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Blaise was adjusting the tie on Theo’s suit. Because he was Theodore Nott and expected to swim against the tide, he went with the best bespoke muggle suit he could buy instead of dress robes for the event. Mostly because the trousers made his arse look amazing and if he had to run around with a fucking necromancy curse causing black to creep up his fingers and his hands, his ass should look amazing.
When Blaise was done with his tie he asked, “White gloves or black leather?” waiving one of each in front of his friend. “One gives a debonaire-billionaire vibe but the other says classy yet slightly. However, the leather will definitely give a better crack against a bum whilst spanking.”
“You planning on spanking something besides your own monkey, Theo?” Blaise gave a friendly double smack on his face to go with his taunt, then adjusted his own tie in the foyer mirror.
“It so happens that I’ve just finished resurrection from death and happen to be extremely horny. There are sure to be several witches and wizards with lowered inhibitions at this do who wouldn’t mind getting naughty with Nott. I mean look at me for Merlin’s sake I am bloody gorg–”
Theodore Nott, much like his best gal-pal, was rarely speechless but the sight of Hermione coming down the stairs, arm in arm with his other female bestie, Pansy, left him momentarily mute. After a beat he remembered to wipe his mouth and find his speaking ability. “Merlin, Salazar, Helga, Rowena and Godric. Pans, you look absolutely edible and Sunshine, you look–.”
Blaise cut in, “You look like we are thankful Draco won’t be riding a broom to fall off of. He is going to pitch a tent when he sees you.”
She shot him a scolding look. “Blaise, you used to be my favorite but with that lewd comment you have been demoted.” She used her bossy/professorial tone. The one which Draco confessed (after many a firewhiskey) made him want to be tied up and have her tell him what to do by her in that exact voice. Theo had to admit it was very hot to get the Granger “dressing down” as it were.
Blaise winked cheekily at her. “One would think you’d be accustomed to it by now. Tell you what, I will buy you a drink at the complimentary bar to make up for it.” She rolled her eyes but the smile was good natured as she stopped to rifle in her bag for something.
Blaise leaned towards Theo’s ear so Granger wouldn’t hear. “100 galleons that there is no full trouser tent but he has to adjust when he sees her.”
Pansy, not to be left out of any scheming, stepped closer to add her very much unwanted (Theo felt) opinion. “Don’t do it Blaise, Malfoy has had ‘anti-erection at events’ etiquette training, I guarantee you.”
Blaise sniggered and Theo gave her an incredulous look before he hissed. “Hush Parks! And here I was going to split the winnings with you!” He gave Blaise his best charismatic smile. “You are on, dear brother from another. Aaaand on top of the 100 galleons that does not adjust I will bet another 100 that he will instead have to stop himself from messing up his perfect platinum poncy hair when he sees her.”
“You’re on!” Blaise clapped his hand in Theo’s and pumped it up and down vigorously to accept the bet.
Hermione in her resplendent dress and bossy attitude tried her best to remain serious despite their shenanigans and cleared the amusement from her throat. “Are you all done placing bets at poor Malfoy’s expense and ready to go?”
“Quite, Sunshine.” Theo offered his gorgeous golden friend his elbow after pulling on the black leather gloves. The white would have indeed been more in season, but the thought of a delicious crack that leather would make on a lucky witch or wizard’s skin was too much to resist. Mmmm. He almost licked his lips at the idea.
Entering Malfoy Manor, Theo never failed to be in awe at Narcissa Malfoy’s ability to make any event one to be talked about in the papers, at the Ministry and at meals for weeks. The entire estate had been transformed into a summer woodland dreamscape. A fantasyland designed to encourage wealthy wizards and witches to let go and enjoy food, music, dancing and enough drink to loosen their coffers and bid generously for the cause. Theo also hoped it might loosen some knickers.
Already he was humming with delight at the possibilities for the night, but he couldn’t ask for a better start to the evening when Draco did not adjust his trousers when he saw Granger. Instead his handsome blonde friend’s eyes went wide and his jaw ticked. Theo put the back of his hand to his lips and said out of the side of his mouth, “Wait for it, Blaise.” On cue, Draco lifted a hand to his hair then stopped himself from touching it. “There it is!” Theo exclaimed with glee and waggled his gloved fingers for Blaise to pay up.
