CHAPTER SIX
"There is something I should tell you. It has been confirmed that the TriWizard tournament will be coming to Hogwarts."
The announcement from Draco put a spanner in the good mood of both Blaise and Harry; while Harry quickly looked resigned at the fact his suspicions had been correct, Blaise flew into righteous indignation. "ARE THEY INSANE?! DURING OUR O.W.L YEAR?! WE WILL BE STRESSED ENOUGH AS IT IS!"
People in Fortescue's ice cream shop gave them a pointed look or a judgemental one. A few people chuckled and rolled their eyes. Draco's own glare at Blaise's impropriety made the half-Italian wizard sink in his chair a bit sheepishly.
"It was confirmed at an impromptu gathering of the Wizengamot," Draco informed them, pricking the cherry of his sundae with his fork. "Grandfather told me. It was a good thing your mother came when she did, Harry, or she would have missed the entire thing! Apparently she was furious and looked like she wanted to let Dumbledore have it with both barrels but had been restrained by Lord Longbottom and Lord Nott. It was pushed in, despite the 250 votes to put a stop to it."
"Dumbledore is determined to get his little figurehead this year," Harry stated, taking another spoonful of his rum-and-raisin ice cream. "He wants to put a spanner in the works for me – he hopes I will fail my exams because I will be too focused on trying to survive." Harry sighed. "Why he insists on try to make my life miserable and dangerous is beyond me."
"No, we have Snape's endless essays and the youngest Weasleys for that," Blaise chuckled, stuffing another spoonful of ice cream into his mouth.
Draco grinned. "Dumbledore really is a greater fool than he looks if he thinks a stupid tournament is going to make Harry fail his exams!"
"Especially since I have you, Hermione, Theo and Daphne as friends," Harry grinned back.
"Hey! I am helpful too!" Blaise protested, with faux-indignance.
"Yes, helpful at being incredibly distracting," Harry teased.
"I cannot help that I am very good looking," Blaise responded arrogantly. "Besides, won't your suitors get jealous if you start flirting, Potter? You should be more wary for their spies."
Harry flushed. "I have no idea what you are talking about."
Draco snorted with laughter. "Come off it, Harry! It is the talk of the pureblood circles; Father, Mother and Grandfather also are not very good at talking in hushed tones, as you well know. Everyone in the upper echelons know that you are being courted-"
"By three of the hottest and scariest followers of Lord Slytherin!" Blaise cut in, practically dying off laughter. This earned him more stern looks from some of the other patrons of the ice cream store. "I am surprised that Rabastan Lestrange was not thrown in just for Lord Slytherin's entertainment. Imagine that! Both Lestranges after your supple Seeker behind!"
"I am glad you find this so amusing," Harry commented dryly.
"Sorry," Blaise dried his eyes off the tears, sounding incredibly unapologetic. He then looked at his friend expectantly. "Well?"
Harry frowned. "Well what?"
Blaise rolled his eyes. "What are they like?"
"Merlin, Blaise, you are worse than the tabloids," Harry huffed, stuffing a spoonful of his ice cream in his mouth to ensure he couldn't answer that question for another thirty seconds.
Blaise didn't relent. "You cannot blame me for being curious! I have only ever seen them at formal engagements and only ever spoke one or two words to them in my life. Slytherins never drop their masks in public, so – what are they like?"
Harry had hoped Draco would come to his rescue – like the Malfoy Heir usually did – but it seemed he was just as curious as Blaise was. Great.
"Barty is quite sweet, though damaged by his abusive father. Evan acts haughty and likes to keep his masks on as much as possible. As for Rodolphus," Harry sighed. "He is quiet, shy and brooding. Guarded, though he was trying his best to be open and honest. No offence, Draco, but your aunt has left a mark on him that may never leave him."
Draco's expression turned quite sad. "Yes. I suppose she did."
"Have you got a forerunner already?" Blaise asked eagerly.
"Seriously? That is your next question?" Harry deadpanned.
"Eeeerm … yes?" The Zabini heir shook his head in disappointment at his friend, as though it should have been obvious.
Harry snorted. "You need to sort out your priorities."
Blaise pouted. "I just want to know if you have a favourite already."
Harry rolled his eyes. "I don't have a favourite," he lied.
"Sure you don't," Draco snorted, taking another bite of his sundae. "I place my money on Barty. You always did have a bleeding heart for softies."
"Nah," Blaise immediately contradicted. "Harry wants a bit more excitement than that! Evan can give him that easily. Besides I hear Evan has a kink for using curses in the bedroom-"
"Shut up, Blaise!" Harry cut across, turning very bright red, much to his friends' amusement.
Blaise cackled. "You're too easy to tease! You'll inflate your suitors' egos way too quickly."
"When are you going to see them again?" Draco decided to try and save what was left of Harry's bruised dignity this time.
"Barty next week, for piano lessons; he is also going to fix the wards around our home, and has promised to try and improve the wards around the dragon reserve. I am going with Evan to his duelling club the day after tomorrow, and going to dinner with Rodolphus the following day," Harry supplied.
"I never knew the young Crouch had any passion for Runes and warding," Blaise commented.
"His father is a tyrant who kept him from having any kind of other ambition other than being a Ministry worker," Harry told him coolly. "And I have a sneaky suspicion I will have to be dealing with him myself this year, considering the Tournament."
"Bartemius Crouch is not going to miss an opportunity to improve his own standing within the Ministry, especially with the Minister," Draco agreed darkly. "How Fudge managed to beat Bagnold is still a mystery to me! She at least had competence and kept the corruption in the Ministry to a minimum."
Harry snorted. "I always thought the corruption was your favourite part about the Ministry, Drakey-poo. Isn't your father one of the puppet-masters behind Fudge?"
