Please Note: This fic's rating has been upgraded to M/R. It's SLASH of course. Review Responses and Disclaimer are below.

""snaketalk"" Parseltongue

"Shut Up & Kiss Me"
by; imLittleLily

Black Secrets

Headline News! Wizarding World Plagued with Vigilantes!

Harry reached for the orange juice and poured himself a glass. He accomplished this feat without taking his eyes from the morning edition of the Daily Prophet. He passed the pitcher to Draco and shuffled the newspaper. "Listen to this…"

"Anonymous sources tell this reporter that the bodies discovered in a gruesome ritual of death are none other than the notorious Lestrange brothers. One brother, Rabastan, was found hanging upside down from a bracket in the stone wall at St. Mary Magdalene's Cathedral, Wiltshire. His brother, Rodolphus lay close by, apparently cut to ribbons with an unknown curse. Sources at the scene, Aurors from the Dept of Magical Law Enforcement, claim that the brothers apparently were not alone. Authorities suspect that the vigilantes made off with another Death Eater, identity unknown. Evidence points to attempts by someone making efforts to stop Rodolphus from bleeding to death—"

Draco shook his head. "So you've killed my unc—"

"You killed Rodolphus?" Narcissa stood in the entry arch to the dining room frowning at Harry.

"Come in, Mrs. Malfoy." Harry indicated a chair. "Apparently the Death Eaters didn't know how to stop the curse's effects. They fled the scene." Harry studied Narcissa as she took a seat, wondering what her reaction would be.

Dobby popped in holding a tray with a pot of French Vanilla coffee. Its aroma spread through the room instantly. He bowed low and said, "Good morning, ma'am. You would like coffee? The cinnamon is on the side."

Narcissa looked down at Dobby. "Yes, Dobby. That would be fine."

Dobby's face split with an ear wide smile as he placed the tray before her. "Something else?" he asked her with another bow.

Narcissa looked at the breakfast already spread on the table. "No thank you, Dobby. What you already have here is fine."

He gave her a nod and popped out.

Narcissa reached for the paper and took it from Harry, her eyes falling to the page immediately. Harry waited as she read the report that her brother-in-law was dead. "What curse did you use?"

Harry answered, unwavering, "Sectumsempra."

Her anger was palpable, rolling off her in waves. "So you've been practicing that horrible—"

"Mum."

Narcissa's eyes flashed sterling lightening. "Draco, you were upset about it before, and this morning it is fine?"

Draco set his fork down with deliberate precision. "Yes, mum. I was upset. But, it was probably more because he wouldn't let me help. They would've gotten to us—"

The Dresden china teacup holding aromatic coffee came down hard on the table. "Draco!"

Draco shot up out of his chair. "Fine, mum. Would you rather they got to me and discovered my identity?"

Harry sent his hand out to touch his arm. Draco snarled and pulled away. "If they find me, I'll end up like Sev. Is that what you want?"

Narcissa, fingers pressed firmly to her forehead, responded with a head shake. "No, son. That isn't what I want."

Draco snorted, pacing in front of the fireplace. He added growling under his breath.

Harry took a drink of his orange juice. Ah, family…

Narcissa, her focus back on the paper, frowned. "She must have fled…" her voice trailed off when she realized Harry was studying her.

Draco froze in front of the fire. "Mum?"

"Your Aunt Bella. You know she is always with Rodolphus. She must have fled."

Harry and Draco stared at each other. Harry could not begin to understand the emotions washing over him. I missed…bloody hell…she was right there… His quickened heart rate drew his attention. He stood quickly. "Draco!"

Draco had found the side chair and with a sudden movement sat on its edge. Palms on the arms, he leaned forward trying to get his breathing under control. He succeeded in only rasping gasps.

Harry jumped up and around the table. "Draco…?"

Draco's blond hair sheltering his face, waved in the negative as he struggled.

Harry knelt, touching him gently on the shoulder. "Relax…slow your breathing…"

Narcissa's voice cut the tension in the room. "What's going on?"

"They share a heart." Hermione, only just arriving in the dining room, pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. "When they are both upset it has powerful effects on one of them."

Harry murmured, "Draco. Come on…easy…"

Draco groaned and his forehead landed on his knees. However, his breathing was beginning to slow. He muttered, repeating, "…kill her…kill…her…"

Narcissa's stunned voice shook the room. "Draco!"

