AN: I definitely had a bunch of fun writing this chapter. Hope you enjoy it as much as I loved writing it. Let me know what you think!
Don't hesitate to leave any ideas you have.
~NicoDiAngeloLover7
Touched by Death – Chapter 28 (Lying Beneath the Deep)
It was the day before the Second Task when Harry found himself walking beside his boyfriend. He had already informed Marcus of what him and his friends talked about. So, now Marcus knew what the egg said and what the task was about.
"I can't say if Terence has figured it out yet. It's hard to say what they'll use as a treasure, the Headmistress isn't being too revealing with information at the moment," Marcus commented as he threaded his fingers with Harry's.
Despite the situation, Harry grinned. "He'll figure it out. Though I'm not sure if Professor McGonagall knows herself. And I figure the other schools don't know either, otherwise Viktor would know."
Marcus nodded, "I would assume you would figure that out tomorrow. Now I would say you could use the Bubble-head Charm. But we haven't gotten that far yet and I rather we have several weeks before attempting it. That charm requires a great deal of concentration, otherwise the charm will fade. And I'm not about to let you run the risk of drowning before you can reach the surface." The Slytherin's last words were said with a growl.
"I don't expect you to. Can't you do the same runes on my clothing like last time?" Harry asked as they reached the 5th floor.
Marcus hummed thoughtfully, "it's not a bad idea. I'll have to place an endurance rune so it lasts over an hour, that should strengthen the other runes. But there is no telling what kind of creatures may be in that lake, only speculation."
Harry worried his lower lip for a moment before steeling himself. The idea of facing mysterious creatures frightened him a little. But he had a bad feeling about today, and he wasn't sure why. He tried to push the feelings down, thinking it was because the next task was tomorrow morning.
As if sensing Harry's thoughts, Marcus placed a small kiss to Harry's head. "Don't overthink it too much, you'll do terrific, just like with the dragons."
"I'm not sure if that was supposed to reassure me or not," Harry teased.
Marcus rolled his eyes, "just take the compliment, dumbass Gryffindor…"
Harry gave a cheeky smile in response.
By that time, both Harry and Marcus had reached the 3rd floor. Harry had his last lesson of the day with Professor Moody.
Marcus gave Harry a small smile before pecking his lips. "I'll see you later tonight, keep close to the Slytherins. I still don't trust those Gryffindors."
Harry smiled at the warning, "it's only Defense, plus there's no way they'll try something with that many witnesses. And besides, my friends wouldn't stand for it."
Marcus still didn't look too sure about that, but he sighed. "Still… keep a watch out, I still don't trust them…"
Harry rolled his eyes at that. "Fine… I'll keep a look out, happy?"
"Ecstatic," Marcus commented dryly. He watched as Harry went inside the classroom before heading to the Great Hall. He wanted to eat before his meeting with the Headmistress in an hour.
Harry was immediately on guard as he took his seat near Neville and Blaise Zabini. Seamus, Theo, and Dean were currently sitting behind him. He made sure to make plenty of distance between him and his ex-friends. The tension in the air felt thick, almost like something was going to happen.
That was when he looked at the board and it held the words, 'Unforgivable Curses.' Harry scrunched his eyebrows in confusion, he didn't recall every hearing about those type of curses. But when he glanced to look at Neville, he immediately noticed his friend was pale.
"Neville? Are you alright?" Harry's voice was laced with concern.
"I'm fine…" was the shaky reply.
Harry merely raised an eyebrow in disbelief. Before he could question Neville more on his odd behavior, his attention was diverted to the front of the room.
"Dark Curses," a voice boomed.
Harry's eyes went to the front of the class to see Professor Moody walk to the front of the class from his office door. It was his voice that diverted his attention from his friend.
"A topic we'll be going over for the next few days. Today will be about the Unforgivables," Moody's voice echoed throughout the classes. "Is there anyone who can tell me how many there are?" His magical eye was scanning the room, though several times it landed on Harry.
"Three, Professor," came a voice behind Harry.
Moody nodded his head, "correct, Mr. Nott. Can you also tell me why they are named so?"
"Casting any of them can serve you a life sentence in Azkaban prison."
Moody nodded in approval. "10 points to Slytherin."
