Travel Plans

Harry had just finished eating his breakfast when he felt his wards tingle. Glancing at the clock, he saw that is was at the time when he usually received his morning mail. When he saw the owl that flew in, Harry still felt a pang in his heart. The Pharaoh Eagle-owl was beautiful and reliable, but he wasn't Hedwig. Still, he smiled and pet him. Osiris, the bird's name, was affectionate and always made Harry feel better.

He took the letter, then gave Osiris a treat, after which the bird flew to his perch. Harry didn't immediately open the letter because other owls flew in to drop off his mail. He always got a Daily Prophet, sometimes they even reported reliable things. Next came the information regarding the orphanage.

He read through that one carefully. After what happened to him as well as a young Tom Riddle, he made sure that no one else would have the same problems. The children were cared for, as well as educated about the wizarding world. The orphanage worked off of donations, both private and public. And Harry made sure to visit frequently, when his regular job permitted.

The other letters were requests for public appearances, requests for interviews, autographs and such. Even nine years later, Harry was still the wizarding world's favorite celebrity. Thankfully, he'd learned to better deal, of course, he had a lot of help.

When he finished with the other letters, Harry sat back and finally settled to read the one that came with Osiris. He read it last because he wanted to savor it. It had been three months since Harry had seen his lover.

On the front of the envelope, in neat writing, was his name. Harry flipped the envelope over and opened it. Inside, Harry found not a letter, but a card. He pulled it out and looked at the front to see a picture of a picnic.

There was a blanket laid out and a basket. Two wine glasses and a wine bottle, two plate, and napkins were situated next to the basket. There was also an assortment of finger foods; sliced sandwiches, cheese, and fruits. There was a tree in the background, its branches gently swaying in the breeze. It was beautiful, but when Harry opened the card, there was not message, and no name. Still, Harry knew who sent it. Smiling, he went to prepare for work.

Now that he wasn't working for a grade, reading, studying and learning became more fun and interesting, though still a necessity. Working as a charms, jinx, hex and curse remover forced him to push the boundaries of his knowledge, skill and imagination. Harry was still challenged, but his life was rarely in jeopardy. His time was split between the ministry and St. Mungo's, because he worked on both objects and humans. Which meant Harry's skills as a healer were on par with career healers.

Harry was in the ministry, borrowing Hermione's office, doing some research on a particularly malicious, but not deadly, jinx, when Osiris appeared through the open window. The owl landed on his shoulder and nuzzled Harry's cheek, nipping at his ear. Harry smiled wryly at the similarities between the owl and his owner.

Harry opened the envelope identical to the one he received two weeks prior. The card inside had a scene of a bath on front. The tub was large, the size of a small pool. Colored bubbles covered the surface; some floating away, some bursting. Candles floated in the air, creating a soft, warm glow. Again, the inside of the card was void of a signature. The only words was relax. Harry smiled, set the card aside, and returned to his research.

Harry was once again sitting in Hermione's office, but this time, she was there going through the new books Harry had ordered. Almost absently, she said, “Ron and I haven't had you over for dinner in a while, and I know you're free tomorrow night.”

Harry smiled and asked, “Is that your subtle way of inviting me over?”

Hermione snorted, “There is nothing subtle about it. We don't see you that often. Besides, you should see how much your goddaughter has grown.”

Harry's smile brightened at the mention of Rose. “I'll be there at 6:30.”

Hermione smiled and gave Harry his books.

Harry finished buttoning his shirt when Osiris flew in the window, bearing another envelope. Almost immediately, Harry's heart sped up and his smile widened. He tore into the envelope melting at the scene on front. It was a scene of a large bed. The covers were pulled down, exposing the deep scarlet sheets. Inside, in very precise handwriting was, I am going to start at your lips and work my way down.

Harry closed it with a curse. The mental pictures the words brought up caused Harry to harden painfully. It was not a condition he wanted to be in right before visiting his friends. Maybe he should wear robes-if only he could get away with it without question. Harry never wore robes unless he was at work. Well, at least the floo travel would get rid of his erection. All he had to do was NOT think about the letter throughout dinner.

Ron was there to help steady him as he stepped from the fireplace. Harry smiled and he and Ron shared a manly one-armed hug, ensuring to slap one another on the back-to reinforce the manly camaraderie.

“Hermione is almost finished with dinner. You would think it was the minister himself who was coming with how much she made. When I pointed out it was only you, she chased me out of the kitchen with a wooden spoon. That was scarier than if she had used her wand. I think she's been spending too much time with my mum.”

