When Love Grows With Time

- When Love Grows With Time -

by Firesword

Chapter Two: The Beginnings of a Relationship

2nd September 2008

Three nights later, a celebration to mark the approach of autumn took place. Lucius was inside the communal tent and he was seated on one of the benches close to the tent wall. He watched as Harry danced with a witch who constantly fluttered her eyelashes at the dark-haired wizard. Lucius managed to suppress the surge of jealousy that rose in him. However, he was unable to hide the scowl from forming on his face. He drowned the last of his Firewhiskey at one go, and continued to watch Harry's body swaying in time with the music.

Oh, how he wanted to run his hands down those flanks and grip Harry's hips. Lucius shook his head. Although what he had really wanted to do was bang it against the wall, or perhaps, to put his entire head into icy-cold water.

I think I drank too much, he thought to himself. Tantalizing thoughts of him and the dancing wizard continued to plague his mind. Yes. Lucius nodded his head. I definitely have drunk too much whiskey. I should not have been having these thoughts.

He noticed the curious look Kristopher gave him and Lucius glowered, not feeling pleased with himself. The sapphire-eyed wizard stared at him for a moment longer, and then he looked away. He seemed to be thinking about something. Lucius studied the wizard in amusement; Kristopher's thoughtful expression had turned to one of hopefulness, and then of grim determination.

The wizard stood and casually sauntered over to where Elmira sat with her friends and several children. Lucius snorted derisively when Kristopher pulled the nonplussed witch out of her position and steered her into the dancing crowd. Catcalls and loud whistles pierced the night air.

About time, Lucius agreed. He rose to his feet with one hand clutched around his empty glass. He walked up to the bar and requested for more Firewhiskey. The server looked at him strangely as he drank from the small glass at once.

"I don't think you should drink any more of this," the wizard behind the bar spoke. "You don't want to be the first to have your stomach melted down by the Firewhiskey."

Lucius did not respond to the statement. He looked back and saw that Harry had just released the witch that had been dancing with him for the past fifteen minutes.

But why am I hesitating? I should just go over to him. It is not likely that my wife would be resurrected from her grave if she finds out that I am intent to waste my time on relationships of my taste.

Lucius carefully made his way toward Harry, and about midway down, the younger wizard met his eyes. He smiled slightly when he saw that Harry appeared stunned, and the younger man stood transfixed on the floor. A perfect prey, Lucius thought elatedly. He stopped before the younger man and held out his hand. "Well?" he inquired, as he stared deeply into a pair of brilliant green eyes. It was a shame that their magnificence was somewhat tempered behind the pair of tinted glasses.

Harry finally regained composure and straightened his shoulders. "Well what?" he asked and turned his body slightly. Lucius grasped his wrist before the raven-haired wizard could escape.

"Will you not dance with me, Mister Potter?" Lucius asked softly. He moved forward, and then wrapped his right arm around Harry's waist. "Or are you afraid?"

The body beneath his fingers stiffened and Harry glared at him. They started to dance but after a few minutes, Lucius became slightly irritated at Harry's lack of participation. "Do not embarrass us so, Mister Potter. Relax - I am not going to bite you."

Harry stopped and he stood rock-still. "Do not mock me by trying to imitate Snape, Lucius," the wizard said quietly. "Let me go - I'm tired."

"So, you are afraid of me. Or else, why would you run?" Lucius commented sweetly. You are such a brave individual ... calling me by my first name.

"I am not afraid of you, Malfoy," Harry grated, "and I am not running away."

Lucius smiled. "Then dance with me, Potter. And please, relax while you are at it. I do not wish for my toes to be stamped on by an ungainly wizard."

"I am not ungainly."

Lucius smiled triumphantly as Harry finally placed one hand on his shoulder and waited for him to make his move. "Excellent," Lucius said. The musicians played a new tune. It was slow and romantic. His hand felt good resting above Harry's hip, and for the umpteenth time he wondered how it would feel if he touched bare skin instead.

