Archive of Our Own ^beta

“You’ll see, it works nicely. Mother hired the best renovators in Britain. The Manor is ready for the Gala, I have no doubts about that.”

Harry refrained from rolling his eyes. Draco was once again in his full-on Malfoy persona, something Harry hated with passion. It reminded him too much of the school rivalry, when they were just children, when nothing really worked. After the war, the Wizarding World was slowly being rebuilt; up to the point where even the Malfoys managed to regain a certain standing in society. Granted, it wasn’t as posh as it used to be, mainly because the entire family fell apart, but they were back. And Draco had been pestering him about using the renovated Malfoy Manor for Harry’s next charity gala.

He was not out of places to hold the event, not at all. But Draco was relentless and Harry had had enough. He agreed to host his event here just to get Junior out of his hair.

Before he ended up killing the whining brat.

“See the gardens? Mother’s special touch. Of course, I helped with the flower selection. I do have a certain… instinct when it comes to putting together a functioning beauty.”

“I’m sure, Draco.” He didn’t really drawl his reply. Not that much. He kept reminding himself that there were only two weeks left, and then he’d be done and finished. Taking a deep breath, his lungs expanded, and he didn’t feel so suffocated anymore.

Draco opened the main doors to the Manor. “We have a couple of guest rooms that we can make available if you have the need.”

“Thank you.”

“Right this way, then.”

Harry looked around. He had to salute Narcissa because the change was enormous. Gone was the gothic feel of the place, where one felt as if the walls were stifling and moving in on them. It was a bright, wealthy-looking space. It still felt a little impersonal, but he supposed any grand space such as this would, no matter what arrangements were made.

“She has outdone herself,” Harry remarked. He would always pay respect where respect was due.

“Well, it wasn’t just her. I have lent my hand to the staircase, for instance. She wanted marble peacocks at the end. I thought it was over the top.”

This time Harry did roll his eyes, but luckily averted his face away from Draco. Why the brat believed he was interested, Harry had no idea. He sighed. Two weeks. Two fucking weeks.

They avoided the cellar on the tour of the ground floor before they ventured upstairs. Harry had to congratulate her on choosing a wooden floor rather than marble. It felt much warmer and more welcoming.

“As you can see, there are bathrooms in abundance. If anyone blocks one… let’s just say no one would really notice.”

Wonderful. Harry could hide in one if the need arose.

Draco led him to a part of the Manor that was obviously the Malfoy living area, which he supposed would be off-limits to the guests. And yet, Draco took him there. Harry didn’t want to start an unnecessary conversation with him, so he didn’t bother to ask why. He just hoped they would leave quickly.

For some reason, Draco skipped the first two doors, speeding up, leading him to a door at the end of the corridor. Maybe that was his room and he forgot something in there. Harry shrugged mentally and slowed down to give Draco some privacy. At that moment, a door to his left opened, blocking Draco from Harry’s view. Out came a man dressed in a gown that reached his mid-thighs and was barely tied over the body beneath.

And what a body it was. Hairless chest, slim waist, broad shoulders and thighs that spoke of hidden strength. It took Harry a while before he realised he was looking at Malfoy Senior.

“Mr Potter, what a… pleasure.”

Harry squared his shoulders and held the man’s gaze. “Mr Malfoy. My apologies for intruding. Your son took me here for some unknown reason.”

“Draco, hm.” Lucius closed the door to reveal a stricken Draco.

“Father! What are you doing here? Shouldn’t you be in France?” Draco’s drawl turned squeakier, which made the corners of Harry’s mouth tick upwards in amusement. His eyes flicked towards Lucius and he found the same mirth reflected in the man’s gaze. Curious.

“My business concluded earlier than I expected. I thought I would trade an overcrowded place for the quiet solitude of my home.” Draco shuffled his feet, looking pointedly at his father, which made him smirk even more. “However,” Lucius continued, “I wouldn’t say no to such a unique visit. Mr Potter, if you would do me the honour and wait in the sitting room downstairs, I will get dressed and join both of you.”

