'Coffee?'

Ron peeled his eyes open. The lamp's light was dimmed to it's lowest setting. His vision adjusted easily, fixing on the small black mug that was steaming before him on the bedside table.

'Please.' He groaned out, dramatically dragging himself into a sitting position as if he were a hundred years old. He lifted the mug and sipped it, unresponsive to the burn of the recently boiled water, eyes slipping closed on their own accord.

'Yeah… don't fall back to sleep and don't burn yourself.' Draco chuckled into his cup. 'You expressly told me not to allow you to sleep in.'

'I remembered.' Ron mumbled sleepily.

'Want me to strip until I'm naked?' Draco joked. Ron's eyes popped open.

'Well, that woke you.' Draco offered a smirk and stood, fiddling with the top button of his shirt. 'Want me to?'

'Please.' Ron said with more seriousness and desperation than he had for the coffee.

Draco chuckled, and popped the button closest to his collar open. He eyed Ron innocently, 'Keep going?'

Ron nodded, hypnotized. Draco flicked open the following two buttons and pulled his shirt open slightly, exposing his pale chest. Ron set the coffee back down, his cerulean orbs transfixed on the Slytherin.

'Definitely awake now.' He felt those familiar waves of energy rear their persistent heads. They created that familiar pull between them. Draco and Ron had become exceptionally good at ignoring it at times however it never failed to revive itself full force when they were filled with desire for each other.

'Are you?' Draco asked coyly, teetering forward on his toes. He popped open the next three buttons until Ron could see his navel. Ron leaned back slightly, allowing his erection to poke proudly out of the confines of his boxer shorts. 'Wide awake.'

Draco pulled the last two buttons open by tugging the hem of his shirt in opposite directions with both hands. He stepped closer, as if unable to withstand the force drawing him inward. He slipped his right sleeve over a pale shoulder teasingly and allowed it to fall down his arm, followed by the left. Another step forward and the garment was abandoned on the ground.

He now stood before the Gryffindor, who immediately began working to open his jeans. His hands were struck with pins and needles as they grazed Draco's soft flesh. 'Frisky?' Draco questioned. Ron murred as the other's erection was released. 'Very.'

He took the tip of Draco's cock into his mouth, sucking softly for a moment before trailing his lips up and down the shaft. The Slytherin's head fell back in rapture. 'Yesss…' his moan resonated from deep within his chest.

His hands found Draco's hips and he braced himself, sucking the other's impressive length over his tongue. At one point he allowed it to slip back too far, gagging and choking around the hardened flesh. Draco's cock jumped and he moaned loudly, 'Oh, fuck…'

Ron allowed his eyes to wander up to Draco's face, who moistened his lips as he watched his partner suck him. Ron cupped his tightened sack, kneading softly as though trying to coax Draco's pleasure out of his body.

He felt Draco cup a hand around the back of his head, hips thrusting forward at an even pace. Ron moaned around his growing member and swallowed as deep as he could. When he gagged on it again, Draco pushed the tip of his cock deeper into Ron's throat. He gagged a third time as Draco moaned out a breathless apology. '…but it's sooo good.'

Once the Gryffindor caught his breath, Draco continued to fuck his mouth. At times without any mercy for the damage he was causing his uvula. Ron allowed the other's cock to reach deeper into his throat, testing how far it could go. Certain angles were worse than others. Soon, he found one that was manageable. Before long he could allow Draco's entire length to slide between his lips, closing them tightly around the base before withdrawing. He released only the occasional, small cough at most.

Draco groaned out in pleasure and gripped Ron's shoulders for leverage, fully thrusting into his mouth with delight. Ron grasped his own pleading cock and stroked it tenaciously.

'Gonna…' Ron pressed his thumb into the base of Draco's cock just above his balls and from there he stroked in time with the convulsions of the other's climaxing cock. Draco released a high pitched cry as he emptied himself onto the back of Ron's tongue.

As Ron gulped he'd assumed Draco had completely finished however his cock continued to twitch and shot one last dollop of cum onto his cheek. It dripped slowly down onto his chin. Panting heavily, Draco leaned down and licked his cum off of Ron's lips before capturing them in a passionate kiss.

'Coffee now.'

As Bill had promised, they found Fleur waiting for them in the kitchen. Her soft lavender robes elegantly grazed the floor as she glided around the Island, arms opening welcomingly.

'Bonjour ma famille!' She chirped, 'Slept well?'

'Bonjour.' Draco replied smoothly. Ron eyed Draco in amusement and said, 'I slept great.' The Slytherin rolled his eyes with a smirk. 'You always do.'

