Are You Sitting Comfortably?

AN: Hello my wonderful readers! Here it is! Oh! And there is a LEMON in this one, so read responsibly! Thanks, and enjoy!

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Harry had returned to Hogwarts two days later to finish his winter semester. He only had two more weeks before Christmas break, and Severus was determined that Harry should spend the time studying for finals when he wasn't taking short missions. All three mates agreed that Harry would get more studying done if he wasn't so close to their shared bed.

They had decided to wait until Christmas break to complete their bond. They had refrained from doing anything physical beyond kissing and cuddling for the two days that Harry was with them, and Severus and Lucius had agreed to wait for Harry to return before doing more. It was custom, as well as necessary, for all three mates to be present when the bond was completed.

Lucius was going mad. Even his dream mates refused to satisfy him in any way, and the frustration he felt made him want to storm around the house growling until someone paid some attention to him. Severus had repeatedly had to pry Lucius off his lap in the library when they were looking up ways to destroy the horcruxes together.

Once, Severus had even stood up from his chair where Lucius had been trying to make himself comfortable on the black-eyed man's lap, and had almost dumped Lucius on the floor. He had then carried Lucius over to another chair where he plunked the blond down, backed up, and with one hand held up in a "stop" gesture and the other pointing at him had commanded Lucius to "STAY!" in a very firm, if a bit weary voice. Lucius had, after all, been creeping out of the chair toward Severus like a cat on the hunt. Lucius had dropped back into the chair, huffed, and then turned into his animagus form and stalked off.

Lucius could still hear Severus' laughter following him out of the library over his cub tiger form. He had refused to show anyone his form after that, even though the other house occupants had begged him to show them what Severus found so funny. He had avoided Severus for two days after that, sleeping in a different room, and sniffing and putting his nose in the air when he passed the potions master. Severus just snickered and continued on.

'Well!' Lucius thought, 'How rude!'

Severus caught him in a hallway at the end of the two days, and had cuddled him and rubbing his back, murmuring apologies until Lucius relented and agreed to return to their room. Apology accepted. Severus still smirked from time to time, but Lucius put up with it…he knew Severus was smirking because he thought Lucius was cute, and that did boost Lucius' ego.

"You should show Harry your anigmus form, Lucius. I hear he has a soft spot for cute animals. He might even scratch behind your ears." Severus wryly commented during another research session. Lucius had tried to ignore him, but the promise of ear scratching was tempting.

"What about you?" He had asked.

"Of course I'd scratch your ears, lover." Severus had said tenderly, and then added hastily, "but not right now!" when Lucius had closed his book and started to rise.

They had avoided working on Occlumency without Harry, as well. Lucius found himself frightened when Severus tried to even touch his mental shields for some reason, and so they had decided to work on Harry's and his at the same time. Severus thought that if Lucius saw Harry and Severus interacting with Occlumency, then maybe he wouldn't be so frightened. It might also help to have another calming force, as Severus would have to focus on entering Lucius' mind and couldn't give much comfort until he was in.

Snow was falling softly outside as Lucius lay curled up on Severus' legs. Lucius had found his dark eyed mate stretched out on the window seat in the living room reading, and had changed into his cub form before stalking over, sitting on the floor at Severus' side, and mewing. Severus had started, looked down, and then set his book down and lifted the cub onto his lap. Lucius purred as the potions master absently scratched his ears while he read.

Today Harry and Draco would be returning to the house for Christmas break. The Order adults had gone to fetch them and the other Order children from the platform, and so the house was empty save for the two currently sitting at the window. Lucius and Severus were both equally excited. This would be their first Christmas in a house where they were loved and wanted by more than that one odd person or two.

Hermione would also be staying at the house. Voldemort had tried to attack her parents' house earlier in the week, and had burned half of it to the ground. Luckily, her parents hadn't been home, but it was agreed that they should be moved. They, along with their daughter, would be staying at headquarters for a while, and anything that could be salvaged from the burnt house would be moved into a spare room and Grimmauld Place.

Lucius could tell from Draco's letters that his son felt horrible for Hermione, but was nonetheless thrilled to be sharing the holidays with her. The Slytherin hadn't yet made a move, much to Lucius' annoyance, but it seemed that Draco might just get his chance over the break. He secretly informed Lucius that while he was out doing Severus and Lucius' shopping for them, he had gotten the brilliant witch an "extra special" gift on top of the ones he had already bought for his friends and family. Lucius was intrigued about the gift, and pleased that Draco was trying for such a great partner.

