"Uh, Harry, I would like to breathe sometime today," Severus told the young man that was lying on top of him.
"Sorry," a completely sated Harry mumbled as he rolled off his lover, wincing a little as he felt Severus exit his body with a little pop.
"Perfectly all right, love," Severus said warmly. He cleaned them off with a quick spell and pulled Harry closer. "We have to get up. It's almost eight o'clock."
"It's Saturday," Harry protested, leaning back to look at his lover. "Why can't we just stay in bed all day?"
"Because I have papers to grade, a potion to brew for Pomfrey, and I have to go into Diagon Alley for some ingredients. And I do believe that you and Draco scheduled a study session with Black for your animagus training, haven't you?"
Harry rolled his eyes and nodded. "You're right, as usual. It doesn't mean I have to like it. I'd much rather spend the day with you, in this bed, bothered by no one."
"Well, you can't always get what you want," Severus replied lightly, slapping Harry's ass playfully. "Besides, do you really want to stop your animagus training?"
"No. All right, fine. Have it your way. I think I'll go shower. Care to join me?" Harry asked hopefully.
Severus gave him his best have-you-lost-your-bloody-mind glare. "Oh, yes, I can see that being productive. I think you'd best shower by yourself. Knowing what you have in mind, I cringe at the thought that Black may come in and find us in a rather compromising position. I would like to live for a while now that Voldemort is gone, thank you very much."
"Spoil sport," Harry joked. He kissed Severus and then jumped off the bed. "And what am I to do with this?" Harry asked, looking pointedly at his half hard shaft.
"Flog your log," Severus said nonchalantly as he stretched languidly.
Harry burst out laughing. "I don't even want to know where you picked up that phrase," he giggled as he headed toward the shower.
Harry jumped into the shower as soon as the temperature was right. "Flog your log," he snorted. He reached down to do just that, since it wouldn't do any good to show up for his lesson with Sirius with a stiffy, and he really didn't want to know what a wolf with an erection looked like, when he felt another hand beat him to it.
Harry leaned back against the warm body behind him as the hand slowly stroked him. "I thought you didn't want to be caught in a compromising position. What changed?"
Severus nipped Harry's earlobe, the hand that wasn't currently stroking his lover to climax trailing up and down the younger wizard's chest. "I realized that as a wizard I could make that completely mute. A silencing and locking spell do wonders, and if he should burst into the bathroom, he can't see us. Obscuring spells really are useful things."
"Mm…so I see." Harry lifted his arms and wrapped them around his lover's neck, bringing him closer. He turned his head to place a kiss on the thin ruby lips that opened readily for his tongue.
* * * *
"Awww…isn't that sweet! Draco got a love letter," Ron teased.
Draco slapped him playfully. "Shut up, Ron." Draco opened his letter, ignoring the snickering of the others around him.
Draco,
Hey, love! I really had a wonderful time last night. I just had to say hello this morning, and to tell you that I thought about you all last night. I hope I'll get to see you soon. Perhaps I could come over this evening? Write me back and tell me if it's fine.
Yours,
Fred
"Hermione, might I borrow a quill, a piece of parchment and some ink for a moment?" Hermione, who had her book bag with her, fished out a quill, a piece of parchment and an inkbottle and handed it to Draco.
Fred,
I would love to see you tonight. Come over about six o'clock. I'll get rid of Harry (I'm sure my uncle will know what to do with him) and we can have a quiet dinner.
Yours,
Draco
Draco rolled up the parchment and tied it to Fred's owl. The owl hooted once and flew back out of the castle.
Harry smirked. "I see I'm going to have to find other arrangements tonight," he whispered teasingly in the blonde's ear. "I'll see what Sev can come up with. I'm sure he can keep me entertained."
Draco blushed and smiled. Before he could say anything, another owl, one of the school's owls, dropped three letters on Draco's plate.
Draco lifted them off his eggs. "I wonder who these are from," he mused.
"There's only one way to find out," Hermione told him.
Draco stuck his tongue out at her and opened the letter. As he read, his face turned pale.
