The Veiled Black

Marius woke up badly that day. His brain was muddled with information that he got from the Vampires. He stretched like a cat before he stared at Beau who was now staring back at him from his side of the bed.

“Good morning, Beau.” He ruffled the dog’s fur and was met with the dog’s saliva on his face. “Urgh, really?” He grinned before ruffling the dog’s fur more than ever.

He stood up from his bed and went to the bathroom. He felt a bit tired due to the lack of blood since Orion drank from him again last night. He splashed water on his face. It easily woke him up easily, and when he saw himself in the mirror, he was looking a lot like a panda than ever. He then listed off ingredients of potions he needed to replenish his energy in his head and took note that he needed to meet up with Neville. Since he and Professor Sprout seem to get along so well, he might be able to ask him to sneak some of the ingredients for him.

He lethargically went out of his room, only to see Theo and Orion playing against each other in chess. Pansy was there too as she opened up her arms to Beau who happily rubbed his face onto her. Marius smiled at this. It felt good to see them in his Common Room filling up the empty spaces of Hufflepuff.

“Good morning, Marius.” Pansy approached him and handed him his bag while Blaise was being licked to the ground by Beau as Pansy commanded. Theo and Orion stood up already and was waiting for them by the door. As soon as they saw Marius ready, they then began to head out.

“Did you guys just seriously left me with the beast?” Blaise said in a whiny tone as he caught up to them.

Pansy ignored him and opted to yawn. Orion ignored him as well as he continued walking. Marius shook his head at the duo’s antics while Theo handed Blaise his handkerchief to wipe off some of Beau’s saliva from his face.

They soon reached the Slytherin Table and as always, no one sat at the usual seat of Orion and the others; a huge space was left open for them. Orion took his seat. Next to him was Marius and in front of them sat Theo, Blaise, and Pansy.

…..

At the Gryffindor table, a certain green eyed werewolf was staring at the group skeptically, especially to one platinum-haired human who seemed oblivious to the constant staring of said werewolf.

Ron, who sat in front of the pitiful, very visibly distressed alpha, released a deep sigh at the state of his best friend. Hermione decided not to sit with them for a while as she was doing her own investigation on Ravenclaw. Ron continued to eat. It didn’t last long though because oh-so-soon, he was startled along with their other seatmates when Harry’s fork was clanged strongly on his plate, making it break in two, his food scattered about. He swallowed at the sight but before he could ask or even open his mouth, he noticed the twitching of Harry’s eye so he then opted to just look behind him to see the scene that caused such reaction out of the alpha.

Marius was facing Lestrange, his hair mussed up and unkempt. The Vampire beside Marius was currently fixing his tie, their distance too close for Harry’s comfort. He tightened his grip on whatever he was holding, not caring what happened to it. He was controlling his expression to not make it obvious that he was staring at them.

But then Lestrange did something that made Harry’s blood boil again. He ruffled up Marius’ platinum hair in an attempt to make them a bit presentable. As a reaction, the human had a very annoyed expression on his face, but the fondness still seeped out of his eyes. That, in reply, earned him a look of pure adoration in Lestrange’s eyes as they joked around.

Harry was a bit too late to avoid a hand that came into contact with his shoulder to abruptly shake him. He was, at least, very quick to send a heated glare to the offending hand’s owner.

“Woah there, mate. Chill.” Ron reflexively held both of his hands up in surrender and that was then that Harry realized he bared his fangs at the other werewolf.

Annoyed, Harry tsked at him before retracting his teeth back to normalcy. “What is it Ron?” he almost snapped. It sounded more like a tired sigh at the end, though.

Ron scratched his neck and then pointed to the fork at Harry’s hand.

Harry blinked. And blinked some more. “Oh,” he deadpanned. “Thank you, mate.” He then released the fork that no longer looked like its usual form. It was contorted in an inhumanly possible way that Harry was sure he could not fix. “Hm. I didn’t realize they have such fragile utensils here,” he tried to reason out, but Ron snorted.

“Yeah, if Bronze is a wire that is.”

Harry ignored that in favor of turning his gaze back at where Marius sat. But then his eyebrow rose which in turn made Ron, who was observing his best friend in case he cracked the table in anger or something, became suspicious too.

“Wat ish it?” the werewolf mumbled, his mouth full.

Harry merely tilted his head towards Marius’ direction where two witches were on their way towards them.

…..

“Clarke.”

