Rumors
Harry was shaken roughly in his sleep. "Wake up." Someone pleaded.
"They must have had one heck of a night because Kevin never sleeps this deeply."
"You're telling me! Look at the scratches on the floor. It's concrete for God's sake! This bed was getting destroyed, I just wish he would wake up. His uncle will be waking up soon and they need to shower and clean up this mess. Harry, wake up!"
Harry's eyes popped opened as he recognized his aunt's voice. He closed them immediately afterwards. His eyes stung from the light. He groaned slightly as the sleep wore off.
He tried to move but was weighed down by something pressing down on his chest. He rolled over.
"Now he wakes up. Harry, get up!" Harry moaned and rolled over to escape his aunt's poking fingers.
His face was hit by puff of air soon followed by another and another. He opened his eyes, slowly this time. And he gasped.
"Kevin's breath doesn't smell that bad in the morning." Harry heard from a youngish-sounding person beside his bed, soon followed by a grunt from Kevin. Harry received a whiff of Kevin's breath and immediately rolled over.
Suddenly, his aunt's words had struck importance. He immediately sat up, rubbed the sleep from his eyes and proceeded to wake Kevin up.
"Sleeping beauty has awoken." His aunt said, throwing his and Kevin's clothes onto the bed.
Still shaking Kevin, Harry replied. "Funny, very funny!" He growled as Kevin rolled over and tried to go back to sleep.
"Kevin." He said softly. "Kevin."
"It's no use. We've been trying to get you and Kevin up like that for the past ten minutes." Kevin's brother said, folding up the sleeping bag Harry had given him the night before.
"It's about time you got up. You'll definitely need a shower and I can't guarantee that your uncle will sleep until six."
Harry nodded and placed his lips on Kevin's. The kiss that occurred was a slow, sensational one. One, which Harry knew, would wake Kevin up. And soon Harry began to get feedback from Kevin. Harry pulled away quickly and Kevin moaned in displeasure.
"Tease." Kevin whimpered.
"Kevin, we have to get up." Harry said, stretching as he prepared to climb out of the bed. As he stretched, he noticed his aunt watching with a steady glare. He stopped stretching immediately. "What?"
She turned away from him. "Hypocrite." He heard her say in her slightly dramatic voice.
Harry rolled his eyes. "Where is the 'shout to the world'?" He murmured.
"I'll do that after your uncle leaves." She said, grabbing the end of the blanket and intending to pull it off of him and Kevin.
"Where is he going, it's a Saturday he doesn't work today?"
"True, but he is leaving."
Harry lifted the blanket over his head to look under it and he quickly pulled it back down. He opened his mouth to ask for his and Kevin's boxers but his aunt had already picked them up off the floor. She quickly tossed them at Harry disgustedly. He acted as if to get out from under the covers. Aunt Petunia and Eric, catching his drift, left quickly at the thought of seeing Harry exposed.
When the door to the basement closed, Kevin jumped up out of the bed and immediately began putting on his boxers. Harry stared at him in shock.
"What are you waiting for? We have to get up. You heard what your aunt said!"
Harry gave himself a good shake and soon joined Kevin in putting on his clothes. Within moments Aunt Petunia was leading them up the stairs to the second floor. Harry was, at the moment, having the worst time getting up the stairs. He hit Kevin several times, moaning about his lower-body aching.
Thump
There came a soft thump from the hall before them. Aunt Petunia froze immediately and she motioned for them to hurry. Harry felt his heart pounding against his chest as he reflected on the worst possible scenario that could occur. But even with the pain in his lower body, the problem breathing, and the odd feeling of his heart beating so hard, Harry did not slacken in his step. When they reached the bathroom and found it unoccupied, thankfully, Harry breathed more lightly.
Being in the shower with Kevin was a wonderful reflection of the night before. Harry had felt something come over him once more, he and Kevin left the shower perhaps just as dirty and soiled than they were when they had entered.
As soon as they were dressed, Kevin headed into the kitchen and Harry headed to the laundry room. Kevin had to wear some of Harry's clothes, being that his clothes and Harry's were dirty and now in Harry's bedroom, and Aunt Petunia had demanded of Harry that he washed his and Kevin's clothes. At the table at which Kevin sat, Uncle Vernon was there as was Dudley and Eric.
Harry immediately took over the stove, to get away from the table. The very thought of having to sit next to Kevin was, for some reason, displeasing to him at the moment. Aunt Petunia must have already found an excuse for Eric and Kevin being there, Harry thought as he began to contemplate how calm Uncle Vernon was at having two complete strangers at his table. And soon enough Aunt Petunia walked over and slid a piece of paper to him by means of the kitchen-counter.
I told your uncle that both Eric and Kevin were two of your wizard friends in disguise to investigate the arguing from last night. I think Dudley knows Kevin though, so don't say anything suspicious around him. But I do want to know what you and Kevin did last night. What am I saying - I already know what you two did. The real question is - was he good?
How subtle, Harry smiled slightly. He got the smile off his face quickly and looked over to his uncle. He saw his uncle eye both Kevin and Eric with obvious dislike and wonder, soon he retreated back into his eerily calm front. Harry then saw Dudley with an unknown look on his face. Harry did not like that at all, Dudley was usually someone who displayed his emotions openly.
xX Watch out for him, kid. Xx A horribly recognizable voice said from out of thin air.
