Life's A Show

ART: Ginny/Luna

2009-11-15T20:26:17Z

Artist: thilia
Title: Best Day Of My Life
Pairing: Ginny/Luna
Rating: PG
Warnings: Femmeslash :)
Media: Photoshop 7, tablet
Notes: This was going to be my submission for hp_art_xchange before my recipient dropped out, but I decided to finish it anyway because I kind of like it :D The entire family was supposed to stand behind them but it was just a little too much work :P Yep, I'm lazy. Deal with it.

FIC: A Whole New World

2009-11-14T00:26:39Z

bottom_draco fest reveals are up! :D Yay! So here's my fic...

Author: thilia
Title: A Whole New World
Fest/Prompt: bottom_draco
Pairing: Harry/Draco
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Slash, sexual situations and some violence.
Word Count: ~9,500
Summary: Before his eleventh birthday, Harry leaves the Dursleys' to live on his own in the streets of London. When he discovers magic, he fulfils the dream he's had since he was a little boy, and meets another wizard who needs his help and changes his entire life.
Notes: I loved this prompt :)
Inspired By: Disney's Aladdin
Pairing(s): HD
Era: Any
Prompt: Harry is a 'street rat,' abandoned by the Dursley's. When he discovers magic, he transforms himself into what he's always dreamed of achieving.
Special Requests: Snake named 'Abu,' Snape as Jafar, Nimbus/Firebolt scene where Harry takes Draco on a magic carpet ride, sex!
Squicks: character death, non-sexy bodily functions/fluids, stupid!Harry or outsmarted!Harry

A Whole New World

Harry Potter was no ordinary boy. He had always known that. Ordinary children had a mother and a father who loved them and took care of them, spent time with them and bought them cool clothes and toys. They made sure their children had enough to eat and a comfortable bed, and wanted to spend time with them. On Sundays, many of them took their kids to the zoo or to watch a movie, or just stayed close to them to make sure they knew that they were loved.

Harry didn't have a mother or a father. He had an uncle and an aunt, and a fat cousin, but they didn't love him. They never had.

Harry had never received new clothes or toys. If he was lucky, the clothes and toys he got from his cousin Dudley weren't completely broken or useless. Most of the time, they were. He did get food but only as much as he needed to be relatively healthy. His bed was anything but comfortable, and the closet in which he lived was barely large enough for him to be able to turn in his tiny bed at night.

The Dursleys had never taken him to the zoo; if they did anything remotely fun, Harry had to stay home or with an old cat-lady who lived in the neighbourhood.

He had always been aware that the Dursleys didn't want him in their life, and the feeling was mutual, if he was completely honest. But they were the only family he had left, so he had accepted the fact that his life would never be quite as great as other boys' his age.

And now Harry didn't even have the Dursleys anymore. It had been nearly six years ago that he'd left Privet Drive and had gone to London on his own. Uncle Vernon had – once again – yelled at him for doing things Harry had no control over, and finally he'd had enough and had left his family behind.

That was another thing that made Harry sure that he was no ordinary boy. He could make things happen; inexplicable things, scary things. He had never met anyone who had the same abilities as him, so he was sure he must be the only person on earth to have those strange talents.

He thought about this a lot, especially when he was sitting in the little park in the middle of Leicester Square, watching all those ordinary people going about their day. He knew he wasn't one of them, and probably never would be.

Ever since leaving the Dursleys, Harry had been living in the streets of London. He had a fairly good knowledge of all the abandoned houses in town, and rarely had to sleep outside unless he chose to. He had perfected his thieving skills and wasn't starving, though he was extraordinarily thin for a boy his age. Sometimes he stole, sometimes he begged, but he knew he wouldn't be doing this forever.

For quite a while, he'd had a certain knowledge that something was about to change. What exactly it might be, he did not know, but he knew that something epic was about to happen that would change his life forever.

As he strolled through the streets of London, looking at all those normal people to whom he seemed to be completely invisible, he suddenly noticed a very peculiar man disappearing in a dark alley. No one else seemed to notice him but Harry's curiosity was raised instantly, so he silently followed the man who had stopped in the middle of that dark alley and had pulled out a long, wooden stick. Harry hid behind a large trash can and watched him with wide eyes, not daring to blink for fear of missing something.

He wasn't sure what exactly he was seeing, but suddenly the shopping bags the man had been carrying disappeared, and a moment later, he man himself followed. Harry stared at the now empty spot where the man had been standing, and wondered what he had just seen.

People couldn't just disappear like that, could they? There was no rational explanation for what had just happened and Harry knew he had been witness to something his uncle used to call freaky, wrong or simply impossible.

Sliding down onto the dirty floor next to the trash can, Harry rubbed the back of his neck idly as he tried to process what he had just seen. Maybe it had been a trick of his senses. Maybe he'd just seen what he wanted to see, or… But there was a way of finding out if he'd just dreamed, or if what he had seen had actually happened.

"Abu,," he whispered, and the small snake slithered out from beneath Harry's clothes. "Did you see that?"

The snake nodded, the split tongue sliding out for a moment as yellow eyes bore into his. Abu had been his companion for two years now, ever since Harry had found him. He had been sitting in St. James's Park, watching some tourists feed the squirrels when Abu had appeared.

Harry had been surprised when the snake had answered when he'd talked to it but now he couldn't imagine being without his beloved pet. He didn't know what kind of snake Abu was, but he was beautiful; relatively short and thin but of a rich, green colour that reminded Harry of his own eyes.

Abu tilted his head at him, watching him intently. "Magic,," he whispered back, and Harry blinked.

Magic. Magic was… real?

He looked back at the spot where the odd man had been standing mere moments before, and somehow knew that it had to be real. He snorted when he imagined what Uncle Vernon would say now; he would probably be making up lame reasons to explain what had happened.

But Harry knew that Abu had to be right. It had to be Magic.

And then a thought occurred to him. All those things he had made happen; those inexplicable things that made him different than all the people he saw on a daily basis… were they magic too? Could it be that he was magical, too?

Was he… a wizard?

~ * ~

The days following the one where Harry had seen that man disappear before his eyes, Harry thought about magic pretty much all of the time. He tried to remember all of the things he had made happen in his life, and finally came to the conclusion that they had to be magic. There just was no other explanation.

During those days, Harry also tried to make things happen consciously. In the past, he'd had no control over his powers; most things had happened when he had been angry or upset or feeling some other intense emotion.

But now he realized that if he focused on something; wanted something really badly, he could make it happen. And it made him wonder what exactly he was capable of.

Maybe he didn't have to live on the streets anymore. Maybe he didn't have to beg or steal to get money, clothes and food. Maybe, if he just concentrated hard enough on what he really wanted, it would happen and he wouldn't have to live in poverty anymore.

He discussed all of those ideas with Abu, and the snake encouraged him to try. It wouldn't hurt to just give it a go. If it didn't happen, if he was wrong about being magical, he would be disappointed but at least he would have tried.

Harry started with small things. When he was hungry and saw someone walking past him with a burger, he would wish for said burger and it would come to him. The burger would just fly out of the man's hand and come to him. The person would be startled for a while and try to find an explanation for what had just happened, but then he would shrug and go on with his life while Harry enjoyed his meal.

When he had sufficiently mastered his powers, Harry went on to bigger things.

The thing Harry had always wanted more than anything else was to fly. He had always been fascinated by airplanes and had read all of Dudley's books about them. He wanted to feel like a bird, completely free and able to go wherever he wanted.

So on a rainy day when most people were inside their warm houses, Harry wished for wings. He wished for them so hard, knowing that something just had to happen because he wanted it so much.

But nothing happened. When he'd tried for a few hours, and was completely exhausted, nothing had happened and he still wasn't flying.

Disappointed, Harry was about to give up when something happened. He heard a soft swishing noise and frowned as he looked up. Something was coming towards him at a rapid speed. Something was flying towards him. He gasped and ducked because the object almost knocked him over, and when he looked up, it hadn't gone away. It was hovering in front of it, and when Harry dared to open his eyes, he saw that it was a broom.

A flying broomstick.

It wasn't exactly what Harry had wanted, but he soon discovered that it worked. He mounted the broom, and it took him wherever he wanted to go. It didn't take long for him to figure out how to fly; it seemed so natural to him to fly through the air on his brand new broom.

And it was better than he ever could have imagined. There were no boundaries to his freedom. He could fly wherever he wanted, unseen by all the people down there in the city who looked like ants from up where Harry was.

It was a phenomenal feeling; a feeling of complete freedom and Harry had never been happier in his life.

Abu was afraid of heights and stayed beneath his clothes whenever he flew but Harry enjoyed every second he was up there more than he had ever enjoyed anything else.

He finally had exactly what he wanted.

~ * ~

He didn't go far, at first; always stayed near London, though he did explore the surroundings whenever he was able. When he was on the ground, he usually shrunk his broom to fit into his pocket like the odd wizard he had watched had done with his bags.

But after a while, London just wasn't big enough for him anymore. He needed to see more of the world; needed to visit all the places he'd heard about in school but had never had the opportunity to see with his own eyes.

One day, his broom took him to a charming little place called Wiltshire. He spent the day lying in the grass, swimming in a little lake and playing with Abu, laughing and enjoying his life. He had never been happier.

At the end of the day, he was about to remount his broom to go back when he heard a noise that made him stop. He listened intently and finally came to the conclusion that someone was crying.

His curiosity raised and completely on alert, Harry followed the noise, and it led him to a fence, hidden by some large trees. He hid behind one of them as he looked for the source of the broken sobs and was surprised to see a blond boy about his age, standing by a tree, crying.

He watched him for some moments, and was about to retreat silently and go back but he accidentally stepped on a twig, and the blond head snapped up sharply, and the other boy's piercing grey eyes were staring right at him.

"Who are you? What are you doing there?" the boy's asked suspiciously, wiping his tears away angrily and glaring at Harry.

Harry glared back. "Nothing. Why are you crying?"

"Piss off!" the boy said, trying to hide his tears.

Harry had never been good at hiding his emotions and he got angry at being spoken to in such a rude manner. "Fuck you. I'm not doing anything wrong. I have a right to be here and if you have a problem with it, you can piss off yourself."

The boy kept glowering at Harry for a moment, and then Harry saw the tension drain for him and he slumped against the tree tiredly. Harry immediately felt bad.

He took a step closer to the fence and touched the white metal bars, watching the boy. "What's wrong with you?" he asked in a softer voice, tilting his head. "Why are you crying?"

"I'm not," the blond boy protested but he sounded tired. "I just…" He sighed. "I had a fight with my father, okay? I don't see how it's any of your business but…"

He paused and ran a hand through his pale hair before glaring again. "He won't let me out," he murmured, and Harry felt for the boy. That was what he'd felt like all of those years ago, at the Dursleys'. They had never let him out either and he had felt like a prisoner in what was supposed to be his home.

"Why not?" Harry asked softly, and he found that, for some reason, he didn't want to leave yet. He rarely talked to anyone but this boy intrigued him because, in Harry's opinion, they were very much alike.

Apart from the fact that this boy was obviously rich, and Harry was not.

"If I knew, we wouldn't be having this conversation, would we?" the boy snapped but then his face softened. "I'm sorry. I just… I'm sick of being treated like a child. My parents are so fucking overprotective, it's not even funny anymore. I just want… to get out sometimes."

Harry nodded and watched the boy thoughtfully. "Why don't you just get out?" he asked curiously. "I mean, just for a few hours?"

The blond boy looked at him incredulously, and Harry felt stupid for asking. "I would if I could! The wards won't allow it, obviously. If I just knew how to break the spell, I-"

The boy suddenly trailed off and his eyes widened when he realized that he might have said too much. He stumbled back a few steps and looked around. "I… I have to go," he said then, and before Harry had the time to ask any more questions, the boy ran back to the huge Manor hidden behind the trees. Harry watched him go inside, but he didn't move.

He wondered what had just happened. Why had the boy left? What had he told him that he wasn't supposed to? What wards was he talking about? And had he just said spell?

Harry's eyes widened when he realized that the boy had obviously meant magical spells. The boy was a wizard! Just like him!

"Hey!" Harry called. "Wait!"

But the boy didn't hear him, or chose not to come out.

For the next few days, this encounter stayed in Harry's head, and he knew that he had to go back. He had to talk to this boy who seemed to be so much like him, and find out more about him.

Harry had never had a friend in his life – except Abu, obviously – but he found that he really wanted to be this boy's friend. There was something about him that intrigued Harry and he needed to see him again.

Soon.

~ * ~

Draco made his way through the extensive gardens of Malfoy Manor, feeling the soft, cool grass beneath his bare feet. When he reached the small lake, he sat down at the shore and slid his feet into the water, leaning back on his hands and sighing contentedly when the warm sun touched his face.

His parents were inside the house, entertaining Severus Snape who had come to visit the Malfoys – yet again. He spent an awful lot of time at the Manor lately – too much time, for Draco's taste. He was an old family friend, and both Narcissa and Lucius welcomed him warmly whenever he chose to visit them. Draco however always found an excuse that enabled him to get away.

He didn't like Snape; never had. There was something about that man that made Draco very uncomfortable and he made sure to get away whenever the other man announced a visit. When Draco was younger, he hadn't been able to say why Snape's presence made him uneasy but now he knew why.

Snape flirted with him whenever Draco's parents were not around. There was always this… dangerous and naughty glint in the other man's eyes when he looked at Draco.

Draco laid back into the grass, folding his arms behind his head and sighing softly. As much as he loved the luxury of the Manor and its gardens, most of the time, Draco wished he could get out. Lucius and Narcissa were too worried about him and rarely let him out of their sight. The Manor was like a huge, beautiful prison to Draco; one he would probably never be allowed to leave.

It was kind of ironic that his parents seemed to notice every little thing he did but at the same time they were completely ignorant to Snape's attempts to seduce him. They seemed to just see what they wanted to see.

Without even meaning to, Draco's mind wandered back to the boy he'd met a few days ago. He knew he had been unnecessarily hostile; the boy had just wanted to make sure he was all right, and Draco had snapped at him for no good reason.

If he was entirely honest with himself, he had to admit that he had been thinking rather a lot about the black-haired, spectacled boy he'd met by the fence about a week ago. There had been something very unusual about him, but Draco didn't know what it was. He almost wished the boy would come back, but he didn't have much hope.

And even if he did – what good would it do? Draco wasn't allowed to leave the Manor, and the boy was probably a Muggle, so they didn't have anything in common anyway. And Lucius would never allow Draco to invite a Muggle-friend into the Manor. He was barely allowed to invite Pansy and Blaise over; a Muggle-friend would just completely tick Lucius off.

Draco was pulled out of his reverie when a large shadow fell over him. Startled, he opened his eyes and gasped when he saw that it was Snape, looming over him and looking down at him with those creepy, black eyes.

"Here you are," the older man said in that soft, velvety voice that Draco hated so much. He sat up and tried to move away but Snape had captured his wrist in his hand and was grinning at him with yellow teeth, the thin lips stretching over them. "I missed you."

Draco was frozen to the spot for a moment before he roughly tugged his hand away and glared at the older man. "No, you didn't," he muttered. "What do you want?"

Snape raised one black eyebrow and smirked. "Oh, I think you know what I want," he murmured, his voice dripping with unspoken suggestions that made Draco shudder.

He swallowed hard and looked away, squaring his jaw. "I don't. And whatever it is, you will never get it, so piss off."

Snape's face darkened and he closed hard fingers around Draco's jaw, forcing him to look at him. Draco smelled the foul stench of the older man's breath on his face and tried to pull away but Snape wouldn't let him. He didn't say anything, just stared at him warningly, daring him to say something that would allow Snape to hurt him.

Draco stayed silent but he couldn't stop his eyes from filling with tears. As if the fact that he was stuck in this prison wasn't enough already, whenever he felt vaguely happy, Snape showed up and drained him off it; almost like a Dementor.

He watched a satisfied smirk appear on the older man's lips and he let go of him, standing up. "Just you wait, boy," he said dangerously quietly. "Severus Snape always gets what he wants. Just you wait."

His robes swished when he turned around to walk back, and watching Snape leave, Draco pulled his knees to his chest and took a deep, shaky breath and tried to relax. He was gone; Draco was safe – for now. He wiped the tears away angrily, hating that Snape scared him so much, and stared back at the lake, unaware of the boy watching him from behind a large tree on the other side of the fence.

~ * ~

Harry had no idea what exactly had just happened but he knew he needed to cheer up the boy. He still didn't know his name, and they hadn't talked since that first day, but for some reason, Harry felt comfortable when he flew over the fence with his broom and shrunk it after he'd landed a little bit away from Draco who was still sitting there by the lake.

His posture was helpless and Harry felt the inexplicable urge to wrap his arms around him and tell him that everything would be all right. He didn't know who that black-haired man was but it was quite obvious that Draco didn't like him; as did Harry.

He didn't know everything but he was smart enough to see that something was not quite right with the way the man had looked at the boy and touched him.

Harry hesitantly walked closer and stopped a bit away from him, trying not to scare his potential new friend.

"Hey," he said softly and felt bad when Draco flinched and whirled around. "It's just me. I'm sorry; I didn't want to scare you. I don't mean any harm, okay? I just want to talk."

Draco stared at him for a long moment and Harry bit his lip.

"What are you doing here?" the boy finally asked but he didn't sound as hostile as he had on their first meeting. "How did you get in? You're not supposed to be here. If my father sees you –"

"He won't," Harry said immediately, glancing back at the Manor. For some reason he knew that Draco's father wouldn't see him. How he knew, he didn't know. He just… knew.

"Was that your father?" he asked softly, knowing the answer already. He slowly walked closer to Draco and sat down beside him.

Draco watched him, then shook his head. "No. That was Snape; a friend of my father's."

He sighed heavily and shrugged. "I hate him."

Harry had to smile. "Yeah, that was quite obvious. He doesn't seem like a fun person to be around."

There was a moment of silence before Harry decided to do what he should've done on their first meeting. "I'm Harry," he introduced himself, holding out his hand for the other boy to shake.

Draco looked at him for a moment, then allowed himself to smile back and shook his hand. "I'm Draco."

They talked almost all afternoon until an odd, little creature with large eyes and ears appeared and told them that Master Draco was needed inside. Harry wondered if the creature would get Draco in trouble because it had seen Harry, but Draco let him know that "Dobby" was on his side.

They said goodbye and Harry watched Draco walk away with a smile before he climbed back over the fence and flew back "home" – which, at the moment, was a little hut at the edge of the village.

Laying on the hard floor that night and thinking back to what had to be the best afternoon of his life, Harry knew that this was the beginning of something that would change his life entirely.

~ * ~

"Psst! Pssst!"

Draco whirled around at the sound, looking for its source. It had come from outside, so Draco hesitantly made his way onto the balcony that was almost the size of his own room. He still couldn't see anything unusual, and was almost convinced he had only imagined the soft hissing sound when he saw Harry just below the balcony on a brand new Firebolt.

Draco's eyebrows shot up and he leaned over the railing, giving Harry a weak glare.

"Harry! What are you doing here? If my parents see you-"

"They won't," Harry whispered, giving him a cheeky grin and flying a loop in front of Draco. "Want to take a ride?"

Draco stared at him, then looked over his shoulder to make sure they were alone. "I can't just leave," he said uncertainly but the look in his eyes clearly said that he could imagine nothing more exciting than taking a ride with Harry. "What if my parents come into my room and can't find me…"

Harry shook his head, his grin widening. "I made sure they were asleep before I came here. They won't come in anytime soon – trust me."

He kept looking at Draco with that mischievous grin and Draco felt a smile tugging at his own lips. "Do you even know how to fly that thing?"

Harry raised an eyebrow and gave Draco a brief demonstration of just how good a flier he was. "Come on! We will be back in no time; your parents won't notice you're gone. Please?"

Draco still didn't look convinced but finally gave in. "All right, let me just get dressed."

He disappeared in his room, and five minutes later, Harry carefully helped him get onto the broom behind him. Draco's arms slid around Harry's waist, holding onto him tightly. "Do you trust me?" Harry asked, and Draco answered without a moment of hesitation. They had known each other for only a little over a month but they had spent a lot of time together and there really was only one answer.

"Yes," Draco whispered, and realized that he did trust Harry. This was probably the most exciting thing he'd ever done, and he wouldn't miss it for anything in the world. And even though the prospect of flying and having no control over where they went scared him, he relaxed against Harry's warm body and decided to trust him.

