Revived in the Shadows

Chapter Three - No Strings Attached

It was with a great deal of reluctance that Harry left the safety of his bed chambers the next morning. He was not looking forward to seeing Mr Malfoy after finding the man in the most compromising of positions last night. He knew that he would become flustered and unable to meet the man's gaze with any sort of insouciance on his part.

Harry took his time ascending the staircase and strolling through the many adjacent parlours before reluctantly entering the dining room for breakfast.

'Ah, Master Potter. I trust you slept well?' Colin inquired as he pulled out Harry's customary chair for him, as was his duty.

'Yes, thank you.' Harry sat himself down rather quickly. 'Er, is Mr Malfoy around?'

Colin smiled stiffly, and Harry wondered how the man could have two such polar opposite emotions on his face at one time: the mouth trying to convey a feigned pleasantness, while his eyes were as cold as steel.

'I'm afraid Master Malfoy is indisposed at the moment and will not be joining you for breakfast.'

Harry breathed a sigh of relief and flopped back into his chair, finally feeling comfortable for the first time since the previous evening's discoveries.

He refused to deliberate over the fact that he had gotten off on it.

Harry ate his breakfast at a leisurely pace, then decided to pay Annabella a little visit. He threw on his heavy winter cloak and fairly flew along the gravel path towards the stables. The fresh air, along with his new-found good mood, gave him a spirited feeling of exuberance this early grey morning.

The hard leather of his boots tapped noisily down the centre aisle of the stable as he strode towards the last stall on the left.

'Good morning, Annabella,' he greeted cheerfully, leaning his arms over the stall partition and grinning at the dozing white mare.

Being the lady that she is, Annabella walked over to demand some attention from her new friend.

Harry chuckled and patted her on the nose, then moved his fingers up to scratch behind the large swiveling ears.

Annabella whuffed impatiently and gave her stall door a little kick.

'Sorry,' Harry said ruefully, 'but I don't know the first thing about horse-back riding. You honestly wouldn't want me to attempt it on my own. Maybe some other time...'

'Why not right now?'

Harry whipped his head to the left and saw Mr Malfoy casually leaning against the doorframe of the tack room.

'Hi,' Harry greeted inanely, trying to keep images he'd deemed forbidden from flashing through his mind. Despite his best efforts, an unbidden blush rose to his cheeks.

Lucius straightened and walked towards Harry with a charming smile. 'Good morning, Mr Potter. I am pleased that you returned to visit Annabella so soon, she is need of some exercise. I'm afraid she hasn't been out for a good ride in days.'

'Uh...I'm not really sure-'

'Come now, Mr Potter. Where is this renowned fearlessness that I hear talk of so often?'

'Maybe you shouldn't believe everything you hear,' Harry replied, turning back to the restless mare.

'I am not in the habit of listening to idle prattle, Mr Potter. I have eyes and ears of my own, and I have bore witness to your...heroicness, firsthand.'

Harry snorted loudly, startling Annabella. 'Firsthand, indeed,' he said with emphasis, remembering only too well the instances when Mr Malfoy had stood beside Voldemort while Harry had been tortured before their eyes.

To Harry's surprise, Lucius actually smiled in amusement. 'Are we finally to have that particular conversation now, Mr Potter?'

Harry quickly recovered. 'No we are not.'

He turned away and walked resolutely towards the tack room. One of the stable boys was inside, oiling some of the fine leather equipment with a soft cloth.

'Master Potter.' He stood immediately.

'Could you help me, please?' Harry asked politely. 'I want to ride Annabella but I've never ridden before and don't really know how to...er, prepare her.'

The boy smiled and nodded. 'Of course, sir.'

'That won't be necessary, Brandon,' Lucius calmly spoke up from behind Harry. 'I will assist Mr Potter myself.'

Brandon nodded solemnly. 'Yes, sir. Excuse me,' he said, with a hint of disappointment directed Harry's way as he took his leave.

'I don't need your help,' Harry said stubbornly, glaring insolently at Mr Malfoy.

'You are a man of contradiction, Mr Potter.' Lucius smirked, striding into the room and closing the door firmly behind him.

Harry swallowed nervously and crossed his arms over his chest against the developing tension. He felt a little like a trapped animal about to be devoured.

'How's that?' he asked, standing his ground.

Lucius walked past, his body brushing ever so slightly against Harry's side as he examined one of the gleaming leather bridles hung on the wall.

