A/N: Ok, so this chapter is most definitely late. I'm sorry about that, but real life kicked in and so did exam season. However, I have FINALLY gotten this chapter ready and in it include the aftermath of the Zabini ball AND Nott's ball, which means the next chapter can be dedicated to the final ball. Major Tom/Harry bonding here, too, so I hope you like it.
Warning: Language, slash, mentions of violence possibly,
Disclaimer: I'm not J.K but this fic is mine.
Parsel
Chapter 48:
"Oh sweet Merlin," Harry groaned. The first thing that came to him that morning was a whole lot of pain in his lower back and ass, and aches everywhere else, he felt like his entire body had been wring out and movement was not an option at all.
"You are rather vicious," Tom's voice sounded slightly muffled from where Harry had buried his head in the pillow and he summoned the will to peak out through the covers; his eyes widened and shock as he took in the marks on Tom. Sure he had left marks before, loads in actual fact, but these were definitely the worst ones to date. Long, angry, inflamed scratch marks leading from Tom's strong jaw all the way down past his collar were visible, there were also many on his arms and down his back from what Harry could tell; and they were extremely hot.
"Damn," He muttered very much enjoying the sight of the marks he had made. He blinked at the slightly possessive thought and pushed it away, not the time or situation for strange thoughts. With great difficulty and numerous curses, Harry managed to get himself in to an upright position – sort of. Tom was lent back against the head board and he glanced at Harry, his eyes went dark as he looked him over and the teen raised an eyebrow. Harry waved his hand and summoned a mirror, he blinked multiple times not quite believing his eyes as he saw his reflection.
"What in Merlin's name?" Harry said in shock, his neck was covered in bite marks, his lips were bruised, he had many other marks on his jaw and collar and he had a rather wild look in his bright eyes; he looked completely debauched.
"I like it," Tom stated and Harry wasn't surprised; damn possessive bastard. Harry waved his hand to settle a glamour over himself, but they were immediately cancelled by Tom.
"Hey!" He exclaimed and Tom shrugged unashamed.
"I want to see it,"
Harry narrowed his eyes before smirking, he flicked his wrist and nothing noticeably happened, but he knew it had.
"What was that?" Tom asked warily and Harry smiled innocently.
"I don't know what you mean,"
Tom grabbed the mirror and tried to place glamour over his marks, the glamour settled before it faded away revealing the marks again. Tom tired again and the same thing happened, Harry continued looking on in confused innocence which Tom did not, for one second, believe.
"Will you look at that, I can still see them," Harry said in mock amazement, Tom threw him a withering look.
"I wonder why?"
"Well if you won't let me glamour mine then you can't yours."
"Fine," Tom sighed.
"Fine I can glamour them?"
"No, I want to see it. I won't use a glamour,"
Harry blinked at that, but then he shrugged; that was fine by him. He went to move momentarily forgetting his earlier pain, it soon came back to him and he spewed out some vicious curses.
"Winky," His elf popped in with two phials of potion in her hands, Harry grinned and drank them both. "You are a darling," she blushed furiously and popped away.
"I don't think I have ever met an elf that doesn't like you." Tom said amused.
"You should have seen Kreacher when I first met him," Harry said with a shudder, he carefully stretched his limbs and sighed in relief when he realised he was on the mend; thank you phoenix animagus.
"Thank Merlin," He muttered to himself, he felt an arm snake around his waist and pull him back before light bites trailed along his neck.
"What are you doing – finishing your design?" Harry asked with a raised eyebrow, though he made no effort to move, very much enjoying the feeling.
"Yes," Tom said unabashed and Harry rolled his eyes.
"I think people can see the marks, Tom,"
"I don't believe so,"
"You might as well brand your name there," Harry shook his head, he whipped his head around when he felt Tom still. "No, don't even think about it." Tom shot him an innocent look which Harry did not buy for a second.
"I do not know what you are insinuating." Tom said and Harry shot him a pointed look; Tom's expression melted in to a devilish smirk. "I think it would be a wonderful addition,"
"Not happening," Harry denied.
"Even on a chain?"
"No,"
"In parsel?"
"No-," Harry cut himself off thinking about that before he whacked Tom and shook his head. "No, I am not being branded with your name."
"Shame,"
"Possessive bastard," Harry sighed.
"Yes," Tom pulled him in to a kiss, Mine,
Not an object Harry murmured.
Still mine, Tom said and Harry rolled his eyes.
Impossible
Of course Harry kissed him one last time before pulling Tom up out of bed, he made sleep bottoms wrap around him so Tom didn't get any ideas.
"I need to eat,"
"If you must,"
"Yes, I have things to work on." Harry said.
"You are going to visit Remus again?"
"Probably, the Nott Ball isn't until tomorrow and I am already prepared for that." Harry mused, "I don't think I have anything else left to do that is crucial. We'll talk about what we found out about the werewolf bill, but it's only filling in; we have the power to counter it. I'll need to speak to Moony about it though, now we have more details I mean."
"That's understandable, though you are correct by saying it wouldn't pass."
"The fact that both Selwyn and Nott continued to argue is beyond me. Nott has to go." Harry stated firmly. Tom nodded in agreement.
"Theodore would not agree with his son's decision, nor would he contemplate this bill." Tom said, "I will send him an owl to alert him of his son's actions."
"Now, let's go."
"Clothes would be a good start," Tom pointed out.
"No, really," Harry replied in dry sarcasm.
"Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit," Tom countered over his shoulder as he vanished in to the bathroom and Harry gaped at the door.
"I cannot believe you just said that," Harry said in disbelief.
"I can,"
"I give up,"
"Clothes, Harry,"
"Yeah yeah," He grumbled, "I might wanna go nude,"
"That isn't happening," Tom stated with no room for argument; Harry grinned.
"Clothes it is apparently,"
Harry darted off down to his room and straight for the shower, he caught sight of his neck again and shook his head.
"Unbelievable," He muttered. Harry washed his hair and relaxed under the water, he got out and dried himself with a wave of his hand before pulling on deep red jeans and a white top with his leather jacket tossed on carelessly. He slipped on his black boots and went on to breakfast. Harry had to bite back his laughter when he got to the dining room, the three Malfoys were staring at Tom, or the marks on Tom, in different amounts of disbelief; he snickered in to his hand as he sat down. This brought attention to him and their expressions grew, Lucius and Draco choked slightly and Harry put on his emotionless mask carrying on like nothing was different. Narcissa seemed to have more composure, or was simply better at hiding her disbelief, than her husband and son because she pulled it together and greeted them.
