Second Cup

Dual Interviews

Viktor Krum loved Harry. He loved his princess with all of his heart. So it was out of that love that he walked into the imposing building in front of him. It was an expensive looking place, the floors looked to be made of pure obsidian and walls ran high with an elaborate chandelier hanging from a ceiling Viktor could not see. He heard about this place from his friend at the bar, Vincent Crabbe. Apparently, there was a guy here who always has the need for more bodyguards and muscle work. It smelt like dirty money, but Viktor did not care, he just needed enough money to make his princess's life lavish and beautiful just as promised so many years ago. He walked to the reception desk, behind which stood a busty woman. She took one look at Viktor, noticing his biceps, and gave an easy smile, too easy for Viktor's liking.

"Hello, how may I help you?" she asked, leaning over so Viktor could have a clear view of the top of her breast. He was not impressed in the slightest.

"I am here about a job," Viktor said, looking directly at the reception's eyes. Remembering the words Crabbe told him, he smirked as he said, "I heard that a snake always needs muscles around here. Is that true?"

The woman straightened up immediately. "Y-Yes! I'll get you right in Mr. …."

"Krum, Viktor Krum," Viktor said.

"Right away Mr. Krum!" the reception said, her whole demeanor changed, she looked at Viktor but this time with fear as she picked up her phone and pressed a few buttons. "Mr. Riddle, a man is here seeking employment. …Mr. Krum, Viktor Krum. … Yes sir. …No sir. …Yes sir, that type of work. …Right away Sir." She hung up and looked at Viktor. "You will take that elevator to the top floor," she said, pointing to an elevator that practically blended into the wall to their right, while most employees were heading to the elevators on their left.

Viktor nodded. He left for the elevator, which opened as he approached it, and stepped in. His thoughts turned to Harry and their argument. He hated arguing with the boy but it always happens when the issue of money or his parents come around. The elevator door close and began moving before Viktor could press any buttons. I should buy him an apology gift, Viktor thought as he imagined his sweet princess alone at their apartment. Harry was right, it was shit and the woman who owns it is even shittier. But it was the best he could afford alone. He wanted to be the one who makes the money and provide for his love just as his father did for his mother. Harry was his family for the last five years, it is his duty and responsibility to provide for him.

The elevator continued to glide along silently, leaving Viktor to his thoughts, which was mostly occupied by his love, until with a small ding it stopped, and the doors slid open silently.

Viktor stepped into an office with seamless windows on three sides, overlooking the entire city. Black curtains were drawn on the left and right side window-walls, with a third curtain on the opposite wall closed most of the way, so that light only shone directly onto the back of the tall black leather chair and desk that stood in front of it. The room was dark, the wall with the elevator painted black with two strange emblems made of pure silver on either side showing a skull with a snake protruding from the mouth. Viktor stared at one of the emblems for a moment before turning to face the desk and the man sitting behind it.

He was handsome. Dark eyes and hairs adorn a smooth, white face that needed to see the sun more. He was lanky, yet his proportions matched well. He did not look physically strong, yet Viktor felt that the man was powerful, though he couldn't explain why.

"Viktor Krum," the man said, smiling politely. "I have been waiting for you. Please, have a seat." He motioned one hand to the small black armchair sitting in front of the desk. Viktor nodded and sat down. He opened his mouth to talk, but the man interrupted him. "Viktor Krum, age Twenty-Six. You have skipped college to focus on a modeling career, correct? Getting a two-bit agent who only gotten you a few insignificant shoots here and there while you run around going for shooting interviews by yourself. You live… at 1327 Knockturn Alley in Apartment 3b with your boyfriend Harry Potter, who is currently unemployed. Am I correct in everything I've just said?"

"Y-Yes sir," Viktor said, looking completely shocked. "How did you know all that?"

"I have my ways," the man said. "Now, you have been suggested to come here by Vincent Crabbe, correct?"

"Yes sir," Viktor nodded.

The man leaned back in his chair. "Are you willing to follow orders, no matter how strange you might find them?" he asked.

"Yes sir," Viktor said immediately.

"Even if the orders might be violent?"

"Yes sir," Viktor said. I need the money.

"Why?"

"Sir?"

"Why should I hire a failed model like you?" the man asked. "Why should you become Mr. Riddle's and Lord Voldemort's bodyguard? Why are you here?"