His father had never allowed him to join the Quidditch team at Hogwarts or to get his own broom. His limited flying experience came from the class in first year, and his father had even disapproved of that. Draco sighed, and not for the first time he wondered why his parents had to be so damn overprotective.

"All right then," Harry said cheerfully and without further warning, he took off into the darkness of the night. Draco whimpered and tightened his arms around the other boy, shivering as they rushed through the cool night air.

It didn't take long for him to see that Harry was sure in his movements and that he had nothing to worry about. Nothing would happen to him as long as Harry was around. After a while, he managed to relax and open his eyes, looking at the stars above them and the beautiful landscape below them. He was almost disappointed when Harry slowed down and landed on the flat roof of a high building with an amazing view.

"I found this place when I was flying out one day," Harry told him with a smile, dismounting the broom after Draco and carefully placing it on the floor. "Isn't it breathtaking?"

And it was. Draco was so overwhelmed by the beauty of what he saw that he couldn't help but wonder what other beautiful places there were in the world and if he would ever get to see them.

When he turned around, Harry had spread a soft blanket on the floor and unshrank some food and a bottle of wine. Draco watched him take off his shoes and get comfortable on the blanket, and when Harry looked up with a smile, Draco returned it and sat down beside him.

"This is amazing," he said, still overwhelmed. Then he raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to get into my pants?"

Harry laughed when Draco blushed after realizing that he had actually said that, and shrugged. "Maybe…"

He waggled his black eyebrows and they both laughed, falling back into their routine of asking about each other's lives. Draco was sure that Harry's life had to be the most exciting he had ever heard about, and Harry seemed equally interested in what he had to say.

They ate, and Draco listened to Harry's tales of his adventures in the streets of London. They all sounded exciting to Draco while Harry was more interested in life at Hogwarts, and wanted to know all about being a wizard.

After dinner, Harry shrank the left-over food again and cleared the blanket so both of them could lie down and look up at the stars. They lay there in silence until Draco felt Harry's fingers gently brushing over the back of his hand.

He tensed for a moment and turned his head, searching Harry's impossibly green eyes curiously before turning his hand around and lacing his fingers through Harry's. There was a slight fluttering in his stomach when Draco looked down at Harry's full lips, wondering what they would feel like on his own.

That thought didn't scare him as much as it had four weeks ago when it had first occurred to him. He had never felt closer to anyone else, and Harry had, in the short time they knew each other become the most important person in his life. And he was convinced that Harry felt the same way.

Harry's hand in his own felt incredibly good and Draco brushed his thumb over the back of his best friend's hand, feeling his soft skin against his own.

As if Harry had been reading his mind, he suddenly rolled onto his side and reached out to gently brush Draco's hair out of his face. They looked into each other's eyes, and all of a sudden, everything around them was forgotten and they were the only two people in the world. Draco often felt that way around Harry but this time it was even more… intense than ever before.

"Harry," Draco whispered a moment before Harry leaned down and pressed his lips against the other boy's. For some seconds, Draco was so perplexed that he didn't dare breathe. It felt so right and he didn't even think of fighting the bold move.

He relaxed, and a moment later, he reached up to cup the back of Harry's neck, and returned the kiss softly, exploring the other boy's mouth and feeling his entire body tingle with the need to be closer to Harry.

They had to break apart for air a moment later, and both of them were breathing hard, their hearts racing in unison. Draco looked up into Harry's deep eyes and hesitantly shifted to pull the other boy on top of him. Harry didn't break the eye contact when he slid on top of him and slid his leg between Draco's; his thigh pressed against Draco's very obvious erection.

Draco let out a soft gasp when he felt Harry's solid weight on top of him and he reached up to cup his cheeks when he kissed him again; their tongues sliding against each other, exploring each other's mouths in a passionate kiss.

Draco had to admit that he had never dared dream that something like this would ever happen. It felt so good; like Harry was right where he belonged, and he realized that he wasn't afraid to find out where exactly this would lead.

His body was almost trembling with the need for Harry and he allowed his hands to roam all over the other boy's body, and even slip beneath his shirt to explore the soft, warm skin of his back. The soft, breathy noises Harry made drove Draco crazy, and he lost himself in the sensations.

Their clothes came off gradually in a nervous fumble of inexperienced hands, their need for each other growing with their arousal. When they were naked and Draco first had the opportunity to really look at Harry and see how beautiful he was, a low moan escaped his lips and he studied the other boy's body with an interest he hadn't shown in many other things.

"God, Harry," he whispered, and Harry merely nodded to let him know that he felt the same way.

Draco closed his eyes when he felt Harry's lips on his neck; a soft brush at first before his tongue slipped out to lick a trail down to his collarbone; Harry's breath hot on his skin. Draco's chest was rising and falling rapidly when Harry's lips travelled over his body.

He felt loved and worshipped because no one had ever paid this kind of attention to him. Harry seemed to instinctively know where to kiss him or how to touch him, and Draco wouldn't have been surprised if he'd reached his climax before Harry even touched his erection.

Luckily, he didn't and when Harry's hand closed around his cock, stroking him neither too gently nor too roughly, Draco moaned loudly and thrust up into the other boy's warm hand, loving how it felt to be touched by someone who meant so much to him.

His eyes rolled into the back of his skull and he almost died when he felt Harry's soft lips on his erection, nipping, kissing, licking in all the right places. He lifted his head to watch him and almost came at the mere sight of Harry's full, pink lips wrapped around his pulsing erection.

His mouth felt warm and hot, and even the clumsy brush of Harry's teeth against his most sensitive areas didn't bother him because this was the way it was meant to be; he felt more alive than ever before.

When Harry pulled away, he let out a mewl of disappointment, making Harry smile knowingly. Then the other boy's face turned serious and Draco watched Harry's tongue flick out to lick his lips.

"I want you, Draco," Harry whispered, and his eyes told Draco that he was just as inexperienced and uncertain about this as he himself was. "I want to…" Harry trailed off but Harry knew what he meant. He wanted to have sex; and though all of this was unfamiliar and new and it was probably too soon to even think about doing it, Draco knew that he wanted it. He wanted Harry; wanted to feel as close to him as he possibly could; to have him buried inside of him, and even the fear of the probable pain couldn't make him want this less.

"I want you too," he whispered, his voice shaking a little. Harry moved up to catch his lips in another soft, loving kiss, and all of Draco's tension eased out of him; knowing that Harry wouldn't hurt him and that this would be perfect.

"One second," Draco whispered when Harry pulled away, and he reached for his wand to murmur the lubrication spell he used whenever he touched himself. Harry blinked when his hand was suddenly slick, and he searched Draco's eyes for guidance.

Draco gave him a reassuring smile and pecked his lips almost shyly before moving Harry's hand down between his spread lips. He clenched a little when Harry's cool fingers brushed his entrance, and he looked up at him with wide eyes. "You need to… prepare me," he whispered. "Slowly, okay?"

"Okay," Harry whispered back, and Draco relaxed again. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, then changed his mind and looked up into Harry's eyes, needing to see the deep green when Harry's first finger entered him.

His heart melted at how careful Harry was; he waited for Draco to adjust to the intrusion before adding a second finger, scissoring them to stretch him and get him ready for Harry's quite large cock. But even though it seemed impossible at the moment, Draco somehow knew that Harry would fit and that it would feel perfect.

"Oh!" he moaned in surprise when Harry's fingers brushed a spot inside of him that made black spots appear before his eyes. "Oh god, yes, please, do that again. Harry…"

It was then – if not before – that he knew that Harry would be an amazing lover. He'd found that spot that made Draco writhe with lust every time Harry came only close to touching it, and he whined in disappointment when Harry's fingers were pulled out.

But then he realized what was to come and he licked his lips in anticipation, spreading his legs and linking his ankles behind Harry's back when the latter got on top of him. The tip of Harry's cock brushed his hole and Draco bit his lip when Harry slowly but surely pushed in.

It felt like nothing he had ever felt before; Harry was large and Draco was stretched so much, feeling so full and complete that he felt like he had to pass out any second.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked worriedly, and the obvious concern in his voice and on his face made any pain Draco might have felt disappear and all he wanted was to feel his Harry move inside of him.

He nodded and pulled Harry down for a slow, loving kiss, letting him know just how okay he was. "Mmmhhhh," he moaned softly when Harry pulled back a little, just to push in again, and after a few moments of trying to find the right angle, they found a rhythm that worked for both of them.

It didn't take long until both of them were gasping and panting, their orgasms approaching more with every single one of Harry's thrusts. Harry reaching down to rub Draco's erection while still moving back and forth steadily finally did it for Draco, and he came with a for him entirely uncharacteristically load roar. "Ohhhhhhh…"

Harry followed a moment later, and then they both slumped back down onto the floor in a tangle of legs and arms, heavy, hot breathing filling the cool night air.

When he'd recovered a little bit, Draco rolled Harry off him and snuggled into his side. Tracing the tiny pearly drops of sweat on his lover's chest, Draco buried his face in Harry's neck and inhaled deeply, feeling for what seemed like the first time in years, perfectly content.

Harry's fingers were sliding through his hair, stroking him slowly and lovingly, both of them completely relaxed and close as they looked up at the brightly shining stars.

~ * ~

When the day started dawning, they reluctantly put their clothes back on, packed all of their things together and flew back to the Manor, the sad knowledge on Draco's mind that they wouldn't see each other until later that day.

Draco reluctantly got off the broom and sat down on the broad railing, not letting go of Harry's hand just yet. "Thank you," he said softly, meeting the other boy's eyes. "That was… indescribably beautiful."

Harry smiled and moved the broom just a little closer for him to be able to give Draco another soft kiss. "I know. Will I see you again tomorrow? Do you think we can get away again?"

"Today," Draco corrected Harry, and they smiled. He thought about Harry's question, and in that moment, Draco was sure that they could, and knew that he would do anything to make it possible. "Yes," he whispered, then cupped Harry's cheeks and kissed him again; a kiss so passionate that Harry swayed on his broom for a brief moment.

Draco smiled against his lips, then reluctantly pulled back and stroked Harry's cheek. "I'll see you later," he whispered.

He laughed softly when Abu slithered out from beneath Harry's shirt and slid over his arm onto his shoulders. Harry snickered as well, and Draco shivered when he heard the hiss of Parseltongue coming from Harry's lips.

He had never considered it an erotic 'language' but he was quite sure that anything Harry did was sexy. He met Harry's eyes questioningly and was met with a smile.

"Abu will stay with you," Harry explained. "To protect you."

Draco didn't ask why he needed protecting but it was the thought that counted, and it made him smile that Harry was so thoughtful. He leaned forward to give him one last kiss, then stroked his cheek and let go. "Goodnight, Harry. Sleep well."

He – and Abu – watched as Harry flew back and disappeared in the lessening darkness, a slow smile spreading on his lips as he wondered what this day would bring.

"You are in serious trouble," a sharp voice behind him snarled, but before Draco had a chance to turn around and see the owner of said voice, a spell hit him from behind and the world went black.

~ * ~

When Draco woke up, he was in a dark room, chained to a bed, and from what he could tell, naked. He blinked and tried to sit up but the heavy chains prevented him from moving.

"What the," he muttered, still disoriented from sleep before he remembered what had happened. Harry. Their beautiful night on the roof of that house, and then… blackness.

He squinted and tried to see through the darkness but there was no source of light, not even in the distance. His body tensed in panic as he tried to figure out what had happened and where he was, but he couldn't form a clear thought.

All he knew was that he was trapped.

~ * ~

Harry was woken up the next morning, when he felt something warm slide over his arm. He opened his eyes, trying adjust to the brightness in the room, and spotted Abu.

"Abu? What is it?" he asked in Parseltongue; his voice still sleepy. "Aren't you supposed to be with Draco?"

"Something happened," replied the snake. "Draco is gone."

At that, Harry immediately sat up and stared at Abu with wide eyes. "He's gone? What do you mean, he's gone? Maybe he's in the house, or his parents took him somewhere. Talk to me!"

Abu was silent for a long moment and stretched, then fixed him with those slim, yellow eyes. "Snape" he hissed simply before slithering down onto the floor and looking Harry expectantly into his eyes.

Harry's mouth opened slowly. "Snape?" he asked, giving up Parseltongue. "Snape… Snape kidnapped him? Are you sure, Abu?" At the snake's nod, Harry jumped out of bed. "I need to save him. Draco doesn't know… He doesn't realize how evil Snape is. Snape has plans and I know they can't be good, and… god, if something happened to Draco, I could never forgive myself. But how can I find him? Fuck!"

Harry tugged on his hair and panicked for a brief moment before remembering that he was a wizard, as was Draco. The Manor held many spell books in which he could find a locator spell or something else that would enable him to find Draco. He had to get into the Manor. And Abu would help him.

"Get into the Manor library and find the book I need. I will be there in ten minutes."

~ * ~

Meanwhile, in the unspeakably dark room, Draco had managed to sit up and get into a more or less comfortable position. He was cold and felt incredibly vulnerable, naked as he was. It was still dark in the room and Draco was on full alert the entire time, somehow feeling that he wasn't alone in this room.

He flinched and drew back when a heavy metal door opened and a dark shape came into the room. He heard a low chuckle and swallowed, squinting against the light coming through the door and trying to recognize the person in front of him.

"Not so cocky anymore, are we, Draco?" Snape's voice suddenly chuckled and a cold shiver ran down Draco's back when he could make out the cruel lines of the other man's face.

Snape. Of course! Who else would have the nerve to kidnap him from his own house?

"Dad will find me," Draco said with absolute certainty. "He'll come and rescue me and then he'll hex your stupid arse to Azkaban where you belong, you stupid-"

Snape tutted and smirked slowly. "Oh, but your father knows you are here."

He slowly made his way towards the bed Draco was still chained to, and when he struggled, it was to no avail; the heavy chains kept him in place. Snape sat down on the edge of the bed and reached out to touch Draco's cheek. His hand was cold. "This morning, I told him that I was taking you home with me for a while. You need to get out of that Manor every once in a while, don't you? Well, you're taking a little holiday with uncle Snape."

He laughed cruelly when Draco paled, all hope lost. "That's right, sweetheart. Your father won't come to your rescue. And tonight, I will make you mine. And no one – no one – will take you from me ever again."

He grabbed Draco's chin roughly and pressed his foul-smelling mouth against Draco's. Draco's eyes were wide and he did the only thing he could do to defend himself – he bit Snape. The older man flinched away with a yelp and smacked Draco hard across the face.

"You will be mine. You don't have a choice, you dirty slut. No one else will ever touch you again. Not even that dirty little lover of yours. No one will find you, so you better get used to the idea of spending your life with me."

He rose to his feet, his black robes swishing in the darkness. "I'll come back tonight. In an hour, you will be mine."

With those words, he closed the door with a loud 'clung' and Draco slumped back against the headboard, his eyes wide and filled with tears.

He rolled onto his side, curling into a ball, knowing he was lost.

It was Harry's eyes he saw before everything went black and he passed out again.

~ * ~

"This is it!" Harry finally whispered, pointing excitedly at a spell that seemed to be what he needed. "It's called a Locator spell and… oh damn, I need a wand."

He was in Draco's room, after stealing some books from the library. Fortunately, Draco's parents had gone out and no one had noticed him sneaking around their house. Those wards and protective spells Draco had told about didn't seem to be ask powerful as Draco thought, considering that Harry didn't have any problems getting past them.

He looked around, and squinted when he saw something on the balcony – Draco's wand. He must've lost it when Snape took him.

Overwhelmed with another surge of anger, Harry punched the fluffy pillow on Draco's bed and took a deep breath. If he got that bastard, he would fucking kill him. And if he'd hurt Draco… There was nowhere Harry wouldn't find him.

He jumped up and went to fetch Draco's wand, gasping when he felt a surge of power going through him at the first contact. He looked at it; it was so elegant and beautiful – just like Draco.

He flopped back down on the bed, then read the incantation and what he had to do. He got a blank piece of parchment from Draco's desk and spread it out on the bed, then closed his eyes and touched the parchment with the tip of Draco's wand, murmuring the strange words.

At first, he thought it wasn't working, but when he opened his eyes, they widened. On the previously blank parchment, a map was being drawn before his eyes. He recognized the Manor and the streets of Wiltshire nearby. Then a golden, glowing spot appeared a bit away from them, and Harry immediately knew that that was where Draco was.

"There he is!" he breathed, jumping up and reaching for his broom. "Come on, Abu, we've got to go!"

Abu hissed and Harry gave him an annoyed look. "What?"

"You didn't think this through," the snake said. "You don't have a plan. What do you want to do; just burst into that house and rescue Draco, then let Snape kill you both? Silly boy."

Harry glared at his snake but realized that Abu was right. He had to be well-prepared to face a powerful wizard like Snape. He heaved a sigh and sat back down on the bed, pulling the spell book closer. He flipped through some pages, looking for a spell that could be of use.

He raised his eyebrows and stopped when something caught his eye. "Hey, listen to this," he said, pointing at the page. "The Unforgivable Curses. That sounds promising."

Abu sighed – if a snake could even sigh. But Harry was used to Abu being a very unordinary snake in many ways, so he wouldn't put it past him to be able to sigh. "They're unforgivable. Forbidden," Harry's smart-assed snake told him. "The Ministry will be alerted if you use them. Go with that one."

He pointed the tip of his tail against another page of the book where some other powerful curses were mentioned. Harry took some time to memorize the incantations and hoped that they would work out.

And then he collected Abu and mounted his broom to fly to Draco's rescue.

~ * ~

When the door opened this time, three house elves entered and the lights were turned on. Draco blinked and tried to shield his eyes but he couldn't move that much. He got used to the light fairly quickly and suddenly felt exposed, realizing that he was still naked and not even covered by a blanket.

The house elves paid him no attention and carried a table and a chair into the room, and afterwards some food. Draco stayed chained to the bed and watched all of this curiously and nervously, wondering what exactly Snape's evil plan was.

A few minutes later, the man himself entered the room and sat down at the table in front of Draco's bed, eyeing him hungrily. Draco pulled his knees up, trying to hide his body as best as he could.

"No need to hide," Snape chuckled and Draco glared at him. "I've seen it all. And soon I'll see even more of you – but more about that later. First… dinner. Grape?"

Draco shook his head and looked away, ignoring the pounding of his heart that threatened to jump right out of his chest. He had a feeling he knew what Snape was up to but didn't dare even think about it. Instead, he tried to think of Harry but his thoughts were rudely interrupted by Snape.

"Fine. Though it would be better for you to get some strength as we have a quite… exhausting night before us; if you know what I mean." Snape chuckled darkly and Draco felt the need to throw up at the insinuation the older man had just made.

Sex with Snape… No, Draco couldn't even think about it. Ew.

He had to find a way out, but at the moment, everything seemed so hopeless. Maybe he should just play along and gain Snape's trust; get him to untie him, and then…

"Oh no, you won't," Snape said, waving his finger no and grinning. "No, no, no, that won't work with me. I know you don't want to be here."

"Then let me go," Draco cried desperately, looking at him with pleading eyes. "Why are you doing this? Please, I just want to go home."

Snape huffed and raised an eyebrow. "So you can run off with that boy again? I don't think so. I want you, Draco. And if you won't let me have you, then… well, let us just say that I've found another way to get what I want. Didn't I tell you I would get what I want? See, you should've believed me."

He got up and walked to the bed, chewing on a mouthful of grapes; the juice running down his chin. He touched Draco's face almost gently and leaned forward, swallowing. "You will be mine in a few minutes, and even you won't be able to get out of this, my dear."

He traced his thumb along Draco's bottom lip and smiled. "Mine," he whispered, his breath all over Draco's face.

"Never!" Draco snapped and spit into Snape's face. "I'll never be yours!"

Snape closed his eyes, then wiped the spit off his cheek, reaching out to smack Draco across the face. "Careful! This could've been more or less pleasant for you, but if you keep this up…"

Draco froze when Snape stood up and began to undo his robes, loosening the fly of his trousers and rubbing his very prominent erection. "I will have you in a moment. But first, I need to do something."

He reached for his smile and walked around Draco slowly. "I found this spell, you see? It's a bonding spell that will bind you to me. You won't be able to fight your lust for me, then. You will only respond to me. No one else will ever be able to make you feel anything ever again. You will be mine forever, and you will like it."

Draco's eyes widened as he listened in horror to what Snape was telling him. "Only mine… And you will never see your little lover again."

"I don't think so," a voice suddenly said and Draco's stomach lurched when he looked up and saw Harry standing in the door, looking all heroic with his wand pointed at Snape.