Harry laughed and walked towards the kitchen.

“Where is my beautiful goddaughter?”

Harry's step faltered when he saw a woman other than Hermione in the kitchen. He narrowed his eyes at his friend's back, but kept the smile. The strange woman was holding Rose.

She was very attractive, with curly golden hair and sun-kissed skin. When she looked at him, Harry saw her eyes were deep chocolate brown. She had soft, rosy cheeks, a wide mouth, and a small straight nose. She had a petite body without losing any of the curves.

“Oh, Harry, you've brought wine, wonderful. This is Sylvia. She works in my department and I thought it would be nice to invite her to dinner too.”

Harry merely raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. Instead, he pulled four glasses from a cupboard and poured the wine.

“I know this wine. It's very expensive Harry, and they don't sell it to just anyone.”

Harry shrugged at Hermione and after taking a sip, mentioned, “I know the owner of the vineyard.”

“Mm. Set the table for me, Ron, while I bring the food out.”

Harry looked at Sylvia and smiled, she returned it.

“It's nice to meet you.”

She nodded and sipped her wine. “Sadly, it's not for the reasons Hermione would want.”

Harry blinked.

“I can tell when a man is interested in me, and the look on your face was more exasperated then interested.”

Harry smiled and ran a hand through his hair. “In my defense, it's that I'm involved with someone.”

Sylvia asked, “Do they know?”

“Ah, that would be a no. It's complicated on both sides. But, I'm happy. So, I apologize for anything misleading Hermione may have said.”

Sylvia shook her head and said, “No worries. But you know how Hermione is. She's hard to say no to, especially when she thinks she's right.”

Harry laughed and offered his arm to Sylvia. “Let's eat.”

Dinner was relaxing and Harry didn't even mind when Hermione tried to play up Harry's charms, or when she'd make pointed inquires about Sylvia. The two shared amused looks, which unfortunately encouraged Hermione. Afterwards, Harry walked Sylvia to the fireplace.

She kissed his cheek and whispered, “You should be honest with them. If only so they won't put you in any more awkward situations.”

He smiled and said, “Thank you.”

Harry rejoined Hermione and Ron in the kitchen, taking Rose from Ron.

“Sylvia was nice. I saw you to got on well.”

Harry gave Hermione a pointed look. “Don't, Hermione.”

“What?”

“Your innocent look needs work. I never recalled you being a matchmaker before, Hermione.”

“But Harry, you're 26 years old, and you're alone. We just want to be happy.”

Ron rolled his eyes and said, “I'm going to do the dishes. Harry, yes, we want you to settle down and be happy, but inviting Sylvia was Hermione's idea. I told her to let you be, but you know Hermione.”

Hermione glared at her husband's back.

“Hermione, I am happy now. Trust me to find someone to settle down with, and to do it in my own time.”

She frowned but nodded as Harry kissed her cheek. Calling out a goodbye to Ron, Harry returned home.

It had been nearly a week since the dinner and since he'd last received a card. Harry was tired. It had been a long and very busy day, with a lot of people coming in being cursed. Harry, in his more cynical moments, thought that people did it just to say they'd been healed by the Boy-Who-Lived.

Osiris was waiting patiently on the kitchen table, a letter next to him. Harry pet him and picked up the letter, then opened it. There was no picture on this one, and when he opened it, the words were blurred. Harry could feel there was a spell on the words, distorting them. He was a bout to cast a revealing charm when his floo connection flared to life.

“Harry? Can we come through?”

There was urgency in Hermione's voice and Harry granted her request.

“Aren't you and Ron supposed to be on a date?” She certainly looked as if she should be on a date. She was wearing a pale ice-blue dress and the bubble necklace from Molly.

“Yes, but we need a favor. Ginny is sick and can't watch Rose and everyone else is busy. Would you mind watching Rose for us?”

Harry thought of the letter and of his empty bed. Then he looked at Hermione. This was her and Ron's first time out since before Rose was born. They had been planning this for ages.

“Of course. In face, bring enough stuff for her to say the night, then you can pick her up tomorrow around noon.”

Hermione's smile was bright and she threw her arm around Harry.

“You are the best. We'll be back with Rose soon. Thirty minutes tops.”

