A Second Chance

by Breanie

Part 2 Kismet Trilogy: What if Sirius didn't spend twelve years in prison but was given a trial after 4 years? Follow the story of Sirius Black as he learns what it means to be a father/brother/guardian & the story of Harry Potter, a young boy with a loving home who learns about the Marauders from the two men who should have raised him. Slow-burn Hinny. M for sex & violence.

325. The One With the Voyeurism

Author's Note:

Reviews and Comments: To darkhk: Haha, glad it was worth the lack of sleep! To Zarathos Morgenstern: Wow! Thanks for reading it a second time! That's amazing! I love your positive attitude and I wish you nothing but happiness in your life to come! I'm looking forward to the final battle as well, but I only have snippets written in chunks that all need to be pushed together still. Thank you! To the Mandalorian terminator: Thank you! I like that Harry snapped the Elder Wand and I wanted him to do that here as well. There can never be enough Romione smut in my opinion. As to Hermione, she will talk about it, but she needs some time as well. Thank you! To Derpdude32: Thank you! And don't worry, there will be more humour coming! To AnonymousHufflepuffWriter: Thank you very much for your kind words! I love that I keep you on the edge of twelve different seats LOL. I do try to keep a balance as much as I can, but there is a lot of smutty/fluffy/humour coming as well. Thank you very much!

To Slaidback: Thank you and you're welcome! To Cassiopeia Anastasia Black: Thank you! I'm glad you thought the chapter was well worth the wait! Thanks for the kind words! I'm so glad everyone seemed to love my Weasley boys banter! They are so fun to write! Thank you! To Griffind00r: Thank you! I really like trying to find the wand lore information and bringing it into the world. Yes, Theo knows that Bas won't be working at the Ministry anymore, but the MIA office is just in Londonderry so he will still see him. We will definitely be hearing more from Rossi. I love the Weasley boys winding each other up and of course Charlie had to come in! I'm sure Harry and Ginny will definitely get up to no good on a broomstick again! Ron and Hermione will talk, but I think right now, they are not quite ready for that. Thank you! To alix33: Thank you! More like basic muscle stretches with the arms and legs. To wolfjinx15475: I am doing all right, I really appreciate all of the concern. It wast just a lot of family stuff. As to the mirror, well, it's actually this chapter that has my favourite scene. Thank you! I think Sebastian and Tonks have become very good friends and they are fun to write. I have a few ideas in mind for Bellarosa and Rossi. I agree, which is why I wanted to change how and why Harry broke it. Definitely lots of great smut ahead, I promise! I know everyone would have understood if I skipped a week, but I'd like to stay on track if I can. Thank you for the support!

To scrappy8: Thank you! I do love helping you learn interesting things! To Nuno Neves: Extraordinary, amazing, and fantastic? Wow! Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the conversation between Harry and Dumbledore and yes, I wanted to show how selfless Harry really is. He doesn't care about power and that's what makes him (to use Sam's words) a little cabbage. Sebastian is low-key being responsible for Tonks' pregnancy and cravings, it's part of their work marriage lol. Harry is definitely always included in the Weasley brother get-togethers. I loved having them all gang up on Ron and telling him he can never have sex again lol. Thanks for loving my Hinny and Romione! Thank you! To ascfan: Thank you for saying I outdo myself every time! Hermione will show Ron her arm, just not yet. Thank you! To Shivani: You're welcome! Not really a surprise chapter, just a late chapter lol. Thanks for loving Harry being straightforward with Dumbledore while Dumbledore is being his usual philosophical self. Harry is definitely all of those things, I completely agree! I crave pizza all the time lol. Yes, Amycus is disgusting. Sebastian's deadpan humour is so fun to write! Theo is very disappointed that Bas is off to Berlin, but they have the mirrors to chat so that will make a big difference. I'm so glad everyone loved my Weasley brothers gossip and prank, I did have fun writing it! Yes, thank you! I thought George's cane was fun! Thank you!

To CherrySara: Thank you! Theobas is cute and don't worry, most of this chapter is Theobas. No, Theo has school and Bas is going to Berlin for work. Sebastian doesn't overshare like Theo does and he rather enjoys denying Tonks the gossip lol. You weren't surprised to see Rossi falling for Bellarosa? Interesting. Thank you! I think the Weasley brothers' bit was the highlight of the chapter myself! But yes, the Hinny and Romione smut was definitely a close second. Thank you! To EnigmaticEmperor: Harry did learn a lot from Dumbledore, I agree. Dumbledore just isn't the kind of person to give the answers freely, he teaches, constantly. Thank you! I love that you thought for sure the prank would be about sex and then I caught you off guard and surprised you when it was lol. As to Rossi, nope, he hasn't been found out. Not yet anyway. Thanks for thinking the Hinny smut was amazing, and I know, Ron's timing is always just impeccable. Ginny does come up with the best ideas. Ginny is going to do great at the trials, but the closer they get, the more nervous she is. Thank you!

To NikkiWeasleyPotter: I know, poor Theo. He just wants some alone and smutty time with his boyfriend. Ron did fall for it and yes, it was what they all needed, a good laugh. Thank you! I'm glad I can make you laugh out loud. We will see more of Fiadh soon but not for a few more chapters away. You think the Deathly Hallows will play more into everything despite what Harry wants? We'll see. Thank you! To pix25: Thank you! To puttyman24: Thank you! Glad I made you laugh and yes, the naughty scenes are always fun! To gemini614: Thank you! I love knowing the prank had you rolling and oh yes, they did have fun planning it. PS, random fact — it was Bill's idea. As to it being too early… well… To Steelcode: Thank you! Ron definitely knows how to make Hermione feel as beautiful as she truly is! Thank you! To the frozen flame: Thank you! I'm glad that Romione is a personal favourite of yours. I like writing Tonks and Sebastian as friends so it's nice to see others appreciate it. We will see more of Fred and Fiadh. You think Rossi and Bellarosa's furthering relationship means Blaise and Yeona have a chance? Interesting. We'll see. Thank you! To Nightwing2013: Thank you! Poor Ron, the suspense was killing him and then they killed him haha. Thank you!

To Gigi87: Thank you very much for your kind words! Oh my goodness, BSB is life! I just saw them in concert again before covid, no regrets! Ha, you think McGonagall will be pissed off that Dumbledore's been pretending to sleep? Oh trust me, she knows, which is why she's been so annoyed lol. She's not even surprised. Exactly! Sebastian definitely loves her and is doing what he can to help her with her pregnancy. He's a great friend! The sickos do deserve a slow painful death, agreed. You think Rossi will get himself killed trying to save Bellarosa and that Bella is only using him to fulfil her sexual desires? Interesting. Hermione definitely brings Ron homework lol. She forgets that no one else cares about staying ahead like she does. I'm glad I've made Percy bearable for you. Thank you so much for saying I write the brothers' banter so well! I'm so pleased you think I nailed Fred's character with the spanking line for Percy. Yes, George's cane! I loved making it ridiculous! Molly will definitely have something to say about George's cane! As to Harry, nope, he isn't remotely ashamed to admit he's wrapped around Ginny's finger and he can handle her brothers and they love him. I agree, anyone else wouldn't fit in with them as well. Agreed, the view is much better when she's three steps behind Harry lol. Harry is definitely getting Ginny more and more ready, but neither of them have really made an effort to take the next step yet. They are just enjoying each other. No, it is my hc that Ron just always sucks at removing bras lol. As to Hermione, she's self conscious about her scar for sure. Thank you very much! As always thanks for that incredible review!

To Sloopyqueen4: Thank you! To briana_t: Thank you! So glad I made everyone laugh with my Weasley prank. Don't worry, Sebastian and Tonks will keep in touch! Thank you! To CorbanD17: Thank you! To AQuickRead91: Thank you! I appreciate the support! To marauders_mowopapr: Thank you! Yes, the Weasley men do know their sister very well lol. Of course Harry was included in the meeting! You think George will have some one knee jokes during his proposal? Wait and see. Thank you very much! You're too sweet for calling me a gift! To shuweet: Thank you for your kind words! And yay, definitely a good return of Hinny smut! To katelyn453: Thank you! Harry and Ginny keep a privacy and silencing charm around Harry's bed (unlike Seamus and Dean). The Weasley brothers definitely include Harry! Hermione is feeling self conscious about her arm. Thank you! To PurpleLotus: Thank you! To ravenclaw_rockchick: Unfortunately no, you are not Theo's type lol. Hermione was definitely not told about the prank until after. Hermione will talk to someone, but not yet. Thank you! To Joyce Foesenek: Thank you! Hermione is ashamed of her scar, yes. To wildstyle_101: Thank you! I'm glad you had a laughing fit that woke your cats lol. Thanks!

For those who love Theobas — this is a heavy Theobas chapter! Hope you enjoy it! I personally think it's one of my favourite scenes I've written not only for the couple, but for the story as well.

My posting schedule: Weekly.

Thanks to Dusk for her amazing editing skills.

As always, thank you very much for reading and please, please review!

Your reviews give me life! They give me inspiration! And they make me want to keep writing for more than just myself! Thank you for all of your continued support!