"Good morning, My Lord, Harry."
Tom nodded and Harry flashed her a smile,
"Morning,"
"The latest from last night's ball is that Evelyn Selwyn feels slighted by Lady McKinnon, Lord Prewett and yourself." Narcissa told him and Harry raised an eyebrow.
"Oh?"
"Yes, she believes that you deliberately tried to make them look foolish."
"We didn't try, it just came because her husband opened his mouth." Harry said, "If someone can be that completely and utterly stupid then it's on them."
"I could not believe he carried on speaking, especially when it was so obvious that he was getting nowhere. Add that to the fact he was arguing with three people so much above his status, I don't know what he was thinking." Narcissa shook her head.
"I think he was trying to make himself look impressive." Harry said to her and her delicate eyebrows rose in disbelief, "Yes, that bill was mentioned because he believed he was going to get support from some of his allied purebloods and higher names. Of course, he couldn't have brought that bill up with worse people, but he doesn't know that."
"Be that as it may, it was foolish and it seems that word has spread. And Izar should have known better. I followed his father's Wizengamot career avidly, not once did he vote on werewolf restrictions."
"Of course he didn't. Theodore Nott Snr understands that to restrict them so is foolish." Tom drawled, "His son's actions will not please him, again."
"It does seem to be becoming a habit, my Lord." Lucius agreed, "If I were to behave as Izar has done, and my father was still alive…" he trailed off but his expression said enough. Tom chuckled.
"Should Abraxas have been living you would not have had the chance to act as Izar has been." Tom said, his voice amused, "Theodore has not made any definite decisions as of yet in regards to his son's actions."
"Izar must know he cannot win whatever game he's playing." Narcissa commented, "What is it he hopes to gain?"
"He is blinded by his hatred of me," Harry said, "Although I do not know what he wishes to gain from his actions."
"Whatever his reasoning, it's doomed to fail." Draco put in, "He hasn't a hope."
Whatever his and Selwyn's thoughts or plans, they are not working. Why, only this morning I had an owl from Naomi asking if it was true that Selwyn insulted Lady McKinnon, Lord Prewett or yourself."
"Selwyn ruined himself then," Harry said with a smirk, "Shame, I'm sure Swift would have had a brilliant time tearing him down some more."
"It was a mistake on his behalf, and I doubt he will recover from this in the near future," Lucius commented.
"I would be surprised if even his allied houses join him now," Tom put in.
"It is highly doubtful, my Lord," Lucius agreed.
"They wouldn't, it would be social suicide." Narcissa said.
"Not to mention they would get eaten alive within the Wizengamot," Harry said.
"And their heirs wouldn't be able to show their faces, it would ruin them." Draco finished, Harry sat back with a smirk.
"Ah, I love stupid people."
"Are you heading over to the Sanctuary today?" Draco asked him and Harry nodded.
"Yes, I'll need to tell Remus about the bill we just vetoed, that way if he does try to raise it in the Wizengamot or get out in rumours, the wolves will all know that we are keeping our word and will be there to counter it."
"Surely they wouldn't doubt you now?" Lucius wondered.
"You have to remember that for most of these wolves, this is the first time a non-werewolf has ever showed them kindness. They all have trust issues and I cannot blame them. It'll probably be years before they won't look at witches and wizards in caution." Harry explained.
"It is a terrible thing." Narcissa agreed, "But I do believe the sanctuary has gone a long way in fixing that."
"Thankfully,"
"Do you think they will react badly?" Tom asked him and Harry shook his head.
"No, not if I tell Moony, Alpha and Moonrise today." Harry answered, "Its direct then, not them finding out through unsecure lines and it shows honesty."
"Very well. Do you mind if I attend with you, I wish to speak to Remus about our research?" Tom requested. Harry smiled brightly at him and nodded happily, both of them missed the incredulous looks they were getting from the Malfoys as they were in their own little world.
"That would be good. I can go and find out our excuses from Blaise that Luna gave for us while you speak with Remus, then we can eat."
"Yes, that sounds fine, though I have an idea of where we can eat." Tom decided, and Harry looked at him in confusion.
"What do you mean?"
But Tom merely smirked as he rose to his feet to leave, offering his hand to a pouting Harry.
"Are you coming?"
Harry exaggerated his pout before accepting the hand in what seemed to be ill grace, but a smile started to creep on his face without his consent.
"Fine," He huffed, "But I think you are terribly mean to me."
"Of course I am," Tom agreed dutifully, "The cruelty I must possess to think you would like to go to Germany this evening-,"
The rest of his words were cut off by Harry's excited exclamation as they left the room, though Harry did have half the mind to wave at the Malfoys just before they were out of the door.
"Did we just see our Lord ask to do something?" Lucius asked slowly, not quite wrapping his head around the conversation he had just witnessed.
"We did," Narcissa confirmed.
"And did we just see our Lord basically invite Potter-Black on a date?" The Malfoy Lord questioned.
"We did," Narcissa repeated her conformation.
"Well damn," Draco summed up nicely, "I have to go warn the others. Whatever is between them is obviously speeding up and we all need to be prepared for whatever follows."
"I'll speak with the rest of the Elite, though I will exclude Izar as he cannot be trusted with a matter such as this." Lucius decided and both his wife and son agreed with him.
"No, he would reveal something just to spite Harry and that would be incredibly bad." Narcissa agreed, "Something like that coming from someone like him would be disastrous."
"I would rather not imagine." Draco admitted with a sigh, "Ok, back to work to make sure the world doesn't burn because Dumbledore thought it would be a good idea to attempt to break the two most powerful wizards of their time."
He said it with such an amount of fake cheer that it made even his father laugh, so Draco counted it as one of his many successes as he left to go to the Sanctuary; it was the one place he could find everyone at some point. As he expected, Paws was in the library when he arrived and he put himself in the chair in front of her with a sigh. She looked up from her book, eyeing him with caution before sighing herself.
