Chapter 4
Harry snarled as he slipped deeper into the Forbidden Forest. He was sick of this shit. Every time he thought they were finally just going to ignore him they pull something else. He had come back to the Gryffindor tower to see his things thrown out in the hall. He had shrunk them and stuffed them in his pocket before going into the tower to confront them.
Flashback
Harry stepped into the common room to see most of his year and a few upper years hovering in the room, “So, want to explain my trunk?”
Ron crossed his arms over his chest, “Why don’t you go to Slytherin. You seem to be chumming it up.”
“Well, since my friends are being assholes, I might as well get new ones.”
Hermione scoffed, “Harry, we are not the assholes here. You went and joined that stupid tournament. You lied to us Harry. Friends don’t lie.”
“I didn’t put my name in the Goblet Mione! I was set up. You know I didn’t want to.”
“Stop Lying! All you have ever cared about is your fame and your money.” Ron shot back, getting in Harry’s face, “Every year we have had to risk our lives in order to be your friend. Well we don’t want to anymore!”
“I saved your sister’s life! You weren’t complaining then!”
“You're the reason she was ever put into danger to begin with. Your a fucking freak. A walking disaster and we don’t want you here. You don’t belong here.”
Harry felt all the anger and wind rush out of him. Freak. Not Belonging. It felt like something was grabbing his gut and twisting it. His fists tightened till he felt his nails bite into his skin. “Fine. Forget you and everyone here.” He turned his back and left through the portrait. He didn’t have anywhere to go or anywhere to stay but he didn’t care anymore. He needed to get out, get some fresh air.
End Flashback
That was how he ended up out here. At least in the forest he knew the risks, he felt comfortable there. He came to a cross in the path and took to the left, knowing that right would lead to the centaurs and they still weren't on the best of terms. He explored until he came across a small pond, the dark water rippling from whatever swam in it.
“Woah, I wouldn’t go much closer.”
Harry whirled wand in hand then stopped at the large Slytherin that stood there, “Pucey?”
The brunette grinned and gave a little way, “Hello Potter. What are you doing out here?”
“What are you?”
“Potion ingredients.” He gestured to the pond, “I have to get a few things for Professor Snape. I didn’t do so well on the last potion.”
Harry nodded and stepped to the side, “I just came out here to get away from it all.”
“Housemates being impossible again?”
“You could say that. They threw my things in the hall and told me I wasn’t welcome anymore.”
Pucey paused from getting a thick stringy green plant from the side of the pond, “They can’t just kick you out of the rooms. You should tell your Head of House.”
Harry shook his head, “I don’t trust them to do anything. Doesn’t Marcus talk to you about me already? I know he mentioned he talked to you both about all this.”
The Slytherin snorted, “Well sure he told us some things but he isnt going to betray your trust. Can I call you Harry? You can call me Adrian if you prefer. Since my best mate is courting you and all.”
Green eyes widened, “Courting?”
The other winced, “Oh uh, he didn’t explain it? Shit.” He stood with his find and held up both hands, “Look, Potter. It isn’t anything serious or bad. Courting is just like dating, just a bit more serious.”
“Why would he want to court me? I mean, I know he asked me to the Yule Ball. But that was just him being nice isn't it?”
Pucey stared at the kid a moment, wondering if the Gryffindor was really that clueless, yes. Yes he was, “I think that is a discussion you should have with him. But, you should know. He isn’t exactly a nice person. Not unless he has a reason to be.”
Harry frowned, “Of course he is nice. I know he doesn’t act like it publicly but he is always polite. He helps me with things, He even corrected my potion paper the other day. Teaching me to swim and fight so I don’t die in this damn tournament.”
“Why would you have to learn how to swim? As for the rest. Harry, I am hoping I can call you that, I have known him almost my entire life. Not once has he ever helped me with my homework, or taught me things. He doesn’t do that kind of stuff. He shows affection in a different way. Like protecting us.”
The Gryffindor sighed, not sure how to process that information, “Maybe he is just taking pity on me then. The next task is in the lake, so I have to swim in it and find something. You can call me Harry, it's fine.”
