The latest chapter folks! Enjoy!

Marvolo was frowning down at the gathered members of his inner circle. He was reminded that September was approaching fast and he was a bit conflicted on how to feel. On one hand, all his plans were coming to fruition. Just a little more pressure in the ministry and he would have complete control. Hogwarts was practically his and once the ministry fell, he could openly claim it as the Heir of Slytherin. The only thorn then left would be Potter and he felt confident that the brat would fall sooner or later. By all parameters, he should be ecstatic but he was not.

The reason for his moodiness was simple… if he were any other man on the planet. When the school reopened his lover of the past two months will be required to go away. Over the past few days, he had gotten accustomed to having Draco in his bed and the thought of his absence greatly distressed him. He growled at the papers Lucius had handed him… his followers must be confused why he was growling at the good news.

He had always been alone so why should he be bothered that the now seventeen year old brat would not be nearby? He could just as easily command one of the minions to serve the purpose but strangely he didn't want to. It was different with Draco. He didn't know why but it was and it did not have anything to do with who topped. He still couldn't figure out what Draco wanted but he was approaching a point where he no longer cared. No one made him feel… not like his little snake. No one dared to do half the things he did. No one cared like Draco did. And no one… Marvolo couldn't even fathom anyone wanting to actually make love to him- he was too scary but not to his lover. Marvolo always demanded the best and he had to concede that of all his lovers, Draco was the best. He would even make a great Death-eater one day with a bit of training! He was in one word perfect… if only he knew what he really wanted.

Then there was the fact that the school would be filled with nubile young prospects. Any young hormonal man would be tempted! When it came down to a fifty something year old man and a sweet teen, Marvolo couldn't really be sure Draco would stay faithful. As a rule Slytherins would do whatever it takes to gain the upper hand. Draco could only be taking the trait one step farther by sleeping with him. However, what stopped the beautiful young man from doing the same with others? He really shouldn't care… he hadn't for any of his previous lovers. However, Marvolo couldn't deny that Draco was special and invoked in him a fierce possessiveness; he wanted the blond to belong to him and him alone, he wanted to own him and monopolize him. It was a stupid thought, especially for a cold-hearted dark lord and Marvolo grimly pushed all thoughts away to concentrate on his campaign.

Elsewhere in the castle, Draco Malfoy was having similar thoughts. He didn't want to go back to Hogwarts but he had a mission to do for his master and lover. He dreaded being away for even a day and he was absolutely horrified as he realized he'd have to spend weeks without even seeing Marvolo. His eyes prickled slightly but he soon controlled his emotions and tried to rationalize.

It would only be a few days. He could come back for Christmas. Besides, he could visit under the pretense of giving reports! That should enable him to cut down the waiting time. Maybe once a week. It couldn't be better at least until he graduated. He could endure it. He didn't want to but he would because he wanted to help Marvolo achieve his dreams.

The only real problem Draco was having with the situation was the fact that he could very well lose his lover when he was away. A man like Marvolo could have anyone! He knew the man had many previous lovers and he was certain he only got lucky. When he was away and Marvolo had needs… he really could see Marvolo calling up a random man or woman to satiate himself. What if the next time he saw Marvolo, he didn't want a scrawny teenager? What if he found someone more beautiful, someone more deserving of himself? The thought depressed him greatly.

Later that evening, Draco entered Marvolo's rooms with a heavy heart. His mother had noticed his bad mood and he had a hard time excusing the behavior. This was the last day he'd see Marvolo until he could get home from Hogwarts. He was dangerously close to begging Marvolo to order him to stay. Alas he knew he couldn't.

Bright red eyes focused on the dejected form of his lover as Draco made his way slowly to the bedchamber. Marvolo smiled sadly. So, Draco was also affected by this whole thing. It was still amusing that the teen had not realized he was in the sofa watching him and was making his way to the bedroom in a daze. Marvolo put his book away and went after his lover to slip in before the door closed.

Draco started slightly as Marvolo slid his hands around his waist from behind and pulled him back into a warm embrace. Marvolo kissed the side of his neck and rested his head there. They stood like that for countless minutes before Marvolo's hands started roaming and disrobing the young man.

"Marvolo…" Draco whispered every so often.

"Draco…" Marvolo uncharacteristically choked and turned his lover around to look into the beautiful mercury eyes. "I almost want to order you to stay, little serpent."

"I almost want you to order it." Draco whispered. They kissed and Marvolo walked them back to the bed. There was no more need for words as the two Slytherins lost themselves in each other unsure of when they could see each other again. They made love practically all night, touching, caressing and kissing. They would awake to find both their bodies littered with the evidence of their activities but they didn't exactly care at the moment. There was only Marvolo and Draco, the rest of it could wait until sun rose.

The next morning Draco reluctantly woke and studied his lover's face. He felt as if he was leaving him forever which was quite ridiculous. He would be back in no time but it felt horrible just the same. He woke Marvolo up with a kiss and a smile.

"Good morning."

"It's early." Marvolo complained.

"Yeah… but I'll need to prepare to leave."

"I suppose." Marvolo conceded and pulled lightly at the golden locks. "Let's shower." Draco gave a small laugh and followed. They spent some more time exploring each other, finally managing to get somewhat clean. Draco had one of the elves fetch his clothes and dressed as Marvolo watched him.

"I'll miss you." Draco commented meeting the red eyes through the mirror.

"Will you?"

"More than you know." Draco smirked at the reflection and fixed his hair.

"You'll have plenty to distract you." Marvolo commented.

"From you? I doubt it." Draco snorted and made his way to the dark lord. "I'm more likely to count the days until I can come back to you."

"Is that so?"

"Hm…" Draco chastely kissed Marvolo on the lips. "Will you want me to come back?" He asked nervously.

"Why wouldn't I?" Marvolo asked confused.

"I'm just a brat…" Draco pointed out. "Maybe you'd like to find someone more mature?"

"Do you want me to?" Marvolo asked with narrowed eyes. Draco shook his head.

"No. I hope you will want me always."

"Then there is nothing to worry about." Marvolo pointed out both to himself and his lover.

"I suppose. I… I will miss you." Draco choked.

"I know." Marvolo said quietly and hugged the teen, comfortingly stroking his back and laying small kisses on his face. "You'll be back in no time."

"Can I sneak back?"

"And get in trouble?"

"Slytherins do not get caught Marvolo."

"True. But I need you there, Draco."

"I know. I'll do the job properly."

"Good. Let's go lest Narcissa overturn the house looking for her baby boy." Draco giggled at the image that brought up and happily followed Marvolo. If everything fails, he'd just use Severus' floo to come home for a night.