"I'll call for everyone who can get here without alerting Harry."
"How did you know?"
"It's all in the expression," Hermione told him seriously, "I'm used to it by now." She sent a mental message to Swift on his own, and the red head sent back a conformation. "Swift is grabbing Neville and Luna, the twins aren't here and Blaise is back in Italy."
"It'll do for now."
"He can't have done anything too bad already." Paws pointed out, "We saw him less than twenty-four hours ago."
"With Harry, anything can happen." Ron cut in, walking over with Luna and Neville.
"But he hasn't done anything." Luna said in confusion, "At least not anything of note."
"It's not him that's the problem – well, that's not strictly true." Draco said to them.
"Tell us what's going on." Paws instructed and Draco grimaced.
"The Dark Lord and Harry's thing is moving much faster than we can possibly catch." Draco stated.
"What do you mean?" Luna questioned, "Harry is still calm, nor has he figured anything out yet."
"He may not have figured it out, but it doesn't stop the development."
"How can it possibly develop anymore?" Neville wondered and Draco scoffed.
"Well, in the past couple of days, the Dark Lord has taken Harry in to a room he had refused to enter with another person since his return, Harry managed to make the Dark Lord drop everything so they could spend the day together, they vacated the ball last night to leave together and have the marks to prove it, the Dark Lord asked Harry's permission to do something and then invited him on a date to Germany this evening." Draco explained, his voice completely deadpan.
"Oh dear."
"Yes. And if you think it doesn't get worse, it does." Draco said in mock cheer, "They have literally given no care to hiding the relationship at all. Aunt Bella and Uncle Rodo believed they were together."
"Isn't this just perfect." Paws threw up her hands.
"You realise, of course, that we cannot actually do anything." Neville reminded them, a grimace coming to his face thinking about the possible fall out.
"Which is just perfect, because what else do we need but an unstable Harry just as we're about to take the Wizengamot." Ron grumbled.
"I do not believe we have the time for me to go through things with him again," Luna told them slowly, "With the Nott and Malfoy balls coming up I cannot go through things before them in case he's more effected this time, and then by the time they are over we're back at school and planning for the Wizengamot."
"We have to tread very carefully," Hermione warned, "This could go so badly."
"My father is speaking to the rest of the elite, minus Nott."
"If they come up with any ideas whatsoever, let us know, we'd all love to hear them. It's a damn sight better than what we have." Ron muttered.
"Don't count on it." Neville sighed, "Situations like this aren't exactly common, and none of them know a thing about Harry."
"I really don't like the fact that we are relying on luck for this entire situation." Hermione sighed.
"It's not like we have a choice, I literally have no idea how this is going to work out." Luna stated.
"Look, we cannot do anything and I for one believe we have enough troubles of our own," Ron said to them all firmly, "We just have to be prepared in case things go to shit."
"We've already got back up options in place."
"Then we're sorted." Ron decided.
"Can we just leave it like that?" Hermione wondered and Ron shrugged.
"We've established that absolutely nothing can be done here, so there is nothing we can do. We might as well let it go completely."
"I suppose you are right." Hermione sighed, "Its just…"
"Yeah, I know."
"In more productive news," Neville began, "The werewolf bill?"
"Ah, that was nicely torn to pieces by the three newcomers." Draco replied, pleased.
"What did he even want to do?" Neville questioned.
"Tag werewolves." Ron answered in disgust, "It was pathetic, really, but the arrogant bastard still tried to argue."
"Why would he even want to do that?"
"Because they've gone in to hiding." Hermione answered and Neville made a noise in the back of his throat.
"Wait! He doesn't want them in society yet he wants to tag them to know where they are?"
"Yup. Harry pointed out that wonderful fact to him at the ball but it went over his head." Ron said.
"Selwyn is a bigger idiot than I gave him credit for."
"He's already caused rumours because of his actions last night." Draco told them, "I highly doubt that anyone will go for the bill, even if he was stupid enough to propose it."
"Surely he wouldn't actually propose it." Hermione asked reasonably.
"I cannot say for sure, but he might." Draco replied with a lift of his shoulder.
"If he were to propose it, and Harry was in the Wizengamot, he would get eaten alive." Ron said with a smirk.
"As he should," Luna stated, "The entire idea is ridiculous, and will gain the ministry and the magical world absolutely nothing."
"He's here somewhere speaking to Remus about the law," Draco remembered, "He'll be looking for Luna for his excuses."
"Ah yes, I had better go find him else he forgets." Luna said, "He'll no doubt be excited if he's going out tonight."
"Good Merlin that's something I don't want to think about." Ron groaned.
"What: the fact that the Dark Lord is taking Harry on a date or the fact that he asked in front of other people and cared not one bit?" Draco wondered sarcastically. Ron groaned again.
"Both thank you very much."
"Come on, let's get back to whatever we were doing." Hermione decided, "We can't do anything except use caution and be there to catch whatever fall may happen."
"Hermione's right. Besides, I have work that needs to be done in the greenhouse and I have my students coming soon." Neville agreed, standing up. The rest of them said goodbyes and split up; it was in the hands on Lady Luck now.
Harry supposed he might be a touch excited about going out with Tom tonight, he might have been bouncing around his room as he got ready for the evening and he might still be smiling since he had left Tom. So, ok, he was a tiny bit excited. But it was Germany and it was his favourite country so he had a right to be excited. Luna, the wonder that she was, had laid out a perfect outfit and Harry was in the process of pulling on his ridiculously tight deep red 'hide trousers. He paired it with his black boots and a white shirt that actually belonged to him, tucked in and left with two buttons undone.
To finish his look, Luna had hung a deep red, open front robe that could be closed with a single silver button should he wish it, it matched the silver pattern at the foot of the robe. Harry didn't know what time they were leaving, nor exactly where they were going, so he had to wait and he hated waiting. He was about to go and find Tom when there was a knock at his door, Harry pulled it open and blinked to find Tom there in all his glory; and what a glorious sight he was dressed in fitted black robes with his own silver detailing. Tom immediately swooped down and kissed him, catching Harry by surprise.
"Hi," He said a little breathlessly.
"Good evening," Tom returned, a slight smile on his lips. "Are you ready to leave?"