His gray eyes gazed into Harry's face, which appeared closed and distant. It was as though he was protecting himself against something. A thought struck Lucius suddenly. Harry rarely looked at him ever since they met, and right now, it felt to Lucius as though the young wizard did not really want to look too closely at his face.

Why? Lucius asked himself, piqued. He became lost in his own thoughts and let his body take over. Lucius was not aware that the music had changed yet again and the two of them had responded to the alteration unconsciously. Lucius gulped. Something warm was blowing against his chest and he was suddenly aware that his cheek was resting against silky and thick black hair.

Lucius's eyes widened in disbelief. Is he aware of it? he thought worriedly. Just a few minutes ago, Harry was quite hostile and reluctant, but now, he was actually embracing Lucius and occasionally, his hand would rub up and down the older wizard's spine.

This feels nice. Lucius gathered Harry closer to him and he inhaled deeply. The pleasant aroma of iris, chrysanthemum and mulberry root infused into Harry's hair smelled somewhat arousing. Lucius bent his head further and smiled devilishly. He blew warm air over the outer shell of Harry's ear, and the arms around him tightened.

Lucius could no longer contain his desires, so heightened by the scent of the wizard in his arms and the movements of the strong but supple body. His manhood hardened as blood rushed to fill it, and sparks of lust fired his entire being. His heartbeat quickened.

It was then that Harry had become rigid without warning. The slight tension that was coming from the younger wizard's spine had warned him that Harry was going to leave - probably by pushing him away. Before Harry's plan could take place, Lucius slid his hands lower, rested them lightly on the wizard's sides, and pressed his body against Harry.

He did not have the faintest idea what had possessed him to do that. As a result of the direct and intimate contact, a part of him was delighted beyond comprehension but there was another part of him that was wishing he could just melt into a puddle and disappear into the earth.

The reason: Lucius had not expected that Harry would be just as aroused - oh, he had known that Harry was gay, but the thought that the other wizard was turned on because of him.... He looked down and stared deeply into Harry's eyes - they conveyed him the shock and disbelief that ran through the wizard. Lucius could not believe it himself either and he had thrust his hips forward again, just to be sure.

Lucius pressed his lips tightly together to prevent from moaning aloud. It felt incredible. Harry had let out a soft gasp, and he had dug his fingers deeply into Lucius's waist. The older wizard closed his eyes and breathed deeply, and then he slowly released his hold on Harry. For a moment, Lucius merely stood facing the dark-haired man and listened to the slow music struck up by the band. Then he moved, and his shoulder brushed against the younger wizard purposefully.

"You know where my tent is, Harry," Lucius whispered and stalked toward the bar. The server looked at him dubiously. "This is the last." The wizard behind the bar shrugged and handed him the small glass of Firewhiskey. Lucius finished that off quickly and exited from the communal tent. He headed back to his retreat - a place that had become somewhat like a home to him - with growing anticipation.

Will he come? Lucius questioned himself. He tapped his finger lightly on the entrance of his tent and it opened almost immediately. The flaps rolled up with the aid of invisible hands. The lust inside Lucius grew so strong that he could not hear and he could not see. He clenched his fingers on the back of the nearest thing to him - a sturdy wooden chair.

He felt someone brushing his hair away from his neck, and something hot and wet licked the side of his neck, before stopping at a sensitive spot behind his ear. There were hands on his chest, and a set of fingers was carefully undoing the clasp that was holding his robe together. The hands pried his fingers off the chair, and then they traveled upward again, this time to remove the long robe from his body.

"Lucius..." The voice belonged to the wizard he had danced with earlier. "Are you sure?" The hands stroked his clothed chest languidly.

Lucius Malfoy turned, but Harry's hands refused to leave his torso. Two questing fingers found a nub beneath the plain black tunic he wore, and pinched it playfully. Lucius forced his eyes to focus on Harry, who appeared slightly flushed. His green eyes were dark and glazed with desire, and his lips were slightly parted. Lucius followed the movement of a delicate pink tongue as it swiped across the lower lip.

