Fourth Cup
Day After
Harry woke up sore. After their argument and dinner date, they returned to their apartment only for Viktor to fuck his princess for the rest of the night. He was especially aggressive last night and while Harry loved every moment with it, he wished that their argument and Viktor's punches didn't started it.
Groaning, he checked his phone to see that it was about five-fifteen in the early morning. He hesitated for a moment before making his decision. As he dressed, he heard Viktor move from behind him.
"Come back to bed princess," Viktor muttered, "the sun's not even out."
"I can't," Harry said, his voice wavering a little. "I need to head to work."
"We've sorted that out yesterday," Viktor muttered sleepily, not even opening his eyes. "You're not working anymore. We'll live off of my money from my new job."
"Well until then, I will continue working at my job," Harry said. "Besides, I need a reason to go outside and just walking around is boring."
He could sense Viktor's disappointment, but he surprised himself by finding he didn't care. He continued dressing while Viktor huffed to himself but stayed in bed. Harry gave a soft sigh once he was fully dressed and walked around the bed. He bent and kissed Viktor's cheek. "I love you," he whispered. "Have a good day…"
He was at the door to their bedroom when Viktor's voice called out bemoaning, "When will I see you again?"
"The café closes at ten at night," Harry said. "I'll be home around ten thirty."
"That's too long… stay here so I can stare at my princess lovingly," Viktor groaned.
Harry frowned, "I can't… I have to go to work."
"Please Harry, till ten is a long time," Viktor moaned. Harry sighed and went back to the bed. He climbed in it and hugged Viktor's back. "My Princess," Viktor smiled.
"My love," Harry sighed. "If you miss me… you can come to the café… it's called The Three Broomsticks. I'll be working so I can't be with you for hours but… we can still talk for a while. There are seats at the counter. Okay?" Harry waited for Viktor to respond. His lover remained quiet, his body stiff under Harry's touch. The young man sighed and kissed the back of his neck. "Water bill should be getting high, so you take the shower today. Okay? I'll freshen up at work. See you later Viktor, love you."
Viktor still was quiet as Harry left the bed. Harry frowned, but said nothing as he pocketed his phone and keys and went out the door.
His walk to work was uneventful. There weren't many people in the streets, and even if there were shadier characters, Harry didn't fear them. Hell, he would probably know a few of them from the times he and Viktor head to pubs and bars on the weekend. The lights at the Three Broomsticks were off and Harry grabbed the door and rattled it, only to find that it was locked. His phone told him that it was only Five-forty. Guess I'll wait, he thought to himself.
He leaned against the door and looked around. The sun still haven't looked as though it was about to rise though the streets were barely filling out with the morning birds. Two figures were walking towards Harry. One of them was Sirius, his boss, while the other was a sandy-blonde man with a thin expression and body. "Harry!" Sirius gasped, "I had no idea you were here so early."
"I just got here," Harry shrugged. "I woke up early and decided to head out… is that a problem?"
"No, no problem at all," Sirius said. "Ahh, I should introduce you, Harry, this is Remus, my husband. Remus, this is my newest employee, Harry Potter."
There was a sort of surprised look on Remus's face that confused Harry as they shook hands. "Nice to meet you," Harry said.
Sirius pulled out a set of keys and unlocked the door, "Well, come on in Harry," Sirius said.
"Thanks…" Harry said as the three walked into the empty café. "If you don't mind, I'm just going to go and change now," he said, pointing to the employee's room.
"Of course," Sirius nodded. "Ahh, Harry, as a rule I always make breakfast for my staff to start the day, I find that it boosts moral, do you like anything in particular?"
Harry stopped, looking flushed. "Uhh…" He bit his bottom lip. Usually he and Viktor skip breakfast since that's the cheaper option. "I… actually haven't eaten breakfast in a few years," he admitted.
"Haven' eaten breakfast!" Sirius gasped. "Harry! That is entirely unhealthy of you!"
"I know but it's just cheaper that way…" Harry said, muttering the last part. Sirius and Remus shared a concerned look.
