A/N: I'm going to start this out by warning the people who read my work that this isn't necessarily like what I've done in the past. First, it's mainly het rather than femslash (although there are a few moments between women, but that is in a group setting). It's also probably what most people would consider 'harem' by the end, it is most definitely a polyamorous piece. As you can see, I'm still writing but have not found any inspiration on the pieces I have already started and I'm sorry for that. I've probably written a half million words in the past year, but nothing seems to be right and it gets deleted or I haven't finished it (and I've resolved myself not to post anything until it is finished, to keep readers from being disappointed if I don't finish). This is the first thing I've completed in over a year and it was the first piece I started when I began writing again. So, if you're still reading at this point and don't hate me too much, enjoy!
This is an attempt at the Blood Brandy challenge, although I have made at least three modifications – it's actually Elvis that does the wedding, because of who I chose (and wanting the reveal when Remus is sober), Remus and Tonks were not at the wedding, and finally, Sirius didn't fake his death. I played around with ways to incorporate Sirius back in and just couldn't do it.
Some AU items though: Sirius doesn't die by falling through the veil. He was cleared of all charges during Harry's fourth year and he was killed taking on a Death Eater raid. Dumbledore never told Harry the prophecy, wanting to keep him more in the dark (than he was in the books). The raid in the Ministry did happen almost exactly as before with the exception being that Sirius didn't get hit with that stunner and didn't fall through the veil.
One other note: I'm not the most up to date on the DC Universe, thus some things might not accurately reflect the comics (or the movies for that matter). You'll probably find an amalgamation of both here with some of my own takes on how things should be. Please remember this is FanFiction and AU by definition (so don't take me to task if it doesn't follow your view of how things should be exactly).
This piece is M for a reason folks … there are lemons; a few of them. There is also some violence and swearing. But I really wrote it for the lemons ;) If the story gets taken down for some reason, I'll repost on AO3 (if it isn't already cross-posted).
There are 7 chapters and I'll be posting them as soon as I get through one final edit of each of them (no Beta, all mistakes are mine).
Summary: After Sirius is killed in a Death Eater raid, Harry finds out he is the new Lord Black. Well, at least he is if he takes a trip to Vegas with his honorary Godfather, Remus. Stupid mutt making it a stipulation of his will. At least it gets Harry out of the Dursleys for most of the summer. One lucky streak that involves meeting a gorgeous bird with two-toned pigtails, and well as they say, the rest is history.
Disclaimer: I don't own anything in either Harry Potter or the DC Universe.
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Harry slowly came to consciousness and felt the room starting to spin slightly. He gave a small groan as he tried to roll onto his stomach to make the damn room stop spinning and found that there was some kind of weight on his arm and something blocking his body from rolling down onto his stomach. He carefully lifted one eyelid up, peeking out and letting in a shaft of glaring light causing him to quickly shut it again with a louder groan. He felt whatever was in front of him move in an almost wave-like motion, ending up tighter against his body. The quiet, "Shhh, still sleeping," cluing him in to the fact that it was a body next to him.
He tried opening an eye again and managed to blink enough times that the glaring light didn't feel like a knife penetrating into his brain anymore. He was greeted with the sight of a mop of blonde hair, dyed with blue streaks on one side and red on the other. Harry grasped for memories, trying desperately not to look like a complete cad by not knowing her name. He gave a small sigh as he remembered meeting her at one of the casinos just after he started playing blackjack, although she had her hair up in pigtails with one being blue and the other red. He replayed the memory in his mind, although just thinking made it feel like a big bass drum was being played in his head. Finally it came to him, Harley, Harley Quinn.
Harry mumbled, "Harley, what the hell happened?"
He startled somewhat as he felt another body moving behind him. Forearms were pressed against his upper arm as whomever it was leaned on him before speaking, "Mmmm, Harry dear, last night was wonderful."
Harry shot out of bed, feeling a little guilty as he knocked Harley onto the floor as he scrambled about looking for his wand. He wandlessly cast a quick Accio wand and it was suddenly in his hand. He leaned back against the wall shaking, his wand pointed at the last person he ever expected to see in Vegas, much less be in his bed. He asked with a shaking voice, "What are you doing here Bellatrix?"
Bellatrix gave a cute pout, "You don't remember Harry? I'm a little disappointed."
Suddenly everything caught up to him, the hangover, his quick movements, the shock of finding Bellatrix Lestrange in his bed, and he scrambled to the bathroom, losing whatever was left in his system into the toilet. He groaned and then felt a soft hand running up and down his back lightly, "I promise I'm not going to hurt you Harry. Take this and then we'll talk."
Harry nodded as he took the potion from Bellatrix, looking up at her with a wary eye. She just gave a lopsided grin at him, "Hangover cure," and he silently cursed himself for thinking she looked adorable.
Harry looked between her and the potion bottle. He finally decided that she hadn't yet gone for her wand or otherwise tried to kill him, so she probably wasn't going to kill him with a potion. He tipped his head back and almost retched it out again, grimacing and smacking his lips together, "Merlin that's horrible. I think I might like the hangover more." Bellatrix's tinkling laughter echoed through the bathroom as she gave a little pat on his back before walking back into the bedroom. Harry looked up just in time to notice she wasn't wearing any clothes as her bare ass slipped out the door and a blush covered his face.
