Disclaimer: I do not own any characters created by J.K. Rowling. I also do not share her homophobic views.

Chapter Forty-Nine

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Draco jerked awake, the ringing of dying screams still echoing in his head.

Clutching the sheets, he drew his knees up tighter, dragging in heavy breaths. The orbs that floated above his desk hummed to life, emitting a soft, golden glow, just enough to illuminate the room. It helped banish the shadows of the nightmare. A quick glance at the window told him it was still late. The full moon was still high up in the sky and, if he listened carefully, he would hear the grunts and muffled noises of the two canines in the back garden.

"Draco?"

He winced at the feel of two firm arms wrapped around his waist from behind.

"Shh, go back to sleep," he said, hesitantly stroking the fine hairs along Harry's forearm. "Just a bad dream. I'll be okay."

With a sleepy sigh, Harry pushed himself up into a slouching position and propped his head on Draco's shoulder. He skimmed his fingers over the sheets and, upon finding Draco's hand, threaded their fingers together and gave a gently squeeze.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Draco shook his head numbly.

"That's okay. Do you want a drink or something?"

"No, I'm fine."

Harry stroked his hand for a moment, before pressing a chaste kiss to his shoulder. "I'll be back," he murmured, shifting to the edge of the bed and heaving himself to his feet. Draco watched as he padded across the room to the door and disappeared out onto the landing.

With a sigh, he flopped back down onto the bed, the pillows now cool against his skin.

The floating orbs dimmed their light somewhat. It immediately calmed his frantic mind, and, for the hundredth time, Draco tilted his head to stare up at them, admiring the intricate charm-work that had gone into their creation. He listened to the distant sounds of a few muggle cars hushing by on the roads below, on Harry's light tread in the kitchen on the ground floor, on the quietening beat of his heart. When Harry came back, two glasses of water in hand, Draco smiled at him fondly. Of course, he hadn't listened. Sometimes, as weird as it could feel, it was as though Harry knew just what he needed without him having to communicate it. He wondered if this was how Remus and Sirius were, even when they were young.

"Thank you," he accepted the glass and drank deeply before setting it aside and reclining deep into the pillows.

Harry set his own glass down before crawling up onto the bed and lounging against Draco's pillow, their arms pressing together. He tilted his head to lean on Draco's shoulder, and the older boy took comfort in the gentle touch.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Harry murmured. Draco shook his head. "That's okay. I'll stay up with you until you feel comfortable to go back to sleep."

Shifting, Draco looked into sleepy green eyes and felt a tug on his heart. "You don't need to do that. You should sleep."

Shaking his head stubbornly, Harry wove his arm around the blonde's shoulders and coaxed him sideways so that his head was nestled against Harry's chest. He settled into the new position with such ease, it was almost laughable. Fingers began to thread through his hair, and it felt as though each stroke smoothed out the erratic thoughts that buzzed away at the back of his mind.

"I like it when you do that," he murmured.

"Oh yeah?" Harry smiled to himself, continuing to comb the fine blonde waves below his chin.

Draco closed his eyes, giving Harry a squeeze. "Usually, I hated it when people touched my hair."

"Really?" Harry snorted. "I always saw Parkinson stroking your hair during lunch breaks."

"Yes, well, she liked to dote on me. Plus, she'd get very spiteful if I told her to stop, so I had to endure."

"You poor, brave man."

"I know!" They both chuckled quietly. "It's never felt this nice though. Relaxing."

"Yeah, yeah, I know your game," Harry teased. "You just want an excuse to cuddle."

"Excuse me, I refute that statement!" Draco said, making no move to shuffle away from Harry. "Malfoy's do not cuddle!"

Turning his head to look down into the blonde's eyes, Harry drew his finger gently along Draco's jawline. "What about Draco? Does Draco like to cuddle?"

Grey eyes narrowed. "He might."

"Does he like it when I kiss him?" he breathed, leaning closer so that their noses touched.

