1  Teddy Ties

Harry nearly kicked the wall in frustration, but the stone would most likely break his foot through his trainers, and then he would be lost and in excruciating pain. Harry gnawed his lip and tore at his hair with the hand that did not hold his lit wand aloft. He turned away from yet another dead end and backtracked down the dark passage, reaching out now and again to feel for false walls. The existence of thosehad ratcheted his annoyance to near-stellar levels.

It was all Draco Malfoy's fault. Harry's rage at the Slytherin prat could no longer be contained.

"Fuck you, Malfoy!" he yelled at the top of his lungs. The words echoed down the stone passage and died away. Astonishingly, the cry was answered.

"Potter?"

Harry's pulse leaped at the word, not because he had any desire to see Malfoy, except possibly to hex him into a smoking pile, but because Harry had been wandering alone for hours and even a hated person was better company than no one.

Harry hurried toward the voice, breaking into a jog. "Malfoy?" he called.

A dim light around one corner grew brighter, and Harry choked down a feeling of relief when Malfoy's pointed face came into view. He thought he saw the same expression before the blond's familiar scowl overtook Malfoy's features.

"Fuck, Potter, are you trapped in here, too?"

"No, I just felt like wandering in this maze all night, missing dinner, and blowing off the essay I'm supposed to write for Charms tomorrow."

Malfoy's eyes narrowed. "Well, don't blame me! I certainly didn't ask you to follow me."

Harry glared back. It had been exceedingly stupid to follow Malfoy without benefit of his invisibility cloak and Marauder's Map, but Malfoy had just looked so guilty skulking about that Harry had been propelled to follow him. Malfoy had ducked into a previously unknown passage and down an endless flight of stairs. A dislodged stone had given away Harry's presence, causing Malfoy to bolt. Harry had raced after the Slytherin until the stairs ended in a dark passage filled with doors. Harry had thought himself lucky to catch a glimpse of Malfoy's cloak as the blond ducked through a portal.

"What possessed you to come in here, anyway?" Harry asked, bitterly regretting his pursuit of the Slytherin. It would have served the blond right to be trapped down here alone.

"I did not know it was a fucking labyrinth; I was just trying to escape you. Why are you always following me?"

"Because you are always up to something! Where were you sneaking off to?"

Malfoy shrugged. "There is a private room at the base of the stairs. I go there to be alone." He snorted. "Of course I couldn't hide in there with you following me."

Harry nearly asked why not, but then it occurred to him that he was having a near-civil conversation with Malfoy. That ended quickly.

"How do you plan to get us out of here?" Malfoy asked.

"What do you mean me?"

Malfoy's lip curled in an attitude of disdain. Harry set his jaw. How did the Slytherindo that? He could make Harry feel inferior without even trying.

"Because you are the Gryffindor, of course. Not to mention the Mighty Hero and all that tripe. Isn't it your job to save people?"

"Apart from me, I don't see any people here," Harry said tightly.

Malfoy gave him a look reminiscent of Voldemort, but said nothing. Harry sighed.

"I do plan to get out of here, so I suppose it won't hurt you to tag along."

Harry set off again, taking random turns and corners for a bit. He was minutely glad of Malfoy's company, mostly because they could each trail a hand along the wall, checking for hidden passages.

"Did you try marking the walls?" Harry asked.

"Of course. Nothing works. Marks fade, Sticking Charms don't stick, and Compass Charms go haywire."

"What sadistic bastard made this place?" Harry demanded rhetorically.

"Salazar Slytherin."

Harry glared at him as though Slytherin's blood flowed through the blond's blood, making him indirectly responsible.

"Can you conjure—?"
"Why, do you want your teddy bear? Ickle Potter need a cuddle?"

Harry prayed for strength. "Chalk would be nice," he said levelly. "I already tried it, but I thought you might have better luck."

"Because I'm better than you? Good point." Malfoy cast, to no avail. Harry smirked.

"Yeah. Better."

They walked aimlessly, until Harry suddenly stopped. Malfoy ran into him, and put a hand on Harry's hip to steady himself. Harry felt the blond's warm body press against his for a moment, and the hand seemed to burn through his trousers.

"Fuck, Potter, why are you stopping?" Malfoy snatched his hand away and stepped back. Harry fought a blush and won.

"I have an idea."

"Your first ever?" Malfoy asked in an impressed tone.

"Shut up," he retorted, but he was nonplussed—that had sounded more like a teasing comment than an insult. Harry unbuttoned his robes and shrugged out of them.

"Your idea is to get naked, and hope your ever-present hoards of fans will sense it and rush down here to rescue you?" Malfoy asked dryly.

Harry gaped at him and straightened his shirt with a jerk. He had long since loosened his Gryffindor tie. "What fans?"

Malfoy rolled his eyes. "Please, Potter, your pretense is revolting. Even Slytherin girls have photos of you pasted to their walls for wank material." He coughed. "Some of the guys, too."

Harry was too shocked to even shut his jaw for a moment or two, until he realized Malfoy was having him on.

"You suck, Malfoy," he said flatly.

"Sometimes," Malfoy admitted thoughtfully, and Harry decided he could not possibly have meant anything along the lines of Harry's invention. Why had his imagination gone straight there, anyway? It was Malfoy's fault for bringing up naked and wanking. And he was notthinking about Malfoy in association with either of those terms.

Harry quickly lifted his robe in one hand and his wand in the other. Malfoy's wand provided light enough, so Harry cancelled the Lumos on his own wand. He cast a Cutting Charm and sliced the black material into dozens of thin strips.

"Bondage, Potter? You surprise me."

Malfoy's voice was not seductive, Harry admonished himself. "If you don't shut up, Malfoy, I'll tie you up and gag you," he said.

"Really? You strike me more as a bottom."

Harry blushed scarlet. Thanks to a drunken discussion one evening into more sexual practices than Harry had ever dreamed existed, he knew immediately what Malfoy implied.

"Why?" he asked stupidly, before his brain caught up to his shock.

Malfoy shrugged. "Don't look so surprised. It's perfectly normal, if you think about it. Everyone expects you to save the world. It has to be a lot of pressure. I'll bet sometimes you would love to just lie back and let someone take care of you."

Harry was suddenly drowning in a surreal sea. His most annoying enemy stood before him, giving voice to things Harry would not even admit to himself. Malfoy's face was all-too serious, and all-too fine-looking in the muted light. Harry could not even snarl at him for being a git, because the customary sneer was missing.