"The sole purpose of my marriage to Narcissa was to cover up my personal tastes, Harry. As you are, I can be attracted to wizards," Lucius said. He reached out to caress the side of Harry's cheek.

"What do you want, Lucius?" Harry's voice was breathy and it had sent pleasant tingles down Lucius's spine.

What I want. Lucius caught Harry's wrist, and he smiled slyly.

"What do you want, Lucius?" Harry repeated, and sidled boldly against him.

Lucius guided Harry's hand down, slipped it underneath his tunic, and planted it gently on his taut abdomen. Harry waited expectantly. Lucius then slid both of their hands under the waistband of his stretchable and loose trousers.

"Lucius..." Harry groaned when it was Lucius who should have done so.

Lucius's hips moved restlessly as Harry's gentle fingers wrapped around him, and one thumb smeared the evidence of his excitement occasionally.

With a voice so thick with lust, Lucius asked, "What do you think I want, Harry?" Then he pulled Harry up against him and kissed the Gryffindor.

About an hour later, Lucius was on his back and his legs were wrapped about Harry's straining figure. His whole system was overloaded with intense pleasure and that he could only moan loudly each time Harry had hit that sensitive spot deep inside him. He would scream, just a little, when Harry slammed into him without warning. However, he was not too worried about disturbing his neighbors since Harry had made sure that Silencing Charms were cast about the tent before they had begun their activities in earnest.

Lucius was not sure how he ended being the submissive one - he was not too sure how Harry had become the dominant one either. As far as his sexual experience was concerned, he had never bothered to experiment with the possibility of being the bottom. He was quite surprised that he actually liked it. It did help that Harry had taken a lot of effort to make sure that he was well prepared before sliding in. This new experience had made him harder than what he had thought possible.

"God - Lucius!" Harry gasped.

He reached up to grab Harry's hair and pulled his lover down. Their lips met in a frantic kiss, while one of Harry's hands slipped in between their bodies and stroked Lucius's neglected erection. They climaxed simultaneously soon after; Lucius sensed Harry's seed filling him just as his own covered his own stomach.

He must have passed out, because when he had opened his eyes, Harry was standing by the foot of his bed and he was already dressed. Lucius was still naked and sticky. A part of him was disappointed that Harry had not considered staying and perhaps indulging themselves a bit more. I am sure that his choice has something to do with the reason why he is here - whatever that may be. He could not deny that his body was satisfied, so he had smiled at Harry.

Lucius felt a lot better when Harry smiled back, with a hint of shyness in it. "Thank you, Lucius," the raven-haired wizard said softly.

"It's undoubtedly a pleasure, Harry," Lucius replied, but then his eyes fluttered and he felt tired suddenly. He fell asleep even before Harry left the tent.

-oOoOOxOOoOo-

Lucius Malfoy was reading a message he had received from Patrick - the leader of the renovation squad - when he sensed that he was being watched. He resisted the urge to search for the source. After all, what was the point of doing so when he already knew whom the culprit was? And why should he waste his time to look up only to find that the culprit was studying something or someone else, and then to look down at the message and try to figure what he had already read and what information he had not?

Lucius wanted to swear in frustration. He wished that Harry would just tell him why he was casting those covert glances. Fortunately, the message from Patrick was able to lift his spirits; he would be able to move into his new house before the beginning of winter. He carefully folded the message, tucked it into his pocket, and pretended to read the Daily Prophet as he lifted his mug of tea.

He's looking at me again. The silvery-haired wizard wanted to scowl. What is bothering him? Lucius thought fretfully. Finally, he could not stand it any longer and lifted his chin. His eyes met Harry's boldly, and Lucius smiled inwardly. Harry was trapped by his gaze and he could not look away.

There's that look of sorrow again. What in the nine hells is troubling him? Is there something on my face? What? What? What!

Then Harry flinched suddenly, as though Lucius's thoughts had hurt him. Then the sable-haired wizard stood up and left the communal tent.

Merlin - what in the fucking hell is wrong with him? Lucius's brows knitted into a deep scowl.

