red_day_dawning (red_day_dawning) wrote in red_day_fiction, @ 2008-04-22 00:54:00 |
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Entry tags: | author: red_day_dawning, family fest, fic: nc-17, narcissa/percy, severus/remus/draco, snape/lupin, threesome |
lupin_snape Family Fest fic - NC-17: "Where Else Would I Want To Be?"
Title: Where Else Would I Want To Be?
Author: red_day_dawning
Beta/s: My gratitude to beta-readers lotrwariorgodss and spidermoth who were marvelous fixing my many errors.
Pairings: Severus/Remus; Severus/Remus/Draco; Narcissa/Percy.
Word count: ~9,000
Rating: NC-17
Warnings: reference to past torture/rape (off-screen); angst; threesome; m/m sex. NO underage/chan.
Disclaimer: JKR owns the HP characters and settings
Summary: What makes a family? Is strength of love enough to make a family?
Severus Snape and Remus Lupin, secure in their loving relationship, seek to help a heavily-traumatized Draco Malfoy recover, as Narcissa Malfoy's understanding of family deepens… Can two war-heroes, a traumatized young man, his mother, a Weasley and a gorgeous baby make a family?
Author's notes: written for the lupin_snape Family Fest. Draco Malfoy is definitely of age - the events take place a couple of years after the Battle of Hogwarts. Now illustrated with some gorgeous art by venturous.
Prologue: Afternoon tea
Narcissa had arranged the tea table very prettily with an elegant white tea-set, warm, fresh scones, and dainty little sandwiches. “Try another sandwich, Severus. The crab and cucumber ones are especially nice.”
Filling his cup again, she said, “As I mentioned in my letter, I have asked you here because of the situation with Draco.”
“How is he, Narcissa?”
She looked away, her bottom lip trembling slightly. “Not well. There has been no change in the years since Voldemort's defeat. He barely seemed to notice Lucius's death. The Healers now say they can do no more. He remains in his room night and day, refusing to come out or talk to anyone. Most of the time, he keeps his eyes shut if anyone tries to talk to him.”
“Has he spoken at all?”
“No.” She sighed heavily, then turned to look directly at Severus, her blue eyes glistening with unshed tears. “Most of the healers now say that it is psychological. That it is not the remnant of the curse that silenced him that day. They say the fact that he spoke afterwards, right until the day the Dark Lord was killed, indicates that it is the effect of trauma rather than direct magical damage.”
Severus had heard of the incident that had so traumatized Draco – he was only grateful he had not had to witness it himself, or even worse, partake in it. In order to punish Lucius and Narcissa, and Draco himself, for Harry Potter’s escape from Malfoy Manor, the boy had been taken and given to most of the male Death Eaters, to rape and later torture, following Voldemort’s own lengthy torturous session with him. He had been hexed with a silencing spell, so that when Lucius and Narcissa were ushered into the room and forced to kneel and watch, Voldemort was raping their son brutally, all the time declaring that the boy must love it, for he had not offered a single protest or a sound of complaint. Throughout that day, the following night and the next day, the boy had been repeatedly raped and tortured, his parents forced to watch, unable to intervene. Severus suspected Lucius might even have been compelled to participate, or perhaps Draco had been forced to ‘perform’ on Lucius – whatever the truth, Severus preferred not to know. He could only hope Narcissa had not been compelled to participate.
Afterwards, when his repeatedly broken jaw had been mended and most of his torn flesh repaired, the hex was lifted, but the boy was unable to speak. Severus coaxed and bullied him into more-or-less functioning as a student at school, and tried to heal the worst of the remaining physical damage while protecting him as he best could.
After the Battle of Hogwarts, when Voldemort died, it was as though Draco could now react fully to the previous traumas he had suffered. Initially, he had attempted suicide repeatedly. Narcissa said that at least those attempts had ceased, but he remained silent and entirely withdrawn. At first, his refusal to speak was interpreted as the residual effects of the silencing spell, but the healers had discovered no trace of magical damage in his vocal cords or elsewhere.
Finally Severus spoke. “Narcissa, I know of no potion or course of treatment that could help the boy. When he came to me at Hogwarts, I was able to motivate him a little, which gives me hope that I might be able to help him again. But I cannot promise a full recovery.”
Severus waited until Narcissa had collected herself a little, then added, "I insist that there be no interference in my methods with the boy. I will care for him, and let him train as my apprentice; he will live in my home with Lupin and myself.”
“No, Severus, you must come to live here. You could run the potion business from here – we would set up greenhouses so that Mr. Lupin can continue to grow your ingredients. You could have the finest potions facilities in the world here – everything we own is at your disposal, Severus. You are part of the family now.”
Shaking his head gently, Severus murmured, “No, my dear friend. Draco must return with me to The Hermitage as my apprentice, far removed from here. It is the only way I can possibly help him.”
Narcissa slowly nodded her agreement and began to weep again. Severus rose and placed his arm around her shoulder. “Make everything ready for his departure; have his things packed and we will go as soon as possible. It is for the best.”
Narcissa hugged him tightly, weeping still.
The previous day: A letter for Severus
“Something wrong?” asked Remus, watching Severus as he mused over a letter, slowly circling his mouth with his forefinger.
“Narcissa has written to ask me for help with Draco. It seems he is no better – he still cannot or will not speak, refuses all interaction, even with her, and is barely functioning. She begs me for help.”
Remus looked at Severus, frowning a little with concern. “Is there something you can do? A potion, or some treatment that hasn’t been tried?”
Severus nodded. “I do think I could help him. Remus, do you think we could have him here? As an apprentice, living with us?”
“Do you really think it could help?”
“Perhaps. Draco trusts me, as he trusts no other, I would say. So perhaps I could help him. Staying here, as an apprentice, would be like being one of my students again.”
“Well, of course we must do it then.”
