Luminescence

Chapter 24: The Wand of the Witch, Part 2

When they both walked back into the room, Harry saw Skyla seated back in her chair. She gestured for them to sit down.

"The Minister of Scotland is on his way. He will make his decision then."

Harry and Draco exchanged nervous looks. She rubbed out the wrinkles in her robe and then calmly looked back over at them. Harry waved his wand over his tea to warm it up. Draco did the same thing and then awkwardly looked down at the table.

"Harry, do you mind if I ask you a strategic question?"

He gazed at Skyla in surprise. "Oh, uh, sure."

Skyla nodded. "You see, I've been trying to figure out the best approach to prevent another war. Some Death Eaters have been executed, but those were the only ones in your area. There are Voldemort-supporters all over the United Kingdom, maybe even the world."

Harry's heart sank. "Oh, right. Have they been causing any issues?"

Draco gazed at her nervously.

Skyla gazed out ahead. "They've been quiet ever since his defeat, but I don't doubt that someone will try to take his place eventually. Those that weren't quite as deranged or ruthless as Voldemort, but who still crave power and dominance, may find his captivity to be a convenience for them to gather followers."

Harry made sure not to look at Draco when she said that. It was one of his fears that Draco's family was planning on having Draco take Voldemort's place while they were unable to do anything. He knew nothing about the Greengrass family so he had no idea how crazy they were. It was safe to say if they were close friends with the Malfoys, they were probably just as bad.

"I know your Minister, Kingsley, has a treaty with the giants. He wasn't sure trying to get the remaining vampires on our side was a good idea. They don't really care for us. I think it was smart of Kingsley to make a treaty with the Merpeople as well so they could guard the new building Zylon. However, I don't think that those two treaties are enough. What is your opinion on a strategy or alliance that might protect everyone from Voldemort?"

He swallowed nervously as her big brown eyes gazed into his. He sat there for several seconds wracking his brain. Any other time he would have felt like an idiot. People always expected too much of him, especially when he was younger. He wasn't the smartest or even the bravest or the most magically talented. He was just the only one who stood his ground against Voldemort. After everything he had been through over the years, including the time with Draco, he learned more about himself and his magic. If it hadn't been for one meeting in particular, he wouldn't have been able to give her an answer, but this time he could.

"I do have an idea," Harry said.

She blinked and raised her head slightly in anticipation. Harry felt extremely flattered that the Minister of Ireland would even ask for his opinion on such a serious matter.

"I believe the centaurs would make a great alliance."

Draco gazed at him in surprise as did Skyla.

"Really? Why is that?"

"I have come to know them better recently and their leader is just – she's amazing," he said, struggling to explain. "She has this ability to read people just by staring into their eyes. And there are a huge number of them. Maybe not in areas like before because a lot went into hiding when the last war happened, but me and Draco just met a clan recently."

Skyla glanced at Draco who nodded in agreement.

"Yeah, it was pretty incredible," Draco said. "They seem very strong and able to defend themselves."

"Not only that, but centaurs have the ability to become one with nature," Harry said, remembering both his studies and then seeing it up close in personal with Sirennia. She was as white as the tree affected by moonstones. "They're good at hiding and would be able to keep an eye on creatures and places that we may not be able to."

Skyla smiled. "You know, Harry, I can understand how you've survived the ordeals you have. People underestimate you. I think that's a brilliant idea. Any other Voldemort-supporters out there will be looking for dark creatures like the vampires. The problem with dark creatures is that they're hard to control and have no loyalty. Take Dementors for example. The previous Ministers thought they would be great at guarding Azkaban because people feared them so, including those feared by others. The Dementors have no loyalty, however, and were easily swayed by Voldemort to also do his bidding. They have also taken the lives of innocent people. I don't believe anyone would think about merpeople or centaurs as being great allies because, like you, they are underestimated."

Flushing, Harry smiled. "Thanks."

"Minister," one of the Aurors said.

Skyla glanced at them and then gazed back at Harry and Draco. "Excuse me."

She disappeared beyond the doorway and once she was gone Draco sighed heavily.

"This seems way more complicated than it should be."

"Yeah," Harry agreed. "It's almost over."

He didn't notice Draco watching him as he stared down at his tea cup watching the steam rise.

"Are you still brooding?" Draco asked finally.

Blinking out of his daze, Harry glanced up at him. Draco was staring at him with furrowed eyebrows. The blond's eyes were intently searching his.

"Er, what do you mean?"

Draco's eyes narrowed. "I'm not stupid. I know you're still letting that whole thing with Weasley get to you."

Harry's eyebrows furrowed. "How can I not? It was the worst fight we've had. He may never speak to me again."

