Snarry
Title:: Of Mozart and First Editions
Pairing:: Severus/Harry, Draco/Remus
Summary: When the electric violin duet of Drarry is on stage, they have their passion, but off stage their hearts belong to other men who create something wholly more wonderful.
Rating: R
Warnings: Non-magical setting and sexual situations.
A/N:: Written for nevereverposts who wanted some musician!library sex. So this is what you get. And x-posted of course.



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He, of course, could be immediately recognised, even in the darkened music hall. It wasn't the slightly tattered clothing either, or the hair that was just a little too long to be considered tidy. No, it was the way he moved. A sort of humble stroll as Remus Lupin made his way down the isle, looking down at the seat number on his ticket.

Severus Snape, an equally recognisable man, slumped down in his seat, hoping that Lupin's ticket number led him further down. But, as Severus Snape rarely had luck on his side, Lupin looked up, locked eyes with Snape and smiled just a little. Remus edged his way past the few people in between him and Snape and eventually settled into the seat directly on Severus' left.

"Fancy seeing you here," Lupin said, his eyes full of mirth. "I thought you hated this modern rubbish, as you so eloquently put it last time we had a chat."

"Last time we had a chat," Severus sneered, "was about fifteen years ago, and for your information, I'm not here on pleasure."

"Business?" Remus questioned with raised brows. "Last time we spoke you were-"

"Yes, working at that hideous school," Severus finished.

"Not anymore?" Remus asked.

"Although it is not your business," Snape said coldly, "I now work for a music label, signing new artists."

Remus frowned. "Classical artists."

"These children could not possibly be considered classical," Snape bit, referring to the duet they were about to see, "however my company is not interested in most of the rubbish that is out in the world today."

"So a new gimmick," Remus said as he looked down at the music programme.

"In a sense," Snape answered. "Not that I need to explain myself to you." He paused and then added, "What brings you here? This isn't exactly your type of thing, is it?"

"As a matter of fact, I've seen these two men many times and I'm rather fond of them. Their style is very interesting, not to mention-" Remus cut himself off with a fierce blush and shook his head. "Well they're not exactly classical but they give a little something to Mozart that... pleases the senses."

Severus stared at Remus stonily for several moments before sighing rather loudly and dramatically. He opened his programme with a flourish and made a show of turning away from Remus.

Remus chuckled a little and settled himself into his seat to wait for the show to begin. It wasn't long before the lights dimmed and a single spot light shone in the centre of the stage.

A young woman with bushy brown hair and a large smile walked on and nodded to the small applause. "Thank you for joining us tonight. The Hogwarts Theatre is very pleased to welcome back the duet known round Britain as Drarry. The contemporary, electric violinists have been making quite a name for themselves and we're proud to say that we witnessed their first ever concert and the beginning of what will likely be a revolutionary explosion of the classical music scene. So, without further ado, I present to you, Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy, the duet of Drarry."

Applause thundered throughout the theatre, which took Severus aback. He had never heard this duet before, he thought of electric classical instruments as a joke, and he had no idea these two young men were so locally known and welcomed. He was no longer paying Remus any mind as he sat forward in his seat ever so slightly, breath bated, and listened.

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"Why do I get nervous every time?" the bespectacled man with the messy black hair complained as he peeked round the curtain. "Why? I mean, we've played this venue since we were fifteen!"

"Because you're stupid," the blond with the pointed face drawled as he tweaked his green and silver violin just a little. "And you're kind of a coward."

Harry Potter glowered at his companion. "I am not a coward."

"So stop acting like one," Draco said, sounding quite bored. "Anyone we know?"

"Yeah, your man in tweed," Harry said as he stepped away from the curtain and picked up his own maroon and gold violin.

Draco nearly dropped his violin as he stood from his chair and hurried to the curtain. "Where? I don't see him," he hissed.

Harry snorted. "In his usual seat, you twat."

Draco's icy eyes scanned the crowd until they fell on one Remus Lupin who was waiting quite patiently. "He's talking to that man next to him! He's never come with anyone before. He brought a date to my concert?" Draco demanded, sounding rather affronted.

Harry sighed. "You've never even spoken to him, Malfoy. You don't even know his name."

"Your point, Potter?" Draco snapped. "Oh my God he just smiled at him. I can't go on like this!"

Harry sighed and went back to the curtain to look out at the crowd. He barely caught a glimpse of the black-haired, sallow looking man before Hermione took the stage and the lights in the theatre dimmed. "Well it's your fault. You've had ample opportunity to seduce him but you've failed every time."

"I've never failed at seducing anyone," Draco hissed as they backed away and closed the curtain. "I've just never had the opportunity to seduce him."

"You failed in seducing me," Harry sang out as he tested the strings on his instrument one last time.

"I never really wanted you. It was a pity fuck," Draco said.

"A pity fuck?" Harry chortled. "As though I needed a pity fuck."

"Well you were all stupid, thinking you were interested in women," Draco said, waving his hand. "I was trying to help you."

"Clearly I needed no help."

"You still don't have a boyfriend," Draco said with a smirk.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Neither do you."

"I'm saving myself," Draco said. "For the man in tweed."

Harry nearly choked on his laughter as the curtains pulled back and he and Draco took the stage. The applause was thunderous as they stepped out, stood next to each other and put their bows to the strings.

They needed no signal to begin. Draco and Harry, although enemies half of their waking hours, were also like a single heart beat when they were playing. They could read each other's every expression, every movement, every batted eyelash and they never missed a beat.

It was almost as sensual as making love, or so said anyone who wanted to describe how they played. The sound of the electric violins battling for dominance on that stage as they tore over the classic notes written by the greats was enough to send many a couple home, minds set on bed.

And although no one wanted to believe it, Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy weren't meant for each other in any other way besides that stage. They were meant for two other men. Those two other men just didn't know it yet.

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When the show ended, Severus found himself bitterly breathless. He hated, no he detested, admitting that those two, that Drarry or whatever ridiculous name they went by, were actually very good. No, they were amazing.

