Chapter 4- Love Confessions
Harry landed gracefully enough into the spacious sitting room of the Potter Manor. Lord Potter had sent a letter, inviting him to the Manor for the New Year Ball.
James had written a separate letter joking to not accept the invitation or he would be stuck with a bunch of pureblood politicians who spend the day showing off how rich they are. Harry chuckled as he remembered that letter.
" I assume that there is a reason why you seem to be smiling to yourself." A voice came to his attention. He looked into the amused faces of Dorea and Charlus.
" And you would be right." He said. He lightly held her hand and kissed her knuckles.
" Such beauty should be illegal." Harry smirked. " You are looking exceptional, Lady Potter." He said, causing the older woman to blush lightly but beam at him.
" Great. He is flirting with my mother." James groaned as he came up and stood beside his father.
" Quiet, James." Dorea chastised. " You must learn how to treat a lady from Mr Evanson, here. How are you going to impress a lady? I hear that you are trying to woo Ms Evans a lot." She said, causing James to blush and curse Sirius under his breath.
Harry smiled. " Lord Potter." He greeted the older man. " Mr Evanson." He greeted back.
" Hello, James." Harry wished the young boy. " Hello Harris." He smiled.
" You were saying, Mr Evanson?" Dorea asked, continuing the conversation.
" Oh it was nothing. James here, wrote a letter telling me to not accept the letter and run away as this would be a boring affair and it will be a bunch of pureblood gits showing off how rich they are, instead of enjoying the event."
Dorea glared at James with her hands on her hips.
" James!" She growled. " What? It's true." He said under his breath but didn't argue further after his mother's glare.
" Come in, Mr Evanson." Charlus gestured. " The ball is about to start." He led the three into the Manor.
Potter Manor was very impressive. Harry had to admit that this wasn't anything like he had imagined.
Yes, Peverell Palace was more impressive, but it was less homely.
Harry entered the ballroom to see various other families already present. Every family from the dark, light and neutral faction were in attendance. Many might not like the Potters, but they won't dare to snub the annual Potter's ball. It's close to a political suicide.
Harry didn't say or do anything. He just went ahead and sat down at one of the tables, and took a glass of red wine that had been placed.
Harry decided that James was right. This was frighteningly boring. He was being approached one after the other, who wanted to meet 'the one who scored higher than Dumbledore.'
He was fed up. Though, it was a good thing that the Dark faction maintained their distance. He would have strangled them.
He was about to get out of this place and go for some fresh air, when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to come face to face with Bellatrix.
His jaw almost dropped and would have if he had not controlled himself.
Bellatrix looked out of this world. Her luscious hair was curled to look stylish. Her violet eyes literally shone in the room.
Her pale skin contrasted perfectly with the deep purple robes that matched her eyes. Her drool worthy curves that her dress clung to was eye-catching.
She had forgone any make up. And according to him, she didn't need it. The smile on her pink lips just added to the beauty that was Bellatrix Black.
She looked perfect. Just the right amount of perfect. Harry felt like he disappeared for a few moments before he shook himself.
" Ms Black." He said. " Wow." He muttered and quickly shook himself but that was enough for Bellatrix to reward him a beaming smile. Her eyes shone with victory.
" You look extremely gorgeous, Ms Black. I can't put into words how beautiful you look." He said, kissing her hand causing her cheeks to gain a pink tint to it.
" Thank you, Mr Evanson. You look dashing tonight." She smiled.
" You seemed lonely tonight, Mr Evanson. I thought, Maybe you would like some company?" She said eagerly and Harry didn't have the heart to disagree. Her eyes doing things to his stomach he couldn't understand.
" No. I hate these guys trying to pucker up and kiss my arse. Honestly, just because of my fucking marks." He grounded out causing her to chuckle.
" I could make it out from your face." She said. " Wouldn't the other purebloods feel slighted that you are spending time here with someone like me?" He asked.
Bellatrix didn't give an immediate answer.
" Let them. I don't care." She shrugged.
Harry was honestly surprised by her answer. " You don't hate people like me?" He asked.
" No. I might not like them, but I don't outright hate them." She replied.
The two remained silent for sometime. Both not knowing what to say, before Bellatrix herself took the lead.
" Dance with me." She said, it was less of a request than an order. " Huh?" He questioned dumbly.
She stood up and took his hand and gently guided him to the floor where many other couples were swaying.
" But I am not good at this." He protested but his protest was cut short when she placed his hand on her waist.
