The moments passed slowly as Marcus held his ground with Remus. The predatory growl that Remus was releasing caused the hair on the back of Marcus' neck to stand. He could see the wolf within fighting to break through the surface of Remus' consciousness. The wrist in his hold was tense and tried to pull the delicate ankles resting in his lap away. Slipping a hand into the pocket of his robe, Marcus gripped his wand in resolved determination.
"Flint, you need to let Remus go." Sirius' steady voice filled the small compartment.
"Mr. Lupin needs to stop trying to move my mate away from me, especially when he has very little control over his wolf."
"You riled him too close to the full moon, what did you expect to happen?"
"I expected him to be an adult and accept what is happening."
"Accept that you expect me to stand back and allow you, someone that isn't worthy to even lick the bottom of his shoes, to court and mate my cub?" Remus growled out in fury.
"No, I'm not worthy of him, I will admit that. No one would be good enough for him." Marcus turned his gaze from the burning eyes of a wolf to Harry's small frame, his long glossy hair surrounding him like an inky halo. His small hands rested under his supple cheek in a makeshift pillow. Long, thick black lashes hiding the most mesmerizing emerald eyes. He felt pride weld up in his chest, pride that Harry felt that he could sleep with him so near without a worry. Marcus flicked his eyes back to Remus, "But that doesn't change the fact that he is mine, just as I am his. You don't have to like it; you don't have to even accept me as a person. But you will accept that I am his mate, and nothing can change that fact."
Dropping Remus' wrist, Marcus straightened and placed a hand on Harry's calf and rubbed small, gentle circles. Looking out the window, he allowed the scenery flying past to sooth his nerves. Remus' growls tapered off as the minutes ticked by, Marcus could feel his eyes still on him but paid it no attention.
"Well, now that we are done with the pissing contest, who wants to play exploding snap?" Ron nervously held up the deck of cards.
"What pissing contest?" Harry asked with a yawn. Sitting up, he leaned into the closest heat source still groggy from his nap. Blinking his sluggish eyes open, he peered around the compartment.
"No pissing contest, just conversation." Harry tensed as he not only heard but felt Marcus' deep timber voice. Slowly glancing up, he blushed when he finally realized exactly who he had been cuddling against. Marcus looked down at him with his usual expression of cold aloofness, but it didn't match his eyes. They twinkled with mirth and warmth, the only indication that Marcus didn't mind that he was resting against him.
Harry narrowed his eyes at Marcus and gave a small playful smirk. Looking back at Ron, he sent him a subtle wink before curling up closer to Marcus. Grabbing his arm, Harry moved it out of the way as he made himself more comfortable. He could feel Marcus tense the more he moved around and sniggered as quietly as possible. Finally, Harry contained his chuckles as he rested his cheek against the chest he snuggled into, Marcus was tenser than a bow string about to snap. "If there wasn't a pissing contest, then I'm sure that you wouldn't mind filling in the blanks." Glancing around he couldn't help the frown that appeared, "And for that matter, where is Mione? I thought that she would have found us by now."
"She did, but she must have had one of her overly large books shoved up her arse." Ron absentmindedly started shuffling the cards in his hands, "She wanted to find another compartment, she didn't like that Flint was in this one."
"I don't see her just leaving."
"No, she woke up Flint. He decided that if she couldn't keep her voice down then he was going to evict her. And by evict her I mean throwing her over his shoulder and tossing her out without a second thought." Glancing at Marcus' stiff form Ron let out a snort of amusement before turning to Vernon. "Also, do you by any chance know what's going on this year Mr. Dursley? The twins told me something was happening, but they couldn't get dad to tell them what it was."
Vernon glanced at Ron before turning his attention back to Harry and Marcus, "I do, but it's top secret until the opening feast. Though I will tell you that quidditch is canceled this year because of it."
Marcus' eyes widened in shock, and he sat up straight, unconsciously rearranging Harry from where he was dislodged from his side. "What do you mean quidditch is canceled? How could you know?"
"Mr. Flint, wasn't it? I am the new Muggle Studies professor, the Headmaster informed us of it being canceled because of what is happening this year." Vernon said, finally taking a seat. "Might as well sit down you three, we still have a few hours until we get to Hogwarts."