"I think so …"

"Does he like it when I bite his lip?"

"Fuck, yes, yes he does …" Draco gasped, feeling himself being pressed back into the bed, Harry looming a little above him, his green eyes heavy with desire. Snaking a hand around his neck, Draco pulled Harry closer. "Kiss me you tease."

Harry crushed their mouths together, the kiss instantly bruising as greedy hands grabbed and kneaded at very body part they could reach. Draco moaned into the kiss, opening his mouth and tasting Harry on his tongue. He pressed up into the kiss, fingers knotted into Harry's dark hair as said boy leaned in between his legs, his thigh rubbing against Draco's hardening dick. The friction felt so good, he dropped his head back, panting heavily. Harry continued to kiss and bite softly along his jaw, his lips moving down over his throat. Draco could feel a damp spot growing in his underwear at how much he needed Harry.

He dragged his hands down Harry's back and cupped his arse, kneading the firm muscles up and down his thighs as he enjoyed the sucking at the base of his throat. He knew that was going to leave a mark, but he didn't care. He brazenly cupped his hand against Harry's erection and the younger boy broke away, hissing and gasping at the contact.

"Fuck, Draco, this is killing me!"

"Think how I feel," Draco grunted, pressing his dick against Harry's thigh.

"Merlin, you're so hard …"

Draco pressed his thumb through the thin cotton and gave Harry a squeeze. "Do you want me to get you off?"

Harry chewed his lip, his eyes suddenly wide and searching. "I … yes, but not like this."

"How do you want it?"

He blushed. "Um … like this!" He shifted away and pulled his boxers off, his dick springing free, the head glistening with precum. "Now take yours off."

Draco cocked an eyebrow and, acting braver than he felt, slid his boxers off and kicked them over the edge of the bed. His dick was swollen and aching, precum already dripping from the end. He took a moment to admire Harry as he knelt beside him, completely naked. His summer tan was well underway once again, although it brought up all the freckles that dusted along his nose and cheeks. His eyes were hungry, and Draco took delight in knowing that he was the cause for the saviour to look so desperate.

In turn, Harry was admiring Draco, although the blonde would refute such a sentiment. He admired Draco's long, wiry muscles and the abs that were forming. He admired how the baby fine hairs along those legs glowed in the moonlight filtering in through the window, and how his tattoo was such a stark contrast to the rest of him which was pale and beautiful.

"So … uh … how did you want to do this?" Draco asked, shifting his legs apart.

"I just … I want to be close to you. I want to feel every inch of you …" Harry breathed as he crawled up between Draco's legs, leaning over the blonde on both arms. Draco coaxed him to lie on him, their bodies aligning, and their slick cocks trapped between them. Harry hissed, pressing his hips down harder, making them both groan. "Ohhh, shit! I just … I want to go a bit mad, but then I definitely won't last!"

"Just … t-takes some self c-control …" Draco moved his hips. Every little movement sent an electric current running through them. He tried to focus on Harry, on smoothing his hands down the planes of his back and giving his pert arse a firm squeeze.

Harry tried to make his movements as slow and deliberate as possible. He didn't want to come yet. He wanted this to last. They'd never been this naked with one another before. Draco was even being somewhat careful with his vest, letting it ride up almost completely. He had seen a flash of the curse scars, but he ignored them. They weren't important right now. With very little thrusts of his hips, he caught Draco in a searing kiss, their tongue's dancing together as they found a rhythm that worked. Draco worked his hips at an agonisingly slow pace, and it was driving Harry mad. He just wanted to grab onto the blonde's shoulders, and grind away until they were both coming. He didn't realise he was begging until Draco brought it up.

"What do you need Harry? Tell me what you need, babe."

Babe?

"F-fuck, I need -I need -Goddamn it, I need more, Draco!"

Draco picked up his pace, and Harry tried to match, despite a rocky hesitation. "That's it, Harry, tell me what you want. Let me make you feel good!"