" Just follow my lead, Harris." She whispered and the two started to sway to a gentle step.
The assembled guests stopped to watch this. A prominent pureblood from the Black family openly dancing with a muggleborn. It was a huge matter. Harry could feel the eyes of Rudolphus Lestrange burning into him. Many pureblood heirs were scowling at Harry.
Bellatrix on the other hand did not notice any of that. She was waiting for him to cop a feel. She deliberately placed his hand almost on the bottom of her waist and close to her arse, but the damn noble fool didn't even look at her the wrong way, let alone feel her.
K0Bellatrix was now all the more impressed with Harry. Any other person, especially the so-called pure blood heirs would have certainly copped a feeling. But not Harris.
She gently stepped closer to him without him realizing it. Her breasts were now touching his taut body. She was amazed by how physically fit he looked. His upper arms were like stone.
She saw him blush a little when he realized how close she was standing but his composure returned as quickly as it was gone.
She let her eyes fall on the others around her to gauge their reactions. She saw her mother and father swaying to the tune though her father was looking murderous where as her mother had a small smile on her face.
Her grandfather and grandmother didn't seem to mind her actions. They seemed genuinely happy.
Her aunt Dorea winked at her as she caught her eyes. She smiled back. Aunt Dorea was her most favorite among her family with Uncle Charlus not far off.
Her face then fell upon the woman she hates the most in this world. Walburga was fuming in her direction. She felt a bit scared. The woman was deranged and obnoxious. She didn't care for her, but a stupid woman is a dangerous woman.
For now, she would enjoy the closeness with the boy she was gradually falling for.
" You spaced out a bit." Harry looking questioningly at her as they continued swaying to the slow tune.
" Nothing. It's just my aunt Walburga. The woman is a bitch." She spat.
" Are you sure you won't be in trouble, Ms. Black?" He asked. Bellatrix shook her head. " It's fine."
He shook his head.
" No. It isn't. If this is going to be a problem, we must stop." He said heatedly. Bellatrix smirked.
" Are you scared, Harris?" She teased.
" Nothing like that. But sometimes, we must be careful. Your aunt doesn't seem like a nice woman." He said.
" That woman is a pain. Poor Sirius and Regulus. It's a good thing that she doesn't have many rights in our family." Bellatrix shrugged.
" As for the other purebloods, I don't care. I choose to dance with you and Bellatrix Black decides what is good for Bellatrix." She said.
Harry let out a sigh. " You are either a very good person or a very crazy person, Ms Black. I sincerely hope it's the first one." He smirked.
" Oh you haven't seen the crazy side of me yet, Harris." She cooed, running a finger on his cheek.
Harry shuddered at what she meant, though she might not have understood his reaction.
' I know perfectly well what your crazy side is, Ms Black. I hope that you don't become that at any cost.' he thought mentally.
" Shall we sit down, you have been at it for half an hour now and please don't mind but I hate this shit." He said. The girl eyed him with amusement .
" If that's the case, I think you won't like what is coming next." She said and led him back to the seats.
He was about to sit down when Narcissa stopped him. " Harris. Please dance with me." She begged, pouting a little knowing that he would not disagree.
Harry couldn't deny her. He nodded and the girl cheered, leading him back to the dance floor. The height difference was too much. Harry was way too tall for the little girl, but he couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm.
This was followed by dancing with Andromeda, his grandmother Dorea, Lady Black, and surprisingly, Druella Black.
It was an utterly exhausted Harry that sat on his chair with a groan. " You seemed to have enjoyed yourself." Harry scowled at Bellatrix's amused face.
" Oh yeah. How did you know?" He replied with sarcasm.
" Whoa, no need to be cranky." Harry glared at the girl but relented.
The girl was about to speak when they were interrupted with a gentle cough.
" Mr Evanson." Harry recognised the speaker as Arcturus Black.
" Lord Black." He bowed respectfully.
" Hope you are enjoying the Ball." He asked. Harry nodded. " It's a wonderful event. " He shrugged.
" I will get to the point, Evanson. I and Charlus need to speak to you. So, if you could remain a few more minutes till the guests have left, we would be grateful."
Harry eyed the man with curiosity. He could reject of course. But he knew why they wanted to speak. Bellatrix must have said something. Well, he would get it over with.
" Sure." He nodded. The man nodded back and left the place. He turned back to Bellatrix and it wasn't difficult to understand that the girl was clearly nervous.
" You don't have to be nervous." He said.
