The Kiss
He barely had time to enter the common room before Ron was on him like a jealous girlfriend.
“Where have you been? We looked for you everywhere at Hogsmeade. And what’s all that?” the boy asked, eyes shifting wildly between the numerous bags in his hands.
“It’s none of your business.” Harry answered harshly, trying to quickly hide the numerous packages in his trunk.
“No way you found all this stuff in Hogsmeade. I know this logo! You sneaked out to Diagon Alley, didn’t you?” Ron said with a jealous look.
He froze. Shit, he hadn’t thought the boy would recognize the shops. If Ron told Dumbledore, he would be in real trouble for leaving Hogsmeade's.
But it was not like they could really prove anything, right? He had been under a glamour after all.
He settled for a half truth. “No I didn’t. I had someone buy these for me.”
“What a bunch of bollocks. I don’t believe you.”
“Well I don’t care whether you believe me or not, get lost,” he snapped at the boy, closing his old trunk and battling with the latches. He was in need of a new trunk too it seemed. Why were all his stuff falling apart at the same time these days?
Ron didn’t seem to want to let the matter go “Who bought these then?”
“Someone. Can’t you just go away and leave me alone for once?” He felt his face redden as an image of Lucius on his knee flashed into his mind.
The boy seemed to draw the right conclusion for once, since his mouth opened in outrage.
Why did his face alway have to betray him like that?
“Lucius Malfoy?! Again? Seriously, what is wrong with you! I can’t believe you ditch my sister for someone like him. You have to be under a spell or something. The Harry I know would never do something like that.”
He spun toward the boy, fury flashing in his eyes. “You have no idea what I would do! All you see is the damn Boy Who Lived!
“What does that even mean? I talked with Dean and Seamus about it and they th–”
Nope. He was done for the day. No more arguing.
“I’m going to bed, stop bothering me.”
“Har–”
He hopped on his bed, closed the curtain and put on a silencing charm before the other boy could finish his sentence. He didn’t feel hungry anymore, and there was no way he was going to dinner now.
It seemed like for everything that was going good in his life these days, something else was going to shit. He was way too tired to think about it right now, so he quickly got out of his new clothes and got under the blanket.
The next morning was Sunday, so he decided to spend an extra hour in bed, hoping breakfast would be too late for Hermione and too early for Ron.
Thankfully, the hall was pretty empty. He saw that Neville and Luna were actually eating breakfast together at the end of the Gryffindor table, so he made his way toward them, feeling excited to tell his friends about his meeting with Lucius Malfoy.
“Hey guys.”
“Harry! Good to see you. Did something happen, you weren’t at dinner yesterday?” Neville asked with concern.
“Same old thing. I had a fight with Ron about my secret friend. He caught me by surprise after the Hogsmead trip and connected the dots when he saw all the bags I had.”
Luna smiled with excitement, “How did it go then?”
He gave a dreamy sigh.
“That good?” Neville laughed.
“Yeah… he got me so much stuff, it’s crazy. And a bit weird if I’m honest. Who spends so much money on someone they barely know?”
“It’s more common than you think, actually,” Luna said.
Neville and Harry looked at her in confusion “Really?”
“Yeah, it’s called…something like “sugar…father”? Something like that, I read it in a muggle magazine. It’s when an older gentleman offers gifts, money and other expensive stuff to a younger person in exchange for sexual favors,” Luna explained candidly, not bothered in the world.
Harry spit out his juice, “Wha– Luna! How do you–? What kind of magazine are you reading?”
“Well, I don’t really see the problem, if everyone is consenting?” Neville added hesitantly.
“Yes, but it’s not like that, okay? There is no se– sexu– stuff happening between us two!” Harry corrected in a harsh whisper. “And even IF something happened someday, it wouldn’t be in exchange for things. It would be completely separated, alright?”
“Daddy!” Luna suddenly shouted, making students turn their head at the strange outburst, ”that’s the world!”
“Well, Lucius Malfoy definitely fit the daddy part,” Neville laughed, gently elbowing him.
Harry blushed while shushing his friend and looking wildly around, “Neville!”
At some point, Ron came for breakfast accompanied by Dean and Seamus. The three boys were laughing, making faces at each other. Ron turned his head in his direction and sent him a glare before going to sit at the opposite side of the table.
Neville caught on the little act. “He’s really pissed off. Do you think he’s going to do something stupid?”
