Seventh Cup
Second Chances
Friday came surprisingly fast. Harry was busy working the counter at The Three Broomsticks when the door opened around noon. He looked up to see a bashful looking Draco Malfoy, holding something behind his back. Harry looked around quickly, trying to find a way to get someone else to attend to Draco, but the blonde walked straight up to Harry. "Hello…"
"The usual I presume," Harry said in a rather cold voice. Draco flinched and shook his head.
"No… I just… I want to talk Harry, please? I messed up, I know I have, and I want to apologize for it," Draco said. He moved his hands behind his back to reveal a beautiful bouquet of flowers. White lilies and yellow roses with ivy and tulips hidden away, all surrounding a single red rose that was in full bloom. "I should never have kissed you like that Harry," Draco continued. "I know that you are in a relationship, and it was completely inappropriate of me. I've let my feelings take advantage of you and ruined what was supposed to be just a friendly outing. I know you have no reason to trust me after that betrayal but… I would appreciate it so much, I would be in your debt Harry, and I would be so much very honored if you give me a second chance."
"A second chance?" Harry repeated, looking from the flowers to Draco.
"Yes," Draco whispered. "A second chance… if you would let me."
Harry had a slight frown. He looked between the two, "Why now?" he asked. "Why are you asking now?"
"We both needed time," Draco said. "And… my flowers weren't done growing yet. These are from my personal garden."
"You have a personal garden?" Harry asked, looking surprised.
"Yeah," Draco blushed. "Have to bring it inside during the colder months, but it grows year round."
"And these are from it?" Harry asked.
"They are," Draco nodded. "I was growing them anyway and… well, they needed a bit more time before they were perfect."
"Draco, I… I don't know what to say," Harry said, his cheeks blushing as he took the bouquet. "Nobody has ever gone through his much effort just to get me flowers." Draco smiled bashfully and rubbed the back of his neck.
"I just wanted to make things right for you," he admitted. "So… will you accept them?"
"Yes, oh god yes, "Harry said, looking at the flowers. "One sec—Ron! Ron! Can you get me a vase or something to put these flowers in?" he looked over and shouted at Ron who was busy with another table. Ron looked up when he was done and rushed to the employee's room, coming out a moment later with a small empty vase. "Sirius loves decorating the place with these during the spring," he said handing it to Harry. Harry took the vase and flowers, and moved to the sink, filling the vase with water before gently putting the bouquet in. He returned to the counter and placed it next to his cash register.
"Looks lovely," he smiled.
"Yeah, it does," Draco breathed, staring at Harry. Harry noticed and bit his bottom lip.
"Stay right here," he said, and he turned to the coffee machine and quickly made Draco's usual order. Smiling bashfully, he handed it to Draco. "On the house… as thanks for the flowers," he said.
"Thanks Harry," Draco said, failing to hide his smile. He took a quick sip and said, "Perfect."
"I can't forget your order," Harry admitted. "Thank you again for the flowers."
"Your welcome," Draco nodded, taking another sip. He turned to leave but Harry stopped him, "Draco! Why don't we hang out? On Sunday. … Sometime around five?"
"Sounds perfect Harry," Draco smirked. "I think I know the perfect place."
"Just no restaurants… okay?" Harry asked.
Draco let out a soft laugh, smiling broadly at Harry, which caused the younger man to blush. "Alright," Draco said. "No restaurants. See you on Sunday Harry."
Harry smiled and waved goodbye at Draco. He turned to the bouquet and closed his eyes as he inhaled the flowers' scent. He heard the café's door open and close and let out a sigh. Work as usual now Harry, he thought to himself.
"Hello, welcome to the Three Broomsticks, how can I help—" His words died on his mouth as he looked to see who'd just walked in. It was a couple, a man and a woman. The man looked to be an older version of Harry with the same bird's nest raven hair and glasses, while the woman had long orange hair and Harry's green eyes. "Mum! Dad!" he smiled, running around the counter to catch his parents in a hug. "It's so good to see you again," Harry said.
"We're happy to see you two Harry, how have you been sweetie?" Mrs. Potter said, "Let me get a good look at you."
She took Harry's cheeks in her hands as she examined her son, turning him around. "You look so good Harry," she said.