Bellatrix snapped back to face Harry, trying to deny anything, but Harry stopped her.
" Try not to insult my intelligence, Ms Black. Your family would have no purpose to meet someone like me, if you hadn't told them anything. I am assuming that you have taken the necessary measures to not let this leak out or this would have been all over the country by now." He said.
" I had them take an unbreakable vow." She said. " Thank you, " said Harry.
&&&--
" I hope everything was good, Harris?" Dorea questioned as they all had retired to the sitting room after the guests had left.
The Potters, Arcturus and Melania, Cassiopeia, Cygnus and Druella and The Black sisters with Sirius were all that remained here, right now.
" It was a wonderful evening. I certainly enjoyed my time here." He smiled.
Dorea shook her head. " You don't have to placate me, Harris. Just go ahead and tell me that you hated the evening." She smirked as Harry grimaced.
" I hate these things, no offense." He added. The older woman just chuckled.
" You and many other men." She said.
" If we could get back to the reason I am being held back, I would go home quickly and get to sleep ." He said.
" We heard some rather interesting things about you, Mr Evanson. Apparently, you seem to be a man of many talents." Arcturus said, causing Harry to hum.
" So why don't you stop with all this foreplay and get to the matter quickly, Lord Black. I have things to do. Surely a man of your stature must be very busy." He said casually, enjoying how the man felt a bit irritated at that.
" Come now, Lord Black. Don't take me for a fool. I might be very young for all this but don't expect me to be ignorant on how to navigate in situations like these. I am a Slytherin, if you have forgotten." He smiled.
" Your granddaughter would be dead by now if she had been ignorant. It's good that she has brains." He said casually.
Cygnus Black had enough. He charged at the boy with his wand raised. " How dare you? Filthy mudblood." He roared but Harry placed a wand exactly at his nether region.
The man realized this and stopped.
He blanched at the glow of the boy's eyes.
" I don't care if you call me mudblood. A bunch of pampered idiots can't shake me. But if you ever dare raise your wand against me, I will make sure that your wife will have to make other arrangements to take care of her needs." He growled.
The man sputtered in embarrassment and anger while his wife Druella blushed brilliantly. " I would hate that to happen to a beautiful woman." He shrugged.
" You might be a Black or a White or Merlin himself for all I care. I don't take kindly to threats. My response will be brutal." He said.
" Now get your pampered arse and take a seat. I don't have all day and I need to get back." He said as he turned back to the Black lord expectantly.
" Are you a pureblood?" Asked Arcturus.
" I don't see how that is relevant. Why does it matter?" He asks.
" You speak Parseltongue. It's not an ability that any other than a Slytherin descendent gets. So you must be a pureblood." He said.
Harry eyed the man with amusement. He knew very well that Harry didn't have Slytherin blood. He wants to know Harry's past.
" Okay. Are you blood related to the Slytherin line?" Harry asked.
" My family is older than the founders, boy." He said, with pride evident on his face.
" Ok. So tell me. How did Hesper Black speak Parseltongue?" He asked, causing the older Blacks to pale at his words.
Contrary to popular belief, the Black line had a Parselmouth in its very early roots. Metamorphmagus and Parselmouth are two traits of the Black family that all but disappeared due to the inbreeding in the family. Harry knew very well about the Parselmouth. He had read some books from the Black library that nobody had access to. Parselmagic was a very useful weapon for him.
" H...how do you know that?" Arcturus whispered. Harry smirked.
" You would be surprised with the amount of things I have information on, Lord Black." He said.
The older man sat still without speaking a single word.
" Why do you look like us?" Asked Charlus. Harry smiled at his grandfather. The man didn't have an ulterior motive. Not that his great uncle had one, but the man was a quintessential Slytherin if there were any.
" I am related, maybe." He said mysteriously. Charlus shook his head.
" That's not possible. There are no Potters that have ever gone wayward, nor are there any lines that migrated. All of us were born here. Just like Arcturus, my line is very old. Probably a century or two older than the Black family and we have all grown up here." He explained.
Harry nodded. " That's true. But that doesn't mean that we aren't related. How, I will explain it very soon. You will surely know. As I said, you are the only uhmm... family or blood that is remaining to me. " He said, still keeping a low profile of his identity.
" So, you are a pureblood?" Asked Dorea.
" No. Half-blood." He said.
He felt James's hand pulling his shoulder.
" So you are family?" Asked James curiously. Harry nodded. " If you call it that way, yes. You are my blood relatives." He explained. James smiled and whooped.