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CHAPTER THREE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-FIVE:

The One With the Voyeurism

Remus stepped into the staff room Tuesday evening after dinner, taking a moment to take in the professors who were there. It seemed to him that despite it only being the second week of February, this had been a very long year. He took his seat at one of the tables and waited for the last of the stragglers to arrive before McGonagall came in. Once she was seated, he stood up to address the room.

"Good evening, everyone. I appreciate you all taking the time to come here tonight. With this Saturday being Valentine's Day, many of you have brought it to my attention that it's also a designated Hogsmeade weekend."

"After what happened there on the thirty-first, we're not really considering opening it up to the students again, are we?" Aurora Sinistra asked, crossing her long legs as she did.

"No," Remus assured her. "That's what Gideon and I wanted to talk to you about. He had an interesting idea the other day and quite frankly, I think it's brilliant. Gideon?"

Gideon Birmingham stood up to stand next to Remus. "We all know the importance of keeping the students safe and logically, allowing them to go to Hogsmeade would most likely be safe for them to do so as there's an extremely low risk of the village being attacked again. But the village itself is still being repaired. A lot of the businesses are closed for repair and maintenance and it's not a good place for the students to be. However, we were all teenagers once and despite the frivolity of celebrating Valentine's Day, the students are going to be upset that their trip is cancelled. So, after speaking with Remus, I had an idea. Let's make a winter festival for this weekend here on the Hogwarts grounds."

"A winter festival?" McGonagall asked, raising her eyebrow. "This weekend? That's only four days away and not a lot of time to get things ready."

"I think that if we all come together we could pull it off," Birmingham said.

"What kind of festival?" Mary Raffigan asked.

"Well, I was thinking that with Hagrid and Flitwick's help we could section off a part of the Black Lake to become an ice rink. We could turn one of the courtyards into an outdoor restaurant and use charms to make it cozy. We can have a snowman building competition or even a scavenger hunt on the grounds. Maybe even some sledding over the hills. It will give everyone a chance to participate in something if they want and the courtyard restaurant can be more for the couples who want to have a romantic day," Birmingham said.

Sinistra smiled. "I had no idea that you were such a romantic, Gideon."

He shrugged. "I have my moments."

Hagrid cleared his throat. "I could build up some of th' hills near me hut and make it a good place for sled racin'."

"That sounds perfect," Birmingham said.

"I suppose that I could use some of my Yule Ball planning and turn the courtyard near the greenhouses into a winter wonderland with ice sculptures and the like," Flitwick said. "Perhaps Pomona could help in finding some lovely wintery plants to liven up the space?"

"I'd be delighted," Sprout said. "Maybe Rolanda could help us set up some tables and chairs?"

"Sure," Hooch replied. "But I think that we should make part of it full of booths as well for those students who wish to go out in groups and not make it a romantic dinner."

"What if we do both?" Raffigan asked. "What if we set up the courtyard overlooking the greenhouses for couples and do the front courtyard with booths and round tables for those who just want to hang out with friends and have butterbeer and snacks? Of course, we'll need enough teachers willing to run each area."

"My husband will help without question," Gideon said. "Which would give us an additional hand."

"My wife will, too," Remus said. "If she's needed, of course, as almost eight months pregnant makes her fond of naps."

Sinistra chuckled. "Can't say I blame her."

"I think this sounds splendidly fun," Flitwick said. "We could charm the front courtyard up to look a bit like a pub."

Rhiannon tapped her fingers on the table. "I'd love to help with the ice rink. Perhaps Septima could assist in charming students' boots into skates?"

Vector smiled. "I do love to ice skate."

Birmingham beamed. "What do you think, Minerva?"

McGonagall pursed her lips. "Honestly, I think that it all sounds lovely, but it will be a lot of work to pull it off in such a short amount of time."

Slughorn let out a low chuckle. "Ah, Minerva, have a little faith. With a little hard work, we'll give the students a fun winter weekend to help keep their minds off of things. You know, I make a mean hot toddy!"

Birmingham slapped his hands together. "We can definitely do this."

Remus smiled. He rather agreed that it was going to take a lot of work, but he thought it sounded fun nevertheless. "I agree. I think that if we all work together, we can do it. Gideon and I will form teams and everyone can sign up for what event they would like to help plan. We'll keep it going all day Saturday and Sunday, maybe from ten to six?" At everyone's sound of agreement, he nodded. "Perfect. If everything goes to plan, we can let the students know on Friday evening. Let's get started."

As everyone began to talk and bustle, Remus couldn't help but smile. This was a great idea and one he wished that he would have come up with himself. It was exactly the kind of fun the student body needed after everything that happened. It would be a weekend of winter fun that would help take their minds off of everything, give them a break from their studies, and most importantly, keep them inside the safety of the school.

~ ASC ~

Harry had quickly decided that today was one of the best days of his life. He'd woken early with Ginny's mouth wrapped around his cock. He'd barely finished coming before she was dragging him outside for their morning run. They warmed up and ran around the Black Lake before winding down by the pitch and watching the sun rise. He'd convinced her to shower with him, and to his delight, received a second blowjob. She'd kissed him quickly when he finished and hurried off to get ready for the day.

Harry found himself whistling as he went back to his dorm to change into his uniform. After breakfast and then Herbology, he'd snuck her out of the Great Hall after eating a quick lunch. They kissed in a broom cupboard, her shirt open so that he could play with her gorgeous breasts wrapped in blue lace. Their snog ended with him on his knees and his tongue inside of her as she moaned his name.

She'd been late to class, but Harry knew it was worth it.

He'd met her outside of Remus' classroom when it was over and dragged her out to the pitch for more drills. She killed it and he couldn't stop grinning stupidly at her as he watched her fly. He did not have a single doubt that she was going to nail this tryout in three weeks. He kissed her again when she landed, tugging her over to the stands.

She laughed when they fell off of the bench and landed on the wooden floor of the Quidditch stands, hidden between the benches as he kissed her over and over. Her hands tightened on his arse as he rubbed himself against her, the friction making them both groan. When Harry slid his hand into her trousers to rub her clit as he ground himself over her, they both cried out when they came. Ginny kissed him deeply, her cheeks and nose flushed from the cold.

"I'm frozen," she whispered.

"Hot shower?"

At her nod, they raced off to the change rooms to share a hot shower and Harry got on his knees, holding her legs over his shoulders as he pleasured her. They'd gone down to dinner with flushed cheeks and huge grins.

Ginny had barely sat down before Lavender caught sight of them and called their names. Harry raised an eyebrow as she hurried down to sit next to Ginny on the bench.

"Just who I was looking for!"

"Me?" Ginny asked in surprise. "Why?"

"Because you and Harry are like 'The It' couple of the school," Lavender said. "You've been together practically forever and everyone thinks that you're so cute!"

"Um… thanks?" Ginny said, reaching for the chicken.

Lavender ignored her and kept prattling on. "So, my question is, what are you going to do for Valentine's Day? I mean, obviously you and Harry are going to do something super romantic, right?"

Harry's mouth opened in surprise.

Seamus cackled from across the table. "What? Harry's going to be romantic and shit? Please."

"What are you doing then?" Dean demanded. "Don't you think I deserve some romance?"

Seamus snorted before he caught his boyfriend's look. "What, seriously? We can't even go to Hogsmeade!"

"Exactly," Lavender said. "So, the girls and I were talking about fun ideas to do with our significant others and we thought that Harry and Ginny would have all the tips."

"Go on then!" Seamus urged. "Apparently, I need some ideas."

Dean rolled his eyes. "I'm just saying that it would be nice if you did something romantic for once, Seam."

Ginny frowned. "It's just a Saturday. If you have to have a special day to celebrate with your significant other, you're not doing it right."

Harry's lips twitched at that and her hand squeezed his thigh under the table.

"Oh, come on, Ginny!" Lavender insisted. "You know what I mean! Valentine's Day is all romantic and sweet and it's where you can get the chance to be mushy and romantic without being judged."

"We're probably just going to play Quidditch," Ginny said, her eyes meeting Harry for confirmation.

"Definitely," he agreed.

Lavender rolled her eyes. "I take it back. You two are boring."

When she got up to leave, Ginny turned to peck Harry on the lips. "She thinks Quidditch is boring."

He grinned. "She's missing out." He took her hand in his. "Is that what you want to do on Saturday? Play Quidditch."

Ginny's brown eyes twinkled at him. "I just want to spend time with you. The rest is just window dressing."

He cupped her cheek and kissed her deeply. "I love you, Ginny Weasley."

"I love you, too," she said, kissing him once more.

But when he turned to his dinner, he started to wonder if maybe a little window dressing wasn't such a bad idea.

~ ASC ~

Theo wasn't even thinking about it being Valentine's Day in a few days. He was just trying to make it through another week without Sebastian. Berlin was taking longer than Bas had thought it would and it looked like he was going to be there for a bit longer and since it had already been well over a week, it looked like another weekend would pass without Theo seeing him. Theo understood. He knew that Sebastian had a high-pressure job and that it would often require him to not be available every weekend.

But Salazar, after talking about their desire for more and then not being able to see each other. Theo was starting to go a bit spare. He stretched out in his bed Wednesday evening, holding the mirror in his hand so that he could talk to Sebastian. He'd never been so grateful as to have given Bas the mirror because it meant they spent every night talking for hours. It meant that they were learning more about each other and it meant that he still got to see him in some capacity.