“But Father—”

“Unless you had different plans, Draco?”

Harry was enjoying the exchange, struggling not to laugh. Draco was such a child compared to his father. If Harry didn’t see them together like this, he would not realise the difference. Draco had grown up into an adult, which he should be by now, nearing thirty like Harry, but Lucius was a man, and it showed.

“I—I wanted to show Harry this place for his gala and—”

“I hope you are not availing our personal space for guest use?”

“No! Of course not, Father—”

“Then I see no reason for you to be here, Draco.”

And the brat was put in his place. Harry admired the way Lucius wouldn’t be messed with. It made the man more intriguing in his eyes.

“I suppose we’ll see you downstairs, Mr Malfoy.”

“Lucius, please.”

Harry shook his hand gladly. “In that case, you should call me Harry.”

“A pleasure… Harry.”

The touch of their hands sent a shiver down Harry’s spine. What an interesting turn of events. He turned towards Junior. “I will take that tea now, Draco.” Bowing shortly to Lucius, Harry said, “See you in a moment, then.”

Lucius bowed in return and turned in the opposite direction from where he and Draco had gone. Harry couldn’t help it as he turned his head back to watch the retreating figure of Lucius Malfoy. When the man dropped the towel just before he reached his rooms, Harry got a glimpse of a nicely fit and round arse. Trying not to smile too much, he knew that Lucius had done it on purpose. The question was why.

“I was very surprised when I heard about your parents splitting up,” Harry began as they made their way down again, “What happened?”

Draco cleared his throat. “My parents were together only out of obligation. When I came into my inheritance, they parted their ways. Father has never hidden his inclinations in private. Mother knew. And while she loved him dearly, she didn’t want him to remain in a relationship out of said obligation. She said it wasn’t fair to either of them. And I agree. Luckily, Father has never taken anyone home.”

“And by inclinations…”

“Father’s gay. As am I, actually.”

Harry looked at him in surprise. “I thought you were supposed to marry Astoria?”

“I was. But Mother said that continuing a line was not as important as being with someone out of love. She said she was strong enough to do this, but that times have changed and she said I shouldn’t put Astoria through what she had been through. And I agree. I am grateful, even. It leaves me with a free choice”

Nodding, Harry said, “That’s actually very sensible.”

So Lucius was gay. That was… very good news, actually. And it seemed that he might be interested in Harry. Sipping his tea, he wondered if he was bold enough to make a move. Correction, he knew he was, but doing that in front of Draco… he didn’t want to scar his former school rival for life. His lips quirked at the thought.

“So… Harry,” Draco began and Harry looked up at the nervous tone. “I was wondering, now that we’re going to be seeing each other more, if you—”

“Ah, there you are. I trust these clothes are more presentable.”

The tea Harry drank almost went down the wrong pipe. Lucius didn’t wear any robes, just a black shirt and white pleated trousers. The contrast of the colours was mesmerising on his form. His blond hair looked almost white against the black shirt and his white trousers… Harry gulped, they were not exactly see-through, but Harry could see he wasn’t wearing any underwear. He sat opposite Harry, crossing his leg at his ankle, where his knee pointed at Draco, blocking his son’s view of his crotch, while Harry had a full view if he wanted to look. Ingenious.

“Lucius.” His tone was deeper and if he wasn’t mistaken, the man’s crotch twitched. He turned his gaze to Draco, hoping it was the safer option. He didn’t want to molest his father in front of him. That wasn’t polite even by Malfoys’ standards.

But Draco looked as if he swallowed something sour.

“Are you alright, Draco?” Harry asked in concern.

“Perfectly fine,” Junior snapped and Harry huffed.

“No need to get prissy with me. You just look like you have a stomach ache. I was only trying to help.”

“If you don’t feel well, Draco, I suggest you go lie down. An afternoon nap might just save you from a trip to a Healer.”

“I am fine, Father,” Draco over-enunciated his response and Harry wondered what had gotten into him.

Harry watched as Lucius shrugged, still sitting very comfortably in his seat.

“So you’re planning on hosting your next charity gala here? What gave you that idea?”