"Good riddance."

"Draco, stop," Harry said, clenching his tea cup. "I know you don't like Ron –"

"I've never liked him and never will."

"Yeah well I do," Harry hissed quietly. "I don't want to lose one of my best friends."

"If he can't accept you –"

"He can't accept you," Harry retorted.

Draco glared. "Whatever! If he can't get over the fact that we're partners," Draco began and Harry gave him a look, "and dating," he added, "then he's not a good friend."

"You say that now, but imagine if we had dated back at Hogwarts. What would your friends think?"

"Obviously I wouldn't have given you the time of day," Draco drawled.

Harry pursed his lips. "Yeah well I wouldn't have given you the time of day."

The sound of a door opening caused them both to break eye contact. An Auror walked in followed by another wizard dressed in ridiculously expensive robes. He was wearing dark blue pants made out of Riventine silk. Riventine was a type of magical spider that only lived in cold climates and was a deep ocean blue color with white spots on its legs. It was about the size of a rat and could scurry faster than any insect so it was hard to catch. Its webs were strong and had magical abilities, mainly the ability to paralyze its prey if it got too close. Its favorite food were gnomes and blast-ended shrewts, but it wasn't that picky when it came to whatever it caught in its web. Its silk was not only soft (though not as soft as Demiguise hair) but it had magical properties so the clothes never wore out. It wasn't surprising a Minister would wear them under his robes. The magical abilities of the Riventine probably included defense mechanisms like paralyzing those who got too close. Plus its webs were strong enough to deflect simple hexes and curses so the Minister was probably protected from those as well.

Over the dark blue pants and shirt he wore a long shimmering silver robe that flared out at the bottom so when he walked it billowed behind him. It was clasped together with a dragon-scaled, silver broach in the shape of a phoenix. The man looked older than Kingsley with his short white beard and unsettling gray-blue eyes. The hair on his head was longer, reaching to the end of his neck. There were at least three Aurors that accompanied him. After he entered, from behind, Skyla emerged looking calm and humble.

"You must be Harry Potter," the Minister said, taking no notice of Draco.

He walked over and held out his hand. Harry stood up and shook it awkwardly.

"Yes, sir."

The man smiled slightly. "My name is Minister Quazon, but you can call me Irvin, Mr. Potter."

"Er, nice to meet you Mr. – er, Irvin."

Irvin pulled his hand away and then gestured for him to sit back down. Draco hadn't even bothered to stand up to greet him. There was a look of annoyance on his face. Irvin didn't seem too keen on Draco being there either. Harry had a feeling it was because Draco was an ex-Death Eater.

All the Aurors summoned chairs to sit around Irvin for protection. Skyla sat back down in her chair and warmed her tea before taking a sip.

"Now, Mr. Potter –"

"Call me Harry," he said quickly.

Irvin gave him a lop-sided smile. "Of course, Harry. Skyla has been telling me your proposition as well as the interesting adventures you've had recently. This is all for a sick friend?"

"Well of course he's the main reason, but we want to solve this mystery for several reasons," Harry said, wiping his hands on his jeans. "I'm sure you know we work for Hellebore. And one of my good friends is in an advanced Medi-witch program – she's quite brilliant. Anyway, we were thinking that a creature of this significance might be extremely important for future cures or potions of any kind, including protections."

Irvin rubbed his beard. "Ah yes, people would feel safer with newer protections being discovered, what with Lord Voldemort still alive."

Harry paused. "Yes, sir. I'm not sure if this creature will do us any good, but I figure it can't hurt."

"Hmm, yes, I see," he mumbled, taking a sip of his tea. "There is one concern of mine and that is, of course, damaging the evidence. We need to make sure that if you can't figure out anything from the wand, that it's not damaged in the process so that it may be preserved for a future time when it can be discovered."

Harry nodded. "Of course. We wouldn't even need to touch the wand with our bare hands."

Irvin's eyebrows rose. "Really?"

Harry glanced at Draco who was staring at Irvin trying to contain a look of contempt. Irvin's eyes strayed to glance at Draco, narrowed slightly, and then moved back to Harry in less than a few seconds. Harry cleared his throat.

"On our travels, we discovered a plant that can reveal the unseen. We would like to try it on the wand to see if any clues are revealed."

Irvin glanced at Skyla who looked intrigued. They hadn't mentioned the leaves to her. "Well that sounds reasonable. What do you think, Sky?"

She smiled. "Yes, I agree."

Irvin clapped his hands together and grinned. "Then let's do it!"