"How's Berlin?"

Sebastian shrugged. "All right. I'm in my hotel room now and I just poured myself a tall pint of pilsner that I ordered up from room service. I'm supposed to report back to the Berlin office for seven hundred hours. I'm sorry that my few days away have turned into ten."

"It's all right. As you said, you have a demanding job and stolen moments are kind of what we're getting."

"Yes, and I want more," Sebastian told him. "I was looking forward to spending the whole weekend with you. I was looking forward to having you in my bed."

Theo's cheeks flushed. "I haven't seen your bed yet."

Sebastian's eyes darkened. "No, but you will."

Theo bit his bottom lip as desire seared through him. He did want to. Merlin, did he want to. He'd been more disappointed than he wanted to admit when Sebastian had to cancel because of this sudden out of country trip. They had only discussed it, but he'd known… it was going to happen that weekend. More meant just that, more, and Theo desperately wanted to kiss and touch the man he was seeing in the mirror. He wanted to wrap his mouth around him and more than anything he wanted him inside of him.

No one had made him want that since Finn.

No one had even come close.

But Theo wanted Sebastian. He wanted him more than he could even put into words and having their weekend plans be cancelled yet again only reminded him of how long it had been since he'd actually had sex.

"So, you didn't want to go sightseeing?" Theo asked.

"Nah. Long day," Sebastian told him. "I was going to see if I could catch a replay of the match I missed this afternoon."

"What match?"

"Quidditch," he said, his smile slow. "The Arrows played the Canons."

"Ah, I knew that."

"No, you didn't," Sebastian said.

Theo grinned. "No, no, I didn't. Only thing I know about any current Quidditch matches is that Benjamin London plays for the Arrows and he has one very gorgeous arse."

Sebastian chuckled. "Second rate at best."

"Did you see him in the charity calendar he posed for last year? That arse is gorgeous! You can't deny it!"

"Not denying it," Sebastian said. "But it's still second rate."

"Pft!" Theo exclaimed. "He was voted Sexiest Behind of the Year by Witch Weekly for the last three years running! Name one person who has a nicer arse than London! Outside of Harry Potter and Ron Weasley, that is, who are definitely in the top tier. Go on! I dare you!"

"You," Sebastian said, his eyes on Theo's lips.

"Me? Theo squeaked in surprise. "Don't be ridiculous!"

"I'm not," Sebastian said. "You have one very fine arse, Theodore Nott. Your photoshoot as Mr October proves it. I've spent way too much time looking at it and an even more embarrassing amount of time thinking about it."

Theo blushed. "Well, er… I mean…"

Sebastian smiled. "The first time I saw you, putting that prick Derrick in his place. You backed into me and I have never wanted to grab someone's arse so badly in my life. It took everything I had to not feel up a complete stranger in the middle of the bullpen."

"I mean, I'm not going to lie, I think my arse is one of my better features, but, no way it's better than London's."

"I've never wanted to bite London's."

Theo's heart pounded in his chest.

Sebastian's eyes fell to Theo's lips. "Tell me, Theo. Have you ever used these mirrors for… other things?"

"Like what?" Theo asked.

Sebastian's eyes darkened and the mirror tilted downwards just enough that Theo was given a view of the top of his bare chest. "Like voyeurism?"

Theo's cheeks heated. "What?"

Sebastian licked his lips. "What are you wearing?"

"My pyjamas," Theo said, slowly. When Sebastian only continued to stare at him, desire shot through him. "A white tee shirt and black silk sleep pants."

"Show me."

Theo's heart pounded in his chest at the deep voiced command. He slowly tilted the mirror down his body to show Sebastian his tee shirt and sleep pants and then just as slowly moved it back up to show him his face.

"Oh, you look bloody damn good in silk, don't you?" Sebastian asked, his voice a little gruffer sounding.

"I like silk," Theo said. "It's soft against my skin."

"And it clings to all the right places," Sebastian added, his blue eyes darkening.

Theo cleared his throat. "What are you wearing?

Sebastian's lips curved. "Ah, now he's interested."

The mirror tilted down and Theo was greeted to the sight of broad muscled soldiers, an impossibly chiselled chest with toned, muscular abs and a trail of dark hair that disappeared into… the mirror returned to Sebastian's face.

"I sleep naked," he said simply.

Theo rubbed a hand over himself to stop the stirring that was happening. The thought of Sebastian naked was… he rubbed himself a little harder to stop the ache.

"You said that you were sitting in your hotel room."

"So?"

Theo let out a slow breath. The image of Sebastian sitting in his hotel room completely starkers wasn't going to do anything to help his current erection. "Oh."

Sebastian smiled. "You know what I'd like right now?"

"What?" Theo breathed.

"I'd like you to be sitting here with me. Do you know what I'd do if you were here?"

"No," Theo said.

Sebastian's eyes twinkled. "I'd kiss you. I'd kiss you until you couldn't catch your breath, until you were completely gone for me. Then I'd slowly slip my hand under that tee shirt you're wearing, slide it over your stomach, gliding my fingers over every inch of your skin."

Theo was hard now. He moved himself into a more comfortable sitting position in his bed. "You have the body of some demigod warrior. I'm not even close in comparison."

"Show me."

Theo hesitated only a moment before he put the mirror down and pulled his tee shirt up over his head. He was in shape, he knew that. The Defence Club over the last three years, the exercises he did with his sword, he was in shape. He had toned arms from wielding the sword every day and he was lean. He didn't have abs like the man in the mirror who Theo was positive had at least six, maybe eight. But Theo did have defined v lines and he was proud of his looks. After all, he had made it onto the Wizard Pages and in the top ten list.

He held the mirror back up before he slowly moved it over his body to show Sebastian his chest. When he turned it back to his face, he knew that his cheeks were heated a bit. This felt different than having the man before him, this was… naughtier, but he didn't know why.

Sebastian's lips curved. "Merlin, you're sexy. Do I detect a few more freckles?"

Theo rolled his eyes. "I have some freckles scattered on my body, I guess."

"Three under your right eye," he said. "I see two by your belly button. Scattered over your shoulders. Where are the others?"

"I don't know," Theo said.

Sebastian chuckled. "Shame. I wanted to see them all tonight. It's better this way. I'd much rather discover them myself."

Theo blushed.

"Put your hand on your breast. Yeah, like that," he said when Theo did as he instructed. "Levitate the mirror above you so that you can use your hands for me."

"My hands?" Theo whispered, desire shooting through him.

Was Sebastian really suggesting what he thought he was suggesting?

Sebastian nodded. He held up his own hand before he tilted the mirror down again and Theo was greeted to the sight of Sebastian's large hand rubbing his nipple.

"Touch yours," he said.

Theo wanted to protest. It was just… he couldn't just do that with Sebastian watching him in the mirror… could he?

He watched Sebastian's fingertip make his nipple go taut before he began to rub around it, making the areola pimple and he shivered. His own hand began to do the same and his cock was now tenting his sleep pants before he remembered to levitate the mirror up over himself, giving Sebastian a clear view of his bare chest and his face. Theo played with his nipple, stroking it and teasing it and when he looked back into the mirror, he was looking into Sebastian's eyes.

"Move your hand down your chest," Sebastian demanded, his voice gruff in desire.

Theo did as he was told, letting his hand move towards his cock and he slid his hand under the silk to grip himself. He knew with the mirror levitated the way it was, Sebastian could only see his face and his chest, but he still felt deliciously naughty.

Sebastian's blue eyes were dark in desire. "Do you have any oil or lubricant?"

Theo nodded. "Yes."

"Take it out."

Theo hesitated only a moment before he rolled over to reach into the drawer of his night table and pulled out a jar of lubricating oil that smelled like jasmine.

"Open it and rub it into your hands."

Theo did, his eyes on where Sebastian was rubbing oil onto his own chest.

"I'm rather fond of this jasmine and sandalwood oil that I buy from an apothecary in Paris. It smells and feels amazing and did I mention, it's edible?"

Theo swallowed as he watched Sebastian pour another generous dollop of oil into his hands and rub them together. Theo licked his lips. He most definitely wanted to lick anything off of this man and edible oil was only the start. Theo shoved his sleep pants down to his knees and gripped himself in his hand.

"Are you touching yourself, Theo?"

He nodded, biting his bottom lip.

"You know what I would do if I was there right now?"

Theo could barely breathe. Just the sound of his words was enough to make his cock tremble in anticipation. "You'd touch me."

"No," Sebastian growled. "I'd do so much more than just touch you. I'd take this finger, just the tip and slowly stroke your cock. Slow, steady strokes as I counted and traced every — last — vein," he said slowly.

Theo shuddered at the image.

"I'd savour it," Sebastian continued. "I'd tease your cock with slow strokes from base to tip, watching as your beautiful tip emerged with every touch. Then I'd use my thumb and circle that tip while my fingers danced along your length. Are your hands doing that, Theo?"

Theo had closed his eyes, his fingers doing exactly what Sebastian said and oh gods, it felt fantastic. He danced his fingertips over his length, rubbing his tip as he listened to Sebastian's words.

"Theo, are you still there?"

"Uh-huh," Theo said, opening his eyes to look into Sebastian's blue ones as his cock started to leak.