And it wasn't just the typical amazing. It was an amazing that couldn't really be broken down in words. It wasn't just one thing; not just the music or the way they played together. It was everything. Their look, one light and one dark, the way they could break apart and come together with such rapid fluidity that one would think they could separate and then become whole, and they played with so much respect for the songs that even Severus could not accuse them of raping the greats.

Lupin was staring at Severus with a slightly smug smile which Severus rewarded with a glare. "Well?" Lupin said after a few moments.

"Well what?" Severus snapped.

"What did you think?"

"My opinion is none of your concern," he hissed.

Lupin laughed. "I know. You want to try and describe why it was so great but you can't. That's why I don't bother, I just buy tickets to every show and I'm blown away each time. They never get old."

"You say that now," Snape said with a wave of his hand. "Give them five years. I've been in this business long enough to know that their gimmick won't last."

Lupin grinned knowingly as he inclined his head to Severus. "It was a pleasure to see you again, Severus."

"Can't say the same," Severus grumbled which caused another irritating chuckle from Lupin. "Don't get lost on the way out," Severus called immaturely as Remus stood up and made his way out of the theatre.

Severus quickly pulled his badge out of his pocket and flashed it to a security guard who was blocking his way to the back stage. "I'm from Dumbledore Records."

The security guard checked his sheet and then allowed Severus to pass. There was a small corridor which led to a door that had a piece of paper with Harry and Draco hastily scribbled in black ink taped to the centre.

Severus snorted and shook his head before he raised his fist and knocked. The door opened and he saw a brief flash of blond hair and a shocked expression before the door slammed in his face. With a frown, he cleared his throat and knocked again.

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"Oh for the love of God, answer it," Harry snapped as he pulled a t-shirt over his head.

"But it's my future husband's date!" Draco hissed.

Harry shoved Draco out of the way and pulled the door open. Standing there was a rather surly and confused man holding a small brief case. He fixed narrowed black eyes on Harry.

"Mr Potter?" he asked in a slightly nasal tone.

Harry nodded. "Might I help you?"

"I'm from Dumbledore Records," the man said and sniffed importantly. "Severus Snape. I was told you knew of my coming."

"You're the bloke from Dumbledore Records?" Draco demanded as Harry stepped aside and let Snape enter.

"If you were expecting to be wooed by our company with some scantily clad bird-" Snape began.

Draco snorted. "Hardly. Besides a scantily clad bird would hardly pique either of our interests."

"I see," Snape said slowly, without expression. He cast a disdainful look round the room before settling in a chair half-covered by Draco's several vetoed wardrobe choices. Opening his brief case, he pulled out a stack of forms and handed them to Harry who was standing slightly to the right, watching Snape with a careful, wide-eyed expression.

"Those are the terms of the contract. I assume it was explained to you over the phone?" Snape asked.

"For the most part," Harry said.

"Did you have trouble understanding anything?" Snape asked.

"No," Harry replied, still staring wide-eyed at Snape.

"Did you?" Snape asked, looking at Draco.

Draco laughed. "You assume that I pay any attention to any of that rubbish? That's Potter and the lawyers' jobs."

"I see," Snape said rather snidely.

"We do want a few days to look things over," Harry said.

"We?" Snape asked with a smirk.

Harry flushed a little but let out an amused chuckle. "Well I do, anyway. But it all sounded rather agreeable over the phone. That man, Mr Dumbledore, was quite a character."

Snape groaned. "Indeed he is."

"Must be fun to work with," Harry said in a sing-song tone.

Snape rolled his eyes. "Oh, a laugh. Every day."

"So about you and your date," Draco piped up, leaning forward and fixing accusing eyes on Snape.

"My what?" Snape asked sharply.

"Your date," Draco said deliberately slowly. "The man you were sitting with."

"I had the misfortune of being sat next to a man of irritating cheer and conversation, if that's what you're referring to," Snape said.

"Oh, so you don't know him."

"Oh no, I have the unhappy pleasure of being previously acquainted with him," Snape said, sounding a bit suspicious. "Why?"

"What's his name?" Draco pressed.

"Why?" Snape asked stonily, crossing his arms in defiance.

"Draco's in love with him," Harry cooed.

Snape's lips twitched and for a moment, his eyes glistened with mirth before he gathered himself and went back to unreadable. "Indeed."

"I don't see why it matters to you, unless you want him for yourself," Draco simpered.

"Hardly. I don't busy myself with men like that."

"Men like what?" Draco demanded. "Gay men?"

"Librarians," Snape replied.

Harry laughed loudly. "What've you got against librarians?"

"A long story that I don't care to tell either of you."

"What's his name and what library does he work in?" Draco demanded.

Snape huffed a little and turned his attention to Harry. "How do you refrain from beating him constantly?"

"We don't live together, thank God, and most of the time I make sure I'm pissed."

Severus snorted. "I see. Well his name is Remus Lupin and he works quite near here, at the Hogsmeade Library."

"Excellent!" Draco said and with that, excused himself from the meeting without another word.

"I assume the two of you aren't an item," Snape said.

"No," Harry said as he sat down in Draco's vacated seat.

"So there won't be anything in the contract that provides for a couple," Snape said. His voice was quite guarded and if Harry didn't know better, he would have thought Snape had momentarily checked him out.

And that was fine by Harry. Harry was ready to drown in Snape's voice, not to mention something about his rather mean, stoic appearance was dead sexy. Harry hadn't been that attracted to anyone in quite some time.

"Ah, no, neither of us are currently involved." Harry shot Snape an unabashed, flirtatious smile.

"Good," Snape said before he realised what was coming out of his mouth. He looked horrified for just a second before he said, "Accommodating domestic partners can complicate my job which I'm not very fond of."

"You must have a lot of experience in that field, then," Harry said with a wink. He leaned forward a little and grinned. "Do you have a domestic partner, Mr Snape?"

"I hardly see how that's any of your business," Snape spluttered.

"Oh, it's not," Harry said with a laugh. There was a moment of uncomfortable silence and then Harry said, "So, do you?"

"I..." Snape said. "No, I don't."

"Oh," Harry said, widened his smile and then said, "good. Perhaps you'd like to get a cup of coffee with me."

"I hardly think that would be appropriate," Snape said, gesturing towards the contract.

