Misplaced Memories - Chapter 10/10!
“This place is supposed to be great! Besides, nobody cares about the city once they’re in the club. Isn’t that the point?” Harry asked, moving closer to keep from shouting as the line inched forward. “We drink, we dance and we flirt…”
A tall, twenty-something brunette, wearing bright red trousers and a silver vest locked eyes with Harry as he brushed past, holding the gaze just long enough to be completely suggestive. Draco was suddenly blocking the view, curling cool fingers around Harry’s jaw.
“As long as you’re doing all of that with me, Potter. Anyone else, and they’ll be leaving here slightly singed or worse.”
~*~
Draco stepped out of the alley looking sinful in ripped jeans that Harry had never seen before tonight, and a dark-grey t-shirt that he had begged Draco to wear because it clung to his body in a sinful way. The haughty expression just seemed to add to the outfit.
Harry was a lucky man.
“Cardiff, honestly?”
The music banged away, pouring out the door and into the street. Pump it up, until you can feel it! Pump it up, when you don’t really need it! Harry was already nodding his head to the beat as he wrapped his hand in Draco’s and pulled him forward.
“This place is supposed to be great! Besides, nobody cares about the city once they’re in the club. Isn’t that the point?” Harry asked, moving closer to keep from shouting as the line inched forward. “We drink, we dance and we flirt…”
A tall, twenty-something brunette, wearing bright red trousers and a silver vest locked eyes with Harry as he brushed past, holding the gaze just long enough to be completely suggestive. Draco was suddenly blocking the view, curling cool fingers around Harry’s jaw.
“As long as you’re doing all of that with me, Potter. Anyone else, and they’ll be leaving here slightly singed or worse.”
Harry had an overwhelming urge to kiss the tight line of Draco’s lips and see if he couldn’t soften them up a bit. Judging by the little noise of surprise from Draco, it wasn’t what he had been expecting, but he caught on fast, melting against Harry in all the best ways. A not-so-discreet cough drew their attention to the fact that the line had moved ahead without them.
They laughed and closed up the gap. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you jealous before,” Harry said, loving the splashes of colour surfacing on the skin of Draco’s neck. If Harry had weakness, his very own Kryptonite, it could be found along the path that started at the top of Draco’s shoulder and ended in that warm, soft place behind his ear.
“Hmm… If only there were a way to assure me that I don’t have to fight off the chickens for your affections,” Draco baited.
They hadn’t even stepped foot into the club, but Draco’s challenge made Harry want to latch and on and Apparate them to the nearest bed. He pulled in a slow breath and tried to decide whether to drag Draco home and mark him until they were tangled and sated, or patch up the wall of control that was showing signs of wear. He missed sex with Draco, but it was more than that. He wanted the connection, wanted so much to claim, to hold, to play, to give, but since returning home, he hadn’t been able to let go - didn’t know if Draco had truly forgiven him. He gave that thought only one more turn before the heat in Draco’s eyes convinced him.
In for a penny…
Harry pulled Draco closer, turning him until he was a solid presence leaning back against Harry’s chest. With the warm air kissing their skin, the press of strangers surrounding them and the filthy beat of the music adding the perfect level of intensity, Harry closed his eyes and gave himself permission to fall.
He wrapped his fingers around Draco’s wrists. “Would you like that, for everyone to know you’re mine?”
“Oh, yes.”
Harry was still sucking at the base Draco’s neck when they both popped into existence in the entrance of their flat. Draco recovered first, spinning on Harry and backing him against the empty patch of wall by the door. Harry slid his hands up Draco’s sides, taking the snug, grey t-shirt with him, forcing Draco to stop his own deliberate touches in order to get the damed thing off. Harry threw it into the darkness and then scrambled for his own buttons.
“Let me,” Draco offered, not pausing to fix the hair falling into his eyes.
Harry allowed Draco to go to work, or at least he tried to. It was almost impossible to not touch, now that he had permission. His fingers travelled low and high - one hand pressing flat against Draco’s lower back and one stroking the dip between his shoulder blades. Harry’s breath caught in his throat as Draco dragged open-mouth kisses over his chest and lower. Draco sunk to his knees and tugged at Harry’s belt.
Harry pushed Draco’s fringe back, his cock pulsing at the sight of flushed cheeks and wet lips. “Fuck, Draco.”
“Language, Potter!”
Snape.
Harry froze. “Oh, God.”
Draco shook with silent laughter. “Take a walk, Severus.”
“I’ve a better idea. Come here.” Harry made sure Snape got an eyeful as he helped Draco to his feet and gave him a kiss that promised a thousand different endings. Harry was certain he heard a huff from Severus as he grabbed a handful of Draco’s arse and squeezed.
“Mmmm… What else have you got in mind?” Draco asked.
“Something new,” Harry answered, leading the way to the bedroom. He gripped the footboard with one hand, and slid the other around Draco’s waist. “I hope this works,” he whispered, calling silently to his magic. A soft glow surrounded them, and Harry concentrated on stretching the field to enclose the bed as well. He smiled, tightened his grip and visualized the place he wanted to be.
When the world snapped back into focus, Harry silently applauded himself on a job well done - and for not splinching them ten ways from Sunday.
“Harry…” Draco looked up at the star-covered sky then took in the sights around him. Harry nearly burst out laughing at the combined look of amazement and horror on Draco’s face. He ran to the edge of the roof, looked over the ledge, and swore. Next, he spun around and spotted the pillow of blue-green glass with the telltale dome of the reading room sticking out of the middle. He seemed to notice their bed last, in its new home on top of the British Museum.