“I warn you, Remus, I will do it my way. I will allow no interference in my methods. I will be harsh, but fair. Can you cope with that?”
“Yes, Severus,” Remus replied meekly.
A new apprentice
Hauling a resisting Draco Malfoy out of his bed and into Apparition was not Severus’s idea of a good time. Speaking to Draco, even yelling at Draco, had little effect. Finally, Severus lost all patience and snarled, “Draco, you are now my apprentice. You will live with me, you will learn from me, and you will work with me. Now, you can come willingly or I can drag you along – but you are coming. So – are you coming willingly or do I have to drag you?”
This righteous speech had a minimal effect; Severus thought Draco might have shifted his weight on the mattress a little. Severus simply levitated the boy up and onto his feet, steadying him as he stumbled. For the first time, Draco looked at him, his pale eyes flashing in anger.
“Good lad,” Severus said surprisingly softly as the boy pulled away and caught his balance. “Now, get dressed,” he added and turned his back, as though he had no doubt Draco would immediately comply. A few seconds passed and he heard the unmistakable rustle of dressing; Severus was very pleased – to the best of his knowledge, Draco had simply refused to cooperate or listen to any other communication for quite some time.
Draco shuffled along as he walked, following Severus downstairs. Severus shrunk and took his trunks himself, waiting while Narcissa tearfully embraced her son. Draco showed no response, standing motionless until she had pulled away. He allowed Severus to grasp his arm to Apparate, and they left Malfoy Manor.
~
They arrived in the kitchen at The Hermitage, and Severus sat Draco at the table and began preparing tea – he did not like Draco’s colour or the fine trembling that ran through his limbs. Recalling how long it had been since Draco had left Malfoy Manor, or indeed his bedroom, Severus decided the boy was quite possibly overwhelmed. Remus was nowhere to be seen; Severus was fairly certain he had tactfully made himself scarce, probably working in one of the greenhouses, to allow Draco time to settle in a little. After ascertaining that a little of Draco’s colour had returned to his cheeks and that he was no longer trembling, Severus guided him gently to his new bedroom.
~*~
Masters and Apprentice
Severus was pleased with the changes in Draco at The Hermitage. Gradually, he had become more cooperative, and although he still refused to speak, he did listen attentively and followed instructions. As months passed, he seemed to gain confidence in the familiar role of Severus’s student; he knew Severus as a harsh but fair task-master, who had high standards and gave praise grudgingly, but always made him feel safe.
Draco spent as much time with Remus as with Severus. He worked in the greenhouses, where Remus grew the plants required as potions ingredients. With Severus, he was attentive, once again a dutiful student striving for praise. In Remus’s company, he was more relaxed, following his instructions and learning more about Herbology than he had ever bothered at school; they learned to spend hours together in harmonious silence, tending the green growing things.
Remus thought Draco had learned to trust him, and while he never spoke, he did listen and manage to communicate. He rarely smiled and never laughed, but at least he looked alive and connected now.
He refused to leave The Hermitage though – if Remus or Severus tried to persuade or force him, he would silently refuse, and if they pressed the issue he would become hysterical, attacking them with his hands and his feet, too overwrought even think of using his wand.
Severus and Remus had few visitors, both preferring to conduct business away from home, but when they did have a visitor, Draco would retreat to his bedroom and refuse to leave.
~
“Notice the change in colour, and the way the bubbles are smaller – it’s ready for the next stage. You may add the powdered moonstone now,” Severus said, nodding in approval as Draco deftly stirred the potion. “Good. Stir once a minute, for the next five minutes, and then remove from the heat. Once the mixture has cooled, it will be ready for bottling.”
Severus continued decanting the potion he had made, watching Draco efficiently clear up his work bench out of the corner of his eye. As he set the cauldron aside to cool, Draco faced him, their eyes meeting. Draco’s mouth softened in the almost-smile he had developed during his apprenticeship although Severus noticed that he looked strangely uncertain about something.
“What is it, Draco?” he asked.
The young man shrugged, quirking his lips and stepping closer to Severus. Much closer.
Before Severus could ask him what he was doing, Draco pressed his body gently into Severus’s, tilting his head up to kiss the older man.
“What do you think you are doing?” Severus asked, astonished, twisting his body away.
Draco shrugged again and moved closer to Severus.
“Stop. This behavior is neither desired nor appropriate – you are my apprentice and student and I have no interest in you sexually. Even if I did, I would hardly risk the relationship I value, or want to hurt Remus in anyway,” Severus said, his tone icy cold.
Gentling his tone slightly as he saw how upset Draco looked, Severus added, “Your role here is as my student and apprentice, Draco. My role is as teacher and apprentice-master. You are undeniably an attractive young man, but I’m not interested in attractive young men.”
Draco nodded, turning his face away to hide the tears glistening in his long eyelashes.
“Sit down, Draco,” Severus said. “It’s a good thing that you are showing signs of sexual interest, and I suppose it’s natural that you try and reach out. After all, Remus and I are the only people you see, other than an occasional visit from your mother. Perhaps we ought to work on getting you out of the house a little,” Severus mused.
As Draco shook his head violently, Severus added, “Not until you are ready, Draco. But one day.”
Draco looked away, refusing to meet his eyes.
~
Forewarned by Severus’s account of the incident with Draco earlier in the week, Remus was not entirely surprised when Draco leaned against Remus, rubbing his erection against his hip, as the two stood side by side potting young dragonwort seedlings.
Remus grabbed Draco’s hands, holding him gently away, saying, “Come sit down, Draco.”
They sat together at the little table where they regularly drank their afternoon tea.
“Severus told me something like this might happen.”
Draco looked away, blushing furiously.