Viktor thought for a moment, collecting his thoughts. He remembered hearing about Lord Voldemort from somewhere, but he couldn't remember. It was probably at the bar or something. Mr. Riddle waited as Viktor thought out his answer, the room filling with a tense silence that Viktor did not notice. His mind was full of Harry and a various of reasons, he felt that if he started blubbering like an idiot then Mr. Riddle wouldn't take him seriously, so he used all of his intelligence and wit to come up with an answer he hoped was satisfactory enough.

"I am here because of Harry," he began after five minutes of pure silence. "I love Harry Potter with my entire body, and I work hard to make sure that I can provide for him. I will admit, I am in a bad place… a horrible place with money, my love has just told me that our landlord just raised our rent because she felt like it. But most of all… I need to give him a stable home, a stable place where we can live, not survive, until my modeling career takes off and I can fire my idiot agent and get a better one. I promised him that we would live together like kings, he moved in with me because of that promise. In fact, sir… today is our five year anniversary and instead of bathing him in my love and devotion, all I can do is yell and argue with him over money. I would do anything Mr. Riddle, anything, to provide my Harry with the life he deserves."

"Anything you say?" Mr. Riddle chuckled. He leaned forward and smirked down at Viktor. "Tell me, Mr. Krum, would you kill for Harry? Maim?"

"Yes sir, I will do that and more," Viktor said with a serious conviction. "I will do anything to keep my Harry safe."

"Good…" Mr. Riddle smirked. He reached and pressed a button and leaned into an intercom. "Bring him in," he said before releasing the button. "Mr. Krum I am going to give you an opportunity. There are people who would rather see me grievously hurt. The man who is about to come in being one of them. I do not like it when people go after my life. I will have you give him a reminder of what happens when people act out of line. If you believe you can do that, then stay, however if you think this is too much, the elevator is there, you will leave and never talk of what happens here." He reached under his desk and pulled out a small stack of money. "To help you with your decision," he said.

Viktor eyed the money. It was a stack full of fifty and hundred dollar bills. He looked up at Mr. Riddle hesitantly and looked down at the money. "You may count it, it is all real," Mr. Riddle said. Viktor reached for the money and began counting. Twenty, Forty, Sixty, Eighty, One hundred—there was a thousand dollars right there in his hands! More than he had ever held at one time before! Taking a deep breath through his nose, Viktor looked at the money, his thoughts going to Harry, as he nodded, pocketing the money.

"I'll do it Mr. Riddle," he said.

"Excellent," Mr. Riddle smiled. The elevator opened with a ding and Mr. Riddle looked behind Viktor. "Ahh, right in time. Mr. Krum, I want you to meet Theodore Nott Snr. This man thought he could severely harm me in a car crash. As you can see, he is not in the best of shape… however I am sure he still has a lesson to learn."

Viktor looked behind him to see an older looking man being escorted in by Crabbe. The two nodded at each other and Viktor looked at the man. His left arm was in bandages, and his face looked bruised as he stood on shaky legs. Either out of defiance or fear, the man did not speak as he stared at Mr. Riddle, however Viktor could clearly see the fear in the man's eyes.

"Viktor, when are your two modeling interviews?" Mr. Riddle asked.

"Twelve thirty and two in the afternoon, sir," Viktor said.

"I shall cancel them for you," Mr. Riddle said, leaving no room for argument, "you will be too busy both with your new job…" he pulled out another stack of bills, "but also picking out outfits for yourself and Harry Potter, to celebrate your fifth anniversary. That is if you do a satisfying job."

Viktor nodded. He stood up and walked up to Theodore Nott Snr. Crabbe forced the man to his knees. Viktor stood in front of him and cracked his knuckles. "Sorry," he said, "but I need the money."

.

"So, Harry! Tell me about yourself! Would you like some tea? Coffee?" Sirius Black smiled warmly as he led Harry into an office at the back of the café. It was warm, the walls made of a light wood Harry couldn't name and cluttered with pictures of employees, people Harry assumed was Sirius Black's friends and family, as well as an extensive schedule that had what the workers were supposed to be doing and when. There was also, Harry couldn't smile when he noticed, a very large and prominent gay pride flag right above Mr. Black's computer.