“Holy fuck, Harry!”
“Impressed?” Harry asked, spreading his arms out to encompass the scene. He laughed at himself for being so bloody obvious, but at the same time, he didn’t think any gesture could be too over-the-top where love was involved. He watched Draco’s reactions, enjoying the progress of emotions he seemed to be cycling through. Finally, he locked eyes with Harry and walked forward with purpose. He stopped when they were just a breath apart, and then was suddenly everywhere. Between groping hands, wet kisses and harsh breathing, Draco showed his appreciation for Harry’s talents.
“I don’t care what your blood says - you are not normal.”
Harry nipped along the salty skin of Draco’s shoulder. “And I’m yours, Malfoy, so what does that say about you?”
Draco pulled back for a second and laughed, warm and deep. It made Harry feel incredible. “I am a lucky, lucky man.” He gave the tip of Harry’s nose a quick kiss. “Also, I have great taste.”
“That you do,” Harry said, laughing softly, kissing Draco while casting spells that would hide them from the rest of world. “Now where were we?”
“I believe my mouth has an appointment with the front of your trousers.”
It took Draco’s fingers and lips less than a minute to stoke the fire inside Harry again. He turned his face up to the night sky and thanked whoever was up there for letting him have his life back. If it lasted a day or a hundred years, he vowed to never take it for granted again.
A cry escaped his throat as Draco’s lips closed around him. He kept his eyes closed long enough to enjoy the sensation of Draco’s mouth sliding over his cock and the contrasting bite of Draco’s fingernails at his hips. One hand reached up to tug at Harry’s fingers, and he had to look.
“Please,” Draco whispered into the base of Harry’s cock before wrapping his lips around the tip again and guiding Harry’s hand toward his hair.
Harry felt the heat of arousal take him to the next level. Even from that very first kiss - the one that Harry had offered Draco in the hopes that they would be compatible, they had discovered that that Draco found pleasure in surrendering, and that Harry loved nothing more than finding pleasurable ways to make Draco lose his composure.
He grabbed two fistfuls of Draco’s hair and tugged until Harry’s cock sprang free of his mouth. Draco was breathing as if he’d just run a lap around the massive roof. Harry ached at the sight of him - head forced back, eyes unfocused and lips shining.
“Harry, I need…” Draco began, pausing to pull in another breath.
Harry urged Draco’s head back a little more until there was an impossibly long line of pale skin just waiting for him to claim. “Tell me.”
Draco moaned his approval and reached up to clasp Harry’s wrists, adding more weight, pulling back until Harry was unbalanced enough to have to place a knee on the floor of the roof between Draco’s. Harry took one more moment to lock away the image of Draco stretched back, skin shining in the night, before licking his way from the base of his throat, over Draco’s Adam’s apple and into that usually hidden place under his chin.
“Anything.” Harry whispered between worshipful kisses, opening his fists and easing Draco back up to face him. Draco took a few deep breaths as one hand came up to trace the places Harry’s mouth had just been. “Tell me. Please.”
Draco blinked back at him, smiled, and then, as if a spell had been broken, shook his head a few times to clear his thoughts. Harry’s heart clenched painfully as Draco sat back on his feet and dropped his hands.
“No, it’s all right. I’m sorry; I forgot we’re trying to go slow...”
“Fuck slow,” Harry swore. “I want you, now.”
And suddenly, there was the smirk Harry loved, the bite of challenge and playfulness pushing to the surface. “Then take me, Potter.”
Harry held out his hand and Draco went to him. They stood there for a moment, the sounds of the city all around them, their clothes forgotten, the late summer air all the cover they needed.
He wrapped Draco in his arms and traced the curve of his back. Their rings made a soft jangle as they met in the middle of their chests. “It was worth it.”
“What was?” Draco asked, pressing kisses into the damp hair covering Harry’s temple.
“The chance we took, the hiding, even the fucking curse.”
“Shh… Just let me…” Draco lifted Harry’s hand and kissed along his palm. He grinned just before capturing two of Harry’s fingers and slipping them into his mouth.
Harry forgot how to breathe. The hot, wet press of Draco’s mouth, tongue and teeth pulled filthy sounds from his throat and made him ache and burn in all the right places. Draco’s mouth was a dangerous, delicious thing. It really didn’t matter what part of Harry it was wrapped around - that mouth was sinful. He closed the gap between them and ran his teeth along Draco’s ear, inhaling and tasting.
Mine.
None of this was new, not an inch of their bodies they hadn’t explored before, but Harry finally understood the worth of what they had, and made a promise to treasure every second.
“You’re incredible, Draco. I want you to know that.”
“I love you too, you great sap.”
Draco pushed him down onto the middle of the bed and Harry went willingly, pulling Draco over him, intoxicated by the combination of skin, hair and filthy words breathed against his ear. Draco’s mouth kept exploring as he pushed a leg over to straddle Harry’s hips. Harry ran his fingers up the outside of Draco’s thighs, slid them around and pulled until their bodies remembered the dance. He took them both in hand and stared at the sight of Draco, chest already flushed with arousal and stained deep red with Harry’s love bites. He took pleasure in the fact that all of this was his to worship. The sight of Draco - wrapped around him, marked and drunk on Harry’s every touch, his every word - it did powerful things to a man’s heart and mind. He stroked steadily, enjoying the beauty of Draco’s head thrown back, and the gentle roll of his hips.
