AN: I honestly didn't imagine I would have another chapter out this quickly. But my best friend and a lot of my reviewers really inspired me to get this written.

Fairing warning, my last scene in this chapter will have a little smut in it.

Enjoy!

~NicoDiAngeloLover7

Touched by Death – Chapter 17: Bound by Duties

Harry wanted to curse something badly, or rather somebody. He blew air out of his nostrils harshly. The thing that Sirius and Marcus didn't tell him was the Triwizard Tournament. An event that Albus Dumbledore had explained at the opening feast. He wasn't sure what he felt about the event. Maybe excitement since he would get to meet two other wizarding schools that were like Hogwarts next month. Or maybe it was the idea of watching these dangerous events and for once not having to be part of it.

Things were a little tense in Gryffindor Tower, Harry assumed it to be the fact he was currently in a relationship with a Slytherin. Considering the infamous rivalry, but most remembered what happened last year with the Gryffindor Quidditch team. Nobody was brave enough to encore the wrath of the Head of Gryffindor.

One of the pleasing sights was at the Welcoming Feast, Snape looked like he had swallowed something sour. Then the sight morphed into a satisfied smirk. Harry was watching at the Gryffindor table as Professor McGonagall was keeping a conversation with the Potions Master. The Gryffindor felt the corner of his lips twitch, no doubt Professor Snape didn't like being kept in the dark about one of his Slytherins. He silently wondered if the sour look was from Professor McGonagall goading Snape. Harry wondered if Professor McGonagall would mention his name being part of why Marcus was chosen as Headboy. He knew it wasn't totally true, he only held a small part of it no matter what Marcus said.

The school was in an absolute frenzy about the Triwizard Tournament. Marcus rolled his eyes at the thought of eternal glory. He honestly couldn't care about that stupid tournament, but not everyone thought the same. Slytherins were much more reserved about it, but he could see the excitement. There was no way he was going to enter, not even the award appealed to him. He had plenty of gold, considering the fact he had swiped majority right under his parents' noses. It was under another account name in Gringotts that his family wouldn't be able to link back to him or ever get back.

He was a bit thankful he had his own dorm, despite that he had to share it with the Headgirl. A fellow seventh year that was in Ravenclaw. Marcus honestly had no idea what her name was, he didn't really interact with her much. Since he had his own list of duties and she had hers, it was easier to get things done. There were a few things they worked together on, but she didn't really speak with him much. They mostly worked together on some last-minute things to do about the tournament. That was mainly about accommodation for both schools. There were extra dormitories scattered around the castle that were mostly guarded by portraits. If needed, there were additional dorms in the Slytherin and Ravenclaw dorms. The castle had a habit of extending rooms when needed, it was very sentimental. The other times was when both Headboy and girl had to speak with the Prefects on the Hogwarts Express and their patrolling schedules. Though, apparently the prefects this year were too concerned about that they had to report to a Slytherin. Marcus had wound up glaring at all of them, which seemed to shut them up. It was only then that they were able to get the Prefects patrolling schedule out for the train. It made Marcus want to curse every one of them, least the Slytherin prefects were competent enough. All the others seemed to lack brain cells and the Headgirl didn't help any. She mainly just stayed silent as everything happened. Marcus scoffed, how she managed to make Headgirl, he didn't know.

There was a silent agreement that he would arrange patrolling schedules for Slytherin and Gryffindor prefects. The Headgirl would manage the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff schedules. Marcus had a strong suspicious that Dumbledore did that on purpose. They would then coordinate the schedules, so they wouldn't clash with the other two houses. That rarely happened since Slytherins mainly patrolled the dungeons and the first two floors and Hufflepuffs usually patrolled the library and the corridor, along with the third floor. The other two houses were responsible for the remaining upper corridors. There were days when the schedules would rotate, so there wasn't really any need to communicate. Especially since it was the Heads of Houses that originally created the patrol schedules. The Headboy and girl would make modifications to it if it was needed and assigned the houses. The Head of Houses would be the ones deciding if they wanted to intermix the prefects for patrols and who would work best together. Though, there would be some days that Marcus would join the prefects on the patrols. That was mainly to ensure they weren't abusing their power as a Prefect. And if needed, the Headboy or girl would report to their Head of House or the Deputy Headmistress.