-oOoOOxOOoOo-

Harry breathed shakily. He had not meant to use Legilimency on Lucius - he had not meant to use an opportunity like that. He did not realize that he had been transparent, but unfortunately, Lucius was somewhat aware that he was deeply troubled. And tell him that I had dated his son, caught his son in the act of sleeping with someone else, and I slept with the father of my unfaithful lover? Harry shook his head wearily. However, overall, Harry was relieved that he had not slept with Lucius to spite Draco. The thing that had happened between them nine nights ago had been mutual, and Harry had needed the relief badly.

He proceeded to the work tent and immediately started to work on several wands that he had brought with him. After twenty minutes or so, he stopped, and looked at one ebony wand he had nearly destroyed. He set it down on the table, leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes.

Damn it.

It was there, deeply lodged in his heart. He still loved Draco. And he had slept with Lucius, who was Draco's father. Tears stung his eyes and he massaged his temple wearily. He did not want to make the same mistake Snape had made - the time when the Potions Master had used to think that he was the replica of his father.

His stomach tensed and doubtful thoughts attacked his mind. Did I see Lucius as Lucius, or did I see him as Draco? He lifted his head, and a drop of tear slid down his cheek, before dropping off from his chin to his hand. Dear gods. I'd never expected that I'm susceptible to panic attacks.

Harry gathered the wands and wrapped each of them with black silk handkerchiefs. Then he tied them into a bundle with a piece of ribbon. He made the long trip back to his tent and deposited the bundle on top of his trunk. Hysteria seemed to bubble inside him again, and he decided that a talk with Kristopher was in order.

His feet carried him to the tent beside Elmira's and as he hoped, Kristopher was inside. His friend was trying to feed a baby and to keep its twin occupied at the same time.

"Merlin bless you!" Kristopher exclaimed fervently. "Harry, please help me - get one of the toys and give it to Celeste."

Harry grinned, and forgot his real purpose momentarily. He was reaching up for one of the scarlet dragon dolls when three toddlers simultaneously grabbed the hem of his robe, and Harry heard a tearing sound. He froze.

"Carol, Edward and Kevin!" Kristopher said loudly. "Sit down - the three of you!"

The three, two year-olds sat down immediately with their hands still clutching at the hem of his dark maroon robe. Harry did not move at all. Kristopher sighed explosively, then winced when Celeste - the twin sibling of the babe in his arms - pulled at his short hair.

"Uncle Kris says - hum."

The three young children at Harry's feet hummed immediately. Harry blinked - their combination of voices actually made his hair rise.

"Good. Now, Uncle Kris says - put your hands on your head."

Six hands quickly released their hold on Harry's robe to comply with Kristopher's command.

"Good," the wizard nodded. "Now, Harry. Move away and remove your robe."

The three young children had started to rise, but then Celeste looked at Harry in confusion. "Eddie, Kev? Why are you standing? Uncle Kris never said 'Uncle Kris says', and he said Harry - not our names."

"Marvelous! One Wizard and Witches card for Carol!" Kristopher announced and there was a faint pop, and a Card appeared on the girl's lap. She crowed in happiness, while her two playmates wailed and accused Kristopher for cheating.

Harry removed his torn robe from his body and draped it over the back of a chair. He took the stuffed dragon and handed it to Celeste. Then he sat down cross-legged, and produced several glowing stars in front of the children. Edward and Kevin looked at him and then the stars in astonishment.

"What brings you here, Harry?" Kristopher asked quietly.

"Are you free this evening, Kris?" Harry inquired. "Because I feel like I need to talk with someone."

Kristopher studied him calmly. "Why not Lucius? Don't be offended - I'm not going to push you away now that you've told me you need someone to talk with but why not Lucius? I thought the two of you were close."

Harry's face was aflame with embarrassment. "I can't talk with him because ... because, my ex? -lover is a close relative of his."

Kristopher's eyebrows flew up, and suspicion became clear in the pair of sapphire-colored eyes. "Right after dinner. We'll talk."

