Title: Angelus Fortuna
Author: Crimson Rosary
Summary: After watching the near-death experience of his godfather, Harry finally decides that Dumbledore doesn't really have the power he claims to have. In order to protect himself, his family and his friends, Harry chooses to side with Voldemort. But what does the Dark Lord have to say to that?
Pairing: LVHP
Rating: M
Author's Note: This is my first ever LVHP story! Please don't hate! Enjoy! If you don't like Male x Male, please press the back button or the red box on the corner. Manipulative!Dumbledore, Ron/Hermione/Ginny/Certain Weasley Bashing! Alive!Sirius, Good!Voldemort, Characters will be a bit OOC.
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters from Harry Potter; all those belong to J.K. Rowling.
'Thoughts'
{Parseltongue}
[Telepathy]
Chapter 7
~ Meetings ~
"Young lord," Fenrir greeted when Harry entered the Dark Lord's study. The Gryffindor was looking for Tom but the Dark Lord had been in a meeting.
Harry frowned, "Why are you calling me that?"
"Are you not dating Tom?" The werewolf was amused at the blush that erupted on the teenager's face.
"Shhhhh!" Harry hushed him. His head swiveled around, green eyes darting all over the room. "No one was supposed to know about that!"
Fenrir blanched, "We're in the Lord's personal study. There's no one here to hear us."
Harry froze, composed himself and cocked an eyebrow. "Haven't you ever heard of the saying, 'The walls have ears'?"
Fenrir rose his own eyebrow in response. "I might have on my excursions into the muggle world. But nonetheless, I believe Remus and myself know of your arousal and attraction to each other. Werewolf," He explained, when Harry showed a confused expression.
"Oh great," Harry groaned, "Now Sirius knows too."
The Dark Lord entered the room and walked over to his seat. "Come Harry," Tom ordered and Harry sat at the empty seat besides Tom's chair. "What brings you here?"
"I was wondering when I would be hiring private tutors for Fenrir's pack. They've got to be tutors whom aren't scared of Fenrir himself and also not on Dumbledore's side."
"The second condition is easier to accomplish than the first condition, as Dumbledore has not done anything to help any magical creature in the Wizarding World." Tom explained.
"However, there are competent wizards in my pack," Fenrir added, "I'm sure they can help teach the cubs."
"Yes, but they'll have to be certified. I can hire tutors and have all of you glamoured, but I'm not certain you wish to be glamoured, correct?"
"Anything is fine, young Lord." Fenrir smiled, "It's enough that you are helping."
"I have yet to be called to any of the Wizengamot meetings, but when it does happen, I'll claim my seats and move to have anti-creature laws dispersed and removed."
"Lucius says there is one next week." Tom informed him.
"Oh, then I better see him soon. I want to know what issues are brought up to be voted on," Harry said. He quickly made a checklist and tapped the quill at the edge of the paper. "How about I gather a list of potential tutors and have Lucius review them with me before giving you to see which candidates are hired?"
"That will be great. Thank you."
Harry hopped off his seat before planting a kiss on Tom's cheek. "I'll see you guys later."
When the door closed, Fenrir turned to look at Tom.
"Not a word."
"I thought there was no sexual touching of any kind."
Tom sniffed, "A kiss is just an affection gesture."
The werewolf looked at his old friend before erupting in a barking laugh.
…...
Harry walked down the dimly lit hallways, looking for the blond wizard. It was when he turned the corner that he found him.
"Luc-!"
Seeing that the blond was already occupied, Harry darted back around the corner before peering his eyes from behind the wall.
"Lucius, now is not the time."
"I have yet to see you these past couple of days."
"Lies," The voice hissed. "I can name several times that I've seen you during these last few days."
"Not like that," Lucius frowned. "I hope you understood what I meant."
Severus gave Lucius a deadpanned expression, "I'm not stupid. I've been busy! With Fenrir moving in the werewolves, I've been assigned the task of brewing potions for them. Harry asked me about it and Tom gave me the mission."
"Anything else?"
"Brewing potions is time consuming, Lucius!" Severus hissed. "There isn't anything else that I've been assigned to."
"Well, have you seen your eyes? There are dark circles under them."
Severus rose an eyebrow, "If this is your way of getting into my pants, you're doing a poor job."
Lucius shook his head, "No, I'm worried about your health. You look like you haven't slept in a long time."
Severus ran a hand through his hair. "I've had time for naps and short snacks. It's enough."
"It is not enough! Understand Severus! Even when you're given a task, Tom doesn't expect you to become an impenetrable force. You are human! You need sleep. A lot of sleep. And food. Three hours isn't enough and a small bite of your sandwich does not count. Your health will rot away. When was the last time you took a nice relaxing bath?"
"I've had an hour nap and for your information, I've finished a whole sandwich. And I took a quick shower this morning."
"Severus!"
"Severus, Lucius." Harry finally decided to show his presence, "I have new orders for you."
"What is it?" Severus asked. Harry watched as the potions master drew away from the blond wizard.
"Tom recognizes your astounding efforts to brew many potions in such a short amount of time. Therefore, he's allowing you the next two days off to recuperate. Lucius is assigned as your caretaker. I'm sure the batches you've already made are enough for three weeks. Tom says to finish up your current batches and take a good rest."
Lucius gave Harry a smile, silently thanking him for enforcing his worries. Even Snape looked amused at Harry's effort of a failed lie.
"Very well then," Severus smirked. "Tell Tom that I'll see him next week."
The two elder wizards left the hallway, leaving Harry to return to Tom's office.
…..
"Did you find Lucius already?" Tom asked when Harry entered his office.