A voice Marius recognized as Ginny Weasley addressed him. He turned to his left where he could see the witch standing there, very much not alone, if the Luna Lovegood who was looking skeptically at him was anything to go by.

“What can we do to the Witches who braved their way to the Slytherin Table?" Blaise commented teasingly which earned him a jab in the ribs by Theo who nodded at the two females. Blaise glared at him in retaliation.

Marius ignored the duo. He instead put full attention on their guests. “Weasley, Lovegood. Is there anything I can do for you two?”

Luna stared at Ginny as if asking her the exact same question. It took the other witch several long sighs before she finally muttered, “Wanna go to classes with us?”

Marius blinked. And blinked. It was another two blinks before he felt a smile creeping up his lips.

“Gladly,” he replied.

Ginny’s lips didn’t immediately curve upwards at the answer, but the slight twitch at the corner was as close as she could be to a smile at the moment. She then darted her eyes towards Orion who was playing with his food, faking uninterested gesture which kind of failed horribly.

“Lestrange.” She called.

The vampire’s eyes easily found Ginny’s and one eyebrow raised to her direction.

“Just be sure to return him, no hexes attached.”

He gave a lazy grin at the other and Ginny seemed to have understood the hidden meaning of his words. She grinned back in reply.

….

The food that Ron was chewing openly flowed from his mouth as he saw his sister interacted with Lestrange and grinned at each other—no hostilities transpired. All those who saw this scene was openly gaping as well but was soon scrambled away when the young Lestrange sneered at them.

Ron was shocked beyond anything that he froze on spot. His mind went blank. His best friend’s eyes, though, twitched again when he saw Lovegood pulled Marius by the hand. Even from where he sat, Harry could tell just how happy the human is and that alone made him felt a sudden force constricting his throat.

His stomach also felt like it fell somewhere as he stared at his food blankly as if he no longer wanted to consume any of it. Well, now that his eyes were concentrated at his plate, he belatedly realized that it was cracked in two and his food scattered everywhere.

The other werewolves, having an inkling to what he was feeling, decided that their esteemed leader needs to figure this out on his own as they all shook their heads at his obliviousness. They even noticed that Harry did not budge at all when a half of the ever crazy Weasley twins made his way over to him. It seemed like Fred Weasley, along with the whole Gryffindor House, had noticed their Alpha’s infatuation on the human.

When Harry didn’t even shift when he stopped beside him, Fred let out a sigh before he clamped a hand on the Alpha’s shoulder.

Harry was so shocked he almost toppled over. Good thing it was an almost.

“Fred?” he asked a bit warily after he came back to his senses.

Fred smiled and Harry stood up to give him a hug since Ron was indisposed at the moment. The sudden eruption of cheers and wolves creating a circle around Fred was not going unnoticed by the Vampires as well.

Fred then sat next to Harry and they began to chat. The older Weasley, of course, didn't miss the destruction that Harry brought to his meal, fork, and plate although he didn't comment as much on it, which Harry felt grateful for.

“Where is George?” He asked instead, mood lighting up a bit.

“Up at the Headmaster’s talking. I went here because I wanted to see whether the rumors I had been hearing these days were true or not, only to find out that they really are,” Fred said with a prominent grin attached on his face.

Harry’s face painted his feelings so perfectly it was almost impressing to see just how lost he was. “What rumors?”

Fred looked behind Harry to Seamus who was sitting there and nodding his head which made Fred chuckle.

"Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. So, Harry, tell me about this Marius."

With an evil glint in his eyes that Harry did not seem to realize, Fred listened smugly as Harry obliviously began telling him all about Marius.

…….

 “I see. Well, I think you should apologize, Harry,” Fred stated after he heard the entirety of Harry’s story which earned him a confused look.

“What? Why? He needs to apologize to Hermione.”

Fred shook his head. “Harry, you have to admit. Yes, he shouted at Hermione, but is Mione even mad at him?”

The young alpha shook his head.

“Then that meant Hermione took Marius’ words seriously and she is now opening her eyes to the truth.”

“But—”

Fred shook his head slowly to let Harry see how certain he is. “No buts, Harry. Why don’t you try apologizing to him? And maybe that way, you two can be friends again.”

That idea seemed to have changed Harry’s mind because not so long after that, he nodded just as slow. As if the movement of his head would make it much easier to accept the advice. Fred only smiled to himself at the sight as he stood up and left Harry to do what he needed to do.