It took less than two minutes for the potion to start working and Harry's nausea and headache to dim to manageable levels. He finally noticed that he was as naked as Bellatrix was when she had walked out of the bathroom. He sighed, at least it seemed like he wasn't a virgin any more. He got up and wrapped a towel around his waist and walked to the doorway. He had to stop there as his mind stopped functioning at that point because sitting on the bed were two gorgeous, naked women staring at the bathroom door as if they were actually waiting for him. He shook his head, "Not that I don't appreciate the both of you," he waved his hand up and down, "like that, but could you put something on or cover up because it's very distracting and I think we need to talk."
The two women looked at each other and then turned to him with a pout before Harley complained, "But we're comfy."
Harry just sighed, giving them a pleading look, "Please? At least until I get a few things sorted out."
The two women returned his sigh before slipping out of the bed and finding their panties. A quick search of the room found only Harry's undershirt and a bathrobe lying around for them to dress in. Both women took great enjoyment out of bending over at the waist to grab the items off the floor, making sure to have their backs to Harry as they did. They smiled to each other as they heard the very audible gulp from the young man each time they did. Harley gave Bellatrix a smirk as she slipped Harry's shirt over her head, pulling the collar up to her nose and inhaling his scent. Bellatrix just pouted as she slipped the bathrobe on over her panties.
Harry dropped onto the edge of the bed, waiting for the two women to finish getting dressed. Harley was first and pushed him back until he was leaning against the headboard. He gave her a questioning look and she just gave a cute shrug, "I wants to cuddle while we talk." Harry smiled and held up his arm. Harley didn't need to be asked twice as she quickly crawled up the bed and curled into Harry's side. Bellatrix finally finished getting dressed and then stood next to the bed with her eyebrow arched. Harry gave a small chuckle as he lifted his other arm up and Bellatrix curled up against his other side. Harry had to shake his head at himself, going from terrified of the witch on his left to cuddling with her in under an hour; only his life could be like that.
Harry looked between the two women, "Alright, I'm a little fuzzy about some parts of last night so I'll start with what I can remember and then you two can fill in as needed." The two women nodded in agreement.
Harry sighed as he started, the memory of what brought him to Las Vegas bringing his mood down. He started, "It all started about a week ago at the private reading of Sirius's will."
Bellatrix gave him a squeeze, whispering softly, "I miss him too; he was always so fun as a boy." Her voice turned harder but stayed just as quiet, "At least he managed to take out my idiot of a husband before he died."
Harry squeezed her back with his arm, then letting his fingers slide lightly up and down her arm while he continued, "He made me Lord Black and emancipated me immediately, which had the unforeseen consequence of having my parents' will finally read." Harry leaned his head against Harley, "It turns out that one of my mentors, my hero really, had illegally sealed the will so it wouldn't be read until I came of age."
He heard Bellatrix mutter, "I'm going to kill the old fool."
Harry leaned the other way, his head now on Bellatrix, "Hush, nobody is killing anyone." He laughed at the pout that formed on Bellatrix's face before continuing, "Turns out that as soon as Sirius emancipated me, I became Lord Potter as well. But I'm getting away from the actual story. As part of the conditions for being Lord Black, I had to agree to be 'kidnapped' and taken to Las Vegas for seven days of fun and excitement. He had roped his best friend, Moony, to bring me here and chaperone me." Harry then sighed, "One more thing on the list, find Moony."
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Harry sighed as he looked at Remus, "I don't expect there is any way to get out of this, is there Moony?"
Remus didn't look happy about it either. He couldn't believe that Sirius would think this was a good idea. Then he groaned and dropped his head into his hands, what was he thinking, of course Sirius thought this was a good idea, who was he kidding? He then looked up over his hands, "I don't think so, pup."
They finished up the rest of their business with the Goblins and then as they were getting ready to leave Harry was handed a manila envelope that seemed to be quite full. Harry looked quizzically between the goblin and Remus before opening it. He groaned, there really was no way to get out of this. He shook his head as he pulled out what looked to be about $50,000 in American currency, three plane tickets and a very well done fake identification for Harry, including a passport and backstory. He then looked at Remus in confusion, "Why three plane tickets?"
Now it was Remus's turn to shake his head at his best friend, "I'm assuming he intends for me to take Tonks with us. Stupid mutt trying to play matchmaker from beyond the grave." Harry gave a small laugh; at least he wasn't the only one his Godfather was playing games with. As there was no getting out of it, the two started making plans for the 'kidnapping' and soon realized that they would, indeed, need the help of one metamorphmagus auror for this to work. So they brought Tonks into their planning and it turned out that she was a) all for Harry getting away and out from Dumbledore's thumb and b) all for hitting Vegas with Remus. So, that's how the three of them found themselves in a cab three days later after Tonks 'abandoned her post' and heading to the airport.
The three quickly checked into their two room suite at the hotel and they settled on Harry in one room, Tonks in the other and Moony on the couch. They both complained but he just told them he'd stayed in a lot worse places, causing a frown to form on Tonks's lips. Moony didn't notice as he went about putting things away for their vacation. The three of them took in the sights of the strip with wide eyes, not believing someplace this garish and with this many lights actually existed until they had seen it with their own eyes. They found a place called 'Hard Rock Cafe' and with a name like Hard Rock, Tonks insisted that they try it. She was very disappointed that they didn't have anything of the Weird Sisters in there because she had thought they had made it big in the Muggle world as well. Turns out everything that makes it big in the UK doesn't spawn rabid fans in the US like the Beatles had.
