Disclaimer: If you think I own Harry Potter then I'd greatly appreciate it if you could find out why the British Lady has all my money.

Beta: Obsidianwolf97

Pairing: Harry/Theo

Warnings: slash: male/male, peril, adult language, possessiveness, and graphic sexual intercourse.

Silently Pleading

Harry instinctively tightened his grasp on his wand as Draco Malfoy approached him after Care of Magical Creatures drew to a close. There was something different about him. His eyes were fiercer than Harry had ever seen them, his muscles clenching with every step he took, and his lips were curled in a patronizing smirk.

But Harry could see the worry hidden beneath the smirk. Malfoy was smirking to keep from grimacing. He'd been studying his rival for six years now, and he'd always been observant. He'd never seen an expression remotely resembling this one on Malfoy's face.

"Potter," Draco said bitingly, "I require a moment of your time." His arms hung at his sides, trying to convey calmness, though he was clearly agitated.

"Oi, ferret, stay the bleeding hell away from—"

"Ron, stop it! Let's just go, Harry," Hermione said quickly. She glared over at Ron for trying to start yet another fight with the Slytherin.

"Listen, Weasel, I—" Harry saw the way Malfoy's right cheek flexed, and didn't doubt for a moment that Malfoy had bitten it so that he wouldn't piss Harry off by insulting his friends. Malfoy took a deep breath and continued as though Ron hadn't interrupted, "Potter, a moment of your time?"

Ron's wand was in his hand and aimed at Malfoy's face a moment later. "You don't get to order Harry around you—" His words abruptly halted as he stared at the hand that was grasping his wrist in disbelief. His eyes trailed along the arm and connected with Harry's. "Mate?"

Harry shook his head slightly and pressed on Ron's wrist, forcing him to lower his wand. Ron might not have heard the slight questioning tone, but Harry had. It hadn't been an order; it'd been a request. He released Ron's wrist entirely and gazed at Malfoy's face, wondering what the Slytherin could possibly need from him.

"Sure thing, Malfoy." He noticed the look of relief that flashed through gray eyes and turned to leave, knowing that Malfoy would follow him.

"Mate, are you bloody mental? It's the ferret! He's going to curse you!" Ron hollered as his face turned red with rage.

"Harry, are you sure this is prudent?" Hermione asked. "Wouldn't it be safer for us to accompany you?"

Harry looked over at Malfoy and saw the boy was biting the inside of his cheek once again. "It'll be fine. Go on ahead. I'll see you at lunch."

"But Harry, it's Malfoy!" Ron snapped.

"I said it'll be fine," Harry repeated slowly and seriously. He didn't know what Malfoy wanted with him, but that look in Malfoy's eyes and the rigidity in his body told Harry this wasn't a prank or a cruel trap. Malfoy needed something from him—Harry Potter. If Malfoy hadn't seemed so desperate and serious, Harry would have laughed in his face.

But this, whatever it was, couldn't be good if it affected Malfoy on this level.

"Harry, are you sure?" Hermione asked softly. She could sense the tension between Harry and Malfoy, but she had no idea what was happening. Her eyes traveled from Harry to Malfoy and then back again.

"Yes, Mione, I'm sure," he replied. He enunciated his words carefully, something he only did when he was getting irritated, and he watched Hermione's eyes widen slightly.

"Do you want me to take your bag?" she asked quietly. She was hugging her books to her chest with one arm and carefully extending the other toward him.

"Sure, thanks," he said as he handed it over. Ron's face was turning a darker shade of purple, but Harry really wasn't in the mood to deal with him. He turned swiftly and stalked over to the lake, perfectly aware that Malfoy was following him quickly. He stopped when he reached the edge of the lake, waiting for Malfoy to join him.

He tensed when Malfoy appeared at his side, yet nothing was said. He glanced over and noticed that Malfoy had grown taller since the school year began; the top of his head was level with Harry's chin. Harry had grown several inches himself over the year, finally topping six feet much to his pleasure. His gaze drifted down and he saw that Malfoy was clenching and unclenching his hands. The skin would turn white, and then he'd relax them, only to repeat the process.