" Look at that. The coolest guy in Hogwarts is my family." He smirked at Sirius.
Harry chuckled. Technically, he hadn't lied. He was their blood. Not as vague as he told them, but their blood. If he reveals the Peverell line, he would still be their blood.
It was a half truth and for now, that will do.
" Have you been putting that map to good use?" He asked. Sirius suddenly lit up.
" That is so cool. There are places in Hogwarts that we couldn't even imagine. Lost rooms, passages. The map helps us a lot. It even helps us escape the Professors. Poor McGonagall would be positively frightening if she ever gets to know about this." He said.
" What map?" Asked Cassiopeia. She had remained quiet for the better part of the meeting and had avoided looking into the boy's face even once.
James grinned. " Harris here, had given us a map. A very brilliant map." He said, causing confusion to the group.
He darted towards his room and was back two minutes later, with an old piece of parchment.
He handed it to his mother.
" Ok. This is not a joke, James." Dorea said, narrowing her eyes at her son.
James turned to Sirius. " Didn't I tell you that they wouldn't understand?" He grinned.
He tapped the map with his wand.
" I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." He said and watched as the map started to come alive.
Dorea gasped and dropped the map in shock. " Merlin's Beard." The others watched in amazement as the map started to form and surprisingly of Hogwarts. Various common rooms, classrooms , passages and every single thing.
" That is amazing." Charlus said with amazement. He turned to Harry.
" How did you do this? I don't think it's possible for a young man of your age. Or, is this what they are teaching at Hogwarts these days." He asked, his eyes not leaving the map.
"As I said, you would be surprised by the things I could do, Lord Potter." He chuckled. " But this, this was my father's brainwave. He and three more of his friends created this type of map, only for a different place. I replicated the enchantments and added a few of my own. It can't be summoned. It won't be burnt. It can't be stained and it gives you the information needed to reach a place, if you tap it with your wand and ask." He explained.
The elders assembled nodded, still amazed at what they had seen. " Your father must have been a very special person." Dorea smiled.
Harry nodded, his eyes blurring with a few tears. " He was." He nodded.
" Why give it to my nephew?" Asked Melania. " It is your father's map. It has a special connection with you, doesn't it?" She asked.
" I kept the original, Lady Black. I had replicated it and was using that copy until I gave it to James. And as to why I gave it to him, I love those boys." He said shooting James and Sirius a wink.
" What have you planned to do after Hogwarts?" Arcturus asked curiously.
Harry shrugged. " I haven't figured out anything. I will see where life leads me." He shrugged as he got up.
" If that is all?" He asked. They were all silent for a moment.
" That is all. Do keep visiting, Harris. You are, as you say, family afterall. I would expect a lot of letters from you, young man and don't you say otherwise." Dorea said, narrowing her eyes a little.
Harry chuckled. " I won't dare to ignore that." He said. " I will write." He said.
" And while you are there, keep an eye on those two and the three girls for me, will you?" Asked Melania. Harry nodded.
" Sure." He shrugged.
" What? We don't need looking after." James squawked indignantly.
" Sure you don't." His aunt snorted.
Harry bade his goodbye and walked out of the room and towards the floo and left.
" What do you think?" Asked Charlus. " I knew he was blood. There was a feeling I couldn't shake off. I have to give credit though. He is extremely sharp and a no nonsense type of young man." He said.
" I would watch him closely. He is righteous, but he is very dangerous. That much is certain." Arcturus said.
" He will be in the center of things coming up, that is for sure." He finished.
&&&--
As he walked towards the castle, he heard his name being called out from behind. Harry turned to see Felicia and Damian approaching. Harry didn't bother taking the train. He apparated to Hogsmeade and walked from the village to the castle.
" Hey guys." He greeted the two. " How was your holiday?" He asked.
" Better than the last. I spent it with Damian." She said. " Felix would go crazy. I shouldn't have let him stay alone, but the fool wouldn't listen." She said sadly as Harry put a hand around her shoulder.
" Do you want me to take care of your father?" He asked, out of the blue.
Felicia gaped at Harry. " No." She shook her head. " I will stay out of his way and in two more years, after Damian is out of school, we will get married. I can't wait to get out of that place. It's a hell hole. This new pureblood movement, my father has been training Felix to join up. He hates it. He hates that place, but he has to be there. I hope everyday that that man died instead of my mother." She said.
Harry pulled her closer. " It will be fine. You have Damian. You have me. You have your brother. You have your cousins. We will be there for you. " He placated the girl.
