Draco's face was drawn and weary, grey eyes dull, as he led Harry through the throng of nattering guests to the exit, causing Harry's insides to twist sharply with guilt every time he caught a glimpse of his mate's expression.
Harry mostly kept his head down and gaze averted as they made their way across the large estate; not wanting to attract any attention to the two of them or to the fact that they were leaving early.
He didn't wish to speak with anyone, he just wanted to get back to Hogwarts and be with his Alpha. The build-up of tension and worry over what Draco was thinking was reaching breaking point; he was actually beginning to fear what this meant for the future of their relationship.
Yes Draco's behaviour had contributed to Harry's erratic emotions, but Harry was the one who'd acted inexcusably. He had done something he had never thought he would ever do to a partner; to someone he loved.
What if he'd inadvertently destroyed the trust his Alpha had in him? What if this incident caused Draco's feelings for him to change? Would he be left pregnant and alone?
Harry was so distracted by his thoughts that he barely noticed the trip back to Hogwarts; it seemed like they were outside the McDougall's home, walking through the softly falling snow, and then suddenly they were traipsing up the stairs to the third floor corridor.
They walked through the doors into their private room and Harry hovered by the door a moment, feeling twitchy and uneasy, wanting to blurt out something - anything - to fill the quiet, to begin to apologise for his betrayal, but the growing silence was making it harder and harder to start.
Draco carefully sat on the edge of their bed, gaze on his folded hands. He finally looked up to meet Harry's gaze.
Harry nervously licked his lips and waited, wondering if this was the moment Draco told him that it was over.
"Are you all right?" Draco eventually asked. "Did Zabini injure you?"
Harry shook his head, pulse thundering in his ears.
Draco nodded and looked down at his hands again. He sighed. "I'm sorry Harry."
Harry was so positive that Draco's apology was a regretful dismissal that tears immediately sprang into his eyes. He swiftly clenched his hands into fists, trying to keep the tears from spilling over by sheer will.
"I… I understand," Harry finally replied, trying his hardest to keep his voice steady.
Draco glanced up with a frown.
"What do you understand?" He straightened when he caught sight of Harry's glassy eyes. "Harry…?"
Harry quickly wiped his eyes on the sleeve of his good shirt as Draco stood and came to stand in front of him.
"He did hurt you," Draco concluded, eyes narrowing.
Harry let out a choked sort of noise that was half laugh, half sob, as he shook his head. "No, he didn't. I promise."
"Then what's going on?" Draco asked in concern. He paused and then asked, "are you that disappointed with me?"
"With you?"
"Yes, for… for driving you into the arms of another Alpha."
Harry frowned in bemusement. "But I… You…. So you're not breaking up with me?" he finally managed to get out.
Draco blinked, clearly taken aback. "Breaking up with you?" he repeated incredulously. "Harry, do you not have any idea how mateships work?"
"I… what?"
Draco reached out and gently stroked two fingers down the side of Harry's neck and over the Claiming Mark, brow furrowed as he absently watched the path his fingers took. "This isn't some sort of flippant teenage romance Potter; we're bonded. I've claimed you as my mate and… and this is for life. You have every right to choose another Alpha should you so wish to - and," he quickly stressed as Harry opened his mouth to interrupt, "although you said you're not interested in Blaise, or any another Alpha, it would never be something that would cause me to walk away from you. For fuck's sake, you're carrying my child."
Harry gave a somewhat wobbly smile as Draco's hand dropped to gently cover his abdomen. "I'm sorry I hurt you," Harry said sincerely, covering Draco's hand with his own. "I don't care what you say about Alphas and Omegas; it still couldn't have been easy when I told you what I'd done."
Draco swallowed but held his gaze. "No, it wasn't. But if I'm honest, it was easier to hear that than to believe that Zabini had forced himself on you. If Gemma hadn't alerted me to the situation, I would never have known."
And then Harry suddenly understood the extent of everything that had gone wrong. "You were asleep, weren't you? So you weren't able to sense that I was in danger."
Draco nodded, clearly pained to admit that he'd made such a grievous error.
Harry sighed and gave Draco's hand squeeze. "We need to learn to communicate better, don't we? If I'd just told you how I was feeling then this wouldn't have happened."
Draco took a step back, pulling Harry with him. "Come on, let's go shower and get into bed. I'd rather be comfortable for this conversation."
"Yeah, all right." Harry smiled, optimism seeping into his body and filling that hollow ache that had appeared when he'd thought Draco was leaving him.
He followed his Alpha to the ensuite and they both stripped out of their fine party attire. Harry stepped under the hot spray of the shower next to Draco with a sigh and they silently soaped each other up and washed each other's hair, matching grins of relief on their faces and lingering looks filled with contentment in between the fleeting touch of lips and gentle caress of fingers.
Harry knew taking a shower with Draco would have driven him crazy only a few hours ago, but now he was barely half-hard as Draco tenderly washed every inch of him. It seemed his mad hormones were finally giving him a bit of a reprieve after the emotional stress of the evening.
Draco turned off the shower and they both towelled off before climbing into bed.
Harry adored this part of the day; when he and Draco got into bed and talked or fucked or slept in a tangled mess of warm limbs, he thought it was the absolute best part of being bonded to someone.
"I'm sorry I'm too tired for anything more," Draco said quietly as they settled on their sides, facing each other.
Harry couldn't help smiling as he linked his hand with his mate's. "That's okay; I'm actually not in the mood for anything more tonight anyway."
"I'm going to start taking Dreamless Sleep," Draco abruptly declared with determination. "I know I'm being foolish and that you're not in any danger in our bedroom, and even if something were to come up, that you can handle yourself. I just… can't seem to explain that to my more protective side."
"Good," Harry responded with relief. "We'll speak to Madam Pomfrey tomorrow. Do you think you'll need one tonight? I can get Kreacher to fetch one for you."
"No, I think I'll sleep tonight no matter what. Just promise not to leave our room if you wake before me?"
"Of course," Harry agreed, and then his lips stretched into a grin. "Believe me, I'll want to be right here," he said, patting the mattress, "once you've had a good night's sleep. I'm sure my crazy hormones will be back to normal come morning."
