Shadows and Spotlight
The atrium was swarming with reporters. Cameras flashed, quills scribbled furiously, and voices clamored to be heard over one another. Orion Veyne and Harry Potter stood side by side, having just returned from a high-profile mission. exhaustion clung to them, however The moment they stepped out of the lifts, the horde descended on them like vultures.
reporters, god Orion hated them.
“Mr. Thorne! Is it true your magic destabilized during the mission?”
“Harry, how does it feel working with someone as powerful as Thorne?”
“Orion! Can you confirm the rumors about your time in Australia?”
“Harry! Is this the new ‘Golden Duo’ of the Auror department?”
Harry sighed, already regretting not taking the back exit. “This is why I hate public missions,” he muttered under his breath.
“Join the club,” Orion replied, his glowing eyes narrowing as the reporters pressed closer.
One particularly bold journalist shoved a microphone in Orion’s face. “Do you think your power makes you a threat to those around you, Mr. Veyne?”
Orion’s jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Harry stepped in. “That’s enough. We’re not answering any more questions—”
The reporters surged forward, cutting him off.
Orion glanced at Harry, his glowing eyes flashing with irritation. “Hold on,” he said, reaching out to grab Harry’s arm.
“What—” Harry began, but the words barely escaped his mouth before the world spun around him.
~
The chaotic noise of the atrium was replaced by the quiet hum of Orion’s apartment. Harry stumbled slightly as they landed, blinking at the sudden change of scenery.
“What the—” He paused, looking around. The apartment was sleek and modern, with dark wood floors, minimalist furniture, and a wall of windows overlooking the city.
“You’re welcome,” Orion said dryly, releasing Harry’s arm and heading toward the kitchen.
Harry shook his head, still disoriented. “You teleported us? To your place?”
Orion opened a cabinet and pulled out a bottle of firewhisky. “Seemed like the quickest way to escape without causing a scene.” He poured two glasses and slid one across the counter toward Harry. “Besides, they’d never expect me to bring the great Harry Potter here.”
Harry sighed, taking the glass and sinking into one of the chairs at the dining table. “You could’ve warned me.”
“Where’s the fun in that?” Orion replied with a smirk, taking a sip of his drink as he leaned against the counter.
Harry studied him for a moment, his expression thoughtful. “You really don’t care what people think, do you?”
Orion shrugged, his glowing eyes dimming slightly. “Not much point. They’re going to talk no matter what I do.”
Harry nodded, swirling the firewhisky in his glass. “They’re relentless, though. Especially with someone like you.”
Orion raised an eyebrow. “Someone like me?”
“You’re powerful. Mysterious. You don’t play by their rules,” Harry said, a small smirk tugging at his lips. “Makes you an easy target.”
Orion chuckled softly, his gaze drifting to the city skyline outside. “And yet, you manage to deal with it every day.”
“Barely,” Harry admitted, taking a sip of his drink. “But you seem to handle it better than I ever did.”
Orion glanced at him, his smirk softening. “You’ve had years of practice, Potter. I’m just making it up as I go.”
Harry laughed quietly, shaking his head. “Fair enough. But next time, give me a heads-up before you whisk me away to your lair.”
Orion grinned, raising his glass. “Deal.”
The tension from the atrium seemed to melt away as the two of them sat in companionable silence, the weight of the day momentarily forgotten.
~
Harry stood from his chair, glass of firewhisky in hand, as Orion leaned casually against the counter, watching the city lights through the massive windows.
“I have to admit,” Harry said, glancing around, “this isn’t what I expected.”
Orion turned, one eyebrow arched. “And what did you expect?”
Harry smirked. “Something darker. More mysterious. Maybe a secret room full of cursed artifacts.”
Orion chuckled, pushing off the counter. “I hate to disappoint, Potter. But feel free to look around if you’re so curious.”
“Don’t mind if I do,” Harry said, wandering deeper into the apartment.
The place was sleek and modern, yet it didn’t feel cold. A large, charcoal-gray sofa dominated the living room, with a low, glass coffee table stacked with books and a few scattered notes. Harry picked one up, noting the intricate magical diagrams scribbled across the parchment.
“Rune work?” he asked, holding it up.
Orion shrugged. “Just a side project. Keeps me occupied.”
Harry set it down and moved toward the bookshelf lining one wall. The shelves were filled with an eclectic mix of titles—everything from advanced magical theory to classic Muggle literature. A framed photograph caught his eye: a younger Orion standing with a group of people, their faces blurred by motion.
“Friends?” Harry asked, gesturing to the photo.
Orion’s expression shifted, his glowing eyes dimming slightly. “Old ones. From my time in Australia.”
Harry nodded, sensing it wasn’t a topic Orion wanted to elaborate on. He continued his exploration, stopping at a display case tucked in a corner. Inside was a collection of small, intricately carved stones.
“These look familiar,” Harry said, peering closer.
“Aboriginal spirit stones,” Orion explained, coming to stand beside him.
(A/N: I am Australian but I do not know enough about Aboriginal culture. if any references are made to the original custodians and someone finds them offensive, I will happily remove it from the pic)
Harry glanced at him, intrigued. “Do they work?”
Orion smiled faintly. “When you believe in them, they do.”
Harry hummed in thought, moving toward the kitchen. On the counter sat a mug emblazoned with the words: Trust Me, I’m a Wizard. Harry smirked, holding it up.
“Really?”
Orion laughed, the sound low and warm. “A gift from an old colleague. It’s terrible, but I couldn’t get rid of it.”
Harry set the mug down, his gaze drifting toward the hallway leading to the other rooms. He paused, glancing at Orion. “Mind if I…?”
Orion waved a hand. “Knock yourself out.”
Harry ventured down the hall, stopping at a partially open door. He pushed it open, revealing a study. The desk was covered in more rune work, alongside a well-worn leather journal. The walls were lined with maps, some of them marked with symbols and notes.
“Do you ever stop working?” Harry called out, glancing back at Orion, who leaned against the doorway.
“Not really,” Orion admitted with a shrug. “Comes with the territory.”
Harry moved to the next room, which was clearly a guest room. It was neat and impersonal, but a faint trace of magical energy lingered in the air.
Finally, he reached what had to be Orion’s bedroom. The door was closed, and Harry hesitated.
“Curious?” Orion’s voice came from behind him, teasing.
Harry turned, crossing his arms. “I’m not going to snoop that much.”
“Good,” Orion said with a smirk, stepping past him. “Because that’s where I draw the line.”
Harry laughed, shaking his head as he followed Orion back to the living room. “You’ve got an interesting setup here, Thorne. Not bad for someone so mysterious.”
Orion grabbed his drink from the counter, his smirk softening. “Glad I meet your standards, Potter.”
“You do,” Harry said, raising his glass in a mock toast. “But you’re still a mystery.”
“And I intend to keep it that way,” Orion replied with a wink.
The two settled back into the living room, the atmosphere lighter now. For all his secrets, Orion seemed more human here, and Harry couldn’t help but feel a growing sense of respect—and curiosity—for his enigmatic colleague.