Sing for Me, Cry for Me

16. We Meet Again II

The day dawned cold and clear. Harry and Ron met Draco at the entrance after breakfast as they agreed and the three of them marched towards Hogsmead attracting everybody’s attention with their current arrangement. Those who visited the library as much as Harry, Ron and Draco after initial shock got used to the idea of seeing them together working on home assignments. Some of them were even bold enough to come up to this new formed trio and ask for some help on this or that subject but one glare from Draco Malfoy discouraged most of the volunteers and soon no one was brave enough to disturb them. It was quite funny in Harry’s opinion to watch Draco behave like that. When someone asked Harry for help Draco immediately was on guard shooting death glares at newcomers. It was so much fun watching Draco behaving so possessively towards Harry that he couldn’t help but hide his head in the books barely restraining himself from laughing out loud. So soon everybody presumed that there was something going on between the two of them with Draco in charge and that Harry was once again unattainable. Harry decided that this sort of possessiveness towards him was a sort of Malfoy thing and didn’t bother with the rumors that started circulating soon after their little agreement. But if Harry was as carefree and oblivious to all sorts of rumors as ever hiding deeper and deeper in his books Ron heard and saw everything. He often turned from his studying of Hogwarts’ subjects to studying Harry, Draco and everyone in vicinity instead. He couldn’t quite place Draco’s behavior and his too evident protectiveness of Harry and he was afraid that if Lucius Malfoy would find out about that he would be far from pleased. Harry and he discussed if Draco still reported to Lucius and came to conclusion that yes he did, otherwise they were sure that Lucius would have already made his appearance somehow but they were far from sure as to whether Draco reported to his father about their studying partnership. And as for Ron he was positively sure that Draco hadn’t told Lucius and that soon the storm might very well break out. That’s why he kept a close watch on both of them and became as preoccupied with Harry not being disturbed by others that by the end of the week the Hogwarts’ population was going out of its mind as to who exactly held Harry’s heart. When Ron told Harry about the rumors this morning after Harry shared with him his relief as to not being groped from behind anymore after a long uncomfortable silence Ron cracked and told him that the main reason for that was that people were afraid of Draco and him, because now they were considered Harry’s boyfriends. By the time Ron finished the sentence he was as red as tomato and Harry wondered what was redder his face or his hair. Though he didn’t wonder for too long because he started laughing uncontrollably both at the rumor and at Ron’s face, and at what Draco thought about the gossip, but he stopped abruptly when he thought what Lucius might do if he finds out. Harry remembered only too well how Lucius didn’t want him to spend time with Granger. The thought worried him considerably but there was nothing he could do about the situation and he wasn’t going to stay away from either Ron or Draco even if Lucius had objections. Though the question of why exactly Lucius would care and cared still wasn’t answered. He liked having the both of them by his side. He liked how they protected him and how he didn’t attract so much attention as before but rather shared it with Ron and Draco. Though he still regretted that with each step his life took he still was in the spotlight. As if everything he did was somehow different from what everybody else did. It was making him angry and after passing about a dozen indecently curious faces flanked by Ron and Draco from either sides Harry snapped:

“Maybe I should write my autobiography with all the juicy details so that they finally lose their damn focus on me!”

“I don’t think it will help much.” drawled amused voice of Draco Malfoy who was quite pleased with the rumors and with his current position especially if it winded up Harry like that and he vehemently drove the thought about his father’s reaction away fully enjoying himself for the first time in his life. He could go as far as saying that Harry’s friendship or whatever it was that they had made him quite happy and though he got over the idea of going out with Harry public’s conclusions entertained him greatly. Harry was almost on the verge of yelling how fed up he was with all this when a girl goggled at the three of them. Harry was about to put on his scariest look when he took in the sight of Ron’s and Draco’s scowls combined and what an effect it produced on the girl who suddenly shrieked like a banshee and ran with all her might as far away as her legs could take her. He still watched both Ron and Draco and how their faces turned into pleased sneers and doubled over with laughter. It was quite nice to know that someone cared that much for you that even their facial expressions became identical. The thought brought back Harry’s good humor and he asked:

“So are you going to pose for the pictures if ever the need arises?”