The three had some fun playing quarter and dollar slots and some of the video poker machines in their hotel's casino but after the long flight and with some jet lag, they decided to turn in early. Harry woke the next morning to find the two adults enjoying coffee and a selection of rolls in the main room of their suite. He sighed as he smelled the coffee, debating internally if he should 'fit in' and go with local customs or not. He finally decided that the first day he could still do with a reminder of home and went about preparing a proper cup of tea. Remus and Tonks watched him with bemused looks as he frowned at having to boil the water in a microwave (it really didn't taste the same, regardless of what anyone else said) and then sat to let his tea steep. After taking a sip and letting out a pleased sigh, he turned to the two, "So, what's the plan for today?"
Tonks looked at Remus and gave a shrug. Remus just smiled, "We do as Sirius wanted, and we have some fun. What would you like to do pup?"
Harry looked into his tea, finally deciding, "I'd like to try some blackjack, it seems like fun."
Remus clapped his hand on Harry's shoulder, "That's the spirit pup. Now let's get ready and then go have enough fun and cause so much trouble that it would make Sirius proud." Harry grinned at his honorary Godfather and nodded.
Harry walked into the casino and looked around. There was so much going on that it was almost mind boggling. He found the blackjack tables and then noticed that they weren't all the same as there were betting limits on each table. He scanned the options and settled on a $10 table to start learning the game on. He watched a little longer to see if there was any etiquette that he should be aware of, at least that he could notice. Finally after watching the table for about fifteen minutes he thought he was ready. Having watched a number of people already buy chips at the table, he walked up to an empty seat and dropped five $100 bills on the table and asked for a mix of $10 and $5 chips. He internally groaned as he realized he may have put down a little much for his first foray as the dealer counted out 40 $10 and 20 $5 chips, leaving him with quite a stack in front of him. He gave the dealer a sheepish grin, "Sorry I didn't stop to think how many chips that would be."
The dealer gave him a sincere smile, "First time in Vegas?"
Harry laughed, "That obvious?" Her grin was the only response he needed.
Harry won a few and lost a couple before a waitress appeared behind his shoulder, "Can I get ya something?"
Harry waved his hand to hold on a 20 before turning to her, "I really don't know. Are the drinks here expensive?"
The waitress let out a slightly annoying high pitched laugh, "Uh huh hun, they're free. First time?"
Harry just nodded as he turned back to the table, sliding his winnings back and leaving the original $10 bet on the table. He returned his attention back to the waitress, "I'm not really a big drinker, so something sweet?"
The waitress held her finger up to her chin, "You don't look like a daiquiri type of guy. I think maybe we'll start you with a screwdriver and go from there." Harry just shrugged, wondering what a Muggle tool had to do with drinking.
Harry played another couple of hands before the waitress returned with his drink. She handed him a glass of what looked like orange juice and he took a sip. It was orange juice but with a healthy kick at the end. He smiled at the waitress and nodded, "What is this exactly?"
She smiled, "It's a screwdriver silly; vodka and orange juice."
Harry smiled back, "Well it's very good, thanks!" He dropped a $10 chip on her tray.
The waitress beamed at the tip, she normally didn't get that much from the 'cheap' tables, "You're welcome sweetie, just ask if you need anything else."
Harry turned back to the table and frowned as his stack had almost doubled since he sat down. He gave a small sigh before smiling at the dealer, "I think I've learned the ropes of the game now. Thank you for being patient with me." He dropped two $10 chips in front of the dealer and smiled.
He quickly finished his drink and grabbed his chips, barely able to hold them all. He made his way over to a $100 table that had a few seats open and sat. His new favorite waitress came over as soon as he sat down, "Another screwdriver?"
Harry smiled at her, "That would be great, thanks." He turned back to the table and dropped five $10 chips onto the betting circle. After a couple of hours and a fair number of drinks later, Harry managed to swap out all of the $5 and $10 chips in his stacks to $50 and $100 chips and even added a few chips to the mix.
Harry cashed out all but one $100 chip and went to find Remus and Tonks. He finally found his 'chaperones' at the craps table. He quickly convinced them to try out another casino and pulled them away. He had to smile as apparently they had both also found out about the free drinks as Tonks was leaning into Remus's side and he had his arm around her, both laughing with each other and staring into each other's eyes quite frequently. Harry thought to himself, 'about damn time.' Harry stopped as they were just about to leave the floor and moved to the nearest roulette table, getting the same feeling he had when cashing out made him keep a single $100 chip. He dropped it on the green 00 as the wheel spun round and round. The world seemed to slow down as he heard the ping made each time the little white ball dropped against the metal barriers between numbers. He let out a loud "Yes!" as the ball dropped into the 00 slot.
Remus just sputtered, "Did you just win $3500?"
Harry chuckled, "Yes, I guess I did." Harry and Tonks laughed at the sputtering werewolf all the way to the cage where they cashed out Harry's roulette winnings.
They walked the strip for a little bit until they came to a very bright, loud casino. Harry smiled and dragged the two lovebirds into the lobby and gave the smile of one who was on the cusp between 'feeling good' and slightly drunk. He gave a nod and laughed, "This is the place, I can feel it." He pushed Remus towards the craps table as he looked around for the blackjack.
