Hey there everyone, thanks again for all the wonderful comments! Here is the latest chapter, I've been sick with glandular fever so lots of resting and some extra time to write this week Hope you enjoy! Also, once again, if you read any of my other stories feel free to comment and let me know what story you would like me to work on next
I do not own Harry Potter.
Bold words in the story are Harry speaking in parseltongue.
Chapter 15
Harry's not sure how long he stood there wrapped in Anders arms, it wasn't until the door behind them tried to open and whacked Harry in the back of the head that they finally parted. Well not really parted, Harry thought, but they did stop kissing and moved away from the door to allow Timur, Roman and Lukas in.
Harry still had his arms around Anders, a part of him afraid that if he let go this would all turn out to be a dream.
"You two work everything out then?" Roman asked with a smirk, taking in their flushed faces and rumpled appearance.
Harry just rolled his eyes, a mischievous smile coming to his face, "nah, actually, I'm still a bit confused." With that he pulled Anders back in for a searing kiss, hands rising and tangling in soft blonde hair.
"Argh my eyes" moaned Lukas dramatically as he collapsed on his bed.
"Enough of that you two, I want my dinner to stay where it is" Timur said with a laugh.
Harry chuckled and pulled back. "I promise, we'll keep the pda's to a minimum." His dormmates looked relieved at that.
"I better get going" Anders said apologetically, like leaving was the last thing he wanted to do.
Harry froze for a second holding Anders close, before letting him go.
"Of course, it's getting late, you better get back to your own dorm room."
Anders nodded, pulling Harry into his chest and dropping little butterfly kisses all over his face and neck until Harry was laughing and trying to push him away.
"I wish I could stay," Anders said in between kisses.
"I'll walk you out" Harry said, taking Anders hand and leading him out of the dorm room, Anders throwing a backward wave to the others as he went.
A few people laughed and clapped as he entered the common room, Anders in tow, but Harry just kept his eyes down and hurried through.
They hesitated when they reached the corridor. "Good night Harry" Anders said softly, placing a gentle kiss on Harrys cheek before walking away.
Harry stood still, watching Anders until he disappeared around the end of the corridor before letting out a sigh and leaning back against the wall a grin forming on his mouth. It was amazing how much could change in the space of one day.
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The next morning as Harry walked towards the hall for breakfast, he felt a wave of anxiety wash over him. Sure, he liked Anders, but he had no idea how to act around him now, he had never had a boyfriend before, hell before yesterday he had never even been kissed before.
He stopped, fingers twisting together, as he saw Anders standing near the door with Leif and Axel. The Atticus student smiled before striding purposefully to Harry, pulling him into his arms and placing a chaste kiss on his lips. Harry smiled at the action. Guess there was no need to feel anxious, he would take his lead from Anders, who had released him from the tight hug but still had his arm wrapped possessively around Harrys shoulders. Harry found that it really wasn't any different than what they had been doing the last few weeks, except now Harry could really let himself bask in the comfort that Anders was offering him. Harry leaned into Anders side, soaking in the warmth the other seemed to exude in spades, joining in their friend's conversation as they made their way to the Concinne table for breakfast.
Harry startled as they sat, "are you allowed to sit here?" he asked the three teens seriously?
"Of course," answered Axel. "Just because most people sit at their own house table, doesn't mean that you aren't allowed to sit somewhere else."
As they ate Harry again marvelled at the difference between Durmstrang and Hogwarts. If Harry Potter had walked into the Great Hall at Hogwarts with a new boyfriend on his arm the place would have had a near melt down. Here, Harry Krum happily sat with his boyfriend eating breakfast, only noticing a few grins from the people around them.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you yesterday, Professor Boden offered me an apprenticeship with him."
He glanced at the looks of surprise on his friends faces as he continued to eat his toast.
"Wow, that's amazing Harry" Anders said excitedly, giving Harry a big squeeze. "Congratulations! You are a complete natural at Care of Magical Creatures and I could definitely see you working as a magic zoologist."
"Thank you" Harry said happily. "Honestly the thought of becoming a magic zoologist hadn't occurred to me before, but now that it has, I can't imagine doing anything else. I'm going to send a letter to Viktor, Andon and Anna later today to ask their opinion, but I think I'm going to accept."
All Harry's friends started congratulating him at this announcement.
"Well done Harry" said Martin as he clapped him on the back. "I'm sure you'll be great."
Harry smiled at the sincerity of his friend's words, no one was jealous of the fact he was asked, or judging and second guessing his decisions, they were all just genuinely happy for him, and Harry's chest warmed at the realisation.
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After breakfast Harry waved goodbye to his friends and walked with Anders and Axel back to their common room. He curled into Anders side as he wrote his letter, Anders writing one of his own to his little sister who hadn't started school yet. Harry wrote about the apprenticeship offer and explained that he was thinking of taking it. Hopefully they would reply soon with any insight they could offer before he was due to make a decision.