Harry opted for ignoring him, and bent his head to tie a couple of the black strips from his now-shredded cloak together to make a rudimentary arrow shape. He walked to the nearest corner and set his construct on the floor, indicating their direction. The arrow did not shift or disappear. Harry let out a breath of relief. He looked at Malfoy triumphantly, and the Slytherin shrugged.

"I note you did not deny it, eh, Potter?" Malfoy taunted and Harry blushed again. He wanted to smash the blond in the mouth. Bastard.

"Come on," Harry said roughly. They made better progress with Harry's arrows marking the way. At least they no longer backtracked or walked in circles.

"I need to rest, Potter," Malfoy said sometime later, and leaned against the wall tiredly. The blond looked almost ragged. A single strand of white-blond hair drooped over one grey eye. Harry clenched his fists to keep from reaching up to tuck it into place. "Do you have any food?"

Harry delved into his trouser pocket and pulled out a single Chocolate Frog. Malfoy's eyes lit up like a kid's at Christmas. Harry handed it to Malfoy, who opened it eagerly.

"Oh, Potter. You killed your frog," he said sadly.

Harry leaned forward to peer into the package. The melted form only vaguely resembled a frog. Malfoy dipped a finger into the melted mess and scooped a chunk into his mouth. He made a groan of pleasure that sounded too erotic for food. Malfoy nudged the wrapper toward Harry, who put a digit into the chocolate and raised a fingerful to his lips. It was good, but a poor substitute for roast beef, potatoes, and treacle tart. Harry figured it was past midnight. Dinner had been hours ago.

They finished the sweet in silence, and Harry looked at his dark fingers ruefully.

"Sticky," he said.

Malfoy reached out and snagged his hand. Harry gasped when the blond put Harry's index and middle fingers into his mouth and sucked. Harry never knew his fingers were directly connected to his cock through some erotic electric current, but Malfoy's tongue flipped a switch somewhere labeled Erect.

Malfoy's grey eyes seemed to burn into his, and Harry watched Malfoy's cheeks draw inward to create deep dimples as he lapped the chocolate from Harry's fingers. Harry could not find voice enough to ask what Malfoy was doing.

Harry suddenly felt fingers against his jaw. They squeezed slightly, and then Malfoy's fingers were in his mouth. They tasted only faintly of chocolate, because Malfoy had already licked them clean, but they tasted of something else that flipped another switch, apparently labeledHarder.

Harry sucked at the fingers tentatively, and the next thing he knew, his back was against the wall and their fingers no longer occupied hot, wet mouths, because those mouths were pressed together, and tongues were being sucked instead of fingers.

Oh god, I am kissing Draco Malfoy, Harry thought in panic, and then Malfoy sucked again and Harry saw stars of bliss. Malfoy had been right, he did suck sometimes, and fuck if he wasn't good at it!

They kissed for longer than was rational, and Harry did not even try to resist. He felt as limp as the melted Chocolate Frog, and just as devoured when Malfoy finally stepped back.

"Get us out of here, Potter," the blond said, and Harry was beyond grateful to note the Slytherin's voice was none too steady and caught once in his throat. "I want to show you something."

Something. Harry's brain instantly supplied a large number of possiblesomethings, all of which involved various parts of Draco Malfoy's body, and he shoved himself away from the wall almost spastically.

"Out. Yes," he said unintelligently.

Harry had no idea how long it took them to get out. His mind seemed to have shut down some time around the frog/finger incident. All he knew was that a door suddenly stood before them, and when they staggered through it a long corridor with stairs leading upward met their tired eyes.

"Oh thank Merlin." Malfoy's laugh sounded almost giddy. "We're out."

Harry nodded tiredly and managed a wan smile.

"Want to see why I come down here?" Malfoy asked.

Harry wanted only to ingest food and crawl into bed, but the Slytherin seemed so expectant that Harry nodded. Malfoy walked to the door closest to the stairs. He opened it and went inside. Harry paused only a moment, while visions of Death Eaters and traps ghosted through his mind. He gripped his wand tightly and followed.

Malfoy lit a dozen candle sconces on the wall of the large room. Harry stopped in surprise. A huge table dominated the room. It seemed to be made of woven branches twined together in an intricate pattern. Bizarre choice for a table, but Harry's attention was dragged away to the wall on his left. The entire thing was taken up by a huge waterfall cascading over moss-covered boulders. Harry blinked, wondering why there was no sound. Then he flushed—magic, of course. It couldn't be real.

Malfoy watched him expectantly.

"This is your…secret place?" Harry asked. Malfoy nodded, and Harry felt a moment of consternation. Why had Malfoy shown him?

"Like it?" Malfoy asked, seeming almost nervous.

"What do you do in here?" Harry asked, thinking it looked like a Muggle conference room. Did Malfoy do homework? Plot ways to make Harry's life miserable? Malfoy crossed the few steps back to stand before Harry, who restrained himself from flinching away. Malfoy had always had the ability to raise Harry's blood pressure, but this time it was not from anger.

He thought the Slytherin would speak, and nearly started in surprise when Malfoy's lips brushed over his throat. A pale hand curled around Harry's tie, preventing escape. Flight should have been at the top of Harry's list, but said list seemed to have been misplaced. His head tipped slightly to the side in unconscious capitulation.

Malfoy cast a spell that Harry barely heard. His bones were suddenly liquid, and he fell back onto the table. He would have cracked his head but for Malfoy's grip on his tie. The Slytherin eased him back gently. Harry noted with bemusement that the tangled branches that made up the table were smooth and flat beneath his back. Magic was a wonderful thing.

Malfoy's hands removed Harry's tie, and then went to work on the buttons of his shirt. Harry dimly knew he should be disturbed by that, but whatever spell Malfoy had used made him feel lethargic and content. Harry watched without comment as his white shirt was removed and tossed aside.

Another spell shifted Harry to the center of the table, and Malfoy climbed onto the hard surface to kneel between Harry's legs. The Slytherin's face was surprisingly intent as he tucked his wand into his belt. The pale hands reached for the waistband of Harry's trousers, and thatshould have been quite alarming. Harry could not quite drum up the energy to resist as Malfoy removed the rest of his clothing.

When Harry sprawled, naked and vulnerable, before Malfoy, he could only stare as the Slytherin gazed down at him with an expression Harry had never seen before. It almost resembled… awe. Harry felt a curious flush steal over his body. He had been partially erect merely from Malfoy's brief touches as he had removed Harry's garments, but now the blood flooded his cock in a rush that was almost painful.