He had only taken a dozen steps when he stopped, the sight of a blonde with different colored pigtails kicking and cussing at a 'Wheel of Fortune' slot machine causing him to smile. He walked over; wondering where his sudden boldness was coming from, and pushed three $1 coins he still had in his pocket from his foray into slots the day prior. He smiled at the cute woman who was pouting at the machine, "Here, try these. They just might be lucky."
The lady pushed the max bet button and watched as the Big Wheel appeared. She hit the stop button and absently reached back and grabbed Harry's hand, squeezing it tightly. When it landed on $1000 she squealed and pulled Harry into a tight hug. After collecting her payout she turned to Harry, her hand held out. As Harry took the hand she quickly pumped it up and down twice, "Nice ta meet ya. I'm Harley."
Harry couldn't help but smile at the greeting but he responded in kind, "Nice to meet you Harley, Harry."
Harley quickly moved next to Harry and linked her arm through his, "Yer my new good luck charm, so where are we off to?"
Harry tipped his head back and laughed. Harley gave him a disgruntled look, "What's so funny? Am I not good enough for youz?"
Harry gave her hand a pat, "Sorry Harley, but the way my luck has been lately I couldn't help but laugh at the sudden change. It seems like karma does exist and I'm finally seeing the good side of it after being its dumping ground for so long."
Harley perked up at being referred to as good, "So where we off to Mr. H?"
Harry smiled at her, "Just Harry please."
Harley looked down with a frown, "Sorry, old habit."
Harry slid his fingers under her chin, bringing her face up to look at him, "Enough of that. Your face is much to pretty to be wearing a frown like that." For the first time, maybe ever, Harley couldn't think of anything to say as her face lit up in a bright smile.
Harry led them over to a $500 blackjack table and took a seat. He grabbed a passing waitress and ordered a screwdriver and looked up at Harley, who just shook her head. He dropped $10,000 onto the table and Harley looked shocked, whispering in his ear, "Yous is carrying that much cash around?"
Harry just shrugged, "I guess, how else am I going to get it from casino to casino?" Harley shrugged, not having an answer to that. Harry's winning streak continued as he steadily built up his pile of chips while the drinks kept flowing and Harley kept getting closer to him until she was finally molded against his side as he played. The last two coherent memories that he had was moving from the $500 table to the $5000 table and pulling Harley into a searing kiss.
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Harry gave a small shrug, earning his small grumbles from the two women who had been very comfortable against his sides, "That's about the last thing I can remember with a coherent timeline. I see flashes of things past that, flashing lights and Elvis being the two most prominent, but that's about it."
Harley leaned up and kissed his cheek, "That's a lot better than I thought you'd do."
Harry blushed at the kiss, "Sorry I don't remember more, but hopefully it will come back to me as you continue the tale."
Harley snuggled into his side again, "Sure Mr. H, I mean Harry." She looked playfully up at him as she said it, earning her a light slap on the ass from Harry. She rubbed against his side, "Do yous want to play or hear the story?"
Bellatrix rubbed against his other side, "I vote play, we can talk later."
Harry suddenly looked flustered, whispering, "Was I even any good?"
Harley reached up and pulled his face towards hers, her lips molding themselves with his as she teased his tongue out. It was surreal to Harry, feeling Harley's hands on his face, holding him there so her lips could attack his while another hand played circles on his stomach, slowly working its way lower. He groaned into Harley's mouth before breaking the kiss. He slid his arm out from behind Harley and reached over to cup Bellatrix's face, pulling her into a deep kiss.
Harley wasted no time as she pulled Harry's top over her head, throwing it across the room and then she slid down the bed, trailing kisses down Harry's stomach. When she reached his towel, she gave it a slight tug to release the object of her attention from its confines. Harry groaned into Bellatrix's mouth as he felt Harley's tongue lick up the entire length of his cock. Harley gave a pleased smile as she heard his groan before sliding half of his almost seven inches into her mouth. The two let out moans as she did, Harry because of the warm feeling of being in Harley's mouth and Harley because the combined taste of the three of them was still on his cock, reminding her of all of the fun they had last night.
Bellatrix broke the kiss and leaned back, undoing the tie of her robe, letting it fall open. Harry twisted his upper body slightly and reached over, pulling Bellatrix towards him as his mouth latched onto her nipple. Bellatrix wrapped her fingers in his hair, letting out her own moan. As Harry's mouth switched to her other nipple, Bellatrix slid one hand down his body until it was resting on the back of Harley's head, urging her to take more of him into her mouth. Harry groaned as Harley's mouth slipped down further, his cock pushing into her throat.
Harley suddenly released his cock from the warm, wet confines of her mouth. She flipped onto her back and kicked her legs as she pushed her panties off. She gave him a smirk as she moved back to her knees and then yanked on his legs. Harry let out a squawk as he slid down off of the headboard and onto his back. Not even giving him time to react, Harley straddled his lap and grabbed his cock, rubbing the head along her slit and moaning each time the head brushed over her clit. She gave him a lopsided smile as she suddenly pushed back and then groaned as his cock slid fully into her.
Bellatrix watched Harley impale herself on Harry's cock with a lustful look in her eyes. She quickly slid her own panties off after sliding the robe off of her shoulders and then rubbed her thumb over Harry's lips, "Help a girl out?"