“Probably. But there's nothing else I can do, save for obliviating him,” he half joked.
“Do you wanna come with me and Luna to see if we can talk to some merpeople, to clear your head?”
“I’d love to, but I already have a meeting with Draco. And he’s going to be a bitch if I cancel.”
Harry had already explained his new friendship with the blond to his friend, and they didn’t seem to mind, now that he wasn’t such a douche.
“Why don’t you invite him?” Luna asked, “You said he likes magical creatures, right?”
“Sure, I can try. But don’t be mad at me if he ends up being an ass, though.”
“Don’t worry, if he annoys us too much we’ll push him into the lake,” Neville laughed.
He finished his plate, “See you later then.” Harry made his way to the abandoned classroom they usually used to meet up. The blond was already there, reading something in a book and muttering to himself.
“Potter! I mean, Harry, you’re one minute late, what took you so long?” the other grumbled. He made a good impression of Snape when he was grumpy.
“I was just chatting with Neville and Luna. They asked me if I wanted to see the merpeople with them, and they asked me to invite you. So, what do you say?”
The blond was looking at him as if he had grown a second head.
“Me? Going out to frolic in the field with 3 Gryffindors? Do you want me dead?”
“Luna is a Ravenclaw.”
Draco scowled “Oh yeah, such a big difference, what if some of my classmates see me?”
“What about it? Didn't you say you wanted to do what you wanted instead of what people expected of you? Who cares what they think.”
The blond was silent for a moment, and Harry wondered if he was about to receive a stinging hex.
“Fine, I hate to admit, but you’re right,” Draco sighed, “but you do realize that the Weasel and the Know-it-all will get wind of this too, right?”
Harry actually hadn’t thought of it. Was he ready for them to know? It wasn’t worse than them knowing he willingly spent time with Draco’s father. It was time for him to also do what he really wanted, lest it made a hypocrite out of him.
“Alright, then. To the lake we go, best friend!” Harry said over-cheerfully, putting his arm through Draco’s like two schoolgirls to annoy him.
“You’re pushing it!”
Harry laughed at the disgusted look on the other’s face. “Fine! The last to arrive is a filthy Blast-Ended Skrewts!” He took off running.
“You’re such a child!” Draco yelled, but still got into a sprint.
The meeting between the four actually went pretty well. It was a bit awkward at first, no one really knew what to say. But conversation quickly started after Luna showed them a big shellfish she had brought back from North America that was used to replicate a mermaid’s greeting.
In the end, they had not managed to make a mermaid come to the surface but they had seen some promising ripple on the water surface. Luna explained that they probably needed to form some trust with the mermaid before they would come.
The day hadn't been so bad, he thought. He could see them all become great friends in the future.
They decided to go their separate ways at lunch, not wanting to shock people too much, too quickly.
Which was an excellent idea since he received another summon to the Headmaster's office. It would have been awkward to explain to Draco why he was being summoned, because he was 100% sure it was about his little get away with Lucius. The meeting seemed to be pretty urgent.
“Kill me now…”
“Don’t be so pessimistic. I’m sure it’s going to be alright.”
“Easy for you to say, Neville. You’re not the one who is going to have to lie to the Headmaster,” he moaned.
“Just be careful not to look him in the eyes, he could read your mind through Legilimency.” Luna added.
“Really? Oh my god, I’m not sure that helped. Now I’m going to be even more self conscious and suspicious.”
“You can do it,” Luna told him with a thumbs up.
Harry stood once again in front of the Headmaster’s office, anxiously fiddling with his sleeves and trying to hype himself up.
The statues opened up.
When he entered the office, his eyes immediately fell on Ron, who was standing stiffly near Dumbledore's desk, his face flushed with a mix of anger and satisfaction. Harry's heart sank.
The Headmaster sat behind his desk, his usually twinkling eyes now clouded with disappointment. "Harry," he began, his voice heavy, "take a seat." No offer for a sherbet lemon? He really was in deep trouble.
Harry obeyed, sitting across from the desk, the tension in the room almost palpable. "Do you know why you're here?"
Harry swallowed hard. "I can take a guess," he said, glancing angrily at Ron.
"Ronald has informed me," Dumbledore continued, his voice even, "that you had a secret meeting with Lucius Malfoy in Diagon Alley. Is this true?"
Harry felt his cheeks burn. "Kind of, but it was in Hog—"
"And that Mr. Malfoy bought you things during this meeting," Dumbledore cut in, his gaze piercing.