"Yes, just let me grab my robe." Harry replied. He left the robe open and happily slipped his arm in to Tom's offered one. "How are we travelling?"
"Portkey. It was that or floo,"
Harry groaned.
"The lesser of two evils, I suppose."
"You and magical transportation really do not have the greatest relationship, do you?"
"No, the three main ones hate me." Harry complained, eyeing the quill Tom produced with distaste. With obvious reluctance, Harry touched the quill and felt the familiar hooking at his navel as he was pulled with the portkey. Only Tom's arm kept him on his feet and even then he swayed dangerously as he regained his equilibrium. Harry's eyes lit up as he looked around and got to see the all the Yuletide decorations around the marketplace, it was still surprisingly busy for the evening and Harry was only too happy to let Tom lead him through as he looked around.
"Where are we going?" Harry asked Tom.
"You'll see," Tom replied, smirking at Harry's pout. The teen didn't stay pouting for long, too enraptured by the beauty of the marketplace and went back to excitedly pointing things out to Tom.
"Wow, look at that," Harry gasped, pointing to a hand-carved weeping willow during the winter season, it glistened with ice and had soft lights hidden in its branches. It was a lamp by the looks of things, but it was really beautiful.
"This market is open until late. We can stop and inquire on our way back if you wish?"
"Yes, let's do that." Harry agreed. Tom led Harry up to Der Glockenturm, which was very aptly named as it was in the clock tower at the end of the marketplace. The host opened the door for them and bowed at the waist, Tom nodded once and placed his hand on Harry's lower back as they walked up the stairs. The entrance and stair décor was red and black, with threads of gold at the skirting and gold fixtures. Another host met them at the top and she smiled politely at them both.
"Guten abend," She greeted, "Wenn sie konnten mir folgen?"
"Na sicher," Tom replied. "Ist alles in ordnug?"
"Ja, mein Gebieter,"
She motioned them to follow her through the double glass doors where they stepped in to a beautiful restaurant which was suspiciously empty, Harry looked around in slight confusion as they were seated at the single table at the far side of the room in front of the large window. The black and red décor had followed them up, so the table had a red table cloth, black placement settings and two black candles burning in the centre. She handed them a wine menu and left them to it with a bow.
"I love this place." Harry said lowly, his voice matching the setting, "But why is it so empty?"
"I bought it out for the evening." Tom replied easily, smiling when Harry looked at him in shock.
"Really?"
"Of course, I did not want us to be interrupted or looked upon. This is our evening."
Harry beamed.
"It's lovely," Harry said, touched at Tom's forward thinking.
"I am glad you approve."
A younger girl came over and introduced herself as their waitress for the evening, before taking the wine order Tom selected, handing them their food menus and disappearing again.
"How did you find this place?" Harry wondered, "I've been to this marketplace many times, and I never knew there was a restaurant here."
"Ah, I would not have known if I hadn't been here once before. Theodore chose it for a business meal." Tom admitted, "I believe this place runs on word of mouth mainly – if you are not local that is."
"I really do need to meet this man," Harry stated.
"There is no time now until after the Malfoy ball." Tom pointed out, "However, seeing as the Malfoy ball is the final one of the season we will have time just before we are due back at the castle."
"Better late than never I supposed." Harry agreed, "Hopefully he would have come to a decision regarding his position by then, that'll make it much easier for us to write in our plans."
"I very much doubt that Theodore will remain without action given his son's latest faux par. Tagging werewolves – what ridiculousness."
"Selwyn isn't one of yours, is he?"
"No, that kind of stupidity is infectious." Tom denied in disgust, and Harry laughed.
"Yeah, there is that."
The waitress came back with their wine and while she was pouring it Harry took a quick look over the menu, it was easy enough to choose and he grinned when Tom recited Harry's order without needing to ask him.
"How's your research coming?"
"Really well," Tom replied, "Now that we know it is in many different languages we have managed to translate the first chapter. However, with everything else we have going on currently we are having to work slower than we would prefer."
"That's understandable. We have had so much on, realistically you should have only just started the translations in these holidays."
"Yes, I am forever thankful for the use of the timeturners. I would not have been able to keep my Death Eaters in check as well as complete everything else without them."
"I know that feeling." Harry muttered, "I would have been way behind or dead."
"Now that Dumbledore is out of the castle, we do get a lot of relief. That old fool is relying on you far too much."
"It's beautiful, isn't it?" Harry snickered, a smirk flashing across his face, "When he sees us in the Wizengamot I'm hoping he just flat out has a heart attack."
Tom chuckled at that.
"Yes, that would be a gift from Magic herself."
Their food arrived with the waitress and the pair of them fell silent to begin their meal, Harry was impressed with the food and for once the wine was not awful, something that Tom was smug about.
"I told you, I have taste."
"I'm not arguing with that. I just usually hate wine." Harry countered, "I'll give you this one."
"Wine isn't my favourite drink, I'll admit." Tom allowed, "The food?"
"Very good. There hasn't been anything that's made me mentally pick it apart yet." Harry replied happily, "I am particularly impressed with the roux,"
"I am glad," Tom said, "You have demonstrated a rather broad range of culinary skills. Narcissa is very pleased with the menu you have created for her."
"Oh yes, I'll be busy most of the day for the Malfoy ball. Though, I am considering just getting everything done in the morning and have Winky spell it for me. House elf magic for food is a million times better than ours." Harry mused.
"Most of the elite will be in attendance before the ball begins," Tom informed him, "Only Izar shall be missing,"
"A crying shame." Harry drawled, smirking, "I might speak with Cissa as see if I can have mine there, too. It'll be a pre-meeting I suppose, because we can't exactly have anyone being surprised when we're at the ball as its the final one. The general undercurrent has been our leaning towards the dark since Hadrian's, if anyone is even remotely surprised then we illustrate lack of trust."
"That is a wise idea. I know the Zabini heir will be missing, however, all of my elite have encountered him before due to the younger Malfoy." Tom acknowledged, "We can have a small meeting before we get ready."
"It would be ideal, its going to be the final ball so everything is going to have to be flawless as it's the one right before the Wizengamot."
"Lucius is beyond thankful for your aid with – I would like to say his ball, as he is the Head and Lord, however, that would be a complete lie -," they shared a laugh, "Cissa has been much more relaxed. He's only been hexed once."
