Previously on Stairs to No Where

When Harry took his hand Blaine looked up at him with a soft smile. Harry was pleased and grinned back at him momentarily forgetting his annoyance as they made their way through the large crowded airport. It came back quickly however when Blaine leaned over and asked "What was that all about?"

Harry almost winced. It was a perfectly reasonable question. When Harry had invited Blaine it was after establishing with Hermione that because she wanted all her muggle relatives to be there the ceremony and reception would be completely magic free. They'd planned for Ron to pick them up in an ordinary car and stay in an ordinary hotel. Now only five minutes in the country and Blaine had too much information. Harry could only shrug.

"It's a really long story. Now's not the time." Harry could see Blaine's calculated gaze and new the other boy was onto him. Blaine was clever and already knew that Harry had secrets. Harry just hoped Blaine would let him keep them.

"Okay well we'll talk later then."

Harry nodded. They were never going to talk about it if he had anything to say about it

The limo was waiting outside. Harry knew it on sight because magic clung to it like a blanket. Rushing ahead Harry opened the door for Blaine before climbing in and leaving Percy to deal with the bags. Kingsley Shacklebolt was waiting inside; Harry was relieved for a moment before he remembered that Kingsley was Minister of Magic now. Harry had met with two Ministers before him and it had never gone well. Still Blaine was with them which thankfully should stop Kingsley from talking about magic. Hopefully.

"Harry good to see you," Kingsley said shaking Harry's hand firmly. Harry returned the handshake and forced a semi genuine smile.

"Minister Shacklebolt, let me introduce my friend Blaine Anderson. He attends school with me in Ohio and agreed to be my date to the wedding." Harry glanced at Blaine he hadn't wanted to introduce him as just a friend but hadn't wanted to overstep either. Blaine looked unaffected though and was mostly staring at Kingsley with avid curiosity.

"Nice to meet you Blaine but please call me Kingsley, Harry and I have known each other too long to stand on ceremony haven't we Harry?" Blaine's eyes darted from Harry to Kingsley and Harry could see the questions that were adding up.

"It's a pleasure to meet you sir. I had no idea Harry had friends in the Government what are you the Minister of?" Kingsley let out a laugh and Harry quickly cut in.

"Agriculture. Kingsley is the Minister of Agriculture for the UK."

"Oh come now Harry! No need to be so coy I've got the boy a waiver. You're not going to be in any trouble for breaking the statute."

By this time Percy had finished with the bags and was climbing into the limo.

"That was my idea Harry. I suggested it so you wouldn't get in trouble but Minister Shacklebolt has to be here when he signs it so really this is good for everyone."

"I haven't broken the statute," Harry said at the exact same moment Blaine said "What statute?"

Everyone in the car was suddenly very silent. Harry was torn between furious and horrified. He hadn't wanted Blaine to know about him. He liked that Blaine liked him for other things not his whole 'hero' thing. Besides if he had ever told Blaine it definitely wouldn't be like this. Not just springing it on him in the back of a limo. Finally Kingsley spoke.

"You mean you brought this young man here without giving him any details about our world?"

Blaine was spinning in a world of confusion. Apparently Harry had been expected to tell him something but hadn't. The way the man Shacklebolt was talking made Blaine think of cults or underground crime syndicates. Harry's response made even less sense.

"Hermione is muggleborn! Their wedding is a muggle wedding and we were staying in a muggle hotel. There was no reason to say anything."

"I don't understand." Percy said and Blaine couldn't help but reply somewhat bitterly

"That makes two of us."

Harry visibly winced before turning to Blaine.

"I'm really sorry. This is going to be a lot for you to take in. I didn't want you to find out like this." Then turning to Kingsley said "Okay tell him, I'm sure you have a speech."

Kingsley cleared his throat and sat forward so he was eye to eye with Blaine.

"Blaine Anderson, you are going to be trusted with a great secret. A secret that while not dangerous to you could destroy an entire race if you shared it." Out of the corner of his eye Blaine saw Harry roll his eyes. "As Shakespeare once wrote 'there are more things in heaven and earth and then are dreamt of in your philosophy' and those words rings truer then you can imagine. Blaine I must tell you the world you know is but half the world that is. For you know nothing of my world, of Harry's because ours is a world of magic." As he said the word magic Kingsley brandished a long stick at Percy who promptly transformed into a small yipping dog.

Blaine wanted to laugh or possibly cry. He glanced at Harry eager to see a smirk that would tell him this was all just a huge practical joke. Harry wasn't looking at him though instead he was pouring himself a drink from the limo's bar. Blaine watched as Harry threw back the drink before pouring another. Meanwhile the small dog that may or may not have been a man named Percy a few minutes before was barking happily even as it retained its stiff shoulders and stayed seated beside the Minister. Harry came back and slumped next to him offering a glass.

"Harry?" Blaine asked almost embarrassed to find his voice waiver. Harry sighed and took his hand. Just as it had earlier in the day his heart jumped happily.

"I know it sounds insane I really thought we could get through this trip without bringing it up. I just . . . I just wanted you with me. I'm sorry and if you need to go back home and process this for a few days I totally understand. We can talk about it when I get back home if you want to." Harry sounded so resigned and so sad.

"I don't want to go home. I'm kind of still waiting to see if you start to laugh and say just kidding." Harry smiled at him apologetically.

"I'm not going to- Oh for gods sake Percy Finite!" The last was spoken to the small yipping dog which had jumped in Harry's lap and started to lick his face. With a loud pop he transformed back into Percy Weasley who quickly scrambled off of Harry's lap and back to his own seat, blushing furiously.

"I'm sorry Harry after awhile the dog instincts get harder to resist."

After this display the Minister and Harry began to argue. Apparently there was some issue with staying at a hotel. The older man seemed to think it wasn't safe.

"I'm just saying Harry I'd feel much better if you were at Grimmauld. It has some of the most comprehensive protections of any house in London."

"Well I wouldn't. Grimmauld is dark and dusty. I hate it there. I'm seriously considering tearing it down."

"Now Harry, I really think you need to put your safety first. How would Sirius feel if something happened to you now?" This seemed to take some of the wind out of Harry's sails because he slumped back with a scowl.

"What about the Weasley's?" he asked after a few moments of pouting. Percy answered him

"I'm sure mum could squeeze you in Harry but we're still rebuilding. With everyone in for the wedding you'll be sleeping on a floor and probably sharing with at least a few other people." Harry frowned at that and Blaine finally spoke up.

"I don't mind sharing Harry. If that is what you want to do." Harry looked at him for a long moment and Blaine felt as though he was being evaluated.

"You're taking this really well."

"Not really. On the inside I'm freaking out but . . . I don't think you're lying to me so it must be true." Harry nodded at that and finally spoke.

"We'll stay at Grimmauld." Kingsley smiled at them.

"Wonderful we've just arrived." Blaine caught Harry's scowl at that response but the other boy didn't speak so Blaine simply followed him out of the car. They found themselves in a somewhat rundown neighborhood. Harry turned to Blaine and spoke clearly.

"Harry Potter Lives at Number Twelve Grimmauld Place." Blaine gave him an odd look unsure why he was speaking in the third person before looking at the houses. He found there was an eleven and a thirteen he was about to ask Harry when he heard a loud crunching noise. Turning back to the houses he watched a new house bloom between them. Then there was only black as he fainted.

Author's note: Ugh I know it's been a long time since my last update and I figured I'd give you what I have. My inspiration has dried up on this story and I'm hoping some nice reviews will kick my butt back into gear.

So I know its short but please review!