Disclaimer: I don't own anything except my OC.

A/N: I am soooo sorry for not updating this! I actually updated this chapter on AO3 on Jan, 06. Then I remembered last night in my sleep that I didn't post it here on Fanfiction.

ANYWAY! I hope you guys enjoy it!

Six Months After Leaving Tom

Harry blinked in surprise and confusion, before he gave a perplexed expression.

"I'm sorry? Could you repeat that?"

"I was saying that British Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge and his Undersecretary Tom Riddle will be arriving in a week's time, along with other political leaders from the world to meet with me. Will you be alright when Minister Fudge and his Undersecretary come to visit?"

Harry's eyes widen and he sucked in a deep breath before releasing it slowly.

"That's what I thought you said." Harry said weakly.

Heinrich gazed on in concern. "Is something the matter?"

Harry grimaces.

Should he tell him? Not telling him could have consequences when he came vis-à-vis with Tom. Harry wants to do this the most professional way, otherwise it would work against his reputation. After all, the Head Auror was always watching and complimenting him every so often. He can't let something like seeing his Ex coming to visit his new work place stop his career.

Harry exhaled, heart rate speeding within his chest.

"If I could, I would like to request time off for when the English political leaders come or to be stationed somewhere else."

"May I know the reason why?" Heinrich asked seriously.

Harry gulped anxiously.

"Undersecretary Tom Riddle is my ex-fiance, sir." Harry grimaced. "Our relationship wasn't working so I left him and moved here to Germany. Seeing him may possibly ruin all the hard work and healing I have gone through since our break-up. I also don't want to cause a scene or any problems for you, sir."

There he said it.

Now it was Heinrich's decision with what to do with that information.

"Hmm" Heinrich rubs his chin in thought.

"How long has you're break-up been?"

Harry swallowed. "About six months, sir. I know that seems like plenty of time but I cannot in good consciousness say that I won't get emotional if I were to see him now. I know I'm sounding selfish by saying this, but this is the truth."

The two lock gazes with what seems like eternity until Heinrich sighs and looks away.

"Very well. I will take your circumstances into account. I will have to speak with Head Auror Dietrich to see if he will have anyone available in such short notice. If not, we'll have just find other methods."

Harry bows slightly. "Thank you, sir."

Just thinking about seeing Tom again after all these months made Harry feel a little anxiety. Hermione and Ron always said his heart was too big and he loved too easily. But with his childhood, it's no wonder he loved so easily.

Harry only hopes that this doesn't ruin the Head Auror's high opinion of him.

Perhaps Lady Luck decided to do him a favor, because Heinrich easily found someone to replace him on the days Fudge was scheduled to come to Germany.

Harry was even given the week off so there was no chance of him running into Fudge or Tom during their visit. Harry decide to invite Ron and Hermione over to his place. They just hung out with no pressure of facades, social ques or anything. Just three best friends enjoying their time spent together.

Though Harry was a bit paranoid in somehow being spotted by Tom out in public; even if it was in the muggle part of Berlin.

He returned back to work with no Fudge or Tom in sight, though it was disheartening and annoying when witches would continuously gossip about how handsome and charming Tom was. The way he flirted with them and even made hints about having them spent time with him at his hotel room.

It made Harry think, how long had Tom been doing that behind his back when they were together? Had he ever been good enough for Tom?

He had never been so glad to leave Britain and start anew. Harry would find someone who loved and respected him, and he'd show everyone including Tom that he was better off.

His friends would be proud of him for his determination and commitment.

Now all Harry had to do was find someway to thank Heinrich for being so understanding.

At least Head Auror Dietrich didn't seem to think any different of Harry, and told him that he hoped not too many personal issues will affect his work.

Soon Harry wouldn't even have to feel anxious with the thoughts of meeting face to face with Tom. He just knows it.

He'll persevere.