“Don’t be silly,” Remus gently said. “Of course Severus told me about what happened earlier in the week. But neither of us see you in that way, Draco. We love you, and we care about you, but sex between you and either of us really isn’t what we want, or the best thing for any of us. Of course it’s difficult for you – we’re the only people you see – but surely you realize that this isn’t the answer.”
Draco shrugged sulkily.
“We ought to start going out a little – perhaps you could come along the next time I have a meeting with one of the apothecaries we supply?”
Draco stood up and stalked out of the greenhouse, his spine rigid with anger.
~*~
The Potion-master’s Conference
Before Severus left for a conference in Strasburg for European Potion-makers, where he had been invited as a key speaker, he and Remus discussed the situation with Draco. They agreed that it was a good sign that Draco was reaching out to them, and it was a sign of improving health that Draco’s sexual urges had returned, but that the scenario of Draco attempting to seduce Severus or Remus was not in itself a healthy one. Severus warned Remus that Draco was an adept manipulator and that it was more than likely he would try to manipulate Remus while he was at the Potion-maker’s Conference.
Remus rolled his eyes at that. “I may not be a Slytherin, Severus, but one doesn’t require much cunning to see that Draco is manipulative, and it’s likely he will attempt something while you’re gone.”
“I wish the timing were different – that I did not have to attend this conference right now.”
“It will be fine, Severus. I think you’re a little over-concerned. At the moment Draco’s sulking, but he’s still come a long way; he’s improved so much since he first came to live with us.”
“Remus, I don’t like thinking of you… with him.”
“What do you mean, Severus?”
“I mean he’s young, beautiful – he’s everything I’m not.”
“And everything I’m not, also. Does that mean I ought to be concerned when the two of you are alone together?”
“Of course not!”
“Well then?”
“I know that he’s beautiful, appealing…”
“Yes, he is. I can see that he appeals to you, too.”
“Well, I suppose so. But not really, I mean he’s so young and he’s so broken, and well… yes, I suppose so.”
“Do I need to be concerned?”
“What? Don’t be stupid, Lupin.”
“But you’re concerned.”
“Idiot.”
"You know I love you."
"Idiot wolf," Severus whispered, kissing Remus again and again.
~*~
Sleeping Alone?
The first night without Severus passed quietly enough. After dinner, Draco and Remus settled down in front of the fire in the library to read. Remus yawned loudly, then stood and stretched. “I’m going to bed; goodnight, Draco.” He gently tousled Draco's hair before going to his bedroom. He undressed and then settled into his blankets, holding his breath as he heard the young man hesitate outside the bedroom door, and sighing in relief when he heard him continue on to his own room.
Sometime later, Remus instantly jerked awake from the deepest sleep. “Severus,” he murmured before remembering Severus was in France. He been woken by a sound, some strange sound – there, he heard it again, a strangled shriek.
Heart pounding, Remus grabbed his wand and raced to Draco’s room. He was asleep, caught in some nightmare, his body caught in a rictus of pain and fear, strangled gasps coming from his throat. Tears slid down his face as he spasmed and convulsed.
“Draco, wake up. It’s just a dream. Wake up,” he repeated softly, unwilling to frighten him further by touching him.
Draco’s eyes snapped open, his mouth shaping a soundless scream.
“Shh, lad, it’s just a dream,” Remus said tentatively, reaching his hand out to touch him.
Draco stared at the hand with an expression of shock, and then flew to Remus, hugging him around the waist, his body shaking with silent sobs.
It was a long time before Draco stopped shaking and silently sobbing. He seemed unwilling to let Remus go, so finally Remus climbed into Draco’s bed with him, wrapping him in his strong arms as he soothingly spoke sweet, loving nonsense until Draco drifted back into sleep. Remus did not sleep for hours.
~
Remus woke up, instantly aware that the warm body nestled against him was not Severus – and that the erection he felt pressed against his arse was not appropriate.
"You awake, Draco?" he asked, shifting away slightly.
Draco responded by wrapping his arms around him, and pressing against him more firmly, his breath warm against the back of Remus's neck.
"Draco," Remus said warningly.
Draco groaned, a small hoarse sound, and then began to thrust slowly against the cleft of Remus's buttocks. Remus pulled away, just as Draco began to hold him more tightly, thrusting rapidly and breathing loudly. Draco came against Remus shuddering, those few strokes enough to bring him to orgasm.
Remus sighed. This was not a desirable outcome. Oh well, he thought with resignation, this is just something we'll all have to work out. He felt Draco begin to pull away from him, and he turned and wrapped his arms about him. "Idiot boy," he said fondly, nuzzling Draco's pale silky hair with his mouth and jaw. Pressing a small kiss to the top of his head, he said, "I'd better let you get cleaned up."
Remus rolled himself out of the bed, looking down at the small forlorn figure lying tangled in the bed-covers. He reached out to tenderly stroke his face, until Draco turned his face to look up at him. "It will be okay, Draco," he said. "One way or another, it will all be okay."
~*~
An Audience
"Gods, I'm glad to see you," Remus moaned, pressing his lips against Severus's throat, lightly kissing under his ear and along his jaw.
"I'm glad to be back," Severus replied tightly, holding Remus against him, relishing in the feel, the scent, the comfort, of his lover.
Severus began to harden immediately, feeling Remus harden made the blood rush to his cock. He moaned, rubbing their erections against each other.
Remus pulled up Severus's robes and unfastened his trousers with clumsy fingers, unwilling to break away from the heated kissing. Severus responded by groaning as he felt the other man's fingers brush his cock, and hastily tugged Remus's clothes open. Whispering a spell under his breath, he coated their cocks in glistening oil, grasping them firmly in his large hands.
Remus gasped and began to thrust into Severus's hands, his voice husky as he said, "Severus, I'm not going to last…"
"Come for me," Severus whispered. "Aaaah. Come over my cock." Remus came thrusting against Severus's cock, their ejaculation pulsing up to spurt together in the air.