He released Hermioine’s arm as Malfoy approached to kiss his crush’s cheek. Merlin, Theo hoped that tonight would be the night that those two might finally pull there heads out and fuck or at least agree to go on a date. The sexual tension between them was thicker than the steam in the prefects’ bath.
Draco, controlling his drooling over Hermione (also learned in an etiquette course, surely) turned to Blaise and said, “Would you mind entertaining these two beauties on your own for a moment? Potter wishes a word with Theo and me.” He jutted his chin across the room to where Harry was speaking to a woman who looked to be about Narcissa’s age with a blunt white bob, similar to Pansy’s but shoulder length.
Theo’s eyes narrowed at Draco, wondering what he was playing at. Hoping the twat was listening in on his thoughts, he said it louder in his head, What are you playing at dickhead?
“Play along, Theo.” Draco muttered as Blaise escorted Pansy and Hermione toward the bar. “I have someone for you to meet. Draco turned to lead the way through the crowd.
“Malfoy, you know the only older woman I have eyes for is your mother so I fail to understand why you would possibly want me to…” Draco was ignoring him, stopping to greet a couple who were dripping in jewels and to the dismay of Theo’s olfactory senses, cologne. He smiled pleasantly when introduced but sounded a bit nasally from holding his breath. He noted himself to invent an invisible bubble-head charm later. Moving once again he said with a pout, “Oi, Draco, can’t a lad get a cocktail first? I just finished coming back to life for Merlin’s sake.” The only good thing about this necromancy curse of dying and coming (excruciatingly) back to life was the sympathy card he could play with his friends to get what he wanted.
Draco, the tosser, paused and lifted a knowing brow at him. “I am sure when you meet our guest you will want to wait, Theodore.”
“What are you on about Ma–”
The sentence was choked from him when the woman turned, lifting dark lashes until her eyes met his. They were a color that could only belong to one person and it wasn’t an older woman with white hair.
“You found her.” He whispered, clutching Draco’s lapel. The man looked down his nose at Theo’s hand before he rested his own on the line of muscle that ran from Theo’s neck to his shoulder.
“Didn’t have to, mate. Corvus is here on Hallow’s business, but I let her know you wanted to talk.”
“Why didn’t you warn me?” Theo pinched the bridge of his nose, not sure he was prepared for this tonight.
“You’ve asked me not to discuss her. We are trying to keep her safe, yeah?”
“Yeah.” He released the hostage of Malfoy’s clothing and smoothed it. He swallowed, trying to drum up saliva that he was apparently no longer producing. He needed water. Merlin, what was he going to say? He didn’t want to say what he needed to. But this would be his only chance. He was practically bouncing on the balls of his feet with nerves when they reached Potter and the woman.
“Potter, you wanted to introduce Theodore to our honored guest?” He gestured toward the woman who turned toward Theo, and smiled largely enough for the lines around her eyes to crinkle.
Harry cleared his throat awkwardly, “Uh yes, Perle Wuya is a great supporter in the cause for developing anti-curses for those afflicted and is interested in making a generous bid on tonight’s grand prize.”
“Is she now?” Theo’s eyes sparkled.
“Ms. Wuya, this is Theodore Nott. He has extensive knowledge of the auction item and I thought maybe he could show it to you in further detail.”
She held a hand out and he noted the ring, the betrothal ring had been replaced by a pearl band. Waves of relief and loss rippled through his gut as it was the first time and perhaps the last that he would ever take her hand without it, without her chained to him. He placed his lips on her outstretched knuckles and dared look into those violet-blue eyes he’d known since he’d ever had a memory. A pink tongue appeared through lips that were thinner than her actual ones before she smiled again. She was glamoured to look like someone else but the fire in her eyes was all her.
The voice was melodic and he shut his eyes briefly at hearing it again when she said, “A pleasure, Theodore. Does anyone ever call you Teddy?”
“Only the most lovely of women, so please, Teddy it is.”
She lifted a hand in front of her mouth to giggle like a schoolgirl.