“Pictures? What pictures?” asked Ron in bewilderment.

“What do you mean what pictures Ron. If I am dating with either of you or both, in a book the more the better not to mention merrier we need to take pictures of our special moments.”

Draco continued looking pleased and amused feeling revealed now that he knew that the rumors didn’t offend Harry while Ron looked absolutely shocked listening to Harry as he continued while bending his fingers:

“The pictures taken at our first date, our first kiss, our first…”

“Stop it! Stop it!” yelled Ron closing his ears while Harry doubled with laughter shortly followed by Draco who thought that Ron’s expression was too priceless not to give in. After several minutes of hysterics brushing off tears of laughter and pretending to pout Harry said turning to Draco:

“And here I thought he was friend enough to do anything for me. Well, I’m sure Draco wouldn’t mind posing for the pictures instead.”

“Oh, Harry I’m all yours.” said Draco using Harry’s first name out loud for the first time.

Ron was still looking at them appalled.

“I told you I would do anything for you but the images you provided…”

“Images I provided? Ronald Weasley I don’t know what you were thinking about. All mental images were provided only by that dirty mind of yours. All I wanted to say was our first dance. Only imagine such a romantic picture. You holding me in your arms while my head is staying on your shoulder. And what were you thinking about?” Harry didn’t know how he managed to keep straight face all through his speech but he burst out laughing again as soon as Ron covered his face with his hands and he along with Draco lost it again.

Though the atmosphere between the three of them was getting warmer and warmer the weather wasn’t humoring them and soon the absence of the sun and the increasing frost was only too evident. Especially in connection with Ron’s teeth that were chattering uncontrollably. Draco and Ron were going a bit behind Harry who was lost in his own world leading the way.

“H-Harry w-where are w-we g-going? I’m-m freezing.”

They had already passed Honeydukes and Zonkos’ and Three Broomsticks and other places they visited but still they didn’t stop.

“As to where we’re going if I’m not mistaken we’ll soon be there and as for you freezing you could always use warming up charm.”

“Damn it couldn’t you say it earlier!” sweared Ron performing the charm while Draco snickered receiving a glare in return.

“How was I supposed to know that you haven’t used it. It’s an obvious spell that should be always on your mind when you’re frozen. Oh, here we are.” said Harry grinning and spreading his hands.

Ron and Draco looked in front of them to find a building with low ceiling painted in an ugly shade of green as if covered in mould. Ron and Draco screwed their faces.

“What is this place?” asked Draco in disgust with Ron too speechless from the revolting sight in front of him to utter a word.

“Oh, please, don’t go all Malfoy on me Draco. Haven’t you heard the expression that appearances deceive or still better in this case that you shouldn’t judge the book by its cover? It’s a bookshop!”

“You know that wasn’t quite what I had on my mind when I suggested going here.”

Ron nodded vigorously totally agreeing with Draco.

“I promise, we won’t be here for long. But here might be something interesting. There are tones of old books. And I bet they are fantastic.” said Harry coming in.

Draco and Ron sighed shared glances and followed Harry in.

The store was quite bigger than it looked outside. There were books all over on the shelves, on chairs, on small tables, on the floor and even hanging from the ceiling. The farther you went into the store the darker the content of the books seemed to become. The boys separated their ways. Harry noted to his amazement that there was a section of books all written in Parseltongue and he was about to grab the first one when another book fell in front of him opening in the middle. When Harry bent down to pick it up he gasped. There was a picture of a raven and a snake just like the one Harry so often saw in his dream. In total fascination and trepidation with shaking hands Harry started tracing the picture with his finger. When he touched the picture he felt different curves under his fingertips, he heard the flutter of the wings and hissing coming from the snake. Harry wondered why he couldn’t understand what the snake was saying when the snake on the picture turned his head to Harry and hissed now at him:

“Don’t wonder. These words of mine are not destined for you. But don’t worry young snake-speaker you will find the snake of your own.” and with that the snake turned back to the raven and their eternal dance.