Harry jumped severely. Suddenly the dream from last night deluged him. It can't be!
xX Well, it is young mortal. Xx Came the voice, Harry jumped once more.
xX You're not real. That dream was not real. None of this is r-. Xx
"Bo-Harry, are you all right?" Aunt Petunia's voice brought Harry back down to earth though he was still a little shaky.
"I- I'm fine. I've just burned myself." Aunt Petunia looked at his completely non-charred hands and then back to him with her 'I want to know what's going on' look. She walked over to Uncle Vernon and whispered into his ear.
Harry quickly finished cooking and served the plates. As soon as he had sat down next to Kevin, the voice started up again. Harry had every intention to call the voice an act of Voldemort, but there was no telltale burn of the lightening bolt scar and that was Voldemort's 'alarm'. Basically the voice, Ares, gave the same introduction that he gave the night before. Harry, however, did not react as he did the night before, he listened to every word Ares said and soon found himself intrigued by Ares.
Before Harry had even noticed, breakfast had ended and he was showing Kevin and Eric to the door. He wished that they could stay longer as they were his only company. He gave Eric a pat on the head and Kevin one quick kiss on the lips as they left. He went back to the kitchen to help clean up.
As soon as he arrived in the kitchen, Ares pointed out that someone was missing. Harry wanted to remind him that he had just shown two people out, when he, too, noticed Dudley's absence.
He knew not to ask questions about Dudley or of anything pertaining to Dudley in front of Uncle Vernon. He made his way back over to the counter to put some of the already clean dishes up so that he could wash the dirty ones. He noticed right away that the note Aunt Petunia had wrote to him was still face up on the counter. Oh please tell me that I did not leave the note here!
xX Well, it obviously did not fly out of your pocket and back onto the counter. If I were you, I would not be worried about whether or not I left it here, I'd be worried if someone had read it. Xx
Harry began to worry about Dudley's absence. If Dudley had seen the note … Harry gasped. If he saw the note, he would know why Kevin was really there and that Aunt Petunia was covering for Harry. Harry prayed that was not the current situation.
Later on, other than the slight apprehension about Dudley, Harry focused on the garden that he was supposed to set up. Surprisingly enough Bill had come to help and, following Ares' advice but not his own conscience, Harry allowed him to help.
"So…" Bill said interrupting the silence that was between them. It was a silence that Harry had welcomed and appreciated.
" 'So…' what?" Harry asked him, lining up the future positioning of the last of the pillars with the picture he had in his mind. Ares liked the classical look of the picture.
"So… Who was the guy you shooed out of your house this morning? And kissed?" Bill asked, looking slightly toward Harry but not completely at him.
Harry gave him an open suspicious glare. "They were Kevin and his little brother." Harry desperately hoped that would be the end of the conversation.
But of course fate, or the Fates according to Ares, were not thinking in his favor.
xX You know he will ask more questions, why not just tell him you had intercourse with the young man. Oh, and don't forget to mention why they came over and stayed the night. Xx
Harry was both stunned and angry with Ares at the same time. xX Who are you now, my bloody publicist! Xx
xX I am and from henceforth your adviser and consultant, at least until my services are not needed anymore, or when you are dead. Xx
Harry sighed mentally. xX I can't help wondering if this was Sirius' idea of a last joke or what! Xx
xX Maybe it is, maybe, and it isn't. You would have to go to Hades to find out the truth. Xx
"Harry, are you all right? You seemed to space out over there." Bill said, interrupting their mental conversation. "Is it too hot? Do you need to sit?"
"I'm fine." Harry said busying himself with the vines that were to coil up the pillars. It had been Aunt Petunia's idea to run the thin vines they would soon bloom into beautiful red and white blossoms next spring. Harry had found the idea suitable for keeping the garden bright and lively.
"So are you going to answer my question?" Bill asked, approaching him slightly.
xX Tell him, Harry. No harm can come out of it. Xx
xX No harm to you maybe! The guy nearly broke my face yesterday and that was for just looking at a guy. Xx
xX I know, I was watching. Xx Harry did not want him to elaborate any further than that. It gave him a sense of privacy.
xX Yeah, well, imagine what he would do if I tell him I slept with a guy! Xx
Ares went silent for a moment, Harry assumed the conversation was over.
xX Well, are you going to tell him? Xx
xX No! Xx
xX Fine! I will. Xx
Almost instantly, Harry felt a change occur in his body. It was similar to the odd feelings that he had felt the night before and when he and Kevin were in the shower that morning, but it was not as fervid as it had been at those times. It was the feeling of having no control over what his body did.
xX What are you doing? Xx Harry asked outraged.
Ares was murmuring angrily. xX… . Just like last night! And this morning! You have to be the squarest, the most stubborn, and the most predictable mortal that I have ever seen! Xx
xX What does that have to do with me telling Bill that I slept with Kevin, when it is none of his business? Or yours for that fact! Xx
xX It is my business since I gave you the courage and the push you needed to do all of those things you did last night and this morning. And as for Bill, you will thank me in the future. Xx
Before Harry could respond, Bill's voice infiltrated their connection once more and interrupted him.
"Harry! Are you sure you're all right?" He moved closer to Harry.
Harry felt his mouth move despite him. He felt as if he were powerless to Ares and had no way to gain control. He simply fought back futilely.
