AN: Fair warning, there is a smut scene in the middle of the second scene.

Also, there is also another matter that I apparently need to bring up. There is a good reason why I put "Don't Like, don't read," in my stories. Because I have gotten flames in the past that have nothing better to do than bash because I ship slash. (M/M). Do not tell me that I need to grow a thick skin or just not post. I made that comment in my summaries for a reason. Plus... its for the readers benefit, to tell you that if you don't like slash. Don't click on this, because I know there are a lot of people that don't like two guys together. That helps them know, not to click on it and find the stories they want to read. Which is okay, its not that big of a deal. But it is a deal when someone purposely is trying to fuel the flame.

Because by making this more of an issue, you are also hurting those that want to read this. Which now I had to address (Which came from a comment off my Lynx fanfic). And I'm not going to penalize my readers to make me want to stop writing. Because that is exactly why authors stop writing their fanfics or remove them all together.

Btw, you guys are amazing and I'm glad that you've been enjoying my stories so far. Enjoy! And I'm also giving a shout-out to my best friend, who has helped me a lot with this chapter.

~NicoDiAngeloLover7

Touched by Death – Chapter 29 (Turbulence of Retaliation)

It had been several weeks since the 2nd task. And the Ministry was still coming under rapid fire. Harry hadn't been sure of the exact details. But Marcus had informed him that Percy had decided to sue the Ministry over violation of his rights and violating the Rules of the Triwizard Tournament. Sirius had graciously lent the book to the red-head, thinking it would be highly educational. Harry honestly thought the words 'educational' should never be associated with his godfather. It seemed to have created a great stirring within the Ministry. After all, if the rights were violated from one Ministry employee, what was to say that it wouldn't happen to another. It created a frenzy within the Ministry and that led to a series of howlers being sent to every department. And the fact that Percy had proof with his own kidnapping without consent and the rule book as well. It was a rule that was set centuries ago, but never had been changed. That was just the start of the fire that was aimed at the current Minister, Fudge. Harry still didn't know how the man retained his position after his third year of Hogwarts. But he knew it wasn't going to last long.

It did appear that Percy took advantage of Marcus' suggestion. Because he mailed his older brother, Bill, and requested to put in a word for him. Which Harry didn't find out about until later. The Gryffindor had sulked slightly over that fact, though he never let Marcus out of his sight. It had later turned into a grin, because Marcus had decided his boyfriend was acting too much like a Hufflepuff and needed a distraction.

That didn't mean Marcus was happy either when he heard from Terence what Moody's lesson had been about. Especially since his boyfriend seemed to have a panic because the Ministry decided it would be a good idea to kidnap him. And if Marcus noticed that Harry seemed to cling to him more, he didn't say a word.

Harry wasn't quite sure what the outcome of the trial was, but from Sirius' letters, the Ministry was paying… big time. And that seemed to be a small part of the backlash since the task. Viktor seemed happier since the task, he wasn't sure if that was because of his beloved or not. Marcus had hinted something about the international relations had reached a new low. Harry wouldn't be surprised if his Ministry had permanently damaged the friendship between Bulgaria and England. And there was still pending issues of England's relationship with France, which weren't look too great either.

That apparently had nothing on what Sirius had been planning. Similar to what he planned when he got the Headmaster sacked. He had decided to write a letter to one of his favorite reporters, knowing she would write it just right. Because he knew exactly what would be in the headlines the next day. It would be the start of a few things the man had planned. It had been several weeks since the article had been out. But he would never forget the reaction, it was like an explosion. Because it had said… "Ministry Kidnaps the Most and Noble House of Black's Heir!"

And now the Ministry was running in circle in an attempt to do some damage control. Harry hadn't really cared about some of the other major houses, though he knew it was a big deal. Though he had looked into the house of Black before. But Marcus seemed to think that the Lords were now after blood. That it was a big deal to do anything to a House's heir. Especially with how far back the Blacks' went, they weren't an Ancient house for nothing. Which seemed to make the crime all the worse. And Sirius seemed to be going after everything he could, and it looked like he was succeeding at it too. Even the Goblins at Gringotts were furious, which Harry understood why. He didn't think it was common knowledge, but he knew that his boyfriend was an apprentice under the Goblins and was therefore, under their protection as well. It definitely wasn't looking good from the Ministry's standing point. And if Marcus' prediction was correct, which is usually was… They would be calling a no confidence session at Wizengamot to sack the current Minister and elect a new minister to take their place. Because there was no way that Fudge could ever recover from this. Harry knew that changes would be demanded, especially in an effort to repair the international relations. Not to count if they wanted to regain the respect and approval from the Lords.

