Forgive Me (2/15)
This story is fully complete, with 15 installments which will post every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Please mind the warnings for triggery bits.
Title: Forgive Me
Authors: deirdre_aithne and uniquepov (our collaborations can be found on our joint journal, lorca_aithne)
Rating: NC-17
Pairing(s): Harry/Neville, past Harry/other, and a blink-and-you-might-it-mention of Dramione
Summary: Years after the end of the war, Harry and Neville hit it off after a blind date. Harry is afraid to open up, but Neville is determined to explore the spark between them. Can they find happiness together, or will the spectre of Harry's hidden past destroy their fledgling romance?
Content: Slash (with activities as implied by the rating), BDSM, D/s, angst. Bottom!Harry, if you care about that sort of thing.
Warnings: *highlight to view -spoilers*
somewhat graphic descriptions of domestic and sexual abuse and stalking (not in the main pairing)
Word Count: ≈5600 this installment (≈78k complete)
Author's Notes: Thank you to the absolute team of folks who helped to beta and cheerlead for us as we wrote this! khasael, solas_divided, kinky_kneazle, talekayler, and especially catcachoo - every one of you gave us something immeasurably precious. Thank you!
Disclaimer: We solemnly swear that we are up to no good. However, we promise to return everyone, good as new, when we’re done playing with them. We own nothing that you recognize, and we do not profit from any of it.
You can begin at the beginning or continue on to the 2nd installment of
Chapter 3
Harry sat beside Neville on the sofa, his heart pounding as he turned towards the other man. They’d spent time together nearly every day for a fortnight and, while they had agreed to take things slowly, Harry knew that Neville wouldn’t want to wait forever. Despite his nervousness, Harry’d decided it was time to try getting a bit more physical. He tentatively rested a hand on Neville's thigh as he leaned in to nuzzle his neck gently.
Smiling, Neville laid one of his hands over Harry's on his thigh, giving it a light, encouraging squeeze. Turning his face to look at him, Neville slipped his other hand beneath Harry's chin, tilting his face upwards until their eyes met. "Harry..."
Harry looked into his eyes and smiled shyly. "Neville, I... "
Dipping his head, Neville brushed their lips together briefly, stroking Harry's cheek with his thumb as he pulled away. "We should talk, Harry," he said, careful to keep his voice gentle so that the other man wouldn't think he was rejecting him. "Before this goes any further."
Harry's green eyes, which had fluttered closed at the kiss, opened wide in concern. "Talk?"
Noticing his worried expression, Neville gave Harry's hand another squeeze, hoping to remind him he wasn't being pushed away. "It would be better if we did, yes." Moving his hand from beneath Harry's chin, Neville cupped the side of his face gently. "There's something you should know before we take this step, and I don't want you to regret it."
Harry leaned his cheek into Neville's touch, but his gaze was clouded. "What... what is it?" he asked, his voice quivering with trepidation.
Neville watched Harry's face closely as he took a steadying breath, choosing his words carefully as he answered. "I'm a rather dominant lover, Harry.”
Harry's brow furrowed at Neville's words. "I... don't understand," he said finally. "Do you mean you... don't bottom? That's not an issue, Neville, I prefer to bottom...."
"It's more than that," Neville said, shaking his head. "It's not just about me topping, it's... That I like to be in control," he said, looking into Harry's eyes and willing him to understand.
Harry went very still as he looked into Neville's eyes. "In control?" he whispered.
Sensing the shift in Harry's mood, Neville withdrew his hand from Harry's face, grasping his other hand instead. "Harry? What is it?" he asked quietly, doing his best to keep his voice calm and steady despite the concern welling inside him.
Harry forced himself to take several deep breaths as he slowly withdrew his hands from Neville’s. "I - would you - explain what you mean by control?"
"Mostly, that would depend on you, and what you're comfortable with; I would never force you into anything. If you're asking for an example, though," he added, pausing for a moment to think before he continued. "I'm rather fond of tying up my partners, so that I can tease them at my leisure."
Harry stared at Neville. He didn't know what he'd been expecting, but it certainly hadn’t been that. He took another deep breath and asked quietly, "So... you mean, like... BDSM?" His cheeks were flushed pink and he ducked his head as he asked the question.
Neville nodded, the corner of his lip twitching in amusement over Harry's blushing reaction. "Exactly like that."
Harry twisted his hands in his lap as he considered that. "You're a ... Dom?" He tried to sound nonchalant, but his tone lilted up at the end and he realised he'd made it another question.
"Yes," Neville answered easily, finding it difficult not to reach for Harry when his shy nervousness was so endearing.
Harry met Neville's eyes. "When - I mean, how long have you...?" He paused and cleared his throat. "I'm sorry. You took me by surprise."
"Better now than when we've both gotten lost in the moment," Neville said, reaching for one of Harry's hands again slowly, allowing him time to pull away if he wanted to.
Harry nodded, his eyes locked onto where Neville's hand was clasping one of his own. "I... uhh... I didn't know you were into that."
"If you don't want this," Neville said, gesturing at the two of them with his free hand, "to go any further because of it, Harry, I'll understand."
Harry worried his lower lip with his teeth and refused to meet Neville's eyes for a long moment. " I - I don't know. There are ... things... that have happened..."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Neville asked, feeling the earlier wave of concern return. "Regardless of what happens here between us, I'm your friend," he said, giving Harry's hand a squeeze as he spoke. "I'll listen."
Harry shook his head quickly. "Neville, I... I've really enjoyed the time we've spent together so far. But I don't know if I can... if I can be what you want."
"Harry," Neville said, his tone slightly sharper than it had been before. "'Being what I want' is being yourself. If my... interests are a deal-breaker for you, I can accept that. But don't make the mistake of thinking I would ever want to change you..."
Harry ducked his head again at Neville's sharpened tone, physically flinching as he did. After a moment, he asked softly, "Would you... want me to leave if I said I didn't think I could -" his voice lowered almost to a whisper "-submit to you?"
Taking a chance, Neville released Harry's hand, gently cupping the side of the other man's face in his palm again, keeping his touch light, in case Harry tried to withdraw. "Only if you asked me to," he answered sincerely. "It's the way things usually are with me, Harry, but not the way they have to be. I wouldn't leave you just because it wasn't what you wanted."
Harry's gaze, wide and slightly startled, flew to Neville's face. "You wouldn't?"
"Of course I wouldn't," Neville said, reaching his other hand for Harry's with a faint smile pulling at his mouth. "Do you think I'd be foolish enough to walk away from you over something so little, Harry?"
Harry ducked his head again and stammered, "I - I don't know..."
"Harry, please look at me," Neville said softly.
Harry hesitantly raised his eyes to Neville's face.
Offering him a small smile, Neville stroked Harry's cheek as he met his eyes. "I'm not going anywhere unless you want me to. I mean that."
Harry's answering smile nearly erased the worry from his eyes. "I want you to stay, Neville," he whispered. "Please."
Relaxing at Harry's words, Neville leaned in to brush their lips together, leaving it to Harry to push him away or pull him in properly. Harry leaned into the kiss, one hand moving up to ghost over Neville's cheek. His tongue teased across the other man's lips as the kiss deepened. Neville's hand slipped from Harry’s cheek around to the back of his head, his fingers threading gently through his dark hair. His other hand rested on Harry's knee, sliding slowly upward along his leg. Harry moaned approvingly into the kiss as he leaned further into Neville, his legs parting slightly as the other man's hand slid upward, Harry's own arms winding around Neville’s neck.
Breaking away from their kiss at length to breathe, Neville tilted his head, brushing his lips along the line of Harry's jaw. His hand came to rest against the other wizard's upper thigh, squeezing lightly as he marked a trail of kisses toward Harry's neck. Harry tilted his head back with a sigh, his eyes fluttering closed again, his hand coming to rest atop Neville's on his thigh.
