Luminescence
Chapter 27: The Next Trial
Shortly after their lucky break, Harry's joy plummeted. They still couldn't find the plant-creature. There had to be something they were missing. If they knew more about the creature, it would be easier. After a couple more days of searching, Harry and Draco came up empty handed. Weeks later they had to start up their research again with Dimitri. That of course put Draco in a very bad mood. So Harry tried to steer clear of him and give him some space, which turned out to be impossible seeing as how they had another assignment.
They hovered on their brooms in the dense forestry as they searched for the next plant. Draco cursed and swiped at another branch that smacked him in the face.
"Fuck! Where is this stupid plant?!"
"Maybe the expression on your face is scaring it away," Harry said dryly.
Draco whipped his head around. "Shut-up, Potter!"
"Don't call me that!" Harry snapped back.
He wiped the sweat off his forehead and glared at the back of Draco's head. He was too hot and tired to deal with Draco's mood swings.
"There's no way we'll find it like this! I'll go this way!" Draco exclaimed, taking off.
Harry watched him go and inwardly cursed. Draco always pulled away when things got rough. It wasn't exactly conducive to a healthy relationship. Then again, he still stuck around when Voldemort was on the loose even though being around Harry made it more dangerous for him. Sighing, Harry flew on. It wasn't until something smacked him in the face that Harry even noticed anything was moving. He was flung right off his broom to the ground. His broom hovered in the air above him. Harry blinked and looked up. A very tall plant rose above him. It had a long skinny stalky body, two beady little eyes and seemed to be able to sprout more plant tentacles at will. They wrapped around Harry's body, lifting him up into the air.
Harry struggled against them. "Put me down!"
Suddenly the plant rose him high up into the air and he plummeted back down. Harry gasped loudly. Thankfully the plant didn't throw him to the ground. It just kept raising him up and down at a rather fast speed, almost like it was toying with him.
"Draco!" Harry shouted.
The plant stopped suddenly at Harry's outburst. The grip around his body tightened and the tentacles began to spread all over his body.
"Hey! Cut that ou–" Harry's cry was muffled as the tentacles wrapped around his face.
A bright light erupted and Harry fell to the ground, groaning. He turned his head to see Draco hovering nearby with his wand out. The plant bounced up and down on its stalk, almost excited to have another person to play with. It jumped up onto a nearby tree and sprung its growing tentacles toward Draco. The blond dodged it but not well enough. One of the tentacles wrapped around the front of his broom, forcing him to stop mid-flight. Draco jumped off the broom before a tentacle could grab him and used a charm to float back down. The plant's tentacles began growing as they lunged toward him, trying to surround him. Draco cast a shield and then ran straight toward the plant.
"Draco! What are you doing?!" Harry exclaimed.
The blond cast a stunning spell, leapt over the wide-eyed plant, and then cast a bubble around the plant. Only its stalky body was encased in the bubble. All its tentacles were still spread out. While the plant remained motionless for a second, Harry jumped up and began zapping static electricity spells at the tentacles. They cringed and began curling away back toward the plant's body. Draco held the bubble in place. The plant seemed to wake up from its stun and began to thrash, but Harry's spell kept it from spreading and Draco's spell kept it from escaping. Pretty soon all the tentacles pulled back into the plant's body and it was securely trapped in the bubble.
Harry lowered his wand and approached the plant. It was staring at them with its beady eyes, almost solemnly.
"Sorry. We do have a good home for you though. Promise," Harry said.
Draco rolled his eyes. "It doesn't understand yo—"
One of the tentacles came from underground and smacked Draco in the face.
"Bloody hell!" he exclaimed, tightening his bubble so the tentacles couldn't go underground.
Harry smirked. "You were saying?"
Draco glared at him and rubbed his cheek. "That doesn't prove a thing!"
Harry gave him a look and then summoned his broom. They both took off for Dimitri's. When they dropped off the newest addition to the family, Dimitri had no news on the purple plant samples that Harry had collected and gave to him when they got back from their search. Sadly he had made no progress as of it because it was a muggle plant and he wasn't sure exactly what to look for in trying to figure out its significance to the plant-hybrid.