Harry stood dumbfounded with an open book in his hands.

“What the hell was that? Don’t worry you will find the snake of your own?” he asked himself.

He shook himself closed the book and looked at the title. “Ancient Magic of Soulmates. Bonds and Rituals.”

But Harry wasn’t quick enough in gathering his wits about himself because just at that very moment he felt an electricity shooting through him when a hand slid down his back and squeezed his ass and before he could yelp in protest and astonishment he was whisked into the corner and shielded from the rest of the world by a spell.

He was turned around in strong comfortable arms.

“Hello, Harry.” purred Lucius, “It looks like we meet again.”

It was all the warning he got before once again Lucius’ lips met his own in their battle of desires and wills. But kiss was not the only thing on Lucius’ mind. While he was ravishing Harry’s mouth and silencing down his protests he freed one of his hands from Harry’s body and found Harry’s wrist which he started squeezing hard as if wanting to break it.

At first Harry couldn’t understand where the pain was coming from. He knew for sure that it wasn’t from the kiss. Though it was rough and hard and he was sure that his lips would be all bruised from Lucius ferocious invasion and his bites he knew that it couldn’t bring that kind of pain. It was definitely something else. And it was almost breaking his bones. He started hissing into the kiss when he couldn’t take the growing pain any longer and with all the strength that was still lingering in his body he pushed Lucius away.


***

From the latest letters that he received from Draco Lucius could definitely sense an air of conspiracy emanating from them. Lucius knew that there was something that Draco left unsaid. As if every sentence was cut off before something escaped it. And Lucius understood that something was going on behind his back and he was definitely going to find out what it was. But what he was sure about was that it had to do with his Harry and if Draco had any plans concerning his mate as well he would make sure to teach his son to stay away from his business.

It was by pure chance that he turned up in Hogsmead when he saw his mate walking together with his son and a Weasley. So that is the change. Lucius felt anger building up in him. His eyes blazed and he decided to follow the three of them to find out what kind of relationship they were in. But what he heard did nothing to calm him down and he sweared that if that was what was happening than his son wouldn’t be too grateful for the day that he was born. As for his mate… well he was still young and didn’t know what it meant to be someone’s mate, not to mention Lucius Malfoy’s mate and not that he was aware of the fact in the first place. And he could be forgiven for the time being. And though Lucius decided to give Harry as much time as he needed he couldn’t keep his feelings and growing desire for him at bay that’s why he decided to let it free if just for a little bit. And his mate was too perfect to let the opportunity slip. And a Malfoy always used any opportunity that came in sight. The cold air brought quite a high color to Harry’s exhausted face. From Draco’s letters he understood that Harry spent most of his time in the library studying and it drew away some of his color. But now he was shining again, his eyes shimmering with amusement and happiness and a wide grin spreading all over his face. Lucius clenched his fists. On one hand he was only too happy to see his mate enjoying life again knowing that he was the main reason that Harry became a voluntary prisoner of the library, but on the other hand he wanted to be the only one to bring all these happiness to Harry’s face. Though he was aware of the fact that it would take more than a week to become a source of positive emotions for his mate. Because for now he solely was responsible for all the negative feelings that Harry experienced. Well, no one said that it was easy and all happiness to be Lucius Malfoy’s mate. And maybe today he won’t make Harry happy and maybe he will even make him suffer and maybe he will suffer himself but there will come a time when Harry will come to him willingly and ready to give him all his love and all of himself without reservations and that would be the day when Lucius would show him that he can make him happy no matter what.