"Harry," Remus said, "pardon my asking but how old are you again?"
"Twenty-three," Harry said.
"Twenty-three!" Remus said, "But you barely look eighteen!"
Harry frowned and shuffled awkwardly. "I'm just fine with tea, thanks," he said before going into the employee room. He quickly made his way to the bathroom, opening the door and staring at his reflection in the mirror.
He looked royally fucked, black bags under his eyes, hair a total mess. His clothes looked as though they weren't washed for weeks (they weren't), faded and lack of any color. Sighing, Harry threw away any shame he had as he took off his pants and shirt, leaving him in his underwear.
He looked at the mirror and cursed silently. He brought his hand to his throat. There was a clear red mark where Viktor grabbed him. He sniffled at the sight of it. He wished Viktor wouldn't be so violent with him. The man wasn't violent, not in the beginning, when they started dating. Viktor was sweet and caring, looking out for Harry. He was only rough when they had sex, and even then, it was Harry who started it. But now, with their money situation… Viktor's anger comes out and it always found its way to Harry. Viktor would apologize immediately after but… it would only make Harry wish for the past.
"Suck it up Harry," he muttered to himself, "as soon as our money is good… we can move out of that shithole and everything will be fine. You'll see."
He turned on the sink and took out a few paper towels, wetting them then rubbing them along his body like a sponge. The paper towels were rough against his skin, but he didn't care. Once he was sure he was wet enough, he put soap from the soap pump on it and began rubbing his body again, wincing every now and again when a dry part of the paper towels rubbed against his body. It was especially hard against his arm pits, which were thankfully hairless. The young man was so focused on cleaning himself that he did not hear the door open and close behind him.
"Harry, you were taking a while, your tea is ready and I was wo—"Sirius's words died as he stood there in a state of total shock. Harry froze too, perfectly in Sirius's view, his arm in the air, still wet with suds. Harry's face immediately turned red and quick as a flash, he slammed the bathroom door shut. "Harry! Harry open up," Sirius called out.
"Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, oh shit," Harry panicked as he tried to dry himself quickly. Tears quickly welling and falling from his eyes. "Mr. Black I am so sorry! I will never do it again! I'll leave now if that is what you want! I am so sorry," he cried. Around him was a mess of wet paper towels, that looked to be sticking to the floor if not ripping into pieces as Harry did his best to dress while he cried. "I'm so sorry Mr. Black, I'm so—ahh!" His foot landed on the slippery mess of paper towels as he pushed it through his pants. He lost his balance as his foot went flying, and he fell, smashing his head against the wall.
"Harry!" Sirius yelled out in a panic. There was a couple of bangs at the door before Sirius barged in with Remus in tow. "Harry!" he said again when he saw the boy, bending down to get him in a sitting position. "Harry, are you alright?"
"I'm sorry Mr. Black, I'm so sorry," Harry said, his words were thankfully not slurred.
"Harry, calm down, calm down I'm not firing you. Remus, turn the water off and help me get Harry to a couch," Sirius said, looking up at his husband.
Remus nodded and quickly shut the sink off before grabbing one of Harry's arm while Sirius got the other. The two helped Harry to his feet and walked him to the couch where they laid him down. "Do we need an ambulance?" Remus asked.
"No ambulance please," Harry said, his face red and puffed from crying, "too expensive. I'll leave Mr. Black… I'm so sorry…"
"Harry Potter, you are not fired," Sirius sighed. "As your boss, however, I want to know why you were cleaning yourself in the employee bathroom." Harry hung his head in shame. Sirius and Remus shared a look.
"I'll… go and check on breakfast," Remus said and he left the room. Sirius waited a moment.
"Harry, it's just us now, okay? Whatever you say will stay between you and me, I promise," Sirius whispered. "Okay?"
Harry nodded slowly. Though he only knew the man for a day, he felt like he could trust his boss.
"Good now… why did you try bathing here? Why not at home?" Sirius asked.
"Water is too expensive… Viktor and I have quick showers together but he wasn't in a good mood," Harry whispered. "So I thought… I thought… that I could freshen up here… I'm sorry Mr. Black."