Draco's stomach unclenched and he let out a breath of relief. "Harry!"

Harry glanced over at him, eyes widening when he saw that Draco was naked and eyes wandering over his body to make sure he was unharmed. Then he looked back at Snape. "Surrender, and I won't hurt you," he said in a low, dangerous voice which even intimidated Draco a little.

Snape seemed caught off guard and disoriented for a moment before he threw his head back and laughed. "Oh really, Potter. That's supposed to scare me? You probably don't even know how to use that wand of yours."

Harry narrowed his eyes and convinced Snape of the contrary by throwing a quite powerful 'Reducto' at him. Snape flew back against the wall, the back of his head slamming against the hard stone before he slid down onto the floor, seemingly unconscious.

Harry was by Draco's bed a moment later, touching his cheek. "Are you okay? Did that bastard hurt you? I'm going to kill him, I swear…"

He noticed the chains then, and pointed Draco's wand at the cuffs around Draco's thin wrists. "Alohomora!" he called and the chains immediately fell off.

Draco was so relieved that he couldn't do much more than throw himself at Harry and cling to him, tears of relief streaming down his face. "Oh Harry, you came. I thought I was going to die in here and…"

"Shhh," Harry said softly, stroking his back and holding him protectively. "I know. You're safe now, don't worry."

"Get. Away. From. Him," a snide voice suddenly said, and both boys froze and looked over at Snape who'd got to his feet and had his wand posted at Harry. "MOVE!"

But Harry didn't. He only tightened his arms around Draco and stared into Snape's black eyes.

The older man raised an eyebrow. "Oh. All right then. Avada Ked-"

But before he could finish the mortal curse, his face twisted in pain and he let out a silent cry of agony. Harry's and Draco's eyes widened in surprise and fear and then they looked startled when Snape fell to the floor, his body twitching and a mix of foam and drool dripping from his opened mouth.

And then he stilled.

For a long moment, everything was deadly silent in the room, and neither Draco nor Harry dared to move. Neither of them had any idea what had just happened and they half expected Snape to get back up and finish the job of killing Harry.

And then something small slithered away from Snape, and Harry's eyes widened incredulously.

"Abu?" he asked, and the snake let out a hiss that sounded suspiciously like a giggle.

"He won't bother anyone anymore," Abu said almost cheerfully and Harry let out an incredulous breath of relief. He'd had no idea that Abu's teeth were poisonous but he couldn't be more delighted at finding out that they were, indeed, deadly.

He finally allowed himself to relax and turned to Draco who looked equally surprised and relieved.

Harry and Draco both couldn't find a thing to say at that moment, so they did the only logical thing – they kissed. Harry tugged Draco onto his lap and kissed him deeply, expressing his relief and happiness with that single kiss.

When they broke apart, they looked into each other's eyes and had to smile; both knowing that everything would be resolved now. Snape's death was the best thing for all of them as it turned out it had been him who'd convinced Lucius to keep Draco locked inside the Manor all of those years.

His death made a whole new world possible; a world where both Harry and Draco could be together; and find their Happily Ever After.

The End

FIC+ART: Desert Rose [Part 1]

2009-11-13T15:47:49Z

Authors: thilia & teganscrush
Artist: thilia
Title: Desert Rose
Pairing: Albus/Scorpius
Fest: the_ass_fest's AS/S Through The Ages
Time/Setting: 1000-1499 AD/The Ottoman Empire
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Slash, sexual situations, some violence
Word Count: 23,186
Media: Photoshop 7, tablet
Summary: To save his father from being executed, Albus Potter takes drastic measures to gain Prince Scorpius' trust and convince him to spare Harry's life...
Notes: It was a lot of fun to work on this project; the moment we got the idea, we knew we had to work on it together. Many thanks to our wonderful beta; all remaining errors are our own. The POV changes are intentional. Thanks to the mods for organizing this great fest and letting us work together, and we hope you enjoy our little tale ♥

Desert Rose

Albus stared at his reflection in the mirror and squared his jaw. He had made up his mind, and no matter how often Lily asked him whether he was sure, his answer would remain the same. She would help him make the necessary changes; after that, their father's life depended on him alone. And he would do everything in his power to ensure that Harry got his freedom back.

"Alby, are you sure?" Lily asked yet again, the uncertainty clear in her voice. Albus gave her a sharp look, making her bite her lip and lower her head. "I'm sorry. I just want you to consider the possible consequences of your actions one more time. If the Sultan finds out, you'll most likely be executed, and I don't want you to risk your life unless you're one hundred percent sure that you can actually succeed."

Albus sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Lily, we've been through this about a hundred times. We have considered all of our options, and there is no other way. I have to risk it, or else..." He lifted his head and met her eyes in the mirror. "Father's life is worth more than my own, and you know it. It is my duty to do this, so please stop trying to convince me that we have other options. We don't, and you just have to accept that."

Lily didn't look convinced and chewed on her bottom lip again. "Why can't I do it? It would be much less risky and --“

"You're betrothed, Lily," Albus said, rolling his eyes. "How do you think your future husband would react if you suddenly decided you wanted to become the prince's mistress?" Lily's cheeks colored and Albus laid his hand over Lily's, where it rested on his shoulder. "This is the only way. Don’t worry. Nothing will happen to me, I promise. I’m good at this, and I know I can do it. But I need your help with the preparations, so will you please stop worrying and make me pretty?" He gave her a small smile and was relieved when he got one in return.

"Right. Now teach me how to be a woman."

~ * ~

Everything was arranged. One of Lily's acquaintances who worked as a maid in the palace would help Albus get in at night while presumably everyone else was asleep. The next day, he would "audition" as the new courtesan in the prince's harem, and then, everything would depend on Albus. It would be his job to gain the prince's trust and make him release their father, and he could either do it with seduction, or, if all else failed, violence.

To say that he was nervous was an understatement. He felt weird and was sure that everyone was staring at him. They probably weren't, though, because he just looked like an ordinary yet well-dressed woman … and a beautiful one at that.

He had to admit; Lily had done a great job, and as he looked at his reflection in the mirror, he couldn't help but wonder if it was really him.

His hair had always been long and naturally curly, and he usually wore it in a tight ponytail or bun. He had never seen it quite like this, flowing down his back in gentle curls. His startling green eyes were rimmed with black kohl and looked even more intense than usual. His lips were red, and he had an elegant bindi on his forehead. There was a golden stud in his nose, and his ears were adorned with several golden earrings.

All of his body hair had been removed with hot wax, and his skin had been made smooth with expensive, nice-smelling oils. He wore valuable jewelry: golden necklaces around his neck and bracelets around his wrists and ankles, as well as rings on his fingers and toes. Henna had been used to draw delicate, swirly patterns on his hands and feet. The toga-like dress he wore was the most beautiful thing Albus had ever seen. It was a deep green color which made his eyes stand out, and was made of silk adorned with gold; many veils hid his masculine physique and made him look more feminine.

He had been given a special bra that even made Albus himself think he actually had breasts. He fixed the veil that hid half of his face and smiled at himself in the mirror.

Yes, Lily really had done a fantastic job.

~ * ~

After making sure that he had everything he needed, Albus left their family’s house with Lily, who would be assisting him as a maid; it was usual for a concubine to have her own servant. Besides, Albus could use her support; he wasn't quite sure he could do it on his own.

They met with Naghmé, Lily's friend, in a dark alley behind the palace, and silently made their way to the servants' entrance. Albus' heart had never beaten faster; he knew that if they were caught now, their plan would fail, and their father would not be the only one to be executed.

They were lucky; they didn't meet guards on their way into the palace, and reached their destination relatively quickly. Only when they were inside the small, yet cozy maid’s quarters, Albus allowed himself to breathe and relax.

They had the rest of the night and most of the next day to prepare for Albus' meeting with the Sultan's son, and Albus used that to train his voice to sound like a woman's as Lily refreshed his knowledge on everything he had learned so far. This included walking and acting elegantly and femininely, the art of seduction as well as dancing. Albus was convinced that he looked clumsy, but Lily assured him that he was a natural.

Whether the prince would be equally entranced by Albus remained to be seen.

~ * ~

The meeting with his father and his father's advisors had dragged on and on; Prince Scorpius was bored and restless, but he dared not show it. Even he was not completely immune from his father's wrath.

The last item of state was a review of current prisoners ... first the prisoners of the latest skirmish with a neighboring sultanate; these men were to be bartered for their own unfortunates, who would then be put to death for being stupid enough to be captured. Scorpius secretly felt sorry for anyone in his father's ranks. Death in battle was almost preferable to serving in his father’s military.

Next were the "prisoners of conscience." These were men and women who dared to speak out against the sultan or his policies. Normally, there were few, if any of these -- his father generally executed them immediately. But this time, there was discussion.

"The man they call Potter is a problem," Sultan Malfoy said softly. "He has powerful friends in other sultanates and, so I have heard, powerful friends in my own court."

Scorpius watched the other counselors look at each other, each straining to look either confused or completely ignorant. Sadly, for some, it wasn't much of a stretch.

His father watched too, a small smile curling the ends of his mouth. "I am told he speaks ... sense. That he should be listened to. That he should not die for his outspokenness. I find this curious, and wonder why, exactly, he is ... special."

Scorpius knew this deceptively simple question was a trap -- anyone speaking in favor of Potter would immediately find themselves as fodder for the Sultan's pet tigers. But to not speak at all branded one an idiot, which often resulted in the same fate.

"Well?" Draco's voice was still soft.

His father's oldest friend, the nobleman Zabini, shrugged. "He is respected. They say he is a brilliant man, and more deserving of the Sultan's praise than his sword -- that he would make a noble counselor."

"Ah," said his father, lacing his fingers together. "Perhaps he could take your place, then, Blaise, since you have said nothing wise in fortnights."

"None can take my place," replied Blaise with just the proper amount of deference. "None know your coffers so well."

"And none have dipped therein so often." Draco sighed. "I shall forestall Potter's execution for ten days only. During that time, I demand to be presented with one, one good reason to spare the heretic's life. If none show themselves, he will meet my sword as have so many others. Or rather, he will meet my son's sword."

Scorpius looked up and met his father's eyes. "One must start the business of government early, my son."

Scorpius said nothing, just nodded. He wasn't a killer, and his father knew that. But he was also not immune to punishment.

He shuddered to think what his might someday be.

~ * ~

In the early evening of the next day, the potential new concubines were summoned into a room where Scorpius would make his choice. Scorpius hated this; only this year had the choosing become part of his "new life", now that he had turned sixteen. On that day, all fun, all light-heartedness, and all hope of having his own life had been taken from him as he began to be groomed in his father's image.

For, as his father liked to admonish him, he would be Sultan someday and must behave as one even now.

There were no more long nights reading; instead, there were meetings and executions to attend. There were no more language and arts lectures, but instead geography and lessons in exposing your enemy's weakness. But perhaps the worst for him was this: the building of his harem. The most trying, and the most dangerous … for every girl could expose him, expose his secret. The secret that would ultimately get him killed if ever discovered.

Scorpius, Prince Scorpius of Dar Qimr, was gay; a homosexual, a deviant. He was a freak, wrong, nature's great mistake. And if he did not sufficiently fake his pleasure, if he did not choose pretty girls, if he seemed at all disinterested in pleasures of the flesh, it would mean the end of his princehood and of his life.

So it was with reluctance -- and nervousness, too -- that he entered the room, lined with bowed heads.
He indicated that the line of ladies should raise their heads, and so they did ... and knew that none were displeased with what they saw.

Unlike most people of that region of the world, Sultan Malfoy and his son were light-haired and light-eyed; their fair skin would burn in the sun. And Scorpius was handsome -- straight nose, pale blue eyes, generous mouth, pointed chin. He knew he would not be difficult to serve.

"Rise," he said simply, and the women all did.

He stepped down from the dais to walk in front of them, noting their posture, their bearing, their clothes and jewels. All of them were exceptionally lovely, yet he only planned to pick one, one to join his other five. He had insisted to his father that six was enough for now, and oddly, his father had agreed. So Scorpius walked slowly, inspecting them like mares, hating every second of it.

How could he say that none of them appealed to him, that none seemed to have any spark, anything individual or special about them? He was not a cruel man and could not coolly assess and dismiss the way his father did.

He just wanted this to be over, and the sooner the better.

At the end of the line, one female stood a bit apart, and Scorpius stopped in front of her, looking at her closely. Scorpius was stunned; he had never seen eyes that color -- a rich emerald that even without the kohl outline would have been stunning.

He slowly let his eyes travel over the girl in front of him: beautiful, shiny hair; true gold everywhere, smooth olive skin, full lips, and again, the beautiful deep eyes …

"This one," Scorpius said abruptly, and then in a kinder tone, "This girl will do. You are all very lovely ladies and to choose is extremely difficult, but ... this one is my choice. Ladies," and he bowed deeply, "thank you and good day."

His personal manservant Ahmir showed the disappointed women out and motioned for the chosen one to stay behind so that she might receive instructions for her new position.

At this point in the selection process Scorpius usually left, because it took all his composure to pretend to enjoy the selection process -- but this time felt a bit different. Perhaps it was because this time it had not been long and drawn out, merely short and sweet. Or perhaps it was because she was so mesmerizing; he didn't know.

Ahmir was looking at him questioningly, and Scorpius took a silent breath. "I have five other concubines," he said softly. "You will be housed with them, in rooms befitting your status. Each one of you has your own quarters, as I prefer no audience when I choose to visit. Ahmir," he indicated his servant, "will take you there now. If you have a maid, she will stay with you."

He stepped forward, a bit closer to Albus. "I alone choose when to see you, and when to stay away. When you are having your womanly time, your maid shall inform Ahmir, so I do not see you. If you should have questions about your quarters, you may ask him. He will also give you your allowance, so you may shop. When you go out, one of the palace guards goes with you. There are no exceptions. Should you choose to attempt an assignation with either other man or woman, you will be summarily dismissed and punished. Do you understand?"

She bowed, and said softly in reply. "Yes, my lord.”
Scorpius looked into her eyes; they seemed to speak of their own accord, promising him everything he could wish for.

Scorpius stood for a moment, watching his new acquisition -- he could not say why this one affected him strongly enough that he felt he wanted to stay a moment longer than he had to; she just did.

The "Yes, my lord," pleased him and he nodded, staring into those eyes.

He finally made himself step back. "Very well, then," he said quietly. "You may go now."

He left then, as silently as he had come, and retired to his quarters, thinking about the girl he'd just picked. She was somehow different, and he wondered if it would be seemly to visit her tonight, or if this would be too soon.

~ * ~

Ahmir led Albus back to his quarters where Lily waited for him anxiously. The moment the door was closed and they were alone, Albus' face broke into a wide grin.

"I did it! I think I left an impression; he couldn't stop staring at me. Either way, he picked me. I'm in, Lily!"

Lily smiled back just as widely, and Albus could see that she had a hard time not jumping up and down excitedly. "I'm so happy for you, Albus!"

She finally gave in and jumped up to give her brother a tight hug, which Albus returned warmly. "I knew you could do it," she whispered, and Albus smiled proudly.

He finally drew away and allowed himself to look at his new home. He had, of course, been in this room the previous night, but he had been too nervous to fully appreciate it.

"This room is so beautiful," he said softly, sitting down on the bed. He looked up at Lily. "And I think the prince is going to come here tonight. I can feel it. I'm nervous. I hope I will be able to keep his interest for a few days or weeks before I have to reveal that I'm not really a woman. And I hope by that time he will be so in love with me that he won't mind."

He smiled brightly, even though he knew the seriousness of the situation. The prince would have every right to kill him once he found out that Albus was a man. But at this moment, Albus was too happy and excited to let those gloomy thoughts ruin his mood.

Prince Scorpius … Albus had never seen him before today. He had gotten a glance or two at the Sultan and had expected Scorpius to have the same fair eyes and hair, but he had not expected him to be this handsome. If he was honest with himself, Albus had to admit that he was quite entranced.

And the prince had looked unhappy; Albus had noticed immediately. He had looked like he would rather be anywhere else than in that room with those beautiful women. Albus couldn't blame him. It must be hard to not be able to decide for himself, to live according to old rules.

Albus had had a hard time concealing his happiness in the prince's presence. He hadn't been nervous at all. For some reason, the moment the prince had entered the room, Albus had felt that Scorpius would choose him. Or maybe he had just hoped.

But Albus knew that the prince would be satisfied by his services. Albus would be able to see the prince whenever the latter chose to grace him with his presence, considering he did not have to worry about his "womanly time".

He smiled. That statement had almost made him laugh.

Lily wanted details, so Albus gave them to her until she finally had to leave so that Albus could get ready for the evening ahead and whatever that might bring. He prepared himself carefully, and hoped the prince would show up. He wanted to know more of this man, and to make him smile

~ * ~

The day passed, as days do. Scorpius, thankfully, was left mostly to his own devices this day, as his father was sure Scorpius wanted to "break in" his new concubine.

Hardly.

He did, however, visit his other favorite concubine before he ventured to see his new girl, whose name he didn't yet know.

Azarina was a bit older than his other girls, and wiser too. She was very kinky, so it rather made up for her being female and therefore not his prime obsession.

When she had tired him out, she lay next to him, fanning him languidly. "Word is, my prince, that you have a new plaything and that she is extraordinarily lovely."

"Mmmhmm," was Scorpius' answer. Inelegant, but it sufficed.

"Will you see her tonight?" Rina was playing with his long hair now, making a small braid on one side.

"I shall, yes. Why do you ask?"

"Some of the other girls are feeling … neglected," she said carefully.

"Are they?" He sighed inwardly. He didn't have the desire to keep six women happy, and he cursed his sexual preferences

"Yes. So, please, see them as well, and soon. They miss their handsome prince." She paused. "Shall I tell the new girl to await you?"

He nodded, and she rang a bell, telling her maid to let Lily know.

~ * ~

Scorpius tapped lightly three times -- his sign -- then slid the door open and entered, alone, before sliding the door shut behind him.

He looked down at the girl, who was spread out on the bed, and smiled. "Hello," he said softly. "May I sit down next to you? And I apologize … I do not know your name yet."

"Of course, my prince," she said in a soft, melodic voice. “My name is Albie.”

She took a sip of her wine, and sat up a little straighter.

"Albie," Scorpius repeated. It seemed fitting.

He helped himself to a flagon of wine; usually he had wine with his concubines to forget that he was pleasuring a woman, and sometimes it worked. Sometimes not. But with this one, he had the wine simply because he wanted to.

"So, Albie," Scorpius let his eyes slide over the almost athletic body, admiring it. "You were not nervous at the choosing; while the other women tried hard to impress me, you remained calm. You have a great deal of confidence, it would seem."

"I do," Albie said softly, giving him that same mysterious smile again. "I know that I'm not like the other women. I'm different. Unique, you might say. And you, my prince, seem to have noticed it as well."

"I did indeed," Scorpius replied seriously. "I have never felt anything so strongly as I did when I looked in your eyes. I felt … compelled to choose you." He smiled a bit. "Are you a sorceress, Albie, capable of casting spells on poor boys who cannot defend themselves? Or were you meant to be there, in front of me -- an act of kismet? I do not know."

Albie smiled and let out a soft chuckle. "I am no sorceress," she said. "I think it was that I was meant to be there in front of you. And you will not regret choosing me over the others. But I have to warn you." She smiled again and sat up, leaning forward until their lips were almost touching. "It will not be easy for you, my prince."

She licked Scorpius' lips gently, then drew back again, taking another sip of wine and smiling.

Scorpius shivered when Albie's tongue brushed his lips; the sensation was intense and unlike anything else he had ever felt. He stared into her green eyes and felt almost lightheaded. Either the wine was extremely potent, or else Albie really was casting a spell on him, of sorts.

"Easy is boring," he whispered back. "Nothing good in life comes easily, isn't that what they say?"

Albie smiled. "They do say that," she whispered, tracing the rim of her glass with her forefinger. "And I am definitely not easy, and certainly not boring." She raised one perfect eyebrow. "You might be in for a surprise or two …" Her smile was promising; even a little mischievous.

Scorpius smiled back. "I enjoy an occasional surprise," he said slowly. "And I have a feeling that you hold many."

He looked down. "I would prefer to learn of them bit by bit," he said softly. "I have, at my disposal, five other ladies who are willing to cater to any physical need I have, yet mentally, they are, perhaps, less than stimulating. You, however, are. I will not pursue you as a lover … yet. I wish to unwrap this gift slowly."