Neville squeezed Harry's thigh again, inching his hand upward a little further. "What do you want?" he asked quietly against the curve of Harry's throat as he nuzzled his neck between kisses.
"I..." Harry gasped, his hands moving to run through Neville's hair. "Merlin, Neville..."
Chuckling, Neville moved his hand again, pressing his palm against the bulge in Harry's trousers and rubbing it lightly through the fabric. "Do you want more?" he asked, his lips beside Harry's ear.
Harry nodded breathlessly, turning his head to capture Neville's mouth in another passionate kiss. Groaning in appreciation, Neville melted into the kiss, his fingers finding and undoing the fastenings of Harry's trousers slowly. Harry reached out a hand and brushed his fingers tentatively against the answering bulge in Neville's trousers, his breathing harsh and ragged. Neville's own breath hitched as Harry's hand brushed against him. Parting the fabric of Harry's trousers, Neville slipped his hand inside, tugging down the waistband of the other man's pants to free his straining erection.
Harry gasped as Neville's hand ghosted over his erection as he tugged his pants down. "Neville..." He leaned in to nuzzle the taller man's neck.
Curling his fingers around the base of Harry's cock, Neville squeezed the hardened flesh gently before gliding his hand along its length. "Merlin, I want you," Neville breathed, turning his face in to brush his lips against the shell of Harry's ear.
Harry shuddered as Neville's warm breath tickled his ear. His hands moved to fumble with the fastenings on Neville's trousers. "I - want you, too..."
Suppressing a moan at those words, Neville nuzzled Harry's neck. His hand continued to move slowly back and forth along the other man's length.
Harry's hand dropped down to catch hold of Neville's wrist, stilling his movements. "Neville, I ... it's been a while for me. I..."
Neville pulled back to meet Harry's eyes, offering no resistance when Harry grasped his wrist. "Do you want to stop?" he asked uncertainly.
"No," Harry groaned. "But I - I may not last very long." His cheeks flushed pink at the admission.
The edges of his mouth twitching, Neville dipped his head to press his lips to Harry's briefly. "Tell me what you want me to do, Harry," he murmured against his lips as he pulled away, bringing his unpinned hand up to caress the other man's cheek as he kissed him again. "Please?"
Harry hid his face in Neville's neck. "I - I... "
“I don't want to do something you don't want, Harry," Neville said quietly, withdrawing his hand from Harry's grasp to curl it around the other man's waist, pulling him closer. "I don't want to hurt you," he added in a whisper as he placed a few gentle kisses against Harry's neck, curling his arms loosely around his waist in an attempt to reassure him.
Harry let out a broken whimper at Neville's words and wrapped his arms around Neville's neck. Tightening his arms slightly around Harry's waist, Neville held him closer, pulling the other man fully into his lap. He turned to place a single kiss against Harry's cheek, gently stroking the small of his back. Harry let himself be pulled into Neville's lap, turning to kiss the taller man deeply, one hand resting on Neville's chest. Bringing one of his hands up to thread through Harry's hair, Neville returned the kiss eagerly, his other hand continuing to stroke Harry's back.
Harry moaned softly into the kiss, his breathing uneven and a little ragged. He pulled back to rest his forehead against Neville's cheek. "There's something.... you should... you should know..."
"What is it?" Neville asked, his voice wavering from his heavy breathing.
Harry bit his lower lip sharply and stared at his lap. His mouth opened and closed silently. "Nev-never mind," he finally whispered, as he leaned in to kiss him again.
"Harry," Neville said quietly, although his voice held a note of firmness to it as he removed his fingers from the other man's hair, pressing his hand against his shoulder to gently push him backward, looking into Harry’s eyes with concern. "What is it?" he repeated.
Harry could not hide another flinch as Neville's tone sharpened again. "I'm sorry," he whispered immediately.
Noticing Harry’s reaction, Neville's concern deepened, and he carefully kept his voice calm and quiet as he spoke again. "There's nothing for you to be sorry for," he said, removing his hand from Harry's shoulder to curl it loosely around his waist again. "But I can't let this go any further if you won't talk to me. I don't want you to regret this..." His heart was pounding loudly in his ears as he looked at Harry, torn between simply pulling the other man into his arms and pushing him away enough for them to talk.
Harry worried his bottom lip between his teeth. "Neville... I won't. I won't regret it, I promise." But despite the conviction he tried to put into his tone, he had actually begun trembling slightly on Neville's lap.
"Harry," Neville said, his voice hardly above a whisper as he swallowed back the lump of worry that rose in his throat, reaching out to cradle Harry's face in his hands again. "I don't want to push you away, but I will not risk hurting you. Please-" he said, knowing that a hint of desperate pleading had edged into his tone, "- talk to me..."
Harry knew he would have to tell Neville some version of the truth eventually. He took a deep breath and slowly eased off Neville's lap to curl up against the corner of the sofa, his knees drawn up to his chest. "I - don't know..."
Offering Harry a bit more space, Neville slid back slightly. "I'm not going anywhere, Harry," he said, hoping it would encourage the other man to open up to him. "Whatever it is, I promise it won't change the way I look at you. Or how I feel about you."
Harry stared at his knees. "I - haven't been with anyone for a long time, Neville," he admitted quietly. "I've gone farther with you than I've gone with anyone in over a year."
"Does that bother you?" Neville asked, watching Harry carefully. "Or is there something that you're not saying?"
Harry sighed. "I've - had trouble letting anyone get close. Since my last... relationship...." He darted a pleading glance at Neville. "He was... it wasn't good."
"Oh, Harry," Neville murmured, reaching for the other man again, not wanting to simply pull him into his arms, in case it startled him.
Harry stayed where he was, looking helplessly at Neville. "I can't - I can't talk about it," he whispered. "But -" he leaned forward and reached a hand tentatively across to Neville. "For the first time in a long time, I wanted someone to touch me. You."
Grasping the hand Harry extended toward him lightly, Neville nodded. "I won't push you to talk about it. Just... remember that I'm here if you decide you want to," he said, giving the hand a gentle squeeze. "And... thank you."
Harry's eyes were shiny as Neville took his hand. He took a deep breath. "Neville... I... I'm not sure about that life, about giving up control to you, but I promise that I'll think about it."
Shifting closer to Harry, Neville kept his hand beneath Harry's chin to ensure he wouldn't look away. "I won't leave if you find you can't," Neville reminded gently as he leaned in, his hand sliding to cup the back of Harry's head. "I'm here until you no longer want me," he said before pressing his lips to Harry's.
Harry returned the kiss before pulling back and smiling shyly. "That might take a while."
Neville returned the smile with one of his own, his fingers threading idly through Harry's hair for a moment. "Lucky me," he murmured sincerely as he dipped his head, brushing his lips against Harry's jaw.
Harry leaned forwards, welcoming Neville's touch, and turned to meet Neville's lips with his own. "Me, too," he whispered.
Pulling Harry closer, Neville curled his other arm around his waist again, acknowledging Harry's words by smiling against his lips. Harry smiled into the kiss in response, hesitantly inching closer to Neville. His tongue flicked out briefly to tease against Neville's lips. Neville's lips parted slightly and he tilted his head a bit, deepening their kiss as he laid his hand on Harry's thigh.
Emboldened, Harry sucked gently on Neville's bottom lip, his hand moving up to caress Neville’s cheek with his palm. Moaning in appreciation, Neville tilted his face into Harry's hand, giving the other man's thigh a squeeze. Moving his hand upwards along Harry's thigh, Neville stopped with his fingers just shy of the opening in the other wizard's trousers, squeezing again as he finally broke away from their kiss to breathe.