Harry had the sudden urge to share the image with Draco, wanted him to see how truly stunning he looked, to feel how he was peeling Harry apart from the inside. Without a second thought, he reached up and swept his fingertips over Draco’s temple, whispering the spell that came to his lips without any effort. Draco froze above him, eyes wide and chest heaving.
“Unholy fuck! What was that?”
“Did it work?”
Draco grabbed Harry’s face and covered him in kisses and dirty words. “Bloody overwhelming! You love marking me - I knew it, Harry. All yours. Your power is such a fucking turn-on. Do you know how bloody talented…”
Grinning like an idiot, Harry rolled them over until Draco was pinned under him. He found a splotch of red at the base of Draco’s throat that wasn’t quite dark enough, and made it his mission to right that injustice.
Draco moved under him, as if trying to be everywhere at once. “S’good… Nothing by halves… Bloody museum roof, Harry!”
Harry shook with silent laughter. “Much better than being home with Snape?”
“As soon as I can think straight, he’s getting a lecture on privacy.”
“Good. Give me your hand.”
Harry kissed Draco’s palm and thought about how ready he was, how much he missed the perfect fit of Draco’s body wrapped around his fingers, his cock. It was easy work to summon the lube. Draco groaned at the sight of Harry’s fingers, suddenly wet and slick. “Touch me,” he begged.
Harry kissed Draco slowly, licking Parseltongue promises along his collarbone, down his chest and into the damp hair surrounding Draco’s cock. His fingers went to work below, circling, questing, pushing deep until Draco was reaching for him, pleading with Harry for more. He planted one hand next to Draco’s head, and Draco turned his mouth toward it, placing kisses wherever he could reach. Harry withdrew his fingers slowly and wrapped them around Draco’s erection, stroking a few times before lifting Draco’s leg onto his shoulder and sliding home. Draco’s whole body shuddered as Harry rocked into him, gently at first, savouring the connection, the pulse, the heat.
Draco’s leg slipped down, but Harry pushed closer, going deeper as Draco reached to pull him in. Harry slid a hand between them and gripped Draco as they made love under the stars.
“I love you.”
“Harry…”
It felt right - everything from the brush of the open air on their skin, to the soft, desperate noises pouring out from Draco. Harry wanted to keep this memory on the top shelf of his mind and bring it back down during the hard days, the days that would threaten to rip them apart. Whatever was ahead, he wanted Draco there - couldn’t imagine why he had let himself doubt before.
Draco shifted and pushed, swore and licked until Harry couldn’t hold back any longer. He hitched Draco’s legs up and drove deep. It was uncoordinated and flawless, honest and wonderfully indecent.
It was theirs.
Harry’s ring swung freely between them, catching the lights of the city in a wild blur. Draco’s ring was somewhere behind him on the pillow, but Harry loved the look of the chain pulled tight across his throat. Harry lost himself in the sights, sounds and sensations of Draco: the huffed, staccato breaths, the embrace of his thighs, and the slide of their bodies together - slippery, hot, so close…
“Fucking love you, Harry…”
Perfect.
“Come for me.”
~*~
Draco retreated deeper under the covers and reached back to pull Harry’s arm around him for added warmth. There was definitely a chill in the room, and from the distant sound of fluttering, he assumed that Harry had left the windows open again.
Without waking, Harry pulled Draco close, his slow, deep breaths tickling the hairs at the base of Draco’s neck.
The fluttering continued, but Draco wasn’t yet ready to get up do anything about it. He was content to drift in that half-awake state that only lazy mornings allow. He was almost asleep again when Harry shifted, his half-hard cock brushing against Draco in an over-sensitive spot.
The memories were suddenly there: Harry above him, around him, glass, rings, stars… He pulled his head out from the covers and immediately realised the impossibility of flapping curtains.
He tapped the arm wrapped around him. “Harry, wake up.”
“Mmm… No.”
“There are pigeons on the bed frame.”
The covers shook with Harry’s sleep-roughened laughter. He poked his head out, revealing a completely helpless mop of hair. “Ha! So there are.” At Harry’s exclamation, some of them beat their wings in fright and took off. “Sorry about that, boys. Here’s breakfast!” Two large bowls appeared on the building ledge and more birds flew over to investigate the seeds and water.
“Great, Potter. I imagine they’ll send guards up to see what kind of nutter is on the rooftop feeding the pigeons now.”
“Relax. It’s early yet. Museum won’t open for hours.” The cool, morning breeze picked up, making Draco shiver, but he didn’t want to leave just yet.
“Come warm me up.”
Harry pulled the covers over them and settled back into position, one hand playing over the curve of Draco’s bare hip. Not that he would ever admit it out loud, but Draco loved the way Harry was incapable of being completely still in the mornings. He had wandering hands, twitchy hips and lips that never travelled far from Draco’s neck. As far as making someone feel adored and irresistible, Harry’s body held the guidebook.
“Mmm… Much better.”
“If I summoned tea, where do you think it would come from?” Harry asked, placing little kisses along Draco’s hairline.
Draco huffed out a laugh. “I think we’re breaking enough laws as it is. Let’s not get greedy.”
Harry listed off their offences on Draco’s fingers. “Public nudity, trespassing, mind-blowing sex on the roof of a landmark and fraternising with pigeons.“ The Muggles will be beside themselves.”