“Please, allow me to show you the Manor.” He bowed slightly before offering his arm. “Potter, Malfoy, thank you for the introduction. I will certainly keep Ms. Wuya entertained."
Eager to ask her a million questions he stopped himself when she preempted him with a quiet. “Not here, Teddy. Too many eyes on us. And not in a private room yet, too many of your fingers I want on me.”
“Garden?”
“Yes.”
It was balmy and the air was filled with the scent of Narcissa’s prized rose garden. There were still party guests wandering about but it was a little less crowded and Theo could discreetly cast a silencing charm that would allow them to speak freely. “Lillipad, is it safe for you to be here? I told Draco to try and find you but not to bring you into a room with a thousand people, many of whom still would kiss the Dark Lord’s rotting arse if given the opportunity. What if my father’s people are here?”
She gave his arm a squeeze. “Relax, Teddy, Draco and a couple of other operatives scanned everyone’s thoughts on arrival. There are sympathizers but no one directly after me. I also have my protectors here.” The notes of her laughter filled the air again. “I feel a bit bad though I think the worst thoughts Malfoy came across were several people wondering if Hermione would be showing her fantastic set of tits off in her dress tonight. He was quite cranky about it.”
“Well then maybe he should stop being a massive git and ask her out.”
“Things aren’t always easy between people, you and I both know that complications can keep people who love each other separate.”
He did know. They both knew all about that. “Can we go somewhere so you can drop the glamour? I want to see your face Lilli.” He faced her, desperately wanting to touch her but feared any gossip that would call attention to her, disguised or not. “It’s been so long since I’ve seen your face.”
“In a bit Teddy, I know what happens the minute you and I get behind closed doors.”
His grin grew lopsided until a dimple appeared. “I am very glad I wore the leather gloves now. The sound is going to be glorious.”
She halted again, mouth turned downwards. “I know why you are wearing those gloves, Teddy and I don’t think it’s funny. I can see the exhaustion in your eyes. Draco has told me what you go through when you resurrect. I am worried about you.”
His voice could barely be heard. “I am too but that will have to wait until we are in private. I don’t need to cry in the middle of a fucking gala, Lilli.” He started to walk again. “Tell me why you are here, is it really to buy Malfoy Manor?”
“Hallows needs a toehold where Voldemort started.”
“You aren’t fucking serious. You are not staying in England when my father is still out there.”
“While I love your manly bullshit, Theodore,” She held up the finger that once held the ring. “You no longer have control.” The edge in her tone softened, “I won’t be staying here. Just checking in. Antioch and Cloak will be the key contacts here. I will come from time to time.” She pressed a finger to the line between his pinched brows. “Not to worry, it will be like hiding in plain sight. You are an expert at that.”
“I-I can’t talk about this here. I can’t talk about this while you are wearing someone else’s face. I promise to control myself. Come on.”
Lilli mumbled. “Not sure if I can promise that though.” But she let Theo steer her by the elbow, back inside and down a corridor to a room that looked to be used for entertaining smaller groups. She went to the gentlemen's bar and poured them both three fingers full of amber liquid into crystal tumblers before saying “Finite Incantatum.”
Theo’s eyes were hooded above the rim of his glass as he saw her face thin out and grow closer to heart-shaped, her cheekbones becoming more pronounced. Her lips were fuller and lashes lengthened as did her hair. As it grew longer it changed to its familiar inky blue-black hue that he loved. Theo put his glass down and ran a thumb along his lips where a drop of whisky hadn’t made it to his tongue. “There’s my Lillipad.”
She leaned backwards against the bartop, elbows resting on it as she swirled her glass. “I will always be your Lillipad. But now I get to choose to be.”
He took the glass from her hand and placed it behind her with his own then with large palms on her ribcage, just underneath her breasts, lifted her up to sit. She inhaled sharply as he moved himself between her thighs and removed one of his gloves so he could feel the creamy silk of her throat with his bare hand as he bracketed it to tilt her head back and cover her lips with his.
He savored her flavor that was uniquely her as he slid her tongue against hers. His gloved hand went to thread into the hairs on her nape as he traveled his right hand downward, palming her breast briefly before moving down to ruck up her dress inch up her thigh.