Harry stepped off the train feeling decidedly cold. Throughout the ride he had been cuddled up to Marcus' side. At first, he had intended for it to be nothing more than a way to make him uncomfortable for finding amusement at his sleepy blunder. But as the conversation lulled on, he had forgotten to pull away. His comforting presence and immense heat left him almost unable to. When Marcus' arm had hesitantly draped over his shoulder and wrapped around him, he had been pleased and snuggled in further. He had heard Remus' warning growl when Marcus had touched him, but a quick stern glance was enough to make Remus cut them off. He savored the touch, knowing that it might be his only chance to be close to Marcus. There would be no more cuddling with the large teen, there was no point in breaking not only his own heart but also Marcus', that is if he even felt any sort of attraction towards him.
Harry let out a humorless snort. Fate always had a way of messing with his life in some way, shape or form. This time it seemed as though it was messing with his love life. The first time he had taken notice of Marcus was just last year. He had been heading towards the one-eyed witch, planning to go to Hogsmeade under his invisibility cloak. When he had rounded a corner, there was a group of older Slytherins corning a what had to have been one of the smallest first year lions. Anger started to cloud his judgment as he lifted a hand to yank his cloak off but one of the attackers yelped in pain. Marcus had come up behind them sneering, loathing coming off him in waves. Even with him being younger, he had sent them away licking their wounded ego. Marcus had focused his attention on the cowering boy and his face had softened. Harry had gone as close as he dared with his wand drawn, ready to defend him. He watched as Marcus kneeled to the eleven-year old's eye level and comforted him.
That had been the start of Harry's fascination with the dark Slytherin. He watched him through the rest of the year and found that Marcus would gather the misfits of the first years, no matter the house, and make a place of comfort and happiness in the cover of darkness. Many times, Harry had slipped off from Ron and Hermione to watch Marcus help with homework and play games at night before curfew. By day, Marcus prowled the school with a cool indifference, his wand ready and a sneer never far from his lips. As the year went on, Harry found himself falling for the surly teen.
Feeling dejected, Harry followed his chattering group to the horseless carriages. Looking at Vernon, he perked up a bit with anticipation of Vernon's reaction to Hogwarts. Peeking in Marcus' direction, he quirked a small smile seeing the way Marcus was smirking while onyx orbs gleamed with mischief as he talked with his group of friends. As if feeling Harry's burning gaze, Marcus caught his eyes. His smile grew a bit larger as he gave a small wave before stepping into his own carriage.
"Well, if you're done making kissing eyes at lover boy, would you like to take a guess at what's going on this year?" Ron asked with a devious grin.
Blushing, Harry bumped his shoulder hard enough to knock him into Remus. "For one thing, he's not my anything. And for another, I would say something that's going to be a death trap if every year since we have been enrolled have anything to say."
"Oh, come on Harry, it might not be! And even if it is, sense it's going to be a school wide thing it won't be up to you in one form or another to save the day!" Ron replied, "It would be for seventeen-year old's."
"That is true." Harry mulled it over, "Maybe Hermione knows what's going on. She's the brains of this trio after all." He laughed.
"Not bloody likely! If she's the brains, then I'm the left arse cheek."
"Come off it, you know she's the smartest one between us three"
"She may be book smart, but that's not going to help her in the long run." Ron rolled his eyes, "Look at what she did at my house! And don't forget about your broom last year!"
A gasp interrupted Harry, turning he saw Vernon's face light up in awed wonder. He finally caught a glimpse of Hogwarts. A glowing white coming from the forest caught Harry's gaze and with a grin he nudged Vernon and pointed out the unicorn. At the sight Vernon's jaw dropped as he sucked in a startled breath. They watched how it paused in its steps and looked back. Harry giggled as a foal trotted up beside its mother on awkward legs, its gold hooves gleaming. The unicorn seemed to turn her sight towards their carriage before nudging the foal back into the undergrowth while following closely behind.
The carriage remained quiet as Vernon took in the magical school and what he could see of the ground's occupants. When the carriage rolled to a stop in front of the doors, Harry was the first to step out and started looking for their bushy haired friend. Spotting her, Harry pushed through the crowd of returning students as he yelled her name with a grin. Seeing her turn she grinned at him before she caught sight of Ron right behind him and frowned. When he reached her side Harry pulled her into a tight hug, "Mione! I've missed you!"
"I of course missed you too Harry. You would have seen me a lot sooner if Ron would have listened to me instead of letting that brute toss me out." She replied, hugging him back while throwing Ron a frown over Harry's shoulder.