"I honestly didn't do that much." Harry shrugged, "But he is welcome all the same."
"Do you have a plan for Izar's ball? Theodore has already said he will not be in attendance." Tom questioned and Harry's grin was shark-like.
"We're counting on him doing something stupid."
"I'm almost concerned – almost."
"I wouldn't waste your energy." Harry waved off. The waitress had taken their plates and replaced them with their deserts, something Harry was only too happy to dig in to. Harry stole some of Tom's cheesecake, laughing when the man hit him with his spoon. Harry was slightly sad to see the end of the meal, but Tom took his hand and motioned for him to stand with him. They forwent after dinner drinks, instead, leaving the restaurant and heading back to the marketplace, where it was still bustling with activity despite the hour. Tom led him back through the stalls to where he had spotted the beautiful lamp, Harry pulled Tom over so he could have a closer look at it.
"It changes with the season," He noted in awe, "Let me ask about it."
Harry flagged down the man running the stall as inquired about the lamp, it was the only one he had and only one he had ever had; he didn't even know what it was.
"Es wurde vorbehalten," The man informed him and Harry sighed in disappointment.
"Trotzdem danke,"
He reluctantly left the lamp when Tom tugged on his hand slightly.
"I can't believe I missed the chance to have it." Harry sighed, casting his eye back on the lamp and therefore missing Tom's smile. He consoled himself by buying a lovely fluffy blanket that could easily wrap around him and Tom four times and have excess, it was green and gold and was charmed to be warm and smell appealing. Tom rolled his eyes, but refrained from commenting as Harry was obviously very pleased. The teen didn't even complain about taking the portkey back to Malfoy Manor, though he did grumble about nearly losing his footing once again.
"I really don't understand it." Tom commented, easily leading Harry towards their room, "It is not normal to have this bad of a reaction to magical transportation."
"I can fly well," Harry defended, "Besides, I have my shadows and my phoenix animagus."
"That is what makes it all the more strange," Tom insisted, "How can you master such arts and not the main three?"
"I'm weird, I thought we had covered that."
"Even now, the surprises do not stop."
"Come now, Tom," Harry said in amusement, slipping out his robe as soon as he stepped in to Tom's room, "If they stopped you'd get bored."
"I am honestly starting to believe you have my surprise bar set for the rest of my life." Tom admitted with an amused smirk, and Harry grinned.
"Challenge accepted,"
Harry released a startled laugh when Tom swept over and lifted him up making Harry wrap his legs around Tom's waist for balance, he refused to acknowledge how getting lifted like that so easily made him feel, focussing on Tom's smirk.
"That, imp, was not a challenge."
"Oh but I do enjoy them." Harry all but purred, draping his arms over Tom's shoulders as he watched the man's eyes darken.
"Is that so?"
"Hm yes. And speaking of challenges… I wonder if you could help me with one I seem to be struggling on." Harry said innocently, his head tilting to the side, "These clothes, well, they just won't come off."
Harry felt his breath rush out of him as Tom span and dropped him on the bed, looming over him with a shark-like smirk as his eyes devoured him.
"Now that is a challenge I can accept."
Harry walked towards his actual bedroom in the manor to pick up the girls dresses for the evening, they weren't meeting beforehand this time because they were playing the whole thing live. None of them knew what Nott would pull on his home ground so they couldn't plan for anything, so it was a waste of time to gather as a group. So he, Ron, Hermione and Luna were only getting ready together. Harry pushed open his door and went straight to the hung clothing bags to fold them over his arm, he was going to walk straight back out again but something caught his eye. Harry froze in utter shock, gazing at the beautiful new addition to his room sat innocently beside his bed; the season changing lamp he had desperately wanted. The smile that came to Harry's face was almost painful, only one person knew about the lamp and would have been able to get it for him; and if his heart started to beat that bit faster then no-one needed to know. Harry put the clothes down and bolted from his room, flying through the halls and straight down to the main lounge where Tom was with Lucius and Narcissa. Harry jumped the man, his legs and arms going around him as he kissed him soundly while nearly knocking Tom off of his feet.
"Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you!" Harry exclaimed, kissing him again.
"Ah, I see you found your gift." Tom noted pleased, placing Harry back on his feet. The teen beamed.
"Yes, I love it. Thank you so much." Harry said brightly, "I cannot believe you got it for me, and so sneakily too."
"Of course." Tom said as if his actions were completely normal, "I was positive that you would like it."
"Oh I do, it's beautiful." Harry assured, kissing him once again. "I would continue to tell you how much, but we're going to be late if we do not start to get ready now."
"I am sure we will find the time." Tom mused, a smirk lighting up his features. They shared a final kiss before Harry gave Tom a sweet smile and vanished in to the shadows, he grabbed his clothing bags and went straight to the McKinnon Manor. Harry wasted no time that evening, he merely handed the girls their gowns and accepted his robes from Luna. Ron was already out of sight, so Harry used the empty sitting room to change, conjuring a mirror to make sure he looked the part. He was in blue and gold that night, gold robes that flared from the waist down with a dark gold lining, blue shirt and darker trousers, a gold tie and sapphire cuff links. Ron was also in blue in gold, but his robes were blue and his clothing was in gold, they were also dressed in different styles, so they didn't appear too similar. Hermione was next to appear, her purple and white dress had a sweetheart neckline with cap sleeves that was fitted to her hips where it fell smoothly to the ground with to splits from the knee. The main gown was purple, and the white was layered on top in a lace designs, her hair was spiralled and braided up on to her head, twisted with glittering gems while revealing her flawless neckline and beautiful amethyst choker.
"I really like this dress," Hermione told him pleased, and he grinned.
"I know,"
"Is it strange that I'm more nervous about this ball than I was about the first?" Hermione wondered and Ron shook his head.
"No, we knew what we were going to be doing in the first ball." Ron pointed out, "This one is completely by ear, and we will have to adapt to anything thrown at us."
"It's also probably because we all know Nott is going to be incapable of not doing something against me in his home territory." Harry added.
"I guess."