Draco smirked in response but he was beginning to look a little drowsy again, now that the immediate unrest had been resolved.
"Did you and your father talk after your mum and I left the Manor?"
Draco absently plumped the pillow under his head as he replied. "Yes, a little."
Harry raised his brow. "Anything you want to tell me about?"
"No." Draco smirked as he settled back down again. "But sufficed to say, I soon came to the realisation that as I was agreeing with my father, I was probably in the wrong."
Harry chuckled.
Draco's light-hearted expression suddenly faded. "You don't really believe that I don't want this baby, do you?"
Harry winced with guilt at his mate's words. "I'm sorry I insinuated that in front of your parents. I know that's not true."
Draco turned onto his back and slid an arm around Harry's shoulders, pulling him in to curl around him, dark head coming to rest on Draco's warm chest.
The last of Harry's lingering tension left his body on a sigh as he settled comfortably against his Alpha.
"I was so sure that you were going to leave me," Harry confessed into the quiet.
"Never."
Harry smiled against Draco's warm skin, hearing the smirk in his mate's voice. "Good, because no one else will want this daft pregnant Omega."
"Are you joking? A pregnant male Omega is like taking Amortentia."
Harry frowned. "Really? That's not what Blaise said."
"Yes and then he proceeded to try to get into your pants, so I doubt he was being completely honest Potter."
"Oh." Harry realised the truth of his Alpha's words as soon as he heard them.
Draco's chest rumbled under his ear as he chuckled at Harry's naiveté.
"Shut it," Harry responded around a grin. "I'm still learning about all this Alpha and Omega stuff."
A kiss pressed into his shower-damp hair was the only apology he was going to get.
Harry's thoughts began to flit back over the evening as he lay there. He frowned as something Draco mentioned in passing drifted to the forefront of his mind.
"Hey, did you say Gemma was the one to tell you what was going on? What did she see exactly?"
He desperately hoped she hadn't witnessed his shameful infidelity.
Draco stroked a warm hand down Harry's back when he unconsciously stiffened with unease. "All she saw was you shouting at Blaise who had you pinned to the ground. I don't believe she witnessed anything that may have traumatised her." He paused. "Then she said something odd; she said she knows she wasn't supposed to go outside, but you looked ill so she thought you were leaving the party and followed you."
Harry gasped and bolted upright. "Fuck, she still has my Cloak!"
Draco blinked up at him. "Your Invisibility Cloak?"
Harry nodded, swiping a hand through his damp hair in agitation. "Yeah, I lent it to her to have some fun with during the party. With everything that happened I just… I forgot." Harry shook his head, irritated by his absentmindedness. "I didn't even remember it when we left, how could I be so careless? I'm not supposed to be walking around in public without it. Your father will kill me if he finds out."
Draco snorted and reached out to tug Harry back down to him. "I won't tell him if you don't Potter."
Harry settled back into place with an exasperated sigh. "I suppose I'll just have to owl her about it tomorrow."
The two fell silent and Harry could feel Draco's breathing begin to even out and his heart rate slowing beneath his cheek.
Harry wasn't the least bit tired but he knew Draco desperately needed a good night's sleep, so he remained silent, staring up at the canopy over their bed and listening to the soothing sound of his mate finally getting some vital rest.
. . . .
Harry woke with a gasp, eyes flying open and body jerking at the unexpected sensation of something warm and wet enveloping his morning hard-on.
Harry looked down to see Draco staring back at him, lips forming a smirk around his flushed erection.
Harry's head instantly dropped back onto the pillow with a moan, hips involuntarily twitching up into his mate's mouth.
He was fully hard now; cock suddenly throbbing with the need for release, and his body was thrumming with ecstasy at being presented with this long-desired attention from his Alpha.
It had been so long and he needed this so much that he knew he wasn't going to last long.
Harry moaned and panted and arched his neck as he lost himself in the sensation of Draco's tongue gliding up his shaft, lightly swirling around the trembling head, and then running back down again, Draco's hand all the while grasping the base and moving in time with his wonderful mouth.
Harry arched off the bed, hands clamping down around fistfuls of sheets as he was, rather swiftly, brought to the edge of orgasm.
"Draco…" Harry gasped as his legs quivered and his hips continued to thrust between his Alpha's lips.
Draco moaned in response, the vibrations sending added jolts of pleasure shooting throughout Harry's body.
Draco began to suck in earnest and, as soon as he slid one spit-slickened finger into Harry's arse, Harry's whole world exploded in a shower of sparks that seemed to nearly blind him for a moment.
Harry groaned as he emptied himself down Draco's more than willing throat, his cock pulsing between Draco's lips as the Slytherin swallowed greedily.
Harry collapsed back onto the bed, breathing hard, eyes closed and body languid and utterly sated.
Draco sat up, licking his lips and smirking in amusement at his mate. "Well that had to be some kind of record Potter."
Harry smiled tiredly, eyes remaining closed. "I told you I was getting desperate. Believe me; I'll be wanting that again in about an hour."
Draco snickered and crawled up Harry's body, half draping himself across his mate.
"Oof! You're heavy," Harry complained half-heartedly as he slowly opened his eyes and fixed his Alpha with an ineffectual glare.
"Tough shit," Draco retorted with a grin. He absently ran a hand up Harry's side and then over his stomach, grey eyes tracking the movement. "Hey, I think you're actually starting to show."
Harry glanced down and saw that his mate was right; there was a small but noticeable swell to his previously lean stomach. "I look bloated," he observed.
Draco snorted and continued to lightly run the tips of his fingers over the distinctive baby bump.
Harry's frown turned into a fond smile as he watched him. Despite Draco's seemingly cool and indifferent exterior, he really was quite sentimental at heart. He was going to make a brilliant father.
Draco's hand stilled over Harry's stomach and he suddenly looked up at him through pale blond lashes. "We need to get to breakfast or we'll miss it, so if you could just take care of this for me…" he drawled, suggestively pushing his neglected erection into Harry's thigh with a smirk.