"Hermione, the only reason he tossed you out was because you wouldn't stop trying to argue your point. Can you blame the man when that was what woke him up?"
"Yes, Ronald I can! You don't go around picking up people, especially young women in skirts, and put them over your shoulder. We are not Neanderthals; we can have a civil conversation."
"Alright mates," Harry said with a chuckle, "It hasn't even been fifteen minutes, can we wait until tomorrow to start with the old couple routine?" Starting up the stairs, he heard Ron and Hermione following after him while still going over what happened in the compartment. He rolled his eyes fondly at the pair, he wondered how long it would take for them to finally become an item.
Feeling eyes on him, Harry paused and glanced behind him and caught Marcus eyeing him and then trailing his eyes to Ron and Hermione before looking towards the ceiling. Snickering and shrugging his shoulders in response, Harry entered the Great Hall and headed for the Gryffindor table. Taking a seat Harry focused on Vernon and how he gazed in wonder at eating under what seemed to be the night sky with hundreds, if not thousands, of floating candles. As the rest of the school settled into their tables, a hush fell over the Great Hall just moments before McGonagall led the new first years in. Harry clapped as each student was sorted to their house with a smile.
"May I have your attention," Dumbledore said as he stood, his eyes twinkling in amusement, "This year we have two new professors. For Defense Against the Dark Arts please welcome retired auror, Alastor Moody. Next for Muggle Studies, we have Vernon Dursley. Before you come to find out, Professor Dursley is in fact a muggle. Should any student be found to be using magic against him, at the very least you shall receive a months' worth of detention along with losing one hundred and fifty house points." Pausing Albus peered over his glasses at all the students.
"A Muggle?! In Hogwarts?! Muggles shouldn't know about magic, let alone about this school! It goes against the statue of secrecy!" Draco half stood from his place at the Slytherin table, his voice loud enough to carry across the great hall. "My father will have your job for this and have you brought up on charges!"
"The headmaster didn't break the statue, Professor Dursley already knew about magic."
"And how would you know that Potter?"
Harry stood from the Gryffindor table as he pointed towards Vernon, "How could he not know about magic when he raised me from the night my parents were murdered? He has seen my accidental magic, brought me to the train station and picked me up for school, has walked down Diagon Alley and the halls of the Ministry. All of you will know him as Professor Dursley but I know him as Uncle Vernon."
"Ten points to Gryffindor for bravely defending my honor Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said with a small chuckle. Harry froze for a moment before glancing around the Great Hall before slowly retaking his seat as he felt his face heat. Harry grimmensed as everyone turned their attention back to Dumbledore. Flexing his back Harry attempted to ease the itching burn that was slowly building where his wings were resting just below the surface of his skin. Feeling a small nudge from Ron he glanced over at him. Ron was watching him with furrowed eyebrows and concerned filled eyes. Harry exaggerated the movement again, watching as the red head connected the dots. Turning his attention back to Dumbledore, he caught sight of Hermione looking at him curiously.
"One last thing before our meal is served, Quidditch will be canceled this year." He paused as the students started to mutter amongst themselves, giving them a moment, "This year Hogwarts will be hosting Beauxbaton and Drumstrang for the Triwizard Tournament!"
The Great Hall became silent before an explosion of sound erupted with shock and excitement. A bang filled the air bringing the students attention back to the Headmaster just to see him lowering his wand. "While this is exciting news, I would like to inform everyone that only those 17 and above may enter their name to be chosen as Hogwarts Champion. The three trials will test your every ability, push you past your limits, and judge your intellect. If you win, you shall win not only a thousand galleons but also eternal glory. But make no mistake, this is not for the faint of heart. If you fail, it could mean certain death. Each trial shall be harder than the last, if you have any doubts do not enter into the Tournament, for once you are chosen there is no going back." Dumbledore ended on a grave note, sittin just as the food appeared on the tables.
Harry snorted as he shook his head in disbelief, "Who in the bloody hell would want to enter that?"
"I would! Just think of it, if you win you get a thousand galleons and eternal glory!" Ron's eyes gleamed.
"But at what cost? It sounds as if you make one small mistake you could die, and all for what? A thousand galleons and 'eternal glory'? I don't know about you, but I haven't heard about the glory of anyone that's won the Tournament." Hermione chimed in while grabbing a roll.
"Not only that, but don't we have enough adventures to serve us a lifetime from the last three years? No thanks, I will very happily watch someone else put their neck on the chopping block instead of it being our necks," Harry cringed.