Albie smiled. "Your wish is my command, my prince," she said softly, rolling onto her side. "I will stimulate you in whatever way you want me to. And I am always at your disposal, Prince Scorpius. Night and day."

Scorpius reached over and trailed a pale finger across Albie's stomach and around her pierced belly button, his touch feather-light. "Yes … That is the nature of this beast, isn't it? But you are not my property, no matter what tradition says. And I will not treat you as such."

"I know," Albie whispered, then smiled at Scorpius' touch. "Do you like what you see, my prince?"

"Very much." Scorpius nodded. "You are not like the others, I knew that immediately. And I could not look away from your eyes." He moved a bit closer. "So intent, not lazy and entitled like most. These are all noblemen's daughters, given to pleasure and excess. Shallow. But you are not." He studied her. "Your father -- is he a nobleman too? One of my father's court? Or …?"

"No," Albie said, chuckling softly. "My father is not a nobleman. He's …" She paused to think, "a businessman, of sorts. The most honest, passionate and noble man I know, despite not being a nobleman."

Albus grinned a little and looked into the prince's eyes, finding that he actually enjoyed the other boy's company. They were the same age, more or less, and Prince Scorpius was definitely not bad-looking. It would not be difficult to entertain him, be it intellectually or physically.

"He sounds like an admirable man," Scorpius replied, noting that Albus did not mention his father's name. Curious, but he would not dwell on that now. Instead, he studied the girl before him, memorizing every detail of her features, listening to the rhythm and cadence of her speech, the inflection. It was an upper-class accent, he noted, and there was education there.

No, this was not your average status-seeker, looking to increase her family's fortunes by being the one the Prince would eventually choose as wife. She was something entirely different.

And Scorpius wanted to know exactly what that was.

"He is, my prince," Albie said, watching Scorpius for a long moment before reaching out to gently brush her fingertips over Scorpius' cheek. "Is there anything I can do for you, my prince?"

"Just what you are doing," he answered honestly. To be able to talk intelligently with someone was a thing he was only able to indulge in with two other women; his mother and Rina. And perhaps now this Albie.

"Do you have siblings?" he asked, wanting to know more of this family of Albie's. "Do they work in the markets or in the fields, or are they schooled ?"

"I have two," Albie said, nodding. "James is my older brother, and he helps my father with his business. My sister Lily is younger, and I brought her here with me as my maid. They are both schooled, like I am."

Albie's fingers trailed down Scorpius' neck and chest before she drew her hand back.

Scorpius raised a brow; this was unusual, for all three siblings -- and females at that -- to be educated. Their father must be more powerful than he'd thought.

"Lily," he said softly, thinking. "She is new, yes? I heard some talk about a new girl in the palace, so I shall see her more often than not, for I intend to be here often." He said this very simply. "I feel there is much more to you than meets the eye, and I like that. I like that very much."

"Yes, she arrived with me yesterday," Albie said, lowering her eyes. A small grin appeared on her beautiful face, and Scorpius wondered what she was thinking about. When she looked up, her look was seductive. "I am glad I please you. And I am glad you want to be here often. I shall be available to you day and night ..."

Albie intrigued Scorpius … but not just for her flirtatious style or her slightly less than informative answers, though those certainly interested him. No, it was more the sense that there was something hidden, something he needed to guess and maybe, something that was not quite right … as though a game might be being played.

Despite his reluctance to sit in on councils and the boring vagaries of ruling, Scorpius was in no way stupid, nor was he dense. He liked games, challenges, puzzles, and he felt that inadvertently, he had selected a very complex puzzle indeed.

Albie refilled their glasses and propped her head up on her hand, looking at him curiously. "I want to know something about you," she said. "Something no one else knows. Something deep, that only you know and would tell no one else. A secret, maybe, or just something you've never told anyone else, for some other reason."

Oh, the secret I could tell you, Scorpius thought, while a brief, almost sad smile crossed his lips. Aloud he said, "That is a serious request for a lady I have known less than an hour, all told. But I'm inclined to grant it."

He eyed her, thinking. "More than once, I have wondered what it would be like to be free -- free to live my own life as I choose."

Perhaps it was not a sexy secret, or titillating in any way, but it was something he never had told anyone specifically before, although he guessed that Rina knew.

"It is nice," Albie replied softly, then smiled. "You should try it. Just disguise yourself and leave the palace for one day. Do whatever you like, and you'll see how enjoyable it is."

She paused for a moment, then lowered her head and gently brushed her fingertips over Scorpius' knuckles. "I apologize. I didn't mean to make this even harder for you. I can imagine that you do not have much freedom."

“No, I do not.” Scorpius shook his head. “If I left the castle, my father’s guards would trail me, or if I was successful in disguising myself, he would think me kidnapped and all hell would break loose. He does not understand the lure of commoners, of their life. He sees them as poor souls to be pitied, while we rarified souls stay up here on our hill and look down at the scurrying ants."

He sighed. "I have almost no freedom at all, but you have; as I said, I do not deny my concubines the right to live their lives, as long as my relatively few rules are followed. And they are more tradition than my own design."

He managed a small smile. "You must tell me what it's like, to roam, to taste, to smell, to experience the markets and the fields. I know none of that."

Albie's eyes looked thoughtful for a moment, and then a slow smile appeared on her lips. "I will," she said mysteriously. "I will let you know all about such things."

"Good," Scorpius said slowly, finding that he felt unaccountably tired. "I am tired and should sleep, Albie, so I will bid you farewell for today."

He stood easily and rubbed a hand across his eyes; his hair was slipping out of its tail, and he pulled the tie off impatiently, shaking it. "I hope you sleep well, my lady."

Albie gave him another one of those special smiles. "Goodnight, my prince; I hope to see you again tomorrow."

Scorpius made his silent way back to his quarters, speaking when he needed to and only then. But when he was alone, he took off the jewels and other trappings that made him what he was, and sank into a bath drawn by his manservant.

He lay there, head back, and thought about his new acquisition; she was very different from the rest, and he wasn't quite sure how to handle that … yet.

~ * ~

On Albus' fourth day in the palace, he was reading a book when he heard the knock on the door. The previous night, the prince had visited him, and Albus had danced for him. He had enjoyed Scorpius' attention; the prince hadn't been able to take his eyes off Albus.

Albus was proud of himself; being a woman seemed to come so naturally to him that Scorpius did not for a moment suspect he could be a man. Again, they had not done much more than talk. The prince seemed to really enjoy Albus' company and Albus was fine with taking it slow.

He'd spent the day with Lily, exploring parts of the palace and extensive gardens, overwhelmed by how beautiful and huge everything was -- a huge, luxurious cage. He knew that Scorpius considered it a cage. The palace did have lovely gardens, but it wasn't the same as being outside the walls. Scorpius was a prisoner in his own home, and Albus couldn't help but pity him a little.

He looked up at the knock on his door. "Come in," he said softly and closed his book, knowing that it could only be the prince.

Scorpius entered softly, closing the door behind him; he was simply clad today, in just soft trousers and an open-necked shirt; his hair hung loose over his shoulders. "Hello Albie," he said, his voice soft. "I hope I'm not intruding?"

Albus smiled and sat up, shaking his head. "Not at all," he said. "I was waiting for you, actually, and I'm pleased to see you."

He gave the prince another smile, then moved over on the bed to make room for him.

"Were you? That's nice to hear."

Scorpius moved slowly -- his head was aching today, and he'd already taken medicine for it, but it wasn't helping at all. He was tired, and the last thing he wanted was to actually feign interest in fucking one of his girls today. He wanted someone sweet and kind, so Albie was the obvious choice.

He sat down and then, rather unexpectedly, laid his head in Albie's lap and sighed.

Albus didn't jerk away when prince Scorpius put his head in his lap, even though Scorpius would be able to feel his cock if he only moved his head back a little. Albus just leaned back and relaxed, stroking Scorpius' hair gently. "Are you not feeling well, my prince?" he asked softly, rubbing Scorpius' temple carefully. "Headache?"

"Yes," Scorpius admitted. "I hurt today, and just wanted peace and quiet."

He was quiet for a moment while Albus stroked his hair. "Would you read to me? Your choice, I am not feeling particular, I just would like a soothing voice in my ear."

"I'm sorry," Albus said softly, and smiled when he heard that his voice was soothing. He leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss against Scorpius' forehead, then picked up the book he'd been reading. He was about to begin reading aloud when he changed his mind.

He reached into the bedside table and found his journal, hoping to find passages that wouldn't sound like they were written by a man. He wanted to tell Scorpius more about life outside the palace, and in his journal, he'd described many adventures he and his siblings had experienced in the desert, fields, or woods when they were younger.

He looked down at Scorpius, whose eyes were closed and who seemed just content to be stroked and to listen to tales of what he had never seen, though they lay just outside the palace doors.

As Albus read the stories he himself had written, he continued stroking the other boy's hair, idly playing with the long, silky strands and rubbing Scorpius' scalp. He felt Scorpius relax under his skillful hands while Albus admired the texture and unusual color of Scorpius' hair. After finishing the last line of the journal entry, he closed the book and pushed it back onto the nightstand.

He glanced down at the prince, still stroking his soft hair, then took a risk and leaned forward to press a gentle kiss to the prince's lips, letting himself linger for a moment. "Feeling better?" he whispered against his lips, licking them gently.

"Yes, " Scorpius whispered back, reaching up to take Albus' face between his hands and stroking his cheeks gently before kissing him back, holding his head firmly in place as they kissed.

Albus' eyes fluttered closed when Scorpius' hand slid into his thick, heavy curls, and he made a soft, content sound before deepening the kiss, brushing his tongue over Scorpius' bottom lip. He slid his hand onto the prince's chest, feeling his rapid heartbeat.

Scorpius shivered at the soft moan escaping Albie's lips; her voice was so soft, and when he closed his eyes he could almost imagine she was a …

No. He couldn't have that. He was a prince, he needed to marry a woman, have heirs and keep the sultanate strong. But for this moment, he could dream that she was a beautiful boy who loved him. Just for a while.

Albus continued to touch Scorpius gently, and realised that what he was feeling was more than just affection, or attraction; much more. When that realization hit him, he had to pull back a little and take a deep breath. He'd just met this boy. How could he be in love with someone he barely knew?

Albus wasn't worried about the fact that Scorpius was a boy; he'd figured out that he preferred men a long time ago. The real problem was that, if he wasn't careful, this could seriously compromise his plans. He had to remind himself that the reason for him being here was to save his father. Once that was done, he could allow himself to love Scorpius.

"I'm sorry," said Scorpius quickly, his voice making Albus snap out of his reverie. "I did not mean to push you, or push myself on you.

He sat up and winced; his headache was mostly gone, but a vestige remained. He dipped his head because he was blushing and couldn't meet the other's eyes. "I am not usually this… forward."

"It's all right," Albus said immediately, sitting up on his knees and cupping Scorpius' cheeks. "I wasn't … I was just thinking. I didn't pull away because it wasn't good. It was. Actually ..."

He slid his hand back into Scorpius' long hair and kissed him again, with more determination and passion.

This time, Scorpius responded more eagerly, if that was possible, than before. He sank his hands into Albus' hair and tugged him closer.

Albus let out a soft moan, forcing himself to not just groan in a very manly way. He slid one hand to the back of the prince's neck, and deepened the kiss, sliding his hands into his hair as well, and tugging lightly before remembering that the prince had a headache and … that was probably not a good idea.

Albus slid his hands through Scorpius' hair, then nibbled on his bottom lip as he cupped the back of his neck, stroking it gently with his thumb. He finally had to pull back to take a deep breath, and rested his forehead against Scorpius', panting.

Scorpius was panting too, and was aroused in a way a girl never had managed before. It was a good thing he was wearing soft trousers, because his cock was hard, and out of instinct, he went to press it down.

He looked up into Albie’s hypnotic green eyes and couldn't look away.

Albus glanced down at Scorpius' cock for a moment, and a soft moan escaped his lips as he looked back into the prince's eyes. "Wow," he whispered and kissed his lips again, briefly.

Scorpius looked down, and a flush stained his unusually pale cheeks. "I'm sorry," he said softly, shifting. "I did not mean to pressure you, or make you uncomfortable -- it's just that your kisses are amazing. You seem to know me so well, already."

"And you have nothing to apologize for, my prince," Albus said softly, kissing his nose. "I am aware that a man cannot help this happening, and I don't feel uncomfortable or pressured at all."

Of course he knew that men couldn't help this happening. He himself couldn't help being painfully hard either, at that moment.

He smiled and gave the prince another kiss. "And I feel like I do know you," he whispered. "I feel a very intense … connection."

"As do I," whispered Scorpius.

The atmosphere seemed to darken and close in on them, making them the only two people in the entire world...and that world seemed to shrink down to this one room.

He'd never felt like this. Nothing had ever come close. He'd had women before; had kissed them, had touched their breasts, despite his inner self saying that no, this wasn't right, this wasn't what he wanted. He had lost his virginity at thirteen to his father's favorite, as she was the only one Draco trusted to do such a thing.

But even the loveliest women had never made him feel as alive, in encounter after encounter, as Albie had made him feel in three short days.

She was special. It was a weak word, but it was all he had.

Albus brushed his fingertips over Scorpius' cheek and his nose, then his lips, looking at him attentively. He stared into his eyes, then gave him another kiss, sliding his hands into Scorpius’ long, blond hair. He tilted Scorpius' head back slightly, holding it firmly and looking into his eyes. "Mine," he whispered, not knowing why exactly he was saying it. He was possessive and Scorpius just felt like he belonged to him. "Mine.

He closed his eyes and kissed him again, savoring this feeling.

To say such things, even in the heat of passion, was just not done in Scorpius' world -- he doubted if even his mother had the temerity to say that to his father, chief female though she was. And by law, and by custom, he should sit up and dismiss Albie immediately for laying such claim on a prince.

He didn't.

He sank his hands into her long black hair, tugging the tie from it and letting it fall over his face, kissing her back with all the passion he kept deeply hidden. Or had.

Until now.

There was something about Albie's soft moans that stirred Scorpius even more deeply, but he couldn't figure why -- just that he wanted to hear it again. And again.

Was this love, or lust? Was there a difference, after all?

Albus finally pulled back, looking into the prince’s eyes and panting lightly. He touched Scorpius' cheek lovingly and kissed his nose. "It's getting late," he said softly. "And even though I would love to keep you here forever, we should probably get some sleep."

He gave him a small smile, knowing that probably no one had ever told the prince to leave. But Albus wasn't scared.

He knew that if he didn't get some release soon, his cock would explode, and he couldn't get off if Prince Scorpius was in the room; and Scorpius, though it was his right and privilege to demand that Albie provide him with a release, didn’t wish for that to happen tonight. He wanted their 'first time' to be planned and special, and not happen simply because he was hard and it was her job.

Her job. He found the very phrase distasteful.

"Yes," he finally said softly. "I think that's wise."

Albus smiled, stroking the prince's cheek gently and kissing his lips. He hesitated for a moment, thinking about how to phrase his question. "Will you come here tomorrow night? What are your plans for tomorrow?"

"I don't know," Scorpius replied softly, his lips still feeling the kiss. "I will come to you, I promise, but as to what I shall be compelled to do tomorrow, I do not know."

A slow smile appeared on Albus' lips; he knew exactly what Scorpius would be doing tomorrow. Albus would "kidnap" him and show him his country, the simple life. He nodded slowly, kissing his lips again before reluctantly sitting up and watching Scorpius do the same. "I will be waiting for you."

Scorpius smiled back at her and rose, a bit awkwardly, gathering his robe around him.

He left the room and instead of going back to his rooms, he paced, and finally found himself at the door that led to the ramparts; built for war, they were useful for surveying the land, and Scorpius found himself pushing the door open and walking out, to lean over the stone wall and watch the city, spread out beneath him.

So many people, each trying to live their lives in the best way they knew how.

Down below, in a square, he saw signs, and by squinting, could read that they said "Free Potter," along with other slogans. Ah, Potter. His time was almost up. Scorpius found himself wondering about this man -- no other prisoner had ever raised this much fuss amongst their subjects.

Deep in thought, Scorpius walked back to his room to finally find the release he so desperately needed, before thoughts of Albie's lips finally lulled him to sleep.

Part 2…

FIC+ART: Desert Rose [Part 2]

2009-11-13T15:44:40Z

Authors: thilia & teganscrush
Artist: thilia
Title: Desert Rose
Pairing: Albus/Scorpius
Fest: the_ass_fest's AS/S Through The Ages
Time/Setting: 1000-1499 AD/The Ottoman Empire
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Slash, sexual situations, some violence
Word Count: 23,186
Media: Photoshop 7, tablet
Summary: To save his father from being executed, Albus Potter takes drastic measures to gain Prince Scorpius' trust and convince him to spare Harry's life...
Notes: It was a lot of fun to work on this project; the moment we got the idea, we knew we had to work on it together. Many thanks to our wonderful beta; all remaining errors are our own. The POV changes are intentional. Thanks to the mods for organizing this great fest and letting us work together, and we hope you enjoy our little tale ♥

The next morning, before the sun was even up, Albus got dressed with Lily's help, then made Lily's friend lead him to Scorpius' quarters.

He went into the room silently and tip-toed to Scorpius' bed. "My prince," he whispered, brushing his hair out of his face gently. "Wake up …"

Scorpius started awake, instantly alert and on edge; there had been several kidnapping threats in his youth, not abating till word got out that Prince Scorpius was not only an excellent swordsman, but slept with a blade under his pillow.

The last was not true, but it was close at hand, on his wall, where his hand would naturally turn.

He stared at Albie -- what was she doing here? Didn't she know the rules? Or didn't she care?

He took a deep breath and exhaled. "You sca … startled me."

He ran a hand through his long hair. "What are you doing here, at this hour, in my chambers? Is something amiss?"

Albus gave him a charming smile and sat down on the edge of the bed, sliding his fingers through Scorpius'. God, he looked adorable with his messy hair and sleepy eyes.

He smiled again. "I'm sorry, I did not mean to startle you," he apologized. "I have a surprise for you. An ... adventure, you might say. Do you trust me?"

Scorpius had to admit to himself that he did trust her, and the thought of an adventure was tempting.

"I do," he said slowly, but with conviction. "What type of adventure are we speaking of here?" Albie looked decidedly mysterious and pleased with herself, which made Scorpius smile.

"Ah, but if I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it?" said Albie with a teasing smile, then bent down to kiss Scorpius gently. She had a point.

"I suppose not," Scorpius said thoughtfully, then smiled at the kiss

Albie stood up then. "Get dressed, my prince; choose something simple." She gave him another smile, and then turned around to give him some privacy.

He had never taken orders from anyone save his father before, but he did as Albie asked without question.

"Should I be … well, dressing down, or am I to walk about in princely garb?"

Albus looked over his shoulder, but sadly Scorpius wasn't naked yet. "Dress down," Albus said softly. "We don't want to attract too much attention." He turned his head again and waited.

All right -- now Scorpius was intrigued. No matter what the 'adventure' was to be, it already beat the hell out of a day of meetings or lessons, or the like.

He did 'dress down' -- he had clothes that, while still better made than most, were not flashy and didn't mark him as royalty. He tied his hair back in a tight tail and slid his twin daggers into his belt; he would not leave the palace unarmed, adventure or no.

"I believe I'm ready," he said after a few more moments. "For whatever you may have planned."

Albus turned around and smiled, walking closer to him and pulling out a small box. He opened it; it was what Albus used as makeup, a little darker than Scorpius' skin. He smeared some of it onto his fingers, and then trailed them over Scorpius' face, grinning when the prince wrinkled his nose.

"Just trust me," he said and took a step back. Scorpius now looked like he was slightly dirty, and he wouldn't attract any attention at all. Then Albus slid the box back into his pocket; he, too, was carrying a dagger, just to be sure. He would protect Scorpius, should anything happen.

He pulled out a scarf then and blindfolded Scorpius, kissing his lips again. "As I said … trust me."

He took the prince’s hand then and carefully led him through the palace until they reached an unguarded exit.

At first, Scorpius was on edge, being led through the palace -- all he could think of was what if he was wrong and this was indeed an abduction? Who would be the stupidest prince in the known world? But Albie's hand was warm and surprisingly firm for a female’s, and when she pulled off the blindfold, he blinked.

From where they were standing, they could see the huge marketplace, people already working, even though the sun was only just rising.

"Welcome to my world," Albus said softly, giving him a wide smile.

Scorpius smiled back and squeezed her hand. "Show me everything."