"What's wrong? What does that letter say?" Harry asked. When Draco didn't answer, he snatched the letter out of his hand.
Harry's face grew red as he read the letter:
Traitor,
You've betrayed the Dark Lord and his followers. You will pay for this outrage. You'll never know where we'll get you. You'll never know what we're going to do and how we're going to attack. You won't know who we are until it's too late, and you won't live to tell the tale.
Have fun while you're still able, bastard.
Harry grabbed the other letters delivered and looked at them. The other two more or less said the same thing. "Those bastards," Harry growled. He stood up, and pulled Draco up with him. "Come on, Draco, we're going to see Dumbledore." Draco gathered his strength and walked next to Harry. Harry looked at him admirably. He looked unfazed as he stood in front of the entire school. No one had noticed him at the smaller table, except his friends. Harry knew Draco would never show those bastards at the Slytherin table any weakness. Harry, however, knew his friend well, and he could see the pain lying just beneath the surface. He knew what to look for.
"Professor Dumbledore, we need to talk to you, now. Professor Snape as well."
Dumbledore caught the fire in Harry's eyes, and he nodded. "Go on into my office, and I'll tell Severus."
Harry hurriedly led the way to the Headmaster's office. "Popsicle," Harry said, and the gargoyle stepped aside. Harry and Draco sat down on the chairs in front of the Headmaster's desk. "You okay, Draco."
Draco nodded. "I think so. It was just a shock, that's all. I wasn't expecting it, especially since I was still thinking of Fred."
"I know. I'm not going to let anything happen, Draco, not if I can help it. They won't get away with it."
"How can you keep me safe, Harry? We aren't together all the time."
"Most of the time we are, and you'll use my invisibility cloak and the Marauder's Map. They can't get into our room, or Sev's or Sirius and Remus' rooms. And you won't be bothered in the Gryffindor common room. You have several people there who will back you."
Before Draco answered, Albus and Severus walked into the room. "What's wrong, Harry?" Albus asked as he walked around his desk.
Harry handed him the letters. "Draco received these this morning in the mail."
Albus read the letters, handing them to Severus, who had pulled a chair over to the desk, next to Draco. Harry and Draco watched Severus as his curious gaze turned dark, his ebony eyes glittering dangerously. "Albus, I do not care if these are written by children, they will not get away with threatening my nephew!" he roared.
"Calm yourself, my dear boy. Popping a vessel won't help matters, other than to distress young Draco and Harry. Of course we're going to do something about this. First of all, we need to find out who wrote these. They are most likely Slytherin."
"They could be from another house as well," Harry interjected. "Remember, Peter Pettigrew was a Gryffindor, and some of the hate mail Draco received this summer wasn't only from Slytherins."
"Of course, Harry. We cannot discount the other houses. Not many believe that Draco was innocent of the wrongdoings of Lucius Malfoy."
Draco sighed. "I didn't give them any reasons do doubt my loyalty to my father. To do so would have been quite detrimental to my health. But I think you are right. These are from Slytherin."
"I have to agree, Albus," Severus growled, angry that members of his house did not heed his warnings.
"Why is that, Severus?" Albus inquired.
"Because this is Lucius Malfoy's handwriting, or rather a remarkable facsimile." Severus said.
"You don't think this is a spell to disguise the writing?" Albus asked.
Draco shook his head. "My father would send me instructions. I would usually burn them, but some of them were 'misplaced' over the years. It seems that I wasn't trusted, even then."
"Voldemort's followers never trusted anyone," Severus muttered. "So what do we do? We can't use Veritaserum on the entire house. The Ministry wouldn't allow it."
"For now, we watch them like hawks. We keep an eye on things."
"We can watch and see who is lurking around Draco and myself with the Marauder's Map. None of them know of the existence of the Map."
Albus' eyes twinkled. "That's certainly an asset Harry. When you're not out and about at night, Severus can use it to watch the hallways."