Ron paled as he thought of the so-called adventures, "You know what mate? I think you might be right about that. It's not worth the galleons." he gulped as he looked into the knowing glint Harry sported.
Reaching out for the pumpkin juice, Harry grimaced as the itching burn returned. Almost automatically he felt Ron's hand rubbing against his wings. Sliding a hand under the table Harry gave his leg an appreciating pat.
"Harry, whats going on wit-"
"Hermione, you have to try this!" Ron said, voice was a little louder than normal, holding out a bit of one of the deserts.
"Not right now Ron. Harry if something is going on-" Hermione found her mouth full of delicious pie, much to her frustration and mounting anger.
"See? I told you it was good."
The nervous grin he shot her made Hermione even angrier, "Ronald Weasley! I was talking!"
"Oh? I'm sorry, I didn't hear you." he said as a casted a panicked look towards Harry.
Rolling her eyes and gritting her teeth, Hermione turned back to Harry. "As I was saying, if something is-" She was once again cut off as Ron's spoon made another appearance in Hermione's mouth, this time loaded with mashed potatoes and gravy. Sputtering, she coughed as a bit went down the wrong way. "Ronald," she growled out, her throat raspy from coughing, "What in the bloody hell has gotten into you? Are you trying to choke me? Harry, why aren't you saying anything?"
"You two have been arguing about something or other ever since we got off the train, I'm not getting in the middle of this. Think of me as Switzerland." Harry winced as fury gathered in Hermione's eyes and her hair seemed to puff out as her magic seemed to react to her ire, before she abruptly stood and moved down the table to sit with Ginny. "Well, she didn't take that too well." he muttered to himself.
"No, she definitely didn't. You would think that she would have taken the hint after I shoved the pie in." Ron paused between bites, his blue eyes twinkling with mischief, "Though it was hilarious how shocked her face was the first time I did it."
"But it wasn't nice in the slightest," Harry said as he gave him a stern look over the rim of his cup, "She could have choked. Not only that but she doesn't know anything yet. You can't blame her for trying to question what is going on."
"You're right," he sighed, "But we have to catch her before she heads for the dorms to try and explain what's going on. Maybe then I'll get off the hook for what I did."
"We are going to have to make it quick, I have my first tutoring lesson tonight. We also have to get to the Headmasters office before curfew for those slips."
The scrape of silverware against plates slowed as students became full, tired yawns coming from some of the first years. Seeing Hermione get up, Harry shot up out of his seat while grabbing the back of Ron's robe and hauling him to his feet. Ignoring Ron's protest of not being done yet, he dragged him along hopping every once in a while to try and catch a glance of Hermione. Dragging Ron up the moving staircase, Harry just managed to grab Hermione's sleeve to start dragging her off the steps and down towards some empty classrooms.
Hermione yanked her sleeve out of Harry's grasp, her absolute fury at the two still high, "What do you think you are doing Harry James Potter?"
"Hermione, please not now, I can explain what's going on but I can't do it here."
"Well right now maybe I don't want to hear it!"
"Come on Mione!" Ron said, raising his hands in a show of peace as he leaned back against the stone wall, "What Harry has to say is important! It has to do with what happened at the ministry and his Family."
Hermione froze, her eyes wide and face slacked as she looked between Ron and Harry. "You mean to tell me you know?" she asked Ron, her voice soft in disbelief before turning towards Harry, "Ron knows and you didn't tell me? How long has he known?"
"Sense the night of Sirius' trial. But I was going…" Harry trailed off as she held up her hand and shook her head.
"You told Ron and not me? He's known for an entire month and you didn't say anything to me?! I was worried sick about it, you could have told me at any time! You could have written me a letter to explain, you could have told me at the burrow before the game! Instead you wait till now to tell me!" Tears gathered in the corners of her eyes as what she perceived as knowingly withholding information hit her like a brick. When Harry moved forward to try and comfort her Hermione moved back a step while shaking her head, "No, you don't get to act like this is ok, that a hug will just fix it."
"Mione, he couldn't tell you in a letter just in case it was intercepted! And he couldn't tell you at my house or at the game because there was no place for us to talk without anyone to eavesdrop on us! Bloody hell woman I wasn't even told until I was at Harry's house and Dumbledore was there!"