"Believe me, Potter, Father would rather serve another Muggleborn Minister than Fudge," Draco assured, laughing mirthlessly.
"Granger will be happy to hear that!" Blaise chuckled.
The three of them burst into peals of laughter, which earned them some more stares, but mostly small smiles.
Once he regained composure, Draco turned to Harry. "There is an Abraxan race coming up at Silverstone; not this weekend, but the one following. Father insists I accompany him, and Blaise's mother is going to force Blaise along. If not for appearances sake. I already know Theo, Lawrence, Daphne and her little sister Astoria and Adrian will be there too. If you come, we can make something fun of it."
Harry sighed. He loved Abraxan races – he was the one who usually accompanied Lucius to them instead of Draco – but with Inyala and her eggs still in danger, Harry wondered if he should risk it at all.
"I don't know, Draco," he muttered. "The intruders still have not been caught, and Anya tells me they have to practically tranquilise Inyala to get her to sleep-"
"Harry, you need a break," to Harry's surprise, it was Blaise who had decided to take up the mantle of being the mother hen in this situation. "I understand that these dragons are your family and one of them being in danger is taking a lot out of you, but you need to focus on yourself as well. With what's coming, you're going to need all the rest you can get. Besides," the usual devilish grin that Blaise was known for was back, "Lord Slytherin and his allies are usually in attendance as well at Silverstone races."
Harry tried to diminish the appearance of a blush creeping to his cheeks by rolling his eyes.
"If it makes you feel better, we will be there to mostly support Daphne and Astoria so you don't have to see them in any formal or official capacity," Draco added. "The Greengrasses are racing this time. Pride of Maia can finally race!"
"About time!" Harry stated with a grin, thankful to be talking about Abraxans instead of his fledgling courting life. "She'll have some stiff competition in Tempest's Howl, though. The Underwoods have a frighteningly clever and skilled trainer and the rider is just entuned to Abraxans. The Geengrasses really need to get a new trainer. How old is their current one? Eighty?"
Draco scoffed. "More like one hundred and eighty! His ideas are really outdated, and from a pureblood that should say enough."
"Is your father's pride and joy racing too, Draco?" Blaise teased.
Draco scowled at him. "You really are a prick, Blaise."
A mischievous smirk curled its way onto the Zabini heir's countenance. "I am just saying, Olga's Halo does get more affection in a day-OWWW! Malfoy, you arse! That hut!"
"You deserved it!"
"A Stinging Hex? Really?!"
"You're lucky I didn't singe off your beloved eyebrows!"
Harry let them bicker, finishing his ice cream in silence and trying to ignore the agitated looks from other patrons his two friends were once again receiving. Perhaps going to the Abraxan races wouldn't be too bad? It has been a while, and Daphne was his best female friend. She had ben talking nonstop about Pride of Maia's progress and it would be good to see how far the young, shy thing had come. Plus, having the opportunity to be seen – sort off – in public with his suitors could prove interesting. Perhaps on this singular occasion, Blaise was right.
##############
The day that Evan would take him to his duelling club came too quickly for Harry's liking, but then again time did tend to fly when he was barely able to sleep and split his attention between reassuring the young Hebridean Blacks to soothing Inyala to checking up on Metis and Owain. Metis was just as on edge as Inyala – after all, Pendragons were sought after because they were believed to be direct descendants of Kilgharrah and Aithusa. Owain wasn't worried about the intruder; he kept fretting that the female Welsh Green would hate his dull scales, his imbalanced wing scale and his ugly tail. Harry had to spend twenty minutes reassuring the body-conscious dragon everything would be fine. Then there was also patrol duty; Anya had to give Harry Pepper-up Potions at regular intervals in order to ensure he would stay awake and alert. For two evenings and nights straight.
Harry was glad Severus did not know about this or the Potions master would have undoubtedly given him more than an earful!
Harry managed to get at least four or five hours of sleep when Nipsy came to inform him that Mr. Evan Rosier had arrived. Harry had grumbled moodily – some of it diverged into Parseltongue because he was so tired – and fished himself out of bed to take a shower. The shower did not do much to relieve the exhaustion but at least Harry no longer felt like jumping back into bed again. Harry had not been to a formal duelling club before, but knew from reports from Draco, Lawrence and Theo that they were quite stuffy places regarding etiquette and attire. Harry opted to go with a safe option – white shirt, black trousers, black jacket and dragon hide combat boots. The latter had been a birthday present from Bartok and Rocla; they had been shedding enough skin to have them made.
When Harry came down stairs, he found Evan with his mother in the parlour, drinking tea and discussing – to Harry's surprise – their time at Hogwarts. Harry knew that Evan and his mother did not run in the same social circles back then; to see them comparing stories like old friends was quite odd. Odd, but sweet. In the back of his mind, Harry could not help but wonder if this was a tactic of some kind on Evan's side, but quickly pushed that thought away.
When Evan and Lily finally noticed Harry standing in the doorway, smirking a little, they both put their tea cups down and stood to greet him. Lily gave her son the usual good morning kiss on the top of his head; Evan bowed his head respectfully, a conflicted look in his eyes.
"You went to bed late again, young man," Lily said sternly.
"I didn't exactly have a choice," Harry muttered. "The dragons were restless. Again."
"Nipsy!" Lily called.
Pop! "Yes, Mistress?"
"Fetch a Pepper-up Potion for Master Harry if you please."
Crack!
"You need your sleep, young man," Lily told him calmly. "You're a growing-"
"Yes, thank you, Mama," Harry cut across coolly.
Lily looked hurt momentarily before she put on a brave smile. "I will go and make you some coffee. You are always grumpy before your coffee."
As Lily left, Nipsy returned with a Pepper-up Potion and Harry begrudgingly took it.
