Evocation 06

• Patches •

Draco was laughing.

The last memory flash hadn't been like the others, a simple flash of remembrance. Harry had gotten lost in it and because of that he'd missed something that had gone on in the next room. He scolded himself quietly, listening in again to what was happening. While he and Narcissa weren't husband and wife, he was certainly interested in her safety, and Draco laughing wasn't a good sign.

However, Harry hadn't heard his name, so he was pretty sure that they hadn't spoke about him, at least not directly. That meant that whatever it was that Draco thought he knew was wrong or he didn't know at all. Silently he was hoping that Draco did know it was him, that everything up to this point had been a ploy. It would be better for him to know now and get over it than to show up and find Harry in her bed. Because Harry knew one thing, unless Narcissa told him to go away, he was planning on returning to her bed. He was comfortable around her, and deep down, even though he was sure that it wouldn't go over well, he wanted to be with her for a long, long time. She didn't like that sort of thing, commitment, and there was no commitment in their relationship unless it involved the business.

Legs numbed from the position he was sitting in, Harry slowly crawled to his feet. He was careful to make It soundless, so that Draco wouldn't hear him moving around. Then, one at a time, he stretched his legs. If he was going to have to react to something Draco did, it wouldn't be good to have legs that were not working properly.

One of the many things he'd learned as an Auror was to suspect everyone, never let your guard down. Of course, that was on the battlefield and when working, he wasn't the sort that Mad-Eye was, looking for enemies around every corner. But, he hadn't forgot the things he'd learned as an Auror even though he'd resigned as soon as he'd defeated the Dark-Lord. He wasn't exactly happy with the way things were run at the ministry.

"You've changed your priorities mother," Draco said. There was a hint of anger and a hint of fear. It seemed that whatever she'd said was making him afraid, and afraid enough that he was letting it slip. One of the things he'd been bad at during his school years was emotions, but it had been a long time since then. Draco had changed a lot, and one of those changes was his control.

Harry wondered what priorities she'd changed. After all, she was still the same woman that had dragged him to her house and slept with him without a second thought. He knew it because of something that had happened only a few months before.

•

The gondola came to rest in front of an empty market place where the wizards could enter into the magical part of Venice. There was a few gondolas that ferried knowing muggles and others to this place, and Harry had insisted using it instead of just directly apparating in, simply because he wanted to see Venice as it was.

Narcissa had just shaken her head, but then, it wasn't a no, and that was alright with Harry.

"That was beautiful," he said as he offered her his hand to steady herself as she stepped out of the boat.

"Yes, utterly beautiful." Narcissa said sarcastically, rolling her eyes.

Harry smiled, knowing she'd liked it, even if she wouldn't admit it. They hadn't done anything in the gondola for many reasons, one of them being that they didn't want to be photographed together because, anything dealing with Harry Potter would mean that the whole world would know.

There was going to be enough ruckus when he opened up this branch of the WWW. He smiled as they entered into the small pub that hid the magical alleyways of Venice. It was always a pub or some sort. He continued through following Narcissa, not even glancing to the counter, he'd been dry for well over two years now, and no longer even felt the urge. He remembered what it had done to him.

Luna would be meeting them tomorrow for the grand opening, but today he and Narcissa were checking on the status of the shop. Narcissa had visited once already to hire several people and get everything started. Since then everything had been taking care of by those Narcissa hired, and through owl post.

They entered into the alley, a place that Narcissa had called Piazza Magia. It had something to do with a legend the wizards had. It didn't matter much, Harry had other things on his mind.

"Smile," Narcissa said, then she was gone with the wind. Though he'd been expecting media he flinched when he rounded the corner to see camera's flashing. One thing's about opening a new store that got on his nerves was the astonishing amount of press it always got.

Since the store had expanded and taken in two small shops in other countries, the WWW had gone from slightly popular to world renowned. Both of the small shops had been run by pranksters very much like the twins, one of them older, but both barely able to survive on their own. Now, with funding, their research was leading to completely new trinkets that seemed to catch everyone's eyes.

In just over a year the original shop had turned into a huge money maker, and over 100 witches and wizards worked under the two partners. All because of Harry's name, Narcissa's business mind, and the wonderful toys the twins had come up with.

A business smile flashed on Harry's lips, something Narcissa had taught him after the first opening. He had schooled his emotions well enough by then, she had just given him a few acting lessons. Several reporters were there with quills in hand, ready to copy every word that was spoken.

One of them rushed forward, causing a stampede. When everything calmed down he got out his question. "Is it true Mr. Potter, that you're going to open a second store focused on muggle objects?"

Harry smiled. Narcissa had had the idea oddly enough. One of the times she'd come to his flat she'd seen a television and become entranced by everything it offered. That had been seven months ago. Now she was trying to work with the magical governments to come to an agreement about using muggle objects. It broke several rules, but as she liked to say, 'rules are there for changing'.

He started into the pre-prepared speech about the Magical Muggle Mysteries shop, the one that Narcissa had forced him to memorize. He outlined what they were trying to do, and pointed out the benefits exactly as she'd told him to. After all, the government wouldn't have full control if everyone was against them.

Several hours later, after a few signings and showings Harry finally retired from the press, finding a quite corner of the pub to watch the sun go down. When there was a clink on the table, Harry turned, startled, to see Narcissa putting down two Butterbeers. "You did well," she said quietly. "I think we may be able to get that contract pushed through. Blaise is quite the sweet talker, he's been whittling down the minister for quite some time and as soon as the information gets through to them I think they'll break."

Blaise Zabini had turned out to be quite a valued asset after Narcissa had hired him. He was a half-blood Slytherin that Harry had known from back at Hogwarts. They didn't have to worry about him talking to Draco because Draco refused to talk to anyone other than a pureblood, which suited Harry just fine. It limited the things he could discover.