When they got back home, Harry immediately went up to his room to take a shower. He stood in the shower for a long time. His mind was spinning about the vow, about Cyrpian, about Voldemort, and about his friends. Everything was hanging on by a thread. What was worse was that Harry's birthday was tomorrow. He had no friends to celebrate it with, besides Draco and the blond wasn't in the best mood. That night Harry went to bed early hoping that he would somehow feel better in the morning.
He woke up the next morning feeling sluggish and when he went to Draco's room, he found the blond wasn't there. Draco wasn't in the kitchen either. He had just up and left. He knew Draco was in a bad mood but he thought for once Draco could try to not let the negativity consume him, at least for Harry's birthday. The fireplace crackled and Harry caught the secure envelope as it fluttered toward him. Upon opening it, he found it was a birthday card from Ginny. At least Ginny didn't seem to judge him for dating Draco. He missed Ginny. Not in the romantic sense, but rather missed when they were pretty close friends. He didn't get to see her much anymore. The next envelope that came a few hours later was signed by Hermione and Ron, but Harry knew just Hermione had signed it.
Harry cupped his face in his hands for a minute before whirling around on his heels. He grabbed his wand, swished it to change into comfortable clothes and then summoned his broom. He didn't know where he was going but he needed to get away. He flew hours away until he reached Hogwarts. It had been the one true place he called home and it would always be home no matter how many years passed.
" 'Arry!"
Harry smiled as Hagrid ran over to him, shaking the ground as he did so. He lifted him up with ease, squeezing him tightly.
"How's 'e new job coming?"
"It's great. How's your class going?"
Hagrid flushed and rubbed the back of his head. "Students really seem to like me. Some of 'em remind me of you and Ron and Hermione, the way they stick together and 'course all the trouble they get into."
Harry laughed. "Sounds like a great bunch."
"What're yere doing here?"
"Just paying a visit to an old mentor," Harry said, smiling.
He hugged Hagrid one last time and stepped into the school. Walking the hallways brought back so many memories. Students stopped him to shake his hand and introduce themselves. He was happy to see kids enjoying Hogwarts to the fullest without worrying about death and destruction. Harry climbed the familiar spiral staircase to the Headmaster's office. The Headmistress was teaching her own class and she was also busy working with Kingsley to set protections around the school in case Voldemort tried anything. Harry stared at the perch where Fawkes used to be. Phoenixes were amazing creatures. They could be reborn again and again, but when they became attached to someone, sometimes they decided not to be reborn once their owners had passed. Fawkes had finally decided not to awaken. McGonagall had a phoenix of her own now, a beautiful stark white one with blue on the tips of the wings and between the eyes. The eyes of the phoenix were just as blue as the tipped wings. She cooed at him as he entered.
"Hi Serenity," Harry greeted.
Serenity rose from her perch and glided over to him, perching lightly on his shoulder. For how large of a bird she was, it was amazing how light she felt. Harry rubbed her under her beak.
"I've missed you too."
"Harry."
Turning, Harry stared at Dumbledore's portrait. The previous Headmaster smiled at him.
"Dumbledore. It's been a while."
"Yes. Minerva has kept me informed of the happenings with Voldemort."
Harry smiled and shook his head. "You just don't want to rest from this life, do you?"
"Perhaps when he's finally gone, but I'll always be here in spirit no matter what," he said. His eyes twinkled. "What brings you here?"
Harry sighed. "Dumbledore, I'm not sure you would approve. I'm kind of glad you're dead right now just because of what I have to tell you."
"Oh," he said, raising his eyebrows.
Biting his lip, Harry finally told him what had progressed between him and Draco and the fight with Ron. Dumbledore's expression never changed to one of disgust. He looked intrigued.
"Well, I can't say I'm not surprised, but pleasantly so."
"Really?" Harry asked with wide eyes.
Dumbledore chuckled. "Draco needs someone in his life, a positive influence. Someone who will be there to guide him and use all of his talents for the best potential, not the worst. I've always suspected there was more to him than meets the eye, but despite how he appeared back in school he has a gentle heart. And that heart was being overrun by the darkness of his family. He couldn't fight back against them, so he needed someone to save him."
"It wasn't me that saved him. He broke away himself."
"Perhaps technically he did, but I doubt he would've done that had he not experienced the tribulations he had with you and of course the mercy you showed him when he didn't deserve it."