Sebastian's smile was slow. "Grip yourself firmly, give yourself some nice delicious pulls." The hitch in Theo's breath when he did just that made Sebastian bite his bottom lip. "Mmm, yeah, that's right, Theo. Now, I want you to bring one of your hands up to your mouth."

"What?"

"That's right, keep stroking yourself, but bring the other hand to your mouth. Just like that," he said, his breath coming out a little ragged. "Take your index and pointer fingers and put them in your mouth."

Theo slowly brought his fingers into his mouth.

Sebastian nodded, his eyes wide. "Suck them for me."

Theo did, twirling his tongue around his fingers, bringing every inch of them into his mouth and down his throat, keeping his eyes on the man in the mirror.

Sebastian's eyes darkened in desire. "Get them good and wet, Theo."

Theo kept his eyes on Sebastian's as he used one hand to stroke himself, sucking his fingers slowly and sensually as he did. Merlin, he was getting close, he thought.

"Are they wet, Theo?"

Theo moaned around his fingers and slowly pulled them out of his mouth. Sebastian let out a ragged breath.

"Slide them down your chest slowly. Good," he said, his tongue on his bottom lip. "Down your cock, over your balls, and now slip one of them inside."

Theo's tongue rested on the side of his mouth and when he slipped his slick finger inside of himself, he groaned. He gripped his cock with his other hand, pumping himself faster.

"Push it in deeper," Sebastian said. "As far as you can go."

He panted, his finger moving in and out in ecstasy, slowly stretching himself open degree by degree.

Neither of them spoke. He could hear the ragged breaths of Sebastian through the mirror as he worked himself over and he could hear his own sighs as he fingered himself. When Sebastian ordered him to add a second finger, he did so and groaned aloud.

"I wish those were my fingers right now," Sebastian said, his voice full of arousal. "I wish that was my hand gripping you like that, stroking you like that…"

"I'm close. Oh, fuck, I'm so close," Theo moaned.

Sebastian made a groaning sound and Theo lost it. His head arched back as he came, clenching around his fingers and making a mess all over his stomach and hands. He panted and grunted, his eyes on the mirror as he watched Sebastian's head tilt back and moan.

When Theo finally caught his breath, his cheeks were flushed as he met Sebastian's blue eyes. "I can't believe I just did that."

Sebastian's slow smile made his heart pound in his chest. "You're so gorgeous. Show me."

Theo slowly tilted the mirror down to show Sebastian his glistening chest.

"If I was there right now, I would lick every drop from your body," Sebastian said.

The mirror moved and Theo was greeted by Sebastian's naked torso, showing the same.

He swallowed. "I… I can't wait to see you again."

"Me too," Sebastian said. "Goodnight, Theo."

"Goodnight," Theo whispered, watching Sebastian's face disappear from the mirror.

He stayed there in his bed, his sleep pants shoved to his knees and his chest, cock, and hands sticky from his activities. He slowly stood up and went to the bathroom to clean himself up, taking in his flushed cheeks with a smile.

He'd never done anything so naughty in his life. He wondered if that was something the delightful Sebastian Kane would want to do again. He cleaned himself up before he went back to his bed and flopped down onto his stomach.

He'd never had such a good wank before and he was going to sleep like a baby tonight.

~ ASC ~

Harry found Remus Thursday before dinner. He was marking papers in his office, one hand in his hair, the other writing notes on the parchment in red ink. Harry closed the office door behind and plopped himself into the chair across from Remus' desk. Remus held up one finger, not even looking up. When he finished, he dropped the quill and his face broke out into a grin.

"Harry. This is a nice surprise," Remus said.

"Good. Marking?"

Remus let out a slow breath. "Second years and I have one student who drones on and on about the most mundane things before getting to the point. It makes the paper quite tedious to read."

Harry chuckled. "Better you than me."

Remus smiled. "What can I do for you, Harry?"

"Well," Harry said, leaning forward in his chair. "I have a favour to ask."

"Oh?"

"Well, not really a favour," Harry corrected. "More like I'm letting you know, I suppose?" At Remus' look, he smiled. "It's Valentine's Day on Saturday."

"Yes," Remus said.

"And well, I wanted to take Ginny to the Italian restaurant she loves as we made plans to go last time, but the attack on the village clearly ruined those plans."

"Clearly," Remus said. "Harry, the village is still under a great deal of repair. As you know, the trip will be cancelled this weekend."

"I know," Harry said. "That's where the favour comes in. Ginny's been working so hard, training and keeping busy to get ready for her tryout. I know that she's going to want to spend the whole day practicing hard and as much as I want to do that, I want to give her a break, too, you know?"

Remus nodded, his eyes twinkling. "Yes, I know."

"And I thought that a really fun break would be to go to Somerset and spend an afternoon horseback riding," Harry finished. "We can ride the horses and play in the snow and just not worry about her tryout or Voldemort or anything."

"That does sound nice," Remus agreed. "But between you and me, the other professors and I are planning a little festival for the students this weekend."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "Really?"

"Yes," Remus said. "There's going to be ice skating and sledding, a scavenger hunt for the younger students, and we're going to turn one of the courtyards into a formal patio for Valentine's Day dates. Students will be able to order from a menu and everything."

"That's really brilliant," Harry said. "Everyone is going to really love that."

"I hope so," Remus admitted. "If everything goes to plan, we'll let the school know tomorrow. It will be both Saturday and Sunday all day."

Harry nodded, putting his hands on Remus' desk. "It sounds fun, it really does, but I'd still like to spend Saturday at Somerset."

Remus leaned back in his chair. "You're seventeen and don't have to ask permission to do so. With everything that's going on, I think staying close to the school is a bit wiser."

"Uncle Rem, that's why I'm asking," Harry said. "I just want to give her a fun day where she doesn't have to think about the tryout and everything it entails. She loves Ebony and it would be brilliant to just spend the day on the horses, get her favourite food from the Italian place for takeaway, and maybe do some light flying. Away from everyone. If we stay at the school, she's going to end up down at the pitch."

Remus tapped his fingers on the desk. "You don't want to enjoy the winter festival?"

"Well, you said that it was going to be Saturday and Sunday," Harry reasoned. "If Ginny and I go to Somerset on Saturday, we can do the festival stuff on Sunday, right?"

Remus sighed. "Sometimes I look at you and still see the little boy who put his hands on my face and told me that our scars made us both the same. You've grown up on me, Harry. You've become your own man and I am so proud of you."

Harry's cheeks heated. Sometimes when Remus told him that he was proud of him, he couldn't help but get this wave of pride that shot through him.

"I know I can't say no as you are grown up and have every right to leave the school if you wish to, but please promise me that you will stay in Somerset," Remus said. "With everything going on, I really don't want to think about you in any place where you might be in danger."

"Just Somerset," Harry promised. "I just want to snog my girlfriend and go horseback riding."

Remus smiled. "I can't fault you for that. Go. Have a good time. But don't stay too long and miss all of the winter festival activities."

Harry grinned. "We won't." He stretched his legs out in front of him. "So, how's Tonks doing? Is she getting bigger yet?"

"Oh, yes," Remus said. "She's starting to look more pregnant, like there's a Quaffle under her shirt. When we're in bed at night, she rolls her shirt up to expose her stomach and I can see it ripple. It's fascinating and horrifying at the same time."

Harry laughed. He completely understood that. The idea of something moving around inside of her was oddly awesome and terrifying. Actually seeing it move had to be something else all together.

"How much longer until she's off of work?"

"Another month," Remus said. "Her last day was supposed to be the first of April, but she decided to make it the second week of March to give us time to settle and get ready. We're excited for Teddy to come."

"So am I," Harry said. "It will be cool to be a godfather."

"He'll be lucky to have you," Remus said. "Now, as much as I'd love to have you hanging around, I need to get these marked. We have a lot of work to do for his winter festival as it is."

"Gotcha," Harry said, standing up. "And I won't say anything about it."

"Appreciated," Remus said. "Go work on your homework."

Harry rolled his eyes in response and Remus chuckled. When he closed the door behind him on his way out, he couldn't help but be excited for the weekend. It would be brilliant to spend the day horseback riding and then having a nice dinner together. Not to mention how much he hoped he could get Ginny back into that shower. The idea of her sitting on the bench in the hot water with her legs spread before him made his cock twitch in excitement.

Oh yeah, it would definitely be a great day.

~ ASC ~

Talking to Sebastian on the mirror every night was something Theo found himself really looking forward to. It had become part of his nightly routine very quickly as he sat in his dorm or stretched out in his bed and they just talked. He loved how easy it was to talk to him. He loved seeing him smile and hearing him complain about the annoying things his friend Durant was doing or catching him up on Hidden Passions. It was nice and it made him smile.

In fact, since Sebastian had kissed him in the Ministry, he hadn't been able to stop smiling. It was something that more than one person had noticed and Ciara mentioned it to him more often than not how happy she was to see him happy.

After the attack on Hogsmeade, Ciara had only spent a few hours with Madam Pomfrey. Her wings seeming to appear out of nowhere had been quite a shock to her. As only a half-fae, she assumed that she wouldn't have wings, and for them to show up when she least expected it, Theo knew that it was a lot to take in.