He immediately stood up and his Aurors jumped up to follow suit. Skyla calmly rose and began heading toward the back door of the room where they had come from. Harry and Draco stood up and followed them through the door and into a long carpeted hallway. There were paintings of past Ministers hanging on the walls watching them and whispering. There was a main chandelier in each hallway as well as brightly glowing lamps on the walls. They were charmed to turn on when people entered the room and turn off when they left.

When they got to the end of the next hallway they stopped when they came to a lamp. Since they all looked the same, it was impossible to know that this one was unusual. Skyla pressed her hand on it and closed her eyes. It was a mind password. One she had to think of specifically and charmed to react with the spell cast on the lamp. The second she opened her eyes again the lamp turned off and sunk into the wall. Then part of the wall moved aside to reveal a large stone staircase leading up. They all entered except for two Aurors who stayed at the bottom of the stairs to make sure they weren't followed (although the building was highly secured but with Voldemort still alive and potential supporters still out there planning some type of revenge, they couldn't be too careful).

"You know I've wanted to meet you for a long while," Irvin said as they walked up the narrow, never-ending staircase. "Ever since you came to the wizard world and started at Hogwarts. Of course we've heard about things that happened there at Hogwarts while you were there."

Harry nodded politely. He wasn't sure what to say. Draco was purposefully looking away as though not offended Irvin was ignoring him. While Irvin turned around to look ahead as he talked, Harry snuck his hand out and grasped Draco's. The blond turned to him in surprise, realizing that everyone was ahead of them. Harry squeezed his hand for a second before letting go. They reached the top of the staircase where there was a bronze door. It was very heavily protected with wards. Once they were removed they were all able to go inside. It was a dome-shaped room with a ton of square-shaped shelves each with objects sealed inside a translucent protective casing. In the center of the room there was a symbol on the floor much like in the entrance lobby. Skyla approached it and pressed her hand against it. Suddenly the phoenix's wings bent inward as it flapping them and as its body turned the floor opened and a pedestal rose up. It was a beautiful ivory-colored marble pedestal. On the very top of it was the wand. It was sitting inside a translucent casing just like the other objects.

"We hid it here in the floor since it's still a mystery, unlike all these artifacts," Skyla said, gesturing around them. "Most of these are just here for safety reasons. Some of them can do nasty things if in the wrong hands, although they have been deactivated, and others are just momentos of our past."

"Like Celestia's wand," Harry said.

Skyla smiled. "Exactly." She then waved her wand over the translucent casing and it vanished. She stepped away and gestured for them to approach. Harry swallowed nervously and gazed awkwardly at Draco who ran a finger beneath the collar of his shirt. He was just as nervous. If they did anything wrong, there would be serious consequences.

They both approached as everyone watched them with curiosity and wonder. Draco took out the Mystic plant leaves. They both had agreed to try a couple in case it didn't work the first time (or at all). They didn't want to waste all the leaves of the plant. Three should've been enough. They only had five total. Draco held them over the wand and Harry murmured a spell. As they began to slowly fall toward the wand they began to grind up into little bits turning into powder as they fell on top of the wand. Then they both waited.

Draco exhaled nervously. "What if it doesn't do anything?" he whispered.

"Well then we make a run for it," Harry whispered back.

Draco gave him a look and Harry grinned. Just then one of the Aurors gasped. They both looked at the wand to see the Mystic leaf powder now swirling around it. The wand was lifted up into the air. The wand was turned till the tip was pointing upward. Suddenly the powder was sucked into the tip of the wand. The wand fell back down on the pedestal. Harry held his breath. The tip of the wand glowed and something shot out of it. Straight from the tip was a strange purple piece of plant. It was very small. It drifted to the floor and Harry carefully bent down to pick it up when Skyla suddenly stopped him.

"Allow me," she said, waving her wand. A translucent casing came around the plant piece and she floated it over to him.

"Thanks," Harry said.

"What in the world does it mean?" Irvin asked.

"Er, no clue. We're going to have to do some research," Harry said.

Irvin sighed. "I guess it was too much to hope that the mystery would be solved here and now. Well, at least you've found a clue. I want you both to know that if you do figure out the mystery behind this creature and even capture it, you will be greatly rewarded. Contact immediately, Sky, as soon as you know anything."

"Of course," she said, smiling.

Irvin then nodded to Harry and Draco. "Good luck then."

Irvin and his fellow Aurors disappeared back down the staircase. Skyla put a hand on their shoulders.

"I'm sure you two can figure out what this means. I have faith in you."

She smiled and then waved her wand so the pedestal and the wand sunk back down into the floor. Then she led them back down the stairs and back into the room they met her in.

She held out her hand and shook Harry's then Draco's. "I wish you both the best of luck on your journey."