Ron jumped in, his voice shaking with emotion. "He's put a spell on you, Harry! I know it. Why else would you meet with him?"
Harry felt a surge of frustration. "I’m not under any spell, Ron! You don't understand anything!"
Dumbledore raised a hand, silencing them both. "Then help me understand Harry. I warned you about Lucius Malfoy in our previous meeting. I told you to be cautious around him. And yet, you chose to ignore my advice. Do you have money problems, my boy? Is it the reason you feel like you need to fraternize with Lucius Malfoy?
Harry felt entirely humiliated. He clenched his fists, trying to keep his voice steady. "No, I do not have any money problem, Professor. I have my reasons for meeting with Lucius Malfoy, and I don’t see how that’s any of your business.”
The Headmaster sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Whatever your reasons, Harry, your actions have put yourself and myself in a precarious position. You need to understand that you represent the side of Light, and that your behavior has repercussions on how people perceive it, and by extension, me.”
So that was the root of the problem, Harry thought bitterly. Dumbledore only cared about his own reputation.
“Going to Diagon Alley during the school day is against the rules. As punishment, you are forbidden from attending any further Hogsmeade weekends. You will spend every evening in detention for a month. Additionally, I will be watching you more closely from now on, including your owl. I do not know how you managed to contact Lucius Malfoy, but this unruly behavior ends now. I will also confiscate your invisibility cloak and I trust your friend to report any erratic and strange behavior," the Headmaster said, turning toward Ron.
Harry's heart sank. He had never felt so betrayed by an adult. It was so unfair. Dumbledore had never cared that he broke the rule before.
His meeting with Lucius Malfoy and their correspondence were the only moments he felt a semblance of normalcy and happiness these days.
He opened his mouth to protest but saw the resolute look in Dumbledore's eyes and knew it wouldn’t change anything.
Meanwhile, Ron looked utterly smug. But Dumbledore wasn't finished. "Ronald, you have done what you thought was right, which is commendable. However, you must understand the importance of discretion. I need you to swear a magical oath that you will never repeat to anyone that Harry met with Lucius Malfoy, other than your family of course."
Ron's expression faltered. "But, Professor—"
"No buts," Dumbledore said firmly. "An oath, please. It is of the utmost importance. We wouldn’t want you to accidentally tell someone who shouldn't know. Right, my boy?"
Harry thought the terms of the oath were a bit too open to interpretation to his liking, but he didn’t dare speak up, since he was already in so much trouble.
With a deep, petulant sigh, Ron drew his wand and made the oath, a faint golden light binding his words. "I swear to never speak of Harry's meeting with Lucius Malfoy to anyone other than my family."
Dumbledore nodded approvingly. "Good. You may both go."
Harry stood stoically, not wanting to give Ron and Dumbledore the satisfaction of seeing him crushed. He shoved past Ron, his shoulder slamming into him on the way out of the office.
Back in his dormitory, Harry collapsed onto his bed, burying his face in his pillow. The tears came then, hot and unstoppable.
Harry was unconsolable for the next few days. Not even Neville or Luna could cheer him up. Draco didn’t have the details of the meeting, but knew it had something to do with Ron, and so he kept trying to piss the other boy off, in support of Harry.
Ron was spending his time with Dean and Seamus now that his deed was done, and Hermione mostly kept to herself, not wanting to take sides. But Harry had no doubt the boy had told her everything.
It seemed like the other professors had been told about his rule transgression too, since he couldn’t go anywhere without eyes following him.
Every evening he had to report to Finch for detention, and the man was all too happy to have someone to martyrize. One evening he had tried to call for Lucius's elf, but the creature hadn’t come. Security had been upped in the dormitory, apparently.
In short, he felt miserable.
“Potter.” Harry raised his head morosely from his meal. “Detention at 8PM with me this week. Do not be late,” Snape sneered, his robe billowing around him as the man retreated to the Professor's table.
“Wonderful,” Harry moaned.
Neville shuddered next to him, “I wouldn’t like to be you right now.”
Lucius was in withdrawal. He had gotten used to buying things for the boy, and now he couldn’t seem to get a hold of him. He had gone to the clothing shop to retrieve the boy’s robes and now they were waiting uselessly in his study.
His Thunderbird couldn’t send mail to the school, and when he had tried to send his elf, the poor thing had returned confused. Apparently, foreign elves were now forbidden from the school grounds. Something that should have been done from the start, if he was honest.