Severus nodded. "Excellent idea. If they try anything, it will most likely be at night. Harry, Draco, whenever you're out, I want you to have the Map and the cloak with you at all times. And I want you both in the room by curfew, or with either Sirius, Remus, or myself."
"You know, Sirius and Remus can help as well. Sirius has an incredible sense of smell in dog form, and Remus has a great sense of smell all the time, especially closer to the full moon. Remus can sense trouble easily," Harry offered. "Besides, they're gonna want to know about these letters. They consider Draco family as well."
"Very well. I'll call them in here in a moment."
Harry shook his head. "Call Remus in. Draco and I can tell Sirius. We're due for our animagus lesson in a few moments."
"All right. Go on then, and be careful. Severus, escort them to go and get their things from their room, including the map and the cloak. I'll call in Remus."
Severus, Harry and Draco left the office. They didn't speak at all on the way down to the dungeons. When Draco went into his rooms to get his books, Severus followed Harry into his room. He pulled Harry to him, and pulled his chin up to look into the green pools he loved so much. "Please watch over him. He's all the family I have left. I don't count that bitch sister of mine. The only good thing she ever did was create my nephew."
"I'll make sure he's fine, love. He's my friend, my family. So are you."
"As you are mine. Now go to your lesson. I hardly think they'll bother you right now, but I'll be keeping an eye on you two as you go."
Harry nodded. "All right." Harry kissed him and a few moments later, Harry and Draco left.
Severus watched to make sure they made it safely, but he stayed out of sight of any students. He didn't see any suspicious activity, but he didn't expect there to be. He knew his Slytherins well. He was one, after all. He wouldn't attack on the day he sent out the letter, either. That was just plain stupidity, which ruled out Crabbe and Goyle. Those two morons didn't have enough brains to flush a toilet, let alone come up with a plan like using Draco's letters from his father to copy Lucius' handwriting. Even if they could think of that, they'd have their fingerprints all over the letters. Severus knew that there would be no fingerprints other than those of the people who had held the letters after they'd been delivered.
After Harry and Draco entered the seldom-used classroom, Severus headed toward the front door. He needed to go to Diagon Alley, and he needed to see a jeweler about a cauldron.
* * * *
"Merlin, Harry, you're gorgeous!" Sirius exclaimed.
Harry yipped his response, padding over to the mirror to take a look at himself in his wolf form. He had to admit to himself, the look did fit him well. He preened in front of the mirror, wagging his tail happily. He thought the little lightning bolt made out of fur was rather charming. He turned around when he heard another yip behind him. Cocking his head to the side, his green eyes followed the happy Siberian husky as it pranced around the room.
Draco padded up to his new wolf-shaped friend and gave his face a friendly lick. Harry growled playfully and pounced on the large dog. They rolled around the room barking and biting each other while Sirius laughed.
After about five minutes, Sirius whistled, and the two turned to look at him, tails wagging expectantly. "All right, you two. It's time to change back. You'll be tired for a while, until you get used to the transformation and staying inside the animal body for a long while. Come on, change back."
Slowly Harry and Draco made their change back into their human forms. They stretched uncomfortably, but they were smiling happily.
"I can't believe we can change already," Draco said. He yawned widely, and Sirius laughed.
"I'm surprised as well, but as I said before, it would be different, since Snape and I have been here to help you along. Right now, I would suggest that you two go and take a long nap. I'm sure you're both quite sleepy."
Harry yawned and nodded. "I know I am. Is it always this bad?"
Sirius shook his head as he gathered his few things together. "No, it's not. It's just that you two aren't used to it. It takes a lot out of you when you first start out. It won't be a problem later on. You'll eventually be able to transform as quickly as Minerva or myself, and it won't make you tired. Now off you two. Get some sleep!"
Sirius kissed them both on the forehead and threw the invisibility cloak over them before ushering them out into the empty hallway. Draco and Harry quickly made their way down to their room without running into anyone. The moment they got into the room they headed towards their rooms.
Harry wanted to check on Luthien. Once he saw that his snake was happily resting, he shed his robe and stumbled into Severus' rooms. He noticed that his teacher was still gone, so he decided that a nap was most definitely in order. He went back to his own room and snuggled deep beneath the blankets, visions of the sexy head of Slytherin sneering in his head.