"Oh, I'm all right and feeling the grace of Apollo, and the great Helios."
xX Feeling the what? I don't talk like that at all! Xx
xX Well, I gave you the opportunity to speak, but you wanted to be stubborn and uncooperative, so I'm going to do it my way. Xx
Harry gave another mental sigh.
xX Fine. I'll do it your way. Xx Harry said in defeat.
xX I knew you would come around. You will put everything I tell you into your own words and say it, with the addition of putting your own mannerisms in it? Xx He half-commanded and half-asked.
xX Yes. Xx
Once more there was that odd feeling of the shifting of control, Harry was finally able to label it. Harry now had control over his body, though he still felt a little detached.
xX Tell him that you were just trying to think of a way to explain Kevin's presence. Xx Harry gave an actual sigh this time before speaking to Bill.
"I was just trying to think of a way to explain Kevin's presence without being harmed." Bill winced as if he had been physically struck.
xX Watch it sonny, I did not tell you to say that. Now look at what you've done! Xx
xX I'm not 'sonny', that's Apollo. Xx Harry said with sarcasm oozing out of his voice.
xX Say 'You're completely forgiven.' Xx
xX Not on your immortal life! Xx
xX What did you just promise to do? Xx
xX Kiss my mortal ass! Xx Harry felt the switch begin again and quickly retracted his statement. xX I'm sorry, I'm sorry… Fine, I'll say something similar to that, after all you said I could put in my own mannerisms. I would never tell someone that they were completely forgiven after they've done what he's done. Xx
There was a pause. xX Tell him how you feel. Xx
xX What? Xx Harry was surprised at the sudden change of attitude from commanding to understanding by Ares.
xX Just do it, Harry, and do it quickly, I think he's beginning to get worried. Xx
Harry took a deep breath, if he was going to let out his feelings, he was going to do it right. "Bill, I don't know if I can forgive you. I don't even know why you did it-."
xX I do! Xx Ares interrupted happily, breaking Harry's train of thought.
xX Go to Hades! Xx Harry thought angrily, Ares snorted.
He acted as if he were thinking over what he was going to say, even though he was thinking over it. "So, what would be the point of me saying that I forgive you when I obviously don't!" Harry began winding the vines up the already standing pillars.
Bill sighed and tapped the large slate with his wand. He picked it up effortlessly with one hand and placed it on top of the pillars. He tapped it again with his wand and Harry saw the pillars sink slightly into the ground under the weight. He tried to push one of them, but it didn't budge in the slightest. I knew I should have taken Physics. It always seemed interesting to me.
xX It's never too late to study. Xx Ares said.
Harry heaved the statue of the angel into the center of the circle that the pillars made. He finished his vine-work and stood back to marvel at the work.
xX Perfectly Classically, by mortal means of course. Xx Ares said with some appraisal in his voice.
xX If the Olympians can do better, I would like to see it! Xx
xX Never challenge a god's works or words. Xx Ares said seriously.
Harry enjoyed the feeling of creating some a work of art, he could already see neighbors peering into the yard from their windows. But just as the feeling of accomplishment was kicking in, Bill opened his mouth. "So you finally talk about how you feel." Bill said relieved. "I thought I was going to have to use legismency on you just to figure out what was going on in that head of yours."
"You would have received the shock of your life."
xX That's the truth! Xx Ares piped in.
Bill opened his arms and approached Harry. "Truce?"
Harry looked at the arms and stayed right where he was. But he soon felt as if his legs were detached from his body, they were moving all on their own, but with the help of Ares of course.
xX No, Ares! Xx
"Harry!" Came his aunt's voice through the kitchen window. "The Bigfoot's heading your way!" Ares stopped his legs from moving immediately and Harry felt them back under his control soon afterwards.
Harry glanced at Bill and then whispered with urgency. "Put your arms down, my uncle's coming." Bill did so with reluctance. Uncle Vernon soon came around the pathway that led to the front.
As soon as he saw Bill, he stopped dead in his tracks. He had completely frozen, and there was apprehension on his face with a bit of suspicion. He looked as if he was beginning to put two and two together, and get three, but his uncle gave himself a shake and then composed himself. He prepared to speak but Bill spoke before him.
"So this is the uncle that Harry's been telling me so many good things about. I mean, not many uncles would give their nephew the whole basement to their house, and then their exercising equipment. But Harry's been telling me that you two have been working out together. I can surely see the effects."
Harry steeled his face in order to withhold the explosion of laughter that was threatening to overcome him. And if it had not been for the gales of laughter that emitted from the kitchen, he probably would have succeeded.
It started out as a small snicker and soon turned into a full-blown chuckle with a mass of strong convulsions. Ares soon took control of his body in order to calm him. Small snickers still ebbed out in slow succession.
"What's so funny, boy? What lies have you been telling these people?" He glanced at Bill's wand and he looked truly frightened. He was edging toward Harry with his fists balled up. He was turning a purple color. He looked murderous.
Harry, more so Ares, held out his arms in front of him as a sign of peace and reassurance. Ares completely stopped him from laughing. "I was-."
"Boy?" Bill inquired looking from Harry to Uncle Vernon in disgust. "Boy! This boy has a name, and he just so happened to be your nephew!" The latter part was spoken with both sarcasm and incredulity. But Harry could tell that Bill was angry, just as his uncle could. And if he had control of his legs, he would have bolted.