"Ah, Merlin, you're so beautiful," whispered Remus, trying to catch his breath, leaning his forehead against Severus.
Severus smirked. "Still mine, Lupin?"
"Always yours," Remus replied.
~
"Did you know we had an audience just then?" Remus asked.
"Draco?"
"Mhmm. He slipped out just after we came."
"Impudent brat."
"I slept in his bed last night."
"Did you?" Severus asked, his voice suddenly as cold as arctic winter.
"Yes. Draco was having a nightmare, crying in his sleep. It was awful," Remus said reflectively. "I woke him up, he was very upset. I stayed with him."
"And what happened?" Severus asked frostily.
"He went to sleep. So did I, eventually."
"And?"
Remus sighed. "And – in the morning Draco came against my back."
"Draco came against your back?"
"Yes. Before I was fully awake. He just thrust against me and came. I don't think he was fully awake either."
"And then?"
"And then, nothing. I called him an idiot boy. Told him it would be alright. Left the room."
"Left the room to wank I suppose."
"Yeah… I didn't even know what was going on when I first felt him behind me. I was half-asleep. When I realized – well, I wasn't about to do anything with Draco, but I was still turned on. I missed you, you know."
"Missed me?"
"Mhmm. Missed waking up with your gorgeous big cock nudging me. Missed the taste of you in my mouth when you come down my throat. Missed the feel of you, the warmth of you in the night. Missed looking into your beautiful dark eyes. Missed the feel of you thrusting into me. Missed the feel of you so tight around me. Missed you."
Sounding more confident now, Severus asked, "Missed the taste of me coming down your throat?"
"Gods, yes. Missed it so much I have to taste you now," Remus said, kneeling between Severus's open legs. "I want to suck your gorgeous big cock."
~*~
Uncharacteristically hesitant, Severus asked Remus, "Do you think…? With Draco…?"
"Do you think it would be appropriate, Severus? We're supposed to be helping him, not seducing him."
"I don't think we have to seduce him. I think he's seducing us."
"It doesn't seem right, under the circumstances."
"Do you think it would do harm?"
"Nooo."
"Well, then?"
"We'll see. Perhaps in time. Would you feel jealous?"
"Perhaps. Would you love him more than me? Want him more than me?"
"Never. I love you – I want you. And what about you? Would you love him more than me, want him more than me?"
"Idiot. No, I could never love or want anyone more than you. Remus Lupin, I don't think I could live without you."
In the Greenhouse
Severus took advantage of Draco's concentration on a difficult potion and snuck into Remus's greenhouse. Seeing the werewolf with his back to him leaning over a work bench, Severus crept closer on silent feet. He got within a few feet of him, and then Severus was the one who was startled as Remus turned and leapt on him playfully.
Wrapping his arms tightly around Severus, Remus nuzzled his throat, kissing and sucking his neck under the fall of his hair. "Is Draco busy?" he asked as he kissed and nipped his way down beneath the collar.
"Mhmm," murmured Severus as he began deftly peeling off Remus's clothes. Taking a moment to admire his lean, naked form, Severus whispered, "I want you, I want to bend you over one of these benches and fuck you so hard."
Remus groaned as Severus spun him around, pressing his own erection against the cleft of the other man's arse, stroking and rubbing his cock as he whispered filthy, delicious things in his ear.
Severus's touch and Severus's voice made Remus so hard his erection ached, even as he detected a new presence in the room. "Stop, Severus, stop. We've got an audience. Draco's here," Remus whispered urgently, as he was helplessly thrusting into Severus's hand.
"Mmm. Do you feel like putting on a show?"
"Gods, yes. But should we?"
"Do you think we would do harm?"
"Nooo. But it's not appropriate…"
"Well, I think it's quite unavoidable, unless we send him away. Do you like the idea of Draco watching me bring to your knees, begging and pleading for release?"
"Yesss," Remus hissed.
Severus called out loudly, "Well, Draco, what do you think of the show? Like what you see? Do like Remus's cock? So big – so hard," he continued, as he stroked Remus's cock, now shiny and glistening with pre-come.
Remus's groan didn't mask the sound of someone moving through the plants, coming closer to them.
"So, do you like Remus's cock? Would you like to feel it? Take it into your mouth?"
Draco emerged from the plants hiding him. "Gods, yes," he croaked, his face flushed, his eyes glazed. "Gods, can I?" he begged in his faltering long-unused voice.
"Remus, can he suck your glorious cock?" Severus asked silkily.
His voice hoarse and rasping, Remus asked, "Draco? Is this really what you want?"
"Yes," he pleaded, and then, taking Remus's groan for an assent, he fell to his knees in front of him, looking up at Remus, and at Severus pressing behind him. "Let me suck you, please?"
Remus knees almost crumbled beneath him as Draco licked along the length of his erection, and then slowly drew the head of his cock into his mouth. "Oh, gods, that's too… just look, Severus, so beautiful," he gasped, watching Draco's pink lips wrap around his cock.
"Don't – enough! Draco, stop, I don't want to come so soon," Remus moaned, pulling himself away from Draco's mouth.
Draco moaned in protest as Remus withdrew; he looked up at them both beseechingly, his eyes glazed with lust. "Please," he begged. "Please let me suck you, please fuck me, Remus. I want you to fuck me."
"Do you want to fuck Draco, Remus? Do you want to watch him strip and bend over one of the work benches, legs wide and open for you?"
"Yessss."
Draco stood and began to strip. Remus gently caught his face between his hands. "You don't have to do this if you don't want to, Draco. We can do something else…"
Draco whispered, "I want you to fuck me. Please, Remus, fuck me."
The ache of Remus's throbbing cock chased away his last lingering reluctance; he gasped as Draco stood before him naked, his cock jutting out proudly from his pale blonde curls. "Beautiful," Remus whispered. "So beautiful."