They spent a few more moments making up other ridiculous charges for the Muggle authorities to bring against them, laughed when they ventured into the absurd and then settled down into comfortable silence and the science of non-verbal communication.
As the sun crept along the roof and finally kissed the billowed glass, Draco was struck with a thought. He rolled onto his back. “If we could really go back to the beginning, and do everything publically, do you suppose we’d still be married?”
“Yes,” Harry said without pause, lifting up on an elbow to glance down at Draco.
“Would you have stood with me, in front of everyone?”
“Depends,” Harry said with a slight shrug, smile tugging up the corners of his mouth. “What kind of a wedding was it?”
Draco played along. “Oh, a grand affair - too many flowers, too many guests and far too many layers of clothing.”
“Sounds exhausting.”
“I agree. A lot of bother, if you ask me,”
“Seriously, though,” Harry began, all teasing gone. “I think we should.”
“Have a public ceremony?”
“Yeah, why not?” Harry asked. “I’m through with hiding. We deserve more than that.”
“Could be painting targets on our backs.”
“We have Aurors and Healers on our side. Someone like Blaise would be stupid to try anything like that again.” He took a few breaths before asking: “What do you think?”
Draco slipped his chain off and tucked it into Harry’s palm, wrapping both their fingers around it. “I think its time we put these rings on our fingers, where they belong.” The smile Harry gave him was bright and sincere.
“There might be reporters - and gingers,” Harry warned.
Draco chuckled and pulled Harry down for a kiss that turned into several more. “We’ve survived worse.”
“True.” Harry pulled back, eyes hopeful “So, is that a yes?”
Draco closed his hand around Harry’s necklace and firmly tugged him back down. “Yes. Now, let’s make a few more memories before the museum opens.”
~*~
“Harry?”
“Hey, Teddy, come in.”
Harry fussed with his tuxedo in the mirror as Teddy closed the door behind him. His hair had changed since Harry had seen him an hour ago. It was now short, black and spiky with a few chunks of orange to add a little splash of colour.
“Wow. Good job on the hair. I love it.”
Teddy beamed at their reflections. “Took me awhile to figure out how to get the orange just where I wanted it.” He stuck his hands into his dress trousers and stepped up beside Harry. “We look like we’re related.”
Harry agreed, throwing an arm around his godson. “You’ve got the rings? Best Man has the most important job.”
Teddy gave an exaggerated eye roll. “Uncle Ron’s reminded me a million times. They’re right here,” he said, shaking his pocket until they both heard the sound of the bands clinking together.
“Good man. You ready?”
“Can I ask you one thing before we go?”
“Sure.”
“Why Halloween? I heard Grandmother say it’s not a happy day for either of you.”
“She’s right. We both lost people we loved on Halloween.” When Teddy kept staring at Harry as if he were very strange, Harry began again. “Aunt Hermione says it’s called reclaiming - the idea of taking something negative and turning it around.”
“So you replace the sad memories with a wedding?”
“Almost. The people we lost: my parents and Draco’s mum - your Great Aunt Narcissa - they would have loved to be here, to see this, to know that we’re happy. It’s our way of connecting our past with our future.”
“That makes sense. I like it.”
“And I know your folks would be proud that you’re standing up there with me. I know I am.”
Teddy ducked his head and smiled. “Thanks, Harry.”
“We should probably go,” Harry said, nodding to the door. “Draco gets twitchy if he’s left waiting too long.”
~*~
The wedding went as smooth as could be expected with a wide variety of friends, family, select reporters, coworkers, half-giants and a few magical creatures in attendance.
Draco was radiant in his black dress robes trimmed with orange and silver. Harry met him at the entrance of their garden to walk hand in hand down the aisle at sunset. Garden torches lined the path, throwing dancing shadows on the guests as the sunlight faded. Harry had turned back for a moment to look at their new country home - warm and inviting - and imagined everyone they had lost looking on, smiling or waving. Then, Draco squeezed his hand, and he became Harry’s only focus.
Andromeda officiated, looking lovely in silver robes, her salt and pepper hair fanned out over her shoulders. She spoke of commitment, determination, perseverance and love. Harry’s heart filled up with the falling night, the words of the vows and the press of Draco’s hand in his.
When it came time for the rings, Teddy was so caught up in standing still and not doing anything to mess up the ceremony, that he nearly missed his cue. With flushed cheeks and a big smile, he held out one hand to each of them and presented the rings.
The bands were simple and familiar, one of the only things he and Draco had decided not to change in their quest to begin everything again. Draco went first, sliding his ring onto Harry’s finger, waiting patiently until it resized itself. Harry went next, repeating the formal words and blushing when Draco brought his free hand up to wipe away a single tear Harry hadn’t felt escape. With one final sweep of Andromeda’s hands - that caused the rings to glow for an instant - it was time for the last order of business.
The kiss was deep, unhurried and serenaded by the applause of their friends. Harry couldn’t have imagined a better moment, until Draco pulled close and whispered: “Oh, the plans I have for you…” against the rim of Harry’s ear, sending delicious sparks right through him. “Send these people home as soon as possible.” After that, Harry was hard-pressed to imagine anything else other than the unspoken ways in which they were going to enjoy their new home, their new life - and each other.
The End
~*~
Well, friends, here we are at the end! This adventure has been an absolute joy from plot bunny to completion, but without you it wouldn't have been the same. Once again, so much love to those of you who were part of the creative process, all the readers and all the H/D lovers out there.