Then with a swish of her robe, she disappeared back through the door after giving them one last smile.

"Yeah, no pressure," Draco grumbled.

"Hey, there's a lot at stake," Harry whispered, putting a hand on his shoulder. "We'll figure it out."

"Where do we even start?" Draco asked.

"We start with libraries and research every kind of purple plant out there."

Draco sighed heavily. They both headed back out and flew back home. Once they got there they both were starving and made some food. Harry floated the encased clue out to the living room and stared at it while he ate.

"Is the plant speaking to you or something?" Draco drawled in amusement.

Harry glared. "I'm just thinking."

Draco snorted. "That's not helping."

"Well neither is your talking."

The blond rolled his eyes. "I'm going to check the hidden library and do something useful."

"Yeah, for once," Harry mumbled.

Draco stopped mid-step. "What was that, Potter?" he drawled.

"I said good luck."

The blond's eyes narrowed for a second before he disappeared up the stairs. Harry sighed heavily and stared up at the ceiling. It wasn't much of a clue to go on but it was all they had. They only had 10 months to break the vow, which didn't seem like a lot of time. After a few minutes, Harry went upstairs to join Draco. He found the blond sitting in one of the plush chairs flipping through a book with his wand. Harry rolled his eyes at the sight. He couldn't even use his hands to do something simple like that. Draco turned when he heard Harry approach.

"Any luck?"

Draco snorted. "That would be too easy."

He slammed the book shut and tossed it on the floor. Harry picked up another Herbology book and began flipping through the pages looking for anything about purple plants or leaves.

"Do you really think we'll be able to pull this off?" Draco asked quietly.

Turning, Harry glanced at him to see him staring down at a book. Harry's shoulders slumped.

"Honestly, I don't know but I think if we can find a Blue Snargaluff, we can find this creature."

"Yeah, maybe eventually but what about in less than a year!?" Draco snapped throwing another book on the floor roughly.

"We haven't even begun to search for it, Draco. We found the Onyx Dragon – "

"The Onyx Dragon is a known species, Potter! This creature is a complete mystery! No one knows anything! There's been no sightings since that witch disappeared!"

"Hey! People thought the Onyx Dragon was a myth because it hadn't been supposedly sighted in a long time and there wasn't a lot of concrete evidence on it! So stop giving up before we've even tried!" Harry snapped.

Draco pursed his lips and then jumped out of his chair. He stomped toward the door.

"I'm going to bed!" he snapped.

He disappeared out the door and Harry sighed irritably. He rubbed his eyes. He was just as frustrated as Draco. He had an idea of what the blond was going through, that hopeless feeling. Harry had experienced that often when going up against Voldemort. Whenever the blond became frustrated he only made the situation worse. He became much more stubborn and negative. It was hard for him to continuously try to give Draco hope when even he had doubts they could break the vow.

After a couple of hours of skimming through a few books, Harry decided it was time to call it a night. So far there was no mention of any purple plant except plants that had been manipulated by spells, but most of those plants turned into vicious monsters as well as a variety of colors. Perhaps they had to go to a better source. They worked for a Herbology company. It was time to see if they truly were experts on the subject.

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The next morning Harry woke up early. Since Draco had been in a bad mood the night before, Harry didn't want to bother him. He also didn't want to get his hopes up. So he quickly got dressed and took off to Hellebore by himself. Not many people were there that early, but he had a feeling one person in particular would be. Harry knocked on Dimitri's door. There was no answer. He then went to one of the offices and poked his head in to find Malik. The other boy's light blue eyes locked onto him and he ran a hair through his dark brown hair.

"Harry, what brings you here so early?"

"Hey Malik, I was just stopping by to see Dimitri. Do you know where he is?"

"Probably upstairs in the garden," Malik said.

"Oh, thanks," Harry said, beginning to turn around.

"Aw, come on, Harry," Malik said. "I've been waiting for you to visit me to see what I do. Can't you stay a minute?"

"Er, sure," he said, walking over.

Malik grinned. "Excellent. I'm working on an interview to tell The Tell-Tale Chronicles next week. It's about that volume you're working on. They always want the scoop ahead of time before it's released. Anyway, I'd like your opinion on it."

"Oh, er, sure but I'm not exactly the best person for this," Harry said, taking the piece of parchment.

Malik just shrugged and put his hands behind his head. "Give it a whirl."

Harry read through the article and raised his eyebrows at the end. He certainly had a flare for exaggeration. He made it seem like he and Draco and the others were practically fighting three-headed Snappers (vicious, carnivorous plants the size of pine trees).