Her mother had come to visit Hogwarts and pulled her aside for a private conversation on the importance and the power of a fae's wings. She explained how powerful and how sensitive they were and how it connected her more to Tara than ever before. Ciara had told Theo all about it and how Niamh believed the wings had appeared because Ciara was going through the stages of becoming a woman and it was affected by her fae power. Ciara thought that having the wings was awesome, but it also scared her and she hadn't figured out how to control them yet, which meant they often sprung up when she wasn't expecting it.

But she was dealing well with everything, considering.

Julian and Mila had only had minor scratches and bruises, but both had stuck by Ciara for as long as she needed them. Theo loved seeing them together and thought that the trio was a great group of friends who could and would always depend on each other. He said as much to Sebastian when they spoke that night.

"Friends are important," Sebastian agreed. "They really help define us."

"A lot of things help define us," Theo said. "The people in our lives our a big part of that and the people who were in our lives."

"Agreed."

Theo held his breath a moment. "Which is why I think that we should talk about your people."

Sebastian raised an eyebrow from the mirror. "My people? What people?"

"Well," Theo began. "You know all about Finn. We talked about him more than I've spoken to anyone about him. We talked about, you know, our first kiss and how old we were when we lost our virginities, but…"

"But…?"

Theo's eyes met the blues ones in the mirror. "We haven't talked about your exes or important boyfriends in your life."

Sebastian's eyes widened in surprise. "Well, that's… there was no one important."

Theo crossed his legs in front of him and bit his lip. "But you've had other boyfriends, right?"

"Yeah," Sebastian said. "There's been a few." At Theo's look, he sighed. "You really want to have that conversation?"

"Well, we've been talking about more," Theo replied. "And more to me means honesty in our past. Who you've been intimate with is part of that, isn't it?"

"It is," Sebastian agreed. He let out a slow breath. "All right. What do you want to know?"

"Everything."

Sebastian's lips curved. "Everything, eh? All right… am I going first?"

"Yes," Theo said. "I already told you about Finn and I don't know anything about who you've dated."

Sebastian nodded and let out another sigh. "All right, guess I'm going first." At Theo's look, he gave him a half smile. "All right, well, as I told you, I was fourteen when I had my first kiss. It was a Muggle tourist near my parents house in the summer before my fourth year. His name was Brandon and we spent two weeks doing a lot of kissing. Soraya caught us out by the wood and teased me for weeks."

Theo smiled. "I love that your sister teased you."

"Says an only child," Sebastian replied in exasperation, making Theo's smile widen. "Anyway, I started my fourth year feeling a bit more confident, I guess. But there was no one else until the end of that school year. My first boyfriend was René. He was my dorm mate and friend. We um… we kept it a secret for the first month, worried the other boys would be upset if they found out that we were snogging."

"Were they?"

"They didn't love it," Sebastian admitted. "But they were cool about it, just lots of groans and complaints when we did snog in front of them. René and I were together just over three months and there was lots of snogging and so very many handjobs. We were young and excited, you know? Anyway, we broke up in the summer. Had a rough few months back at school, but eventually found our footing as friends again. René ended up dating this witch for the next three years."

"A witch?"

"Yeah," Sebastian said. "So, it's your turn now, right?"

Theo smiled. "Nuh-uh, who came after René?"

Sebastian scratched his nose. "There was no one until January of my fifth year and then I started seeing this sixth year named Max. I fell for him pretty hard."

"Yeah?"

Sebastian nodded. "He was funny and a Seeker for our house team. I fancied him something awful and he was one of those really popular blokes, you know, the ones who have people surrounding him all the time? Plus, he was a year older and I was convinced that he didn't even know who I was."

"Did he?"

"He did after we stole some wine and had a celebratory party for a Quidditch win. A big group of us ended up playing Seven Minutes and I ended up in a broom cupboard with him. I remember being all awkward; telling him that we didn't have to do anything if he didn't want to, that we could just say we did. He snogged my brains out and ended up asking me out the next day."

"How long were you together?"

"Five months," Sebastian said. "He wanted to have sex, but I wasn't ready and we ended up breaking up over it. But it was lots of handjobs and first blowjobs for me. He was a great guy and I was upset for weeks after we broke up. But I moved on and in sixth year, I lost my virginity to Max."

"Wait, I thought you broke up with him," Theo said.

"We did," Sebastian admitted. "But we ended up back together for maybe three months the next year? We weren't done with each other and well, as I said, we had sex. Lots of sex. Anyway, after Max, there were a few snogs and stolen handjobs in the dark, but there was no one else until I started at the Auror Academy."

"I'm riveted."

Sebastian's smile made him grin back. "Oh, yes, this is fascinating stuff."

"It is," Theo agreed. "So, the Auror Academy? All those buff bodies working out in the nude and covered in oil. Hot."

Sebastian snorted. "If by oil you mean incredibly sweaty and by nude you mean dressed in a sweaty, smelly kit, then yes, absolutely."

Theo grinned. "So, who was he?"

Sebastian put his tongue in his cheek. "I met him in the training camp. We started studying together and working out together. His name was Alex and we ended up hooking up. It… I don't think we ever went out on a date or anything we just… well, fucked. When the camp ended, so did we. It wasn't until I got accepted into the MIA, after Auror training, that I met my next boyfriend, Clark Collins. He's a behaviour analyst for the MIA and he's damn good at his job."

Theo stared at him. The way Sebastian had said his name told him that this boyfriend had been more important than the others. "How long were you together?"

"Almost a year," Sebastian admitted, dragging his fingers through his hair. "I thought that he was amazing. He's smart and brilliant at his job. I learned a lot from him about how to interrogate suspects and how to be an Auror. He's six years older than me and he basically seduced me and… I let him. I thought I loved him. But Clark was… he's very selfish. It's part of who he was. He's very structured and he believes that if you make plans for a Saturday, you saw each other on Saturday, not before. Like you and me talking every night, he wouldn't have approved of that. He wanted his life and he wanted me to have mine and for them to only intertwine when we made plans to do so."

Theo frowned. "Sounds lonely."

"It was, but I really liked him, Theo. I put up with his quirks, longer than I should have. He was my first grownup boyfriend, I guess, and I just wanted him to like me. We'd been together about four months when I went to his office to consult on a case. I was eighteen at the time and he was twenty-four. I was more invested in us than he was, but walking in on him getting a blowjob in his office still wasn't what I had expected."

"Shit, Bas. I'm sorry."

"I was young and naïve," Sebastian said, shrugging it off. "He told me that it was nothing and I believed him."

"You… he cheated on you," Theo exclaimed. "That's not okay."

Sebastian nodded. "He did. But as I said, I was young and I let him convince me that it was nothing and he promised me that it wouldn't happen again. Then he kind of turned it around on me, how showing up when I wasn't supposed to was the real problem."

"He sounds like a complete wanker," Theo said.

Sebastian chuckled. "He is. But it took me a while to see that as I said, I thought I loved him. Anyway, I forgave him and about a month later, I met Durant and Jin. We had a mission together and we butted heads and then we just connected. It felt like I'd known them my entire life. I'd known them about two months before I asked them to come and have drinks with me and Clark. I'd told them all about each other and I wanted them to meet. One of my favourite things about Jin and Durant, and one of their most annoying qualities, is that they are both blunt. Yeona even more so than Durant. They don't hold back and they don't lie to you. I remember sitting in a pub and having drinks and Clark got up to use the bathroom and Yeona just turned to look at me and said, 'he's an arse. I don't care how great the sex is, you can do better."

Theo laughed. "I kind of love her."

"You say that now," Sebastian warned. "But you haven't met her. Anyway, I got defensive and told her that she didn't know him and that he was nervous to meet these two friends whom I kept talking about. We fought over it and she didn't bring up Clark again."

"You kept dating him?"

"Yeah, for another three months," Sebastian admitted. "Soraya came home for my nineteenth birthday and decided to throw me a big surprise party. She rented out this pub just for me and my friends and invited everyone. Even my old dorm mates from Beauxbatons. It was brilliant. We had a great time. I had a lot to drink and Yeona and Clark had a huge fight and he stormed out. I woke up the next morning with the mother of all hangovers in Durant's flat and after they gave me some sobering potion, Yeona told me that she'd walked in on Clark and another MIA Auror named Asher Michaels, having sex in the loo. I refused to believe her at first, but when I confronted Clark about it, he didn't deny it. I broke up with him."

"Who was this Michaels?" Theo asked.

"Great Auror," Sebastian said. "He's one of the best the MIA has to offer actually. He's thirty-two and runs his own unit that deals specifically in academics and research. He's also a bit of a known player, but he's a nice bloke. I don't actually know if he knew that Clark and I were a thing. Anyway, I confronted Clark and we broke up. About a week later, Clark came back and claimed that Michaels had cheated on him and how sorry he was and how he wanted me back. I told him to piss off."

"Good for you."

"Yeah. I apologized to Yeona and we became even closer. I know that she was just looking out for me and that's all I can ask for. She's an amazing friend."

"So, Clark and Max were the two big boyfriends then? Has there been anyone in between?"

Sebastian smiled. "No one special. I had a few hookups after Clark. Then maybe about six months later, I met Kenneth."

"Kenneth," Theo said, wrinkling his nose. "Sounds boring."