"We're home!" Harry called as he opened the front door and led the Grangers and Draco in. "Anyone still around?" He asked a little cheekily. He knew of at least two people waiting for his return.

Lucius changed back into his natural state mid-leap, and strode to the entrance hall with Severus hot on his heals. In the entrance was the most wonderful sight Lucius had ever seen. His mate, his son, and his hopeful in-laws stood with beaming faces surrounded by luggage and covered in snow. He strode up to Harry and swept him up into a huge hug, twirling the Gryffindor around, before turning to his son and scooping him up into an equally huge a hug. He hadn't seen his son since the beginning of the semester, and seeing him now made him realize just how much he had missed the young man.

He gave Draco a once over at arms length, and then turned to the Grangers to offer his hand. He shook Mr. Grangers' and kissed the back of Mrs. Grangers' before turning and greeting Hermione. Lucius could feel Harry's eyes on him, and knew his mate was pleased that his actions matched his promises of acceptance and equality when it came to muggles and muggleborns.

Most surprisingly, Severus followed Lucius' lead, hugs and all. He had always considered Draco as a son, and now that he was Lucius' mate Draco was his son. It wasn't lost on either older wizard that Draco could've been a product of a union between them if they had known sooner. But past was past, they were together now, they still had Draco, and that was all that mattered.

"Where is the rest of the Order? I would've expected the Weasleys at least to come barging in singing carols or some such nonsense and demanding a Christmas goose on the spot," Lucius said as he closed the front door, which had been left open in the excitement of the moment.

Severus snorted and started levitating everyone's luggage up to their rooms. He invited the Grangers to follow him so that he could show them their rooms. Draco jumped in and offered to show Hermione hers, only because it was across from his, of course. Harry snorted at Draco's actions as well as Lucius' question.

"They decided to get everyone's luggage home now. It seems that Percy has seen the error of his ways, and is returning home for the holidays. Molly wanted to have a family celebration at the Burrow. As for the rest of the Order, Tonks and Remus are headed to their new home…Yes, Lucius, they finally moved in together…I think he's going to propose over Christmas…. And everyone else has family or work to attend to. It's just us for the time being. Oh! We are going to have a party here…"

"I know," Lucius cut in, "Christmas Day at 2 for brunch and gift exchange, and then another Christmas celebration and exchange the day after. Let me get your bags, you look a little tired."

Harry smiled in thanks as he followed Lucius up to their room. As soon as he saw their bed, he threw himself onto it…face down, clothes and all… and groaned in satisfaction. He turned his head to face Lucius when the blond settled beside him and started rubbing his back. Severus came in and announced that he was off to make dinner for the "ravenous horde that he'd been saddled with." Harry thanked him. Then he turned his attention back to Lucius.

"How are you?" He asked tenderly.

"Well, very well. Perfect now that almost everyone I care for is here and my mates are with me." Harry smiled.

"That's good. How goes the hunt for potions?"

"Great. I think we've found a sure way to destroy a horcruxe." Harry sat up in excitement.

"Really!? That's fantastic Lucius!" He threw his arms around the older wizard. "I can't wait to see it work!" Lucius preened. "How go the Occlumency sessions." Lucius stiffened. Harry felt it and pulled back a little, but continued to hold Lucius in his arms. "Lucius?"

"I…I can't do it Harry." Lucius said in defeat, casting his eyes to the bedspread.

"Do what, Lucius?" Harry lifted Lucius' chin to look into his eyes.

"I get so frightened when Severus even starts getting ready to cast the spell that I just freeze up. I'm terrified, even though I know Severus would never hurt me. It's like having a panic attack. I'm so sorry, Harry." Lucius felt like a failure. Harry pulled the blond into his arms, knowing what Lucius was probably thinking.

"It's ok. We'll find a way. We'll work on it over Christmas break, and I'll go through your sessions with you. Maybe you just need a calming force."

"That's what I said." The two looked up to see Severus standing in to doorway. "Dinner is served."