Harry laughed and obediently maneuvered himself over his mate's sprawled body in order to return the favour.
. . . .
Harry sat at the Gryffindor table with his mate, absently scrawling a quick note to Gemma to ask if she - along with a guardian - could meet him in Hogsmeade to return his Cloak. He didn't trust the Cloak to be delivered by owl post or by any other means. He even offered to take Gemma to Honeyduke's to sweeten the deal; so to speak.
"How was the party?" Hermione asked as she poured herself a cup of tea with one hand and opened her Advanced Arithmancy text with the other.
"It was… unpleasant," Draco pronounced coolly, causing Harry to glance up from his letter writing.
Hermione instantly allowed her book to fall closed again, attention captured. "How so?"
Harry absently chewed the end of his quill, curious about how much his mate would divulge.
"Let's just say that taking a male Omega to a large party is not conducive to a relaxing evening."
"Ah…" Hermione's frown cleared as she nodded in understanding. "And would this have anything to do with Blaise Zabini?" she added in a hushed tone.
Harry started. "How did you know?"
"Well that answers that," Ron interjected wryly, a heaped spoon of hot porridge pausing halfway to his mouth as he grinned at Harry.
Harry flushed, realising his blunder. He glanced at Draco and his mate just shook his head at him with a smile that was more affectionate than exasperated.
"I would have worked it out on my own anyway," Hermione interrupted with a dismissive wave of her hand, "since he rather suddenly decided to leave Hogwarts."
Harry and Draco both turned to her in surprise.
Ron nodded in confirmation. "Yeah, the Slytherins were telling everyone that Zabini told them last night that he would be leaving school to continue his education elsewhere."
"Did he say why?" Harry asked apprehensively.
"No." Hermione shook her head. "Complete mystery. Until now."
"Let's keep it that way, shall we?" Draco said quietly yet firmly, eyes calmly on his toast as he spread a healthy layer of marmalade over the melting butter.
"Sure no problem," Ron agreed, mouth full of porridge. "Always thought he was a bit of a wanker anyway."
Draco snorted in amusement but Harry couldn't help but feel a flicker of sympathy for Blaise. He may have been annoyingly persistent but he'd also confessed to being in love with Harry. Maybe it was just Harry's Omega hormones that had caused Blaise to think he was in love with him but it had probably felt real to the Alpha.
Harry noticed Hermione watching him and quickly returned to his letter, not really wanting to get into it over breakfast.
The four finished eating and prepared to head off to their first class of the day. Harry slipped his finished letter into his pocket and made a mental note to visit the owlery in between classes.
. . . .
Harry awoke the next morning and blinked at the shadowed underside of their four poster bed a moment, wondering why he was awake so early.
He turned his head to look over at his mate and what he saw made him smile. Draco was fast asleep; little puffs of air escaping from between his parted lips and ruffling his blond fringe where it hung softly over one eye. His expression was serene and at peace, no worry lines creasing his pale skin as had almost become the norm since the start of Harry's pregnancy.
Draco had taken his first Dreamless Sleep Potion last night and it had obviously done the trick.
Harry turned onto his side, intending to snuggle in closer to his mate while he waited for Draco to wake, but an abrupt lurch in his gut had him suddenly sitting upright and then bolting for the loo.
Harry pushed the toilet seat up as he dropped to his knees on the cold floor and proceeded to empty the contents of his stomach into the porcelain bowl.
Once the heaving of his stomach subsided, Harry lowered his forehead onto his arm and closed his eyes, exhaling shakily. His stomach was still churning a little and he didn't want to move in case he triggered another bout of vomiting.
A weary smile of wry amusement tugged at his lips as he pressed his warm forehead against the cool skin of his arm; he'd prematurely thought this pregnancy thing was going to be easy but it looked like morning sickness had finally found him.
He took a few more steadying breaths before opening his eyes once more. It seemed his stomach was content enough not to induce any further retching for the moment, so he reached up with one hand and flushed the toilet before carefully rising to his feet.
He slowly padded back into the bedroom on legs that were only slightly unsteady, and climbed in between the warm blankets beside his softly snoring Alpha.
Harry lay on his back and placed a gentle hand over his protruding stomach as he stared down at the soft curve of his belly. He rubbed soothing circles over his bump, hoping to ease the lingering nausea.
"Harry?"
Harry turned to see grey eyes blinking sleepily at him. "Hey, you're awake," Harry observed with a smile. "How are you feeling?"
Draco stretched his arms over his head with a jaw-cracking yawn. "Much improved," he eventually replied as he turned onto his side to pull Harry's pliant body back against him and threw a proprietary leg over his. He nuzzled into Harry's dark hair with a contented sound. "Thank you for staying even though…"
"Yes?" Harry prodded when Draco trailed off inexplicably.
Draco sat up and stared down at him with narrowed eyes. "Why do you smell like you've been sick Potter?"
"Oh." Harry blew out a puff of air. "Because I was; morning sickness has reared its ugly head."
"And I slept through it?" Draco replied, sounding troubled.
Harry rolled his eyes and sat up next to him. "Don't be stupid, there's no need for you to be with me for that, and you need proper sleep more than I need someone to hold my hand while I throw up."
Draco nodded, grudgingly conceding the point. "But you're all right now?" he asked, just to make sure.
Harry smiled and nodded. "Yes, I think I just need to eat something."
Draco's gaze flicked down to where Harry still had one hand resting over his stomach. "Then let's get you some breakfast mummy," he said with a smirk.
Harry rolled his eyes at him as he slid out of bed and walked to the wardrobe.
"What are we going to call each other?" Harry pondered aloud, pulling on his charcoal grey trousers and then frowning a little as he struggled to button them.
Draco shot him a smirk as he slipped his arms into a crisp white shirt. "You mean you don't wish for me to refer to you as 'the mother'?"
"No," Harry retorted with a glare. "I may be giving birth to our child but that does not make me female."
Draco snickered as he turned back to his dressing. "All right, you can be daddy - to the both of us."
Harry let out a surprised bark of laughter and threw a balled up sock at his wicked mate.
"Seriously, does it matter Potter?"
