They thankfully found a quiet spot to take their drinks. Harry decided to start the conversation. "So what exactly did you do to make those men so angry that they wanted to beat the crap out of you?"
"It's not my fault they play such a poor hand at 5 Card Draw. I don't gamble often, but these men were too easy to pass up. They lost a fortune between them, and I left before things turned ugly."
"And here I thought you were a gentleman." Harry teased.
"First impressions are important. But if there's one thing I've learned, most people get thrown off in the face of actual manners, and therefore show what a poor example of a human they are. Present company excluded of course. I can have a temper, but I've learned that cold quiet fury often frightens people more than shouting."
Harry felt a chill go down his spine as he thought of that. He suddenly pictured this man in teaching robes and putting unruly students in their place with a quick witted comment, or a cold glare. He backtracked before he embarrassed himself by daydreaming in front of the man. "So what do you do the rest of the time? When you're not dancing or gambling or getting caught in a fight."
"Whatever strikes me I suppose. I'm in what I like to call the Land In Between. Some say I'm between jobs. I say I'm in between worlds. If that makes any sense."
"Actually, it makes perfect sense. I'm sort of in a similar state."
"I can imagine. Here's to being stuck in the same boat." He raised his glass in a toast.
Harry reciprocated. "By the way, how was it that you were able to recognize me without a problem?"
Terry looked a bit thrown off, though he barely showed it. "Well, your scar may be mostly gone, but it's still there. And even though you don't have any glasses on, your eyes are still very distinctive. And I've seen your hair at several lengths in photos, so that wasn't a problem. I think if we weren't in such close proximity, I wouldn't have recognized you."
"Well, I suppose that's fair. I've been moving around so much that people are hardly ever able to get a good look at me. This is the first time I've really slowed down in months."
"I'm sorry if I offended you. It's no matter who you are. I had only wanted to express that I knew, but that it was alright. You obviously have your reasons for keeping a low profile, and I have no intention of blowing the whistle."
"Thank you. That really does mean a lot."
"You're welcome."
They talked for a while, ordered another drink, and Harry felt completely at ease. There was something niggling at the back of his mind though, and he didn't know what. When the evening wound down, they parted ways, each to their own destinations. Harry wondered what he might have gotten himself into.
The next two lessons carried on in a similar fashion. Terry would provide the instruction, Harry would follow, and afterwards, they would go grab a drink and talk the night away. The more Harry saw of him, the more there was something that he couldn't put his finger on.
The night of the final lesson came, and it was a close-body waltz. By now, they were comfortable enough with each other that they didn't mind being so close. Harry closed his eyes and drifted with the soft music. This was what he wanted. This was what he dreamed of. If only it weren't temporary. He took a deep breath in and savored the moment. Aside from smelling the potion, Terry smelled familiar in a different sense. Harry tried to ignore it, but every time he was close to the man, he got a large whiff. Terry smelled of cinnamon and lemon. A little tang with the spice. He couldn't help but think he smelled it before. He tried to put it out of his head but it was like the song you can't remember that played the same four notes over and over. Instead, he tried to just focus on just being in the arms of another guy. He didn't even know if Terry went for guys, but that was neither here nor there. It was simply enjoyable.
When the final lesson drew to a close, Harry felt a little trepidation at what was supposed to happen next. Did they go for one last drink, or what? Do they say goodbye here? Harry didn't have to dwell long as Marg approached them. "I have a favor and a proposition for you gentlemen. I have been watching you these past few lessons, and seeing you both so at ease with the steps, I feel compelled to ask, and please forgive the rudeness of this question. Are you both… of the homosexual orientation?"
"Is that a problem?" Terry asked. They were alone in the studio at this moment.
"Not with me, mind you."
"Then yes."
Harry admired how confidently Terry admitted it. He couldn't even say anything as he nodded, and tried not to blush.