It all felt good! They were wet and slippery, with just the right amount of friction to make his head twist in the throes of passion. He reached above Draco to grasp at the headboard, enabling him to hump the man beneath him at a faster rate. He couldn't bite back his moans any longer as he gasped Draco's name over and over like a prayer.

Pushing himself up onto his arm, Draco gripped a handful of Harry's hair and pulled, exposing his neck. He bit and sucked hard, Harry's cries flooding his senses. He wanted everyone to know who Harry belonged to.

"Oh, Draco -Draco -Draco I'm c-close …"

"Such a good boy for me, Harry," he grunted, nipping at his earlobe before leaning back on his elbows.

Harry could barely focus his eyes. The pleasure was flooding his brain, making him feel drunk. It felt too good. He wasn't going to last but he also wished that it didn't have to stop, ever. He was so close; he could feel it about to pour out of him. He muffled a cry when he felt Draco wrap his hand around his cock.

"Come for me, Harry."

"D-Draco -f-u-u-u-ck!"

He came hard and fast, any embarrassment quelled by the feeling of Draco stroking him until he couldn't squirm any longer, his dick raw and wet and softening. He rolled slightly to the side, panting for air. He felt so dizzy and high as he basked in the post-orgasmic glow. It took him a moment or two to realise that Draco had started stroking his own cock.

"Want me to do that for you?" he mumbled, his words slurring slightly from fatigue.

"No, I c-can handle it."

"Draco-o-o," he pushed himself up to stare down at the blonde with unfocused eyes. He nuzzled against his ear and murmured, "Let me taste you."

Fuck, if that didn't make Draco's dick twitch with new life, nothing would.

Harry crawled lazily between Draco's legs and hesitated as he stared at the older man's cock. He was longer than Harry, but not as thick. Harry wasn't sure if that was better or worse. He mentally chided himself and grasped Draco's cock before licking a small stripe over his swollen head. He tasted very salty and creamy. It was a weird combination and Harry wasn't sure what to make of it. He slowly sucked on the head, feeling satisfied when Draco moaned, his toes physically curling as Harry tried to see what felt good.

The blowjob was somewhat clumsy and a little awkward when Harry tried to take in too much too fast, but he soon found a rhythm that had Draco gasping and moaning against the pillows, fingers clenching the sheets as Harry's head bobbed up and down between his thighs. It didn't take long for Draco to finish and both boys were surprised when Harry attempted to swallow, only to have most of it dribble down his chin.

Draco gave him a sympathetic smile. combing his fingers tightly through Harry's messy hair, and offered him a tissue from the nightstand.

Sated at last, both boys collapsed into their little nest of rumpled bedsheets and pillows. Harry had to blindly search for his wand and cast a whispered 'scourgify' across them both. It left their skin feeling a bit prickly for a bit, but they relaxed soon after.

Staring up at the ceiling, Draco felt his heart drum in his chest. They'd never done that before. Was this crossing a line they couldn't come back from? Kissing was one thing, but naked humping was a whole other level of intimacy, one that Draco had never experienced before. Turning his head, he noted that Harry had a similar thoughtful expression on his own face.

"Hey?" he breathed.

Harry looked at him. He gave a small smile. "Hey."

"Do you … regret any of what we just did?"

"No," he frowned. "Why, do you?"

"Not for a moment."

Draco moved across into Harry's space. He brushed the sweaty black hair away from his eyes and pressed their mouths together, his tongue sliding into Harry's mouth and tasting himself on his tongue. Harry moaned into the kiss, clinging onto Draco as though he might disappear if he stopped touching him.

"Draco... what are we?"

"I ... I don't know."

He closed his eyes. "I don't want to lose you?"

Draco frowned at him. "Why would you?"

"In a week or two ... I'll be fully aged again ... All the memories of the war ... a-and the end ..."

Harry hiccoughed as he was scooped into Draco's arms and cradled tightly to his chest. He whispered feverntely into the dark, his voice urgent, "Why do you think I let my guard down and say 'yes' to all this stuff?"

