Author's Message:

Firstly, this chapter is rated M, for reasons below.

Secondly, I want to thank all of you for being so patient…or not so patient with me. I will try with all my might to finish this story before the end of summer, or before I move in August. And I want to apologize to everyone for taking so long.

For all those reading my other stories, I will be attempting to finish them as well…

Thank you to everyone who commented.

--

If you come running back to me I'll be here waiting
Cause I still believe in a love worth saving
If you could see the sad look on my face
You'd be in your car headed back to my place
Come back to me, I'll be here waiting
Cause I'm on my knees and my love's not fading
If you could see the sad look on my face
You'd be in your car headed back to my place

I can't stand to watch you go
Cause in my head deep down I know
I don't wanna live without you
I love the way we stay up late
The way you laugh at your mistakes
I love everything about you

Cause I believe there's a place for you and me in this crazy world

Lyrics by, The Plain White T's, "Come Back to Me"

Warning:

Rated M:

For sex…I'm not really good at ratings, but it doesn't go into much description, but I felt it was better safe to warn everyone that there is sex in this chapter and if you can't handle that, then don't read. Thank you.

Chapter Nine

After two cups of coffee, a tea and sending hers and Ginny's letter off to Harry, Hermione finally woke Ron up from his peaceful slumber. It was nine in the morning, and they had a lot to do that day.

They were supposed to meet Severus Snape for breakfast. The place had been warded off by Aiyana and herself in advanced, but they were still going to have to be extra careful about who saw them arriving.

"Ron," she said, tapping him. "Ron, get up."

He yawned loudly and opened an eye. "What time is it?"

"Nine, we have to be ready to leave by ten."

He groaned for a moment, pushed himself out of bed, and went into the bathroom to take his shower.

She sighed audibly and gave a small scream in surprise when the phone rang. She quickly picked up the receiver.

"Hello."

"Hey, Hermione," Ginny said on the other end. "I just got this random note under my door; Killian wants me to join him in the hotel's breakfast area. Keifer says I should go, but I wanted to run it passed you first."

"Oh," Hermione said, pondering. "How did he find out you were staying here?"

Ginny made a low groan that Hermione could detect was in indignation at Keifer's decision to tell the Death Eaters so soon. "He told Cassie at the bar that night. Do you think I should go?"

"Well, I think it would probably be best if you went," she said after a moment. "You don't want to seem rude."

"Alright," Ginny said slowly. "Well, that's where I'll be, Keifer is going to stay in the room."

"Be careful, Ginny," Hermione said, but she knew that it wouldn't be easy for Ginny to be so.

"I'll try, call later after you have breakfast and all," she said. "Bye."

Hermione clicked off the phone and rubbed her temple. Why was Killian taking such an interest in Ginny?

It's probably a good thing, she told herself. It means he'll trust her easier.

She got up to make herself another cup of coffee, and ten minutes later Ron came out of the shower.

"Who was that on the phone?" he asked, clearly having heard it ring.

"Gin, she's going to meet Killian for breakfast," she said, pouring him a cup.

"What's with that guy?" he grumbled, taking the drink. "Thanks."

It was true that he had been flirting with her at breakfast when they had first met, but he had also been flirting with Cassie. Maybe there was nothing to worry about; they tried to convince themselves that it would help the situation, not hinder. But they also knew what Death Eaters were capable of, and Ginny it seemed, was getting herself into something she might not be able to handle.

Hermione didn't answer his question; instead she threw some pictures they had taken of Cassie and Killian, and the conversation that Hermione had magically recorded onto paper.

"Ready to go?" she asked Ron.

He nodded and the two headed out of their room, ready for their long day ahead of them.

--

Ginny examined herself in the mirror, a medium length flowered skirt and plain brown tank top. It wasn't flashy, but it was conventional. Is it too much?

She didn't know exactly what she was worried about. Keifer after all, told her that it would be all the better if Killian took an interest in her. Just as long as she didn't act upon anything of course. And why would she? She loved Keifer. Killian, he was a Death Eater; she didn't want to get mixed up with him. In fact, she wanted to be anywhere but here.

She had agreed to do this because it was what she was expected to do. What she should do. She hadn't been able to help out in the last war, this time she was going to be able to do something. But she hadn't expected this.

It was too late to turn back now. She sighed. What she was really worried about was Keifer falling for Cassie.

Why am I so worried? I know he loves me, she told herself. But it wasn't easy to convince herself of it.

The water was running in the background, Keifer was taking a shower. She was supposed to have already headed down the stairs ten minutes ago. She had better leave before he came out of the shower. She picked up her purse and headed out of her room.