Harry laughed as he gently disengaged himself from his friend. After she left, Harry went upstairs to shower in an effort to refresh himself. When he was finished, Harry contemplated reading the letter, but his fireplace roared, announcing the entrance of Ron, Hermione and Rose.

“Harry, you are the best.”

Harry laughed and took Rose, who smiled at him.

“Just enjoy your date.”

They each gave Rose a departing kiss, Harry and Ron pretended not to notice Hermione lingering.

“We're finally alone. And I can see you're entirely too awake for bed. So, why don't we read my letter, then I'll put some music on and we'll find something to do.”

Rose gurgled and smiled. Harry walked to the kitchen and picked up the letter. Adjusting Rose on his hip, Harry managed to tap the page with his wand and cast a revealing charm. Picking up the letter, he read the words aloud.

“This is a Portkey”

He had just finished reading the words when he felt the familiar tug at his navel.

“Bullocks!”

Harry tightened his hold on Rose and wand, his eyes falling shut. His instinctual panic was only beat down because he knew and trusted the individual who sent the note. Buy the two of them would be having a long talk.

Harry opened his eyes when he landed in a heap, cradling Rose, and found himself in a large, elegant room. It was tastefully and expensively decorated, in browns, golds, and beige.

At one end was a large fireplace, and in front of it, a small picnic was set up. It was like the picture, only the setting was different. It looked so inviting and intimate. He wanted to get closer, but movement from the corner of his eyes caught his attention.

Leaning against the doorway to what had to be the bathroom was his lover. Harry's knees went weak at the sight, only only partially from the fact that his lover was gorgeous. The light blond hair was loose, not slicked back, and just brushed the collar of his shirt.

His shirt was black and the top few buttons undone, revealings a tantalizing view of the hollow of his throat. The sleeves were rolled to just below the elbow. The shirt was un-tucked, but wrinkled, showing that it was once tucked in. the black trousers were just starting to lose their crispness. The best bard twas that he was barefoot.

Harry's gaze traveled back up, his eyes locking with heated, but amused, grey ones.

“I was only gone for five months, and we've spoken by floo almost daily, and you never mentioned this little detail?”

Harry rolled his eyes. Rose looked nothing like him, and he heard the teasing in Draco's voice. Harry walked over to Draco and tried glaring, but couldn't put any feeling into it. He was too happy at seeing Draco.

Draco raised an eyebrow when Harry didn't move closer. Reaching out, he curled a hand around Harry's neck and pulled him in, lowering his lips to Harry's. The kiss was deep and slow, and Harry melted into Draco. They took their time parting.
“I had plans, but you look tired, and the child isn't a suitable audience, even if I were into that.”

Harry laughed and rested his head on Draco's shoulder. He explained why he had Rose.

Draco affected a heavy sigh, and said, “I've waited five months to throw you on a bed, I can wait a little longer. My right hand, however, will complain.”

Harry laughed and Rose started squirming. Sighing, Harry moved away from Draco. Harry set about transfiguring some things into toys for Rose to play with. He was surprised when Draco joined him, and together they played with her. Afterwards, Harry fed her, then bathed her, and finally a few hours later, put her to bed. She looked tiny in the monstrously huge bed. He set up a bubble around her so that she wouldn't be able to roll of the edge.

Draco wrapped his arms around Harry and rested his chin on Harry's shoulder.

“You're not upset that I ruined you plans, are you?”

Draco nuzzled Harry's neck and chuckled. It was dark and warm, causing Harry to shiver.

“Rest assured, I have a suitable punishment.” He nipped at Harry's pulse point before continuing. “Since we can't actually do anything, then I'll just tell you what I had planned.”

Harry turned in Draco's arms, eyes wide. The smile he was met with was decidedly shark-like. And the look in his eyes set a flame burning in Harry. He didn't thing Draco would leave it to just words. His lover was an expert in sensual torture.

Draco took Harry's hand and led him to the picnic. With his wand, he poured two glasses of wine and handed one to Harry. Draco hadn't said anything yet, but he took every opportunity to touch Harry. Small, light, simple touches that were actually anything but because of the looks accompanying them and the tension in the air.

“This was how I'd planned on starting the night. I would listen as you described your day. But I would only allow you one glass of wine. I'd want you relaxed, not drunk.

“And I'd kiss you, lightly; not because it was planned, but because I couldn't help myself.”

Draco put action to words and kissed Harry. When Harry would have deepened it, Draco pulled back, smiling at Harry's sound of annoyance. He pushed Harry back, forcing him to lie down.