'You ask for help one moment, and then decline it the next,' he replied matter-of-factly, fingering the expensive equipment in concentration.

'It's not your job to help me.'

'No, it is not.' Lucius turned towards him. 'It is my pleasure.'

Harry frowned.

'You are a guest in my house, Mr Potter,' Lucius continued. 'And I only wish to see that your every need is attended to.'

Harry backed away a step at the subtle innuendo, green eyes fastened on the other man's salacious face.

Lucius smirked once more as he turned away and unhooked the bridle from the peg. 'Here you are, Mr Potter.'

Harry hesitated an instant before walking forwards to take the headpiece in his hand. He looked up in surprise as Lucius did not release his hold on the other end.

'My son is quite a lucky man,' he murmured, staring directly into Harry's wide eyes.

'Y-yes he is,' Harry stuttered, without paying attention to the words coming out of his mouth.

'I am surprised that he would let such an attractive man out of his house, let alone out of his sight, for such a long time.'

Lucius reached out and lightly stroked one finger down Harry's pale cheek.

'Dangerous, no?'

Harry's breath hitched in his throat at Mr Malfoy's gentle caress.

'Shall we?'

Harry blinked and came to as Lucius abruptly dropped his hand and turned away.

Harry had time to ponder the sudden turn-around in Mr Malfoy's character as the tall blond collected every piece of tack required. He was appalled by the fact that he had felt a momentary sense of flattery at the very obvious flirting displayed by the debonaire man. It had been a long time since anyone had paid that kind of attention to him, especially when it did not issue from his celebrity.

'Are you ready, Mr Potter?'

Harry nodded and mutely followed behind as Lucius carried the last piece out to the stall.

Soon, the eager white mare was tacked up and ready to go. Harry held the reins in one sweaty hand as Lucius deftly tacked up his favoured black stallion with precision and speed.

His father-in-law swung up into the saddle and waited for Harry to do the same.

Harry managed to mount on his first attempt - perhaps a little less gracefully than Lucius - but he was pleased nonetheless.

They started off towards the trails of the thick forest located to the northeast of the estate at a slow walk, allowing the horses to gently work out the morning kinks in their well-muscled legs.

Harry relaxed a little as they continued at this comfortable pace. He couldn't help but notice how dashing - really the only word for it - Mr Malfoy looked in his tall, black riding boots and royal blue jacket. Harrynoted that Mr Malfoy wore that particular shade of blue quite often, and could see why. It enhanced not only his aristocratic good looks, but also complimented his cool demeanor.

'You look quite at ease up there, Mr Potter,' Lucius commented, glancing over at Harry.

'Yeah, it's not too bad.' Harry smiled.

'Excellent.' Lucius' brow arched devilishly. 'Care to go a little faster?'

Harry's smile faltered for a moment. 'Er....'

Lucius' laugh rang out in the tranquil forest, causing Harry to smile once more. 'Don't worry yourself, Mr Potter, she will not let you fall. Grasp some of her mane with the reins and hold on tightly.'

Harry quickly did as he was told and leaned down low over Annabella's neck.

Lucius nodded approvingly and kicked his stallion into a faster pace. Annabella immediately followed suit without any urging from her rider.

Harry's teeth clacked together with every step as he bounced around rather clumsily in the saddle. He tried to grip with his thighs to keep from being tossed about so much, but it didn't seem to be helping. Harry grit his teeth together and narrowed his eyes at Lucius' straight back in front of him, envying the way he was posting easily with the horse's movements.

Harry was glad that he was behind the other man, so that Lucius would not see his blatant ineptitude.

Lucius gave his horse an almost imperceptive signal to increase their speed to a canter.

Harry almost protested the sudden change, then breathed a sigh of relief as the pace proved to be much more manageable. The gait was smooth and easy, like sitting in a large rocking chair. The sounds of the horse's heavy hoof-beats echoed dully from the packed earth beneath their feet; the only sound disturbing the natural peace of the forest around them.

They didn't speak again until the two of them had emerged out of the trees into a clearing on the crest of a hill about half an hour later.

Annabella obediently slowed and came to a halt beside Lucius as he stopped to look out over the extent of his property below.

Harry remembered what Mr Malfoy had said about the land being much more beautiful to him in the winter months, and although the sun was not shining, and the lake's waters were not sparkling, it was the most breathtaking sight Harry had ever beheld.