But how was he going to contact him now? Was the boy alright? Did he need anything?
Malfoy scoffed at himself. He really was turning into a schoolgirl with a crush. But it wasn’t his fault that the boy looked so delectable when he bought him things. That cute red face had been popping more and more into his dream these days.
The only thing he could think of was to contact Draco, but Harry wouldn’t appreciate it much.
Or… he could ask his friend Severus.
“How are things with Narcissia these days,” Severus asked, holding a glass of whisky.
Lucius crossed his legs to stop them from twitching impatiently. “Dreadful, as always.” The smalltalk was killing him.
“Probably not as dreadful as my evenings. I have to spend them in detention with Potter,” the man snarled.
He tried not to perk up at the new information. “Oh? What did the boy do this time?”
“Sneaked out to Diagon Alley during a Hogsmead weekend to go buy himself some useless trinkets. I know the Dark Lord is dead, but there are still fanatics out there who want to avenge him. The boy is completely inconsiderate, just like his father was. He doesn’t care about anything other than himself.”
“You’re too hard on the boy. I’m sure it wasn’t that dangerous. And boys his age all make some mischief.”
Severus’s lips curled into a scowl “Not as much as Potter, though. He always has to put himself in danger instead of doing what he is told. What was so urgent that he needed to go to Diagon Alley? I’m sure he wanted to spend his money and boast to his friends.”
“Have you seen the boy, Severus? His clothes are falling apart, I’m sure he really was in need of some new clothes? And Twilfitt and Tatting's is a fine shop to buy quality robes.” he tried to argue with the man.
Serevus rose from his chair and started pacing “Why are you defending him? I thought you despised him for being Dumbledore's poster boy?” He stopped next to the window, looking at something over on the table.
“Everyone can change his mind, no?”
There was no response from his friend.
“Severus?”
“Lucius…how did you know in which shop Potter bought his clothes?” the man asked, his voice low and dangerous.
He tried not to freeze like a child caught with his hand in the candy jar. “I must have heard it from Draco.”
“Really? Because a minute ago you had no idea Potter had been punished for sneaking in Diagon Alley?” he sneered.
“I–”
“And these robes on the desk certainly don’t look to be your size. And would you look at that, they come from Twilfitt and Tatting's shop too.” Severus' mask was slowly cracking into an expression of rage. “Is there something you want to tell me?”
“Fine! I was the one to take Harry into Diagon alley.” he finally admitted.
“...”
“...”
Severus finally exploded. “Are you out of your mind?! Why would you do that? You don’t even know the boy! Taking Potter to Diagon Alley, buying him clothes, and to think he went with you willingly? How stupid can he be!”
Lucius raised a hand to stop the tirade. "Severus, listen to me."
"No, you listen," Snape cut him off, his eyes blazing. “Do you have any idea what a disaster that could have been–"
“– And to think that the Headmaster let him–”
“–ust like his father–”
“–he is a schoolboy Lucius, not one of you boyto-–”
“–erlin, are you too fucki–”
“– Severus! SEVERUS! Would you please take a breath and let me talk for a minute so I can explain myself?”
The other man’s face was red with anger and he was panting. He fell down in his chair, utterly exhausted by his rant. “Fine. But it better be a very good explanation.”
“Alright, let me start at the beginning”. Lucius recounted his first meeting with Harry at Hogsmeade, how he had mocked him for his bad clothes, and decided to send him some new one to spite him. He explained how they had met a second time by accident in the muggle world, and what violent scene he had witnessed between Harry and his uncle.
Snape sneered, crossing his arms. "And how do you know the boy didn’t do something to deserve it? Potter is trouble, just like his father."
Lucius's eyes flashed with anger. "You, of all people, should understand what it's like to be abused," he said sharply. "And didn’t you meet his aunt, Petunia? You knew her as a child. Is it really so surprising that she would mistreat Lily's son?"
Snape's face contorted with conflicting emotions. "Petunia was always spiteful," he admitted grudgingly. "But that doesn’t mean Harry isn’t—"
"Doesn't mean Harry isn’t what?" Lucius interrupted. "An innocent child, caught in circumstances beyond his control? Abused by muggles who hate him for what he is? Do you think being made to sleep in a cupboard is normal?”
Severus opened his mouth in shock.
“Don't you think it is time to let your grudge against James Potter go? You seem to forget Harry is Lily’s child too."