-oOoOOxOOoOo-

Lucius finally sat up in his bed, and he felt extremely irritated. He did not understand why he had felt jealous when he had seen Harry walking alongside Kristopher. Both of them had disappeared into the woods after dinner. It is not as if he is my lover. I don't have the right to curtail his freedom. Lucius scowled at himself. Moreover, Kristopher is not gay and unlikely to bugger Harry - they probably had a talk. Then it made him Lucius feel jealous all over again. What did he say to Kristopher that he couldn't tell me? I'm sure that there were meanings behind those glances of his.

He raked his fingers through his long hair, and then he winced when they encountered tangled locks. Ouch. He glanced at the small clock on the small end table. It looked as though he had spent the entire night tossing, turning, and fretting without getting any sleep. It was just an hour before dawn. Lucius got out of his bed and washed. Several minutes later, he seated himself on a chair to brush his hair. He had gotten dressed before he realized that it was still too early for him to do anything.

Perhaps I should take a walk.

With that aim in mind, he headed out of his tent, and walked. It was purely coincidence when he saw Harry striding toward him. A surge of hope filled Lucius's heart, and he snorted at himself.

Why in the hell am I acting the way I am? Damnation! I am a Slytherin, and a bloody Malfoy.

However, another voice was drowning his mocking self. His tent is that way, so he can't be heading toward it. Could it be that he wanted to see me? He studied the Gryffindor carefully - Harry seemed to be ill at ease.

"Lucius," Harry greeted softly. "I hadn't expected you to be up this early."

"Oh? Should I go back to my tent and let you ambush me in my sleep?" Lucius asked with a weak smile. A faint blush appeared on Harry's cheeks, and he shifted on his feet uneasily. Lucius blinked and took another step closer. "Was that your plan, Harry?" His arms now encircled the other man's waist, and he gazed deeply into Harry's eyes.

Lucius wondered what he and Kristopher had talked about, because Harry moved even closer and kissed him. Bloody hell. Lucius lost himself in the kiss, and he fenced enthusiastically with his younger lover. After several minutes, they found that they needed to breathe and pulled themselves apart.

Lucius felt slightly silly - anyone who saw them together would think that they were romantic. His eyes were closed, and his forehead was resting against Harry's. He could feel the scar that still adorned the wizard's brow, and the tip of his sharp nose brushed the bridge of Harry's nose. If only the piece of metal that was part of the wizard's glasses did not get in the way. He moved his head slightly, and placed a gentle kiss on Harry's left cheek.

One of Harry's hands came to rest on his chest, started to move up and down, before it deviated from the vertical path and sought his right nipple. Lucius began to wish that he had worn something lighter, but the morning air had been chilly and he had thought that it was only wise if he had worn something warmer.

"I need to talk to you, Lucius," Harry said in a quiet voice.

Lucius drew back and considered Harry's expression. The raven-haired wizard looked dead serious, and he nodded. "Come with me - I want to show you something."

-oOoOOxOOoOo-

Harry walked alongside Lucius, acutely aware of the dark gray robes that brushed against his hand. He gave a sidelong glance at the tall, refined wizard, and studied Lucius's profile. There were no arguments just how like Lucius Draco resembled, except for their hair. Perhaps it was because of Lucius's age that his hair was more silvery than Draco's was.

He sighed and looked at the path ahead of him.

They were walking toward the east. They had left the camp and they were going deeper into the forest. After quite some time, Harry realized that they were going downhill.

"Uhmmm, Lucius? Where are you taking me?" he asked curiously.

"My favorite thinking spot actually," the other wizard replied. He was looking at Harry from the corner of his eye.

Harry did not reply and continued walking. He felt slightly jumpy and nervous. It was not just the prospect of telling Lucius a bit of his personal life, but also because he was slightly uncertain as to how he should view Lucius. The first time he had met Lucius, the wizard had not made the effort to conceal the malice in him. Now, however, it was quite difficult for him to see the two as one person.