Lee Jordan was running the shop at Diagon Alley, along with the mail order service based in Britain. After they'd opened up Harry had been surprised to find him there, Harry had thought the boy was dead. But, he'd shown up, asked for a job, which Harry gladly gave him, and worked his way into a management position.

"I have a surprise for you," Harry said quietly after he'd finished off his butterbeer.

Narcissa looked mildly surprised, thinking she knew what 'surprise' he had in mind. She kept quiet as they slid past the crowd of people. Harry easily kept from being seen by putting a notice-me-not charm on himself. Narcissa was just another witch in the crowd. She had a knack for blending into crowds when she felt the need to.

Outside the pub Harry waved to a gondola that was waiting for him.

When they stepped out of the gondola they were no longer anywhere near the wizarding world. Narcissa seemed surprised that the ride had lasted as long as it did. But, after helping her out of the boat, Harry only slipped his hand into hers and pulled her gently behind him.

After two years, he'd never once gone further than a soft kiss, not unless they were in private. He held back because he felt Narcissa draw away when he ever stepped on that line that she'd told him they would not cross. Pushing her away had effected him badly, and so he'd never tried anything further. After so long he had finally grown bold enough to try once more.

It was a short walk, but it seemed to take longer as Narcissa slowed, confused at what was happening. She was a smart woman and was rarely confused. When they arrived, Harry checked his watch, making sure that everything was going as planned. It was perfect timing even though it had seemed to take a great deal of time.

He nodded, took a deep breath and then led Narcissa into a plaza. He smiled, relieved when it seemed as everything had gone as planned. The plaza was completely empty except for a band near one side. They seemed dazed, in a sort of half-trance, and Harry knew they wouldn't remember anything when they came out of it. It was a part of the deal that he'd made. It wasn't cheap either, but money didn't bother him, he had paid a great deal for the Piazza San Marco to clear out and it was done just as he'd wanted.

He knew she'd like it, even thought it was a popular muggle attraction, and even though she'd found some muggle artifacts fascinating she still didn't like muggles around her. But it wasn't the muggles she'd like, it was the birds, the reason that the muggles found the plaza so inviting. Narcissa had always been fond of birds, every sort, and when he'd seen the muggle brochure he knew that it was perfect for her.

Smiling, he held his hand out, bird seed pouring from both ends. His pockets were full of it, he'd made a visit to the place the day before just to see it. Birds appeared from everywhere, as if by magic, and Narcissa gasped next to him. Harry let go of a breath he didn't know he was holding, and let her hand go, dropping seed into it. In a matter of seconds they were surrounded and covered by birds who had found any spot they could to look for food.

For the first time in his life, Harry felt something that made him warm inside, a sense of fulfillment. The food he had was quickly gone and when Harry saw Narcissa's disappointed look, Harry's eyes traveled the plaza again until he found a man sitting next to a shop-stand, his eyes closed, his head nodding to the beat of the music.

Pulling her behind him, Harry marched over to the man. The shop-owner opened his eyes and smiled brightly. His grey hair fluttering in the breeze that filled the plaza. Some of the birds were still perched on each of their shoulders and the man seemed to be in excellent spirits. "How may I help you this quiet evening?"

"Do you have bird feed?" Harry asked and the man smiled brighter. He reached into the small cart next to him and pulled forth a large plastic bag.

"Take it," he said. "For the beautiful couple who has shown me what it's like to be in love."

Next to him, Harry found feel Narcissa tense. She stared hard at him, but didn't say anything. Harry brushed away the thought. He wasn't concerned with what other people thought, he'd had so many people around him think so many things that all of it just seemed to disappear. For half an hour they fed the birds, with soft music playing in the background, a perfectly romantic setting.

When they ran out of the large bag of food Harry turned to her, and politely asked for a dance. Narcissa frowned and looked around suddenly. "It's alright," Harry soothed, taking her hand. "The plaza is ours tonight, I made sure of that."

She nodded finally. Harry slipped his hand into hers and pulled the second one around her, pulling her gently to him. Birds fluttered all around the both of them still picking at the remaining food that the two had spread. She gently placed her head on his shoulder, sighing and Harry smiled, leaning his head against hers. "You know what today is, don't you?" he whispered in her ear when the third song started ended and another started with a similar beat.

Narcissa pulled away, looking at him guardedly, even slightly fearful. He smiled gently, touching her cheek, trying to pacify whatever fear had crept up in her.

"Today, three years ago, was the first time we were ever together."

"I… can't."

And then she was gone, from right within his arms. A tiny pop the only thing that signified she had even been there. Birds cooed and Harry felt something cold inside, almost like when he lost Tonks in the war.

That night Harry slept alone and not by choice. It was the first time that had happened in a year and he felt uncomfortable, alone. The next day he had opened the shop with an emotionless smile on his face, Luna at his side while camera's flashed everywhere. When the store had officially opened and the cameras had disappeared, Luna took a gondola ride with him, one that he paid to extend so that they could talk.

"I don't understand," he admitted. "I only wanted to give her something. Even if we've promised each other to go no further than lovers, wouldn't a gift be alright?"

Luna sighed. "Harry, what she can't understand is her own feelings. What you've done – what you did – was nothing short of romantic. You say you don't love her, but then you do something like that."

"I don't," Harry said cautiously. "Not like I loved Tonks. It's like you, I love you, but as a sister. I love her as a … I don't know, it's hard to explain."

"Then tell her it was a mistake and you want to go back to the way things were."

He did, and after a while she had let him return. Still, there was something that seemed to bother Harry, something he wasn't sure about, a feeling inside that he'd had for a short while.

• Updated 2004.11.24 •