Draco turned to lean over the work bench, his legs spread to display himself. He looked over his shoulder at the two men, smiling shyly.
Remus began to walk towards him as Severus hastily disrobed.
Severus said, "Look at him, so eager for you, Remus. Are you eager for me too, Remus? Shall I fuck you as you're fucking him?"
"Gods, yes, Severus."
Remus tenderly prepared Draco with fingers and lube, whispering reassurance and filth in equal measure, as Severus fisted his own cock, liberally coating it in lube. Slowly and gently pressing his cock against Draco's tight pucker, Remus bit his lips to force himself to go slowly and carefully. He eased himself into Draco and then stilled, leaning his head lightly on Draco's back. "You alright, Draco?" he asked, bringing his hand to the front to grasp and stroke his erection.
"Yes, move, I'm not fragile. Move, please," Draco moaned, his cock dripping and thrusting in Remus's clasp. "Yes, yes, more."
Remus began to slowly and carefully move in and out, forcing himself to a measured pace, changing his angle to slide over Draco's prostate until he felt him tremble and moan, moaning himself as Severus prepared him, smoothly sliding his fingers in and out. The last of his control snapped as Severus slowly thrust into him, his hips pivoted deeper and deeper, and he moaned, "Oh, yes, Severus, it feels so good, you fucking Draco through me."
"Yess," Severus hissed, "Fucking you both, fucking your tight arse as you're fucking Draco with your big cock."
Draco's muscles tightened and spasmed around Remus's cock as he came, spurting over Remus's hand and onto the bench; Remus could hold back no longer, and he came, howling his pleasure as he released into Draco, feeling Severus thrust and spill into him.
They collapsed in a little heap on the bench, Remus careful to support his weight so that he didn't crush Draco. Pushing himself up, Remus stroked Draco's silky hair and gently kissed the top of his head. "You alright there, Draco?" he murmured.
"Mmm," Draco said dreamily, looking up at Remus through his eyelashes. "Can't move."
Remus laughed and turned to kiss Severus, tenderly and for a long time. "Love you, Severus. Can you move?"
"Of course."
Remus laughed again. "Good, can you carry me?"
Severus replied by kissing him. "Lazy wolf."
Remus pulled Severus into his arms and then twisted a little to embrace Draco too. "So, we don't move for a while," he said happily, resting his chin against Draco's hair.
They stayed like that for a while, until Draco suddenly said, "I'm talking."
"Only notice that now?" Severus asked.
"No, well, yes. I wasn't really paying much attention."
"Glad to hear your voice, Draco," Remus said, kissing the top of his head.
"Can I still stay with you?" Draco whispered. "Can I stay with you two, always? Will you love me?"
"Yes, oh, yes," Remus said, embracing him tightly, kissing him again and again. "Yes, you can stay. Yes, we love you."
"Of course," said Severus, tenderly wiping Draco's tears away.
Narcissa's Surprise
As soon as Narcissa entered the room, tightly clutching the note from Severus as though it was a talisman, she felt the difference. Hope sang through her as she looked at Draco, his face bright and alert.
"Mother," he said, standing up to kiss her on the cheek.
"Draco," she gasped. "Oh, Draco," enfolding him in her embrace, making no attempt to slow her tears.
Draco held her, stroking her back, until she had finished crying.
"But what… but how...?" Narcissa stammered, looking first at her son and then at Severus and Remus. Remus was smiling at her, his bright amber eyes gleaming; Severus's expression was more guarded, although she thought he also looked pleased.
Sitting down in an armchair, Narcissa exclaimed, "How did this happen? Oh, this is too wonderful."
"Mmm, it's a bit difficult to explain really, Mother," Draco said hesitantly.
Narcissa looked searchingly at her son's face, and then studied first Remus, then Severus. She sighed and felt a small smile curl her lips, "Not exactly the cure I thought you would apply, Severus. But I can scarcely quibble over the methods you've used – Draco's recovery is the important thing." Including Remus in her glance, she asked, "I suppose it's all three of you together, then?"
Remus stammered, "Er… yes. I understand this hardly a desirable situation for you, discovering your son is involved with two middle-aged men."
"My desires are hardly the greatest priority here," Narcissa said tartly. "I repeat – the important thing is Draco's recovery." Taking Draco's hand in her own, she added, "I don't care what you do, Draco, I only want to see you happy."
"I am happy, Mother," he said, smiling shyly. "I think I finally am happy."
~
Narcissa smiled to herself, unable to get the image of Draco, a happy and content Draco, out of her mind. Now that he was fully restored to himself again, she ought to make legal arrangements, she supposed. Time to see her lawyers, and pay a visit to the Ministry. Draco ought to be instated as the rightful owner of Malfoy Manor and all the Malfoy holdings as soon as possible. The Malfoys had been without a Lord long enough: time for Draco to begin acting like a Malfoy.
~*~
A Gallant Rescue
“Mrs. Malfoy! Narcissa,” a voice shrieked out from the crowd of people mobbing her. “What do you say about these latest allegations that notorious Azkaban-escapee, Sirius Black, molested both Harry Potter and his own younger brother, Regulus Black. They were your cousins – what can you tell us? Narcissa, did your cousin molest his younger brother? Is that why Regulus Black joined the Death Eaters? Narcissa!”
What? Sirius molesting Regulus? Absurd! This fracas was caused by Rita Skeeter’s latest attack on Potter, no doubt.
She felt buffeted and pressed by the mob; she felt as though there was no air to breathe and it was stifling hot. It reminded her of those dreadful days during Lucius’s trial when crowds of reporters would shriek questions at her and Draco as they arrived at court. Out of habit, she looked around for Severus, whose shield and protection spells had protected her from the worst of the reporter’s attacks during the dreadful days of Lucius’s trial – but of course, Severus was not here, he would be with Remus, protecting Draco. At least Draco would always be safe, his lovers at his side, Narcissa thought.