Harry was pretty sure there was more that Sirius was doing that he didn't know about. And he wasn't sure he wanted to know to be truthful. His godfather could be overprotective, and it was really showing.

Harry groaned as he left his face fall into his hands. He was currently sitting on the bed in Marcus' room. Where the Slytherin was at his desk, all sorts of parchments lying around him.

Marcus looked up in worry at the Gryffindor. "Tournament getting to you?"

"Yeah… and the judges refuse to tell us what they're doing for the third task."

"I wouldn't worry about it too much. You literally have only a week before they say anything. Then you have three months to plan with me and Terence. But knowing your Gryffindor tendencies, you'll ignore my advice," Marcus commented dryly.

Harry rolled his eyes, "I just have a bad feeling about this…"

Marcus frowned, "that certainly isn't good news. I definitely want you on your guard. But you seem to be doing better."

"Terence said it was just my mind playing tricks on me."

Marcus looked thoughtful for a moment. "He's certainly not wrong. You said that you never knew what curse it was that killed your parents?"

Harry nodded.

"Well I for one, don't agree with Professor Moody's practical lesson. It's one thing to go over curses and learn about the effects of what each curse does. But it's another entirely when he makes it a practical and performs one of the curses on every student!" Marcus' voice was harsh. Anyone listening could tell that the Headboy was furious that if happened in the first place.

Harry bit his lip but continued listening to Marcus.

"There is something awfully suspicious about him and I can't figure out what it is…" Marcus voice trailed off.

"Do they usually teach dark curses and show what they really are?" Harry asked, curious on what Marcus was getting at.

"No… of course we haven't had an ex-auror teach the position before either. But I can't see the Ministry being too inclined to know that either," Marcus said before moving from the desk to the bed. He let Harry cuddle to his side.

"I doubt that the Ministry would care about that at the moment," Harry grinned.

Marcus laughed, "I imagine they wouldn't. Not with the damage control they're doing. Though there's been rumors that the Minister was sacked a few days ago. But I haven't heard anything on who would replace Fudge. Though there are several candidates that come to mind."

Harry's head perked up off Marcus' shoulder. "Hang on! What about that signature you found off the goblet? You already said Dumbledore's was all over it. But you said there was a second name."

Marcus' eyebrows shot up in wonder, "I honestly had forgotten about that. I had already sent a letter out to Amelia to check on the prisoners at Azkaban months ago. Because last I knew Barty Jr had a life sentence there. She even checked the files, and it claims that he's been dead for a few years. But magical signatures don't lie. Unless—"

"He's alive!" Harry cut Marcus off.

Marcus smirked, "exactly!"

That's when Harry deflated. "But how are you going to find him? I doubt that he'd be walking around, people would recognize him. And it's not like I have the Marauders' Map anymore… Stupid Lupin took it from me last year…"

Marcus' eyes brightened at the mention of that, something that Harry noticed right away. And of course, the mischievous grin didn't help the Slytherin's case any.

Harry's eyes narrowed in suspicion, "I don't like that look on you. You're acting too much like Sirius. So, you're thinking of something…"

"You just reminded me of something, love," Marcus temporarily explained.

Harry's face softened at the pet name before feeling familiar lips on his. He watched as Marcus got up and started to dig around into his desk. His eyebrows raised as he watched some of the runes glow bright blue. No doubt a security measure that Marcus had placed, he was a Master in Runes and Wards, after all. And Harry wouldn't be surprised if he had several placed, even in places that only Marcus knew of.

That was when Harry's mouth fell open. Because Marcus was currently holding a very familiar piece of parchment. And the Slytherin was grinning on top of it, 'sly bastard,' Harry internally thought.

Apparently, Marcus thought Harry was taking too long to respond. He sat the parchment on the side table. And instead of just pecking his boyfriend's lips like before. He wanted to see how long it would take Harry to remember what their conversation was going to lead to. He lightly grasped the back of Harry's head and dragged him in for a kiss.

All Marcus heard was a muffled, "Wha—" And the Slytherin let a smirk show through while kissing Harry. He had decided to slip in his tongue since Harry had been gapping just moments before.

There was a resounding moan as Harry closed his eyes. And if his hips happened to jerk up to meet Marcus', well… he couldn't be blamed for that. He was positive he heard an echoing moan after him. And Harry slowly lost himself in the kiss for the moment and being surrounded by the feel of Marcus. That was when he jerked back, breaking their lip lock.

Harry's face was pink and desperately was trying to catch the air that he had lost. "No!" he denied. "You're not distracting me!"

Marcus let out of laugh, "looks like I was successful at distracting you. Want me to prove it again?" he goaded his boyfriend.