Growing to enjoy the man’s speech cadence, Harry replied, “It was your son’s idea, actually. He was very persistent. I got the feeling that he wouldn’t stop pushing me into it until I relented, so here we are.”

“Ah,” Lucius replied, “I’m afraid we Malfoys are quite the persevering type. Once we find something we want,” he paused, his gaze sweeping down Harry’s body, “we don’t stop until it’s ours.”

The promise in that sentence shot a lightning of arousal straight through Harry’s body. If it weren’t for Draco, he would already be at the older man’s mercy.

“Harry, would you excuse us for a moment, please?” Draco seethed.

“Sure.” Harry stood up, giving Lucius the same once-over that the man gave him. He loved this game of cat and mouse. Looking at Draco’s expression on his way out of the sitting room, he wondered if Draco would try and talk Lucius out of this. It wasn’t as if the man was too subtle. He understood if Draco found this a little irregular; after all, his father was interested in sleeping with Draco’s former classmate. But Lucius was a grown man, Harry was a consenting adult, so he assumed if Draco brought it up and Lucius was indeed interested, he would put Draco in his place.

Harry was just a tad disappointed at not being there to witness it.

But if Lucius’s suggestions were real… Harry bit his lip, as his fingers skirted over the ornate staircase while waiting. If the man said he was available now, Harry wouldn’t give a single damn about Draco. Or maybe the entire thing could be avoided simply by Harry taking Lucius back to his flat.

Harry turned sharply to the crack of Apparation and wondered who had won. When the door opened and Lucius walked out towards him, Harry actually beamed.

“So Draco finally realised he couldn’t order you around?”

Lucius’s lips quirked. “Actually, he realised he had lost to me.”

Harry blinked. “Lost to you? But that would mean—” Lucius nodded and Harry wheezed out a breath. “I didn’t know.” Now that he thought about it, Draco’s attempts to gain his attention made a lot more sense. The way he pushed for the Manor as the place for Harry’s gala… Harry could have slapped himself. When Draco talked about himself, he must have been showing off his qualities to Harry so he would get to know him—

A finger lifted his chin and Harry gazed into the pale grey eyes. “Do not concern yourself with it. Draco should know better how to capture the attention of his intended.”

Oh, that was a fair point.

“I still feel a little bad. I’d have turned him down gently had I known. I just never thought he’d be interested, not with the history we have.”

Lucius hummed. “And what of our history?” His finger softly traced Harry’s jaw, the pad brushing over Harry’s five o’clock shadow.

“I have never heard you whine, Lucius. I find it very unbecoming.”

Lucius laughed and Harry was happy he was the source of that. “And what sounds do you enjoy?” His voice dropped low, making Harry’s hair stand out. “The voice of a lover in need?”

Harry gasped just as Lucius brushed his thumb over Harry’s lips. A tongue darted out to lick the digit and Harry watched as the man’s pupils blew wide.

“I find more satisfying the voice of a lover being pleasured.”

“I see,” Lucius replied, “and have you heard that often?”

“Quite often,” Harry whispered, their faces only a hairbreadth apart.

“Perhaps you’d like to show me.”

Harry wasted no time with words. Closing the distance between them, Harry captured the man’s lips, lingering on them with his own, tasting the warmth and marvelling at the texture. In the next second, Lucius pressed their bodies closer as he began devouring Harry’s mouth. And when their tongues intertwined, Harry felt as if he had accomplished something huge.

Who would have thought that he was bored with the men he was dating because he was into older ones? Why had he never considered it before? But then he felt a hand on his buttock and stopped thinking, simply enjoying the moment, the closeness. He wiggled under the hand and, sure enough, it squeezed. He gasped.

“So, now that Draco’s bailed probably,” Harry began, “would you have time to help me prepare the Manor for my charity gala?”

“What would my help entail?” Lucius stroked his back, keeping Harry still pressed against him.

“Mostly moral support. It’s mentally exhausting work.”

“So I should avail myself to your needs and services before the gala and for its entire duration?”