"And it looks like you're doing good for yourself," Mr. Potter said. "Who was that young man that walked by us? The one who gave you those flowers?"
Harry blushed and stepped away from his parents. "You saw that?" he asked.
"Your father couldn't help but watch through the window," Mrs. Potter said, earning her an eyeroll from her husband.
"He's Draco… and he's just a friend. The flowers were an apology… anyway, I still have a couple of hours until the café closes, would you two like a drink?" Harry asked, changing the subject.
"Yes, that would be lovely Harry, thank you," Mrs. Potter smiled. Harry nodded and moved towards the counter. As he did so, he saw his boss walk out of his office and stopped to stare as Sirius raised his arms up and yelled, "James! Lily! So good to see you two again!"
"Sirius, it's been ages," Mr. Potter said. The two hugged before Sirius hugged Mrs. Potter, kissing her cheek. "Your shop's looking alright, and it's nice to see you have the best staff in the city."
"Of course, of course, sit down, sit down, I'll get you two something to drink, Blaise if you would—"
"Actually it's alright, Harry already offered," Mrs. Potter smiled.
Harry blinked, suddenly at the center of attention as the three adults stared at him. "I… I uhh…. Mum, Dad… how do you know my boss?" Harry asked dimly.
Mrs. Potter's eyes widened and she turned to Sirius, looking a little mad and mostly disappointed. "You did not tell him? Honestly Sirius!"
"I meant too, but he was doing such a fantastic job that it must have slipped my mind," Sirius said.
"Dad… what's going on?" Harry asked.
"Well Harry, Sirius here, and his husband Remus, are the good friends we've mentioned," Mr. Potter said. "Sorry we didn't tell you, we thought that Sirius here have already done so, even if it was a brief mention of 'oh yeah I know your parents, great folks, especially your dad.'"
"I have a business to run," Sirius shrugged. "Besides! I didn't realize that Harry was your boy until Remus pointed it out to me."
Mr. Potter gave a faint gasp and pulled Harry towards him, "How can you not tell, Sirius? If it wasn't for the graying in my hair and his eyes, we could be twins!"
"You're not graying yet dear," Mrs. Potter said. "Anyway, this whole mess can be easily cleaned up over a cup of tea. Harry, if you would be a sweetie and please make one for your father and me? Do you still remember how we like it?"
"I—yeah I do," Harry nodded, feeling surreal. He moved back behind the counter while his parents and Sirius moved to an empty table by a window, Mrs. Potter speaking to Sirius in a severely disapproved tone.
"Who are they?" Blaise asked.
"My parents," Harry said, "they somehow know Sirius and Remus."
"And they forgot to say so?" Blaise asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Sirius did from the sounds of it," Harry sighed. He swallowed hard and found that he was crying. "I missed them so much… I thought that I wouldn't get so emotional seeing them."
"Well it has been a long time since you saw them, yeah?" Blaise asked.
"Years," Harry nodded. "Not since I moved in with Viktor… they never liked each other."
Blaise sighed, "Usually, I would say something like 'never date people your parents don't like' but I feel if I do, you would punch me like you did Draco."
Harry chuckled and smiled at Blaise, "You're right, I would. …But it would be worth it if you bring me flowers like he did." He pointed to the vase.
"Those are from his garden?" Blaise asked. "My Harry… your friendship must mean a lot to him."
"I guess so," Harry smiled. "Though I feel guilty about it."
"How so?" Blaise asked.
"Draco is making me smile… like Viktor made me smile," Harry admitted. "I don't know what that means."
"Love is a silly thing at times Harry," Blaise sighed. "And it comes in many forms…"
"You think I love Draco!" Harry gasped, glaring at Blaise. "But I'm with Viktor!"
"It doesn't have to be that kind of love Harry," Blaise shrugged. "After all, I love you as a friend. Just as I love Ron and Seamus."
"Ohh… I forgot about that," Harry muttered. "I love you guys too but… the smiles, this tightness I'm feeling just thinking about it… it hurts Blaise. I don't want to choose between them. And I don't want to hurt either of them… but…"
"But?"
Harry sighed. "Things haven't been easy at home. All we do is fuck and sleep. He's moody, I'm moody. We're both exhausted from work. I love the sex, I love being manhandled but… it's like there's no passion. That we just do it just because we have to. It's a routine before we fall asleep…"
"Damn," Blaise frowned. "I've never been in a relationship like that Harry, so I don't know if I can help."