'I thought we could do some shopping!' Fleur sang, fitting an cream coloured Witch hat decorated with a fluffy indigo feather upon her head. Ron recognized this as an Occamy feather, which must have been plucked when the creature was in a particularly enlarged state.

Ron saw Draco's entire body shake with excitement at the word "shopping". Ron himself had visited a fantastic bizarre when he was in Egypt with his family. He briefly wondered how they would get to the Oaisis from here. It was in the middle of the desert.

'That would be unreal.' Draco said, slipping his hands into his extremely deep pockets.

'Perfect way to spend a Birthday.' Ron nudged his arm.

'Birthday?' Fleur looked to Draco, 'Your birthday?' Her eyes twinkled, 'Is it really today?'

Draco shrugged, 'Yeah. Just another day, really.'

'Oh no… No no no!' Fleur cried, as she picked up a large black handbag and swung it over her shoulder. 'This won't do! We have to celebrate!' She lifted her skirt a few inches and stepped into champagne coloured high heeled shoes. This added to her all ready impressive height. Ron thought he saw a pearly reflection on her pale skin and wondered idly if he was imagining things.

'I am the birthday master!' She told them as she led them to the end of the foyer. She drew back a long, red velvet curtain, revealing sliding metal doors.

'I don't want to make a fuss over it this year.'

Ron saw memories of parties from various years in the Slytherin common room flash through his mind. Many heavily intoxicated students were passed out in groups on the floor. The place was completely trashed. All of the furniture was overturned. The emerald tapestries were torn from the walls. Broken glass littered the floor. And Draco. Who was sitting awake on the black leather couch by the fire, drinking Whiskey. Alone.

I took the fall. He thought at Ron, I had detention for the rest of the term.

Well, I know your idea of detention. Ron thought back bitterly, thinking of Zambini. No one stayed up with you? Draco shook his head solemnly.

The exit of the Penthouse was what Draco explained was a "Lift". A muggle invention designed to either elevate or lower an occupant to another floor of a building. Ron had only ever been in one before, and it had been disguised as a telephone booth. 'Why not take the stairs?' Ron asked, confused. 'Why not Apparate everywhere?' Draco replied cooly.

Fleur smiled, quietly observing their interactions. They are so sweet. Ron heard her think, They are growing from each other's influence. L'amour.

Ron's chest felt warm. Fleur was so kind. Even he had judged her by how she looked. Not to mention her heritage. He especially questioned her when she and Bill had struck up a relationship. One of the many things he had been wrong to do.

Add it to the list. Draco's voice said in his head. Mine is much longer.

The door to the lift opened and the three stepped inside. As Ron stood with the others in the small square box, could hear garish music drifting down from overhead. The tune sounded similar to one he had heard in an add on the Wizarding Wireless Network. He found it was, indeed, quite annoying.

Fleur extended a long, manicured finger and pressed one of the many glowing buttons on the inside wall of the lift. Ron's stomach flipped over in the worst of ways as he felt the drop. He steadied himself on the wall. Fleur and Draco seemed completely unbothered, continuing to stare casually straight ahead.

This went on for several seconds (which felt like hours to Ron) before the door finally slid open revealing a dark, dingy hallway. 'Thank Merlin.' He groaned, clutching his guts. There were no doors or windows, just another muggle contraption. A rectangular device with pipes that disappeared into the brick walls. It suddenly made a deafening roaring sound as Ron passed by. The Gryffindor almost jumped out of his socks. Draco grabbed his shoulder, steadying him. 'For the love of Merlin, Ron! It's the water furnace! Honestly.'

'The what?!' Ron growled back furiously.

'It makes the water hot.' Draco said with a snigger.

'The poor Muggles!' Ron cried, 'How do they sleep at night?!'

'Mon dieu, Draco, give the man a break. We thought the same thing our first times.' Fleur was laughing as well as she strode through the dark toward the blank cement wall at the end of the tiny corridor. She disappeared through it.

Ron followed after Draco through the inconspicuous portal. Suddenly they emerged onto the street from behind an enormous rubbish bin.

Everything is a metal square or rectangle. Ron pointed out. Draco shrugged. Metal lasts. He caught a glimpse of the Slytherin's steely eyes as he rounded the corner of the bin.

The sun overhead was as intense as Ron remembered in the summer before his Third Year. The light was so strong it burned his scalp. Ron turned his head upwards, squinting into the sky behind him. The towering building the Penthouse capped protruded proudly upward into cloudless blue. There must have been hundreds of flats in the building yet Ron was sure not a single resident was aware of the existence of the Penthouse.