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It was Christmas eve and Harry was settled in amongst his friends in the Concinne common room. Anders had returned to his common room a few minutes ago, and Harry was embarrassed to admit, even to himself, that he missed the other teen already. Apparently, it was tradition to spend Christmas eve in your own common room, where a sort of Christmas eve party was held. House elves appeared carrying trays laden with hot chocolates and an assortment of Christmas cookies. Students surge forward grabbing a mug and plates of cookies before everyone settled around the common room and a seventh-year boy stood holding a book of Christmas stories.
"It's tradition" Roman whispered from his place beside Harry. "The seventh years read their favourite Christmas stories to everyone."
Harry got comfortable with his hot chocolate and cookies as the older teen started reading. He looked around the room at all the gathered students and smiled, not remembering ever seeing the common room quite so full before. The other students looked happy and relaxed as they listened to the stories, sometimes whispering amongst themselves about what story was their own favourite. Harry listened fondly, realising that in two short years that would be him up there reading.
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Harry awoke the next morning to the sound of laughter ringing through his dorm room. He was so comfortable that he turned over, trying to get back to sleep. Before he remembered it was Christmas. CHRISTMAS! He sat up quickly pulling the curtains around his bed away, seeing Roman and Lukas sitting around the small Christmas tree in their room, already ripping open presents. Timur, like Harry, was just pulling himself out of bed. Harry jumped up and rushed to the others sitting around the Christmas tree.
"Merry Christmas Harry!" Roman and Lukas shouted together, and Harry paused for a moment, reminded of another pair of twins that often spoke in unison. Shaking his head to rid him of the thought, he smiled widely.
"Merry Christmas!"
Timur joined them and Harry found himself in the middle of a cuddle puddle for a moment, friends squeezed all around him, before he was released, and everyone got stuck into opening their presents.
He got a book on magical creatures from Timur and grinned. Roman and Lukas gave him a new pair of gloves, Harry wasn't sure what they were made out of, but it was the softest thing he had ever felt. He opened up his present from Viktor and beamed, Viktor had sent tickets for his next game in two weeks' time for him and several friends. Harry read the letter attached, apparently, Viktor had already got permission from the school, he just had to let his friends know and ask them to get permission from their own parents. He felt the excitement course through him at getting to watch Viktor play with his friends. Andon and Anna had given him a new broom, the fastest broom on the market at the moment and Harry grinned at the looks of surprise on the other boys faces.
"Will definitely have to give this a whirl when the weather warms up a bit" Harry said.
He opened his other presents, chocolates and candy and some new quills, before he got to his present from Anders. It was a small box; he pulled the box open with shaking fingers to find a small coin nestled inside. Harry stared it confused for a moment, before he noticed a note sticking out of the lid of the box. Harry opened it and began to read, feeling the eyes of Timur, Roman and Lukas on him.
Dear Harry,
This coin is a portkey that I had my father make. It will bring you to my home if you say the word, "summertime" while holding it. It is much safer and more reliable than traveling by floo and I thought if it was OK with your family you could use it to visit with me over the summer. Of course, that's only if you want to. I just couldn't imagine going the whole summer without seeing you.
Merry Christmas Harry.
Love, Anders.
Harry's breath caught in his throat as he read Anders words. It looked like they both couldn't stand the idea of being apart all summer, Harry thought warmly.
"So, what did he get you?" Timur asked, looking impatient.
"Oh, its umm, a port key to his place for over the summer" Harry said, and was embarrassed when his voice quivered a little. He cleared his throat, looking awkwardly at his friends, who just smiled warmly back at him.
"You will have to come and visit with us over the summer as well" said Lukas, Roman and Timur nodding along.
"Really?" Harry asked.
"Of course!" Lukas said with a laugh "and maybe we can come and visit you at your home as well."
Harry couldn't hold back the bright smile that broke out on his face and Lukas, Roman and Timur were momentarily stunned.
"Yeah… Yeah! That would be great" Harry said enthusiastically. He had never had a friend over before, but he knew Viktor wouldn't mind at all.
Thinking of Viktor reminded Harry of his gift.
"Would you all like to come with me in two weeks' time to watch Viktor play?" Harry asked excitedly. "He has sent tickets and got permission off the school for us to leave for a few hours, you just need to write your parents and ask them for permission as well."
"Oh, hell yes!" Timur said excitedly, the twins nodding along as well.
They left their dorm not long after still talking excitedly about the game as they made their way to the hall for breakfast.
Harry stopped in surprise as he entered, the usual house tables were gone and instead there were smaller round tables spread around the hall. Each covered in every type of breakfast food Harry could imagine. There was the usual breakfast fare, but also pancakes, waffles, French toast, croissants, pretty much everything Harry could possibly imagine.
