon up onto her hip, "I have no intention of meeting him anywhere. There would be no point."

Before Molly could argue the fact, Neville rounded the corner, giving them both smiles. "Have you seen Dudley? He was supposed to be back from work by now."

Molly shook her head, but Petunia answered, "he's gone to Hogwarts."

Confusion crossed Neville's face, "erm… did he say why?"

"Said he had some business to take care of. I assumed he was going to visit y-"

"Sorry," he interrupted quickly, "need to go!" The two witches watched in confusion as he Shadowed away.

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"Where's Weasley?"

Seamus spun around and quickly backed away from the figure standing in the shadows of the dimly lit hallway. He squinted at the figure, "Dursley?" when he saw that it was, his eyes widened.

"Don't run," Dudley warned when he saw Seamus planned to do just that, "I will catch you. Just tell me where I can find Weasley and I'll leave you alone."

"You- you're not supposed to be here."

Dudley sighed with impatience and flexed his fingers. Seamus watched as Dudley's nails lengthened to sharp points. "Tell me where he is."

Despite what people had begun to think since the start of term, Seamus was not an idiot. Not anymore at least and he quickly figured out why Neville's fiancée would be there looking for Ron. And because Seamus had been disgusted with Ron and ashamed about what he said to Neville, the Irish wizard had no problems with telling. Only he didn't know and he said so to Dursley.

Dudley pushed off the wall and approached, "and if you did know, would you tell me?"

"Yes I would. Ron shouldn't have said what he did. Neville's never hurt anybody."

Dudley's lips peeled back in a snarl, "I don't believe you care."

"I- I care," Seamus whispered fearfully, backing away from the guy who was obviously now a Ukatae, "I care that I've been an idiot. Acting like a wanker to people who've never done anything to me. Stupid of me to listen to Ron. I was just… confused. About Dean. I'm-"

Dudley pressed a nail against the Gryffindor's chest. "I don't give a fuck about you or what you think. I want to know where Weasley is. Now."

"I can help you look for him."

Dudley narrowed his eyes in suspicion, but then he nodded and disappeared into Shadow. "Fine," he gave Finnegan a shove down the hall, letting the wizard know he was still there, "I'll be right behind you."

They found him outside, sitting in the Quidditch stands and glaring into the sky at the practicing Gryffindor Quidditch team. As soon as Seamus saw Dursley had caught sight of the redhead, he turned tail and ran. He didn't want to see what was going to happen next. And he didn't want Dursley to change his mind about letting him go unharmed either. He needn't have worried. Dudley was completely focused on his target. He walked in a deliberate slowness in order to determine exactly how he would proceed.

Whispered words in the air reached his ears before he could move further and drop his Shadow. "Better not do what I think you're here to do."

Dudley spun around to find Neville standing two feet away within his own Shadow, scowling fiercely with his arms crossed over his chest. Dudley grinned sheepishly as he backed away from the stands, cursing his luck at being caught before he had the chance to do anything. If there was one thing he was afraid of more then anything now days, it was his mate.

As soon as Dudley was within reaching distance, Neville grabbed his arm and Shadowed them to Malfoy Manor where he knew Harry was hiding out. He didn't like to leave his friend alone when Harry was in a state about what had happened with Draco. He sincerely hoped the Slytherin wouldn't hold a grudge for long.

"Neville, I have a right to hurt that bastard!" Dudley yelled the moment they landed in the foyer. "To strip the flesh right off, turn his blood to acid and then watch his bones disintegrate! It's my right!"

"I have as much right as you do!"

"Then do it already! I don't like the thought of you being near him at all! In fact the thought sickens me!"

"What the bloody hell is all this yelling?" someone barked from down the hall. "Trying to get drunk here!"

Dudley and Neville looked just in time to see Sirius' head poke out from the library, as well as Lucius and Tom looking from the parlor to see what all the commotion was about.

"Excellent idea," Neville said to Sirius. He passed his fuming mate, waved at Lucius and Tom and went to join Sirius in the library.

Lucius approached Dudley, studying his angry face curiously. "Whose blood do you want to turn to acid?"

"Weasley."

Tom looked impressed. "I've never thought about doing that to someone. Sounds delightful."

Lucius chuckled as he turned to go back inside the parlor, only to stop suddenly, his face going blank. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but was that my husband I heard, complaining about trying to get drunk in the middle of the day? Because I'm certain he would have come to see me after returning from work before doing anything else. Certainly that was not Sirius…"

"With the interest of keeping Sirius alive and well, Dudley and I shall not answer."

"I see…" Lucius turned again and headed for the stairs. "Very well. If he would prefer to stay away. Taking to the drink already…"

Tom rolled his eyes at the trembling emotion coming from his blond friend. He turned to Dudley. "I'm never, ever, ever getting Luna pregnant. First Harry and now Lucius. Turning into a bunch of blubbering babies…" his tone was laced with disdain, but Dudley was amused when a few seconds later, Tom turned and went after Lucius. Obviously most of the disdain was for show.

Tom was more concerned then anything. He knew what was going on in Lucius' mind. The blond was afraid Sirius was losing interest, or would soon lose interest. And his worrying was affecting his everyday life. He knew because he'd been watching the blond during school, noticing Lucius didn't eat as much as he used to even though his appetite should have been increasing. Lucius was also distracted quite often recently, didn't seem to be too focused on his classes, and Tom knew for a fact the blond had been excited about taking over the DADA class. Lucius had also stopped buying things for the triplets, which caused the loudest of the alarm bells to go off. Tom was tired of it. Lucius needed a swift kick in the arse! He wouldn't stand by and watch his friend fall into depression over nonsense.

He found Lucius in his room, standing before a window and gripping the chair beside him so hard that his knuckles were turning white.

"Your fears are unjustified."

"Leave me."

Of course Tom ignored that. "How often do you shun Sirius because of a mood swing, Lucius? Or curse him whenever you become sick? Do you think it would be possible for any man to stay stress free from that?"

"I do not believe I spoke in a foreign tongue, Tom. And this doesn't concern you." Lucius turned away from the window to sit at the desk close by. He watched silently while Lucius organized the parchments on top before dipping his quill into ink.

"Your health does concern me. And maybe it concerns me that you are jumping to the wrong conclusions."

"I call it as I see it," Lucius drawled in a surprisingly clear cold voice as he put quill to parchment and began to pen notes, the lesson plan for next week's classes.

"You're afraid," Tom murmured softly as he took the chair Lucius had been clutching moments before and moved it to sit beside the desk.

Lucius' face grew pinched. "Yes, I'm afraid," he finally confessed.

"Tell me." Lucius turned to him. Completely looked at Tom with wavering eyes. Gray eyes swirling with emotion. "Lucius," he whispered softly, "I may have changed, but we have been together for a long time. You and Severus are my oldest friends. I'd hoped you still felt that way."

Lucius sneered, "let's not revert into emotional Gryffindors."

"You started it."

"Very mature response."

"And yet you're the one who automatically assumes Sirius is trying to stay away from you when it's clear to everyone how much the wizard worships you. It is also clear to me that you've been the one pushing him away. How many nights this past week did you stay at Hogwarts instead of coming home for the night?"

Lucius made an obscure sound and his eyes darted back to the lesson plans. Finally he set his quill aside, though his eyes remained on the desk, he answered, "I don't deserve him. I don't deserve this." Then his eyes flashed in a sudden change of emotion, "and if he worships me, then where is he? I'll tell you where! He's downstairs, drowning in alcohol while I'm up here with three babies growing within…"

Tom looked heavenward before leaning back, the front legs of the chair rising off the floor. "Do you know how many times he complains about you keeping him away? It's disgusting, Lucius. He's wrapped around your bloody finger. I can't see how you don't notice. Maybe that's why he went straight to the Firewhiskey instead of going to you. For fear of being rejected again. You must realize how hard this is on Sirius as well." When it seemed Lucius wasn't listening, Tom began to lose patience. "If you don't believe me, then why not do the Slytherin thing and spy."

"I may hear something I do not wish to hear."

"Your fears will be washed away," Tom said with all certainty.

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Neville stepped into the library and was surprised to see Draco sitting in front of the fire with the Lestrange brothers, chatting quite amiably- even Rodolphus. Frowning he asked, "where's Harry?"

"Calm down, Neville. He's sleeping. No need to go demon on me," Draco replied with a cheeky grin.

The Gryffindor scowled as he sank down beside Sirius and jerked the Firewhiskey bottle out of the Animagus' hand, took a swig, then passed it back.