"I did, but he was occupied," Harry stated. "Oh, and by the way. I gave Severus a few days off in your name."
Tom frowned, "Whatever for? We must get everything ready."
"Tom, Severus is tired. Lucius is complaining. And I don't think Fenrir wishes to have a batch of poorly brewed potions stocked up."
Tom sighed, "Very well."
Harry looked at him for a few moments and frowned, "You're mad."
"I'm not mad."
"Okay, then you're upset."
"I'm not upset."
Fenrir could feel the tension in the room, but because he had been interrupted by Harry's reappearance in his old friend's office, the werewolf stayed silent through their encounter.
"Why are you mad?"
"I'm not mad Harry," Tom reassured him, "I'm just not used to having someone…"
"Undermine your authority? Order your followers? Make choices that does not involve your consent?"
"Yes, yes and yes." Tom sighed, before turning his head to see a despondent boyfriend.
"Harry," he said, gently taking Harry's hands in his own. "You see, I am not used to such things. As a Dark Lord, I make the decisions and my Death Eaters follow my orders."
Tom looked at their hands and frowned. Though Harry's was a nice soft tan, the Dark Lord could feel how taut the skin was from being overworked every time the teenager had ended up returning to the Dursleys'. Tom looked at his own hands and saw a freakishly pale alabaster skin tone with serpentine-like, long fingers and somewhat battered fingernails.
"Come now Harry, do not be downtrodden." Tom implored, "It will take some time getting used to the changes. Rome was not built in a day; therefore, we have many years ahead of us to simulate into the situation."
Harry could only nod his head.
"Besides," Tom added. "You will eventually become my equal, and these are just the first steps to acclimate into the process. You have done nothing wrong. I should have kept my eyes on my most trusted after all."
"Are you sure?" Harry asked hesitantly. Though he knew that Tom had changed, Harry had had first hand experience regarding Tom's temper.
"Yes. Most definitely."
"Very well then," Harry said smiling. Tom gave his hand a comforting squeeze before turning to face Fenrir.
"Continue."
And Fenrir did as he was told.
…..
"Harry, are you okay here?"
"I'm fine Sirius. Why wouldn't I be?"
"Well… you're with You-Know-Who –"
"Tom, Sirius. His name is Tom. Or, if you'd prefer, you can call him Voldemort."
Harry huffed when his godfather and Remus flinched upon hearing the name of the Dark Lord. "Come on. He's okay. Tom's been treating me well these last few weeks."
Sirius pouted, "We could've done better."
"Under Dumbledore's watch?"
Sirius muttered something underneath his breath.
"What was that?"
"Nothing."
"Come now Padfoot," Remus patted his old friend's back. "If Harry says V…Voldemort is treating him well, we should trust him."
"If he does anything to you –"
"Your threat is unnecessary," Tom spoke up.
The trio turned their heads and Tom smirked. They all looked like they had been caught with their hands inside of the cookie jar.
"Tom! What are you doing here?!" Harry stood up and made his way over to the Dark Lord.
"I was about to head to the dungeons. Then I saw the three of you huddled there. Is there something I should know?"
"Nothing at all," Harry smiled. "Why are you headed to the dungeons?"
"I have a meeting with one of my followers."
"Bellatrix?" Harry questioned. Tom nodded.
"My cousin is here? In your dungeons? What did she do to gain your wrath? She was always going on and on about you." Sirius spat. "Oh wait," Sirius's eyes lit up with glee. "Did she attempt to lay with you?"
Tom narrowed his eyes, "She touched what was mine."
Harry rolled his eyes before patting Tom's arm. "She did nothing of the sort. She merely raised her wand at me."
"Same thing," Tom hissed. He grabbed Harry's waist and brought him closer to his own body. "I will not have anyone or anything harm what's rightfully mine."
His response earned an amused look from his boyfriend, but Tom could see from the corner of his eye that he had somewhat shocked and frightened his boyfriend's godfathers.
"Come, we'll adjourn to the meeting room. I'll have Bella brought to us. I want everyone to know what would happen if they dare harm a single hair on your head."
They only took a few steps before Harry stopped and turned around. "Oh yeah. Where's Hermione?"
Sirius and Remus turned to look at each other before they faced Harry. "We left her in the library. I hope you don't mind her being there V-Voldemort."
"Tom, please."
Harry smirked when his godfathers' jaw dropped at Tom's insistence of the lack of formality towards him. It only took a few turns and down a flight of stairs before they made their way to the meeting room. Already there were Tom's followers whom had instantaneously kneeled to greet the Dark Lord.
As Tom took his seat on the dais, Harry sat on the armrest while leaving Sirius and Remus to stand awkwardly by the bottom steps.
Soon, Bellatrix was drawn to the meeting room before she was made to kneel before Tom.
"M-My Lord!" She spoke with a delightful gaze in her eyes. Her eyes practically sparkled with admiration for the Dark Lord before she saw Harry sitting besides Tom, Harry's arms wrapped around Tom's arm. "You filthy –!"
"Crucio!"
The witch writhed on the ground as the Cruciatus Curse licked over her skin and coursed through her body. The curse was then lifted and left the witch panting and stumbling back into a kneeling position.
She breathed as if she had ran a marathon, returning to her kneeling position as she sought out the other guests whom were invited.
"My dear beloved cousin," She simpered wickedly, "Has the old man not decided to get rid of you? Your mother was always going on and on about her eldest turning traitor to our traditions, and now you're back with your tail between your legs." She snarled. "Well, the Dark Lord has no place for pathetic fools like you! You'll soon turn traitor when you get the information you came for!"
Throughout her tirade, the four on the dais stared at the dirt smudged face of the witch before them. Tom let her have her rant, but his patience was soon running thin.