She tried in vain to push past the reporters in her way, but there were too many of them - it was like pressing against a solid wall. She was trembling – she thought she might faint.
“Get back. Move away. Now!” roared an unfamiliar voice. “Can’t you see Mrs. Malfoy is feeling faint? Move away!”
With relief, she felt the mob move away from her, granting her a little space and air to breathe. An unfamiliar hand grasped her by the elbow, guiding her through the reporters, telling them in a tone of certain authority, “If you write about this incident in tomorrow’s papers, you had best mention that Mrs. Malfoy’s faintness was caused by harassment from reporters, or none of you will have employment tomorrow. Move back, I said!”
Narcissa heard the whisper of ward spells dropping, and then felt herself guided into a small antechamber within the Ministry itself. Her heart was pounding fiercely, her vision was blurred – she thought her legs might collapse beneath her.
“Please, Mrs. Malfoy, take a seat.”
Obediently she sat, still gasping for air. He held a glass to her lips, she sipped at it – a strong, fine brandy, she thought.
“Thank you, Mr. …” she said, looking at her rescuer for the first time. She didn’t recognize him, but thought he looked like one of the Weasley family, red-haired and handsome, like all of that clan. More serious looking than most of them, his face set in lines of concern. Concern for her, she realized.
“Mr. Weasley, is it? I thank you for your concern. I will be fine now. If I may just have a minute?”
“Of course, Mrs. Malfoy. My mother would prescribe a cup of sweet, strong tea to settle your nerves,” he said with a surprisingly sweet smile, conjuring a cup of the finest white china. “Here take a few sips of this,” he said, passing her the cup and saucer carefully.
Narcissa sipped the tea, her hands trembling. "Thank you, Mr. Weasley – you have been very kind. But I cannot take up your time – I am certain you must be a busy man."
"Not so busy I cannot assist you, Mrs. Malfoy. But first, please finish your tea. And then when you are ready, perhaps I could escort you to your destination."
~
Over the next few days, Narcissa found herself remembering the quiet, considerate young man. He reminded her of her beloved Lucius (years dead now and still sorely missed) when he was a young man – less polished and smooth, to be sure – but every bit as considerate and polite as her husband had been. And as tightly controlled and possibly as ambitious, she thought. An interesting young man. She wondered if Draco knew him – after all, the young man was almost young enough to be her son.
~*~
Narcissa's Greatest Desire
“Remus, I wanted to speak with you.”
“Of course, Narcissa, please take a seat.”
“Thank you.” She sighed lightly. “This is rather awkward, but I thought it might be best if I were entirely direct with you.”
“Please continue, Narcissa,” Remus said, inclining his head gravely, meeting her gaze with the focus of those bright amber eyes.
“To be blunt, Remus, I would like grandchildren.”
Remus’s hand trembled a little as he carefully passed Narcissa a cup of tea.
“Grandchildren?” he repeated, his eyes widening in surprise.
“Indeed, grandchildren,” she said firmly. "A granddaughter, and a grandson, too,” she added with a surprisingly sweet smile.
“Grandchildren,” he repeated flatly.
“Indeed. It is something I have mentioned in passing to Draco. And, at some later point, I will be bringing the topic up with Severus.”
“Narcissa, I realize that it must be very difficult for you to see your son involved with two middle-aged men of dubious repute, in a relationship you can hardly approve of.”
“Difficult?” she asked, her voice rising slightly. “Difficult is sending for the healers after your son has tried to commit suicide. Repeatedly. Difficult is keeping your son constantly attended to by house-elves, so that he can’t make any further suicide attempts. Difficult is watching your son barely functioning, and knowing there is nothing you can do to help. Difficult is hoping that through the help of two men, one of whom you barely know, your son might, one day, be able to function in a limited degree, although it appears he will never be able to speak or interact with other people. There has been nothing difficult about your relationship with Draco – it has returned my son to me, whole and healed, and brought him and myself nothing but joy.”
Her eyes shining with tears, she leaned forward to take one of Remus’s hands in her own. “I am very grateful that you and Severus love my son so much and that he returns that love. There is no difficulty there. I approve of your relationship with Draco, very much.”
His throat tight, his voice cracked and hoarse, Remus said, “Narcissa. Truly, I … Thank you.”
“Hush, you don’t need to thank me. But I would like grandchildren.”
“Er…”
“I know that’s nothing you can help me with directly, but that Granger girl has been kind enough to explain Muggle medical techniques and In-Vitro Fertilization and surrogate-mothers.”
“Hermione?” Remus repeated weakly, feeling increasingly out of his depth.
“Yes, Hermione Granger. A most intelligent young woman. She tells me that researchers at St Mungo’s have already developed the techniques to combine what she calls the ‘genetic material’ of two people. Miss Granger has patiently explained that Draco’s genetic material could be combined with that of his partner, or partners, and then ‘implanted’ into a healthy willing young woman. Who would then give birth to a healthy, normal child."
Narcissa dimpled mischievously as she smiled at Remus, “I think she was very relieved to hear that I was not thinking of myself. And although she did not ask, nor did I say, she immediately addressed herself to explaining situations where a surrogate mother might be implanted with a child from three or two parents.”
“No,” Remus growled. “Never. Not from three partners. The child could inherit lycanthropy.”
“I know,” Narcissa said gently. “Miss Granger explained that to me also. And that is why I thought I would first have this discussion with you, before mentioning it to Draco and Severus. For if the three of you became parents, the child could not be the child of your body, Remus,” she said, looking down, suddenly unwilling to meet Remus's pained gaze.
~*~
Draco's Classmates
“Draco, you had one of the Weasley boys in your classes, didn’t you?”
“That prat, Ron Weasley, yes.”