They were surrounded by Muggles who always seemed to be in motion. They came and went by the hundreds. Some carried bags or boxes, others lugged fruit in huge nets. Others sped by on motorbikes or bicycles. Among the many automobiles, at least a dozen taxicabs were in sight. Not one came to a stop for more than five seconds before a client climbed in and it was speeding off again.

Why're they in such a hurry? Ron thought, wondering if this was a holiday for Muggles. Draco pursed his lips, a half smile crossing his cheeks as he furrowed his brows. As though trying with all of his might to stifle laughter. Because they can't do anything! Eeehh… I mean… it takes them extremely long for them to do things. It's sad, really.

Ron agreed with this. He had at least picked up from his Father that all though Muggle life was fascinating, it was terribly depressing. Must be hard… having to find a million ways around not using magic. Draco snorted, What do you think all that shit they invent is for?

Banyan trees, colossal trees that somewhat reminded Ron of the Whomping Willow if it were melting (and motionless) lined the streets, providing shade in large patches. The sound of the traffic was deafening. No matter how many blocks they travelled, automobiles zipped to and fro from any and every direction and their numbers never thinned.

The flow was governed by strange, yellow lamp posts with three differently coloured lights that seemed to alternate in patterns. Draco insisted on Fleur walking farthest from the street. Ron was intrigued by this momentarily but quickly brushed it off as Draco being polite for once.

Fleur stopped at the trunk of a particularly large Banyan tree. Big enough to fit Hagrid's Hut completely inside. She wordlessly waved a hand for them to follow. Fleur walked once clockwise around the entire tree with Ron and Draco trailing close behind. On the second pass, they ducked beneath a branch that reached so low it touched the ground. When they emerged on the other side, they were on an entirely different block.

'Nefertari's Seat.' Fleur announced to them.

This was an entirely different marketplace than the Bazaar Ron had visited with his family years ago. This was not a mere tourist attraction meant to replicate an ancient Egyptian marketplace. This was a luxurious paradise.

The inventory of every shop extended outside on tables and littered the walk nearby. The small buildings that housed the shops were hollowed out blocks of shimmering limestone. The corners of the buildings as well as the hard edges of the windowsills and door frames were softened and rounded. As though eroded by wind and sand for millennia. Fleur seemed to be reading his expression as he marvelled at the architecture. She pointed to the street below their feet with excitement. 'This is one of the oldest paved streets in the World!'

Fountains surrounded by circles of palm trees sprayed water in stunning patterns. Small children splashed in the water, squealing and giggling happily. Their parents seemed to supervise in hoards. No one particular parent grabbed hold of a specific child as they fell to the ground and cried, nor if they needed a hand tying a shoe, or fixing a bow in their hair. They would merely wave to each other in thanks when it was done and continue on their way. They all seemed to be chaperoning as a collective with a level of trust Ron was foreign to. His mother would've been in tears.

All though still marginally more crowded than Diagon Alley, it was bearable. Unlike the busting muggle streets, at least here Ron had elbow room. He could feel a cool breeze blow through his hair as it was funnelled up the street by the buildings on either side. There was a variety of shops and kiosks, some of whose wares completely scrambled Ron's brain.

There were retailers whose theme he recognized and shops he wouldn't have known what they sold if his life depended on it. Even with a list.

They passed what was very clearly a wand retailer. Though it was nothing like Ollivander's, they most definitely sold wands. Rather than tucked away in boxes, the handles of hundreds of wands poked out of jars in all directions.

Ron recognized a Magical Creature Supply store. The supplies he could see were intended for creatures like Blast Ended Skrewts. There were grooming supply kits for the wings of Aethonan horses. There were huge collars of leather and steel, strong enough to leash a Nundu and the antidote for its poisonous breath sold in ten galleon buckets. In Ron's opinion, Wizards around here must have a death wish.

To Ron's delight, they came upon a Quidditch supply shop. 'Egypt has an amazing Quidditch team!' Fleur giggled when she saw his expression.

Draco immediately ushered the protesting Gryffindor into the store, 'You're going in.'

Ron was laden with bags by the end of the day. Anything Draco noticed him think of or look at, he bought. 'Draco stop!' Ron said breathlessly, wondering where on his arm he was going to hang another shopping bag. 'Just because I look at something doesn't mean buy it!' Draco scoffed at this, 'As if! We have no clothes at all.'

'We have these ones on our back! And we wash them every single day!' Ron whined as the handles of two more small bags were hung on his wrist.