She came out of the elevator about five minutes later, and looked into the breakfast area. Killian was standing in front of the counter, appearing to be flirting with the server. She took a deep breath, assuring herself everything was going to be okay, and she headed into the room.

Immediately Killian spotted her, and a warm smile spread across his face. "Good morning, Ginny," he said. "You look simply dashing."

"Uhm, thank you," Ginny said somewhat sheepishly.

"What would you like?" he asked her.

"Oh, just some toast thanks."

"Toast it is. Butter or Jam?"

"Strawberry."

He nodded and ordered that along with eggs and toast for himself.

"Let's sit," he said.

Ginny followed him to a nearby table.

"So, where is your boyfriend, what's his name?"

"Keifer."

"Yeah, Keifer, where is he this morning?" Killian asked, but she could tell he wasn't sincerely interested.

"He's doing some things for work."

"And he let you come to breakfast?"

Ginny took a deep intake of breath and then shrugged, "He doesn't really know. I might tell him later."

"You two fighting again?" he asked, raising an eye.

"No," she said assuredly. "He just gets jealous easily."

Killian's charming smile widened. "So why did you come?"

She shrugged and tried to seem aloof. "Who can turn down breakfast with such alluring company?" She grimaced inwardly. Alluring? she asked herself, was that going too far?

He laughed, seeming to believe her. "Well, can't argue with that, now can I?"

She smiled politely.

"So, how do you like the town?"

"Huh?"

"Well, you mustn't be from around here, as you're staying in a hotel."

"Oh well, we're here on business, for Keifer, Aiyana has him here for something or another. And it isn't a very permanent job, so a hotel was our best bet."

"How long?"

"A few weeks to a year. I can't say for sure."

"So you two just got here"

"Yeah, just a few days ago." Ginny then added, "The town is nice, not much to do though."

Killian chuckled. "You just haven't been hanging out with the right crowd. I'll show you around if you'd like."

"That would be fun," she agreed.

"This evening? Just the two of us, if your boyfriend won't mind that is." Killian had a smile plastered across his face that she could see right through.

But why is he flirting with me? What does he want?

"I'm sure he won't mind," she said with her best genuine coy smile. She shifted uneasily. He may have been extremely good looking, almost reminding her of a boyish Sirius with his long shaggy black hair, but he made her very uncomfortable – maybe it was because she knew he was working for Lord Voldemort. Or maybe it was the way it seemed he tried to be way too charming, with his white teeth and golden eyes and perfectly pressed pin-striped suit.

"Great. We'll have a very pleasant time." The server came and placed their meal in front of them. "Ah, food," he said simply and picked up his fork.

She studied him for a moment and then turned to her plate of toast; suddenly she didn't feel so hungry anymore.

--

The silence that followed was unlike anything that Draco had ever heard. Harry's eyes didn't blink, he didn't move, still pressed against his body.

"What?" Harry asked in a low whisper.

Draco bit his tongue for a moment, telling himself to speak slowly, knowing his mind would race faster than he could speak and his words would try to keep up.

"In the Honored Land, before I had my memory back, I kissed Salazar Slytherin."

Harry blinked once. "Okay…" He backed up away from Draco, looking at the wall.

"Please, Harry, it didn't mean anything. I didn't know about us. And that potion that Dumbledore gave me-"

"I need a moment," the other boy said softly, and got up from the couch, grabbed his clothing, and disappeared into his bedroom.

Draco slammed his head into the couch and shut his eyes. Why did he have to tell him right then? Everything was so perfect. Why am I such an idiot?

It was just a kiss, he told himself. Well, if it was just one kiss, then why am I turning it into such a big deal?

Maybe it was because he was worried about what Salazar said was true, that maybe he had kissed the Founder before. Or maybe because he was feeling guilty for leaving Harry, for taking his own life the way he did. But perhaps, the real reason he had forced himself to tell Harry now, was because he was worried it would happen again.

Why would it though?

It must have been something in Salazar's eyes, when he had talked with him that made him believe there was something more going on.

You love Harry, you wouldn't ever hurt him on purpose.

He stood up suddenly, feeling the need to get fresh air, and badly. He needed to feel the wind blowing past him. He needed to fly.

Pulling on more clothing he then tore through the nearest linen closet where Harry had stored his broom, and found it in the back. He picked it up, and headed straight out the front door.

--

Harry quickly shut his door to his room. But he didn't sit, couldn't think straight. He paced back and forth across the room, every once in a while glancing towards his door, wondering if Draco would come in after him to explain himself more.

