Second Place - Romance

Andrew smiled at the dragon researcher as he listened intently to another account of the infamous Weasley twins' antics. This was obviously a family that believed in sticking together and he was determined to help protect them. Not surprisingly, Andrew felt that his heart was being given to the entire family. Having lost his own so early in life had left a large void in the young man's heart and soul. But now, he felt an almost overpowering attraction to Charlie as well as to his family. Andrew thought that if they could just prevent tragedy from striking, he might finally be able to heal his wounds and his heart.

Arthur nodded as he listened to Malus Bestian recount his last Auror raid. Only one who knew the elder Weasley well would have noticed that the smile never reached his eyes as he interacted with the pompous Auror. For it was obvious to Arthur that the young man was very much full of himself and that could prove to be quite dangerous. For all of his fascination with everything muggle, Arthur was a highly intelligent and powerful wizard. And while he was not particularly ambitious and had no desire to play the political games required to advance at work, Arthur knew what was what and kept his eyes open. He was aware that because of his muggle-loving stance and his affable demeanor that he was often overlooked as being beneath notice. That attribute had served him well as a member of the Order of the Phoenix as others never bothered to see what he was doing.

While Arthur was glad that Kingsley Shacklebolt had forewarned him about Malus Bestian, he did wish he had been able to warn his family as well. However, the pragmatic man realized that they needed Malus to believe that he was safe from suspicion. Though he personally thought it was pushing it to have the other Auror here, he did appreciate the ruse that he was here for Charlie's sake. The father only hoped that Charlie would be all right after this. Fortunately, he had not known Malus long so his heart would not be too badly hurt.

After dinner, Molly pulled Ginny, Hermione and Ron aside for help with cleaning things away quickly while Arthur directed the others into the sitting room. The Weasley father then offered drinks for their guests and Malus offered to help. Accepting the offer, Arthur began pouring glasses of Fire Whiskey out while Malus arranged them on a tray.

Turning, Arthur caught Andrew Clive-Parker's eye and nodded. Arthur had seen the young man tip something into some of the glasses and knew the time had come.

Malus picked up the tray and with a smile on his face, began the task of distributing the drinks. Turning around, he was brought up short by a wand pointed at his face. Auror Andrew Clive-Parker had picked up on the signal and was ready. He had already summoned Kingsley and the other Aurors, who burst through the door with their own wands drawn.

Panicking, Malus dropped the tray, hoping that the evidence of the poison would be lost. Arthur, expecting such an occurrence, hastily waved his wand, preserving the evidence. Kingsley Shacklebolt strode forward to examine the liquid while Tonks took her place next to Andrew. After a couple of waves of his wand, Kingsley stood and nodded to Arthur. "Yes, it is as we suspected. There are traces of the Praefoco Potion here." Turning to Andrew, he continued, "Thank you Auror Clive-Parker. You helped to avert another tragedy here tonight." To the other Aurors, he barked, "Get this scum out of here now!"

The remainder of the Weasleys and their guests looked on in shock. Molly went over to her husband and clasped his hand. She knew that he would explain in time. Together they watched as Malus Bestian was led out of the Burrow and was taken to the Ministry holding cells.

Kingsley apologized to the Weasleys for the intrusion and made to leave. Auror Clive-Parker spoke to his supervisor, "Sir, I was wondering if it was all right if I stayed here for a little while longer?" he asked nervously.

"Yes, I suppose that will be fine, as long as the Weasleys agree. After all, you are officially off duty," Kingsley said with a smile. He had an idea of what was going on with the young man.

A broad grin greeted the answer and Andrew politely asked Mr. Weasley if he might be permitted to stay. Nodding, Arthur decided it was time to get things back to normal and offered drinks again. "This time there will be no added ingredients," he said with a wink.

As soon as Kingsley left and the drinks had been handed out by Arthur himself, the questions started. Arthur held up a hand and indicated Andrew. "I believe that Mr. Clive-Parker would be the best person to answer these questions. If you will..."

Nodding, Andrew drew a breath before relating his suspicions regarding Malus Bestian. He ended with saying that his concerns about their welfare had prompted him to invite himself to this evening's gathering. Noting the slightly hurt look in Charlie's eyes, Andrew stood and asked if they might speak alone. Andrew decided that nothing would be gained by being coy about things. He wanted Charlie to have no doubts about his intentions.

Andrew followed Charlie out into the now quiet garden. For a moment they watched as a gnome fought with a cricket. Andrew gathered his courage and spoke, "Charlie, what I said back there was true, but it wasn't the whole truth. I actually started paying attention to what Malus Bestian was up to because of you. I watched you that day at the Ministry when they were questioning your brother and I had decided that I wanted to try to get to know you. Then, I found out that Malus was pursuing you, and given the fact that I was already doubting his loyalty, well, the whole thing just felt wrong. I don't know if you know, but I am an empath. That means that I can sense people's intentions; their hearts, if you will. I understand if you don't wish to have anything to do with me, but I would really like to have a chance with you."