As the minutes passed, Harry patiently waited for Malfoy to speak. Whatever this was about, it must be more important than he'd originally thought. His mind began running different thoughts and scenarios, but he was abruptly pulled back to the present when Malfoy began to speak.

"I don't like you, Potter," Malfoy stated clearly. Harry scoffed and rolled his eyes. "In fact, I might even hate you," Malfoy added. "However, I'm not blind to certain virtues that you possess." Harry could hear the sneer coloring his voice. "You're a Gryffindor, and a prat, and a gullible naïve fool." Harry gritted his teeth as he listened to Malfoy malign his character. "Yet, for all the things that are wrong with you, you do one thing right."

Harry whipped his head to the side, staring at Malfoy in disbelief. Had he just been complimented in a backhanded sort of way? He blinked. What was it that Malfoy thought he did right?

"I don't—I can't—bugger!" Malfoy snapped as his hands clenched into fists tighter than before.

Harry's jaw almost dropped. He'd never heard Malfoy swear; he didn't think Malfoys were allowed to do something as common and uncouth as using profane statements.

Malfoy kept his eyes on the water and ran a hand through his perfectly groomed hair, mussing it, and pulling Harry's attention back to the present. "I can't protect him," Malfoy finally said, defeat in his voice. "My name, my wealth, none of that can protect him."

Harry's gaze narrowed intently as he stared at Malfoy. To hear Malfoy admit to being helpless was almost more shocking than to hear Malfoy wanted to protect someone. Harry had never seen Malfoy stand up for anyone, not even his bodyguards or groupies.

"His father is old, Potter, and his mother is dead," Malfoy said through gritted teeth, hands shoved in his pockets.

Harry simply continued to stare at him, waiting for him to speak again when he had control of himself. Draco's whole body was shaking—rage and worry swimming in those gray eyes that were normally so cold. Harry'd never seen them alive like this; he hadn't thought they could be alive like this.

"His family is neutral, but there's been talk—he won't be given a choice," Malfoy said bitterly. Malfoy suddenly turned his head away from the water and stared directly into Harry's eyes. The intensity of the gaze pierced Harry, shocking him with the many emotions it held. Draco Malfoy actually cared about someone.

He watched as Malfoy took a deep breath then cast aside his pride, saying, "I can't protect him, but you can."

Harry sucked in a sharp breath. The tone of voice, the look in Malfoy's eyes, the way his cheek muscles clenched and spasmed, they all told a story. Draco Malfoy wanted his help—no, needed his help—and was willing to bare himself to someone he hated and open himself up to ridicule to get it. Harry didn't doubt for a second that the person Malfoy was speaking of was a Slytherin. Anyone else would have come to him themselves if they needed protection that badly.

"If I refuse?" Harry asked as he met Malfoy's gaze head-on, not to be cruel, but out of curiosity.

Malfoy must have seen that in his eyes, because he replied, "You won't." The slightest smirk curled his lips and he sounded completely sure of himself.

"But if I do?" he asked, just to be contrary.

Malfoy scowled. "Then he'll be branded as a Death Eater against his will. No one will be able to save him, and he'll likely become the Inner Circle's toy," Malfoy ground out.

Harry reeled back in shock. Malfoy had essentially just admitted that he'd be a Death Eater soon, but Harry knew his rival wasn't fated to be a toy—not with Lucius Malfoy in the Inner Circle. "Why—" His throat swelled shut, not allowing the question to escape, but Malfoy understood it and answered anyway.

"There've been rumors that you can see what the Dark Lord does occasionally," he said. Malfoy snorted when Harry neither agreed nor disagreed with the statement. "Then you know what it's really like." Harry continued to stare at him in horror. "Potter, he may be a pureblood, but without someone in the upper echelon to keep him safe he'll be free game for anyone wanting to practice their curses or . . ." Malfoy's face paled and the rage and helplessness flared in his eyes once more.

His head fell forward, and his hair drifted down to block Harry's view of his eyes. "I won't be in a position to help him, Potter. I won't have the power to save him. I won't—I can't let that happen to him. He deserves better than that. He deserves a choice," Malfoy said softly.

"So do you," Harry replied quietly.