Thanks for being my reason for writing.
*stretches out arms and hugs you all*
A tall, twenty-something brunette, wearing bright red trousers and a silver vest locked eyes with Harry as he brushed past, holding the gaze just long enough to be completely suggestive. Draco was suddenly blocking the view, curling cool fingers around Harry’s jaw.
“As long as you’re doing all of that with me, Potter. Anyone else, and they’ll be leaving here slightly singed or worse.”
~*~
Draco stepped out of the alley looking sinful in ripped jeans that Harry had never seen before tonight, and a dark-grey t-shirt that he had begged Draco to wear because it clung to his body in a sinful way. The haughty expression just seemed to add to the outfit.
Harry was a lucky man.
“Cardiff, honestly?”
The music banged away, pouring out the door and into the street. Pump it up, until you can feel it! Pump it up, when you don’t really need it! Harry was already nodding his head to the beat as he wrapped his hand in Draco’s and pulled him forward.
“This place is supposed to be great! Besides, nobody cares about the city once they’re in the club. Isn’t that the point?” Harry asked, moving closer to keep from shouting as the line inched forward. “We drink, we dance and we flirt…”
A tall, twenty-something brunette, wearing bright red trousers and a silver vest locked eyes with Harry as he brushed past, holding the gaze just long enough to be completely suggestive. Draco was suddenly blocking the view, curling cool fingers around Harry’s jaw.
“As long as you’re doing all of that with me, Potter. Anyone else, and they’ll be leaving here slightly singed or worse.”
Harry had an overwhelming urge to kiss the tight line of Draco’s lips and see if he couldn’t soften them up a bit. Judging by the little noise of surprise from Draco, it wasn’t what he had been expecting, but he caught on fast, melting against Harry in all the best ways. A not-so-discreet cough drew their attention to the fact that the line had moved ahead without them.
They laughed and closed up the gap. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you jealous before,” Harry said, loving the splashes of colour surfacing on the skin of Draco’s neck. If Harry had weakness, his very own Kryptonite, it could be found along the path that started at the top of Draco’s shoulder and ended in that warm, soft place behind his ear.
“Hmm… If only there were a way to assure me that I don’t have to fight off the chickens for your affections,” Draco baited.
They hadn’t even stepped foot into the club, but Draco’s challenge made Harry want to latch and on and Apparate them to the nearest bed. He pulled in a slow breath and tried to decide whether to drag Draco home and mark him until they were tangled and sated, or patch up the wall of control that was showing signs of wear. He missed sex with Draco, but it was more than that. He wanted the connection, wanted so much to claim, to hold, to play, to give, but since returning home, he hadn’t been able to let go - didn’t know if Draco had truly forgiven him. He gave that thought only one more turn before the heat in Draco’s eyes convinced him.
In for a penny…
Harry pulled Draco closer, turning him until he was a solid presence leaning back against Harry’s chest. With the warm air kissing their skin, the press of strangers surrounding them and the filthy beat of the music adding the perfect level of intensity, Harry closed his eyes and gave himself permission to fall.
He wrapped his fingers around Draco’s wrists. “Would you like that, for everyone to know you’re mine?”
“Oh, yes.”
Harry was still sucking at the base Draco’s neck when they both popped into existence in the entrance of their flat. Draco recovered first, spinning on Harry and backing him against the empty patch of wall by the door. Harry slid his hands up Draco’s sides, taking the snug, grey t-shirt with him, forcing Draco to stop his own deliberate touches in order to get the damed thing off. Harry threw it into the darkness and then scrambled for his own buttons.
“Let me,” Draco offered, not pausing to fix the hair falling into his eyes.
Harry allowed Draco to go to work, or at least he tried to. It was almost impossible to not touch, now that he had permission. His fingers travelled low and high - one hand pressing flat against Draco’s lower back and one stroking the dip between his shoulder blades. Harry’s breath caught in his throat as Draco dragged open-mouth kisses over his chest and lower. Draco sunk to his knees and tugged at Harry’s belt.
Harry pushed Draco’s fringe back, his cock pulsing at the sight of flushed cheeks and wet lips. “Fuck, Draco.”
“Language, Potter!”
Snape.
Harry froze. “Oh, God.”
Draco shook with silent laughter. “Take a walk, Severus.”
“I’ve a better idea. Come here.” Harry made sure Snape got an eyeful as he helped Draco to his feet and gave him a kiss that promised a thousand different endings. Harry was certain he heard a huff from Severus as he grabbed a handful of Draco’s arse and squeezed.
“Mmmm… What else have you got in mind?” Draco asked.
“Something new,” Harry answered, leading the way to the bedroom. He gripped the footboard with one hand, and slid the other around Draco’s waist. “I hope this works,” he whispered, calling silently to his magic. A soft glow surrounded them, and Harry concentrated on stretching the field to enclose the bed as well. He smiled, tightened his grip and visualized the place he wanted to be.
When the world snapped back into focus, Harry silently applauded himself on a job well done - and for not splinching them ten ways from Sunday.
“Harry…” Draco looked up at the star-covered sky then took in the sights around him. Harry nearly burst out laughing at the combined look of amazement and horror on Draco’s face. He ran to the edge of the roof, looked over the ledge, and swore. Next, he spun around and spotted the pillow of blue-green glass with the telltale dome of the reading room sticking out of the middle. He seemed to notice their bed last, in its new home on top of the British Museum.