Draco looked at the wizards sitting around, "do you always go to work on the weekends? You wouldn't be so tired if you took Saturday and Sunday off."

"We get more done," Rabastan answered.

"Yes, and besides," Rodolphus sneered at Dudley as the Ukatae finally entered the room, "someone orders us to work every single day."

"It's only half-days on the weekends, Rudo," Dudley replied as he came to stand behind his mate and dropped a warm hand on his shoulder. "Besides, I'm not your bloody boss. You can say no. We're partners."

Sirius laughed, "Kiddo, you are the boss. You're the one Tom's orders go to and you're the one who sends reports back to him. You're the first one to get there and the last to leave… you do everything!"

Draco sat up straight in surprise. "Seriously? Dursley's your boss?"

"I'm not. Stop kidding around."

"Yes you are." Rabastan replied with an amused glint in his eye.

"Since when?" Dudley exclaimed.

Draco split his senses three ways to study Sirius, Rodolphus, and Rabastan. Finally he quirked an eyebrow in question. "Why don't I feel any resentment because of that?"

"Obviously because they're joking, Malfoy. I'm not in charge."

Sirius ignored Dudley and addressed Draco. "There's no resentment because he's got more work to do. A helluva lot more work. We work our arses off anyway. What do we want with his position and more responsibility?"

"Yes," Rodolphus replied, "thanks, but no thanks."

As Draco had done, Dudley was now glancing between the three wizards he worked with. "You three can't decide something like this just out of the blue! I'm not the boss! I don't want to be in charge!"

Rodolphus chuckled darkly into his glass, "that's too bad, because you are. I find it highly amusing that you have so much more to do and we get to coast along, getting paid a fine salary, while you run around all the time, making sure everything is on schedule and is as it should be… Yes. It's good to be alive right now."

"I'm glad you're amused with my mate's discomfort," Neville replied in a clipped tone. Rodolphus simply raised his glass to him, ignoring the cutting glance his brother sent him.

"Do you have a death wish? Neville stopped me from killing Weasley just now and I'm looking for a convenient replacement," Dudley hissed as Neville gripped his hand and pulled him around the lounge. "You'll do nicely, Rudo."

"Ah, Neville," Draco mourned, "why'd you stop him? Weasley needs to go down." And then he turned to Dursley, "if you kill Weasley, I want in." He watched Neville scoot forward to allow Dursley room to climb up and sit behind him. And then he noticed when his brother Shadowed in with his father in tow. Tom lifted a finger to his lips when he saw Draco had spotted them and then quickly led Lucius away behind some bookcases.

"Anyone kills Weasley, it's going to be me." Neville went on firmly as he snuggled quite happily in between his mate's rock hard thighs.

Dudley sighed with exasperation and dropped his head back to stare at the ceiling, hardly able to ignore the sexy arse teasing his crotch. "Sirius, you should have gone to see Lucius before coming in," he murmured.

"Luce would only curse me out of the room again," he replied morosely before downing his drink and immediately holding the glass out to whomever currently had the bottle.

Dudley snorted and filled the glass, "that may be so, but I think his feelings were hurt when he found out you were already home."

"He doesn't even let me touch him anymore!" Sirius burst out uncontrollably. "I don't think he's happy with me."

Draco flinched. He really didn't want to be part of this conversation. "Erm…"

"We're not really going to have this conversation are we?" Rodolphus asked, in complete agreement with the look on Draco's face.

Sirius leaned forward with his elbows on his knees and sank his face into his hands. "I pressured him into this and now… it's not like I thought it would be. I want to give him everything. I want Luce happy! Nothing I do is right… If I can't make him happy, maybe I really don't deserve-"

"Dammit Sirius!" Draco burst out. "Don't fucking start! Harry is getting the same way. He punched me and I was only teasing. He punched me and he's the one who dropped that treacle tart on my head." The Slytherin ignored Rabastan's amused snort and focused his glare on Sirius. "Father loves you. You can't see that?"

Sirius returned his stepson's glare. "Yeah? Then how come he hasn't said so in weeks?!"

"I don't know!" Draco snapped back. "Why don't you ask him instead of sitting here despairing about it?"

"Because I'll lose my bloody cock if I ask!"

There was a lot of uncomfortable shifting from everyone after that statement.

Dudley leaned forward to whisper in Neville's ear, "and I thought we had problems."

Neville nodded as he took a drink from Dudley's glass. After handing back the drink, he relaxed back against his mate's chest and let his hands fall onto Dudley's thighs.

Draco pinched the bridge of his nose. "We were supposed to relieve stress by coming in here and getting sloshed. Not adding on to it."

From where they hid, Tom turned to Lucius with a smug smirk. "You see?"

"Let's go," Lucius murmured. Tom nodded and Shadowed them back to Lucius' room. Lucius then promptly kicked Tom out and began to prepare.

Tom snorted as he left the room. On his way downstairs he stopped by his brothers' room to check on Harry. The Gryffindor was sleeping, and so he left and headed for the library.

Neville was feeling slightly buzzed. Partly having to do with the alcohol he continued to steal from Dudley's drink. But mostly it had to do with being so close to Dudley. And he felt that was just fine. He was comfortable, happy, and the firm flesh beneath his hands was warm. Neville couldn't help but slide his hands over the thighs, imagining no fabric stood in the way of feeling his mate's skin as he wished he could.

Dudley thought he should stop his mate's soft groping, but at the moment he couldn't be bothered. He didn't want it to stop. He didn't want to stop the subtle way he kept lifting his hips against Neville's arse either. It felt too damn good to stop. And then Neville pushed back. But that was okay too, because his responding moan was silent, and who bloody gave a fuck if they all heard, but of course they didn't because his moan had been sil-

His eyes popped open a moment later when Neville's claws dug into his legs and he quickly realized with growing horror that he had in fact moaned aloud; loudly.

Draco made a sound of annoyance and suddenly stood. However, unlike what Neville thought, the blond didn't leave the library; instead he began to walk down the aisles of bookshelves scanning for something.

"Sirius, your presence is being demanded upstairs. I'm sure I don't have to tell you by whom," Tom announced as he entered.

Dudley leaned forward and whispered, "you're killing me, Neville."

Rodolphus studied the two with rising interest, knowing lack of sex was one reason Dudley had been so cranky lately. The wizard smirked at Neville. "You know, there are many rooms here in which you can take yourself off to. Perhaps Dudley wouldn't be such an arse if you gave him yours."

Rabastan wasn't discreet with the hard kick he placed against his brother's shin.

Neville blushed and stood, reached behind him to grab Dudley's hand and hoisted him to his feet as well. "Yeah, that's a good idea."

He quickly pulled his partner out with him, ignoring Dudley's complaints about it not being a good idea at all.

Tom quickly strode after them. "Dudley I would have those reports. Are they finished?"

"Almost. Have a few things left to go over. Planned to finish tonight and send them tomorrow."

"Go finish now."

"But-"

"I want those reports in hand tonight before my brothers and I return to Hogwarts."

Dudley silently bared his fangs at Tom's retreating form and then sighed and looked at Neville. "Have to work. Wanna come?"

Neville's smile was soft, but he shook his head knowing he would only be a distraction.

Dudley nodded his understanding as he toyed with the light brown strands at the nape of Neville's neck. "Pick you up at seven then."

The Gryffindor tilted his head back to receive the lips descending on him. "I'll be ready," he whispered with a chuckle once Dudley tore his mouth away with a frustrated growl.

"I won't be late," Dudley reassured as he jogged to the Floo room.

"Better not be!" Neville watched him round the corner before heading the opposite way to the rooms his parents no longer used, wondering about what he would wear and at the same time wondering why Tom had felt the need to interrupt them like that. Surely he could have waited until tomorrow for those reports. Neville didn't appreciate the fact Dudley worked non-stop, and now Tom was making him work during the little time they were able to spend together.

When Tom returned to the library, he was half amused and half annoyed to find Sirius sitting in the same spot, not having moved an inch.

"Sirius, now!" Tom snapped with impatience.

The Animagus had been ignoring everyone, his head having returned to his hands. But when Tom prodded his arm, he jerked and then stared at the ground. "He's angry. Right?"

"Go up and see."

As Sirius left the library, Draco returned with a stack full of books. Tom looked on curiously as his brother cursed when he saw Neville and Dudley were gone. "All for nothing," he murmured and dropped the stack of books on the table where the top books slid off to the ground. Tom leaned down to pick them up. One book was about bonds.

"You were going to tell them."