Harry nodded and tugged on Bellatrix's hips, helping her get situated above him. Bellatrix gave out a long moan as she felt Harry's tongue glide along her already wet slit, taking the time to flick rapidly over her clit. Bellatrix wrapped her fingers in Harry's hair; guiding his tongue to the places she needed it. After a few minutes she gave a light tug on Harry's hair, moving her body up and away from his mouth, "Morgana you are good with your mouth." Here she gave a little pout and Harry fell a little deeper for her, "But I can't see Harley like this." So she quickly flipped around so she could see the blonde riding that delicious cock she couldn't wait for her turn on.
As she lowered herself back down on Harry's waiting mouth, she reached out and slid her fingers over Harley's clit earning her a lustful moan. Harley quickly took the opportunity presented to her, leaning down and sucking one of Bellatrix's nipples into her mouth. The feeling of Harley's tongue on her nipple and Harry's mouth on her pussy quickly brought her to the edge. She came undone as Harry moved his mouth up and sucked firmly on her clit while Harley did the same to her nipple. Bellatrix threw her head back and screamed as her orgasm crashed through her.
As she came down from her orgasm, she gave a playful glare at the woman across from her, "Bitch, you were supposed to cum first."
Harley's playful laugh turned into a groan as Bellatrix leaned down and returned the favor, sucking firmly on Harley's nipple as her fingertips found her clit. As Bellatrix moved from one nipple to the other, she growled, "Fuck her hard Harry." Harry wasn't going to argue as he started thrusting up each time Harley dropped down, his cock pushing deep inside her. Bellatrix rubbed more firmly over Harley's clit and she could feel the blonde's body tensing. She let go of Harley's nipple with a pop as she moved up to nip on her earlobe, whispering, "That's it Harley love, come for our husband." That's all it took for Harley to dig her fingers painfully into Harry's chest as her body shuddered through an intense orgasm. The feeling of her muscles squeezing his cock was too much for Harry as he suddenly grabbed Harley's hips and thrust up into her, releasing his orgasm deep inside her.
The two women rolled off of Harry with smiles on their faces (although Bellatrix was a little disappointed because she really wanted to sample that glorious cock again). They crawled back up to their places against Harry's side, each giving him a deep kiss before snuggling back in. Harley's fingers trailed absently up and down his chest, "I know I told you some of this last night Harry and you probably remember some of it, but I'll start at the beginning so both of you understand who I am."
She pauses a moment before beginning, "I was born Harleen Quinzell and led a perfectly normal life for a while. I got my Ph.D. in psychology and managed to find a good job. I started working at Arkham asylum in Gotham and that's where things started going downhill. While I was working there I met this bad guy who goes by the name of Joker." She gives a little self-depreciating shrug here, "I fell into that age-old trap of the good girl wanting the bad guy. I ended up falling in love with him and going insane at the same time." She sighs, "We didn't have the best relationship, obviously. When I first told him I loved him, he wanted me to prove it by jumping into a vat of acid. When I didn't move fast enough, he just pushed me himself." Her hand ghosted up and down her body, "It didn't kill me, it just made me really pale."
Harry leaned down and kissed her as she paused, "Well, I think you are beautiful like that."
Harry's praise perked her right up, "You think I'm beautiful?"
Harry chuckled, "I do. I think both of you are gorgeous." That earned him a pair of kisses.
Harley sighed against Harry's side, "Finally, he tried to kill me one too many times and he probably would have succeeded if my friend Ivy wouldn't have given me some potions." The two magic users perked up at the mention of potions. Harley continued, "Well apparently the potions not only healed me, but made some improvements." At the inquisitive looks, she just gave a meek shrug, "I got really strong and I can heal really quickly." Harry just leaned down and kissed her again. Harley sighed after the kiss before continuing, "Long story short, I turned from a bad girl to a good girl, helping the Supers capture the bad guys. But I ran into the Joker the other day and even though I helped capture him, he said some things and I needed to get away. So I came here, to Vegas and that's when you found me about ready to dismantle that rigged slot machine." Harry laughed at this. Harley continued, "So, picking up the story again..."
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Harley pulled back from the kiss, "Holy tongue tied, where did you learn to kiss like that?"
Harry looked a little sheepish, "Ummm, nowhere. That was my first real kiss."
Harley looked a little shocked before she pulled him back into another kiss. When they finally broke for air, Harry had a loopy smile on his face. Harley just tucked into his side, pulling his arm around her waist, "Yer a natural Harry."
They tucked into a spot at the table and Harry dropped his bet down and ordered a drink. An hour later, they had garnered quite a crowd, including the pit boss. Harry was winning about five hands for every one he lost and his pile of chips was rapidly growing, sitting at well over $350,000 now. The pit boss placed his hand on Harry's shoulder, "Sir, can I have a moment of your time."
Harry nodded as he pulled his chips back from the betting circle. He flagged down a waitress and ordered another drink before turning to the man. The man quickly introduced himself as the pit boss and then continued to the real reason he had interrupted Harry's game (besides hoping that the interruption would fluster him so that the casino could win some of their money back), "We like to keep an eye on the big winners here and I'd like to offer you our high roller suite, compliments of the house, for the next three nights. That is if you are staying in Vegas that long."
Harry wobbled a bit as he smiled, "That would be lovely. What do you think Harley dear, should we take him up on that?"