Harry, who seemed to have forgotten he was holding it, let the papers tumble to the floor. He leaned all the way forward and put a hand on Snape's knee. "Outside of professions, I think we should have a coffee. Why don't I ring you when the contract is done."

Snape hesitated and then, acting as if he were forced, he turned over his phone number to Harry. "I don't think this is a good idea-"

"Why don't you finish that thought next week," Harry said with a wink. "I'll put Nero away and walk you out."

"Nero?"

Harry smiled softly. "My violin." He picked up the maroon and gold instrument and set it in the case. "Do you think I'm odd for naming it?"

"No," Snape said. "I know a few musicians who have done the same."

Harry finished putting his things away and then opened the door for Snape. He led Snape out the back way to avoid the crowd and they slipped out a door that led to the side of the car park. "Can I ask you what you thought of the music?"

Snape was silent a moment and then said, "The way you play, it's a wonder you two don't make amazing lovers."

Harry laughed. "With music, you can survive in hatred together. In life, not so much."

Snape smiled stiffly and paused by his car. "The escort was unnecessary."

"I know, but it was for my own selfish pleasure," Harry said.

Snape looked at Harry for a few moments. "If I don't hear from you after the contract..."

"Have a little faith in me," Harry interrupted with a small frown. "I'm good enough at what I do and don't think I'll ever need to sleep with my boss to further my career."

"I did not mean to imply such a thing," Snape said. "I'm just quite painfully self aware."

"I beg to differ, if you think I might not ring you," Harry said and extended his hand.

Snape slowly reached out and was surprised when Harry grabbed his hand and pulled him in for an embrace. He pressed a kiss to Severus' cheek as they parted and then winked. "I look forward to the night after I sign the contract Mr Snape. But until then, caio."

Harry didn't look back as he went into the building and closed the door behind him.

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"Okay I'm going," Draco said suddenly as they finished their opening number for practise the next day.

Harry couldn't help but laugh. "You're going to go stalk the librarian, aren't you?"

"As a matter of fact, I realised I don't have enough library books at home and I'm in dire need of some. And I also think you don't have enough so you should probably come with me."

Harry sighed. "I have better things to do."

"Like what?" Draco demanded. "Play music? We do that plenty. Now is the time for stalking hot librarians."

"No, I need to work on the contract," Harry said, rolling his eyes.

Draco flopped into a chair, kicking his leg over the arm. "Oh, so you can go on your date."

Harry looked at his partner with wide eyes. "How-?"

"Because I was standing at the door listening. You do remember who I am, don't you?" Draco asked.

"Well then, as you clearly know the answer to that question," Harry said sarcastically.

Draco looked over at Harry with a pout and then said, "Come with me and I'll get father's lawyer to sort out the entire contract. He's paid to have our interests in mind, he's not going to let anything slip by."

"Draco, I'm not going to rely on your stupid father's stupid lawyers-"

"But I need you. You're supposed to be here for me when I need you," Draco whinged.

"Since when? And when have you ever been there for me?"

"Since now," Draco simpered, "which is why I haven't been there for you until now."

"Lord," Harry muttered. From the look in Draco's eyes, he knew he wasn't going to have a moment's peace unless he agreed. Ignoring Draco's exclamation of pleasure as he put his violin away, Harry threw his jumper over his head and motioned for Draco to lead the way.

The library wasn't a long walk from their studio and when they walked in they saw a younger, rather podgy girl behind the counter but no Remus Lupin. Draco let out a noise of impatience but he quieted when his eyes spotted Remus bent over one of the computers, fiddling with the wires.

"Oh my God, there he is," Draco hissed, fisting his hand in Harry's sleeve.

Harry pried Draco loose. "Do you even have a library card?"

"A what?" Draco asked.

"You have to have a library card to check out library books," Harry said.

"What?" Draco asked. "But my library doesn't use cards to look at the books."

"That's because you have a private library, you twat. You own those books," Harry snapped. "Look, why don't you go and ask Remus to help you get a library card. It'll be a good way to start up conversation."

"Go ask him to do what? By myself?" Draco all-but shrieked.

"Oh for fuck's sake, Draco, you act as though you've never chatted up anyone. You, who's bed pretty much the whole of London's gay population!"

"Only the cute ones, which there aren't many of," Draco said as though he were talking to a small child, "and those were random one-offs. We're talking about my future husband, here!"

"Oh christ, oh Jesus, save me from this madness," Harry muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. He sighed and dropped his hands to his sides. "Fine, come on," Harry said and gave Draco a shove in Remus' direction.

Draco reluctantly and irritatingly slowly, approached Remus. They stopped in front of the computer Remus was working on and Draco cleared his throat. "Um, I need a thingy."

"A what?" Remus asked, not looking up from his task.

"A thingy, for the books," Draco said stupidly.

"Oh. My. God," Harry mumbled. "He needs a library card.

"Pansy at the desk can help-" Remus began but then he looked up and saw who he was talking to. Recognition dawned on his face and he stood up. "A library card?" he repeated.

Draco stood there mutely until Harry elbowed him in the side. "Oh. Right. Yes, a library card."

Remus looked at them for a long time. "You two aren't... are you?"

"Aren't what?" Draco pressed.

Remus flushed a little and cleared his throat. "Drarry?"

Draco rolled his eyes and turned to fix an accusatory glare on Harry. "You. You and that stupid name that's to haunt me forever!"

"It's not stupid, it's clever," Harry defended. "Besides, I put you first."

"Of course you did," Draco snapped. "Harco? That sounds even more pathetic than Drarry."

Remus cleared his throat politely. "I think it's kind of clever."

Draco turned back to Remus. "What?" he demanded.

Harry stifled a laugh behind his hand and after he composed himself he said, "Well, Draco, my darling, I believe I've offered you all the help I can today and I have a lot to do." He tipped both Remus and Draco a wave and rushed out before Draco could stop him.

Hours later, Draco came sauntering in the studio office where Harry had just finished up revising and approving the contract. Draco lowered himself into a chair with a dejected expression.

"Don't tell me he rejected you," Harry said.

"No," Draco said in a defeated voice. "No, he didn't. He asked me out, which went against everything I had envisioned. And I gave him my phone number, like I'm the bitch!"