"It's good," he said. "I don't know if it's as exciting as that though."

"You have to put a good spin on it for the readers. It's what the interviewers are going to do anyway," Malik said with a grin. "I have to go feed the Blue Snargaluff now anyway, you want me to take you up there?"

"Sure," Harry said.

Malik stood up and walked beside him as they went to the elevator.

"So how's everything going, you know, after your friend got upset?"

Harry blinked. "Oh, er, it's fine. I mean he just has to cool down."

"I don't know what his problem is," Malik said, "but he should get over it."

Harry smiled. "I agree. So what's new with you?"

"Nothin'," he said. "I don't get enough excitement sometimes," he said, winking.

Harry flushed. He hoped Malik wasn't flirting with him. Biting his lip, Harry cleared his throat. "Er, Malik, I have something to tell you, but I don't want you telling the others. At least not yet."

Malik raised his eyebrows. "Really? All right. What's the secret?"

"Er, well, you know me and Draco have been partners for a while, right?"

"Yeah, you two are still going to be partners, right?"

"Oh, yeah, we are. It's just…we're sort of, you know….," Harry trailed off, "more than that."

Malik's eyebrows rose up even higher as his eyes widened. "No way! Seriously?!"

Harry nodded awkwardly.

He grinned, putting his hands behind his head again as he rested up against the wall. "I guess I can see that. You two make a hot couple. Say, is that part of the reason your friend's pissed off? Is he jealous cuz he wants to be with you or somethin'?"

Harry burst into laughter. "No, nothing like that. He just, er, doesn't approve of Draco. We went to school with Draco back at Hogwarts and we didn't exactly get along back then."

They got off the elevator and started walking down the long glassed in hallway. The morning sun shone in brightly.

"Ah, I see," Malik said. He reached over to pat his back. "No sweat, mate. I won't tell anyone."

Harry smiled. "Thanks."

"So why'd you decide to tell me now?"

"Er, well," Harry started, rubbing the back of his head. "I wasn't sure if you were hitting on me or not."

Malik laughed. "Oh, I see. I flirt with pretty much anyone. Not that I don't like you or find you attractive, but I'm not into guys. I just like to be flirtatious and sometimes cocky. Some people don't mind it but some people do."

"Oh," Harry said, nodding. "Well thanks for understanding."

Malik grinned. He opened the door once they approached it and they stepped inside. Dimitri was in the garden area looking at some of the creatures. While he was busy collecting data, Harry watched Malik feed the Blue Snargaluff. The creature knew it was feeding time and scurried over on its thin plant-like legs. It reached up its viney arms as Malik poured nectar over the side. A mouth opened up from each of the vines and it absorbed the nectar.

"Whoa," Harry said, smiling.

"I know," Malik grinned. "Well I'll catch ya later."

Harry unexpectedly reached out to hug him. Malik was surprised but patted his back in return and then squeezed him tightly, lifting him partly off the floor.

"Well aren't you loveable."

Harry laughed and pulled away. "Thanks, Malik. I'll see you later."

Malik put his hand up to his head and saluted him before turning around to leave. Harry walked down to where Dimitri was.

"Harry, how nice to see you," Dimitri said, smiling. "I haven't got an assignment yet, but one is in progress."

"That's okay. Er, I actually have a question. I was just doing some research and I wondered if you knew of any purple plants or leaves?"

Dimitri blinked. "Hmm, purple plants? Not off the top of my head. You mean as its natural color?"

Harry nodded. He knew the Mystic leaves would only reveal its natural color, not the color of some spell or potion that had changed the plant in any way.

"I'm pretty sure the only plant closest to that is the Whispering Waterlily. Obviously it tries to disguise itself as a muggle flower, but its true color, when provoked, is a maroon color. That's the closest I can think of. What color purple?"

"Like a bright purple, like lavender, or actually a little darker than lavender."

"Hmm…nope not that I can think of," Dimitri said. "Why do you ask?"

"No reason. Draco and I just, er, came across some mention of unusual plants and purple just came up," Harry said quickly. "Thanks."

"Of course, Harry. If I hear of anything unusual like that, I'll certainly tell you."

Harry nodded and waved to him. As he left he sighed heavily. That was not a good sign. Dimitri knew nothing about a purple plant. What did that mean? Was it really possible they wouldn't succeed in finding it? He couldn't tell Draco about what Dimitri said. It would break his confidence completely and he'd have no hope left. Harry would just have to double his research.

When Harry got back, he saw Draco in the kitchen making breakfast. The blond was still damp from a recent shower and was wearing only his pajama bottoms. They were slipping low on his hips and Harry could see most of his hips clearly and part of the crease of his pubic bone leading down to his crotch covered by his sweatpants. It was clear the blond wasn't wearing any underwear. Harry felt heat rush to his groin but he tried to ignore it. Draco noticed him as he walked in.