Harry remained leaning in towards him, breathing heavily. His eyes searched Neville's face for a moment before he squared his shoulders and shifted over so that he could climb back onto the other man's lap.
Watching Harry climb onto his lap, Neville placed both of his hands on his hips, pulling him flush against him as he nuzzled Harry's neck. His lips began tracing a slow line of kisses along his jaw and neck. Harry let out a soft moan and tilted his head to nuzzle along Neville's neck and nip lightly at his earlobe.
His fingers tightening on Harry's hips, Neville groaned against the curve of his neck. "Merlin, I want you," he breathed.
Harry's lips curved into a smile, pressed against Neville's ear. "Do you?" he whispered, licking the shell of his ear.
"Tease," Neville answered affectionately, rolling his hips upward to grind against Harry, who let out a soft whimper at the movement. One of his hands shifted, reaching around to grab Harry's arse, and Neville groaned as Harry continued trailing along his neck and jaw with light, lingering kisses.
Neville leaned his head back with a sigh as Harry's lips moved across his flesh. He ground his hips upward again with a groan, holding Harry tightly to him as he did. Harry wriggled teasingly in Neville's arms as he sucked on a sensitive spot at the base of Neville’s throat. He gasped against Neville's skin as their erections rubbed together roughly.
"Harry," Neville hissed, his hand tightening on Harry's arse. Slipping his other hand between them, Neville tugged open the fabric of Harry's trousers again, his fingers brushing lightly over Harry's length as his trousers and pants were quickly pulled down.
Harry tensed slightly, but continued his ministrations to Neville's neck, jaw and ears, wrapping his arms around the other man's neck and carding through the hair at the back of his head. Wrapping his fingers firmly around the base of Harry's cock, Neville stroked him slowly, breathing heavily as Harry continued to tease him. As Neville's hand began stroking him, Harry closed his eyes and groaned against his neck, thrusting his hips up.
"Like that, Harry?" Neville murmured, turning his face to bring his lips near the other man's ear. As his hand slipped back down towards the base of Harry's shaft, Neville squeezed him lightly.
Harry nodded, nipping more roughly at his ear and moaning at the squeeze. "Please..."
Grinding himself against Harry's arse as the other man writhed in his lap, Neville tightened his hold on Harry's cock, stroking his length a bit more firmly. "Please what, Harry?" he asked, his voice wavering slightly from his desire. "What do you want?"
"You," Harry breathed. "Please, Neville..." He pushed his hips down against Neville's lap.
Neville moaned as Harry pushed back against him, slowing his hand on the other man's cock to a more teasing pace. "I think we're both still much too clothed for that," he murmured, nuzzling Harry' neck.
Harry groaned at Neville's words, burying his face in the other man's neck. "Neville..."
"Yes?" Neville trailed feather light kisses along Harry's jaw.
Harry mumbled something unintelligible against Neville's neck as he reached between them to stroke Neville's erection through his trousers.
Groaning softly as Harry touched him, Neville gave his arse an appreciative squeeze. "I didn't quite catch that, Harry."
Harry kept his face buried in Neville's neck, kissing along the other man's collarbone.
"What is it?" Neville repeated, his voice wavering from his heavy breathing.
Harry lifted his head to meet Neville's eyes, leaning in to press their lips together. "Want you," he whispered.
Grinding himself up against Harry's arse, Neville smiled against his lips. "You have me," he murmured playfully, kissing the side of Harry's mouth as he trailed his lips along his cheek towards his ear. "What do you want me to do?"
Harry leaned his head to nip at Neville's ear teasingly, before whispering into his ear, "Whatever you want. Please..."
"Even if what I want is to fuck you right here?" Neville asked, squeezing Harry's arse again for emphasis, pulling him tighter against him. "Just like this?"
Harry groaned as Neville pulled him closer, bringing their chests flush together. "Oh, fuck, Neville..."
Loosening his hold on Harry's arse, Neville turned his face in towards the other man's neck, placing several lingering kisses against it before he could find his voice to speak again. "Undress for me, Harry?" he murmured at length, his voice rough as he pulled at Harry's trousers. "These are rather in the way."
Harry's green eyes were dilated with need as he shifted to stand before Neville. Harry’s fingers fumbled with his clothing awkwardly as his cheeks tinged pink again.
"Merlin, you're amazing," Neville whispered, his eyes locked on Harry's face as he spoke, hoping that the other man would see that he was sincere. After a moment, his gaze began to wander downward, following the path of Harry's fingers as he fumbled with his clothing. He pulled open his own trousers as he watched him, shifting his weight enough to tug them down.
Harry stripped off his jumper, leaving his t-shirt on, and shoved his trousers and pants down, stepping out of them impatiently. Once done, however, he stood in front of Neville uncertainly.
Neville's eyes roamed hungrily over Harry's body for a moment before he reached for him. Harry allowed himself to be pulled back down against Neville, shifting to straddle the other man as he kissed him eagerly. Groaning as he pulled Harry tightly against his chest again, Neville returned the kiss with equal enthusiasm, his hands trailing over the other man's chest, slowly mapping his body with his fingers. Harry ground his hips down to rub their erections together as the kiss continued, Neville's hands roaming over his body as Harry's hands moved across Neville's shoulders.
Breathing heavily, Neville broke away from the kiss, pressing his face against Harry's neck. "Need you," he whispered, his hands grasping at Harry's hips, moaning as their erections pressed together again.
Harry let out a soft groan at Neville's words, which grew louder as their bodies rubbed together. "Yes..." he murmured.
Curling both of his arms around Harry's waist, Neville nuzzled his neck gently. "Tell me what you need, Harry," he whispered, his hands wandering to Harry's arse as he spoke. "Let me hear you say it."
Harry's hands tugged at Neville's shirt as he ducked his head. "I need you... please..." he said softly, cheeks flaming.
"Need me to what?" he prodded, grinding himself against Harry. "You can say it, Harry," he whispered encouragingly against his neck, following the words up with a series of gentle kisses along his jaw.
Harry pushed Neville's shoulders back against the sofa, leaning in to nip along his ear and jaw a bit more roughly. "I need you to fuck me," he managed, voice tight with desire.
"Yes," Neville hissed, gripping Harry's arse tightly as he ground into him again. Tilting his face to allow Harry better access to his neck, Neville slipped one of his hands between them, grasping his own cock in his hand as he shifted his hips a bit, using his hand still on Harry's arse to lift him slightly.
Harry shifted his weight, kneeling up against Neville and letting the other man direct what was about to happen.
Muttering a wandless lubrication spell against the curve of Harry's throat, Neville nuzzled his neck again as he positioned himself against Harry's arse. "Tell me if I'm hurting you," he whispered, his hand lightly stroking the small of the other man's back as he spoke. "I swear I'll stop..."
Harry nodded as he pushed back against Neville. "Just... be gentle," he whispered. "This time, be gentle."
"Of course," Neville murmured, his hands grasping Harry's hips to help guide him down slowly onto his cock. Nuzzling Harry's neck again, Neville left a trail of kisses down toward his shoulder, listening for any signs that Harry was in pain as he felt himself slowly pushing into him.
Harry's breath left him in a slow hiss as Neville pressed inside him. He struggled to relax against the intrusion, sinking slowly down onto Neville's cock as he tried to take him fully inside, until he felt Neville's skin come flush against his arse. Harry dropped his head onto Neville's shoulder as he stilled, breathing hard. "Oh, gods..."
Taking a steadying breath to keep from moving too soon, Neville stroked Harry's hips soothingly. "You feel so good," he murmured, his voice strained with desire. "Tell me-" he started, breaking off to take another steadying breath, his fingers grasping at Harry's hips again "-when you're ready."