Fleur was happy to just follow along, all though it was clear she was observing them closely. She would make mental notes of certain things to repeat to Bill later. Ron could easily tell they had their best interests in mind based on the things she remembered. She picked up on the small ways they were considerate of each other.

Though he was lugging many bags, most of their contents were for not for Draco, but for Ron. Draco opened every door for the both of them. She caught them eyeing each other when they became lost in memories or drifted too close to each other. She was also very receptive of the energy that streamed between them. Once or twice Ron thought he saw her try to shove her hair through it only to start waving her hand in the air, 'Mon dieu! Flies!'

'It's his birthday!' She excitedly told every shopkeep. Almost all we're willing to give Draco a hefty birthday discount. This only added to the amount of items Draco would purchase. He would simply add random items until he was back to his original total. Ron would groan internally in dismay every time a shopkeep filled another bag.

Draco had been paying particular attention to Fleur for the majority of the outing. He not only opened every door for her, he guarded her back as she strode up every stairwell. He steered her away from Wizards he said were "suspiciously gawking" at her. He even periodically asked if she needed any water.

'Let's eat!' She was suddenly hopping in place, pointing to a restaurant that had smoke billowing out of the top of the blackened doorframe. 'This is my favourite! My treat!'

Ron had never seen such a diverse display of meat on one grill. Nor had he ever seen quite a large grill. Embers popped and cracked beneath, creating a warm orange glow. The aroma it created was intoxicating. Cutlets of meat were skewered with wooden sticks. Ripened slices of green pepper, charred cherry tomatoes and onion were also impaled in colourful alternation. Ron's drool dripped onto his sneakers as he profusely salivated. Yep, we're dead.

'You like the kebabs? Ah?' Fleur grinned, noticing Ron's popping eyes. 'My favourite as well!' Fleur removed her hat as she stopped beside three empty stools at the bar. She looked to them for approval, 'Here is okay?' Draco pulled her chair out for her to sit. 'Madame.' He said with chivalry. Fleur smiled as she sat down. 'You're simply glowing.' He told her.

Ron's ears pricked with jealousy. Okay, enough time has passed. I have to ask now. That the hell, Draco? The Gryffindor thought furiously.

Draco wasted no time ordering wine. Fleur again refused, 'My stomach can't handle in the heat.' Draco gave Ron an expectant look. As if he was missing something. He then ordered a pitcher of iced water and a bit of lemon for Fleur. 'Great for settling stomach upset.' The Slytherin smiled at her sweetly.

Ron was stunned by this. Draco looked down to his glass, then allowed his eyes to wander over to Ron. Ron looked at him and lifted a quizzical brow.

She thinks she pregnant. Draco finally thought.

Ron, spat his wine out all over the bar with such force he teetered on the barstool. WHAT?!

Fleur shielded her dress from the spray with a cloth napkin the size of a small towel. Her other hand patted and rubbed Ron's back in gentle circular motions. 'Sacrebleu, Ron, you scared me! Be more careful please?' She cooed as Ron suddenly belched.

Draco shook his head slightly. No idea. What if she is? Looks to me like she's practicing her maternal skills on you right now! Haven't you heard her thinking the word "baby" all day?

Ron realized now that "baby" was not Bill's pet name. Is that why you're doting on her? He thought, impressed.

Ronald, honestly, to be with child… Where's your human decency?

Ron sputtered between them. What do you mean where's MY human decency?!

Draco glared at him and poured Fleur a glass of the icy, lemon infused water. Ron was touched. He had never seen this side of Draco. And by now he had seen a shocking amount of him.

Draco had many faces. This one was, without a single doubt, was the most endearing to Ron. It excited him. That there were still so many things to discover about his counterpart.

Fleur ordered the food for them minutes after their wine arrived. He didn't care what she ordered he just wanted to eat. Ron was so hungry he could've eaten Crookshanks if properly seasoned.

Do not say anything. They're trying to decide whether or not to elope in secret or go for an extravagant wedding. Draco's face flushed, Must be nice to plan a wedding. Have a family…

Ron was in agreeance as his plate was set before him. He heard distant trumpets from the heavens as his eyes scanned up the mountain of kebabs. They were layered in stacks, creating a cross hatch pattern. Ron picked one up and inhaled it. 'Merlin, this is spicy!'