"He wasn't," Sebastian said. "But he was… in denial about himself. He kissed me out of the blue and invited me home with him. He… we were together about two months and we had a lot of sex, but he wouldn't be seen with me in public. I once touched his arm at a restaurant and he practically jumped out of his skin. Durant and Yeona hated him. They claimed that he was taking advantage of me, but… he wasn't. He just had his own issues. I don't think that he could admit to himself that he was gay. When we broke up, it was for the best."

"I'm sorry, that's rough," Theo said. "I haven't been with anyone who was in denial like that. Well, not that extreme. I can't imagine not being comfortable with yourself."

Sebastian shrugged. "Me neither. Anyway it was a long time ago. Since Kenneth, there's been two other blokes I've fooled around with. But there's been no one since before I started work at the Ministry of Magic on this assignment back in July."

"No one?" Theo asked.

"No one," Sebastian repeated. "Because then I saw this lean bloke with a great arse and big brown eyes surrounded by long lashes and I've been too busy having very naughty thoughts about him to even consider anyone else."

Theo felt his cheeks warm. "Oh."

Sebastian licked his bottom lip. "All right, I think it's your turn."

"My turn?"

"Yup," Sebastian said. "I opened up and told you all about my sordid sexual past, your turn."

Theo bit his lip. "You know most of it with Finn and stuff."

"Yes, I know about Finn," Sebastian prompted. "And I know that you lost your virginity when you were thirteen in a French brothel, which I still think your father should have been punished for. But tell me the rest."

The rest, Theo thought. He hadn't had tons of boyfriends like Sebastian had. But there had definitely been others. He stretched out a little in his bed as he looked at Sebastian's blue eyes in the mirror.

"Well, I haven't had as many boyfriends as you."

"It's not a competition," Sebastian said.

Theo sighed. "Okay, well… everything kind of happened at once for me. I… I knew I was gay, but I hadn't told anyone or done anything about it or even kissed a bloke when my father brought me to the brothel. I was scared and there was a witch and she… she knew, I guess? So, there was this wizard there named Antonio who kissed me and who… introduced me to sex with blokes. After him, I wasn't sure who I wanted to date or be with, I guess. But there were a few blokes I snogged and gave handjobs to in the dark. I even blew Blaise once."

Sebastian's eyes widened. "Your friend?"

He nodded. "Blaise is a total manwhore and it happened one time and we kind of both agreed it was a one time thing because we're friends and he certainly doesn't like me like that and as gorgeous as he is, I don't like him like that either. Anyway, it was in third year and we never spoke of it again. It was also in third year that Stephen Cornfoot and I started hanging out."

"As in your ex-boyfriend?"

"Yeah," Theo said. "He claimed that he was straight in third year. We spent a lot of time snogging each other senseless in broom cupboards and empty classrooms. And I spent a lot of time blowing him while he told me that he wasn't gay."

Sebastian snorted. "Not gay. Right."

"Anyway, Stephen and I fooled around and unofficially dated. Then there was Kevin Entwhislte from Hufflepuff, but that was a brief stint. I performed a few blowjobs on him and that was that. Then I ran into Stephen again at Blaise's mother's wedding in the summer and we ended up fooling around some more. Fourth year was… David Masters. He was a year ahead of me and we snogged for like four months straight. Snogged a lot actually and there were lots of handjobs and blowjobs as you said. He was my first boyfriend technically, but it was… we didn't really hang out much outside of touching each other. We went to Hogsmeade together once and made plans to go to the Yule Ball, but he ended up having to go home for the holiday. It just kind of ended between us."

"I get it," Sebastian said.

"Yeah, so after David, there were some more snogs and blowjobs. I admit, I… I kind of gained a bit of a reputation for being amazing at giving blowjobs."

Sebastian licked his bottom lip. "Oh yeah?"

"Yeah," Theo said. "I rather like having a cock in my mouth and I fooled around with a few guys at school. All straight and all just wanting to get off. I didn't mind and it helped me learn how to be really, really good at it. Then the summer after fourth year, Ginny and I went to Anguilla and I met this Muggle there named Connor who was so sweet. We snogged and I gave him his first blow job and there was lots of fooling around there. I liked him and I think if we'd had longer on our trip, it could have been something more. After Connor, there was…"

He trailed off, remembering that the beginning of fifth year was Ernie. He swallowed the bile that rose in his throat.

"There was another straight bloke or two who I fooled around with and then come January of fifth year, I met Finn. We dated for almost a year. He was killed that December and when I lost him… I kind of spiralled. I sucked a lot of cock. I mean, I don't even remember who they all were."

"That's understandable. You were grieving."

Theo's eyes met his. "Once I had my friends knock some sense into me and help me process my anger and… there was no one until September with Stephen."

"You've gone back to him a few times. Stephen."

Theo nodded. "It was… easy. He was there and willing and when we tried dating it… it didn't work. He's nice, but we don't have anything more. Not enough in common and… he just doesn't get me. When we broke up back in November, I felt relieved. Like I was glad it was over."

Sebastian's lips parted. "I was glad it was over."

Theo's cheeks flushed. "I still can't believe that you fancied me this whole time. Why didn't you ever say something?"

"A lot of reasons I suppose, mainly though because I was a coward. You called it the day we kissed for the first time. I was a coward."

"Why?" Theo asked "You're in the MIA and I'm hardly intimidating!"

"No," Sebastian agreed, his lips twitching. "You're definitely not intimidating, Theo. It was more… I reacted to you in a very sexual way that surprised me. And I was going to ask you out after the explosion but… you looked at me and you were so vulnerable and scared and shocked. I didn't want to take advantage of the situation."

"Okay, but why not after that?" Theo prompted. "You kept finding me. You took me to see Lucius Malfoy in Azkaban. You brought me a cappuccino after the Wizengamot session. You never said anything. Why?"

"Because I kept thinking about you. A lot," he admitted. "And the more I thought about you, the more I knew that you were going to be a hell of a lot more than a one night stand."

Theo swallowed. "Oh, yeah?"

"Yes," Sebastian said. "I wanted more. I want more. I want more with you."

Theo's stomach fluttered in a way that made his breath hitch. "I want more with you, too."

Sebastian licked his lips. "Merlin, I want to kiss you so bad right now. I wish I was there with you."

"Me too," Theo said. "I wish you were here or I was there. I'm not picky."

Sebastian chuckled. "Me neither. Theo, I'm going to take off my shirt now."

"Yeah, yeah definitely do that," he said, biting his bottom lip.

Theo swallowed as he watched the mirror hover in front of Sebastian before he pulled the shirt up over his head, revealing pale smooth skin. His muscled arms and gorgeous abs had Theo wishing he could see him for real. Not just through a mirror.

Sebastian leaned back against the pillows. "Your turn."

Theo pulled his own shirt over his head. He'd always thought that he was decent looking. He knew that some people even said he was handsome and adorable. But the look in Sebastian's eyes when he raked his gaze over him made him feel sexier than he'd ever felt in his life. He felt attractive and wanted in ways that he'd never really felt before.

"Now your trousers," Sebastian said, his voice gruffer-sounding.

Theo did, keeping the mirror above his waist like before. They hadn't asked each other to lower it, neither of them, and Theo knew that Sebastian felt the same. They wanted to wait until they could see each other for real for the first time. Sebastian's blue eyes locked on his.

"Your underwear now."

Theo slid his boxer briefs down his legs, unhooking them from his ankles before he held up the green silk to show Bas. He licked his lips and Theo watched as his hand teased a nipple.

"I love that you wear silk underpants," he growled.

"That's only because you haven't seen the lace ones," Theo teased.

Sebastian's lips twitched. "Such a tease. Are you hard, Theo? I'm so hard."

"I'm hard," he whispered.

And when Sebastian told him to grip his cock, Theo knew that tonight was going to be just as amazing as the last time had been. He couldn't wait to see him in person. He couldn't wait for them to talk about this more that they both wanted. He rubbed his cock as Sebastian instructed and chewed on his bottom lip.

Merlin, he couldn't wait until they could do this for real. Until it was Sebastian's hands on him and not just his voice. He had a feeling it was going to be better than he could possibly imagine.

~ ASC ~

Spending time with Hannah made Neville happier than he could explain. He never tired of listening to her talk, of watching her do homework, or just holding her hand in the halls. He loved pulling her into broom cupboards for a long snog. He loved the evenings and early mornings that she spent in the greenhouses with him. He loved that she liked to listen to him talk about Herbology.

Hannah asked intelligent questions and she was genuinely interested in his work. It was why when he finished his thesis that afternoon, she was the first person he found. She was the perfect captivating audience as she 'oohed and ahhed' at his work. When he showed her the last of his finished work, the look on her face told him what he wanted to know: He had done well and they were beautiful.

He'd been crossbreeding different flowers to make them more vibrant; to provide brighter bouquets with sweeter scents. Each flower and each scent was unique and each one had its own properties. The lilacs had been crossbred with white lilies and smelt sweet, almost candy-like. The mixing of the two of them could be used for dry skin lotions. The bright delphinium which he'd made to be the same blue as Hannah's eyes, was his pride and joy.