"Oh, Merlin," Harry groaned against his neck. "It's been so long..." Harry rocked his hips against the other man, shuddering as the movement sent shocks running up his spine. "Neville...."
"We'll go as slow as you need, Harry," Neville said, moaning when Harry moved against him. His fingers tightened on Harry's hips as he pressed his forehead against his shoulder, breathing heavily.
Harry braced himself against Neville's shoulders as he began to move up and down on the other man's cock. He let out a needy moan as the angle pushed Neville's cock firmly against his prostate.
"Fuck, Harry," Neville groaned, leaning his head back. Removing one of his hands from the other man's hips, Neville cupped Harry's cheek against his palm, pulling him in for a hungry kiss.
Harry returned the kiss passionately, holding tightly to Neville's shoulders as he moved atop the other man.
Groaning against Harry's lips, Neville deepened their kiss, the hand still on Harry's hip slipping between them to grasp the base of his cock. Squeezing him briefly, Neville began sliding his hand along Harry's length in time with his movements.
Harry gasped as Neville began stroking him, his movements speeding up as he tried not to thrust into Neville's hand. "No... I won't... last..." he choked out as he tried to keep his rhythm steady.
Smirking, Neville gave Harry's cock another squeeze. "Neither will I, with you moving on me like this." Bringing his lips closer to Harry's ear, he gently nipped at the lobe with his teeth before adding, "And I want to make you come before I do."
Harry gave a broken whimper and increased his pace as best he could. "I... ohh..."
Moaning in appreciation, Neville matched the pace of his hand to that of Harry's movements on his cock. "So perfect," he whispered against the curve of Harry's neck, taking an unsteady breath as he felt himself nearing the end.
"Neville, I - " Harry desperately fought for breath as he rocked back against Neville's shaft and thrust forward into his hand. "I'm going to -"
"Come for me, Harry," Neville breathed, giving Harry's cock another squeeze as he spoke before stroking his shaft a little faster. Turning his face toward his again, Neville claimed Harry's lips again, moaning against them as he ground himself against his arse.
The dual stimulation finally pushed Harry over the edge and he cried out into the kiss as he came, in a series of violent shudders, shooting streams of come against both their torsos. "Ahh!"
"Gods, Harry," Neville groaned, loosening his hold on the other man's cock while tightening his hand around his hip. Thrusting up into him a few more times, Neville finally tensed as he came inside him with a low groan.
Harry slumped against Neville's chest, breathing hard, as they came down from their climaxes. "Neville..." he panted, nuzzling the other man's neck.
Wrapping his arms around Harry's waist, Neville smiled as Harry nuzzled his neck. "Yes, Harry?" he asked, placing a kiss against Harry's shoulder before lifting his head to look at him.
Harry leaned in to kiss him deeply, Neville's half-hard cock still inside him. His arms wrapped around the other man's neck.
Sighing contently into his kiss, Neville tightened his arms slightly around Harry's waist, holding him close. "You're...so amazing," he whispered when they finally parted, leaning his forehead against Harry's.
"M'not," Harry mumbled, cheeks flushed. He snuggled bonelessly against Neville.
"You are," Neville said, sliding his arm over Harry's back as he held him close. "And I'm a very lucky man right now." Placing a gentle kiss against the fringe of Harry's hair, Neville smiled contently as he repeated, "Very lucky."
Harry's cheeks tinged red and he buried his face in the crook of Neville's shoulder.
Chuckling, Neville squeezed Harry lightly. "As much as I would love to stay like this all night- and believe me, I could," Neville started, reaching up to stroke the back of Harry's head and thread his fingers through his hair. "We're going to have to move at some point, before we stick like this."
Harry gave a soft whine of protest, before sighing and nodding. "You're right..." He shifted his weight awkwardly as he tried to move to the other end of the sofa.
Stopping him before he could pull fully away, Neville leaned in to brush his lips against Harry's again. "Harry..."
Harry returned the kiss softly, his lashes fluttering closed as he leaned into Neville.
Stopping short of pulling Harry back into his lap, Neville broke away after a moment, smiling, and pressed his forehead against Harry's again. "Would you...like to stay here tonight, Harry?"
Harry nodded, looking down shyly. "I'd - I'd like that," he whispered with a small smile.
His thoughts about cleaning the two of them up temporarily forgotten, Neville pulled Harry against him again, kissing him soundly with a smile.
Harry responded eagerly to the kiss, cuddling against him contentedly.
Wrapping his arms around Harry's waist again, Neville held him close, sighing happily when Harry cuddled against him.
Harry laid his head on Neville's shoulder, one hand coming up to trace lazy circles on his chest as they sat together. Harry, far less clothed than Neville, shivered slightly in the chill.
"I think now might be a good time for us to move," Neville said, placing a light kiss against Harry's hair. "You're getting cold."
"I'm alright," Harry objected.
Neville chuckled softly. “Saying that doesn't keep me from noticing you shiver, you know.”
"But I'm comfortable," Harry grumped.
“So am I,” Neville murmured, tightening his arms around Harry. “But you'll be just as comfortable in my bed; and warmer, I imagine.”
Harry sighed and nuzzled against him. "I suppose."
“Come on, Harry,” Neville said, smiling as he nudged Harry. “If you don't move now, I'm carrying you.”
Harry snorted as he shifted his weight off Neville's lap. "I know you've filled out a bit since Hogwarts, Nev, but there's no way you're carrying me anywhere."
“True,” Neville agreed, grinning cheekily at Harry as he stood. “But the threat of it got you moving, didn't it?”
Harry grinned and held his hand out to pull Neville to his feet as well. "Prat."
Neville smiled and wrapped one arm around Harry's waist as he kissed him softly. "Come on," he whispered. "Let's go to bed."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Harry struggled against the magic holding him in place, stifling a sob as his movements jostled broken bones. He had a vague memory of being tripped as he came through the door, the hard sole of a shoe coming down onto his wrist with a sickening crunch, his world narrowing to nothing but darkness, and pain, and that familiar, angry voice…
Harry's sleep grew more restless, tossing and turning in the unfamiliar surroundings. He flung one arm across the bed, soundly hitting Neville.
Jerked out of his sleep by the blow, Neville blinked his eyes open in the darkness of the bedroom at Harry thrashing beside him. Reaching a hand out to the other man, he grasped his shoulder to gently shake him. "Harry?"
Deep in his nightmare, Harry didn't wake immediately. His brow furrowed and he shook his head. "No," he mumbled in his sleep. "Please... no..."
"Come on, Harry," Neville said, louder than before. He gave Harry’s shoulder another light shake as he added, "Wake up."
Harry's eyes opened, and he nearly jumped from the bed before catching hold of himself. "Hey..."
Neville’s brow furrowed as he released his hold on Harry’s shoulder to slide over his arm in a soothing gesture. "Are you all right?"
Harry's breath had quickened, and he clenched his hands by his sides to hide his trembling as he nodded. "I'm sorry, Neville. I... nightmare. I'm sorry I woke you."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Neville asked, his voice laced with concern.
Harry shook his head quickly, panic rising. "No!" Taking a deep breath, he added, "It was just a bad dream. Go back to sleep."
"You’re sure?" Neville laid back onto his side and looked up at Harry uncertainly, tugging at his arm for him to join him.
"I'm sure, Neville," Harry whispered, as he laid back and snuggled against the other man. "I really am sorry."
"Don't be," Neville murmured sleepily, draping his arm around Harry's waist to pull him closer. "Everything’s all right. It was just a dream."
Harry stared into the darkness for hours, Neville’s comforting embrace soothing away the remnants of his nightmare, until Neville’s soft, even breathing finally lulled him to sleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Continue to Installment 3
Please comment - we'd love to hear your thoughts!