Harry smiled sheepishly and glanced downward.
"I wouldn't worry too much about Ron, Harry. Despite his hatred of Draco and his family, the things you two have overcome together is not so easily pushed aside."
"That's what I thought at first too, but I just don't think he'll come around. He has too much of a grudge against Draco."
"Yes, well, my friends didn't exactly approve of Grindelwald either."
Harry's mouth fell open. "You and Grindelwald? You – I mean – You never said –"
Dumbledore smiled sadly. "You must've wondered why I never married or spoke of anyone special in my life. I had a love. Grindelwald was an amazing wizard at one time or another. We both loved magic. We were both ambitious, too ambitious. When the darkness took root in him, I not only lost him emotionally but then I had to destroy him physically."
"I can't imagine the pain you went through," Harry said softly.
"Yes, well, it's partly why I was so hard on you. I wanted you to keep fighting. I wanted you to fight with all your being to make sure you protect the people you love at all costs so you wouldn't have to go through what I did. I felt for you that day here in my office after Sirius passed. I knew what it felt like to lose someone close and to not want to feel anything anymore."
Harry blinked away his tears and nodded. "His parents have him locked into a vow and we're trying to break it. Illegally."
Dumbledore sighed and nodded. "That's a great task you have."
"You don't seem surprised."
"That Lucius Malfoy would force his son into a vow to do exactly what he wants?" he said with a raised eyebrow. "No, of course not."
"I also…I took a risk and sort of bound my blood with a moonstone."
Dumbledore's smile faded. "Harry…that is a very dangerous risk. A moonstone's abilities are similar to that of the Elder Wand. They were not made for us to control or tamper with."
"I know! But I had to!" Harry exclaimed. "I had to get a vision of what to do next!"
Sighing heavily, Dumbledore nodded. "I understand, but you must be prepared for the consequences. That was one thing I don't think Voldemort ever thought he'd have to face. The consequences of splitting his soul like that. He is way worse off. When he dies he will be in permanent agony. The soul can only move on if it's complete, but it's not, if it's torn into shreds it will always be pulling, seeking completion."
Harry winced. "No wonder he's clinging on so hard. So…what should I do? You must know about Cyprian and what Voldemort's doing. How do I stop him?"
"It seems to me that you have to break the hold he has over Cyprian."
"He has a piece of Cyprian's soul!"
"Yes, but Cyprian's soul is in danger regardless. You need to break that bond. When Voldemort's connection is severed, he will be defenseless. Perhaps this is all a blessing in disguise. I can't say the consequences for you will be all right, but there is one thing."
"What?" Harry asked, leaning forward. Serenity was perched on the desk by Harry staring at them calmly.
"Since you have already bonded yourself to the moonstone, you can use it against Voldemort."
"You mean so he can't take over my soul when he tries the spell?"
"No," Dumbledore said shaking his head. "Voldemort will not attempt that again until he is absolutely sure it will work. He would not risk losing everything. I'm sure Voldemort will use Cyprian to try and persuade you to surrender to him. That would bring you straight to him since he is currently incarcerated. He has more control that way. When you are there, he is going to expect you to have some sort of defense. In order to bypass everything, he will no doubt be forced to use the amulet to create a barrier in the cell. He will trap you in there with him. When you are forced to stay there, unable to escape unless you bend to his will, sooner or later you will succumb to fatigue, hunger, thirst. He will use your weakness against you and when you're too weak to fight back, he will use the amulet to take a piece of your soul. That way, he will always have control over your fate. After he puts a piece of your soul into his body, it will be easier for him to then take over your body completely as he will already have a way in. So if Kingsley tries to disrupt his process, he will take that piece of your soul with him to the other side, meaning your soul would never be complete and that piece would always tie you to him."
"So I would…"
"So you would ultimately end up in the same place as he is. Even if you're not in agony like him, because your soul would be still mostly intact, you will be trapped with Voldemort in that limbo forever."
Harry collapsed into a nearby chair. "So…if he can't win, he wants to make sure I'll suffer."
"Precisely," Dumbledore said sadly. "But you can stop it. He doesn't know you have the moonstone. I assume you haven't told Kingsley or Minerva or anyone else."