Harry shrugged as he buttoned his crumpled school shirt. "It could get confusing."
"We could be really progressive parents and have our children address us by our first names."
Harry snorted and shook his head. "I don't think so Malfoy. How about you be father and I'll be dad?"
"If you like," Draco replied indulgently.
Harry smirked at him as he fastened his black school cloak around his shoulders. "It's because you're a posh bastard and I'm not."
"I didn't ask."
Harry laughed and threw his other sock.
The two eventually made their way down to breakfast, where Harry ate his way through a stack of dry toast; too scared to eat anything else in case it came back up again.
He flashed Draco a grateful smile when his Alpha passed him a cup of tea, which upon tasting, turned out to be peppermint to help settle his stomach.
Having a Potions expert as a mate was turning out to be more beneficial than Harry could have imagined; Draco seemed to know absolutely everything about different types of herbs and exotic ingredients, and which combinations would be beneficial and which would make you ill.
By mid-morning Harry's nausea had completely disappeared, but unfortunately that meant his hormones then decided he was well enough to attend to his otherneeds. Trying to concentrate in class in a fairly potent state of arousal was nearly impossible, especially with Harry sharing every class with his Alpha on Mondays; the close proximity in combination with maintaining proper class decorum was driving him spare.
Draco kept sending him suspicious glances all throughout Potions, which was not helping matters.
His Alpha seemed to be aware of his predicament and Harry wasn't sure if Draco found it funny or irritating…
Until he shoved Harry through the door of an empty classroom as soon as Potions let out.
Harry let out an undignified yelp of surprise as Draco yanked him inside and then pushed him up against the closed door with a satisfied growl, grey eyes gleaming.
Harry swallowed; his arousal quickly hitting new heights at the look in his mate's eyes. "So… you knew I was-"
"Yes Potter," Draco hissed, eyes narrowing. His lips twitched into a minute smirk before he leaned in and kissed him. Thoroughly.
Harry moaned, his school bag dropping to the stone floor as he wrapped his arms around Draco in response. He leaned back against the door, hips arching up into Draco's as he tilted his head to one side and opened his mouth to him.
Merlin, this was exactly what he needed.
"Yes," Harry gasped in approval as Draco moved his mouth down the side of his neck and latched onto the Claiming Mark; sucking and lightly scraping his teeth over it in a very possessive manner. "Fuck… Want you so much…"
Draco groaned in response, pushing the hard length of his erection against Harry's over and over again. He moved his mouth back to Harry's lips, tasting him thoroughly. "Mine…" he whispered intensely. "You're mine Harry Potter."
Harry moaned, knees nearly buckling beneath him. "Yes," he agreed, catching Draco's bottom lip between his teeth and tugging. "Yours…"
Harry pulled away and latched onto Draco's arm, quickly pulling him along behind him towards the vacant professor's desk.
Draco arched a brow but didn't question him.
Harry withdrew his wand and quickly locked the door and threw a Silencing Charm at it for good measure. He turned back to his Alpha and then took Draco by the shoulders and pushed him back into the high-backed chair next to the desk.
Harry smirked at him as he began to unbuckle his trousers.
"What are you…?"
"I need you naked from the waist down Malfoy," Harry ordered as he stepped out of his trousers and began to toe off his shoes.
"Yes sir." Draco grinned and quickly complied, not needing to be told twice.
Harry's pupils dilated and his mouth watered at the sight of Draco's erect cock as the blond sat back and began to lazily stroke himself with one hand, hooded gaze on his Omega, waiting for Harry's next move.
Harry wandlessly conjured some warm oil into his hand and then kneeled in front of Draco, face level with his impressive erection. He reached out with his oiled hand and began to cover Draco's rigid shaft with the substance, running his hand up the length of it and then circling around the exposed head, then back down to fondle his bollocks, skin becoming slick beneath his touch as he thoroughly smeared the area with oil.
Draco's head tipped back and his hands clenched around the sides of the chair as he moaned in response.
Harry thought he was going to burst at the utterly gorgeous sight laid out before him: Draco looking completely debauched as he sprawled back half-naked in the chair, blond hair ruffled and cheeks flushed, breath coming in fast pants between parted lips which he kept licking every few seconds to moisten, grey eyes locked on Harry's hand as he slowly lubricated him.
Harry swallowed and hastily wrapped his oiled hand around his own prick, quickly spreading the last of it over himself before standing and placing a knee on either side of Draco on the chair.
He hovered over Draco's lap while his mate stared up at him expectantly. Harry smiled; feeling uncharacteristically seductive as he slowly took Draco's hand and guided it to his Alpha's cock, encouraging him to hold himself steady.
Draco swallowed as Harry placed a hand on each armrest and slowly began to lower himself onto his thick cock. Draco watched, transfixed, as Harry very, very gently began to loosen the rim of his arse with little pulsing pushes, allowing just the spongy slick tip of Draco's erection to press into his hole a little and then drawing away again before repeating this over and over again, allowing his arse to adjust to the intrusion slowly.
Harry's eyes fluttered closed as he continued; the firm broad push of his Alpha sliding inside just that little bit was oh-so-good. His arms and thighs began to tremble as he held himself up, but it was worth it.
He opened his eyes again and looked at Draco as he went a little lower, a little deeper. Draco's grey gaze was glued to where his body joined with Harry's, where he was actually inside his mate; that pinkened rim swallowing him up and squeezing in all the right places.
Draco's hands snapped to Harry's hips as Harry suddenly sank all the way down in one motion.
They both groaned under their breath at the sensation.
"Fuck… you're so tight…" Draco uttered in a wrecked voice.
"It's… been awhile," Harry replied faintly, wriggling in place; revelling in Draco's warmth and the wiry feel of his pubic hair pressed against his skin. He felt so full and so perfect. He'd missed this; the physical and emotional connection of their mateship.
"If you don't move soon Potter, I will hex you," Draco threatened between clenched teeth.
Harry emitted a sound suspiciously similar to a whimper as Draco involuntarily flexed up into him.