Ares ventriloquized through Harry. "Bill, calm down. It's all right, he-"
"Stay out of this, Harry." Bill said with his jaw twitching.
xX You know what, if I was mortal, I'm sure that a look like that would have frightened me as well. Xx
xX You don't say. Xx Harry said sarcastically. xX Just get me -us out of here, all right! Xx
Harry received complete control over his body from Ares. He quickly walked between the quarreling duo, and ignoring the sight of his aunt in the kitchen window with a bowl of popcorn watching the scene as if it was more entertaining than her soap operas, and made his way to the front of the house. As soon as he reached his seclusion place in the flowerbeds, he released a sigh. Something about them was comforting to him.
He looked over his shoulder, neither one had followed him. They are too busy arguing to notice me beginning missing.
xX Domestic is what you are. Even more so than Demeter and Hestia, though I won't tell them that. Xx
xX Why is everyone comparing me to women? First there was Aunt Petunia comparing me to the daughter she never had, then there was Kevin comparing me to his mother, and now you're comparing me to Demeter and Hestia, the goddesses of flowerpots and fireplaces. Xx
xX Well, I think you're over-exaggerating the Kevin thing. I don't remember him putting you and his mother in the same sentence let alone comparing the two of you. I don't know where you got that. No, wait, I do. In the back of your mind you probably thought you were treating him like his mother would. It's a mental thing. Anyway, FYI, Demeter is the Goddess of Agriculture and Hestia is the Goddess of the Home. Don't ever let them hear you call them the goddesses of the flowerpots and fireplaces, or you might find yourself turned into a flowerpot or a fireplace for the rest of eternity! Xx
xX Since when did centuries-old gods use FYI? Xx Harry asked.
xX Since we got a reality check, you should get one too, they're cool. Xx
xX Never should you use the word cool. Xx
xX See, another reality check! Xx
Harry let loose an explosive sigh and set himself upon the flowers. He had alleviated himself in the flowers so much that there was practically else nothing to do to them.
xX Demeter used to have that problem too. It was summer nearly all year round in those times. But that was before her daughter was kidnapped by Hades. Now she works hard for half of the year when she is reunited with Persephone, then she weeps for Persephone when the girl has to go back to Hades and does nothing for the other half of the year. And boy is she angry. It's like constant PMS for every day of every week for every month for one half of the year. Xx
xX Wow! And I thought my old history teacher was interesting. Xx Harry said with as much sarcasm as possible.
xX Rude mortal! Xx
xX Annoying immortal! Xx
xX Oh, we are just going to be the best of chums, aren't we? Xx Ares said with a sigh.
Harry sat down on the stairs, he was so tired.
xX You know what! Xx
xX What? Xx Harry asked curiously.
xX You never really rested after that long day, and night, you had yesterday. Xx
xX I'm not one to rest. Xx Harry said seriously.
xX You couldn't rest you were too busy exploring young Kevin. Xx Ares gave a laugh, there was something warming about it. xX Like my laugh, eh. I must warn you that I'm entrusted with your security. Sirius said nothing about sex. Xx
xX Oh shut up! Xx
Harry went red in the face, but it was not fully from what Ares had said, it was from the sight playing out before him. His uncle, who had at some point walked up the path from the back, was jumping up and down frantically and yelling. Several mice surrounded him and when he tried to move away from them, they would encircle him. Bill stood there with a goofy smile on his face. Neighbors were beginning to look out of their windows.
Bill approached Harry with said smile on his face. Harry was deeply perturbed by the scene now that he thought about it more.
"How did you know that he was afraid of mice?" Harry said over the noise his uncle was making. Bill could not have just guessed.
"I was listening. I listened to most of you and your aunt's conversations." He spoke with an honest tongue. He spoke without a tinge of guilt in his voice.
Harry was, for lack of better words, extremely pissed. He was nearly blinded by anger.
Ares intervened just in time and by taking control over Harry's body, prevented him from flying at Bill.
xX I give up trying to be decent to that man! Everything I do is backfired or he does and/or says something completely infuriating. He is not helping his case at all. Xx
Ares shook Harry's head for him and walked away.
"Harry!" Bill called out.
Harry stopped and turned, he shook his head at the sight behind him. His uncle was still dancing from the mice at his feet, his aunt in the window with the video-camera and a new bowl of popcorn, and Bill looking shocked as he realized his mistake. He turned away and continued walking.
"Harry …" Bill said apologetically.
xX That son-of-a-. Xx
xX Such language! Xx
xX Shut up! Xx Surprisingly, Ares did.
Harry continued walking. Ares had left control of his body to him after the outburst. He walked without being steered. Without paying attention to where he was going and he ended up walking smack-dab into someone else. Both were knocked to the ground.
"Harry!" Harry picked up his glasses and realigned his glasses on his face. He focused on the other person. Oh why can't I have just one minute of peace!
"Kevin!" Harry said in a half-surprised, and half-angry voice.
"Harry." He acknowledged in a slightly withdrawn voice.
"We've already gotten that point across." Harry said, his anger being fueled by his frustration.
"Oh, yeah." He said, quickly detaching himself from Harry and heading off down the street.
"Hey, hey, where are you going?" Harry asked slightly chastising himself for blowing up at Kevin. I have to learn to control my temper. There was no commentary from Ares.
xX I said that I have to learn to control my temper. Xx
xX I know you need to control your emotions. I'm trying to think of ways to train you to do so. Xx
Kevin gave a slow turn. When his eyes met Harry's, a small shudder went through Harry. There was a look of betrayal in his eyes that made Harry take a step back.
xX Something is not right. Where is your wand, Harry? Xx Ares inquired.