* * * *
Harry sneezed as he felt the softest touch at the tip of his nose. He rubbed at it, but whatever it was wouldn't leave him alone. Finally he opened his eyes, and Draco smiled at him, and showed him the feather he was holding.
"Wake up sleepy! It's time for you to help me get ready and then get lost. Fred's coming tonight, and I have no idea what to wear," Draco said, jumping up and heading for Harry's closet. Harry watched as Draco went through every shirt Harry owned. He pulled out a green long-sleeved shirt. "Can I borrow this?"
Harry yawned and stretched. "You will anyway, so why bother asking?"
"I was just trying to be polite," Draco sniffed. "I've been told we Malfoy's are a pushy lot."
Harry chuckled. "Yes, you are, but that's completely beside the point. You know you are welcome to anything in my closet without having to ask."
Draco smiled smugly. "You know you wouldn't have me any other way, Potter. You know you love it."
"Get over yourself, Malfoy," Harry shot back.
"I want to wear these as well," Draco said, pulling out a pair of jeans. "Do you think this will look good together?"
"Yes, it will. You'd look dashing in a potato sack, so quit worrying. I am definitely taking you to some Muggle shops on Christmas break."
"That will be fun. Maybe Fred will like to go along," Draco said, holding the shirt and jeans up to him and preening in front of the mirror. "Well, I'm going to go take a shower. I think I heard Uncle Sev come in a couple of minutes ago. He didn't sound too pleased. You may want to see what's wrong."
Harry nodded and got up off the bed. He trotted into Severus' room. "What's wrong?" Harry asked, watching his potions professor stalk back and forth across the room, an irritated look on his face.
"Nothing," he snapped.
"Come on, Sev. I know there's something wrong. Now what is it?" Harry sat down on one of the chairs by the fireplace.
Severus sighed heavily as he flopped into the chair across from Harry. "I'm simply irritated with myself, that is all."
"Why are you irritated with yourself?"
"There was a cauldron at Smirnov's Jewelers that I had been looking at, debating whether or not to buy the blasted thing. Well, it doesn't matter now, because while I was dawdling, some idiot bought it…most likely some moron who hasn't any idea what kinds of powerful potions can be made with that cauldron. The imbecile will most likely blow himself up if he tries to use it."
/Well, I can't very well argue with that logic, now can I?/ Harry mused with some amusement.
"I'm sorry, Severus. Why didn't you buy it before?"
Severus sighed again. "Because it was a lot of money, and I honestly didn't think anyone else would purchase it. Contrary to popular belief, I am not swimming in a great fortune. The vast majority of the money in the family vault goes to the upkeep of Snape Manor. Now don't get me wrong, I have plenty of money, more than I need, but I don't like to be wasteful, and I didn't think I could purchase the books that go with the cauldron. I'm afraid I'm not well liked among the merchants of Diagon Alley."
Anger flashed in Harry's eyes as he was reminded of that fact. "It's their loss then. They're just simple-minded fools. Don't worry about them, Sev. Anyway, I'm sure we'll find you another cauldron."
"Harry, I doubt that. That cauldron was from ancient Egypt. Imhotep himself used that particular cauldron and it's quite valuable. I think that it was under-priced, even at the price it was set."
"Well, I'll do my best to find one for you," Harry said, trying not to grin. He knew now that not only would Severus be surprised on his birthday, he would be absolutely thrilled. "Now about tonight."
Severus watched him warily. "What about tonight?"
Harry grinned and got up. "Draco's got a steamy date with Fred tonight," Harry said, slipping onto Severus' lap. "He and Fred are going to have a quiet dinner for two, and I'm going to need somewhere to stay."
Severus merely raised an eyebrow. "I'm sure Sirius and Remus would be thrilled to entertain you tonight."