Severus paused, his anger slowly dissipating as Lucius's words sank in. He sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Fine. Perhaps you're right. But this doesn’t change the fact that taking him out of Hogwarts was dangerous."
Lucius nodded. "I understand your concerns, but I took some precaution and put a glamor on him. No one could have recognized him. The boy needed help, and now he knows that there are people in our world who care about him. It might make all the difference,” he pointed out, “He is in need of guidance, Severus, but Dumbledore is alienating the boy from him by trying to control his every decision. We have a chance to help him see that the world is not as black or white as he was made to believe.”
Lucius put a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Will you help him too? Didn’t you make a vow to protect him? I’m sure it also includes helping him make the right decisions in life. And you won’t manage that by insulting and berating him everychange you get. It will only make him rebel more."
Secverus shrugged the hand off with a huff. “Alright, fine! But still, don’t expect me to be all lovey dovey with the boy.”
“I’m just asking you to treat him like any other children in your classroom.”
“Let’s not derail from the subject, though. How did meeting him in the muggle world end up with taking him shopping in the middle of the school year?” Serevus asked, crossing his arms.
“He was just in need of some more things. You should have seen the state of his wardrobe, utterly dreadful!”
“And I’m sure you let him pay, right?” Severus leveled him a mocking glare. His friend knew him all too well.
“Well… you know how it gets.”
Sererus sighed with exasperation. “Lucius. This is not one of your little conquests that you shower in gifts, it’s Harry Potter. You are not in a relationship. How do you think people will see this?”
“I don’t see how it is any of their business. We are not doing anything scandalous. I could be a mentor to him. As long as Harry is alright with it, that is all that matters. And we are being discreet.”
“With how you’re talking about the boy, it sounds like you have a crush on him.” Severus half-joked.
Lucius stayed silent.
“Seriously, Lucius?” Severus spat.
“What? I didn’t do anything inappropriate,” he assured.
“You have to know it will never be possible? He is the Boy-Who-Lived and you're a suspected Death-eater! No one would approve, and you’ll get killed by Black before you have time to say ‘Sorry’”
“I know that. You can’t stop a man from hoping, though?”
“This thing is going to end very badly, I can assure you.”
Lucius rolled his eyes. “I’ll let you tell me ‘I told you so’. Anyway, now that things are out of the bag, I need a little favor from you.
Harry stood in front of the potion’s master office, debating turning around. “You better open this door Potter, or so help me…” He nearly stumbled over his feet at the words coming from the classroom.
He stumbled inside and stood awkwardly at the entrance.
“Close that door and come here. Contrary to what you children believe, I do not bite,” the man said exasperated.
“Sorry…”
The potion professor took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose.
“Alright, Potter. I want you to listen and not say a damn word. This detention is going to be different than usual. We are going out of the castle.”
Harry looked at the man in fear. Had he finally done it? Was the man going to get rid of him somewhere no one could find him?
“But–”
“–Silence, before I change my mind about this ridiculous plan. Just take my hand and I’ll apparate us somewhere,” he growled, “Oh, for merlin’s sake, do not look at me like I’m going to murder you Potter! Will it make you feel better if I swear an oath? You’re losing us precious time.”
He was utterly confused about what was going on, but still held out his hand. “Alright.”
Even if Snape hated him, he never tried to hurt him before, on the contrary.
He felt himself get pulled to an unknown location. He stumbled around, disoriented.
“Finally. I thought you had changed your mind, Severus.”
Harry spined around so quickly his neck bone cracked.
“Malfoy, Wha–” he blabbered with a red face, looking between the man and his professor in confusion.
“Alright, my job here is done. I do not want to know any more details. I do not approve of this. I’ll come get him back in an hour. He better be there.” Snape said, apparating without waiting for an answer.
“I– What is going on here?”
“Surprise, sweetheart,” Malfoy said with his usual little smirk.
Harry blushed all over. Oh how he had missed it.
“And call me Lucius, will you? We are friends after all?”
“Oh, yes of course Mal– Lucius. So, not to sound rude, but what I am doing here.” He said, looking around. They were actually in a luxurious study. Harry concluded they were probably at Malfoy's manor.
“Well, I was worried when I couldn’t reach you to give you your wizarding robes, so naturally I decided to take matters into my own hand. It seems like the old man really doesn't want us to interact with each other, isn’t that right? I learned from Severus that you got into some trouble for our little excursion in Diagon Alley?”