"If he would have said something we could have had one of the adults ward a room, instead all of you decided to play a stupid game! No, I don't want to hear any excuses! I'm going to the common room, I need to think." With that Harry watched as she whirled around and darted back to the staircase. Sighing, Harry nudged Ron with a sad smile.
"She's right, you know. We could have had an adult ward a room for us. I know Sirius would have done it."
"He would have, but hell you didn't have time to think about that. You had to let dad know that we had better seats and to give ours away to someone else. Plus after the game she started that argument and then stormed into the house." Ron rolled his eyes and huffed with frustration, "She will come around by morning, and if not then by lunch at the very least after she reads something 'interesting'."
With another sigh Harry and Ron headed for the Headmasters office. Harry's thoughts ran around in circles as he tried to think of when he could have told her. Maybe he should have just written her a letter and told her about it. Or asked if he could have gone to her house. He should have done something so that she would have known. It was hard to think of the tears that were in her eyes or the way that she jerked away from him. He was used to comforting her when she got into an argument with Ron over something. He was there to gently tell her when Ron was wrong or in cases when Ron was actually right about something. To know that he had hurt his sister in everything but blood so badly to the point that she all but rejected him, it was a blow to his now aching heart.
Trying to push aside his feelings, Harry and Ron went back and forth at the gargoyle trying to guess the password. As the minutes crawled by, the name of sweets kept getting more ridiculous and disgusting until Ron, in a stroke of brilliance, shouted cockroach clusters. Looking at each other in disgust they mounted the moving stairs and rode them to the door at the top. Right before he rapped his knuckles on the door, it swung open with Dumbledore's cheerful voice beckoning them in. Harry smiled when he caught Ron looking around the room with wonderment out of the corner of his eye.
"Hello boys, I suspect that you are here for those passes." Dumbledore's twinkling eyes looked at them, the wrinkles around them becoming deeper with his smile, "Though I believed that there was to be three students here for permission slips instead of two."
Harry ducked his head in shame, "Hermione will come to get hers sometime this week. Right now she's angry at us."
He hummed and nodded his head, "That does tend to happen from time to time my dear boy," Peaking over his half moon glasses it seemed as though he was trying to look directly into Harry's soul, "Though if it has anything to do with this summer, I wouldn't feel too bad. Sometimes things happen for a reason. Fate is a fickle friend but sometimes they can be the best of friends. Oh, and here are those books I promised you. It took far longer than I thought to find them. I hope that they help."
Harry reached out to grab not only the books but also the permission slips, holding one of the slips out to Ron. "Sir, how do you know about that?" he trailed off in confusion.
"My dear, there is nowhere in Hogwarts that there aren't ears to listen in. Unless that area is warded or in a place that needs privacy such as the loo, dorms or, in rare instances, married students' suits."
"So, all the times that the Weasley twins planned a prank and the professors couldn't pin it on them?"
Dumbledore laughed, a mischievous smile playing at his lips, "Mr. Potter, I have always found a bit of laughter is always a welcome reprieve from academic studies. And those boys know how to brighten up this old castle almost as well as the marauders."
With a stunned and cheerful wave the duo left, Ron going towards the common room and Harry towards the library. There was a skip to his step, a smile curling at his lips with his long hair swaying against his back. Making the last turn towards the library, he caught Marcus leaning against the wall near the library doors looking just as surly and bored as ever. Hearing his footsteps, Marcus glanced up and a playful smirk tugged at his mouth. Harry can to a bouncing stop in front of him with a grin, pulling a snort out of Marcus.
"Well, someone is in a good mood."
Shrugging, Harry grimaced a bit, "Not really, but I would rather be happy and let things work themselves out. You shouldn't cry over spilt milk after all. Now let's find a classroom. Unfortunately today's lesson is only going to be a fraction of what was promised because of curfew."
Marcus straightened from his leaning position and held out a box, "Treacle tart, as promised." Marcus drawed when Harry looked at it in confusion.
"Marcus, you didn't have to do that." Harry said softly as he gently grabbed the offering, pink dusting across his cheeks and peeked up at Marcus through his thick lashes, "You know I was just joking about the tutoring fee right? I don't mind helping you with defense."
Marcus raised an eyebrow before turning and walking towards the nearest corridore with unused classrooms in it, "You may have been joking, but I certainly wasn't."