The only other times there might be a possible interaction was on the planning of Hogsmeade trips. Marcus was one of the few that knew about Quidditch being cancelled because of the tournament. He had been informed in a letter that was attached to his Hogwarts letter when he received his badge. Marcus hadn't been too happy about that fact. And opposed as what Harry might say, Sirius did not tell him and make him promise not to say anything. The Deputy Headmistress was the one that ordered that he wasn't to inform any students until it was announced at the Welcome Feast. Though, that decision had been postponed until the students from Bulgaria and France had arrived.

Normally, the Headboy and girl were responsible of organizing the Quidditch matches and working alongside with the Quidditch Captains. And then would coordinate with the heads of houses, depending on which two houses were playing for that match. That wasn't the case this year.

The school would be informed about the cancelled Quidditch matches next month, after the two schools got a little accustomed to Hogwarts after they arrived.

Marcus' lips were curled in a snarl. Durmstrang and Beauxbatons were set to arrive in about a week and the preparations was exhausting. The duties at Headboy didn't bother him as much, it was the fact that Harry was worrying him. What was pissing him off was that someone dared to mess with his boyfriend's mind. He had a pretty good idea on who it was, but he wasn't stupid enough to point a wand in their face. He knew that he would destroy him if he was right. And it probably wouldn't take very much to accomplish this, but he would need Harry's help. Several of that man's titles had already been revoked due to Madam Bones. That woman didn't take kindly on those who tried to interfere with her work. Especially when she finds that 'certain' people intentionally kept this hidden. The Slytherin had a lot of respect for the Head of the DMLE. Marcus grinned, even the Minister wasn't protected from the backlash. The man hadn't been sacked, but it had been a close call. And if Dumbledore happened to get a huge stack of howlers, well he was going to watch and let the man suffer.

The first sign he noticed was when Harry had asked what a Death Eater was after the Cup. Marcus clearly remembered telling him last year about Death Eaters when the conversation about his family came up. Something was seriously wrong, there was no reason why Harry would have forgotten. Especially considering what the topic was about. That event was suspicious enough to warrant a closer look.

Marcus didn't see any aftereffects of the Gryffindor being obliviated. But he didn't hesitate to write to Sirius to express his concerns. That man was as protective over Harry as he was, maybe a little less. Maybe the man could share some light of what is going on. Considering Marcus was training to be a Curse Breaker, not delving into the arts of mind manipulation. And if Marcus happened to have a more possessive hold over Harry, well nobody could blame the Slytherin.

Harry was sitting in one of the Gryffindor chairs by the fireplace. He had one of his textbooks out for the assignment that Flitwick had set the prior day. It was set on Banishing charms, Flitwick had wanted a roll of parchment before they started on the practical lesson the next day. He only glanced up when he heard someone sit down in a chair near him.

Harry grinned, "Hey Dean."

"Not becoming another Hermione, are you?"

Harry rolled his eyes, "Nope. But I have to keep my grades up if I want to keep training under Madam Pomfrey. Flitwick's class is easy enough."

Dean gave Harry a crazy look. "Whatever you say, mate. You hear anything about the Quidditch tryouts?"

Harry gave Dean a blank look, "you do realize that I don't play Quidditch anymore, right?"

Dean looked a little embarrassed. "Forgot… though I thought about trying out."

Harry looked at Dean for a moment, it almost made him squirm a little. "You would make a good chaser."

Dean's eyebrows rose. "How?"

"You got the build for chaser. You might be good for Seeker too, but I don't know how good your sight is. Besides, I've seen you play football on the Quidditch Pitch, you're quick on your feet. I'd say you're pretty good on a broom too."

Dean seemed to brighten at that.

"I think the school has something planned for Quidditch this year, though. Cause the notice is usually up by now. I imagine we may know in a few days," Harry thought out loud.