“Mmmm, Theo.” Lilli rasped.
“Gods, Lilli. You taste so fucking good. I am going to fuck—”
An “AHEM” came from the middle of the room.
Theo’s head swiveled to see his best friend, cheeks pink, scrambling to stand from the sofa where she must’ve been lying. With an apologetic grimace and a thumb pointed at herself she said, “Look who’s the cockblocker now, huh?”
Looking over his shoulder he raised his eyebrows at Hermione but kept his hands where they were.
Mortified, Hermione eyed the door. “I’ll just, erm, go and leave you to it then.”
“Hermione?” Lilli peered around Theo who pulled her dress down a bit but kept his hand on her thigh.
Hermione smacked herself on the forehead in an epiphany. “Theo’s Liilipad?” A shy nod and smile came from Lilli. Hermione inched around the sofa. “I, erm. Uh-I am going to go, but one day, I hope to meet you under less–” Hermione looked them over then broke a cheeky smile. “Horny circumstances, so that maybe we can have a proper chat.”
Lilli laughed but Theo’s face was serious as he turned around to face her. “Sunshine, no one can know she is here, yeah? No one.”
A look of impending lecture flashed across his friend’s face but she thought better of it and nodded. “Understood. I would never want to put her in harm’s way. I, ah, am just going to either go back and talk to the old wizard who smells like fish or find someone to dance with.”
He raised his eyebrows at her again. “Just make sure that someone is Draco or I will have to deal with his sulking.”
“Right, but only if Ol’ Fishbreath is already dancing. I mean what’s a tall, devastatingly handsome Auror compared to someone with the girth and diet of a walrus? Lilli?”
“Yes?” She said with a bright smile, her chin resting on top of Theo’s shoulder.
“I am glad you are here. He’s really missed you. I hope we can talk more sometime but I will leave you to it. I will see you at home, Theo.”
She rushed out the door before he could say “See you there.”
Lilli grabbed his gloved hand and pulled it off. He fought not to curl the blackened fingers into his palm in shame of them. She brought their interlaced hands up to examine them. “She’s more beautiful than you can ever get from the pictures in media. Hermione, that is. Have you two ever?”
“And risk death via Draco instead of a necromancy curse?”
“Theo–”
“I mean I would ask to be in a triad with them but I am afraid Draco's experimentation phase with my cock has passed.”
“Teddy–”
“Look, I know what’s coming but can we not say those words just yet? Let us just feel something other than fear or pain or worry together for just a moment?”
She wet her lips, moving the hand she clasped to her breast before she kissed him. Heated. Demanding. “Touch me everywhere Teddy.”
Theo began to remove his tie, “Do you trust me Lillipad?”
“With all that I am.”
He kissed her again then held the tie out in front of her eyes, waiting for her to nod her permission. When she did, biting her lip he wound it around her eyes and tied it firmly in the back. She squealed when she felt him lift her and carry her to the sofa. He locked the door and silenced the room. “Be as loud as you want Lilli. Scream my name if you need to.” He wanted to take his time, to unzip her dress slowly, to savor the unwrapping of the gift of her bare body but he knew their time was running in more ways than one so used his wand to get her naked as fast as possible and then took a moment to drink her in.
“Theo, what are you waiting for? I need you.”
“I am taking time to appreciate how exquisite you are.” He raked his eyes from her parted mouth to her long neck, her perfect breasts to her thighs pressed together. His lips followed the same trail. Pausing to suck each nipple into his mouth, gently rotating between sucking and nibbling until she was moaning in her native language along with his name.
He parted her thighs with one hand and conjured the glove with the other to use in a minute. Placing his hands on either side of her cunt he spread her lips and gave a long lick, then landed his lips to give her clit the same treatment he’d given her nipples.”
“Oh Teddy, please. Oh gods!”
He pulled back and blew gently on it before licking it again. His breath was hot on her opening. “If you need me to stop, say ‘pearl’. Understood?”
“Yes!”
“Repeat what you say if you want me to stop.”
“I say pearl!”
He took the glove and gently cracked it against her cunt. “Do you need to say the word?”