The path became narrower and the ground became rockier. After some time, they had to go down a hill. Lucius preceded him, and Harry was more or less forced to pay attention to where he place his foot rather than get lost in his musings. At the bottom of the slope, Lucius held out his hand and Harry took it. Unfortunately, a root of a tree caught Harry's foot, and he lost balance.

A moment later, there was a loud thud, and Lucius groaned in pain. Harry's misstep had sent the two of them to the ground, and Lucius had landed heavily on the earth. Harry's heart pounded violently in his chest. He lifted his face from Lucius's chest and looked at the man under him. He hoped that the wizard who had cushioned his fall was all right.

"Gods, Lucius. I'm sorry. Are you hurt?" Harry heaved himself up and gasped. He became blind for a second as intense pleasure rushed through his system. When he finally regained his vision, he saw Lucius's steel-gray eyes watching him with an intensity that was almost frightening.

Lucius's arms that had wrapped about him protectively were now slowly sliding down to his hips. Harry's breath hitched as he felt the man's fingers tightening on them. Lucius arched his body and Harry trembled violently. A low moan escaped his lips when Lucius repeated the action and Harry undulated back against his lover.

"Harry..." Lucius whispered and frantically brought him down for a quick kiss.

It was not enough for Harry. In the back of his mind, he was fantasizing that he was ripping off Lucius's clothes and tasting his lover every where. His stomach tensed, and he groaned loudly. Lucius was touching him and Harry had wanted nothing more but to climax.

No ... not now. I have to tell him first. Harry pulled himself up abruptly. He crawled away from Lucius and sat near the wizard's feet. Lucius rose from his position, and glared.

"Let's go to that place that you wanted to show me first. I need to talk to you. Anything else has to wait." Harry hoped Lucius could hear the urgency in his voice. After a moment, the older wizard sighed and slowly stood up. Then Lucius extended his hand to him, and Harry took it.

Lucius gave him a quick embrace, and Harry felt somewhat bewildered by it. The area about them grew lighter and Lucius peered at something above him. "Come." They came upon a flat glade, and Lucius took his hand, and started to lead him toward a tree. Then he sat down, and tugged at Harry to do the same.

Harry looked curiously about the small clearing and then at Lucius. There was nothing remarkable about the area except that it was pretty with the morning mist swirling close to the ground. Lucius wore a satisfied smile and it prompted Harry to study the surroundings again. After five minutes or so, Harry came to the realization that they were in a 'bowl'. Hills of trees - short and tall - encompassed them.

"A remarkable thing happens each morning when the sun peeks through those trees," Lucius said softly. The older wizard turned his head slightly and Harry met his gaze. "We have at least thirty minutes before it happens. So, what is it, Harry?"

Harry was having a bit of difficulty to breathe. Lucius was distracting him by caressing the side of his face and tucking one forelock behind his ear. The aquiline-faced Slytherin smiled crookedly, as though he knew just how his touch was affecting him. Harry's malachite-green eyes flickered over to watch the clump of trees before him.

"The reason I came here was because I needed some place to think about things," Harry began. "Huh ... maybe a place where I can hide is more appropriate." Without thinking, he rested his head against Lucius's shoulder. The older wizard then shifted a little, and his left arm snaked around Harry's waist in the process. Harry sighed in approval and settled more comfortably against Lucius.

"I came here about three weeks ago, right after I saw my boyfriend fucking someone else, in a place that's supposed to be exclusive, just for the two of us. I think it was purely rotten luck that I had decided to go to the lodge to brood."

"You could be paranoid. Someone could have taken the Polyjuice Potion to look like your boyfriend," Lucius commented helpfully.

"You think I had not thought of that?" Harry said, a little sharply than he intended. "Elm and Kris said the same thing. However, only I, my boyfriend - or ex-boyfriend - and Dumbledore know about the lodge. Snape doesn't know about it - well, until my ex brought him there, I guess."

"Severus?"

"Yes. Se-Snape. I packed my things and left my ex's house and I raised my wand arm by the road. I didn't go back to my own house since I didn't want to deal with the situation in case my ex looks me up. So, here I am."