It didn't take a genius to know that Hermione Granger was silently fuming and glaring at the back of Nott's head.
"Now, today's lesson will be a practical lesson of these three curses. You all around the age to know what these curses do. The Ministry argues that you are too young to witness these curses. I say different! Constant Vigilance!" Moody yelled at the end of his speech.
By now, the class expected the scream and were listening intently. Complete opposite of their first class, where the class had jumped when Professor Moody had yelled Constant Vigilance. Their professor had the habit of yelling that particular phrase in an attempt to try to catch them unaware. Some of the class had caught on what their professor was going to show them, others didn't. Though a lot of the students were apprehensive about the topic, the events before the year started was ringing clear in their minds.
"Now… who wants to tell me what one of the curses are?" Moody asked while gazing across the room. His magical eye homed onto Draco Malfoy when the blonde responded.
The blonde's posture was relaxed as he spoke, "the Imperius, Professor."
When Malfoy answered, it seemed to make Hermione even madder. But she seemed to hold her tongue for the moment.
"Correct, five points to Slytherin. As most of you know, this particular curse gave quite a few people some grief years ago," the professor responded with almost an evil smile. He went to the front of the class and released a spider. He cast an Engorgement Charm on the creature, so it was more visible as he levitated the creature all over the class. Most of the class was laughing as the creature went from student to student, even almost giving Ron Weasley a heart attack. Which Harry thought the red-head honestly deserved for everything he put him and his friends through. The class soon grew quiet when they realized that the professor could have made the creature drown or kill itself.
"The Imperius curse is no laughing matter. A person can have total control over another person or spider in this case. There are some witches and wizards that are immune to the curse and can fight it. In most cases, a person wouldn't even realize they were under the influence of the curse. Or if they did, they aren't powerful enough to fight it. Now I want all of you to line up, with any luck this will help save your life one day."
There were hesitant looks exchanged all around, but there wasn't any movement.
"Line up, now!" Moody demanded.
That seemed to make everyone rush into action and soon there was a line.
Harry cast a glance at Neville, his friend was still pale, but he seemed to regain some of the color.
"You okay?" Harry whispered.
Harry watched as Neville gave him a slight nod. Even Seamus and Dean gave Neville some curious glances.
Professor Moody started casting the Imperius Curse on each student for around ten seconds before cancelling it. As he expected, most of the class didn't have the strength to try to fight the curse. Only except a select few, which caught the man off guard.
If Harry had to explain what the Imperius felt like, he would say like a wave of warmth from a blanket. His body was completely relaxed like a fog had settled over his mind. But when Professor Moody commanded for him to jump. His mind started to rebel, and the fog was starting to clear. And without Harry realizing it, he had fought off the Imperius Curse and the professor looked pleased for some reason.
"Fifteen points to Gryffindor and ten points to Slytherin," Moody awarded for those who were able to fight the curse. With that said, he watched as the class resumed their seats.
"That's one curse, would someone like give us the second?"
"Cruciatus," Neville muttered softly.
Apparently, Moody had exceptional hearing, because his attention was focused on Neville. He studied the boy for a moment before nodding. "Five points to Gryffindor. The Torture Curse, particularly nasty." That was said with a grin.
Harry was starting to wonder if they were right on saying Moody was completely mad or mental.
With those words, Moody turned back to the spider, which was sitting on the desk. With a cry he said, "Crucio!"
Instantly, the spider legs were twitching uncontrollably and screaming in pain.
Harry looked horrified and apparently, he wasn't the only one. If anyone were to look at him, he probably looked white as a sheet as his stomach dropped. And Neville wasn't any better, any color the boy had was gone in an instant.
Harry wasn't sure if Neville was actually breathing. And apparently that hit a nerve within him.
"You can stop with the fucking curse! We obviously can see what it does!" Harry screamed at his professor. So, maybe the cursing wasn't intentional, but he was dating a Slytherin. It was to be expected.
The scream caught Moody off guard and the curse stopped immediately. His gaze locked with the Boy-Who-Lived, who glared at him defiantly.
"Maybe you'd like to give us the final curse, Mr. Potter," Moody goaded the 14-year-old as he laid the spider on his desk.
Harry didn't say a word and continued to glare at the man. Which probably wasn't too intimidating since his face his still pale.