Albus nodded, then tugged the veil over the lower part of his face, not wanting anyone to recognize him, and pulled Scorpius towards the market, lacing their fingers together securely.

They walked around the marketplace in relative silence; there was so much noise that they would have had to yell to be able to hear each other anyway. Albus showed Scorpius everything while he watched Scorpius' face, smiling at the fascination and happiness he saw there.

Scorpius was completely enthralled by it all; the noise, the sounds of the varied voices, the dialects, the bargaining, the smells of cooked goods and fresh produce from the farms -- the colors of skins and the expressions on people’s faces.

And the wares! So many, so beautiful!

"So, we should buy some food," Albus said after a while, "and then we can have a picnic later."

He pulled out a few coins and bought some fruits, bread, meat, water and wine; just enough for the two of them. When he turned around, he didn't see Scorpius immediately, and panicked. He looked around frantically, then finally spotted him, looking at jewelry. Albus released a sharp breath of relief, leaning against a table and watching Scorpius with soft expression on his face.

Scorpius hadn’t meant to wander away, but the table of jewels glowed so powerfully under the sun that he had to go look. A simple gold chain adorned with sparkling, deep green stones caught his eye, and he thought of how it would look shimmering against Albie's skin. Without a word, he bought it and slid the necklace into his pocket with a smile.

"Where shall we picnic?"

Albus smiled. "Come," he said softly, sliding his hand back into Scorpius' and pulling him away from the market, laughing softly at Scorpius' disappointed look.

He led him along a path with fields on either side of it. They were outside the city now, and everywhere were trees and grass and fresh air. "There," Albus said after a while, then pulled Scorpius off the path and into the grass, leading him to a hidden spot with an amazing view. There were trees and a small reservoir -- very beautiful and romantic.

Albus pulled out a blanket and spread it in the shadow under a tree, sitting down and leaning back. "I love this spot," he said softly, looking around and breathing in. "I always come here to think, and be alone."

He was silent for a moment and looked up. "I wanted to share it with you."

"It's beautiful," Scorpius said softly, looking around in wonder … that places like this existed so close to the palace, yet he had never seen them, never seen this.

He was a prisoner in the most ornate, gilded cage imaginable.

No one had ever thought to take him out, show him the people he would rule one day, or how they lived, how they worked. He was supposed to stay aloof and far away, someone to be waved at and paid homage to, and that was it.

But Albie was right here, with him, showing him a life he wouldn't have known -- her life before the palace. He wondered why she ever wanted to leave it.

"Come sit with me?" Albus asked softly, taking Scorpius' hand and pulling him down. He gave him a smile, holding his hand. "I'm glad you like it," he said softly. "It's my favorite place; and no one else seems to have discovered it yet."

"It's amazing,” Scorpius agreed. “You are amazing. Thank you for bringing me here."

He was quiet for a moment. "I can see this from the ramparts," he said, his voice low. "Yet I've never in my life been beyond the palace walls.”

Albus leaned against him and looked up at the palace. "It is beautiful, inside and outside. But it is a prison, and you need your freedom. No one recognized you; we were very lucky. I would have protected you with my life."

Scorpius was about to scoff at the thought of a harem girl protecting him from anything -- with what, her hair comb? But then he thought better of it -- Albie was a mystery in many, many ways, and he decided perhaps he should keep quiet.

Albus was silent for a long moment and looked at Scorpius' profile. "Your people are not happy with your father and you," he said quietly, trailing his fingertips over the back of Scorpius' hand. "Something has to change, and soon, if you want to avoid a revolution."

He knew that it was dangerous to say such things to the prince, but for some reason he knew that Scorpius wouldn't punish him for informing him about the situation in his country.

When Albie spoke of revolution, Scorpius’ head snapped up, and he gave her a hard look. "How do you know this? What information leads you to such a statement?"

Albus didn't flinch and just looked deep into his eyes, still stroking his hand gently, calmingly. "I grew up in the city," he said softly. "I am very attentive and heard people talking."

He shrugged and opened the bag with food, then ate a grape, giving Scorpius a seductive look as he sucked it into his mouth. "People want change. They're worried about the increasing wealth of your family and the equally increasing poverty of everyone else, and now with the recent imprisonment of Harry Potter ... “

He stroked a strand of Scorpius' hair back, then gave him a smile. "But let's not talk about politics," he said softly, kissing his lips again, a little longer this time.

Scorpius accepted the kiss, but his mind was on other things.

"My family's wealth is hereditary," he said, sounding a little unconvinced. "We levy no more taxes than any other ruler, and we are not unfair." He bit his lip, then continued. "This Potter man you speak of," he said quietly. "I have seen signs to free him. He has had important people come speak to my father and his council." He paused, looking at her closely. "Why is he so important to the people? If he is advocating revolution, then he is a traitor and must be punished."

Albus looked at him thoughtfully, and after a moment he shook his head. "He wants to avoid a revolution," he said softly. "He wants to advise your father on how to be a better ruler. That might sound strange to you, but if you could hear him talk, you would understand. All he wants is for everyone to be happy, my prince. He's important to the people because he represents hope."

Albus rolled smoothly onto his side. "Not many like your father," he said then, looking up. "They are scared of him. But you ..." A smile lit up his face. "They think that you will be better for this country."

Scorpius snorted, his voice bitter. "How would they know?"

He sighed and pulled out the tie in his hair, which was falling out of its confines in the heat anyway, and ran his hands through it, speaking again after several moments had passed.

"What makes this man think he knows how to rule better than a man whose family has ruled these lands for generations? He's a … a peasant! Where is his schooling, his education, his knowledge of law?"

Albus forced himself to keep his face neutral, even though he was angry at Scorpius at that moment. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment, then opened the bottle of wine and took a swig.

"My f -- "He cleared his throat. "He's not a peasant," Albus said quietly, not looking at him. "He is educated. He's not a simpleton. He might not have royal blood or be as rich as your family is, but he does know what's good for this country. He does not want to replace your father, he just ... wants justice and for his children and grandchildren to grow up in a country where they can feel safe and happy."

Scorpius was silent for a long moment. "That is what I want, too; or my people to thrive in a world where they don't have to be afraid, which is fair and just, and where they can raise their families in peace."

He turned his head. "My father isn't inclined to listen to this hero of the masses ... you must know that. He has already received far more consideration than any other prisoner, ever.”

"I know," Albus whispered, staring at the lake, a momentary sadness washing over him. What if he couldn't save his father? But he had to. And he would. He caught himself quickly and cleared his throat, taking another grape.

Maybe he had already said too much; he decided to find a way to distract Scorpius, turn his train of thought away from prisoners and punishment. Albus turned his head and looked at Scorpius, smiling slowly. "May I do something for you, my prince?" he asked softly, suddenly overwhelmed with the need to touch Scorpius.

Scorpius had caught the momentary look of loss on Albie's face -- what did this prisoner mean to her? Was he just a freedom fighter and she loyal to his cause, or was it something else, something more … private? No, she was too young. While the pairing of older men and younger women was not unusual in his land, he didn’t think that ... no. That wasn't it. There was another connection.

He was deep in thought, and Albie caught him off guard with her question. "Such as?"

"Another surprise," Albus said seductively, giving him a teasing smile. He lifted his skirts up a little and knelt in front of Scorpius, between his legs. He gently pushed Scorpius back until he was leaning against the tree, and then Albus bent forward and kissed Scorpius again, gently and deeply. He trailed his fingertips down Scorpius' chest and down to his stomach, stopping when he reached the waistband of his trousers and just kissing him more.

Scorpius might have been engrossed in his thoughts, but he was in no way immune to such a kiss and despite himself, found his arousal growing. When she reached his waist, he moaned. "Albie," he whispered. "We can't, not here."

Albus smiled against the prince’s lips and bit his bottom lip gently. "No one will see us," he whispered, stroking Scorpius' cheek gently. "Just relax and let me make you feel good."

He looked deep into the prince’s eyes, and then, with teasing slowness, he unfastened Scorpius' trousers and pulled them down a little, his breath hitching when he felt Scorpius' hard, hot cock brushing the back of his hand. He looked down, and his own erection desperately wanted to break free, but he couldn't. Not yet.

He unbuttoned Scorpius' shirt and pushed it open, looking, for the first time, at the prince’s body in the daylight. He swallowed hard and was overwhelmed by the beauty he saw. He leaned forward then and gently trailed his lips over Scorpius' collarbone and his chest, teasing the hard, pink nipples with the tip of his tongue.

"Oooohhhh," Scorpius whispered and arched up against Albie’s tongue, closing his eyes. He reached down with one hand and closed it around Albie’s on his cock, and slid his other hand around her neck.

Albus smiled up at him, then trailed his tongue down Scorpius' body, and finally licked the tip of Scorpius' erection. He made a soft noise and closed his eyes, sliding his mouth over Scorpius' cock and moaning around it when he started sucking. He had never done this before, but found it pleasant. His own cock was pulsing underneath his clothes, but he ignored that and concentrated on Scorpius' cock instead.

Scorpius moaned loudly, then was forced to put his hand up to his own mouth and bite down, lest he lead anyone there. It was one thing for the Crown Prince to have his concubines, but quite another for them to be servicing him in public. But the sensation was exquisite - most ladies, even those in his harem, wouldn't deign to service him in this manner and he had never forced it, not wanting it to be done without any desire. But this, this was ... want. Albie wanted to be doing this to him, and that alone made it an incredible gesture.

He stroked her thick, shiny black hair and tried not to make any more noises. But he wanted to. Very much.

Albus licked the sensitive underside and sucked on the head before taking as much of the prince’s cock inside his mouth as he could. He hummed, sending pleasant vibrations through the prince’s body, wanting him to moan. He rubbed the prince’s balls gently, exactly as he liked it when he touched himself.

Scorpius couldn't help himself; he had to make noise -- he had to. He moaned and even whimpered when Albie touched his balls, stroking him and licking and sucking. "Don't stop," he murmured, knowing his orgasm was coming -- he could feel it rising, his blood rushing through his veins as his head grew light.

Albus felt it too, and wrapped his hand around the base, sucking on the head and trailing his tongue around it as he stroked Scorpius' cock. He opened his eyes and looked up at him, waiting for him to come.

Scorpius groaned, a completely animal sound, and with a thrust of his hips, he came into Albie’s willing mouth, concentrating on her beautiful eyes staring up at him.

Albus pulled back a little and caught all of it, not blinking once as he swallowed all of him. He licked his lips, then pulled back and gave the prince a smile. "You look beautiful when you come," he whispered. "You always look beautiful."

Scorpius was speechless, trying to process his thoughts even as his body was still shaking and his breath still coming in short spurts.

Either Albie was extraordinarily talented -- or she was no virgin, and therefore could not be one of his concubines. They had to swear to their virginity, upon pain of death.

Had she lied?

Albus looked up at him and smiled slowly. "I know what you're thinking," he said softly. "I've never done this before. You are and will be my first at everything. I would not lie to you."

The moment he said that, he felt guilty, because technically he was lying to him, lying to him on an enormous and dangerous scale.

Scorpius exhaled slowly. "You are gifted in the ways of pleasing a man," he said softly. "A natural, as they say." He let himself smile. "I hope I can be as good for you when the time comes, as you are to me all the time."

His body was still thrumming from how hard he'd come, and from the look on her face.

Albus stroked Scorpius' chest and stomach gently, then carefully closed the other boy's trousers and his shirt. Then he leaned against him, so that he was lying between his legs, his head resting on Scorpius' shoulder.

Scorpius slid his arms around Albie, holding her loosely but far more possessively than he had anyone else. Albus looked up at him and kissed him slowly, letting his eyes flutter close, even as he smiled and blushed a little at the compliment. "Thank you," he said softly. "And I am sure you will be incredible --again, when the time comes.”

"I hope so," Scorpius said then, the thought crossing his mind that he would so much love to confide to her his desire for men. He was sure that if anyone would understand, it would be Albie. And she wouldn't hate him.

He stroked her hair and brushed soft kisses across her cheeks and nose and finally, her full, soft lips. They could be any young couple in love.

While they kissed, Albus let his mind wander. He knew that he couldn't keep the fact that he was a man hidden for much longer. Tonight, or the evening after that, he would have to reveal himself, and he wondered how Scorpius would take it. He had the impression that Scorpius liked him a great deal, and that he maybe wouldn't mind; he had even allowed himself to wish that the prince liked men, just like Albus.

He wondered if that was too much to hope for.

Albus closed his eyes and deepened the kiss, sliding his arms around Scorpius' neck. They kissed for a long moment until Albus finally pulled away and kissed his chin gently. "Tell me something," he said softly. "Anything; something special about you."

Scorpius looked down at him, wanting so badly to tell her his secret. He swallowed. He couldn't. It would be the end of him.

He stroked Albie's hair. "We talked earlier about Potter, yes? This freedom fighter, for lack of better phrase."

He bit his lip. "He has five more days for someone to prove to my father that he is not a mere dissident, a heretic. And if he cannot, he will be executed -- by me, by my hand."

His face changed then, the unhappiness apparent. "He will meet my sword, not my father's, not his councilman's … mine, so that I may show the people that I am made in my father’s image."

He blinked and ducked his face. He could not cry, not even in front of her.

Albus looked up at him, his eyes wide. "What? No!" he whispered, taking a deep breath. He'd known that they didn't have much time to save his father. But five days -- it was too little time! Albus suddenly doubted whether he could do it. But he did have Scorpius' trust, which would make it easier.

Time was running out. If Scorpius visited him tonight, Albus would tell him that he was a man. And then … He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He would figure something out. Right now, he needed to focus all of his attention on Scorpius because he seemed truly miserable at the prospect of having to kill someone. Which was understandable.

He tilted Scorpius' chin up and looked into his eyes, seeing that he was trying to hold back his tears. He looked deep into Scorpius’ eyes and shook his head. "You won't have to do it," he whispered, kissing Scorpius' lips again. "Someone will give your father a good reason, do not worry. You will not have to do it. I promise."

Scorpius stared at her, his eyes wet. "I don't want to," he whispered. "He has done nothing but speak to the people. He hasn't incited revolution … and what I said before? It was my training, my schooling. It wasn't me speaking as Scorpius, it was the Prince."

He reached out a shaky hand to cup her face. "Something I have never told anyone? I don't want to be me. I don't wish to rule, to live my life in a cage, to always worry for my rule, my family. I don't want a food taster or a bodyguard. I want to be free -- and I never will be. You, today, have shown me the only freedom I have ever known."

Albus looked at him and kissed Scorpius' palm, then his nose and his cheeks and finally his lips. "I cannot imagine what it must be like to have your life," he whispered, stroking Scorpius' hair behind his ear. "But maybe there is a way for you to be free."

He wrapped his arms around Scorpius, pulling the blond head down onto his shoulder. I will save you, Albus thought. You and my father both.

He bit his lip. He didn't really have a plan. Scorpius was expected to be sultan one day, to rule his country. Albus didn't know what he could possibly say to him; there seemed to be no way out.

"You could," he started, then shrugged. "Run away. Leave the country and live in freedom somewhere else. I know this seems like a ridiculous plan, but I would rather have my freedom than be unhappy for the rest of my life."

Albus leaned against him and stroked Scorpius' arm gently. "You won't have to kill him," he whispered, then added almost inaudibly. "I will make sure of it."

Scorpius tried to smile at her. "I hope not," he said softly. "I do not think I can."

He looked up at the sun; it was getting late, and they would have to leave soon. But before they did, he had something for her. Scorpius slid a hand into his pocket and removed the necklace, wrapped carefully in black silk. He handed it to Albie, placing it in her palm. "For you," he said quietly. "To thank you."

Albus looked at the silk-wrapped package and carefully opened it, then stared at the necklace in wonder. It was beautiful, and the stone was almost the exact color of his eyes. The necklace was of a style simple enough that not only a woman could wear it, and it reminded even him of himself.

He looked up into Scorpius' eyes, smiling. "It's beautiful," he whispered. "Thank you. You do not have to thank me for anything but ... I love it."

He sat up and pulled his hair over his shoulder, putting on the necklace and looking at Scorpius with a smile. He took the prince’s hand and kissed it gently, then got to his feet and packed the rest of the food they had left.

When Scorpius stood as well, Albus looked into his eyes. "It was a wonderful day," he said softly. "Probably the best one I've had in my life."

"For me as well." Scorpius' voice was low, and he touched the stones thoughtfully. "They are nearly as beautiful as you, but only just; you are my rose, the loveliest flower imaginable. My desert rose.”

He closed his fingers around Albie's, and they walked back through the streets of his capital, watching the people.

As they crossed the square approaching the palace, he heard the name ‘Potter’ and turned his head, only to find himself face to face with what seemed many, many posters, all bearing some sort of plea to free the dissident Potter.

Almost against his will, he found himself tugging Albie to listen to the speaker in the square.

Albus wanted to protest, but Scorpius had already pulled him towards the group. The speaker was a good friend of his father’s, Ron Weasley. He was listing reasons why Albus' father was so important to them, and the crowd cheered after everything he said.

Albus looked at Scorpius and squeezed his hand.

Scorpius looked up at this man, whose flaming red hair peeked out from the headscarf he wore, and listened.

“Potter is not a heretic; he is a visionary! He has ideas whose time has come, a man with heart, and soul, whose only wish is that we, the people of this country, live in peace.

Our ruler, Sultan Malfoy, does not hear us. He will not hear Potter. He hears no one but his councilors, in whose best interest it is to keep us quiet, taxed to our limits, barely making ends meet. Harry would see that changed! He does not wish harm to Sultan Malfoy, or his son, Prince Scorpius -- only that they see the error of their ways, that they hear us before it is too late!

Scorpius' hand tightened around Albus', and he squeezed Scorpius' hand back, listening to Ron. He was his father's best friend and most loyal supporter. Albus was relieved that his ‘followers’ didn't give up. But if this continued like this, they would have a revolution after all. Albus would have to hurry up and get his father out of prison.

He leaned in and whispered, "Come on. Let us go before someone recognizes you."

He tugged Scorpius back to the palace and turned to him when they were inside. "See?" he said softly. "None of them want to harm you or your father. They just want a say in what is going on." He kissed him gently and looked into his eyes. "We should probably part now," he whispered, then was silent for a moment. "Will you visit me tonight?"

Scorpius nodded, but didn't say anything in return; his head hurt, and he just wanted to lie down and think about the day.

He nodded again at Albus' question. "It will be late, however."

Albus' heart leaped and he nodded slowly. Tonight would be the night, probably, unless he was too much of a coward to admit it.

"I will be waiting for you," Albus whispered, and gave the prince another kiss before reluctantly going back to his room.

Scorpius returned to his room too, and lay down on his bed, waving away everyone around him.

This had been both the best and worst day of his life -- best because he had seen so much that was new and exciting to him, seen how life could be -- yet at the same time he knew now, more than ever, exactly how trapped he was.

And he hadn't had the courage to be himself now -- would he ever?

His father said that men, especially Princes, never cried, but he had been wrong about Scorpius his whole life, after all.

~*~

Albus bathed and changed, but didn't manage to calm down. He'd come to care about Scorpius so much, and to see him so unhappy made him want to just take the prince away and never come back. But for that to happen, he would have to tell the prince he was a man first, and Albus was incredibly nervous about that.

He dressed carefully, a golden dress with many veils as usual. His legs were waxed as well as his chest, and he'd shaved, making sure that Scorpius wouldn't see any tell-tale shadow of masculinity -- in case he decided, for some reason, to not tell the Prince.

He lay down on the bed, then, taking off the necklace Scorpius had given to him. He looked at it for a long moment, stroking the beautiful emeralds almost affectionately. He kissed the largest stone and closed his eyes, waiting for Scorpius with an increasingly racing heart.

Scorpius did come late, as he had said -- hours later than he ever had before.

He had bathed and dressed simply, and his knock at her door was hushed, as it was nearly silent all around him.

He entered the room and sat down on the low couch, and looked up at Albie. He knew he looked completely miserable -- because he was, and couldn't hide it. He had avoided dinner, claiming illness, and had even kept his back turned to his mother when she came to check on him. He felt cold and alone.

Albus watched him, then held out his hand, silently asking him to come closer. Scorpius seemed reluctant, but after a while, he complied. Albus pulled him onto the bed and wrapped his arms around him, stroking Scorpius' hair when he rested his head on his chest.

Albus just held him for a long moment, not saying a word. Then he gently tilted his head up and kissed his lips, showing him in the best way that he could, that he cared and understood Scorpius.