“Holy fuck, Harry!”
“Impressed?” Harry asked, spreading his arms out to encompass the scene. He laughed at himself for being so bloody obvious, but at the same time, he didn’t think any gesture could be too over-the-top where love was involved. He watched Draco’s reactions, enjoying the progress of emotions he seemed to be cycling through. Finally, he locked eyes with Harry and walked forward with purpose. He stopped when they were just a breath apart, and then was suddenly everywhere. Between groping hands, wet kisses and harsh breathing, Draco showed his appreciation for Harry’s talents.
“I don’t care what your blood says - you are not normal.”
Harry nipped along the salty skin of Draco’s shoulder. “And I’m yours, Malfoy, so what does that say about you?”
Draco pulled back for a second and laughed, warm and deep. It made Harry feel incredible. “I am a lucky, lucky man.” He gave the tip of Harry’s nose a quick kiss. “Also, I have great taste.”
“That you do,” Harry said, laughing softly, kissing Draco while casting spells that would hide them from the rest of world. “Now where were we?”
“I believe my mouth has an appointment with the front of your trousers.”
It took Draco’s fingers and lips less than a minute to stoke the fire inside Harry again. He turned his face up to the night sky and thanked whoever was up there for letting him have his life back. If it lasted a day or a hundred years, he vowed to never take it for granted again.
A cry escaped his throat as Draco’s lips closed around him. He kept his eyes closed long enough to enjoy the sensation of Draco’s mouth sliding over his cock and the contrasting bite of Draco’s fingernails at his hips. One hand reached up to tug at Harry’s fingers, and he had to look.
“Please,” Draco whispered into the base of Harry’s cock before wrapping his lips around the tip again and guiding Harry’s hand toward his hair.
Harry felt the heat of arousal take him to the next level. Even from that very first kiss - the one that Harry had offered Draco in the hopes that they would be compatible, they had discovered that that Draco found pleasure in surrendering, and that Harry loved nothing more than finding pleasurable ways to make Draco lose his composure.
He grabbed two fistfuls of Draco’s hair and tugged until Harry’s cock sprang free of his mouth. Draco was breathing as if he’d just run a lap around the massive roof. Harry ached at the sight of him - head forced back, eyes unfocused and lips shining.
“Harry, I need…” Draco began, pausing to pull in another breath.
Harry urged Draco’s head back a little more until there was an impossibly long line of pale skin just waiting for him to claim. “Tell me.”
Draco moaned his approval and reached up to clasp Harry’s wrists, adding more weight, pulling back until Harry was unbalanced enough to have to place a knee on the floor of the roof between Draco’s. Harry took one more moment to lock away the image of Draco stretched back, skin shining in the night, before licking his way from the base of his throat, over Draco’s Adam’s apple and into that usually hidden place under his chin.
“Anything.” Harry whispered between worshipful kisses, opening his fists and easing Draco back up to face him. Draco took a few deep breaths as one hand came up to trace the places Harry’s mouth had just been. “Tell me. Please.”
Draco blinked back at him, smiled, and then, as if a spell had been broken, shook his head a few times to clear his thoughts. Harry’s heart clenched painfully as Draco sat back on his feet and dropped his hands.
“No, it’s all right. I’m sorry; I forgot we’re trying to go slow...”
“Fuck slow,” Harry swore. “I want you, now.”
And suddenly, there was the smirk Harry loved, the bite of challenge and playfulness pushing to the surface. “Then take me, Potter.”
Harry held out his hand and Draco went to him. They stood there for a moment, the sounds of the city all around them, their clothes forgotten, the late summer air all the cover they needed.
He wrapped Draco in his arms and traced the curve of his back. Their rings made a soft jangle as they met in the middle of their chests. “It was worth it.”
“What was?” Draco asked, pressing kisses into the damp hair covering Harry’s temple.
“The chance we took, the hiding, even the fucking curse.”
“Shh… Just let me…” Draco lifted Harry’s hand and kissed along his palm. He grinned just before capturing two of Harry’s fingers and slipping them into his mouth.
Harry forgot how to breathe. The hot, wet press of Draco’s mouth, tongue and teeth pulled filthy sounds from his throat and made him ache and burn in all the right places. Draco’s mouth was a dangerous, delicious thing. It really didn’t matter what part of Harry it was wrapped around - that mouth was sinful. He closed the gap between them and ran his teeth along Draco’s ear, inhaling and tasting.
Mine.
None of this was new, not an inch of their bodies they hadn’t explored before, but Harry finally understood the worth of what they had, and made a promise to treasure every second.
“You’re incredible, Draco. I want you to know that.”
“I love you too, you great sap.”
Draco pushed him down onto the middle of the bed and Harry went willingly, pulling Draco over him, intoxicated by the combination of skin, hair and filthy words breathed against his ear. Draco’s mouth kept exploring as he pushed a leg over to straddle Harry’s hips. Harry ran his fingers up the outside of Draco’s thighs, slid them around and pulled until their bodies remembered the dance. He took them both in hand and stared at the sight of Draco, chest already flushed with arousal and stained deep red with Harry’s love bites. He took pleasure in the fact that all of this was his to worship. The sight of Draco - wrapped around him, marked and drunk on Harry’s every touch, his every word - it did powerful things to a man’s heart and mind. He stroked steadily, enjoying the beauty of Draco’s head thrown back, and the gentle roll of his hips.