“I thought it might have been Percy Weasley.”
“Mmph, no. He's quite a few years older. Anyway, having classes with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger was bad enough – Percy Weasley is like the two of them rolled into one.”
Remus couldn’t help snorting his tea at that. “Excuse me, Narcissa,” he said.
She nodded her head graciously, “What’s so humorous, Remus?”
Remus laughed, looking a little shame-faced. “Well, Percy Weasley is a bit like Ron and Hermione, together in the one person. But I don't wish to criticize Percy Weasley. When it really means something, Percy comes through. Didn’t he help you with those reporters at the Ministry?”
“Yes, he did. He was very kind.”
~
“I suppose you taught all of the Weasley children, Severus?”
“Remus mentioned you had asked about Percy. I never could quite decide if Percy was the least irritating in the family, or the most. I’m a little surprised at your interest,” Severus said with a sidelong glance at Narcissa.
“Yes. He was very kind the other day. I was quite touched. I don’t think I’ve been treated with such kindness, except by family, not in the last few years.”
Severus snorted. “Remus has always been kind, from the first time he met you.”
“Remus is family. And he is also very kind.”
~*~
Appointment at St. Mungo's Hospital
“I wish you would come with us to St Mungo’s, Remus.”
“I would only be in the way. And I’ve got so much to do here, it’s better I stay at home.”
“Pleeease.”
Remus smiled and kissed Draco tenderly. “Not today.”
~
“Hurry up, Remus, or we will be late.”
“I’m not going anywhere, Severus. You had best be going, or you will be late.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Remus, of course you’re coming.”
“No, I am not.”
Severus called out loudly, “Draco, Floo St Mungo’s. Offer our apologies, and explain that we must re-schedule our appointment for another time.”
Remus interjected, “Severus. I don’t want that…”
“Just do it, Draco,” Severus called. “And then go over to see your mother."
Draco grumbled melodramatically as he left.
~
“Severus…”
“Shut up,” growled Severus, grabbing Remus and pushing him against the greenhouse work bench, to kiss him desperately. He kissed him as Remus protested, he kissed him as Remus squirmed, he kissed him as Remus moaned and melted.
Gasping for air, his eyes gleaming bright, Remus whispered, “What are you doing?”
“What does it look like I’m doing, Idiot wolf. I’m ripping your clothes off,” Severus said acerbically, doing just that.
“But Severus, you should be going to St Mungo’s with Draco.”
“And so should you,” Severus replied, leaning forward to draw Remus’s nipple into his mouth, worrying it with his teeth.
“No.”
“Yes. I’m not doing this without you. I will not risk losing you. There is nothing and no-one more important to me than you!” His eyes blazing, Severus grabbed Remus roughly, shaking him by the shoulders. “God damn it, Lupin. Let Narcissa create her own child if she wants one so badly. Nothing is worth losing you.”
“Be reasonable, Severus. You aren't losing me. I just don’t want to go to St Mungo’s – I would just be in the way.”
“And that is how I’d lose you, you fucking idiot. First you would withdraw from the medical treatments, then you would withdraw from the birth, and finally, one day you’d simply be gone,” Severus yelled.
“Severus, I…”
“Shut up, just fucking shut up,” Severus said, pressing his mouth against Remus’s mouth, forcing it open, twisting and twining their tongues together, cupping his head with his hands.
Remus began to peel off Severus’s clothes as they were kissing, suddenly as frantic as the other man.
“Oh, gods, Severus,” Remus moaned, as Severus pressed his hand between them to wrap it around both their cocks, grasping firmly and stroking hard.
“Oh, yes,” he whispered as Severus forcefully turned him around, pressing him over the bench, roughly stroking between the cleft of his buttocks with a hastily muttered lubrication spell.
“I’m not losing you,” Severus grunted, sliding his cock between Remus’s buttocks. “Do you hear? I am not losing you,” he said, pushing himself smoothly into Remus, and thrusting swiftly, punctuating each thrust with a gasp. “I. Am. Not. Losing you.”
“Severus,” Remus cried out, as Severus began to thrust deeper and deeper still, pounding into him, his balls slapping against his flesh.
Severus cried out as he began to thrust wildly, reaching to grab Remus’s cock and fist it with hard strokes. He screamed, “Not losing you!” as he came deep inside Remus while Remus howled his own release, spurting creamy white come onto the bench.
Slowly letting himself collapse onto the table, Remus whispered, “Oh, gods, Severus, you won't lose me. I'm yours.”
Severus leant his upper body against Remus, pressing himself against sweaty skin, clutching his hips to stay inside him. “Mine,” he whispered, and then, even more quietly, his voice catching in a sob, “Please, Remus, I can’t lose you.”
~*~
Narcissa's Gratitude
"Thank you, Mr. Weasley, you have been most helpful. I am most grateful for your assistance in this matter. Perhaps I could send you an invitation to a small dinner-party at the Manor?"
"Certainly, Mrs. Malfoy. I would be honoured."
"Until then, Mr. Weasley."
"I look forward to it."
~
Narcissa decided to invite Draco and his partners to the dinner with Percy Weasley. She was overjoyed that Draco and Severus were going ahead with the mysterious processes at St. Mungo's that promised a grandchild.
She wasn't certain whom else to invite. She had thought of inviting Miss Granger, but then reflected that Miss Granger's escort would be Percy Weasley's brother, and his presence might make it difficult for her to have a moment alone with Percy.
Not that she wanted any great intimacy with the young man (he was young enough to be her son, she reminded herself), but she found his company quite enjoyable. Such a courteous, well-mannered young man.
~
Narcissa allowed herself the slightest sense of triumph – the small dinner-party was going extraordinarily well. Percy, it seemed, had much in common with both Remus and Severus, and seemed to enjoy their company. Draco seemed somewhat withdrawn, but Narcissa reflected sadly that he usually was now, and might always be, among people he did not know well.