Harry grimaced “You could say that… One of my friends, or rather an ex-friend, reported me to the Headmaster.”
“Was it that Weasley boy? Severus told me you had a falling out.”
“Yes. Anyway, now I’m forbidden to go out on Hogsmeade week-end, and I literally can't go to the loo without being followed! That’s why I couldn’t write you back,” he lamented.
“My poor boy. Did you miss me terribly?” he pulled him by the hips in a loose hug.
“I– no… I just…” What was he supposed to answer?
He felt a warm breath on his ear “Because I did.”
His body was practically vibrating with need, and he could feel his cock harden.
“You’re so cute when you are embarrassed.” Lucius laughed before letting him go. “We will need to find a new way to communicate. I doubt Severus will want to do that again.”
“Oh yeah, how did you manage that by the way? Does he know about…?”
The blond raised his eyebrow “About our little… liaison?”
“Yes–I mean No, I–”
Lucius took pity on him. “He found out on his own after he saw your new robes in my office. A stupid error of mine, I’ll admit. I had to tell him how we first met, and how we ended up going to Diagon Alley.”
Harry’s mouth opened in horror “Did you tell him about…?” He could see the guilty look in the blond’s eyes. Oh god, how was he ever supposed to face his professor again now. He would never hear the end of it.
Lucius saw the panic in his eyes and tried to calm him down “Only the minimum. And do not worry about it, Severus might be a vindictive man but he would never make fun of someone for that. You two have more in common than you might think. Also, we had a little chat, and he’s agreed he’s been treating you less than fairly.”
“I don’t want any pity.”
“Good. Because you can be sure Severus doesn't do pity. But he’s not idiot enough not to admit when he’s been wrong.
“Alright then…thanks, I guess.”
He jumped when Lucius tapped his cane on the floor.
“Now that this is out of the way. Let’s get to the fun part of this meeting. First…” The man took a parcel from his pocket and handed it to him. “These are your robes. You will have to try them on and tell me if anything needs to be adjusted.”
Their hands brushed against each other.
“Thanks. We are done with the clothes, though. Any more and my trunk will fall over,” he laughed.
But Lucius was like a shark in the water. “Oh? You need a new trunk?” he asked innocently.
Harry tried to look disapproving but probably missed the mark. “No.”
“Yes.”
“Do we even have time?” he relented, secretly pleased with the idea. He had really gotten used to being spoiled in only a couple of months.
So what? It’s not like it was hurting the man financially, and he deserved it for killing the most feared wizard of all time.
“We do. I know the perfect shop for quality crafted trunks. You’ll need to get one bigger and stronger than the cheap one they sell for school. Acacia wood perhaps? You’ll also need a couple of enchantments on it to prevent any form of tempering.” Lucius kept mumbling to himself for a bit before getting his wand out to cast another glamor on Harry.
“Let’s be extra careful today,” the man said, waving his hand. Harry didn’t understand what the man meant before he felt his hair grow past his shoulder and his pants changed into a skirt.
His cheeks flushed a deep red. “Oh my god, did you turn me into a woman?” he asked, mortified, trying to pull the skirt lower on his legs. He discretely felt around his chest, and sighed in relief when he found nothing had changed.
“Better be sure no one recognises you. I bet some of Dumbledore’s little spies will be monitoring me too and they will be on the lookout for a dark haired boy. Now, who would guess a pretty girl like you is Harry Potter.”
“Did you have to make the skirt so short, though?”
“I have no idea what you mean.” Lucisu said innocently, before apparating them away.
Diagon Alley in the evening was a sight to behold. Gone was the bustling of the day, as the place took on an air of mystery.
They walked to a secluded corner and stopped in front of a shop called ‘Treasure Trunks & Enchanted Cases’. The place looked very old and a bit decrepit from the outside.
On the inside though, the place was alive with magic. The walls were covered from top to bottom with trunks in different sizes and styles. Some trunks were literal masterpieces, displayed on carved pedestals that allow for a full view of their craftsmanship.
One display featured: Gryphon-Guarded Chest, with mother-of-pearls and a lock that looked like a tiny Gryphon that moved like it was alive. Another chest called the Dragonhide Durmstrang Chest was made from the hide of a Norwegian Ridgeback, and was nearly impenetrable and charmed to resist even the most powerful spells
The one that caught Harry’s eyes though, was the Celestial Traveler’s Trunk. It was adorned with constellations that twinkle softly as if reflecting a clear night sky. The trunk had the ability to expand internally and had a self-organizing feature, ensuring that all items were easily accessible.