"She is only trying to help." Harry looked up to see Evan regard him with eyes that were saturated with worry. "You do need your sleep."
"Please don't you start as well," Harry sighed after he swigged the potion down and placed the empty vial on the nearest surface he could find, rather forcefully. "I have enough people mollycoddling me."
"Am I not allowed to care whether or not you're sleeping?" Evan sneered icily.
"Not this time, no," Harry countered coldly.
"Tough. Because I will care no matter what you say about it," Evan answered pettily. "And should I tell Barty and Rodolphus, I think you will find they will be on my side in this matter."
"I didn't realise that we were going to duel before heading out," Harry commented snarkily.
"Go to bed at a reasonable time and this duel is not necessary," Evan countered easily, with a cold smirk.
Harry leant slightly forwards in his chair. "You do realise that I am the only one who is a Parselmouth there? The only reason Inyala has not killed any of her caretakers yet is because I have to remind her that they are not the enemy! The only reason we know there were three people involved is because I translated what Bartok, Layna, Rocla and Synok said!"
Evan's expression softened for a moment. "I know this situation is awful, Harry. I do; I would probably be the same if I was in the same position. But I would hope there would be someone to make sure that I am also taking care of myself, and calling me out when I am not doing so."
Harry looked set to bicker back again, but soon slumped into defeat. Evan was right, no matter how much he hated that fact.
Lily returned with coffee and two Danish pastries and beamed as Harry tucked into his small breakfast. With her son distracted, Lily met Evan's eyes and mouthed, 'thank you'. Evan smiled and gave her a curt nod. Inside, Evan was preening. Earning points with Lady Potter without meaning to was definitely a good thing!
"Harry, don't forget to put gel in your hair before you leave."
"Mama!"
"No objections, young man!"
Harry knew better than to argue with his mother on the subject. Evan quietly thought that Harry's wild hair was just as good as his styled hair, but knew better than to vocalise that in front of Lily Potter. As for Harry, he was quietly thankful his mother made him put the gel in, because it gave him a moment to think about his small tiff with Evan.
Harry wasn't really sure yet, but he was sure there had been a hint of tension in the air. Plus, who knew that Evan Rosier was hotter when angry than Harry had seen during their first meeting? It also didn't help that Evan looked good in a simple what still well-cut suit.
Harry shook his head in irritation at himself. Damn stupid hormones. He simply could not afford to lose focus this early.
Harry took a moment to take a fortifying breath before going back downstairs. Evan was waiting at the bottom of the stairs. "All in readiness?" he asked carefully.
"Yes," Harry affirmed with a small smile. "Let's go."
Unfortunately, Harry had to force his mind not to wander onto Evan's appearance when, as soon as they were outside, Evan offered his arm as pureblood custom dictated, for side-along Apparation. Harry absolutely despised Apparation but something about it being with Evan Rosier made it slightly more palatable to him and part of him hated it.
The Dark wizard and the young Potter Lord had Apparated into one of the side allies of Diagon Alley, in front of a 17th, 18th century building with some impressive glazing and architectural features. Harry had not gone into many of the side alleys, so he took his time admiring this grand building that could rival Gringotts in its beauty.
"Harry?" Evan's gentle call knocked Harry back down to Earth. Evan grinned. "Beautiful, isn't she?"
"Yeah," Harry answered quietly.
Evan chuckled and bowed to him dramatically. "After you."
Harry rolled his eyes but couldn't contain his excitement at the prospect of seeing the inside of this exclusive building. Lily had tried her best not to spoil her son too much and it had worked for the most part, but the young Potter Lord did have some expensive tastes.
The entrance hall was made of polished marble, lighted by an impressive spider-like chandelier. The Corinthian and Ionic columns were engraved with some impressive Hydra, Chimera, and Sphinx designs and all the people who walked around the building, except the staff, simply exuded money.
"Come on. This way," Evan guided him to the grand staircase that descended down to the lower floors. Harry let himself be led, feeling actually quite giddy to see Evan's club, but at the same time could not help but feel a little nervous. Harry knew that Evan's club was going to be full of the same purebloods who grew up together, were probably on the Wizengamot together and were highly likely some of the people who posed a problem to his mother's Regency.
He was stepping into almost hostile territory. Harry needed to manoeuvre himself very carefully.
The duelling club was hosted in a grand hall. There were marble statues in the shape of snakes at either end of the room, with a small arena in the middle, and tables, arm chairs and lounging sofas placed around the arena. Harry took the opportunity to observe the members from this current safe distance. Harry spied Augustus Rookwood, MacNair, Yaxley, Goyle Senior and Crabbe Senior quite quickly. Old man Selwyn had somehow managed to make it down, which was impressive considering his gout. There were also a few faces Harry didn't recognise, but there was one that surprised him a little. Amos Diggory was not usually one to be spending time with people who couldn't assist him with his own ambitions, yet here he was.
"You all right, Harry?" Evan asked, a small amount of concern in his tone, apparently seeing something Harry's countenance that made him worry.
"I'm fine," Harry replied quickly, with a slightly forced smile.
Evan looked set to question that but by now, they had been spotted.
"Rosier! I had begun to worry you had decided not to show!" Yaxley teased, approaching them with Rookwood and MacNair in tow. "Are you ready to be humiliated, again?"
Evan chuckled humourlessly. "You managed to gain one win from me in over ten years. Congratulations, Corvus. I am glad I managed to gift you your greatest reward in life."
Harry bit his lip to stop himself from smiling.
"Well, I did not expect you to bring morale support," Yaxley turned to Harry with a sneer. "And a child no less."
"Corvus," Rookwood cajoled in a tone full of warning. "Mind your manners. You are addressing Lord Potter."