Seven Months After Leaving Tom

Dinner was a pleasant affair when the two of them were together. Even as they sat in the fancy Muggle restaurant, a private booth with a few privacy spells, Harry enjoyed the small dinner between them. It didn't happen too often because Heinrich was so busy, but they would go out to dinner every couple of weeks.

Although if one was to ask his real thoughts, the dinners were starting to feel more date-like than a friendly co-worker/friend dinner. Harry doubted it was intentional though. He and Heinrich have only known each other for a few months since he started working and even the man had for some reason wanted ask him out on a date, Harry would've politely declined.

Not that Heinrich wasn't a catch, because he was, Harry just wasn't ready to get into another relationship so soon.

It was only last month that Heinrich had officially met his Ex and Minister Fudge for the first time.

Heinrich never said a word about his first impression of To- Riddle, sticking to only saying his thoughts on Fudge. Perhaps, that was also to spare Harry from thinking about Riddle with the witches and wizards constantly gossiping about the man.

He could say in relative confidence that he was mostly over Riddle now, but jumping head first into a new relationship seemed like a recipe for disaster; especially, with Harry's track record. And Harry was pretty good at ignoring things he didn't want to see.

Because it seemed their relationship had been changing since last month, but Harry was unsure if that was a good thing or not.

"The food here is very good." Harry said, after taking a sip of his wine, breaking the silence.

"Yes, it's one of my favorite restaurants. I like to come here occasionally to relax and enjoy the food and atmosphere." Heinrich said.

Good, small talk. Harry could handle that. Thankfully, their conversations didn't seem to change, just the atmosphere around them. He wonders if he's just projecting all the growing tension between them day by day because he's overthinking it? Yeah, that was probably it.

He needed to find something to take his mind off the ideas of romance.

"So it seems Ms. Fischer is around your office a lot more these days. I think she has a crush on you, mate." Harry smiled.

Merlin, what was wrong with him?! This was a topic he was specifically trying to avoid!

Heinrich grinned cheekily, "Jealous?"

Who knows anymore! Harry certainly didn't. He did feel a few pangs of annoyance every time he sees Ms. Fischer flirting with Heinrich, but that was because she wasn't doing her work! It was her job to focus on her tasks, not on very attractive politicians!

Merlin, he just wants to bang his head against a wall! Repeatedly!

He snorts and jokes, "As if. I know your true personality. Ms Fischer could do much better."

Heinrich was perfect. He would make his partner very happy and loved.

"You wound me." Heinrich dramatically places a hand upon his chest, "To think you would think so low of me. How cruel."

On the contrary, Harry admires him greatly.

He grins at their easy banter and atmosphere. It was one of their favorite pass times. At least that hasn't changed.

"Perhaps she does hold some romantic feelings for me, but I'm afraid she'll be sorely disappointed." Heinrich said.

His heart skips a beat.

"Oh? Why's that?"

Heinrich gives a mischievous grin. "I'm currently trying to get the person I like to see me in a romantic way, but it's a slow process. I'm hopeful they'll eventually come around."

...Oh.

..Was he disappointed?

Harry just smiled. "Well, perhaps one day they'll reciprocate your feelings."

Heinrich gazes seriously into Harry's eyes, the atmosphere suddenly a little tense.

"Perhaps they might. But I'll wait as long as possible for them."

Harry hopes he not blushing; and he wouldn't deny that he would be a little flattered if Heinrich was talking about him, but that was crazy. He mentally shakes his head, he didn't want a romantic relationship now anyway.

He nods and goes back to his food. He doesn't want to think about what that could mean right now. Now is only about two co-workers and friends have dinner together. He'll analyze Heinrich's words when he gets back home.

...Perhaps one day, he might come to like Heinrich romantically.

Eight Months After Leaving Tom

Hermione and Ron's mischievous grins made Harry a little nervous. He squirmed a bit in his seat, wishing he had something to occupy his hands, but Alda had yet to bring the tea. So he was stuck in an awkward situation, which Harry knows will only get more embarrassing.

"So?" Hermione begins, "Heinrich seems like a really nice guy."