Please mind the warnings for triggery bits.
Title: Forgive Me
Authors: deirdre_aithne and uniquepov (our collaborations can be found on our joint journal, lorca_aithne)
Rating: NC-17
Pairing(s): Harry/Neville, past Harry/other, and a blink-and-you-might-it-mention of Dramione
Summary: Years after the end of the war, Harry and Neville hit it off after a blind date. Harry is afraid to open up, but Neville is determined to explore the spark between them. Can they find happiness together, or will the spectre of Harry's hidden past destroy their fledgling romance?
Content: Slash (with activities as implied by the rating), BDSM, D/s, angst. Bottom!Harry, if you care about that sort of thing.
Warnings: *highlight to view -spoilers*
somewhat graphic descriptions of domestic and sexual abuse and stalking (not in the main pairing)
Word Count: ≈5600 this installment (≈78k complete)
Author's Notes: Thank you to the absolute team of folks who helped to beta and cheerlead for us as we wrote this! khasael, solas_divided, kinky_kneazle, talekayler, and especially catcachoo - every one of you gave us something immeasurably precious. Thank you!
Disclaimer: We solemnly swear that we are up to no good. However, we promise to return everyone, good as new, when we’re done playing with them. We own nothing that you recognize, and we do not profit from any of it.
You can begin at the beginning or continue on to the 2nd installment of
Chapter 3
Harry sat beside Neville on the sofa, his heart pounding as he turned towards the other man. They’d spent time together nearly every day for a fortnight and, while they had agreed to take things slowly, Harry knew that Neville wouldn’t want to wait forever. Despite his nervousness, Harry’d decided it was time to try getting a bit more physical. He tentatively rested a hand on Neville's thigh as he leaned in to nuzzle his neck gently.
Smiling, Neville laid one of his hands over Harry's on his thigh, giving it a light, encouraging squeeze. Turning his face to look at him, Neville slipped his other hand beneath Harry's chin, tilting his face upwards until their eyes met. "Harry..."
Harry looked into his eyes and smiled shyly. "Neville, I... "
Dipping his head, Neville brushed their lips together briefly, stroking Harry's cheek with his thumb as he pulled away. "We should talk, Harry," he said, careful to keep his voice gentle so that the other man wouldn't think he was rejecting him. "Before this goes any further."
Harry's green eyes, which had fluttered closed at the kiss, opened wide in concern. "Talk?"
Noticing his worried expression, Neville gave Harry's hand another squeeze, hoping to remind him he wasn't being pushed away. "It would be better if we did, yes." Moving his hand from beneath Harry's chin, Neville cupped the side of his face gently. "There's something you should know before we take this step, and I don't want you to regret it."
Harry leaned his cheek into Neville's touch, but his gaze was clouded. "What... what is it?" he asked, his voice quivering with trepidation.
Neville watched Harry's face closely as he took a steadying breath, choosing his words carefully as he answered. "I'm a rather dominant lover, Harry.”
Harry's brow furrowed at Neville's words. "I... don't understand," he said finally. "Do you mean you... don't bottom? That's not an issue, Neville, I prefer to bottom...."
"It's more than that," Neville said, shaking his head. "It's not just about me topping, it's... That I like to be in control," he said, looking into Harry's eyes and willing him to understand.
Harry went very still as he looked into Neville's eyes. "In control?" he whispered.
Sensing the shift in Harry's mood, Neville withdrew his hand from Harry's face, grasping his other hand instead. "Harry? What is it?" he asked quietly, doing his best to keep his voice calm and steady despite the concern welling inside him.
Harry forced himself to take several deep breaths as he slowly withdrew his hands from Neville’s. "I - would you - explain what you mean by control?"
"Mostly, that would depend on you, and what you're comfortable with; I would never force you into anything. If you're asking for an example, though," he added, pausing for a moment to think before he continued. "I'm rather fond of tying up my partners, so that I can tease them at my leisure."
Harry stared at Neville. He didn't know what he'd been expecting, but it certainly hadn’t been that. He took another deep breath and asked quietly, "So... you mean, like... BDSM?" His cheeks were flushed pink and he ducked his head as he asked the question.
Neville nodded, the corner of his lip twitching in amusement over Harry's blushing reaction. "Exactly like that."
Harry twisted his hands in his lap as he considered that. "You're a ... Dom?" He tried to sound nonchalant, but his tone lilted up at the end and he realised he'd made it another question.
"Yes," Neville answered easily, finding it difficult not to reach for Harry when his shy nervousness was so endearing.
Harry met Neville's eyes. "When - I mean, how long have you...?" He paused and cleared his throat. "I'm sorry. You took me by surprise."
"Better now than when we've both gotten lost in the moment," Neville said, reaching for one of Harry's hands again slowly, allowing him time to pull away if he wanted to.
Harry nodded, his eyes locked onto where Neville's hand was clasping one of his own. "I... uhh... I didn't know you were into that."
"If you don't want this," Neville said, gesturing at the two of them with his free hand, "to go any further because of it, Harry, I'll understand."
Harry worried his lower lip with his teeth and refused to meet Neville's eyes for a long moment. " I - I don't know. There are ... things... that have happened..."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Neville asked, feeling the earlier wave of concern return. "Regardless of what happens here between us, I'm your friend," he said, giving Harry's hand a squeeze as he spoke. "I'll listen."
Harry shook his head quickly. "Neville, I... I've really enjoyed the time we've spent together so far. But I don't know if I can... if I can be what you want."
"Harry," Neville said, his tone slightly sharper than it had been before. "'Being what I want' is being yourself. If my... interests are a deal-breaker for you, I can accept that. But don't make the mistake of thinking I would ever want to change you..."
Harry ducked his head again at Neville's sharpened tone, physically flinching as he did. After a moment, he asked softly, "Would you... want me to leave if I said I didn't think I could -" his voice lowered almost to a whisper "-submit to you?"
Taking a chance, Neville released Harry's hand, gently cupping the side of the other man's face in his palm again, keeping his touch light, in case Harry tried to withdraw. "Only if you asked me to," he answered sincerely. "It's the way things usually are with me, Harry, but not the way they have to be. I wouldn't leave you just because it wasn't what you wanted."
Harry's gaze, wide and slightly startled, flew to Neville's face. "You wouldn't?"
"Of course I wouldn't," Neville said, reaching his other hand for Harry's with a faint smile pulling at his mouth. "Do you think I'd be foolish enough to walk away from you over something so little, Harry?"
Harry ducked his head again and stammered, "I - I don't know..."
"Harry, please look at me," Neville said softly.
Harry hesitantly raised his eyes to Neville's face.
Offering him a small smile, Neville stroked Harry's cheek as he met his eyes. "I'm not going anywhere unless you want me to. I mean that."
Harry's answering smile nearly erased the worry from his eyes. "I want you to stay, Neville," he whispered. "Please."
Relaxing at Harry's words, Neville leaned in to brush their lips together, leaving it to Harry to push him away or pull him in properly. Harry leaned into the kiss, one hand moving up to ghost over Neville's cheek. His tongue teased across the other man's lips as the kiss deepened. Neville's hand slipped from Harry’s cheek around to the back of his head, his fingers threading gently through his dark hair. His other hand rested on Harry's knee, sliding slowly upward along his leg. Harry moaned approvingly into the kiss as he leaned further into Neville, his legs parting slightly as the other man's hand slid upward, Harry's own arms winding around Neville’s neck.
Breaking away from their kiss at length to breathe, Neville tilted his head, brushing his lips along the line of Harry's jaw. His hand came to rest against the other wizard's upper thigh, squeezing lightly as he marked a trail of kisses toward Harry's neck. Harry tilted his head back with a sigh, his eyes fluttering closed again, his hand coming to rest atop Neville's on his thigh.
