Redemption

Chapter Three:

"Don't stay out too late, my little Dudleykins... Don't forget about those horrible terrorists running around out there. Imagine! Daring to oppose senator Khushrenada... I even heard that they'd been sighted close by and what hoodlum could resist the temptation of a good, upstanding citizen like my boy...." Whilst Aunt Petunia went on and on, dressing Dudley up for a 'dinner party' at the Polkiss' place, Harry snuck out the back door.

It had been a week since the night he and Wufei had shared their first kiss, and Harry had been meeting him every day since. Things had started out a little awkward at first, each boy hoping the other hadn't reconsidered, but soon finding that it wasn't an option. A budding friendship blossomed into a loving relationship, and within a week, both boys felt so comfortable with each other that it seemed they'd been together their whole lives.

They spent more beautiful nights under the stars, quiet moments in the deserted park and peaceful afternoons in Wufei's back garden. Even so, they never touched each other beyond a friendly embrace or lingering hand on the arm. Harry hadn't forgotten Lupin's warning, and the next day he explained to Wufei that although the ex-professor understood, there were others who wouldn't. It didn't matter to either of them, though, as they had each others company, and that was all they needed. Besides, Lupin was bound to be 'on duty' some time within the next week, and there was plenty of time for kissing and cuddling, then.

Making his way towards the park, Harry was startled by a hand on his shoulder. He was halfway through drawing his wand when he spun around to face Remus Lupin. Halting his actions and the spell that was on his lips, Harry sighed in relief. "Don't do that! You scared the life out of me for a moment there."

Lupin laughed. "Sorry about that. I wanted to surprise you."

"Well it worked," Harry answered a little disgruntled. A moment later, the feeling passed and Harry realized that this was the break he'd been waiting for. A grin spread across his face, and he latched onto the older wizard in a friendly hug. "It's good to see you, Lupin."

Remus snorted at him. "I'll bet," he replied.

The two began to walk together, instinctively moving further into the shade of the trees. Harry took a moment beneath a street lamp to survey his older friend. "You look worse for wear," he muttered softly.

"It's nothing. The last full moon wore me out. That's all." Even so, Harry saw a dark shadow pass over the man's face and a faint wet glimmer in worn, grey eyes.

"You really miss him, don't you?" Harry stopped suddenly and watched Lupin closely.

The werewolf was caught of guard by the unexpected question and stopped a couple of steps in front of him. "I... Of course I do. I still haven't gotten used to him being gone again. So soon..." He closed his eyes to guard against unbidden tears and took a calming breath.

"I feel awful..." Harry murmured quietly. He closed the distance between them, and drew the older man into a hug. "How could I forget so easily? I've been so taken with 'Fei that-"

Lupin pulled away and grasped the boy by his shoulders. "Don't say that, Harry. Don't feel guilty because you've found happiness. Sirius would hate to see you depressed for any reason. He always said so. It tore him up to know he couldn't be there for you, and he wouldn't want for you to be unhappy on his behalf. Now, you go ahead. You have tonight to be with the one you care about. What more could a person ask for?"

Harry nodded and smiled a little. He gave Lupin one last hug before continuing on to the park. He knew the man would be there as a watching shadow, but he didn't mind. Lupin understood, and that was all the permission he needed to spend time in Wufei's arms.

The Muggle boy was waiting on a swing. He stood up as Harry came near. "I thought you'd forgotten me," he said with a smirk.

"Like that's possible," Harry replied. "Actually, I ran into someone along the way."

"Oh?" One thin black brow raised in question.

Harry grinned. "Mmhm. Lupin's here. We had a little chat."

"I see." Wufei's lips quirked in the beginnings of a smile as he read between the lines. "Shall we, then?"

Harry took the arm that was offered him and they walked to Wufei's house. "I was hoping you'd ask."

They went inside and paused in the doorway after closing the door behind them. Wufei touched the tips of his fingers to Harry's cheek. He'd wanted to touch the boy for so long, more than just a friendly embrace. Softly, he cupped the boy's face in his hand. "May I?"

Harry nodded, suddenly breathless. He felt as if that one point of contact was a lifeline, and he leaned into the touch. Finally, after a week of dreaming and remembering, Wufei tilted his face upwards and bent down just a little until their lips touched.

The kiss was gentle, almost reverent, and soon they were holding each other, lips still pressed together lightly. Until, Wufei's mouth parted, and his tongue brushed against Harry's lips, seeking entrance. Harry obliged and sighed as their tongues came into contact. He savored the moment, and knew that the half familiar taste and feel of this boy felt so right. He could never regret this, no matter what happened. It was time he did something for himself without the entire wizarding community looking on and passing judgment.

Content in Wufei's arms but still craving more, Harry's hands slid down the other boy's back and pulled him closer. The kiss grew deeper, and beneath the softness, there formed a strengthening lust. Their bodies were pressed tightly against one another's, and Harry was feeling the effects. He moaned into the kiss as Wufei's thigh pressed against his erection, and in turn, his own pressed back to find an answering hardness.

Drawing apart for breath, the two of them shared a longing look. Neither of them had ever felt so close to another person. Each knew what the other wanted, and yet, both knew that that would have to console them. It was too early to begin a physical relationship, even if they were both mature beyond their age. Not to mention that Lupin was ever there as a shadow in their minds. It wouldn't do to become so intimate with him looking on.

Wufei took a step back and smiled. The unspoken agreement hung between them, and he took Harry's hand, leading him towards the living room. They sat together on the couch in silence. Harry was trying desperately to get his body back under control, and Wufei, who had already succeeded in this, was watching the boy with a sappy smile on his lips.

"I'll get us something to drink. Would you like anything specific?" the Chinese boy asked.

"Uh... I don't suppose you have any butterbeer... No. Didn't think so. Milk will do," Harry answered. Once Wufei left his side, he sighed softly and rested against the couch. He knew they'd have to take this slow. No matter how much he'd been through, he was still a 16 year old boy and so was 'Fei. Of course, when Harry returned to Hogwarts that wouldn't actually be a problem. What would be a problem was being so far away from the boy he suspected he might be falling in love with.

Watching from the kitchen, Wufei noticed Harry frown slightly. It didn't take long to figure out what he was thinking. The time was drawing closer when Harry would have to return to school. Perhaps now would be a good time for the surprise he had planned. He could tell that Harry had forgotten what day it was, and Wufei was looking forward to reminding him.

Harry suddenly wondered what was taking Wufei so long. He was about to follow him into the kitchen when the lights went out and the most unexpected thing happened. Through the darkness came a halo of candle light behind which Wufei appeared. He began to sing "Happy Birthday" and placed a cake in front of his boyfriend. "Happy Birthday, Harry."

Harry blinked. He'd forgotten. This was... this was... Well, he'd never had someone do this for him before. "Oh 'Fei!" he cried and jumped up, his arms locking around the boy's neck. "Thank you so much! I'd completely forgotten." Then, he pulled Wufei close and kissed him hungrily. "Thank you."

Wufei blushed. He hadn't expected such a reaction. "You're welcome. Now, you'd better blow out the candles, before the wax melts all over the cake."

Harry laughed and did just that, but first he made a silent wish. *I wish that Wufei never has to face the dangers or see the horrors that I have.*

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Lupin watched, forgotten in the shadows as James' son was granted the first real birthday he'd ever had, and he smiled. At least Harry still had someone who cared for him and made him happy. Sirius would have been proud.