"No, I was hoping they would figure it out with some well placed clues. If I straight out tell them, Harry might kill me. Honestly, I think if they know, this separation wouldn't be so hard. The tension between them annoys the hell out of me!"

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Sirius took a long deep breath before going in. Steeling himself for whatever curse would no doubt fly at him. When he entered, Lucius was at the desk writing, but as soon as he noticed Sirius, the blond stood and faced him. Sirius paused before moving in further and noticed the lack of wand aimed his way and the lack of cold ice incased in gray as well. Lucius merely stood there, looking just as awkward as Sirius felt and that right there made his heart drop. Something was wrong here. But despite what he thought was happening, Sirius managed to make his feet move and he went to Lucius to lay a soft kiss on his husband's lips. Lucius moved away with a shake of his head, and for once it was Sirius who was feeling sick to his stomach.

"I refuse to taste Firewhiskey on your breath."

"Firewhiskey… right," Sirius murmured as he moved off to the bathroom, feeling strangely numb despite the panic washing through him.

Lucius smirked at his husband's back before turning and disappearing into the wardrobe, taking his time in choosing, as he knew he had plenty of time once the shower turned on. But by the time he was done and prepared for his husband, Sirius was still in the blasted bathroom. The shower was off and he hadn't heard any noise for the last fifteen minutes.

Sirius was leaning against the counter, staring at the closed door, fists clenched beside his towel-covered sides. "I will not let this happen," he suddenly growled, turning to stare at this reflection in the mirror, noticing how he'd let his hair grow down to hang mid-ear. "I will not lose him again."

The door suddenly swung open and Sirius nearly swallowed his tongue at what he was seeing in the mirror's reflection. Lucius stood there, wearing his favorite black silk robe with a dark green B emblazoned over his heart. The robe was loosely tied at his waist while his chest was bared free and his shocking blond hair had been released from it's tie to hang loose over his shoulders and down his back. Sirius felt the ferocious stirring of his cock beneath the towel.

"Planning to horde the bathroom all day, Siri?" the blond asked as he sauntered in, intentionally keeping from looking directly into the Animagus' wide and darkening eyes.

As he stepped up to the counter beside him, Sirius croaked something unintelligible and he held onto the edge of the counter for dear life. Lucius tilted his face away, the long blond hair falling over his face to hide a smirk as he reached for a bottle of lotion Severus made especially for him to keep stretch marks at bay. "Help me with this," Lucius demanded softly as he shrugged the robe off his shoulders, letting it fall and hang at his waist.

Sirius turned and swiftly reached for the jar, impatient to touch Lucius; impatient to press his fingers into the taut flesh and rub…

"Wait," Lucius lay a hand atop Sirius' and finally turned to look him dead in the eye, inwardly trembling at the naked lust darkening his husband's eyes. "You seem tense. You've been working yourself to the bone, haven't you?" he asked while innocently running hands over Sirius' shoulders to kneed his neck.

Sirius' eyes slid shut, relishing the feel of his muscles being tenderized, his breath hitching when those hands flattened and moved from his neck to his back as Lucius moved to stand behind him. "Dudley's fault," the Animagus finally croaked. "And he has the nerve to say he didn't want to be the boss."

"The boss?"

Sirius growled when those hands momentarily lifted from his back, "technically he is. We've put him in charge of the entire operation until the city's been built. He deserves it and none of us want that position. Brilliant, Luce, when you brought him into the fold."

When he pressed back against Lucius, obviously a demand for more touching, the blond chuckled lightly and continued with his massage. "Do you think it's wise to give him so much responsibility?"

Sirius spun around to look at him in surprise. Everyone knew Dudley was his protégé and the surprise came from thinking Lucius didn't have complete confidence in the boy when he gave the opposite impression to everyone else.

Lucius understood what Sirius was thinking and smirked. "Only asking because it's a great responsibility. That's why we decided there would be more then one Head of the department, Siri. Don't think I believe Dudley doesn't deserve it. I'm only concerned for his welfare."

"It's not like we've dumped everything on him, Luce. We would never do that. Not when we know he'll not be around forever to take complete charge of things… but he's already doing it. We've just gone ahead and given him the official title." Sirius grinned, "the working crews started going to him long ago. When they had questions and he provided immediate solutions. He's garnered far more respect then I think he believes he deserves or knows about…" he trailed off, noticing how intensely Lucius was staring at him, taking in his every word and tone. Lucius' face was so expression, so open for him when it never was for anyone else. "Why the hell are we talking about Dudley right now? We have personal issues to deal with!" he finished with a bark.

Lucius smiled quite brightly. Yes, unfinished issues. He needed to get back to his seduction. He prepared to order Siri to the bed, when his waist was suddenly captured and a mouth was open and over his, greedily taking what it wanted with lips, tongue and teeth. Lucius closed his eyes against the heat, even as he fed Sirius' hunger with his own.

Sirius thrust hands into blond hair and pushed it away from Lucius' face as he pulled his mouth free. "Tell me. Say you're mine, Lucius. I need to hear you say it."

"I'm yours, Siri. Yours."

Sirius dropped his face against Lucius' neck, biting roughly before saying, "you're not going to leave me! Not again…"

"No!" Lucius clutched at the arms holding him tightly and looked away. "I thought you were tiring of me."

An angry light filled Sirius' eyes. He shoved Lucius back to the counter, onto his back and spread the blond's legs; thrusting against him without warning, groaning as his cock pressed against Lucius' tight heat. "Does this feel like I'm tired of you?"

Lucius moaned and arched off the counter, wrapping his legs around Sirius' waist he gasped wantonly when his husband hitched his hips teasingly. "Siri, please. Need more…"

Sirius gripped Lucius' hips and pulled him halfway off the counter before crushing the blond's lips with and sharply thrusting his cock deep inside his husband. He nearly came undone by the tight heat surrounding him and by the unrestrained mewl Lucius let loose into his mouth. It was the sexiest sound he'd ever heard his husband make.

The blond's head dropped back onto the counter as Sirius set the pace; a fast rhythm that would quickly have Lucius coming with impassioned cries. Driving Lucius over the edge had always been easy for Sirius. He knew exactly where to put his hands, which particular spots on the blond were especially sensitive to the grazing of his teeth; Sirius knew just the right pressure to apply to Lucius' cock as he thrust against his prostrate to have Lucius writhing and coming with explosive pleasure. And Lucius so hated that particular talent of his. Hated it because it left him powerless and aching for more.

"No!" Lucius shouted when Sirius began to use that talent relentlessly, "no, Sirius! Damn you…" he trailed off as his face pinched as if in pain, though in actuality he was trying to deny the burning swell building and ready to burst. Sirius smirked darkly. He would show no mercy.

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Later in the evening, Harry pulled himself from bed and left the room. Currently he was forcing his ridiculous emotions down because if he thought about how he'd acted earlier… well, he didn't really want to think about it at the moment. After a time of walking and brooding, Harry was more then happy to find Dudley strolling from the Floo room, dressed in fine formal dress robes. Harry took a moment to speak with him before telling his cousin to wait, saying he would fetch Neville himself.

Harry knocked on the door and when there was no answer, he pushed it open. "Neville?"

"I'm here," was the reply from the back room. Harry stepped in, wondering if Neville liked staying in these rooms now that his parents had returned to the Longbottom estate. It was a lot of space for one bloke. "Just came to tell you Dudley's waiting for you in the…"

Neville had come out while he spoke, and Harry trailed off noticing how Neville had dressed for his date. His best mate was obviously excited. His eyes were wide and his cheeks were flushed. And that was normal, to be expected. But what had Harry slightly concerned in an amused way were the clothes Neville chose to wear. He was dressed finely, every article of clothing meant to show off his lithe physique, but also did well to make what was underneath seem like a mystery. And if there was one thing Harry knew well about his cousin, it was that Dudley loved to open presents. And from what Harry could tell, he was going to be hard pressed not to open this one.

Neville's smile faltered at seeing the scrutiny in Harry's eyes, then he looked down at himself and started to fidget. "I'm going to change."

"No, Neville. There's nothing wrong with the way you're dressed."

"Why are you looking at me like that then? Obviously something's wrong."

"It's just… you're definitely going to need a chaperone if you still plan to keep from mating. Why do you insist on making this harder on yourselves? You look edible."

"Well," Neville shuffled his feet, blushing from his friend's appraisal, "then maybe you and Draco would like to join us?"

"Um…" Harry looked away and rushed a hand through his hair. "Now's not the greatest time for us to go out. I'm out of sorts, you know and Severus' infusion is going to take place as soon as he arrives. Can't miss it."