"You need to remain calm," Luna's voice floated towards them as she walked in. Her dress was a pale purple long sleeve number, it was almost backless save for the netting that had embroidered purple lace that left an oval of net covered skin on show. The same embroidered lace came around and clenched at her waist, the purple stones weaved in to the design glistering in the light, before the dress flowed loosely to the floor. She had left her hair in its natural state, but it had been pinned over one shoulder and left to fall to her hip.
"Oh, that's lovely," Hermione said admiringly.
"Thank you," Luna replied, "You look wonderful."
"Anything we need to know about, dearest sister?" Harry questioned and she shook her head.
"I do not believe so. I only know that Nott definitely has something planned."
"Well, at least we are already on our guard." Ron said with a sigh, "Get Luna home and we'll get going. We're running a bit late actually."
"Yeah, that's on me. Well, it was Tom's fault really." Harry said sheepishly, rising to wrap his arm around his sister.
"What did you both do now?" Ron wondered with a fond sigh.
"He bought me a beautiful gift." Harry said, a bright smile unconsciously coming to his face as he thought of his lamp, "I can't believe he actually got it, if I'm honest."
"Go," Hermione urged, casting a tempus, "We'll be considered rude soon."
"Ok ok, let's go, Luna." Harry said, taking them through the shadows and leaving Ron and Hermione to look at each other in concern.
"It's going to be a fucking train wreck." Ron said brightly, and Hermione groaned.
"I can't even think about it right now." She decided.
"Think about what?" Harry questioned, stepping out of his shadows.
"How stupid Selwyn might be given his behaviour at the previous ball." Hermione responded smoothly, and Harry gave a toothy grin.
"We can always hope."
"Come on, let's get going." Ron decided. As usual, Ron and Hermione floo'd to the Nott Manor and Harry moved through the shadows to appear by their side.
"Now this should be fun." Harry declared, walking forward confidently. Their invitations were confirmed and they were led down to the ball room, which was decorated mainly in purples and blues, it was actually very nice; shame about it's Lord Harry thought. He knew instantly that Nott was going to do something epically stupid, because as soon as the Lord laid eyes on Harry he smirked victoriously and turned back to his fellow. Harry almost rolled his eyes. Instead, he and his best friends made their way forward to greet their host as per custom without an announcer.
Thankfully, Blaise, Luna and Draco were already in attendance, and Harry could see Tom's imposing figure with Lucius and Hadrian while Cissa and Naomi surveyed the room's ladies with veiled disdain. The pair of them were in his gowns once again, Cissa choosing the silver fishtail and Naomi in the one shoulder red dress. They seemed to be focussing their disdain on one Lady in particular, and that was the Lady Selwyn, who in a pale orange number that did nothing for her skin tone whatsoever, even if the design was quite nice. Harry easily allowed Hermione to speak on their behalf, knowing that there would be nothing polite coming out of his mouth in regards to Nott. He actually took a step back on the whole for the ball, following the others as they made an entire circuit of the room – something they had failed to do as of yet. It did help them meet many of the older Lords, formally introducing themselves and conducting brief conversations before finally closing in on the Malfoys.
"Good evening," Harry greeted.
"You all seem to be making the best of the room this evening." Lucius noted.
"Yes, it came to my attention that we haven't actually managed to do a full circuit as of yet so tonight seemed to be the best time." Hermione answered.
"Is it me, or does Nott look particularly pleased with himself." Ron asked slowly, his attention on the far side of the room, and Harry sighed.
"Well, we can't say we didn't know something was going to happen."
"You are so certain his mood is to do with you." Hadrian noted and Harry nodded.
"This is his own territory, we were certain he was going to do something."
"Yes, something monumentally stupid." Luna cut in, slipping in to position next to Harry.
"You have some insight to offer us?" Hermione wondered and Luna smirked slightly.
"He wishes to discredit Harry, and sully his name as a whole." She replied, "Truly, for a grown man, he is really petty."
"Do you know what actions he might take to accomplish such a feat?" Narcissa questioned.
"I believe we are about to find out."
Nott stood tall and called for their attention, giving the usual thank you for attendance and announcing the beginning of the meal. The seating boards appeared with the table and Harry released a slow laugh when he spotted his name.
"Oh well that is certainly something." He drawled, sharing an amused glance with his sister.
"What's wrong?" Ron asked and Harry chuckled darkly.
"I've been demoted to second table."
"Surely he hasn't done something so foolish." Naomi said in disbelief, looking at the chart as if it was lying to her.
"He's blatantly saying to everyone here that he does not value you enough to put you at the head table even with your status." Narcissa murmured.
"Plus, it goes against our united front." Hermione pointed out.
"He's really pushing his luck," Ron mused.
"Come on, let's get to our seats." Harry decided with a smirk.
"Why do you look so pleased with this?" Hadrian wondered.
"A move such as this cannot, in any way, shape or form, be brushed off as a faux par, meaning, I am well within my rights to counter his actions with something of my own." Harry replied, his smirk stretching, "Nott really should be careful, he's in over his head."
He followed the Malfoy's and his friends over to the head table, where Tom was already sat speaking with Izar of all people. The Nott Lord caught sight of his approach and smirked nastily at him.
"Are you quite alright, Potter-Black? You appear to be at the wrong table." His voice was layered with oily politeness, that only made Harry want to crush him more. Instead, he gave a contained smile and bowed his head once.
"Do not trouble yourself, Lord Nott." Harry returned sweetly, "I merely came to have a quick word with Lord Slytherin, here. Nothing that needs your attention, I am sure."
Nott flushed angrily, more so when Tom instantly turned his attention away from him and on to Harry.
"What is it?" Tom questioned.
"It seems as if I have been dropped from the head table." Harry answered with a smirk, which stretched when he felt Tom's displeasure.
"I see,"
"So I wished to inform you now that I'm truly done." Harry told him.
"It is understandable." Tom agreed, "He won't be pleased,"
"Good," Harry said pleased. He looked up at Hermione and Ron with glowing eyes, "Everything,"
They shared a smirk and Harry left with a final nod, taking his place next to Luna on the second table. He was pleased to see that not only was he sat with House Davis but also House Greengrass was sat on the second table too. The menu's appeared and Harry selected the salad for a starter, noting that the menu was not to his tastes – no white meat whatsoever.