Malfoy chuckled, a humorless smirk on his face. "I made my choice, Potter. I'm the one who'll have to live with it, but I made it of my own free will. I want, no, need him to have a choice. You can protect him. I know you hate me, Potter. I've never done anything for you or your friends." Malfoy took a deep breath and said, "I once overheard you speaking with them, and you said that people shouldn't be punished for what those associated with them do, or something like that."

Harry's head jerked back once more. He remembered that. He'd been in the library with Ron and Hermione. He'd been angry that Snape was once again treating him the way he did because of the way the Marauders had treated him.

"Did you mean it?" Malfoy asked, lifting his gaze to meet Harry's eyes. His shoulders were tense, and his hands were fisted in his pockets.

And there it was: the question.

It seemed like such a simple thing, a small question, but there were a great many questions packed into those four words. Could he trust Harry with this pureblood wizard that he was unable to protect himself. Would Harry live up to the words he spoke and the person he claimed to be?

Harry had already made his decision the moment he realized what Malfoy truly wanted from him. He'd only been further convinced with every word that had come from Malfoy's mouth. It was true that he didn't like Malfoy, and he doubted he ever would, but after today, after this specific conversation, his respect for Malfoy improved, even if it was only the smallest bit. It took courage to do what Malfoy had done, and Harry would honor that.

"I meant it," Harry said.

The tension drained from Malfoy's body and the barest hint of a smile appeared on his face. "I've seen you watching him," he said. The smile on his face turned to a smirk as Harry froze, eyes flying wide open.

Harry took a deep breath as the shock faded, trying to control his sudden rage, but his hands still curled into fierce fists. They were planning on turning his Slytherin into a Death Eater toy? Malfoy stared at him intensely for a moment, then he nodded once, solemnly. It appeared he was satisfied that his wishes would be met.

Malfoy turned around and began walking away from the lake and the enraged young man who was standing there. He paused. "He watches you too." Then he continued toward the school. If he'd glanced back, he would have seen the astounded and deliriously pleased smile on Harry's face.

Harry shook himself and began walking back toward the castle. They'd been talking for some time now, and he'd promised Ron and Hermione he'd be there at lunch. If he didn't show up soon they'd likely come looking for him, wands ready. He was still in shock about what had just occurred. Draco Malfoy had just—he shook his head and focused his thoughts.

It wouldn't happen. He wouldn't allow something like that to happen, not ever, and especially not to the one he'd decided months ago belonged to him.

It'd started out simply, innocuously. He'd noticed the way those long pale fingers curled around a knife in Potions class. Then he'd become aware of how fragile the boy seemed to be, regardless of his height. He'd done some very discreet questioning and had learned that it was because of a wizarding childhood illness, very rare and usually fatal.

Yet, it was the loneliness and desire for company in those golden eyes that had truly captured him. They were often hidden by the chestnut hair that Harry desperately wanted to touch. However, he could see the emotions behind the mask, because he was intimately familiar with them. Those same emotions were often hidden by a mask of his own.

The Slytherin never sought anyone out though, and he never let anyone close to him. He was solitary in a school full of students. Harry didn't remember seeing him willingly speak with anyone other than Malfoy. It wasn't that he was disliked; he just exuded an aura that made him seem unapproachable.

Harry had been very pleased with that, because he didn't want anyone getting overly familiar with the person he'd chosen for himself. No one had ever been there for Harry, and he wouldn't—couldn't—allow that to happen to this seemingly fragile boy. Harry'd intended to keep him safe and protected, and Malfoy's comments had only increased that desire exponentially.

Theodore Nott belonged to him.

Today was the last full day of the school year, and the summer holiday would start tomorrow. There were no classes after lunch and Harry was grateful for that. He knew he wouldn't have been able to pay attention to anything the rest of the day. Not with the rage seething through him.

Malfoy's words echoed in his mind repeatedly as he walked up the steps to the school. 'He'll be free game for anyone wanting to practice their curses or . . .' Bile rose in his throat at the image, and he swallowed it quickly. He would never allow that to happen. No one would use Theo like that, not as long as he was alive.

Harry stalked through the Entrance Hall barely aware that it was empty. He was too focused on solving the problem Malfoy had presented. He had to make sure Theo would be safe, permanently. Possibilities flashed through his mind one after the other and were instantly discarded as insufficient.