Marg continued. "Since you both, I assume, are merely visiting and not living in Moscow, I assume you don't know how the majority of the people behave around those of a homosexual nature. Some people hunt down those who are gay, and chaos ensues. Most gay people keep conservative about it, and a lot of people hide it. There has been a historic resistance to gay pride parades by local governments. 100 individual requests were denied permission to hold Moscow Pride through 2012, citing a risk of violence against participants. But those few people, friends and family, who understand the struggle, try to give those individuals hope. That it's alright to be in love with love. What I am asking you to do is to perform a dance for those people. Just a small group, but seeing two men together, dancing like a normal couple would, could encourage others. Change doesn't happen overnight, and the journey starts with a single step. But this could be the ripple that creates a small but worthwhile difference in even a few people. But I do not want to interfere with any plans you might have."
Terry turned to Harry, and looked at him. Waiting for him to speak. Harry felt put on the spot. "What do you think?" He tried throwing the ball into the other court.
"It's up to you. I do not mind either way."
That didn't help very much, but Harry was hoping for a more solid opinion. "I suppose, but I would need a lot of practice."
"We have a week before there's a special class. It's not widely advertised, but the right people know of it by word of mouth. I can give you times for when the studio is free for you to use. This is a private place. And if you need help with particular dance moves, I can teach you. Though I think you're more than adequate for the task Mr. Everance."
"Then let's meet up tomorrow to discuss all the details. Until then, would you like to have our usual drink Harry?"
"Yes please. I think I can do with one."
"I shall see you both tomorrow then." Marg said, seeing them out.
"Are you really alright with this?" Terry asked as they sat down with their drinks.
"Yes. I'm just nervous." Harry admitted.
"Don't worry. By the time we're through, you won't even notice the audience being there."
"How can you be so bloody confident?"
"I've learned to mask my feelings well. I wouldn't even call it confidence, really."
"I still envy you for it."
"You really shouldn't. I'm not proud of it."
"Well, I've been accused of wearing my heart on my sleeve. It's gotten me into more trouble than I can count."
"Well, I still envy how open you can be. I've hardened myself to the point where I don't seem to care about anything anymore. I don't look forward to things, and I don't get excited. I have no real ties, because of how I've lived in recent years, and since the war's conclusion, I simply don't know how to act in the world now. Especially around muggles who have no idea how close they were to modern genocide. I suppose that's my purpose for this whole trip."
Harry regarded his companion as he looked off towards a nothingness only he could see. His eyes were clouded in shadows that seep through the cracks, and for a moment, he looked so much older than he really should. Harry didn't want to pry into the man's past, but he felt more connected with him regardless. "That sounded pretty open to me."
Terry shifted his attention back. "Maybe because I knew you were actually listening. It doesn't happen often."
"Well, for what it's worth, I understand. I too am trying to live in this new world. The rest of the world is at peace, but I am not. I would like to find some peace before… before I can move on." He had to catch himself from revealing too much. He didn't want a pity party, and he didn't want to burden his new friend.
"Well, here's to the journey." He lifted his glass. "The destination may not be certain, but here's to enjoying the ride."
Harry heartily agreed as they toasted.
"I've got an idea. Feel free to shoot it down if you don't like it. I was probably going to leave town after the dancing lessons, but since I don't really know where yet, and I may not be pleasant company the more you are around me… What I'm asking is, would it be alright if I tagged along with you to your next destination?"
Harry's frog leapt back into his throat. He wanted to say yes in an instant. But he didn't want to get even more attached than he already was. He was happy they were friends, he enjoyed spending time with him, and it was hard to picture them parting… but what of the future? What of his secret? What of… He absentmindedly rubbed his chest. It hasn't been bothering him any more than normal. In fact, Terry's presence keeps his mind from thinking any negative thoughts. But what if he falls for the guy? Part of him didn't think that could happen, because of how deep his feelings were for another. Too many uncertainties to think of at the moment. Too many possibilities.
On the other hand, there was still something about Terry that he couldn't put a finger on. It wasn't just the smell. It was in his posture, his eyes, his voice, his quick wit and dark humor. Tiny things that just… raised a flag, but he didn't know what color, or if he should really be concerned. If anything, he wanted more time to figure it out.
"I think I would enjoy some company on my journey." Harry smiled.
Terry reciprocated that smile, as much as was enough for him. "For now, we should think about tomorrow. This is going to be an interesting week."
"You said it." Harry downed the rest of his drink as the nerves returned full force.
Author's Note: Merry Christmas!