Broken Toy

Author's Notes:
I know you will hate me for “doing it again” when you finished this chapter! Yes, this time I did it deliberately. *smirks* I’ve planned that for months, so I had to do it.

Enjoy!


Chapter Twenty-Two

The second time Draco awoke that night it was far more pleasant than the previous time. At first, that is. It was warm, birds were chirping softly, and someone was shaking him gently by his arm.

“Draco,” Harry’s voice was as soft as his touch. “I’ve got to go…”

Slowly coming to his senses, Draco realized that he had fallen asleep with his head resting against Harry’s chest, his arms wrapped around Harry’s waist, and his arse pressed hard against the solid wall of the barn. All of his muscles cried out in pain; he had been lying in a cramped position for far too long.

Still slightly disorientated he got up and grimaced, stretching his muscles. The brilliant morning sun was blinding him, shining directly into his face. He squinted his eyes to avoid the obtrusive, bright light. Obviously they had spent the rest of the night outside instead of enjoying the comfort of their cosy bed. “What…?”

“It’s about time to get myself ready for work… I suggest that you go back to bed and catch up on some sleep.” Harry’s answer held the same gentle note as before.

“Are you crazy?” Harry couldn’t be serious. Ignoring the sun, Draco forced his eyes open to have a better look at Harry’s face. Slowly he scrutinized the dark shadows under Harry’s eyes. “Work? Now? I’m sure you didn’t sleep at all. You look…”

Harry snorted. “No need to tell me. I know what I look like. Haggard, bespectacled face with too huge eyes.”

“What? But your eyes are…”

“Oh yes, I know. I’ve heard it all before,” Harry’s interrupted him matter-of-factly. “My eyes are special. My mother’s eyes.”

“Huh? No. Your eyes, Harry. And they are spec…” Draco wanted to tell Harry that he hadn’t the slightest idea what his mother’s eyes had looked like, and truthfully, he didn’t care, but Harry cut him off again.

“Ah, come on, do you want to flatter me? I don’t have to stand for that.” Draco disliked the slight mocking expression on Harry’s face. And why was his voice so reserved? “However, I’ve got to run. They rely on me.” With astonishment Draco detected a sneer around Harry’s lips. “It doesn’t matter if I’m tired or if I’m not in a good mood. I’m expected to work. It’s always been like that for me.” He shrugged his shoulders indifferently. “I’m used to it. So don’t you worry.”

Draco had learned a lot about Harry recently. Sarcasm was a trait that simply didn’t seem to fit in with his characteristics. The impulse to argue was inevitable.

“Listen, you’re looking a mess, and I don’t…”

“Hold your breath!” Harry’s smile was grim. “Like it or not, I will not avoid my responsibility. I will..”

“Ah, Perfect Potter again, always there to save the world.” Draco broke in hotly. “Can’t you just for one moment…”

Harry leapt to his feet. His face was impassive. “Since you obviously don’t intend to take the rest you need badly I will have to help you there.” Despite his frosty tone, his eyes turned soft. “Sorry. I don’t want to do this, but … Go straight to our bedroom and get yourself some sleep!”

Draco got up immediately.

He would have loved to punch Harry right into his effing handsome face. The sad whispered “Now…” Harry added was lost on him.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Draco had been walking aimlessly around the house for some time when he finally made up his mind. He had concocted a little plan, and he was determined to make it a successful one.

It took all of his courage to knock on the door. He was prepared for various unpleasant encounters, and of course he had laid out all kinds of different responses in his mind. Needless to say, he wished it was her. But of course it had to be Lance staring at him when the door opened.

“What do you want?”

Damn shit. Draco was scared stiff when he met the hostile eyes of the muscular man in front of him. But he wouldn’t hesitate to say his piece, nor would he stammer. Resolutely he answered with an enthusiasm he didn’t feel at all, “Good day! I would like to have a word with Gwen, please.”

“What do you want with her?” The hostile eyes never wavered; instead they were boring down into his. Draco wasn’t sure he could withstand the stare without blinking. He felt himself blushing, his hands got wet, but… what the fuck???

He stared back.

The female version of Lance’s unfriendly features appeared in front of his vision.

“Good day.” Draco had known Gwenny would at least mind manners.

“What do you want?” Well, that really wasn’t any better, but Draco had rehearsed the scene too often not to be able to respond according to his plan.