He had just reached the closed doors to the Great Hall when he abruptly came to a halt. A grin more devious than the Cheshire Cat's spread across his face as he remembered something Hermione had told him at the beginning of the year.

—

"Harry, did you know that you're a pureblood now?" Hermione asked.

Harry blinked up at her in shock. Her sudden question had broken the silence that had lasted since they'd entered the carriage in Hogsmeade. "What're you talking about, Mione?" Was she insane? How could he be a pureblood all of a sudden?

She tutted softly. "Oh honestly, don't you ever read?"

"I've been a little preoccupied mourning Snuffles," he ground out. He mumbled a soft apology when she winced at the harsh words.

"No, it's my fault," she replied quickly. "I didn't mean to sound insensitive."

"How can he be a pureblood?" Ron asked.

Harry fought back a groan as he heard the barely hidden jealousy in the question. Blood Status was about the only thing Ron beat him in, and his friend didn't seem to be pleased that he'd apparently lost that edge too. Ron was a good friend, but Harry really didn't need this right now.

"Snuffles named Harry as his magical heir," Hermione informed them as she went into lecture mode. "He's already the magical heir of the Potter family. Being named Snuffle's magical heir was a type of unofficial adoption. Blood Status is determined by combining the . . ." Harry tuned her out until the carriage came to a stop. He caught the very end of her speech as she declared, "So he's basically James Potter's and Snuffles' son magically, which gives him pureblood status."

—

Ron had been a right arse for weeks after the revelation, but he'd settled down once Harry had remained the same. He snorted. Hermione had given him a book on pureblood customs and laws for Christmas, along with a note saying he needed to learn what his duties were so he'd be able to perform them appropriately and responsibly.

The book had actually made for interesting reading and he'd finished it in a day.

The grin on his face grew wider. He hadn't actually believed he'd need to use any of the stuff in there, but now he had the ideal situation where that book was of use. He'd applied some things in it before, mainly giving himself a better understanding of purebloods and why they acted as they did. Now though, he'd use it to keep his Theo safe, assuming Malfoy was correct about Theo watching him as well.

Harry pressed his hands against the doors, and they banged open, slamming loudly against the stone walls. The students jumped, and several wands were aimed at him before lowering as they realized who exactly had made such an entrance. He didn't doubt for a moment that Snape was subtracting points from Gryffindor, but he didn't care.

He gracefully approached the Slytherin table, which caused whispering to break out around the room. Everyone was watching him curiously, and the gazes switched to Malfoy before returning to him. Word had gotten around that Malfoy had asked for a moment in private with Harry and they were hoping to find out what the two rivals had discussed. They'd been sorely disappointed when Malfoy had appeared several minutes before as unruffled and regal as usual.

His eyes locked with Theo's golden ones, and he saw them narrow slightly in contemplation. They turned away to gaze at Malfoy and whatever he saw there seemed to relieve any fears he must've had, because every muscle in his body relaxed minutely.

Harry rounded the end of the table and Theo turned to face him, surely knowing by the determined look in his eyes that whatever was happening was very serious as far as Harry was concerned.

Theo's head tilted back as Harry came closer so he'd be able to keep their gazes locked. Harry came to a stop before him, and there was a moment of silence where an endless number of emotions passed through Harry's fiery emerald eyes.

The moment was broken when Harry sank to his knees, trembling so slightly that only Theo noticed. He reached into his robe pocket and withdrew his wand: the wand that would defeat Voldemort someday in the future, if people were to be believed. Harry carefully turned it in his hand so the handle faced Theo and solemnly spoke the ritual words, "It will serve to protect you and your happiness as long as it exists."

There were several gasps, and the noise level rose dramatically.

"I can't believe he's—"

"Is he bleeding ment—"

"What's going on—"

"Think he'll refuse—"

"What the hell does Potter think—"

Harry ignored the clamoring noise, because none of those questions mattered to him. He stayed on his knees, offering his wand, waiting for Theo's answer. The longer he waited, the louder the voices got, and the more nervous he became.

Damn it! He wanted to keep Theo. He wasn't just doing this because of what Malfoy had told him. He'd known for months now that he wanted Theo to be his. Malfoy's information had simply sped up his plans.