Charlie stood still for a moment. So much had happened so quickly. To be pursued by a suitor, only to find out that the man was trying to get close enough to commit murder was disquieting information. To be sure, his pride was wounded and he wasn't sure if he was ready for this. Closing his eyes, Charlie gathered his thoughts and finally decided. "All right, Andrew. But I need to take this slowly. I won't say that my heart was broken, but my pride certainly took a hit tonight. But I would like to see if anything can come from this."

Smiling, Andrew tentatively reached out a hand and clasped the other's hand. They stood that way for some time, just watching the night and it's inhabitants.

Albus said his goodbyes to Kingsley and pulled his head out of the fire. Nodding to Fawkes, the headmaster indicated that the phoenix was to fetch Severus and Harry. Albus had already made one long journey to and from the dungeons tonight and he had no intention of making a second. Age and station did carry its privileges, he thought happily as he popped a lemon drop into his mouth. Let the young ones come to him this time.

Severus was doing his best to distract Harry from his worry about the Weasley family. Truth be told, the potions master was rather nervous himself. He counted Narcissa and Draco as family and he hated that he could not be there either. But he knew that Kingsley and Tonks would be there and he trusted their abilities.

Fawkes appeared in a flash of light and Harry looked up expectantly. Taking the bird's arrival for the summons it was, the two immediately left the dungeons and went up to the headmaster's office. Impatiently, Harry waited as the winding stairs made their slow ascent up to the elaborately carved door. He felt his mate sending him reassuring messages through the bond and Harry tried to relax as directed, but he would only be satisfied by hearing what had happened at the Burrow.

"Do come in my boys," was the greeting heard as soon as they reached the door. Entering they found the venerable headmaster sitting in his favorite chintz covered chair behind his desk. Fawkes had of course preceded them to the office and was on his perch, preening his feathers.

"Please have a seat," Albus requested. Sighing, both men knew that the old wizard wouldn't say any more until they had acquiesced.

"Now I know that you are both anxious to hear what has transpired at the Burrow this evening. You will both be happy to hear that Malus Bestian has been taken into custody after a failed attempt to poison those present." Raising a hand to stave off questions, he continued, "No one was injured in any way at all, so you may rest easily. The young man will be questioned later this evening under the influence of Veritaserum so hopefully more may be learned then. But for now, I would recommend that you two go back down to your chambers and have a pleasant evening. I am sure that you may speak with the Weasleys and the others tomorrow."

Understanding that they had been effectively dismissed, Harry followed Severus out of the office and back down to the dungeons. Harry had to smirk at his husband's muttered disgust that the barmy old man could have just told them through the floo rather than dragging them all the way up to his tower. In earlier years the young man might have thought Severus to be disrespectful or simply a malcontent, but now he understood his snarkiness was just a part of the potions master. Sighing, Harry slipped his hand into that of his mate and they walked back to their chambers in companionable silence.

The next morning Aurors came down to the holding cells to find that another one of their prisoners was dead. Unlike the last, though, this was apparently a suicide. Malus Bestian was found hanging from the light fixture in the center of the ceiling. Quickly Kingsley Shacklebolt was called down to the death scene.

Slamming his fist against the wall in frustration, the tall, dark Auror growled his displeasure at the recent turn of events. He looked up when Tonks called out to him. Bruises on the dead man's arms and hips suggested that he had had �help' in committing suicide. But who and how was yet to be determined.

Leaving his associates to finish their investigation, Kingsley went up to report to his superiors and then to Albus Dumbledore. Both would need to know that they still had moles hidden in the Ministry ranks.

Albus sat back after his latest conversation with Kingsley. The Auror had come through the floo system to speak with the Hogwarts headmaster. The information gained from the interrogation of the Auror before his death was encouraging in that it seemed to lead back to Lucius Malfoy. It was unfortunate indeed that the young man had been killed before more could be learned, but Albus was glad that Kingsley had insisted on immediately questioning the prisoner after his capture. Otherwise, they would have been looking at an entirely different set of circumstances now.

As promised, Albus sent a message to the potions master's chambers for he and Harry to come up at their convenience. A sixth sense warned the older wizard that now would not be a good time to visit with his boys, so he made arrangements for the message to be delivered by Tizzy the house elf.

