In A Time Of Uncertainty

Part One, Chapter Nine

"You aren't supposed to be here, Oliver."

Oliver rolled his eyes. "Well, of course I'm not, but there's only a few hours left until we leave school for good and I thought I'd see what was so wonderful about the famous prefects' bathroom." So, Percy was deciding to talk to him at last.

Percy sighed and leaned against the door frame. "We did win the House Cup, so I don't suppose any harm can come of it." He took his hand off the door handle and walked over to the benches, where he sat down and began to undo his tie.

Oliver was already in the tub, covered to the shoulders by bright blue bubbles. He sat on an underwater bench across the room from Percy, and he was determined to stay there. He'd left the common room celebrations early, wanting to take some time to think, and he'd come to the conclusion that he ought to leave Percy alone, before he embarrassed himself any further. He'd asked for a friend and Percy had given him a friend, but what Oliver had really wanted was a lover, and this Percy was unwilling to provide. Despite his vow, Oliver was still powerfully attracted to the other young man; as Percy unbuttoned his shirt to expose a pale chest covered with soft-looking red hair, Oliver could feel himself stiffening in arousal. They wanted two different things, and could not continue as they had been. So Oliver decided he would say goodbye to Percy in the morning, and that would be the end. Their lives would move on and perhaps Oliver would find someone else, someone who shared his desires. When Percy's fingers began to undo his trouser button, Oliver forced himself to look at the portrait of the sleeping mermaid on the wall until he heard a splash.

"I hope N.E.W.T.s went well for you," said Percy from the other side of the tub. He had left his glasses by the edge of the tub atop his neatly folded clothes. His wet hair popped up in shiny, lustrous curls.

"Yeah. Two Outstanding, four Exceeds Expectations, and one Acceptable." He didn't ask Percy about his own exams, knowing from Fred and George that their brother had achieved Outstanding on all ten.

"Congratulations." Percy flicked a stray curl off his forehead. "So, where are you off to in the morning?"

"A flat in Edinburgh," said Oliver. "On Allerby Lane...it's a wizarding street off of the Royal Mile. You?"

"Home with the rest of my family. I haven't the money to move out."

"Oh, I wouldn't have either," said Oliver hastily, "but I managed to earn some money working for my uncle the summer after fifth year. Didn't spend any, so it's been sitting in Gringotts gathering interest for two years. It ought to be enough for a few months, until I get a job."

"When is your try-out for Puddlemere United again?"

"The second of July," Oliver said. "I heard you were going to the Ministry."

"Department of International Magical Cooperation, yes."

"My grandfather on my mum's side used to work there," commented Oliver. "He was in charge of relations with France."

He couldn't think of anything else to say after that, and apparently Percy couldn't either. "How's Penelope?" Oliver asked after a few seconds of silence.

"I wouldn't know," said Percy quietly. His face was solemn but devoid of all other expression. "We broke things off two days ago."

"I'm sorry, Perce," said Oliver, meaning it.

"I don't know if I am." He closed his eyes for a moment and then looked up at Oliver. "Oliver, may I ask you something?"

"Go ahead," said Oliver, his stomach beginning to churn unpleasantly and his erection softening.

Percy took an audible deep breath. "Oliver, the night we went to dinner at Hogsmeade, and then afterwards I told you and everyone else in the dormitory to be quiet?" Oliver nodded. "I didn't hear everything you were saying, but it sounded as if you were arguing with the others about someone you fancied." Oliver nodded once more, his breath slow and shallow. "Who was it?"

"Who do you think it was?"

"I'm not sure," said Percy, his voice unsteady. His eyes were blinking rapidly. "I - oh damn, this is stupid, but I thought perhaps it might have been me."

Dive

. "Percy - you're - you're absolutely right, I think you're, well, fascinating. Do you realize that I have never known anyone else who intrigues me more than you do? We haven't been friends long, and I fully admit that I - "

Percy stood up.

" - fancy you, and I think you're gorgeous, and - "

Percy began to walk across the tub.

" - sexy as hell, and I know I'm going on like a blithering idiot, but I wasn't honest with you - "

Percy sat down beside him.

" - and I completely understand that you don't feel the same way, but - "

"Oliver," Percy whispered. His voice was commanding and sultry. "Shut up."

His lips captured Oliver's like a pouncing animal conquering its prey, fast and intense. Oliver whimpered, surprised yet instantly enraptured. He felt Percy's tongue slide over his and, in one swift gesture, Percy straddled him.

"Oh God, Perce," Oliver moaned as Percy sucked on his neck. "Oh God..."

"I'm not usually like this," Percy whispered, his breath hot against Oliver's ear. "Just for you."

Oliver shuddered as Percy pressed hard against him, allowing him to feel every sweet warm inch of tender skin. He closed his eyes and Percy tipped his head back, gently biting his throat. Hungry for more, Oliver slid his hands around Percy's buttocks and gripped.

"Don't stop," Percy gasped. His fingers grasped at Oliver's nipples, pinching hard. "God, Ol, don't stop!"

They fell into a rhythm, undulating together, hands roaming greedily under the water. Tongues thrust, hands stroked, for minute upon blissful minute.

Suddenly Oliver let out a small, strangled scream. Percy's fingers were digging into his shoulders and his breathing was coming in hard, choking gasps. "Oliver!" he screamed. With a start, Oliver realized Percy was climaxing. He let Percy thrust against him so hard it almost hurt.

"Oliver - Ol - yes - " He wailed once more and then his body relaxed. Slowly he slid off of Oliver, trying to catch his breath,

"Perce," Oliver whispered. "Percy, I'm still - "

Percy sighed. "I'm sorry, Ol, I'm so tired. You wore me out."

Oliver stood up slowly, disappointed but sympathetic. "So."

"So," said Percy. His cheeks were flushed and his lips were deliciously rosy.

Oliver slid one hand through Percy's hair. "You tease."

"Don't worry," said Percy, his voice seductive. He took a step closer to Oliver and placed one hand on the small of his back. "In a few days I'll come to Edinburgh and make you the happiest man alive."