"I see." There was a thoughtful pause. "But I really don't see what is so earth-shattering. Well, maybe you had a right to be shocked, since your boyfriend had slept with someone who had been your lover once upon a time."

Harry smiled sadly. "I know. I thought I was doing fine ... until you showed up."

"And what is that supposed to mean?" Lucius asked threateningly.

Harry was silent for a long time, still uncertain how he should say it. "My ex - not Snape - looks a little like you." The quietness that had descended after that was so deep that Harry could hear his heart beating. He swallowed around the lump in his throat. Then he continued to talk. "Don't get me wrong, Lucius. I do find you attractive. I admit that now. I just don't know how much of it is because of you." Harry looked up at Lucius. "Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"

"Yes. I think I do." Lucius's tone was hard.

There, it was out. Not the entire truth certainly, but he had more or less informed Lucius the important points.

"I don't feel guilty at all about our first time together, but ... I just don't want to hurt you by making you feel as though I'm treating you like a replacement," Harry told him.

Lucius snorted, and Harry frowned slightly.

"You may think it's funny, but it's just who I am. I can't help but be considerate for a person's heart." Then he could not think of anything else to say, so he merely looked in front of him. He watched as the sky turned from midnight blue to pinkish orange.

The sun slowly crept up and the sky grew brighter, until Harry finally saw the golden disc from his vantage point. It was at that moment when the remarkable thing happened.

It was gradual at first, but as the sun rose higher and its rays grew stronger, the reddish-orange light that reflected off the leaves, trunks, and the grass, made the entire hill look as though it had caught on fire. Red gold fire.

Transfixed by the resplendent sight, he put all his efforts to remember every detail. Soon, the fiery quality of the forest faded, and it was filled with weak, gold sunshine instead. Harry sighed at the loss, and instinctively pressed closer to the warm shoulder.

"Do you intend to go back to him?" Lucius asked quietly. The wizard's voice jolted Harry out of his reverie.

"No. I don't think I could," Harry replied. "Why?"

Instead of replying, Lucius cupped his chin, and gently kissed his lips. "Be mine, Harry," Lucius whispered.

Harry stared at Lucius for a very long time. Then he himself raised his hand, and his fingers danced lightly along the curve of Malfoy's jaw. "I don't want to make the same mistake thrice, Lucius. I think, this time, I want a relationship that starts off with something other than sex."

Lucius kissed him again, and it made something inside him flutter. Harry was uncertain whether it felt nice, or if it made him more nervous than he was an hour ago.

"Why are you afraid, Harry?"

"No, Lucius, I'm not afraid - just cautious."

"So what if the start of our relationship begins with sex? Who is to say that it will not be strengthened by something more in the future?"

Harry shook his head tiredly, and Lucius leaned in again and gave him another polite peck on the mouth. Those kisses were slowly eroding Harry's sense of determination.

"Harry, I want you," the wizard murmured against his lips.

"Let's say we're in a relationship. How far are you willing to go, Lucius?"

"Very, very far," Lucius answered very softly. "I can afford to indulge myself in a long-term relationship."

"This is extremely tempting, Lucius," Harry told the other wizard with a slightly sanguine expression. "But are we even compatible to consider this?"

"Well, aren't you willing to take the chance to see if we can make the relationship work?"

"Don't make it into a challenge, Lucius. That's going to get me into trouble. And I hate to remind you that you look a little like my ex-boyfriend. I want to be sure of my attraction to you first."

Lucius did not reply to that statement. He pulled away from Harry instead, and crawled around. Harry stared at him in bewilderment. Lucius then forced him to uncross his legs, and then the older man settled into the space between, with his back against Harry's chest.

"Lucius, what are you doing?" Harry inquired, and licked his lips nervously. The other wizard did not bother to enlighten him. Lucius wriggled closer until Harry's half-hard erection pressed against the cleft of Lucius's bottom. That provoked a strangled groan from the emerald-eyed wizard. "Lucius..."