"Where have you been?"

"Just out flying. I had trouble sleeping."

Draco stared at him as he prepared some breakfast too. The blond finished what he was doing and went out to sit in the living room. Harry joined him moments later. They both ate in silence. Harry glanced over at him from time to time. From the distance, Harry could still see part of Draco's hip peeking out. He tried not to stare but found it hard. After eating, he slowly got up and approached the blond.

"Hey," Harry said, sitting on the edge of the couch by his leg, "I'm sorry for arguing yesterday. I think we're both just stressed."

Draco snorted. "Yeah, clearly."

Harry gave him a look. The blond raised an eyebrow in response and rolled his eyes.

"Fine. I'm sorry too."

Harry raised an eyebrow back at him and then began to lie down. The blond was still finishing his meal, but had his plate floating beside him for easy access. Harry laid his body across Draco's and rested his head on his bare chest. He heard the blond snort in amusement but he didn't make any move to get Harry off. Harry draped an arm across the blond's chest as he kept his head down, watching the blond's chest rise and fall with each breath. His fingers trailed across Draco's side and down to his bare hip. He trailed his fingers up and down slowly as he relaxed, listening to Draco's heartbeat. He felt Draco's hand come around his back, trailing down his shirt until he reached the end. The blond's fingers went beneath his shirt, caressing the end of his back. Harry sighed contently. His fingers continued to move languidly up and down the blond's smooth skin. He was tempted to trail his fingers over Draco's crotch but felt too tired to make things more heated. Harry felt his eyes closing.

Sometime later Harry woke up as Draco sat up. Harry rubbed his eyes and sat up too. Their bodies were scrunched together on the couch.

"Did you fall asleep?" Draco asked with a smirk.

"Maybe," Harry said.

Draco waved his wand, which had been sitting idly on the small table nearby, and summoned the secure owl that had come out of the fireplace.

"When did that come?" Harry said, wide awake.

"Just now," Draco said. "I moved to get up but you're heavier than you look."

Harry glared and snatched the letter out of his hand. He opened it and read it.

"It's from Hermione. She said she thinks they've figured out what's wrong with Cyprian!"

"Really? What's wrong with him?" Draco asked curiously.

"It doesn't say. It just says to come tomorrow morning to St. Mungo's."

"Why not today?" Draco asked.

"I don't know," Harry said, shrugging. "She said Kingsley is going to be there so maybe he's just not available today. I hope it's nothing bad."

"You know it's going to be bad," Draco said.

Harry sighed and then laid back down on him, draping his arm across his chest again. "Why can't we ever get a break?"

The blond just sighed and Harry could feel his chest move with the motion. He stared out at the fireplace watching the flames flicker as he felt Draco's hand sit on his back again. It was comforting just being close with him. Harry was alarmed at how much it soothed him to be around Draco. Things were so different between them it sometimes felt surreal. Harry's fingers lightly traced Draco's ribs, moving up and down.

"You know you can go lower," Draco said in a sultry tone.

Harry smiled against his chest. "I could."

Draco snorted. "Well if you're going to tease me at least take off some clothes."

Harry smiled and slowly raised himself up. He grabbed Draco's wand and waved it over himself, leaving him clad in his black boxers.

"There. Happy?" Harry retorted with a raised eyebrow.

Draco just gave him an amused smirk. Harry lay back down again. The blond's hand stroked his bare back. Harry could feel goosebumps spread. Draco didn't say anything but after a minute his fingers brushed over his rear. Harry felt his stomach flip in anticipation. Slowly he turned his head up to look at Draco. The blond turned his head as well and then leaned down to kiss him. Harry felt the blond's smooth warm lips on his own. It was slow and gentle and yet heat continued to rush to his groin. Draco's hand moved up Harry's back as he adjusted his position to deepen the kiss. Harry raised himself up a bit trailing a hand up Draco's chest to his head and placed both hands at his neck. Their kiss broke momentarily as Harry adjusted his position and once both hands were on the back of Draco's neck sliding through his hair, Harry pressed their lips together more fervently.

They kissed languidly for several minutes and Draco continued to stroke his back. As Harry tilted his head to kiss him, one hand trailed back down across Draco's chest toward his hip. Harry opened his mouth around Draco's lips as his fingers brushed across the blond's bare hip and slowly trailed over his arousal. Draco groaned in the kiss and brought a hand up to the back of Harry's head. Harry trailed his fingers across the length of Draco's arousal, feeling the hard member through his thin, soft pants. It aroused him more to know Draco didn't have his boxers on. Draco's other hand was still caressing his rear and dipped down to the edge of his boxers. The blond swept a finger up his bare leg beneath his boxers, touching the inside of his thigh.