" If you want, just run away from that place, Felicia. Come with me. Just stay at my place. Or you could go to Damian's place. Sarah would love to have you." He said, chuckling fondly at the memory of the cute little girl.
Felicia was deep in thought. " How can I leave my brother behind?" She asks.
" He is at his wits end. I don't know how much more he can take before his mind breaks down. The bastard who birthed us is committing atrocities in our very own house. He brings in muggles to torture everyday. He and those stupid friends of his…" she shuddered.
" The vacant look on the woman that they would have violated is not one that I would ever forget." She shuddered.
Harry stilled. " Is this happening in your house?" He asked her gently. She nodded.
Harry thought for some time.
" Come with me. " He walked quickly, pulling the girl along with him and a confused Damian.
He led them into the hall which was almost full with students and the staff waiting for the arrival of the remaining.
He led the three straight to the place where Felix Rosier was sitting with a few of his friends. The hall became silent as they watched a very serious Harris Evanson. They curiously watched what he was doing.
Harry walked straight to Felix Rosier. The group that was conversing quietened when he approached.
One boy jeered at Harry. " What are you doing here, mudblood?" He said, causing his friends to snicker, but it instantly quietened when they saw the rage in his eyes.
Harry waved his wand, pushing the other boys three feet away and he waved again, creating a dome of sorts around him.
He stared the boy in the eye.
" Your father. What do you think of him?" He asked. The boy didn't reply, but certainly looked shaken.
" Monster. He is a cold hearted monster. He is not the same man that he was once. The things he does." He shuddered.
" I don't have love for any of your kind, but I certainly don't want that fate for them." He said. Harry scrutinized the boy.
" What would you do if your father was killed?" He asked. The boy shook his head.
" He is my father, Evanson. I don't want him to die. Despite everything, he raised me on his own shoulders." He said.
Harry nodded.
" Give me an hour." He said.
" Sara?" He called his loyal familiar and disappeared with a flash after the phoenix trilled and took him away.
The great hall was silenced. Harris Evanson had a Phoenix? Was the only thought running through their heads.
On the Staff table, Albus Dumbledore was floored. He had seen the expression that Harris carried as he walked towards the Rosier boy. He was surprised that The Rosier girl had befriended him. The two were inseparable.
What he didn't expect was the phoenix. How did the boy get a phoenix?
Back at the students table, Felix was confused. " What is he doing?" He questioned his sister.
" I don't know." She shrugged. " Let's wait."
&&&--
It was an hour later that Harry flashed back causing silence again. He clutched a document in his hand that is used by the Lords and Ladies regarding Ancient House matters.
He reached to where Felicia and Felix were sitting and handed the parchment to them. The two frowned in confusion as they read upon the missive.
Their expressions ranged from confusion to alarm to joy. Felicia let down a few tears as she smiled. Felix held his sister's hand and squeezed it and a small smile could be seen on his face.
Damian took the letter that was left on the table and had a look.
Felix
I write this missive as the only kin left to the two of you. Your father and Lord Evan Rosier suffered an accident today and has been rendered paralysed. It was a horrific accident caused due to a lax in one of the spells he was researching.
I am sorry to say this, but your father will not be waking up for the rest of his life. The curse that attacked him has been found to be untraceable and incurable and most of the top healers in St Mungo's have tried.
With that being said, the responsibility of House Rosier has befallen on myself and I appoint Lord Black as your proxy. I also ask that you and Felicia return to Black Manor for the summer. Lord Black has graciously accepted the position to mentor you for your future.
I hope you two are doing well and I can't wait to have you at my place.
Love,
Druella Black
Damian smiled. " This is great." He exclaimed happily.
Felicia got up and in a rare show of emotion jumped towards Harry and hugged the life off him. Harry could only smile back as he hugged his friend.
He had been a bit uneasy about their reaction. He would have killed the man if not for the two who loves their father. Say what you want and he might have killed hundreds of people, but he doesn't want Felicia to be sad. She is from a prominent family, one that had a member from Tom's inner circle. This time, he has shown mercy. There won't be another time.
" What did you do?" She asked softly.
Harry smirked. " I don't know what you are talking about." He said. Felicia snorted good naturedly. " Thank you. Thank you for this. I was honestly fed up with the man, but he is still my father. I would have killed the bastard myself if not for him." She said, nodding towards her brother.
" It's fine. I have shown mercy to that man. Make no mistake Felicia, my best friend or not, I would have killed that damn bastard for what he has done. It's only for your sake that I kept him alive. " He explained to which she nodded.