"Have you asked Marcus?"

Harry looked surprised at the question before smiling. It seems that some of the Gryffindors were getting used to Marcus. His smile turned to a frown before scoffing, "I doubt Marcus would tell me if he knew."

Dean looked shocked at that.

Harry laughed, "it's not as bad as you think. He tends to get amusement out of people reactions. Plus, he takes being Headboy very seriously. Just like Marcus didn't tell me about the tournament. Most likely orders from Professor McGonagall. And the fact that he wanted to see my reaction about the tournament." The small Gryffindor rolled his eyes.

Dean snorted, "Somehow I can picture that happening."

"I'm not the only one he does that to. He does it to the Slytherins all the time. He likes to watch them squirm. I'll admit it's funny when he does it to Malfoy. Apparently, he isn't too big of a fan of Marcus' curses when he whines too much," Harry smirked.

Dean laughed, "now that would be an image to remember."

"I can always ask Marcus to borrow his Pensieve," Harry suggested.

"Pensieve?" Dean was confused.

"Oh Merlin, I forgot. Marcus has been trying to catch me up with everything in the Wizarding World. A Penieve is kind of like a bowl that you can rewatch your memories."

"Oh… that be great," Dean's eyes were wide. He still wasn't sure what a Penieve was, but he was really curious to find out.

Harry was in the library with Marcus when he noticed the Slytherin reading a letter. Marcus had some books spread out, Harry assumed it was to prepare for his N.E.W.T.s this year. He had glanced over it when he first came in, it was showing a diagram of how to turn vinegar into wine. The Gryffindor couldn't' tell if it was for Charms or Transfiguration.

"What are you reading?"

Marcus made a subtle jump. Harry wouldn't have noticed if he wasn't paying so close attention to his boyfriend.

"Wrote a letter to Sirius about something. He just replied," Marcus muttered under his breath.

Harry looked surprised, "what is it about?"

Marcus frowned for a moment. He rolled the letter up and stuffed into his robes. The 7th year grabbed his books and shoved them into his bag before slinging it over his shoulder.

Harry looked taken back at the sudden actions. All he managed to say was a 'huh—' before Marcus grabbed his wrist and dragged him out of the library.

It took a minute for Harry to remember how to get his legs to work so he could keep up with Marcus. He was silently thankful he didn't bother getting any of his books or homework out yet. The Gryffindor let his boyfriend drag him along, figuring it was enough payback for the many times he'd done the same.

To Harry's surprise, they didn't go to their usual room where Harry taught Marcus the Patronus Charm. His curiosity was getting stronger the closer they got to the seventh floor. It was sometime during their trek to the seventh floor that Marcus moved his hand from Harry's wrist to his hand.

Harry's eyebrows scrunched together in confusion but stayed silent to watch Marcus.

Marcus had slowly let go of Harry's hand and was starting to walk back and forth down the corridor.

The small raven had to blink a few times to make sure his mind wasn't playing tricks. Where there had been a wall, had formed a door. "What—"

Marcus smirked as he grabbed Harry's hand once more. "Gryffindors don't know everything…"

Harry huffed as he walked through the door. He was stunned when he saw an exact replica of Sirius' living room. "What—. H—How is this possible? We're not really back at Sirius' house?"

Marcus laughed, "No, we're still at Hogwarts. Sirius told me about this place. He said it's called the Room of Requirement. It appears when you walk by three times and you have to think what you want. You wanted to know what Sirius said in that letter, we needed something more private to talk about it." Marcus tone turned more serious.

Harry was openly gapping. It took him a second to find his voice again. "What's going on, then?"

Marcus had a slight scowl on his face. "Nothing good."

Harry started to follow Marcus to one of the sofa's in the spacious room. Marcus' bag was thrown to one three of the chairs in the room. Marcus sat on the left side of the couch. He dug out the letter he had stuffed into his robes earlier. Harry frowned as he dropped beside Marcus, almost curling into his side.

The letter was a little crinkled.

