When Love Grows With Time

15th September 2008

It was three nights later when Lucius had asked Harry the most obvious question. Both of them were snuggling under the thick coverlet of Lucius's large and comfortable bed after Harry had made love to silver-haired wizard. The younger of the two men was busy licking and biting Lucius's collarbone to notice the thoughtful expression on the fair wizard's face.

Harry felt Lucius's hand stroking his back, and then he shied away when his lover raked a finger along his side. Harry suppressed a sigh - he wished Lucius had not found out that he was ticklish. He stopped and lifted his head.

"I'm glad to have finally gained your attention," Lucius said drily.

Harry looked at him innocently. "Oh? I didn't know that I had strayed." Lucius gave him a hard stare and he sighed. He clambered on top of his lover and looked into the timeless grey eyes. "Yes, dear?"

"Dear?"

"You don't like it? What about 'honey'?"

Lucius looked mildly disgusted. "What's wrong with calling me by my given name?"

"I was just teasing, Lucius. So, you wanted to tell me something?" Harry could not resist burying his fingers into his lover's long hair. He also wanted to lick the pointed and sharp chin badly but managed to control himself, barely.

"Well, don't you think it is more convenient if we share this tent?" Lucius asked casually.

Harry smiled crookedly. "Yes, it is convenient, but why do you want me here?" Lucius spanked him, and he yowled sharply.

"I thought the reason was obvious," Lucius said, his eyes narrowing in seriousness. "I don't know all that much about you and this is perhaps the best time to start. I don't think it's fair to you if I continue to think that you're nothing but a brat. And I don't want to wait until I'm seventy to know that you have some incredible fetish I really should know about."

"Hmmmm." Harry rolled his eyes upwards. He was still massaging the spot where Lucius had whacked him earlier. "Are you sure you want to be the subject of gossip for the next few weeks? Elmira is already suspicious, and she is always giving me this odd look every time I meet her."

"And what do I care about gossip?" Lucius smacked him on the bottom almost absently.

"Merlin! Lucius! What in the bloody hell are you trying to do?"

"Trying to stimulate a reaction from you," his lover replied with a straight face, whose fingers were tracing designs on Harry's smarting bottom. Oddly enough, it felt soothing to the younger man.

"And they say wizards my age are horny as rutting stags," Harry muttered. He earned himself another painful but arousing whack. Lucius finally got the reaction he wanted, and Harry lunged forward to bite at his lover's throat.

When Harry moved his belongings into Lucius's tent the very next morning, those who were close to them started to talk, much to the Harry's horror. Then to his greater surprise and embarrassment, a couple of his neighbors teamed up together and sang a song about the two of them at a moment when the communal tent was crowded. When he looked at Lucius, his lover wore a very calm expression, and even applauded when the impromptu singers stepped off the stage.

"I don't believe this," Harry muttered and rubbed at his temples. Lucius merely smiled in response.

When Harry had felt that all the teasing glances and bawdy jokes were getting on to him, he had quickly left the tent to go out for a walk, alone. At first, he did not really know where to go, but for some reason, he was compelled to go to the pearly-white park bench.

He walked under the archway made of tree trunks and stopped in his tracks. It sounded far away, and yet Harry could hear the joyful notes of a wind instrument from where he stood. He took a step forward, slowly, and then another, and another. Soon, he finally found a rhythm, and he walked toward the source of the music in total silence.

Harry remained in the shadows of the trees, and watched Kristopher. The blue-eyed wizard sat on the table with his feet planted on the bench and played the flute like nothing else mattered in the world.

The last notes of Kristopher's song faded into the forest and the wizard looked up at the sky. It was then that Harry had chosen to come out into the open. It did not take long for his friend to notice him. Kristopher's eyes flared and then he grinned.

"How long have you been watching me, Harry?"

"Only for a few minutes," Harry replied and seated himself on the bench.

"So ... why are you here?" Kristopher looked down at him, and smiled slyly. He did not have to ask why Harry was not with Lucius.

"They were teasing us, and I hate to suspect that Lucius was feeling a little smug with himself."

Kristopher chuckled. "Do you intend to keep the secret from him forever?" The question was rather sudden, but Harry was not surprised, as he had somehow expected it.

Harry leaned back against the bench and sighed. "No. I'll tell him, when the time is right. Hopefully before he finds out the truth himself."

"That's good. " Kristopher paused. "I don't mean to pry, but don't you find it disconcerting when the two of you are together?"

Harry glanced at his friend and smiled weakly. "I'm glad that Lucius is not anything like Draco, now that I know him in a more intimate manner."

"Don't get too graphic."

