"Turn around?" Hadrian questioned, "Is something going to be different?"

His lord chuckled low in his ear. Before, it had had a hissing quality with evil intent, usually when someone was deserving of punishment. However, it didn't sound strange now. It was an ordinary chuckle, low and light, in a deep tone you'd expect from an older man. And, regardless of the monstrous face, that's what was standing behind him with a hand around his neck.

"Doesn't my voice sound different, young Harry?"

Hadrian blushed, "yes, my lord. Lower, with less of a hissing accent. It's a little... sexier too."

"When the world crumbled, and the Ministry surrendered to me, I told them I had a nephew who would be named Overlord. Naturally, that was a lie, I wouldn't let someone take control away from me like that and I have no nephew. But a new pretty face and less of a murderous background were ideal. So I became Marvolo Slytherin. Death Eaters in the inner circle know the truth, have seen what I'll now show you. I maintain the pretence for those unworthy.

"Now, be the good boy I know you are and do as you're told," he released his neck, and Hadrian felt his heat move back. "Turn around, and look upon the face of your husband. I won't ask again."

Hadrian took a deep steadying breath, which was shaky at best. But he didn't want to displease his lord just because of nerves, the consequences weren't worth it. So, with his eyes squeezed shut, Hadrian turned to face him. He took a deep breath and released it. Then repeated the action, still unable to open his eyes. Why was he so nervous? It wasn't him about to reveal a secret long-kept and so under wraps he wasn't sure if Draco knew. And his cousin knew everything.

"I'm sorry, my lord. I'm not sure why I'm so nervous. My eyes just won't-"

A finger drew over his eyelids and cupped his jaw. Hadrian did his best not to gasp as magic tingled over his skin, heat pooling in his stomach and as every nerve in his body stood to attention. The command came as a whisper to open his eyes.

"Do so now, or I won't kiss you, regardless of how much I might want to."

"You want to kiss me?"

"Of course I do. You're my betrothed, I've wanted to lay my claim on you since you stepped out of that fireplace. After that song, I believe you might enjoy it. If you ever open those stunning green eyes."

That was the last straw to Hadrian. Hearing that seductive offer from that sultry voice, desire curled too tight in his stomach. It must be clear to his lord how much I wanted to be claimed and to get what he wanted, he had to open his eyes. See the true form of his husband, a man capable of unspeakable wrongs but someone he knew he might be in love with either way. He had to lower his last defence and see the 'new pretty face' that would crumble his last resolve. So he opened his eyes.

The fingers on his jaw tilted his head, forcing him to look directly at the sight he'd been avoiding. His lord was gorgeous. Strong features, angled like royalty covered by healthier-looking pale skin. His eyes shined the same red, but with a smug tone than was so different and matched the smug curve to his lips. The sweet, dusty pink, kissable lips. Hadrian's hand instinctively rose to see if his styled brown hair was as soft as it looked. But then he froze, arm in the air. He didn't have permission to touch him.

"You may touch me, Hadrian. If I may do the same."

Hadrian frowned, "you're still my lord, fiance or not. You can do what you want with me."

The Dark Lord smiled, "while that may be true, it's not what I'm asking. I'm asking if you want me to touch you."

Lestrange always thought actions spoke louder than words. He took the hand his lord had at his side and pressed a kiss to the palm, resting it against his cheek. He looked up through his lashes, enjoying the new glitter of want in deep red eyes. The plea left young lips before Harry could stop them; please kiss me now. He almost didn't expect to have his request granted, the Dark Lord didn't do anything for others and did the opposite to prove the point. But then their lips connected and Hadrian couldn't focus on anything else.

Fingers locked in hair, chest pressing to chest, Hadrian clung to his fiance for dear life. His magic flowed out of him, his control gone and emotions going haywire. He felt the brush of magic against his own and shivered. Then everything ended. They weren't kissing, the dark magic around him faded and the body heat did as well. Voldemort was on the other side of the room.

"It seems I'm not the only one having lapses of judgement." He chuckled, "for an arranged marriage, I'm certainly feeling a deep connection. You should go home before I steal your chastity, it wouldn't do to get physical before the wedding."

"Well, when can we get married? I'm still only 15 years old, it'll be years, right?" Hadrian scowled, "after a kiss like that, you want to wait years to touch me?"

It was stupid. Childish, stupid and pathetic, but Hadrian didn't want to be there anymore. He tried to rush passed Voldemort, but was gripped by the arm and kept in place. The other man leaned down to talk quietly in Harry's ear, the low voice he did when anger was boiling inside. He was reminded that the Wizarding Community had a law allowing marriage at 16, when the parents signed consents that the match was good and something their child truly wanted. So if they were waiting years, it was because Hadrian didn't pass his N.E. .

"So, I believe you owe your future husband an apology from reacting dramatically and thinking so low of him." His grip tightened.

"I'm sorry," Harry said. "Not because you're using your threatening voice or gripping my arm. Because I know I'm being immature. It's just that after a kiss that good, and the sensation of feeling our magic together, I want this. I don't know about love or any of the romantic shit I hope to have eventually, but knowing we have this passion excites me. I want to marry you and see where this goes, and I'd rather do it sooner than later. While I'm still young and you think I'm pretty."

His lord laughed, " Harry, I'm over 70 years old. I have ways of keeping you young if that is your fear. The agreement was always to marry when you finish your N.E. ., so finish them by next year and we'll get married as soon as possible."

"Challenge accepted."

A/N: I'm sorry it's taken so long to update. My passion for this story is sort of gone and my mental health is in the toilet, so I'm planning to finish the story next chapter. There may be an epilogue someday, if I can find the desire for this again. But I'm thinking chapter 10 is where I'll end this.