Harry tried to smile, but he's pretty sure it came out a grimace. He has a feeling he knows where the line of questioning will go.

Harry shrugs. "He's great. A really brilliant friend to have."

Ron just grins wider, wiggling his eyebrows. "Just friends?"

Alda pops in with a tray of tea and a tray of finger sandwiches and other snacks. Harry thanks her happily, ignoring Hermione's stink eye at him having a house-elf. Honestly, Hermione should know that Harry would never treat is elves with disrespect!

"Just friends." Harry stressed. "Besides, it would be unprofessionally of me to date someone I'm exclusively supposed to guard. Seems like a conflict of interest to me. I'm also trying to impress the Head Auror, remember?"

He now regrets ever letting his friends meet his boss/friend who may possibly be something more in the near future, and mentioning him constantly in his letters. At least Hermione looks a bit embarrassed to think Harry might sabotage his own career because he found his client hot. Ron laughed.

"I'm just so glad that your finally moving on from.., well, You-Know-Who." Hermione said a bit awkwardly.

"Yeah what a bloody bastard. Still acts all high and mighty though." Ron grumbled.

Harry laughs at the nickname his friends had started calling Riddle, even Heinrich thought it was amusing.

"Trust me, I haven't thought much of him. And I doubt we'll see each other that much anyway."

"I wouldn't be so sure Harry. Heinrich is Chancellor, so he'll definitely going on trips around the world to meet with other leaders." Hermione said. "And if your his bodyguard, you will eventually run into You-Know-Who. You can't run away from facing him forever."

Harry sighed. Yes, he knew he wouldn't be able to dodge Riddle forever, but he wasn't going to run away when the time eventually came. Sure he was ignoring the topic, but Harry knew what he was going to do when the time came... mostly... maybe. Whatever, he'd deal with it for sure whenit happened, no use planning for every little thing, that would just stress him out.

"Hermione, don't worry. I'm not going to run away when that happens, but I'm not going to worry about every little thing when it does happen." Harry reassured.

Ron nodded his head in agreement. "Yeah, and he'll have his new man Heinrich to protect him from You-Know-Who! Maybe even curse the bloody hell out of him too! I'd love to see that!"

Hermione rolled her eyes in amusement. "Oh Ronald. If only."

The three of them laughed, Harry blushing the rest of the night when his friends teased him about Heinrich.

Nine Months After Leaving Tom

Heinrich sighed. The paperwork just kept coming through with no end in sight. He looked up when he heard his office door opening to see Harry carrying a tray with coffee and a few snacks. He had never been so thankful to having a considerate bodyguard, though soon to be co-worker and employee of the German Magical Parliament.

"Danke," Heinrich said, quickly taking a sip of his much needed coffee.

"You're welcome."

"Still having a bit of trouble with German?"

Harry pouts. "Well the only other language I can speak fluently is Parseltoungue. I understand quite a bit of German but I'm just not good at speaking it."

The first time Heinrich heard about Harry's ability to speak to snakes was quite a shock; even when it was demonstrated he still couldn't wrap his head around it. Now though, it's another unique thing about Harry that Heinrich really loves.

"You'll never get better if you don't practice." Heinrich lightly scolds.

Harry sticks his tongue out, before smiling.

Heinrich pauses to gaze at Harry's smile. Seeing it always brightened his mood and energy; better than the coffee and sandwiches. He would do anything to keep Harry's smile aimed at him.

"I can't believe you've almost been here five months! It feels like you've been here longer." Heinrich said, wanting a small break from his paperwork.

Harry grins. "I know! It'll soon be a year since I moved from England. Sometimes I can't believe it."

"Well I'm glad you decided to move here. I think I would be a lot more stressed if you were not here with me."

"Me too."

The compatible sentence is broken with more papers appearing in the box for the Chancellor's signature.

Harry huffs in amusement as Heinrich is quick to take a large drink of his coffee and get back to work. It was always interestinG with Harry around that was for sure.

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