"Well, you do whine like one," Harry grumbled. "So you have a date?"

"Yeah, Friday," Draco said. "Like I'm the bitch," he repeated under his breath. "How is this relationship going to last if he thinks I'll settle for bitch status!"

"If he's to be your future husband," Harry said a bit patronisingly, "maybe neither of you should have 'bitch status'?"

Draco shrugged. "Whatever, I'm doomed."

"Try a little optimism once in a while," Harry said with a small smile.

"You're disgustingly cheerful," Draco snapped. "Why? Do you have a date with your big-nosed husband?"

Harry laughed. "Not yet. I just finished the contract. All you need to do is sign and I can ring him."

"Oh, so the power is in my hands?" Draco asked with a slightly evil grin.

"It would be if I hadn't perfected your signature," Harry said.

Draco shoved two fingers in Harry's face before grabbing the contract and an ink pen and scribbling his name in obnoxiously large letters on the indicated line. He threw the papers down and crossed his arms.

"Happy now, Casanova?"

Harry pulled out his mobile and began to dial. "I will be in about five minutes." He waited as it rang and rang, and just when he was sure Snape wasn't going to answer, a slightly apprehensive voice sounded.

"Yes?"

"Mr Snape?" Harry asked.

"Mr Potter," Snape repeated.

"So how does Friday sound for you?"

"For what?" Snape asked, his voice a little tense.

"Coffee," Harry said simply.

There was a long pause before Snape said, "I suppose Friday is acceptable."

"Excellent, why don't you pick me up from the Hogwarts Theatre round five. Draco and I will be there practising until then."

"I... alright then," Snape said, sounding quite unsure of himself.

"Until Friday," Harry said and rang off

Draco was staring at Harry with a blank expression for a moment before he burst into laughter. "Casanova indeed. Until then," he mocked. "Oh lord, invite me to this wedding!"

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When Severus stepped out of his car, the first person he saw was rather unexpected. Remus Lupin. Lupin was getting out of his own car and tipped a small wave towards Severus.

"More business?" he asked as the two of them headed for the theatre. "Did they sign the contract?"

"No and yes," Severus said. "I ah... I'm here for a..."

"A date?" Remus asked, which was meant half in jest and half in curiosity.

"I would not go so far as to call it a date," Severus quickly defended. "And I presume you are here for, as you said, a date?"

"How did you guess?" Remus asked.

Severus paused with his hand on the door. "Seeing as Mr Malfoy subjected me to the bloody inquisition about your profession and whether or not you and I were on a date the night of the concert, I could only assume."

Remus chuckled. "He is rather forthcoming, isn't he?"

"Indeed," Severus said.

"So I take it your interest lies in the other half?"

"Please do not describe him as 'the other half', it makes me feel..."

"Like you're joining a threesome?" Remus finished.

Severus gave one sharp nod. "In a sense."

"I know. When they came into the library together it took me a while to accept that Draco was being truthful when he said he and Harry were not a couple."

"Mr Potter explained it in a way which left no doubt in my mind," Severus said.

"You're calling him Mr Potter and you're going on a date with him?" Remus asked.

"He has not asked me to call him anything else," Severus said simply, opened the door and walked in.

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They had cut practise a bit early, though not too early as Harry and Draco had a show the next night. Draco, who was dressed quite casually for a supposed date, was casting disdainful looks at Harry who was slightly overdressed for coffee.

"I hope you don't think those trousers flatter your arse in any way," Draco grumbled, biting his nail as he stared at Harry who was pacing the floor.

Harry shrugged. "They were clean, that's the best I could hope for, really."

"Uhg," Draco said, wrinkling his nose. "Just hire someone to do that rubbish for you."

"No, thank you, princess," Harry said.

Just then a loud banging noise sounded through the theatre which meant someone had come in through the front doors.

"It had better be Remus first," Draco said, jumping up from his chair.

Harry peered into the dim light of the theatre and saw both Severus and Remus walking towards the stage. "Looks like they came together."

"Well, that has to stop," Draco mumbled. He hopped off the stage and rushed towards the pair who were slowly making their way down the aisle.

Remus paused and smiled when Draco approached. "How are you?" he asked politely.

"Quite fine, as always," Draco said and cast a glare towards Severus who hadn't paused to say hello. Draco gave an uncaring shrug and then looked back at Remus. "Ready?"

"Absolutely," Remus said and offered his arm to Draco.

Draco frowned and then said, "I'm not the bitch."

Remus gave a sort of choked cough and said, "I'm sorry?"

"I'm not the bitch," Draco repeated. "You know, the woman. I'm not the woman."

Remus smiled a little. "How convenient for me, Draco, as I do not date women."

Draco's cheeks pinked just slightly. "My car or yours?"

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Severus approached the stage, biting his cheek against a chuckle after hearing Draco and Remus' conversation. Harry was sitting on the edge of the stage and Severus came to a stop just in front of Harry's legs.

"Part of me wants to stalk them on their date," Harry said with a smirk. "Not the bitch, indeed."

Severus snorted and shook his head. "I prefer coffee over a horror film."

Harry laughed. "Fair enough." Hopping off the stage, Harry grabbed Severus' hand without invitation and led him outside. Severus had expected to take a car by Harry bypassed the car park completely and led Severus down the street.

They walked a few blocks until Harry reached a small Moroccan restaurant and opened the door. "After you."

Snape frowned. "I thought you wanted coffee."

"Well I'm British, so I prefer tea," Harry said with a cheeky grin, "and this place does have some excellent tea. I thought while we waited for the tea we might enjoy a meal."

"Clever," Severus muttered as he walked inside.

The woman standing near the door immediately ordered them to remove their shoes. Harry did so quickly and Snape grudgingly followed suit before they were led to a small table that was low to the ground. The woman indicated that they were to sit on the huge poufs and Snape, feeling a bit ridiculous, did so.

"I love it here. Have you ever been?"

Snape shook his head. "No."

"I'll do the ordering then," Harry said with a happy smile. A server approached the table with a large silver bowl and pitcher of steaming water.

"For your hands," the server said to Snape when Snape glowered at him.