Sterling eyes, blazing like the sunshine on a frozen lake, glared. Draco's hair floated on his anger. He went up like a rocket out of the chair. "She killed Sev! He was always there for me! Father was a bullying bastard compared to—"

"Draco Lucius Malfoy! Don't you dare bad mouth your father!"

A vase exploded across the room. "Don't call me that!"

Harry stepped between them. "Draco, calm down. Mrs. Malfoy, surely you understand this is more than a little upsetting right now? Let it rest."

Narcissa bristled. However, when she looked at Draco, she backed down. "I hope you realize, Draco, that what Sev did was save your life." She returned to her place at the table and began dishing some eggs onto her plate.

Harry released an audible breath. "Draco?"

Draco shook his head, apparently finding the flames in the fireplace interesting. The silence between them grew heavier. Only the crackling of the fire indicated life continuing outside of their individual angry thoughts.

Hermione broke the ill humor. "Harry, this note came just came from Remus. I thought you'd want to see it."

Narcissa frowned at her, raking cool eyes over Hermione, she asked, "Why would you be taking Potter's mail?"

Hermione gave her a sweet smile. "Because it wasn't his. It was mine."

Harry read Remus' note. "Bloody hell. Bloody fucking hell."

Draco took the parchment. "What?"

Harry made a derisive noise. "Scrim-bloody-geour wants to see me. Most likely, it's about the attack and to ask for my help again." Harry roared and flung his hand up. His wand appeared in his fingers and he exploded another vase, freezing its particles in midair."

Hermione took a sip of tea. "Harry."

"I bought those vases for practice, 'Mione."

"Harrumph."

Draco snickered and sat at the table although he pushed his unfinished breakfast to the side. "You aren't going, are you?"

Harry shook his head. "No. Let him stew. I have more important things to do. We need to reset the wards here to accommodate you and your mum. Ghillie also thinks we should begin with the Horcruxes now that we are all here at Godric's Hollow."

"Horcruxes?" Narcissa's brows rose high as she looked from Harry to Draco. She stiffened visibly when Hermione's presence reoccurred to her. "Why are you here, anyway?" she asked raking her eyes over her.

"Mum," Draco sounded as though he was speaking to a naughty child. "Hermione is here because we—Harry and I, want her here. Just as you are a guest, she is."

Narcissa inclined her head although it was plain she wasn't ready to accept—fully.

The arrival of Ghillie, Remus and Ron changed the atmosphere yet again. Both Narcissa and Ron seemed uncomfortable with the situation. Ghillie, with his brand of divertisement, merely smirked at the unseen sparks that charged the air. He fanned his hand in amusement as though to disperse the emotions accumulating there. With his black hair glimmering in the firelight, he said, "Horcruxes are difficult to destroy, Harry. Voldemort's magic is powerful. Are you ready for that?"

"I have to do this, Gil." Harry pushed his breakfast plate away, eyeing Ghillie with firm determination. "I have to try to think like Voldemort and find out what the other Horcruxes are and where he hid them."

"You say one Horcrux is a locket?"

"Yes, I saw it."

Ghillie set his coffee down with thoughtful repose; he seemed to slip into his own world. Finally after many moments, he spoke. "We'll find them all. Have you thought of other measures that can be taken to destroy them?"

"I have some ideas. Nothing concrete though." He inclined his head at the still frozen vase particles. "My exploding spells are getting better and 'Mione is researching pulling the soul parts out just incase we need to."

Ghillie nodded while pouring himself a cup of coffee. "Harry, you are aware that Scrimgeour wants to see you? The attack at the Cathedral has the Wizarding world in an uproar."

Harry expelled his breath in an effort to release some of his anger at the Minister. "I'm not going." He stood, still trying to shift his energy focus. The action did not work so he began to pace with high speed before the windows. He growled as everyone watched him, waiting. "He can scramble all he wants. Send owls and his lap puppy, Percy—"

Ron snickered.

Harry chuckled, bringing a brief sense of relief. Percy had not risen in their opinion of him after the phony visit to the Burrow at Christmas. "I'm not going to see him," Harry reiterated, planting his feet firmly.

Ghillie and Remus nodded. "All right then, if you are sure. We need to begin on the ward readjustments. I will work with Draco and Mrs. Malfoy first and then we will reconfigure everything one final time with some of your blood. That should completely eliminate Wormtail's ability to find your home."

