Chapter 17
No sooner had their desserts been set down that the Minister stepped up to their table, his hat in his hands as he smiled congenialy at Harry, “Good evening, Heir Potter, what a pleasant surprise to see you here this evening. Are you enjoying yourself?”
Harry paused with the bite of cheesecake halfway to his lips. He set his fork back down, “Minister Fudge, Good to see you, yes we are having a fine night.” Oh how he wanted to run right now. He hated the man.
Marcus gave a blank faced stare at the man, “Perhaps we can meet with you another time Minister? Harry and I are on a bit of an outing this evening.”
“Oh yes yes of course. Terribly sorry to bother. I shall owl you then. Have a lovely night, the both of you.” He gave a polite nod looking a bit sheepish, his eyes kept glancing towards Marcus like the older teen was going to bite his head off.
Harry sighed with relief as the man left them, “Thank you.”
“You're welcome, now let's enjoy our cheesecake. I want to watch your eyes light up.” The teasing note is clear in his tone.
He laughed and took a bite of the sweet and groaned lightly, alright it was amazing. He was going to enjoy it too as he took a second bite closing his eyes to simply enjoy the moment. He had never gotten a chance to try such good foods growing up. Being around the others really helped him discover new foods to eat. Everything new just made him happy about embracing life. He opened his eyes and noticed that Marcus was staring at him, his face set in a firm mask to not show emotions. Harry took another bite and watched the others lip twitch. He finished it and Marcus almost seemed to tense more.
“I am glad you like it.”
“I do, thank you Marcus. This whole night has been wonderful.”
Marcus reached and took Harry’s hand, “Next time I think I know of a better place you will like more.”
Harry gripped him, “I know I am a little uncomfortable here but you are showing me a piece of your world. That makes it all worth it. Besides, I should get used to it. Got a feeling this is going to become more frequent.”
“Perhaps. Never know these days. You are seen as an important figure and people will try to show off to you often but never feel like you have to.”
The two finished up their dinner and headed home to relax together in front of the fire. Harry wasn’t sure when he fell asleep but the next morning he woke up tucked into his bed with the morning light streaming through his window. Out of the bed and into the shower to clean, dress and go about his day wondering what he was going to be doing. He had already finished all his summer homework and had even been going through previous year books refreshing his knowledge or practicing wandless and wordless magic.
Once he was ready for the day he joined the others in the smaller dining room they normally breakfasted in. Marcus who was going through a few letters while nursing a coffee while Lord Flint was engrossed in his own world of the paper with a grim look on his face.
“Good Morning.”
Marcus looked up and smiled, “Morning Harry.”
Lord Flint nodded to him as well, “Good Morning, you have mail on the table by the door.”
Harry stepped over to the table and picked up the small stack of letters, “Oh, I didn’t expect mail.”
“There were more but they were removed because there were hints of magic on them. They will be cleaned and inspected by the house elves before being brought to you.”
“Oh, thank you.” He took a seat after kissing Marcus’s cheek and took his seat next to him. “Oh, some are from the guys.”
“Of course. You probably have a couple invites to the balls coming up as well.”
“Do they happen a lot?”
“Summer is prime time for balls or parties. Girls are introduced as being eligible to begin courtships, or some are done to announce courtships. We should probably have one to announce ours.”
“It is customary but I will not force you both to.” Lord Flint stated from behind his paper.
Harry grimaced, “Well, I don’t really like the dancing part but the Yule Ball was nice.”
Marcus took his hand and kissed it gently, “If you want one Harry, I would love to help you plan it.”
“We will see.” He replied before going through the letters. Two were indeed invites to balls, one for Malfoy and the second was for another slytherin that he couldn’t remember the first name of. A couple of the letters from his new friends on the Quidditch team asking how he was and if they could come visit during the summer. He would have to ask Marcus if they could. It would be nice to see friends over the summer. Another letter was from the bank, a statement of his accounts. Odd. He had never received them before. Maybe he should make an appointment with the bank? He had questions that only they could answer.The final letter was on a thick rich parchment with curled script.
Potter,
I invite you to join me this evening for dinner. I have discovered some of the answers to our questions. You are welcome to bring your escort Heir Flint. The dress code is business casual, I do hope you enjoy tonight's menu selection. I have heard you enjoy trying new foods so I have selected tonight's menu carefully.