Harley kissed his cheek before turning to the man, "We'd love that. Why don't I come handle the details so my Harry can keep playing?" The man obviously didn't want to do that, he wanted to get Harry away from the table for a little while to cool off (which Harley was quite aware of) but when Harry tilted his head back and Harley's hands cupped his cheeks while they shared a deep kiss, he could say little to stop her.
Harley walked back to the table with their key cards in hand and saw red. Some redheaded bimbo was leaning over Harry's shoulder and trying to flirt with him. Her face screwed up in a scowl as she literally stomped over to the table and pulled the bitch off of her man. The woman went to say something but Harley pulled her close and suddenly a blade was pressed against the woman's stomach. Harley held a tight smile as she looked at the woman, her eyes quickly flicking to all of the cameras in the area to make sure the blade stayed hidden. She growled softly, "That's my man you are trying to hang all over, so get lost." The redhead gulped and quickly nodded. Harley gave a saccharine sweet smile as the blade retracted into the handle and then it disappeared into Harley's clothes, somewhere (not that the woman was paying that much attention to anything but the crazy in Harley's eyes). Harley suddenly let go of the woman and she stumbled back. She gave one last terrified look at Harley before almost running out of the casino.
Harley draped herself over Harry's shoulder and placed a soft kiss on his cheek, "Miss me sweetie?"
Harry turned to give her a peck on the lips, "You didn't scare her too badly did you?"
Harley's eyebrows shot up in surprise, even sober he shouldn't have noticed much but given that he was weaving in his chair; he couldn't have, could he? Harry chuckled at her confusion before shouting (and scaring most of the people around them), "Constant vigilance!" before dissolving into a fit of laughter.
After another half hour of gambling and two more drinks, Harley decided that she needed to get Harry away from the casino to sober up a little. She leaned over and kissed his cheek, something that she was really starting to like doing as his eyes seemed to light up every time she did. She whispered in his ear, "Take me out on a real date Harry, I've never been on a real date."
Harry looked at her incredulously, "Someone as beautiful as you hasn't been on a real date?" Harley shook her head cutely. Harry grabbed her hand and got up from the table, meaning to leave immediately. Harley chuckled at his exuberance, "Sweetie, how about wez cash out first?"
Harry looked a little sheepish as he grabbed his chips and headed back to the cage. As he was in the high roller suite, Harley arranged for all but a few thousand dollars to be kept in the casino safe. She would have liked to have even less cash on them, but Harry was insistent on taking that much 'to make sure he gave her a right proper date.' She couldn't say no to that.
They exited the casino and took a deep breath of non-recycled air. Harry looked over at Harley and gave her a lopsided grin, "What would milady like to do?"
Harley looked around excitedly but was interrupted by Harry, "They have magic here?"
Harley looked to where Harry was staring and smiled, "Yes and no." Harry turned to her in confusion. Harley giggled before explaining, "Most magicians only use sleight of hand or some elaborate contraptions to mislead or fool everyone into believing they have done something impossible." Her head tipped towards the marquee he had been staring at, "Zatanna, however, is the real thing. She can do actual magic." Then she leaned in and whispered, "Just don't tell anyone."
Harry bounced on his feet in excitement, "I want to see an actual American witch. Can we go?"
Harley took his hand and nodded at his excitement, "Sure, but just don't call her a witch to her face."
Harry looked confused, "Why, do the magic users here prefer something else?"
Now it was Harley's turn to look confused, "What do you mean, magic users here?"
Harry shrugged, "In England we prefer to be called witches or wizards."
Harley made sure she understood him properly through his slight slurring, "You said 'we'."
Harry nodded enthusiastically, "Yah, I'm a wizard too."
Harley pulled him into an alley, looking around to make sure it was safe and there was no one around. Then she turned to Harry, "What do you mean you're a wizard?"
Harry pulled out his wand, looking proud. Harley chuckled, "What is a piece of wood supposed to do?"
Harry had the presence of mind to cast a quick Confudus charm at the entrance to the alley, wanting to show off for the gorgeous woman next to him. He pointed his wand at a pile of garbage about 20 feet away and muttered, Incendio. Harley watched as a bright light flew from the end of the stick and grew into a line of flame that started the garbage on fire. She gasped and clapped her hands. Harry gave a little drunken bow, stumbling to the side as he did. Harley caught him before he fell over and they both chuckled at his embarrassment. Harry then pointed his wand at the flames and muttered; Aguamenti and a stream of water shot out and quickly extinguished the flames to Harley's utter delight.
Harley pulled him into a deep kiss, exclaiming as they pulled apart, "Who knew magic could be so sexy. Now we really need to go to that show, Zatanna is going to definitely want to meet you."
They were in luck as a show was just about to start; the only issue was the only seats left were the VIP meet-and-greet tickets. As Harry paid the $1000 per ticket price he just grinned idiotically at Harley as if to say, 'now aren't you glad I wanted to bring so much money'. They got to their seats and Harry was just able to order a drink (he gave a little frown as Harley still hadn't ordered anything other than a coke all evening, he'd have to bring that up at some point wondering what it meant).
The show started out with a flashy trick and Harry was almost clapping, excited that magic could be used out in the open like this. As he felt the magic building up for Zatanna's next trick, both Harley and Harry noticed Zatanna's forehead crinkle in confusion as she turned to look directly at them. The momentary distraction wasn't noticed by the rest of the audience, but the couple was so used to bad things happening to them that they definitely noticed. Zatanna started her next trick and then they noticed that the rest of the audience seemed to be frozen in place. Zatanna worked a ball of pure magical energy between her hands as she stalked towards them, "Who are you and what do you want?" Then she stepped back, startled, the ball of magic disappating, "Harley?"