"You have nothing to apologize for," Sirius said. "But you should try to wash daily…"
Harry nodded again. His face slowly was turning back to his normal paleness. Because of this, Sirius's eyes immediately went to the red mark on his neck. "Harry… did Viktor do this to you?" he asked softly.
"It's only because of our money problems," Harry whispered. "I hit him too… punched him."
"Harry…"
"Please… I know it isn't right but… everything will get better once we have more money. I need this job Mr. Black, please," Harry looked up at Sirius with pleading eyes.
"Harry, I told you already, you will not lose your job," Sirius said sweetly. "Now… how much have you cleaned?"
"My chest and arms… I was going to do my hair when you spotted me," Harry admitted.
"With our hand soap? Harry that is very back for your hair," Sirius said. "Stay there and do not move, understand? I will be back in a minute…" He left Harry as well. Harry just stayed on the couch, his pants barely hanging on, his underwear soaked from the water running down his body. He was too ashamed to even think of moving. I want to disappear forever.
Sirius returned a moment later holding a small bottle of shampoo and a very, very large silver mixing bowl. "Remus complains that I overpack for everything, but honestly you never know when stuff like this is needed," he said. He set both of them on the small coffee table then looked at Harry. "If you don't mind… I would like to wash your hair," Sirius said. "I would rather you not move around too much after your fall."
Harry was too ashamed to refuse. So he just nodded and Sirius went off to find a stool to rest the mixing bowl on. He filled the bowl with warm water and moved Harry so his head was leaning over the couch's arm and almost into the bowl. He cleaned his hands and put on gloves before wetting Harry's hair, taking the water from the bowl and rubbing his fingers through Harry's hair. It felt good, Sirius's touches were soft, gentle and father-like. Harry's mind drifted back to his parents. He missed them so much. He knew that he could always call them or text them but… he was too ashamed to do so, too scared. He was afraid of what they were going to say, if they were going to yell at him for his life choices, or worse, lead to an argument that will estrange Harry either from them or Viktor forever.
However, these awful thoughts seemed to flow out of his head as Sirius massaged the shampoo in, working professionally as he made sure to wash every inch of Harry's hair. He rinsed it and Harry felt a real towel drop on his head. "Right, from now on I want you to shower before you come to work. If you feel uncomfortable using your shower because of money restraints, you'll come to my home and shower there. I only live a block from the café, so it isn't far," Sirius said.
Harry had to resist saying 'Yes dad' for a moment, his mind still on his parents. Instead he dried his head with the towel as well as the rest of his body. Sirius left so Harry could change in private, and when the boy came out he saw that the other workers have already arrived.
"Morning Harry, you look fresh today," Blaise smiled. "Had some fun with your boyfriend last night?" he winked.
"Yeah… I did," Harry nodded.
"Morning mate, want some coffee?" Ron asked.
"No but if there's tea I would love some," Harry said.
"It'll be ready soon," Sirius smiled. "Come have a seat boys," he led them to a table next to the windows, and the four sat down.
"Does Sirius and Remus do this every morning?" Harry asked.
"Yeah," Ron nodded. "Since it's just the five of us now and we work all day and into the night, he and Remus make sure we eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
"He's like our Da like that," Seamus said.
"Our own personal Daddy," Blaise joked. "Not that I would complain. The two of them make a very handsome couple."
Harry glanced back towards the counter and watched the two of them work. He nodded, they do make a handsome couple. "Anyway Harry, tell us, what did you do last night?" Blaise asked, his eyebrows wiggling.
"W-what?" Harry blushed.
"Come on mate," Seamus smiled, "we're all gay dudes here. We can take it."
"I…we just…" Harry shifted in his seat feeling a little uncomfortable.
"God, knock it off guys, you're embarrassing him," Ron said, "you don't have to tell us if you don't want to Harry."
"Thank you…" Harry said in a small voice. He glanced back at Sirius and Remus for a moment then asked, "I uhh shouldn't be asking this on my first full day but uhh… do we have any days off?"