Bill returned later that evening just before sunset. The sun was a huge red disk, low on the horizon. Ron shivered. His skin was blistered and red. 'Bloody hell! Draco, that fucking hurts!' He moaned as Draco slathered his back with Aloe extract that he was squeezing directly out of a cutting of Fleur's enormous aloe plant. All though he was doing his very best to be supportive, Ron's annoyance at the Slytherin's amused laughter was growing by the minute. 'I've never seen a person so sunburned in my life.' Ron winced and rolled his eyes. 'You've never seen me midsummer.'

'Bonsoir.' Bill smiled as he pressed his lips to Fleur's. Ron watched as his hand pressed momentarily on her lower abdomen where they believed a child was growing. Draco looked over toward Ron who felt the other's foot nudge him under the table. Don't. You will blow our cover.

Ron frowned and unfolded his arms, pulling his T-shirt over his head. He grimaced as the fabric clung to his sticky, aloe coated skin. Knowing secrets due to his newly developed passive Legilimency was more stressful than he had initially thought it would be. Tough one. I liked it better earlier when I was too dumb to notice.

Draco exhaled in mild irritation. Oh, that's how it starts. Buckle up for a rough ride.

'Looks like someone got enough Vitamin D to last until next summer.' Bill laughed, clapping Ron hard on the back. Ron screamed in pain and glared daggers at Bill, who only laughed harder. 'Never gets old.'

'Happy Birthday!' Bill said to Draco cheerfully, setting a lovely, sea foam green cheesecake drizzled with caramel and garnished with shaved pistachios directly in front of Draco.

Draco looked down at it, jaw hanging slack. 'A birthday cake?' Bill pulled Fleur close by slipping a hand around her waist. 'Course! It's your Birthday innit?'

Draco gave a short, soft laugh, shaking his head slightly. He looked over to Ron and then back to Bill and Fleur and then back down at the cake. 'Wow… this is… well… I haven't had a birthday cake since I was ten. I've spent every year at Hogwart's'

'Your mum never even sent you a single one?' Ron asked in disbelief.

'Oh, she sent me loads of gifts…" Draco said, leaning over the confection in amazement. Out of all the shops they had visited, none of their splendours lit up Draco's features as this gesture had. 'Just not a cake.'

Bill produced a small gift bag, extending it in Draco's direction, 'Speaking of gifts.'

Draco took the gift bag in his hands hesitantly, the flower Bloomquest had given him flashed through his mind. 'That's… exceptionally considerate of you both.' Bill rubbed Fleur's shoulder, 'Well, we couldn't resist!' Fleur offered Draco an apologetic look. 'I'm sorry! I had to!'

Draco reached inside and pulled out a small, obsidian bowl. It was so flawlessly polished, it reflected with the sharpness and clarity of a mirror. 'A Pensieve?' Draco asked in wonder. Ron was impressed he knew what the bloody thing was straight off.

'Well, it only holds a couple strips. About six. You share it.' He paused to remove a cutting knife from the drawer and began slicing and divvying out the cake. He served Fleur a particularly hefty piece. 'I figured you two would like to look back on all of this someday from another perspective.' Bill explained, as though there was a deeper wisdom behind the gesture itself than merely a birthday gift. This was for both of them. Something they owned together.

Draco looked at Ron, turning the small basin over in his fingers. 'We'll treasure it.' He told them earnestly and stuffed it so deep into his pocket for safe-keeping, his elbow almost disappeared.

They awoke the next day to the sound of Fleur sobbing from her bedroom's closed door. Bill could be heard consoling her. 'It's okay, darling. It was going to happen eventually.'

Ron looked to Draco with concern. Is it the baby?

Draco shook his head firmly. Er… No. There is no baby. She wasn't pregnant after all. Ron tilted his head, bewildered.

Listen, you'll see.

Bill and Fleur's thoughts were a flurry of disappointment, relief and fear. He could hear Fleur's mother's voice. It was all French and he could not understand a word she spoke. He heard Bill's relieved voice. Thank Godric… It would've been terrible timing.

'I am so disappointed.' Fleur could he heard crying in despair. 'I know love.' Bill whispered, 'We'll get you through it.'

Through Bill's mind's eye, he could see Fleur. The roots of her hair were blackened, her eyes were hollow and she had sprouted skeletal wings that were sporadically feathered. 'I am hideous! Why must this happen now?' As she was speaking, bird-like beak formed on her face and her voice broke, squawking loudly. At this, she wailed in despair and buried her face in Bill's lap, wetting his knees with her tears.

'Ooooh!' Ron gasped with realization.

It's her magical blood. She's coming of age as a Veela. Draco thought informatively. I'm not sure if she was aware this would happen.