Harry adjusted his position again, moving his body so he was on top of Draco instead of half on top of him. He caressed Draco's lips with his own over and over as his fingers massaged the blond's arousal. He could hear Draco's soft groans in the back of his throat and it only heightened his own arousal. Harry moved his fingers to the tip of Draco's member, massaging it. The blond moaned loudly, nearly break the kiss, and began spreading his legs apart in response. Harry felt Draco's hand come down his leg and then across his rear pressing up against his entrance. Harry's hand slid over to Draco's hip and as he touched the bare hip he began easing the material off his hips. He felt the blond's arousal against his stomach and it made his cock twitch. Harry used his leg to push one of Draco's legs so his legs would spread apart more. Harry continued to pull the pants down until they bunched at his knees.

He slipped a tongue in Draco's mouth and the blond responded with his own. Their tongues slid together gently as their mouths moved in a rhythm. Harry reached out for Draco's wand almost hitting it over onto the floor. He managed to grab it without looking and then brought it down to Draco's entrance. Their kiss broke as Harry murmured the lubrication spell. Draco's eyes opened and he looked at Harry just as the lubrication poured inside him. Draco's eyes were half-lidded and he felt the blond pull on his boxers. As he pulled them down, revealing Harry's arousal, Harry used the blond's wand to coat his member. He tossed the wand aside and crushed his lips against Draco's. The blond groaned softly and wrapped both hands around Harry's back. Harry trailed his hands down to Draco's hips and toward his thighs. He began pushing them apart as he settled in between his legs. His hands wrapped around Draco's back, trailing them up as he pushed his pelvis down, lining his arousal up at Draco's entrance.

Harry pushed gently, knowing it was only Draco's second time. He felt like the first time he took Draco was a bit rushed. This time they could take their time. The blond hadn't said much about how his first experience had been being on the bottom. Harry was determined to get a better idea this time around. It wasn't often that Draco gave up control, but he didn't seem to mind it. Harry used one of Draco's techniques and grasped one of his arms, pulling the blond's hand from his back and putting it up over his head. Harry pushed his arousal past Draco's entrance. The blond groaned and Harry could feel his thigh muscles tensing. He obviously still wasn't used to it yet. Harry was much more used to Draco being inside of him now, enough that they probably didn't need to use much lubrication. Harry could feel his arousal being pulled inside. It was squeezing him in all the right places. He moaned loudly, trying not to thrust his hips forward as pleasure swirled in his stomach. Draco's back arched as Harry continued to push inside until he was all the way in. Once he was in, he didn't move right away. Draco's muscles loosened and he could feel the blond's back lower back down.

Harry squeezed Draco's wrist and moved his pelvis forward. A rush of pleasure traveled through his cock and into his stomach. Harry tilted his head, slipping his tongue deep into Draco's mouth as the pleasure grew. He thrust his pelvis gently so his erection hit deep inside of him before pulling out. The blond groaned, his pelvis moving with each of Harry's gentle but deep thrusts. The blond's hand that was on his back pressed into him deeply as Harry moved at a slightly faster pace, in and out over and over again. The blond's body moved gently with each thrust and Harry moaned loudly each time. Draco's moans grew louder deep in his throat. Harry could feel it vibrate as they kissed.

As Harry thrust, his member was becoming harder and he could feel his pleasure grow. He moved a little faster and hit a particular deep spot. Draco arched his back, moaning loudly. They broke the kiss, both of them gasping breathlessly as Harry thrust. His free hand moved down Draco's body to his hip, squeezing it gently as he continued to thrust. Draco's head tilted back and his lips parted. Harry opened his eyes for a second to see that and then he trailed his tongue across Draco's bottom lip and slipped it into his mouth. A wave of pleasure struck him and Harry thrust his hips with a bit more force. Draco's legs squeezed around Harry's hips as the pace grew faster. It was still more languid than their last love making where Draco took him more roughly than he usually did. Harry was content to make it last.

For some time Harry thrust deep into him at a constant pace. As they both grew closer to finishing, Harry released his grip on Draco's wrist and put both hands on the blond's rear. He rose up a bit, continuing to grip the blond's rear, and then thrust in.

"Uhhhhhhhghhh! Ughhhhhhh!" Draco moaned, tilting his head backward.