Harley gave a sheepish wave, "Hiya Z."
Zatanna stuttered, "What are you doing here? Who's this?"
Harley proudly showed off her boyfriend? Could she call him that after only a few hours together? But it felt so right, she was so confused. After the brief internal dialog she introduced him, "This is Harry, my boyfriend."
Harry turned quickly to her, "You mean that? I'm really your boyfriend?"
Harley bit her lower lip and nodded. She was promptly kissed breathless by said boyfriend. A quiet cough brought the two lovebirds back to reality (or at least the frozen version of reality they currently occupied with Zatanna). Zatanna focused on Harry, "You have magic, not like mine but magic nonetheless."
Harry nodded; not at all surprised that she could feel his magic as he could feel hers. She frowned, "There's something off about your magic though." She tapped her chin in thought. Finally she held out her wand, "Do you mind?"
He turned to Harley with a questioning look. She whispered, "She's one of the good guys. You can trust her." So Harry nodded.
Zatanna focused on Harry, uttering her incantation backwards and a light seemed to envelop him. She frowned as the magic disappated, "Something is blocking your magic and it isn't the fragment of darkness that I felt."
Harry looked shocked, "Blocked? Darkness?"
Zatanna flipped her hand absently, "Yes, blocked and darkness." She fell silent while Harry and Harley looked at each other with concern. Zatanna finally came back out of her mind, "I don't think I can handle this by myself. Do you mind if I bring a friend in to help?"
Harley's face drew into a frown, "Who?"
Zatanna waved her hand dismissively, "Just John Constatine."
Harley erupted, "That no good, son-of-a-bitch. You know he's just in it for himself and he tells you less than nothing, even if you need to know something."
Zatanna sighed. She couldn't fault Harley's description or reaction, but he was really the only one that she thought could deal with the piece of darkness that she felt. She looked at the woman sitting next to the young man, "I would normally agree with you Harley, John and I don't always get along the best, but he is the best option here otherwise I wouldn't have suggested it."
Harley fell silent with a pout, but nodded her head. Harry just sipped his drink, planning on following Harley's lead here as he had no clue what was going on. Zatanna looked at Harry and when he finally looked up at her, she gave a shrug of her shoulders and held her hands out, seeming to say 'well?' Harry gave an apologetic cough and nodded at Harley, "If my girlfriend is alright with it, then so am I." Harry grimaced as he finished, that sounded so much better in his head.
The grimace was quickly replaced by a goofy grin as Harley moved to straddle his lap, her tongue invading his mouth as soon as their lips met. Harley started grinding her hips slightly against him and then frowned when a loud cough forced her to break the kiss. Zatanna growled, "If you don't mind, I'd like to continue the show."
Harley leaned in to whisper in Harry's ear, "We'll just have to wait a little longer to let little Harry out to play." Harry just gave a quick nod, not even daring to think about his luck.
Suddenly the noise of the room returned as people started moving again and Zatanna continued her act as if nothing had happened. When the act was finished, Harry was actually glad they had purchased the VIP tickets as they were led backstage without any issues. Zatanna closed the door to her dressing room and then looked over at Harry, "Some privacy please? I'd do it myself but I might need to save my magical strength." Harry quickly threw up some silencing and notice-me-not charms. Zatanna smiled at him, "Thanks." Harry nodded and returned to leaning on Harley.
She then sat down cross-legged on the floor and turned into herself. A minute later a man stepped into the room, "Goddammit Zatanna, what the hell is so damn important that you had to interrupt my vacation?" Constatine then noticed Harley standing there, "Oh, Harley my dear, you are looking beautiful as ever."
Harry stepped between them, his wand pointed at the man. If anything Harley had said was to be believed, this man couldn't be fully trusted. Constatine just stepped back and laughed, "Oh my, it's actually one of the stick wavers. I thought they didn't leave their little hidden worlds."
Zatanna stepped in before this could escalate, trying to ignore Harley biting on Harry's earlobe, "That's why I called you here John. Can you take a look at his magic?"
Constatine gave a little frown, if Zatanna was calling him here to look at this kid's magic, there must be something going on because he knew she could handle most things relating to a magical core, even if it was one of those damn stick wavers. He focused himself and sent his awareness out to look at the kid's magic. He growled as his vision showed the kid's core was bound, the binding showing as thick chains to his vision. He then recoiled as his awareness came across a very dark presence. He stopped himself from retreating fully in revulsion and in his mind he slowly circled the darkness, examining it. He finally pulled back, "So, it seems that he has both a magical block on him and something dark attached to him. First, the binding is blocking up to about 70-80% of his magic." Harry scowled at this, wondering how a block got put on his magic. Constatine continued, "The darkness doesn't belong to him, something has attached itself to him for some unknown reason."
Harry muttered under his breath, "Voldemort."
Constatine moved too quickly for Harry to react, grabbing both of his arms and almost shaking him, "What did you say?"
Harry looked up and said more forcefully, "I said 'Voldemort'!"