The strange thing was, it was not the kiss that was on Harry's mind. In fact, they were on the events right before. They had been so close to...Harry shook his head. Why was his mind going there? Shouldn't it be going to the fact that Draco Malfoy…had just promised them a life together...?

"What are you talking about?" he asked himself aloud. He heard his front door slam shut. He frowned, but knew he couldn't go out there until he figured things out in his head first. He kissed Salazar Slytherin. And the only thought that came to his head after that was, So?

Draco had not had his memory back then. Salazar was a manipulative, evil man; Draco was vulnerable, especially with the confusion of being in love with Harry. None of the situation made Harry upset, except that Draco had interrupted a very intimate, perfect scene with information that could have been kept till later.

You wanted him to keep the lie longer? he asked himself in confusion. It just seems like something we could have dealt with later... He paused. And things could have happened...and you would have been alright with it then? "I don't think it would have bothered me so much…"

Why had Draco blurted it out at that time? Did he really feel so guilty about kissing a man under circumstances that would have made his actions actually easily forgivable?

If he had felt so guilty, then why the big show of dinner and the ring...He looked down at his hand and couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with warmth and love. He sighed greatly.

All he needed to hear from Draco was that it was never going to happen again. Then he would be okay. Their love for each other was more than enough to get passed this.

He took in another deep breath. What he needed to do, was figure out why Draco kept going back to that place, and to help him find a way to stay with him here.

Harry silently made his way to the nearest mirror and stared at his reflection. What surprised him to see, was that he looked a lot older than he remembered. How long had it been since he had actually cared about looking at himself in the mirror? He looked like an actual young adult, not the silly school child he was back when his seventh year had started.

He heard an owl hoot from outside, and he turned to the window; as he looked, he barely saw a glimpse of Draco speeding by on a broom.

He made his way out of his house, and was quickly greeted by a rush of cold night air. Draco was circling the trees around the yard. Harry smiled softly as the other boy took notice of him. The boy descended from the air, and landed in front of him.

The blonde's hair was a mess; not something that Harry was used to seeing. His face was tinged pink from the cold, and so was his nose. He looked completely adorable and it was all Harry could do not to wrap his arms around him to keep him warm.

He was overcome by a thought to ravish him on the spot, but he quickly suppressed it, they needed to talk first. Harry sighed silently and then spoke, "What are you doing?"

"Flying," Draco replied. "I hadn't in such a long time…I just felt like I needed to."

"Oh," he said. How long had it been since he himself had been on a broom? It seemed like ages.

"I hope you don't mind I used your broom," the boy replied awkwardly.

"That's fine."

"What are you doing out here?" The blonde asked after a moment.

"I...I came to talk to you."

"Harry, it's okay if you don't want to talk about it yet; I'd understand if you needed more time."

He shook his head. He didn't need more time, he certainly didn't need more time. What he needed was Draco. He couldn't function without him anymore, and he hoped he wouldn't have to.

--

"You don't talk an awful lot, now do you?" Killian asked half-way through their breakfast.

It was true, Ginny had been letting him do most of the talking, mostly to see if he'd spill anything about being a Death Eater or the like, but so far, nothing.

"I'm not sure what to say," she said almost honestly. "I fear that I may not fascinate you much with the going-ons of my life."

Killian laughed at this. "I assure you, you will. Tell me something about you. What made you decide to become a MediWizard?"

Ginny was quiet for a moment and then said, "Well, about two years ago or so, I was helping my brothers out with testing some of their new products, and a few of their participants fell ill. I spent the majority of my summer helping these gentlemen become better after each product testing. It was actually quite fun. And then when the war came...Well, a lot of my friends and family were getting hurt and killed, and I wanted to be able to help. I know it's a bit late, but I still want to help people, you know?"

Killian nodded, listening intently. "And how far are you into your training?"

"I have one more year to go before I become a fully fledged MediWizard."

"Wow, that is impressive."

"So, what do you do?" Ginny asked, turning the attention off of herself.

"Oh, this, that," Killian said. "I haven't really settled on my ideal job yet, but whatever, I'm not stressing. Where are you from?"

"Oh, London."

"Which school?"

"Hogwarts," she answered taking up her last bit of toast.

"Really? I don't know many people from that area," he said, then took a bite of his eggs. He seemed to ponder for a moment, then asked, "Did you go to school with Harry Potter?"

"Oh, yeah, I knew Harry; he was a year ahead of me."

"Were you friends?" Killian asked, his eyes watching her.