She then punched him on his shoulder before letting out a yelp as she felt like punching stone. She glared at the boy who was amused by her actions.
" Ok. Is there any reason why you seem to be a tad bit annoyed at me?" He questioned.
" Why didn't you tell me that you had a phoenix?" She glared.
Harry smacked his forehead. " I revealed Sara, didn't I?" He asked incredulously, causing Felicia to erupt into laughter.
He looked around to see his familiar sitting with Lily, causing the girl to giggle as the phoenix trilled again as if having a conversation.
Harry walked towards the Gryffindor table. He smiled as he saw how happy his mother seemed. This was one reason why he was ever grateful for this second chance. He had his mother. The only memory that he had of his mother was her begging to spare his life and take hers.
This was a huge improvement. A young and energetic Lily who was amazed and awed by this Magical world.
He sat next to the girl who smiled as she saw him. " Hello Lily." He greeted. Lily beamed at him and proceeded to hug him.
" Thank you for the present. It was wonderful. " She said. Harry had sent a rare charms book that he had at his place. He knew his mother loved charms and the book would be safe with her.
" You're welcome. But as I told you, I want you to wait before casting the spells after the one hundredth page. They are advanced and are very taxing." He said and Lily nodded.
" Harris, these two are my friends, Marlene McKinnon and Dorcas Meadows." She introduced. Harry smiled a greeting causing them to blush red.
" Ok Sara. Time to go." He called his phoenix. Sara seemed to stare at Harry with her eyes, making Harry curse.
" Don't you give me those eyes, young Lady. I shouldn't let you near Narcissa at all. You two are unbearable." He said and the Phoenix trilled.
" Okay fine, but only five more minutes." He said and Sara trilled happily before flying off towards James and Sirius.
" You have a phoenix. How can I get one?" She asked curiously. Harry smiled.
" Honestly, I have no idea. She found me when I was all alone and she wouldn't let me go. I am very grateful for her decision. I gained a loyal companion and friend." He said.
" You said alone. Don't you have your family?" She asked and immediately regretted it when she saw his eyes become hollow.
" I am sorry, Harris." She whispered, horrified at what she had said.
" It's fine. You didn't know." He said sadly.
" You look so much like my mother. Red hair, green eyes and a very intelligent witch. They say that she was the smartest witch of her generation. And she loved charms and potions." He said, eliciting a look of wonder from the girl.
" Really?" She asked. Harry nodded. " She loved charms so much that she became the youngest charms mistress from where I come from." He said.
" She is a wonderful woman." Lily said. Harry chuckled as he nodded. " Yes. She was." He said.
" I will see you tomorrow, Lily. I need to catch some sleep." He said, and got up calling his familiar and left the hall.
&&&--
The next three months passed very quickly as Harry and Felicia became extremely busy preparing for their NEWTs. Harry had not bothered to take his NEWTs in his previous life. It wouldn't matter, anyhow. These exams are of no matter to him at all.
Felicia though was not exempt from the tension. She had slept very little for three days before Harry had chewed her head out for losing sleep. He had hit her with a sleeping charm and that had been a repeating occurrence much to Harry's displeasure.
Bellatrix had started sitting with him and Felicia studying for her OWLS along with them. It had become a kind of revision activity for the two.
Harry was frankly impressed with Bellatrix. He knew the girl was no slouch, but her understanding was of the next level. She had knowledge from the roots if it is related to a theory of magic or such. Spells came easily to her. But Harry knew this. He had the ability to do spells effortlessly and Bellatrix was probably the only one other than Tom and Dumbledore that could do this.
The subtle glances that Bellatrix used to send him was one other thing that had got his attention, but he had waved it off. Probably she has some kind of interest in how he works.
"Harris?" She had stopped him one day when he was leaving the Library.
" What's up, Ms Black?" He asked.
" Is it so difficult to call me Bellatrix?" She questioned exasperatedly. Harry shook his head but didn't reply.
" Ok fine. I want your help to learn the Patronus charm." She asked.
Harry nodded. " Sure." He said and had led her to the Room of Requirements. The expression on Bellatrix's face when he started to walk across the entrance and one that formed after the door materialized and led her inside, was one that Harry would never forget. Her amazement doing wonderful things to his stomach that he could not place.
" I am showing this place so that you could come and practice with all your heart. I hope you keep this place a secret,
Ms Black. I would hate to have people here all the time when only a select few can access it. I am trusting that you would use this room well. Can I ?" He asked.