"Tom…" Harry cooed, gently and soothingly rubbing the Dark Lord's arm.
At Harry's voice, Bellatrix's attention snapped back towards her lord, "My Lord! Please, Black is a traitor! He'll soon eat his own wand before becoming one of us! Do not trust him!"
"Bellatrix," Tom interrupted, "Do you know what you've done wrong?"
"I've done nothing wrong, My Lord. I wanted to protect you from the filthy blood –"
"Crucio!"
Another round of the curse laced through her blood before she fell forward onto her face. Her body racked with shivers and trembled with the aftermath of the curse before she picked herself up once more.
"Do not speak of Harry in such a way. As of now, none of you are to harm a single hair on his head. You will respect him as you do me."
"But My Lord –!"
"Silence!" His sharp tone cut through Bellatrix's retort. Voldemort's red eyes found two pairs of eyes and gestured them towards the front. "Rabastan, Rodolphus. Do you have any lingering loyalty to Bellatrix? As Lady Lestrange; not anything else."
The two brothers dared to look at each other before throwing an unhidden scathing look towards the witch kneeling down besides them.
"No, My Lord." Rodolphus answered. "Our marriage was an arranged one, yet it benefitted more of the Black family than it did the Lestrange family. As such, my wife and I had only consummated the marriage to settle the marriage contract."
"No heirs?" Voldemort asked. Harry's eyes glanced back and forth between his boyfriend and his inner circle members.
'What is he thinking about?'
"No heirs, My Lord." Rodolphus confirmed.
"What a shame."
Harry shivered with pleasure at the tone Tom used. Though, he could tell the shivers that ran down Tom's Death Eaters were not that of pleasure. It was of anxiety, fear and nervousness. They did not want to be the one under their Lord's wand or wrath.
His hand slipped into Tom's own, squeezing gently. Tom turned his head for a fraction and saw lust boiling within Harry's eyes. Returning his squeeze, Tom moved their joined hands onto Harry's lap, directly over his groin. Harry whimpered softly, but it was enough for Tom to hear how his lover wanted him so. He could even feel the semi-erection budding underneath his hand. Clearing his throat, he turned his sight away from his horny lover to face the Lestranges.
"Then, how would you like your marriage to be annulled?"
"M-My Lord?" Rodolphus's head snapped up and looked up at Voldemort with confusion.
Sirius looked up at Tom and the Dark Lord saw a smirk on his face, knowing that the wizard thought it was a good idea to proceed with.
Waving a hand at his boyfriend, 'No… lover' he thought, Voldemort continued. "Harry is now the Lord of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black. Therefore, it is within his power to annul the marriage and sever the contract drawn up between the two families."
"Y- I mean, Lord Harry. You would do something like this? For me?"
Harry smiled, "If Tom believes you deserve this, if Tom trusts you this much. I will do everything in my power to help you."
"You cannot do something like that you whore! Our marriage contract is unbreakable!" Bellatrix shrieked.
"Crucio!" The Lestrange brothers chanted. Twin spells landed on the crazed witch and the witch's cries rang out loud within the meeting hall. With a sharp snap of his wrist, Tom had the Lestrange brothers releasing the curse.
"What did I say about treating Harry the same as you would treat me?"
"M-My Lord! Ple-ease!" Bellatrix shivered and shook from the spell's aftereffects. "Please, please. I-I love you! My Lord!"
Harry's eyes widened at the witch's confession. He glanced about the room wondering if anyone else felt the same as he did. However, none of the Death Eaters in the room seemed to be surprised. In fact, they looked stoic and nonchalant with the sudden news.
"You will always be my loyal follower," Tom replied, getting up from his throne. Harry felt his heart break just a little bit when his boyfriend?, lover?, moved away from his side after this unexpected confession.
All eyes watched as Tom walked right up to Bellatrix and circle around her. The only thing that could be heard with Bellatrix's ragged breath, but Voldemort's silent steps seemed to echo louder than that.
"My Lord –" Bellatrix sighed happily. She tilted her head towards Harry just a tiny bit, yet the teenager could see the victorious gleam shining in her eyes.
He clenched his fists, but kept a passive front. 'That bitch really thinks she's won this!' Harry gritted his teeth to prevent himself from throwing every single spell he knew at the injured witch before him.
Noting the slightest fluctuation in magic, Tom's eyes flickered over to Harry and saw that his eyes were pinned on the form he was currently circling. Tom resumed his walk and made his way back to his throne, keeping his eyes on Harry's. He noted with a smirk that Harry had his own small but subtle victorious smirk painted on his face.
"M-My Lord?"
"My dear Bella," Tom tutted. "Your feelings were nothing more than a strong urgency to show and dedicate your loyalty to myself and our cause."
"No, please!" Bella pleaded, "I really do love you, My Lord! I would do anything for you! Anything!"
"Harry?"
With thinned lips, Harry stood up from his seat on Tom's armrest. "I, Harry James Potter-Black, Lord Black of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, hereby annul the marriage between Bellatrix Lestrange nee Black and Rodolphus Lestrange. With this annulment, the dowry given by the Black family to the Lestrange family will be kept as is. So I say, so mote it be."
The two individuals glowed a golden light before the red string that linked the two together broke apart. But Harry was not done yet, "Due to her transgressions with the law and against House Black's beliefs, I, Harry James Potter-Black, Lord Black of the Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, hereby remove and banish Bellatrix Black from the family. So I say, so mote it be."
The Death Eaters withheld a wince when they heard the horrid screams emitting from Bellatrix's mouth as she felt her entire lineage rip out from inside her. A black aura glowed around her form before she fell forward.