Harry laughed heartily. "They're different," he told Kristopher after several minutes of silence. "It really helps that Draco couldn't emulate Lucius's finer qualities, no matter how much he had tried in the past. Lucius is much more patient and calmer in a way."

"So, do you like him? For who he is and not because of the similarities that you can find in his son?" Kristopher questioned Harry gravely.

Harry's eyes seemed to turn into themselves, and it gave him a dreamy expression. "It is absurd listening to myself say this, but he makes me feel appreciated. Perhaps it's because he never argues when he gets to be the bottom."

"Harry, I don't think I want to know what happens when two men get into mischief," Kristopher interjected quickly with a slightly pained expression.

"That's enough about me," Harry agreed. "How about you and Elmira?" He turned the tables onto his auburn-haired friend. "I saw the two of you dancing that night." He tilted his head to one side and considered Kristopher's expression. Harry had a distinct feeling that Kristopher was embarrassed about something. "Well? Aren't you going to make any moves?"

"Well, I did ask her to dance."

"Pulling her up and making her dance right away does not count, Kris." Harry suppressed the urge to chortle.

"I'm getting too old for this," Kristopher grumbled.

"Just tell me one thing: are you older than Lucius? No? Then why are you getting cold feet? It's not like she's going to refuse you."

"It's just that - " Kristopher did not finish his statement and Harry watched in amusement as the wizard's shoulders drooped in defeat.

"Ask her out, Kris. She's waiting for you. Don't wait for years before you are willing to admit that you love each other. My best friends learnt it the hard way."

"I thought you were the one who was in need of advice."

"Unfortunately, that was before I got to know you. Now, we're friends though, and I guess friends can share their opinions without fear of getting turned into a toad."

"Huh. I think it is high time you go back to Lucius, before he starts searching for you."

"You're not afraid of him, are you?" Harry asked suspiciously.

"When someone is in love - or when they feel strongly about a person, they're liable to do strange things, Harry. I have not dealt with a Lucius Malfoy who is overwhelmed by jealousy before and I don't intend to find out."

"But you're straight!" Harry objected.

"It does not matter if I'm straight, gay or bisexual." Kristopher smiled. "If he's serious about you, he'll feel jealous over the amount of time you spend with your friends. So, before he goes into a sulk, why don't you go back to him? Dress up for bed or something."

"I can't believe that you're suggesting that I should seduce Lucius to bed."

"I did not say that."

"You were hinting it. Why don't you seduce Elmira to bed? It might be the easiest solution for you."

"Then I'd rather do it the hard way."

"Don't make the same mistake that my friends made, Kris. Just don't get Elmira pregnant before the two of you are properly tied up."

"What?

Harry rose to his feet, grinned broadly at Kristopher, and walked away. Already, his enthusiastic self was trying to persuade him that seducing Lucius tonight was a good idea. He went back to the communal hall, but to his disappointment, Lucius was not there. He asked Matt, the rug-weaver, and the latter told him that Lucius had already left.

Oops. Is he searching for me? Harry winced at the thought of an angry Lucius. Merlin - but will he ever use a Killing Curse on me? He shook his head. He was not going to let his unpleasant memories of Lucius impede his willingness to try to love the silver-haired wizard. He did not realize that he had stopped walking the moment he had thought that.

Lucius did try to kill me when I was twelve. Lucius may have reformed, but he had been a Death Eater for much longer than he had been a free wizard.

He sighed and headed for their tent. He touched the tent flap lightly and it rolled up to reveal the entrance. His emerald eyes were fixed on a figure who was slowly undressing.

Lucius shrugged his robes off his shoulders and hung them on a hanger. The wizard stopped moving and proceeded to peel off the blue knee-length tunic that he was wearing. Harry unconsciously licked his lips and continued to study his lover.

Although Lucius's body was far from perfect, it was not neglected either. Harry was especially fond of Lucius's broad shoulders. He could not explain why but he always had this funny feeling in his stomach whenever he was studying the fair back. He blushed; he was getting an erection by just looking at Lucius. He tried to hide his evident arousal by pulling his robes close together.

He turned his attention back to Lucius, who was pulling at the piece of silver ribbon used to keep his long hair out of his face. Long silver hair cascaded down his lover's back when it was freed of the ribbon. Lucius's hair was another thing that Harry loved, although it was coarser and thicker than Draco's. The sensation he felt as he ran his fingers through the thick, silvery white mane was indescribable, because each time he did that to Lucius, his lover's grey eyes blazed, and Harry just loved how that made him feel.