When Neville smirked, Harry realized that had been the answer his friend was looking for. "Then I guess Dudley and I will need to be careful."

Harry crossed his arms and returned Neville smirk with one of his own. "You're not trying to be careful at all. Trust me when I say you're going to lose this game. Your instincts are going to catch up and then you'll not be able to stop even if you want to."

Neville shook his head as he turned on his heel to return to the bedroom. "I'm not trying to play any game. I wanted to look nice. That's all."

Harry bit his lip and looked at the ground. A furious mental debate going on in his mind. By the time Neville returned with his dark burgundy cloak, he had decided. "If you mate, you wont feel each others emotions anymore." At least he hoped so. Harry wasn't sure if every soul mate connection was the same, but if it were like his then that would definitely help out in his best mate's case.

But it seemed Neville wasn't inclined to pay much attention at the moment. "Emotions are only half the problem," he murmured as he threw the cloak over his shoulders and passed Harry out into the hall.

Harry threw his hands up in frustration and slowly followed his friend. "Thick, those two are. Why don't they ask questions?"

As he and Neville approached the entrance hall, Dudley's back was to them and he was handing over the reports to Tom. "Think you should come visit the site soon. I want to start on some of the residences, and you should have a look at the Ministry buildings and shops… I've sent you pictures, but I'd like to walk you through, make sure everything's like you want. A first hand look is better then pictures anyway."

"I shall make time next week." Tom tucked the reports under his arm and studied the builder. "You were annoyed when I pulled you away from Neville to finish these reports."

Dudley gave a half shrug. "We're going out now anyway."

"Unless I want you to do something else."

Neville paused behind and fisted his hands while Dudley went stiff, his face closing off, trying to keep his thoughts to himself. Both Dudley and Neville's reactions amused the Dark Lord so much that he grinned.

"I'm not going to ruin your date," Tom reassured. Then in the next moment, his face went blank and he reached out and gripped Dudley's arm. "For your hard work… I do not regret letting you and your mother live." After such an admission, Tom quickly left the hall, prepared to wait for Luna in the parlor.

Harry laughed at Tom's attempt to say thank you as he walked after his brother. His laughter caught Dudley's attention and finally he turned to find his mate standing behind him. His eyes swept over Neville greedily.

"Ready?" he was surprised his voice sounded perfectly normal when his heart was beating loudly against his chest. Neville nodded. "Good. Let's go. Don't want them to give our table away."

Neville laughed as he took Dudley's hand, "they wouldn't dare."

A cocky smirk appeared on the taller Ukatae's face, "true. They wouldn't."

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Harry could ignore it no longer. He'd acted like an idiot. Embarrassment washed over him as he hovered over Malfoy Manor. He'd cried and acted like a child. Punching Draco when the blond had only been teasing him. And now! Just thinking about it clogged his throat, made his eyes itch to water again. Draco really must think he was pathetic. Of course he does! Draco hates weakness. And I've been acting ridiculously weak!

Below he heard the front door open and was momentarily distracted when Hermione and Severus stepped out. They walked out a few feet then turned and smiled up at him, Hermione waving her hand excitedly. Someone must have told them he was sulking above the roof. With a heavy sigh, Harry dived down to the ground to meet them.

"Harry?" his sister studied him intently after he landed in front of them. "What's the matter?"

"Don't know what to do about my emotions," he mumbled lowly. "I've been acting foolishly."

Severus snorted. "How is this any different then before?"

Hermione shot Severus a glare while Harry's shoulders slumped further. "Draco… he-" Harry broke off and glared at the ground. Then stiffened when he felt heat at his back.

"Idiot Gryffindor," an amused voice said from behind. I adore you and your mood swings. Harry bit his lip, but didn't turn to the man standing behind him.

Severus raised an eyebrow. "Draco, what happened to your-" the blond cut him off with a wave towards the back of Harry's head.

Hermione smiled and squeezed Harry's hand before taking hold of Severus and dragging him back towards the house.

"We'll see you in a bit," she told her brothers.

Draco smirked at Harry's back and crossed his arms, wondering how long Harry was going to stand there and refuse to face him. It seemed the Gryffindor was going to be stubborn because after a minute he made no move to turn around. In fact his wings began to flutter. Harry took a step and his wings stretched out as if he were preparing to retreat.

"No you don't," Draco hurried forward and wrapped a restraining arm around his waist, ignoring the feathers brushing against his face. "I'm not mad at you, and never once have I thought you were pathetic…" he grinned suddenly, remembering their very first training session, "except when you fell from that tree and got hit by the branch… but that was more funny then anything." His smile widened when he felt the brunet relax.

"Prat," Harry mumbled, "that really hurt."

"Yeah? Well so did your swinging fist. Mind healing this?"

Harry finally turned, and then snickered as he raised his fingertips to Draco's cheek and caressed the enflamed bruise away. "You're really not angry?"

"No, lover." Draco smiled and swept the dark hair away from wary emerald eyes.

"Not even about the treacle tart?"

Draco's eyes flashed wildly for a split second, but then he shrugged. "Took my anger out on someone else. Besides… it was an accident. Right?" Harry quickly nodded. "All's good then. But if I ever find out you did that on purpose…"

"Swear it was an accident… anyway, who are you to take my favorite food away?"

The blond laughed, "that's half the reason why I can't stay mad at you."

Harry refrained from responding that he knew Draco planned to get him back one way or another. There was no way his husband was going to let him walk away from the treacle tart incident without response. Draco grinned darkly, the grin that turned him into a gorgeous devil, and Harry knew for certain there would be some sort of payback, but as he studied that grin, he found himself strangely looking forward to whatever the devious Slytherin was planning.

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"I want to talk to Severus alone for a moment," Harry announced when he walked into the infirmary, finding his siblings beside Severus' bed, along with the four Ukatae guardians and Luna.

As soon as he and Severus were alone, his uncle sat up and watched him approach the bed. "Before you say it," Severus said when Harry opened his mouth, "yes, I'm completely behind my decision to do this."

"I wasn't going to ask if you were sure," Harry flatly replied, locking eyes onto his uncle. "You have no choice. We were going to do this whether you wanted it to happen or not."

"Well thanks," he replied acidly.

"No offense, Severus. But we need you. I wasn't going to give you a choice. You don't know what it meant to me when I discovered you're my uncle. I'm sorry, but I couldn't leave you behind. It's for my sake and Hermione's. And the fact that you are one of the smartest people I know… we'll definitely need you for the Royal council."

"Harry…"

The Gryffindor took a seat beside the bed and smiled brightly at Severus' discomfort with all the sappiness. "Since you're my uncle, that automatically makes you part of the Royal Family. You will not be given blood from Draco, myself or Tom. And certainly not Hermione. That leaves you to choose from Talyn, Brumek, Ozemir, or Falde. Whose blood do you choose?"

Severus lay back with a scowl. "I'll never hear the end of this. I choose the Scholar's blood. I'd much prefer Scholar blood over warrior blood."

Harry was nodding now. "That's what we thought. He'll be so pleased."

Severus shot him a glare. "And impossible… just out of curiosity and a bit of wariness, but did he say what would happen if I took his blood?"

"What do you mean?"

"I'm talking about the demon."

"The demon?" Harry frowned in confusion before he realized what Severus was asking. "Oh! Dagon, you mean. Don't worry about that. The assassin bond won't affect you. Only Ozemir's blood will flow through your veins." Severus didn't look convinced. "Brumek drinks Ozemir's blood all the time. He's no different for it."

Severus frowned and his gaze moved to the ceiling. "What about the Saen captain?"

Harry blinked in surprise. "Who? Vendyl?"

"Yes. Can I not have his blood? He's a protector of the Royals. Having his blood doesn't seem so unbearable…"

"Course you can have his blood, Uncle Sev. But… Ozemir would be very disappointed. And Falde would probably hate you forever if you chose the blood of someone he hated…"

"Fine, the Scholar. But if I display insane assassin tendencies…"

Harry laughed, "yes, I'll take full responsibility."

"You'll be in detention for eternity, Potter!"

"Understood. Now, on to the reason why I wanted you alone," Harry snapped his fingers and a large glass bottle appeared within his hands. "Didn't think you would appreciate anyone but Draco and myself seeing what is about to happen to you after you drink this. Luna also needs to be present for this part. Hope you don't mind."

"Is that Tom and Hermione's potion?" Severus asked.

"Yes. They've finally decided to call it the Youth potion."

"Not very imaginative."