Snape held his hands over the bowl and allowed the man to pour fragrant, warm water over his fingers. Harry was next and then Harry showed Snape what to do with his napkin.

"It's authentic," Harry said.

"Authentic?" Snape asked with a slight sneer. "So you've been to Morocco?"

Harry grinned. "Well no, but it's authentic enough for me."

The server came back and Harry ordered a meal for them. "It's vegetarian. Hope you don't mind."

Snape shrugged. "As you are the experienced diner here, I shall trust you."

Harry smiled and leaned on the table, sipping lazily on his glass of water. "So, how was your week? Not to anxious, I hope."

"Anxious?" Severus asked.

"Anxious," Harry said with a nod, "waiting for my phone call."

"Oh, how transparent I seem to be," Severus sneered. "How could you have possibly known?"

"Well I could only assume," Harry laughed, "as you were pretty much the only thing I thought about all week."

Severus crossed his arms and stared at Harry for a moment. "How old are you, Mr Potter?"

"Twenty-nine," Harry said. "And call me Harry. Mr Potter freaks me out. Makes me remember I have a few grey hairs."

Severus rolled his eyes. "Harry, then. Twenty-nine is hardly old."

"How old are you, Severus?"

Severus' eye twitched at the sound of his given name but he didn't remark upon it. "Far older than you."

Harry leaned forward and stared hard at Snape. "My guess, forty-nine. Am I right?"

Severus sighed. "Did you ask someone that?"

Harry shook his head. "No, it just so happens that every man I've ever been attracted to has been almost exactly twenty years older than I am."

"So you've dated many?"

Harry shook his head. "Very few, actually. I'm picky."

Severus hummed but didn't say anything as their first course of small salads was brought. Severus was slightly appalled that they had to eat with their hands, but after a short while he found it was actually quite enjoyable. After the salads, a soup which they ate by dipping bread into the broth. Next came a course with vegetables wrapped in phyllo dough and then came a roasted artichoke served over couscous.

The pudding was baklava and a sweet tea and when it was over, Snape grudgingly had to admit that he enjoyed both the meal and the conversation. They walked rather quietly back to the theatre where they stopped in the car park beside Severus' car.

"So," Harry said, shrugging a bit, "how was it?"

"The food or the company?"

"Both," Harry said with a grin.

"The food was palatable, although not something I would choose every day. As for the company... possibly acceptable."

"Possibly," Harry said and drew his bottom lip into his mouth. "Anything I can do to produce a more definitive answer?"

Severus hated to admit he found the lip biting terribly erotic. "Perhaps," was the only answer he gave.

Harry took a few, cautious steps towards Severus and when the older man didn't move away, Harry slid his hands over Severus' shoulders and held on firmly. "A kiss, perhaps?"

"Are you asking permission?" Severus asked in a low tone.

Harry's grin widened even further and he shook his head. "I was warning you." And with that he leaned in and closed his mouth over Severus'. It didn't last long, sparks didn't fly and neither man felt their soul sing.

But it was nice. So nice, in fact, that Severus held Harry firm when Harry started to pull away. When he did that, Harry fisted his hands in the front of Severus' shirt and deepened the kiss. Severus gave a small moan before finally pushing Harry away and delicately wiping at the corners of his mouth.

"And now?" Harry asked in a less steady voice.

Severus shrugged. "Palatable."

Harry threw his head back and laughed. "I'm taking that as a compliment." He leaned in quickly and pressed a quick kiss to the corner of Severus' mouth. "Shall we do this again?"

"If you would like," Severus said with a slow nod.

"Oh that's not even a question for me," Harry said. "We're having a show tomorrow night. Why don't you come and afterwards you and I might have a drink?"

"Why don't I come," Severus said slowly, "and afterwards you can come to my home where we can have dinner."

If it was possible, Harry's grin grew even wider. "Oh it's a date." He kissed Severus one final time for that night and backed up. "Until then."

"Caio," Severus said with a smirk.

Harry laughed again, tipped Severus a wave, and all-but skipped back into the theatre.

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"Did you have anything specific you wanted to do tonight?" Remus asked Draco after they were buckled into the car.

Draco shrugged. "Not particularly, although I warn you, my interest is as easily lost as it is piqued."

"Alright," Remus said with a smile. "What say you to take away curry in the library."

"In the library?" Draco asked. "Why there?"

"Well, it'll be like a picnic, of sorts, in a forest of books."

Draco hummed and then smiled. "I think I like it."

Remus laughed a little and couldn't help thinking that any sort of relationship with this man was bound to be very interesting.

They stopped for the take away curry and then headed to the library where Remus worked. It was closed up and quite dark but Remus led them through a door round the back of the building. He switched on a few low lights and led Draco down one of the aisles.

It was a bit cramped but when Remus disappeared and returned with a large blanket and a bottle of wine, Draco found it was quite snug. Remus set out the food and poured the wine and before long Draco was resting against a stack of books and Remus' shoulder.

"So tell me about yourself, Draco," Remus said. "Might I call you Draco?"

"Of course, as it is my name," Draco said and sipped his wine. "And what do you want to know. I couldn't possibly sum up the complicated wonder that is me in just an evening."

Remus barked out a laugh. "Alright, then tell me how you came to form this duet with your friend Harry."

"Oh, well, I wouldn't go so far as to call him a friend," Draco admonished. "He's a total git."

"I see," Remus said with a frown.

"He and I have known each other since we were about eleven. Met at school, you know, in the usual way."

"The usual way?"

"Where he was a prat and we had a huge row and as punishment we had to work together. We both played violin. Each year we battled for first chair. He won more often but that's because my heart wasn't in it."

"Okay," Remus said with a chuckle. Draco's hand had slithered over and twinned with his own, and Remus found it was rather comfortable to be sitting there, holding hands like that.

"For a concert in our fifth year, one of our professors requested we do a duet. Potter brought up the idea of using electric violins. We gave it a go and well... I dunno, somehow we formed this... whatever it is, and here we are."

"And you make your living doing just this?"

"For the most part. I, of course, came from well-off parents and Potter inherited a small fortune from his so I guess with what the shows pay us and now this contract, it's how we get by." Draco shifted so he could look at Remus' face. "What about you? Are you happy with this whole library venture?"