Ginny couldn't help but wonder where these questions were coming from. And she couldn't shake off a voice inside of her that gave her a suspicion that he was onto them – or her. Could he possibly just be generally interested?

"We didn't talk much; he was always around his friends in Gryffindor or fighting with Malfoy."

"Malfoy…Draco Malfoy?" Killian asked, leaning forward a bit.

"Yeah, they were bitter rivals in school or something, I dunno, I get lost in the whole mythology that is our –ahem – Savior," she said the last bit as sarcastically as she could muster.

Killian laughed, nodding. "How right you are." He quickly brushed his hair out of his eyes. "How long have you and Keifer been together?"

"Oh about three months, we got together at the end of my last term."

"Fascinating. Do you like to fly?"

"What?"

"Do you like to fly, on brooms."

"Actually, yeah I do. I was on the Quidditch team, Seeker."

"Were you? Must mean you're good. We'll take a ride some time, what do you say?"

"Oh, I dunno about that," she said shortly. Flying was special to her; she didn't want to taint it with memories of this Death Eater.

"So Keifer would get upset about us flying, but not about me showing you around town or having breakfast with you?"

"I didn't say that," Ginny said swiftly. "I just meant that I don't have a broom to go flying on or anything."

"That's a shame," Killian said earnestly. "Well, someday I'm sure we'll find the opportunity and be lucky enough to have two brooms on hand."

"Maybe," she said, and then ate her last bit of toast. "That was very good. Strawberry is my favorite." She grimaced inwardly at sharing unnecessary information.

"I'll keep that in mind," he said, giving her a small wink. Or maybe she had imagined the wink.

She gave him a small smile. She never so badly wanted to be out of one place before.

"So, should I pick you up here, say, five this evening?"

"That sounds good."

"Great," Killian smiled, he checked his watch and Ginny check the clock on the wall, 10:38.

"Do you have to be somewhere?" she asked.

"As a matter of fact, I have a meeting at 11. I should probably get going."

Ginny nodded. "Well, thank you very much for breakfast."

"Anytime," he said. "I hope we can do it again sometime."

"Sure, that would be nice," she agreed.

"Ginny, don't get the wrong impression or anything," he said suddenly, "You're a very gorgeous woman; but I would never try to steal you away from your boyfriend. It is clear to me that you love each other very much." There was a short pause as if he was trying to find the right words. "And I don't want to get between you two. This is strictly just casual, because I would like it if we could become friends."

"Oh..." she said, taken aback. And it was almost like she could believe him, but then again, she had been wrong before. "Oh, of course, just friends, that sounds great."

"Good, love, I'm glad you know that my intentions are honorable."

"Yeah, yeah, don't worry about it," she said quickly.

"Well, I really must run, see you at five?"

"See you at five," she concurred.

They both stood up and Killian took out some money and put it on the table. "That should cover it." He then pulled her into an unexpected hug and kissed her cheek. Before she could say anything else, he left the hotel.

The youngest Weasley sat back down, staring after his retreating back. How could one man be so charming, and yet so unnerving? Her thoughts immediately went to Keifer and what he would think of everything. She got up, and made her way back up to her room.

She found Keifer watching the Muggle television, his eyes planted on the screen. Ginny didn't understand the fascination with the small screen box, but everyone else seemed to enjoy it.

"Hey baby," she said as she entered.

He looked up and smiled. "Hey Gin, how was it? Awful?" He turned off the television and turned his full attention on her.

"He's a creep," she said. "But after asking about you all morning and flirting with me, he says he just wants to be friends."

"Well, that's what he says...I wouldn't believe him," Keifer said after a moment. "Are you mad at me?"

"What? Mad at you, what are you talking about?" she asked, her brow furrowing in confusion. Am I? she asked herself. Well, it was possible that she was letting the Cassie thing get to her, and taking it out on him. But there was something else. She was upset at him for letting her go down to breakfast with Killian. How could he just be okay with it?

And what was more, if she didn't have her guard up, she could perhaps actually get along with Killian, maybe even like him...

"Yes you are," he said shortly, staring into her eyes. "Is it because I insisted that you have lunch with him?"

Inside she grumbled to herself, he knew her too well. "No."

"Gin, I know this situation isn't easy, believe me. I'm not too thrilled with the idea either. But in order for us to help the Order, this is what we have to do."

She sighed. "I know. I just don't like it."

"I know you don't," he said sympathetically. He stood up and she moved towards him; he kissed the top of her temple and then pulled her into a hug. "Don't worry. I'm right here. I'll protect you, and I'm not going to leave you for anything. I promise."