Harry searched for Sirius's eyes and saw him nod his head, supporting Harry's decision. With a boost in his confidence, Harry continued to look at the witch who was barely still conscious after having everything done to her in a span of an hour.
"Anything else you would like to add?" Voldemort asked.
"No, Tom."
"Rodolphus, Rabastan. Have Bellatrix brought to the dungeons. Keep a high security on her."
"Yes, My Lord," they intoned. Then they turned to Harry, "Thank you, Lord Harry."
With a small smile, Harry dismissed the two brothers and the group watched as they led the finally unconscious witch out of the meeting hall.
"Leave." The rest of the Death Eaters trailed after them, leaving Tom's inner circle, Sirius, Remus and Harry alone in the room with the Dark Lord. With another wave of his hand, the meeting hall was empty except for the two courting individuals.
"Harry, what's wrong?"
"Nothing."
"Don't think I did not see the look you gave Bellatrix."
"She gave me a nasty look so I returned it."
"Oh? A nasty look?" Tom pondered on that comment. "Shall I have her brought back here for more torture?"
"She looked victorious! As if she had won your affections by confessing to you!" Harry growled.
Tom looked on in amusement. He enjoyed the jealousy that Harry portrayed, though it made Harry look more delicious and enticing than anything.
"Worry not," Tom promised as he wrapped his arms around Harry. "She holds no part of me. There was only a one sided feeling on her part."
"Promise?"
"Of course," Tom insisted. He made a note to do something … special for his ex-follower, but for now, Harry needed his attention and Tom would give him that.
…..
"Arggh!" Harry frowned, picking at his clothes. "I hate these robes. Why can't we just go to the meeting in a t-shirt and some jeans and sneakers?"
Lucius paused in his preening, though he had scowled at Harry when the Gryffindor had called it that, before turning to look at him, "T-shirt and jeans," He sneered. "As a Wizengamot member, we are to be portrayed as a Lord or Lady of high status, of being the Lord or Lady of ancient bloodlines. We will not be sitting in meetings dressed in sloppy attires."
"Okay, okay!" Harry raised his hand in surrender, slowly placating the blond wizard before he turned to look at himself in the mirror. "Are you sure I really need these many layers?"
"It's just a dress shirt with trousers; a vest and wizards' robes. You're only complaining because you cannot understand the need for the amount of buttons on your robes. Come, let me fix you up."
Harry walked up to Lucius like a petulant child, allowing the Malfoy lord to brush up his vest before attaching the chain of a pocket watch onto the hook sewn into his vest before setting the watch into his vest pocket. Straightening out the wizards' robes, he buttoned up the buttons until it reached the middle of Harry's chest before stepping back. "I approve."
"Well, we are going to be late."
"Let's go then,"
"Good bye Tom," Harry called out. His lover made a small sound of acknowledgement before brushing his lips across the back of Harry's hand. After that, Harry and Lucius walked to the floo, accompanied by Sirius whom had walked over.
"You'll be the proxy for the title of Lord Black. I am carrying the papers for it, but the decision is all Harry's." Sirius raised an eyebrow at Harry's smirk. "However, we have time to talk out the issues before voting on them." Lucius finished.
"I know," Sirius scowled. "I've been to a Wizengamot meeting before."
"Oh?" Lucius raised an eyebrow, "Was that before or after you were sent to Azkaban?"
"Lucius!" Harry hissed, seeing his godfather's hackles rise. "Please don't fight!"
Lucius cleared his throat before putting his hand out, "I apologize. That was uncalled for. I should not have brought up your sentence in such a fashion."
Sirius grumbled a bit before Harry nudged his side with a green bright-eyed puppy dog look accompanied with a full on pout. "Very well. I accept your apology, but only for my godson."
Lucius nodded and one by one, the three of them flooed to the Ministry's Atrium before moving to the meeting room, which was already slowly filled by the incoming members of the Wizengamot. Loud gasps and screams ripped through the tense silence when witches and wizards realized that Sirius Black, escaped Azkaban convict, was walking amongst them.
Security and Aurors ran over, but Harry and Lucius stepped up before them.
"We are here due to Madam Bones' request to deal with the issue of my parents' murder." Harry lifted proper documentation up, ignoring all the whispers lingering in the crowd. "Now move, we are late."
When no one made to move, Harry glared, his eyes sparking with the magic behind them. "MOVE." The crowd scattered, though they looked at the trio warily as they made their way through the Ministry.
Reporters were already lined up in several files at the entrance of the meeting room, cameras flashing and questions before shouted.
"Mr. Potter! Mr. Potter! Do you realize that Sirius Black is an escaped convict? Guilty of your parents' murder?!"
"Mr. Potter! Mr. Potter! Are you standing by the actions of a murderer? Are you seeking psychological help?!"
"Mr. Malfoy! What is your relationship with the Boy-Who-Lived?! What about Mr. Black?!"
Ignoring the media, Harry, Lucius and Sirius had their wands weighed before entering the room. Silence fell upon them, but the trio moved into a corner, throwing up silence spells and privacy wards.
"When were you going to tell me?"
"Surprise?" Harry replied meekly.
Sirius barked out in laughter before tugging Harry into a bone crushing hug, "Thank you pup," He breathed.
"You deserve it Siri. I wanted you to be free and not left to hide for the rest of your life. Becoming the proxy for the House of Black is the most opportune time to pull a stunt like this. "
They hurriedly rushed to Amelia's office and entered her office, thanking her as she shut the door close behind them.
"Let's hurry this up. The Wizengamot meeting will start in an hour. Do you have all the evidence?"