Scorpius slid his arms around her and held her tight for a long moment. "Albie," he said softly, summoning his courage. "You wanted to know a secret? Something I have never told anyone?"

He looked up at her. "I have one I want to tell you ... but you must swear on your life to never tell another soul. And if you should decide that you wish to leave me afterwards, you may. I will not stop you, nor let anyone else stop you, and I will give you a sum of money to compensate you for your time spent here in the palace."

He took a deep breath. "I am … He swallowed and tried again. "I prefer men, sexually. I am attracted to them. I know it's wrong and evil, and I myself am wrong and evil, but I cannot stop my feelings."

His eyes were focused on the floor now. "I am closer to you and care more for you than I ever have for anyone in my life, and how I wish I could just pretend for you, but oddly, because I love you, I cannot lie to you."

Albus' eyes had widened and he stared at the other boy for a long moment. His heart was racing because Scorpius liked men as well and he'd said he loved him! Albus needed a brief moment to process it, and then he gently tilted Scorpius' chin up and kissed his lips.

"I have a secret to tell you too," he whispered, closing his eyes for a long moment before gracefully sliding off the bed. He turned to face Scorpius and took a deep breath. "My name is not Albie."

He stared deep into the other boy's eyes and removed the countless veils and his jewelry -- except for the necklace Scorpius had given him.

Scorpius had lowered his eyes and was staring at his own hands while Albus removed his dress, fake bra and underwear until he was completely naked, his cock semi-hard and his long hair hanging over his shoulder.

"Look at me," he said quietly, but firmly, finally not making his voice higher than it really was. "My name is not Albie. It's Albus."

Scorpius made himself look up … and his eyes widened in shock.

This … this beautiful creature was his Albie?

His eyes traveled over Albus; Albus, not Albie. The broad shoulders with the thick, soft hair he loved to touch sliding over it: the muscular chest, flat stomach, long legs: and most stunning to him, the heavy cock between his legs.

He knew he shouldn't stare, that he should get up and walk away, banish her … him. He had lied to Scorpius, made him believe he was a female -- for what reason, Scorpius didn't know.

But looking into those green eyes, at the way the stones gleamed against his skin, he couldn't do any of those things.

He stood and reached for Albus, touching his hand gently, then pulled Albus close and kissed him passionately.

Albus let out a breath of relief and cupped Scorpius' face as he returned the kiss with equal fervor. He closed his eyes and slid his arms around his prince, making a soft noise when his tongue slid into Scorpius' mouth, holding him close. Their bodies were pressed together, and finally Albus could be himself and be so close to Scorpius, without the padding and falsity in the way.

He slid his fingers through Scorpius' hair and bit his lip teasingly before pulling back and pressing his forehead against the other boy's, panting softly.

Scorpius moved his arms down Albus' body, stroking his back, and then cupped his ass and pressed himself against Albus; his cock was already aching with need, and he rutted against Albus shamelessly. If everything he had ever known or thought he'd known was going to be destroyed in one day, then so be it; he no longer cared.

Albus moaned softly and arched into the touch, sliding his hands down Scorpius' back and grinding back against him. He moved his hands to unbutton Scorpius' shirt expertly, sliding it off his shoulders and touching that beautiful soft skin gently. He kissed his neck and his shoulder, tightening his arms around the prince’s waist to pull him closer.

Scorpius arched his neck and turned his head to breathe in Albus' scent, bringing a hand up to slide under his hair and cup the back of Albus' neck. He closed his eyes as Albus' lips traveled over his skin, and he drew in his breath as Albus' hands roamed over his body, touching him with exquisite gentleness.

Albus trailed his lips and teeth over Scorpius' neck while he unfastened his trousers and slid them down. He cupped the other boy's ass and pulled him closer, pressing their hard, bare cocks together, gasping and burying his face in Scorpius' neck before kissing his jaw, and then his lips again. The kiss was desperate and passionate at first, but then Albus slowed it down and kissed him softly, sliding his hands back into Scorpius’ long, blond hair.

He continued to kiss him as he gently pushed Scorpius onto the bed and moved on top of him, lowering his body on top of the other man's. He made a soft contented sound in the back of his throat when their erections were once again pressed together, and he started rubbing it against his slowly.

Scorpius let Albus undress him and move him onto the bed, and sighed deeply when Albus settled himself on top of him.

He sighed as they ground together. He looked up and wrapped his hands around the back of Albus' neck, rubbing softly, expectantly.

Albus gave him a small smile and kissed his nose, then moved over to kiss his neck. He slid his hands down Scorpius' arms, then up the sides of his body as he moved his lips over the prince’s collarbone and his chest, licking his hard nipples carefully. Albus looked up at him as he kissed his way down the other man's body, touching every inch of skin he could reach. He closed his eyes and briefly dipped his tongue into Scorpius' navel, then nuzzled his erection affectionately with his face.

Albus settled between his legs and looked up at him as he wrapped his hand around the base of Scorpius' cock, slowly slid his lips over the head and began sucking.

Scorpius arched up against Albus’ soft lips, then kept his eyes fastened on Albus' as his mouth traveled down his body; nothing could ever have prepared him for how this whole experience felt, for how his body would feel under such touches. Women had touched him, of course, and they had worked hard to please him, but he had felt compelled to feign his pleasure for them. With Albus, he didn't need to pretend.

Albus smiled, and kept his eyes on Scorpius' as he slowly moved up and down on the other boy's erection. He hummed softly and licked the pre-come off the tip, loving the taste. He removed his hands and closed his eyes, relaxing his throat as he took all of Scorpius' length into his mouth, sucking hard. Then he pulled back and trailed gentle kisses down the shaft before kissing and nipping his balls teasingly while his hand stroked the prince’s erection.

Scorpius’ eyes wanted to drift closed, but he made them stay open because Albus was so beautiful that he couldn't imagine anything he would ever find lovelier to watch. He reached out to stroke Albus' hair and tugged on it gently, then stroked his cheek.

Albus gave him a sweet smile and turned his head to kiss his palm. He closed his eyes and kissed his balls, then gently pushed Scorpius' legs up and kissed his ass, glancing up at him briefly before he brushed his tongue over Scorpius' hole, making a soft sound. He'd dreamed about doing this to Scorpius since he’d first laid eyes on him -- and it was even better than he'd always imagined.

The swipe of hot tongue over the most secret, private part of him made him moan, an animal-like sound he'd never heard from himself before -- it was pure instinct. The kisses being sprinkled everywhere on his nether regions was far beyond anything he had ever dared imagine, and the soft sounds that Albus was making were enormously arousing. He kept his hand where it was, not wanting to lose contact with Albus' body.

Albus reached up and slid his fingers through Scorpius', squeezing lightly. He licked Scorpius' hole again and slowly slid his tongue inside, then pulled it back out. He teased him for a few long moments, loving the sounds Scorpius made.

He finally stopped and kissed his way up again, kissing his chin. He gave him a smile, then reached for the bottle of oil that was in his drawer. He poured some of it onto his fingers and slicked his own cock, then gently traced the rim of Scorpius' ass with one oily finger. He kissed the prince’s neck gently and then carefully pushed in.

This time, Scorpius' eyes did close as he ordered his body to relax and accept the intrusion. And surprisingly enough, it did, allowing him to let go and feel, something he didn't normally do.

"Ohhhhh, yessss," he hissed, relaxing and then clenching when the finger was pushed in further. This was ... this was so wrong, and even though he knew that in every pore of his body, he couldn't help enjoying how this felt.

Albus smiled against his neck and carefully pushed a second finger inside. He closed his eyes, feeling the tight heat around his fingers and biting his lip because it felt extraordinary. He moved his fingers back and forth for a while, giving Scorpius time to get used to the sensation.

Scorpius clenched around the questing fingers and twisted his hips to bear down on them more, trying to somehow draw them deeper into him; his own fingers, the one time he had dared to try explore himself, had never felt like this; this was exciting and scary and so good, and the one and only thing he could ask for now was for Albus' cock to be in him, stretching him to the point of aching.

The last bit of his reserve crumbled when Albus found his prostate, that mythical place -- or so he'd thought -- where pleasure sprang from, and he groaned, a deep sound, and he blindly groped for Albus' hand to squeeze.

Albus shivered at that intense moan and bit his lip, watching Scorpius squirm while he rubbed his prostate. He slid his fingers between Scorpius' and squeezed his hand, and then finally pulled out his fingers.

He slicked his length again, carefully and generously, then moved between Scorpius' legs and looked down into his eyes, needing to see that the prince really wanted this; he cupped his cheek and leaned forward to kiss him gently while he very gently and carefully nudged Scorpius' hole with the tip of his cock.

Scorpius cupped the back of Albus' head and returned the kiss, slowly, with a great deal of passion behind it, and pushed his hips and arse forward, desperately wanting Albus inside him, urging him on, and moaning when Albus carefully pushed inside.

Albus' soft half-gasp, half-moan was instant; he swallowed hard and kissed Scorpius' neck gently as he pushed all the way inside, pausing then to give them both some time to get used to these entirely new sensations. He reached between their bodies to stroke Scorpius' cock slowly, rubbing the head with his thumb and squeezing lightly.

The moment that Albus was completely buried in him, Scorpius knew that there would never be anything that would feel this perfect ever again … except more Albus. He clenched around Albus' cock and turned his face to kiss him, small kisses all over his face.

He slid a hand down to wrap around Albus' on his cock and squeezed, while Albus cupped Scorpius' cheek and forced him to look into his eyes as he started to move slowly.

Albus’ eyes fluttered and he moaned softly, biting his lip. Then he pressed his lips against Scorpius' again, sliding his arms under him and holding him close. He'd been waiting for this for years, it seemed. He'd known Scorpius for less than a week but ... fuck, he was in love with him. The only thing that wasn't supposed to happen had happened, and he just hoped it wouldn't destroy all hope for his father.

He kissed Scorpius' cheek gently, then his jaw and neck and shoulder while still stroking his cock.

"Albus," Scorpius murmured, staring into his eyes. He swallowed hard and then moaned again as Albus drove deeper into him and he pushed back, hard. "Faster, please," he whispered. "I need you. I need you so much."

Scorpius saying he needed him made Albus moan, and he doubled his effort, thrusting in faster and harder, making sure to get the right angle to hit Scorpius' prostate with every thrust.

"You feel amazing," he whispered, burying his face in the other boy's neck. "I'm close ..."

Scorpius almost muttered ‘close to what?' but then realised that Albus meant he was going to come.

"Oh, me too," he whispered. "I want to … see your face when you do."

Albus smiled and lifted his head, cupping the back of Scorpius’ neck and looking deep into his eyes as he continued to move, biting his lip hard. He stroked Scorpius faster, watching his face as well as he fell over the edge. "Ohh ... Ohhhh yess …"

There was no soft, gentle whisper of "Ohhhhh," for Scorpius -- he literally roared his ecstasy as Albus filled him, and he came a mere moment afterwards, clenching around Albus, draining him, wanting all of him.

Albus let out a breath, then carefully pulled out and collapsed half on top of Scorpius, snuggling into his arms. He panted against his neck, his eyes closed.

Scorpius was hoarse from panting, crying out, and all the other various noises he'd made in the last twenty minutes. He wrapped his arms around Albus and stroked his sweaty skin, lifting the heavy hair up so Albus could cool down

"Scorpius," Albus whispered, not bothering with 'my prince' anymore. He pushed himself up and looked down into his eyes, cupping his cheek. "I love you, Scorpius."

Scorpius loved the way Albus said his name, so soft and, yes, loving. And when he looked up into Albus' eyes and heard those words, he felt a shiver run through him. Wetting his lips, he whispered. "I love you too, Albie … my Albus."

Albus smiled and stroked Scorpius’ hair back, looking into his eyes. "So you are not disappointed?" he asked softly, grinning a little. He kissed Scorpius’ nose, then his eyelids and finally his lips. "I was nervous about telling you; I didn't know how you would react."

Scorpius looked up at him. "No, how could I be? No. I am surprised -- shocked, even -- but never disappointed. Not in you."

He chose his words carefully. "Why did you ..." But then he stopped. "Later. Right now, all I find myself caring about is that you love me, and that I have fallen in love with you. That is all."

Albus was relieved that Scorpius didn't want to talk about it right now; Albus didn't want that either. He didn't want to destroy this intimacy they had. He smiled and snuggled back into him, tracing patterns on his chest and closing his eyes. He kissed Scorpius’ chest gently, then slid both arms around him and held him lovingly. "I'm glad you're not displeased," he said softly.

"This is so unreal," Scorpius said softly. “That somehow, you knew just how to read me.”

He swallowed hard and pulled Albus closer; Albus nodded, snuggling into him.

"It is," he said softly. "I never thought … I never thought I'd ever find someone I could just be myself with. My sister knows about my preferences, but I never thought I'd find a man who was like me, and definitely not someone I would like -- no, love so much."

Albus lifted his head and smiled at him, stroking his hair. "Will you stay here tonight?" he asked softly. "I would like to hold you for a little while longer ..."

Scorpius was still feeling more than a bit overwhelmed and most likely could not have moved if he had to, so he nodded in assent to Albus' request. He lay there with him, being stroked and petted, and petting Albus in turn. He wanted to turn off his brain, but it was difficult, and he didn't want to think.

He got up after a bit and got a basin of water, and a washing cloth, and proceeded to wash Albus gently - this was unheard of, for a prince to be engaging in such work, but when he was done, he began kissing Albus' chest and stomach, working his way down to his cock.

Albus leaned back and closed his eyes, making a soft contented sound when Scorpius started washing him, then kissing him. He slid his hand into the prince’s hair, stroking it affectionately as he opened his eyes and looked down at him again.

Scorpius looked up at him and smiled a little, and then bent his head again, letting his lips and tongue trace Albus' body, memorizing it and committing it to his brain forever. He wanted this night, with its discoveries and admissions, to last forever.

He traveled to the base of Albus' cock and nuzzled the smooth area -- he loved that, loved how soft Albus' skin felt everywhere. He placed a gentle kiss on that particular patch of skin, before proceeding downwards.

Albus closed his eyes and moaned softly, biting his lip. He had never been touched or kissed there before and it felt amazing. Scorpius was so attentive and seemed to enjoy doing this to him too.

Scorpius turned his attention to Albus’ cock, licking the length slowly.

Albus closed his eyes again when he felt Scorpius' warm tongue on his length, and he continued rubbing the prince’s scalp and tugging his hair. "Mmmmmmhh," he moaned softly. "That feels perfect. Don't stop. Never stop ..."

He wished they could just stay here like this forever.

"I won't if you won't," Scorpius whispered, then took a breath and slid his mouth over the head of Albus' cock, rolling his tongue around the sensitive ridge and then pushing his mouth down as far on him as he could. He had dreamed of pleasuring a man like this for years, masturbated over it in the darkness of his chamber, silently, furtively. He had always been ashamed -- but there was nothing shameful about this, because this, this was love. Albus made small, soft noises, loving the feel of Scorpius' mouth around his cock. It felt utterly perfect. It was such an intimate thing to do, and when he looked down, he saw that Scorpius was enjoying himself as well.

"Mmmm ..." Scorpius savored the feel of Albus' cock in his mouth, and he enthusiastically licked and sucked and nibbled, in no particular hurry, for he too hoped this would last forever.

Albus kept stroking Scorpius' hair gently, wondering if any other prince had ever done something like this for someone as simple and not-royal like him. The thought that they might be the first made him smile.

Albus enjoyed Scorpius' mouth, but after a while, his hips gently thrust up into the wet heat of their own accord.

Well, thought Scorpius, he couldn't be doing this wrong, then, if Albus was beginning to fuck his mouth, but he wanted to be in him this time, so he finally, reluctantly slid his mouth off the other man and reached for the small vial of oil they had been using, rubbing the slick substance onto his fore and middle fingers.

He gently spread Albus' legs and spent a few minutes touching him, getting better acquainted with the body he was rapidly becoming addicted to.

Albus closed his eyes and made a soft noise, loving the way Scorpius touched him. He smiled up at him and cupped his cheek, rubbing his thumb over the other boy's bottom lip while he spread his legs wider to give Scorpius better access.

Scorpius pressed gentle, inexperienced fingers into Albus, hoping he wasn't hurting him in any way, but Albus just urged him on with those incredible green eyes, and Scorpius sighed as his fingers were swallowed up. He gently moved them, wanting to find that magical spot Albus had found on him.

Albus couldn't take his eyes off the other boy, and pushed back against the questing fingers; then Scorpius found his pleasure spot and Albus gasped, then panted, biting his lip. "Yes … Yes, right there," he whispered. "Ohh yess ..."

Scorpius gave him an entirely non-royal grin when he gasped and pressed a little harder, playing with him, alternating touches and pressure until Albus' pupils were huge and Scorpius feared he might come right then.

He reluctantly slid his fingers back out, and then smoothed soothing oil on his cock, his own breath catching as he pushed Albus' legs back; he was so beautiful, more than Scorpius had ever dared hope for, and at least for tonight, all his. He pressed soft kisses to Albus' thighs and stomach, then paused at the entrance to Albus' hole.

Albus shivered, then stared up at him with those green eyes, giving him a small smile. "I want you inside of me," he whispered, spreading his legs and wrapping them around his waist, gasping when the head of Scorpius' cock brushed his entrance. "Please." He closed his eyes and slid his hands up Scorpius' back, down to cup his arse.

"I want that too," said Scorpius, rather unnecessarily, since he was, as the saying went, 'at the gate.' He took a deep breath and pushed in, finding it harder than it looked, and glad he was young, strong, and, er, stiff, because it took a bit more effort to get past the muscle and in … oh, but when he was, he groaned in complete satisfaction.

Albus sucked in a breath and wrapped his legs around Scorpius' waist. Having him inside felt even more perfect than the other way around, and he wanted to keep Scorpius inside of him forever.

Albus looked up into Scorpius eyes and cupped his cheeks, then leaned forward to gently kiss his lips, tracing them with his tongue. He slid his hands down Scorpius' chest, pinching his nipples briefly. Scorpius closed his eyes and sank into the kiss, licking Albus' lips in return and pushing himself in as far as he could go, until his balls were pressed against Albus' bottom. It felt perfect. It felt right.

Albus stroked Scorpius' shoulders and his arms gently, then clenched around him and pushed back, urging him to move. He looked up into the prince’s face, not daring to close his eyes for even a second for fear of missing something. He kissed his lips gently, and then closed his eyes too, sliding his tongue into the prince's mouth, exploring.

When Albus pushed back against him, Scorpius’ body took over and began moving, slowly at first, so the soft kisses could continue, then harder because he had to: his body demanded it. He'd never felt his body take over like this, had never allowed it to make the decisions, but in these moments, when his mind and body were free, he saw what folly denying himself had been.

Albus gasped into Scorpius' mouth and pushed back against him, simply loving how Scorpius felt inside of him. Albus had never had sex with a woman or a man, but he was pretty sure that in the entire sultanate, there wasn't anyone who was more passionate than the prince. He slid his hands into Scorpius' long hair and pulled it back behind his head, tugging him down to kiss him hard, his legs wrapped tightly around the prince’s hips. It didn't take long for him to feel his orgasm approaching, and he reached between their bodies to stroke his cock as he felt it wash over him.

With each thing they'd done together, Scorpius had never wanted it to end, but this, in particular, he wanted to go on and on.

Albus’ eyes were locked with Scorpius', and their connection had never been more intense. He closed his eyes then and gasped, coming all over his stomach. Albus cupped the prince’s face and kissed him again, closing his eyes. "I love you," he whispered. "I love you, Scorpius."

Scorpius looked down, his eyes soft. "I love you too, Albus -- I don't know why you came into my life, but it has been incredible, beyond belief. Thank you."

He let himself down to lay on Albus, then rested his head on Albus' sweaty chest.

Albus stroked Scorpius' hair absentmindedly and bit his lip. He knew he would have to tell Scorpius the reason why he was here soon. But not today; he didn't want to destroy what they had here -- he wanted to enjoy it for a little longer. He would tell him tomorrow.

"You're welcome," he said softly. "Will you stay here tonight? Or do you have to go back?" He thought about it and sighed. "You should probably go back. The fact that I just kidnapped you for a day might not have gone unnoticed."

Scorpius shook his head. "My father thinks me indisposed," he said softly, tracing Albus' chest. "Mostly because of my tasks of the next few days, which I don't care to think of at present. So I want to stay, unless you wish me gone?"