Harry stared into those golden eyes, finding he was unable to read them for the first time since he started watching Theo. The mask he was wearing was impenetrable. Harry had no idea what he was thinking. He tried to keep his breathing calm and his body from trembling. Would he be refused?

He couldn't look elsewhere, afraid that if he tore his eyes away he'd be rejected. He was silently pleading for Theo to accept him, to understand that this was something he wanted desperately. He begged with unspoken words for Theo to see the love that was in his eyes, in his every action toward the other wizard.

Theo closed his eyes, breaking the connection between them, and Harry felt his heart lurch. He could feel it twisting and—Theo was touching his hand. He looked down, tearing his eyes away from the finely chiseled features to see those elegant fingers running down his skin. They clasped his wand tightly and withdrew it from his hand.

He didn't think he'd ever hear anything sweeter than the words that escaped Theo's lips. "May it break if your words prove false."

A radiant grin appeared on Harry's face, and he completed the ritual. "May it break if my words prove false." The holly wand glowed a brilliant white as the vow was sealed.

Harry leaned forward and grasped Theo's hand, bringing it up to his lips. He pressed a chaste kiss against the soft skin and stared up into Theo's eyes; they were shining with a happiness only he could see.

Harry got to his feet and accepted the wand back, sliding it into his pocket once again. He entwined his fingers with Theo's and tugged lightly, guiding his fiancé to his feet. He turned and led the way over to the Gryffindor table, smirking once at Malfoy as he passed him. The relief in Malfoy's eyes made the smirk widen.

Theo was safe, and his.

They walked across the now silent hall and settled down into two empty seats across from Ron and Hermione. Everyone continued to stare at them in shocked disbelief over what had just transpired. It was finally broken when Luna's words drifted over from the Ravenclaw table. "Harry, the Nargles say that you'll live a long and happy life with your bonded. Congratulations."

"Thank you, Luna," Harry said.

"Thank you, Miss Lovegood," Theo replied.

Those few words seemed to shatter the silence, because moments later questions were flying through the air as those not aware tried to figure out what the hell they'd just witnessed. Harry ignored the pushy questions, knowing several other people would be happy to answer them in precise detail. The Ravenclaws and the purebloods knew all about the betrothal ceremony and if Harry had his way they'd be permanently bonded today as well. He wasn't going to let anything take Theo away from him.

He felt eyes boring into him and glanced up, locking gazes with Severus Snape. For the first time he could remember, the black gaze didn't hold derision and the sneer was absent from his face. Snape inclined his head the slightest bit, then quickly returned to his meal.

Harry's breath caught in his throat and a wide smile spread across his face. Apparently, he'd finally been able to convince the man that he wasn't James Potter.

He glanced up to see Ron's mouth opening and closing soundlessly. His cheeks kept alternating between a fiery red and sickly paleness. "Nott?" he finally managed to squeak out.

Harry's arm wrapped around Theo's waist and pulled his fiancé tightly against his side. "Yes," he replied. His tone of voice, his posture, his eyes, they all warned Ron that this wasn't something he'd be forgiven for if he said the wrong thing. Harry was practically leaking possessiveness into the room. His thumb rubbed against Theo's side slowly as he waited for the inevitable explosion.

"Right," Ron whispered. He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, opened them again, then stared directly at Theo. "Congratulations on your betrothal."

Theo nodded slightly, accepting the words, and that broke the tension at the Gryffindor table. They reached for the dishes and began passing around the sandwiches. Theo took several turkey ones off a platter and set them on Harry's plate, proving Malfoy was correct when he'd said Theo had been observing Harry, and that Theo had observed him closely.

The meal passed peacefully for their small group. The three of them were used to the attention, and Theo, as a Slytherin, knew how to ignore it. Harry's arm stayed protectively curled around him the entire time and was still wrapped around him when they got up and left the Great Hall. Harry guided him over to the staircase and led the small group up it.

They were only a little ways away from the portrait of the Fat Lady when Hermione finally spoke. "Did Malfoy talk you into this?"

She shrank back a moment later and Harry knew the look in his eyes was vicious and cutting, but he couldn't stop his natural reaction to such a question. "Theo's mine," he hissed, eyes darkening in rage. "He's been mine for months, and I do not appreciate the insinuation that I would offer myself to someone for any reason other than love."