"Ah, yes. The youngest Lord in the Wizengamot, who has yet to sit in his own seat," Yaxley continued in a faux-sweet tone completely drenched in venom. "I was wondering when the little lord would stop hiding behind his mother's skirts-"
Evan drew his wand but before he could fire a spell at Yaxley, Harry smiled serenely. "Well don't think too much on it, Lord Yaxley. We would not want you to hurt yourself in the process."
There was a ghost of a smile on Rookwood's face. MacNair grinned toothily and Evan smirked. Yaxley looked set to explode.
"How dare you-"
"May I offer a bit of advice, my Lord? If you are rather sensitive to having your faults lay bare, I suggest you reconsider doing it to someone else. Then again your grandfather's name literally translated to 'conniving', so I suppose I should not be too surprised. Besides, I was under the impression that this is a duelling club of the magical kind, not the verbal kind." Harry took a few steps into the older Lord's personal space. "I suggest you let your magic and your skills do your talking for you."
Yaxley's lips curled into a sneer, but he backed away from Harry and flounced back to where he had been sitting with some of Lord Slytherin's other allies, who had been watching from afar.
"Reports were not exaggerated. You really are quite entertaining!" MacNair cackled.
"Yaxley will not forget that," Rookwood warned.
"I assure you, sir," Harry responded lightly, "I am more than adept at dealing with juveniles holding on to some startling delusions."
MacNair barked with laughter. "I cannot wait to see you in action when you enter the Wizengamot, Lord Potter."
Harry smiled a little. "You're too kind, sir."
"You don't mind if I steal Evan for a moment, do you?" MacNair grinned. "He owes me a bout for the past month!"
Evan groaned, which made Harry grin too. "Go right ahead, Mr. MacNair."
"Walden, please, little Lord! You earned it." Without further ado, MacN-Walden dragged Evan down to the arena – Evan looking to Harry for mercy – and Harry watched with an amused Rookwood.
"If I may be so bold, my Lord, would you take a turn about the room with me?" the Unspeakable asked amicably.
Harry blinked once in surprise but bowed his head in agreement. "Of course, Mr. Rookwood."
"I must say, my Lord," Rookwood began lightly as they set off towards the right side of the room, "when Evan told me he would bring you here, I almost laughed. He's proven me wrong. I didn't expect Evan to actually have the guts to bring you here."
"Why is that?" Harry asked curiously, watching Evan and Walden bow to each other and begin circling like two predators about to fight for territory. "No half-bloods allowed usually?"
"Actually no," Rookwood chuckled. "We have one or two powerful half-blood members. No, Evan has never brought any of his suitors or lovers here. They were never considered important enough."
"I am someone who is, frankly, in a different position to any of Evan's past suitors or lovers, Mr. Rookwood. Lord Slytherin would not be best pleased if he snubbed me," Harry pointed out, ignoring the immediate tension in Rookwood's shoulders. "Besides, I do not see why Evan would consider me important enough yet outside doing what he had been ordered to do. He barely knows me."
"That much is true," Rookwood agreed, quietly impressed at just how clever Lord Potter was, "but usually when Evan doesn't care, he makes no effort, and also makes no effort to hide it, even if it would offend or hurt you. Feelings are a tool to be manipulated to him, usually."
"To most of you," Harry countered coolly.
Rookwood allowed a small smile to form again as he and Lord Potter found an unoccupied table with two seats and decided to sit down. "Indeed, my Lord. But after what Evan told me about how the four of you met, I think he will put in as much effort to win you as he can."
"What did he tell you?" Harry asked, a little too eagerly for his own liking.
"You saved him, Rodolphus and Barty from an angry mother Opaleye they accidentally vexed," Rookwood did not even attempt to conceal his amusement. "From how he described it, I think you may have won Evan over from that very moment."
Harry flushed a little. He needed to change the subject – and soon – before he embarrassed himself in front of a bunch of merciless purebloods. Harry gestured towards the stage where Evan and Walden were engaged in a fierce duel; it was like rainbows were being thrown around. "So, what are the rules here?"
Rookwood, permitting the change of subject to save the young Lord some face, turned around. "On the arena, normal duelling rules apply. Bow to your opponent, be at least five metres away from your opponent. No Unforgivables. If you manage to throw your opponent off the arena, you win. Off the arena, you may mingle as you please. If you wish to challenge someone to a duel, you hand them an object with your insignia. Throwing down the gauntlet, if you will. The person you challenge may accept the challenge immediately, or might request a period of time to duel. Like Evan did."
Harry nodded thoughtfully. "Are there any women in the duelling club?"
"Only Bellatrix Black and Narcissa Malfoy, but they rarely show these days," Rookwood answered in a low tone as they took two charm chairs close to where Old man Selwyn was snoozing. "Ever since the divorce, Bellatrix has not gone out much and Narcissa was tired of defending her sister. Plus, Rodolphus and Rabastan are known to come here as well. That doesn't help. To be honest, we have not had much young blood for many years."
Harry looked at Rookwood with undisguised shock. Rookwood chuckled. "I take it Evan did not tell you that the Lestranges come here."
"No," Harry admitted slowly. "He didn't."
Rookwood paused for a moment, as if contemplating whether or not to tell Harry what was going on inside his head. Eventually, the Unspeakable did decide to tell Harry. "I should warn you. Both Evan and Rodolphus have a mean jealousy streak. They have been known to hex men and women into hospitals for even glancing at their fancies. Barty gets jealous too but isn't vicious about it. He turns rather petulant."
Harry chuckled coolly. "I expected as much." Now it was Rookwood's turn to look surprised. This made the young lord chuckle more. "Come on, Rookwood! They serve Lord Slytherin, so yes I assumed that their emotions are not balanced. I might be a cosseted little darling but I am not a fool."