Harry gave a mental sigh.
xX Oh, please, there is no-. Xx
Kevin gave a smile full of malice, Harry's wand hand twitched. "Save the innocent act for someone who cares, someone you haven't used. I already know about your act." He spat. "Several people told me about your list. You only slept with me to add me to your growing list of boy-toys. You know what, just stay the hell away from me." He said turning and walking away.
"What list-. What the hell are you talking about?"
He turned back to face Harry. "YOU- you know damn well what I'm talking about."
Before Harry could speak again, he lost control of his mouth.
Immediately afterwards Ares spoke to him with urgency. xX Harry, I want you to be as calm and polite as possible. Xx
xX What the bloody hell! Xx
xX SHUT UP! Now, when you get control of your mouth, you will reply in a calm manner. If you don't, so help me Zeus! You will reply 'Kevin, I don't know what you're talking about, please calm down.' Xx
Harry sighed as he received control again. "Kevin, I don't know what you're talking about, please calm down."
xX Way to plagiarize. Xx
"Please." Kevin mocked.
"Yes, please." Harry said struggling to keep calm. Whilst trying to control his temper, he was doubting Ares' sanity.
Kevin scrutinized him but finally succumbed to Harry. "I- several people - I went to the park today."
Harry was losing patience. "What does that have to do with anything?"
xX Harry, don't make me take over. Xx
Kevin's eyes narrowed. "It had everything to do with it. I was minding my own business, soaking in memories from last night-," He gave a quick grin, "-when I'm approached by this… gang of people. Somehow, they had already known what we had done. And they managed to tell me about some of your other flings." He said with growing anger.
"What flings, you were my first!" Harry said mostly to himself in outrage.
"Well… for one that tall redhead fellow, you know, the one with the fang in his ear. Someone even told me something about you inviting the redhead's father over, and his brothers." He said with a strong emphasis on the 's' in brothers. "Then that tanned guy you were kissing. And some guy named Cedric."
It did not take Harry long before he figured out from where the rumors had sprouted. That damned Dudley. "Are the people who told you these atrocities, still at the park?"
"Probably, they just told me. You mean to tell me that none of this stuff is true?" Harry nodded slightly. "That's a relief-."
"Oh, now you are convinced of me telling the truth after you were near to tearing my head off for some he says - she says bullshit! The papers spread rumors about me too, don't tell me you believe every one of them too!"
"It's kind of hard not to. I hardly know you. Aside from physically, you know." Harry shook his head in disbelief.
"I guess you don't know me. Let's just get to the park and straighten out some people, after that I will 'stay the hell away' from you, as you so kindly asked me to do."
Harry walked pass the well-shocked Kevin and towards the park.
xX A job well done, Harry. I didn't even have to tell you what to say word by word. You see, everything can be handled properly if we all paused, thought about what we say, and acted politely to one another. Xx
xX Are you sure that you're the God of War? You sound more like the God of Peace and Serenity. Xx
xX Well, I have been around Hestia and Demeter a bit lately, maybe they're rubbing off on me. Besides, there haven't been many wars to get involved with lately. Xx
The park was in the distance. It was the common retreat for teens and kids of all ages. Most parents just stayed in the small building at the far east end of the park, talking and sharing information allowing the children to mingle all on their own. Harry sped up as he saw a rather large group of teens conversing in low tones by the swings. As he approached them, several looked up and a hush fell over the group.
"Dudley." Harry said in the coldest, most malicious, and intimidating voice possible. It was a tone that scared even him.
xX Where did that come from? Xx
xX If you thought that was good, you should see the way you look. Xx
Harry noticed that those in the group were backing away from him. He wished he had a mirror. "Where is Dudley?" He asked sharply.
"You called, Potter." The voice of his cousin said from behind him. The amount of humor in his voice made Harry quiver with rage.
Harry turned slowly to meet the sight of his cousin. Dudley took one look at his face and paled, but not before he took a few steps backwards.
xX What did you do to my face? I've never seen Dudley look that frightened in my life! Not even the Dementors made him look like that! Xx
xX I just spiced you up a bit. Xx
xX You turned me into a Dracula impersonator, didn't you? Xx
xX No… I turned your face into a replica of Hera's when she's mad. But, speaking of vampires, Zeus is always saying how much she sucks the immortal life out of him with one look! Xx
xX Isn't she your mother? Xx
xX Let's not go into that. You and I hardly know each other. Xx Ares said humorously to cover the seriousness in the situation Harry had just brought up.
Harry spoke in the calmest, but deadliest voice he could summon. "Dudley, my dear cousin, what have you been telling these people?"
"Potter, you know everything I've told is the-."
"Most dumbest lies I've heard in a long time."
"On the contrary. They all saw you flirt with that redhead yesterday. They all saw that kiss you had with that trucker guy, then somehow you manage to fall into bed with Peterson. Three in one day, you should be proud."
xX Don't say a word. You want to know what else he has on his plate. Xx Ares said, as Harry was about to contradict Dudley. Harry obeyed Ares' advice.
"What, no comment Potter?" Dudley said temptingly.