"Hadrian, I had to admit I am surprised to see you here." Harry admitted and the Greengrass Lord's lips quirked.
"Despite my new position, House Nott and House Greengrass are not that closely aligned, and I believe that Izar intends to strengthen his allegiance with Selwyn and Zabini."
"He actually wants an allegiance with Selwyn?" Harry repeated, casting a look at Luna.
"Yes, I believe so."
"Dear Merlin that is really something else." Harry muttered. "He cannot actually believe that is beneficial."
"He is doing everything to go against you." Luna pointed out, "With how you reacted to Selwyn's proposed bill, are you really surprised that he's trying to pull something like this?"
"Did you gain insight to what he wished to do?" Lord Davis asked and Harry nodded.
"Some ridiculousness about tagging werewolves." Harry replied, his distaste apparent.
"Surely he does not believe that it will go through?" Hadrian said in amazement and Harry's expression said it all.
"We believe that he may still propose it to the Wizengamot, despite the fact that me and my friends easily pointed out how it would be instantly dismissed." Harry told him, "If I believed he had any sense beforehand, it was firmly crushed when I spoke with him during the last ball."
"That isn't even foolish, that is just blind." Xeno commented and Harry nodded.
"It is disheartening to realise that he is a Lord."
"He will learn, no doubt." Luna murmured.
"Yes, and then have to live with the shame of his actions." Lord Davis agreed.
"Does Selwyn have any children?"
"Yes, two sons and a daughter." Naomi confirmed, "His daughter is the youngest at twenty seven."
"The sons, are they anymore educated than their father."
"I cannot say I have interacted much with them." Naomi admitted.
"One of his son's works within the ministry." Hadrian remembered, "He seems to have a rational head on his shoulders, but he is within his workplace, it would be extremely counterproductive for him to act otherwise."
"It depends who is in whose pocket." Luna commented and Hadrian grimaced before it was clear.
"Yes, the ministry isn't the best place for such an example."
"Given that there is set to be a change in administration soon, hopefully that will no longer be the case." Harry said to him.
"Yes, that would be for the best for everyone in our world." Hadrian agreed.
"Especially given that we have reached the point where very little faith is put within the ministry at all." Lord Davis added.
"It is a sad state in which it has sunk to." Xeno mused, "Should the necessary changes be made, I have no doubt that the after effects will cause waves within our world."
"I cannot claim to be displeased by the thought." Harry allowed, "Given that I honestly don't believe our ministry could get any worse."
"It is a sorry time when that is a common belief."
They all finished the rest of their meals in relative silence, only brief murmurs of conversation filtering through and Harry cast his eye to the head table. Neither Ron nor Hermione looked to pleased, though he could only tell because he knew them well. He didn't need to see Tom's expression to know not only was he relatively annoyed, he was bored too, Harry could feel it, and that wasn't a good mix for a Dark Lord. When the meal was over, people drifted over to the evening drinks and the tables vanished when the last person rose, being replaced by the usual cornered off seating and glistening dancefloor. Harry said his goodbyes to his table mates and made his way over to Ron and Hermione, raising an eyebrow at their displeased expressions. Whatever deity had answered his plea for him not dancing immediately had his gratitude, he would rather stand and discuss things than prance around of the dancefloor. The only problem was he was speaking in a circle with Nott, who was one of the last people on the planet he would want a discussion with.
"Selwyn still wishes to raise his bill in the upcoming Wizengamot." Nott said to Lucius, apparently continuing a conversation, "He believes it may gain momentum with other sectors."
"Dear Merlin he is more stupid than I first believed." Ron sighed.
"No, you knew he was this stupid, you just didn't think you would have a visual representation of it so soon." Hermione corrected, making Harry and Rom hide a laugh.
"Why would he want to do something so idiotic anyway?" Harry wondered, "Tagging werewolves? I fail to see how that would be even remotely helpful."
"You seem to have a somewhat unhealthy interest in the wolves anyway, so of course you wouldn't see it." Nott put in snidely and Harry's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Protecting my family is my highest priority, so if that means it then it extends to an entire race then so be it. It is not as if werewolves deserve their treatment." Harry returned evenly.
"Your family is dead." Nott pointed out callously, gaining himself numerous looks of horrified disbelief from their circle. Harry merely raised an eyebrow, regarding Nott coolly.
"I do not know if it merely your severe lack of anything resembling common sense, or your inability to handle the alcohol content within the beverages that is making you forget, but everyone within this circle knows that Remus Lupin is considered part of the Potter family. My father made it so before his death officially, and the only reason it is not official within the Black family is because the previous Lord Black was unable to do so without incriminating Remus and I am unable to for the same reasons regarding protecting myself." Harry said coldly.
"Well the Potters have always been strange." Nott threw back viciously, "You're just the biggest freak out of them all."
Harry was completely unprepared for the blind rage that reared up within him when he heard that word. That word, oh how he hated it. The last person to call him that was dead by his hand and the only thing he wanted to do was rip Nott's throat out with his bare hands. The entire circle fell silent as Harry's magic abruptly snapped around him and his expression went downright scary as he regarded Nott, even Luna's calming magic didn't seem to sooth him and just when they thought he was actually going to kill Nott, Tom moved in front of Harry and offered his hand.
"Dance with me."
It seemed to take a few moments for his question to register in Harry's mind because his response was slightly delayed, but when he did speak he would forever deny that his voice had been quite a few octaves higher than normal.
"Excuse me?"
"Dance with me," Tom repeated, trying not to appear too amused at Harry's reaction.
"I hate dancing." Harry stated.
"I know,"
"You hate dancing." Harry pointed out, eyeing Tom as if he had finally lost it.
"I know,"
"You just asked me to dance."
"I am aware." Tom said, openly amused now as Harry looked at his offered hand as if it was about to bite him. "Are you coming?"
"If you are sure…?" Harry said hesitantly, accepting Tom's hand with caution.
"I am," Tom assured, leading him towards the dancefloor. Harry found himself easily span in to the waltz hold and they began to dance. Of course, with everything else on the damn planet, Tom was an amazing dancer, and Harry gave him a dark expression over it. Tom seemed to know what was causing the look because he laughed and twirled Harry around, Harry couldn't help but smile at Tom and allowed himself to fall in to the movements. Tom led the dance perfectly and when the music changed he easily lifted Harry and span, Harry released a delighted laugh when he was the air and came out of the lift gracefully. The pair of them got lost in their own little world, completely ignorant to the looks of shocked amazement, or horror in Nott's case, that they were getting from the group they had left behind.
