Chapter 2

Harry went home with Julian to a very large house. A servant met them at the door bowing as they entered. Julian handed the manservant his coat and hat and helped Harry off with his. Taking Harry by the shoulders he led him down the hall to a set of stairs. They walked up almost two flights of stairs until Julian stopped at a double set of doors, opening them both at the same time he backed up and said.
"This is one of the guest suites I hope it will be acceptable for you. There is clean towels and everything you might need in the bathroom through that door. I will have one of the servants come fetch your clothes and launder them while you take your shower or bath which ever you prefer."

"Thank you Julian I don't know why you are being so kind to me but I thank you for it."
Julian reached up and with the back of his fingers he ran them softly over the skin of Harry's cheek. "I just couldn't stand by and see you like that. I know how you feel and I wanted to give you some affection."

Harry smiled and nodded bringing Julian out of his daze to back away and say. "Go clean up and I will bring you a drink and something to eat." Julian turned and walked back down the long corridor and out of sight.

Harry couldn't help but sigh at how nice Julian was for allowing him into his home. Harry turned around and stretched a few times to relieve the kinks he'd put in his back he headed off to the bath. Inside was one of the largest tubs he'd seen this side of the prefect's bath at Hogwarts. For a muggle Julian sure did have the luxury that a wizard could have with the wave of his wand. Turning on the tub and filling it with steaming hot water he looked at the ledge and noticed several bottles there. Harry picked one up and opened the lid to find that they were scented bath bubbles in all sorts of smells, sniffing a few Harry found one he liked it had a woodsy smell and reminded him of a walk through the forest just after a spring rain. He poured some of the liquid into the water and watched as the bubbles began to form across the surface. Checking the temperature and finding it perfect he quickly divested himself of his clothes in a pile on the floor and stepped into the hot water. Harry lowered himself down to find a ledge just perfect for sitting on to keep himself upright at an angle in the water. Once the tub was full, he leaned his head back against the edge and found there was a soft pillow for your head. Closing his eyes he melted into the smell and heat of the tub. Harry didn't even notice when the servant came in and took his dirty cloths away and left a dark blue satin robe in its place.

After ten minutes of relaxing Harry all but forgot his troubles, the aroma kept his mind from delving into think over the past few days. He was startled out of his relaxed state when he looked up to see Julian holding a tray in front of him smiling.

"I though you would like a bit to eat and I wasn't sure what you would like so I had the cook make up a small plate of finger foods." Julian sat the tray over top of Harry in the tub and it held snugly on both sides. He poured a glass of wine from the bottle that sat on the corner of the tray and handed it to Harry. "Here this will help to relax you and get the chill off your bones." Harry could only nod still shocked that this man was in the bathroom with him while he was naked and was acting as if it was the most normal thing in the world to do. Still unable to articulate Harry watched as Julian poured himself a glass of wine to and sat down on the foot wide edge of the tub and smiled again.

Seeing the look on the green-eyed man's face he asked, "Is there something wrong with the food Harry, if so I can have the cook make you something else?"

Finding his voice Harry said, "No, no there is nothing wrong with the food." Blushing and looking down at the bubble covered surface of his bath he continued. "I just didn't expect to have you come in here."

"I'm sorry I didn't mean to upset you, I will go and leave you alone." Julian said as he got up but stopped and said.

"I am sorry for disregarding your privacy, its just that you are so beautiful and I wish for only one minute that I could have you as my own. I would not let that sad look return to your beautiful face." While Julian was saying this he leaned down lifting Harry's chin up with his soft fingers and was staring right into Harry's green eyes. When he finished speaking he leaned in and placed a feather light kiss to Harry's lips. Backing away Julian smiled again and said. "Enjoy your bath and please eat a little something before you go to bed. I will see you in the morning Harry."

Before Harry could even utter one word Julian had retreated from the room with the click of the door. Harry sat stunned at what Julian said and what he did.

'Did he really mean that?'

'And oh god does he have soft lips.'

Harry took a gulp of wine and sat the glass down on the tray, holding his breath he sank under the water hoping to clear his mind.

Coming up for air Harry was quickly reminded of just why he was at this wonderfully kind man's house and not with.... Harry ate the food that was before him got out of the tub and dried himself off. Looking around for his clothes and not finding them he remembered what Julian had said about having the servant launder his clothes. Picking up the robe that was laid out for him he covered his naked form and walked into the bedroom of the suite.

Harry walked over and sat on the edge of the bed and began to think. What was it that he was running away from? Was it from the pain and loss of losing his child or was it the hurt he felt from Severus. Lately he had begun to feel the other wizard pulling away from him. Sure the marriage was meant to kill Voldemort but the two wizards worked to make sure it would not be a dreadful and dreary existence for them. So what was it that changed. Could Harry be falling out of love with Severus? Why was he feeling so empty, he could only sit, wonder, and think.

Exhausting his mind and realizing he had to go back home Harry fell asleep in the soft unfamiliar bed alone and slightly afraid. When he woke the next morning his clothes were on the end of the bed and a note to come downstairs and join Julian for breakfast.

He dressed fast and headed off down to find the man that if he was free he was sure he would like to get to know better. Harry was met by a servant and led to where Julian was seated in a glassed in sunroom. It looked beautiful plants and flowers decorated the outskirts of the room and a small round smoked glass table with 4 padded wrought iron chairs were placed around it. Julian was sitting in one until Harry walked into the room; he stood up and pulled the adjoining chair out for Harry to sit in. Blushing Harry thanked him and sat down. Julian placed his hands on Harry's shoulders and squeezed lightly telling him it was his pleasure before returning to his seat.

Breakfast was served and not much was said while they ate, finally Julian cleared his throat and began.

"Harry, I was wondering if you didn't have any place to go I would be happy to have you stay here with me."
Shocked Harry looked up into the pleading blue eyes and sighed. "I'm sorry Julian, I can't stay. You were right I do have to go back and see if it was all a misunderstanding."
"I understand." Julian visibly sank back into his chair.

Harry couldn't take the look of sadness that had just come over this kind man's face. He had to leave before he caused him anymore sorrow. Getting up from his seat he smiled lightly when Julia looked up into his eyes. "I really should be going now, I want to thank you for your hospitality and your kindness." He said while he raised his hand towards the man who had also stood from the table. But before he could say or do anything more Julian had him in his arms. Feeling the strong arms wrap around his body so lovingly and passionately almost made Harry go weak in the knees. "Julian please I can't."
Julian didn't let go he just held Harry close to him as long as he could. Then standing back still holding onto Harry's shoulders to make the younger man look up at him he said. "Harry if... if this guy hurts you or if you realize that you don't want to be with him anymore. Please, I want you to come back. I know you don't know me very well but I truly mean what I am saying. I think I could make you happy please come back if things don't work out."

"Julian... I." Harry couldn't speak

"Don't say no, if things don't work out for you and him, just please come back."

Harry could only nod words were beyond him at the moment. Julian smiled and hugged Harry one more time kissing him on the forehead before releasing his hold and stepping away.

"I will have my driver take you where ever you wish to go, here is my card with my numbers on it. If you ever need me just call ok?" Julian pulled out a small business card from his pocket and placed it in Harry's hand.

"Thank you Julian." Harry said before turning and walking to the entrance to put on his cloak. He followed the driver out to the car and watched through the window as Julian waved goodbye as the car pulled out of the drive.