Narcissa sputtered on her tea and began coughing.

"Mum, are you alright?"

She patted her chest briskly and nodded although unable to speak.

"All right then." Ghillie pushed his chair back and stood. "Let's begin." They left the dining room together. Harry watched Draco as he took up the rear in the cavalcade. Draco turned at the arched entrance and smiled. A thrill went through him at such a simple yet powerful expression. He felt his heart flip and the corners of his own mouth rose. Draco sent just the tip of his tongue to his lips. Harry suppressed a groan and pulled his eyes away.

"Harry…" Remus, in the process of pulling parchments from his robes, hid a smile. "Harry—earth to Harry…"

Harry came back from his musings with the urge to jinx Remus for interrupting visions of Draco…

"Harry, you need to focus."

Ron growled as he chomped on his sausage.

Harry released a sigh and returned to his seat. "Dobby."

"Yes, Mister Harry Potter?"

"Please, take this away." He swung his arm around the items on the table.

Ron made a mad scramble for food. He held a plate piled with eggs, sprouts and several more sausages close as he glared at Harry. Mouth full, he growled, "I'm not fish'd—"

Harry bit the inside of his cheek. "Thank you Dobby. You can leave Ron's plate."

Dobby nodded and began to remove the leftovers and dirty dishes with a snap of his fingers. Ron's hands remained tight, digits whitened around his plate until Dobby left.

Remus unfurled the parchments and shuffled them noisily. "Harry, these are the latest documents from the attorneys. They require your signature. You will also be required to attend a meeting on the 12th. The Wizengamot wants proof of your continued health and well being."

Harry growled and reached for the parchments. "Why do I have to go before those prats? They otta know I'm doing just fine. My picture hasn't been plastered all over Diagon Alley. If Voldemort had killed me—Bloody HELL!"

"Wha—" Ron's cheeks were full to bursting.

"Uncle Vernon has to be there?"

Ron choked. Sausage and eggs spewed across the table, some landing in Harry.

"UGH!" Harry roared and waved his hands at the gross display. It vanished. "Ron, I wish you'd learn to eat—I bloody can't believe this!"

Remus sat at his end of the table observing them, calmness saturating his demeanor. "Harry, it'll be all right."

"Remus, I don't want to go to the Ministry. This is some plot on Scrimgeour's part. I just know it! If I'm compelled to show myself there, he'll pounce on me like a fucking Skrewt—from both ends!"

"Harry," Remus said, pulling the parchments to him. "We'll use the glamour charm. It has worked in the past. Scrimgeour won't even know you are in the building. This is actually the document I thought you would be more upset about." He held a parchment for Harry to take.

The feeling of perplexity charged to the surface, shoving anger aside.

"It seems that Regulus owned property," Remus said. "When he died, it went into the Black estate. However, it wasn't listed among the properties owned by Sirius. One of Robert Woodard's clerks found it."

Harry looked down at the parchment, his eyes scanning it quickly. He gasped. "In Godric's Hollow?"

"Yes. It seems he would be your neighbor."

Harry sputtered. "But…"

"Harry," Remus said, resting his elbows on the table and leaning forward. He tapped the other parchments firmly. "What worries me is that our neighbors may be Death Eaters. I believe they hid the existence of this property from the Ministry for dastardly ends. They had to have known about it."

Harry sat on his chair hard, head spinning in a vortex of emotions and thoughts. He didn't even know where or how to begin sorting through them. He stared at Remus as they began to coalesce into a sense of impending disaster.

"The Woodard Brothers law firm and their agents are working to decipher the wards so that they can be dismantled. It may require some of Draco's blood or even Narcissa's—if she is willing to assist."

Harry swallowed the thickening lump in his throat. "Okay," he said slowly, figuring if he began speaking everything might begin to smooth out in his head. "Do you suppose Voldemort knew about it? For sure, I mean."

Remus sighed and shook his head. "Nothing is for sure. Harry…"

Harry's eyes lowered to the deed once more. "Yeah?"

"Harry…Ghillie and I have been talking…"

"What, Remus?"

"Well, we…that is, I thought maybe since you are older now and stronger…"

Harry pulled his brows together and down. "What, Remus. I haven't seen you like this since you finally told me about dad's wand. Spill."