"The Manor's gardens seemed extraordinarily beautiful, Mrs. Malfoy," Percy said.
"Please, you must call me Narcissa. I'm very fond of the gardens – perhaps I could show you some of my favorite features someday, Mr. Weasley."
Percy smiled, "You honour me, Narcissa. Please, call me Percy."
Narcissa inclined her head graciously, determined to ignore the gleam brightening Remus's eyes.
"Severus is very familiar with the grounds, perhaps he and Draco could show you around after the meal?"
"That would be lovely, thank you," Percy replied, as Narcissa allowed herself to smirk slightly in the werewolf's direction. For all his loving heart, Remus really could be irritating sometimes, she thought.
~*~
Correspondence
Narcissa opened the letter with trembling fingers. The Daily Prophet's vile article this morning, about her unborn grandchild, her son, his partners and their living arrangements, focusing especially on the moral and physical dangers of having a werewolf around children, left her cautious about opening letters today. She would not be surprised if the house-elves had already taken it upon themselves to destroy a howler or two; the article was disgusting with its sly inferences, maliciously delighted at the thought of more scandal surrounding the Malfoys.
To her surprise, the letter was from Percy Weasley, a simple note expressing a desire to be of service to her if there was something he could do to be of assistance. He was a Gryffindor, she recalled. A Slytherin might have waited to see what developed from the situation – this simple missive with its impulsive offer of help struck her as charmingly naïve and gallantly foolish.
Without allowing herself to think about what she was doing, Narcissa picked up a quill and wrote a letter in reply.
~
Percy Weasley rang the bell, straightening his already perfectly aligned robes. He was not sure what exactly had prompted him to write to Narcissa, other than indignation that Rita Skeeter's foul article might distress a gracious and beautiful widow who had already lost so much. The death of her husband, the loss of her prestige and position in society, the trauma and its aftermath experienced by her son; surely she had been through enough grief. He found himself thinking of Narcissa Malfoy, her beauty, strength and grace, her sheer resilience, often. As beautiful as a pale rose, as strong as Goblin-wrought steel.
Somewhat surprised to see Narcissa opening the door herself, Percy was positively amazed by the way he was greeted. He was overcome, overwhelmed, overjoyed and in awe. And if he ever caught his breath again, (not that he ever wanted this kiss to stop), he would tell her.
~*~
“Where else would I want to be, but here with you?”
“Percy, no. This cannot happen. It would cause outrage – imagine what Rita Skeeter would write. Things are difficult enough for Draco now, without having additional scandal attached to the Malfoy name. Can you imagine? And Percy, what would your parents say? I’m old enough to be your mother.”
“You and mother got on very well at that Ministry function yesterday,” Percy said calmly.
“Percy, we were discussing grandchildren! Can you imagine what she would say if she thought you were courting a woman about to be a grandmother. A woman who cannot bear any more children.”
“I think she would get over it. After all, there will be no shortage of grandchildren for her in the next few years.”
“I doubt that even the thought of multitudes of grandchildren will be sufficient to reconcile her to the notion that her son wishes to marry Lucius Malfoy’s widow. We will not speak of this again, Percy.”
“Very well, Narcissa. As my lady wishes,” he said, bending to press his lips against the back of her hand, and then lightly turning it over to kiss her palm. More persuasion would be required – after all, thought Percy, the greatest rewards required patience, diligent effort and sustained commitment. And Narcissa Malfoy was definitely worth waiting for.
~*~
Severus cradled Remus’s face between his hands, black eyes looking longingly into eyes the colour of the sweetest honey. “Say that you’ll stay, Remus. Please tell me that you’ll stay.”
“Of course I’m staying. Where else would I want to be but here with you two? I love you both.”
Remus was nearly bowled over by the impact of Draco leaping onto him from behind to fling his arms around the older man. “You’re staying? You’re not going to leave us?” he asked, bursting into tears, pressing himself against Remus’s back.
“Of course I’m not going to leave you,” Remus said, voicing his confusion. “Where would I go? Why would I go?”
"I thought the article in the Daily Prophet…"
"It's not as though I expected someone like Rita Skeeter to have anything positive to say about Claudia's pregnancy and the baby – I find I'm rather relieved that she decided to concentrate her outrage on my presence in the household, rather than directing greater criticism towards the two of you, or towards Claudia," Remus said, turning to embrace Draco.
Holding him tightly in his arms, he turned them both, so that he faced Severus again and said, "Honestly, the two of you are such drama-queens!"
"A drama-queen, am I?" asked Severus, taking a step towards them, his eyes flashing dangerously.
"Yes," purred Remus, his breath quickening at the glint in Severus's eyes. "Drama-queens, the pair of you!"
"I'll show you drama," Severus threatened, pressing himself against Draco and grabbing Remus's arse.
"Gods, yes."
~*~
Epilogue
Percy woke abruptly, sitting up in alarm, automatically stretching out his hand for his glasses. "What is it, Narcissa?"
"The baby… It's an owl from Remus, Claudia's had the baby. A baby boy. I'm a grandmother," she said, hastily throwing on the first available clothes. "Hurry up, Percy, we must go now."
~*~
Remus lay next to his lovers, watching them as they slept. Even in his wildest longings, he had never imagined that such happiness could be his: loving these two men, and now a child too. His loves, his family, his life now.
He watched as Draco turned slightly in his sleep, nestling against him more closely, and then Remus turned towards Severus, gently stroking his sleek hair, admiring the stark beautiful lines of his face.
He raised his head to look at the baby sleeping in the cradle. His tiny, perfect features reminded Remus of both of his parents; Corvus Remus Malfoy had pale skin, silky silvery hair, and beautiful, startlingly dark eyes. And Remus thought he could not have possibly loved any child more.
~fin~