Pucey tilted his head and then smiled, “Gillyweed. It gives you webbed hands and gills. Better than a bubblehead charm that can be popped if you don’t concentrate enough.”
“What is that?”
“It is a plant. Like a seaweed ball. I use it in one of my potions I like to make.”
Harry smiled, “Could I get my hands on some? Is it expensive?”
“Don’t worry about buying it. I have some extra you can borrow. I use it in one of the hair product potions I make. Just give me till tomorrow. It lasts around an hour though.”
“That is the time limit. So you like potions?”
“Oh yeah. Potions and Herbology. Which works because Ter is training to be a healer. I want to be the one to supply him with his potions and poultices.”
Harry smiled softly, “You two are always together. Wait, are you two courting?”
The Slytherin grinned, “Yes, but not publicly. Both our parents wouldn’t like that. We are both heirs so we have to continue the family name. Last thing they want is for us to marry and not do that.”
“But you can always adopt, or get a surrogate. Muggles do that all the time.” Harry stated. He remembered his Aunt mentioning about a woman in the neighborhood having an ‘unnatural’ child because she couldn’t get pregnant and had to use someone else.
“We could, yes. We could also have one ourselves. Potions and spells can help a wizard get pregnant, but even with the right stuff it can be dangerous.”
Harry almost tripped over a high root, “Wizards can get pregnant?”
Adrian laughed, “Yes. but again, it is very difficult. It takes careful planning and a lot of work. It isn’t some magical clean cut process. It can be bloody and most miscarry or stillbirth. It is not recommended. They say the more powerful the wizard , the higher the chance at success.”
Harry nodded as he listened to the explanation. It sounded dangerous but he could see why some would take the risk. He always wanted a large family. A place to belong. “I guess everything is worth a shot at family.”
“You want a family?”
“Yeah, I have always wanted a large family. A place to belong.”
Adrian carefully took Harry’s arm tucking it into his elbow, “That is a nice thing to want. I hope it happens for you one day. As for a place to belong. You seem to be settling into our crowd well.”
“Yeah, sitting with you guys earlier was nice. Makes me wish I had let the sorting hat put me in Slytherin like it wanted.”
“No way! So you are a snake. I should have known. You fit in too well, your quick tongue and temper. If only you would just forget that savior thing.”
Harry held his arm leaning into the other's warmth, “I never asked to be a savior. Or to fight. I would walk away if I could.”
Adrian patted his hand, “I think many of us would.”
The two walked quietly back to the castle and Adrian took a moment to observe the younger wizard on his arm. There was something delicate about the other. Strong but still so very breakable. Too small, too short, too thin. Pale skin stretched over sharp angles and bones. He could see the bruising under the eyes and hint of scars past the collar of his robes. An enigma of a human being. No wonder Flint seemed to like the other. “So where are you planning on sleeping tonight?”
The younger shrugged, “No clue.”
“Well, I guess you can come to the dungeons and sleep. We have an empty bed with Ter being a prefect and all that. He won’t mind. Noone will once we tell them to bugger off.”
Harry looked over at the other curiously, “You wouldn’t mind? I won’t get in trouble will I?”
“There is no rule against it. Just about boys going into the girl dorms and such. Come on, we aren’t all that bad. Graham and Cassius snore though. Loudly.”
The other laughed, “Ron is a snorer too. Sure why not.”
The two walked in silence as they went down into the dungeons and passed the large portrait that blocked the entry. Harry could feel the eyes and the silence that came across the den.
Malfoy sneered, “What is Potter doing here? Finally ready to admit you were wrong?” A few of the other young students laughed.
Adrian scowled, “Shut up Malfoy. He is here under my protection and Flints. So keep talking. I dare you.”
The blond stood, “He is a Gryffindor, he isn’t allowed in our dorms.”
“There is no rule stating that one house may not visit another. Bug off Malfoy.”
Harry flushed, “Leave us be Malfoy.” He was tired of the blond always up his arse about shit. “What the hell is your problem? I am not here to bother you or your friends.”