"Harry." Someone suddenly said in his ear. Harry lost control of his body just as he was going to turn to see who had been speaking to him.
xX It's that Bill fellow. Oh, I know what's going on! Xx
xX Tell me! Xx
xX You're going to have to work this one out all on your own. Xx Ares said mysteriously. Harry was given control of his body.
"Harry. You and I just broke up. I'm abusive and trying to get you back." Then Bill's voice was gone.
xX Now, let's see these so-called acting skills of yours. Xx Ares said.
Harry's focus zoomed back to Dudley, who had been talking through this whole ordeal. He had a long piece of parchment in his hand. "See, I told you. He had this list in his room of all the guys he has had sex with." He held the list up so everyone could see. Harry looked at the list, he took a step forward and burst out laughing.
"That's the list some people made last year. I wanted a list of people's birthdays so I had people write their names but with their birthdays in sequential order so I can remember birthdays." Harry said snatching the list out of Dudley's hands. "That, if you haven't already noticed, is why there are checks next to the names that lead up to this month."
"You really expect us to believe that." Dudley said.
Harry saw the doubt in everyone's eyes. He started to give examples. "The Weasleys', they're the redheads, they are good friends of mine and are on the list. My best friends-."
Dudley smiled happily. "I thought you had a best friend who was a girl." Harry turned the list upside down and showed everyone the back of the list.
"I made it at school." Harry said with conviction. "I couldn't use my good paper, so I turned the list on the opposite side and continued writing." Dudley was figuring up a new excuse and/or a comeback. The girls in the group giggled as they examined the paper.
Harry never did like it when girls whispered around him and giggled. It reminded him of his fourth year at Hogwarts and the Yule Ball.
xX If I had been there, you would have had a dance partner flat. And by flat, I mean on her back. Though that probably would not have meant anything to you since you're g-. Xx
xX Don't even think about saying the 'g' word! Xx
One girl giggled loudly, bringing Harry back to the situation at hand. "Is 'floo' a euphemism for something?"
"What?" The girls showed him the list, still giggling. Harry's eyes bulged.
There was only supposed to be three names on that side of the list: Hermione, Ginny, and Mrs. Weasley. But it had at least thirty names. Each one was in a different, bright-colored ink. Some of the girls must have gotten a hold on the list.
xX Harry, wipe the surprise off your face. Xx Harry did so instantly.
"See." The girl continued, "some girls put 'floo me' next to their names."
Harry blanched slightly as the girls giggling intensified. "Oh." That was all he could say.
"See!" Dudley bellowed triumphantly.
"Actually, Dudley, you should get your eyes checked." He took his list back.
"It's a sex list."
"Prove that I slept with any of these people." Harry said calmly.
"What about that tall redhead?" Dudley asked suddenly. "He's always around the house asking mum what you're doing and where you are."
Bill. That very word was beginning to make Harry mad. But to know that Bill was pumping Aunt Petunia for his whereabouts, Harry was about ready to kill him.
"And what about that guy you were kissing on that truck, I heard all about that!" Harry saw some more consideration of Dudley's story flash across the eyes of those in the group.
"That guy was not my type," and he added with humor, "and he practically raped my mouth." He turned somber. "That redhead though-."
xX All right. I want you to say that Bill is your ex-boyfriend, just like he requested. Say that he broke up with you, and then somehow work that into the conversation to Kevin, that he was a rebound. Xx Ares said very quickly, but Harry heard every word.
xX What! Xx
xX JUST DO IT! Xx
Harry did so with a slight stutter. As soon as he was done with his part to Kevin, he saw Bill approaching them.
Harry shuddered at the look on Bill's face. It had that sequestered rage, behind a thin mask, look. Harry took a few steps backward into the crowd, to the point of behind very close to the girls. "And here he comes now. If he even touches me, please go get help." Harry looked to Kevin as he said it though it was to the general group.
xX How was that? Xx Harry asked Ares whilst folding up the list and stuffing it into his pocket.
xX You're doing great! You aunt would be proud. Xx
Bill stopped short of Harry, about a meter or two away.
"Bill." Harry acknowledged him in the softest and nicest tone possible. This brought odd looks from everyone in the group, to go from furious, to scared, to nice in such a short amount of time.
"We need to talk." He said bluntly. The rage was apparent in his voice. But there was also a tone that commanded obedience. He reached for Harry's arm and Harry backed away slightly.
The girls around him recognized the abusive relationship at hand soon enough and eyed Bill in disgust.
xX It's working. Xx Ares said. Harry did not even ask, knowing he wasn't going to get an answer.
"B-Bill, I think you should go." Harry stuttered slightly.
Kevin looked from Bill to Harry and back to Bill again. He was sizing Bill up. Harry had seen that look on Marge's dogs when they were over for short visits. That's how they looked at Harry, but soon they figured that he was a good chew toy. Harry made a quick comparison. Bill was older, more experienced, and a little tougher, he knew a lot more magic, was bigger and looked stronger. Kevin, put simply, was the opposite.
"Harry, I think we should leave. I'll walk you home." Kevin said.
Bill gave a soft laugh. He's a good actor.
Suddenly, he stopped laughing, "Harry, don't make me…" Bill said in the most compressed, dangerous voice Harry had heard since his last year at Hogwarts with Umbridge as a teacher. Harry's whole body showed defeat and resignation with a little fear. But he did not move. Bill stepped forward quickly and caught Harry's arm in a crocodile-like grip. Harry hissed in pain. Some girls in the group stepped forward.