Harry groaned breathlessly, thrusting his pelvis forward. He was so close. He wanted it to last even longer but he could barely hold on. The blond hadn't moved his hand from where Harry left it above his head, and his other hand came up to grab Harry's rear as he thrust deeper and deeper. Draco's body rocked from the force and his head thrashed a couple times from side to side. His neck tilted upward as his lips parted.

"Uhhhhhh! UHHHH!" Harry cried out as his orgasm approached.

They both moaned loudly. Harry's fingers dug into Draco's rear as he thrust his pelvis harder and harder.

"HARRY!" Draco cried out, bringing both hands out to grip Harry's rear.

"DRACO! Uhhh! DRACO!" Harry cried out.

He thrust several more times even harder until they both reached their climax. Harry felt his orgasm burst inside of Draco. His eyes shut and he tilted his head back, letting the rush of pleasure flow through him. Draco's body had stilled but he too had his head tilted back. Harry could feel the blond's orgasm coat his stomach a bit but he didn't care. Harry gasped once his orgasm finished. He could still feel his body was trembling. Draco's legs were trembling as well. Harry slowly pulled out of him and grabbed the wand from the floor to clean them both up. Then he lay back down on top of Draco as they both fought to catch their breath.

As they both lay there silently, Harry thought about how good it felt to take him. The thought of being on top of him, of having Draco's legs wrapped around him screaming, it aroused him so much. He couldn't have imagined it feeling even better than the first time. He was a little more experienced now though since letting Draco take him multiple times.

"So," Harry said breathlessly as he raised his head, "how was it?"

Draco opened his eyes and tried to give him an amused look. " You want a score or something?"

Harry smiled. "No. You never told me how your first time was, you know, last time."

Draco raised an eyebrow and ran a hand through his bangs, pushing them out of his face.

"It was good. What do you want me to say?"

"Well it's not just your first time having sex with someone, but that was the first time you let me be in control."

Draco closed his eyes and snorted. "Don't get used to it."

"Was this time better?" Harry asked, ignoring his comment.

The blond opened his eyes. "Yes, much. You're improving."

"Shut-up!" Harry exclaimed, whacking him on the arm.

He then lay his head back down and exhaled deeply. They both lay there naked together allowing the cool breeze of the blue flames to soothe them. Harry tried his best not to think about Hermione's letter or what might happen next. He just wanted to enjoy the moment and pretend that they didn't have all these obstacles to overcome.

TO BE CONTINUED…

TO REVIEWERS:

idreamofdrarry: LoL! Yay for make-up sex! Also romantic sex too! Lol! I've been putting in a lot more intimate moments than I usually do, but it's to show that they have a lot of passion for one another. It's what brought them together in the first place. Otherwise, they wouldn't have had enough motivation to hit on one another. =) I hope you were somewhat satisfied about the wand. The mystery is still not over. I changed the mistakes that you noticed, by the way. Thanks! I'm really glad you liked Skyla, lol! Skysley! Aww, that's cute! =) I will try not to take so long next time!

BeLLe ELLe PoTTer: Yay! I'm glad you liked it! I hope you liked this chapter too! =) I'm sure the romance helped, teheheheh! I will update asap!

Drarry4eva: I'm glad you liked it. Hopefully this sex scene was even better. =) They have a lot of passion for each other. Hehe! I will update asap!

I know! No one wants Draco to go back to his parents, not even me, lol! You will just have to see how things work out. And yes, his parents have issues. They're focusing on the fact that their bloodline is dying out. That's why they're so controlling over Draco. But it is ridiculous. Don't worry, I'm not a fan of angsty or depressing endings. So just enjoy the ride! =) I will update asap!

mochiusagi: Lol! Yes, indeed, although they don't need an excuse for a shag, hehee! =) Yep more progress on the wand, but still the mystery continues, muhahahaha! I will update asap!

HPmeghan7474: Awww, I'm glad you liked it! I know, I'm not a fan of angst either, but you're right. It's essential to any good story to make it believable. How was this for some fluff at the end? Was that good? =) I'm glad you like the sex scenes, lol! They have a lot of passion for one another. I promise more fluffiness in the future. I will update asap!

Carling: Awww, yay! I'm so glad you still think Draco is in character. I'm trying really hard not to lose them in the romance. I know, I remember reading fanfics that didn't seem believable either, which is why I wanted to try my hand at them. I'm just a very picky reader (and writer), lol! I'm so glad you're still enjoying it. Sorry for the delay in updating. Studying and working sucks, lol! Yes hopefully the intimacy is still believable as they're bonding. They have a lot of passion for each other, which is one of the main motivations for them even having the slightest attraction for one another. So there will be more intimacy! =) But the mystery will continue to unravel. I will update asap!