Harry smirked. "That's not what I had in mind," Harry said softly, his finger tracing a little path up and down his lover's jaw line. "I was hoping I could talk you into a nice little dinner for two as well. It's been a long time since we dined together, just the two of us. And we've never had a romantic dinner."
"Did you forget I have papers to grade?" Severus said, his hands tracing little circles across the younger wizard's back.
"Don't worry, you'll have plenty of time. It's only three o'clock. I'll take care of all the details, and I'll take care of Sirius and Remus as well. Then you and I can have some time just to ourselves."
"What time is Weasley coming over?"
"Six."
Severus laughed heartily. "And he's getting ready now?"
"Yes. He'll be in an absolute panic by the time six comes around, if I know Draco."
"That sounds about right," Severus concurred. "He tends to panic in these instances. You should have seen him with his last boyfriend. It was quite hilarious. He would come in here looking a fright. It would take me an hour to calm down. Since I've papers to grade before we have our night of solitude, he's all yours to deal with."
"A small price to pay if it means I get you all to myself." Harry kissed him on the cheek and jumped up. "Well, I'd better get going if I'm to get everything ready. What would you like to eat tonight?"
"Surprise me," Severus said.
"All right, if you insist," Harry said, bounding out of the room.
Severus smiled as he watched the young Gryffindor leave to take care of his errands. He then arose and went to his office, where he took out some essays of the first years with some trepidation. He shuddered as he opened the first essay belonging to one of the Gryffindors, his quill and red ink ready to turn the paper into a bloody massacre.
* * * *
"Sirius, I think you and Remus should have a romantic dinner tonight, just the two of you?"
"And why is that?" Sirius asked his godson, who had come running up to him just a few minutes earlier. "And why don't you have someone with you?"
Harry smirked and showed him the map. "I knew exactly where you were and who was where. Calm down. I think you should have a romantic dinner, because that is what Fred and Draco are going to do, and I think it's a great idea. Severus has a lot of papers he's grading right now, and he and I are just going to eat in his room. I've been thrown out of mine for the evening, so I'll be tormenting Sev with my presence."
"You could come down and spend time with me and Remus," Sirius said.
"So you don't want to spend a Saturday night alone with the object of your undying love, feeding him his favorite foods and playing footsie without the entire school watching?"
Sirius considered this. "Well, when you put it that way, I think I would. All right, thanks for the suggestion. Don't bother Snape too much. Let him get his work done and maybe he won't be so grumpy next week in class."
Harry gave his godfather his best 'who are you kidding' look. Sirius chuckled. "You're right, Harry. Forget I said that."
"Okay, I've got to run some more errands. I'll see you tomorrow. Have fun!" Harry kissed Sirius on the cheek and ran towards the kitchens.
* * * *
"Dobby, you and the other house elves know Professor Snape best. What does he like to eat? What is his favorite meal?" Harry had run into the kitchen with high hopes that the elves of Hogwarts could help him. He was not disappointed."
"Hello, Harry Potter. It's nice to see you again, Harry Potter. Of course, we know Professor Snape's favorite meal, Harry Potter. It's lasagna, garlic bread and a tossed green salad with sautéed mushrooms, tomatoes, and carrots. Why does Harry Potter ask?"
"Can you make this for Professor Snape tonight. He and I are going to have dinner in his rooms. I would like this to be served, if it's not too much trouble."
"No trouble at all, Harry Potter, sir. We will be glad to help you. Would you like the wine he drinks when he eats this as well, Harry Potter?"
Harry nodded enthusiastically. "Yes, I do. Thank you so much. Could you bring this to the room about six o'clock?"
"Yes sir, Harry Potter, sir. Dobby will be happy to bring your dinner up."
Harry smiled. "Thanks Dobby," he called out as he left the room.
* * * *
"Draco, you're driving yourself insane. Will you please quit, or otherwise you're going to find yourself enjoying your next meal in St. Mungo's."
"I know, Harry, but I'm just so nervous," Draco whined, checking his hair in the mirror for the thousandth time. It was almost five-thirty, and he was a nervous wreck.