"Very well…" it was almost appeared that Moody was going to grab the spider back off Harry's desk and take it back up front.
"Avada Kedavra!" Moody yelled as a green light emitted from his wand.
Harry's breath was caught in his throat as memories flashed through his mind. But he could still hear Moody's next words.
"Also known as the Killing Curse. There's no avoiding it, no blocking it. Yet only one person in this room has survived it," Moody's voice echoed throughout the classroom.
Harry didn't even wait, he ran from the room. He didn't even wait to hear the voices calling after him. He knew that everyone was looking at him, it was a well-known fact he was the only survivor of that curse. The only difference now was, he finally knew what curse was used to try to kill him. Before, all he knew was that Voldemort had killed his parents, just not that it was one of the Unforgivables.
He didn't go down to the ground floor towards the Great Hall or the Kitchens. He just kept running up the stairs until he reached the Headboy's dorm. He almost fell to the ground when he realized Marcus wasn't there. His hands were clenched up tightly as he dropped onto Marcus' bed. He didn't realize he had curled up into a ball as the memories kept flashing in his mind. It was like having the dementors near him again as he was tortured to watch his parents' death over and over again.
He silently watched as his father was murdered and that's when he could hear his mother screaming in his mind. Before seeing that same green flash of light that Moody had cast in class. It was like that memory was on constant replay and Harry squeezed his eyes shut. Desperately trying to block out the memory. Without realizing it, he out let out a piercing scream of anguish.
Then there were images of Sirius and Marcus being killed in front of him. His friends being tortured and then that same green flash of light. Harry didn't even realize that his voice was completely hoarse before he felt someone shake him.
Harry's voice sounded broken as he whispered, "Marcus?" His face was crestfallen when he realized it wasn't his boyfriend.
Terence gasped loudly when he saw Harry's red-rimmed eyes. The young Potter looked so heartbroken when he saw who it was. Though, he did see there was some hidden relief in his eyes. It was obvious that the young champion had been crying. Neville, Seamus, and Dean weren't lying when they said they thought that their class may have affected their friend badly. He noticed immediately how shaken Neville had looked and it wasn't hard to put two and two together.
"Harry, I'm not quite sure where Marcus is. But you know he'd be out to kill anyone who dared to make you upset. You hear me?" Terence voice was urgent to get his message across to the young champion.
Harry actually cracked a small smile at that. "He would…"
"Now you want to explain to me what made you so upset. Your friends have been frantic to find you," Terence's voice was stern with worry.
Harry bit his lip, though he instantly felt bad that he had worried his friends. His mind was still frantic with worry about Marcus. He wanted his comfort, but he had no idea where he was. And it wasn't like he had the Marauders Map anymore.
"They showed the Unforgivables in class…" Harry's voice was barely audible.
Terence's eyes widened, he knew exactly what Harry was talking about. Professor Moody had shown them the same curses a week ago. He never expected that the Professor was showing them to the fourth years. It made sense that as a 7th year, but not to fourteen-year-olds. Everything started to click together, he had never thought about that Harry had remembered that night. He had no doubt that Marcus would be pissed when he eventually found out or Sirius for that matter. It was starting to make him wonder where Marcus was. He hadn't seen his friend since he told him about his meeting, and he was still nowhere to be found.
"Harry, I may not know what it's like to see someone I love die before my eyes. But understand this, you have friends and a godfather that cares about you. You have a boyfriend that loves you, who even wants to bond with you. We're not just going to let you do this by yourself. You have friends here who actually care. Nobody here cares about your stupid title," Terence spoke softly, hoping that Harry was getting his message.
The Slytherin was relieved to see more of that haunted look leave Harry's eyes. He wondered if the Gryffindor had the fear that his friends would leave him.
"Thanks Terence, I needed that," Harry's body uncurled from the ball he was in. Though he was still scared of the images his mind created. He wanted to see his friends, he needed to make sure it wasn't just a trick in his mind. And he desperately wanted to feel Marcus' arms around him. "Is Neville and them outside?"
Terence smiled, "yeah, they're in the sitting room. Come on, you really worried them."
Harry's legs were a little shaky when he started walking behind Terence. Once the door to Marcus' room was closed, he could see the relief in his friends' eyes.