Harry wrapped his hands around Lucius's waist but for some reason, his limbs did not stay too long in that position. His fingers automatically undid the clasp at Lucius's throat and the gray cloak fell from the broad shoulders. Lucius wore a shirt of lighter gray and Harry slowly worked to unbutton it.

In all that time, Lucius continued to rock against him, and he had to make himself focus on something beyond his lust. He slowly tugged at the gray shirt, and they came off from the waistband. Harry brushed the fair chest tentatively, and felt every part of it carefully. His fingers slid under the collar and pulled the shirt off.

Harry leaned back and admired Lucius's long silver hair and lightly tanned skin. One hand came up to gather the long mane and Harry brushed his lips against the newly exposed skin. His tongue darted out to taste his lover, and Lucius's body shivered in response. Minutes passed as the two wizards took their time undressing each other.

It did not occur to Harry that he should feel shy about being naked in the open. It just felt natural and he watched as Lucius conjure a huge, soft blanket right under them. Then Lucius pushed him down gently onto the soft covering.

They shared a long, fevered kiss, with every inch of their bodies covered by the other. Harry felt warm and light-headed, but more importantly, he felt loved, although all Lucius did was to plant kisses all over his face. Even with his eyes closed, he could imagine how Lucius looked like as his lover lavished a great deal of attention to him.

Suddenly, the body weighing him down and keeping him warm was gone. However, before Harry could open his eyes, or say something in protest, he felt long and silky strands of hair on his stomach. He tensed, since he felt both ticklish and anticipatory. He groaned loudly when warm breath blew over him, and he trembled violently. His stomach muscles tensed and it fought against the strong hands pinning him down. Harry cried out when something hot, wet and teasing enveloped him.

He desperately wanted to run - it felt so good that it hurt - but he doubted he could get his legs or his limbs to work. Lucius teased him, tortured him, and taunted him.

"Stop..." Harry moaned, rolling his head back against the blanket-covered ground. "Please..." His body screamed in protest when Lucius's mouth left him, while his mind and heart yelled triumphantly in relief. However, it seemed that his lover was not done in making him suffer.

Harry opened his eyes when he felt Lucius moving, and his eyes flared in surprise when Lucius started to straddle him.

"Lucius! What are you doing?" Harry choked, and he gripped the blanket under him in alarm.

Lucius's eyes were shut and his face had a blissful look to it. "I think it's time that you remember someone other than your adulterous ex-boyfriends," his lover purred, and slowly made his descent.

"I don't mean that! Are you mad? You'll hurt yourself!"

"You're not going to hurt me."

"But -"

"Why are we talking instead of panting?"

"But - uhn!" Then... "Slowly, Lucius. I don't want you to hurt yourself."

After a while though, it did not matter to either of them as they raced to reach the peak.

Harry panted, and felt thoroughly exhausted. Lucius remained sitting on top of him, and he looked as though he was going to remain there no matter what. Harry's eyes crossed a little when the muscles clenched about him. He sat up and determinedly pulled himself away. Lucius scowled, but did not argue when Harry gathered him in his arms and kissed him.

"That was ... exhilarating," Harry said, and a faint blush crept over his cheeks. "I hope you don't mind if I say this, Lucius, but I can't seem to accept that you're ... devilish."

Lucius arched his eyebrow elegantly. "Maybe we should do it again so the fact sinks into your mind quicker."

"Lucius, you aren't that young."

"So? You are the one who has to get it up. I can take my sweet time to do so."

"Hmmmm." Harry buried his face into Lucius's slightly damp chest, and grinned.

Then Lucius swore as Harry pushed him down against the blanket and penetrated him. "Bloody, showy, Gryffindor."

Harry drew away slightly so Lucius could see his eyes and the feral smile that played on his lips.

"What? Is that all you're capable of?" Lucius asked him tauntingly, but his fingers dug into Harry's shoulders painfully.

"Lucius," Harry said warningly.

"Uhmmm ... that's better. Yes, Harry - harder."

-oOoOOxOOoOo-

To be continued in Chapter Three

-oOoOOxOOoOo-