Bill pulled Harry to his side possessively. He was squeezing Harry. It was sort of hard for him to breathe but since he was facing the group, he let a tear fall. "Let's go." Tightly gripping Harry, he half-pulled, half-dragged Harry away from the park whilst Harry fought back slightly.
When they were out of the earshot of the group, Harry asked: "Since when can you act?"
"That shows how little we know each other, as I could ask you the same question." Bill said taking long strides and slightly loosening his grip on Harry.
Soon, at the pace Bill had them taking, they reached an alley that was close to Harry's house. Harry futilely tried to figure out what was going on. He had that feeling that something great was coming. Bill seemed to be considering something he seemed to be working automatically to his own motive. And Ares, much to Harry's disgust, seemed to know exactly what was going on. What is going on, why am I always the one who has no idea what's going on in my life?
Suddenly Bill stopped short, "Here, put this on." He said thrusting something silky into Harry's hands. Harry quickly recognized it as an extremely large invisibility cloak. Harry threw the cloak over Bill and himself.
"Bill, as tempting as an alley is, if you wanted sex, all you had to do was ask for it. I would be happy to do it everywhere." Some redness peaked on Bill's cheeks.
"Ha ha, Harry. Don't you want to see how everyone is taking our departure?"
"Definitely!" Harry said assertively, he began to walk in the direction from which they had just came.
"Harry, I think I have a quicker way." Harry did not like the smile that appeared on Bill's face. He wrapped an arm around Harry's waist and they Disapparated from the alley.
And it was from this experience that Harry forever disliked the feeling and concept of Apparition. But it got them where they wanted to go, so Harry was somewhat content.
"Bill, does the Ministry know when you are Apparating?"
"Harry, why must you ask so many questions?"
"Well, forgive me for being curious." Harry whispered angrily.
"Fine, ask your damned questions." Bill said as they approached the group.
"W-."
"We have to be quiet now." Bill interrupted. "We don't want them to hear us."
Harry pouted and Ares laughed heartily.
xX I'm started to like that fellow. Xx
xX You liked him from the beginning. Xx
xX Now, you're catching on. Xx
He and Bill spent over an hour under the cloak as everyone in the little group publicly denounced Dudley. Harry and Bill watched how the group spread the news that Dudley lied on his "innocent" and "abused" cousin just to "ruin that poor kid's name." Harry was in tears of laughter as so many different variations of the story ramified, all of which had him as the victim and Dudley as the bad guy.
On the way back to Harry's house, Harry risked the tranquility of the silence for one more question.
"Bill, why is it that you're so suddenly involved, dare I say, with me?"
Harry waited for another explosion from Bill, but it did not come. "I guess- well, I've heard so much about you that I wanted to get to know you and see if what I've heard is true."
Harry began patting Bill down, "Oh really." Harry said not really interested.
"What are you doing?" Bill pulled the cloak off of them.
"I'm checking to see if you're bugged." Harry said patting Bill's chest and arms, the only thing that separated skin from skin was a thin brown shirt.
"Harry if I wanted to spy, I would use a spell." Harry could see the amusement in Bill's eyes.
"How could I believe that?"
Bill grabbed Harry's hands and looked deeply into Harry's eyes. "I'd do anything to gain your trust."
"You really should not say that to a sex-driven teenager."
Bill studied his face. "Your mouth, another reason why I'm intrigued by you." Bill said with a laugh and walked faster.
xX I'm so happy. Xx
xX Why? Xx
xX You'll see! Xx
Harry knew not to respond. He would only aggravate himself more. They were now in his driveway. The lights were off in the house, Harry knew that it was too early for the family to be in bed, they must have gone out.
"So…" Bill said either trying to think of something to say or trying to think of a way to tell Harry something bad.
"What is it?"
Bill looked as if he were going to be sick. His face scrunched up and he was turned a bad color. "You… I."
"Yes…" Harry urged showing a little frustration.
xX Harry, for Zeus' sake, calm down. What's with all of the frustration? Xx
xX I have a low tolerance level for Bill. Xx
Bill looked sickened further. Harry began to feel a slight tinge of pity for Bill. He had the feeling that Ares had something to do with it. He was having an internal conflict, but soon pity had won him over.
"It's all right Bill. You don't have to say anything." He patted Bill's hand sympathetically.
Bill blushed. "Shut up Harry." Harry laughed softly.
They descended into another silence. However, this was the first time Harry had actually wanted to know what was going on in Bill's head. He wanted to talk to him. Wow, I am really getting desperate for someone to socialize with.
xX You have me! Xx Ares was outraged.
xX Someone who is not sharing my body. Xx
Harry now was completely in a lull. There was no one talking to him. He gave a sigh. They approached the door and Harry fumbled for his key. His eyes drifted to Bill who was leaning up against the wall. While his eyes were obsessed with Bill, Harry's key dropped to the ground through his fumbling fingers.
"Bill!" He said suddenly, dropping to his knees.
Bill jumped. "What! I didn't do anything!"
"With you standing like that, it-it distracted me!" Harry searched the ground for his key. Because of the lack of light, it took him a while.
"What's wrong with the way I stand?"
Harry opened the door and flipped the light switch beside the door on. "I like it and I find it distracting, that's the problem." He stared into Bill's eyes, the look was returned.