"We get to sit in smaller groups with our friends on Christmas day" Roman explained. "I guess it's to make it more personal and give people the opportunity to eat with friends from other houses that they might not otherwise."
Harry nodded in understanding, his eyes searching the hall for Anders. Finding him towards the far left wall, he hurried over, leaving Lukas, Roman and Timur behind in his rush. Anders opened his arms as Harry got closer and he happily walked into the warm embrace.
"Merry Christmas Harry" Anders said quietly, face buried in Harrys neck.
"Merry Christmas Anders."
They stood like that for a moment, ignoring the world around them until someone clearing their throat drew them back to reality.
They turned to find Anastacia standing beside them smiling, "Merry Christmas Harry."
"Merry Christmas" Harry said smiling, turning to address the table as a whole, "Merry Christmas everyone." He said before taking his seat next to Anders and starting to pile waffles onto his plate. Laughing as he listened to everyone clamouring loudly about the gifts, they had gotten that morning. As he started to eat, he turned back to Anders.
"Thank you for my present by the way, I would love to come and visit you over the summer."
Anders smiled softly, "I'd hoped that you would and thank you for my present Harry, I would love to come on holidays with you over the summer." Anders said sincerely, bringing a hand up to gently grasp Harrys cheek, he drew the younger in for a sweet kiss before returning to his breakfast.
"Well great minds think alike" Harry said with a chuckle, returning to his own waffles.
"Seems like you two can barely stand to be apart, now that you've finally declared yourselves" Axel said with a chuckle.
"I could barely stand to be part before that" said Anders cheekily, "I was just better at hiding it."
Harry laughed along with the rest of the table but couldn't resist sending Anders a small grin.
The day continued on in much the same vein, food friends and plenty of fun. Harry was worried one of his friends was going to have to roll him to bed with how much food he had managed to consume that day. He had invited Anders, Martin, Blake and Axel along with him to watch Viktor's game, and they had all excitedly said they would write to their parents as soon as possible to get permission. As he laid in bed that night, he couldn't wipe the smile off his face.
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It was nearing the end of Christmas break before Harry got the chance to do something he had been wanting to do for a while now; visit the occamy family out in the forest. Anders was currently engaged in a serious game of chess with Leif, while the rest of his friends were flying and playing quidditch with a large group of students at the pitch. It was the perfect opportunity. He made his excuses to his friends and walked off like he was heading back towards the castle. Instead he veered off around the Care of Magical Creatures building and made his way quietly in amongst the cover of the trees at the edge of the forest. He made his way through the trees, following the same path that they had travelled during Care of Magical Creatures, until he came to the clearing. The baby occamy that he had seen on his last visit were larger now and happily flying around the clearing, a large one was curled up on the roots of a large tree, watching the younger ones progress.
As Harry approached the occamy froze for a moment before the large one on the ground, Harry assumed it was one of the parents, flew up in front of its hatchlings. It stared at Harry warily.
"Stranger what do you want?" It hissed dangerously, and Harry held his hands out in front of him trying to look harmless.
"I just wanted to talk" Harry answered back and the occamy nearly fell out of the sky in surprise.
"How are you able to speak to me and understand me little wizard?"
"I'm a parselmouth" Harry explained. "It means I have the ability to talk to snakes."
The occamy looked unsure for a moment before gradually flying closer.
"I have never heard of such an ability before" the occamy said, still sounding suspicious.
"Well yes, it's quite rare" Harry said, sheepishly rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm the only one who can do it. Well there was someone else, but he died a little while ago."
"And you wished to use this ability to speak with me?" The occamy sounded genuinely confused.
"Well of course, I don't think I've ever seen such a stunning creature as you before." Harry knew the flattery had done the trick when the occamy's purple wings puffed out impressively and it started flying loops around the clearing. The hatchlings also started flying a little closer.
"Are you really the only human who can speak to snakes?" The hatchling on the left asked and Harry nodded, before quickly amending, "that I know of anyway."
It seemed that the occamy found Harry just as interesting as Harry found them and he spent an enjoyable hour chatting about what types of food they like and games they enjoy playing before Harry was forced to return to the castle. As he made his way back, he peered through the trees at the edge of the forest, making sure the coast was clear before edging out and heading back toward the castle. Harry was so intent on what was in front of him that he failed to see what was above him; Annika. Annika had been on the quidditch pitch when she'd spotted Harry sneaking off into the forest and had let her curiosity and suspicion get the best of her and followed after. She had watched his whole interaction with the occamy, mouth falling open in shock as a series of hisses had made their way out of Harry's mouth, before she realised that he was talking parseltongue! As she floated in the air watching Harry make his way around the Care of Magical Creatures building her whole body shook with shock. Harry was a parselmouth! Now Annika wasn't stupid no matter what some people believed, there was only one known parselmouth in the whole world; Harry Potter.