Harry had the sudden urge to share the image with Draco, wanted him to see how truly stunning he looked, to feel how he was peeling Harry apart from the inside. Without a second thought, he reached up and swept his fingertips over Draco’s temple, whispering the spell that came to his lips without any effort. Draco froze above him, eyes wide and chest heaving.
“Unholy fuck! What was that?”
“Did it work?”
Draco grabbed Harry’s face and covered him in kisses and dirty words. “Bloody overwhelming! You love marking me - I knew it, Harry. All yours. Your power is such a fucking turn-on. Do you know how bloody talented…”
Grinning like an idiot, Harry rolled them over until Draco was pinned under him. He found a splotch of red at the base of Draco’s throat that wasn’t quite dark enough, and made it his mission to right that injustice.
Draco moved under him, as if trying to be everywhere at once. “S’good… Nothing by halves… Bloody museum roof, Harry!”
Harry shook with silent laughter. “Much better than being home with Snape?”
“As soon as I can think straight, he’s getting a lecture on privacy.”
“Good. Give me your hand.”
Harry kissed Draco’s palm and thought about how ready he was, how much he missed the perfect fit of Draco’s body wrapped around his fingers, his cock. It was easy work to summon the lube. Draco groaned at the sight of Harry’s fingers, suddenly wet and slick. “Touch me,” he begged.
Harry kissed Draco slowly, licking Parseltongue promises along his collarbone, down his chest and into the damp hair surrounding Draco’s cock. His fingers went to work below, circling, questing, pushing deep until Draco was reaching for him, pleading with Harry for more. He planted one hand next to Draco’s head, and Draco turned his mouth toward it, placing kisses wherever he could reach. Harry withdrew his fingers slowly and wrapped them around Draco’s erection, stroking a few times before lifting Draco’s leg onto his shoulder and sliding home. Draco’s whole body shuddered as Harry rocked into him, gently at first, savouring the connection, the pulse, the heat.
Draco’s leg slipped down, but Harry pushed closer, going deeper as Draco reached to pull him in. Harry slid a hand between them and gripped Draco as they made love under the stars.
“I love you.”
“Harry…”
It felt right - everything from the brush of the open air on their skin, to the soft, desperate noises pouring out from Draco. Harry wanted to keep this memory on the top shelf of his mind and bring it back down during the hard days, the days that would threaten to rip them apart. Whatever was ahead, he wanted Draco there - couldn’t imagine why he had let himself doubt before.
Draco shifted and pushed, swore and licked until Harry couldn’t hold back any longer. He hitched Draco’s legs up and drove deep. It was uncoordinated and flawless, honest and wonderfully indecent.
It was theirs.
Harry’s ring swung freely between them, catching the lights of the city in a wild blur. Draco’s ring was somewhere behind him on the pillow, but Harry loved the look of the chain pulled tight across his throat. Harry lost himself in the sights, sounds and sensations of Draco: the huffed, staccato breaths, the embrace of his thighs, and the slide of their bodies together - slippery, hot, so close…
“Fucking love you, Harry…”
Perfect.
“Come for me.”
~*~
Draco retreated deeper under the covers and reached back to pull Harry’s arm around him for added warmth. There was definitely a chill in the room, and from the distant sound of fluttering, he assumed that Harry had left the windows open again.
Without waking, Harry pulled Draco close, his slow, deep breaths tickling the hairs at the base of Draco’s neck.
The fluttering continued, but Draco wasn’t yet ready to get up do anything about it. He was content to drift in that half-awake state that only lazy mornings allow. He was almost asleep again when Harry shifted, his half-hard cock brushing against Draco in an over-sensitive spot.
The memories were suddenly there: Harry above him, around him, glass, rings, stars… He pulled his head out from the covers and immediately realised the impossibility of flapping curtains.
He tapped the arm wrapped around him. “Harry, wake up.”
“Mmm… No.”
“There are pigeons on the bed frame.”
The covers shook with Harry’s sleep-roughened laughter. He poked his head out, revealing a completely helpless mop of hair. “Ha! So there are.” At Harry’s exclamation, some of them beat their wings in fright and took off. “Sorry about that, boys. Here’s breakfast!” Two large bowls appeared on the building ledge and more birds flew over to investigate the seeds and water.
“Great, Potter. I imagine they’ll send guards up to see what kind of nutter is on the rooftop feeding the pigeons now.”
“Relax. It’s early yet. Museum won’t open for hours.” The cool, morning breeze picked up, making Draco shiver, but he didn’t want to leave just yet.
“Come warm me up.”
Harry pulled the covers over them and settled back into position, one hand playing over the curve of Draco’s bare hip. Not that he would ever admit it out loud, but Draco loved the way Harry was incapable of being completely still in the mornings. He had wandering hands, twitchy hips and lips that never travelled far from Draco’s neck. As far as making someone feel adored and irresistible, Harry’s body held the guidebook.
“Mmm… Much better.”
“If I summoned tea, where do you think it would come from?” Harry asked, placing little kisses along Draco’s hairline.
Draco huffed out a laugh. “I think we’re breaking enough laws as it is. Let’s not get greedy.”
Harry listed off their offences on Draco’s fingers. “Public nudity, trespassing, mind-blowing sex on the roof of a landmark and fraternising with pigeons.“ The Muggles will be beside themselves.”
They spent a few more moments making up other ridiculous charges for the Muggle authorities to bring against them, laughed when they ventured into the absurd and then settled down into comfortable silence and the science of non-verbal communication.