The older wizard was just about to reach for his sleeping robe when the slight rustling of Harry's robes caused him to freeze. Lucius turned his head slowly. Surprise, and something else, flickered in Lucius's eyes.

Harry advanced toward his lover, and Lucius took a step back. Within the next few steps, Harry had managed to corner his lover, and then, Lucius was sandwiched by him and the dark brown dresser. He raised his arm, and his forefinger traced the lock of hair that had fallen over Lucius's left eye. Then he tucked it behind the ear gently.

Harry inched closer and his fingers splayed over Lucius's chest. Gently, he stroked his partner's upper body and rubbed the rosy nipples occasionally. He definitely had a thing for Lucius's chest. Desire filled him and he leaned in to kiss Lucius. He let it remain brief however, and moved his mouth over to his lover's sharp chin. The older wizard let out a low moan when Harry kissed his throat.

"Harry..." Lucius whispered his name.

-oOoOOxOOoOo-

"Did you enjoy it?" Harry murmured, his expression soft and gentle as he gazed into Lucius's eyes.

"Yes, I did." Lucius smiled crookedly. "Your ex-lovers are idiots for cheating on you. I really can't understand why they prefer each other, not when your sexual skills are superb."

It took him several seconds to realize that he had said something he should not have. Harry remained silent, and carefully rolled over to the right side of Lucius. He cursed himself silently.

"They have never given me the opportunity to dominate them, Lucius. I think that may be why they had thought that there's nothing special about me," Harry said quietly. His eyes - without their glasses - stared up at the roof of the tent unblinkingly.

It was then that Lucius told himself not to ever mention their past love-lives when they were in bed together. He was relieved when Harry turned to face him and wriggled closer. Lucius snaked his arm under Harry's head, and his young lover snuggled against him.

"I'm sorry," Lucius whispered, and planted a light kiss on the tousled hair.

Harry raised his right arm and rested it lightly on Lucius's hip. "It's all right."

Lucius watched as the younger wizard closed his eyes and listened carefully to the Gryffindor's breathing. After some time, Harry's breathing deepened. He was asleep. Lucius caressed one side of Harry's face gently.

"I love you, Harry Potter," Lucius murmured and closed his eyes.

He was awakened by something hot and hard several hours later. He yawned and blinked several times to inspect what was poking him. He blinked again, and felt his lips twitching in amusement.

Maybe I shall take an Invigorating Potion one of these days and surprise him. Lucius mused. He looked down at his lover's face and his heart throbbed. He loved to study Harry while his young lover was asleep. Something ironic struck him. So, he is not accustomed being the dominant one. I should have realized that earlier, considering that he is the one who is snuggling up to me.

He kissed Harry's forehead. Oh hell. Why should it matter? I like the arrangement. Now, if only I can get him to do that to me again.

-oOoOOxOOoOo-

"Don't move."

Harry forced himself to remain still on the stool, and Lucius proceeded to trim his hair.

"Can't we do this later at night?"

"No. Every single time I see you bend over that table, my fingers itch. How do you see with these long bangs anyway?"

"Hmmmm." Harry then kept quiet and waited for Lucius to finish.

"There. This will do, for now. I will trim the hair at the back later." Lucius came around and kissed him deeply. "Have you considered growing your hair, Harry?"

Harry donned his robes before replying his lover's question. "Not really. Why?"

"Your hair is rather thick at the back, and if I trim it short, it will only make your hand stand up, like a porcupine," Lucius said as he wore his own robes.

"Oh."

Right after a quick breakfast in the communal tent, Harry and Lucius headed for their work tent. To the younger wizard's surprise and puzzlement, Jacob and Matt were sitting outside weaving their rugs with serene expressions. Harry looked at them curiously, and Lucius pulled him back gently.

Harry gazed up at the older wizard inquiringly, and Lucius responded with a slight shake of his head. Then Lucius conjured a bench, positioned it so it was out of direct sunlight, and motioned Harry to sit. Harry seated himself and Lucius soon followed.

"What's up?" Harry asked, placing one hand on Lucius's thigh to capture his attention. Then he was startled out of his skin when he heard Darren speak in a thunderous voice. The lecture was quickly followed by a multitude of curses. After that, all four wizards sitting outside the tent could hear the exchange of spells and curses. Then, a period of silence descended, only for about five minutes. Darren was yelling again, and then a wizard had come bursting out of the tent.

"If you dare come in here again before the table is due, I'll hex your balls off! Puny arse -"

Harry tried vainly to suppress his chuckles, but Jacob and Matt were not so tactful. Their snickers were painfully loud in Harry's opinion. The wizard who had just exited from the work tent was walking very stiffly, as though there was something stuck in his crack.