"No," Albus said softly. "I certainly do not wish you gone. In fact, I wish we could stay here forever. I know that's not possible, so I'll take what I can get." He rubbed Scorpius’ back gently, then pulled the sheets over them and kissed his cheek.

Scorpius turned in Albus' arms, sliding out of him with a sigh and taking a place beside him on the bed, which now smelled of them and what they'd shared.

He refused to think of tomorrow -- today -- or the days coming. He just wanted to be here with Albus now.

Albus snuggled into Scorpius, stroking his arm and kissing his cheek gently. Then he rested his head on Scorpius’ shoulder and closed his eyes. He stifled a yawn, and he didn't know if it was Scorpius' comforting smell or just the fact that he was exhausted, but he fell asleep only moments later.

Scorpius' brain wanted to prod him and make him think, but for once, his body won out and he fell asleep too, wrapped in Albus' arms.

Part 3…

FIC+ART: Desert Rose [Part 3]

2009-11-13T15:42:28Z

ART: Percy/Ginny

2009-11-11T19:23:58Z

Artist: thilia
Title: Geschwisterliebe
Pairing: Percy/Ginny
Rating: R
Warnings: Incest, het, nudity... surprisingly tame, though O_O
Media: Photoshop 7, tablet
Theme: Percy Weasley on hump_day_smut
Notes: I love that pairing :D The title is German and means 'sibling love' or 'brotherly love'.

iz ded

2009-11-11T04:36:14Z

I mean... art rec.

Teddy Lupin. Most gorgeous one ever.

*is incoherent*

Anyway, LOOKIE HERE.

:D :D :D :D :D

FIC+ART: Beauty Lies In The Eye Of The Beholder

2009-11-08T20:10:22Z

hp_cross_fest reveals are up! Yay! :)

Author/Artist: thilia
Title: Beauty Lies In The Eye Of The Beholder
Fest/Prompt: hp_cross_fest/#62 - Hugo answers a wanted ad for a nude model. Dean is the artist and the one who wants the nude model.
Pairing: Dean Thomas/Hugo Weasley
Rating: R
Warnings: Slash, cross-gen (obviously), sexual situations, nudity.
Word Count: ~2,500
Medium: Tablet, Photoshop 7
Summary: Dean had almost lost hope of finding a model for his latest project when he walked in.
Beta: vix_spes
Author's Notes: It was fun to work on this since I love the pairing. Many thanks to vix_spes for the last minute beta and to the mods of hp_cross_fest for giving me the time to finish this ♥

Beauty Lies In The Eye Of The Beholder

Dean stirred his coffee slowly as he browsed through the stack of pictures that had been sent to him as a response to his advertisement in the newspaper. He had looked at the photos more or less a hundred times, had memorized the faces and bodies, but none of the people depicted looked completely right.

Most of them were beautiful – no question about that. Some of them had even mentioned that they had some experience when it came to posing nude for an artist. Dean appreciated that, though he didn’t mind working with a first-timer. He’d had countless models and now they all seemed plain and boring. What he was looking for was someone special. Someone who had something that the others didn’t have. He didn’t know what, he just knew that he couldn’t paint any of these ordinary people.

Not all hope was lost, however, since he’d received six letters from people that hadn’t included pictures. And that was why he was sitting at a table in this little Muggle café in the middle of this beautiful autumn day. He was going to meet them and would find the perfect model for his new project – or so he hoped.

An hour and five good-looking people who didn’t seem to have any personality whatsoever later, Dean was beginning to lose hope. He impatiently tapped his fingers on the wooden table and was about to pack his stuff and leave when he came through the door.

Dean paused and knew that he was the one he wanted. The boy was, from what Dean could tell, no older than seventeen. He wasn’t one of those people that entered a room and immediately attracted everyone’s attention. He wasn’t striking in any way, and hardly anyone looked up as he entered the café. But Dean had long ago learned to look past first appearances, and he knew that this boy was different than all the other men and women Dean had seen today. He had it. He had that certain something that Dean was looking for.

The boy was an ordinary teenager; tall – and a little gangly – with curly, auburn hair and brown eyes. His skin was a little too pale and freckled, his nose too long and his body too narrow and slim to be considered handsome in a masculine way. His clothes were nothing out of the ordinary, and when he grinned, Dean could see that his teeth were slightly crooked.

Objectively, he wasn’t all that handsome. And still there was something about that boy that struck Dean as incredibly interesting, and he knew that he wanted to work with him, or no one. A slight shiver ran down Dean’s back when their eyes met, and he quickly drank a sip of coffee to hide his fascination and act normal.

As he looked at the boy, Dean thought that there was something vaguely familiar about him, but as much as he thought about it, he wasn’t able to place him. Besides, he was certain that he would have remembered him if they’d met before.

“Mr. Thomas?” The boy asked when he approached Dean’s table, almost stumbling over a woman’s handbag as he strode forward. He apologized to the woman, and then gave Dean an awkward smile as his face flushed with embarrassment at his own clumsiness. When he finally reached Dean, he stuck out his hand which Dean accepted and held just a little longer than strictly necessary. “I’m Hugo. Nice to meet you, Mr. Thomas.”

Dean returned the smile warmly and offered Hugo a seat. “Please, call me Dean. And you’re Hugo?” He glanced down at his list and smiled. “Ah, right. You’re the last one, today.”

Hugo smiled hesitantly, fumbling with his t-shirt and looking around. Dean watched him for a long moment, and when their eyes met again, Dean noticed a hint of sadness in Hugo’s deep, brown eyes. He couldn’t help but wonder why he was sad.

Or maybe he wasn’t sad at all. Maybe it was just part of his mysteriousness.

Dean shook his head and concentrated on business then, asking Hugo a few basic questions. After the boy had reassured him more than once that he was really eighteen they quickly came to an agreement and signed the contract.

Hugo would come to Dean’s atelier the next day, and Dean was relieved about the successful end of his day.

~ * ~

Dean sharpened his pencils and aligned them neatly on the table where he kept his materials. He adjusted the canvas, averting his eyes from Hugo who was taking his clothes off. He had to admit that he was tempted to watch him, but under no circumstances did he want to make Hugo uncomfortable in any way, so he just kept his eyes fixed on the empty white space in front of him, wondering if he could ever do Hugo’s beauty justice.

He adjusted the canvas once again and only looked up when he heard the rustling of his bed sheets. Dean’s breath caught in his throat when he saw Hugo, naked and sprawled out on his bed, and for a moment he could do nothing but stare.

Hugo was beautiful. He was beyond beautiful but no other word to describe him came to Dean’s mind as he looked at the young man’s pale, slender body. Again, Dean had to admit that to the casual observer, Hugo was nothing extraordinary but he had a kind of beauty that Dean had rarely seen before.

Hugo’s auburn hair fell in gentle curls around his almost cherub-like face. His eyes were shining in the light of the candles that gave his pale body a distinct, golden tan. Dean’s eyes followed the delicate line of Hugo’s neck to his sharp shoulders and down his chest to the small, pink nipples. Hugo didn’t have excessive muscles but his stomach was flat and his hipbones jutted out. His legs were strong yet slim and Dean couldn’t look away from the small scar just below Hugo’s navel. He wondered when he’d gotten that.

Hugo’s hand was resting on his hip and Dean took in the long, slim fingers; like the rest of Hugo’s body, they were covered with thousands of tiny freckles. Never before had Dean considered freckles attractive but they looked so right on Hugo’s body that Dean couldn’t help but find them endearing.

Finally, Dean’s eyes travelled to the young man’s cock which was partly hidden by Hugo’s thigh and surrounded by a patch of thick, dark red curls.

Hugo was breathtaking.

Dean wanted to bury his face in his reddish curls and brush his lips over every inch of the younger man’s pale body; to use his tongue to connect all of those freckles.

Realizing that he was staring in a rather inappropriate way, Dean blinked and glanced at his canvas instead, biting his lip. He opened his mouth to give Hugo some instructions when the younger boy moved on his own and took a pose that made him look strong, yet delicate and vulnerable at the same time.

That kid may not be experienced but he was definitely a natural at this.

“Hold that pose,” Dean said quietly and began sketching the outline of Hugo’s body with a pencil, adding rough shadows when he was done with the first, basic sketch. Then he reached for his watercolours, keeping everything in natural, brownish tones.

He worked in silence for a long time, aware of Hugo’s eyes on him and admiring the boy for holding the pose without tiring of it. Dean had never been this thorough with a drawing before; he wanted to capture every little detail and every last freckle.

When he was mostly done, he took a step back, tilted his head and looked at the drawing in fascination, comparing it to the real “thing” which was still lying on his bed. He lost himself in the drawing for a moment; it was, without any doubt, the most beautiful artwork he had ever had the pleasure to create.

Dean blinked when he suddenly felt Hugo’s chin on his shoulder; he hadn’t even realized that the younger boy had joined him. Dean turned his head slightly and looked at him inquiringly. “What do you think?”

Hugo seemed momentarily lost in his all thoughts, but when he spoke, there was a smile on his lips. “I think I’m not that beautiful,” he said softly. “But it does have a certain resemblance.”

Dean raised an eyebrow. “That’s all? A certain resemblance?”

Hugo grinned and shrugged, still not removing his chin from Dean’s shoulder. Rather than finding it disturbing, Dean thought it felt sort of comforting to have Hugo this close. As if he could read Dean’s mind, Hugo slid his arms around Dean’s body and buried his face in his neck. “More than a certain resemblance,” he murmured, his voice muffled as his face was still in Dean’s neck. “I just don’t see that kind of beauty in me.”

Dean raised an eyebrow and turned around in Hugo’s arms, tilting his chin up. “Are you kidding? I don’t embellish the subjects of my art, Hugo. I’m a realist and I draw them just the way they are.”

Hugo looked at him uncertainly and shrugged. “I like the way you look at me then,” he whispered, then tilted his head and gently brushed his lips over Dean’s.

Dean wondered how Hugo had known that this was what he’d been thinking about since the first moment he saw Hugo, but quickly pushed those thoughts away and returned the kiss with equal tenderness, wrapping his strong arms around the younger boy and pulling him close.

A soft gasp escaped Hugo’s lips and he slid his hand beneath Dean’s shirt, marvelling in the softness of Dean’s dark skin. Soon, their clothes were discarded and Dean had picked Hugo up and carried him to the bed.

He laid him down gently and slid on top of him, pressing the lengths of their bodies together, moaning at the feel of Hugo’s perfect body underneath his own. He deepened the kiss and sank his fingers into those thick, heavy curls before trailing his lips along Hugo’s jaw and sucking on the juncture between his neck and shoulder.

His tongue travelled down Hugo’s chest, and Dean’s cock gave a slight twitch when he felt Hugo’s nipples harden beneath his tongue.

His hands moved down Hugo’s sides, needing to touch every inch of that incredibly soft, pale skin while his tongue connected some of Hugo’s freckles on his hips. His skin tasted sweet.

Lost in the sensations, Dean was caught by surprise when Hugo suddenly reversed their positions and started kissing Dean’s abs. The temptation to close his eyes and just enjoy was strong, but at the same time, Dean wanted to keep his eyes open and watch Hugo, just to have it all imprinted in his brain, in case this turned out to be a one-time thing.

They rolled around again after a while, and soon their bodies were slick with sweat and Dean had produced a tube of lube and slid two fingers up inside Hugo, moaning at the feel of those strong muscles clenching around them.

When he felt the younger boy relax, he replaced his fingers with his cock and started thrusting, his hands moving up Hugo’s arms to pin his wrists to his bed, his eyes never leaving Hugo’s. It didn’t take a long time for both of them to feel their orgasms approaching and their moans were muffled when their lips met in another passionate kiss.

After he’d spilled himself inside Hugo, Dean stayed on top of him, touching that beautiful body until his cock softened and he had to roll off him.

He turned his head and watched Hugo roll onto his stomach, then reached out to brush his fingers over the other boy’s slick back and that perfect, round ass.

They lay in silence for a long while, just looking at each other and touching every part of the other’s body that they could reach.

“How can you call me beautiful,” Hugo said then, softly, “when you see yourself in the mirror every day? I’m nothing compared to you, Dean. My father said you were good-looking, but I didn’t expect... well, this.”

Dean chuckled and shook his head, then blinked and frowned in confusion. “Your father? What do you-”

He trailed off when he suddenly realized why Hugo looked so familiar. He wondered why he hadn’t seen it before; the resemblance was definitely there. “Ron,” he said quietly. “You’re Ron and Hermione’s son.”

Hugo bit his lip and nodded. “Are you mad?”

Dean stared into his eyes for a moment, then sat up and lowered his head, shaking it. “You should have told me,” he said quietly. “But... no, I’m not mad, and I definitely don’t regret this.”

Hugo’s face lit up in relief and he gave Dean a sweet smile. Dean looked at him, then slid out of the bed and reached for a piece of paper and his pencil. “Don’t move,” he said, then started drawing.

“Where did you learn to draw like that?” Hugo asked curiously after a moment.

Dean shrugged, only taking his eyes off his drawing to make sure he didn’t miss anything. “I taught myself,” he murmured, then reached for the watercolours to give his work more depth. “I’ve always done it; I just got better over the years, with a lot of practice. I always knew that a job at the Ministry or something else in the Wizarding world wouldn’t be the right thing for me. I’ve always been an artist.”

Hugo nodded, watching him thoughtfully. “I can draw a little,” he admitted. “Far away from the perfection of your drawings, though.”

“I’m sure you’re great,” Dean murmured, and when he looked up again, Hugo had rolled onto his back and was trailing those long, elegant fingers over his already hard cock. Dean sucked in a sharp breath and watched him for a moment, mesmerized.

He didn’t know what it was about this boy that fascinated him so much; he just somehow managed to make everything look beautiful and sexy.

Distracted by the movement of Hugo’s hand, he set his unfinished drawing aside and pounced, ready for another round of passionate love-making.

~ * ~

When Dean woke up the next morning, the spot beside him was empty, and a glance at the chair by the bed where Hugo had put his clothes the previous day told him that he was gone. He sat up and panicked for a brief moment; he had no telephone number, no address, and he could hardly call Hugo’s parents.

He would probably never see Hugo again unless the boy chose to come back. It wasn’t until then that he saw a piece of parchment on his nightstand, next to the drawing of Hugo that he’d left there, unfinished.

Curious, Dean reached out to pick it up and turned it around, a soft chuckle escaping him.

Then he got up and waited for the evening to come.

The End

ART: Theodore/Luna

2009-11-04T18:05:18Z

Artist: thilia
Title: Untitled
Pairing: Theodore/Luna
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Het!
Media: Photoshop 7, Tablet
Theme: Het for hump_day_smut
Notes: I started four drawings and I just couldn't get it to look right. Then Photoshop crashed on me a couple of times and in the end I was just so frustrated that I submitted this XD Anyway...

ART: Hermione & Rose

2009-11-02T20:49:34Z

Artist: thilia
Title: Lazy Sunday Afternoon
Characters: Hermione Granger & Rose Weasley
Rating: G
Warnings: GEN D: XD
Media: Photoshop 7, Tablet
Notes: Baby!Rose! :D

Life Update and To Doodelidoo List

2009-11-02T12:15:51Z

So. After talking to my mother, we decided that I'm going to take the exam to become a replacement for primary/elementary school teachers. If I get accepted, I need to do a four week internship in a class, and if I pass it, then I'll get calls whenever a teacher calls in sick, and... well, I'll have to teach :)

I think that's probably the best idea because it'll help me get over my shyness and see if teaching would be something I'd enjoy. I still can't see myself standing in front of a class without blushing and stuttering but... well, we'll see how it goes.

Anyway, my mum wants me to send the letter tomorrow, and I have so much to do this week, that I need a To Do List, so that I won't forget anything.

To Do List

[check] send emails to uni to ask if I'll get my money back
[check] send emails to uni to ask if I can get some sort of proof that I've been studying there for the past two years
[check] go grocery shopping
[] go pick up some documents I need for my application
[] buy a birthday gift for my mum and dad
[] tell my dad about the failed exam D: D: D:
[] go to Saarbrücken to close my bank account and stuff
[] write fics/draw fanart before deadlines
[] clean up and iron to show my mother that I haven't been lazy all week :P

ART: Playwizard Special Edition N°1 [Happy Halloween! :)]

2009-10-30T17:04:08Z

Title: PlayWizard Special Edition N°1
Artist: thilia
Characters: Pansy Parkinson, Ginny Weasley & Hermione Granger
Rating: R -- NWS!
Warnings: Nudity ;D
Media: Photoshop 7, Tablet
Notes: Well... you can probably imagine what Harry, Ron and Blaise (cause he's with Pansy) did the moment they got this magazine... :P I'm not entirely happy with Ginny's face; Pansy and Hermione, on the other hand, look way better than I expected... *licks*

Why yes, I'm a dork XD

Happy Halloween everyone!

View Poll: #1478476

EDIT: I meant *GayWizard, of course :P LOL

Meme Tiem!

2009-10-28T18:58:30Z

I'm boooored, and stole this from jakoby

1) Post a list of up to 20 books/movies/anime/TV shows/video games/bands [fannish etc.] that you've had an obsessive fannish love or interest in at some time in your life.
2) Have your f-list guess your favourite character/member [and pairing! :)] from each item.
3) When someone guesses correctly, strike through the item and put the name of your favorite character next to it.

EDIT: Okay, I'm just gonna write the correct answers here now, since I don't think anyone's still gonna give it a try :D Behold...

1. Harry Potter -- Harry & Albus/Scorpius, probably.
2. Skins -- first season: Chris & Sid/Cassie. second season: Effy & Emily/Naomi
3. Pride & Prejudice -- Lizzie & Darcy/Lizzie
4. Desperate Housewives -- Bree & Karl/Bree
5. Gilmore Girls -- Kirk & Jess/Rory
6. Mortal Instruments -- Jace & Magnus/Alec
7. Demon's Lexicon -- Nick & Nick/Jamie
8. Good Omens -- Crowley & Crowley/Aziraphale
9. We Will Rock You -- Scaramouche & Britney/Meat
10. Pirates of the Caribbean -- Jack Sparrow & Jack/Will
11. Lord of the Rings -- Legolas & Aragorn/Legolas
12. Wicked -- Glinda & Fiyero/Elphaba
13. Grey's Anatomy -- Addison & Alex/Addison
14. Sex and the City -- Carrie & Charlotte/Harry
15. Buffy the Vampire Slayer -- Spike & Spike/Buffy
16. Angel -- Lorne & Wesley/Fred
17. Twilight (used to! not anymore!) -- Jasper & Edward/Jasper
18. Coupling -- Jeff & Steve/Susan
19. National Treasure -- Riley & Ben/Riley
20. Die Hard 4.0 -- Matt & John/Matt

BOO! New Fest! Everybody sign up! grins :D

2009-10-28T18:20:10Z

RULES | SIGN UP | AFFILIATE | PIMP THE FEST

deatheaterfest - join the dark side ;)

Sign-ups open: ~~November, 1st~~ Now!
Sign-ups close: November, 20th
Assignments sent: November 27th
Deadline: February 1st
Posting starts: February 14th

RPG Pimping!

2009-10-27T16:42:59Z

Hey dudes, does anyone want to join Time of Trial, the RPG?

I'm so incredibly bored and it would be nice if we could get some active people! I have Rodolphus - and I'm quite busy with him - but I also have Luna and Blaise and I rarely get to play them because we just don't have enough active players!

I'd really like it if someone took Ginny, or Neville, because Luna really needs a boyfriend/girlfriend. Yep, she's bi. Of course she is *g*

So if anyone's up for some (slightly insane) het or femmeslash with me, why don't you just join and have some fun, huh? :D

Or some slash for Blaise? That would be awesome too *nodnodnod* Draco and Theodore are taken but Blaise wouldn't mind getting kinky with some hot Gryff, Claw or Puff ;)

Pleeeeeeeease???

ART: Karkaroff/Fleur

2009-10-27T15:57:26Z

Title: The Death Eater and the Veela
Artist: thilia
Media: Photoshop 7, tablet
Pairing: Karkaroff/Fleur O_O
Rating: NC-17! NWS!
Warnings: Het, crossgen, smut, probably some others... :P
Notes: For snarkyscorp who inspired me with her fic Mistaken XD I even remembered your oral fixation fetish!!! :D Anyway, I actually drew this for hump_day_smut but then I realised that the prompt I was drawing it for was only next week, so I decided to post it now :P *grins* Hope you like!

Pimp Time!