Without warning, Harry lost control of his body.
xX Ares! Xx Ares did not respond. Harry wondered what was the cause of this 'switch' Ares was pulling.
In a quick motion Ares, with control of Harry's body, hurled himself, Harry, at Bill. When Harry realized what was going on, he was flabbergasted. Ares was making him kiss Bill! Harry was sparked into action. He fought against Ares' domination. This only seemed to spur Ares on. As soon as Harry's tongue touched Bill's, Harry ceased all action.
It was a sensational kiss. Harry soon noticed that neither one of them wanted the kiss to end. Bill even slipped his hands up the back of Harry's shirt. Harry did not move but he jumped at the feel of slightly rough Bill's hands on his skin. Then the hand went lower. A chill went through his body. Bill pulled Harry towards him. Harry was pressed tightly against Bill's body. Harry felt as if he was beginning to get control of his body. He was feeling the reactions of both of their bodies.
Even though he was feeling the wonderful sensations of the kiss, he felt something odd happening with Ares.
Ares pulled Harry out of the kiss and forced him into the house, leaving Bill just standing there.
xX Ares, what are you doing? Xx Harry asked as Ares had him running down the stairs to his bedroom, the basement. Soon he was rummaging through his things.
xX What are you looking for? Xx Once more, Ares did not answer him. Ares finally stopped his rummaging and held Harry's wand. Oh, bullocks! I didn't leave it here, did I. Well duh, I did. I could have been attacked!
xX Oh shut it! Xx Ares said. Harry, Ares, began waving the wand and murmuring a sort of chant under his breath.
xX STOP! I'm not allowed to do magic outside of school. Xx
xX Relax. This is something I learned from Circe and Hecate. It's too old and unrecognized as a magic to be identified by your Ministry of Magic. Xx
xX Wasn't Circe the enchantress who attempted to sleep with every good-looking Greek god and mortal that came on her island? Xx Harry asked innocently.
xX Don't judge me! Xx
Harry was both shocked and amused by Ares reaction. He still was not satisfied but Ares had the incantation going on continuously. Ares, when the incantation was finished, drove Harry up the stairs to the second floor. By now, Harry had given up trying to figure out what was going on.
xX Do you want me to tell you? Xx Harry answered back without hesitation.
xX Yes! Xx By this time he was in the bathroom.
Ares did not respond. Harry looked into the mirror in the bathroom and gasped. He had no reflection! Harry's surprise was very short-lived as Ares soon had him flying down the stairs without stopping Ares was making him run towards the front door. Harry waited for Ares to stop him, or open the door, but it did not come. He is not going to run me into the door!
xX Actually, I am. Xx
Harry started fighting but it was too late. Mentally, Harry shut his eyes, and he waited for the dreaded impact to occur. It did not come. Harry opened his eyes to see only the outside of his house.
xX You have got to learn to trust me. Xx
xX That was- how dare you- you could have- ugh. Xx Harry finished with a long pout and began to watch every move that Ares was making with his body, intently. Nothing else was going to happen to him without him knowing.
xX That's the attitude I was waiting for. Xx Harry did not respond.
What is he having me do? Harry wondered to himself, Ares' actions were looking even more suspicious by the minute. He began to focus on what he was doing. At the moment he was running toward Mrs. Figgs' house. Harry noticed Bill just walk inside of said house and the door closed behind him. Harry's pace increased considerably and his destination was clear.
xX Why are we going to Mrs. Figgs' house? Xx He began to tire from the running. xX How is it that I feel-. Xx
xX I'm only going to answer your first question for now since we are running out of time. We are going, with Bill, to the Order of the Phoenix Headquarters. Xx
xX Why- wait, does this have something to do with the kiss? Xx
xX Yes! You will be updated on everything when we get to Bill's house. Xx
xX Bill's house!? Xx
xX Don't worry, Trust me Harry, you have to trust me for this to work. This could change your life for the better. Xx
Harry's mind teemed with all of the possible schemes Ares could be up to. But when he finished, Harry found he trusted the god. He could protect Harry, instruct him to an extent that no one else could, and Sirius sent him. There was enough evidence and facts to convince Harry, and so he was convinced.
xX All right Ares, my life is in your hands. Xx Though it was but a joke, it came out more serious than he intended.
Harry was once more impelled to shut his eyes as he was driven through a door.
"Bill, dear, are you sure you're all right. You seem troubled by something." Mrs. Figgs was saying to a slightly red, Bill.
Harry was approaching Bill with the prowl of a lion. He waved his wand and murmured something under his breath. There was a quick 'switch' in his body. He was back in control, but only a few seconds had gone by after the 'switch' that Harry began to notice something weird was going on. Bill and Mrs. Figgs seemed to be getting taller by the second.
xX Why did you switch? Xx Harry asked.
xX I can only hold on for so long. Xx
"I'm okay Mrs. F. I was just wondering if anyone's been through here lately?"
"Sure thing. That Tonks girl has come through. She nearly knocked me over in the process. Oh, Dumbledore just flooed, he wants to see you immediately."
Harry's realization that he was shrinking did not once keep him from trusting Ares. His trusting Ares was the only reassurance of his safety.
He shifted his attention back to Bill. Bill cursed under his breath, though he soon added aloud. "Thanks Mrs. F."
xX Quick, Harry, you need to get on one of Bill's boots. Xx Ares said with urgency. Harry rushed to do so…