Behind the counter was an elderly wizard with a long, silvery beard and half-moon spectacles
Lucius turned to Harry. “This is Master Elphias Carraway, a trunk-maker whose family has been crafting these magical wonders for generations. You won’t find a better trunk in the world.”
“Oh, you flatter me too much Lucius,” the old man greeted like an old friend. He turned to Harry and offered him a warm smile, ready to explain the unique features and charms of each trunk.
“Is this pretty lady friend of yours in need of a new trunk?” It took a couple of seconds for Harry to realize the man was talking about him.
“Indeed. “
“Well, we offer a variety of trunks, each tailored to meet the special needs of our customers. They come in different sizes, from the compact yet spacious 'Pixie Pouch' to the grand 'Goliath Vault,' which can hold an entire library's worth of books and more.” The man looked animated by his craft and Harry couldn't help but be sucked into it.
“Materials range from supple dragonhide, renowned for its durability and resistance to spells, to enchanted oak, which is both lightweight and incredibly strong. On this side we have our pre-made trunks, ready for use. Or if you prefer something more unique, we can offer you our one of a kind unlimited editions, like the 'Gryphon-Guarded Chest,' or the 'Dragonhide Durmstrang Chest'. Each trunk can be further customized with enchantments: anti-theft charms, feather-light spells, even auto-cleaning features. Of course, if you don’t find anything to your taste, we also provide bespoke services, allowing you to design a trunk to your exact specifications.”
Harry felt a bit overwhelmed by all the information and leaned on Lucius for support.
The man’s hand went to his waist and he leaned over him. “Well, what will it be then, my little princess?“
He blushed and looked up from under his fringe, feeling suddenly shy and awkward “I–''
Why was it always difficult to say what he wanted? His eyes settled on the trunk adorned with twinkling constellations. It was really really pretty, and he wanted it. "I think... I think I'd like the Celestial Traveler’s Trunk," he said softly, and was rewarded by Lucius’s hand squeezing his waist and holding him a little closer.
Carraway's eyes twinkled with approval as he nodded. "An excellent choice. Would you like to add more enchantment on the trunk?”
“We will take all the enchantment you can put on it.” Lucius told the man, who beamed at the demand.
“Perfect, perfect. It will take half an hour to have the enchantment ready, why don’t you have a little walk and try some of those caramelized apples I saw outside Sugarplum's Sweetshop?”
“Of course. Thank you for the suggestion.”
Lucius led them outside. Thankfully, the weather wasn’t too cold, so they quietly walked toward the sweet shop. The man bought them two pretty normal looking caramelized apples and they sat on a little bench, away from the crowd.
The sugary treat melted in Harry’s mouth, but his thoughts were elsewhere, consumed by the man sitting beside him.
“How are you feeling?”
“Good. Thanks for taking me out tonight,” he began softly,“ I– I’ve missed you a bit.” he admitted.
Lucius studied Harry for a moment, his eyes unreadable, "I've missed you too, Harry." His voice was low, almost a whisper. It sent a shiver down his spine.
Harry's heart thudded in his chest as he turned to Lucius, the disguise making him feel both safer and more vulnerable.
Slowly, almost imperceptibly, they inched closer to each other on the bench. Harry could feel his pulse quicken, the world around them fading into a blur of lights and shadows.
Lucius's hand found his and their fingers intertwining as he leaned in, his breath warm against Harry’s cheek. He closed his eyes, the caramelized apple forgotten as Lucius's lips brushed his. It was a soft, tentative kiss, filled with an unexpected gentleness.
Harry's eyes flew open, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. He pulled back slightly, searching Lucius's face for answers. "Did you kiss me because I look like a girl?"
The older man sighed “And of course you have to say the most idiotic thing. No, I did not kiss you just because you look like a girl. I kissed you because I like you. I find your real face much cuter.”
“Yeah? I like you too,” he said, hiding his red face into the man’s shoulder, not knowing what to do with himself.
He looked back with an hopeful look and a lot of courage, “Can we kiss me again? Please? ” he asked sweetly.
They kissed for a little bit before it was time to get his trunk from the shop. Harry linked their hands together on the way, feeling the blond’s finger tightening on his own.