"No thank you," Harry said, despite his stomach's protest, "I've just ate breakfast," he lied.

"Ha! You are a poor liar Harry," Mr. Black smiled, wagging a finger at him. "You wait right there, and I'll have Ron bring us something to drink and something for you to eat, I will not take no as an answer."

"Oh… okay then, I would love a cup of tea," Harry smiled. "I haven't had a decent one since I moved from my parents' house. My mum made the best tea I've ever tasted."

"Ahh… English, are you?" Mr. Black asked. "I can tell, it's the accent."

"I have an accent?" Harry frowned. "I've barely noticed it."

"It comes out when you say a lot of British things Harry," Mr. Black said. "But nothing to worry about, a lot of people here loves a good English accent, myself including." He gave Harry a wink and laughed. "Make yourself at home! I will be back." Sirius left, and Harry sat down in a comfortable chair feeling awkward.

"And I'm back!" Sirius Black said before Harry had a chance to look around. "Ron will be here with our food soon—ahh!" He smiled at the picture closest to Harry, "Admiring me and my husband, are you?"

"Oh uhh—"

"Not to worry… unless you're homophobic, are you homophobic Harry?" Mr. Black asked with an air of seriousness.

"God no!" Harry said. "In fact, today's my five year anniversary with my boyfriend Viktor."

"Well, congratulations," Mr. Black smiled, his warm and cheery disposition returned. "So, while we wait for Ron for our tea and food, why don't you tell me a little about yourself Harry?"

Harry nodded and collected his thoughts. "My name is Harry Potter, I'm Twenty-Three years old. I went to college, got an English degree there… and I've been unemployed ever since I graduated. I've lived with my boyfriend for the last two years… I won't mince words Mr. Black, we are in need of money and I need a job to help. I love Viktor, I really do, but he can be stupidly stubborn at times. We have this dream of him being the money-maker, providing for both of us with his modeling career but his career is barely lifting off and we have bills to pay. I need this job to help us get by."

"Why don't you ask your parents? You're young Harry, I am sure that your parents are more than willing to help you both out," Mr. Black said.

Harry frowned. He lifted his feet to the edge of the chair and hugged his knees. "Viktor is stubborn. He and my parents… don't get along… He is too prideful to ask my parents… and they think that he's delusional in his dream."

"I see," Mr. Black frowned. There was a knock on the door, "Come in."

A cute redhead with freckled cheeks. He was tall, lanky, dressed in a button-down shirt and black slacks with a gold and red apron on top. He was carrying a tray with two cups of tea and a breakfast sandwich. "Sirius, I have your teas and sandwich."

"Thank you, Ron! Just leave it here," Mr. Black smiled. "Ahh, Harry, this is Ron, one of my long-time workers. He's a year older than you I believe… you've just had your birthday yes?"

"Yeah, this weekend," Ron nodded. "Hiya Harry," he smiled. "I'll be back at work if you need me…"

"Of course! Get to it," Sirius smiled. "Well Harry, I find that nothing helps with awful situations like a nice cup of tea and some food in our stomachs. So please, take your time eating. I have some paperwork I need to find…" He took his cup of tea and took a quick sip before spinning his chair around to the computer. Harry felt hesitant but slowly began eating the breakfast sandwich along with taking a few sips out of the cup of tea. It wasn't the best, but it was still good.

The two were silent while Harry ate. When he was done, Sirius looked to be finished with whatever paperwork he was finished with. "Right so Harry… I cannot give you an advance, but I do pay a good wage biweekly. Of course, you'll be given benefits, dental, medical, and all that. Not to mention you get to spend your day with four great gays like us—"

"Wait! You mean I have the job?" Harry gasped.

"I mean, I'll put you through the trial run first, but yeah, the job's yours," Mr. Black said.

"Thank you Mr. Black," Harry said with the biggest grin on his face. "I—thank you so much."

"Please, call me Sirius, everyone does," Sirius smiled, "and what can I say? I have a soft spot for gays in trouble. Now. Let's say we run your trial today, and send you home tired but with great news to share on your anniversary?"

"Seriously? Thank you so much," Harry smiled. The two stood up and shook hands.