"Plus… we'll be… late… for class…" Harry panted brokenly as he rose up, Draco's cock sliding nearly all the way out. Harry purposely squeezed around the tip and then dropped back down in one fluid movement.
Draco moaned long and loud, hands clenching on Harry's hips.
Harry levelled Draco with a penetrating stare as he began to ride his Alpha at a faster pace, watching as pleasure flickered across Draco's flushed face and strong hands tightened reflexively on Harry's hips, encouraging his fast, undulating movements.
Harry was breathing fairly hard by this point, fringe stuck to his damp forehead as he pushed himself up and down over and over again. He desperately wanted to take himself in hand but he had to keep his hands on the chair's arm rests for leverage.
Draco seemed to read his mind as he suddenly moved one hand from Harry's hip to firmly wrap around his swollen prick, which was bobbing luridly in time with his movements.
Harry made a keening noise in the back of his throat as Draco squeezed his hand. Harry raised himself up, his oiled shaft thrusting smoothly through Draco's fist, and then lowered back down, his mate's cock filling him brilliantly from below.
He altered his angle slightly and suddenly Draco was hitting that fucking perfect spot inside of him that seemed to light up his entire body and it was almost too much; too many sensations and too good…
Harry moaned, hands slippery with sweat as he gripped the armrests, uncaring of his knees pressing uncomfortably into the wooden chair beneath him.
"Harry… fuck, I'm close…" Draco rasped, closing his eyes as though he couldn't watch any longer without coming.
That last thought caused Harry's arousal to spike and everything south of his waist to tighten; teetering on the edge of orgasm.
"Yes…" Harry hissed, increasing his pace and causing his Alpha to groan. "I want you to… Want to see you come…."
Draco growled low in his throat and wanked Harry fervently, twisting his hand over the head of Harry's prick, attempting to coax his orgasm from him in swift, firm strokes; just the way he knew Harry liked.
Harry gasped and moaned and clenched around his mate as his bollocks tightened, preparing to spiral into an orgasm that he could feel coming on like a freight train.
Draco suddenly jerked beneath him, both hands flying to Harry's hips and tightening almost painfully, holding him in place, while he thrust up into him once, twice, and then a third time, finally freezing in place as he cried out.
Harry moaned at the feel of Draco's cock pulsing inside him, flooding him with warmth. He hurriedly wrapped his own hand around his cock and quickly finished himself off with firm, brisk strokes, eyes locked on Draco's expression.
With a low moan, Harry came all over his hand as well as Draco's chest; painting his pale skin in stripes of sticky white.
Harry collapsed forward with a gasp, arms braced on Draco's shoulders and damp forehead pressed to his mate's.
The only sound in the empty classroom was the sound of their heavy breathing as they came down off such an intense and gratifying high.
Harry swallowed and opened his eyes. "That was rather… intense," he commented weakly.
Draco's mouth flickered with a faint smirk, arms tightening around Harry as he placed a soft kiss to the corner of his lips.
Harry smiled in response and sat back. "We're late," he said with an unconcerned glance towards the door, the noise of the corridor blocked by the Silencing Charm.
"I think we can skive off History of Magic - just this once."
Harry was about to nod in agreement when his stomach suddenly rumbled ominously.
"Are you unwell again?' Draco immediately asked, his playful expression turning concerned. "Was I too rough?"
Harry laughed and shook his head. "No, you were perfect. I'm just hungry," he assured. "I didn't really have much to eat at breakfast."
Draco breathed out in relief and then smiled. "All right, let's hit up the kitchens instead of attending class."
"Deal." Harry grinned and carefully extricated himself from the warm comfort his mate's lap, the promise of food spurring him into action.
. . . .
Harry shivered as the Notice-Me-Not charm trickled down over his body in a cool wash of magic.
Hermione nodded in satisfaction as the concealment charm took effect. "That will have to do until we get your Cloak back Harry. No one will see you unless they know you're there."
"Thanks." Harry slipped his gloved hand back into his mate's as Draco stood beside him just inside the Hogwart's gates. "You know, people will recognise Draco and then assume I'm there anyway," he pointed out as they started walking.
Harry had received Gemma's reply, agreeing to meet in Hogsmeade on Saturday, and of course Draco wasn't about to let him to go on his own, and then Ron and Hermione wanted to join them for added protection, as well as to do some Christmas shopping, and then somehow Pansy Parkinson weaseled her way into the group as soon as she heard the word 'shopping.'
So that's how such a motley crew of Slytherins and Gryffindors came to be walking through the thick snow to Hogsmeade on that bright and crisp winter's day. The mood was decidedly cheerful amongst them despite the threat of danger hanging over Harry's head, it had been such a long time since any sighting or mention of his attackers that it was beginning to feel like a distant memory; one that was beginning to feel more and more distant and less and less imminent.
The little town of Hogsmeade was already fully decorated for the holiday season, and the sight never failed to fill Harry with a warmth that felt like home; like sitting by the fire with a large cup of hot chocolate.
Christmas, before he'd found out that he was a wizard and before Hogwarts, had always been awful; he'd even come to resent the holiday season. He always had more chores to do around the house in preparation for guests and dinner parties, and at the same time, he had to watch his cousin get more gifts than he could handle - or appreciate - while Harry didn't receive anything. Sometimes he would get a pair of old socks or a toothbrush in a colour that Dudley had rejected at some point.
Worse than any of that though, was the fact that he also had to spend more time locked away in his cupboard or in the second bedroom upstairs in order to keep his existence a secret from the majority of his aunt and uncle's friends.
Harry firmly pushed those memories aside as he took in the fairy lights glittering merrily from every shop window in Hogsmeade and strung around the bushes of the high street gardens.
Thankfully, Hogwarts and the Weasley family had shown him what Christmas should be like, and Harry had slowly begun to look forward to the holiday season as he grew older and began to accumulate things to be thankful for. And next year, he would get to teach his own child about Christmas.
This year would be his first Christmas with his mate, and next year… well next year would be their first official Christmas as a family.
"I'd remove your hand if I were you Potter; you're being a bit obvious."
Harry blinked out of his sentimental reverie and looked at Draco in bemusement.