Harry sighed and grabbed Draco. He'd been trying to calm the blond Slytherin for the last half-hour. "Look at me, Draco, and breathe. Fred already likes you, a lot. You don't have to do anything, nor do you have to worry about how you look. You're gorgeous, even in the mornings when your hair looks like every strand collided with a weed eater. He's going to drool no matter how many times you change, no matter how many times you check your hair in the mirror. Now, everything is ready for your dinner. The house elves will bring your food in just after six, and you're going to have a great time. The radio is all set up to play those sappy romantic songs you love. You have to RELAX! Now come over to Sev's and tell me what you think."
Draco relented reluctantly and followed Harry over to his uncle's rooms. "Wow, Harry, this is magnificent. He's gonna love it. I don't think anyone has ever done anything like this for him before."
The only light and heat coming from the room was from the hundreds of candles floating around the room, and sitting on the tabletop. Lilacs, Severus favorite flowers, were floating through the room as well. Harry had a hard time finding them, and he finally had to beg Sprout to let him have some from her personal garden. He'd had to pay dearly for them, promising to help her with her chores the next weekend. He really didn't know what he would have to do, and he didn't really want to know. Harry had a small table brought in, just big enough for the two of them to eat on. It was covered in a white lace tablecloth. He'd set the table with the finest china and silverware that he could find in the school.
"So you really think he'll like it," Harry said, feeling the apprehension lift off his chest.
"I know he will. Oh, and thanks for helping me set up our room." Harry had helped Draco set up for his dinner, in much the same way that Harry had set up his. Only Draco had red roses scattered around the room in vases, instead of floating in the air.
"You're welcome. Now that you've stopped panicking, go make sure everything is the way you wanted it." Harry looked around the room to make sure everything was in order while Draco went into their living room to do the same. As soon as Harry saw everything was as it should be, he ran over to his own room and dressed quickly. He had already showered and Draco had helped him pick out his clothes. He ended up wearing the green shirt Draco had originally borrowed, and Draco was wearing one of Harry's blue shirts.
At 5:45 there was a knock on the door. Draco looked at the door, and bolted for the mirror one for one last look at his hair. Harry just rolled his eyes and shook his head with amusement. He walked over to the door and opened it. "Hi, Fred. Come on in."
"Hi, Harry. You look nice tonight. Gotta date?" Fred asked teasingly.
"Actually, I have a date with a sexy Slytherin, if you must know," Harry replied lightly. "How do I look?"
"You look gorgeous as usual. Speaking of gorgeous, where is Draco?" Fred asked, as he stepped into the living room. He let out a low whistle. "This is amazing. Did he really do all this for me?"
"Yes, and I helped. Do me a favor," Harry whispered, "and fuss over about how good he looks. He's been driving himself insane with fretting, not to mention practically sending me to St. Mungo's. He thinks he doesn't look good enough. I've tried to tell him, but he doesn't want to hear it from me."
"Don't worry, I'll put his mind at ease. He seems to forget I saw him when he woke up at Sirius' house during your birthday party."
Harry sent a dismissive wave Fred's direction. "It's part of the Malfoy code to forget logic when a potential mate is involved. Severus told me as much. I think he'll be fine though, once he's secure in the fact that you find him drool-worthy. I'm going now, since my drool-worthy companion will be showing up soon, and I don't want to miss the look on his face when he sees what I have in store for him. Bye, Fred."
"Bye, Harry. Don't do anything that I wouldn't do." Harry turned around and wriggled his eyebrows suggestively before closing the door behind him.
Fred chuckled. He was glad that Harry had found the love that he was looking for. Fred turned when he heard Draco clear his throat slightly to get his attention. His mouth went dry when he saw the blond god in front of him. "You look absolutely stunning," he whispered.
Draco beamed, relief washing over his body. "So do you. I'm glad you could come. The house elves are bringing dinner around 6:15, so why don't you sit on the couch, and I'll pour us a drink."
Fred sat down and watched Draco as he uncorked the champagne bottle and poured two glasses. Draco had begged Severus to give him one of the bottles from his wine cellar here at Hogwarts, which no one but he, Severus, Albus, and now Harry knew about. Severus had finally complied, providing that he and Fred did not go overboard.