Neville squeezed Harry's thigh again, inching his hand upward a little further. "What do you want?" he asked quietly against the curve of Harry's throat as he nuzzled his neck between kisses.
"I..." Harry gasped, his hands moving to run through Neville's hair. "Merlin, Neville..."
Chuckling, Neville moved his hand again, pressing his palm against the bulge in Harry's trousers and rubbing it lightly through the fabric. "Do you want more?" he asked, his lips beside Harry's ear.
Harry nodded breathlessly, turning his head to capture Neville's mouth in another passionate kiss. Groaning in appreciation, Neville melted into the kiss, his fingers finding and undoing the fastenings of Harry's trousers slowly. Harry reached out a hand and brushed his fingers tentatively against the answering bulge in Neville's trousers, his breathing harsh and ragged. Neville's own breath hitched as Harry's hand brushed against him. Parting the fabric of Harry's trousers, Neville slipped his hand inside, tugging down the waistband of the other man's pants to free his straining erection.
Harry gasped as Neville's hand ghosted over his erection as he tugged his pants down. "Neville..." He leaned in to nuzzle the taller man's neck.
Curling his fingers around the base of Harry's cock, Neville squeezed the hardened flesh gently before gliding his hand along its length. "Merlin, I want you," Neville breathed, turning his face in to brush his lips against the shell of Harry's ear.
Harry shuddered as Neville's warm breath tickled his ear. His hands moved to fumble with the fastenings on Neville's trousers. "I - want you, too..."
Suppressing a moan at those words, Neville nuzzled Harry's neck. His hand continued to move slowly back and forth along the other man's length.
Harry's hand dropped down to catch hold of Neville's wrist, stilling his movements. "Neville, I ... it's been a while for me. I..."
Neville pulled back to meet Harry's eyes, offering no resistance when Harry grasped his wrist. "Do you want to stop?" he asked uncertainly.
"No," Harry groaned. "But I - I may not last very long." His cheeks flushed pink at the admission.
The edges of his mouth twitching, Neville dipped his head to press his lips to Harry's briefly. "Tell me what you want me to do, Harry," he murmured against his lips as he pulled away, bringing his unpinned hand up to caress the other man's cheek as he kissed him again. "Please?"
Harry hid his face in Neville's neck. "I - I... "
“I don't want to do something you don't want, Harry," Neville said quietly, withdrawing his hand from Harry's grasp to curl it around the other man's waist, pulling him closer. "I don't want to hurt you," he added in a whisper as he placed a few gentle kisses against Harry's neck, curling his arms loosely around his waist in an attempt to reassure him.
Harry let out a broken whimper at Neville's words and wrapped his arms around Neville's neck. Tightening his arms slightly around Harry's waist, Neville held him closer, pulling the other man fully into his lap. He turned to place a single kiss against Harry's cheek, gently stroking the small of his back. Harry let himself be pulled into Neville's lap, turning to kiss the taller man deeply, one hand resting on Neville's chest. Bringing one of his hands up to thread through Harry's hair, Neville returned the kiss eagerly, his other hand continuing to stroke Harry's back.
Harry moaned softly into the kiss, his breathing uneven and a little ragged. He pulled back to rest his forehead against Neville's cheek. "There's something.... you should... you should know..."
"What is it?" Neville asked, his voice wavering from his heavy breathing.
Harry bit his lower lip sharply and stared at his lap. His mouth opened and closed silently. "Nev-never mind," he finally whispered, as he leaned in to kiss him again.
"Harry," Neville said quietly, although his voice held a note of firmness to it as he removed his fingers from the other man's hair, pressing his hand against his shoulder to gently push him backward, looking into Harry’s eyes with concern. "What is it?" he repeated.
Harry could not hide another flinch as Neville's tone sharpened again. "I'm sorry," he whispered immediately.
Noticing Harry’s reaction, Neville's concern deepened, and he carefully kept his voice calm and quiet as he spoke again. "There's nothing for you to be sorry for," he said, removing his hand from Harry's shoulder to curl it loosely around his waist again. "But I can't let this go any further if you won't talk to me. I don't want you to regret this..." His heart was pounding loudly in his ears as he looked at Harry, torn between simply pulling the other man into his arms and pushing him away enough for them to talk.
Harry worried his bottom lip between his teeth. "Neville... I won't. I won't regret it, I promise." But despite the conviction he tried to put into his tone, he had actually begun trembling slightly on Neville's lap.
"Harry," Neville said, his voice hardly above a whisper as he swallowed back the lump of worry that rose in his throat, reaching out to cradle Harry's face in his hands again. "I don't want to push you away, but I will not risk hurting you. Please-" he said, knowing that a hint of desperate pleading had edged into his tone, "- talk to me..."
Harry knew he would have to tell Neville some version of the truth eventually. He took a deep breath and slowly eased off Neville's lap to curl up against the corner of the sofa, his knees drawn up to his chest. "I - don't know..."
Offering Harry a bit more space, Neville slid back slightly. "I'm not going anywhere, Harry," he said, hoping it would encourage the other man to open up to him. "Whatever it is, I promise it won't change the way I look at you. Or how I feel about you."
Harry stared at his knees. "I - haven't been with anyone for a long time, Neville," he admitted quietly. "I've gone farther with you than I've gone with anyone in over a year."
"Does that bother you?" Neville asked, watching Harry carefully. "Or is there something that you're not saying?"
Harry sighed. "I've - had trouble letting anyone get close. Since my last... relationship...." He darted a pleading glance at Neville. "He was... it wasn't good."
"Oh, Harry," Neville murmured, reaching for the other man again, not wanting to simply pull him into his arms, in case it startled him.
Harry stayed where he was, looking helplessly at Neville. "I can't - I can't talk about it," he whispered. "But -" he leaned forward and reached a hand tentatively across to Neville. "For the first time in a long time, I wanted someone to touch me. You."
Grasping the hand Harry extended toward him lightly, Neville nodded. "I won't push you to talk about it. Just... remember that I'm here if you decide you want to," he said, giving the hand a gentle squeeze. "And... thank you."
Harry's eyes were shiny as Neville took his hand. He took a deep breath. "Neville... I... I'm not sure about that life, about giving up control to you, but I promise that I'll think about it."
Shifting closer to Harry, Neville kept his hand beneath Harry's chin to ensure he wouldn't look away. "I won't leave if you find you can't," Neville reminded gently as he leaned in, his hand sliding to cup the back of Harry's head. "I'm here until you no longer want me," he said before pressing his lips to Harry's.
Harry returned the kiss before pulling back and smiling shyly. "That might take a while."
Neville returned the smile with one of his own, his fingers threading idly through Harry's hair for a moment. "Lucky me," he murmured sincerely as he dipped his head, brushing his lips against Harry's jaw.
Harry leaned forwards, welcoming Neville's touch, and turned to meet Neville's lips with his own. "Me, too," he whispered.
Pulling Harry closer, Neville curled his other arm around his waist again, acknowledging Harry's words by smiling against his lips. Harry smiled into the kiss in response, hesitantly inching closer to Neville. His tongue flicked out briefly to tease against Neville's lips. Neville's lips parted slightly and he tilted his head a bit, deepening their kiss as he laid his hand on Harry's thigh.
Emboldened, Harry sucked gently on Neville's bottom lip, his hand moving up to caress Neville’s cheek with his palm. Moaning in appreciation, Neville tilted his face into Harry's hand, giving the other man's thigh a squeeze. Moving his hand upwards along Harry's thigh, Neville stopped with his fingers just shy of the opening in the other wizard's trousers, squeezing again as he finally broke away from their kiss to breathe.