'It's not pretty to you! It's just a Veela thing to me! You're beautiful!' Bill said, his voice both encouraging and hopeful.

Think of Fleur as a late bloomer. Ron was thankful when he didn't have to ask Draco to translate Fleur's mother for him. She was saying that there's a war coming. They don't want to leave a child behind if something happens to them in that war. That form she has won't last a week and a baby would be forever. Overall good advice.

'Look at me!' They heard Bill say in a desperate attempt to comfort her. 'Gangly, ginger… now these scars 'cross my mug! I'm hopeless!' He laughed softly as he rubbed her back between her scrawny, feathered appendages.

'You are the most beautiful man.' Ron heard Fleur sniff. There was a moments pause where the only thing he could hear was the saddening sound of the quarter Veela dry heaving. Finally this slowed to even, relieved breaths as Bill continued to rub her back. 'There you go, love. You'll be all right.'

'I want to marry at the Burrow.' Fleur told him suddenly, through a handful of muffled hiccoughs.

'Really?!' was Bill's amazed response, 'You don't want the Cathedral?'

'No, my love, I want to be surrounded by our families. Every family member who can be there. Exactly as they are. No fancy stuff. I want the small family wedding. Family with no masks. Like you have at home.'

Ron and Draco exchanged a watery gaze of their own as they listened in to the two's swirling thoughts. Both were elated at the notion of marrying at the Burrow and their vision of the event was candidly similar. Ron's heart was mush as he listened to her moving revelation. He felt Draco's arm fall around his shoulders.

You never really know someone… do you? Ron thought fondly.

Bill and Fleur bid them goodbye a week later. It was three days before she emerged from their bedroom. As Draco had said, she returned completely to her normal self. Occasionally she would cough up a feather or two. Otherwise, all traces of her strange transformation had vanished. However, she felt she needed further instruction on her condition and as a result they decided a visit to her Grandmother, the full Veela in the family, was overdue.

'We'll be back in ten days.' Bill told them as he hauled Fleur's luggage into the lift. 'The place is yours until then'

Draco and Ron had become very familiar with the surrounding streets. They spent an overwhelming amount of time shopping. Ron didn't complain as long as Draco was happy. However, he couldn't help but think of Ginny's comment that Draco dressed him up like a doll.

Draco had handed him hundreds of shirts and different styles of robes over their many trips to Nefertari's Seat, 'This would just look… fucking sexy on you.' He said, draping a navy blue suit over the all ready hefty clutch of clothing Ron carried in his arms. He struggled to keep the garments in a manageable pile as Draco strutted toward the dressing room.

They also took to Muggle stores. They didn't spend long there at first as they only had Draco's family gold. Draco never seemed to run out of things he wanted to buy and he didn't have any restraint, either. If he wanted something he had to have it. Right there, right then. There was no thinking it over. No coming back later. No counting sickles. He simply gave himself whatever he fancied. In the past, this would have driven Ron straight off of the Astronomy Tower. Now he was just thankful the Slytherin finally seemed at ease. 'I have an idea.' Draco said with determination as they walked, continuing on for nine more blocks.

They entered a shady looking shop. There were dusty old machines that clearly needed repair and many different instruments hung on the walls. Comic books and action figures of Muggle heroes were on shelves in unopened boxes. Most notably, there was a glowing green neon sign that read, 'We Buy Gold.' Ron learned that this was called a "Pawn Store".

Once Draco had sold a handful of his coins, with muggle money in hand, they made their way to the door. The bell over the doorframe jingled as it opened. Ron grabbed the handle and held it open for Draco as well as whomever was on the other side. The Slytherin excitedly counted the paper in his hand by the hundreds.

A tall, chubby man with a long black beard and draped in many chains of silver slipped inside. Draco was so focused on counting the money he hadn't noticed himself nearly collide with the fellow. For a second the Gryffindor and the stranger locked eyes. He gave Ron an expectant smile as he passed by them without a word. Most of his teeth were gold.

Ron thought he recognized the man but reasoned with himself. Who the hell would he know in Zamalek? Probably one of the many tenders they'd aquatinted throughout the week.

There was a Gelato Parlour less than two blocks from the Penthouse that they had come to frequent. Ron saw Draco eat more at that shop within the span of a few days than he had in their entire time together. Ron didn't complain about this, either. It was hypnotic watching Draco's tongue lap at the frozen cream. Draco eyed him over the slowly disappearing waffle cone, a smirk poking up his cheeks. 'What?'

'I've had an idea.' The Gryffindor said with a sly smile. 'Let's get some to go.'