Rookwood snorted. "You, my Lord, are anything except cosseted or a fool. It never crossed my mind."
Harry snorted. "Please! I have been kept in a manor most of my life, and when I am not there I am either at a castle, shielded from the world, or at Malfoy Manor, also shielded from the world."
"And you study dragons, help out on a dragon reserve and risk life and limb to protect them."
Harry regarded the Unspeakable for a moment, wondering how he could possibly know that, and then promptly remembered he worked with a Rookwood on the reserve. Rookwood must have noticed because he grinned. "My niece keeps me well informed. Though like all Rookwoods, doesn't tell me everything. Unspeakable is in our blood."
"Oh. How long have you been coming here, exactly?" Harry asked amicably.
"Coming onto twenty years now," Rookwood answered. "We are all introduced at age seventeen to the club. It's tradition. Your father came here too, you know, with Sirius Black."
Harry froze. "He … did?"
"Yes. Quite regularly too, when he needed to blow off steam," Rookwood informed with a small smile. "I know you probably heard this too many times, but I do mean it when I say that what happened to James was shameful and that I am sorry you and Lady Potter lost him."
"Thank you sir," Harry replied smally.
"My Lord, please call me Augustus," the Unspeakable stated with a grin.
Harry returned it lopsidedly. "Call me Harry then."
Before Rook-Augustus could say anything, there was a loud THUNK! as Walden was unceremoniously dumped outside of the arena by one of Evan's Stunning spells and Augustus was soon accosted by Yaxley's symbol. Naturally the Unspeakable did not pass up the opportunity to put Yaxley in his place, quite publicly. Evan joined Harry, looking quite tuckered out and sweaty, but very pleased.
"Hopefully Walden will think twice about challenging me in the future," Evan stated happily as a glass of whiskey appeared. It would appear the house elves here were very well trained. The young Rosier heir took a swig of his drink before turning to Harry with a grin. "Are you enjoying yourself? Augustus was keeping you company?"
There was a hint of something in Evan's voice that Harry couldn't read, but he quickly shoved it to one side. "Yes. He was kind enough to give me the lay of the land, so to speak. Told me that my father and Uncle Sirius used to come here as well."
Evan froze.
Harry frowned a little. "You knew, didn't you?"
"Yes," Evan admitted. "I did."
Harry's voice grew slightly cold. "And you didn't tell me why?"
"I thought … it might make you feel sad about coming here instead of excited," Evan confessed heavily. "Part of it was selfishness, I didn't want to ruin my time with you, and part of it was that I didn't want to hurt you."
"I would rather just know," Harry told him bluntly. "I hate secrets like that; I am a big boy. I can handle it. I am not a child."
"You're fifteen."
"And yet I am a Lord and everyone expects me to act like an adult," Harry pointed out with a humourless smile.
"Touché," Evan conceded with a small laugh. "What would you like to know?"
"How often did my dad and Sirius come here?"
"About once a week. Sometimes more often when they were dealing with stuff," Evan answered. "Some of the best duellers here, but that's not surprising since they were both Aurors."
"What kind of stuff would they be working out here?" Harry wanted to know.
"I theorised it always had something to do with work, since your parents' marriage was quite strong. Plus Black never had a committed relationship so it couldn't be domestic problems and last I heard, he severed all ties with his parents," Evan replied. He frowned. "Now that I think about it, your dad used to come to the club a lot before his death. Mostly without Black though."
Harry felt his hands curl around the arms of his chair. "Why?"
"No clue. But I did once see him argue with some hooded figure," Evan informed, shuffling his feet. "I didn't see his face, but it was clear that something wasn't right. I heard your father tell him, 'if I ever see you here again, I will make you and your master regret it'."
"And you didn't tell anyone?" Harry hissed, not believing what he was hearing.
"Who was I supposed to tell? The Aurors? The very idiots who got your father killed?" Evan shot back. "I never told anyone because I didn't think it was important enough for people tpo act on it."
Harry scoffed. "My father argued with someone before his death-"
"James Potter argued with a lot of people," Evan cut across firmly. "It was one of his many talents." He rose to his feet. "I will be right back. I am going to wash up for a moment."
Harry gave him a curt nod but did not glance back at Evan. He instead watched Augustus whoop Yaxley's behind without so much as breaking a sweat. It gave him a brief distraction from the irritation he felt for Evan. How could the man think the fact James argued with someone not too long before his death was not important? Evan, the bloody idiot. The bloody, sexy-
"Excuse me, young man."
Harry froze for a moment and turned to see Old man Selwyn smiling serenely and, more surprisingly, kindly at him. "Would you be so kind as to keep an old man company for a moment?"
Harry nodded curtly and got up from his armchair to move to the one opposite the retired Ministry man and one of Lord Slytherin's oldest friends. Lord Selwyn chuckled. "Thank you. We rarely get new blood here, and the present company have become rather redundant."
"I am not so interesting as you may think, sir," Harry answered politely.
"Nonsense. The very fact you are here makes you interesting," Lord Selwyn chuckled. "Plus, I might be a silly old fuddy-duddy but I know a young man in conflict with himself when I see one. They all look the same, you know."
Harry shook his head. "It's nothing, sir."
"We both know that is not true." Old man Selwyn took out a cigar and took a puff. "May I offer some advice, little Lord? Never mix courting with sleuthing. It usually does not go very well."
Harry's eyes widened. "How did you …? How much did you hear?"
A mischievous twinkle entered the icy blue eyes of the wily former political operator. "Enough. You would not believe what people talk about when they think the old man next to them is simply snoozing away." Old man Selwyn took another puff of his cigar. "You suspect foul play in the death of your father, don't you?"