“Mmm no. Again please.”
He brought the glove down again and followed with a swipe of his tongue, eliciting a loud groan from her. He repeated it until she was writhing and begging. The muskiness of her desire filled his nose and his cock ached from the scent alone. Dropping the glove he slipped two fingers into her opening to work her in tandem with his lips on her clit until he felt her spasming and crying as she came.
He crawled up her body, palms on either side of her then lowered himself to kiss her. “Do you need to say the word? Or are you ok to keep the blindfold on while you take my cock from behind?”
“No. No need to say it. K-keep it on. Fuck me please, Teddy. Now.”
He flipped her over, bending her over the back of the sofa as he divested himself with his wand. He pulled the glove on his right hand and smoothed the globes of her ass with his left. The gloved hand then came down with a delicious smack on each cheek, pinking them delightfully and causing her to gasp before he sank his cock into her. He pumped slowly at first, luxuriating in her body and the feeling of finally being with her after so much time but she began to beg.
“Faster.”
“Harder.”
“Fill Me.”
The frenzy of lust for her took over and he gave her what she wanted. “Fuck, Lilli. Perfect. Waited so long. Can’t believe I get to touch you like this again.”
He reached around to cup her breasts, pinching the peaks of her nipples gently as he thrust and when she cried out a second time he let himself go, flooding into her, breathless and spent.
When their panting had slowed, he pulled out, moving her to cradle her in his lap as he removed his tie from her eyes. He wiped the tears squeezing from them. “Ok?” he asked softly.
“More than. That was…”
“Hopefully better than Kai.”
“Teddy!”
“I am not jealous.” He lied. “Ok, I am but I am glad that fucking ring is off you and you have your free will to be with whomever you please. I just wish that–”
She pushed the hair out his eyes then brought his hands up to look at them. “Tell me about this. Do you think Hermione can find a cure?”
He shifted his gaze away. “She’s trying but I see her look at me, at the progression of the black lines and I see her fear for me.” He scoffed. “Typical Sunshine though, she is doubling down and fighting. But…”
“But what?”
“I am scared.”
“I am too.”
“Not just about the curse though, Lilli. I am scared for you. My father did this to me to get to you and we can’t have that. If he had your blood it would give him power over the rest of the wizarding world and we can’t let that happen.” He buried himself in her neck for a moment.
“I have protectors,Theo, but I know.”
“I have to let you go Lilli.” He sniffed and he could feel his eyes begin to sting. “As long as we do this, I am a weakness for you. He can get to you. Until he is dead we can’t see each other again and I don’t want you to live your life waiting for that day.” He was fully crying now and so was she. “You deserve a man you can live a life with.” The kiss he placed on her soft lips was gentle and tragic. “I should go.”
“I just want to breathe you in a little longer. Please.” She wound her arms around his neck pressing herself to him as her mouth covered his, sliding herself to straddle him. She canted her hips for his cock, hard once again, to enter her. It was her turn to take it her way and she did so in rocking and kisses and caresses while looking into his eyes. All he could do is tell her that he loved her over and over until they once again shuddered together.
Silently, they dressed, faces forlorn and hearts heavy. Before she took out her wand to disguise herself she opened her bag and handed Theo vials of what he knew was her blood. “You give those to Hermione.” She said, her voice catching briefly. “You tell her to use them. To find a cure because, Teddy, this can’t be the last goodbye. It can’t.”
A black thumb brushed the tears from her cheeks as he lied to her again. “I hope not.” That’s not what he hoped. He wanted it to be their last goodbye because he wanted her to be free. If he had to say goodbye to her again, it would be because he was dying and that would only cause her more pain.
“I love you, Lilli. I will always belong to you.”
“I need to go now before I lose the strength to say goodbye.”
Her chin dimpled before it changed with a wave of her wand and the door was closing behind her with a click. He silenced the room again and collapsed backward on the sofa and let out a raw sound of sorrow. He cried until he was numb. Knowing he couldn’t go back out there and that the manor’s wards would allow him to apparate, he took out a coin to message Draco.
“Going home. Tell Sunshine to meet me there. Please.”