Harry nodded in agreement. "When you drink it, the affects will accelerate when I activate it and more when Ukatae blood enters your system. It's going to be very painful, Uncle Sev. So much that you won't be able to hide it. Especially when we strike you with lightening. That's how the affects will accelerate. If you're lucky the pain will quickly knock you unconscious."

"EXCUSE ME?!"

"When you drink the potion, your body will need a great shock to cause the acceleration. That's all," Harry explained with a shrug.

"No, that's not all," Severus hissed as he reached forward and yanked Harry's collar until they were nearly nose to nose. "The lightening will kill me, imbecile!"

"The potion must fuse with every cell in your body, Uncle Sev. Do you want to be younger or not? There has to be a great big shock to your system."

"What about what Tom did? Can't I go into the cauldron for forty-eight hours?"

"That was completely different. The body Tom went in with was not the body he came out with. Don't be a baby!"

"You're one to talk!"

"Besides, if you die from the lightening, Luna can bring you back... maybe."

Severus' eyes narrowed into slits. "You will explain the maybe immediately."

"As you know, Luna is Luna and also the Mother. But it's not like she can simply look within herself and find the goddess at the drop of a hat."

"And you want to chance it," Severus asked silkily.

"I'm pretty sure if the circumstances are dire, she'll be able to do it. No problem. Now drink up," he hurried before Severus could say anything else.

Severus was trying to figure out if Harry had gone mental somewhere along the way. Because his words certainly were insane. But seeing the hopeful pleading look in his nephew's eyes, Severus sighed with resignation. "I'm the idiot for doing what you say. Following the instructions of a Gryffindor who is well known to be an idiot a lot of the time. I'll annoy your parents for eternity if I should die. I'll turn their heaven into hell if this fails!"

Harry laughed at this, picturing Severus running after his father causing annoyance to James Potter forever. Though after a moment, this image sobered his amusement. "I didn't pull this idea out of my arse all of a sudden, Uncle Sev. Believe me when I say I know what I'm doing. Don't worry."

"But why lightening?"

"It's the heat and electrical charge. Lightening is nature at its best and worst. A strong source of power. One of Draco's favorite attacks is using lightening. No need to worry. We'll have complete control over it and I'm pretty sure there will be no bodily damage. We have been training with it…"

Severus held out a hand for the large vial of the Youth potion. Harry handed it over before turning to go back to the door. He stepped out into the hall, beckoning to Draco and Luna and giving Hermione a reassuring smile.

"He gave you grief about the lightening, didn't he?" Draco asked immediately.

"Course."

Once back in the room, Severus demanded to know how they knew this was the right amount of potion. "I'm not about to be turned into a child, am I?"

"Merlin, Severus… No!"

Draco chuckled and soothed Harry by running a hand down his wings. "You'd have to bathe in a cauldron full of it and then drink all of it after. No. That's only enough to take you back to early twenties… eighteen at the least."

With that reassurance, they led Severus out onto the balcony. Severus still had the bottle of potion in hand and had yet to drink any of it.

"Uncle Sev, drink it."

Severus lifted the potion to his lips, then lowered it. "Sure you know what you're about?"

"We're about to find out," Draco answered. Severus glared and Harry slapped a hand against the blond's chest. "Yes. We've become very skilled with the elementals, Severus. We're going to take good care of you. Did good for Tom, didn't we?"

Harry nodded and lifted the bottle back to his uncle's lips. "We wouldn't go through with this if we weren't one hundred percent sure. No matter how much we want you with us, we would never chance your life. And Hermione wouldn't stay out of this part if she weren't sure we could do this."

That was true, Severus thought. Finally Severus downed the large vial of potion, and as soon as the last drop was gone, he doubled over clutching his stomach. Not from pain, but the overwhelming urge to vomit up everything he'd just consumed. Harry quickly helped him to lie down on the flagstones.

"Brace yourself," Draco murmured as he, Harry, and Luna knelt around Severus and joined hands. Severus lay still, trying to keep his heart from pumping right out of his chest. To say he was fearful was an understatement. He didn't think he could respond even if he wanted to. His stomach roiled from the amount of potion consumed and he sincerely hoped Harry hadn't just poisoned him. While he thought these things, dark clouds quickly snuffed out the stars above, all swooping in on the manor at a phenomenal rate.

Pain was an understatement. That was what Severus would be sure to tell his blasted nephew when he could speak again, which probably wouldn't be for another three years at the least. The lightening speared down from the sky so suddenly- without any words from the three kneeling above him- and the light itself made Severus gasp. It shot straight down to strike his stomach where the potion had settled. Not one inch of him felt left out as his body seized from the flames spreading within. Harry had been right. He was unable to contain the painful cries ripping passed his lips as the lightening coursed through his body, sending him into seizures moments later.

Minutes after the lightening had gone, his body continued to convulse as a web of electric blue lines visibly crackled and roamed over his form. Severus was all too happy to succumb to the reprieve in way of unconsciousness.

Harry released a breath when Severus' body went still and the remaining effects of the lightening faded. The three leaned forward on their knees to study him and were ecstatic to see he was breathing normally. The lightening had done only what it was supposed to and did not damage Severus in any way.

"Think it was enough?" Harry whispered.

"If not we'll have to think of something else. He'll not agree to that again," Draco murmured.

After moments it became clear the potion's affects had indeed been accelerated. Severus' face de-aged before their very eyes in a short amount of time. His skin and hair took on a healthier shine; his skin grew firmer, taut with youth while his wrinkles disappeared.

"Yes!" Harry punched a fist into the air. His wings began to flutter up and down in his excitement. Draco huffed in annoyance when he was hit in the face by a wing tip, then he glared at his mate, sure Harry had done it on purpose.

Luna smiled serenely. "It's lovely when things turn out perfectly."

"Fucking geniuses, we are!" Draco finally declared.

"You're brilliant, Draco," the Gryffindor responded with absent sincerity as he stood and waved his hand, causing Severus' body to rise and hover in front of him. Luna laughed lightly at the look of astonished pleasure on the Slytherin's face as he watched his husband take Severus' body back into the room.

"It's amazing," she said as she helped the Slytherin onto his feet, "that you could still be amazed by each other. And by the simplest things."

Draco nodded as he followed her into the room, where Harry was lowering Severus onto the bed. They allowed Ozemir in immediately so that he could prepare. And after a few moments more, Luna moved to the door and invited those who were waiting outside to come in. Hermione was the first to burst through.

"How is he? Did it work?"

"He's fine," Harry answered. "Have a look."

Hermione took one look and covered her mouth with her hands. "It's just like I thought. He's so… young! And handsome!"

"You're right," Tom murmured, and then he shook his head. "My claws were sunk into him when he was young. He didn't grow as he should have. He grew with too much burden, too much darkness and hardship. That changes a wizard physically and mentally."

Ozemir came over with a basin half full with his blood. "Alright then! Someone slit his wrists," he cried out enthusiastically, "and we'll flush his veins with my blood."

Within minutes, Severus' blood was infused with Ozemir's blood and his wrists were healed. Harry thought it was so strange how little it took to change someone. A ritual wasn't even required.

"Can't wait to see the end result… Lucius is going to be so jealous," Tom murmured and then laughed as he thought about the look on the blond's face. There would definitely be a pout.

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Petunia ignored the three women standing in front of the table separating herself from them and their wide toothy grins. She ignored them until realizing they weren't going to go away.

"Where are the children?"

"Play room," Amortia replied as she and the others took seats around the table. Molly quickly called for tea. When the elf returned with it, the gang shared a comfortable silence while they drank.

Alice pulled back suddenly from drinking. "Does anyone else think this tastes funny?" she asked before returning the rim to her lips for another drink.

A round of murmured agreements passed around the table, but they continued to drink it nonetheless. The taste was different, but it was also delicious. Petunia made a note to ask the house elf if they'd made a change to the brand. Occasionally the four witches would smile when the squeal of delight from one of the children would reach their ears. The children were currently being monitored by a couple of house elves.

"Nia, it's seven thirty," Alice announced after a few minutes.

"Is it?"

Molly smiled, "you should be getting ready?"

"For what?"

"For the handsome gruff wizard who will be gracing your doorstep at eight," was Amortia's amused reply.

Petunia took a deep breath. "The wizard you speak of will not be coming tonight. My reply to his note was that I would be busy and for him not to bother."

"Petunia, no!" Molly exclaimed. "You like the wizard, we all know it," the others nodded, "stop trying to pretend it didn't happen!"