Shit, he thought absently. I'm naked and aroused because of Malfoy. This has to be six dozen kinds of wrong.

It did not seem quite so wrong when Malfoy's tongue flicked out to glide over the Slytherin's lower lip, and he whispered, "Merlin, Potter, you are so…"

What? Harry wanted to ask, but his vocal cords were as nonfunctional as the rest of him.

Malfoy tore at his Slytherin tie, and draped it carelessly over Harry's abdomen as he removed his shirt. His eyes never left Harry, and Harry watched with interest as more and more pale flesh was revealed.

Harry was pleased to note that Draco was just as aroused. Malfoy's—very nice—cock jutted from a nest of pale blond curls that Harry suddenly itched to dip his hands into. He allowed his eyes to travel from the top of Malfoy's head, over the pointy features, smooth chest and torso, rigid cock, and lean thighs. He sighed in appreciation, unable to speak.

Draco Malfoy was beautiful.

Harry smiled, hoping the gesture conveyed what his voice could not. Pink suddenly tinted the Slytherin's cheeks, and Malfoy leaned forward to pluck the tie from Harry's abdomen. He slid off the table and bound the silk around Harry's left wrist before using his wand to cast a spell. One of the branches beneath the table suddenly grew like a living thing, and curled up over the top of the table.

Malfoy securely tied Harry's wrist to the branch.

I should be worried about this, Harry thought, but only watched as Malfoy repeated the action on the other wrist, using Harry's Gryffindor tie.

Malfoy used black strips from the shredded remains of Harry's school robes to similarly bind his ankles.

I should definitely be worried about this.

A moment later, Harry was. Malfoy cast Finite Incantatum, instantly releasing Harry from his lethargy. Harry was immediately tense.

"Fuck!" he cried. He yanked at his bound wrists, horrified that he had allowed himself to be so manipulated. "Damn you, Malfoy!"

Malfoy smiled and put a hand on Harry's thigh, stilling his struggle at once. Harry's heart nearly leaped out of his chest with something close to terror.

"Accio wand!" Harry yelled. Malfoy's grin widened. He tsked in mock sympathy.

"Too bad, Potter. Your wand seems to be too far away for your pathetic attempt at wandless magic."

The hand on Harry's thigh moved upward ever so slowly. Harry tried to move away, but he was hampered by his bonds. He realized with horror that his erection had not diminished, and Malfoy's caress made it even more evident. He wanted to ask what Malfoy planned to do to him—the words were on his lips, but he choked them back. The question would sound like a plea, he knew.

"Don't worry, Potter," Malfoy said softly. His other hand dropped to Harry's opposite thigh and joined the slow upward journey.

Malfoy's hands splayed and slid up to Harry's flat abdomen, close, so closeto Harry's quivering cock. Malfoy levered himself up and forward to press his lips against Harry's navel. His tongue dipped inside. Harry's body jerked and he cried out raggedly. Malfoy chuckled.

"Sensitive there, eh Potter?" He laved the spot a few more times, and Harry tried not to thrash. He quivered and gasped at each lick. His erection throbbed, and a drop of precome gleamed at the top, growing when Malfoy dropped back slightly and blew on the head. The minute sensation was like torture.

"Want me to touch it, Potter?" Malfoy asked in a liquid tone.

Yes. Yes, yes, fuck yes!

"No," Harry said, although he did not quite recognize his own voice. "I want you to untie me."

Malfoy pouted. "That would be no fun at all."

To Harry's near-screaming disappointment, Malfoy shifted to the side and crawled upward a bit. Harry felt Malfoy's hot mouth on his throat, and the pale hands wandered over Harry's chest. His fingers toyed with Harry's nipples, pinching them until they were nearly as hard as Harry's cock. The sensation distracted him from the fact that Malfoy's mouth on his neck actually hurt.

"What… what are you doing?" Harry asked with a moan. Malfoy made no reply, intent upon his task. His fingers sent jolts of electricity to Harry's poor, neglected cock.

Malfoy's lips finally moved downward, leaving a burning mark at Harry's throat.

"Just staking my claim, Potter," Malfoy said and took one of Harry's nipples in his mouth. Harry was aroused enough just from Malfoy's fingers—feeling him suck nearly made Harry come.

"Not quite yet," Malfoy admonished. He left off torturing Harry's chest to lick at the light hairs pointing the way to the object begging for attention. Malfoy's fingers drew delicate patterns on Harry's flank, moving close, very close, to Harry's cock before pulling away. Malfoy's mouth was even nearer, wafting hot breath over the leaking head. Harry had difficulty breathing—his entire world had narrowed to the length of his penis.

"Now would you like me to touch it, Potter?" the drawling voice asked. If he didn't, Harry thought he might shatter into ten thousand shards.

"Yes," Harry groaned.

"Very good, Potter." Fingers slid over Harry's testicles—an unexpected delight, but it still wasn't enough. "Now say please."

Harry no longer gave a fuck about pride. Pride was not going to put its hot, wet mouth on Harry's cock and keep it there until he came and came and came, but if Harry begged, Malfoy might.

"Please," Harry gasped. "Oh, please."

Malfoy's tongue stroked Harry's cock from base to tip, and Harry cried out raggedly. He would have come—needed to come—but Malfoy's fingers had pinched hard just beneath the head of Harry's shaft, choking off release.

"No you don't," Malfoy said and chuckled. "Want more, Potter? Say 'please, Draco'."

"Please. Please, Draco, fucking please," Harry panted, adding, You sadistic bloody bastard, but not aloud, because if Draco decided not to touch him again, Harry would die. Wretchedly, the blond demon did not touch Harry's cock. Instead, the fingers slid down over the soft flesh between Harry's testicles, drawing another shiver from Harry. Something new woke up the moment Malfoy's fingertips traced gently around the puckered ring of Harry's anus.

"Oh," said Harry.

"Yes, oh," said Malfoy, and cast a spell. Harry felt a strange whoosh and tingle inside his body, and jerked against his bonds, because it was not altogether pleasant. "Sorry," Malfoy said, shocking Harry, who would not have guessed Malfoy even knew that word. "Purifying Charm."

Purifying what? Harry nearly asked, but his power of speech short-circuited when Malfoy's tongue circled his anus, causing an incomprehensible sound to rip from Harry's throat. Oh god, oh Merlin, oh bloody everything, but that had to be wrong, so wrong—Malfoy's tongue drew molten circles around Harry's hole, and Harry wanted to convulse from the sheer wicked bliss of it, but Malfoy's hands were like iron bands on Harry's arse cheeks, keeping Harry spread wide and mostly still.