As the sun crept along the roof and finally kissed the billowed glass, Draco was struck with a thought. He rolled onto his back. “If we could really go back to the beginning, and do everything publically, do you suppose we’d still be married?”
“Yes,” Harry said without pause, lifting up on an elbow to glance down at Draco.
“Would you have stood with me, in front of everyone?”
“Depends,” Harry said with a slight shrug, smile tugging up the corners of his mouth. “What kind of a wedding was it?”
Draco played along. “Oh, a grand affair - too many flowers, too many guests and far too many layers of clothing.”
“Sounds exhausting.”
“I agree. A lot of bother, if you ask me,”
“Seriously, though,” Harry began, all teasing gone. “I think we should.”
“Have a public ceremony?”
“Yeah, why not?” Harry asked. “I’m through with hiding. We deserve more than that.”
“Could be painting targets on our backs.”
“We have Aurors and Healers on our side. Someone like Blaise would be stupid to try anything like that again.” He took a few breaths before asking: “What do you think?”
Draco slipped his chain off and tucked it into Harry’s palm, wrapping both their fingers around it. “I think its time we put these rings on our fingers, where they belong.” The smile Harry gave him was bright and sincere.
“There might be reporters - and gingers,” Harry warned.
Draco chuckled and pulled Harry down for a kiss that turned into several more. “We’ve survived worse.”
“True.” Harry pulled back, eyes hopeful “So, is that a yes?”
Draco closed his hand around Harry’s necklace and firmly tugged him back down. “Yes. Now, let’s make a few more memories before the museum opens.”
~*~
“Harry?”
“Hey, Teddy, come in.”
Harry fussed with his tuxedo in the mirror as Teddy closed the door behind him. His hair had changed since Harry had seen him an hour ago. It was now short, black and spiky with a few chunks of orange to add a little splash of colour.
“Wow. Good job on the hair. I love it.”
Teddy beamed at their reflections. “Took me awhile to figure out how to get the orange just where I wanted it.” He stuck his hands into his dress trousers and stepped up beside Harry. “We look like we’re related.”
Harry agreed, throwing an arm around his godson. “You’ve got the rings? Best Man has the most important job.”
Teddy gave an exaggerated eye roll. “Uncle Ron’s reminded me a million times. They’re right here,” he said, shaking his pocket until they both heard the sound of the bands clinking together.
“Good man. You ready?”
“Can I ask you one thing before we go?”
“Sure.”
“Why Halloween? I heard Grandmother say it’s not a happy day for either of you.”
“She’s right. We both lost people we loved on Halloween.” When Teddy kept staring at Harry as if he were very strange, Harry began again. “Aunt Hermione says it’s called reclaiming - the idea of taking something negative and turning it around.”
“So you replace the sad memories with a wedding?”
“Almost. The people we lost: my parents and Draco’s mum - your Great Aunt Narcissa - they would have loved to be here, to see this, to know that we’re happy. It’s our way of connecting our past with our future.”
“That makes sense. I like it.”
“And I know your folks would be proud that you’re standing up there with me. I know I am.”
Teddy ducked his head and smiled. “Thanks, Harry.”
“We should probably go,” Harry said, nodding to the door. “Draco gets twitchy if he’s left waiting too long.”
~*~
The wedding went as smooth as could be expected with a wide variety of friends, family, select reporters, coworkers, half-giants and a few magical creatures in attendance.
Draco was radiant in his black dress robes trimmed with orange and silver. Harry met him at the entrance of their garden to walk hand in hand down the aisle at sunset. Garden torches lined the path, throwing dancing shadows on the guests as the sunlight faded. Harry had turned back for a moment to look at their new country home - warm and inviting - and imagined everyone they had lost looking on, smiling or waving. Then, Draco squeezed his hand, and he became Harry’s only focus.
Andromeda officiated, looking lovely in silver robes, her salt and pepper hair fanned out over her shoulders. She spoke of commitment, determination, perseverance and love. Harry’s heart filled up with the falling night, the words of the vows and the press of Draco’s hand in his.
When it came time for the rings, Teddy was so caught up in standing still and not doing anything to mess up the ceremony, that he nearly missed his cue. With flushed cheeks and a big smile, he held out one hand to each of them and presented the rings.
The bands were simple and familiar, one of the only things he and Draco had decided not to change in their quest to begin everything again. Draco went first, sliding his ring onto Harry’s finger, waiting patiently until it resized itself. Harry went next, repeating the formal words and blushing when Draco brought his free hand up to wipe away a single tear Harry hadn’t felt escape. With one final sweep of Andromeda’s hands - that caused the rings to glow for an instant - it was time for the last order of business.
The kiss was deep, unhurried and serenaded by the applause of their friends. Harry couldn’t have imagined a better moment, until Draco pulled close and whispered: “Oh, the plans I have for you…” against the rim of Harry’s ear, sending delicious sparks right through him. “Send these people home as soon as possible.” After that, Harry was hard-pressed to imagine anything else other than the unspoken ways in which they were going to enjoy their new home, their new life - and each other.
The End
~*~
Well, friends, here we are at the end! This adventure has been an absolute joy from plot bunny to completion, but without you it wouldn't have been the same. Once again, so much love to those of you who were part of the creative process, all the readers and all the H/D lovers out there.
Thanks for being my reason for writing.
*stretches out arms and hugs you all*