When Petunia frowned and remained quiet, Amortia started to giggle. "You honestly think he's going to pay attention to your reply? You don't know the Lestranges very well, then. He'll be here at eight on the dot. Mark my words."

"Why are you all so intent on me meeting with Rodolphus?"

"We want you to have some fun, Petunia." Molly answered.

"Dare I say you haven't had enough of it in your life. And," Alice grinned and leaned in to nudge Petunia's shoulder with her own, "you two would make a splendid couple."

"That's rich. As if that wizard wants a relationship. I'm sure all he wants with this meeting is to tell me to keep quiet about what happened."

"Stop force feeding yourself that nonsense," Amortia said while smiling. However, from her vibes the others noticed Petunia's insistence that whatever it was between her and Rodolphus was a fluke annoyed the Healer.

Petunia looked at her in surprise before narrowing her eyes. "Why are you worried about me? I want to know why you won't go out with Rabastan already. He's been waiting for you to decide on a time and place. You shouldn't criticize me."

"That's true, Amortia." Molly said.

Amortia simply waved that away. "It's fun keeping him in suspense. Don't worry. I have no intention of dashing his hopes… but I think after the way he acted earlier in life, chasing after a woman and courting her proper would do him good." Then she smiled softly and reached forward to touch Petunia's hand. "And I don't mean to criticize, but I don't understand why you're trying to forget."

"You told me, Nia," Alice began. "You told me you were interested in him. Why not see what he has to say?"

"If I should give in, that would only complicate matters. I have more then myself to think about."

"You need to be more selfish," Molly returned firmly. "And don't use your son as an excuse. He wants you happy."

Petunia sighed and stood. "It's time for the children's bath."

The others stood as well. They'd all adopted grins again. "Molly and myself will take care of bed time," Amortia replied happily and she and Molly hurried away.

Alice took a firm hold of Petunia's arm. "I'm going to help you get ready- don't even try to get out of this. If you won't help yourself, then we will. Besides, its obvious that man needs a woman. He's lonely. You could help each other and he might stop being an arse all the time."

All Petunia could do was gape at the audacity of her friends as Alice led the way to her bedroom and desperately hoped Rodolphus took her reply seriously and would not show up.

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Rodolphus had no intention of staying away. He was going to get what he wanted, busy or not, and he wasn't going pussy foot around it like his brother was doing with Amortia. As astonishing as it was, he wanted Petunia. He'd given her some time to get over the embarrassment of finding herself in his bed. But one way or another, she would end up in his bed again. Tonight preferably.

He didn't bother with the door. He simply Flooed in. He wasn't about to give her a chance to bar him from entering by door when he knew the Floo was always connected to Malfoy manor. Stepping into the parlor, he found it was not empty. Not surprising, considering all who lived at the Nest now.

Molly and Amortia took up seats on the floor, watching Devon and Maeve playing together. Amortia grinned cheekily at Molly. "Knew he'd be coming by Floo."

Molly laughed and gave Rodolphus the once over, "my my, Rodolphus. You look dashing." Rodolphus answered by raising a brow. He'd gone simple tonight. Wearing only a Slytherin green tunic, tailored black slacks, and black boots.

"Looks like a rogue more like."

Molly's eyes widened and she looked him over again, "yes!" They burst into giggles. Now both brows were raised. Why did it feel as if he'd walked into a common room at Hogwarts? Those giggles…

"You're losing a runt," he finally said, nodding off towards the doorway where Devon was quickly crawling away. Molly and Amortia pulled their eyes away from him to find that Devon was indeed escaping with a happy excited laugh. When Amortia moved to go after the baby, Rodolphus waved her back down saying he would fetch the child. As if sensing someone was coming for him, Devon quickened his pace, crawling away at a phenomenal speed, turning into the hallway before Rodolphus could make it to him.

"Quick little thing," he murmured, starting to jog after him. Devon stumbled slightly when he looked around and spotted the big wizard chasing after him, and when Rodolphus swooped down and lifted him by the ankle- careful of keeping Devon's head from hitting the marble floor- the baby squealed with laughter. The mild scowl on Rodolphus' face faltered as he swung Devon left and right and the baby reacted positively, continuing to laugh.

Rodolphus lifted Devon's legs until the small face was level with his own and they watched each other. Rodolphus knew the child's story. He was an orphan. An orphan who had no official birthday and no surname. And the only reason why he had a first name was because he and his sister had been dropped off with their names pinned to the blankets they wore. Devon squealed and his grubby little fingers reached out to grasp Rodolphus' strong chin firmly. The gruff wizard's eyes thawed some more.

Rodolphus turned Devon over and cradled him against his chest, and then was surprised when the baby settled there quite happily- one little hand gripping the green fabric of his tunic, while he thrust a fist in his mouth and his eyes began to slide closed. Rodolphus' eyes widened as he stared at the child, concerned and a bit frightened at how easily Devon took to him and how comfortable the baby seemed to be. Which made the grown wizard entirely too uncomfortable. Rodolphus scowled for the hell of it and quickly returned to the parlor.

At the end of the hall, Alice and Petunia stood quietly watching all of this. Alice turned to Petunia. "Should you turn away from that wizard, I will call you an idiot for the rest of our lives… with love and support, of course."

Petunia sputtered incoherently as Alice headed for the parlor. Not only could she not understand why her friends were ganging up on her about this, but she couldn't understand her reaction to seeing Rodolphus so relaxed. He may have scowled at Devon, but it was obviously a screen. His eyes had continued to gleam warmly. And then Devon had been comfortable with him. It had taken a few days before Devon and Maeve became comfortable with her and the others, and this was the first time Rodolphus had met the baby.

Petunia felt like fanning herself, she felt so hot. Even his attire suggested he was completely relaxed. He wasn't dressed all out in expensive wizarding robes as he usually was when not at work. The look was… well it worked for him and also invited feelings and thoughts she'd been trying to keep away since that morning after the wedding.

Devon's shrill cry shook her into awareness and she hastily followed after Alice, worried something had happened to the baby boy, only to stop short in the doorway. Molly had offered to take Devon out of Rodolphus' arms and the wizard agreed. But when she pulled Devon away, he cried in outrage and was even now squirming in Molly's arms, trying to get back to his warm spot against Rodolphus' chest.

"Well I never…" Molly murmured in astonishment and promptly returned Devon to where he'd been, much to Rodolphus' consternation.

"Don't give him back to me."

"Rodolphus, don't fuss or he will. Here," Amortia passed him the baby's pacifier, "Devon will fall asleep shortly."

"I did not come here for this," the wizard muttered as he stuck the pacifier into Devon's wide open and waiting mouth.

"What did you come for?" Rodolphus matched Alice's grin with a smirk.

It was at that time Petunia began to feel out of her league, having no idea what to do next. Obviously she couldn't continue to act as if nothing had happened, and looking at him now, she didn't want to pretend any longer. However, since she was feeling so flustered, Petunia didn't want to meet with him at the moment. She wanted to have some kind of control over the situation and the way things were, that wouldn't happen should she talk with him now. Retreating at this point seemed like the best option, even if it was a mite cowardly.

"Petunia! Come and look at Devon!" Molly called out cheerfully.

Damn and blast! Her friends were relentless… and now his eyes were on her. Unwavering and slightly mocking as if daring her to become the coward he claimed in his presumptuous little note. There was also a great deal of heat behind his look, and amazingly that was what spurned her into raising her chin and stepping inside. She even made herself go to where Rodolphus sat to peer at the baby cradled comfortably in her arms. The bright flash of surprise in the wizard's eyes had Petunia feeling smug, and more secure in the situation.

"Amazing that he should take to you like that. You're the last person I thought he would be comfortable with."

Rodolphus' eyes narrowed, "is that supposed to be an insult?"

"Take it as you want," she gave him a thin pressed smile before turning to go sit beside Molly, who gave her an irked look. Petunia audible laughed at the looks she received from her friends. If they thought she was going to act like a simpering schoolgirl around him then they had another thing coming. "Now then," she pressed her hands over her lap to erase the little wrinkles from her robes, "why have you come, Rodolphus? Did you not receive my reply? We're quite busy here."

Rodolphus stretched his legs out, crossing them at the ankles and leaned back, careful to keep from disturbing Devon. He did not answer, instead he sent the other three women pointed looks which they happily acknowledged. Alice scooped up Maeve, and she, Molly, and Amortia hastily departed. Petunia was glad the parlor was a large one, though after a moment of being stared at, the walls became traitors and seemed to be closing in on her.

Finally she could take no more of the staring, as she had no idea what that look was in his eyes. "Are you going to explain the reason you're here?"