"Yes," Harry answered bluntly. "There are things that do not add up. And thanks to Evan, there is more to this whole story than we were all led to believe."
"Ah yes, young Rosier," Lord Selwyn chuckled. "I must say, he is quite taken with you already."
Harry scoffed. "Evan is not taken with me."
"Augustus was not jesting when he told you Heir Rosier has never brought his partners here," Lord Selwyn said nonchalantly, puffing again. "I always thought it such a pity. When he wants to be, Evan can be a gentleman. He was also rather disappointed that you were not watching him teach MacNair a lesson."
Harry started. "What…?"
"Evan's favourite method of peacock strutting is duelling," Lord Selwyn informed him with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I am an old man, Lord Potter. I was in the clasps of love myself, at least twice in my life; I know show-boating when I see it. Evan is taking this courting quite seriously." The old man took another puff. "Find the clues he gave you another time. For now, concentrate on getting to know one another. Courting is tough enough without an added mystery on top of it!"
Harry laughed and nodded. "Yes, you're right, sir. I will … put it to the side for now."
"Good!" Lord Selwyn picked up the menu in front of him. "Now, are you peckish? The snacks and the beverages here are quite good."
Meanwhile, Evan was in the bathroom, staring at himself in the mirror, and being trash-talked by said mirror. He had been throwing ice cold water into his face to try and wash some kind of sense into him, and his frustrations away – as well as his sweat. Evan knew he had no right to be jealous yet – Harry had not even given any indication of favouring Evan – but he couldn't help it. Seeing Augustus with Harry and how well they seemed to get along … it had made Evan feel physically sick. It was a good thing he had Walden to take his frustrations out on.
"Fix your hair, sir! How are you supposed to present yourself to a lady looking so dishevelled?" Yes, even the mirrors were judgemental here.
"I am not interested in women," Evan growled.
"Or a man for that matter!"
Jealousy had always been a problem for Evan; the fact he knew Harry would be spending time with Rodolphus and Barty was enough for the man to want to hex an innocent kitty cat – and then take it to the vet in shame. But Harry … was different to the lovers Evan had in the past. The boy was opinionated, quick-witted, fiery, wild … peculiar. Harry was reckless one moment and then a sharp operator the next. Even during the petty argument they had before coming here, Evan had wanted to see how fiery Harry could be in a more … intimate duel. The urge to kiss the young Lord had been almost overwhelming, and it hadn't really left him at all.
Deciding to save his wounded pride, Evan made his way back. To his surprise he found Harry conversing with none other than Old man Selwyn! The old codger for once wasn't snoozing away. In fact, they were tucking into some Dutch croquettes with mustard, talking about Lord Selwyn's favourite memories in the duelling club.
"And he landed face first into the Lord Nott! I tell you, young man, I have never seen Abraxas Malfoy turn tomato red that quickly! Oh I wish I had a Pensieve to show you …"
Harry almost cracked a rib laughing but soon composed himself when he saw Evan approaching. "Evan! I was almost worried you were flushed down one of the lavatories."
"The mirrors were scolding me," Evan answered truthfully with a wry smile, his eyes not lifting once from Harry's. "And I am sorry for keeping that memory from you."
Harry smiled and nodded gratefully.
"Join us, Heir Rosier," Lord Selwyn stated kindly. "You can help me tell Lord Potter about the time the Mulcibers were turned into albino peacocks and Abraxas thought some of his birds had escaped!"
Evan nodded and when he saw Harry smirk and give him a subtle wink, felt a whole lot better.
##############
When it was time to leave the club, Evan decided he needed some more time with the young Lord, and there was only one valid excuse open to him. "Will you have dinner with me?"
The question had come as a surprise to Harry who halted to an abrupt stop. "What?"
"Tonight," Evan clarified with a small smile. "I mostly spent my time kicking butt and you were left with Old man Selwyn and Augustus quite a bit when I wanted to spend some time with you so … will you have dinner with me? I know a nice place in one of the other alleys-"
"OK," Harry answered, smiling a little at how flustered Evan looked. He grinned. "Besides, I enjoyed watching you kicking your friends' arses. I have some leverage against Vince and Greg now after seeing their fathers getting trounced!"
Evan looked quite pleased with himself. "I am glad I can help." Evan lit up a little. "Tell me a little about your friends. I hear that you are quite close with Draco Malfoy and Blaise Zabini."
Harry frowned, hearing a tone to Evan's voice that was quite tense. "Yes, I am."
Evan's jaw clenched slightly. "Have you ever … felt anything for them? Beyond friendship?"
Harry snorted. "Absolutely not! Draco is like my brother and Blaise is overly flirtatious with everyone in our friendship circle. I think he has a major crush on Daphne Greengrass; not that he is willing to admit to it."
Relief washed over Evan in an instant. "I see. What about your other friends?"
"I think you know most of their parents," Harry chuckled. "Most of my friends are Slytherins after all. I am also friends with Neville Longbottom, I get along with a few Weasleys and I study with Hermione Granger now and again."
"Neville? Son of Frank and Alice Longbottom? I heard that he isn't as magically skilled as his parents." Evan winced when he saw a dark look in Harry's eyes.
"Neville's magic is directed towards Herbology. He has gotten the highest marks in the subject for over 200 years and his greenhouses are bloody exquisite," Harry informed proudly. "He bred my new favourite flower, you know."
"He breeds plants?" Evan enquired, looking genuinely curious.
"Yes. His flowers are on high demand in pureblood circles. Well, amongst the women anyway," Harry smiled wryly. "Narcissa used some of Neville's flowers for Draco's fifteenth birthday gala, you know. The ones with the most extraordinary purple colour."