Harry pretended to consider it. “I will compensate you handsomely.”

“I’m not interested in your money, Potter.”

Chuckling, Harry gently thrust against him. “Are you sure? I heard you’re a… beast when it comes to your… financial services.”

Lucius dropped his forehead on Harry’s shoulder, his body shaking in laughter. “You are extremely bad at innuendos, Harry.”

Harry shrugged, smiling, as he stroked Lucius’s hair. “But seriously. I am relying on the people I have around me. It’s a charity, after all.”

“Do you suspect someone of embezzlement?”

“No. Which doesn’t mean it’s not happening of course. I think I’m just trying to find a way to keep you around.”

Lucius cupped his face as he kissed him again. “You don’t need a reason. But if you want one, I will need all your paperwork and a meeting with your accountant.”

“I’ll set it up, then,” Harry said gratefully.

“In the meantime, let’s discuss the use of the Manor.”

Harry asked innocently, “For the gala?”

“And my available services.”

Being shown around by Lucius was a much different experience than when Draco did it. It was clear that Lucius was a host, not just a tag-along. The way he spoke and suggested decorations, as well as the possible programme, Harry knew that this would be the best charity event ever held.

Previously, he was determined to make it through with Draco, hoping to never see him again after, but now he couldn’t wait to be here often to set everything up. Lucius was gracious, sexy, competent, and Harry was smitten.

It took them two days before the dam broke. Lucius leaned against the railing of their grand staircase, his hips jutting forward, explaining to Harry the need for perfect lighting, when Harry couldn’t hold back anymore and pulled down the man’s trousers before swallowing him whole.

Lucius barely managed to grab the railing with the force Harry went down on him. Harry was merciless, needing to touch him everywhere, gently scratching, kneading, encouraging. Lucius couldn’t last long, not with Harry’s enthusiasm.

Harry greedily swallowed everything the man sent him before he tucked him back in, smoothing out his clothes, and licking his lips in satisfaction. Lucius wasn’t as regal, slouching slightly, and Harry smirked. He did that.

“Next time, I would appreciate a little warning,” Lucius said, still breathless.

“Really,” Harry stated sarcastically.

Lucius huffed. “No. Now, what to do about you, hm?”

Harry trailed a finger down the man’s chest. “I wouldn’t mind you getting on your knees for me.”

Lucius leaned in to kiss him, capturing the stray digit before he pulled it into his mouth and sucked on it. “Impertinent.” Holding Harry’s gaze, he gracefully dropped to his knees.

Harry gasped, mesmerised by what he was watching. Lucius pulled out his cock from his trousers and began teasing him. It was too good to stop however, so Harry began enjoying the torture. After all, he supposed it was rare to have this pureblood wizard on his knees willingly. And when Lucius pulled him all the way inside, Harry moaned.

“May I fuck your mouth?” he asked in a choked voice.

Lucius swatted his arse, which Harry took for assent. Grabbing the man by his hair, Harry started slowly. Lucius closed his eyes and moaned, which broke Harry’s resolve. While he was mindful about how far he thrust, he didn’t spare Lucius the speed or ruthlessness. Harry kept watching the man’s face for any discomfort but mostly, he was enthralled by how well he took his cock. It didn’t take long for him to come inside the man’s mouth. Harry moaned feebly as Lucius swallowed everything.

Harry locked his legs in place, lest he crumble to the floor, while Lucius rose up and delicately wiped the corners of his mouth with his forefinger.

“Dessert before dinner. You are a woeful influence over me, Harry Potter.”

“You’re sinful, I have no other excuse.”

“That would do. Now,” Lucius continued, brushing off invisible dirt from his knees, before he straightened up, “the lighting. It’s very important we illuminate even the corners. This is something I learned from Severus, bless his soul. People hide everywhere they can. If you make them believe the spotlight is ever present, they will feel the pressure and donate even more.”

Harry laughed, feeling a little pang at the mention of his former professor. “You’re devious. What else?”