Ron didn't bother going all the way to the bedroom. They would not be disturbed in their penthouse sanctuary. The Gelato cone Ron carried was dripping down his wrist as he crossed the floor over to the chaise in the reading corner. He turned and saw Draco behind him looking bemused. 'You're quiet,' he said with a hint of impatience. 'What?'

Ron dropped his black joggers to the floor, they pooled around his ankles. His stiffening member angled toward the Slytherin who grinned devilishly. 'And? Your mind is blank. Stop it! What are you planning?'

Ron snickered softly, sitting back on the chaise. He gave the cone a lick, creating a peak at the tip. He bit his lip and shivered as he traced the melting dessert over the tip of his cock. It dripped down his shaft as Draco fell to his knees, hands gripping Ron's thighs. Ron felt his tongue lick in long strokes up his shaft, catching the gelato on his tongue as it trailed down his cock. The sensation of the cold cream and Draco's warm tongue sent shockwaves straight to his toes.

Draco now worked to remove the gelato from the tip of Ron's heavily coated cock with the tip of his tongue, moaning with relish.

Ron's knees vibrated at the electricity that flowed through his body as he was suctioned into Draco's mouth. When all of the sweetness was gone, he stopped and turned two mercury orbs upward. 'More.'

Ron gladly obliged, rubbing more of the melting cream all over his cock which now stood at full mast. He wasn't worried about the cold of the gelato, coating himself as thick with the dessert as he could.

Again, Draco dove, slurping and sucking. Ron moaned loudly and brushed a hand through platinum hair. 'Feels so good.' He told him.

'Tastes so good.' Draco whispered as Ron reapplied the gelato all over his erection. Draco again, licked him clean.

Draco pulled back, shoving his dark brown slacks down around his thighs. 'Lay back for me?' Ron obeyed and lay back, lifting his knees.

Draco withdrew his wand, casting the same spell he had helped Ron master earlier in the week, the Lubricatus Charm. He moaned as he felt his insides become slicked with a viscous, slippery substance. It didn't feel unpleasant.

Draco positioned himself at the edge of the chaise, directing his member toward Ron's all ready twitching opening. The Slytherin pushed inside with ease. Ron felt him slip past his body's barrier and reach deep inside. 'Fuck yes.' He moaned, 'Kiss me.'

Draco leaned over Ron's chest as he began thrusting, propping himself up with his hands on either side of his hips. He breathed out a pleasured sigh as the other's lips found his. He could still taste vanilla on the other's mouth. Ron allowed his tongue to flick out, the other immediately accepting it. Draco released a passionate moan as they deepened their kiss.

Ron allowed his eyes to slip closed as his hands found Draco's cheeks. The stroked them tenderly before trailing his fingers down the soft flesh along the other's neck.

As they kissed, Draco maintained soft thrusts. Ron could feel the intention behind his movements. He could feel every inch as the other passed in and out of his body, pushing inside with a little extra force at the end of the thrust as he was planted. 'Draco…' Ron moaned into the other's mouth, 'You're… you feel so good inside of me.'

Draco purred at this sentiment. 'You feel so good around my cock.'

Draco kissed him once more before leaning back, 'Turn over for me.' Again, Ron obeyed. He turned over, waiting on his hands and knees on the chaise. He felt Draco's hands on his hips and without warning his insides were invaded again. This time the force with which Draco had thrust himself inside caused him to lose wind and he gasped in shock. 'Ahh fuck!' He cried as he felt Draco reach around and grasp his throbbing cock.

'Fuck me.' Ron begged. Draco, completely impassioned, began thrusting with fervour. The deeper Draco's member reached, the stronger the ripples vibrating through him. He felt his climax build and bucked back against the other's pelvis. Draco would bury himself deep, and pause before thrusting again. At times he was so deep Ron could feel their balls press together between them.

He felt his climax build, as he took his cock out of the other's hand. 'Grab me.' Ron moaned as he stroked.

'Oh, fuck, yes.' Draco moaned, clutching the front of Ron's thighs and picking up speed.

'Mmmm gonna cum.' The Gryffindor moaned as he felt his muscles convulse. 'Ahhh fuck… so am I.' Draco breathed.

Orgasm gripped him as Draco collapsed over his back. With one final thrust he filled the other with his ecstasy. He felt lips pressed between his shoulder blades as his partner held his position. He could feel the other's cock twitching against his innards. 'I'm haaaah!!' He cried as Ron rotated his hips in a circular motion, 'Fuck I'm still cumming.' Ron nodded as he continued to roll his hips. He too felt the ghostly remnants of his climax revived by the motion.