Harry shrugged, "Boredom?"

"Hardly!"

"W-why then?"

"If ... If I lose you to the rest of it, if I haven't already, at least I can walk away with some happy memories of my own."

"But is that really enough?" Harry's voice shook. "If all this ends and I go off and live my life -you'd be okay with that?"

"Of course not, I'd be broken. But you don't need to save me, Harry. You've already done enough to help me get my life back on track. You do not owe me anything, do you understand me?"

"That isn't fair ..."

"You have the choice, Harry. You're not obliged to be with me. I'll be fine. Whatever we are," Draco breathed, his lips barely leaving Harry's skin. "Promise me you won't regret it. Whatever happens, whatever you remember, do not regret this."

Harry looked at him in utter bewilderment. "Draco, how could I? This is the best thing I've ever had. You're just ... incredible."

Draco looked dubious. How could he not see how much Harry adored him? How he craved time with him, his touch, his laughter, his sarcastic jokes? What was it going to take for Harry to show him how he felt?

"Draco, I'm fal-"

"Shh!" Draco pressed a finger over his mouth, silencing him. His jaw was tight, his voice broken and frail when he spoke; "I … I know. Believe me, I know. Just … don't say it now, okay? Not when I don't know if I can ever say the words back to you."

Harry looked up at him with such adoration that it stole his breath away. "Just tell me that you feel the same. I'll know."

"I do," he nodded, pressing their foreheads together. "I'll show you in every moment that I can."

"Then that's all I need."

Are you sure? Draco wanted to ask. Actions were often overlooked or misconstrued. He couldn't take any of those risks going forward, not with both their hearts on the line. The last few years had hardened his heart, the only emotions he allowed himself to feel hard been fear and hatred. He didn't know if he was truly capable of loving another person in the way that Harry deserved. He couldn't comprehend that anyone could love him in such a way, yet here Harry was, brash, bold, maddening Harry sodding Potter, offering up his heart as if it was nothing.

Except it wasn't.

He would give Harry his broken, moth-eaten excuse of a heart in the hopes that he would understand that it was all Draco had left to give. What remnants of humanity he was capable of having, he would give it all to Harry, every day, to ensure that he knew just how loved he was. A part of him hated himself for even allowing the emotions to blossom. He didn't deserve to have things go well in his life.

A kiss to his forehead drew him back to the present.

"Do you think you could get to sleep now?"

"I … I can try," he hedged, gingerly lowering himself down onto Harry's pillow, their noses touching as they lie, facing one another.

Harry tried to stifle a yawn, his eyelids drooping. "Mmmm how long were we … at it?"

"Knowing our luck, just ten minutes."

Harry snorted as he snuggled down, eyelids closing completely. He looked so soft and comfortable. Draco felt some of the ache inside himself ebb away at how serene the younger man looked.

"Such a sod, Draco …" Harry mumbled.

Allowing himself an endearing smile, he linked his fingers through Harry's and squeezed. "Guess sometimes I am," he murmured, just before he fell asleep.

~0~

The following morning, Sirius was lounging at the kitchen table and reading a copy of The Daily Prophet with disinterest. He usually just skimmed all the gossipy crap and looked for Quidditch results, actual news that was buried in the last half of the newspaper. Teddy was perched up in his high chair and was eating away at some porridge with honey drizzled on it. Remus was having a bath, Sirius had told him to take his time because he knew that after the full moon, hot baths were one of the few things that helped eased the ache in his muscles.

He set the newspaper to one side and ruffled Teddy's hair, causing the toddler to grin up at him.

The tapping of an owl on the kitchen window drew his attention up. It was a Ministry owl, the crest clearly visible. With a grunt, he heaved himself up and went to let the owl inside. A week ago, he and Remus had messaged Kingsley to re-open the investigation into Dolores Umbridge. They hadn't heard anything back. Giving the owl a treat, he watched as it turned and flew off into the hot, sunny day. Closing the window, Sirius took the parchment over to the table and unrolled it.