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Dinner was a grand affair with seven animated people. Hermione's father and Severus seemed to have the same sense of humor, and they kept the others constantly roaring from one remark to the next. It seemed that having mates took the bite out of Severus' remarks, and gave him the more witty sarcasm that could keep people holding their stomachs for hours. By the time dinner was over, everyone was exhausted from good food and long laughter.

This is how the days progressed. The joy of Christmas, even with the Grangers' house tragedy, was everywhere in Grimmauld Place. Laughter, smiles, good food, and good company filled every one of Lucius' days. Severus and Lucius showed Harry what they had found, and Harry presented them with the last horcruxe. The day Harry pulled it out, there was so much rejoicing that the walls trembled with the overload of light magic. Mrs. Black's portrait fell off the wall and exploded, and Kreacher had a heart attack, which again caused the group to rejoice. Lucius was having a GREAT Christmas!

…that was until Severus suggested they try Occlumency again.

Harry was ready, and had been practicing even harder on clearing his mind while at school. It was sort of like daydreaming, he had reasoned to Severus. Severus thought about the analysis, and agreed.

The three moved into the center of the living room, while the Grangers and Draco went to another sitting room for afternoon tea and a bit of light, or in Hermione's case heavy, reading. Severus was as gentle as he had promised he would be, and started with Harry's session first. Because of his own practice with the dreams and thoughts from Voldemort, Harry was immediately able to throw Severus out of his mind and keep him out. By the time they were done Harry could keep Severus out and even chase him into his own mind for a good twenty minutes...much more than the few minutes that he usually could with Voldemort. They were both sweating, but smiling, and were very satisfied with how the session went.

They took a bit of a rest for tea, and then it was Lucius' turn. It was instantly obvious that Lucius' session would be nothing like Harry's. The first time Severus began to raise his wand Lucius started to shake so much that, if Harry hadn't grabbed him around the middle at the last moment, Lucius would've fallen to the ground. He sagged into his younger mates' arms, and turned his face into Harry's shoulder in shame. Harry and Severus were able to coax him back up to face Severus, but again he started to buckle in fear. On the third try, Lucius collapsed to the floor and cried.

"This isn't going to work, Severus." Harry said as he sat beside Lucius and pulled the shaking, sobbing man into his arms. "There's got to be another way. We can't just leave his shields like they are, and at this rate he can't even use them because his fear stops him before he even starts."

Severus sat next to his two mates and regarded Lucius as he pet the blonde's hair. Lucius looked up at him and sniffed, leaning into the touch. Severus had an idea.

"He remembers the pain that he felt. His mind won't let him even try because it forgets that this can be painless, even pleasant."

"Like daydreaming."

"Yes, Harry, like daydreaming. Let's get him up to our bed. I have an idea."

Harry and Severus helped Lucius to rise from the floor, and together they guided their distraught mate up the stairs and to their bedroom. As soon as they passed the threshold Severus ordered Harry and Lucius to wait. He shut the door behind them and proceeded to the bed, where he began casting spells.

"What are you doing?" Harry asked curiously, still holding onto Lucius and soothing the older wizard's small sobbing sighs.

"Lucius reacts the way he does to the thought of mental spells because his subconscious perceives the spells as a destructive force to his already destroyed sanctuary." Severus said in his "Professor mode" voice as he added four posters to their bed and surrounded the entire frame in dark curtains.

"What?" Obviously Harry couldn't process quick and wordy explanations when most of his focus was already on Lucius. Severus sighed, and continued making their bed resemble more of a fabric fortress.

"When Voldemort attacked Lucius with a mental spell, it seems that he not only broke into Lucius' mental shields, but also destroyed a decent hunk of them. In his already beaten state, Lucius' mind reached a point where it couldn't tell what pain went with what wound. All Lucius' subconscious knew was that its physical and mental defenses were being ruined.

Now every time Lucius faces a mental spell, his subconscious goes haywire thinking that the spell is another attack. Lucius needs to rebuild his mental and physical "fortress" before the fear will cease to exist." As Severus finished his explanation he cast an expansion charm on the inside of his "fabric fortress" and dimmed the lights in the room. He walked back over to his mates and took one of Lucius' hands into both of his own. "What I've just done with our bed is created a physical fortress to represent Lucius' personal mental and physical ones. The ones that he perceives in his subconscious. As with the fortress I've just created I plan to use spells to reconstruct Lucius' mental fortress, but to do that I need your help, Harry, and I need Lucius to trust us."