As he passed the rows of Gryffindor, though, he clicked his tongue. “Ron, snap out of it will you!” he said as he hit the back of his brother’s head, causing the younger to choke.

….

During their Potions class—the only class he had with Marius, Harry’s head was filled with questions about how to approach the human so he could finally apologize for what he said last time. They were going to brew a new potion since the Polyjuice Potion needed more time before putting in the next ingredient. Harry was planning to be his partner but his chance was taken away when Marius sat next to Longbottom, apparently still ignoring his very existence. That was why Harry was then stuck with his usual partner Ron. Not that he hated it but more so than the other days, Ron’s brain seemed to have truly melted as he was still in shock of what happened over breakfast.

“Mr. Weasley, are you mocking me?” Professor Snape’s booming voice made Ron snap out of his trance at the same time he toppled over to the floor due to his surprise. The whole class burst into laughter and the Professor looked like he was preparing something devious for Ron.

“Silence.” One word made them all stop as Harry helped Ron to his seat. “Now since Mr. Weasley clearly is in no condition to enter my class, he is dismissed—" It sounded like music to their ears at some point but Harry could almost taste the "but" there. So, after a pause, he wasn't surprised Professor Snape's glare was back on his partner again. "Only to return after his last class to scrub the cauldrons. So, class, feel free to... how do you say this?" he crossed his arms and placed a hand on his lips as if thinking. "Hm, mess up?”

Professor Snape then pulled on the linen that covered the blackboard where the potion that they were going to brew was written. Harry sighed as he turned around to his best friend who looked white as a paper.

“He is going to kill me. I still haven’t written our essay for Vampire Studies and I need to pass them by tomorrow.”

Harry clasped a hand on his shoulder. "I will try and help you, mate." He comforted the other and then they began to try and make the potion that Snape told them to do.

Harry and Ron were almost finished at their somewhat potion when a certain blond caught his attention. He saw how Marius was working with Neville so easily as if they had done it a thousand times. Or maybe they have. He saw how they moved in sync while having small chats along the way.

But what made Harry's heart sink once again was when Marius asked Neville to lean in for a bit and he whispered something in Neville's ear that made the werewolf's eyes sparkle with glee. That caused him to pour the whole bottle of the ingredient he was holding to the cauldron without thinking.

“Harry!” Ron shouted as he stopped Harry’s hand from continually pouring the potion. Harry, slapped awake from his trance, looked at their potion that turned a bright green so far away from its supposed color: dark purple.

The young alpha sighed, once again not knowing why he was feeling so distracted by that human for quite some time already. Snape did not miss his opportunity because as soon as Harry and Ron made a mistake, he suddenly came out of his hole and reprimanded them.

Harry let out another sigh, completely ignoring his professor before he pondered for a moment just how many sighs he had already done in such a short span of time. He didn't dwell on the thought for long enough as it was soon filled again with things he would rather forget about but for the life of him, he couldn't do so. For example, what did Marius say to Neville that he had to whisper it? Or, what would his hand feel if Harry were to hold it? What would Marius’ expression had it been Harry who was fixing his tie and not Orion?

The werewolf clutched his eyes as they exited Potions, his head was now hurting with thoughts he could not explain. He was feeling things he never thought he could feel and it surely pissed him off.

When he kind of finally got some hope that the torture of those unexplained feelings would stop, he again saw another scene that made his entire body started shaking.

He was walking along the corridors outside of Hogwarts when he saw it, a scene that he was sure will haunt his mind even after he found sleep.

Outside, at one of the benches, there sat Marius. His feet taking most of the bench, a book opened on his lap. The wind blew softly on his blonde hair and the way he softly closed his eyes then tilted his head upward slightly made Harry’s breath hitch. He saw the expanse of his pale neck, unmarred, and unconsciously he released a breathy sigh as he watched his thick eyelashes fan at his cheek, his face graced with a soft almost fond smile.

Harry had that image stuck in his head, but something else marred that memory. As he looked at the scene properly, he saw that just by the grass on the ground sat Theodore Nott. His back leaning on the bench near the waist of Marius. Even though he seemed to be concentrated on his reading, he still ruined the perfect image that now Harry memorized in his brain.

Marius looked so peaceful that Harry wondered why it made him painful instead. But, a moment later, Marius expression suddenly changed to confusion and Harry almost whined at the sudden change. That was before he realized that Nott began to talk.