He called it Blue Hannah and the colour was so bright and the scent so soft that the flower somehow emitted happiness and made anyone near it want to smile or to think of happy things. When he told Hannah what he called it, she'd cried.

Professor Sprout was impressed with his work and told him that she would be happy to help him publish it. After all, such an intense study on the inner workings of flowers and human emotions was something that had been studied before, but Neville was the first Herbologist to crossbreed a flower that could influence them.

"Blue Hannah and the Efflorescence of Sentiment With Pheromones, Passion, and Flora by Neville F. Longbottom," he said, biting his bottom lip. "I really did it."

Hannah kissed him smartly on the mouth. "I'm so proud of you."

He grinned. "I couldn't have done it without you."

"I doubt that," Hannah said. "You're incredibly talented at Herbology, Neville. This was all you."

"Making a flower as blue as your eyes is what helped lead me down the right path," he replied. "I owe that to you."

Hannah's eyes were full of emotion when she stood on her toes to kiss him. "I love you, Neville."

"I love you, too," he said, kissing her once more.

When she urged him to explain how he was going to defend his thesis to the Herbological Association, he cleared his throat.

"I'm going to tell them that it's all about joy."

"Joy?"

He nodded as Professor Sprout came into the greenhouse.

"Yes, joy. Don't you think so, Professor?"

Sprout smiled, her eyes twinkling. "I think that joy sums up your work perfectly, Mr Longbottom. I was speaking to Kunal Bai this morning and he's agreed that you can debate your thesis to the Herbological Association in two weeks time."

"He has to debate it, Professor?" Hannah asked, looking nervous for him which made Neville smile.

"Yes," Sprout said. "He just has to show the HA that he has proven what he claims he has and is willing to answer any questions that they might have on the subject."

"And they have the chance to disprove it," Neville explained. "If they disprove it with justifiable cause, I will have to start over."

"That sounds dreadful," Hannah admitted.

Sprout chuckled. "I quite agree, but I also believe that Mr Longbottom has a very well written and well rounded argument, not to mention months of research and evidence to back up his claims."

"Exactly," Neville said. "And I'm only going into more detail on things people have always believed about how certain flowers and plants can affect people's emotions and mental health. How they can be used for healing, but also to assist in emotions and circumstances. It's all about colour and scent and how them being in the room changes how someone feels. How using a certain floral scent can alter stress levels like the use of lavender. And how crossbreeding known healing plants and flowers can increase passion, happiness, and even cause an emotional reaction to someone or something."

"His thesis could prove beneficial for all sorts of healing purposes and could even help the emotional levels of people with mental illnesses or even those suffering from severe memory loss," Sprout explained. "Scent is a powerful sense and can often trigger all sorts of emotions and memories. Using fragrance and scent as a healing tool, could help pull memories back to the surface in some capacity. It won't be a cure, of course, but anything that can ease discomfort or bring joy to someone in pain is a very good thing."

Hannah reached out to squeeze Neville's hand and he knew that she understood he'd done part of it for his parents. "It sounds lovely."

Neville nodded. "So, after I argue my thesis and if it passes, it can be published?"

"Yes," Sprout told him. "In the meantime, I think that you should start studying to write your PLANTS examinations. They're typically held around the same time as NEWTs."

"Will you be present at my thesis, Professor?"

Sprout smiled, her kind eyes twinkling. "Neville, I wouldn't miss it for the world."

Neville grinned broadly as she left them alone in the greenhouse and he pulled Hannah into a tight hug. "I can't believe it."

"I can. You've worked so hard, Neville. It's been almost two years and you deserve it."

He kissed the top of her head. "We should do something to celebrate."

Hannah's fingers slid under his jumper to tease the skin at his hip. "Oh?"

"We can go to the Room of Requirement again and turn it into anything you want," he said. "Imagine the most magical place in the world and we'll go there."

Hannah slid her hands up his back, touching skin. "I think that might be right here."

"In the greenhouse?" Neville asked, raising an eyebrow.

"No, silly," she said. "In your arms."

The goofy smile on his face made her grin back at him. "You're amazing."

He bent his head to kiss her and in a few quick turns, lowered them both to the ground by the wild roses. He conjured a blanket for them to lie on and Hannah's arms wrapped around his neck as they kissed.

Neville was sure that he would never tire of kissing her. Sometimes he thought he would combust from wanting to touch her, but being with her and seeing her smile made it worth it. She was sweet and he knew that she wanted to wait until marriage. He respected that, respected her decision, but sometimes his body wanted her so badly he could combust.

He was always careful with her, never pushing. She let him touch her sometimes, parting her legs for his fingers and tongue. And Hannah wasn't selfish. She touched him more frequently and had become more comfortable with it. Neville had to admit, she'd gotten quite good with her hands. She listened to him and asked him to show her what he liked. Merlin, she'd proven herself ten times over with that.

Her hand stroked him through his trousers now and he let out a low moan that made her lips curve. He pulled back, kneeling over her and licked his bottom lip.

"What is it?" she asked, staring up at him from the blanket.

Neville reached a hand into his back pocket. He had been planning to wait. He thought Valentine's Day would make it more romantic, but he wanted to do it now. He pulled the small box from his pocket.

"I… um… I have something that I wanted to…"

Hannah's eyes widened and she sat up on the blanket. "What?"

Neville let out a slow breath. "I love you, Hannah. And I know that we've been talking a lot about what we want out of the future and your amazing dreams of opening a bakery and… I want that for you. I want to be there for you to watch you do it." He opened the lid. "It's… it's a promise ring. A promise that I will always be there for you. It's a promise that I will always love you and it's a promise for what I hope we can build together in the future."

Hannah stared at the ring, her eyes still wide. "Neville…"

"I love you, Hannah Katherine Abbott," Neville continued. "I love you enough to fight for you, to compromise for you. Enough to miss you when we're apart, even if it's only for five minutes. I love you and I believe in us. I believe that even though we're only seventeen that we will always be there for each other and with this ring, I am promising to always be here for you whenever you need me. I am promising that when we're both ready and when we know the moment's right, I will ask you to marry me. I promise."

Hannah's bottom lip trembled and tears welled up in her eyes. "Oh, Neville, I promise that, too! I love you so much!"

She threw her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply. He grinned against her mouth.

"Really?"

"Really," she whispered.

Neville took her left hand in his and gently slid the ring onto her finger. He'd spoken to a jeweller that Theo had recommended, some lady in Wales who made the best jewellery. It was white gold with five rose gold flowers weaved through the top of the ring, each with a small diamond in the centre. Diamonds outlined the curved band that framed the flowers. He felt it represented them perfectly.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, tears in her eyes.

"You're beautiful," he said, kissing her hand. "I love you."

Hannah pulled him back down onto the blanket with her as she kissed him and he couldn't help but smile. Everything was coming together. His future. Their future. He wanted her to know that he would always be there for her and he thought the ring said just that.

He lost himself in her kisses, unable to stop the smile from staying on his face.

~ ASC ~

Percy was doing his best not to be nervous, but the thought of asking Audrey if she wanted to move in with him was much more daunting than he imagined it would be. It had been well over a week since he'd told his brothers of his plans, but so far he hadn't found the courage to ask her. Worst case scenario was that she said no, but part of him knew that if she said no, he would be devastated.

He smiled at her when she came into his flat, stepping out of her heels, and moving to sit in his lap on the sofa. She kissed him and he grinned back at her.

"Just because I had to work late and you didn't, doesn't mean you have to look so happy," Audrey teased.

"No," Percy said. "That's not it. I'm just happy to see you."

"Softie," she said, kissing him again.

Percy held her hips in his hands. "Can we talk for a moment?"

"Sure," she said, her brow furrowing. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, of course."

"Ron? Did something happen?"

"No, no, Ron's fine. He's been back at school and he's fully healed. All is good with him."

"George and Angelina?"

"No," Percy said, pleased that she cared about his family. "Everyone is good. I promise."

Audrey frowned. "Then what is it?"

Percy let out long breath. "I love you."

"I know," Audrey said, linking her arms around his neck to let her fingers play with the short hairs at the nape of his neck. "I love you, too."

He nodded. "And we've been together for a while now and I think that we're both quite happy. We've met each other's families and seem to get on."

"Yes," she said. "I suppose we do. Noah thinks you're posh."

"I'm not posh!" he scoffed.

Audrey chuckled. "I don't know, Noah is a great judge of character."

"He's six," Percy argued.

"He is," Audrey agreed. "And he thinks you're funny."

Percy rolled his eyes. "Teaching him to play chess and then getting cross when he won wasn't me being funny."

"No, it was you being a sore loser," she teased. "Julian thinks that you read stories the best because you do voices."

"That's how I used to read to Ginny and Ron so it made sense for me to read to your nephews the same. Look, as I said, we seem to get on and…" Percy let out another long breath. "I think that we should move in together."

"What?"

"I think that we should move in together," Percy repeated. "I've been thinking about it and when it came up for me to re-sign my lease for my flat, I thought… I don't want to. Not without you."

Audrey's lips curved. "Really?"

"Yes," Percy said. "We rarely spend a night apart. I'm at yours more than mine and… let's move in together, Audrey. Let's take the next step."

Audrey twirled her finger around one of the short hairs at the back of his neck. "Well, Mr Weasley, that is quite an offer."