"Not to worry Harry," Sirius said. "Now, let's see if we can't find yourself a proper uniform. …After you fill out this." He slid a clipboard with a few pieces of paper on it. Harry nodded and quickly started to read the contract, signing wherever Sirius pointed to. With the last dotted line signed, Sirius nabbed the contract and shook Harry's hand in one fluid motion. "Welcome to the Three Broomsticks Harry! Let's find you a uniform." He grinned and led Harry out of the office into the main café proper. Next to the office door was another door that read "Employees Only." They walked inside there.

The employee room was small, there were only a couple of couches and a small coffee table between them. A small television with the local news was on, and against the wall was a clothing rack with hangers. On some of the hangers were fresh uniforms and aprons. "I like my boys to dress as sharp as they can," Sirius said, walking to the hooks. "Let's see here… ah! What size are you Harry?"

"Men's small."

"This should fit you perfectly then!" Sirius smiled as he pulled out a similar button down shirt and black slacks that Ron was wearing, however this one had an apron of green and silver. "Now Blaise will have a partner if you work out," Sirius smiled. "I like to pair my workers together by what apron their wearing. Try this on, there's a bathroom over there," he pointed to a closed door Harry didn't notice.

He went in and changed immediately. The uniform fitted like a glove, and Harry stared at himself in a mirror. He looked good, really good. He forgot the last time he felt or looked so professional and clean-cut. He walked outside and gave a little twirl.

"Looking nice Harry," Sirius smiled. "Now, let's go out and get to work, you'll be working with Blaise, I'll introduce you two."

They walked outside the employee room and back into the café. Sirius looked around and smile, "Ah, there he is," he pointed to a young man who looked the same age as Harry. He was dark skinned and fitted his uniform greatly, the clothes practically a second skin to his sleek muscles. Like Harry, he was wearing a green and silver apron. The young man was standing at a table where a small gaggle of girls were collected. "I hope everything is alright ladies," Blaise smiled as Harry and Sirius walked up to them.

"It is Zabini," one of the girls said, looking at him with flirting eyes, "but I think it would be better if you come hang out with us when your work is done."

"Ladies, I would love to but I have prior arrangements," Blaise smiled, "my boyfriend is the jealous type and he would hate it if I miss our date, I am cooking him the most eloquent meal we can afford."

"Awwww so romantic," the girls sighed.

"Yes yes, always the loyal Casanova this one is," Sirius chuckled, patting Blaise's shoulders. "Now ladies, please enjoy your experience at the Three Broomsticks, as Blaise and I have someone very important to talk about."

They took a few steps from the table and Sirius said, "Blaise Zabini, meet Harry Potter. Harry, meet Blaise, he'll be your mentor while you learn your way around the shop. Blaise, I want you to teach him the ropes, make sure he knows how our machines work and where everything is. We want him tired and satisfied at the end of the day."

"Yes Sirius," Blaise nodded. He turned to Harry and smiled, "My… you are very beautiful Harry, if I wasn't a committed man I would take you in my arms."

"Th-thank you… but I'm a committed man too," Harry blushed.

"Five years," Sirius nodded. "Today's their anniversary even! So make sure he's extra tire and sore so his man can smooth those muscles out." Sirius laughed as Harry sputtered, his blush growing.

"Don't worry, you'll get used to his antics," Blaise chuckled. He offered Harry his hand, which Harry shook. "Come on, one of my regulars is going to be here soon. I'll show you around behind the counter and you can help me get his order, sounds good?"

"Yeah," Harry nodded.

Harry felt something stir within him. He was happy, exhilarated even, that he was finally working, that he was finally putting effort into making his and Viktor's dream a reality. However, as he and Blaise moved to behind the counter, a sense of shame and betrayal filled him as he thought about how Viktor would react. He knew without a doubt that his boyfriend would not feel happy about it, that he would feel angry, hurt, emasculated. Their precious dynamic of provider and princess would be destroyed all because Harry wanted to help out. He would have to play it careful, force Viktor to see the benefits that Harry having a job provides. It will be easier to pay their rent, they'll have extra money that they can use for emergencies or treating themselves. Hell, Harry would even allow Viktor full control of his money if that is what it took! Anything so that he can continue helping his love achieve his dream. Harry's thoughts were cut off as the door opened, and Blaise's words snapped Harry back to reality.

"Draco! You're early. The usual I presume?"

A/N: And so begins another story. Leave a review and tell me what you guys think of it!