The next thing Harry knew was Marius laughing and Nott looked like he was about to ripen as a tomato as he looked down. When Marius stopped, he placed his hand on Nott’s shoulder and said some words that made the Vampire grin back at the human. Harry’s eyes twitched. He was itching to know what happened. All of a sudden, Marius began to shuffle on his bag and Nott then angled his body so he was looking at Marius, his arm rested on the bench near Marius’ thigh.

Marius looked back at Nott and asked him something which the Vampire shook his head. He then held his hand out to Nott, only to earn a confused expression from the other and an even more curious look from Harry. He said something and the Vampire obliged to it, he was then tracing something on Nott’s hand. Harry was gritting his teeth at the sight. That, whatever that was, certainly snapped something inside the werewolf.

‘Mine,’ he almost growled. 

The two of them were the only ones who seem to understand whatever that was, but then Nott took Marius’ hand in return before he began to trace something on it which made the human giggled, eyes twinkling with amusement and teasing.

The werewolf was only a step away from truly growling this time, but it was great he reacted fast enough. Before he was seen by Nott when his eyes suddenly gazed over his direction, Harry hid behind a column. He made his presence as undetectable as possible as he calmed his breathing and heart rate. Though, he still could not shake off the sinking feeling from his system. His heart constricted in a way he could not comprehend. His stomach in knots once again and he did not know what to do.

Harry wanted to step right in front of Nott and pull Marius away from him, to scream that Marius belonged to him. He wanted to rush forward and make those silver eyes full of mystery look at him—only him. The feeling of wanting to possess every bit of Marius scared even Harry himself, as it was something he had never felt before. Even when he dated Cho Chang for a while in the past, he never felt this strong of a feeling.

“Damn it. What is wrong with me?” Harry asked no one in particular as he left the scene. A bit of blood trickling from his lip when he bit it to stop himself from pulling Marius away from Nott. It healed as soon as it was cut and he left with a heavy heart and uncertain mind.

………

Ron was frantically scribbling on his parchment about the things he knew about vampires that particular afternoon. His writing was a mess and since classes were about to be over, he needed to go to Professor Snape’s hell hole and wash the cauldrons. As soon as he realized that Harry would not show, he started on his essay but the time was not enough. He was about to pull on his hair when a thick tome fell on the table in front of him.

He looked up to see who placed it. He knew it was Hermione just by the look of the book. But how wrong was he when he saw the smiling face of his mate right in front of him. His heart beat was acting up quick as he was sure Pansy Parkinson would be able to fully hear it.

“Relax Weasley, I won’t bite.” Pansy was smirking at him, bloody hell, but Ron had to keep up his appearance so he sneered at Pansy’s direction.

“Why are you here Parkinson?”

The female vampire leaned back in her chair as she crossed her hands on her chest. Ron could nearly smell her sweet scent but he also leaned back to prevent himself from looking like an utter fool.

“I am just here to make you an offer.”

Ron’s eyebrow was raised at this and Pansy had a gleam in her eyes that Ron noted as suspicious.

“I will not make a deal with you Parkinson,” he said as he ignored the Vampire and decided to write stuff again on his parchment.

“Really? Because with what I’m currently seeing, you would get a grade lower than the given standard if you were to pass that to Professor McGonagall.”

Ron grunted and glared at the vampire. This seemed to have caused a sparkle to appear at her eyes which Ron found beautiful but he easily shook his head.

“What is it then?” he yielded. Those eyes, he cannot refuse.

"I will help you with your Vampire Studies essay and in return…" she then leaned in as she placed one of her elbows on the table so she could rest her chin on the back of her hand. The way her hair cradled her face made Ron want to touch her cheek, but he drove that thought away as he raised an eyebrow with a bored look. "...You will help me with my Werewolf Studies essay. How about that?"

The way her plump lips curved into a smile was forever ingrained in his brain that he quickly agreed to her request.

“Sure.”

‘Damn it! Why?’ his thoughts screamed and he could hear his wolf howling in the air. He shut it off then as soon as a hand was then offered in front of him.

“What is that for?”

“Oh, come on, Weasley. I was taught that if ever I make a deal, you shake hands to ensure that both parties agree. Don’t you think so?”

Ron swallowed nothing as he was sure the she-devil was doing this on purpose.