Harry looked unsure for a moment before shaking his head. "Nope! Not falling for it!"

Marcus had a devious look on his face that made Harry slide back a little. Harry didn't trust the look on his boyfriend's face.

"Is that so?" he whispered in Harry's ear.

Harry felt a pleasurable shiver run through him and looked unsure at his boyfriend. His mind was telling him that he wanted to find out how Marcus had the map. But his heart and needs wanted to be distracted. And it wasn't helping that a certain lower area was throbbing with need. He didn't realize that a small whimper had escaped his lips. It didn't help that Marcus trailed a finger where there was a visible tent in his trousers. "Please…" he whimpered.

"Let me take care of you," Marcus whispered.

Harry felt himself nodding his head. That was when he took a sharp intake of air.

Marcus had snaked a hand down his trousers and wrapped his hand around him. It reminded Harry strongly when he had found out his mind had been meddled with. The memory of finding out wasn't a pleasant one, but the way Marcus distracted him, was.

Marcus smiled when he heard Harry's breath hitch. That was the reaction he was looking for. He honestly doubted that Harry hadn't quite expected the touch, if the quick intake of air was any indictor. But it was a welcome one, all the same. But he still wanted to bring his boyfriend to the brink of pleasure. He took his hand away and snorted when he heard Harry's whine. He slowly lowered Harry's trousers and boxers to around his ankles. Before wrapping his hand back around Harry's cock.

Harry let his head fall back on the bed while moaning. "Don't stop… oh god…So good…"

Marcus didn't pause in his actions as he stroked his boyfriend. It didn't even surprise the Slytherin to feel precum starting to leak. But maybe this time he didn't have to worry about cleaning the mess from the boxers.

Despite that Harry was laying down on the bed, he still tried to rock into Marcus' motions. Though he did try to hiss out a warning. "Close…"

That seemed to make Marcus even more determined to bring his boyfriend over the edge. Some of the motions were jerky, but Harry didn't seem to notice.

That was when Harry let a low whine in the back of his throat as he released onto Marcus' fingers, making them sticky and wet.

Marcus grinned triumphantly at the blissed out look on Harry's face. He silently vanished the mess on his hand as he brought Harry in for a slow passionate kiss.

Harry had a dopey smile as he looked at Marcus. "Okay… so maybe I really needed that," he admitted.

Harry blushed when Marcus raised an eyebrow at that. And the blush went redder when he realized maybe he should pull his boxers and trousers back up.

Once Harry felt like he had some decency back, he felt that maybe their previous conversation could continue. Not that Marcus would probably care about Harry's indecency, seeing as the 7th year had literally just jerked him off.

"So… the map," Harry started to say.

Marcus grinned and grabbed the parchment off the end table.

"Are you going to tell me how you managed to have it in your possession? Cause as far as I knew, Lupin still had it," Harry commented, trying to hide his excitement.

"Honestly, I had forgotten I had it. If not for that the werewolf felt guilty on how he treated you," Marcus frowned, he still wasn't a big fan of the ex-professor. And his opinion of the man decreased when he found out what the man said to Harry.

"What did you say to him?" Harry asked.

Marcus had to think for a moment. It had barely been a year since Lupin gave him the map. But Marcus remembered his anger that day. He was still furious of Harry's treatment by that creature. He knew that Lupin had been part of Dumbledore's crowd. He definitely still had the Slytherin prejudice as most Gryffindors did. Though perhaps not as bad as the old coot's personal prejudice.

Lupin had been apologetic at the time, no doubt reflecting on what Harry's words to him. But Marcus didn't trust the professor. The only redeemable trait was when Lupin taught Harry how to preform the Patronus Charm. But his words had been harsh, though he never regretted them.

"You may have been James' lifelong friend during and after Hogwarts. But you know nothing about Harry. Harry is nothing like James, if anything he's better. And that's another fact, you need to stop thinking that Harry is James. Because he's not! My advice to you… stay away from him. You hurt him badly and that will take a lot to forgive, if ever. I'll tell you now… Harry hates you and so do I. So, the opinion of yourself isn't very high for the both of us. If you really want his forgiveness. You could try apologizing, not that he'd ever talk to you again. Maybe in time, he might. Sending a letter might be a first step, but I wouldn't count on it. As of right now, I don't like you, Remus Lupin, which isn't a good thing for you," Marcus hadn't snarled any of his words. But he was very close to it. His tone was mostly calm and to the point.

The Slytherin had been very close to wanting to curse Lupin. Though if he ever saw the man again, he wouldn't keep any promises.