They were now in the bookstore. Mingling with the shadows which was hardly any trouble in the store Lucius followed Harry thanking Salazar that the boys decided to go different ways. He watched as Harry glided through the books slightly touching their spines and curiously reading the titles. He saw how Harry’s face lit up when he saw books on Parseltongue and how he was about to reach the first one when something fell to his knees. He watched as Harry lifted it up and how his face turned into an expression of shocking recognition. He came from behind and peered down into the book. He looked at the picture and his eyebrows shot up high. Harry was surprising him more and more with each passing day. He could never imagine that it would take that form in Harry’s perception. Though it was a purely unconscious mechanism of ones soul personally Lucius believed that soul wasn’t the only part of a person responsible for it. And if that was Harry’s identity, it was indeed intriguing. Than he heard the snake from the book hissing and after a moment he saw Harry shutting the book and reading the title. Lucius knew the book and if he came here to give a piece of advice he would definitely tell Harry to buy the book and he was sure that Harry would likely do it on his own if he only remembered anything after Lucius would deal with him. With that he slid his hand down Harry’s back and squeezed his ass and before Harry could yelp he covered his mouth with his hand and dragged him into the corner putting an invisible charm around them.

Harry was too beautiful for his own good with that cluelessly shocked look of his. That’s why without many preliminaries Lucius crashed Harry’s lips with his own. Oh but how he liked devouring his kitten like that, taking and sucking everything out of him, leaving nothing for others and pouring inside himself. But that was not the only thing he planned for Harry today, he still had to teach his young mate some respect that’s why he freed one of his hands from Harry’s enticing body and finding his wrist started crushing it as hard as possible. It wasn’t enough to break the bones but it was enough to bring pain and stop circulation in that region. Soon enough he felt Harry pushing him away full force.

Though Harry managed to free his lips from Lucius his hand was still held tight against his will in Lucius’ fist.

“Lucius, what the hell are you doing? Let go off me!” he hissed, “You’re hurting me! You promised you would never hurt me again!”

Lucius inhaled sharply:

“I love it when you hiss. And as for hurting you little one. That’s not exactly what I’m doing. Right now I am simply punishing you.”

Harry was enraged.

“Punishing me? Punishing me? And for what exactly are you punishing me? I did nothing to deserve your punishment!”

“Didn’t you?” asked Lucius raising his eyebrow in an inquiring manner.

“No! And besides you have no right to punish me for anything!”

The grip on his wrist tightened. Harry came back closer to Lucius.

“You have no right coming into my life,” he bent his head a bit, “disrupting!” he bit painfully on Lucius hand though not painfully enough to make Lucius let go of him, “interrupting!” another bite, “turning it!” one more bite, “upside down!” one more bite, “like you do!” finished Harry breathing heavily and straightening up looking Lucius in the eyes full of anger and resentment.

Lucius took a deep breath. There were quite some bites, his kitten had quite sharp teeth and liked to use them quite often. They were staring each other in the eyes pouring out their emotions that no words could ever express. In a moment Lucius was a master enough of his feelings and reflexes to say:

“If you are quite finished with feasting on my flesh I suggest that you calm down and listen to me very attentively. I don’t like being taken for a fool…”

“But I didn’t do anything!”

“And I don’t like being interrupted.” He squeezed Harry’s wrist again making tears spill out of Harry’s eyes.

“You’re treating me like I belong to you. And I don’t! How many times do I have to tell you this?” asked Harry desperately trying to twist his hand out of that painful grip.

Lucius laughed:

“Probably as many times as I have to tell you that you do belong to me and in more ways than one. If you don’t know something, dear Harry, it doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist. Now what I want to know is what exactly is going on between you and my son.”

“Nothing, “ answered Harry brokenly, “We’re just studying together. Nothing else. I swear.”

“And why would you be studying with him in the first place? I don’t remember you two being best friends. Rather on the contrary.”

“I just didn’t want him to follow me around like you told him. I thought it would be much better if he spent the time with Ron and I. He still reports to you, right? So what’s the problem? What difference does it make?”

Silent tears running down Harry’s face now.

“I didn’t like the conversation you had on your way here.”

Harry’s eyes turned incredibly huge:

“Lucius, we were just laughing at some ridiculous rumors that are circulating through the school now.”

“Rumors?”

“About us dating.”

“Us?”