"We can discuss that when you've taken Devon to bed."

Petunia stood and approached him. "Then I'll do that now. Wouldn't want to hold you up. Certainly you have more important things to do at home."

She gasped when her wrist was caught firmly in his hand after leaned down to take Devon. "I do. But those important things involve you as well."

"I- mistake," she drew back slowly, though her wrist remained caught in his strong grip. "That was a mistake."

"No. It was not. I don't make mistakes."

"Oh, really? Then how is it you were captured and sent to that horrible place for years?" the moment the words were out of her mouth, she was immediately sorry. Both for the haunted look possessing him and the lack of warmth around her wrist when his hand dropped away like a dead weight. "I'm sorry," she whispered, "that was uncalled for."

"At least you aren't being timid," he answered roughly, albeit quietly for Devon's sake. The fact that she was obviously very distraught over the comment did much to ease the anger away.

Petunia's gaze dropped to the floor in shame. "Really, I am sorry. It was a horrible thing to say."

"A legitimate question." Rodolphus gracefully stood and waved a hand towards the door. "Lead the way. He's deeply asleep."

Petunia remained quiet as she led him. Amused because he refused to give Devon to her. He insisted being the one to drop the boy in his crib. Petunia wondered, as she watched him carefully place Devon into bed, if he were being this way on purpose. Trying to lure her… but she didn't think it had anything to do with her after she caught him gazing at Devon. There was a mountain of amusement and pity in his eyes.

"I'm happy they were rescued. They would have only been numbers at an orphanage," she whispered as they left the room. He made a sound of agreement and kept a close eye on her hands as she shut the door. He followed back to the front door without saying a word, and then laughed when she stood beside the door expectantly.

"You are amusing." He shook his head with exasperation before turning on his heel and sauntering down the hall, looking left and right and then veering off into the small study.

The moment she stepped in, the door shut behind her and a pouch was thrust into her hands. She glance at the door and then down at the pouch heavy with coins. "What's this?"

Rodolphus smirked and rested a hip onto the desk. "Money."

"For what?"

She shouldn't have asked. She knew that as soon as his eyes gleamed brightly. "You seemed so interested when Sirius rudely announced my secret. The look in your eyes when you learned I once sold my body… That look burned me."

She continued to avoid his eyes, cursing the blush taking hold of her body. "I was only curious..."

"I want to sell my body to you."

Petunia gasped and instantly dropped the pouch. Gold Galleons spilled out, rolling all over the floor.

Outside, three pairs of eyes widened. Molly turned to Alice, "did he offer to sell his body?"

Alice shook her head in denial, "maybe we heard wrong."

"Shush," Amortia said. The three went back to eavesdropping with the use of the highly popular Extendable Ears.

Petunia backed away from the scattered coins and hid her hands behind her back. "I'm not amused. And even if you're being serious, what kind of woman do you take me for? I would never buy somebody!"

"No you wouldn't," he agreed with a lazy smile; pleased by this knowledge. Many in his past circles wouldn't even bat an eye at exchanging money for sex. Rodolphus brandished his wand and easily gathered the money back into the pouch. The fact that she could think of it though, suggested she wasn't a prude either. But he'd already discovered that. "But that didn't stop you from fantasizing about it. It's a kink you have," he announced it with such assurance that it had her rankled.

"It's not! I've never once thought about it!"

He ignored the trembling denials and approached the witch. "You are in need of some attention. Some tutelage. And I very much want to give it to you. I'm also aware that I could learn things from you… though I'll be happy enough to wait for that, if it ever comes, because I need to show you. I can't help but feel driven. We've both led contained existences."

He stopped directly in front of her and she was standing so stiffly Rodolphus was sure she'd shatter if he touched her. "You need to relax, Petunia."

"Right now, I don't know how." Because she was being seduced and this had never happened before. How was she to act or respond? Nothing was coming to mind. He was acting uncharacteristically which made the situation impossible to navigate through.

"Let me show you. As I did that night. You enjoyed yourself, didn't you?" He was surprised to see her pale instead of blush as he assumed she would and he realized something. "No need to be ashamed or afraid. I'm not trying to play with you."

"And yet you offered to sell me your body. Of course you're amusing yourself with my discomfort."

Rodolphus laughed. "Everyone's discomfort amuses me." Her frown was vicious. "Look at it this way. I've given you my money in order to buy me. So in actuality, you are not really buying anything are you?"

He wanted to laugh. She looked interested now. "This is strange," she whispered.

Rodolphus smirked and pressed the pouch against her chest and quirked a brow. Slowly a trembling hand rose to take the money. The wizard flashed a smile, showing off perfectly straight and white teeth "Good. Let us adjourn to my bedchamber. I'm eager to get started."

Petunia clutched the pouch tightly against her chest. "Talking."

"Excuse me?"

"Can we- I want to stay here and converse. I don't know much about you and I refuse to go to your bed again without knowing you."

After a thoughtful pause and a sigh that was only slightly tinged with impatience, Rodolphus nodded. "No running away," he warned. "I haven't the patience my brother has."

Petunia straightened and glared half-heartedly at the handsome man who seemed to easily spin her good senses out of control. "As if the world had not noticed this already," she snapped back. Though he certainty made up for his lack of patience with the outside word when he was with a woman, she'd found out. Then he was nothing but patience, slow and thorough-

"Oh, Lord," she breathed.

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Dinner was lovely. The company even better and Neville and Dudley were surprised when they made it through the entire date without wanting to rape each other. It seemed the lustful emotions always accompanying them took a back burner for the night, allowing the two to enjoy the evening without the distracting tension and they were able to focus on the strong mental appeal.

Dudley thought it a bloody miracle considering how delicious his mate was looking. but every time those thoughts threatened to take over his mind, he immediately shoved them aside. He wanted to have some fun with Neville, dammit, and he didn't want that tension now. Talking and simply being with Neville should be enough, and he found that it was tonight.

Towards the end of dessert, they started talking about relatively serious matters like the state of affairs at the Ministry, the next one of them to be turned, Dudley's workload and Neville's training… being in the back of the restaurant insured they wouldn't be overheard.

"You've been training as much as you can alone, haven't you?" Neville asked.

"Yes, Nev," he answered with an eye roll. "Don't worry. I'm not going to be helpless. Ozemir's given me a lot to work with."

"Brumek says he's going to visit you when he and the others return from the realm. I know you're practicing with weapons, but you need a sparring partner."

Dudley's eyes flashed and he started to growl. "Brumek…"

Neville sighed and leaned back. "It's his duty to protect Harry."

"You were protecting Harry."

"I'm not sore about it and neither should you be. They had every reason to fear I was going after him and the warrior didn't hurt me."

"The point is he could have-"

"It was a great training session and it's over and done with. Let's forget about it."

"You can forget about it," Dudley said with a stubborn set of his jaw.

Neville laughed under his breath while looking at his mate across the table. Dudley's frown had yet to leave as the curly blond stared at their connected hands lying over the table. Finally Dudley sighed and flipped his hand so he could caress the Neville's palm with a thumb. Dudley raised his eyes to meet Neville's; both gazes were so intense on each other and much more then attraction was passing between them. The Gryffindor barely managed to suppress a gasp from the shock of the connection. It was like their souls were connected…

With those thoughts running in his head, Neville narrowed his eyes. They were missing something big, and he began to think maybe he knew… Like before the wedding when he'd tripped and Dudley had healed his ankle and said it hurt him as wel… and what was it Harry said to him earlier?

"Where's my son, Longbottom?" a harsh voice demanded beside their table. Neville pulled his eyes away from Dudley's wide ones-similar thoughts had been running through his mind- and they both turned to the rude interruption.

"Haven't a clue," Neville replied flatly to Mr. Smith. "And I don't care either. Now if you'll excuse us, we're busy."

"You and yours have done something to him."

"We haven't," Dudley replied lowly, "the Aurors investigated. They found nothing. What makes you think your brat son didn't run off somewhere?" Dudley dropped Neville's hand and stood, uncaring about the audience they were now drawing, and glared at the man. "First you dared to threaten the Longbottoms, and now you're here pointing fingers when you should be pointing at yourself. Did you think your dirty little secret was really much of a secret? Yes," Dudley grinned when Mr. Smith paled, "we know about your family secret."

Mr. Smith cast a glance at Neville, whose smile was cold and grim, and he nodded slightly. "Don't- I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about."