"Here you are," Draco said, handing his companion a glass. They each sipped on the champagne while they talked.
"So, has anything gone on today that I should know about?" Fred asked lightly, setting his glass on the table beside the couch.
Draco chewed on his lip. He had promised both himself and Harry that he wouldn't keep the death threats from Fred, but he hadn't wanted to ruin the evening so soon.
Fred caught on immediately that something was wrong. "What is it, Draco? What happened?"
Draco sighed and set his glass on the table. "This morning after I owled you back, I got some more mail. They were anonymous letters, threatening letters. We took them to Albus, and he and the staff are trying to figure out who sent them."
Draco saw the anger flash in the redhead's eyes. Fred looked at him. "I won't let those bastards get to you, love. I promise we'll find them. How are you going to get around the school, though? A teacher can't be with you twenty-four hours a day."
Draco smiled and took Fred's hand. "Don't worry. I have Harry, Ron and Hermione looking after me as well, and Harry and I are using the invisibility cloak and the Marauder's Map to get around when there are not a lot of people present."
"Good," Fred replied, pulling Draco to him protectively. "I know Harry will take good care of you."
"I don't need anyone to take care of me," Draco said indignantly. "I'm a Malfoy. I can take care of myself."
Fred chuckled. "I know you can, but I feel better knowing the you have backup in case you need it. And I know you'll take care of Harry as well."
Draco sighed and melted into Fred's arms. "Today wasn't a complete loss, you know."
"Oh, really? What else happened?"
"Oh, nothing. I just finally was able to completely transform into my animagus form, that's all," Draco said nonchalantly.
Fred looked at him excitedly. "You're an animagus?"
Draco nodded. "Sirius and Uncle Sev have been helping both me and Harry. We both transformed today. I would do it again for you, but it makes me really tired, and I don't want to fall asleep on our first date."
"No, I don't want that either. You can transform for me another day," Fred said, placing his fingers under Draco's chin and lifting up the blonde's head. "I want you wide awake every time I do this," Fred whispered before pressing his lips to Draco's.
* * * *
"Open wide," Sirius said, rubbing the strawberry playfully across Remus' bottom lip. The werewolf opened his mouth and took a bite of the succulent little berry his lover offered to him.
Sirius had not only taken up Harry's idea; he'd run with it. He and Remus were now firmly ensconced in their bedroom for the night, sitting on the bed with a delicious feast before them, full of everything Remus could possibly desire. The room was lit by candlelight, and they were only clothed in white silk bathrobes that Sirius had bought in Hogsmeade earlier in the day. They had already taken a long luxurious bath before dinner, and now they were enjoying the food that the house elves had so kindly cooked for them.
Remus licked the juice from his lips. "Mm. Good. Thanks for doing this Siri. I love you," he said, placing a piece of fudge brownie into the dark-haired wizard's mouth.
"I can't take all the credit," Sirius said after he swallowed. "Harry gave me the idea. I'm glad you like it though."
"Yeah, I'm glad he gave you the idea, but all this was your doing," Remus insisted, gesturing around the room.
"Anything for you, my love," Sirius replied, pulling Remus closer and stealing a kiss.
* * * *
Severus walked into his rooms and his breath caught. His favorite flower, lilacs, were floating around the room, and seemingly performing a little dance with the candles floating next to them. He looked around the room and saw that Harry had set up a small, intimate setting for their dinner.
He heard a small movement and turned to look straight into the eyes he fell into every time he turned around.
Harry smiled at him and brought him a glass of wine. "Come and sit, love. It's just about time to eat." Harry led him to the couch and lifted his feet, placing them on a footstool.
Harry leaned down and kissed him lightly. As soon as there was a knock on the door, Harry pulled back to answer it.
Severus watched as Harry walked to the door. He heard Harry speaking with someone, but he figured it was a house elf, since Harry came back a moment later pushing a cart that the house elves use.