Constatine looked up at the boy, finally taking him all in. He reached up and pushed the hair off of the boy's forehead causing the boy to try and push him away, only to drunkenly stumble back and fall on his ass. Harley moved to him quickly, wrapping her arms around him while Constatine muttered, "Harry fucking Potter."
The three others in the room suddenly looked up at him in different levels of surprise. They had never told him Harry's name. Harley finally broke the silence, moving to stand between Harry and the antihero, "How do you know Harry?"
Constatine explained what he knew about the Dark Lord and the prophecy. Harry turned to Harley after Constatine spoke the prophecy, "Can you remember that please, I don't think I will."
Harley kissed his cheek, "Of course, love."
Harry gave his little lopsided grin, "Thanks."
Constatine coughed to gain their attention again. When he finally got the lovebirds to stop making goo-goo eyes at each other he explained what he think was happening to Harry, "I think the darkness I felt was a piece of Voldemort that attached itself to you."
Harry panicked, "Can you get it off?"
Constatine nodded, "I think so, but I can't do it here." He turned and moved his hands in a complex pattern and a portal opened. He smiled and waved towards the portal, "Welcome to the House of Mystery."
The four stepped through the portal and once in his home, Constatine became all business. He led them to a room with a ritual circle on the floor. He directed Harry to the middle and started adding a number of runes around him. After about fifteen minutes, Constatine finally settled into a relaxed pose outside the circle, legs crossed under him, hands resting palms up on his knees. He turned to the two women, "Sit, stand, I don't care. Just stay the fuck out of the circle no matter what happens." He looked hard at Harley, "I mean it, if you go in you could kill him or worse, let Voldemort possess him."
Harley looked down and nodded, muttering under her breath, "I think he has his priorities messed up."
Constatine started chanting and the runic circle started to glow. His chant became louder and the glow brightened in response. Suddenly Harry's head flew back and he screamed at the ceiling. They two women watched as a dark cloud started seeping from Harry's forehead and they could hear its animalistic growls. It looked like the cloud was trying to move back towards Harry but some unforeseen force was tugging hard at it, refusing to give it any quarter. Harry screamed again and Harley took an involuntary step towards him. Zatanna's hand on her arm stopped her from breaking the runic circle. The black cloud was finally pulled completely free from Harry and as soon as the last bit separated from Harry's body, whatever force was at work within the runic circle ripped the cloud to shreds. Harry's chin fell to his chest at the same time Constatine's did. Harley went to run to him but Constatine's voice stopped her, "Not yet, I just need to rest a second." Harley stepped back without question and her teeth worried her lower lip. After a minute, Constatine started chanting again and Harry started gritting his teeth as if he were fighting something inside of himself. As Constatine's chant reached its crescendo, Harry's head tipped back again and her arms went out. Suddenly a bright golden ball of light formed around Harry, it suddenly exploded sending a golden wave out. As the wave passed over Harley, she fell to her knees and moaned after the most delicious sensation went through her body.
Constatine noticed Harley's reaction and after making sure that Harry seemed to be resting alright in the circle, he turned to Harley and muttered something under his breath. After a moment his eyebrows raised in surprise, "Harley, did you know you have some kind of core inside of you?" Harley shook her head, confused at the question. Constatine thought out loud, "It's not a true magical core like Harry's or Zatanna's, although they are both different in and of themselves so maybe you have a different kind of magical core, but still, it doesn't feel like magic. Maybe all of the potions Ivy gave you jump started some kind of core formation, that would explain your healing factor." Constatine shook himself out of his contemplations and smiled at Harley, "Congratulations, you and Harry seem to be quite compatible, down to the core level. That would explain your reaction to his release of magic."
Harley didn't hear much except 'compatible' and was already running to Harry before Constatine finished. She scooped him into her arms, "Are you alright Puddin'?"
Harry gave a dazed smile, "Luna likes pudding."
Harley looked at him and then back at Constatine. He just shrugged and smiled, "He might be a little dazed from the ritual," his finger tapped his chin, "or maybe he's just that drunk still."
Harley turned back to Harry, giving him a little shake, "Harry, please be alright."
Harry suddenly smiled at her and her heart stopped at the absolute adoration in that smile, "Hey there baby, did it go alright?"
Harley let out a sigh of relief before responding, "Yes it did love. It was weird watching whatever that was leave your body." Suddenly she slapped his arm and glared at him, "And who the hell is Luna?"
Harry wrapped her in his arms and kissed her senseless. When he finally pulled back he answered, "Just a friend of mine, nobody you have to be worried about."
Harley gave him a quick kiss, "Good because you're mine now." Harry just smiled and nodded before realizing he was getting quite tired of coughs interrupting his Harley time.
Constatine walked over and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, "How do you feel?"
Harry smirked, "I feel like a lorry ran over my body, backed over it, and then ran over it again."
Constatine chuckled holding out a bottle of whiskey, "Here, this seems to help me after rituals."
Harry took the bottle and then took a long drink, coughing and choking after a couple of swallows. Constatine chuckled, "That's the spirit." He took a pull from the bottle himself before continuing, "Alright, whatever Voldemort left on you is gone and your magic is now unbound. I'd be a little careful with your spells because if I remember enough about you stick wavers, your magic will be a bit stronger than you're used to."
Harry rubbed his watering eyes, "How much stronger?"
Constatine chuckled, "At least an order of magnitude."
Harry blindly grabbed for the bottle and took a long pull, "Bloody hell."