‘Fine, then. Two can play this game. I will not yield, I will not be the first one to acknowledge our bond.’ With his thoughts finalized, he shook the Vampire’s hand. Though—boy, how wrong was he—because as soon as their hands touched, a sparkle of energy made its way onto their bodies that Pansy almost shivered. But she as well had made up her mind, she will make Ron Weasley admit that they are mates. No matter how long or what it takes, she will not be denied.

…..

Neville was in the greenhouse waiting for Marius to arrive. Since he was trusted by the Professor, he had free reign of the place and had gathered up the ingredients that Marius asked. So, when he took a pause and relax a bit, it was an understatement when he was so startled to feel his eyes covered. He then began to panic and elbowed the man that held him.

“Ow! Nev!" A whiney voice said and as Neville fully took a peek at who it was, his heart calmed down as he saw Blaise clutching his stomach.

“I’m sorry, Blaise.”

Blaise held up a hand to stop him and Neville did as told before he began fiddling with his hand, completely apologetic.

Noticing the discomfort of his mate, Blaise offered a smile. “I’m just kidding. I’m fine, Neville,” he said, eyes gleaming.

Neville relaxed almost instantly at that. “Okay, but why are you here? Where is Marius?”

“And here I was skipping my own class just to see you and you’re looking for Marius? Fine, I will just call him here then.” Blaise pouted as he began scurrying away like a sulky kid.

Neville, thinking Blaise was upset at him, started panicking out of his mind. He chased after the other in impulse before he hugged him from behind to stop him. “’m sorry.” He snuggled his face further to the back of his mate as Blaise’s scent began calming him down.

Meanwhile, Blaise was grinning when he noticed Neville himself took the initiative. It really was a good idea to play the jealous type once in a while. Maybe he needed to listen more to Theo’s advice from time to time but he shook his head as he felt Neville snuggled closer to him. He then turned back, his pouty face in place, and Neville's eyes were pleading with him that he looked utterly cute in Blaise's opinion.

“I’m sorry. It’s just that Marius was supposed to meet up with me for the ingredients of a potion he wanted to brew and I—“

"Go on, Neville, continue," Blaise said, finding the trying-hard-to-explain Neville adorable.

“I was just surprised to see you and I was so happy and I— Uh, I, umm… I-I—“

“Shh,” Blaise stopped him from spluttering any more than he did. Neville blushed fully that he looked down once again in embarrassment.

“Hey, how many times do I have to tell you not to hide your face away from me?” Then Neville slowly looked up at Blaise, his face still tinged with red and his arms still around Blaise’s waist. “I have something for you.”

Neville’s eyes widened at this. “But Blaise, it isn’t even Christmas yet.”

“I know, I know. But as soon as I saw it, I wanted to give it to my mate. To you,” Blaise said and Neville blushed again, he could not stop himself from doing so.

“But I have nothing to give you back,” The werewolf replied, but Blaise cradled his cheek and caressed it so lovingly that it reflected in his eyes.

‘How did I get so lucky?’ Neville’s thoughts spoke to him and he smiled softly at the man in front of him.

“Diletto, you don't have to give me anything in exchange. All I ever needed was your love and acceptance and you have given that to me without a thought." Then one of his hand went to his pocket and inside his closed fist, he opted for Neville to open up both of his palms.

Neville did so and as soon as Blaise released his hold on the object and as soon as Neville saw it, his eyes gleamed in fascination.

“It is the rose that only blooms once every thousand years. I had my mother encase it in a stasis spell so it won’t ever wilt.”

“It’s beautiful,” but then the realization hit Neville. “It must’ve cost a lot. I can’t receive such a thing from you,” Neville said worriedly.

Blaise only chuckled. “Calm down, Nev. Our family has grown that flower for as long as I know. I wanted to show you the entire field filled with it during the winter but, never mind.” Things went unsaid and Neville nodded his head in understanding. War will be soon upon them again and one person knowing the secret hideouts of the Order would initially put them in danger.

“Thank you, Blaise.” Neville hugged the Vampire so closely and snuggled his head at the nape of his neck where Blaise’s scent was so prominent. They stayed that way until the sun went down and Neville needed to lock up the place.

…..

It was three days later and Harry still found himself feeling extremely stressful because, for the life of him, he couldn't stray his eyes from Marius whenever the human came into the vicinity. He was so pissed off too and very much in need to calm down a bit. So, the young alpha tried to think of a place he could spend some time to loosen up a bit. He chose the Whomping Willow as his destination to go and clear his mind off by sleeping there, but the sight he saw when he arrived made him stop in his tracks. 