Harry jogged to catch up with Marcus, holding his box of sweets as if they were his most prized possession. Marcus slowed his pace to match Harry's, a small smirk gracing his lips at the dazed look Harry was sporting. Seeing the smirk, Harry glared a bit before smiling himself. Linking their arms together, Harry started skipping along beside Marcus. His grin grew larger when he noticed that the prowl became more stilted.
"What exactly are you doing?" Marcus asked stiffly.
"I'm entertaining myself by making you uncomfortable." Harry's grin widened. Narrowing his gaze, Marcus snorted to himself before throwing all the years of etiquette that had been beaten into him to the wind and practically threw Harry up onto his shoulder. The echoing shout made a devious smile grow. "Marcus Flint, you put me down right now."
"Now why would I want to do that? I'm only entertaining myself."
"Because if you don't you're going to be in big trouble!"
"And what are you going to do? Flap at me? Sorry to break it to you, but I don't think you have the room to do that here." Marcus paused for a short moment, "And after the last time you flapped at me, I would prefer that you didn't."
"No I'm not going to flap at you, but I am going to do this," Harry said with a demented grin, reaching up and tugging on a small hand full baby hairs. Marcus grunted but was not deterred in the slightest, only sliding Harry further over his shoulder so his hair would be out of reach. Harry huffed in frustrated amusement before thumping his fist lightly against his back. "You better let me down before someone sees you not acting like your usual big bad Slytherin self. They might think that you have other moods besides mean. Or think you're under some potion or spell." Harry said thoughtfully.
"And I should care what they think because?"
"Maybe because your reputation would be in tatters if it's known that you're hanging around with Gryffindors? This Gryffindor in particular?"
"And I care about my reputation because?"
Harry went to answer only to close his mouth with an audible click when no answer came to mind. Why wouldn't he care about his reputation? He wasn't one to talk though, he didn't care about his own reputation or he wouldn't be slung over Marcus' shoulder to begin with.
"Well, what about your relationship with your house? Wouldn't the whole having the golden boy over your shoulder put a wedge in there?"
"Again, and I care because? Face it Potter, you saved my siblings now you're stuck with me. I just get the added bonus of having you tutoring me." Came Marcus' smug reply without a hint of sarcasm.
And what could he say to that? Nothing, because if he was honest with himself, he didn't mind being stuck with Marcus.
Walking into the common room, Harry headed for their spot. It could have seemed weird, after all the general rule of thumb when it came to seating was first come first serve and you typically stick to the area that was unofficially assigned to your year unless you were a special case that had an older sibling in your house. The seventh years had the best spots in the common area with Harry, and any other friend that sat with him, being the only exception to this unspoken rule. Of course Harry being Harry, he never even realized there was an unspoken rule for the common room. All he knew was that his favorite spot was the couch in front of the fireplace. During the summer, the windows were angled just so for him to practically bath in the warm sunlight that filtered through without becoming overheated. And in the winter, he had the beautiful view of the snowflakes dancing with the wind from his warm spot in front of the fire. It was only a plus that the couch tended to have a throw over the back of the couch to grab when he felt particularly cold. It just so happened that his spot was always available when he came in, no matter the time of day or night.
Plopping down, Harry turned to Ron with a smile, "Anything happened while I was gone?"
"Other than the excitement over the Tournament no. Hermione is ignoring me, she's sitting over with Nevile." Ron nodded his head in their general direction.
Harry sighed as his good mood waned, "Do you really think that she will come around by morning?"
"Maybe, I don't know how she's going to take the passes though." Ron murmured.
"Then we shouldn't maybe wait to go out until Hermione has her pass as well."
Ron looked at him, eyes glinting "No, we tried to get her up to speed with us and she wouldn't listen. It's not our fault and I won't see you suffering just because she's being an idiot. Now I don't want to hear another thing about not going tonight. And speaking about going, it's after curfew now." Ron stood up with a lazy stretch, absentmindedly scratching his stomach.
"Yeah, alright." Harry followed after his lazy stroll through the scatters of teenagers heading for the door.
"And where are you going?" Hermione's voice lifted over the chatter of the other voices. Pausing with his hands on the edge of the door Harry glanced over his shoulder at her.
"We are going out, obviously." Was Ron's snarky reply.
"It's after curfew, do you want to get detention and start the year with Gryffindor house being in the negatives?"
"Hermione, can we talk about this in the morning?" Harry asked, his emotional weariness coating every syllable.
"If you still plan on leaving no. I, and I'm sure everyone else can agree with me, don't want to have to make up the points you're going to cost us by purposely being out after curfew."