"Marcus,

I got your letter, which is a little worrying. You say it doesn't look like Harry has been obliviated. But my godson somehow is missing parts of his memory. The fact you believe it to be Dumbledore is worrying. I'm not sure what to think of the old man, but if you're right, then I still would be stuck in Azkaban. If that is true, I will be having some words with him. No doubt I'll have Minerva to back me up.

I'll speak with the Goblins of Gringotts, with some luck they will be able to help. They are experts in mind magic and have artifacts that should undo any magic if needed. I won't be surprised if Dumbledore may try to fight me on taking you both to Gringotts. He will be in for a big surprise if he tries. I know a reporter that will love to get their hands on Dumbledore.

Tell Harry to stay safe and I'm proud of him. That he may be a Potter, but he will always be a Black. He will always have people that love him.

I'll write back soon when I know a date and I'll be by to pick up you and Harry.

Sirius

Harry felt his hands start to shake while he was reading Sirius' letter. He wasn't sure what to think. He had memories missing? Dumbledore was responsible? His thoughts felt frantic. Harry didn't really know what to think of Dumbledore, the man had seemed so trusting. Was it all for show? Harry hadn't really trusted that man in a while, especially when the headmaster seemed to almost glare when he was with Marcus. Harry was pretty sure he stopped trusting that man since Dumbledore had tried talking to him about why he didn't go to him about Pettigrew. Harry found that Marcus' concerns made a lot of sense. He remembered the worry he had that Dumbledore might have let Pettigrew escape so that Sirius would never see the light of day.

Harry's last thoughts were in anger. Though he didn't realize he was breathing heavily until he felt someone grab at his face.

"Harry, look at me," Marcus voice seemed strangely insistent. His hands were cupping Harry's cheeks.

"Sirius and I are looking into this. You aren't alone. And if Dumbledore is the reason for all your misery. I promise he will not get away with it. If you think I will allow anyone to mess with your mind, you are surely mistaken. Anyone dares to mess with you, they will meet my wand and it won't be pretty. But trust me when I say if it is Dumbledore, I will ruin him. And I know Sirius and your friends will be right behind me."

Marcus laid a kiss to Harry forehead before taking possession of his lips. It had a slight taste of treacle tart, Harry's favorite dessert. Marcus dragged Harry, so he was on top of him. He let his hands slip slightly under Harry's robe and cardigan, resting on the Gryffindor's hips. It felt forever since he last kissed Harry like this. His lips were addicting as he snuck his tongue past pink lips. It was feverously hot as he wrapped his tongue around Harry's.

Marcus was pretty sure he heard the words, 'oh god,' slip pass Harry's lips. The Gryffindor had broken away slightly and was gasping. The Slytherin felt a flash of pride of being able to affect the small raven. Because he definitely felt something pressing against his leg and he knew it wasn't Harry's wand.

If Harry was thinking properly, he would have blamed Marcus for being Slytherin for what he did next.

"Oh fuck…" was Harry sharp yell.

Marcus had slipped a hand beneath Harry's trousers and boxers and wrapped a hand around him. He could feel Harry instinctively buck into his hand.

"Please…" Harry whined.

Harry tilted his head back slightly as he let out a low moan when he felt Marcus' hand move again. Marcus' hand on him felt amazing and it seemed to put enough pressure to cause pleasure. He could feel his toes curl slightly as his hips rocked into Marcus' hand.

Harry can already feel the precum starting to leak. Which made the strokes a bit faster and brought Harry closer to the edge.

"Oh shit…" Harry's words were barely audible before he felt his trousers become soaked. He had to blink a few times before he realized that Marcus had his wand out. Before he knew it, his boxers didn't feel sticky. Though he felt slightly embarrassed that he didn't last as long.

"Handy spell…" Harry's voice was breathless.

Marcus smiled and kissing Harry slowly. "Better?"

"Much. Thanks, I really needed that."

Marcus smirked, "the talk or the hand job?"

Harry's face went scarlet. "Both?" was the unsure answer.

"Well you looked like you needed a distraction from your thoughts." Marcus' smile was back as he laughed a little. "You're adorable."