"Yes," Remus said slowly. "I had bigger dreams that, but circumstances prevented me from fulfilling them. But I'm happy, so I suppose that's something."

Draco sighed. "I can't ever say I've been denied anything, I don't imagine how that would feel."

"Consider yourself lucky, then," Remus said soberly.

"I do."

Remus found himself quite unable to refrain any longer from running his hands into Draco's hair. He wanted to know if the blond locks were as soft as they looked.

They were.

Draco turned into Remus, kissing him firmly and demandingly, and Remus obliged, throwing away all sense of polite restraint as he shoved Draco to the ground and hovered over him possessively.

Draco hooked one leg round Remus' and pulled him in even closer. Remus groaned as their bodies made such heated contact and he couldn't keep his hands off Draco's face and chest.

"Now this is more like it," Draco said. "I was getting nervous that I'd picked the wrong husband."

Remus froze. "Husband?"

"Oh. Yes," Draco said. "I've been watching you from the stage since you starting coming to our shows and I'm pretty sure you're destined to be my husband. Not before we fall in love, of course."

Remus laughed. He found Draco frightfully endearing and as he stared down at the younger man he realised he could most definitely fall for him. Hard.

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"How was the date?" Draco cooed as Harry threw his shirt on in the dressing room.

"It went quite well, thanks," Harry said.

"Get a shag, did you?" Draco asked.

"Nope," Harry said. He stood in front of the mirror and messed a bit with his hair. "We had dinner and then parted by the car. You?"

"No," Draco said lazily. He chewed on his nail for a moment. "He's rather polite, Remus. Didn't seem to want to get too far too fast."

"Not your type, then," Harry said with a laugh.

"Not my type for a one-off," Draco corrected. "Quite acceptable in a future husband. He also seemed to like the idea that he's going to be my husband."

"You told him?" Harry asked with wide eyes.

"Of course I did," Draco said.

"And he didn't run screaming?"

"No. He just kissed me again and asked if I wanted to go have breakfast with him on Sunday."

Harry smiled. "Well good, then."

"What about you?" Draco asked as he stood and started to examine himself in the mirror. "Did you at least get a good snog in? I know it's been a long time for you and you're in desperate need of some kind of sexual contact."

Harry rolled his eyes. "You're a git."

"Is that a no?"

"Did I say that?" Harry asked with a twinkle in his eye.

"Excellent," Draco said. "So when do you see him next?"

"Tonight," Harry said. He'd given up on his hair and took Draco's vacated seat to watch the blond primp. "He's coming to the show and then I'm going back to his place-"

"For afters," Draco asked with a smirk.

"Depends," Harry said. "Is Remus coming tonight?"

"Dunno, I didn't ask."

Harry's eyes widened. "What? You didn't invite him?"

"No," Draco said slowly. "Should I have?"

"I invited Severus," Harry said. "You really are a git."

"He probably has tickets," Draco said with a wave of his hand.

"You're making your future husband pay to see your show?" Harry admonished. "How lucky he is."

Draco shrugged. "Once we're married, of course, he won't have to pay." Draco finished with the brush, ran his hands over his hair to make sure not a strand could move out of place and then turned round. "How do I look?"

"Like you always look," Harry said.

"Amazing, then. Thanks," Draco grinned.

There was a knock at the door and Draco, who was closest, opened it. One of the stage hands was standing there with a single maroon and white stargazer lily. "For Mr Potter," the woman said.

Draco took it and threw it to Harry. "Must be from your future husband."

"You're an arse," Harry said, but it was without malice. The flower was beautiful and very unexpected considering Severus' rather surly demeanour. Harry sniffed at the centre of the flower before tucking it next to his bow in his violin case. "He's kind of sweet apparently."

"He wasn't before?" Draco asked as he got ready to head for backstage. "Does he seem like a nasty, kinky sort of man?"

"You're such a pervert," Harry said. He gathered up his violin case, careful not to bruise the lily, and they headed out. "I just meant he didn't seem like the flowers type of guy."

"Apparently he is, which makes you the bitch," Draco pointed out.

"If by bitch you mean the bottom, well yes," Harry said.

Draco pulled a face. "I really don't want to picture that, Potter, if you don't mind."

"You wanted it once," Harry retorted as they reached the back of the stage. He took out his violin and plugged it in for the final sound check.

"Pity fuck, remember," Draco said, sounding annoyed as he plugged in his own instrument. "And anyone in my bed is the bitch so I didn't really think about what you might be otherwise."

Harry sighed, quite tired of that conversation and he turned his back on Draco to look out at the crowd. "I think he loves you," Harry said after a few moments. "He's there, in his usual seat."

Draco smirked but didn't move to look. "Oh, I'm sure he does. How could he not?"

"No idea," Harry muttered sarcastically. His eyes scanned the crowd until they fell upon Severus who was near the front. Harry made a slight movement with his hand that caught Severus' eye and he was rewarded by a very quick, very tight-lipped smile.

Harry felt his whole body flush and he knew he really could fall hard for that man. And it wasn't an unpleasant realisation, either. Harry shut the curtains and turned to Draco. After swallowing several mouthfuls of pride, he asked, "How do I look?"

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The concert was quite the same as it had been the other night; equally entertaining and interesting. But this time Severus most definitely noticed an erotic undertone and was horrified to feel himself harden during the performance. The way Harry and Draco moved together was so sensual it really was a wonder they weren't a couple. Hatred or no, those two would probably catch their sheets on fire.

When it was over, Harry caught Severus' eye and beckoned him back stage. He was annoyed to see Remus being given the same clearance, but he wasn't surprised by that. The two men nodded quietly to each other as they approached the dressing room and when Snape knocked, Draco answered.

"Oh good, you're here for him," Draco said. He all-but hauled Harry to his feet and shoved him out the door. "Remus, you can come in."

Remus let out a laugh as he was dragged in by Draco and the door slammed in Harry's face.

"Obnoxious arse," Harry complained as he rubbed his arm where Draco had grabbed him. "He's fucking insufferable when he has a boyfriend."

"Are they a couple already?" Severus asked curiously as they started for the exit door.