There he was, the very person who messed up with his thoughts sleeping peacefully under the tree. Harry's breath hitched when he drank in all of the details that were Marius. He felt like he had never seen anything so beautiful. The platinum hair in contrast with the bark of the tree, making it more prominent, and then his pale complexion. It was ethereal, even. Harry wasn't even thinking when his body moved forward. As soon as he was close enough, he could see his thick eyelashes fanning Marius' cheeks. This scene was much much better since it was close up.

Harry stared at him and stared, stared. He saw innocence reflected on how Marius slept, how fragile he looked that all Harry wanted to do was to gather him in his arms and never let him go. To keep him there in his protection. He was now wearing a smile as he cautiously, as if Marius would break in one wrong move, brushed the strands of hair that tickled the human's nose and curled them up his ears.

Marius began to stir. His face scrunching up as if having a bad dream and Harry was prepared to run as fast as he could in case he woke up, but all Marius did is tilting his head to the side, almost making him topple. But before he fully leaned to his right, Harry's huge hand held his head to stop it. The werewolf was about to fix him up to his previous position but alas, Marius tilted his head and his lips touched Harry's palm that brought shivers up his spine.

Harry could not breathe. So instead of doing anything anymore, he caressed Marius’ face, tracing his eyes and the bags under it. When he looked at the human’s face now, all he could see was his serene expression, rid of any worry nor pain, and all Harry wanted to do was to keep it that way. Harry then silently and cautiously sat next to Marius, careful not to remove his hand and then placed Marius’ head to his shoulder. As soon as said head touched his shoulder, it felt right—as if he was the missing puzzle that Harry had been searching for his whole life.

And Marius? Marius looked like he was agreeing with Harry from the way he snuggled more to him and edged the space between so that they would be close to each other. Harry sighed and looked up the sky, then looked to his left at the tuff of blonde hair tickled his nose. But instead of leaning away from it, he leaned in and opted to smell the human’s nonexistent scent.

The wind suddenly blew and the cold air caused the human to further shiver and snuggle to Harry’s heat. Harry wanted to place him in his lap and hug him from behind to cover him up with his own warmth but he knew if Marius woke up, he would not want to be in that kind of situation with Harry.

So he did what he could and slowly, without waking the human up, removed his school robes and wrapped Marius in it. His heat residue seemed comfortable for Marius to finally stop shivering, he laid Marius’ head to the grass slowly.

When Harry thought that he could finally leave since he needed to meet up with Ron to help him with his new homework, a sudden murmur of a name escaped Marius’ lips that froze Harry to his position. He knew he might be hallucinating or hearing things due to his sudden unusual fixation on the human. But despite its slight chance it truly was his name being called, he sat in front of Marius. He watched his breathing and he once again sighed. He had been doing that a lot lately.

He was about to leave, again, but stopped himself when he noticed something on Marius’ palm. There he saw what seemed to be an old scar. He gently pried the human’s fingers one by one to see it properly, only to realize the scar seemed to have been vertically cut. Harry felt something stir inside of him as he slowly picked up Marius’ left hand and began to inspect it. Then, unconsciously, he laced their hands together. Harry knew his hand was calloused from training meanwhile Marius’ was soft and smooth except for the scar on the palm.

He just stared at their joined hands, quite surprised with himself, before he finally let out a tender smile on his lips. The feeling of the blonde’s smaller hand seemed right in Harry’s huge ones. He didn’t know why exactly, but it just did. Though, not long after, he was put out of his reverie when Marius tugged on his left hand back, pulling Harry along.

He just had to apologize to Ron later then, the werewolf thought, as he also tilted his head and decided to watch over the sleeping human. His thumb brushing on the side of Marius' hand now and then. He closed his eyes, releasing a sigh he did not know he was holding.

"Why is it that the more I try to stay away from you, the more I feel drawn to you?"

He closed his eyes as he relished this moment that he knew he would never have with Marius as the human was still mad at him. And at that moment, Harry wished that time would stop and allow this to last for as long as he wants. That Marius would be by his side, to smile at him with his innocence and watch him with those silver eyes that are full of life. And so Harry wished.

……

In the distance, Hermione was hiding behind a column, watching them with a small smile curling up her lips. She was about to leave when a voice whispered into her ear.