Remus pulled in a deep breath all the while he kept his eyes locked with Harry's. "I think you should explore his mind. You know, go in with intention. Maybe we could get some valuable—"

"Are you crazy?" Harry had listened to enough. "No way. I won't risk it. Besides, he'll know I'm there. Dumbledore said that's why it doesn't happen anymore. He figured out it's too risky for him…that's why he stopped…" Harry couldn't speak anymore. He stood, knocking the table several inches to the right from propelling his body up so fast. "I'm going for a fly. I gotta think." He stomped out of the room not thinking whether Remus or Ron would worry.

Draco's scowl as he pulled his robes off caught Harry's attention. Another rough day of studying and plotting had brought them to this point after a hurried supper. Harry allowed himself a quiet sigh. Factoring in the fact that his hours of flying had done nothing to resolve his angry thoughts about having Death Eaters for neighbors culminating into more reading, and he could count today as a banner day of... "Draco, what's wrong?"

Draco pulled his lower lip in between his teeth. He growled and pulled his tee over his head in an agitated manner. His actions only served to pique Harry's concern. "Draco."

"Mum is keeping secrets."

"Really? That surprises you?"

Draco scowled, running his hand through his hair.

Harry bit back a smirk. That was a new habit for Draco. Apparently, living with Harry was rubbing off on the cool Slytherin. "Okay," he said easily, "what makes you think she's keeping secrets?"

Draco's scowl grew in ferocity. "Because I know her…and…"

"And?"

Draco sat down on the end of the bed. His lip red from excessive chewing, he whispered, "Well, it's just little things. She avoids eye contact with me…she—hell, she choked on her tea. I've never seen her do that before. She acts like it's okay to be in the same room with Hermione and Weasley… It's just a combination of things."

Harry did not let it slip over his head that Draco called Hermione by her given name and Ron…well. "Draco, I think it's going to take time for her to adjust. You gotta admit, it was probably shocking for her to discover we are together."

"Yeah, well that's just another thing…"

"Draco…" Harry sat next to him and reached to touch silky hair. "It'll work out in the end. I'm sure she has things she hasn't told you yet. But, you've told me how close you are…she'll tell you eventually."

Draco leaned into his caress.

Harry breathed through his lips, moving in closer. "Besides…I'm famous for my secrets…can't really—" He stopped speaking to savor Draco's mouth, licking his sore lower lip with gentleness, and then rising passion.

Draco moaned and pulled them back on the bed. "Harry," he murmured against Harry's mouth while his hands explored.

Harry released a groan of need and sent his hips into sensual grinding. "Draco…" He kissed and nibbled on delectable skin. "Don't worry…just…"

Draco pulled him hard, rolling them. Hands flashing with voracious want, Draco made quick work of getting Harry out of his cloths.

Harry delved into his eyes, reading Draco's soul, understanding every little nuance he saw there. He wrapped his legs around Draco and tightened.

Draco growled, prepared him and thrust home. This was no time for gentleness. He took Harry fiercely.

Harry knew only the feel of Draco above, around and within. He allowed Draco's passion and hunger to carry him on a flight of ecstasy. He clasped Draco's soft nimbus, pulled and screamed, "Draco!" His cum shot forth baptizing them with warmth while his fingers locked into grounding solace.

Draco's fingers making light feather touches on his nips and then journeying down to his navel were the first sensations Harry became aware of in his slow return from bliss. He groaned, moving into Draco's hand searching for more. "Drac—"

"Shh…"

An involuntary moan escaped Harry. Dropping his lids, he thought about Draco's fierceness. It was awesome in its power.

"I'm sor—"

Harry stopped him. "Don't…it's okay…"

"Har—"

Harry assaulted him with his mouth to silence the words. Breathless moments later, he pulled away. "Don't—I understand. Sometimes…" Harry allowed his voice to trail away as he studied Draco beneath him. He tried to convey gentleness as he caressed messed strands of silky blond hair. "I feel the same way," he whispered.

Draco swallowed, reached up for Harry's hand and pulled it to his mouth. He bit fingers and sucked gently.

Harry kissed him, and then palmed Draco's chest above his heart. "Sometimes, I wish I could rip through your skin...be inside you…where I belong…your skin is so fine…compared to mine…but it's in the way…I…I…"

It was Draco's turn to silence him…

"Harry…"

The voice tickled him with memory.