She blinked in shock as the words registered. "Harry, I'm sor—"

"I also don't appreciate the implication that Theo would sell himself to me," Harry snapped. His body was trembling with rage and the arm curled around Theo pulled his fiancé closer to him, unconsciously seeking his safety.

Confusion overcame the shock. "What are you—"

"Mione, these bonds can only be entered into willingly," Ron interjected, hoping to avoid a duel. Newly betrothed mates were extremely protective and vindictive if necessary. The magic vow would push Harry to keep his word.

"He's Harry," Hermione said, as if that explained everything. "He'd be willing to do almost anything to protect someone."

Theo stepped to the right, pressing his back against Harry's chest. He knew she was just trying to understand and do what was best for her friend, but she was going about it the wrong way. If she didn't shut up, Harry would curse her. "Granger, it isn't a person's brain that has to be willing, it's their heart."

"Oh," she gasped softly as understanding dawned on her. An embarrassed blush colored her cheeks and she glanced down at the floor. "I wasn't aware that—I'm sorry, Harry, Theo. I apologize."

"You're forgiven," Theo replied.

Harry nodded to her jerkily and watched in relief as Ron dragged her off down the hallway. He needed to be alone with Theo right now, away from all the others who had no right to be near his fiancé.

His arm tightened possessively on Theo's hip and he led them to a portrait of Godric Gryffindor that was just down the hallway. The man simply smirked at them, winked once, and opened the portrait, allowing them access to a luxurious set of chambers.

Once they were inside and the portrait was closed, Harry pulled Theo to his chest. He gazed into golden eyes as full of desire, lust, love, need, and passion as his own. He leaned down slowly, allowing Theo one chance to put the physical bonding off until another time. He growled happily when Theo didn't even try to escape his hold.

With relish, Harry captured Theo's lips. They were as soft as he'd always thought they'd be and he groaned when they fell open for him. His tongue shot out and tangled with Theo's, claiming him with a hint of desperation. He'd wanted this for months and he was finally allowed to have it.

Harry's hands slid down and grabbed Theo's hips, pulling them together, which made them both moan in pleasure. They rubbed against each other, seeking the fierce pleasure that radiated outward from the friction they were causing. Their movements became more frantic, and Harry plunged his tongue even deeper into Theo's mouth.

Their movements became less controlled the higher their desire rose. Theo's hands were fisted in Harry's hair, tugging so hard that it hurt, though that just made Harry even more aroused. It meant this was real, it was happening, and he wasn't going to wake up in a few minutes with an aching erection.

He finally had Theo exactly where he belonged.

Harry's fingers raked up Theo's back, causing him to cry out into Harry's mouth. His hips bucked forward and their erections brushed together. Harry could feel his blood heating up, flowing through his body more quickly than before, and he could feel his magic right alongside it. He wasn't sure which one of them did it, but they were nude a moment later, and that brought with it a whole new series of sensations.

Harry reached down and wrapped his hands around Theo's thighs, pulling his legs up until they surrounded his waist. He walked deeper into the room; their lips separated for what surely must have been the first time since entering. His head tilted to the side and Theo licked and sucked on his neck. He jerked forward and squeezed Theo's thighs tightly when Theo's tongue traced the shell of one ear.

"Oh God," he moaned.

He could feel Theo smirk against his skin, and he cried out a moment later when teeth latched onto his earlobe, nipping sharply. It was good that they were so close to the bed, because he lost control of his legs at that moment and they fell forward. Theo bounced for a moment and then Harry landed on top of him, pinning him to the bed.

They shifted until they were lying comfortably on it, then Harry's hands dove into Theo's chestnut hair, feeling it for the first time. "So soft," he whispered, almost reverently. It was just as he'd thought it would be, and it was his. His hands curled tightly in the hair and he tugged sharply, yanking Theo's lips up to meet his. The kiss was messy, all lips and teeth, and it spoke of their desperate need and desire for one another.

Harry pulled away and grasped Theo's hips, flipping him over. He pulled Theo back toward him and cast a quick Cleaning Charm. His hands massaged the pale cheeks then spread them. Harry grinned wickedly, gazed up at Theo, who was looking over his shoulder, and dove in, lapping at the puckered opening.