"Oh not officially but that rarely matters with Draco. He'll have Remus in the sack by tonight and a ring on his finger by next week."

"A ring?" Severus choked. "Surely you're joking."

"Wish I was," Harry said with a sigh. "Draco has pegged Remus as his future husband and I'm afraid Remus has no chance."

Severus thought a moment and then said, "I've known Lupin many years and I'd say Draco might do him some good."

"Why don't you like librarians?" Harry asked suddenly.

"Sorry?"

"The night we met you, you said you didn't like librarians," Harry said.

"I don't like that librarian," Severus said with a shrug. He nodded towards his car and he and Harry got in. "We have a shaky history, at best."

"Did you date?" Harry asked once they started down the street.

Severus snorted. "God, no. I wouldn't lower myself." Severus looked at Harry who clearly wasn't satisfied with that answer. "Let's just say that for many reasons you gave me about why you and Draco would not make a good couple are the same for Remus and myself." Harry's eyebrows lifted but he didn't say anything. Severus sighed. "We just never got on."

"Oh," Harry said. "Okay, then."

They fell silent until they reached Severus' home which was rather large and very nice. Inside was a large foyer with a small corridor that led to a drawing room. Inside that room, aside from chairs, a sofa, a small bar and a television, was the most gorgeous grand piano Harry had ever seen.

"Wow," he breathed as he ran his fingers over the keys.

Severus smiled stiffly. "The Duke," he said.

Harry frowned. "The Duke?"

"As your violin is Nero, this is The Duke."

Harry laughed and played a few notes. "Well, he's beautiful."

"I know," Severus said. He went behind the bar and pulled out a bottle of brandy. "Can I interest you?"

"Do you have any beer?" Harry asked.

Severus rolled his eyes but bent down and pulled out a cold bottle of ale. "Will this do?"

"Perfect," Harry said. He took the now opened bottle and swallowed nearly half of it. "Do you have a cook, or did you make the meal yourself."

"I prepare everything for myself. The only thing I do not have time for is cleaning," Severus said. "This way to the kitchen."

Harry followed Severus through a side door which led to a rather small, very cosy kitchen. There was a small table that sat two in the corner which was already set for them. Severus gestured to the chair and Harry had a seat while Severus dished out heaping portions of steamed vegetables.

"I recall you saying you were a vegetarian," he said as he served Harry.

Harry smiled. "I am, and thank you. It looks quite delicious."

They tucked into the meal and ate rather silently. When it was over, Harry declined pudding but accepted tea. He expected to have the tea back in the drawing room but Severus led the way down the corridor and into a small room that had a large, squashy sofa.

It was decorated with renaissance art, covered in books and in the corner was a very worn but quite beautiful cello that was resting against a stand covered in sheets of music. Harry tipped his tea cup towards the cello. "Does that have a name?"

Severus bowed his head and mumbled something into his own cup.

"Didn't catch that," Harry said.

Severus looked up and said stonily. "Mr Darcy."

"Jane Austen's, Mr Darcy?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Severus said.

"Brilliant," Harry breathed. "I didn't realise you were a musician."

"One would have to be, really, with a job as I have. How can one expect to know good music if one is not familiar with it."

"Point," Harry conceded. He took a seat on the sofa and pat the cushion next to him. "I won't bite, unless you want me to."

Severus lowered himself rather primly next to Harry and started when Harry kicked his feet up into Severus' lap. "You don't wast time getting familiar, do you?"

Harry laughed. "Not a minute. And why should I?"

"I don’t suppose propriety interests you," Snape said.

"Does it interest you?" Harry challenged.

Snape shrugged and sipped his tea. "It rather depends on what the situation is."

Harry stared at him for a moment and then got up, strode across the room, plucked the cello and bow from their resting places and nearly knocked the tea from Snape’s hand as he shoved the instrument at the older man.

"Play me something," Harry demanded.

Snape set his tea aside and steadied the instrument. "Play you something?" he growled. "Just like that?"

"Of course just like that," Harry said, crossing his arms. "I’m a musician, I can read things in music better than I can in words. So play me something." He leaned over the cello, his face so close to Severus’ that their noses touched. "Tell me," he said and grabbed Severus’ hands, placing one over the strings and one on the bow, "what you thought when I kissed you."

Severus licked his lips almost nervously and as Harry backed away, he put the bow to the strings, closed his eyes and began to play. At first there were just notes, no form, no melody, yet as the bow travelled over the strings, something came from nothing. Music came from noise. Definitive emotion came from chaos.

It wasn’t anything Harry had ever heard before, and he hadn’t expected Severus to be so good. Most people with that kind of passion were professional, but Severus was amazing. And it wasn’t just amazing; it was hot.

Harry could barely contain himself and could not stop himself from ripping the cello away from Severus and replacing it with his body the instant the song was done. The bow clattered onto the floor and in the distance Harry heard a tea cup break.

But none of that mattered. What mattered was Severus beneath him, panting under his demanding mouth as Harry kissed him harder and more desperately than he had ever kissed anyone. And neither of them seemed to have a single shred of doubt as they ripped off each other’s clothes and Severus took Harry as his.

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"I’ve been watching you play for some time," Remus said as Draco drove on. Draco had told Remus they were going to his home, but he hadn’t mentioned that he lived outside of London.

"I know," Draco said. "I’ve been watching you for just as long as you’ve been watching me."

"I highly doubt that," Remus said. "I don’t see how you could have noticed me."

"You speak like someone who has no self esteem, and I can’t have that," Draco said firmly. He cast a quick glance at Remus. "If I think you’re attractive, you can be damn sure you are. Believe me, I can have my pick."

"Oh I’ve no doubt of that, Draco," Remus said. "It does boggle the mind, what you’d want with an old man like me."

"Age has nothing to do with it, except perhaps to give you a leg up in the sex department. But even then, a young person can learn all the good tricks in a short amount of time."

Remus laughed. "Ah, true, they can. And I can’t say that I’ve learnt all the good tricks... yet."

Draco smirked. "Don’t worry, it won’t take me long to teach you."

Remus looked out the window for a moment and then said, "I assume you’ve had many lovers."