"Yeah, we do," Blaise said. "Sirius refuses to open on Sunday and major holidays. So we're off on those days."
"Ohh that is nice of him," Harry said with a soft smile. He looked back at Sirius, smiling, "He really is like a dad, huh?"
A few minutes later Sirius and Remus joined them at the table, layout out plates of freshly made eggs and bacon with toast in front of them along with two pots, one full of tea and the other coffee.
"Eat up boys, we have a busy day ahead of us," Sirius said. The six of them ate in silence. Harry took nervous, small bites as he glanced around. Ron and Seamus both scarfed down their food, while Blaise took measured bites. Remus and Sirius ate at a slow pace, but Harry noticed that the older adults looked around the table to make sure everyone was eating. The silence which was only broken by the sounds of knives and forks clinking against their plates soon was deafened by talk as Ron, Seamus, and Blaise started to talk animatedly as Harry just watched.
When they were done, Harry offered to clean the dishes. Sirius followed him. "Harry… are you sure you are okay?" he asked.
"Yes I am Sirius," Harry nodded. "But uhh… if you and Remus can just keep it between us?"
"Of course, that is without question," Sirius nodded. "And I am serious about you using our bathroom at my home if you need to shower. You need to start looking after yourself more than you do so."
"I know… it's just with money and Mrs. Lestrange hating us… I just want to save up so Viktor and I can move out of there," Harry sighed.
Sirius nodded. He looked as though he wanted to say something but kept quiet, instead leaving Harry to finish cleaning the dishes. When the boy was done, it was six-thirty and Sirius unlocked the front doors for the customers. He gave Remus one last kiss and his husband waved the boys goodbye.
A few moments after Remus left, the doors open and the morning crowd shuffled in, looking like tired dehydrated zombies aching for caffeine to save their lives. There were two registers and the boys divided, Harry with Blaise and Seamus with Ron, as Seamus and Blaise worked the register while Ron and Harry made their orders. Harry was sweating in ten minutes, he was gracious for the hair treatment Sirius did because somehow his hair stayed perfectly still and clean as he rushed to make as much cups of coffee as he could.
The rush seemed to last forever as the next two hours slowly ticked by with endless lines of customers, some choosing to stay and drink while most rushed out with their coffee. Near the end of the second hour, Blaise and Harry switched places. As the last of the rush hour drew to an end, Harry was surprised to see a familiar face.
"Draco Malfoy was it?" he smiled.
"Yes, now give me coffee," Draco snapped. Blaise laughed from behind Harry and the younger boy felt the older press against him as he said, "You have to use your manners, Draco."
"Shut up," Draco snapped. He looked at Harry. "…"
"Harry…." Blaise breathed out slowly.
"Harry," Draco said, "this is my order, remember it well. For the mornings I take a large plain coffee black, no sugar. The afternoon I order a large pumpkin spice latte since it is the fall. Understood?"
"One large coffee black with no sugar in the morning, and one large pumpkin spice latte in the afternoon," Harry repeated. "Seems easy to remember Draco." He gave Draco a smile that caused the blonde to blush.
"Y-Yes," Draco cleared his throat. He looked between Harry and Blaise. "And I want you to make it Potter. Just to make sure you got it right."
"Oh, okay," Harry nodded. He moved back to the machine while Blaise and Draco whispered, glancing over at Harry every now and again. He couldn't catch much words but had a suspicion that they were talking about him. He finished the order and gave it to Draco. "Here you go," he smiled sweetly. "A plain coffee with no sugar or milk."
Draco took a taste and licked his lips slowly. "Adequate Harry… but you have much to learn," he said. "Blaise." He gave a short nod and left, leaving a twenty dollar bill on the counter.
"The change's your tip," Blaise said, patting Harry's shoulder. "Act fast before the next costumer comes." Harry quickly did as he was told, and the work continued. He moved from the counter to wait the tables, talking with customers and cleaning the tables before charming a customer here and there for a refill. Harry's feet were quickly becoming sore, but he refused to sit down as long as customers were still there. He had to prove both to himself and Sirius that he was okay.