"You do. Maybe Zacharias remembers his childhood now, eh? Maybe he remembers what you did to him and other little boys… Whatever the case may be, that secret will now be made public since you felt the need to interrupt our dinner. You should have stayed away, Smith. Have a nice night."

Dudley smiled vindictively when Mr. Smith made a choking sound and turned on his heel to flee. After a moment he growled under his breath, "damn bastard ruined the end of a perfect evening."

"You'll get him back," Neville said softly as he stood. "And besides, it's not like this will be the last date we ever have."

"True."

Dudley paid the bill after that and they left, heading back to the Nest where they could lounge around in the greenhouse, relax and be lazy. Apparating into the Entrance Hall, the mates were greeted with the oddest sight. Amortia, Alice, and Molly were crouched on their knees outside of a closed door, whispering to each other and holding something against their ears.

"Merlin, it's the reception all over again," Neville whispered and then he cleared his throat, "err... Mum?"

The three froze and then slowly turned to the two Ukatae gazing at them curiously.

"How long have we been kneeling here?" Alice whispered to the two beside her. Amortia shrugged helplessly and shook her head while Molly stood and hastily approached Neville and Dudley.

"You two look lovely. Did you have a nice time?"

"Very nice, Mrs. Weasley," Dudley answered.

Neville nodded and smiled up at his mate. "It was fun."

Dudley draped an arm over his shoulders. "For the most part. So… what are you doing? Are those Extendable Ears?"

"Who're you eavesdropping on?" Neville asked curiously. Next second his eyes widened when all three women started to blush.

"And where's my mother?" Dudley demanded softly as he and Neville approached the door, passing Molly, who was at a loss of how to fix this.

"She's in there," Amortia answered, pointing at the closed door, then winced when Alice jabbed her with an elbow.

Dudley narrowed his eyes. "Is she?" he reached out for the doorknob.

Neville was watching the women and wondered vaguely if it were a good idea for them to be the guardians of the children living there. They weren't being very mature. He wondered if his mother had always been like this. Well certainly Molly and Amortia hadn't been. But the way they acted now… What was going on? Not only was their behavior confusing, but also he wondered why they were looking suddenly pale as Dudley began to open the door.

Dudley felt their apprehension as he swung the door open and prepared for something he probably wouldn't like, only to find his mother quite alone, sitting at the desk, reading over some papers that probably had to do with the children one way or another. She looked perfectly normal, though her face was slightly flushed.

"Dudders! What are you doing home so soon?" she asked, smiling cheerfully, and hurrying around to pawn over his nice dress robes. "How was your date?"

"Fine," he answered as sharp eyes scanned the study. Behind him, three witches stuck their heads in, eyes widening to find Rodolphus had disappeared.

Neville came up behind them and he sensed it before Dudley did. He caught Rodolphus' scent. It was quite strong which meant the wizard had been there recently. Very recently.

"Rudo's been here." Dudley stated after a short time of silence. "Why?"

Petunia smiled and patted his shoulder. "No need to sound so suspicious, dear. He was simply here to discuss the plans for the renovations. You know, the plans to make this a primary boarding school for muggleborns and magical orphans. And must you refer to him as Rudo? His name is Rodolphus."

Dudley crossed his arms over his chest. "When he stops calling me a cocky brat I'll start calling him Rodolphus."

"Maybe he'd stop calling you a cocky brat if you stopped acting like one."

"Mum! You're supposed to stick up for me, not the other way round!"

"She has a point," Neville murmured as he came in and took his hand, sincerely hoping Dudley was missing the big picture here, because he certainly hadn't. His mum and the others hadn't been eavesdropping just to hear Rodolphus discuss the changes to Potter Manor. Something else had been going on and he was inclined to think he knew exactly what and that Dudley probably shouldn't know about it just yet.

"Not you too!" Dudley said, turning to him. Neville was grinning widely and rubbing his thumb over his knuckles, and Dudley was immediately distracted.

Neville rose on his toes and whispered into his ear, "you promised me more time before I must return to school."

Dudley nodded dumbly and allowed Neville to pull him out of the study and down the hall. The moment they were gone, Petunia slumped against the desk, fanning herself. That had been close. She glanced at the wall near the desk where there was a secret panel that slid open and hoped Rodolphus had gone home like she told him to once they'd heard the talking outside. She was amazed they spent all that time talking, and when the voices were heard they had looked at the clock, and were horrified to realize just how long they lingered inside. Rodolphus immediately figured Dudley and Neville had returned home. And his guess had been right.

"Neville figured it out," Alice said moments later, bringing her attention to her friends as they watched her.

"There was nothing to figure out. Rodolphus and I were simply talking."

"Yes, we know." Amortia unabashedly held up the Extendable Ears. "Seems a waste of time to me."

Petunia huffed and crossed her arms. But after a moment, her friends' smiles must have been contagious because a smile lit her face as well. "Do you think I should go to him tonight?"

Three resounding affirmatives filled the room and Petunia couldn't help but laugh.

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"There's something strange going on here," Dudley murmured as he shut the doors to the conservatory.

Strange in a good way. Maybe, Neville thought to himself.

"What?"

Neville shrugged his coat off and placed it on the back of a chair, "what what?"

"Did you say something?"

"No," he tilted his head to the side. "You okay?"

Dudley also removed his outer robe and threw it rather roughly over the back of his chair. "I don't like that bastard hanging around my mother!"

"He's not so bad," Neville soothed. "You really don't hate him so stop pretending you do."

"But he's annoying," Dudley whined. "And why all of a sudden does everyone feel the need to defend him?"

Neville refrained from answering and went about checking the plants and flowers, making sure they were healthy and were not in need of something. As he did that, Dudley went on to grumble under his breath.

"I'm the boss, huh? Going to make his workload so hard tomorrow then. I'll be the one laughing at his discomfort. Ha! I might even drop a wall on him. That'd be hilarious. Or maybe seal his legs in the ground. No! Even better, I'm going to send him to the quarry for a week! Hates the quarry… Bloody wanker better stay-" Neville smirked as a large leaf wrapped around Dudley's head, molding against his mouth while vines began to twist around his body, pulling his hands to his back and binding his wrists together.

"Ah, silence. Much better," Neville innocently smiled as he slid into the chair across from his mate, ignoring the glare aimed his way. The Gryffindor yawned and then stretched arms above his head and kicked his legs out in front of him. He noticed Dudley's glare had dropped from his face to sweep over his body, pausing at his stomach. "I've been thinking, Dudley," he began quietly, intentional looking hurt over something. "The way you've been acting… maybe you're actually jealous of your mum. How do you think that makes me feel?"

Dudley's eyes snapped back to his face, widening in shock. Then he growled deep in his throat and pounced across the space between them, knocking the Gryffindor back out of the chair and landing heavily over him. The vines had loosened a bit, but didn't completely release him. Dudley started yelling something, but because of the leaf over his mouth, the words weren't intelligible.

Neville quickly banished the broken chair poking into his back and squirmed a bit to get comfortable with his mate's weight settled over him. "Well? Are you going to stop talking about him then?" he whispered and then gently pulled the leaf away so that he could stare at the mouth only an inch away from his.

Dudley's eyes flashed wildly. "Don't you ever say anything as ridiculous as that again!"

Neville smirked and crossed his arms under his head. "Stop complaining about him then."

"The horrors you've just invited into my head! And Besides, Rodolphus couldn't be considered cute and adorable in the least. So not a turn on for me. You however… are too cute. Perfect."

"Prat. Stop calling me cute."

Dudley lowered his face until their lips faintly brushed. "Get your vines off me, Nev. I want to touch you."

"No. No touching of that kind. We've been doing good so far."

"Ah, come on! You looked bloody fabulous tonight… and then you stretched, showing me a fine piece of skin… I want to lick it."

Neville bit his lip. "Where, exactly?"

Dudley grinned and then managed to shimmy down Neville's body without the use of his hands, happily letting his face drag down the Gryffindor's chest to his stomach where his mate's dress shirt had ridden up. Neville gasped when Dudley scraped his teeth against his skin, over his hipbone. Neville moaned and reached out blindly for the closest available vine. When he caught one, the Gryffindor caressed it gently with one finger and immediately the vines pulled back from Dudley. Then he reached down, thrust fingers into his mate's hair and tugged painfully until Dudley's mouth crashed over his own. He could do with a small amount of touching…

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A/N: Yeah, so i may be going overboard with Harry's emotions, but i find it so cute, i can't help but do it to him and its going to keep happening.

The next chap should be out shortly. I went ahead and completed a couple of chapters before putting out this update.

Have a great weekend! :D