"What do you want me to do?" Lucius softly asked, speaking for the first time during the conversation.

Severus drew Lucius out of Harry's arms, and led him closer to the bed. He then pulled a huge comforter, large enough for five people, out of the "fortress" and threw it over the back of a nearby chair. He then beckoned Harry to his side.

"I want you to trust your mates. Harry and I are going to, with your permission, undress you and wrap you in this comforter. Then you are going into your "fortress", which is calmly lit on the inside, and when you feel comfortable you are going to invite us in. From there, I will ask a series of permission questions which you can either grant or deny. A huge part of Harry and I coming into your mind to mend the damage is you letting us in in the first place. We will not be your aggressors. We will be your healers and your mates, but only if you'll let us. Alright?"

Lucius eyed his mates for a few minutes, processing what he had just been told, and then nodded.

"Harry, I've decided to bring you with me when I enter Lucius' mind. This is a trinity bond and so whenever one of us needs tending to, it will always require both of the other mates. That is how fate put us together, and so that is how we will live. Are you willing to go with me? Do you trust me enough to bring part of your mind with me?"

"Yes to both. Lucius…When you're ready."

Lucius took some deep breaths, and then nodded. "I'm ready."

Severus and Harry moved to hug Lucius once more, and then the set to work undressing their beauty. As in Lucius' dreams, his mates removed his shirt with Harry working on the bottom buttons and Severus working on the top. He shivered as the material of his shirt caressed him on its trip to the floor. Two kisses, one to each shoulder, were pressed to his skin as Severus undid his belt and Harry reached for the fly.

Lucius' trousers were slid slowly down his legs, his mates' hands guiding the fabric with gentle touches. They lifted his legs one at a time to slide the material over already bare feet. Then the hands traced his legs back up, and brought his boxers down the same path, rendering him completely naked. With a start Lucius realized that he had closed his eyes. When he opened them his mates were already standing, and they looked at him with an intense love. Severus picked the comforter back up, and together with Harry's help he wrapped it around Lucius' back.

Once Lucius was wrapped in the blanket his mates pulled him into one last hug, and then stepped away and waited. Lucius gave a small smile, which was returned with affection, and turned to crawl into his "fortress". He settled himself on the middle of the mattress, and then gave a look around the world that Severus had created for him.

It was…beautiful. The space on the inside had been expanded to fit at least four king size beds, and the curtains made him feel like he was sitting in a field in the middle of the night. The black curtains were showered with constellations and starlight. The bed was the softest thing he'd ever been on, and the gentle light from the curtains around and above him soothed away all of his tension. He could see without straining, but it wasn't obnoxiously bright. The comforter, sheets, and other blankets were white and sky blue, and Lucius fought the urge to roll around in them and relish in their softness. Malfoys did not indulge in such childish behavior…

…after thirty seconds of fighting, Lucius gave in.

'Oh what glory!' he thought. The covers were softer than down and five times as fluffy, and they felt wonderful against his bare skin.

"Mmm." The only thing that could make this better would be to have his mates with him. His mates! Lucius sat up with a start, and remembered that they were waiting for his call. He wrapped himself in the comforter, and called out, "Severus, Harry, come and join me."

The curtains parted, and Severus and Harry climbed into Lucius' fortress, both dressed in boxers and tank tops. Lucius was surprised that he hadn't heard them changing, but then remembered how involved with his surroundings he had been. As if reading his mind, Severus began to explain their surroundings after casting a silencing charm.

"In here, we can't hear what's going on outside. I've locked our bedroom door, and with the other people in the house I'm sure we're safe. If someone needs to get us they can, but for now we are in a sanctuary." Lucius sighed and smiled. "You like it?"

Lucius nodded and reached his left hand out toward Severus, who caught it between his own. Leaning his right cheek to Harry, he was graced with a kiss before Harry started to caress his face.

"Are you ready for my questions, lover?" Severus asked gently. Lucius nodded again. He didn't feel like talking, preferring instead to listen to his mates.

Severus moved in front of Lucius, and reached for one edge of the comforter that Lucius was wrapped in while Harry took the other.