“Well, they don’t know exactly who I date Ron or Draco or both of them and we were just making fun of it.”

Lucius narrowed his eyes. Harry sighed tiredly.

“It’s true Lucius. Why don’t you believe me? I haven’t done anything to deserve your distrust. God, it’s the other way round. I don’t even know why I’m telling you all of this as if I am indeed guilty. Why do I have to justify myself?”

“Because you know better than that, kitten”

“Will you let go of me now?” asked Harry hopelessly.

Lucius stopped squeezing his hand but instead lifted it up to his lips and kissed it.

“Are you always like that? Hit and then kiss?” asked Harry smiling humorlessly.

“Who knows.”

Harry shook his head:

“I really don’t want to find out.”

Lucius reached for his face and traced Harry’s tears like he did on several occasions before. He was glad to note that Harry didn’t flinch away but rather leaned into the touch.

“You’re beautiful when you cry, “ whispered Lucius bringing Harry closer to his body.

“Yes I remember you telling me that before. Is that why you always make me cry?”

“Probably. I like making you cry. I like being the source of your every tear. I like tracing them and I like brushing or kissing them away.”

Harry looked up at him.

“You are one sadistic bastard.”

“I guess you’re right, kitten. But there’s nothing you can do about it.”

“I wish I could though…” whispered Harry burying his face in Lucius’ shoulder.

Lucius brought Harry still closer and held him tightly wrapped in his embrace.

***

They didn’t know how much time they spend like that but the voices brought them back to reality. It was Draco’s voice:

“Potter, where the hell are you? I knew it was a bad idea to let you come in here.”

Lucius let go of Harry and took off the spell. Harry moved away from him.

“Hello Draco.”

Draco’s heart dropped to the floor. Ron’s jaw dropped and was lying somewhere near Draco’s heart when he took in the whole picture. Harry and Lucius appearing from nowhere. Harry’s face tearstained and his lips bruised. Ron couldn’t believe his eyes. One thing was to listen Harry talking about it but absolutely another thing was to see it for himself. But there was no doubt as to what was going on behind whatever the spell Lucius had cast. Draco was thinking along the same lines only his reflections also included the fact that his father’s face wore quite a murderous look and that he found out that Draco was hiding few things from him. He gulped and paled.

“Father.” He didn’t dare asking what his father was doing here it was too much as such.

“I think we need to talk.”

“Yes father.” said Draco automatically inclining his head.

“Let’s go Ron.” called Harry to Ron.

Lucius gave him a look:

“Leaving so fast Mr. Potter?”

“Yes, Mr. Malfoy. I think a father and a son should be left alone for whatever talk they must have. I don’t think it is our place to interfere or to remain here.”

“As you wish Harry. It was nice to meet you as always.” said Lucius licking his lips.

Harry looked at him with tears again forming in his eyes.

“Good-bye Mr. Malfoy.”

They left the shop.

***

Ron didn’t know what to say or to do that’s why he was just following Harry who was almost running back to Hogwarts. The common room was still empty and the fire was crackling invitingly but Harry rushed to the dorm and fell face down on his bed.

Ron sat down beside him.

“Harry?” there was no need to ask as to what had happened it was only too visible. But Ron felt that Harry needed to talk.

“Harry, please, talk to me.”

Harry sat up and looked at Ron with his huge desolate eyes.

“Ron, I can’t stand it. He’s doing whatever he wants. He comes, turns my insides out, takes my heart and soul and leaves. And all that remains are the broken pieces of me. And he’s the only one who can put me back together. But then he breaks me again and I am left to wait for the next time he returns. How fair is that? And he’s always so calm, so reserved, so cruel, but then so loving and tender. I can’t fight him. And he knows it. He knows why. And I can’t do anything. While he’s just toying with me. It hurts, you know. It hurts so much.”

He looked at his wrist all covered in white prints from Lucius’ fingers.

“It hurts…” he whispered and fell into Ron’s welcoming arms. Ron who desperately tried to hide the tears of his own.