Harry remained leaning in towards him, breathing heavily. His eyes searched Neville's face for a moment before he squared his shoulders and shifted over so that he could climb back onto the other man's lap.
Watching Harry climb onto his lap, Neville placed both of his hands on his hips, pulling him flush against him as he nuzzled Harry's neck. His lips began tracing a slow line of kisses along his jaw and neck. Harry let out a soft moan and tilted his head to nuzzle along Neville's neck and nip lightly at his earlobe.
His fingers tightening on Harry's hips, Neville groaned against the curve of his neck. "Merlin, I want you," he breathed.
Harry's lips curved into a smile, pressed against Neville's ear. "Do you?" he whispered, licking the shell of his ear.
"Tease," Neville answered affectionately, rolling his hips upward to grind against Harry, who let out a soft whimper at the movement. One of his hands shifted, reaching around to grab Harry's arse, and Neville groaned as Harry continued trailing along his neck and jaw with light, lingering kisses.
Neville leaned his head back with a sigh as Harry's lips moved across his flesh. He ground his hips upward again with a groan, holding Harry tightly to him as he did. Harry wriggled teasingly in Neville's arms as he sucked on a sensitive spot at the base of Neville’s throat. He gasped against Neville's skin as their erections rubbed together roughly.
"Harry," Neville hissed, his hand tightening on Harry's arse. Slipping his other hand between them, Neville tugged open the fabric of Harry's trousers again, his fingers brushing lightly over Harry's length as his trousers and pants were quickly pulled down.
Harry tensed slightly, but continued his ministrations to Neville's neck, jaw and ears, wrapping his arms around the other man's neck and carding through the hair at the back of his head. Wrapping his fingers firmly around the base of Harry's cock, Neville stroked him slowly, breathing heavily as Harry continued to tease him. As Neville's hand began stroking him, Harry closed his eyes and groaned against his neck, thrusting his hips up.
"Like that, Harry?" Neville murmured, turning his face to bring his lips near the other man's ear. As his hand slipped back down towards the base of Harry's shaft, Neville squeezed him lightly.
Harry nodded, nipping more roughly at his ear and moaning at the squeeze. "Please..."
Grinding himself against Harry's arse as the other man writhed in his lap, Neville tightened his hold on Harry's cock, stroking his length a bit more firmly. "Please what, Harry?" he asked, his voice wavering slightly from his desire. "What do you want?"
"You," Harry breathed. "Please, Neville..." He pushed his hips down against Neville's lap.
Neville moaned as Harry pushed back against him, slowing his hand on the other man's cock to a more teasing pace. "I think we're both still much too clothed for that," he murmured, nuzzling Harry' neck.
Harry groaned at Neville's words, burying his face in the other man's neck. "Neville..."
"Yes?" Neville trailed feather light kisses along Harry's jaw.
Harry mumbled something unintelligible against Neville's neck as he reached between them to stroke Neville's erection through his trousers.
Groaning softly as Harry touched him, Neville gave his arse an appreciative squeeze. "I didn't quite catch that, Harry."
Harry kept his face buried in Neville's neck, kissing along the other man's collarbone.
"What is it?" Neville repeated, his voice wavering from his heavy breathing.
Harry lifted his head to meet Neville's eyes, leaning in to press their lips together. "Want you," he whispered.
Grinding himself up against Harry's arse, Neville smiled against his lips. "You have me," he murmured playfully, kissing the side of Harry's mouth as he trailed his lips along his cheek towards his ear. "What do you want me to do?"
Harry leaned his head to nip at Neville's ear teasingly, before whispering into his ear, "Whatever you want. Please..."
"Even if what I want is to fuck you right here?" Neville asked, squeezing Harry's arse again for emphasis, pulling him tighter against him. "Just like this?"
Harry groaned as Neville pulled him closer, bringing their chests flush together. "Oh, fuck, Neville..."
Loosening his hold on Harry's arse, Neville turned his face in towards the other man's neck, placing several lingering kisses against it before he could find his voice to speak again. "Undress for me, Harry?" he murmured at length, his voice rough as he pulled at Harry's trousers. "These are rather in the way."
Harry's green eyes were dilated with need as he shifted to stand before Neville. Harry’s fingers fumbled with his clothing awkwardly as his cheeks tinged pink again.
"Merlin, you're amazing," Neville whispered, his eyes locked on Harry's face as he spoke, hoping that the other man would see that he was sincere. After a moment, his gaze began to wander downward, following the path of Harry's fingers as he fumbled with his clothing. He pulled open his own trousers as he watched him, shifting his weight enough to tug them down.
Harry stripped off his jumper, leaving his t-shirt on, and shoved his trousers and pants down, stepping out of them impatiently. Once done, however, he stood in front of Neville uncertainly.
Neville's eyes roamed hungrily over Harry's body for a moment before he reached for him. Harry allowed himself to be pulled back down against Neville, shifting to straddle the other man as he kissed him eagerly. Groaning as he pulled Harry tightly against his chest again, Neville returned the kiss with equal enthusiasm, his hands trailing over the other man's chest, slowly mapping his body with his fingers. Harry ground his hips down to rub their erections together as the kiss continued, Neville's hands roaming over his body as Harry's hands moved across Neville's shoulders.
Breathing heavily, Neville broke away from the kiss, pressing his face against Harry's neck. "Need you," he whispered, his hands grasping at Harry's hips, moaning as their erections pressed together again.
Harry let out a soft groan at Neville's words, which grew louder as their bodies rubbed together. "Yes..." he murmured.
Curling both of his arms around Harry's waist, Neville nuzzled his neck gently. "Tell me what you need, Harry," he whispered, his hands wandering to Harry's arse as he spoke. "Let me hear you say it."
Harry's hands tugged at Neville's shirt as he ducked his head. "I need you... please..." he said softly, cheeks flaming.
"Need me to what?" he prodded, grinding himself against Harry. "You can say it, Harry," he whispered encouragingly against his neck, following the words up with a series of gentle kisses along his jaw.
Harry pushed Neville's shoulders back against the sofa, leaning in to nip along his ear and jaw a bit more roughly. "I need you to fuck me," he managed, voice tight with desire.
"Yes," Neville hissed, gripping Harry's arse tightly as he ground into him again. Tilting his face to allow Harry better access to his neck, Neville slipped one of his hands between them, grasping his own cock in his hand as he shifted his hips a bit, using his hand still on Harry's arse to lift him slightly.
Harry shifted his weight, kneeling up against Neville and letting the other man direct what was about to happen.
Muttering a wandless lubrication spell against the curve of Harry's throat, Neville nuzzled his neck again as he positioned himself against Harry's arse. "Tell me if I'm hurting you," he whispered, his hand lightly stroking the small of the other man's back as he spoke. "I swear I'll stop..."
Harry nodded as he pushed back against Neville. "Just... be gentle," he whispered. "This time, be gentle."
"Of course," Neville murmured, his hands grasping Harry's hips to help guide him down slowly onto his cock. Nuzzling Harry's neck again, Neville left a trail of kisses down toward his shoulder, listening for any signs that Harry was in pain as he felt himself slowly pushing into him.
Harry's breath left him in a slow hiss as Neville pressed inside him. He struggled to relax against the intrusion, sinking slowly down onto Neville's cock as he tried to take him fully inside, until he felt Neville's skin come flush against his arse. Harry dropped his head onto Neville's shoulder as he stilled, breathing hard. "Oh, gods..."
Taking a steadying breath to keep from moving too soon, Neville stroked Harry's hips soothingly. "You feel so good," he murmured, his voice strained with desire. "Tell me-" he started, breaking off to take another steadying breath, his fingers grasping at Harry's hips again "-when you're ready."