"Harry! You're alright!" Seamus practically yelled as he grabbed his friend in a hug.
That actually got a small laugh out of the raven. "Sorry, guys. I didn't mean to worry you… It's just—" Harry tried to explain.
Neville smiled, his face no longer pale. "Long as you're okay. I didn't realize it was that bad. I thought I had it bad."
Harry instantly felt guilty, but then he realized what Neville said. "That second curse… something happened didn't it?"
Harry watched as Neville took a sharp intake of breath. "My parents were tortured for information after You-Know-Who fell. Bellatrix Lestrange thought they might know where he disappeared to after you know…"
There were three wide eyed looks at what Neville just revealed. Terence didn't show any outward facial expressions to the small tale, he was familiar enough with the story. There was a reason why Bellatrix Lestrange was currently residing in Azkaban prison. But apparently the other three Gryffindors had no idea of these events.
"Neville, Harry, I know this might be hard to hear. But I think you need to hear it. Neville, I know your parents aren't gone, although it feels like they are. Harry, even though Lily and James are gone… just know both your parents cared about you very much. I may be a Slytherin, but every mother and father always feel a bond towards their child. But because they were both a witch and wizard, that bond is stronger. They did that in hope that you will live in a safer world than the war they lived in. You both have faced horrors in your childhood, that's unavoidable. But you still have friends and family that love you. Just don't let that horror control your life," Terence voice was steel to get the point across to both of them, but also sympathetic.
Harry cracked a smile, "thanks Terence. I really needed that. I still want Marcus, I would think he would be back by now—"
Terence frowned, "I'll admit it is a little unusual for him not to be back by now. I would think at the very least you would at least see him in the morning. Providing he doesn't come back to the dorm."
Harry still looked unsure before sighing in defeat. "Guess you're right. That doesn't make this any better."
Neville gave a hesitant smile; Terence words helped a little. Today was just a little too realistic for his liking. It came too close to reminding him of the events when he was just a year old. But he was glad he told his friends. He wasn't surprised that Terence probably already knew. But it was a nice feeling to know he actually had friends that cared. He didn't doubt that Harry probably felt the same way.
When Harry awoke the next day, he was in a panic. He had slept in Marcus' bed, but his boyfriend never returned to the dorm. He had been hoping that Terence was right, that maybe Marcus lost track of time.
"Harry! Breathe, breathe!" was the sudden shout.
Harry squeezed his eyes shut for a moment before trying to do what the voice told him. When he opened his eyes, he saw the relief in Terence's eyes.
"Are you okay?"
Harry bit his lip, "Marcus never came back…"
Terence took a sharp intake of breath. Then he started thinking, he had already gone to breakfast since he still lived in the Slytherin dorms, most of the time anyways. There were a lot of times he just stayed in the Headboy dorms, privileges of being mates with the Slytherin Headboy. That was when he had come face to face with the Durmstrang's own champion. The 18-year-old had been a little frantic at the time. Any other time, the Bulgarian champion would be friendly, cool, and collected. But he managed to make out that Vasil was also missing, he briefly remembered him from Yule as Viktor's date. Terence had tried to calm the Bulgarian that maybe he would turn up. Then there was the evidence that Percy was missing, and he hadn't missed any of tasks. But now it all made sense… So, naturally Terence told Viktor of his suspicions and Viktor was instantly on edge, if not beyond furious. Terence did doubt that his 'ministry' didn't bother to seek permission if they could use a 'certain someone' for their precious Triwizard Tournament. Terence couldn't even think what Percy's thoughts must be concerning this. If anything, the red-head would be beyond pissed, more so than the situation at the Yule Ball. With that in mind, Terence tried to make Harry put two and two together, just like he had not even an hour ago.
"Harry… think about what the egg said." Terence's voice was frantic. "Something that we'll sorely miss…"
Harry's eyes practically looked vengeful once he comprehended what Terence said. His emotions were so chaotic that he made the table in front of them explode. The explosion of the table made Harry jump back, losing most of his internal rage. He had to blink several times before he realized what he… or his magic just did.
That made Terence smirk, maybe Harry could use this to his advantage. Though he wasn't sure what Harry had planned to make his way through the lake. One thing was for sure, he couldn't wait to see what the Gryffindor would do to those that 'kidnapped' his boyfriend. "Come on Harry, before another table explodes," Terence commanded, practically dragging the Gryffindor out of the Headboy dorm.