"We have it right here," Harry smiled, lifting a small cage in front of him. In his other hand was a package of vials filled with Sirius's memories from the start of planning the use of the Fidelius Charm, all the way until his arrest and shipment to Azkaban.
"That's Peter Pettigrew?" Amelia asked, confirming the prisoner within the metal cage.
"In his animagus form of a rat. We've got him paralyzed in his form." Harry said.
Amelia looked smug, "That explains why he's so quiet." She waited until Harry placed the cage on her desk before removing the frozen rat and reversing the spell on him. The rat soon reverted back to Peter Pettigrew and she bound him to the seat he sat on.
A quick "Finite Incantatem" allowed Peter the use of his limbs, but he was unable to move from his spot. He thrashed all around until Harry stunned him, using tissue to open the unconscious man's mouth to place three drops of Veritaserum on his tongue. Afterwards, Peter was spelled awake and with the dull and glazed look in his eyes, they began to question him.
After about half an hour, the interrogation was done and over with. Amelia signed off all documents and sent them off to be filed in the Ministry and in Gringotts before sending for Kingsley to retrieve the bound prisoner.
"You are officially free, Sirius." Amelia said, sitting back in her seat. "How does it feel?"
"Like I've got the entire Wizarding World off my back." Sirius said snarkily. He was still glaring at Pettigrew, who was now pale and sweating profusely in his chair, silently pleading to them to let him go.
"Ignore him," Harry said, patting his godfather. "Once a rat, always a rat. Then again, it should have been obvious considering his animagus form."
"Yeah…" Sirius grumbled, "A mistake that James and Lily had to pay for." He growled, chest rumbling louder and louder as his growl grew longer and longer.
"Black! Control yourself," Lucius said. "It wouldn't do to start rumors this early, even before the media has gotten the news that you've been freed."
Grumbling to himself, the four kept quiet, awaiting Kingsley's arrival. An owl soon arrived in ten minutes carrying an envelope with the Gringotts seal on it. It flew straight to Sirius and swung its leg out, hooting for the free wizard to take its delivery.
Accepting the envelope, the owl hopped onto the back of Sirius's chair and perched there superiorly.
Sirius quickly opened the envelope and read the letter there, hands shaking. Harry and Lucius smirked at each other, awaiting Sirius's reaction and he didn't disappoint.
"H-Harry! W-What is this?!"
"I figured that a freed Black needs his assets and titles returned to its rightful place. So, I've already had the paperwork drawn up and sent to Gringotts to await for the documents of your pardon." Harry shrugged. "Plus, the documents were awaiting for your signature already – ever since the previous Lord Black had passed away. The only reason I have the title of Lord Black was because you gave it to me and had authorized it in your will."
Harry removed the Lord Black ring from his finger and placed it on Sirius's palm. "All you have to do is sign the papers. I already did my part. Once it's filed, you can wear the Lord Black ring."
Sirius stared at Harry in awe and wrapped him in a bear hug.
"Come on, Sirius!" Harry struggled to breathe, gasping for breath when Sirius's arms finally detangled itself from around Harry's body. "Sign it, already. Go on. The meeting is in fifteen minutes."
Sirius did as he was told and quickly acquired a blood quill from Amelia. He signed his signature at the designated spots marked with an 'X' and spilt three drops of blood onto the top of the first parchment paper stacked at the very top. When it glowed a bright gold, there were three copies created before they flew away.
Thanking the owl still there, Harry pulled out five galleons and placed it into the small sack tied around the Gringotts' owl. Hooting once more, the owl flew off and just as it passed through the open window, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," Amelia said.
Kingsley walked in with three other Aurors, surprise written all over their face when they recognized the people in the room.
"You called for us?"
"Yes," Amelia smiled. "Please escort Mr. Pettigrew to the Ministry prisons. Place the hackles on his wrists and here is his wand."
"Yes, ma'am." Kingsley nodded.
They stood Pettigrew up and placed the magic-restraining cuffs on before walking him out – one Auror at the front, one holding onto him by the cuffed wrists and shoulders and two Aurors at the back.
Amelia stood and the four of them walked out of her office to make it to the Wizengamot meeting. "There will be a trial, for the sake of appearances. Of course, the results will be official – they'll all be to your benefit if Cornelius doesn't want the rest of the pureblood families to call for his blood."
"They will?" Harry asked.
"Of course." Lucius confirmed. "Even if Sirius was incarcerated, he is first and foremost the heir of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black. As the eldest child, Sirius is in line to become Lord Black; it also doesn't help that his younger brother, Regulus Black, is no longer living." His steel grey eyes looked at Sirius in the corner, who had stiffened up at the mention of his brother's death.
"It's all right." Sirius shuddered.
"With Regulus deceased, Sirius was the only heir available to continue on the Black line. Furthermore, even if his mother, Walburga Black, had stated that Sirius was to be disowned, I believe your father, Orion Black, had yet to declare you disowned?"
"That's correct."
"Which means that Sirius was supposed to become Lord Black after his father's passing. Yet, he hadn't known about the mantle, but was still eligible for its title for a good few years even before he had been sent to Azkaban. As such, he was declared Lord Black without the proper documents and paperwork that showed his inheritance. So, an innocent pureblood Lord Black was wrongfully incarcerated. The Wizengamot now has evidence of his innocence and to appease him so he doesn't make the Ministry look bad, they will have to do whatever he says – to a certain extent."
"Good," Sirius smirked. "It's one way they can pay me back for the years lost."
Amelia rolled her eyes. "Come now. The meeting is starting." They turned a corner and were enveloped by a trickling crowd of other Wizengamot members. Upon entering, they strode to their designated seats and tapped on the unlit orb before there, signaling their presence and arrival at the meeting.