“I’m sorry to disturb you.” The dark eyes were regarding him coldly, but that had been expected.

“I wouldn’t have done so if it wasn’t for Harry,” a quick blink of her eyes betrayed her spontaneous sympathy. He had counted on that, too.

“I just wondered…” Draco knew how to look sheepish and shy. Deliberately he went on. “Harry has had such a hard time lately… He’s working too much. I would like to surprise him with a meal when he comes home tonight.” He was satisfied to see her eyes widen in astonishment, just as he had foreseen.

“What kind of rubbish…”

“Shut up, Lance!” Gwenny’s eyes never left Draco’s face. It was time to proceed.

“I wondered if you could show me how to cook.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

And of course she lent him a hand, as Draco had been sure she would. With amazing patience Gwenny introduced him to the basics of cooking. They would start with spaghetti and a spicy tomato-sauce. Any kid was able to do that, she informed him stiffly.

Draco was nervous at first, and didn’t seem to be able to chop up tomatoes into tiny bits with Gwenny breathing down his neck.

“But I thought you were excellent at potions?” Draco almost chopped one of his fingers off.

Harry had…? They had talked about him, Draco? Harry had actually talked behind his back to them??? Draco’s fist clenched tight around the kitchen knife.

“Don’t you worry…”, her voice was still reserved, but Draco could detect a note of warmth. “He wasn’t gossiping. He would never do such a thing. He just wanted to make sure that we wouldn’t murder you in your sleep.” When she laughed, Draco wasn’t able to join her. His fist clenched even tighter around the shaft of the knife.

“He only wanted us to know three facts: You are terrific with potions. Your skills as a Quidditch seeker are outstanding. Your magical abilities are marvellous. All in all, he wanted us to know that you are an exceptional wizard.”

The knife in Draco’s hand started to tremble. Harry… Harry Potter had actually stated …

“However, since you aren’t allowed to perform any magic for the time being, we can be regarded as equals,” Gwenny actually had the cheek to grin at him. “So… Although I’m a Squib I don’t have any problem telling you that these pieces are too big!”

Hastily, Draco continued with his task, this time more carefully.

“Yes, that’s the right way. Good. Keep on. Oh,” Gwenny interrupted herself, “I forgot to mention. He also said that you don’t resemble your father the slightest.” Her merry laughter filled the kitchen. “But we know our Harry, he’s always so naïve…”

This time Draco managed to cut himself deeply. Since no one was there to cast the right spell, it took some time to stop the bleeding.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Draco was glad when Gwenny got ready to leave. He had to admit, his interest in what she had been teaching him had waned as the day wore on. Almost through the door, she turned around. What now?

“I liked your approach today. I liked that you wanted to surprise Harry. I even believed your intention. But don’t think you can fool us,” her stare was cold as ice.

“We’ve been observing you very closely since you arrived. We know enough of your kind. You think you are leading Harry along on a leash? It may seem so. The dear took every precaution to protect you. His home has always been shielded by innumerable charms to make it undetectable. Just a handful of people know its whereabouts. He wanted to be all by himself, and who could blame him, after all he’s been through? So only his closest friends are able to Apparate here,” Gwenny laughed coldly. “But the precaution that was good enough for him wasn’t sufficient enough for you. ” She stared hard at him.

“Are you aware of the fact that he spend nights training Jack-o for your sole protection? He’s his favourite, did you know that? Whenever you stroll empty-headed about the fields and meadows, Jack is at your heels, right? He has just one goal. He will protect you with his life, and he will do it without any question. He’s a good dog. He’s a fine dog. He’s an…” Gwenny swallowed, sudden emotions seemed to overwhelm her, but she went on nevertheless, “…exceptional dog. Basically, he’s trained to detect Dark Wizards.”

Draco was sure Gwenny wondered why Jack hadn’t already ripped his bones apart.

“And of course Harry cast a Retrieval-Spell on you. He’s nervous about this Pickles guy he told us about. Although this brute can’t show up here without outside help - that’s out of the question, as you know by now - Harry wanted to make sure that you won’t get lost, ” Gwenny grinned contemptuously.

“But even that wasn’t enough. We were asked to keep an eye on you, too…” She sneered, and her dark eyes bore into Draco’s.

“Be sure… We have an eye on you. All of the time,” her eyes reduced to slits, “If you ever hurt Harry, you are dead. It is as simple as that.”