Harry gave a deep sigh before turning away from the door and taking a few steps towards the dorms instead. Tonight had been a bit much in his humble opinion. The emotional upheaval with being in close quarters with Marcus and having to not give away any hints that he might be interested in something more than just a friendship level, their confrontation with Hermione earlier, even finding out that somehow Dumbledore knew about every student that ever broke a rule; he just wanted to curl up in his bed and sleep no matter how much his wings tried to tell him otherwise. His steps stumbled to a stop when he felt Ron grabbing the neck of his robes and gave a little jerk to stop him.
"How about instead of giving us a lecture and acting like our mum, you actually listen to us for once." Ron growled, "If you would have asked, we would have told you that we have slips to go out after curfew. Actually if you would have let us explain earlier then you would have had a slip yourself, but oh no Hermione always has to be right and get the last word in any situation."
"What do you mean you have slips? Couldn't you have just brought me mine?!" Hermione stood up from her spot beside Nevile in a huff.
"No we couldn't! Maybe if you'd stop getting your knickers in a twist over everything, you'd be in a better mood instead of taking it out on us!" Ron snapped, swinging open the door almost violently to the displeasure of the Fat Lady and stomping out dragging Harry behind him.
'Ron did you have to be so snarky to her? We could have waited until tomorrow so we could get her slip!"
"No! I am sick of pandering to her today. We are going out to the pitch and we are going to have a good time."
"Okay, but there is a problem with that."
Ron paused in his angry stride and finally let go of Harry's robe. Harry turned while rearranging them, "And what exactly is the problem, other than the stick shoved up Hermione's arse."
"You don't have your broom."
Ron stood there dumbfounded for a moment and then turned and almost stomped back towards the common room. Harry snickered to himself when he heard the Fat Lady almost chew Ron out for the way he opened her portrait.
Marcus prowled through the hallways going no particular direction. Most people expected the Slytherins perfects to stick to the dungeons, their own territory, while out for patrol. Many would be surprised when he would corner unsuspecting students out of bed with no excuses. This may have been his first year as perfect but he had already caught no less than five of them out and about, two of those being together in an intimate situation. Marcus snorted to himself as the memory of that came to the forefront of his mind. Who would even think of doing that over McGonagal's desk of all places? Or better yet, did they really have that much of a death wish? They were just lucky that it was him that stumbled upon them and not the feline professor herself.
Hearing the sounds of laughter the closer he got towards Hooches office, he frowned. Stepping out of the castle he stopped with a cocked head trying to see from which direction the sound was coming from. Smirking at hearing it again, he headed towards the quidditch pitch. Who knew that so many students would be out tonight. At least he had something fun to do throughout this year. It seemed as though it was going to be a long hard year trying to get Harry's attention so he might as well have some type of fun while he was at it Marcus thought with a sigh.
Harry had been his average self, all sunshine and smiles, but Marcus could tell he was keeping his distance. The smiles had been guarded, his body language was standoffish. What had really gotten to him was how he could practically see the wall behind Harry's eyes. Marcus wanted nothing more than to tear it down and see every emotion, every thought passing through that bright gaze. When they had gotten to a classroom that they had liked, Marcus decided that he wanted to study the most difficult spell there was, that only one other he knew of or even heard of had mastered the spell before they left Hogwarts. The patronus spell. It would take most of the year if not all of the year plus some. He wasn't in a hurry to master it, and he planned on throwing as many wrenches into it as possible. There were many times that he had caught himself reaching out to caress a stray lock of hair, leaning further towards Harry to catch a whiff of his enticing scent. He could still feel the way Harry had molded himself against him in the compartment, the way he could feel the soft wisps of breath puffing against his neck when he would look up towards him with a sly smile tugging on his full luscious lips or a question burning in those green depths. He shivered as thoughts of the way those eyes darkened when he would look at Remus any time he would growl even the tiniest bit and curl into him further until he was almost on his lap.
His eyes fluttered open, not even realizing that they had closed or that he had stopped walking. Harry Potter was something else. He knew that he was hooked, that he would have been hooked without the bond if he had taken the time to look Harry's way. He knew that Harry was already wedging himself not only into his heart, but into his very soul. Without the bond, he knew he would have fought it tooth and nail, he had his siblings to worry about and didn't need the added worries of a romantic partner. His life was too dangerous and he was always walking a fine line.