2009-10-25T19:06:25Z

The wonderful nuclearsugars and hondagirll created a new community and you guys should all join because... honestly, who doesn't love Lily Luna Potter? ;)

So join lilyz_pad for all your Lily needs! ;)

BETA! XD

2009-10-24T13:19:14Z

*wibbles*

I still need a beta for my hp_toujours fic which is due on Monday!

It's Blackcest, slash, NC-17, ~3,500 words.

Please???

Send an email to thilia@live.com if you're interested! :)

ART: Molly/Lorcan

2009-10-24T00:03:29Z

Title: Just One Kiss
Artist: thilia
Media: Photoshop 7, tablet
Characters: (female!)Lorcan/Molly
Rating: PG-13
Warnings: Femmeslash, vampirism, light nudity.
Notes: This is a (future) scene in one of my RPs with my darling teganscrush. We started out playing Lorcan/Lysander with Lorcan as a girl, then tried her/him as a boy but I just prefer Lorcan as a girl. She kicks ass, lemme tell ya XD Anyway, yeah. They're vampires in case you hadn't noticed and... yeah XD For youuuuuuu, Candi :D

ART: Angelina/Romilda

2009-10-23T11:31:02Z

Title: Girls Just Wanna Have Fun
Artist: thilia
Media: Photoshop 7, tablet
Characters: Romilda Vane/Angelina Johnson
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: Femmeslash, nudity, oral sex, sock kink LOL :D Oh, and oddly skinny Angelina...
Themes/kinks chosen: Alternative pairing and hyphephilia, I guess ;)
Artist's notes: Um... yeah. I love their socks XD

(Girls Just Wanna Have Fun)

[Fake cut to daily_deviant on InsaneJournal]

FIC: When Love Takes Over

2009-10-22T14:23:27Z

I wrote speenpr0nz! And... LOL! I just realized that I haven't even joined the community yet *head desk* Got a little carried away by the awesome prompts XD

Title: When Love Takes Over
Author: thilia
Pairing: Rose/Lily
Rating: NC-17
Length: 3,555 words
Summary: "Why are you so mean to me? Do you really hate me that much?"
Warnings: Femmeslash, smut, incest.
Disclaimer: All mine, muhahaha! Kidding. Characters and situations belong to Rowling, story is mine.
Notes: Written in two hours for speedpr0nz.
Prompts Used: Words: Bathing suit, compliments. Scenario: Fighting over books at the library. Pictures: (click to see full size)

When Love Takes Over

"Oh come on, Rosie! I need that book now!" Lily stomped her foot and folded her arms over her chest, looking annoyed.

Rose gave her cousin a cold look and raised an eyebrow, still clutching the book to her chest. "Why would you need a book? When do you ever study? Aren't you too busy making out with random boys all over the castle?"

Lily's face fell and she stared at Rose, unable to believe what she was hearing. "Why are you so mean to me?" she asked, the hurt clear in her voice. She pushed a red curl behind her ear and stared at her cousin for another moment before shaking her head. "Fine. I don't need the stupid book. Whatever."

She turned to leave when she heard Rose sigh. She whirled around to glare at the older girl. "What? I said I don't need the book! You're the one acting like a complete bitch, so don not fucking sigh at me! Keep your silly book and... Be happy together."

"I am!" Rose snapped, an odd look on her face. Lily watched her curiously for a long moment, trying to figure out why Rose would be such a bitch to her. It had started about a year ago and Lily just couldn't come up with a reason why Rose would hate her from one day to the next.

"I don't get you," she muttered, shrugging her shoulders. "What's your problem? Honestly, do you hate me that much?" When Rose didn't reply and just stared at a spot on the bookshelf behind Lily, the latter shook her head and turned to leave. This time, she didn't turn back and just went straight to her dorm, glaring and snapping at whoever dared to cross her path.

She tried to avoid Rose for the next few days, sick of the way she was being treated. Rose had never been a very social person, had always preferred to read a nice book to spending time with her friends or family. Lily understood that Rose didn't like people. But to just steal a book from Lily when she desperately needed it seemed unnaturally childish, even for Rose.

It wasn't until a week later that Lily was forced to be in Rose's company. She'd gone up to the Gryffindor common room to ask James if he wanted to take advantage of the great weather outside and fly for an hour or two. James was in immediately but needed to change, so he left Lily in the common room which was empty except for Rose.

Lily ignored her and stalked to a window, pointedly turning her back to Rose to watch a few first years sneaking off to the forest. They would be in so much trouble if someone caught them...

Only when Rose's hand brushed her shoulder did she realize that she was there, and she closed her eyes for a moment, not turning around.

"I'm sorry," Rose said quietly, heaving a sigh. "I know I acted like an idiot the other day and I'm sorry. If you want the book now, you can have it."

Lily turned around to glare at her, her lips curling into a pout. "How extraordinarily nice of you," Lily spat, knowing that she was overreacting but unable to keep herself from glaring at the other girl. "The test is over now. Thanks for helping me fail it."

Rose bit her lip and gave her a sheepish look. "Oh god, I'm sorry, Lily. I didn't mean to, I... I don't know why I did that."

Lily let out an angry snort and glanced back out the window, folding her arms over her chest. "Yeah well, it's too late now, isn't it? So thanks very much." She was silent for a moment, then had to know. "Why, Rose? Why are you like this? What did I ever do to you to make you hate me so much? If you have a problem with me, tell me. I can handle it. I want to know."

Rose's cheeks coloured a little and she stared down at her feet as she stepped closer, then lifted her head when she was facing Lily. The afternoon sun shone through the window, and Lily noticed how pretty it looked, reflecting in Rose's hair. She blinked when Rose's voice interrupted her thought process. "I can't," she said in a small voice, swallowing hard. "I can't tell you, Lily. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be mean but... I can't tell you."

Lily's features softened immediately into an expression of concern and she took a step forward. "Why?" she asked softly, worry obvious in her voice. "Why can't you tell me, Rosie? Are you in trouble? Did something happen? You can tell me anything, you know that, right? Don't you trust me?"

Rose seemed unaccountably nervous, her hands fumbling with the fabric of her shirt. "No, it's not that," she said, her voice a mere whisper now. "It's just, I..." She swallowed hard and Lily briefly saw Rose's eyes flicker down to her lips. Her eyes widened momentarily, and she wondered if...

"Rosie?" she whispered, her own heart suddenly beating faster. Rose lowered her head, avoiding Lily's eyes, and Lily suppressed a gasp of surprise, understanding. She couldn't grasp what she had just found out but the look on Rose's face told her everything she needed to know. She took another step closer; she was now standing so close to Rose that she could smell her flowery perfume and the scent of her peach shampoo.

"Rosie?" she asked again, and this time Rose looked up, blinking briefly when she realized how close Lily was. Lily swallowed and without even noticing, she leaned in a little, automatically tilting her head to the left. Rose's eyes were closed now, her breath coming in shallow pants. Lily could feel the heat of Rose's breath on her face and if she just leaned a little closer, their lips would brush and-

"I'm ready!" James's voice suddenly came from the stairway leading down from the boys' dorm. Both girls flinched and jumped apart, their cheeks flushing in embarrassment as James stormed into the room. "I couldn't find my gloves because that dick Connor had them in his bedside drawer. I don't want to know what the bloody hell they were doing there."

He shuddered, then gave the girls a curious look. "Everything all right here?"

Lily nodded quickly. "Yeah, sure. Let's go."

Without another look at Rose, she followed James out of the common room, refusing to think about what had just happened. Or, well... almost happened.

It took another two weeks before Lily and Rose finally talked again. Hugo and Albus had insisted on taking their sisters down to Hogsmeade to buy booze for the party Slytherin was throwing. Lily was glad she didn't need to be alone with Rose, knowing it would be awkward. With Albus and Hugo there, they could pretend like nothing had happened. It was easier that way.

After a while, they relaxed and managed to say more than two words in a row to each other. It was nice and comfortable; almost like old times when Lily and Rose used to spend hours playing together at the Burrow while their grandma watched over them. All the hostility of the past few weeks seemed forgotten, and with Hugo and Albus' help, Lily even managed to convince Rose to come to the Slytherin party that night. She was glad that everything seemed back to normal, and as she stood in the Slytherin common room that night, a cup of beer in her hand as she waited for Rose to arrive, she was almost sure that everything would be fine. It had probably just been a misunderstanding and now they could go on like before and all would be well.

That belief was thoroughly shattered when Rose entered the common room. Lily had never seen her cousin like that. Rose never showed any skin; she liked to wear the wide, unflattering jumpers their grandmother knitted for them, and skirts that reached her ankles. Her look was a little too conservative and boyish for Lily, but it was just Rose.

Tonight, however, Rose looked different. Lily almost didn't recognize her as she came through the door in her short, green dress, her freckled skin glowing in the pale candle light. Her normally shoulder-length, auburn curls were straight tonight and her hair brushed past her shoulder. She was even wearing makeup, and for a moment, Lily was stunned; frozen to the spot as she looked at what seemed to be her cousin but didn't look like her at all. She looked... good.

Rose smiled when she saw Lily and joined her, and once Lily managed to tear her eyes away from the large amount of pale, exposed skin, they could relax and have fun. They drank way too much; Albus made sure that they had a drink at all times, and a couple of hours later, they stumbled out of the Slytherin common room, giggling and tripping over their own feet, deciding that it was time to go to bed.

"My dress is ruined," Rose whined as they swayed on their way to Gryffindor, an uncontrolled giggle escaping her red lips. "M'never gonna get that stain out."

Lily slid an arm around Rose's shoulder, needing the support while Rose tried to remember the password that would let them into the common room. "Nah, t's not ruined. It'll be fine. But you should make it, you know, wet. Wash it out imm... immediately."

Rose agreed and, with some more giggling, they stumbled into the bathroom where Lily unceremoniously pushed a fully dressed Rose under the spray and turned the shower on. Rose shrieked in surprise, obviously not expecting the cold water, and moments later, she was drenched; her tight, now darker green dress clinging to her wet skin.

Lily leaned against the shower wall and stared at her, her mouth hanging open.

"You're so beautiful," she slurred, the alcohol making her head spin a little. Rose let out a high-pitched giggle and gave her a look.

"Yeah, right," she laughed, leaning back against the wall and closing her eyes as she turned her face up to the cold water pouring down on her. Lily licked her lips as she watched the water run down Rose's body, small drops rolling down underneath the fabric of her dress; disappearing between her breasts.

"I'm serious," she breathed, feeling a familiar tingling sensation in her lower body as she let her eyes roam over her cousin's body. "You're gorgeous. And sexy... and beautiful and... sexy."

Rose let out a breathless laugh, then opened her eyes and stared at Lily, her face turning serious when she saw the sincerity in Lily's eyes. She blinked and tilted her head curiously.

"Seriously?" she asked softly, and Lily nodded, abandoning the idea of staying dry, and stepped into the shower in front of Rose. Their clothes would be ruined the next morning but Lily couldn't bring herself to care.

She slid her hands onto Rose's hips and leaned against her, smiling when Rose's breath caught in her throat. She closed her eyes and pressed their foreheads together, the tips of their noses brushing as she leaned in to brush her wet lips over Rose's. She felt Rose release a breath, then Lily moved to cover the other girl's mouth with her own, feeling her body relax when Rose deepened the kiss. She tasted like beer and something else that Lily couldn't quite determine. As the tension left her body, she realized how much – and for how long – she'd dreamed of this, and as she slid her tongue into Rose's mouth to explore it, a pleasant, fluttery feeling spread in her stomach.

Their tongues slid along each other as Lily's hands moved down Rose's arms before sliding around her back to pull her closer, pressing their bodies flush together. She broke the kiss only to trail a series of small, soft kisses along Rose's jaw and down her neck and shoulder. Rose's breath hitched when Lily kissed the tops of her breasts, fumbling with the zipper of her dress before abandoning the attempt and just pushing the straps down to reveal small but perfectly round breasts and small, perky nipples.

Lily let out a soft moan as she bent her head down to catch one of the little hard nubs between her lips, sucking it into her mouth and grazing her teeth over it; feeling it harden further under her touch.

"Lily," Rose whispered as her own hands slid down to cup Lily's ass, her face pressed into the other girl's neck. "Need to... take off... clothes," she muttered, trying to pull Lily's dress down with some difficulty and failing miserably. She let out a frustrated sigh and reached up to cup one of Lily's breasts, squeezing it lightly and rubbing her nipple through the thin fabric of her dress.

Lily gasped and moved her body forward into the touch, then helped Rose, managing to pull her own dress down to her hips before she was forced to use a spell to tear it down all the way. She kicked off her shoes, realizing that they would be unusable the other morning and not caring a bit.

She looked up to find Rose staring at her with wide, blue-green eyes, her lips parting a little as she took in Lily's half-naked body. A small smile tugged at the corners of Lily's lips and she reached down to pull her knickers down, stepping out of them and letting Rose see all of her.

Her fingers brushed Rose's thighs as the cool water continued to spray them, and she pushed up Rose's skirt over her hips, letting out a surprised moan when she realized that Rose hadn't bothered with underwear that night. It was so unlike Rose that she couldn't hold back a delighted giggle, and when she looked up at Rose's face, she saw her grinning back at her.

Using the spell again, she got rid of the rest of Rose's clothes, pressing their bodies together when they were both naked and wet. Rose's makeup was smudged; the black kohl running down her cheeks; but Lily had never seen anything so beautiful in her life. The feel of Rose's firm, little breasts pressed against her own bigger ones made her shiver, and she tilted Rose's chin up to kiss her once again as her hands slid down to touch the other girl's hips.

Rose arched into the touch as her own hand reached up to brush her fingers over Lily's cold, wet skin, her breath hot on Lily's face as she broke the kiss to take a deep breath. "Gods, Lily..."

Lily smiled against her cheek, trailing her own fingers down Rose's flat stomach to slide between her legs, gasping at the wet heat she found down there. She stroked her slowly, gently, smiling at the soft, breathy moans that escaped Rose's lips.

Suddenly overwhelmed with a desire to taste Rose, she dropped to her knees in front of her, took one of her legs and slid it over her shoulder. She kissed the inside of Rose's knee, smiling when Rose tensed for a brief moment. Rose had always been ticklish. She licked a trail up the inside of Rose's thigh, her own heart speeding up the closer she came to Rose's crotch.

She closed her eyes when she smelled her scent and felt her own arousal grow as she lifted her head to gently brush her lips over Rose's pussy. Her skin there was bare except for a little landing strip, and Lily had to smile at a few stray freckles she could count there. She looked up at her cousin for a moment, then nosed the soft patch of wet hair before spreading her and closing her lips around her clit, sucking gently.

"Oh goddd," Rose moaned, her fingers tangling into Lily's curly mess of hair and tugging lightly, needing something to hold onto to prevent herself from slipping. "Lily, god..."

Lily brushed the tip of her tongue over Rose's clit, letting out a soft moan herself at that taste. It was extremely arousing and not at all unpleasant; she couldn't compare it to anything she'd ever tasted before. All she knew was that she loved it, and would do this again and again if Rose let her. Lily hoped she would.

She slid her tongue down to Rose's hole and pressed her tongue in teasingly, revelling in the soft, breathy noises her cousin made. She used her free hand to brush her fingers over the opening, teasing briefly before sliding two of them inside the other girl, moaning at the tight heat surrounding her digits. Her mouth moved back to her clit to play with it with the tip of her tongue, while fingers slowly moved in and out of her, hesitating briefly every time she tried a different angle to make sure it felt good for Rose.

Rose's hand tightened in Lily's hair, pulling almost desperately and painfully, and Lily knew that Rose had to be close. She pressed her tongue harder against Rose's swollen clit, rubbing a little faster as her fingers sped up as well. She felt Rose clench around her and when she cried out in pleasure, Lily felt her spasm around her uncontrollably. She pressed her free hand against the other girl's stomach to keep her upright, then slowed down the movement with her tongue as she pulled her fingers out of her.

She looked up at Rose whose cheeks were flushed, her eyes half-closed and her hair wild and messy, and made sure that she had Rose's full attention as she sucked her fingers into her mouth, licking them clean.

"Fuck, Lily, that was...," Rose started, then trailed off and tugged Lily back up to kiss her lips, tasting herself on Lily's tongue. Lily kissed her hard, pressing her against the wall of the shower as she slipped one of her thighs between Rose's legs, feeling her hot pussy pressed against it. She made sure that Rose's leg was comfortably nestled between her own legs as she started to grind against her, knowing that her own orgasm wouldn't take long.

Pleasuring Rose had been so arousing that she'd almost come herself a few moments ago, and as she felt her orgasm building, she realised that nothing had ever felt like this. No boy had ever managed to make her feel this, and when Rose's hand closed around her breast again and the other slid between her thigh and her vagina to play with her clit, she cried out and came harder than ever before.

Spent, she slumped against Rose and panted against her neck, her body still shaking from the force of her orgasm. When she felt Rose shiver beneath her, she turned off the water and wrapped her arms around her.

They kissed lazily for a few minutes until the cold was getting too much and they dried off quickly before sliding under the warm covers of Rose's bed, seeking the other's warmth with their shivering bodies.

They lay in silence for a long time until Lily could feel Rose smile against her shoulder. Stroking her damp hair, she couldn't help but smile too. "What is it?" she whispered.

"Nothing," Rose whispered, running her fingers through Lily's hair. "I just can't believe this is happening."

Lily smiled, knowing how Rose felt as she felt the exact same way. "How long... I mean, when did you...," Lily started, then trailed off, not knowing how to form her question.

Rose smiled. "Summer holidays a year ago. I saw you in that bathing suit, and something just... clicked." She drew back to look into Lily's eyes, brushing a stray curl out of her face. "I'm sorry I was such a prat over the last few months. I just... I was scared."

Lily nodded, then leaned forward to place a gentle kiss on the tip of Rose's nose. "Don't be scared. It's all good now. You have me now," she whispered, burying her face back in Rose's warm neck and tangling their legs; needing to be closer to her.

They fell into a comfortable silence once again until Lily felt Rose smirking against her neck. "What is it now?" she asked in a mock-annoyed tone.

"Next time I want to go down on you," Rose purred into her ear, the sound of her voice and the feel of her hot breath ghosting across Lily's skin going straight to Lily's nipples, making them harden beneath Rose's hand which had been comfortably resting on her breast since they'd fallen into bed.

"Oh yeah?" Lily whispered, smirking slowly and splaying her hand across Rose's lower back, stroking gently. "And when will that be?"

Rose's hand slid between her legs and a soft gasp escaped Lily as her body buckled forward into the touch helplessly. "How about right now?" Rose asked, pressing her lips to Lily's shoulder and sucking hard, her teeth grazing Lily's sensitive skin.

"Can't see why not," Lily murmured, rolling on top of Rose and kissing her cousin passionately, smiling to herself when she realized that the night wouldn't be over any time soon.

The End

ART: James Sirius/Lily Luna

2009-10-21T21:58:24Z

Artist: thilia
Title: Untitled
Pairing: James (Sirius)/Lily (Luna)
Rating: PG-13
Warning(s): Het! Incest! Underage, I guess! XD
Media: Photoshop 7, Tablet
Notes: HELL YEAH, another one LOL. I'm on a roll, sorry. Just trying to finish all my WIPs. Jamie and Lily ♥ :D

ART: Bellatrix/Tonks, The Second

2009-10-21T19:36:54Z

Artist: thilia
Title: Les Héroïnes du Mal - Part 2
Pairing: Bellatrix/Tonks
Rating: NC-17
Warning(s): Femmeslash, piercings, nudity, oral ;) Oh, and incest, I guess.
Media: Photoshop 7, Tablet
Notes: Aaaand here's the second, smutty part :D I kinda love Bella's shirt/dress thingy.

Beeetaaah plz?

2009-10-21T15:13:03Z

And a beta request:

I finally managed to finish my hp_toujours fic and I need a beta. Anyone interested?

It's ~3,000 words, slash, incest, obviously members of the Black family and NC-17 :) Any takers?

Comments are screened; comment with your email addy.

Oh, and the deadline is October 26th, so I need it back by Sunday.

ART: Remus/Sirius

2009-10-21T15:10:35Z

Artist: thilia
Title: Untitled
Pairing: Remus/Sirius
Rating: NC-17
Warning(s): Slash, smut, the usual :P
Media: Photoshop 7, Tablet
Theme: Manly Men on hump_day_smut.
Notes: First time I drew Remus/Sirius and they're not even coloured! LOL Couldn't get it to look right; Remus's skin was too grey and their hair looked stupid, so... you get lineart :D Hope you like it.