"It seems to me that someone had a problem telling Darren what was really desired," Lucius remarked. Harry saw that his lover's lips were twitching violently. Then Lucius's shoulders shook, and the wizard finally chuckled.

"Lucius, do you want me to make love to you so hard you can barely walk the next day?" Harry muttered under his breath. "No? Then stop sniggering." Harry looked again at the wizard walking away from them. "Is that a customer or a middle-man?"

"Middle-man more like," Jacob said. "Customers who come in person usually don't have any problems getting what they want, because they know what they want. It's usually those who speak for someone else that give problems to Darren. I understand that the message or errand could always get misinterpreted."

"So, it's not like the customer is dissatisfied with my work, right?" Harry asked dubiously. Lucius patted his shoulder comfortingly, and Harry found it strange that it was he who had reassured him.

"I guess it's safe for us to go in now," Lucius said and he rose to his feet.

Darren was grumbling under his breath when Harry entered the work area. Harry looked around, but nothing seemed to be damaged during the old wizard's outburst. Lucius and the others went to their own spots. Harry was left to stand on one side and watched as Darren paced the length of the workroom.

"Darren, what is the matter?" Harry asked finally. The wizard appeared not to have heard him. "Darren?"

"What?" the wizard snapped, and Harry winced inwardly.

"Darren, what's wrong? Did I do something wrong with the table?"

"No, you did nothing wrong," Darren grouched, and sat down on a high stool. "The idiot wanted those diagrams you had engraved filled with gold."

"What? Why didn't he say so earlier? I could have done it when I started."

Darren stared at him open-mouthed. "What?"

Harry fidgeted and felt slightly flustered. "It's nothing special really," he said quickly. "It's just something I picked up when I started making wands."

"Does that mean you can produce gold from your wand?" Lucius asked. Harry looked beyond Darren. His silvery-haired lover was carving a very long staff.

"Hmmmm ... unfortunately no. I still have to use the real metal, or in this case, gold. So," Harry turned his attention back to Darren, "did the wizard who had walked out earlier leave any gold in here?"

"It's inside that brown pouch. Winston - the idiot - told me that there's enough to gild a life-size Hippogriff so I don't think you will run out of it."

Harry nodded. He checked that his cuffs were properly fastened before he turned to the magnificent brown table. "So, when is it due?" he asked as he drew his wand out of his pocket. He heard Darren give an explosive sigh.

"That's the bad news, Harry, lad. We need to get the it done by next Wednesday," the old wizard replied and sighed again.

"Next Wednesday?" Harry exclaimed, looking slightly alarmed. "Merlin's beard!"

"I know how you feel, lad. Come on; let's get started. I'll deal with the large designs on the center and you work on the borders on this side." Darren moved towards the brown pouch, untied it and lifted a small gold bar out from the small sack. He tossed it to Harry, who caught it deftly with his left hand.

"Will it disturb you if I watch?" Lucius asked suddenly.

"No. I probably will not notice it anyway," Harry answered and grinned widely.

"You can watch your partner using his skills, Lucius, but you'll be in trouble if I catch you staring at him inappropriately," Darren interjected.

Harry's cheeks reddened at the threat made by the stocky wizard and glanced quickly at Lucius. His lover's eyes were gleaming intensely and he knew with a great certainty that Lucius was going to ignore Darren's warning. Lucius's response confirmed that his hunch was correct.

"I doubt you will catch me staring at Harry, Dar. Besides, these are my eyes so I can bloody well gawk at my lover whenever I want."

Harry groaned and blushed even harder when Lucius cast him a sly look. He looked helplessly at Darren, who merely swore at Lucius.

"Ignore his innuendo. Let's get to work, lad," Darren instructed and Harry nodded.

-oOoOOxOOoOo-

Lucius placed the long oak staff on his workbench and leaned back to watch Harry and the other master at work. His lover conjured a cushion and positioned it carelessly with a booted foot. Then Harry knelt on it and picked up the gold bar he had left on the table with his right hand.

Lucius cocked his head to one side and studied Harry's stance carefully. He wished he could see his lover's profile but he did not want to be a distraction, so he remained where he was. Harry had raised his wand arm, and his gleaming wand was resting gently on one corner of the gold bar. If Lucius had not been observing Harry as closely as he was at the moment, he would not have believed it when the solid element started to liquefy. The liquefied form hovered in the air and then it slowly seeped into Harry's wand.