“Another thing I picked up from Severus. Don’t be afraid to voice aloud what everybody thinks. If you find yourself in a group of people who keep dodging a certain topic, put words to their thoughts and call them out. Embarrassment causes people to be generous. They feel they have to compensate for their insecurities or guilt.”

“Were you two close?” Harry asked softly.

“Severus and I? I thought so at one point. But when his allegiance came to light, I wasn’t so certain. Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to ask him. We got involved after Voldemort’s first defeat.” Harry’s eyes widened at the admission so Lucius indulged him. “I believe it was the need for connection with the abrupt ending that we faced within… our cult.” Harry smirked. “But he was always very closed off, even then.”

“I bet,” Harry remarked. “Did Narcissa find out?”

“I told her. We were partners even back then. Have you and Draco ever—”

“God no!” Harry blurted, laughing at the ridiculousness of the question.

“You understand I had to ask.”

“He is not my type, Lucius. None of the men my age are.”

“Lucky me, then.”

“No,” Harry said, pulling him close and kissing him passionately. “Lucky me.”

“So, where is Draco?” Harry found he needed the distraction. He was always nervous close to any gala. This was as good a topic as any.

“I entrusted him with my job. He has to learn to move within the high society on his own. My next business was something I didn’t want to do but it required doing. So I might have just as well have used this opportunity. Not to mention, having my son out of the way, I get to do naughty things to you.”

“You mean with me.”

“If you say so.”

Harry bit his lip. “I need a distraction. You’re very good at distracting me.”

“You’re very inspiring, it’s hardly an ordeal.”

“That’s even better.”

“The florist bailed on me!” Harry began pacing in Lucius’s study. “Bailed on me! The gala is the day after tomorrow and I DON’T HAVE ANY FLOWERS!”

Lucius put down his quill, entirely unfazed by Harry’s outburst. “Back up florist?”

“Annual leave,” Harry whimpered.

“If your closest friend was getting married in two days and lost their florist, what would you do?”

“I’d use my name to—” Harry’s eyes widened. “Fuck, you’re good.” He turned to leave. There was no time to waste. Just as an afterthought, he shouted behind his back, “Thank you, love you!”

Fully focused on the florist options in Diagon Alley, he completely failed to see the gobsmacked expression on his lover’s face.

“What if something goes wrong?”

Lucius was adjusting the pin on Harry’s expensive robes.

“Stop worrying. You have outdone yourself with the decorations and the programme. You have my house-elves at your disposal should anything break, get loose, fall out of line, not that it will,” Lucius added in a stern voice, likely noticing Harry’s state of mind. Stroking his hands down Harry’s arms, he asked, “Are you always this nervous?”

Harry nodded, then shook his head, then shrugged. “I think I am. But this is special, you know? I don’t want to disappoint you.”

“And how, pray tell, could you do that?”

“You helped me! You sacrificed your time—”

“Because it is such a hardship being around you.”

“—and your space, notwithstanding your reputation. I don’t want to fuck that up.”

Lucius cupped his face. Harry loved it when he did that. Closing his eyes, Harry took a deep breath.

“You worry too much. You’ve done a great job; now it’s only about collecting as much money as you can. I’ll be there, helping you rob these people blind.”

Harry laughed. “Not that much, I need them to stick with me. The relationships are important.”

“Mr Potter,” Lucius said haughtily. “You are talking to an expert on maintaining relationships. I take that as a personal affront that you wouldn’t trust me with doing my job well.”

Harry shook his head, chuckling. Leaning forward, he kissed Lucius on the mouth before deepening their kiss. He knew better than to put his hand through the man’s hair, though. After the gala, after everything went well, he would mess him up completely. But Lucius would be very upset with him right now if he destroyed his image.

Pulling away and taking one last deep breath, Harry nodded. “Let’s go then.”

Harry’s mouth muscles hurt. Lucius and he said their goodbyes to the last batch of leavers, watching them go through the gate. It didn’t count as gone if they were still on the grounds.

He was exhausted. For some reason, he raised double the money than he would on his own. Lucius was absolutely perfect, never leaving Harry’s side. It was long, it was tedious, and it was finally over.