Harry's breath sobbed erratically and his hands gripped the wood that held his wrists so tightly he thought the branches would snap.

And then Malfoy's tongue slipped inside. For the second—third?—time, Harry would have come, but Malfoy paused long enough to do the squeezing thing on Harry's cock again, and Harry could only moan inarticulately as Malfoy's tongue darted in and out, deeper and deeper, until Harry wanted to scream.

Malfoy's tongue withdrew, and Harry realized he was babbling a stream of nonsense, consisting mostly of, "Please, Draco, please, please, Draco please." He bit his lip savagely to dam the flood.

"Shhh," soothed Malfoy, "Soon, Harry."

Something had taken the place of Malfoy's tongue, probing deeper still, and Harry dimly realized it was a finger. It was not quite uncomfortable, but Harry was so open and pliant that it barely registered when Malfoy inserted another. He moved them slightly and Harry tensed.

"Shhh," Malfoy said again. "Relax."

Harry relaxed when Malfoy's mouth suddenly took in his cock, reminding Harry how close he was to orgasm. A third finger bollixed that idea, and Harry gasped with both discomfort and pleasure as Malfoy's tongue laved the head of his cock while the fingers moved.

Then Malfoy's digits were gone and so was Malfoy's magical mouth, but Malfoy murmured another spell and something else was sliding into Harry, in and in and in, wet, slick, and very hard.

Harry stiffened, clenching around Draco's cock, but it was already far too late. Malfoy was inside Harry. His brain wanted to shut down at that knowledge, horrified beyond reason that he was being fucked by Draco Malfoy, but the blond obligingly wrapped a hand around Harry's cock and stroked. Harry's burgeoning orgasm, nearly forgotten for a moment, quickly made its presence known. Harry's horror diminished rapidly, and when Malfoy pulled partially out and then rammed into Harry, he was suddenly okay with the idea.

The instant Malfoy's cock hit something inside that made a shocked scream burst from Harry's throat, he started to wonder why he hadn't asked Malfoy to fuck him years ago, because it was brilliant beyond capacity. The blond moved, striking harder and faster into Harry, who used what leverage he could get to meet each stroke.

Harry realized he was crying the blond's name again, but it was okay this time because Malfoy's lips were at his ear murmuring, "Yes, Harry, come now. Come."

Harry did.

He came so hard and so long he thought his life force might flow out with it. He nearly blacked out from the intensity, and wished he had something to hold onto other than the mutated branches cutting into his palms. He might have screamed, but the blood pounding in his ears made everything inaudible.

Harry slowly came back to awareness and gradually regained his senses. Malfoy lay on his chest, panting but quiet. Harry's legs were free, and wrapped around Malfoy's lean body. Harry idly wondered when Malfoy had released him. Harry flushed, noting that although the Slytherin no longer moved, he was still deep inside of Harry.

"Did… did you…?"Harry asked, and then winced. For fuck's sake, what kind of stupid question was that?

"Yeah," Malfoy admitted softly. "It was brilliant. Amazing."

Harry's blush turned into a warm glow. He was silent for a bit, pondering the curious feel of Malfoy's cock softening within him, and his warm body pressed against Harry's. The blond made no effort to rise; Malfoy was apparently quite lethargic after sex. Fabulous, incredible sex, Harry's traitorous mind added.

"Are you planning to free my hands now?" Harry asked.

"Not until you promise not to hex me."

The words might have annoyed Harry, except that Malfoy sounded not only subdued, but sincere. Harry expected him to gloat, but Malfoy lay still against him and his fingers played lightly along Harry's ribs.

"I promise," Harry said, and not merely because his hands were growing numb. Malfoy's head rose and the grey eyes met his. He held Harry's gaze as if searching for duplicity.

Malfoy finally nodded and picked up his wand. The ties released. Harry immediately reached up and twisted both hands into Malfoy's platinum hair.

"I promised not to hex you, but I never said anything about not wringing your neck," Harry growled.

Malfoy swallowed, and Harry's eyes flicked down to admire the pale span. He dragged the blond forward and crushed their lips together. He wanted to punish the Slytherin, he really did, but he also had the irrational urge to thank him. The kiss sort of did both.

Harry released Malfoy, and the blond pushed himself away quickly. Harry noted with surprise that his cheeks were pink. Malfoy cast an absent spell to clean them up. They dressed silently, glancing at each other only occasionally.

Malfoy finished dressing first and went to the door.

"See you around, Potter."

"Malfoy…" Harry said. The blond paused in the open doorway. "What do you do in this room?"

Malfoy grinned wickedly. "Wank. To your photo."

He went out.

Harry tried not to look at Malfoy at breakfast. It was not difficult only because Harry was so tired he could barely focus on his food. He had arrived back in his room after four o'clock in the morning. Malfoy ignored Harry completely. Harry tried not to think about that.

He rubbed his raw wrists and absently reached up to touch his throat for the hundredth time, grateful that the collar of his shirt mostly-covered the purple mark Malfoy's mouth had left there.

Staking my claim.

Owls swarmed into the room with the daily mail, and Harry started in surprise when a package landed before him. He frowned in trepidation, but Ron and Hermione watched him expectantly.

He reluctantly opened the box, to find a fluffy teddy nestled within. He lifted it out and nearly gasped at the softness of it. The fur was thick and softer than rose petals. Harry's eyes widened when he saw the bear's only adornment. Two tiny bits of silk were attached—a Gryffindor tie and a Slytherin tie—one around each fuzzy wrist. Harry's eyes shot to Malfoy, whose attention was firmly fixed on Harry for the first time. Malfoy's mouth curved in his signature smirk. Harry felt his face slowly heat as he looked back at the teddy.

"Who is it from, Harry?" Hermione asked.

"No card," Harry lied. There was, indeed, a small card tucked into the package. Harry got to his feet. "I'll be right back." He hurried out, grateful that Hermione stopped Ron from following.

Harry leaned against the wall in the Front Hall and fumbled the card from the box. It read, Teddy wants to take a walk all over you. Harry's mouth went completely dry at the image of the gossamer soft fluff sliding over his skin, propelled by—

Malfoy suddenly walked by Harry. The blond seemed to be completely unaware of Harry's presence. He watched the Slytherin move across the front hall with fluid grace. Malfoy paused and shot a coy look over his shoulder.

"Twenty minutes until our first class, Potter. Interested?"