Lucius's lips parted, to say to his raven-haired lover that it should be impossible for a wand to absorb things, but his voice would not work. His pair of pale eyebrows creased into a slight frown, and he eased back into his chair. He was toying with a lock of his hair when he noticed that Darren was not working, but he was staring at Harry with a slightly stunned expression. It made Lucius feel a little less uncertain of himself and he let out a soft sigh of relief. His pair of stormy grey eyes returned to watch Harry, who cautiously started to trace the tip of his wand on the thin lines of patterns.

Lucius's skin prickled suddenly, and he looked around the tent curiously. The air around him was alive with something, and after a moment, he realized that he recognized it. It was magic, and it was coming from the wizard kneeling before the table. Lucius closed his eyes and breathed deeply. Harry's magic surrounded him and caressed his face. Then he felt it; someone was looking at him and he had the impression that the person was smiling at him. Curious, he opened his eyes, and met Harry's brilliant emerald ones. A faint smile hovered on the younger wizard's lips, and Harry winked at him.

What in the hell? Lucius was startled and then he had to bite back an oath at the odd pressure on his throat. It moved down to his chest a second later and lingered there. He looked at Harry, whose eyes now bore a mischievous glint. Merlin, help me.

His lover returned to work on the table, and Lucius was able to breathe freely as the pressure eased off his body. His long fingers reached out for the staff on the table and resumed to etch a spiral on its entire length. Lucius occasionally glanced up to watch Harry, and upon his fifth time in doing so, he witnessed Harry absently toss his black outer robe over his shoulder. The piece of clothing landed a few feet away from Lucius.

Lucius Malfoy suppressed a grimace but he could not restrain the sigh that escaped from his lips as his eyes raked over the black Muggle shirt hugging his lover's torso. He really has to learn not to wear those Muggle clothing with his sorcerers' robes, he thought resolutely. He pointed his wand at the discarded item and summoned it in silence. His fingers brushed the fabric tenderly, and he grimaced. There were times he wished that he was the Death Eater he had been twenty years ago - it was somewhat peculiar to him that he was experiencing emotions that were centered around love. An emotion supposedly to be incomprehensible to Malfoys. Lucius was still in disbelief that of all people, that particular emotion was sparked by the one person who had defeated the Dark Lord. Someone whom he had used to hate and whom had been his enemy. Someone whom he had tried to kill sixteen years ago.

Is my change really profound? Lucius wondered. It was not as though he was drifting aimlessly since the Dark Lord's demise, but he was aware that after his days in Azkaban and then his stay in the Gold Forest to recuperate from the experience, had dulled his hunger for power and supremacy.

Maybe I did not want the power for myself all along, he mused. Of course, had he been given the chance to influence the Ministry, Voldemort might have lived and succeeded to enforce his tyranny over the Wizarding World. Lucius shook his head slightly. Those things are in the past, and I am no longer a Death Eater. I have no use of my previous life in my present.

A thought flashed in his mind and Lucius jerked his head up abruptly to stare at Harry. Since the day they were together, his lover had not mentioned or commented on the Dark Mark that still marred his left arm, although it was barely noticeable.

Does he hate me? Lucius gazed on Harry's slim figure while he pondered on the possibility. Then he shrugged slightly, and reined his attention to the staff in his hand.

Four hours later, Lucius slowly rotated his neck, and carefully set the staff on his table. Harry and Darren too, were doing some stretching.

"I think this is enough for today, lad," Darren said to Harry, and gave a satisfied nod. Then the old wizard turned and gave Lucius a sly look. "If you don't mind, Lucius, but I'd like Harry to be in early tomorrow."

Lucius scowled while Harry fidgeted uncomfortably.

"Well, I'm off for a bath," Darren announced and left the tent.

"Darren! Where do I keep the leftover bars?" Harry shouted.

"Wherever you feel is safe!" the old wizard yelled in reply.

Lucius stood and pulled a long black-and-purple silk fabric from his pocket and then quickly wrapped it around his long staff. When he looked up, he found Harry looking worried.

"Do not fret, Harry. Go to Matt, and ask him if there's a locker you can use," he advised. He tidied up his workbench and finally reached out for Harry's robe. His lover had gone to Matt with the sack of gold, and upon a quick glance, Lucius saw that the weaver was directing Harry where he could keep the bag.

Lucius headed to the lounge area, seated himself on a huge black ottoman, and waited for Harry to finish. He sat idly with the long staff and Harry's robe on his lap, and draped one arm over them to ensure they would not fall from his grasp. He used his free hand to smooth his long hair back and wished he had braided or tied it.

Harry appeared several minutes later and Lucius gestured at him. His dark-haired lover approached him with his eyes full of curiosity.

"Yes?"