Harry leaned into Lucius and felt an arm around his waist. “I can’t believe they’re all gone.”

“One minute longer and I’d have pulled out my old mask.”

Harry laughed, letting out all the residual tension. “I’d love to shag but I think the moment I hit the sheets, I’ll fall asleep.”

“A sentiment that I happen to share. That’s what morning sex is for.”

Grabbing his hand quite forcefully, Harry dragged them upstairs into Lucius’s room.

“I thought you said you were too tired to have sex?” Lucius asked in amusement.

“And I am, but the sooner we go to sleep, the sooner we wake up and shag.”

Harry closed the door to the room to the sound of Lucius’s laugh.

When Harry woke up the next morning, he ached and his stomach protested loudly from hunger. He didn't want to open his eyes, but he had to pee.

Gala - Lucius - morning sex.

He looked quickly to his left and saw Lucius propped up against the headboard, eating toast and reading The Daily Prophet.

“Good morning,” Harry grumbled.

“Good morning, Harry. Please eat first before you devour me.”

Harry chuckled and helped himself to some pancakes and strawberries. Quenching the worst of his hunger, he went to pee, splashing his face afterwards, before going back to bed. There were more pancakes and more strawberries. He could get used to breakfast in bed quite easily.

“How did you sleep, Luc?”

“If you're asking whether you snore, then yes, you do. If you want to know whether I'll allow you back in,” he paused, taking a strawberry and hand-feeding it to Harry, “then the answer is yes, gladly.”

Harry smiled around the strawberry before he swallowed it, his tongue licking the man’s fingers clean. Lucius gasped before he took another strawberry and offered it to Harry. Shifting forward until he was in Lucius’s space, Harry snuck his hand under the covers and began fondling his lover.

Lucius moaned, pushing Harry to his back and leaning over him. “What do you want?”

“You,” Harry answered.

The man extended his hand and wordlessly summoned a small jar of lube.

Harry smirked. “Expecting to get lucky?”

Lucius dipped a finger in the jar, coating it generously. Harry raised his legs automatically. Lucius wasted no time inserting his finger inside him.

“Considering you were constantly propositioning me, it was a done deal rather than an expectation.”

Harry wiggled his bum. “Another.”

“As you wish, Harry,” Lucius whispered into his ear, worming another finger inside him. Harry spread his legs wantonly and moaned. He didn’t know how Lucius did it, but he was putting minimum effort with maximum results, and Harry found it hot. Of course, he bedded experienced lovers before, but Lucius was something else entirely.

“Please, just… have me. I want to feel the stretch.”

Lucius withdrew his fingers and lathered his cock properly.

“God, you’re gorgeous,” Harry blurted, watching the blond angel slowly wanking himself before he lined up. Harry clenched in anticipation when he felt the lubed head at his entrance, his body trembling from the sheer will of staying still. And then Lucius pushed forward, and Harry threw his head back, letting out a low moan.

The moan turned into a whimper once Lucius bottomed out. He felt silky hair in his face and took a deep breath, inhaling the man’s natural scent. He was overwhelmed, stretched to the fullest, stroked gently all over his body. Harry bared his neck to the man and Lucius pressed his lips against it, licking it, placing full-mouth kisses on it. Harry grabbed his hair and back and arched upwards, begging Lucius with his body to just move.

And god, he did. Slowly at first, his hips doing all the motions, his body lying on Harry’s. It was sinful and glorious. Harry dug his nails into the perfect skin, urging him onward.

Harry moaned repeatedly with every thrust, unable to comprehend how the slow motions managed to keep increasing his pleasure. Pulling Lucius’s head down, Harry kissed him, passionately and delighted in the way Lucius’s hips jerked. This man was his and Harry planned on keeping him as long as he was desired.

After a while, Lucius let out a stream of sounds, full of desire, full of arousal as he was nearing his peak. His movements sped up uncontrollably. Trying to find the right position to maintain the speed, he struck Harry’s prostate, making him howl, making him talk.