Malfoy did not wait for a reply, but headed for the dark alcove that led to his secret passage. Harry jammed the bear into the package and bolted after the Slytherin.

2 Teddy Tied

Harry knew Draco Malfoy was pissed. Not in an I-had-too-much-Firewhiskey-at-the-pub-last-night sort of way, but in more of an I-want-to-tear-the-lungs-from-Harry-Potter's-chest sort of way. Which was not unusual, truth be told, but it was a bit disappointing after what had passed between Harry and Malfoy in the early pre-dawn less than twenty-four hours prior. There had been an unspoken truce between them, a truce that had lasted no time at all, thanks to Harry's royal fuckup.

Malfoy had sent Harry a fluffy teddy and suggested they meet in the same abandoned conference room in which their unspoken truce had been ratified. Harry had been more than willing to renew negotiations. Wild Thestrals could not have kept him away from that assignation. Gryffindors, however, could. Just as Harry had jammed the teddy back into the box with the intention of racing after Malfoy, Ron had bolted from the Great Hall with a cry of panic.

"Harry! Come quick! It's Neville!"

Harry had gaped at his friend horror. "But… I can't! I have to… Malfoy…" Well, how the hell was he supposed to explain? I spent half the night letting Draco Malfoy fuck me into a table and now I want him to do it again? That would go over well with Ron.

"Forget your Malfoy obsession, Harry! Malfoy can bloody well wait! The damned Slytherins have blown up Neville like a giant balloon and are trying to pop him! Hermione and I can't get him down without your help—they keep hexing us! Dennis went for help, but I'm afraid he'll be too late!"

In the end, Harry had rushed back to the Great Hall to help his friends rescue Neville Longbottom. Afterward Harry had practically flown to the abandoned conference room a mere twelve minutes later, but it had been too late. Malfoy was gone. Harry had spent the next several hours trying to contact the blond Slytherin to explain, but every effort of speech was met with an icy glare and a hair-tossing snub. Harry went so far as to try to drag Malfoy into a dark alcove, stupidly, as it turned out. Crabbe and Goyle had cheerfully rescued their evil overlord and pounded Harry into a puddle of bruises and blood.

When Harry finally left the hospital wing, he realized he would have to stop acting like a Gryffindor and start thinking like a Slytherin. By morning, he had a plan.

Malfoy ignored Harry throughout Transfiguration, as expected. Even when Harry's nervousness caused him to botch the simple Tranfiguration of a vase into a cockatoo, Malfoy barely gave him a cursory sneer. The Slytherin certainly knew how to hold on to a grudge. When class ended Harry was the first one out of the classroom. He had already dealt with his friends by telling them he had a secret How-To-Kill-the-Dark-Lord meeting with Dumbledore after class. Once out of sight, Harry flung on his invisibility cloak and returned to the empty Transfigurations classroom.

He had to wait only a moment before the door was flung open and Draco Malfoy marched inside. Harry had paid Hannah Abbott a tidy sum to tell Malfoy that McGonagall wanted to see him. McGonagall, of course, was in the staff lounge with Madam Hooch drinking tea. She seldom deviated from that after-class ritual.

Malfoy glared balefully around the apparently empty room for a moment before snarling and turning on his heel to leave. Harry cast three spells in succession.

"Expelliarmus! Accio wand! Silencio!"

It worked beautifully. Malfoy's wand flew out of his hand and then into Harry's. The blond opened his mouth to snarl something, but no sound emerged. Harry dropped the invisibility cloak and grinned. Malfoy's glare darkened. He stepped forward, probably with the intention of punching Harry in the face, but a quick Stinging Hex halted the movement.

"Stay right there, Malfoy. I've been trying to talk to you for a bloody long time and if this is the only way to get you to stand still and listen, then so be it."

Malfoy rolled his eyes and crossed his arms with an expression that clearly said, Go on then, stupid prat.

Harry laughed. "Oh no. I think you'll just stand there and let me talk and then you'll march out of here and go back to ignoring me. I mean to make certain you hear me. Now take off your robes."

A leering grin met Harry's words, but Malfoy made no move to obey. Another Stinging Hex wiped away the smirk and Harry had only to raise his wand once more before the pale hands reached up and unbuttoned the robes. Malfoy shrugged out of the green trimmed black robes, which he then hung on the back of a nearby chair with a nonchalance that suggested it had been his idea to disrobe. Unwillingly, Harry envied the bastard his air of confidence.

Harry's eyes slid over Draco's remaining clothing—white shirt, Slytherin tie, and black trousers.

"Shoes, too," Harry said. The blond shrugged and toed off his shoes. Harry nodded with satisfaction.

Malfoy's eyes narrowed and he watched suspiciously as Harry reached up to take off his Gryffindor tie. When it dangled from his hand, Harry cast a spell that sent it flying toward the Slytherin. Malfoy instinctively raised his hands to shield his face from the flying tie—and found his wrists neatly bound together with the red and gold silk.

The glare he bestowed on Harry could have frozen flame. He started forward again, most likely planning to push past Harry and seek out his minions, but Harry cast another Stinging Hex. This one made Malfoy wince and actually back up a few steps. His handsome face was set in a mask of rage.

"That's better. If you cooperate, this will go much faster. Now I need you to walk over there." Harry gestured with his wand to a large pillar near the door. It was adorned with dragon heads of multicolored marble. Malfoy hesitated just until Harry raised his wand, and then he walked to the pillar obediently. His grey eyes widened when Harry's spell caused the Gryffindor tie to loop over the head of a dragon, pulling Malfoy's hands up over his head. The Slytherin's lips moved, but Harry did not bother to try and decipher the question.

With Malfoy safely tethered, Harry gathered their miscellaneous items—Malfoy's robes and shoes, his own invisibility cloak, and both book bags—and stowed them under a nearby desk. Malfoy watched expressionlessly. Harry returned to stand in front of the bound Slytherin and nearly got a face full of foot. Luckily, he had expected the blond to kick at him and had stopped just out of reach. Malfoy's hands were clenched tightly in the tie, which he had used to lever his feet up.

Harry laughed. "Tricky, but luckily I'm not quite as stupid as you like to think, Malfoy." Harry cast a Sticking Charm to both of Malfoy's feet to keep them firmly planted on the ground, making sure there was a decent span between them. Harry tucked his wand into his back pocket next to Malfoy's. He kept his eyes on the blond's as he unbuttoned his own robes and shrugged out of them.