Bellatrix nodded definitely. She was amazed. This room opened up a whole new level of possibilities.
" Let's get started." He said and then proceeded to explain it like he had done in the Great Hall.
" My memory is a problem. I can't seem to find something happy enough to help me." She said and casted the spell. A bright mist formed but nothing more than that.
" Why don't you create a happy memory?" He asked. " Something that you want very much. Something that will give you extreme satisfaction." He said and didn't notice Bellatrix's smile.
Bellatrix had worked hard to master the Patronus charm. She had remembered him telling these exact same words and had created a new happy memory.
She had planned this so that she could show him her patronus. The form of her new patronus.
' If he doesn't understand this, he is a very intelligent idiot.' she thought.
She closed her eyes and thought hard for a few moments. Her thoughts revolved around the green eyed, handsome young man that had captured her heart. Her imagination led to where she would be together with him. The many moments he would share with her. The smile that he would throw at her. His rough hands holding her smooth ones. The passionate kisses that he would bestow upon her.
" Expecto Patronum." She said and the mist that formed from her wand, grew bigger and bigger and finally in its place stood a doe. She smiled at the Patronus.
' We are a perfect match, Harris. Just open your eyes and put it together. ' she thought.
Harry stared at the doe. This was almost similar to his patronus but the female version. Something happened in his heart that he had never experienced. A very strong and new emotion hit him. He couldn't place it. He didn't know about it.
He turned to Bellatrix who was watching him expectantly. " That was wonderful, Ms Black. Wow." He praised. The girl frowned.
" What do you think about the form? Doesn't it match yours?" She asked him again, expectantly.
" Maybe we share a lot more in common than we had initially thought about." He shrugged.
Bellatrix let out a sigh.
' You are a fool, Harris.' she thought. She then smiled at the confusion in his eyes. 'But you are my fool to sort out.' she thought.
" Thanks a lot for your help, Harris. You have been a great help to me." She said and then, with a leap of faith, she leaned forward and kissed his cheek.
"Goodnight, Harris." She said and left the room with a heavy pink adorning her cheeks.
Harry stared at the spot the girl disappeared. His hands had automatically found the spot where he felt her lips. His confusion just grew.
" Is she….?" He said to himself but cut himself short. " No way. She is way out of your league, mate and I don't think her family would agree to someone like me." He said to himself and slowly left the room, deep in thought.
&&&--
Harry had packed all his belongings and had his truck ready. His time at Hogwarts as a student will be over by tomorrow. He let his mind wander, thinking of all the things that happened here. New friends, new allies. He was glad that he came to Hogwarts. For the next year or so, he would be going on a few jobs he had received.
The job that he had received was surprising to say the least.
FLASHBACK
Harris entered the Three Broomsticks and made his way to the bar keep. Madam Rosemerta was as he remembered, still as pretty as she was, twenty or so years from now.
" Harris." She greeted the boy with a smile.
" Rosie." He smiled. The woman had insisted that he call her so.
" Your appointment is waiting in room number three, first floor." She smiled.
Harry entered the room and was immediately on the alert. A bone breaker flew towards him, but Harry swatted the spell away with ease. Two more bone breakers were fired, but this time, he had enough. The spells sailed harmlessly as he ducked it, but with a flick of his wand, he sent a wide area stunning petrification spell followed by three disarmers with blistering speed.
Judging by the reaction of the person, or rather the people inside, they were not expecting him to do this. He could understand. It needed a hell lot of control over your magic to cast a wide area spell. They are dangerous and are used without control.
" You can free us young man." The voice spoke. " We mean no harm." He said.
Harry snorted. " Yeah. You made that very clear, didn't you?" He asked sarcastically though he relented as he had the wands of the men inside.
The light was switched on and Harry was face to face with six cloaked figures.
" That was excellent, Mr Evanson." A female voice spoke and the rest of them removed their hoods. There were three well built men and three women.
" Mr Evanson. It's a pleasure." The woman continued. " I am Natalie Cheryshev." She introduced.
" I lead the ICW wing of Assassins." She explained. Harry nodded.
" At first thought, we might seem like a cult, but the ICW has a secret wing that is used for the protection of the public from the odd balls that crop up now and again." She explained.
" We have been observing you for some time now and we have decided to recruit you for our wing." She explained. " This wing is only open to the best of the best and is not public knowledge to anyone." She explained.