"May we come in?" Severus asked. There was a pause, and then Lucius nodded. Harry and Severus parted the comforter and put it over their shoulders. Now all three were under the blanket.

"May we touch you and come closer?" Lucius nodded. Severus and Harry slid their hands up the inside of Lucius' legs, and spread them to make room for both of them between Lucius' thighs. They left their hands resting on Lucius' thighs, and Lucius' breathing became a little more labored. His mates were touching him in such an intimate way, and Lucius almost felt like this was his first time ever being touched by a lover.

"May we give you pleasure?" Lucius almost screamed, and ended up moaning instead. He hadn't been expecting that question, but nodded vigorously at the offer. The comforter was pushed off his shoulders, and then he was gently laid back onto the oh-so-soft bed.

His mates' hands mapped his body, and he trembled as they found and caressed sensitive spots that even he didn't know existed. Their hands stroked up his sides and down his chest, over strong, lean legs and limber arms. They caressed his face and neck, stroked his hair, and rubbed his ears and behind his earlobes. When lips, teeth, and tongue were added he did scream, and fisted his hands into both of his lovers' hair.

With Severus on his left and Harry on his right, Lucius felt like his body was on a slow burn to a fantastic ending. He writhed beneath their attention, and mewled and moaned until his mates went nearly mad with the sounds he emitted. When the interlocked fingers of both his mates glided down the length of his manhood, Lucius arced off the bed and howled. His mates pushed his hips back down to the bed and held him as twin tongues smoothed down from base to tip.

Lucius thrashed against the restraining hands and growled and hissed and swore very colorfully in French. When the tongues immediately left him he threw his eyes open and fixed his smiling mates with an accusing glare, growling and hissing this time in demand that they finish what they started.

"Easy, our little tiger." Severus said as he smoothed a hand over the sensitive juncture of thigh and hip. Lucius hissed at Severus like a pissed off cat, baring his teeth to his tormentor. His protests quickly turned to purrs when Severus started rubbing behind his ear. Harry rubbed Lucius' stomach, and the two dark-haired mates waited for Lucius to calm enough to focus on Severus once again.

"I have one more question for you." Lucius actually mewled his consent to ask, staring at Severus through half lidded, lust laden eyes. "May we join thoughts with you?"

That was it, THE question that Severus had been building up to. If Lucius let them in now, it would not only ease Severus and Harry's entrance, but also show Lucius' complete trust in them not to hurt him intentionally or at all. Severus and Harry continued their soothing strokes as they waited. After a pause Lucius said,

"Come into me."

Severus wasted no time, and taking Harry's free hand he made eye contact with Lucius, and together he and Harry slid into the naked wizard's mind. He was appalled by the site he encountered. Mentally glancing at Harry, he could tell the younger wizard felt the same.

Lucius' mental shields were shredded and covering the ground. The poor things looked like they had been ravaged by an angry pack of wolves. The walls that had been underneath the shields, which looked like they were made of flesh in Lucius' mind, were twitching and….strangely enough, crying. Shimmering liquid, which Severus assumed was the walls bonding material, slid down the walls like huge tears, unable to bridge the damage. If Lucius hadn't had mates, he would've gone mad by now. As it was Severus was surprised his mental health had lasted this long with mates. For the umpteenth time, Severus and Harry cursed Voldemort to the lowest pit of hell. NO ONE hurt their mate like this without drawing revenge from the two angry wizards.

They felt Lucius shudder in response to their anger, and immediately reigned it in. Using a little effort to make sure that his and Harry's bodies continued to caress and sooth Lucius', Severus led Harry over to the nearest wall to see what could be done. It looked like the wall could be fixed if the muscles would just relax.

'I'll show you what do you, and then we can work on separate walls to get this done faster.' Severus thought to Harry as he blew on his hands. With a thought, he cleared the wreckage of the shields from the ground. Next, he approached the largest gash, and placed his cool hands gently under the hanging flap of wall. A relieved sigh was heard and the muscle relaxed. The flap extended to its full length, and could now be lifted back into place. Severus cooed to the wall and, after removing his shirt, pressed his cool skin to it. The "tears" started to multiply in number, and so the entire wall was covering in a healthy sheen. Severus smiled. There was hope. Rubbing the inside of the gash in the wall, Severus coated it with the liquid and then lifted the flap back into place. The gash slowly sealed with Severus rubbing encouraging circles over seam until that part of the wall was solid again. Severus kissed the newly healed section with affection.