"I didn't," Evan muttered, feeling a little embarrassed. "What is the name of the flower he bred? The one that's your favourite?"
Harry's eyes narrowed. "You're not going to laugh at me?"
Evan nodded earnestly. "I promise."
"Khione's Tear. It is a rose of the deepest sapphire blue that you have ever seen," Harry replied dreamily. "And when the full moon shines, they glow. For one moment, you are almost in a different world. It just makes me realise again and again how much I love magic."
Evan decided he wanted to know a little bit more about Harry's circle of companions.
"Which Weasleys do you get on with?" Evan asked as gently as he could.
"Charlie is basically my mentor. He taught me everything I know about dragons and dragon care," Harry replied with a smile. "Mama wanted me to have different friends and sometimes the Malfoys couldn't take me in when she needed to travel for our estate business so I would be left with the Longbottoms. The Weasleys were visiting Lord and Lady Longbottom one time I was there. I was seven when I first met Charlie and when he told me all about his work, I wanted to know more. I kind of latched onto him like a chick. I am quite close with Percy too. I am quite bookish and I was one of the only ones who didn't tease him for it. I also have a decent relationship with Fred and George."
"Ah, yes. The menaces," Evan grinned. "I heard a lot from Lucius about them."
Harry grinned. "Yeah, I'll bet. They make half of Slytherin cry. Not because of the pranks, but the fact those two are so brash about their mischief! I mean, they have used almost half the student body as guinea pigs for their Nosebleed Nougats and Puking Pasties!"
Evan shifted on his feet a little. "Do they have any … partners?"
Harry almost wanted to slap Evan around the head, but simply decided it was safer to put the guy out of his misery. "Charlie, Percy and the twins are, as far as I know, straight. Percy has a long term girlfriend called Penelope. She's a Ravenclaw and really nice. Is completely Abraxan mad!"
Evan relaxed considerably.
Harry then decided to see if there was anything to the delusion Draco and Blaise were having. "Speaking of Abraxans, not this weekend but next weekend I am going with a group of friends to the races to support Daphne and Astoria. Their father's horse is competing this year."
Evan stopped short. "You go the races? Why have I never seen you there?"
Harry shrugged. "I usually go in disguise," he admitted with a grin. "The press are always waiting for the next photograph, and frankly, I like my privacy and don't always fancy seeing my own face in a tabloid. Plus, I love Glamours; they are so much fun!"
Evan swallowed. "Please don't disguise yourself this time."
A cheeky glint entered those entrancing green eyes. "Why not? Could be a fun game of cat and mouse with all three of you."
Evan growled lowly. "You little minx."
"What?" Harry blinked innocently. "You wouldn't like it if I made it too easy on you."
"True," Evan admitted. "But still, I would like to be able to recognise you this time. How often did you go in the past?"
"A few times in the year. Lucius loves the races but Draco doesn't, and I hated seeing Lucius going alone so I went with him," Harry relayed with a grin. "We would watch from the reserved box, but I don't think I ever saw you. Mama made Lucius promise to keep me away from Dark wizards during the races."
"In case someone saw," Evan deduced.
Harry smirked. "Indeed."
"I think I saw you once. I obviously didn't know it was you, but I saw Lucy with a kid that wasn't his. Thought you looked a lot like a Black, which I suppose is not really too surprising considering you do have some Black blood," Evan admitted with a small smile.
Harry grinned. "I pretended to be Regulus' kid. You know Sirius' brother Regulus, right?"
"Yes, I do," Evan confirmed. "We … go on missions together sometimes. We also have dinner together on occasion. Why?"
"No reason. Just curious," Harry shrugged. "Regulus and I exchange letters now and again but recently I haven't gotten a single letter, and I was wondering if he heard from Sirius at all."
"I doubt it," Evan frowned. "They have been estranged for how many years now? Sixteen? Longer?"
"True," Harry's heart sank.
"Have you not heard from him? Sirius, I mean. And … Mr. Lupin?"
"Not recently. They went away; they came to say goodbye and gave us no reason why they were leaving or where they were going," Harry admitted. "I am worried. Mama has asked Uncle Severus to keep an ear out at your Dark Wizard meetings in case Lord Slytherin has any information but so far, nothing."
Evan, half not realising what he was doing, looped his arm around Harry's and gave his arm a reassuring squeeze. "They will be all right. Black is a tough nut and that werewolf also has some teeth – in more than one way." Harry smiled at this. "I will keep my eyes open as well. And I will make enquiries at the club about your father for you."
"You don't-"
"-have to. I know. But I want to." Evan smiled at him. "I owe it to you. And your mother."
"And what about Lord Slytherin?" Harry asked. "What if he doesn't want you to?"
Evan's expression darkened a little. "I don't know. I am pretty sure he will not stand in my way. He is your family; James was his family. My Lord is quite anxious to get his hands on your father's murderer as well."
"To torture into insanity no doubt," Harry grumbled almost fondly.
Evan's eyes widened. "You sound scarily OK with that."
"I know the man I am dealing with, Evan. I have eavesdropped on enough conversations between him and Mama. Plus, there is the matter of his eyes turning red whenever he gets angry…"
"Fair enough." Evan bit his lip, pondering on whether or not he already should come clean on his Lord's plan to keep Harry safe. "The TriWizard Tournament is coming to Hogwarts."
A gloomy expression appeared on Harry's face. "I know. Dumbledore is going to try to push his war."
"My Lord knows that too. He wants to send Barty, Rodolphus and me to protect you in case Dumbledore tries anything."
Harry felt his heart skip a beat. "Oh. And you agreed?"
"Yes. Barty is going in disguise, Rodolphus is a Healer so he will be with the medical team and I am going with the Ministry," Evan informed, fumbling a little with his hands. His voice was more than a little tense.