…..
"Please take the floor, Madam Undersecretary Umbridge." Cornelius said imperiously. He sat back down in his seat and allowed Umbridge to stand.
"Hem, hem." She cleared her throat, turning an innocent smile towards her audience. "Members of the Wizengamot. Esteemed Minister – before I draw attention to our proposals, I would like to notify the members that there is someone taking the Black seat of the Wizengamot. Now, unless that person is a verified member of the court, I would like to ask them to leave before they are arrested for attempt of line theft."
Harry smirked, seeing Sirius stand up in his seat.
"It would be difficult to arrest me for an attempt of line theft if the Black blood runs through my veins, Madam Undersecretary." Black said. His cool and crisp tone sent shivers down the pink toad's spine as she realized whom she was trying to implicate. Even the Minister had paled to an obscenely disgusting color when he believed that a mass murderer was amongst them.
"B-B-BLACK?! AURORS! ARREST HIM!" Cornelius ordered, the finger pointing at Sirius Black.
"Do not move." Amelia ordered, taking control of the situation. "I have evidence and have verified that Lord Black was innocent of his supposed crime – a crime that he has believed to commit, a crime that had no trial before sentencing Lord Black to Azkaban for life."
The purebloods murmured unintelligibly, suspicious eyes pinned to Cornelius's sweating form.
"Evidence?! What evidence?!" Umbridge cried out.
"Peter Pettigrew." Amelia said.
That name drew louder protests, but was easily cut off by the Head of the DMLE herself. "I believe we are here to discuss the proposals and vote on them, Minister. Since when did this meeting become an unscheduled trial in an attempt to arrest Lord Black for something that is within his rights to obtain and possess?"
"R-Right you are, Amelia." Fudge stuttered, wiping his dripping forehead with a handkerchief. "I… I understand that you have things settled with Black's case?"
Amelia smiled, "The trial will be held in a week. As of now, Lord Black is a free man. The trial will just be for appearances so the public will know the results. I'm sure the Wizarding population wouldn't want to find out the Ministry's lack of security and care over the past decade or so?"
Cornelius patted his forehead some more, "O-Of course not. Very well. The trial will be held in one week. Let the meeting resume."
Gritting her teeth, Umbridge flashed a forced smile to her audience before speaking. "I propose…"
…..
Harry stormed through Tom's manor and headed for their bedroom. Upon entering, he threw piece after piece of clothing onto the ground, leaving them for a house elf to retrieve. In his fury, he stormed passed a surprised Dark Lord before making his way to the shower.
"That stupid, vile, evil toad!" He snarled, slamming the glass door close behind him. Thankfully, with its reinforced frames, the glass did not shatter from the impact. Harry turned the shower on blistering hot before ducking underneath it. Calming himself, he adjusted the water's temperature before moaning when cool, lukewarm water cascaded over tingling skin.
"Was there a problem?" Tom asked from the doorway.
Squeaking, Harry tried to cover his bits before turning his head towards his lover. "I'm showering!" He hissed. "Get out!"
"The glass distorts my view," Tom simply stated.
"But it does show everything!" Harry retorted. When he saw that Tom had yet to leave, he shouted, "TURN AROUND THEN!"
His lover rolled his eyes but stayed put. "The meeting?" Tom drawled, after a moment of silence.
"Stupid Umbridge and her stupid anti-magical creature proposals. I swear, if there hadn't been other proposals lined up, she would've gone on and on about her own." Harry grumbled. He fumbled for the shampoo bottle, squirted some into the palm of his hand and began to shampoo.
"Anything else?" Tom asked. He heard quite frequently about said Madam Undersecretary's hatred for magical creatures and half bloods. He had pondered on recruiting her as another pawn, but after Harry's year with her, he didn't think he should.
"Sirius is now a free man!"
Tom raised a hairless eyebrow, "Since when?" He smirked when he heard Harry cursing underneath his breath when some shampoo had gotten in his eye.
"Since today. It'll probably be all over the Daily Prophet tomorrow."
"Should I prepare for anything?"
Tom waited patiently as Harry turned off the shower and opened the glass door just a tiny bit, enough to reach his arm out to grab the towel hanging on the rack. He adjusted his position when Harry walked out with the towel wrapped dangerously low on his waist.
"Yes. You can prepare Umbridge's trial for me."
"Trial?"
Harry scoffed, "You really didn't think that I was going to leave her to roam the streets without any punishment did you? She nearly Crucio'ed me, her detentions were practically abuse, she nearly forced Veritaserum down my throat if it hadn't been for Severus and she had took my friends as hostages, and sent Hermione and I to the Forbidden Forest at wand point!"
Tom's temper soared but seeing Harry wincing, he had to take a few deep breathers before following his little lover out of their en-suite bathroom and waited by the walk-in closet's threshold as his lover rummaged for a new set of pajamas.
"Plus!" Tom heard Harry's muffled voice from within, "If Grawp hadn't distracted the Centaurs, Hermione and I would have been dead – probably – not really sure. I mean – they were pretty angry… but that anger was directed towards the fact that we brought Umbridge into the Forbidden Forest." Harry said haltingly as he tried to justify the Centaurs' actions.
"Grawp? Who is that?" Tom asked.
"Oh… uh," Harry walked out of the closet, struggling to button up his pajama top. "Grawp is Hagrid's half brother. He's a giant."
Tom frowned, "How did you meet this… Grawp?"
"Hagrid showed Hermione, Weasley and I." Harry explained. "He was gone for a good portion at the beginning of the school semester. When he returned, he was all bruised and injured, so we asked after his health. He revealed to us that he had found his half-brother and so, in case Umbridge were to fire him from his post at Hogwarts, the three of us were to protect Grawp."