Harry shook his head. "Just Draco."
"That will work in your benefit, Harry. Unfortunately, it will mean tapping into the moonstone with all your might. And there could very well be consequences of that."
"Like…?"
"A power like that can corrupt you, or perhaps take years off your life. I'm not sure. You can use the same ability that Voldemort did to grab a piece of Cyprian's soul to extract that same piece. Using the moonstone's ability you can overpower the amulet, which has now weakened since Voldemort is weak and all the Dementor's powers he sucked into it is slowly draining. Although it would take time for it to become much weaker, I believe your moonstone would be strong enough to overpower the amulet at least long enough to get Cyprian's soul back. Once you have the soul, it's a matter of breaking the curse Voldemort placed on Cyprian."
"Do I need to destroy the amulet?"
"You need to retrieve the amulet. That is where the piece of soul is being stored. If you overpower the amulet, you can extract it from Voldemort's body but then you would need to use the moonstone's ability again with Cyprian in order to try to put the piece back. It is a very delicate process and that would require you using a lot of the moonstone's abilities in such a short span of time. If you wait too long after extracting the soul to put it back, it may never go back. So you must do it within five hours to be safe."
Harry nodded. "I'll talk to Kingsley right away then. There's no time to lose."
He turned around, reaching out to brush Serenity's feathers before he headed for the door.
"Harry," Dumbledore said, pausing as Harry turned around. "Happy birthday."
He smiled. "Thanks, Dumbledore. I promise, I won't let you down."
"You never do."
Harry left feeling sad but motivated. He immediately went to the Ministry to tell Kingsley the plan. After a few hours of meeting with Kingsley and the Order and other Aurors, they figured out how they were going to go about doing it. They had to wait for Voldemort to make the first move so that he believed that he was the one in control.
By the time Harry got home it was late. When he walked in the door he stopped suddenly. There were bright green candles floating above him, giving the place an ethereal glow. The fireplace was on too, blowing cool green flames. Harry stared around at the living room for a minute.
"Hey."
Harry turned to see Draco sitting up from one of the couches. He hadn't even seen him lying there because of the dim light.
"Hey," Harry said back softly.
"Where'd you go?" Draco asked.
The blond's tone of voice was soft and laced with concern.
"I met with Dumbledore and then Kingsley to go over a plan to stop Voldemort and hopefully save Cyprian. Where did you go this morning?"
Draco shrugged. "Had to run an errand. Uh, there's food in the kitchen."
Harry nodded and went into the kitchen. He grabbed a butterbeer and a plate of food. He went back out and laid on the other couch.
"So what's the plan?"
Harry explained the plan and realized afterwards how exhausted he felt. Draco was silent the whole time.
"I think I'm going to head to bed," Harry said, rising.
"Uh, before you go," Draco said, standing up. The blond reached for something and then approached him uncertainly. "Here."
Harry stared down at the small silver box that was in his hand. He glanced up at Draco who only met his gaze briefly before looking away. Upon opening it, Harry found an exquisite ring. It was gold but with specs of silver that shimmered like mica. The design of the ring itself was very intricate. It curved around his finger elegantly. The silver in it also curled into tiny intricate designs. It looked incredibly expensive.
"It's made from a Pegasus' golden mane. They're used in making certain kinds of jewelry," Draco said, pushing his hair away from his face. "The magic from their manes is supposed to help ease anxiety when a person's body gets too crazed. Makes them focus better or something."
Harry stared at it, twisting it around his finger and then gazed back up at him.
"Sorry I didn't plan a big party like you did for me."
"It's okay. I actually prefer just taking it easy this year," Harry said, smiling. "Thanks."
Draco nodded, looking relieved. Harry's smile widened.
"So, can I ask, why a ring?"
To his amusement, Draco's face flushed. He could tell even in the dim light. The blond looked away in embarrassment for a second.
"It's – you know – since you gave up your other ring to that Mystic plant," Draco said quickly. He seemed flustered. "Anyway, I'm going to take a shower. See you tomorrow."