Harry took notice of this, and frowned. "And you're not happy about this?"
"No, no, I am!" Evan reassured. "I just hope that … we can protect you. This tournament is no joke and if Dumbledore pulls something-"
"I trust you," Harry stated firmly, placing his free hand over Evan's hand on his arm and giving his suitor a beaming smile that made Evan flush bright crimson. Internally, the Death Eater was scolding himself for looking like a love struck girl, but Harry really could be quite blinding.
Evan was very glad he could keep Harry's company a little while longer. The Gilded Swan exuded luxury – he had been there many times with Lord Slytherin and the other members of the Inner circle. Harry had been there before with his mother a couple of times; they didn't return very often. That is why Harry allowed Evan to order for him.
"Tell me more about your childhood," Evan said when the waiter had gone.
"There is not much to say. My mother raised me on pureblood and old-fashioned Muggle traditions," Harry answered with a small shrug, eyes fixed on the candle in front of him. "My magic has always been quite volatile; it was worse as a child. Mama didn't want Dumbledore or his Order of Flaming Chickens to know. I did not really have childhood playmates apart from Neville Longbottom, Draco Malfoy and Theo Nott for many years."
"You were isolated," Evan stated quietly. "Like every other pureblood scion without a sibling, it seems."
"Neville, Draco and Theo are like my brothers. They may as well be," Harry responded with a small smile. " I never had siblings. My mother miscarried not long after my father was killed. The baby was developed enough to see the child would have been a girl." His eyes watered bitterly. "Those bastards did not just kill my father, they also took my sister. Indirectly."
"I am so sorry," Evan could hardly believe his ears. "Did Lily … have a name for her?"
Harry smiled brightly. "Dorea, after Great-Aunt Dorea. Mama always got along well with her."
Evan chuckled. "From what I heard of Dorea Black, that doesn't surprise me one bit." The smile quickly vanished. "I wonder what your sister would have looked like."
"Me too. I always hoped she would have Mama's curls with Papa's hair colour. Controllable Potter hair." Harry chuckled.
"With your mother's eyes," Evan added as their drinks arrived.
"Yes," Harry agreed. "I always hoped as a kid to have had a partner in crime, or someone who loves flying and animals. I would have loved to go to my sister's dance shows if she wanted to dance. I never knew her but I miss not knowing who Dorea would have become."
"I have the opposite," Evan chuckled darkly. "My sister lived for a while but was taken even before she died. I was an only child even before her death. But I treasure the moments I had with her."
"What was she like? Did you guys play games together?" Harry asked eagerly as the entrée was served.
"Wizard chess, mostly. That was if I was lucky. Gisela loved the outdoors. We'd spend hours climbing trees, riding Abraxans and sword fighting. She was a warrior; it was wonderous to behold," Evan laughed as they tucked in. "My grandfather joked that we were born the wrong way around. I preferred books and music, while Gisela found them boring."
Harry chuckled, finishing off his seafood. "Evan, if I may ask, how did Gisela become so ill?"
Evan stopped chewing momentarily, continued and then took a swig of wine. "We have no idea," he whispered. "It was so sudden; no one saw it coming." Evan shook his head. "Father tried everything to save her. We even hired Dark healers to try and help her," he looked around to ensure they were not overheard. "Nothing worked."
"That does not sound like a normal illness," Harry commented.
"It wasn't," Evan agreed. "But as far as we know, we do not have any Blood Curses in the family."
Harry's eyes narrowed. "Curious."
Evan scoffed. "Is that so?"
"Yes."
Evan regarded the young Lord with disbelief. He could see the cogs in Harry's head turning, but the boy was fascinated by his empty plate, completely absorbed by his thoughts. Though many found it irritating, Evan found that he had the perfect opportunity to study Harry a little more. How the flames of the candles burned in those stunning peridot eyes. How the Lord positively radiated in the hue.
"Do you want children?" Evan decided to knock Harry back to earth.
It did the trick. Harry blinked twice rapidly and looked up sharply. "Children?" he repeated in a daze. A smile etched onto Harry's face. "I do. Not simply out of obligation and duty, but having my own family is something I have always wanted."
"Sons or daughters?" Evan asked curiously.
"I am not picky. Mama has ensured that the House of Potter and House of Peverell can be inherited by a girl so the pressure of getting a male heir has been nullified," Harry replied.
"A Lady Regnant," Evan breathed out in delight. Though they were almost in the 21st century, not many pureblood families had decided that their daughters had an equal right to being the Head of the family. "You Potters never cease to amaze me."
Harry cocked his head to one side. "You do not agree?"
"On the contrary, I agree completely that a girl should have her own place in the succession," Evan reassured.
"Did you ever want children?" Harry questioned as the main course was brought to them.
"It was always at the back of my mind. But I was never interested in marriage," Evan admitted. "I never found anyone who was suitable." Evan looked Harry directly in the eyes. "Until now."
Harry scoffed. "You have the tongue of a poet."
"I mean it," Evan countered sincerely. "I want to share your pain, I want to share in your joys. Such as your dragons. I may not love you yet, but I want you to know you already have me as an ally."
"We shall see where this goes," Harry responded quietly with a small smile. "But I am glad to have you as an ally at least."
Harry was rather relieved that the rest of dinner passed with less provocative questions. It gave him some time to mull things over in his head; eventually he decided he needed another opinion so was resolved to speak to his mother about it.
But Old man Selwyn was right: sleuthing and dating did not mix well.
###########
Evan has jealousy issues and Harry is scared of lowering his guard even once. Hopefully he takes Old Selwyn's advice truly to heart – but you will have to continue reading to find out. Naturally the characters and world belong to JK.
Until the next chapter and I love hearing from all of you!
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