"You look sloppy, Harry. Please tuck your shirt in properly," Lucius began. "Do you want others to think that I've accosted you while we're in this tent?" He hid a smile upon witnessing the blush on Harry's cheeks.

"All right, Lucius," Harry said quickly, his voice strained. "And I think I ought to wear that robe," Lucius's lover mumbled.

The older wizard raised his eyebrows, then slid his eyes slide down to Harry's lower region, and it amused him to find a slight bulge beneath the black shirt and slacks. Lucius tilted his head to one side and studied the Gryffindor shamelessly.

"I think I'll keep the robe since you happily tossed it my way hours ago," Lucius said teasingly.

"Lucius!" Harry groaned, his face aflame with profound embarrassment.

Lucius laughed. "Come here, Gryffindor," he purred. He set his staff and the clothing aside, and extended his right hand to Harry.

"But Lucius, you don't want me to look as though we have been doing something naughty, right?" Harry said quietly as he took Lucius's hand.

"Who says we're going to do anything mischievous?" Lucius inquired softly once Harry was seated on his lap comfortably. He stroked Harry's chin with one finger and stared seriously into the deep, emerald eyes.

They gazed at each other for several seconds. It was Harry who had initiated the contact; he had leaned forward and Lucius had closed his eyes as warm lips brushed tantalizingly on his own. His pulse quickened as he tasted Harry, and craned his neck slightly so that his lover could kiss him more deeply.

Lucius could almost forget that he was in a public place - the way that Harry was kissing him was enough to make him forget his own name. When they parted, he found it difficult to focus his eyes. Lucius wondered if he looked as dreamy as he felt.

"Can I make myself presentable now?" Harry asked huskily.

Lucius shook his head slightly to clear his mind, and slid his hands down Harry's sides. He was somewhat surprised to feel bare and hot flesh instead of clothing. His vision cleared, and his lover looked beautiful and charming. Harry's thick black hair was messed up, his glasses were slightly askew, his lips were red and glistening, and his black shirt was even more rumpled than before.

Lucius must have slipped his hands under the shirt earlier. He licked his lips as his eyes raked over the exposed abdomen hungrily.

"Lucius?" Harry called his name, and Lucius finally wrenched his eyes away from the delectable view. His lover smiled gently at him and he returned it.

"What do you say if we have our supper at a later time?" Lucius asked casually.

"What do you have in mind, dear one?"

Lucius only smiled.

-oOoOOxOOoOo-

It was close to eight in the evening when Harry was able to brush away the remaining hair on his shoulders. He inspected himself in the mirror and felt quite satisfied with the haircut Lucius had given him. At least the hair at the back doesn't make my neck itch, he thought idly. Harry ran his fingers through his hair before he turned around, and watched his bathing lover.

"Are you just going to stand there and look unabashedly at me, or are you joining me?" Lucius inquired mildly.

Harry strode over to Lucius, tugged at the towel he had wrapped about his waist, and clambered into the bathtub. He grinned when Lucius made a turning motion with one finger and he sat down with his back resting gently against the Slytherin's warm chest.

"May I know why you are smirking?" Lucius asked in that same mild tone. Harry could almost imagine the older wizard rolling his eyes in sarcasm. His grin grew wider as a result. The cause of it - something substantial was poking at the small of his back.

If he pretends to be ignorant, then I shouldn't enlighten him, Harry thought impishly. "Nothing, dear," he answered quickly.

"Do not tag me with an endearment, Harry." Lucius sounded mortified.

"All right, love," Harry said, and then he yelped when his lover pinched him.

"Hmmmm. Now, hold still and close your eyes," the older wizard ordered imperiously.

"All right, sir."

A few seconds after he closed his eyes, he felt water soak his thick hair. Water dripped from the ends before they trickled down his nape and then to his lower back. The scent of lime and orange filled the air about him and he sighed contentedly when he felt Lucius's graceful fingers beginning to work their magic on his hair.

"I did not know you that you could be such a brat," Lucius commented in an amused voice.

"I didn't know that you wouldn't mind pampering others," Harry replied lazily and he smiled upon hearing Lucius's soft chuckles.

"I have never pampered others before you, love, not even Draco when he was a baby," Lucius said lightly.

Harry stiffened slightly at the sound of Draco's name but he relaxed quickly before Lucius could get suspicious. "Did you realize that you actually called me 'love', Lucius?"

The fingers stopped massaging his scalp and Harry glanced over his shoulder. A trill of laughter escaped from his lips the minute he saw Lucius's chagrined expression and he laughed harder when the pair of gray eyes looked at him in bewilderment.