The blond nodded to him and went up the stairs. Harry slowly climbed the stairs to his room, staring at the ring. When he got to his bed he lay down and raised his hand up to study the ring. A ring symbolized eternity. At least for muggles it was a symbol of wanting to be with someone forever. It meant more to him than Draco probably realized. The ring was soft and flexible but still looked like it was made of gold. It shimmered differently than gold though. Harry smiled to himself and rested his hand on his chest. He had to tell Draco at some point how much he cared about him. Would it scare Draco away? Harry changed for bed and closed his eyes. The ring glimmered in the moonlight shining through his window.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
A few days later Harry got a message from Dimitri that he had a theory on why the plant-hybrid liked the muggle plants. Those plants had a particularly strong smell to them, a smell that probably helped the plant-hybrid blend in better. Dimitri wasn't sure if it ate the purple plants or not, but he suggested they use a spell to dull the fragrance of the purple plants which may draw the creature out. Harry told Draco the news and the two of them devised a plan to go back and try to lure the creature out again.
The flight there was in a tense silence. They were both nervous about the new development. If it didn't work, they didn't know what else to do.
"Okay. I'll use the spell and you keep a look out from high above," Draco said.
Harry nodded. This was Draco's mission so he let him take the lead. When they reached the area, Harry hovered high above Draco and watched him carefully. The blond waved his wand and a subtle mist spread across all the plants. Their color faded slightly and the sweet smell vanished. They both waited holding their breaths. Harry observed the area closely, making sure to keep an eye out for any type of movement.
"Anything?"
Harry shook his head. "Not yet. Maybe it's not in this area."
They both moved on to the next batch and did the same thing. They waited several minutes. Harry could see Draco's hand clutching his wand tensely. He was growing restless.
"This isn't working!" Draco exclaimed. "Are you sure Dimitri had it right?"
"Well it's just a theory. He doesn't really know how to study muggle plants, but it's the best shot we've got right now."
Draco cursed. "Not much of a shot if you ask me."
Harry clenched his fists around his broom. He had to bite his lip so as not to start an argument.
"Damnit! This stupid creature!" Draco exclaimed waving his wand erratically. The spell erupted around the whole area again. "Why the hell –"
Draco was suddenly cut off as something rammed into him, tossing him off his broom. He fell to the ground hard and his wand flew out of his hand.
"Draco!" Harry screamed. He flew down toward the blond.
"Don't get off your broom," Draco said, wincing as he tried to stand up. He was bleeding but it was only from scrapes. "Where did it come from?"
"I don't know! I didn't see anything!"
They heard a rumble nearby and Harry tensed, searching frantically. They both held their breaths.
"At least this is something," Draco whispered. "Okay, you go up high and –"
Something lunged from behind grabbing his broom and Harry was barely able to shout a spell to release his broom. Unfortunately, the second his broom was released from the grip, Harry was flung backward. His broom pelted out of control and he was spun all around until he shouted a shield spell. When Harry finally regained his balance, he saw Draco running as the ground erupted behind him.
"Draco!" Harry shouted, zooming down toward him. Harry waved his wand as he approached shooting an anti-illusion charm.
Just as he did so a black form revealed itself. It hovered over Draco with its massive body. It was like a rubbery trunk of a tree that could expand itself. It had strange yellow lines weaved into its strange almost leathery body. And out of the trunk sprouted a neck that grew a strangely shaped head with two eyes and a large mouth, which was opened revealing layers of black teeth. And it was opened directly over Draco. Harry managed to grab Draco's arm and zoom off with him just as the creature nipped at him. It dug into the ground and then wheeled around. Harry pulled Draco up onto the broom with him.
"What the hell is that thing?!" Draco shouted.
"Well you wanted to find it," Harry said. "Now let's catch it!"
Harry headed toward it again and he summoned Draco's wand so the blond could fire spells as they approached. The creature's body morphed, turning shades of purple as it tried to blend in with the plants making it harder for them to aim. The one spell that hit it only made it hiss in a strange growling way. It didn't seem to do much of anything. Suddenly the creature's black trunk began to expand and it began to grow taller and taller as it rose up to reach them. Arms and claws sprouted from it and it swiped, knocking their broom off course. Draco nearly fell off but he clutched around Harry's waist tightly.
"We've got to freeze it or something!" Draco exclaimed. "Dive in again but this time try to get it from behind. We can use a blinding charm first to distract it."