"Harry hates dancing." Hermione, Ron and Luna chimed stunned at the exact same time Narcissa, Lucius and Nott whispered "Our Lord hates dancing."
"This is… I don't even know." Ron shook his head, draining his glass and picking up another.
"It's so public," Narcissa murmured, her eyes flickering around to see the amount of people paying them attention. They were gaining more with each passing moment, they complimented each other perfectly and the grace in which they moved was beautiful.
"Is that Harry dancing with the Dark Lord?" Draco inquired incredulously, coming from the dance floor himself.
"Yes."
"Why are they dancing?"
"Our Lord asked him to dance." Nott answered in disgust. "The 'why' is lost to me."
"It might have a slight connection to the fact that the level of intelligence and certain life expectancy rates has made a sudden rapid decline." Hermione told him blandly, ignoring the glare she received from Nott.
"That explains the magic," Draco noted, "Will we need to alter anything?"
"No, I think he's suitably distracted now." Ron said with a wry grin.
"That's an understatement," Hermione muttered, "Look at him," it was a pointless instruction, none of them had taken their eyes away from the pair since they had moved.
"I think that it is much much much too late for any type of intervention." Luna stated.
"Yeah, we're just going to have to keep things steady." Ron agreed.
"I will make sure it remains so on our side." Narcissa cut in, her voice lined with steel as she eyed Nott.
"Thank you," Hermione said gratefully. "It's greatly appreciated."
"There isn't much to be done about the situation now." Lucius pointed out, "What with the current setting…" He trailed off, not needing to continue.
"In Harry's defence, he does pre-warn people that impossible is not in his understanding." Luna mused, smirking at the multiple unimpressed looks she got for her troubles.
"That is not a defence." Lucius stated, "That is a taunt."
"A taunt?" Ron repeated in amusement.
"If it wasn't Harry you were talking about then I'd agree, but he can be so oblivious sometimes." Hermione sighed.
"You don't say?" Ron muttered, only to get kicked by both Luna and Hermione.
"That is a sight I didn't think I would ever see." Blaise announced, joining the group.
"I think we're all in agreement to that fact," Ron said to him.
"Well, for whatever reason it is happening, they both look so very happy." Blaise pointed out, "So, to take initiative when I see it; would you care to dance, Ron?"
The girls and Draco grinned at the red head as he was led out on to the dancefloor by his boyfriend, before their attentions went back to Harry and the Dark Lord. Blaise was right, they did look very happy as they danced together.
"I think we've lost them both for the rest of the night." Draco noted, watching as the song changed and they switched dance styles with ease.
"It would not surprise me." Hermione put in, "Shall we?"
"We shall,"
Draco led Hermione off and Luna followed, happily accepting a dance from Roger Davis when he approached. Each of Harry's friends kept one eye on him for the rest of the night, but not once did he or the Dark Lord leave the dancefloor until the ball was coming to a close. Harry caught up with Ron and Hermione just as they were going to say the customary goodnight to the host, he was still smiling as he linked arms with the pair of them.
"Well this hasn't been a complete disaster." Harry said cheerfully.
"You mean to say that Nott is still alive and all of our names are still clear." Ron corrected, grinning at him.
"That too," Harry agreed with a laugh.
"I almost feel sorry for Nott," Hermione mused, "I mean, I could see myself wasting sympathy if he wasn't a complete asshole."
The boys laughed.
"Let's say our goodbyes," Ron decided, "I want to go to sleep."
Harry left them to it, not bothering to waste his breath on Nott, so he waited for them to finish and then walked with them to the doors.
"I'll see you both tomorrow, I have to speak with Tom, Lucius and Cissa to check things and then I'll fill everyone in."
"Fair enough, we'll see you then,"
The pair floo'd away and Harry shadowed back to the Manor as the Malfoys and Tom had already left, he found them in the private sitting room, all much more relaxed and he grinned.
"I wondered where you ended up to," Draco said.
"I saw Ron and Hermione before they left."
"Ah,"
"I have to ask, Harry," Narcissa began, "You're reaction this evening…" she trailed off and a dark expression flashed across Harry's face.
"That particular word was a favourite of my dear relatives." He answered somewhat stiltedly. Narcissa's eyes went like ice chips.
"I do believe the time for restraint is at an end." She declared and Harry gave her a cold smirk.
"Any future slights will be met with my full response." He assured.
"Izar's actions tonight go far beyond foolish." Lucius commented, "He is blinded,"
"I meet with Theodore the day after your ball. I will be showing him the memories so he can fully decide a course of punishment." Tom informed them, "But moreover, I will be making sure he understands the severity of his actions."
"Nothing less than he deserves." Harry stated.
"Indeed," Tom rose to his feet and nodded to the Malfoys in goodnight. He wrapped his arm around Harry to take him with him, to the teen bid his own goodnight and went with Tom; he was exhausted anyway. He was happy to switch his robes for sleepwear and slide in to bed, propping himself to watch Tom change.
"I do hope I have an invite to your conversation with Nott." Harry said to him. Tom flashed him a smirk as he climbed in to bed.
"There would be little point otherwise." Tom replied and Harry chuckled, sliding over to kiss him.
"You are too kind to me, Tom." Harry murmured, "I can be kind, too, you know. Very kind. Especially for you after your type of conversation, and most definitely in that throne of yours."
Tom's eyes went dark and he pulled Harry closer to him, pressing a fiery kiss to his teen as his mind gave him wonderful images from Harry's words.
"I will have to make this conversation very interesting then, won't I?"
"Oh I am sure you will," Harry agreed, settling down and draping himself over Tom.
"Tease," Tom grumbled. Harry grinned and kissed his chest.
"Night, Tom,"
"I hate you,"
Harry laughed.
So there we have it, Nott has dug himself firmly on to the top of Harry's shit list and the ball season is nearly at a close. I really hope you enjoyed it, and I would be very happy if you let me know what you think.
Thanks guys,
Jess*