"Harry!" Theo gasped, hands fisting the sheets. "Merlin, Harry!" His ability to speak was stolen from him as Harry continued to tongue-fuck him, claiming him in one of the most basic and animalistic ways possible. He moaned in disappointment when Harry stopped. Yet seconds later, he felt a tingling sensation in his arse and knew that Harry had cast a Stretching and Lubrication Charm.

The clever tongue that was licking slow stripes across his bollocks almost distracted him from the fingers that were inching closer to their destination. "No!" he protested.

Harry pulled away quickly, confusion easy to see in his eyes, as well as pain. Theo rolled over so he was on his back and stared directly at Harry. "Only you," he ordered.

Harry's pupils flew wide as the words processed. Yet, the rational side of his mind warned him against it. "It'll hurt," he croaked out hoarsely.

"Then be careful," Theo panted. His eyes closed briefly before opening again. "I want to feel you, Harry. Only you, not your fingers. I want to feel you inside of me for days. I want the reason I'm sore tomorrow to be because I belong to you and—"

Harry dove down and devoured his lips. His tongue thrust inside Theo's mouth desperately. He grabbed Theo's legs and lifted them, placing them over his shoulders before sliding his hands back down. He grasped those pale cheeks and pulled them apart, settling between them. The tip of his long, thick cock pressed against Theo's entrance and he pressed forward until the tip was inside.

He waited a moment for Theo to adjust then very gently thrust the rest of the way in, stopping frequently so as not to damage him. He moaned deeply when his bollocks met Theo's arse. His head shot up when Theo's nails raked down his back, raising the skin in red lines. He stared down into watery gold eyes and clenched his teeth, fighting to keep control. "I'm sor—"

"Don't you dare apologize," Theo hissed. His muscles were clamping and spasming around the thick erection, but the pain in his eyes was slowly fading. "Make me yours, damn it."

Harry's eyes began glowing with power and need, and he pulled out slightly only to thrust back in a moment later. It was so tight and hot, just as he'd always imagined it would be, but better. This was Theo, the real Theo, and Theo would belong to him.

He adjusted his angle over the next several thrusts, and grinned ruthlessly when Theo screamed his name.

"Harry! Oh, Harry!" he moaned.

Harry buried his face in Theo's neck and kept that angle, thrusting forward repeatedly and delighting in the cries of pleasure he was receiving. He was going to make this unforgettable and claim Theo so totally that nothing would ever be able to erase his presence in Theo's body. He wanted Theo to always remember what it felt like when Harry was moving inside of him, joining them as one.

One hand that was supporting him trailed down and fisted Theo's cock, tugging lightly. The quiet whimpering sound brought a smirk to his face and he did it again, massaging the swollen cock in time with his thrusts.

"You're mine," he snarled.

Theo could only nod his head in agreement, helpless to the sensations that were overwhelming his ability to think.

"No one else will ever touch you," he ordered.

"No one," Theo agreed mindlessly.

"Good." He pulled on Theo's cock one last time then turned his head, sinking his teeth into the skin there. He felt the skin break and blood trickled into his mouth for a moment before the bite instantly healed over. The warmth of the blood, combined with the wetness of Theo's release, and the heat from Theo's arse pushed him over the edge.

Harry thrust two last times and trembled as he emptied himself inside Theo's body, marking it in the most basic of ways, and claiming this man as his bonded mate. He collapsed to the side and carefully withdrew, pulling Theo into his arms as he hissed in discomfort. Harry leaned down and kissed his lips gently, then licked the few tears off his face.

Theo snuggled close to his chest and pressed a hand against it, right over his heart.

"It's yours," Harry mumbled sleepily as he tightened his arms.

Theo leaned forward and pressed his lips where his hand had been a moment ago, making his own silent claim.

-End-

Note: Rowling said in an interview that Theodore Nott was the only person Draco Malfoy considered to be his equal. She apparently had a scene written where Draco said something to that effect, only that Theo was 'cleverer', but wasn't able to make it fit in the books. Therefore, I decided to show how Draco Malfoy would choose to honor an equal—by saving him.