"It's okay," Harry said. "I'll take care of it."
"Great," Blaise smiled. "Hey, how about you take the rest of your shift off for a bit? I'll cover for you. Make yourself a drink too and be with your folks."
"Thanks Blaise, I'll do that," Harry smiled. He quickly made three teas, adding milk to one and honey to the other while he added both to his. Placing them on a tray, he walked them to his parents and Sirius, sitting down with them. "Blaise is covering for me if that's alright," he said to Sirius, placing down the tray. Ron came over and placed Harry's vase at the center of the table, smiling at Harry, who returned it.
"Perfect," Sirius nodded. "That's fine. Harry, where did the flowers come from?"
"Draco Malfoy. He gave them to me," Harry said.
"Is that my vase?" Sirius asked.
"Yes sir… sorry but can I borrow it just until the day's over?" Harry asked. "I'll clean it at home and give it back tomorrow."
"Sure, just don't forget," Sirius nodded. "Anyway James, Lily, I will catch up with you two later. I think I'll leave the Potter family alone for their reunion. And remember: it was Remus's fault, not mine!"
"Of course Sirius, we'll remember it," Mr. Potter chuckled.
"You both will remember it too," Mrs. Potter smiled sweetly, causing Sirius to pale nervously. Harry couldn't help but laugh, remembering how much trouble he was whenever his mother smiled like that. "Now Harry, tell us what's been going on with your life," she said, lightening her smile.
"Uhh well, it's going alright I guess… I've been working here for a while, we still live in the small apartment, but things are getting better," Harry said. "Viktor started a new job! We're still working on his modeling career, but for now he's a bodyguard for a high-profile company."
"That's… good," Mrs. Potter said, though her disapproval was clear.
"How are you two doing? How long has it been? Five years together?" Mr. Potter asked.
"Yes."
"How about that Draco boy? The one who gave you flowers?" Mrs. Potter asked. "How is he like?"
"Oh Draco… he's nice I guess," Harry shrugged. "He comes here every day and has me do his order… we uhh went out together once but it ended badly… the flowers are from his garden and his way of saying sorry."
"Garden? So he grew them himself?" Mrs. Potter asked, looking impressed.
"Yes, he has his own garden he grows year round," Harry nodded. "But that's not a reason to knock Viktor off Mum, you know he has his good qualities! He takes care of me for example."
"Barely," Mr. Potter muttered under his breath.
"Excuse me!"
"Harry, how can you say he takes care of you when you have to go to Sirius's place to shower four times a week?" Mr. Potter demanded. "That is not taking care of you, that is neglect!"
"Sweetie, we just want the best for you," Mrs. Potter said.
"Viktor is what's best for me!" Harry said hotly. "And I'm sorry that we're broke, and our apartment's water pressure is terrible, so yeah maybe I have to go to my boss's place every now and again to shower, but we're surviving Mum! And we both finally have nice-paying jobs! Soon we'll be able to move out to a better place—"
"Harry, there you are."
Harry mentally cursed Viktor's bad timing as he turned to see his boyfriend standing by their table.
"Viktor! You're early," Harry said quickly, standing up to kiss his boyfriend. "What are you doing here?"
"I got off early and I wanted to watch you work," Viktor said. Harry smiled and took Viktor's hands, "Thank you so much for finally getting used to the idea of me working," he whispered.
"Of course princess… though I see you've got company," Viktor said, his eyes shifting towards Mr. and Mrs. Potter. "Lily. James."
"Viktor," Mr. Potter said shortly.
"I didn't know you two were coming to visit," Viktor said. "Why didn't you say anything princess?"
"It must have just slipped my mind," Harry blushed.
"I see…" Viktor said, looking disappointed. "… that is a lovely vase of flowers Lily, did you bring them yourself?" he smiled, doing his best to be polite.
Mum please don't, Harry begged mentally.
"Actually no," Mrs. Potter said. "The flowers are Harry's. From his friend Draco. It's an apology for something or other. Home-grown, you know Viktor. Then again, your hands were always too rough for nurturing."