"It's a bit warm in here, don't you think?" Harry asked and took off his shirt, as well. He felt something like relief when the grey eyes slid over his form and the glare seemed to lessen. He was suddenly confident that the blond still wanted him, despite his recent obnoxious behavior.

When Harry was shirtless, he approached Malfoy and began to loosen the Slytherin tie.

"As I've been trying to tell you," Harry said conversationally, "It was the fault of your own damned house that I did not make it to our rendezvous on time. I've been trying to apologize—for something that was not my fault, mind you—but you have been impossible to talk to."

When the tie was loose, Harry tugged it over Malfoy's head, spilling a tangle of blond over the Slytherin's head and causing him to huff angrily. Harry grinned and pulled the tie over his own head before tightening it around his bare neck. Malfoy's brows arched at the sight and Harry took a moment to smooth the blond hair back into a semblance of order. As an afterthought, he deliberately ran his hands through it again, this time haphazardly, leaving it a mussed disaster.

"The just-fucked look suits you," Harry commented. His fingers went to the buttons on Malfoy's white shirt and began to slowly undo them. "As I was saying, if your Slytherins had not hexed Neville, I would have been there." The collarbone revealed by the open shirt was extremely tempting, so Harry leaned forward and licked it slowly. He grazed it with his teeth and then licked another spot, and another, following his hands as they unfastened the buttons to reveal more and more creamy skin.

When Malfoy's shirt was completely open, Harry pushed his hands over Malfoy's ribs and stroked the pink nipples with his thumbs. He thought the Slytherin's breathing hitched slightly. Harry stepped back and snapped his fingers.

"Almost forgot something," Harry said. He walked over and rummaged in his book bag until he produced a small, furry teddy bear. He carried it back to Malfoy. "Your note said Teddy was planning to take a walk. I was rather looking forward to that, and poor Teddy here has been deprived. Perhaps he can go for a walk after all."

Harry pressed the bear gently against Malfoy's navel and then slowly drew the stuffed animal upward, ending beneath Malfoy's chin. The blond was definitely breathing a bit unsteadily. Harry perched the bear on Malfoy's shoulder, tucking him next to his neck and holding it in place with the collar of the shirt.

"Teddy says that walk was too short," Harry said wickedly and dropped slowly to his knees. Malfoy's eyes widened. Harry held the silver gaze as he took the waistband of Malfoy's trousers in his teeth and pulled. A bit of judicious effort freed the button. Harry rubbed his cheek against Malfoy's groin and was gratified to feel a hard bulge there. Harry cocked his head slightly and mouthed it, biting down slightly with his teeth. His brow furrowed and he pulled back to look at the blond, whose eyes were almost impossibly wide.

"Finite Incantatum," he said after dragging his wand from his back pocket. He repeated the biting action and was rewarded with a loud gasp from his captive. "I never thought it would actually be better to hear you," Harry said dryly.

"What the hell are you doing, Potter?" Malfoy hissed. "The door is open!"

"You had better be quiet then, hadn't you?" Harry said as he took both of Malfoy's firm arse cheeks in his hands. Harry leaned forward and flicked the zipper pull with his tongue before catching it in his teeth. His gaze locked with Malfoy's as he ratcheted the zipper down one slow notch at a time.

Harry paused halfway down and released the zipper to put his lips on the hard tip of Malfoy's cock, freed from the trousers but still trapped in black silk. Malfoy's breathing was assuredly uneven now and Harry heard a choking gurgle when he licked the fabric, teasing Malfoy's prick.

"You know, I thought the zipper was a Muggle invention. I'm surprised to see one on your clothing, oh mighty pureblood," Harry said conversationally.

"Will you keep your voice down?" Malfoy said in a stage whisper. Merlin, but he looked hot with his arms stretched over his head and fists clenched around Harry's tie. The blond hair was tangled over his eyes and his bare chest revealed a line of nearly invisible golden hair.

"You look thoroughly debauched and I haven't even started yet," Harry said and bent back to his task. He pulled the zipper the rest of the way down with his teeth and then moved upward to plunge his tongue into Malfoy's navel. Harry licked the fine hair above the navel until it lay flat and wet.

"Potter," Malfoy groaned.

"Sorry," Harry said. "I keep getting distracted. You have so many fascinating bits…"

Harry took the waistband of Malfoy's boxers in his teeth and pulled until the quivering head of Malfoy's cock was revealed. Simultaneously, Harry's hands tugged both trousers and pants down over the blond's gorgeous arse and hips.

Harry released the fabric and leaned back for a moment to admire the view. Fuck, he could nearly come just from the sight of the partially naked Slytherin. Malfoy's feet were still attached to the floor, so his trousers only made it as far down as his knees. His cock jutted proudly from a tangle of platinum curls.

Harry shut his eyes and swallowed before moving forward to rub his cheek against the hard erection and bury his face in Malfoy's hair. He felt a streak of precome slide over his cheek.

"Potter," Malfoy said again. His voice was ragged, almost inaudible. Nothing followed the name and Harry wasn't sure if it was a plea to stop or to go on. He stood and plastered himself against the Slytherin, loving the feel of Malfoy's bare chest touching his. Harry's erection, still confined inside his trousers, frotted against Malfoy's for a moment. His hand caressed the blond's ribs beneath the edges of the white shirt.

He though Malfoy might bite him if he tried to kiss him, but decided it was worth the risk. He locked his lips gently onto the Slytherin's and was rewarded when Malfoy's tongue attacked his. Their mouths battled for a short time and then Malfoy jerked his head to the side.

"Close the damned door, Potter. And untie me."

The movement dislodged the teddy from his perch near Malfoy's neck. Harry stooped to retrieve the bear.

"Oh yes. Teddy's walk," Harry said. He knelt again and brushed the ultra-fine bear over Malfoy's cock, sliding over every visible bit of it with teasing caresses.

"Potter—Merlin, you're a bastard! Untie me this instant!"

"I think I like it better when you're making little huffing sounds," Harry said and set the bear down. He steeled himself and tried not to think too hard about what he was about to do. He leaned forward and took Malfoy's erect cock into his mouth. The quickly choked off cry was music to Harry's ears. He looked up and caught Malfoy's stare, wide-eyed and glittering with something that was definitely not anger.

Harry found it difficult to smirk around a mouthful of cock, but he tried it anyway before turning his attention back to the task at hand—or at mouth, as it were. He tried to remember what Malfoy had done to him when Harry was tied up and helpless, and he licked and sucked with growing enthusiasm, spurred on by the low moans and labored breathing of his blond nemesis. Harry fondled Malfoy's balls gently and dragged his nails through the delicate hair that covered them.