The ever-present fog covered most of the moorland and the rolling hills around them gave one the feeling of seclusion, as if you were the only human being on earth. There was no sign of life, save for the Malfoy mansion in the middle of this Eden, and the two men standing atop the hill taking it all in.

'Beautiful,' Harry breathed.

'Glad you approve,' Lucius responded sincerely. 'Would you like to rest here a moment?'

'Yes.' Harry nodded enthusiastically and carefully climbed down to the ground, his legs wobbling a bit as he got his feet under him once more.

'You will be sore tomorrow,' Lucius said as he collected Annabella's reins from Harry and walked away to tie the horses to the nearest tree.

'I'm sore now.' Harry grimaced.

Lucius smiled as he sat on a large rock at the forest's edge. 'It will be worse tomorrow.'

'Great.' Harry rolled his eyes as he stiffly walked over and collapsed to the ground beside him.

'You will become accustomed to it soon enough, Mr Potter.'

'You can call me Harry if you want,' Harry offered, leaning back on his hands and rhythmically clenching and unclenching his fingers in the soft soil.

Lucius peered down at him, looking bemused. 'A man of contradictions,' he repeated.

Harry chuckled. 'I get tired of Mister Potter. It's too formal, yet everyone insists on calling me that, as if I'm the Minister of Magic or something.'

'I believe mister is preferable to the Boy Who Lived, though, is it not?' Lucius smirked derisively.

'True,' Harry conceded with a smile. 'But you can still call me Harry.'

'Alright. Harry.' Lucius nodded in acceptance.

Harry smiled and turned his attention back to the stunning view.

'You never told me what it is that you do, Harry?'

Harry looked up at him in surprise. 'I didn't think you cared.'

Lucius frowned and Harry instantly regretted his choice of words.

'Sorry, I didn't mean it that way. I just didn't think that you'd be interested in my career since it doesn't include fighting the forces of darkness or flying about on a Quidditch pitch.'

'I have little interest in sports, and even less interest in the life and times of our nation's Aurors, so what you do spend your time doing will be of interest to me, Mr Potter.'

'Really?' Harry asked skeptically, then shrugged. 'Okay, well, I own and help operate the Home for War Refuge Children. I bring the kids who were left orphaned for whatever reason during the war to the centre and care for them, provide for them, and then help get them adopted as soon as possible.'

'Hmm...' Lucius nodded.

'You don't have to pretend to be interested,' Harry said. 'I know you don't have any particular interest in the more charitable aspects of life.'

Lucius' frown deepened. 'It seems that you have a very poor evaluation of my character, Mr Potter. I am not as calloused, nor as cold-hearted, as you seem inclined to believe.'

Harry's gaze hardened, and his tone was sharp. 'You are also a man of contradictions, Mr Malfoy. I would describe a cold-hearted man as someone who is able watch a scene of horrific nature and not be disgusted by it.'

'Your comparison to Death Eaters is duly noted Mr Potter, but as I am not a Death Eater anymore, that has no bearing on my personality as such.'

'Are you saying that you are a changed man, Mr Malfoy?' Harry challenged.

'Yes, even you cannot deny that I am not the same man who watched the Dark Lord tie you to a gravestone and proceed to torture you.'

'How would I know?' Harry retorted. 'I didn't know you then, and I am only just skimming the surface now.'

'I was a Death Eater,' Lucius replied darkly, 'the traits of which you so aptly described earlier, but I am one no longer, and therefore my solitude - without constant exposure to the dark - has thus changed my-'

'Heart?' Harry interjected sardonically.

'No,' he replied swiftly.

'Soul?'

'If you would like to call it that, then yes,' he said indifferently. 'I might also use the less idealized term of "outlook".'

Harry watched him appraisingly. 'I believe that time spent in solitary seclusion - as you have done - can alter a person's character, so I will reserve my judgments for when I have gotten to know you better. Seen the real you.'

'That would be wise, Mr Potter,' Lucius drawled.

'Harry,' he reminded him easily.

Lucius' lip quirked in reluctant amusement.

'Does this mean that I can call you Lucius now?' Harry asked cheekily.

Harry laughed at Lucius' expression of disdain. 'Should've known you would go for a more formal title, though I will not venture so far as to call you Master Malfoy. How about dad?' he teased.

Lucius' eyes lost their playfulness. 'We should return, it's nearly time for tea.'