"Okay! Here we go!"
Draco sent out a blinding spell making the creature whirl its body around. Harry dodged to the other side, coming from the other direction as Draco then shouted a freezing charm. The plant's body began to slowly turn to ice.
"Yes!" Draco exclaimed.
They hovered above it watching as its trunk was covered in ice. Without warning, one of its claws broke through and struck their broom. Both of them went flying into the bushes and skidded across the ground. Harry groaned as he picked himself up. He was sure he sprained his arm in the fall. Glancing around, he saw Draco sprawled out a few feet away. Harry winced as he picked himself up and hobbled over to the blond. Harry reached out a hand and Draco groaned, turning over. His face was scratched and he had blood tricking down, but otherwise he appeared fine.
"Where did it go?" he asked in a raspy voice.
Harry turned to look around. The creature was nowhere in sight.
"It must've gone back into hiding. I hope."
"Fuck!" Draco hissed, slowly raising himself up. "We can't give up!"
"This thing is too much for us, Draco. We need help," Harry said. "I don't think we can trap it on our own. Look, for now it seems like it likes this place. We're not going to get anywhere this way so let's just go home. I'll send Dimitri a letter and see if he can help us."
"Why would he?! It's not one of his assignments," Draco spat.
"Because he cares about us and because I'm sure he'd want to study this creature. We'll tell him about our meeting with the Ministers from Scotland and Ireland. He'll think that's important. Now come on."
Draco glared at him but slowly summoned his broom. The both of them quickly flew home before the creature took another swipe at them. The first thing Harry did when they arrived home was write the letter to Dimitri. Draco limped toward the stairs.
"Is your leg hurt?"
"It's fine. Just a sprain," Draco said roughly.
The blond slowly walked up the stairs and Harry followed behind him. He grabbed some Dittany and then went into Draco's room a few minutes later without knocking. The blond was in the process of taking his clothes off but having a hard time due to it being painful. Draco turned when he entered. He had an irritated look on his face but Harry ignored it. Despite the expression on Draco's face, Harry approached him and started to help him get his shirt all the way off.
"Ow! Watch it!" Draco hissed.
"Sorry," Harry said.
After the shirt came off he helped him with his pants. Uncorking the vial, he dipped his fingers in the Dittany and began spreading it over Draco's scrapes. The blond tensed whenever he touched a painful spot.
"You think Dimitri will really help?" Draco asked after a minute.
"Yeah," Harry said. "I think so. It's a pretty amazing find. I doubt he could pass it up."
"True," Draco said. He sighed heavily. "Do you need some?"
Harry gazed at him when he turned to face him and nodded. Harry slowly pulled his shirt off and then his pants. He didn't have as many scrapes as Draco but when the blond touched his sore arm Harry hissed.
"Sorry."
"It's fine," Harry said quietly.
"We should probably take a shower. You know, wash all this dirt and blood off."
Harry nodded and slowly stood up. Draco approached his bathroom door and then turned. "You coming?"
Blinking in surprise, Harry watched as Draco walked into his bathroom. After a second, Harry followed behind him. When he entered the blond was already in the shower. Slipping his boxers off, Harry slowly lifted himself into the shower. Draco turned when he entered and handed him some soap. Very carefully they both washed the blood and dirt off. Harry went to rinse and felt arms around him.
"It's been a week," Draco said softly by his ear.
Harry's lips curled into a smile. "Yeah. I'm surprised you survived."
Draco snorted. He then kissed Harry's neck languidly. Sighing, Harry leaned back into the touch. He rested his body back against Draco's, leaning his head back on his shoulder. He tilted his head and Draco bent down to kiss him. His lips were smooth from the water cascading down upon them. Harry placed his hand over Draco's, the one wrapped around his waist. Draco then moved forward taking Harry's body with him until Harry's body was pressed up against the shower wall. Draco was still kissing his neck from behind and slowly Harry felt Draco's foot touch his. The blond placed his leg against Harry's and used his foot to push Harry's foot sideways. He did the same to the other side until Harry's legs were spread apart and Draco was nestled in between. Harry's cheek pressed up against the shower wall and his grip on Draco's hand tightened when he felt the blond at his entrance.