"Harry…"

Harry frowned in his sleep. It transferred over into dreamscape. The voice was familiar. He had not heard it in a long time. Within the mists of dream, he turned and tried to focus on where the voice came from.

"Open up to me, Harry…I've been trying…"

The pain of shock went through Harry. He watched as someone approached him through the darkness, face shrouded in shadow. "What do you want?" Harry froze—surprise penetrating him when a familiar face came out of shadow.

"Hello, Harry…"

"Hello…" Harry frowned. "Sirius?"

"That would be me. How're ya doing, Harry?"

Harry pushed his hair away from his face, studying Sirius closely. "I'm fine. What do you mean, you've been trying?"

Sirius' bark like laugher sent a thrill through him. "I've been trying to contact you through dreams for more than a year. You've fought me every time."

Harry shook his head. "You mean as a ghost? You don't look like a ghost, in fact, you look pretty solid."

The corner of Sirius' mouth rose. "I'm not dead, Harry. I'm just in another plane on the other side of the Veil. I don't have much time. I want to tell you about one of the Horcruxes you seek."

"How do you know about that?"

Sirius shrugged. "I know a lot of things going on in your life. I'm still watching over you. The locket—" He stopped speaking to make sure he had Harry's attention.

Harry swallowed. "What about it?" A thrill went through him as he realized something. "Do you know who RAB was?"

"Yes, Harry. But that isn't all—so do you. It is right in front of you."

Harry pulled his brows together. "But…"

"Harry, RAB was my brother Regulus. The locket was in the drawing room when we cleaned. Remember?"

Harry shook his head.

"Well, it was. Kreacher took it and hid it in his cupboard."

Harry gasped, nearly choking on the quick intake of air.

Sirius continued, speaking fast. "After I fell through the Veil, he took it to Malfoy Manor. It's still there…" Sirius' body and voice began to fade. "Remember, Toujours Pur…"

"Sirius, don't go…" It was too late. Sirius was gone. He yelled, trying to make him come back. Instead, Draco was shaking him, trying to wake him from his nightmare.

"Sirius!"

Reviews are like Chocolate Frogs . . .
there is a surprise card in each package.

Let me know what you think. Thank You . . . Blessings. LL

Hi Everyone. Thanks for taking the time to review. I hope I don't get into trouble with FF, but I find I don't like not responding here to my wonderful reviewers. So here goes...

As always, review responses are in the order received. LL

Natasha Aka: Tash: Hi Tash. Wow, you can still make me blush. Your words of praise are heartening. I confess that this story is growing on me stronger everyday. It helps me to remember why I started writing in the first place—to have some fun and express my love of Harry & Draco. Thanks super much for your wonderful words. I hope you enjoy this next chapter—the plot thickens…. Blessings. LL

D-Ttelbin: You've never had a writer respond to your review personally? Okay…that is just so sad. I guess I tend to really enjoy my reviewers. I love questions, have experienced laughter at times that I could really use a good laugh and I appreciate the connection the Internet brings by pulling all of us (HP fans) into one united PotterWorld. I've even been flamed and allowed the energy of angry words to return into some of my best writings. (grinning wickedly) All of that doesn't even take into account that several of my reviewers have been here since the very beginning…they have read it all and deserve a Gold Metal for being so wonderful. Soo…here it is…for you…THANK YOU, D-Ttelbin for taking the time to let me know you are reading and enjoying. You are awesome. Blessings. LL

Mis-HD: I like the guys 'care free and happy,' too. There needs to be more of that because the stress level is going up real fast. Narcissa? You hit it on the head—nasty author kills the love of her life and now… You think Gil would be a great replacement…hum. Ouch! Ghillie just smacked me on the back of the head—he doesn't like me calling him Gil…hehehe. Guess, I need to plot my revenge…maybe have a 1200 year old Fae fall for a witch… Thanks much for reviewing. Blessings. LL

DemonRogue: Hi DemonRogue. Ghillie starts with a hard G and rhymes with Phil(lie) Dhu is actually pronounced, Doo. It means Black—something I'm enjoying playing with. I use the nickname Gil because I get lazy typing his name. Incidentally, he gets annoyed with me when I doo. (grin) Thanks for reviewing, you are great! Blessings. LL

Blanket Disclaimer: Harry Potter and Co. and all other characters within Potter World do not belong to me. No infringement is intended. I am making no money here; just having fun. Kudos and blessings to the literary genius JKR.