Her smile was open now, almost friendly. “I don’t trust you. And you probably can’t stand me and my brother. But I liked the way you knocked on our door today.” She touched his shoulder lightly, and despite of himself, Draco was impressed by her forthrightness. “If you want me to, I will continue to help you with your cooking.”

Draco nodded eagerly.

“But remember. If you hurt him, you are dead.”

Draco’s mouth gaped open when she turned and left, waving a farewell.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Would his “surprise” work out? Earlier, Draco had been convinced it was a good idea, but now he wasn’t sure any more. Harry could be enthusiastic about trivialities; but maybe even someone as naïve as he was would see through Draco’s intentions? A Malfoy was laying out dinner for the Saviour of the Wizarding word, honestly. It was too obvious. What an idiotic idea.

He strolled over to the French windows of the living room and looked out. Six o’ clock. It was about time for Harry to return.

Draco walked back to the sofa and stretched out. But he couldn’t lie still; he had to check the pots on the stove, and was happy to see everything was all right: The water for the pasta was almost boiling, and the tomato-sauce was simmering on the stove. Gwenny had assured him the longer it simmered, the better the taste would be.

The lid of the pot shattered when it glided out of his hands. He had definitely heard the crack of Apparation outside, and in no time he was back at the living room window.

The happy smile he wasn’t conscious of froze on his lips.

Harry was back, all right. Lance was standing in front of him, actually towering over him, talking animatedly; and Harry was nodding elatedly to everything he had to say. Draco couldn’t believe his eyes when Harry laughed out loud and embraced the man spontaneously. Of course the squib-ass enthusiastically slung his muscular arms around Harry in return, concealing Harry’s form almost completely with his bear-like hug. Conceited sod! Insufferable show-off! Deformed FREAK!

Draco turned on his heels. He could not stand to witness such a happy scene for one second longer! How dare he. How dare he touch him…

If only he had a wand.

Draco’s eyes reduced to slits. He had never liked this Lance bloke. His sister was all right, but the guy… He was…

If only he had a wand. The fart-smell-mouth-hex would be just the right thing now…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

As soon as the front-door closed behind him, Harry covered his face with both of his hands. He started to rub his closed eyes with his ring fingers feverishly, pushing his glasses up his nose to his forehead with the movement. He groaned contentedly then continued to massage his face as if he was kneading plasticine.

Draco was watching him expressionless.

“Ahhh…” Heaving his shoulders extensively, and continuing to work on his face with vigour, Harry leaned heavily against the door. Eventually the excessive kneading ceased, and after a final firm rub of his face with his open palms Harry let his hands sink down his sides. His glasses tumbled down from his forehead to the tip of his nose when his chin fell down upon his chest.

After a deep sigh, Harry finally raised his head again. His bloodshot eyes were searching for Draco’s.

“I’m so tired…” Harry sighed. “I hope you won’t be annoyed if I go upstairs to take a nap? Just for an hour or so? Please?” Harry’s lips were parted when he looked up at Draco pleadingly. “Oh, and before I forget, Lance wanted…”

Lance wanted???

Draco had been fixating on Harry’s soft lips ever since Harry had started to talk.

Lance wanted?

Draco thrust Harry against the wooden door with a calculated move of his chest. The sudden push took Harry by surprise; Draco could see his eyes widen. The next second Draco’s mouth was upon Harry’s, shoving his tongue in as deep as he could.

He grabbed for Harry’s jaws with both of his hands, knocking Harry’s head backward against the solid, wooden surface of the door, and dug his fingers deep into Harry’s cheeks and throat to make sure there was no chance for him to escape his grip. Draco’s hard tongue was everywhere inside Harry’s mouth: probing his teeth, his gums, and the vulnerable flesh of the backside of his lips.

Hard to believe, but Draco could actually register some futile attempts of Harry to fight him off. Harry’s hands had seized Draco’s T-shirt, and with his clenched fists he tried to shove Draco away. Harry even managed to utter some words into Draco’s mouth. “Draco, please, no… Not now… Please, Draco… Any time Lance …”

Lance? To hell with LANCE!!!

Draco silenced Harry’s ridiculous protests with another demanding kiss, and this time his lips found Harry’s tongue. His lips enclosed it, sucked it vehemently into his mouth, released it again, but only a little, then sucked it in deeper, possessed it completely.