She closed her eyes and held him tighter, wanting to believe him. His words soothed her, comforted her, even made her believe that they were going to make it through this okay.

--

Flying had given Draco's mind a lot of thought. But it wasn't until Harry had come outside, still looking as good as he did a few hours ago, that he realized all of his thinking was ridiculous.

Salazar was a manipulative bastard. He knew that, why hadn't he realized that before? But at least he knew now. And if he did happen to go back to the Honored Land, which was likely, he would give the asshole a piece of his mind. Now all he had to hope was that Harry would forgive him and that he could forgive himself.

"It doesn't matter," he heard the words coming from Harry's mouth.

Draco tilted his head, quite uncertain whether he had actually just heard that.

"So what, you kissed Salazar, it's not like it's going to happen again, is it?" came Harry's words.

He stared at him, his green eyes shining full of love, his flawless skin, his lips. He closed his eyes but shook his head. It was all he could do not to break down again, he felt himself sitting on the ground. Harry loved him, whole heartedly, and every time he looked at him, he fell in love all over again. He couldn't kiss Salazar again. He wouldn't let that happen. "No, Harry," he said quickly. "No, it's not going to happen again."

He felt Harry's arms enclose around his shoulders. The boy cupped his hand under Draco's chin and brought his face towards him. He had a very small smile across his face that Draco could not see because of his eyes shut tight, and Harry leaned in and kissed Draco's cheek. "I love you, okay? And that's all that matters," Harry whispered.

Through closed eyes, Draco laughed slowly and then opened his eyes. "You sure, Harry?"

"I'm more than sure," he replied easily.

Draco smiled and then brought Harry in closer. Kissing him was love, kissing him was freedom. He needed him. He forgot where they were, particularly that they were outside in the grass and dirt. He forgot about the world around him. Instead he drew Harry in closer.

He captured Harry's lower lip, biting it softly and he heard the boy give a low moan. Harry wanted him as much as he wanted Harry. His hands moved up to tangle into Harry's wild hair; and he felt Harry's warm hands slide underneath his shirt. He tugged slowly at Harry's shirt, Harry obliged and made to take it off; the only trouble it seemed, was that Draco could not stop kissing him. Finally Draco moved away from his mouth, trailing down Harry's now bare stomach. Harry let out a small giggle in either amusement or ticklishness.

Harry's hand moved towards his hair, and the other pulled off Draco's shirt. Harry slowly was kissing his shoulder, his collar bone, and every touch was like electric waves down his spine. Draco slowly made his way up Harry's chest and finally the two found each other's mouths again.

He scratched at the boys back, and Harry gripped him tighter. He swung his legs over the boy, straddling him and kissing him fiercely. He couldn't get enough of his taste.

Draco's mouth lowered to his chest again. Slowly kissing and sucking on Harry's sensitive skin. He traced all over Harry's body, kissing it till there wasn't an inch of bare skin he hadn't touched. Harry ran his hands down Draco's thighs, causing him to bite harder on Harry's shoulder.

Draco leaned up and they looked into each other's eyes. Harry pulled him closer an instant later, their mouths crushing against each other. Never before had Draco experienced such strong desire from anyone. It was as if each kiss was a breath of life.

As Harry arched up and pulled him down onto the ground with him he whispered in a barely audible noise, "Harry." And the boy kissed him harder, running his hand down his back, all the way down to where his pants were settled around his body. And both were very aware of the need to get them out of the way. The raven haired boy fiddled with Draco pants, still rubbing down his inner thighs. Draco had never felt pleasure like it, and held him even closer, if it were possible. Their bodies were already almost completely interlocked – like perfectly fitting puzzle pieces. Harry finally got the pants unzipped and Draco helped him throw them off.

He trailed his hand slowly down Harry's stomach, and regretfully pulled away from his mouth. His gray eyes watched his emerald ones; which shone in pleasure and nearly rolled back as he ran a finger slowly across his hip bones. He slowly took off Harry's pants in a few quick motions, as if he had been doing it for years. He loved watching Harry's face, mounting in pleasure as he finally lowered himself towards him again. But couldn't resist not being closer to him. He quickly found himself entangled in Harry's mouth again, and everything was perfect in that moment.

Everything around them seemed to stand still, and no other sounds were heard except for their quickly beating pulses, hard breathing and moans of pleasure. For the first time both boys understood what true love was, and how it was possible for them to experience it; and they understood that nothing could be better than making love to one another. That night, both boys fell asleep underneath the cloudless sky, holding onto each other as if each of their lives depended on the other being near them.

--

A/N:

Please R&R tell me what you think. And I will update soon.