“I didn’t know the Great Hermione Granger loves spying on people.”

The haughty tone made Hermione turn her back on the scene to face the grinning Orion Lestrange. Behind him was Pansy Parkinson who was looking at the duo by the tree with interest gleaming in her eyes.

“I am merely passing by.”

“Tsk. No need to be shy about it Granger.” Then Orion began to walk towards the two, but Hermione stopped him by clasping her hand to his wrist, making Orion glare at her and even bare his fangs. Hermione immediately released her hold on him.

“Can you at least let Harry have this moment with him?”

Orion's face seemed to spark with amusement at that, his previous hostility gone.

“And why should I allow it?” he said, turning to face her.

“I heard from Harry that you and Marius are not mates. You have no right to stop him with who he wants to be with.”

“But I have the right to protect him from all who wishes him harm.”

Hermione flinched at this, remembering that Harry had shouted at Marius before making the human avoid him at all costs.

“Cat got your tongue huh?” The vampire said smugly.

Hermione glared in return and Lestrange seemed to be enjoying this more and more. From the corner of her eyes, she could see Pansy staring at the scene at the Whomping Willow and she had a look of envy in her eyes.

“Aren’t you supposed to be in class?” Hermione retorted. She knew it was weak but she would not give in.

“Professor Binns would not miss our presence,” answered Lestrange before suddenly, he turned serious. But before he spoke, his eyes glazed over Pansy and Hermione watched carefully at their interaction.

“Pansy.” Her eyes snapped to him before he then spoke to Hermione once again. “I have already given Potter enough time with Marius. In that state of his, even if the Dark Lord were to attack Hogwarts, he would not wake up.”

Hermione was then taken a back—was that Lestrange’s attempt at a joke? Or was he implying something else?

“Later, Granger,” he waved as he then went towards Harry and Marius, Pansy easily fell into step with him.

“Orion, I—“ Pansy’s sentence was easily cut off when Orion smirked at her.

“I know. Go.”

Pansy smiled widely at him and began to run the other direction but was stopped when Orion shouted at her.

“Pansy!” She turned back to look at him, her face flushed. “Tread carefully. You know who how he is with our kind.” Pansy nodded and rushed away as Hermione watched the scene with a confused face.

Orion then walked silently like the wind itself. He ignored Granger and as soon as he was in front of Harry and Marius, his blue eyes were met by emerald eyes, glaring at him. Harry looked like he had tons of things to say to him but Orion then placed his forefinger to his lips, signaling for Harry to shut his mouth. Harry gritted his teeth but didn't say anything, but seeing that Harry followed his order, this made a smug grin crawl up Orion's lips.

Harry seemed to have noticed his mistake as he then he unconsciously growled at the vampire, causing Marius to stir. Harry looked like he was about to panic, but Orion took pity on him and began to crouch down in front of them and he began to pick Marius up.

Seeing as Marius was clutching onto Harry’s hand tightly, made Orion raised his eyebrow in Potter's direction. Potter only had a smug expression on his face and at this, Orion decided to push Marius at the werewolf direction, making Harry panic a bit. Though he was able to carry Marius bridal style as he was able to manage while their hands were still entwined. Orion then gestured for Harry to follow him but the wolf looked reluctant in doing so.

“Potter, don’t you think that Marius deserves to sleep in a comfortable bed and not by the ground near a tree?”

This seemed to push Harry out of his stupor and then decided to follow Orion as they braved through the empty hallways. They were both stopped from their tracks when a voice that Harry recognized all too well called upon them.

“Wow, Harry. I didn’t know you move that fast,” George Weasley voiced out. By his side was his twin brother Fred Weasley smiling at their direction.

“Gred, Forge.” Harry greeted. Beside him, he noticed how Lestrange froze at his spot. His posture was stiff and his eyes empty as he looked up at the twins.

“Oooh,” the twins cooed together as they did not even look at each other before they began to speak.

“When did—“ Fred began.

“—the two—“ and George continued.

“—of  you—“

“—got along so well?” They finished together that made Harry look at them with a face of horror. He was about to retort when Lestrange began to speak, his voice devoid of any emotion as he placed both of his hands behind his back. Harry could see that he was clutching his right wrist tightly.

“It really doesn’t involve you two so why don’t you leave now that you are done with your business here?”

The twins chuckled and retorted. “You’re losing your touch, ickle Orion,” they teased at the same time and this earned them a glare from the vampire.