If they had known, Severus and Harry and would indeed have been glad for the headmaster's discretion. Severus stepped under the warm spray of water in his shower. He bent his head under the stream, allowing the water to course down his hair and body. Not moving when the door to the enclosure opened, Severus simply waited for his young mate to join him. The older man smirked when he caught a flash of what his husband had planned. It seemed that Harry had decided that there should be more �sex against a wall' as the young man had taken to calling it.

Harry smiled at the visage facing him when he stepped into the shower to join his husband. Lying in bed this morning, he had come up with the idea of adding to their collection of �sex against a wall' scenarios. Now, Harry was eagerly looking forward to their next encounter. Harry snagged the soapy flannel from his husband's hands and began carefully washing the slim but toned body. Reverently, Harry traced old scars on his mate's back and then dipped the cloth down to clean the firm buttocks. Kneeling on the tile floor, Harry then concentrated on the long legs and the slender feet. Leaning up, Harry kissed each cheek and used a hand to indicate that his husband should now turn around.

Severus sighed at the tender ministrations of the young man kneeling at his feet. No one had ever shown him such love and devotion before. And now Severus didn't think he could imagine his life without Harry in it. Smiling down at his lover, Severus turned at Harry's silent command. He groaned as the young man continued washing his body. Odd how something so simple could be so erotic, he thought bemusedly.

Harry finished cleaning the lithe legs and turned his attentions to the potions master's groin. Gently laving the ball sacs, he then moved up to the now awakening cock. Smiling, Harry continued up and washed the tight abdomen and the strong chest. As he knew that Sev always washed his face first, Harry finished up with the arms. Placing the flannel on its hanger, Harry picked up the shampoo and began working on the fine ebony hair. Severus bent down so that the shorter man could reach his head easier. He relished the massaging motions Harry was using as he washed the potions master's hair. Harry gave the sign for Severus to tip his head back and rinse out the long locks.

Kneeling once again, Harry moved on to his main objective. He grasped the long cock and dipped his tongue into the slit, tasting the bitter pre-come. Severus leaned against the tiled wall and ran a hand through the unruly locks of hair bent down over his cock. He moaned as his erection was swallowed and was encased in a hot and willing mouth. Harry bobbed his head up and down, swirling his tongue around the head and running it up and down the vein underneath the large cock. A talented hand gently caressed the balls and rolled them, bringing even more pleasure to his partner. A wet finger swept back to circle the opening behind the scrotum. Firm hands clasped his head as Severus was lost to the pleasure of the moment. Severus actually cried out as a finger breached him and Harry drew the finger in and out, hooking it occasionally to seek out the small gland. A moan and a sharp thrust of the slim hips told Harry he had found it and he continued to stroke against the prostate. All the time, he never ceased sucking on his husband's erection. Now using a hand to help still the hips trying to buck against him, Harry sped up his motions. He knew from experience that Sev was close to losing it and Harry was determined to make sure his husband enjoyed this. Harry slipped a second finger in and was rewarded when Sev climaxed. Harry relaxed his throat and pulled back slightly so he could take in the ejaculation. Continuing stroking his fingers in the tight hole, Harry allowed Sev to ride out his orgasm. As Sev stilled and leaned back again against the wall, Harry smiled up at his mate and added a third finger.

Severus closed his eyes as he struggled to regain his composure after that mind-blowing experience. Opening them again, he looked down through heavy lashes to see his mate smiling up at him. He noticed his husband's untended erection and decided something needed to be done about that. Reaching down, he pulled Harry up to him even as Harry removed his fingers from the hot channel. Severus bent down to captured the swollen lips in his own and both groaned at the shared taste. Turning around, Severus leaned his hands on the wall and spread his legs in silent invitation. Harry quickly got the idea and positioned himself behind his husband. Sev's stance meant that the older man was now at a better height for Harry and the young man took advantage, driving his erection into his husband's tight arse. Stopping once he was fully engulfed, Harry caught his breath and then began to move, rocking back and forth. He leaned his chest against the scarred back and placed his left hand next to his husband's on the tile wall. Thrusting more firmly now, Harry was met halfway by his eager mate. Feeling the tension mount, Harry reached his other hand around to stroke the older man's reawakening cock. A few more thrusts propelled Harry into ecstasy and he pulsed into the tight canal.

The sensation of a throbbing cock and the spurts of hot liquid into his arse were enough to drive Severus into another climax. Weakly he felt the waves of completion wash through him. Harry pulled out and sighed against his mate's back. Nothing felt so wonderful as this he decided tiredly. Stepping back, Harry allowed Severus to turn around and kiss him again. Smiling at one another, Severus decided that Harry was a dirty little boy who needed to be washed. Taking the flannel up in his hand, he proceeded to do just that.

The Flipside of Sanity - Chapter 37

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