The blond pointedly looked down to where Harry had unconsciously placed his hand over his stomach in a very affectionate, expectant mother sort of way.
Harry flushed and quickly removed it. "Bugger," he muttered under his breath.
Draco smirked and leaned in close to his mate's ear. "You're lucky we put that charm on you," he whispered, grey eyes glancing around to see if anyone on the street had taken notice as their small group strolled up the snow-covered footpath.
Harry followed his Alpha's gaze to scan the Saturday morning shoppers. "Sorry," he finally murmured back when it didn't appear as though anyone was looking at them. "I didn't even notice I was doing it. What?"
Draco was gazing at him with such a sad look in his eyes. His mate shook his head and stared straight ahead of them again. "I hate that you have to hide it, that this whole experience is tainted because of them," he growled under his breath.
Harry nodded, fully understanding his Alpha's frustration and sorrow. "Hopefully the Aurors find them soon," was all he said in reply, dropping his head onto Draco's shoulder and giving his hand a squeeze.
"Ugh! Would you two stop being so bloody nauseating?" Pansy exclaimed with a roll of her eyes as she pushed her way in between the two mates, her long dark hair flowing in the breeze from underneath a pair of white fuzzy earmuffs. Hermione narrowed her eyes at Pansy while Ron just shook his head in amusement. "Now," Pansy continued, unperturbed, as she slipped her arm through Draco's. "I am taking Draco Christmas shopping with me while you three Gryffindors do… whatever it is Gryffindors do. We can meet up for lunch at the Three Broomsticks in two hours, yes?"
"I am not-"
"Oh for Salazer's sake Draco," Pansy interrupted tetchily before Draco could finish protesting. "Your Omega is under a concealment charm which will work a lot better if you two split up. If people see you, they will automatically look for Potter, and then this will all be for naught. Potter will be perfectly safe with those two until we meet up in a couple of hours."
Harry could see the warring of emotions occurring behind his Alpha's cool façade. He hoped Draco would agree in order for him to purchase Draco's Christmas gift without him seeing.
"Harry?" Draco asked, turning to his mate and clearly not wanting to make a decision on this himself.
Harry shrugged nonchalantly. "It's fine with me. We're going straight to Honeyduke's to get my Cloak, so I'll be completely hidden after that."
Draco sighed and then nodded. "Pansy does have a point; people will assume you're with me if they see me. You'll have much better luck blending in without me next to you. Are you sure you're all right with this though?"
Harry smiled. "Yeah, I'll be fine. Ron and Hermione will take good care of me," he teased. "Besides, what could happen in two hours?"
Pansy began to drag Draco off up the street before he could change his mind - or comment on Harry's words, which seemed rather like a bad omen.
Ron laughed as he came up beside Harry, Hermione stepping up to his left, unconsciously flanking him on either side as he watched Draco walk off up the street with Pansy.
"She is really bossy," Ron commented, breath coming out as white mist in the cold air.
Harry grinned; having come to appreciate her brash personality. "Yeah, she is."
"I do believe you've been hanging out with those Slytherins a bit much Harry," Hermione concluded, and Harry wasn't sure if she was joking or not. "Come on," she continued, tearing her eyes away from the two refined Purebloods strolling up the street arm in arm. "Let's go get your Cloak so that I can relax."
"Yeah mate, I wouldn't want to suffer Malfoy's wrath if we lost you," Ron added in an undertone as they started making their way towards Honeyduke's. "Now that he's an Alpha, he can be really scary."
Harry snorted. "And when have you seen him like that?"
Ron shrugged and jammed his hands into his cloak pockets as he dodged an elderly gentlemen in a dark purple cloak. "He's just really intense when it comes to you."
"And he's given us enough threatening speeches about keeping you safe when he's not around that I'm surprised I'm not having nightmares," Hermione added, hiding a grin in her woollen collar.
"Are you serious?" Harry asked, hoping Draco wasn't being unduly excessive about his role as Alpha when Harry wasn't around.
"It's fine," Hermione said, giggling. "He thanked us for looking out for you as well."
"And apologised for being a git in the past," Ron admitted charitably.
Harry's brows rose in disbelief. "He did? He never told me that," he said in surprise.
"It was bloody awkward," Ron said with a shrug.
"But appreciated just the same," Hermione inserted favourably.
Harry smiled to himself as they approached the bright yellow and blue shopfront of Honeyduke's; coloured bits and bobs sparkling and emitting smoke in the large window, the enticing aroma of vanilla and sugar and toffee wafting out with the patrons as they opened and closed the door with the merry jingle of the bell.
Harry glanced around the street as they approached the door and suddenly spied a familiar blond head standing on the other side of the road, watching them. Pansy was occupied with looking into a shop window and Draco was clearly keeping an eye on Harry and his group until they entered the shop.
Harry acknowledged his mate's presence with a shake of his head and a wry smile. He caught Draco's answering smirk as Hermione opened the door at his back and held it open. Harry turned and walked inside ahead of Ron, the warm air and wonderful smells enveloping him like a cosy hug.
Harry spotted Gemma over by a vibrant display of Turkish Delight, her kind grandfather standing next to her, smiling dotingly as she pointed out her favourite flavours.
"Over there," Harry said, pointing out the little girl whom his friends had yet to meet.
The trio walked through the shop with ease; it wasn't a Hogsmeade weekend for the rest of the school so the popular sweets shop wasn't as crowded as it normally would have been.
"Hullo Gemma," Harry greeted with a smile when the little girl turned to see the trio come up behind her.
"Harry!" Gemma squealed and threw her arms around Harry's middle, startling him.
Her grandfather chuckled and shook his head. "I'm afraid she has already had her fair share of lollies and is a little… overexcited."
Harry laughed and hugged her in return. "These are my best friends," he said, kneeling down to her level and pointing to Ron and Hermione. "This is Ron Weasley-"
"And Hermione Granger," Gemma finished for him with a roll of her eyes. "Everyone knows who they are Harry; they're as famous as you."
"Did you hear that 'Mione?" Ron exclaimed with a grin. "We're as famous as the great Harry Potter!"