"Not as many as you’re implying," Draco said. "I may seem like a whore but I’m really not. I’m quite picky, to tell the truth, and have only got serious a handful of times. They never lasted long enough to earn the title serious, though."

Remus hummed in thought. "Could you at least elaborate slightly on why me?"

Draco shrugged. "Why not you? I watch you watch me play. I see you every time we have a show and I admire the devotion. Plus you’re dead sexy, especially in tweed. And there’s something in you face that tells me you can understand the kind of passion I have for music, even if you don’t have that kind of passion yourself."

It was the first time Draco had spoken so candidly to Remus and without arrogance or immaturity and Remus realised there was much more to Draco than a haughty little brat he was, or more likely, pretended to be.

"I like that answer."

Draco smiled. "So answer me this, Remus. Why me?"

"Do you really have to ask that?" Remus challenged which made Draco’s smile even wider.

"Not really, but trust me, I'll never get tired of hearing it."

They got to Draco’s house thirty minutes later and Remus was quite startled by the size of the home. "This was a gift from my parents," Draco said as he opened the door and switched on a few lights. "Of course father was hoping I’d be in politics like him, but he acquiesced to my whining and complaining and let me pursue a career in music."

"I take it your family comes from old money?"

"Some of the oldest," Draco said. He led the way into the lounge where he switched on a few more lights, started the electric fire and offered Remus some wine.

Remus accepted a glass and stood resting against the back of the sofa as Draco busied himself with the day’s post. "When you came into the library that day, did you intend on reading any of the books you checked out?"

Draco looked up from a letter and smiled. "Not really. I’m not exactly what you’d call an avid reader."

"I thought not," Remus said. "And I take it you’ve never been to any sort of library before?"

"Just mine," Draco said and he gestured towards a door. "It’s my father’s old collection. He had it transferred to my home when I mentioned it looked nice. I think he was tired of the upkeep."

Remus’ eyes were wide. "You have a personal library?"

Draco nodded. "Do you want to see it?"

"Absolutely," Remus gushed.

Draco set his wine down and led Remus through the door, up a set of spiral stairs that led to a room with immense shelves, covered from floor to ceiling with books. Draco hit another switch that flooded the room with light and Remus gasped.

He had never seen so many books in a private collection before. The smell of old leather and worn pages was utterly euphoric to the tawny-haired man and he stared round in reverence.

"Might I have a closer look?" he breathed.

"Go ahead," Draco said with a shrug.

Remus crept forward and began to examine some of the titles. It only took a second for him to realise, "These are all first editions," he gasped. He ripped a book of the shelf, opened it carefully and gasped again. "This has editorial notes scribbled in the margins!"

Draco was staring at Remus with a quiet wonder. The passion, the euphoria and wonder on Remus’ face was the very same Draco felt about music. Draco thought of how he might feel had he been within touching distance of an original sheet that Mozart had written on.

Remus looked up to see that Draco was standing only inches away, his grey eyes clouded with desire. Remus carefully put the book back in the shelf and turned to face Draco.

"You have things in here that are utterly priceless."

"Yes," Draco said and reached out to touch Remus’ cheek. "I do."

Remus let out a sharp breath. "I didn’t mean-"

"I know what you meant," Draco said. He grabbed Remus’ wrist and pulled him closer. "And you know what I meant." Draco pressed his lips to the side of Remus’ neck for a moment and then spoke against Remus’ flushed skin. "You have a burning passion in you, Remus. Not just an understanding of it, but an actual passion, as I have."

Draco carefully manoeuvred Remus so that he was now standing behind him. Draco was a few inches taller than Remus, which made all the difference as Draco pulled Remus’ back close against him.

"It’s how I feel every time I pick up my violin," Draco whispered and he held Remus’ arm out, grasping it as he would the neck and put his fingers on Remus’ forearm as though there were invisible strings there.

Draco set his chin on Remus’ shoulder as a chin rest and he drew his other arm across Remus’ like an invisible bow. "Every time my bow hits the strings," he whispered into Remus’ flesh, "I feel that passion you felt when you touched that book. And every time I look at you..." Draco trailed off as Remus twisted round to look at Draco.

"Yes," Remus breathed. He brought his hands up to cup Draco’s face. "Yes, I know."

Draco closed his eyes and leaned his head in for the kiss. It was soft, gentle and chaste at first, but as Remus’ fingers twisted themselves into Draco’s hair, Draco’s mouth opened and he pressed Remus hard into the bookshelf.

Neither of them knew how exactly they ended up bent over one of the library tables, Draco pounding hard into Remus, but however it happened, it was meant to. When it was over, they found their way into Draco’s bed for a second round, where Draco proved how worthwhile it was to be ‘the bitch’ in his bed, and then for a sleep which neither of them exactly wanted but both of them desperately needed.

When morning came, Draco opened his eyes and looked at Remus who was still sleeping. He smiled softly, curled his fingers round Remus’ limp hand and decided that he was always going to be right.

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"It freaks me out a little that we have the same anniversaries," Draco complained as he adjusted the collar on his shirt.

"Why should it?" Harry asked. "We seem to share practically everything else."

"Not everything," Draco said as he fiddled with the ring on his finger. "Why hasn’t that grumpy git given you a ring yet?"

"Because I don’t want one," Harry said. "Only you desire that sentimental rubbish."

"Yuk. You sound like him more and more every day," Draco said. He picked up his violin and adjusted the strings a bit.

"Well after five years of living with the man, he was bound to rub off on me," Harry said.

"As though you needed any more snark," Draco complained. He gestured for the door and he and Harry walked down the corridor to the back of the stage where the curtain separated them from the huge audience.

"At least we had a good excuse to travel for our anniversary this year," Harry said.

"I was not planning to celebrate my five year anniversary in bloody Moscow playing a bloody concert," Draco whinged. "I wanted a quiet night."

"This is the seven hundredth concert that we’ve sold out, so it’s a celebration," Harry said. He pulled open the curtain a crack and smiled.

There they were, the only two men that could bring about more passion with the duet known as Drarry when they were separated from each other. And they created something wholly more beautiful than any song Harry and Draco played together. Of course the world didn’t know this, but really, it wasn’t the world’s business, now was it?