“Well, we—“

“—really have to go now,” they again said, finishing up each other’s sentences. “Later, Harry.”

They each patted the head of their future Alpha as they passed with a gleam in their eyes. Fred then patted the head of Lestrange as well who stiffened more than ever to the touch he received.

Throughout their journey to the Hufflepuff dorm, Lestrange was quieter than the usual kind of quiet. Harry wanted to ask him a ton of questions of why he was acting weirdly on the twins when just last year before the twins graduated he even threatened them both after they almost played a prank on him.

“We’re here,” Orion stated as he opened the door to the Hufflepuff Common Room. Harry did not realize that the Hufflepuff dorms were this close to the kitchens. He went inside to see the whole room decorated with black and orange the color that signifies the Hufflepuffs. He then felt something wet touching his hand and he looked down only to see a huge dog lolling its tongue at him.

“Beau,” Lestrange called and the dog happily ran to his side.

Harry watched as Lestrange patted the dog on its head. 

“Stay,” he ordered and the dog made its way to its usual spot by the carpet and rested there.

"Potter, follow me," Lestrange called out as he guided Harry to the room of Marius. As soon as he saw the bed, he laid the human down. Before Harry could place the blanket over him, Orion beat him to the punch. Marius slept by his side, his face being tickled by his hair once again that Orion seemed to have noticed and brushed it away from his face.

At that moment, Harry saw how Orion treated Marius. He treated him as if he was someone so precious to him. Like a family, or in Harry’s thoughts; a lover. He cleared his throat and Orion turned to face him.

He gestured for Harry to follow him in the common room as he closed the door of Marius' room. He then sat at one of the couches and looked at Harry to do the same. There was a pregnant silence that blanketed the whole room before Harry broke it.

“What really is Marius’ value to you? Why do you protect him?”

Orion grinned lazily at this. “I already answered that question of yours, Potter. I don’t like a repeat of it.”

Harry sighed, knowing that the vampire would not explain more. So he stood up and opted to leave when the vampire's voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Do not underestimate Marius, Potter. It would be the last thing you must ever do."

He turned back at Orion who was now opening the chess board and fixing up the pieces for him to play.

“I know that.” He almost shouted and his frustration seeped out of him that he was sure Orion was able to sense it. He was expecting the vampire to laugh at him or retort in any way but he merely yawned as if bored and this irritated Harry more so he turned his back to leave.

After Harry left, Orion’s mind then began to think of how deep did Potter fell for his cousin. He scratched his head and shook it as he recalled what transpired at the Whomping Willow. He wondered what would happen if Potter were to find out of his cousin’s true identity and how he would react at that. But Potter is a Werewolf so he clearly had a mate that he just haven’t found yet. He would not allow his cousin to be discarded just as soon as Potter found his damned half.

No, he would not allow it. He knew the feeling of being betrayed more than anyone else and he would never ever wish it for his cousin. He would not care even if he and Potter would not get along with how Orion would pull Marius away from him. He would protect his cousin no matter what.

He decided to just forget about that at the moment and waited to see how everything will play out. Besides, his cousin knew that they would need the assistance of Potter and his Gryffindors along with Granger and her witches in order to fully execute the plan that Marius proposed to him last night. So for now, he needed to play nice with them and stop being a bastard.

More importantly, the sudden appearance of the twins was something he did not expect. He held his right wrist close to himself as he felt the pain he received that day. He was sure as soon as Marius would awake, he would be interrogated by what occurred and he would have no choice but to honestly answer his cousin as he never left a stone unturned.

….

"It looks like you are about to reach a decision." Hermione's eyes snapped to her left as she was walking alone in the corridors of the castle, only to see Theodore Nott sitting at one of the beams of the castle, a book opened in his lap.

“But with no evidence, I cannot just challenge her.”

Theo grinned at her as he jumped down. He landed gracefully, his eyes gleaming with knowing understanding. “Wanna know where Chang does her dirty work?”

Hermione looked at the vampire and saw no lie in his words. “Why are you trying to help me?”

Theo shrugged his shoulders. “Seeing as how infatuated Potter is with our Marius, sooner or later we would have to get along.”

“So you decided that sooner is better than later, huh?”

“What can I say, having the Hermione Granger be in debt to me could be useful in the future.” He smirked and Hermione smiled in return. And the two unlikely beings went along their way.