" If you are willing Mr Evanson, we will have the necessary documents ready to appoint you to the wing. Don't worry about the pay. Many won't earn the money you make in one job in their entire lifetime." She explained.
Harry was frankly surprised. This was something he could do. He hated the ministry and he didn't want to be stuck under the Beck and call of a few pureblood arse holes.
He could take out a few big game players and thereby land a huge blow to Tom.
He nodded in agreement, causing the woman to smile. " Excellent. We are extremely happy to welcome someone of your caliber to our team, Mr Evanson." She shook his hand.
The documents were produced and after going through it with a fine tooth comb, he signed it and left.
FLASHBACK ENDS--
Harry had not explained what he would be doing. Not even to Felicia. Felicia was starting work at the ministry in the Department of Mysteries. He was proud of her. Starting work directly under Director Croaker was not a small achievement.
He would miss her. But he would be back by at least a year and a half. After that, he would be given a contract privately and he would carry it out unless the entire team was needed.
It had been hard to convince the girl, but ultimately she had relented.
The most weird of the reactions was from Bellatrix. He couldn't understand the reaction of Bellatrix. She was extremely dejected for the last one week since she learnt that he will be leaving.
She wanted to say something but was being held back.
He would speak to her and ask her about it. For now, he will have a good sleep.
&&&--
Harry sat in the Hogwarts express for probably the last time. Felicia, Felix, Damian and the Black family along with James, Lily were seated with him.
The mood was certainly not a jolly one.
" Come on guys. Don't make this difficult. I can't leave with you all being like this. I will be back before you know it." He placated the group.
" Well, it's difficult. You should have stayed, but we will try to understand." Andromeda said with everyone nodding along.
They spent the rest of the train ride speaking small things. As they were only fifteen minutes away from the station, Bellatrix nodded to the others.
They all left, leaving the two of them.
Bellatrix was silent for sometime but finally gathered some courage to speak.
" Why should you go, Harris?" She asked.
" Why now?" She asked. "It's just been a year or so Ms Black. It will be over before we know it." He said.
" Sometimes, you are too dense, Harris. I hoped that I would have a lot of time with you but that was not the case." She said.
" I don't understand Ms Black." He was interrupted by Bellatrix.
" I love you, you idiot. I have loved you for sometime now, but you have been too dense to see it. I have gone out of my way to make you see it." She said.
" Ms Black...I . " She interrupted him.
" Don't speak, Harris." She said. " Let me speak. " Harry nodded.
" I had my views changed. I have been impressed. I don't know how to say this, but you have spoiled me for any other boy. Nobody can be you. Nobody can match up to you." She explained.
" Now, you are going away for a year, Harris. I don't want any harlot to sink her claws in you." She said and all of a sudden, stood on her toes and kissed him.
Harry closed his eyes and his hand went up to her waist. He enjoyed this new sensation. He enjoyed the feel of her. The taste of her lips. The scent of her.
She deepened the kiss and probed his mouth with his tongue. He let her entry and moaned at the new sensation.
She finally let him go. For Harry, Bellatrix had never looked more beautiful. Her face was flushed and her cheeks were red.
" That was something for you to remember me by." She whispered. She leaned forward and gave another chaste kiss.
" I will wait for you, Harris. I will wait. Come back to me." She whispered as she opened the door.
" Nobody, I mean nobody can be as perfect for you as Bellatrix Black, Harris Evanson. I don't care what the world thinks. I want you and nobody else. I don't care if you are a mudblood or a half or a pure blood." She said.
She then smirked at him. " Just admit it, Evanson. You can't ever get something like this. " She said seductively, running her finger over her lips and smirking as his eyes followed her finger.
" Take your time and think, Harris. I will be waiting for you. I will wait for you for the next one or probably two years, but remember this. Nobody can take you away from my heart, Harris. I love you. " She said and walked away, leaving a dumbfounded Harry in her wake.
" Oh crap." Was the only thought that ran through his head as Harry fell back dazed into his seat.
TBC--
Hey guys. I hope you are well. Do stay safe guys, these days are not kind to us and I am frankly fed up with all the shit that's coming out in the News and such.
Anyway, I have brought you the next chapter. I hope this is upto your liking. Finally, Bellatrix confesses her love for Harry. Finally. I think I have done a good job with it.
Next chapter will probably be fast-forwarded for two years. Please keep up with the reviews. I am glad that many of you have responded positively.
And for a few who think that Harry is behaving like a wuss, it's because he doesn't want any attention on him. He wanted to keep a low profile.