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'Dear Mr. Black and Mr. Lupin,

In regard to your proposal to re-open the case against Ms. Dolores J. Umbridge.

In light of the information you provided in your last letter, it has come to our attention that her sentence may need to be re-evaluated. If you are able to provide memories from a variety of other people and send it into the Ministry for evaluation, a hearing date may be agreed to assess this findings in person.

The sooner you are able to provide these memories, and any other testimonies you wish to add, the sooner the process can be started.

Regards,

Mr. K. Shacklebolt

Minister of Magic

Department Magical of Law Enforcement'

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"Well it's something," Sirius sighed, rolling the scroll back up and backing it into his pocket. It would take a little while to send out more letters. From what Harry had told him, the members of their little army had all suffered at the hands of Umbridge. He would need to ask about it when the boys woke up.

He smiled as he summoned another cup of coffee.

Those two thought they were so sneaky. Even with magic, they were so obvious, stealing glances across the table, playing footsie under the table, spending all their free time together. The fact that the others were starting to warm-up to Draco was also a nice development. Sirius had yet to properly go back to the Burrow since 'Professor Lupin' put his foot down on he and Molly snarking at one another. That man truly could be scary at the best of times. He wasn't ashamed to admit that he was turned on whenever Remus used his stern voice. It really was a good thing that they rarely taught lessons together, especially since the Minerva Incident.

Teddy banged his spoon on his now empty bowl.

"Done!" he chirruped, beaming up at Sirius.

"Wow, Bear, you ate all of that? Good job!" Sending the bowl and spoon over to the sink, he scooped Teddy up into his arms and bounced him with a grin. "Shall we go and see how your dad's doing in the bath?"

"Bath! Bath! Daddy's in bath!"

"You really are getting gobby, aren't you?" he grinned, pressing a kiss to the toddler's forehead.

Taking the stairs at a jog, they made it to the second floor landing just in time to see Harry sneaking back into Draco's bedroom, a towel slung around his neck. Sirius smirked and shook his head. From what he remembered, he and Moony had managed to sneak around into one another's beds for months before either James, Frank or Peter had gotten curious about the goings-on -and they had all shared a room! Knocking on the bathroom door, he waited a moment before flicking his wand and opening the lock.

Remus was lounging among a sea of bubbles, his face unmarred with worry or anxiety. Turning his head at the sound of the door, he smiled as he saw Sirius and Teddy. "Hey, my two favourite boys," he grinned.

"Oof, don't let Harry or Draco hear you say that."

"Well, I'm pretty sure they're each other's favourites right now."

Sirius grinned brightly. "You look pretty relaxed. I'm very tempted to join you."

Remus quirked an eyebrow, "Well, if you break up whatever hanky-panky those two are getting up to right now, and let them watch Teddy, maybe we can have some hanky-panky of our own?"

"Maritime hanky panky?"

"Of course! What do you take me for, Paddy?"

"Be right back!" the man practically rushed out of the room, Teddy's hair flashing pink at they disappeared. Remus cocked his head and heard twin yells of 'WHAT THE HELL DAD?!' and 'DON'T YOU EVER KNOCK, YOU MANGY MUTT?!'

He sniggered to himself, reclining back against the bath. When Sirius came back, he threw at least two locking charms at the door, before ripping off his clothes and getting caught in his t-shirt. Remus chuckled as Sirius finally kicked his shorts to one side, standing proudly, panting with his hair in disarray. Remus extending a soapy hand beckoned his lover closer.

"Such a good boy, Pads."

"Always for you, Moonbeam," he grinned, pressing a kiss to his lover, before slipping into the bath behind him and giving Remus a back massage that rendered him to putty. He figured the letter from Kingsley could wait a little while longer.

A/N: Please leave some lovely reviews! I hope you liked the update!