“You're the problem, Potter!” His wand drawn as he stalked closer.
“Enough! Or you're off the team!” The snarling call came from Harry’s right.
A warm hand landed on Harry’s shoulder and looked to see Marcus hovering close, “Marcus it’s fine.”
The other shook his head and tugged Harry closer, “No it is not fine. I am sick of this. You have something to say to Harry you can do so by telling me. If I catch a stray hex, jinx, spell, any hint of magic towards him and I will show you why my family is feared.” He grabbed Harry’s arm and tugged him toward the boys dorms and up the stairs to the upper year dorms.
Harry followed almost tripping over the unfamiliar stair leaving Adrian behind still telling the others off, “Marcus you didn’t have to threaten them, they are just going to do it anyways.”
Marcus whirled on him and grabbed his shoulders tightly, “Harry, if they do, you are to tell me.”
He flinched at the grip, not because it hurt but out of sheer reflex, “I..I will.”
The older one nodded and tugged Harry through the halls until they reached a large circular room. The beds were larger than in the Gryffindor rooms. They were deep mahogany with rich green duvets and white pillows. It was crisp and clean the entire room warm and welcoming. Large windows looked out into the murky depths of the lake, the dark figure occasionally swimming past.
“Oh wow.”
Marcus grinned, “It is a sight.” He flopped onto one of the beds, “So why did Adrian bring you to our common rooms?”
Harry flushed and sat on one of the few chairs in the room, “I got kicked out of the Gryffindor tower.” Then started into the story of what happened before scratching the back of his head, “Adrian said I could use the empty bed.”
Marcus nodded, “Sure, Terrence isn’t using it. He has his own rooms as a prefect. Actually I should show you where that is. He won’t mind if you need to escape to it as long as you knock before entering and be respectful.”
“Thanks. I know it is a lot but I don’t feel comfortable going to McGonagall.” Harry ran his hands through his hair, “The Yule Ball is less than a week away to and I am still rubbish at dancing. She keeps mentioning it after every class. Asking if I was ready for the beginning dance.”
The Slytherin grinned, “Don’t worry. We can practice together and my order should be here tomorrow or the next day with the rest of our outfits. I modified mine just a little to better go with yours.”
“You didn’t have to.”
“Nonsense. We are going to the Yule Ball and we are going to make them all drool and wish they were us.”
Harry laughed and shook his head, “Won’t matter if I mess it up and fall on my face.”
Marcus stood and held out his hand, “You can’t be that bad.”
Green eyes looked at the hand warily before slowly taking it. “You were warned.”
He grinned and pulled Harry against him and slid his hand around the younger’s waist, “Close your eyes. Don’t worry about your feet, or trying to actually dance. Just follow my lead. Trust me to lead you through the steps in the dance. Think of it as trusting your broom to fly.”
The younger scrunched his nose before grumbling and closing his eyes. His face heated when he was pulled a bit more firmly against the hard warm chest. He never really noticed how much smaller he was compared to Marcus. He felt a tug at his waist and stepped forward following it. Gentle pressures against his hand or side led him to bend or change direction. He winced once as he felt the others’ toe get caught under his foot but soon the steps evened out and Harry relaxed more against the other letting himself be gently maneuvered through the steps.
Warm breath tickling his ear, “See, you're a fine dancer. Just need the right partner.”
He shivered and knew his face was redder than Ron’s hair, “I think it is more just that you're not letting me mess up.”
“Perhaps. Or maybe you just prefer when another steps up and takes the lead.”
Harry faltered a moment but was pulled back into the dance, “It is nice, not having to worry about being the one in charge. Sometimes… I wish I wasn’t Harry Potter.”
Marcus smiled and pulled him as close as he could, “Who do you want to be?”
“Can’t I be just Harry?”
“Alright, from now on, for me, you're just Harry.”
Warmth covered his lips and Harry gasped as the pressure increased and his grip on the other tightened. The warmth spread and tingled along his nerves as the kiss deepened and Marcus nipped gently at his lower lip, swiping his tongue along it in apology. “Just My Harry.”