Lord Voldemort
Harry blinked and showed the letter to Marcus, “We have been invited to dinner.”
He took the letter and froze, “The Dark Lord is inviting us to dinner?”
Lord Flint slapped his paper down, “Excuse me.”
Marcus nodded and handed him the letter, “Harry and I have been invited to dinner with the Dark Lord.” He looked down at his plate, “What answers was he talking about?”
The younger shifted in his chair a little, “Some weird things have been happening lately and I asked him about them. He said that he would look into it.”
“What sort of things? Harry, are you alright?”
“I’m fine Marcus. It isn't anything bad, emotions that aren’t mine or sometimes I have really vivid dreams or nightmares.”
Marcus turned to look at him and took his hand, “Harry, Why didn’t you tell me? I could have helped.”
“I wasn’t ready to. It wasn’t so bad and I have had them since I was young. They got worse after the dementors but for the most part I can handle them. The real stuff didn’t start until a few weeks ago.”
Harry was drawn into a firm hold and leaned into the embrace.
Lord Flint looked at them but didn’t say anything about the show of affection. Normally it was not allowed but they had no company and he was glad to see his son connecting with someone again, “It is alright Harry. My son simply worries too much. He got it from his mother. You speak when you are ready to. As for the dinner. You both will be on your best behavior. Marcus, I implore you to try and keep your temper under control. He may say something or do something but you must keep your head. Do you understand?”
Marcus looked at his father and nodded, “I do Father. I won’t embarrass the Flint name.”
“It is not the Flint name I am worried about. It is your health and wellbeing. I do not want my son sent home with curse damage or worse.”
Harry smiled and looked at the man, “It’s okay sir, I trust Marcus.”
The man looked at him and finally sighed nodding, “You be safe as well Harry. My son cares deeply for you and I find myself growing fond as well of your delicate chatter.” He teased.
They laughed and continued their breakfast before Marcus and Harry left for the dueling room. They practiced and trained often now. The older taking the younger through a range of spells to help him get used to not using his wand or words. They spent most of the day away taking a break for lunch in the library.
Now though here he was once again staring at his closet, now filled to the brim with clothes he never thought he would own. Just about every color imaginable. He was debating on what to wear. He didn’t even know what business casual meant. Finally he settled on a pair of black slacks and a deep purple button up, his dragon hide boots. Once dressed he slipped on his cufflinks and tucked his watch in the proper pocket. He looked at himself in the mirror and smiled. He looked good, it felt nice to have clothes that actually fit him. He adjusted the glasses and headed out the door and to the floo room where Marcus stood in all his pure blood glory. He was in dark blue slacks and a deep gray shirt with a tie and cufflinks that glittered. The tie pin he had given him shone just as brightly.
Harry kissed him gently, “You look amazing.”
“As do you.” Marcus pulled him close and took a few deep breaths, “You just missed Father. He wanted to remind me, again, that I was to not get angry.”
Green eyes sparkled as he laughed, “We will be fine. I don’t think he is inviting us to just kill us. When I met him he seemed pretty aware and sane.”
Marcus gave him a look but shook his head and took Harry’s arm, “Shall we?”
He nodded and they both went through the floo together. On the other side Harry gripped the other tightly until the world stopped its spinning and he could stand on his own fully. They were greeted not by Voldemort but a rather nicely dressed Barty.
Harry grinned, “Barty!” He stepped forward and hugged the man happily.
Barty chuckled and returned it, “Ah Harry it is good to see you again. When my Lord told me you would be coming tonight I asked to be the one to greet you.”
He pulled back and noticed the other looked much better. Not thin or gaunt, he had put on a little weight and muscle, cleanly shaven but still had the glint of insanity lurking in his eyes, “You look better. Oh, this is Marcus. Marcus Barty. He pretended to be Moody.”
Marcus stepped forward and nodded to the other respectfully, “Good to see you sir. Will you be joining us this evening?”
Barty nodded, “I will be. Master thought you would feel better if I was here to show that tonight is one of peace.”
The youngest of the three stretched a little, “He said he wanted to talk as well tonight.”
The eldest nodded, “He does. The Dark Lord will want to do so after the dinner. You two will be alone during this time. Heir Flint you will be staying with me during this time. I am to tell you about your next assignment.”
Harry frowned; he wasn't happy about it but he wasn’t going to argue either. He wouldn't put Marcus in danger by questioning it, “Then let's not keep him waiting.”