Still Harry’s hands fumbled around Draco’s chest and tried to shove him away. To stop this stupid behaviour once and for all, Draco caught Harry’s wrists purposefully in a tight grip. It didn’t take much to wrench Harry’s arms over his head and slam his hands hard against the door. No escape! With one determined hand Draco captured both of Harry’s wrists easily, and pressed them firmly against the entrance.

Frantically Draco released Harry’s mouth and searched for Harry’s throat, found his Adam’s apple, and started to work on it with his lips. He deliberately sucked hard, made sure his teeth left marks, and gnawed and licked until at last he perceived the sound he had sought to hear. But despite his groan Harry kept on trying to wriggle out under him.

Draco wasn’t in the mood to play around any longer. Roughly he thrust his whole body against Harry’s, and thus effectively stopped his foolish struggles.

Harry’s hard member was distinctive through the thick fabric of their trousers, pressing against Draco’s thigh. That was all Draco needed to go on. Were Harry’s wrists still secure in his hold? Good. Draco was fed up with fooling around! Like a snake Draco’s wand hand writhed swiftly between their bellies and moved feverishly downward. With a ruthless grip he enclosed the stiff erection he had searched for with his whole hand. Once more Draco assaulted Harry’s mouth with kisses like bites whilst his flat palm stroked the exquisite bulge in Harry’s trousers as hard as he could.

Up and down, up and down, forcefully and demanding. Come on, Harry! Up and down, up and down. Come on now, Harry!

Harry’s hips jerked, then started to rock into Draco’s hand, slowly at first, but gaining speed fast. For just one moment Draco was tempted to stop, to leave Harry alone with his massive erection and perceptible lust. Something inside Draco wanted Harry to sink down to his knees and beg for further services…

Harry’s arms went limp, and Draco released his wrists, knowing there wouldn’t be any more serious resistance. Harry’s arms fell down to his sides, and he buried his head deep into the gap between Draco’s throat and shoulder. Draco was sure Harry had forgotten all about Lance now.

You are mine!

It didn’t take him long to tear the zipper of Harry’s jeans down. His fingers sneaked into the opening, probed, grabbed, and searched for Harry’s erection. The buttons of the boxers, withholding his hungry hand, were maddening him. He groaned irately. His impatient fingers found their way through the small gaps. The heat was incredible, and the contact with the rich pubic hair almost made him shout. More! Impulsively Draco jerked and ripped the stupid buttons off. With triumph, his hand enclosed Harry’s hot member completely.

You are mine.

Draco’s fingers explored his trophy. Harry’s glans was swollen, and at once Draco pulled the delicate foreskin up and down with quick and hard thrusts. Draco knew he was wanking him dryly, and he knew he was hurting him, but he didn’t care.

You are mine.

Another paroxysmal jerk of Harry’s hips, and precome was emerging out of the head. With quick, expert little strokes Draco massaged the fluid in. The foreskin moved more easily now, and Draco started to rub Harry’s cock with a steady rhythm, determined to make him jerk off. Now.

You are mine.

With his chin Draco nudged Harry’s head up, sought his lips, and once again pushed his tongue in as deep as possible. Draco’s free hand searched for Harry’s throat, caressed it and constricted it slightly, forcing Harry’s mouth to open even wider.

You are mine.

Harry came with an incoherent cry, when Draco still held him captured by his prick and his throat and his mouth.

“Whom do you belong to?” Draco emitted through gritted teeth, pushing Harry’s head backward and squeezing his limp penis and spent balls.

Say it!

All that could be heard was the laboured breathing of both of them.

“Whom?” Draco repeated, ready to explode.

Harry nodded quickly, swallowed, nodded again, opened his mouth, and…

“Harry?” Lance’s voice called out from outside.

Both stared at each other, unmoving. They didn’t even blink when Lance started to knock on the door.

Draco knew suddenly with unwavering certainness that something had changed between the two of them. Harry was aware of it, too; Draco could see it in his eyes.

“Harry? HARRY!” The knocking was repeated several times.

“Whom?” Draco had to insist upon the answer, he couldn’t afford to lose face. But he only mouthed his question.

“Harry? Are you there?” Lance’s fist pounded against the door. The racket he produced went unnoticed.

Harry didn’t smile, but his eyes shone brightly. “I’m yours…” His wink was almost imperceptible.

Draco released the grip around Harry’s privates, and Harry collapsed into Draco’s arms.

Their relationship had shifted.