“I would strip you, without magic, just to tease both of us. And I would just have to put my hands on you.”

Draco had stretched out on top of Harry, his body pressing into Harry's; teasing him with his nearness. He whispered the words in Harry's ear, breath warm and moist.

“Your skin, Harry, is always so warm, it begs to be touched, and you're always so responsive. I wonder if you'd be a slut for anyone else's touch, or if it's just mine.”

Sometime during Draco's talking, Harry felt the sensation of gentle hands touching him-everywhere, except his cock.

“After I undressed you, I would take you to the bath. There are potions in there that would relax your muscles, soften your skin; even heighten the sensations of pleasure.

“I wanted tonight to be about you. To show you how much I missed you.”

Draco was still, nothing more than a constant pressure, but between the words and whatever spell Draco used, Harry's his spun and his breath came in short pants.

“And I know just where to touch you to get the most from you. To get you to beg and moan and gasp. I do love it when you gasp.”

Draco moved his hops and Harry, who was already hard, jerked in response and moaned deep from his throat.

“I'd only be able to tease you for so long before it became torture for me too, which isn't fun.”

Harry let out a choked laugh and arched his head back when Draco licked then bit right on Harry's pulse point, marking him.

“I'd take you to the bed and lay you our for my pleasure. I wouldn't let you move, unless I say you can.”

And Harry could picture it, wanted it desperately; he was upset that he didn't have it now. Which was Draco's intent in his punishment. As Draco spoke, Harry saw it.

He could see Draco over him, eyes intense, hand sure as they caressed. Teasing strokes, sure presses, restraining and freeing at the same time.

Through Draco's words, Harry could feel his tongue tracing the same patterns as his hands. And more than Draco's words were affecting Harry; there was also whatever spell Draco had used.

“And after I had stretched you, prepared you for me, had you on the verge of tears for want of me, only then would I push into you. And it would be just as slow as everything else. And when I finally started moving in you, you would go insane from the slowness.

“That what I want. I want you out of your mind for want of me. I want to be your sun, your oxygen, your everything. I want for everything about you to resolve around me, to be your center, as you are mine.”

Harry's head was spinning, and he was on the verge of coming from the spell and Draco's words. But he couldn't, not yet.

“I almost wish there was a way for you to fuck yourself so you could know how good you feel. But only almost, because I'd be jealous of someone other then me, even you, knowing what that felt like.

“If I could, I'd crawl inside you, curl up in your warmth, wrap you around me and burrow in your light and never leave.”

Draco's hips shifted, and he licked the edge of Harry's ear, whispering, “I think..I'd let you come now.”

And those last words were and order and Harry came on a long groan that Draco swallowed with a kiss. Harry felt warmth spread from his release, more added from Draco's soon after. Harry lay panting, eyes closed, not wanting to move.

Finally Draco shifted, “Come on, lets get cleaned up and go to bed.”

Harry let Draco direct him to the bathroom where they got cleaned up together, and together they curled on the bed, far enough from Rose to not roll on her. Harry was wrung out, physically and emotionally from Draco's words.

“Go to sleep Harry.” and he did, wrapped up in Draco.

“You know, I really wish you'd come home with me, Draco.”

Draco didn't say anything, but continued buttoning his shirt. Rose had been cleaned and fed, and was watching Harry and Draco avidly.

“Come on. I don't see why you still refuse. I'd like to wake up next to you on a regular basis. Besides, if we finally tell Ron and Hermione, maybe they'll stop setting me up with other people.”

The last was said wryly and Draco narrowed his eyes at Harry. Then he smirked.

“Trying to manipulate me? Playing on my possessive and jealous streak?”

Harry shrugged and said, “Regardless, it's the truth. I want you with me. But if you really don't feel comfortable, then I'll live with it. I have now for almost four years, I can for a while longer.”

Harry hadn't realized Draco had tensed until he saw the blond relax, and those grey eyes softened. He cupped Harry's face in his hands and kissed him thoroughly.

“Thank you, Harry.”

Harry bit back a sigh of disappointment. He knew Draco had his own reasons, but Harry didn't like deceiving his friends like this. And he was happy, and he wanted to let everyone know. If it so happened that it also stopped the machinations of his matchmaking friends, bonus!

Draco had more than brought the Malfoy name back from the depths Lucius took it. What was Draco so afraid of?

“I'll see you soon, I hope.”