Harry saw the older wizard watching him and smiled. "It was Dobby. I told him to bring the food around six."
"My guess is he wasn't too happy about leaving you to serve the dinner," Severus said, amused by the thought.
"No, he wasn't but he'll get over it. I want to tell the world we're together in my own way, not through house elf. If Dobby saw this, I can only imagine how he would celebrate my happiness. I cringe at the thought that Sirius would find out through the Daily Prophet."
"I can understand that," Severus said, getting up and sitting at the table when Harry motioned for him. "So, what delicacies do you have for me tonight?"
Harry grinned as he pulled off the covers of the dishes. "Lasagna, garlic bread, and a salad, just the way you like it. And strawberries and cream in the bedroom for dessert," Harry whispered, sending a shiver down Severus' spine.
"I see somebody has plans for tonight," Severus said dryly as Harry served him.
"No, only a desperate hope," Harry quipped. He leaned over and licked Severus' ear. "I have this overwhelming desire to feel you slide so deep inside of me that I can't breathe," Harry whispered.
"We'll see about that," Severus said, not promising anything.
Harry shrugged. "If you don't want to make love to me, we can eat the strawberries and cream, and you can read to me. Or we can just lay down and talk. I just want to spend time with you. I don't care what we do, really. I just wanted you to know that I'm quite open to you and I breaking the bed," Harry said slyly as he served himself.
"Really?" Severus said, the image of him shoving his cock deep inside Harry making him hard.
"Yes, really. Anyway, that won't be for a while yet, because once we're done eating, I'm going to bathe you."
Severus looked indignant. "Are you saying I smell?" he asked sharply, taking a bite of lasagna.
Harry chuckled as he watched Severus close his eyes with pleasure at the taste of the pasta. "Not at all. It's just an excuse to feel you up and relax you at the same time."
The dark-haired wizard considered it. "You have a point there. I think I can live with that."
* * * *
After a scrumptious dinner, Fred and Draco slowly danced together, bodies molded against each other. They kissed languidly, stroking each other's backs lightly.
"Stay tonight," Draco whispered when they broke apart. When Fred looked a little reluctant, Draco said dejectedly, "You don't have to."
Fred tipped his boyfriend's head up and smiled at him. "I want to, but I want to take this slow, Draco. I want to get to know you, because the first time we make love, I want to be so in love with you I can't breathe. I am falling for you, Draco. I just don't want to rush anything. I want to take my time, I want to enjoy falling in love with you."
Draco smiled. "Will you stay anyway. We can talk until we fall asleep."
Fred nodded. "Of course, love." He pulled Draco closer and they started dancing again.
* * * *
Harry and Severus climbed into the bed, both naked. Severus had talked Harry into joining him in the bath, and they had talked about Harry's animagus training as they bathed each other.
Now they snuggled close to each other, feeding each other strawberries and whipped cream as they talked some more, about what had happened this morning.
"I'm worried that Draco is going to get caught unawares," Severus admitted.
Harry knew how hard it was for the strong potion master to confess a weakness. "I know you are. So am I. I promise I'll keep Draco from harm, if possible. Draco's strong. He'll come through this fine, and most of these morons will come around. More of the Gryffindors are warming up to him. I know it's the Slytherins we have to worry about most, you don't have to tell me."
Severus smiled and reached for the book at his bedside. "Can we read for a while? I'm too distracted for anything else at the moment."
Harry snuggled closer to his lover's chest. "Sev, we can do whatever you want. I just want to be with you. I don't care what we do. I would be happy with you even if all I could do was talk to you and look at you and hold your hand."
Severus opened the book and started reading, not finding words to convey how much his heart soared with Harry's words.
* * * *
By nine o'clock that night, Sirius and Remus were asleep in each other's arms completely at peace, after Remus shagged Sirius senseless. Draco and Fred fell asleep on the couch that they had transfigured to hold the both of them. Their arms were wrapped around each other protectively, small smiles gracing both swollen mouths.
And Severus and Harry had fallen asleep in each other's arms, the book resting on Severus' lap.