"I see… Harry, can we talk privately for a moment?" Viktor asked.
"Yeah… okay," Harry nodded. He could feel the anger inside of Viktor. He sent his mother a short glare before looking at Viktor. "The employee room should be empty…" he said in a meek voice, escorting Viktor. Mr. Potter stood to follow but Harry stopped him, "We'll only be a minute dad. Sit down…"
Mr. Potter frowned, looking completely against the idea, but sat down. Harry held the door open for Viktor as they walked into the empty employee room. The door swung and Viktor's hand immediately moved to the back of Harry's neck. "Draco," he said, his voice dangerously low and full of venom. "Draco… that is his name, isn't it Princess? The disgusting bastard who kissed you… who likes you… when you belong to me?"
"Viktor please, you need to calm down—"
"Shut up Harry!"
Harry flinched at the sudden bark of Viktor's voice. "You have no place to talk to me! You cheated on me with this Draco, you lied to me about him!"
"I didn't lie, I thought it was just a friendly—"
"Bullshit!" Viktor yelled and he squeezed Harry's neck. Harry groaned in pain and tried to push away but Viktor hooked his other arm around Harry's waist. His free hand struck into Harry's pants and violently grabbed his cock and balls. "Feel this princess? These cock and balls? Belong to me! As well as your pussy, drilled out by my cock and filled with my cum!"
"Viktor please… you're hurting me," Harry winced.
"You think this is hurts?" Viktor said darkly. "I will make you hurt so much Harry. You are my princess, not this Draco's whore. Did you fuck your pussy too? Is there so much more that you're not telling me?"
"There isn't," Harry winced. "Please Viktor! I only love you—"
"Lies!" Viktor screamed out. His hand left Harry's pants and before the boy could react, he felt a blinding pain on his back as Viktor punched his spine, letting go of his neck as he did so. Harry stumbled and fell to the floor, coughing as his vision went white for a second. "You fucking whore!" Viktor yelled out. "I should never have let you have this job! You are my princess! Mine! This job has ruined everything!"
Harry felt his body tremble as Viktor landed another punch, rolling the boy over to get his stomach. His small pleas went unheard as he failed to curl into a ball to protect himself. Viktor kept screaming, punching everywhere on Harry's body, except his face. There were footsteps. Screaming. And the punching stopped. Harry was afraid. He didn't want to open his eyes. He was too scared to do so.
Trembling like a frightened child, he screamed when he felt a hand on his shoulder. The hand flinched but rested on Harry's shoulder. It was calm, waiting for Harry to react. Cautiously, carefully, Harry opened his eyes to see Blaise kneeling down in front of him. "Hey… where does it hurt?" Blaise whispered.
Harry groaned. He moved his head around looking for Viktor. "Where's Viktor?" he groaned, moving to a sitting position with Blaise's help. The door was closed, a chair in front of it, and Harry gasped at the sight he saw.
Ron was holding Viktor, his arms restraining Viktor's while Seamus kept punching him relentlessly. "Viktor!" Harry said. He moved to get up but Blaise stopped him.
"Let the bastard get what he deserves," Blaise said.
Viktor heard Harry's voice and looked up. Growling at the two of them he bared his teeth, showing blood, and spat out a bloody loogie at the floor. "That black bastard fucking your pussy too, whore?" he growled out. Seamus punched Viktor in the face for that, and Viktor laughed.
Harry was still shaking softly, he felt as though his entire body couldn't be still. He couldn't move, couldn't get up. Tears fell from his eyes freely as he stared at Viktor. He took several breaths and spoke in a small, scared voice, "We're over…"
"What?"
"We're over Viktor…" Harry mewled out. "I don't… I don't ever want to see you ever again."
"Princess—"
"I'm not your princess!" Harry snapped. "Please… just leave. Ron, Seamus… let him go."
The two looked uncertain but listened to Harry. Viktor shoved off of Ron and glared at the two of them before stepping away. His gaze turned to Harry, his eyes turning sad. "Harry…" he whispered, but Harry refused to look at him. Sighing, Viktor turned and kicked the door out of the way, leaving. The door swung close behind him and Harry fell into tears.
Seamus and Ron rushed to him, and the three young men helped Harry to his feet, the small one hanging onto them for support as they enclosed into a hug. "What have I done?" Harry cried out.