"Interesting."
"Hagrid's all right. It's just the fact that he is more in tune with the magical creatures and has a big heart. He could never see the bad in them," Harry said. He walked up to the bed and pulled the covers up before sidling in. "Enough of that, coming to bed?"
Tom quickly changed into his pajamas and slid in besides him.
…..
"W-What?"
"Would you accompany me out on a date?"
Harry looked up at Tom and then down at the large overflowing bouquet he was carrying. The bouquet had a smatter of red and white carnations, purple, blue, yellow and white irises, a handful of freshly picked orchids, king proteas, asters, amaryllis and alstroemerias and, Harry had counted, eleven red roses.
"Could you explain…?" Harry was bewildered but he accepted the bouquet with a thrumming heart.
Tom cleared his throat and awkwardly looked around before turning to Harry. "The red and white carnations stand for love, pride and admiration, innocence and pure love respectively. White irises stand for purity, yellow for passion, blue for faith and hope, and purple for wisdom and compliments. The yellow orchids are for exotic beauty, refinement, thoughtfulness and mature charm. King Proteas stand for change and transformation, diversity and courage. Asters for patience, love of variety and elegance. Amaryllis for splendid beauty; Alstroemeria for wealth, prosperity, fortune and friendship. Eleven red roses stand for you being my treasured one."
"So…"
"I'm saying that you're pure of heart, courageous and are wise in your choices. I hope that our feelings for each other, while only at its beginnings, will transform into something much more. I will and hope that you will stand to be patient with me due to our differences in views and lifestyle. But overall, I hope you know that you're my most treasured one."
Harry flushed with happiness. He brought the bouquets close to his chest and buried his face in it, smelling the lovely scents intermixing with one another. Tom's question brought him back to attention, "I'm sorry? Could you repeat that?" He asked sheepishly.
"I – " Tom cleared his throat once more, "I was wondering if you would like to accompany me out on a date."
"I'm fine with just being in the same room as you Tom," Harry asked confused.
"Yes, but I have not been spending as much time as I would have liked with you, Harry. The past two weeks have been hectic enough as it is. The only times I see you is during our meals and whenever we finalize any plans. And the previous week I have been busy with Severus. I take you realize I've finally returned to my form as a twenty-six year old?"
Harry flushed, his green eyes peering at his bouquet with interest, "…Yes…" Then his fingers skimmed over the petals stringed with tiny dewdrop like petals before he spoke once more, "What… what happened during fourth year that gave you that serpentine like appearance?"
Tom raised an eyebrow, "Wormtail mistakenly added Nagini's scales. Though it was an extra and non-needed ingredient within the potion, it had its… side effects. With that said, I was a lot older looking with the amount of Horcruxes made. I'll have you know right now, that I've retrieved everyone of them. The process was quite painful."
"Are you all right?"
Tom nodded, "It was one of the reasons why I could not be around you as you still carry a part of my soul."
"You can take it back," Harry said dumbfounded.
"Later… much later," Tom promised. Together, they fell into a comfortable silence; Harry smiling as he wistfully looked at the flowers and Tom as he looked at Harry with awe as if he couldn't believe Harry was actually his.
"Speaking of that potion, is there any way to return you to your normal look?"
"There is. It is in the form of a potion, which I'm having Severus brew for me."
Harry hummed. "Potions these days… really can fix just about anything, huh?"
Tom gave Harry a disbelieving look, "What? Don't look at me like that!" Harry hissed.
Tom smirked, "Yes. Potions can just about do anything. Magic can too, did you know that Harry?"
Harry frowned in response. "Thanks for the sarcasm."
"It was my duty." Tom bowed mockingly. "Well, that will be my second present to you."
Harry laughed, "The bouquet and the date wasn't enough? Now you have to fix your appearance just to act as my present?"
Tom shook his head, "Those were not presents. It was only an invitation for you to join me on a date this evening. My actual present is this – your first courting gift."
Harry watched as Tom handed him a silver pendant; engraved on one side was a five pointed star inside a circle, without touching it. "Silver represents the moon energy and balance between black and white. It represents purity, strength, clarity and focus. The five points represent the four elements, the fifth being spirit." The other side of the pendant was engraved with a triple moon symbol, "The first crescent symbolizes the waxing phase of the moon – depicting new beginnings, new life and rejuvenation. The moon in the center stands for the full moon, the time when magic is at its most potent and powerful. The last crescent symbolizes the waning moon, which means the time to do banishing magic and to send things away." [1]
Harry's fingers rubbed over the symbols with great care and awe, "You didn't have to…"
"It is the first of many courting gifts. I should have given it to you before starting the courting process to show how much I wanted to be with you, but given the circumstances… I figured now is better than later; much later. I took the liberty of engraving several protection runes and weaving some protection spells and charms on them. It will protect you from the darkest of spells and curses, but not the killing curse."
"It's lovely," Harry smiled. He handed the pendant back to Tom and turned around, "Would you help me put it on? My hands are quite full," He laughed.
"It would be my pleasure," Tom ran his hands gently over silk smooth skin before clasping the pendant around Harry's neck. "It looks wonderful on you," He mused.
Harry smiled when he could feel the protection of Tom's magic enveloping him in a bright warmth. "Thank you again."
Tom fidgeted in place before scowling at his nervousness. "Um… the invitation?"
Harry blinked and laughed once more, "I almost forgot." He grinned. "But yes, I would love to join you on a date this evening. Where to?"
"I'll have Rodolphus and Rabastan escort you to the manor's entrance at 8:00 PM. We will be dining at La Délicatesse; I've already booked a private booth on the balcony."