Harry was about to ask what he'd said wrong, but Lucius was already standing and untying the horses. He brushed off his trousers and decided to leave well enough alone. He didn't want to ruin their first relatively peaceful conversation by turning it into a row.

They rode back in silence, Harry feeling slightly more confident astride the lady-like Annabella. He gave her a well deserved pat as he dismounted in the stable yard and handed her reins over into the hands of a waiting servant.

Lucius roughly thrust his reins into Brandon's hand, and the two stable boys walked off together to cool down the horses. Without a word, Lucius strode into the stable building.

Harry frowned and followed behind at a safe distance.

Lucius stormed into the tack room and was aggressively removing his riding gloves when Harry entered.

'Is something wrong?' Harry asked hesitantly, coming up behind him.

'No,' he replied curtly, tugging off the white gloves and tossing them onto a nearby shelf.

'Is it because I called you Lucius? I don't have to if you don't want me to-'

Mr Malfoy whipped around and pushed Harry up against the wall in one swift and furious movement. Harry gasped as Lucius pinned him against the wooden planks, grey eyes burning with vehemence.

'You will call me by my name, Mr Potter. I will make you scream it. It will fall from your lips on the wings of a plea as you beg for me to touch you.'

'What-' Harry spluttered in fear, green eyes widening with every word.

Lucius smirked and pressed his body against Harry's trapped form. He leaned his head in closer, his lips but a hairsbreadth away from Harry's ear.

'Did you enjoy the show last night, Mr Potter?' he whispered.

Harry gasped and froze.

'I knew you were there,' he continued to murmur in that same seductive tone. 'I found your presence to be very...inspirational. What I want to know is, did you enjoy it as much as I?'

Harry struggled to get free. 'Let go of me!' he demanded.

'Not yet, Harry. You haven't answered my question.'

Lucius removed his hand from Harry's arm and firmly stroked it down Harry's chest.

Harry froze in his attempts to free himself, unable to believe what was happening, and yet...

'Please stop,' Harry whispered.

'Not yet, my pet.' Lucius pressed his lips to Harry's cheek and placed light kisses down over the smooth skin of his jaw and back up to his ear, flicking out a tongue to taste, using teethe to gently nip and arouse.

Harry closed his eyes against his will, the softest of moans emitting from between parted lips.

'Yes,' Lucius whispered again, grey eyes intent on Harry's face. 'Do you want me to touch you, Harry?'

Harry whimpered and shook his head, eyes still tightly closed.

'Open your eyes,' Lucius commanded.

Harry dragged his lowered lids back open and glazed green eyes peered up at him.

Lucius smiled, eyes burning with lust fueled fire. 'I will repeat the question, Mr Potter. Do you wish for me to touch you?' His hand all-the-while rubbing provocatively over Harry's growing erection.

Harry let out another whimper and nodded weakly.

Lucius smirked in satisfaction and attacked Harry's tempting throat with his lips.

Harry lost all coherent thought and let his body take over.

*****

As the cloud of arousal dissipated, Harry slowly came back to his senses, his gut filling with ice, the absolute guilt and dread dragging him downwards. He covered his face with his hands and slid down the wall to the floor.

'What have I done?' he whispered to himself.

Lucius withdrew his wand and cleaned himself off with an easy flick of the wrist. 'Try to remain calm, Harry.'

Harry peered up at him through his fingers. 'Calm? I...we...' He shook his head in disbelief. 'I'm married! And you are my.... God, I'm sick. This is sick...'

'I found it to be rather pleasant,' Lucius quipped, straightening his disheveled clothes.

'I'm so stupid.'

Lucius took pity on the boy, and crouched down to speak to him. 'Do not worry yourself over this, Mr Potter. We are not secret lovers, there are no feelings involved. You can feel safe within the fact that it was merely a physical release - nothing more. I dare say it will be a lovely addition to your holiday here.'

Harry stared at him incredulously. 'You don't actually think we're going to do...this again, do you?'

Lucius smirked and stood up, towering over a thoroughly debauched-looking Harry Potter.

'I know we shall meet again, Harry. You will not be able to stay away for long.'

Harry snorted. 'Do you really think yourself that charming, Mr Malfoy?'

Lucius' smirk did not waver. 'I know so,' he replied. 'Till we meet again, Harry Potter.'

Lucius tipped his head politely and walked from the room, looking quite smug.

Harry's face burned with shame as his body shivered in response to his name being purred in that velvety rich voice.