Hermione just shook her head, but was having trouble hiding her amusement; lips twitching dangerously.
Harry laughed as he straightened and shook Stuart Goodfellow's hand in greeting.
"Good to see you again Mr. Potter."
"You too Mr. Goodfellow."
Mr. Goodfellow plucked a cloth bag up from off of the floor and passed it to Harry. "Your Cloak my boy."
Harry took the bag and hugged it to his chest. "Thank you for bringing this to me," he said sincerely, glancing at Gemma to include her in his appreciation. "I would be heartbroken if I lost it. Thank you for taking care of it for me."
"I'm sorry I took it outside," Gemma said quietly, expression turning contrite.
Harry quickly shook his head. "No, you did the right thing Gemma." He smiled. "You were quite the hero, if I'm not careful, I'll be out of a job."
Gemma giggled and Harry grinned at her, relieved to see that she wasn't harbouring any lingering guilt over it.
"In fact, I owe you a treat," he added. "If that's all right with your grandfather, of course. He might think you've had enough."
Gemma turned to Mr. Goodfellow with wide imploring eyes - and who could resist that.
Her grandfather chuckled. "Yes, you may choose one more sweet with Mr. Potter, just don't tell your mother."
"Yes!" Gemma crowed, latching onto Harry's hand and dragging him off to a lurid pink section of the shop, leaving the others behind.
"Honeyduke's Caramel and Sea Salt Fudge," Harry read off of the pink and green box that Gemma reverently picked up with both hands.
"These are my favourite," she explained.
"Good choice."
"I know."
Harry laughed and led the way up to the front counter to pay for it. He spotted Ron loading up on his own stock of sweets to take back to Hogwarts while Hermione trailed after him, attempting to talk him out of buying quite so much.
It was good to see that some things never changed; despite going through a war or pairing off with their chosen mates, some things - like Ron gorging himself on sugary treats - could be relied upon to stay the same no matter what.
Harry counted out one Galleon, three sickles and thirteen knuts to the cashier, who appeared a little star-struck to be serving Harry Potter.
Harry ignored her shaking hands and smiled kindly when he took the purchased box of fudge. "Thank you," he said before turning back to Gemma to hand over the pink and green box.
"Thank you Harry!" she said elatedly. "Would you like one?"
Harry accepted the small square of toffee-coloured fudge while he waited for Ron to pay for his purchases.
Afterwards, Harry bid farewell to Gemma and her grandfather, promising to see them again at Christmas.
The trio left the warmth of the shop behind and walked back outside. They ducked into the closest side street and Harry donned his Invisibility Cloak.
"Where to now Harry?" Hermione asked the air where her friend had just been standing.
"I need to get Draco a present while he's not around, but I have no idea what to get," he lamented.
"Clothing?" Hermione suggested, pursing her lips.
Ron scoffed. "Harry isn't equipped to make those kinds of decisions for Malfoy."
"Hey!" Harry exclaimed, affronted.
"What about a scarf or something?" Hermione persisted. "Or perhaps a hat?"
"Have you ever seen Malfoy in a hat 'Mione?" Ron replied sceptically.
Harry sighed. "I think I could manage to pick out a nice scarf but, it just doesn't seem like enough…"
"You're looking for something expensive?"
"Not necessarily," Harry replied, beginning to feel a little stressed over the decision. It was their first Christmas together and he wanted it to be memorable.
"Don't worry Harry, when you see it you'll know," Hermione assured him. "How about we just try a few different shops and look at everything?"
Harry nodded and then remembered that they couldn't see him. "Yeah, all right."
Their first stop was The Paper Hound and Harry slipped into the nearest row of books to remove his Cloak. He tucked it under one arm and began to wander the shop; the faint scent of dust and old paper assaulting his senses.
Harry smiled to himself as he remembered that this was the site of his first 'date' with Draco.
Hermione walked up to him then. "What about a book on becoming a father?" she whispered to him.
Harry wrinkled his nose. "Bit too..."
"Sickly?" Hermione conjectured with a grin.
"Yeah." Harry sighed and looked around at the subject headings stuck haphazardly on the over-stuffed shelves. "Maybe a Potions book?"
Hermione followed him into the appropriate section, reading the titles over his shoulder. "Is he going to pursue his Potions Mastery?"
Harry scanned the titles, frowning in concentration. "He's not sure," he replied without looking up. "He definitely wants to do something Potions related, but not sure what that is yet. He said he liked the idea of working at the Ministry though."
"Did he?" Hermione replied in surprise. "I would've thought he'd dislike the Ministry."
"Oh he does, intensely," Harry answered, glancing up with a smirk. "But the Ministry also intensely dislikes the Malfoys so he thinks it would be great fun to work there."
"To spite them?"
"Mm hmm…" Harry confirmed with a nod.
Hermione chuckled as Harry reached for a large blue tome. "He's such a nutter."
"I think you mean arsehole," Harry said with a smirk as he opened the shiny book cover and scanned the Table of Contents. "But I sort of love that about him."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "You're quite the pair," she muttered.
"What about this one?" Harry asked, showing her the book.
"Rare Potions for Healing Purposes," she read aloud. "Sounds fascinating, is he interested in Healing?"
"He's interested in anything to do with unfamiliar Potion formulas, but I've noticed that he particularly likes to put the healing ones to good use. He's always suggesting this or that for me and inspecting the potions that Madam Pomfrey prescribes for me."
Hermione smiled. "Sounds perfect then," she agreed.
Harry smiled, feeling successful; he had high hopes that his mate would really enjoy this dusty book of potion recipes. "Great, let's go. I'll just get a few more things to add to his gift and then I'm done. What about you? What are you getting Ron?"
The two walked back through the shelves to the front counter, where Ron was seated in a large squashy armchair by the window, looking bored.
"Not a book," Hermione observed dryly.
Harry laughed and set about paying for his book and then tucking the bag under his Cloak.
The three of them spent the rest of their time wandering the different shops and buying gifts for family and friends. Harry even purchased a sparkly unicorn for Gemma. He also added a soft cashmere scarf for Draco along with some very expensive white chocolates.