Harry didn't say anything when Marcus had finished with his tale. The Gryffindor stayed quiet for a moment before finally speaking. "I honestly don't think I could ever forgive him. He threw my parents' sacrifice into my face and said I had dishonored them. And I could never stand the man's prejudice against Slytherins. I don't think you're wrong, I think he only saw my dad. That I was just some carbon copy of what he thought was his friend. Even the first time I met Sirius, he's never done that. He actually saw me as Harry, not just some ghost."

Marcus threaded his fingers through Harry's hair. "You know, not everyone sees you as James. A lot of your professors here taught him. The Headmistress had always commended James' skill in Transfiguration. But she always commends your skill in her class, even better than he was. You actually have a feel for the magic. And she's noticed your skill in Healing as well, Madam Pomfrey has also been impressed. Your friends certainly only see Harry, they only know what people have told them about your dad. You'll find that people don't always look at you like you're James. You might have his looks, but you are also Harry," Marcus gazed at Harry softly.

"Thank you," the Gryffindor whispered. The young Potter had been cuddling close to Marcus. He hadn't been aware that there had been some insecurity that people only saw his dad and never him. So, when Marcus had brought to light on having the Marauders' Map, the insecurities started to pop up. He wasn't mad that Marcus never told him about the confrontation between the Slytherin and the ex-professor. He doubted he would have wanted to hear anything about the werewolf anyways. But he was glad that Marcus finally told him and that he had the Marauders Map back. And Marcus' words definitely helped ease his inner thoughts.

That was when Marcus brought Harry's mind back to focus. The Slytherin handed him the piece of parchment.

"Here, you know how it works."

Harry took the blank parchment before laying it over his lap. He quickly grabbed his wand before speaking the familiar words. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

Marcus watched as the blank parchment quickly filled with words and before he knew it, he was looking at an in-depth map of Hogwarts.

"I would look for Moody's office. I honestly don't th—" Marcus cut himself off. Because on the map in the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, was the name, Bartemius Crouch, Junior. He assumed the man was probably walked around in his office. But there was no denying that another Death Eater was roaming the castle, and nobody knew it.

"He is alive…" Marcus breathed.

"He's been faking as Moody the whole time?" Harry's face was slack in horror. "He's the reason why I'm in this death tournament!?"

"Harry, I don't like this as much as you do. But we'll figure this out, you are not going to die in this tournament. I told you I would make sure of it. I'm not about to break that promise, you hear me?" Marcus' voice was stern.

Harry nodded his head, he wasn't sure he could say another word at the moment.

"I'll need to bring this to the Headmistress' attention. Especially if there's a risk to the students," Marcus muttered to himself.

"Then where is the real Moody?" Harry finally asked.

"He can't be far. In order to keep the disguise of Moody, he has to be kept nearby and alive. He must be using a high-level glamour or taking Polyjuice Potion. I'll bet my galleons it's the latter," Marcus explained.

"Even if Professor McGonagall knows about it, I don't think she can do anything. And I doubt she'll just trust the words of a map," Harry grumbled.

Marcus frowned, as much as it pained the Slytherin, he knew that his boyfriend was right. The Ministry was in too much disarray at the moment and it probably would take months before something could be done. He silently cursed the Ministry's stupidity. They had to screw up so badly, so when they actually needed them, there was nothing that could be done. And what made it worse, the 3rd task was only in a few months.

"Although, I don't like it. It doesn't seem he has done anything to put your life in danger. I imagine he helped put your name so that you might die in one of the tasks," Marcus thought out loud.

Harry paled a little at the thought, though he knew it made sense. "No doubt he probably hoped the first task would have done me in."

Marcus nodded, though he didn't look pleased about it. "If the Ministry wasn't in disarray, I would report these findings to the Headmistress. She'd probably get hold of Madam Bones, it would be easy to have some aurors gathered together and arrest him. But with her being one of the candidates for the Ministry position. And its not helping that the Ministry is in complete chaos either."

Harry's eyebrows scrunched together. "So, basically the best I can do is just let it play out and hope that the tournament doesn't kill me?"

"We're not going to let the tournament kill you. No doubt that was his plan. But I want you to promise me, if you think you're going to die. I don't care about you winning this damn thing! You are to use that pendant I gave you!" Marcus ordered.

Harry blinked, "I know it helps protect me against dark curses and spells? And that you placed a protection ward on it. What else is it supposed to do?"

"I crafted so it also works as a portkey."

Harry grinned, "handy. How does it work?"

"You would have to program in a passphrase. I would choose something in Parseltongue, so it doesn't accidently activate," Marcus replied wryly.

"And induce you into a panic and be overprotective as always," Harry surmised.

"With you… I always have a reason to be protective."

Harry merely gave a cheeky grin.