The sound of footsteps made Harry freeze. Malfoy's eyes grew round as saucers. The footsteps grew closer and then angled off toward McGonagall's desk. Harry gave Malfoy's testicles another squeeze and released his cock with a silent sucking motion. He peered around the pillar.

Marietta Edgecombe placed something on McGonagall's desk. Harry ducked back before she turned around. Malfoy looked like he might actually have heart failure. Harry knew their interloper was the biggest gossip at Hogwarts and revealing her identity to Malfoy might not be the best idea. On the other hand, flushed, panicked, and biting-his-lower lip Draco Malfoy was an even hotter sight than half-naked, rumpled, angry Draco Malfoy.

Fuck it, Harry thought and resumed his activity with relish. The footsteps grew closer and Harry slicked his fingers with saliva before pressing them against Malfoy's anus. The blond jerked with surprise. The footsteps halted.

"Is someone there?" Marietta asked. Harry swirled his tongue playfully over the head of Malfoy's cock and teased his opening with a fingertip while watching his face. The silver eyes glared at him murderously, but his lower lip was caught tightly between his teeth. Harry felt a horribly wicked thrill at the thought of being caught this way—willingly sucking the cock of his bound rival. Harry was so hard he thought his cock might burst the seams of his trousers.

His finger breached Malfoy just as Marietta's footsteps continued on and finally disappeared.

"You are a fuckingbastard!" Malfoy hissed and then gasped loudly as Harry pushed his finger in to the last knuckle.

"I haven't got to the fucking yet," Harry commented as he pulled away to examine Malfoy's erection curiously. He had felt an interesting tremor and feared the blond was close to coming in Harry's mouth—and he was not quite ready for that.

Malfoy said, "Potter, I can't feel my hands."

Harry looked up with concern and removed his finger from Malfoy's tight heat while trying not to think about how much he wanted to put it back in there, along with other things… He stood up and pulled out his wand. His first spell shut and locked the door and his second released the Sticking Charm from Malfoy's feet. Harry tucked his wand back into his pocket and wrapped his hands around the Slytherin's arse before lifting the blond enough for him to unhook his hands from the dragon's head.

Malfoy winced as he brought his arms down, still nicely bound in Gryffindor red and gold.

"Hang on a sec," Harry said quickly and ran to snatch up their school robes. Harry spread his on the stone floor and wadded Malfoy's up like a pillow. He was glad to see the Slytherin had not moved from his slouch against the pillar, but now that the Slytherin was free Harry felt his confidence ebbing away.

"Well, Potter, are you planning to fuck me or untie me and let me leave?" Harry set his jaw at the drawl and grabbed the Gryffindor tie with a yank, nearly pulling the cocky blond off his feet.

"Lie down," Harry snapped.

Malfoy did so, but first he looped the tie over Harry's neck and dragged him down in the same motion. Harry sprawled on the blond, who purred in his ear.

"I sort of like this forceful side of you, Potter, even if you are taking Gryffindor bravery a bit far. What if McGonagall returns?"

"I'm sure I'll get a stern talking to about debauching the sons of my enemies," Harry said and wriggled a bit just because it felt so good to crush the Slytherin.

"What do you meansons?"

"Son, I mean," Harry amended. "Singular, of course!"

Malfoy bit him possessively on the neck and sucked lightly. Harry's brain lost touch with reality for a moment until he regained his equilibrium. He untangled himself from Malfoy's bound hands and slid down to completely remove the Slytherin's trousers and pants.

"Where are your minions, by the way?" Malfoy asked and arched prettily when Harry returned his attention to Malfoy's erection. Harry kissed his way up the hard shaft. "Wouldn't they faint if they knew what you were doing?"

Harry chuckled against Malfoy's hardness, earning a groan. "Yeah, Ron would probably slip into a coma."

"Perhaps we should call him?"

Harry bit down lightly in warning. "Be nice," he said and cast the same Purifying Charm Malfoy had used on him. Harry had looked it up and practiced it until it barely hurt.

"Ow!" Malfoy yelped. "Fuck, Potter!"

In theory, at any rate.

Harry's fingers soothed the ruffled Slytherin and his mouth wandered from cock to testicles and back again. He finally screwed up his Gryffindor courage and dipped even lower, lapping lightly at Malfoy's opening. He felt a giddy rush of delight at the moan that escaped the blond. Malfoy's legs fell open and he lifted his hips to give Harry better access.

Harry licked in earnest, laving over Malfoy's loosening hole like his life depended on it, because the blond's reaction was so fucking amazing. Harry thought he might die happy just knowing that Mr. Superior Pureblood could be reduced to a gasping, mewling incoherent mess by a little judicious use of tongue. He was, however, quite surprised to find his tongue inside of Malfoy when he didn't remember putting it there, but the gurgling noise Malfoy made was enough to entice him into stabbing it in and out until he heard Malfoy cry, "Oh Merlin, I'm going to—"

Harry stopped and clenched Malfoy's cock hard to stop that nonsense. Malfoy nearly sobbed.

"Damn you, Potter!"

"You're not coming yet, Malfoy," Harry said firmly. "Not until I tell you to."

The platinum head rose and silver fire glared at him. Harry smiled sweetly and held Malfoy's gaze as he licked the tip of the blond's cock like it was a lolly. Malfoy's head dropped back with a groan.

Harry scrambled out of his remaining clothing, pleased when the Slytherin levered himself up to watch.

"You're taking my tie a bit too seriously," Malfoy commented, but from his expression he found not other fault with Harry in nothing but a Slytherin tie.

"I like to think of myself as half Slytherin," Harry admitted and lapsed into Parseltongue as he crawled over the blond. You look completely delectable, he hissed and repeated it several times in different variations, pleased that snakes had so many incarnations of tasty.

Malfoy's eyes widened and he looped his arms around Harry's head again. "What did you say?" he asked and levered his hips upward to press their groins together. Harry did not think the blond was even aware of his wanton movement.

Harry chuckled wickedly. "I'll never tell."

Malfoy pouted. "Gryffindors are supposed to be sweet and nice."

"I'm half Slytherin, remember? And when have I ever been nice to you?" To underscore that statement, Harry pressed his cock into Malfoy's opening with nothing but the traces of his saliva for lube.

"Potter, you—!"

Harry nipped at Malfoy's neck as hands clenched in his hair.