At half past twelve, Harry was starving but he promised himself one more customer, one more customer then he will eat. Seamus and Blaise were taking their lunch break now, so it was only him and Ron at the registers when the doors opened, and Harry felt his heart do a summersault.
Viktor was walking in, and he was dressed in a relaxed suit Harry knew they didn't own. It was a simple suit, white button down shirt and black coat that hugged his frame and showed off his physical strength. His muscular legs were hidden underneath a pair of black slacks, and his shoes looked new and freshly waxed. Behind Viktor was a handsome man with dark hair and eyes with pale skin wearing an expensive suit.
"Viktor, you visited," Harry smiled.
"I did, I wanted to see personally where my princess is working," Viktor nodded. "Harry, this is my boss, Tom Riddle. Mr. Riddle, this is my princess for the last five years, Harry Potter."
"Potter… it is a pleasure to meet you," Mr. Riddle said, taking Harry's hand in a surprisingly strong handshake. "He has told me some about you, Mr. Potter."
"I… thank you sir," Harry said. "Mr. Riddle, Viktor, welcome to the Three Broomsticks," Harry said with a soft smile, "what would you like to order?"
Mr. Riddle looked around the establishment with a bored gaze before turning back to Harry. "Coffee. Medium, black, two sugars."
"Coming up sir, and you Viktor—"
"He is on the clock, he will not drink," Mr. Riddle interrupted.
"Oh-ohh… okay then," Harry said. He turned and went to quickly make Mr. Riddle's order. It took him only a minute and he rang Mr. Riddle up. The man paid and turned to leave.
"My princess… you really should be at home," Viktor sighed.
"The money I'm earning is helping to fuel our dream," Harry said. "As soon as we're out of that shitty apartment we'll talk about it, but until then I am staying here."
Viktor glared at Harry and looked as though he was about to say something when Mr. Riddle called out, "Krum! Hurry up."
Viktor had a sour expression. He looked back between his boss and Harry and gave his boyfriend a kiss. "We will talk about this later," he threatened.
"After we move out," Harry stressed. "I love you Viktor."
"I love you too Harry," Viktor said. Harry watched as his boyfriend left and sighed. He didn't know why but he felt tense.
"Scary… that was your boyfriend?" Ron asked.
"Yeah, and his new boss," Harry nodded. "I could feel the tension from here mate. You don't look so good, why don't you sit down and have lunch? I'll drag Blaise out to cover you."
"Yeah… yeah, that sounds good," Harry nodded. His feet felt like steel as he dragged them away from the counter and towards the employee room. Seamus and Blaise were sitting at the table talking while scrolling through their phones. On the table was a pizza pie the five of them have ordered. "Blaise," Harry said softly, "do you think you can—"
"Yeah sure, on it," Blaise said. "Take a load off Harry." He stood up and patted Harry's shoulder when he passed the young man. Harry took his spot and groaned loudly as he sat down.
"Tough time?" Seamus asked.
"You don't know the half of it," Harry sighed. "my boyfriend visited with his boss and I just felt this huge tension. Not just from the boss but from Viktor as well. He's still not happy I have this job."
"Well, can I be a bit rude?" Seamus asked, handing Harry a slice.
"Go ahead," Harry said before taking a bite.
"Your boyfriend sounds like an arse and a shithead," Seamus cursed. "Men like him should only give commands in the bed, and even then it is up to you to follow 'em, you hear me?"
Harry frowned. "He wasn't always like that… yeah he and my folks don't get along but he always looks out for me."
Seamus looked a little disappointed but stayed silent. They ate for a bit before Seamus said, "I know it's not my place to judge mate, just wanted to say it and all."
"Thanks," Harry said. "I know that Viktor isn't treating me the best… last night instead of celebrating our anniversary, we just had this huge argument about money and jobs… that's what most of our conversations have been about. Money and how we don't have any." He sighed and looked down at the slice he was eating. "Even now I feel guilty that I'm making Viktor mad but… we need the money, just to move away from Mrs. Lestrange… my landlord."