“Fuck, yeah, so perfect, Luc—ah!” Harry lost control over everything, his actions, his body, his mouth. Everything belonged to Lucius; he belonged to Lucius. “Fuck me, love, fuck me hard!”

Lucius gave a shout. The sound travelled to Harry’s cock, pulling his orgasm out of him with such a force that Harry was sure he blacked out for a second. Vaguely, he noticed Lucius’s body jerking atop him before he, too, let out a long groan as he emptied himself inside Harry. Lucius fell heavily on top of Harry, which he actually enjoyed, before rolling them to the side.

“God,” Harry breathed.

“You may call me Lucius.”

Harry huffed, then snorted, then chuckled. “You’re absolutely bloody marvellous.”

“And as I have said before, you are very inspiring.”

Harry had a stupid smile on his face, but he didn’t care. They had sex together. And despite his claims and wishes to be fucked, Lucius made love to him.

Harry sat up fast in the bed, wincing slightly at the discomfort in his arse, his eyes wild. Lucius raised himself on his elbow, immediately on alert.

“What seems to be the problem?” Lucius asked warily.

Blushing profusely, Harry couldn’t even look at him. Unable to say it as it was, he took the long way around. “Er, well, you know how… well, how people sometimes say things during a highly emotional state—”

Lucius snorted. “Calm down. I figured you were a talker.”

“So you’re not freaking out?” Harry was not usually this lucky. Blurting out anything revolving around love this quickly usually meant a one-way ticket to single land.

“I do not hold it against you, if that’s what you’re asking.”

Oh. Harry deflated. That was… saddening. “Yeah, er, right. Right. We should get up.”

“Harry.” He stilled at the touch on his arm, but wasn’t able to look at the man. “Would you perhaps like me to hold you responsible?”

Harry bit his lip. “I know it’s too soon, and I know I’m an idiot. I trust too easily and you’re very good to me, and I’m a sucker for kindness, which you probably find pathetic—” He was kissed, slowly, yet hungrily and he keened. Lucius stroked his face, watching him with a fond expression.

“You think too much. I wasn’t too surprised, though. This wasn’t the first time you said something like that.”

Harry’s eyebrows shot up. “What?”

“Ah, when your florist failed to deliver, you thanked me and then proceeded to tell me you loved me.”

How he delivered that with a straight face, Harry didn’t know. He wasn’t sure whether to feel embarrassed or if he should apologise so he settled for neither and kissed him instead.

“And you let me stay.”

Lucius shrugged elegantly. “It’s not every day I hear those words.”

“So you don’t mind—”

“Not at all. I would be offended if you took them back.”

“Yeah, that’s not happening. Quite the opposite.”

“That sounds acceptable.”

Harry grinned at the nonchalant tone. “That’s good, then.”

Lucius opened his mouth to say something when the door to his bedroom burst open.

“Father, have you s—-” Draco froze in his step, his eyes going round as saucers, his mouth gaping like a fish. Harry would laugh, but reined it in and left Lucius to deal with this.

“Have I what, Draco?”

But Draco only meeped. Lucius sighed. “Milly!” A house-elf popped into view. “Milly, take Draco into the sitting room and give him something stronger to drink. We will join him momentarily.”

“Yes, Master.”

Milly took hold of Draco and they both disappeared. Harry couldn’t hold it in anymore and laughed.

“Oh god,” Harry wheezed.

“Indeed. You may guess how many times I have tried to instil in him the need for knocking. It’s his own fault.”

“I’m sure he’s learnt his lesson now.”

“More than likely.” Lucius kissed him once more for good measure. “As long as he’s back, I’ll discuss my business with him. You're welcome to join us if you'd like.”

Harry grinned. “Oh, I like. I’ll make sure to shift in my seat regularly.”

“That is positively devious of you, Mr Potter. Perhaps, there’s more to you than I originally thought.”

When Lucius hit the shower and Harry woke up enough to realise he could join him, he realised that if Lucius really did accept him in his life, things would never be boring, but more importantly, he would finally settle. It might be a challenge living the high life Lucius was used to, but maybe Harry could show him that the little things were equally satisfying.