"Call me Harry and I'll make it easier."

Malfoy's teeth sank into Harry's shoulder, hard. Harry shoved himself in another centimeter and the teeth detached with a yelp.

"You are a genuine bastard," Malfoy said. Harry waited. The Slytherin added, "…Harry."

Harry smiled and sucked lightly on Malfoy's neck in approval before pulling out and casting a quick charm. Once properly slick, he slid his cock back into Malfoy once more with a sound of pure pleasure.

So beautiful, Harry hissed and took Malfoy's lips before he could speak. A moment later he was glad of the kiss because it kept him from babbling romantic nonsense the instant he was fully sheathed in Malfoy. Harry had no basis for comparison, but holy fucking hell it was brilliant!

The Slytherin tasted nearly as good as he felt. Harry had nearly forgotten what a talented mouth the blond possessed. If Malfoy was at all upset about Harry's treatment, he had a curious way of showing it if the hands clasped in Harry's hair were any indication. They tugged Harry's head into various positions that allowed his tongue access to every molecule of Harry's mouth. He should patent this kissing thing, Harry thought weakly. Patent it and charge people. Of course, he would never tell the Slytherin that. Then again, no one but me will ever kiss him again, if I have anything to say about it. Harry tried to remember that he was the one in control at the moment. The reminder forced him to break the heavenly kiss.

The rush of air back into his starving lungs helped, but looking into Malfoy's passion-glazed face did not. He clamped his eyes shut to block out the half-parted wet lips, lest he dive back down and allow Malfoy to kiss him straight to orgasm. While the idea was not without merit, it would do nothing for Harry's primary goal of making Malfoy beg.

The brief pause had given Malfoy enough time to dredge up his usual commentary. "Are you going to—?"

Harry shut him up with a kiss—carefully close-mouthed this time so he wouldn't drown—and showed the bastard what he was going to. He pulled his cock nearly out, delighting in the incredible play of muscles that seemed to cling to his flesh. Nothing could ever be better than this…except the return trip.

Malfoy moaned beautifully when Harry thrust forward.

"Faster, Potter," Malfoy murmured. "Mmmm, harder." Harry obliged. After the third glorious thrust Malfoy cried, "Oh Merlin, yes!" and Harry remembered the Slytherin's neglected cock. He reached down to take it in his fist and it quivered in his hand.

"Draco," Harry breathed, unable to stop himself. He buried his face in the blond's neck. "Draco."

"You might want to stop doing that, Potter."

"Doing what?" Harry asked, hoping to hell he didn't mean for Harry to stop moving, because he couldn't possibly.

"Saying my name."

"Draco, Draco, Draco," Harry chanted and thrust hard with each utterance.

"Bloody hell, Harry," the blond gasped and came violently. The rush of heat between them highlighted the tightening of Malfoy's muscles surrounding Harry's cock. Two more thrusts were all he could manage before his orgasm rocked him to the marrow. He shivered through the near-blinding release.

Harry sagged onto the Slytherin, fighting the need to wrap the blond in his arms and never let go. He pressed a kiss into the salt of Malfoy's neck and licked it softly. He thought the blond might speak, but the Slytherin was silent, though his hands bunched in Harry's hair a couple of times in a near-caress.

Harry pulled partially out of Malfoy's tight wetness and then pressed in again. Though he was growing soft, it was still rigid enough for a pleasant tease. He repeated the motion a few times. Malfoy bit him sharply in the same spot he had bitten earlier. Harry raised his head curiously.

"Shouldn't we be getting out of here before someone returns?" Malfoy asked.

Harry glanced guiltily toward the door. Now that his lustful euphoria was dissipating, he did not feel nearly as reckless as he had earlier. He pulled out of Malfoy completely and removed the Slytherin's wrists from around his neck. Harry sat back and untied the blond before returning his wand. Malfoy cast a Cleaning Charm on them both. He did not meet Harry's eyes as he did so, and turned away to dress.

They put on their clothing in the growing silence. Harry buttoned his shirt and pulled off the Slytherin tie. He ran his fingers over it softly and looked up to find Malfoy watching him. Before he could hand it to the Slytherin, Malfoy stepped forward and tipped his head slightly.

Surprised, Harry hesitated only a moment before looping the tie over the platinum head and adjusting the shirt collar around it. He had never fully untied it, so it was quick work to slide the knot up and tighten it carefully. It was a strangely intimate gesture and Harry felt heat bloom in his cheeks. He smoothed the tie flat over Malfoy's chest and allowed his fingers to trail over the Slytherin's abdomen, prolonging the touch.

Malfoy reached up and placed the Gryffindor tie around Harry's neck before using the silk to drag him forward into a bruising kiss. Harry melted into the blond and grabbed his lean waist with both hands. After several long minutes, Malfoy broke the kiss, which was lucky because Harry would not have been able to if Voldemort himself walked into the room brandishing his wand.

The Slytherin stepped back and quickly tied Harry's tie with practiced ease.

"How did you do that?" Harry asked, knowing he would not have been able to tie another bloke's tie—the movements were all reversed.

"Lots of practice," Malfoy said with a smirk. "Blaise is shite at tying his own."

The thought of Malfoy touching Blaise at all brought an unfamiliar rush of emotion that made Harry reach out and twist a hand in the blond hair, more sharply than expected.

"Did you and Blaise ever—?" Harry could have bitten his tongue in half after the question, realizing too late what it meant.

"Jealous, Potter?" Malfoy asked smugly. Harry's grip tightened until the Slytherin winced. "No, Harry. I never fucked Blaise, nor vice versa."

Harry sighed in relief while searching the grey eyes for any sign of a lie. He decided it didn't matter. The blond was his now and he'd make damn sure Malfoy never sought attention from the dark-skinned Slytherin. His hand gentled and he pulled Malfoy into a possessive kiss.

"Tonight," Harry said against his lips. "I need to see you tonight."

Malfoy nodded and Harry reluctantly removed his hand from the soft hair.

"My secret room," Malfoy said. "At eleven." He stepped away from Harry and stooped to pick up his robes before shaking them out fastidiously. Malfoy slung them over his shoulders and fastened them with a flourish before Summoning the bear from near the pillar. He stepped close and caressed the side of Harry's face with the furred softness. "Don't. Be. Late."

He dropped the teddy into Harry's hands, Summoned his book bag, and sauntered toward the door.

Harry squeezed the bear and grinned. Wild Thestrals wouldn't keep him away. And neither would Gryffindors. He wouldn't be late.