"I did not," Lucius said haughtily. His fingers withdrew from Harry's hair, and Harry yelped when a torrent of cold water descended on him without warning.

"Lucius!" he yelled and hunched over his knees reflexively. More icy-cold water poured onto his head as Lucius rinsed his hair. He started when he felt something hot pressing against his shoulder. It was Lucius's hand. His silver-eyed lover pulled him back gently and he closed his eyes in bliss as Lucius's arms wrapped about him lovingly.

It was somewhat ridiculous but Harry could not help but feel at peace when he was with the long-haired wizard. He could no longer deny that it was a pleasure being with Lucius intimately - being with Lucius without the ardent need for sex was just as rewarding. Harry was painfully aware just how perilously close they were in becoming the most cloying couple in the area.

Something light hit his nose. Glancing down, he saw tiny bubbles floating up in the air. Seems like he has a thing for bubble baths too, Harry thought with a gentle smile. He scooped a bit of the foam quite unconsciously and he started to apply it on Lucius's arms. He shivered upon feeling his lover's soft lips on his ear and sucked in his breath when a tongue licked him. His eyes crossed when Lucius transferred his lips to his neck and started to kiss it.

Merlin....

"So intoxicating," Lucius murmured and pulled away.

Harry turned slightly and pulled the older wizard down for a brief kiss. Then he smiled brightly. "Ready to eat?" he piped up. However, when Lucius gave him an odd look and his hand started to inch its way down, Harry quickly realized that Lucius had misunderstood his statement. "I meant supper!"

Lucius snickered and placed his hand back to its former position.

"Very well," Lucius responded. "After you wash me," he added with a sly smile.

Harry did his best not to grin.

-oOoOOxOOoOo-

Harry was eating his dessert when an unfamiliar owl had landed on the table. It started to walk up to him, and beside him, Lucius choked and stifled a laugh. Harry glared at the older wizard.

"Owls aren't meant to walk on land, Lucius. Don't laugh at it just because it is ungainly," Harry muttered under his breath. Lucius, however, ignored him and continued to laugh. The post-owl stared at the wizard for a long time before hooting scornfully. The bird waddled up to Harry and let the envelope drop from its beak. Harry fished around his pockets for an owl treat but Lucius beat him to it.

The post-owl stared again at Lucius, pecked at the food and his finger, and flew off.

"Why that-"

"Lucius." Harry gave his lover a warning look. Lucius rolled his eyes and went back to his meal. Meanwhile, Harry opened his mail. He gazed at the handwriting for a second and recognized it as Hermione's.

Dear Harry,

Where are you? Are you all right? Why did you vanish all of a sudden? Mum is still worried even after the twins showed her your letter. She kept muttering about inserting you into the family clock.

Anyway, Harry, I don't know if Ron or Ginny has told you this, but I am four months pregnant. And don't snicker or comment to ANYONE that Ron and I are so keen to have our own brood.

The Burrow has changed slightly - Charlie and Dad are working on another small house not too far from the main house.

Just why have you disappeared, Harry? If it's a problem that Ron or I can help you with, please tell us. Come back soon. We're worried and we miss you.

"Tractable, isn't she?"

"Hmmmm?" Harry looked up from the parchment and gazed into Lucius's eyes.

"Your pregnant friend."

Harry smiled slightly. "It's because of her pregnancy. She tends to act strangely during this stage." He conjured a scroll of parchment, a bottle of ink and a quill.

"Can't you write to your friend later?" Lucius looked disgruntled for some reason.

"It won't be a long message, Lucius," Harry said and put on his best pleading expression. He waited until his lover nodded his acquiescence. "Thanks."

He dipped the tip of his quill into the inkbottle and wrote down what he wanted to say to his friend.

Hey there, Hermione,

Don't worry about me - I'm fine, really. However, something had happened on the 19th last month, and I didn't want to deal with the problem straightaway. It's a personal matter, not work, if you're curious about it. I'm in the Gold Forest - did I mention it in the last owl? It's a good place for me to brood and clear my thinking.

As for when I'm going to come back, I'm not sure. Don't worry too much okay? I promise you that I'll be back before Christmas, I think. I know I'll be back before you're ready to give birth again.

I miss you guys too. Say 'hi' to F & G2 for me, and give Ron a kiss. (Note: I'm just joking all right?) Oh, please tell Mrs. Weasley that I said 'no-thanks' to putting myself in the family clock. Considering that F & G2 might be helping Mr. Weasley with it, I don't really want you to know what I'm doing (especially if I'm with someone).

So, yeah, I'm quite fine. Happy and in l Never mind that. I'll owl you again if anything happens.