In a fit of jealousy, Draco had tried to dominate Harry; he had wanted Harry's ultimate submission. And Harry had surrendered.

But his surrender had only been a gesture meant to soothe; his words a phrase spoken just to pacify. He gave up solely to please Draco, and in the future he would do so whenever Draco wanted him to. But he would never submit.

The roles each one played in their relationship were constituted now, irrevocably and permanently.

They held onto each other for a while, exhausted.

They were equals.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Draco waited a few seconds after he had sent Harry to the kitchen. Then he shoved his right hand into his jeans pocket and opened the door.

He stared right into Lance’s eyes. Draco would have loved to have thrown Lance’s words back at him and ask what he wanted, but restrained himself. He had manners. Instead Draco asked pleasantly: “Hello Lance. I heard you knocking. Can I help you in any way?”

Lance was slightly taken aback. “Harry promised to repair my axe… Isn’t he about?”

Draco’s welcoming smile deepened. “Oh, but yes, he just came…”, and Draco relished the slight pause he purposefully put in before he finished “…in.” With satisfaction he observed Lance’s face paling.

Irresolutely Lance stared at the broken axe in his hands then looked back. Draco’s satisfaction increased when he made out a glimpse of the well known hostility in the other’s eyes. “Where is he? Can I come in?”

“Oh, err, I’m so sorry, Lance. Harry is, err, indisposed at the moment, you see?” Draco smirked with deliberation. “But I can take the axe, all right? I will give it to Harry. No problem. He will see to it as soon as he has gotten his strength back, I’m sure.”

Draco pretended to take out his right hand, laughed and pushed it with exaggerated haste back into his trouser pocket. “Oh. I almost forgot. I have to take it with my left hand. I had a little accident with my wand hand. Got it messed up with cream, the minute you knocked, you see?”

Watching Lance’s face redden with dawning comprehension was priceless.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Harry got up the second Draco entered the kitchen. He had been sitting at the kitchen table, with his head bent down, rubbing his face with vigour again.

“You…” Harry pointed at the steaming pots on the stove and beamed at Draco. “Is this your doing? Did you actually…”

Draco forgot all about Lance and hate and possessiveness when Harry stormed toward him and slung his arms around him.

“You did it… all for me?” Harry hugged him even tighter and kissed him gently. Draco reddened when he felt the swollen lips upon his own.

“I didn’t want to…” Draco swallowed hard. “Did I hurt you? Harry. I…”

“Shush,” Harry’s bright smile silenced him. “I know… I trust you. It’s all right. I understand…”

Harry’s hand reached up to caress Draco’s face. The touch was featherlike, as if Draco’s face was something extremely fragile, and exceptionally valuable. One look into Harry’s intense emerald eyes made Draco’s stomach jump up into his throat. He felt his eyes watering, and he had to bite hard on his bottom lip to force the lump in his throat down.

He wanted him so badly.

Draco smiled, he actually smiled, and touched Harry’s jaw with the tips of his fingers as gently as he could. He opened his mouth for further apologizes, but thought better of it. This wasn’t the time for words. He would show him. So instead he bent his head down, slowly, ever so slowly, and grazed Harry’s lips with his own. He felt Harry’s responding smile, and without a pause Draco continued to let his lips run carefully about Harry’s cheeks, his chin and his jaws.

Draco halted just for a moment to take off Harry’s glasses, and was amazed that Harry’s eyes were closed. His features were relaxed, the lips slightly parted, and his whole face held an expression as if listening to some beautiful melody only he was able to hear.

Draco’s head bent down again and continued to brush Harry’s upturned face with his lips, starting with the tip of his nose, running up the bridge, lingering between his eyes. He caressed the incredible bushy eyebrows, one after the other, before he placed little kisses upon the eyelids, wondering for the umpteenth time how someone actually could possess such long, black eyelashes. When his lips moved up to Harry’s forehead, he heard Harry’s whisper.

“Kiss me, please.”

Draco had never been as ready to react to a request as he was now. His mouth sank down, but instead of devouring what was offered so deliberately he started to nibble on Harry’s upper lip, enjoying the other’s arms around his waist tightening his embrace. He repeated the tease with the bottom lip, flicking his tongue gently over it every now and then.

Both moaned simultaneously when Draco finally leaned in for a deep but tender kiss.

After a while, Harry broke the kiss and gasped. “This… This can’t be normal… I’m… How can I be wanting you again?”