'Wow,' Harry thought in reverence.

'That is how we will heal the walls. Then we will strengthen them by making sure each wall is covered with that shimmer liquid. After this, we will be able to practice Occlumency with Lucius to build an armor around these walls since the old armor is now gone.' Harry walked up to Severus and hugged him.

'You're brilliant.' He whispered in awe. Severus snorted, but still wrapped his arms around his young mate. After kissing his crown, he moved back and headed to the next gash. Harry followed his lead.

For two hours they worked, constantly cooing and coaxing. They had settled Lucius into a comfortable trance with their stroking and caresses, and the wizard held obediently still as they worked on his mental fortress. Every time a wall was rubbed into relaxation or completely healed, Harry and Severus would hear the blond gently sigh.

When the last wall had been healed, and all the wall had been coated with the shimmering liquid that would help strengthen the work they had done, Severus and Harry ran their hands over the walls once more, and then gently pulled out. They kissed the walls goodbye for now as they went.

Coming back to consciousness, Severus and Harry found Lucius resting peacefully between them, his eyes hooded and his breathing steady. They cuddled him as he began to wake from his trance, and smiled at him when he blinked into awareness. Harry cooed at him and Severus stroked his cheek.

"I'm so proud of you, Lucius. Thank you for trusting us." Lucius leaned into the touch and smiled, basking in the praise.

"You're so strong, Lucius." Harry scooted forward so that Lucius was flush against both of them.

Lucius stretched and smiled, and then remembered their promise of pleasure to him. He purred and tugged at their hair. He had been good, and now he wanted some more physical attention.

Severus chuckled, and trailed a hand down Lucius' torso. The blond squealed in the back of his throat with delight, and gave a body roll under the touch. Harry's smile turned into a smirk, and he moved his head forward to attach his mouth behind Lucius' ear. The wizard gasped, and then growled. His mates started to kiss, lick, and bite at him, and Lucius was soon back in his hissing and swearing state.

"I'm sure what you're saying in that language is not family friendly." Harry said as he moved up the other wizard's torso. He gave a predatory lick up Lucius' throat, and Lucius snarled and cursed again. "Well, really! I think I might just have to stem that flow of horrid swear words." Lucius pushed his head up in demand and stared at Harry challengingly, swearing even more colorfully until Severus swatted him on the flank. Then he rowled in pleasure and switched to Italian, daring Severus to do it again. Harry pinned him with a searing kiss.

Lucius was so preoccupied with Harry that he screamed into the kiss when he felt wet heat engulf his manhood. His hand slid down only to encounter Severus' hair, which he fisted in his free hand. The other was already in Harry's hair. Lucius twisted and wiggled and bucked, and then Severus ran his nails hard down the inside of his thighs and Harry gripped his hair and pulled for better access and he was screaming his release into Harry's mouth and digging his nails into his mates' backs. A white light surrounded him and his mates, and any leftover physical wounds were healed. When Severus and Harry screamed their releases back at him at the tail end of his own, one into his mouth and the other around his manhood, Lucius arced off the bed and almost passed out.

Flopping together with Harry beside him and Severus resting between his legs, the onyx-eyed man's head resting on his thigh as he stroked the black hair, Lucius felt completely spent…and completely rejuvenated. They had been patient with him, and had healed his wounds left over from the Voldemort attack. He was no longer frightened by the idea of an Occlumency session, and rather looked forward to the next one. Especially if it ended like this one…or even better, if they completed the bonding next time.

'Mmm, yes.' Lucius thought as they drifted off to sleep together in the warm fortress Severus had made. He was really looking forward to that session which would end in a bonding. 'It matters. They matter. I matter…and…yum…'

Lucius' toes curled in delight as he slipped into sleep.

--

AN: Again, thanks for reading. I'm really sorry this took so long, but I was having a family crisis, and I was really sick there for a while. We had to put our family cat (who was old, but not THAT old) to sleep. :'( He was a great cat and friend, and for a while I didn't want to do anything. I'm back now, and I hope you like this chapter! Please review! I need some sunshine in my life! Muah