And before Harry knew it, he was dragged from Headboy dorms and all the way to the Black Lake. He was too in shock from making the table explode to really put up a fight. He doubted he would have, he trusted Terence, though maybe not as much as he trusted Marcus. But Terence was a close second since Marcus currently was at the bottom of the Black Lake.
Once Terence and Harry reached the lake; they had to take one of the self-propelling boats to get to the platform near the middle of the lake. That was when Harry realized that he was the only one still dressed in robes and black slacks. Both Terence and Viktor were wearing shorts and shirts to show their house and school. Though Viktor's was red for Durmstrang and Terence's was green for Slytherin. Harry was still in his Gryffindor robes, which he starting to get some odd looks for. None of them were currently shivering, probably because they used heating charms, it was the end of February after all. Though in Harry case, he wasn't wearing shorts and had on a robe.
Harry tried to not listen to where Crouch Senior was explaining that the three hostages had been taken the prior night. And that their task was to dive into the Black Lake and find them at the bottom. And just like in the riddle, they only had an hour to do so. Harry could already feel his anger building again because of what the Ministry decided to do. Though, if he probably looked to where the Headmistress was sitting, he may have seen the fury in her eyes. Clearly, she wasn't happy with what the Ministry had pulled on them. Even if Harry had looked over at the Judges table, he knew that Professor McGonagall would never have allowed this to happen.
That was when Harry heard the cannon from above and his ears started to ring. It was to signal the start of the task. The Gryffindor heard the two splashes to his left, but he remained standing on the platform. He didn't need to look to know that people were starting to whisper. His hands were clenched into fists, the plan he had initially wouldn't work. Marcus never placed the runes onto his clothing. All because the stupid ministry had decided to take Marcus the night before. And they never said anything about that the treasure taken would be a bloody human to boot. And so, he couldn't use that plan and he didn't even know how to do a Bubble-head Charm. Harry's eyes turned a more vibrant green with unleashed power. His emotions were all over the place and all his thoughts were focused on wanting Marcus back at his side. That was Harry suddenly jerked his hands up to his already messed up hair, groaning in frustration and anger.
That seemed to have done something, because Harry felt a rush of air almost pass through his ears. It was almost a numbing effect and then there was the sound of something breaking the surface with a strong force. Harry dropped his hands to his side in shock before falling back, because the body of Marcus Flint had broken the surface and landed on the wooden platform.
Harry watched with wide eyes as Marcus rolled over to his side and started coughing. He had a hand propped up as he tried to get air back into his lungs.
The Gryffindor couldn't believe his eyes, he just performed a wandless Accio on Marcus.
It was in that next second that Marcus had an armful of a certain Gryffindor. Almost colliding the both of them back into the lake. Harry didn't even care that his robes were now getting soaked.
"Hang on, Harry. Let me breath for a moment," Marcus said. The arms around the Slytherin slackened, but they didn't let go.
Marcus had to blink a few times before grabbing his wand, silently performing a heating charm on both of them. Since nobody had thought to help Marcus dry off, considering he was soaking wet at the end of February. "Better…" Then that's when his eyes narrowed, specifically at the Judges table. He was going to throttle the Ministry. But first he had a Gryffindor to worry about.
"You going to tell me why you're still clinging to me?" Marcus wryly asked.
"Thought I was going to lose you… the riddle…" Harry started with a soft voice.
"Harry… do you really think the Ministry would allow a person to die in the lake? They already facing the backlash of the first task with Beauxbatons. Not to mention what's going to happen because they decided to kidnap students without their express permission. Even international ones to boot! They won't be hearing the last of this for a long time!" Marcus last words were said with a growl.
"You got that right," said a voice, that was walking towards them.
"Sirius!" Harry yelled as he bearhugged his Godfather.
Sirius smiled down at Harry and lightly squeezed him back. He ruffled his godson's hair and made it more of a mess than it already was. His eyes turned to Marcus, who could tell there was an uncontrolled rage.
"No, Sirius. They get to face me first," Marcus' eyes were narrowed.