He put everything into the cloth bag that Mr. Goodfellow had given him and then the three of them made their way to The Three Broomsticks.
Harry felt exhausted, his legs and feet tired and achy, as he collapsed into the booth with his friends. They each ordered a drink while they waited for the two Slytherins.
"Speaking of careers," Hermione broached as she relaxed into the worn leather seat, "what are you going to do while Draco is off curing the wizarding world of terminal illnesses?"
Harry blew on the top of his peppermint tea, expression thoughtful. "Well, for the next twelve months I won't be doing much of anything except for… well, you know. After that, I dunno, I was thinking of maybe opening my own business."
"What sort of business?" Hermione asked with interest as she took a sip of her Butterbeer.
Harry paused, unaccountably shy. "Erm, I was thinking maybe some sort of magical education centre for Muggle-borns. I mean, we take Muggle Studies at Hogwarts to expand a student's knowledge of Muggles, but what about the kids from Muggle families who don't know anything about the magical world until they're suddenly thrust into it at eleven years old?" He paused and shrugged. "Just an idea. I would've appreciated something like that."
Hermione pushed a wayward curl out of her eyes as she nodded. "That sounds like a great idea Harry."
Harry smiled, slightly embarrassed but pleased. "I haven't really worked out the details yet, but I think I want to run it as a non-profit society. I wouldn't want to charge people."
"Would it be classes or just a collection of books and information?" Ron asked curiously, almost finished with his tall pint of Butterbeer already
"I think both," Harry replied thoughtfully. "So people can come anytime and hang out there and read, or attend information sessions at specific times."
"And you would teach them?"
"I'm not sure." Harry took a sip of his tea with a blissful sigh before continuing. "I like teaching so yeah, maybe. I like the idea of working my own hours too, you know? So if I want to be at home then I can just stay home, or if I feel like working, I can do that too."
Hermione nodded. "Something flexible would be great as a new fa… well, you know."
Harry grinned, feeling a tiny fizzle of excitement as he slid a hand onto his stomach beneath the table where no one would see it.
"And if you call it the Harry Potter Centre for Muggle-Born Children, then it'll be a success for sure," Ron interjected, grinning.
"Branching out into philanthropy Potter?"
The three of them glanced up to see Pansy arching one perfectly manicured eyebrow down at them.
Harry looked past her to the bar and saw Draco ordering some drinks. He relaxed at the sight of his mate, relieved to see that he was all right. Harry'd been a bit concerned that he wasn't the only one with a target on his back out of the two of them.
Harry fixed his gaze back on Pansy who was now removing her cloak and hanging it on the hook next to their booth. "Yes Parkinson, something you wouldn't know anything about."
"And does Draco know you want to spend loads of his money on charity work?" she drawled disdainfully. "Especially for children - ick!"
"You're a child," Hermione replied with a roll of her eyes. "You're the only one who isn't eighteen."
"Speaking of which," she replied, instantly brightening. "I will be holding my eighteenth birthday party next month and you're all invited."
Harry wanted to laugh at the look on Pansy's face; as though they should all be falling at her feet, thanking her for the honour.
"I'll have to check my social calendar," Hermione replied dryly, causing Ron to snort.
Draco approached the table then and slid in next to Harry as he placed his and Pansy's drinks on the table.
Harry smiled when Draco leaned in and kissed the side of his neck, one hand squeezing his thigh and then remaining there, the warmth from his hand seeping through Harry's trousers and warming his skin.
"You all right?" Draco murmured into his ear.
"Yeah, just happy to be sitting down."
"Well, Draco is thrilled about my upcoming celebration," Pansy sniffed. "He knows what my parties are like."
Draco smirked into a small glass of what appeared to be cranberry juice with a slice of lime. "Pansy's events truly are renowned in Slytherin, you should be honoured to be extended an invitation," he replied. "You're probably the first Gryffindors ever to be invited."
"Wow, lucky us," Harry answered, voice dripping with sarcasm.
Draco snickered and then pinched his leg.
"Ow!" Harry yelped then laughed. "Sorry Pansy," he said, grinning. "Of course we'll be there. Ron never refuses free food."
Ron opened his mouth to argue and then shut it again. "It's true," he allowed with a shrug.
"What are everyone's Christmas plans?" Hermione asked round the table.
"We're spending Christmas Day with Draco's family and then Boxing Day at The Burrow," Harry replied with a glance at Draco who nodded.
They'd had that discussion ages ago and Harry had expected a bit of an uphill battle to get Draco to come to the Weasley's but he'd been surprisingly agreeable.
"Paris," Pansy replied in a bored tone. "Again."
Harry caught Hermione glaring at the arrogant Slytherin and quickly intervened. He didn't think his friends would ever entirely get on with the Slytherins, especially Parkinson, but as long as there wasn't any bloodshed then he could live with it.
"I need to select my replacement for Gryffindor Seeker," Harry said, abruptly changing the subject to the first thing that popped into his head. "I was thinking of asking that fourth year who tried out for Chaser and didn't make it. He wasn't aggressive enough for Chaser but he was really fast, definitely had some flying skills."
"Yeah, he was good," Ron acknowledged with a nod, looking relieved to have the subject come around to something he was interested in.
"Why do you need a new Seeker?" Pansy enquired with narrowed, calculating eyes; rather like Rita Skeeter on the verge of the next big headline.
Harry froze, instantly realising his blunder.
"Harry isn't allowed to play Quidditch right now," Draco replied smoothly. "Those men who attacked him managed to sneak onto Hogwarts grounds before and they could do it again. It's too public."
"And you just… agreed to that?" Pansy asked Harry sceptically. "You're the most pigheaded, stubborn wizard I know."
Harry swallowed and leaned into Draco. "I only agreed because Draco agreed to step down as Slytherin Seeker as well."
Draco stiffened minutely, but outwardly he just smiled faintly and nodded.
Pansy arched a brow at the two of them but then turned to her fancy fizzing drink with a flick of her long hair. "Quidditch is such a barbaric sport," she commented airily.
A waiter arrived to take their orders then and Harry shared a look of relief with Ron and Hermione before placing his order.