"Oh, Merlin," Harry groaned against his neck. "It's been so long..." Harry rocked his hips against the other man, shuddering as the movement sent shocks running up his spine. "Neville...."
"We'll go as slow as you need, Harry," Neville said, moaning when Harry moved against him. His fingers tightened on Harry's hips as he pressed his forehead against his shoulder, breathing heavily.
Harry braced himself against Neville's shoulders as he began to move up and down on the other man's cock. He let out a needy moan as the angle pushed Neville's cock firmly against his prostate.
"Fuck, Harry," Neville groaned, leaning his head back. Removing one of his hands from the other man's hips, Neville cupped Harry's cheek against his palm, pulling him in for a hungry kiss.
Harry returned the kiss passionately, holding tightly to Neville's shoulders as he moved atop the other man.
Groaning against Harry's lips, Neville deepened their kiss, the hand still on Harry's hip slipping between them to grasp the base of his cock. Squeezing him briefly, Neville began sliding his hand along Harry's length in time with his movements.
Harry gasped as Neville began stroking him, his movements speeding up as he tried not to thrust into Neville's hand. "No... I won't... last..." he choked out as he tried to keep his rhythm steady.
Smirking, Neville gave Harry's cock another squeeze. "Neither will I, with you moving on me like this." Bringing his lips closer to Harry's ear, he gently nipped at the lobe with his teeth before adding, "And I want to make you come before I do."
Harry gave a broken whimper and increased his pace as best he could. "I... ohh..."
Moaning in appreciation, Neville matched the pace of his hand to that of Harry's movements on his cock. "So perfect," he whispered against the curve of Harry's neck, taking an unsteady breath as he felt himself nearing the end.
"Neville, I - " Harry desperately fought for breath as he rocked back against Neville's shaft and thrust forward into his hand. "I'm going to -"
"Come for me, Harry," Neville breathed, giving Harry's cock another squeeze as he spoke before stroking his shaft a little faster. Turning his face toward his again, Neville claimed Harry's lips again, moaning against them as he ground himself against his arse.
The dual stimulation finally pushed Harry over the edge and he cried out into the kiss as he came, in a series of violent shudders, shooting streams of come against both their torsos. "Ahh!"
"Gods, Harry," Neville groaned, loosening his hold on the other man's cock while tightening his hand around his hip. Thrusting up into him a few more times, Neville finally tensed as he came inside him with a low groan.
Harry slumped against Neville's chest, breathing hard, as they came down from their climaxes. "Neville..." he panted, nuzzling the other man's neck.
Wrapping his arms around Harry's waist, Neville smiled as Harry nuzzled his neck. "Yes, Harry?" he asked, placing a kiss against Harry's shoulder before lifting his head to look at him.
Harry leaned in to kiss him deeply, Neville's half-hard cock still inside him. His arms wrapped around the other man's neck.
Sighing contently into his kiss, Neville tightened his arms slightly around Harry's waist, holding him close. "You're...so amazing," he whispered when they finally parted, leaning his forehead against Harry's.
"M'not," Harry mumbled, cheeks flushed. He snuggled bonelessly against Neville.
"You are," Neville said, sliding his arm over Harry's back as he held him close. "And I'm a very lucky man right now." Placing a gentle kiss against the fringe of Harry's hair, Neville smiled contently as he repeated, "Very lucky."
Harry's cheeks tinged red and he buried his face in the crook of Neville's shoulder.
Chuckling, Neville squeezed Harry lightly. "As much as I would love to stay like this all night- and believe me, I could," Neville started, reaching up to stroke the back of Harry's head and thread his fingers through his hair. "We're going to have to move at some point, before we stick like this."
Harry gave a soft whine of protest, before sighing and nodding. "You're right..." He shifted his weight awkwardly as he tried to move to the other end of the sofa.
Stopping him before he could pull fully away, Neville leaned in to brush his lips against Harry's again. "Harry..."
Harry returned the kiss softly, his lashes fluttering closed as he leaned into Neville.
Stopping short of pulling Harry back into his lap, Neville broke away after a moment, smiling, and pressed his forehead against Harry's again. "Would you...like to stay here tonight, Harry?"
Harry nodded, looking down shyly. "I'd - I'd like that," he whispered with a small smile.
His thoughts about cleaning the two of them up temporarily forgotten, Neville pulled Harry against him again, kissing him soundly with a smile.
Harry responded eagerly to the kiss, cuddling against him contentedly.
Wrapping his arms around Harry's waist again, Neville held him close, sighing happily when Harry cuddled against him.
Harry laid his head on Neville's shoulder, one hand coming up to trace lazy circles on his chest as they sat together. Harry, far less clothed than Neville, shivered slightly in the chill.
"I think now might be a good time for us to move," Neville said, placing a light kiss against Harry's hair. "You're getting cold."
"I'm alright," Harry objected.
Neville chuckled softly. “Saying that doesn't keep me from noticing you shiver, you know.”
"But I'm comfortable," Harry grumped.
“So am I,” Neville murmured, tightening his arms around Harry. “But you'll be just as comfortable in my bed; and warmer, I imagine.”
Harry sighed and nuzzled against him. "I suppose."
“Come on, Harry,” Neville said, smiling as he nudged Harry. “If you don't move now, I'm carrying you.”
Harry snorted as he shifted his weight off Neville's lap. "I know you've filled out a bit since Hogwarts, Nev, but there's no way you're carrying me anywhere."
“True,” Neville agreed, grinning cheekily at Harry as he stood. “But the threat of it got you moving, didn't it?”
Harry grinned and held his hand out to pull Neville to his feet as well. "Prat."
Neville smiled and wrapped one arm around Harry's waist as he kissed him softly. "Come on," he whispered. "Let's go to bed."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Harry struggled against the magic holding him in place, stifling a sob as his movements jostled broken bones. He had a vague memory of being tripped as he came through the door, the hard sole of a shoe coming down onto his wrist with a sickening crunch, his world narrowing to nothing but darkness, and pain, and that familiar, angry voice…
Harry's sleep grew more restless, tossing and turning in the unfamiliar surroundings. He flung one arm across the bed, soundly hitting Neville.
Jerked out of his sleep by the blow, Neville blinked his eyes open in the darkness of the bedroom at Harry thrashing beside him. Reaching a hand out to the other man, he grasped his shoulder to gently shake him. "Harry?"
Deep in his nightmare, Harry didn't wake immediately. His brow furrowed and he shook his head. "No," he mumbled in his sleep. "Please... no..."
"Come on, Harry," Neville said, louder than before. He gave Harry’s shoulder another light shake as he added, "Wake up."
Harry's eyes opened, and he nearly jumped from the bed before catching hold of himself. "Hey..."
Neville’s brow furrowed as he released his hold on Harry’s shoulder to slide over his arm in a soothing gesture. "Are you all right?"
Harry's breath had quickened, and he clenched his hands by his sides to hide his trembling as he nodded. "I'm sorry, Neville. I... nightmare. I'm sorry I woke you."
"Do you want to talk about it?" Neville asked, his voice laced with concern.
Harry shook his head quickly, panic rising. "No!" Taking a deep breath, he added, "It was just a bad dream. Go back to sleep."
"You’re sure?" Neville laid back onto his side and looked up at Harry uncertainly, tugging at his arm for him to join him.
"I'm sure, Neville," Harry whispered, as he laid back and snuggled against the other man. "I really am sorry."
"Don't be," Neville murmured sleepily, draping his arm around Harry's waist to pull him closer. "Everything’s all right. It was just a dream."
Harry stared into the darkness for hours, Neville’s comforting embrace soothing away the remnants of his nightmare, until Neville’s soft, even breathing finally lulled him to sleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Continue to Installment 3
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