His guardians, because he refused to call them his parents, would have Harry's head mounted on a silver platter to be delivered to the Dark Lord upon his return with glee. If he was a better man he would have turned away, scorned Harry until he hated him just to keep him safe. But he wasn't a better man. He knew himself well, he was a possessive, dangerous man that would kill without any remorse. He would tear apart anyone that stood in the way of what he wanted. He was just as dark as his magic, just as malignant. He knew this. His lips stiffened as he steeled his resolve. He would have to learn to be a better man, something that Harry would want.
Pausing at the entrance leading into the quidditch field, he stared up at Ron and Harry swooping through the night sky with no hint of worry. He dropped his wand into his hand when a flash of fire ignited near Harry's beating wings before he realized that it was a phoenix. Hearing Harry laugh out Fawks name Marcus relaxed and lowered his wand with a rueful smile. Leaning against the wall he watched over Harry. Marcus tensed as a hand grabbed his shoulder in a tight, almost painful, grip. His grip tightened against the smooth wood of his wand as scenarios ran through his mind, plans made and then discarded.
"Mr. Flint, I do believe we need to finish our talk."
"We said all that needed to be said on the train. It is obvious that you don't approve and I don't care enough to actually give a shit what you think." Marcus said as he turned to Remus with a hard gaze.
"He just needs time to come around, I on the other hand do approve of your match." Sirius interrupted, "In the coming years, he's going to need someone a bit darker to protect him. Plus anyone that's willing to go against a werewolf has just enough balls to stand by Harry's side."
Turning to stare at Sirius, his brow furrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"
"Did you think the war just stopped that halloween night?" Sirius asked, stepping up beside Marcus and looking at his godson and his heart brother, "Voldemort has been on the move for several years now, ever since Harry has returned to this world. It's now more of a when instead of if he returns. When the war restarts in full, tell me what will you do Marcus? Will you turn tail and run, or will you fight with Harry?"
"I take it that hiding him away until it's over is not on the table?"
Sirius' dark chuckle filled the darkened hallway, "If it was that easy, don't you think I would have done it when I escaped Azkaban last year? No, Harry is just like his parents. He won't allow anyone to hide him away, especially when he has faced him twice since he was eleven. Even if he would allow it, Voldemort will always search for him until he is in the ground."
"Why would he want him dead? And what do you mean he's faced him twice?" Marcus growled while tearing himself out of Remus' grip.
Sirius closed his eyes and when he opened them they were filled with sorrow. "The same reason he came after him as a baby, the same reason James and Lily died protecting him. Harry has been prophesied to be the one to kill him. The prophecy could have been one of two children, Harry and Nevile Longbottom. But Voldemort marked Harry as his equal. Harry has faced him when he possessed the defense teacher in his first year and then his memory and basilisk in second year, each year he almost died. Bloody hell, he almost died last year when he saved my sorry ass facing down a unpotioned werewolf, a horde of dementors and time traveled. So what will it be?"
"I would never leave him," Marcus growled, baring his teeth in anger, "I would die before I'd let something happen to him."
"And that is all I need to hear." Sirius brightened unexpectedly, throwing Marcus off at his sudden change of demeanor. "Now, just how do you plan on going about catching him?"
"Sirius!" Remus growled, "Stop encouraging him, Harry doesn't need him chasing after his heels."
"Moony, lay off. Haven't you ever heard about Slytherins? Once they set their sights on someone, they fight tooth and nail to get them if it's a love match. Take my cousin Andy for example, she went against our whole family to be with Ted as well as chasing Ted himself down until she had a ring on her finger! Now Marcus, there's one thing that Harry won't accept and that's a marriage contract. He was raised muggle and would see it as something cold and barbaric. I would suggest asking him to the next Hogsmeade weekend though that is a bit far out."
Marcus snorted to himself at the polar opposites of the two men infront of him. One that wanted him as far away as possible and the other trying to give him advice. "No, I wouldn't do either of those. He needs time and a way to get to know me without the pressure of knowing who I am or any house rivalry." Marcus murmured as he turned back towards Harry, "I already know what I'm doing to chase him down, and I'm sure that he will approve."
"You don't mean…" Remus breathed out in shock.
Marcus turned to him with a smirk and started to walk back the way he came, "I do, I plan to court him. I already have the items ready, all I need to do is send them." Marcus prowled back into the dark and chuckled when he faintly heard the sound of someone choking.