Sirius' facial expressions were for once, devoid of humor. He was pissed and rightfully so. "I won't deny you that right, Marcus. But they will be hearing from me. They fucking dare to kidnap my Heir without my expressed permission! And to force my Godson in this damn tournament that he has no reason to be in!"
Marcus actually blushed at that, he hadn't forgotten that Sirius had made him the Black Heir. Though, there was a part of him that was pleased. It wasn't a surprise that Sirius was fiercely protective of him and Harry. "I would try to talk to Headmistress McGonagall. I was supposed to meet with her for a meeting last night, but she never was there. There were only ministry officials there before I was stunned. I don't believe she knew that the Ministry was planning to use actual hostages for the task. I wouldn't doubt that the old coot probably knew."
That was when Marcus turned his head towards the water once more. He didn't see the furious looks from his boyfriend and Sirius. Harry was furious that they had to nerve to stun his boyfriend, just because they needed him for some stupid task. Sirius was just as mad about that fact, even though he knew that Marcus was of age. He was an Auror for bloody sake, there were proper channels you had to go through. And the British Ministry skipped a major one and he was going to show them exactly why you don't mess with his family. There was a good reason why most wouldn't trifle with the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black. Not to count that Harry was considered a Lord for the Most Noble House of Potter. Not only had they kidnapped his heir, but it was Harry's betrothed as well. Sirius was well aware of the meaning of giving his blessing to Marcus. Just like he already knew that the young Slytherin had already asked him about giving Harry a betrothal ring. And Sirius may have already set up the marriage contract ahead of time, in case the Lord or Lady Flint decided they wanted to force their son in another contract. He hadn't planned on having Marcus and Harry sign it until his godson was at least fifteen or sixteen. But maybe that was a matter he needed to speak with them later about.
Marcus' head was turned when he heard something break the surface, he looked towards the open water of the lake to see what it was. Marcus wasn't surprised to see the disgruntled faces of Viktor and Terence. Terence had broken the surface five seconds before the Bulgarian. And both of them looked pissed off.
Though it did take a few seconds for Viktor's transfiguration to wear off. While for Terence, the Bubble-head charm he used popped once he reached the surface.
Marcus let Sirius talk to Harry for a moment as he helped the four get back onto the platform. That wasn't before he left a quick kiss on Harry's lips, drawing a bright blush and brilliant smile on the Gryffindor. Though the Slytherin noticed there were occasion glances from Harry aimed at him. Almost as if Harry was trying to believe that Marcus was really there. But for the most part, Harry was focusing on the conversation with his Godfather.
Marcus didn't even hesitate on casting warming charms on four of them. Since it looked like they were too mad to even think about a warming charm.
"Thank you, friend Marcus," Viktor said, though his eyes were harsh.
Marcus nodded, "I'm assuming they did not ask your permission for your 'hostage.'
Both Terence and Viktor's eyes went darker.
"They will be hearing from us. Your British Ministry has gone too far!" Viktor vowed.
Marcus nodded in agreement, he wasn't the only one either. Percy, Terence, and Vasil also agreed with Viktor's statement.
"Percy may be of age and a Ministry employee. But they violated his rights when they didn't ask him if he wanted to participate. I'm sorry my friend, I doubt you wished to be held under the lake for this," Terence hissed out.
Marcus didn't know Percy as well as Harry did. But he could tell the red-head was furious with these past events. Maybe even more furious than what happened at the Yule ball. With this instance, it was by a Ministry he thought he could trust.
"You could always ask for a position within Gringotts, Percy. I imagine they will love to have a hard worker such as yourself. Especially with those N.E.W.T. scores I heard you had," Marcus smirked.
"I may just take you up on that, Flint. Maybe you're not so bad after all. After all, Harry and Sirius have both vouched for your character. I'll admit I had my doubts before when you and Harry started dating, but perhaps no longer. You make him beyond happy and that's all I hope for. Something I know my brothers, Fred and George will agree," Percy replied. "And I'm not as prejudiced as most Gryffindors…"
"I really appreciate that, Percy," Marcus said, not expecting to hear that from the red-head.
"Oi!" Terence yelled.
That made the four forget their anger for a moment and laugh.
"My friend, you are still a slimy snake," Percy grinned.
Terence only shrugged, he couldn't argue with that.