A/N: And another time skip! I'm sorry it's been so long! I've been rather busy...my son wants more of my time (which quite frankly I'm more than willing to give) and my family (mine not my husband's ) has been rather...hectic...anyways...all these excuses are merely to let you know I haven't abandoned you or any of my stories! Speaking of, for followers of Exhibit A, the next chapter is almost finished! Huzzah! For followers of my Death series the first chapter of the next book will be up soon :3 Annnnnnd more one shots will be up soon too. Anyways...Harry is in 3rd year right now...hope you like it!
Harry watched as Marcus held his supposed godfather at wand point, a vicious snarl framing the man's face. All year Harry had been scared witless, barely eating, hiding as much as he could because of the rumor that Sirius Black was after him for "killing his lord". Marcus and his Slytherin friends never left the little Hufflepuff's side, no matter where he went within the castle. All of the snakes had developed a soft spot for the boy- even Draco Malfoy, who generally hated everyone. Everyone knew, that if anything happened to Harry, to get Marcus immediately so that the older male could do something about it.
Luckily, when Sirius Black had cornered Harry, Marcus had intervened, drawing his wand on the convicted felon. The Black Heir snarled at its sight and Harry trembled violently, his hand shakily tightening in his companion's shirt. He didn't want to hear about his parents betrayer. He didn't want to look at a man who scared him as much as, if not more than, his Uncle Vernon.
Marcus, for his part, was scowling fiercely. Hatred blazed in his coal black eyes as he focused on the man who was, in part, responsible for his little chickadee being placed in such a horrid growing environment. He hated Dumbledore for placing Harry there, but he hated Sirius Black for killing Potters and setting everything in motion.
"Step away from my godson!" Barked the convict, his voice rough from disuse."I didn't kill them!"
Marcus sneered, his lip curling as he drew his chickadee, his little love, to his chest in a warm secure hug. Harry smiled shyly up at his protector, finally relaxing even if his fear was still clawing at him to be released. He knew that Marcus wouldn't let anyone harm him. Not ever again. Especially not that he lived with the Flints over the summers. It was nice being loved and cared for by a reportedly Dark family. No one had badgered him about defeating a Dark Lord he had nothing against (because honestly in war, people died and his parents were against the opposing side-so it's only natural that they would be targets eventually.). In fact, Harry had told Marcus as they lay cuddled in his protector's bed, that he didn't even want to fight. For all he knew, the Dark Lord was a decent guy and had nothing against anyone except for those who caused him trouble.
Marcus had seemed surprised, his normally stoic façade dropping to shock at the confession. Still, the older Flint had hugged his little love closer and smoothed down the thirteen year old's hair.
Bringing back his attention to the present, Harry was just in time to see Sirius lunge at Marcus in an attempt to separate them. Instead he got a Crucio to the chest. The Grim animagus writhed and screamed on the floor, clawing at his chest and Harry watched, partly fascinated by the Dark Magic dancing over his godfather's skin.
"Marcus, you should stop. I don't want to lose you to Azkaban." The boy finally whispered, placing his palms on the broad chest of the older Slytherin.
Marcus twitched but let up the spell and drew his little Hufflepuff close, breathing in the teen's sweet scent.
"If anyone hurts you I would gladly kill them, no matter the cost to my freedom." He grunted gruffly, causing Harry to blush and come to terms with a few of his feelings for the taller snake.
Finally, Harry smiled softly and pressed a tender kiss to the man's lips, standing on tip toe to do it. (Even Marcus had to dip his head a bit).
"Yes but I'm not free unless you are there at my side." He whispered when he pulled away, relishing in the astonished look in the older wizard's eyes.
Marcus collected himself and a fire built in those coals of black as he hugged his chickadee close to his person. Never had anyone said anything like that to him. No one had seen him as worth more than a tool for fighting. Sometimes even his own parents only saw him for what he could do to aid their lord.
"Then I will never leave you, chickadee." He replied finally, once more turning his gaze to the mass of limbs on the floor at his feet.
Sirius had been watching the exchange through slitted eyes. Confusion and anger burned in them. Yet he kept silent taking stock of how small his godson was. How frightened of him he was. How protective the Gorilla was of the little Hufflepuff. Something was wrong. Something wasn't right. And all roads pointed to Dumbledore. He growled weakly as he attempted to sit up. He had to fix this with his best friend's son. It was imperative.
"What happened to him, that he is so skittish?" He asked finally, after relaying his innocence.
Marcus glared but began to tell the story of Harry's life up to this point and when he was finished Sirius was pacing and snarling. The man stopped long enough to stare Marcus in the eyes before nodding his head.
"I'll protect my godson from the shadows. I will follow him whatever path he chooses and will be there when he needs me. Tell your lord that I am no longer his enemy so long as Harry isn't." With that he turned and fled, transforming halfway.
Marcus smirked and swiftly kissed his beloved on the lips, garnering a vibrant blush. Things just got interesting.