"Ahh…" Seamus nodded. "Guess Dean and I are just lucky, we have a nice apartment bout ten minutes from here, lovely landlord. And good space too."
"How do you guys survive not seeing each other for a long time?" Harry asked. "We're basically working sixteen hours a day."
"Sixteen hours for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday," Seamus said. Harry frowned in confusion.
"Did Sirius really not tell you our hours?" Seamus chuckled. "How do you think we're so busy? Because everybody is obsessed with the Three Broomstick's unconventional hours! Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday are the long days, Thursday is from six till four, Friday it's till two and we open at eight, and Saturday's fun because we close at twelve and we're off on Sunday."
"That… that just doesn't make sense!" Harry gasped.
"It works," Seamus shrugged. "So since today's Wednesday, tomorrow we have a shorter day and even shorter on Friday and Saturday."
Harry sighed, "I guess that's good. Hang on… Sixteen times three… plus… ten plus six… plus another six… that's seventy hours a week!"
"And the benefits are amazing," Seamus nodded. "Way better than any café or coffee shop in this city. You know, you're very lucky you've gotten a job here."
Harry nodded, his mind going to earlier this morning with what happened in this room. "Yeah, I am," he said softly. "And, I don't care what Viktor says, I'm not going to quit this job. This is the first time since college that I felt I had control over my life."
"That's the spirit," Seamus cheered. He soon finished his pizza and went out to relieve Ron, who ran in and began eating the remaining slices. They both worked at the remaining slices, both talking about their childhood. As an only child, Harry was fascinated that Ron had to grow up with five brothers and a sister.
"Harry," Blaise said as he poked his head in, "Draco's here and he's bitching up a storm. Says he wants you to make his order."
"I'm coming," Harry said.
Outside Blaise was right, Draco was standing at the counter, his arms crossed. He was either ignorant or ignoring the growing line behind him. "Finally, there you are," Draco sighed.
"Hello Draco," Harry smiled. "I'll start your order right away. Blaise, do you think you can take care of the people behind him?" He began making Draco's pumpkin spice latte while Blaise took care of the customers behind Draco.
"You remembered," Draco said, looking at the drink.
"Of course I did," Harry smiled.
"Impressive…" Draco said. He took a sip of his drink and looked at Harry. "I believe I'll be drinking it here. You'll have your tip when I am done."
"Okay…" Harry said, looking a tad confused. Draco made his way to a corner of the café and sat down. He took out his phone and his attention fell to that as he took small sips from his latte.
"Strange, Draco never drinks here," Blaise hummed. "Oh well, the bastard must be planning something… or just avoiding his father. Harry, I need three small coffees with milk no sugar!"
"Got it!" Harry nodded. As he worked, however, Harry kept one eye on Draco. He stayed in his seat, drinking softly, his eyes never adverting from his phone. When he left twenty minutes later, Harry went to the table to collect his tip and was shocked to see a note underneath the twenty-dollar bill.
I want to ask you out on an outing Harry Saturday after your work is done. No need to tell any brutes or gossipers. Below is my number. Whether you want to go or not, you will text me your decision.
Thank you for the coffee, it was actually delicious, better than Blaise's.
Underneath was a number.
A/N: Ohh what will Harry's response be? Tune in next time where we might find out.
Bragoblaze: Thank you! And Harry is in a terrible situation, isn't he?
YurriTsuzuki: Thanks
Alice: Nah, not with Blaise. Blaise is just a friend.
Chris Darkheart: I'm happy you're not happy
Ern: Yeah Harry deserves a real man who will actually do the things Viktor promised he would do but doesn't!
The Sacred Pig: Gee it's like I'm purposefully writing an abusive couple…. What a concept! And good, I don't like pigs around me anyway, they tend to smell.
Shadow and Moonlight: Yeah Viktor is just being a horrible boyfriend for Harry and he does deserve so much more. If only he had parent figures, or his actual parents, to help set him on the gay and narrow.