Draco easily slipped inside of him, groaning deeply. Harry moaned as he felt Draco enter him completely. The blond thrust his hips forward and Harry's lips parted. He closed his eyes as he felt Draco's hips move with the rhythm. Draco rested his body against his as he thrust languidly in and out. After a little while Draco pushed on Harry's legs to further spread them apart. He balanced himself by placing a hand on the shower wall by Harry's head and moved his pelvis up. Harry groaned breathlessly. Draco thrust again and again, becoming more determined with each thrust. Harry kept his eyes closed listening to Draco's moaning until he felt the blond's hand around his waist move lower. Draco grabbed Harry's member and began stroking it. Harry cried out and began moving his hips with Draco's. Harry felt his knees rubbing against the shower wall. Draco's stroking became faster and Harry's mouth parted as he moaned loudly. His orgasm hit him just before Draco's. The blond thrust in once more harshly before groaning and resting his body against Harry's. They both breathed deeply for a minute. Harry opened his eyes and Draco slowly pulled out of him.
Harry couldn't even describe how amazing it had been, especially after not having felt Draco's touch in a while. He couldn't believe the effect Draco had on him. He finally turned around to see Draco rinsing off his body. Harry stared for a minute wondering if it was the right time to tell him. His mind and body were exhausted and before he could even muster up the energy to speak, Draco stepped out of the shower. Harry turned off the water and followed suit. They dried and got dressed. As Draco headed for the bed, Harry hesitated and then started for the door.
"You can stay here if you want," Draco said. "I mean, if you're too tired."
Smiling, Harry turned back around and approached the bed. Draco slid under the covers and Harry joined him. Despite their failure today, Harry was glad Draco wasn't withdrawing from him. As he lay down he gazed at Draco who turned over on his side. Then he gazed down at the ring on his finger. He would tell him after it was over. Once they brewed the potion he would tell Draco exactly how he felt.
TO BE CONTINUED…
TO REVIEWERS:
mochiusagi: Hey! Thanks so much! I passed my test! WOOOO! Sorry for the LONG delay on this. There was studying, then chaos at work, then my brain decided not to function, and then I got strep throat. I'm feeling better now though and my juices are flowing! I will update asap!
yoshi vega: Aww, I'm so glad! I hope the suspense is still interesting. I promise it's coming to a head soon! Hehe! I'm sorry for the delay! Just needed a break and then got sick, lol! But I'm back! I will update asap!
kistenbabe: Lol! Well thanks for understanding! I did pass my test though, so YAY! I don't really want this story to end either. Can you tell I'm procrastinating? Lol! Don't worry there's still a lot to happen before the end, but sadly it will have to end at some point. Ahh yes, the consequences of using the moonstone…you will just have to wait to find out, muahhahaha! I know! I'm sure everyone's worried about the vow right now. It's coming to a head soon though! Sorry for the LONG delay! I will update asap!
Rushumble: Lol! Autocorrect is hilarious at times! But that's okay I understood what you meant. Hehe! I know lol! I usually re-read the last chapter before writing the next one so I remember where I left off. It's a lot to remember! And I passed my test, so studying paid off! :) Sorry for the super long delay! I will update asap!
Cobalt Dreams: I hope you liked the most recent chapters! Aww well thank you so much! Yeah a lot of people aren't reviewing but are reading the story, but that's okay because I have loyal reviewers like you! :) So that helps a lot! I'm so glad you think Draco's in character! He's such a complex character and rather stubborn so I do feel he's portrayed better in this story than my Captivation series. I'm so glad you love the plot too! That makes all the difference, lol! Hahaha! Well I'm so glad it made you laugh out loud even though you looked a bit insane. But that's okay because sometimes when I'm writing I talk out loud and I probably look just as insane to my roommate. Hehe! So sorry for the LONGGGG delay in updating. I normally don't take this long, but I had my test, then chaos at work and then I got strep throat. It's been hectic, but I'm feeling better now and my writing juices are flowing again. I will update asap! Thanks again!
DancingHands: I'm so glad you like this! I'm so sorry for the LONG delay especially since you said this was getting you through exams. YIKES! Hope your exams went well. I did end up passing mine so I'm happy! I don't have to take it again. :) I will update asap!