He was almost numb by the time their bodies finally parted.

Ron found himself in the thick of a blazing sandstorm. He could hear voices in the distance as he shielded his eyes from the blistering wind. He stepped forward and his foot sunk into the sand.

Dark figures faded into view. He then heard a monstrous, guttural roar. He ducked as an enormous creature leaped over his head. Cloaked Wizards stalked the beast. It roared again as it banked right, sliding effortlessly through the sand.

It had the body of a cat, yet it's skin was that of a speckled lizard. It had horns protruding around its head and shoulders which could be mistaken for a mane, yet also resembled the defensive panels of a frilled lizard. It spat putrid purple sludge from the back of it's throat that sizzled when it hit the sand. This was a Nundu.

The creature had been forced out of it's habitat in the neighbouring jungle and trapped in the sandstorm. It was being hunted. The dark figures approached through the buffering storm. Ron could see numerous Death Eater Masks approaching. They ran directly through him.

Ron awoke in their bed. Draco was seated in the leather armchair, blue light flickering from the square box in front of him. 'Your nightmares are never a good sign.' Draco said tonelessly.

Ron crawled off of the mattress and draped himself over Draco's lap. 'What is this thing anyway?'

'Television. You watch.' Draco said, lifting a handheld device. Another rectangular box covered in buttons. 'Watch?' Ron laughed. 'How does it work?'

'That, I actually don't know for sure. I have an idea. It's complicated.' Draco paused for a moment to consider trying to explain before he settled with, 'I don't think most Muggles really know exactly how it works. Just… watch.'

They stayed there into the wee hours of the morning. The box played moving pictures that were much longer than those in the Wizarding world. They also had sound. Each segment told a small story. 'There's a marathon. The season ended last month. Means they're showing all of the episodes ... chapters... in sequence.'

As Ron watched he became familiar with six American muggle characters living in New York City. One was hopelessly in love with a very snobby waitress who somehow seemed oblivious to his many romantic attempts to woo her. And he was also obsessed with dinosaurs. A Doctor of Dinosaurs, in fact. Ron knew of no such thing. He shuddered, thinking back to the Nundu in his dream.

Two male characters were particularly hilarious and Ron briefly wondered if the nature of their relationship was similar to his and Draco's. There was an obsessive compulsive lady who probably needed therapy for her need to maintain order. She was constantly frantic yet this was somehow endearing. No one seemed to be willing to send her to hospital anytime soon. There was an excessively quirky bird who Ron was sure was a witch in disguise, for she was lamenting about a stinky cat.

Even with his limited knowledge of the muggle world, it was the funniest thing Ron had ever seen. Fred and George would've been beside themselves.

The next day, they were back at the Gelato Parlour. The line was particularly long. Draco tapped his foot impatiently. They had been standing for ages.

He could not brush off his dream, try as he might. Ron was left to wonder if, like the others, it was a premonition. If it was at all possible they were still being hunted. Multiple times that morning Draco asked, 'You all right?' Ron would nod casually, forcing his mind blank. 'Of course!'

As they exited the shop, the two made their way down the block and Ron noticed a man with a long black beard and wearing long violet robes walking toward them. He thought nothing of it until he saw Draco freeze into an animal like stillness, eyes widened. He dropped his gelato cone onto the pavement.

Ron looked again and saw the man's face and realized it was the same man from the Pawn Store.

At the same time he realized where he recognized the man from. He was one of the Quadruplets behind the hidden door in Hogsmeade. The ones distributing the Euphoria Potion. Ron could see the silver of his rings glinting in the setting sun as he drew his wand.

They're coming for us. Draco thought frantically. Ron surveyed the street for the most convenient escape route. Success, an open alleyway to the left. He grabbed Draco's hand, allowing the magnetic force to encapsulate them both.

They bolted at top speed. Ron dared a glance behind him and found their path obstructed by the Wizard. The only way out was through. He wheeled around the corner to the right. They wove the through the crowd, almost reaching the end of the block. Ron went to drag Draco across the street but he looked up he saw the second man from the hidden room.

Ron panicked and took off thoughtlessly to the right, heading down another, much tighter, alley. He no longer had any clue where they were. This particular passage branched off at a back wall that stretched along the backside of the buildings.

They had almost reached the exit when a shadow appeared, obstructing the light ahead. It was the third man. Ron turned and saw that about twenty feet behind them, it was a dead end. He could all ready feel the eyes of the fourth on the back of his neck as they found themselves trapped. They were surrounded on all sides.

'Stupefy!'