As they walked, Harry's eyes were caught by a glint of something shiny in a nearby shop window. He paused, turning his gaze toward the source. It was a jewelry shop, its display filled with beautiful and intricate pieces. Among them was a delicate golden bracelet, its purple gemstones catching the light enticingly.
Harry stopped for a moment to admire the bracelet, its elegance and beauty drawing him in. Lucius noticed and followed Harry's gaze, a sly smile curling his lips. "Do you fancy it, my little princess?" he asked, his tone teasing.
Harry felt a flush rise to his cheeks. "No... It’s a woman’s bracelet anyway," he replied a bit too quickly, his voice embarrassed but secretly envious. "But it is pretty, isn't it?"
Lucius’ eyes glinted with mischief. "Well, if you change your mind, I could always buy it for you."
Harry faked a laugh at the suggestion but imagined how the bracelet would look like around his wrist. It would feel different from the clothes, more like a mark of ownership from Lucius. The thought made his heart beat a little faster, but he felt overwhelmed and unsure of how to ask for it. He didn't want to appear frivolous or vain. What if the man was only joking and he made a fool of himself?
So, he shook his head, offering Lucius a smile. "Thanks, but really, it's fine. We should get to the trunk shop before it closes anyway."
They got the trunk, and soon it was time for them to go back to Malfoy Manor. They apparated back into the study, waiting for Snape to come get him.
Malfoy brought him closer to him, brushing his gloved hands against his face in a soft caress
“It was nice seeing you again, even if it was for such a short time”
“Yes…” Harry was completely hypnotized by the man’s piercing eyes. “When will I see you back? With the Headmaste–”
“Don’t worry your pretty little head, darling. I will find a way for us to see each other. I have never been stopped from doing what I want, and it certainly won’t start with that old coot.”
Harry trusted Lucius to find a way. It was nice not to have to anxiously think about the logistics for once.
“In the meantime…” Lucius leaned toward him and gently kissed him on the mouth, “dream about me, and be a good boy at school”.
The man kissed him a second time with more force this time, making Harry moan a little, before a sudden pop interrupted them.
“Oh Merlin, I am going to need some bleach for my eyes,” the disgusted voice of Snape shocked him out of his little bubble.
“Professor Snape! It’s not what it looks like!” Harry said in panic, knowing full well it wasn’t the most convincing excuse.
He felt Lucius breathing on his neck, giving him little kisses that made him tingle all over.
“Hmm…it is exactly what it looks like,” Lucius said, bemused by the situation.
Harry tried to get out of his embrace, but the man only held him tighter. “Lucius!”
“Yes, darling?”
“You’re doing it on purpose now,” he said with a pout.
Lucius bit him on the top of his ear, making him squeak in surprise. Who knew ears could be sensitive.
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Would you stop this disgusting display, for Merlin’s sake. You know what? I do not care what you both do with each other, as long as you don’t do it in my presence. I do not want to hear or see anymore of it, are we clear?”
“Fine, my friend. Thank you for helping me with this crazy plan.”
Snape scoffed, “You’re welcome, and you owe me one. It better not become a habit though. Now, less chit chat and let go before someone realizes Potter is not where he is supposed to be.”
Harry and Lucius bid each other goodbye in a more sober fashion, before Harry was whisked away to the castle once again.
“Professor?” he asked once they apparated into the man’s office.
“What now, Potter?”
“Is it true what you said earlier? That you don’t care if me and Lucius–”
Snake’s mouth frowned in revulsion while staring to put his hand to his ears, “Don’t tell me, don’t tell me…”
Harry blushed a deep red, “If we see each other, not…like that! You won’t tell the Headmaster, right?”
The Professor sighed deeply, “I really should, but I won’t. I think you are mature enough to make your own decision, even if they are utterly stupid. I hope you realize this won’t end well for you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Potter. Think for a second. You are seeing a married man, twice your age, who a lot of people see as a dark wizard. How do you think it’s going to go? Or do you plan to stay a dirty little secret all your life? It’s no ground for a healthy relationship.”
“I–” he felt his eyes sting at the man’s words. He knew all that, but what if he wanted to live in a bubble a little longer? Didn’t he deserve to have something good for once?.
Snape put a hand on his shoulder, “Have a bit of fun, but don’t get too attached, Potter. It will only hurt you more in the end.”
“Thank you for the advice, Professor,” he said dejectedly.
“Now, out of my office. And let’s not do that again.”