"Is it one you might consider, Miss Mayfair?"

Audrey's fingers tightened in his short hair, pulling his head back just enough to make him wince. "Well, there would have to be ground rules."

Percy's lips curved. "Absolutely. I'm quite fond of rules."

Audrey yanked his hair back a little harder to expose his throat to her mouth. She sucked on the side of his neck hard enough to bruise before she kissed his cheek. "Rule number one: Keep the place tidy. I will not be picking up your dirty socks."

"Agreed," he said, cupping her arse.

Audrey slapped his hands away, gripping his tie in both of her hands and pulling it hard enough to make him move closer to her. "Rule number two: We will share the responsibilities. Just because I'm the witch doesn't mean that I'll be doing all of the cooking and such."

"Agreed," he repeated, cupping her arse a second time.

Audrey slapped his hands away again. "Rule number three," she continued, tightening his tie just enough to make him gasp for breath. "If we do this, you will spend the first two weeks wearing nothing but my little purple flowered apron and wait on me hand and foot."

His lips curved. "Rule number four: We each get to veto anything we disagree with."

Audrey loosened his tie and wrapped it around his hands when he tried to touch her arse again. "Agreed, but rule number three still stands."

"Veto," Percy said, grinning when she tightened the tie around his wrists leaving his hands bound between them. "Rule number five: We take turns cooking and cleaning and whoever's job it is for that night has to wear nothing but your flowered apron."

"Agreed," Audrey said with a smile. She ripped open the buttons on his shirt, pushing his bound arms above his head as buttons flew everywhere. "Rule number six: We understand that this doesn't make us married and that if one of us wants to… be with someone else…"

"Disagree," Percy growled. "Veto."

Audrey trailed her fingernail around his nipple. "Good," she said, kissing his nipple. "If anyone else touches you, Percy, I will make you regret it."

She undid his belt, pulling his trousers off followed by his boxers before she knelt on the floor in front of him.

"Rule number seven: Mr Weasley agrees that I am always in charge and that he must always follow my lead in the way of things."

"Partially agree," Percy said, his eyes on where her long red fingernails danced over his thigh. "As long as Miss Mayfair agrees that when I'm in charge, she will do the same."

Audrey's lips curved and she leaned in and licked him . "Rule number eight: If Mr Weasley misbehaves, he will bend over and allow me to give him a proper spanking and he promises to be remorseful and not enjoy it."

"I can't promise not to enjoy it," Percy growled. "But you can spank me any time you want, Miss Mayfair."

Audrey kissed his eager cock before she stood up and took his arm, pulling him to his feet. She led him into the bedroom, his shirt flapping open as he walked with his hands bound before him. She hooked his bound hands over the top of the bedpost and squeezed his arse.

"Rule number nine: Mr Weasley will promise to treat his new room mate with respect. He'll listen to her and promise to take her thoughts into consideration."

"Agreed as long as Miss Mayfair promises the same," Percy said.

Audrey reached into the night table and pulled out a round paddle. "Final rule is about the safe word, Mr Weasley."

Percy jolted when the round paddle struck his arse, shooting pain and pleasure through him at the same time. "The safe word is always Canterbury."

The paddle slapped him again and he grunted.

"Good job, Mr Weasley," she purred, her lips trailing over the back of his neck.

He shifted his stance and moaned when her hand came around to grip him tightly. "So, are we… in agreement then?"

Audrey's hand began to move, taking care of him in quick and greedy tugs that made his eyes cross. "I think we're in agreement, Mr Weasley."

Percy grunted when the paddle struck him again as her hand worked him. His hands twitched in their bound state, wanting to touch her as she wanked and spanked him simultaneously. His breath hitched and he grunted, biting his bottom lip just as she let him go.

"No," he moaned. "Audrey… I'm so close."

Audrey rubbed the palm of her hand over his reddened butt cheeks before she pulled the tie loose from his hands. "Take off your shirt."

Percy did, letting it fall to the ground just as she began to undress. He kept his eyes on hers, admiring her tall, thin frame as she took her time. When she finally stepped out of her knickers, he licked his lips and reached for her.

Audrey shook her finger at him. She crawled onto the bed and he hurried onto it after her, reaching for her leg. When she didn't protest, he ran his hand up over her calf and higher. He brushed her with his fingers and she made a small sound of appreciation before she pushed him off.

"I didn't say you could touch."

Percy's eyes darkened. He grabbed the tie off of the bed and bound her hands together above her head, straddling her. "I think it's my turn now."

Audrey wiggled under him and he rolled her over, making her arms stretch, before he slapped his hand over her arse. "Oh!"

"You've been a very naughty witch," he said, spanking her again. She squealed and then she groaned as he slid two fingers into her. "My very naughty witch."

He used his fingers the way she liked it, watching her hips arch back and towards him, jutting that sweet arse up into his face. He took the bait and buried his tongue inside of her. The sound she made caused his cock to twitch. When he finally slid himself deeply inside of her, the sound she made was almost primal as he held her face down into the mattress and rode her hard.

Percy barely managed to untie her before he collapsed against her. Audrey turned around to kiss his neck and shoulders, smiling at his heavy breathing.

"Percy?"

"Hmm?" he asked, his eyes always fading closed from post-coital exhaustion.

Audrey's finger trailed down his chest. "I can't wait to move in with you."

Percy's eyes opened to meet hers, cupping her cheek in his hand. "Me neither."

She snuggled into his arms, her cheek resting over his heart. "But we're definitely moving into my flat. Yours is a dump."

He chuckled and kissed the top of her head. "Agreed."

~ ASC ~

Ginny stepped out of the Gryffindor portrait hole Friday morning, her book bag on her shoulder just as Theo grabbed her so suddenly that she yelped. Harry reached for her hand automatically and she gave him a helpless look.

"Ginny! Thank Merlin! I was going to start calling the mirror in a second," Theo exclaimed, his eyes wide.

"Hi, Theo," Harry said.

"Can't flirt right now, Harry. I need Ginny. Emergency."

"What happened?" Ginny demanded as Theo gripped her hand and pulled her down the hall. "Why are you freaking out?"

"Not here!" Theo hissed, tugging her into one of the empty study halls. He closed the door behind them and dragged his fingers through his hair before he let out a slow breath.

Ginny raised an eyebrow, letting her bag fall to the floor. "What's going on? You should already be finishing breakfast as I know that you have to be at the Wizengamot session for nine."

"I can't go!"

"Why?"

Theo bit his bottom lip. "Because Sebastian said that he will be waiting for me."

"I'm confused," Ginny said. "You said that things with him have been great. You've been talking on the mirror and spending time with him… you've been depressed that he hasn't been around the last week and a half. Did I miss something?"

Theo began to pace in front of her. "We have and he's fantastic and not to mention sexy as all hell, but while he was away, he called me on the mirror, a lot — and at first we were just chatting, but then he saw that I was in bed and well… we started to get a bit more personal and he… oh fuck, we wanked together! Three times now this week. And it was amazing and incredible."

Ginny's lips twitched. "Well, that's something."

"You're not helping!" Theo exclaimed.

"I don't understand the problem," Ginny said. "You just said that it was incredible and amazing. Why wouldn't you want to see him in person again if he's back?"

"Ginny, it was better than amazing. It was like we just… we had this moment and he took charge and ordered me about on how to touch myself and oh, Merlin, I swear I've never had a wank that good in my life," he admitted. "But it was… it was on the mirror and I haven't seen him in person in almost two weeks and how can I face him in person now after we… I mean, we haven't even…"

Ginny smiled. "Aw, you're embarrassed!"

"I'm not embarrassed!" he practically shouted before he clamped his hands over his mouth. "I mean, shit. Ginny… it was so intimate and we didn't even touch. I mean, I touched myself and he touched… but we haven't. Like this was the first time I saw him without his shirt on and it was in the mirror and it was brilliant and sexy and so fucking hot and… what if when I see him he changes his mind about me?"

Ginny took his hand in hers. "He's not going to change his mind."

"He could!"

"He won't," Ginny insisted.

Theo bit his bottom lip. "I want to touch him for real, Ginny."

"You will," she said.

"It's Valentine's Day this weekend."

"I know."

"And he's going to be home and we… Ginny, the things he said that he wants to do to me were just…"

"What?"

Theo's cheeks flushed. "If he can make me… with just his words…"

Ginny squeezed his hand. "Go to the Ministry and do Lord Norfolk stuff and then meet your boyfriend and make weekend plans."

Theo let out a slow breath. "He said that he wants to take me to lunch and make plans."

"And that's bad?"

"No," Theo said. "But I kind of want his cock for lunch more than the actual lunch."

"Theo!"

He winked at her. "What? I'm going. Hey, chick?" When she smiled, he smiled back. "Thanks for letting me freak out."

"No problem. Now, go! You don't want to be late."

Ginny watched him hurry out of the classroom, looking a little less panicked than he had. She picked up her bag, smiling. It was really great to see her friend so happy. She couldn't wait to meet this Sebastian Kane and get a better look at him. Anyone that made Theo this happy was definitely good in her book.

---

End Author's Notes:

Couldn't resist using the word efflorescence as a tribute to Sam!

Next chapter is Valentine's Day!

Thanks for reading and please review!