Lots of love,

Harry.

"There..." Harry muttered and quickly folded the parchment. Hedwig appeared immediately and landed on the table with effortless grace. Harry frowned at his owl. "No, Hedwig. I'll use another owl for this. Let's wait for a few more days before you fly again."

Beside him, Lucius snorted derisively.

"What is it, Lucius?"

"Your owl is hardly an invalid anymore, Harry," Lucius said firmly. "The sooner she uses her wings, the better it is for her." Gray eyes looked at Harry piercingly. "You don't want to cripple her by making her wings weak, too weak for her to fly, do you?"

"But-"

"I'll order Gray to accompany her," Lucius cut in.

Harry fell silent and stared at Lucius for a long time.

"Gray will just 'shadow' Hedwig. It is not as though I do not know how the Weasleys will react if the recognize the Malfoys' owl." Lucius smiled cynically and Harry conceded to his lover's suggestion. Lucius whistled for his eagle owl, and Gray soared into the communal tent. Then he landed beside Hedwig and tilted his head to one side as he listened to his owner's instructions.

Harry's snowy owl conveyed an expression that dangerously looked like boredom to Harry. After he secured his message to Hedwig's right leg, he listened to Lucius's tedious instructions.

Gray gave a sharp cry suddenly and Lucius stopped talking. "Just trail after Hedwig at a distance. I don't want you to be seen by anyone in the neighborhood. Is that clear?" Harry's lover asked the eagle owl, albeit a little grumpily.

Harry did not show any signs of amusement when Lucius had turned back to him, after the pair of owls had departed. Lucius looked discontent.

"Finish your supper," he ordered grouchily.

"All right, Lucius," Harry said meekly. He quickly ate the rest of his dessert and followed Lucius out of the mess hall to return to their 'nest'. Lucius was quiet all the way and Harry sighed discreetly.

Why is he sulking? Harry wondered.

Lucius did not attempt to make conversation with Harry. The older wizard had taken off his robes and had worn his sleeping clothes immediately. He did not even wait for Harry to undress before vanquishing the lights.

"What has gotten into you?" Harry asked waspishly as a globe of dim light materialized above his head. He undressed and left his robes still scattered about the floor, and got into bed. The sphere of light followed him faithfully. Lucius gave his back to Harry and his long silver hair moved smoothly to cover his neck.

That gave Harry an idea and he summoned a huge hairbrush. Then he charmed Lucius's pillow with a Vanishing Charm. Before his lover could protest or scold him, Harry quickly positioned himself so that he sat before Lucius's head. While doing so, he managed to gather the blonde hair and pulled it toward him.

"What are you doing?" Lucius grated.

"I'm going to brush your hair," Harry answered in a patient sort of voice. "Just relax and enjoy it." That was what he did for almost an hour. He would peek at Lucius's face often, and he smiled to find that Lucius no longer looked sulky. His lover had fallen into a doze. Harry continued to brush the thick mane of silver-blonde hair. He had no idea where the idea to find white hair among the silver had come from. He had been passing the brush from the roots to the ends of the long hair at one moment and in the next, he was examining each strand carefully. Lucius seemed to be aware of the sudden change of activity.

"Now, what are you doing?" Lucius asked curiously.

"I'm searching for white hair, love," Harry answered absently as he examined yet another strand.

Lucius snorted. "I'm afraid that task will take forever, Harry. And stop calling me 'love'. I am getting too old for that."

Harry stopped and straightened his back. "I guess you are so old that I can't tell the white from the silver," he jibed.

He had forgotten that Lucius still had his wand. He let out a strangled yelp when he floated several inches above the bed. Lucius quickly rolled him over and he did not struggle when his lover pinned his hands above his head. However, he could not control his breathing, which had become quick and heavy. His body trembled with anticipation as Lucius's dark gray eyes bored into his.

"Old, am I?" Lucius drawled silkily and pressed his body into Harry's half-naked form deliciously. "My hair has always been silver, even as a young child."

"Oh." Harry did not know what else to say, not that he could think coherently to speak a complete sentence.

"Am I too old to do this?" Lucius asked huskily and Harry groaned as Lucius rubbed against him.

Harry finally found his voice and whispered, "Lucius, I have to get up early tomorrow."

"So?" Lucius raised himself and straddled his hips.

Merlin.... Harry found it difficult to breathe suddenly. He watched as Lucius muttered a spell and their clothes disappeared.

"God ... Lucius, you're cruel...."

"I know."

"Feels good," Harry whispered.

"I know that too."

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To Be Continued on Chapter Four