“Too much testosterone?” Draco murmured and silenced Harry with another deep kiss. “Let me see…”

Draco knelt down in front of Harry and opened his zipper the second time today, but this time slowly. Carefully he pulled Harry’s jeans and boxers down.

Harry’s erection sprang up immediately.

“I… I cleaned myself after…”

“Never mind that now…” Who cared if Harry had used the famous cleaning spell and Draco had washed his hands before answering Lance’s knocking? None of that was important.

Draco enclosed Harry’s member with both of his hands. He blushed vehemently when he noticed a few red marks on the shaft. That was his doing, wanking him dry. Cautiously he placed little kisses on the tiny bruises, and smiled when Harry shuddered with glee.

“I want to see all of you,” Draco murmured, and with gentle guidance, persuaded Harry to turn around. “Lean over and spread your legs,” Draco continued in the same low tone, and he was surprised that Harry did exactly what he wanted him to do.

Harry’s firm, round cheeks were directly in front of his eyes.

Mine.

Cautiously he placed one hand on each buttock and gently pulled them apart. His breath quickened. There.

All mine.

There was the tiny, sweet little entrance, quivering like a virgin’s. Draco swallowed.

Harry was a virgin.

Draco started to dig his fingers gently into the soft flesh of the buttocks and at the same time tried to pull the cheeks inconspicuously further apart with his thumbs. His efforts were worth it, the quivering hole relaxed and showed a tiny opening.

Draco flicked his tongue out. He only touched the rim with the tip of it, but Harry’s reaction was exquisite. His hips shot forward into the hard edge of the kitchen table. Draco was satisfied to see the muscles of his thighs tighten.

Again his tongue shot out, but this time Draco let it run up and down the gap, up and down, again and again.

Mine.

He ignored Harry’s weak protesting sounds, interpreted them as moans. His tongue was hard when he pushed it past the tight entrance as deep as he could.

Harry shouted something unintelligible, and Draco got up to his feet as fast as he could. In no time he had pulled down his jeans and boxers and rubbed his aching cock several times.

Harry moaned.

Draco embraced Harry’s waist with one arm and positioned his cock in front of Harry’s beautiful tight entrance. Now. Oh, yes. Now.

He started to push in, gently and carefully, when he realized that Harry was screaming.

“Pleaaaase. Nooooo…”

The shock made Draco let go of Harry right away.

Harry collapsed on the floor.

“I’m sorry… I can’t… It hurts… Oh please… I want you so badly, but it hurts… I can’t do it…”

At once Draco hunched beside him on the floor and took him into his arms. What a fool he had been. He must have been completely out of his mind. He knew exactly how it felt to be taken without any preparation.

“I’m so sorry… I wanted it, Draco, believe me, I really wanted you… Please don’t be angry. Please? I… I’ll try again, ok? I will get up again and…”

“Shush…” Draco was shocked by the terrified look on Harry’s face. “I’m the one who should be sorry. I was too quick. Please forgive me. I didn’t want to hurt you. I swear!” He kissed him on the tip of his nose.

“But I…”

“I can wait. Harry. I can wait. If you are really serious, and you really want me, I can wait.”

Harry nodded vehemently.

“We will take our time. We will wait until you are ready. And you will tell me when you are ready. And if you don’t like it, I’ll stop. Just say no, and I will stop. I swear. I don’t want to hurt you. Never. I swear.”

“I believe you. I trust you. Draco, I …” Draco silenced him with a gentle kiss. Whatever Harry had intended to say further, it scared him more than Draco’s invasion could have scared Harry.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next days were the happiest in Draco’s life. During the day he was busy studying Magic, knowing that the day when he was able to practise again wasn’t far away.

In the afternoons, he improved his cooking abilities with the assistance of an astonishingly friendly Gwenny. In the evenings, he was rewarded by an admiring Harry, who devoured at least three helpings of whatever Draco presented to him.

But the nights were simply the best. No touch could be gentle enough, no kiss, wherever placed, could be more sweet and affectionate. Their orgasms reached a point beyond comprehension, making them shout, tremble or cry. Afterwards each was clutching the other one, both exhausted, but also thoroughly satisfied. And then they talked. Fears and embarrassing situations were being admitted, longings and wishes were confessed. They were cautiously exploring each other’s bodies as well as each other’s minds.

Nothing, really nothing, could have prepared them for the coming nightmare.