"You did something you had to do mate," Ron whispered.
"He was no good for ya, it was either end it now or later when you're seriously hurt," Seamus whispered.
"Everything will be okay Harry, just relax," Blaise whispered.
"What the bloody blazes is going on in here?" Sirius demanded, coming into the employee's room. "Why the hell are you all out here when there are customers outside?" He saw the three of them huddled around Harry. "What happened?" he demanded immediately, rushing towards them. He took Harry by himself, and escorted him to the couch, sitting with him.
"Viktor and I broke up," Harry sniffled.
"His ex was beating up Harry," Blaise said. "It took all of us to drag him off of him."
"Beat him where?" Sirius asked, frantically going over Harry's body for any noticeable injuries.
"Stomach… back… I'm fine," Harry whispered. "I… I broke up with Viktor… I have nowhere to go." Harry could feel hot tears stinging his eyes.
"Hey, hey, hey it's okay Harry," Blaise whispered, "if you'll like, you can stay with me for a bit. That sound good?"
"I think it would be better for Harry to talk with his parents—"
"No, no I'll stay with you Blaise," Harry said. "you have a car?"
"Yeah, of course I do why?" Blaise asked.
"Can you… drive me to my home?" Harry asked in a small voice. "I need my clothes…"
"Yeah, yeah sure… we can leave right now, if that's alright," Blaise asked, looking at Sirius.
Sirius checked his watch, "It's Twelve-Fifty… Seamus and Ron can last for an hour, however I want a phone call the moment you are home, understand?" he said in a strict voice.
"Yes Dad," Blaise smirked. "Come on Harry… let's go."
Harry nodded and stood up with Blaise. The two walked out of the employee room and through the café. Harry stopped Blaise as his parents were watching him. He walked towards them, wincing a the pain of each step, and took the vase of flowers Draco gave him. "We broke up," he said softly. "I… I don't want to talk with either of you right now. I'll call tomorrow."
"Harry… we're sorry," Mrs. Potter said.
"Please," Harry whimpered. "I'll talk tomorrow… I can't now."
"Okay son," Mr. Potter nodded. "We'll see you tomorrow."
"I'm going to be living with Blaise for a bit… I don't… I'll talk tomorrow," Harry sighed. He walked away and stopped momentarily as he heard his mother cry, "This is all my fault."
"It's not mum," Harry whispered. Blaise placed a friendly arm around his shoulder and the two walked out. "Where would he be?" Blaise asked. "Will he…"
"No, he won't be home," Harry shook his head. "He's angry, sad… he'll be at the bar all night I'm guessing before he comes home. I want my stuff gone before then."
"Okay," Blaise nodded.
Harry's chest was killing him, both from the physical pain Viktor has caused, and from his broken heart. Blaise led Harry to his car, and Harry directly Blaise to his cheap apartment. Both were quiet throughout the trip. Harry led Blaise to his floor, and unlocked the door to let them both in. As Harry suspected, Viktor wasn't there. Blaise was silent as they walked around the small apartment, gathering up Harry's clothes and stuffing them in a backpack. Harry took his charger and the few pictures he owned of his parents, as well as his diploma and stuffed it further into the bag. Once he was sure he had his essentials, Harry stopped by the door and took a notepad, writing a note for Viktor.
Viktor,
Please do not beat yourself over this. We both need a break from each other to get our heads clear. Remember to take care of yourself, there's leftover food in the fridge, and a shopping list of what I normally buy at the grocery store is under the paper towels. I'm not telling you where I will be staying but know that I will be okay. Please do not go looking for me or coming by to my work anymore. It's not safe for you. Just focus on bettering yourself. Can you do that for me?
From,
Harry
Sniffling, Harry placed the pen down and took the note, placing it on their bed so he knew Viktor wouldn't miss it. He took a deep breath and gave his apartment one last look, as if to memorize the place forever in his mind. Though he did not want to admit it, he had a feeling deep down that he would never see this apartment again. He turned to Blaise who waited silently by the door, holding the overstuffed bag, and nodded. The older man opened the door and Harry stepped through. The door closed behind them, and the empty place just heard the lock click before silence filled the room, and in a, a cold depression that will forever chill it's sole occupant.