With one last lingering kiss, Harry took Rose and activated his own Portkey to take him home. It was maybe two hours before Ron and Hermione rushed over and picked up and happily giggling Rose.

“You'd think it had been a month rather than a night since Hermione's seen Rose.”

Harry smiled at Ron's words, but noticed his eyes never left Rose, and he looked to be forcibly holding himself back.
“Are you hungry? I can have Kreacher make us something light.”

Hermione made a face at the mention of the elf, like she always did, but nodded.

They had just sat down when Harry heard a noise from the foyer. Ron stiffened, hand immediately going for his wand, and Hermione tightened her hold on Rose, how own wand out.

Harry wasn't too worried, his wards didn't' let anyone or anything in that he didn't want. But he wasn't expecting anyone.

“Stay here.”

Harry walked towards the foyer, aware of Ron close behind him. He only shook his head, not really surprised.

There was a tall cloaked figure standing in the middle of the hall. When Harry saw a ringed hand, he knew who it was, if not why he was here.

“Don't move, or I'll blast you through the wall. Who are you?”

Harry smiled and put his hand on Ron's arm. “It's okay, Ron. I know who it is. But, I would like to know why he's here.”

He looked expectantly at the figure, watching as the hood of the cloak was lowered, revealing tousled blond hair.

“Malfoy?” Ron and Draco would never get along, but they didn't fly into random fits of violence anymore-usually. Still, Harry stepped between the two, just in case.

“Is something wrong?”

Draco shook his head no, then he smiled and threw something at Harry.

Rom made a protesting noise, but Harry ignored it and caught the object. It was a small black box. He looked at Draco, a question in his gaze, but received nothing more than a raised eyebrow in return.

Frighting off a sigh, mainly because he didn't' yet know if he was amused or annoyed. Harry opened the box, and gaped at what he saw.

He'd seen it before, on Narcissa Malfoy's hand. Not an exact replica, but close enough to recognize it, and its significance. It was a gold ring, the band was a snake eating its own tale. Every scale was etched in painstaking detail. The eyes were glittering obsidian, with a sparkling ruby on its head, between the eyes. He looked at Draco, unsure of what was happening, but his heart beat faster anyway.

“It took me this long to convince my parents. There can only be one Master of Malfoy Manor. My father has seen the benefits of retiring to France.”

He walked closer to Harry and held up his left hand, where Harry noticed a new ring. Or rather, new for Draco since he'd seen it on Lucius often enough.

“As only one may wear this as a time, so only can one where its mate at a time.”

Harry stood frozen in place. He licked dry lips at Draco took the box from Harry, removed the ring and took Harry's left hand. He lid the ring on Harry's ring finger.

With an amused smirk, Draco said, “This is the part where you kiss me.”

Harry carefully cradled Draco's face and laid a gentle kiss on the blond's lips. Absently he heard the sound of a wand hitting the floor and a shocked gasp. But Draco wrapped his arms around Harry and tugged him closer.

They slowly parted and Harry looked at Draco.

“Is this why you waited?”

Draco shrugged and answered, “I'm a little bit of a traditionalist. I wanted to do this right.”

“And you wanted your parent's blessing.”

Draco laughed, “If I had to, I would have stunned them and removed the rings from their fingers that way.”

Harry laughed and kissed Draco again before he remembered his friends. Turning in the circle of Draco's arms, Harry was surprised when he didn't' see his friends. Then he felt Draco shaking and realized the blond was laughing.

Harry looked down and saw that Ron had fainted, and Hermione looked as if she would at any moment. Only Rose was unfazed. Harry called for Kreacher and asked him to look out for Ron and Hermione, and to make sure Rose was taken care of.

“Don't you want to make sure everything turns out fine? To explain?”

Harry grabbed Draco's hand and started tugging him upstairs.

“It been a while since we made love, and after your teasing last night, I feel the need for some revenge. We'll explain to everyone later.”

Draco tugged Harry to him, and after a lingering kiss, he whispered against Harry's lips, “Much later.”


I feel kind of bad about how it ended. I admit to getting kind of lazy and not wanting to explain to Ron and Hermione what's what and how long and why and such. So, I didn't, and just had them go GUH!?!???!? And I think I kind of just forgot about Rose. She was a weak prop piece to get a sort of complication in Draco's plans. Heh, regardless, this story actually turned out the way I wanted it to. It didn't go off in a wild tangent or go in some unrecognizable direction. I'm happy. Let me know what you all think.