"That sounds wonderful."
"I'll see you tonight," Tom said, kissing Harry's hand before departing.
…..
"Harry! You look like you're floating on Cloud Nine."
Harry turned and smiled at Hermione, though the brunette could tell it was a bit strained. Things were slow going between the two best friends. Even when Harry trusted that Hermione had nothing to do with the embezzlement of his vaults, he did not have that same found automatic trust in her anymore. It was mainly because Harry knew that Hermione was still a little hung up on believing in authority figures, no matter if they were right or wrong. The raven believed that in Hermione's eyes, all authority figures were right; all textbooks were accurate and no one was better informed in life experiences that the adults around them. Then again, he hoped that the Ministry incident had changed her perspective on that.
Hermione grimaced but kept a small smile on her face. She was slowly trying to get Harry to warm up to her. She had sworn on her magic and promised Harry that she had had no idea about the embezzlement, yet she knew that her words were not enough to get her best friend to trust her. It had been three weeks, give or take a couple of hours to a couple of days, but the duo were finally getting used to talking to one another after the incident. Of course, Hermione stayed with Harry in the Dark Lord's manor. Even Harry's godfathers, Sirius and Remus, had done the same thing – though Hermione could tell that Harry wouldn't have wished for anything more than to spend more time with them.
"I am. I'm really happy."
Hermione cleared her throat and twiddled her thumbs, "That's a nice bouquet you have. Did V…Voldemort give them to you?" Her question held no trace of distaste, only curiosity.
Harry smiled a bright glowing smile; one that had Hermione taken aback and doing a double take before a smile equivalent of Harry's had formed on her own face, "He did. It's almost been a month since we've been together – courting, I mean. We're going to have our first date tonight!"
"Y-You're glowing. I haven't seen you so happy since first year when I returned after the winter holidays and saw you wearing the maroon sweater Mrs. Weasley knitted you," Though the Weasleys were currently a bit of a sore spot, it didn't stop Harry from beaming at her.
"Glowing? Me?"
"Yes," Hermione nodded her head. "Your eyes are glowing. Your smile is luminescent. You're practically exuding happy waves everywhere." Harry seemed to glow vibrant even more. "I'm really happy for you Harry." The hug that Harry enveloped her in was enough to stun her.
"Thank you so much," He whispered before pulling back. "I'm glad you're supportive about this."
"But of course! Don't think for a fact that I won't," Harry's grin was very contagious. "Besides, you think I didn't notice that you would always stare at Dean's arse a little longer than normal whenever he would walk by, did you?"
Harry's answering flush gave his embarrassment away. Hermione laughed before pulling Harry into another hug, "I'm really sorry Harry. About what happened. I'll pay everything back. Every knut, I swear!"
"You don't have to," He murmured.
"I want to. Our friendship is more than just money. It's about trust and love and bonds. I want to return everything that was taken from you. Period."
Harry pulled back and nodded, "All right." With twin smiled, Harry was pulled out of the library and down the hallway, "W-Where are you taking me?!"
"He said you'll be dining at 8:00 PM right?"
"Yes?"
"Harry! It's 2:30PM right now! You have less than six hours to get ready!" Hermione said, dragging Harry through the halls. She ran towards the gardens and found who she was looking for. "Sirius! Remus!"
The two wizards turned around and saw the teenagers practically running up to them. "What's wrong?"
"We have to go shopping! Harry has less than six hours to get ready for his date with V…Voldemort!"
Sirius stumbled where he stood, gripping Remus's arm for support, "Date?!" He squeaked.
"Yes! A date! Keep up," Hermione rolled her eyes. "We need to go shopping for Harry's date. Is there anywhere we can go without people knowing who we are?"
"There's a shopping district in Wizarding France. We can go there," Sirius said. "I'd have to glamour myself but it should be all right."
"But I thought the news had gotten out about your freedom," Harry frowned. After all, it was only three days since the revelation of his innocence.
Sirius patted his pup's head, "True, but the "official" trial has yet to pass. Only until that is over will I be able to walk around a free man."
"Quickly then!" Hermione ushered.
"I'm still holding my bouquet!" Harry fretted. His attention now turned to his best female friend.
"They're lovely," Remus smiled.
"Thanks, I love them."
"Come now! Less than six hours!"
"That's more than enough time," Harry protested. "Can't I just wear something from my closet?"
Hermione and Sirius shared a look before they practically threw Harry forward to quicken the pace.
"Oi! What was that look for!"
"Harry, not to bring you down or anything, but your fashion sense isn't all that…" Hermione paused to search for the word.
"Fashionable." Sirius said. "There's no need for such a large vocabulary. Just sweet, short and simple. Straight to the point."
"Gee," Harry deadpanned. "Thanks."
Sirius and Remus immediately walked them to the floo room and flooed their small little group to Wizarding France. Upon exiting, they could immediately tell the difference between the shopping districts of Wizarding Britain and Wizarding France. France was more expressive in culture and art while Britain was more business ventures than anything else.
Forging a path through the crowd, Sirius led their party of four into a boutique, though small in outward appearance, made up for size and space once they were inside. The designs intricately weaved into the door's framework, walls and the staircases. The clothes hung from racks and were neatly folded upon dozens and dozens of shelves. Several mannequins wore different outfits, but the men didn't pay attention to that.
Once inside, Hermione had Sirius and Remus assist her in finding new outfits for Harry, who was stuck sitting in a changing room watching as the pile of clothes by his lap increased in height.
In four hours time, the trio had finally gotten a new outfit for his date. They also had revamped Harry's entire outfit and practically bought out the store, already having planned to burn the hand-me-downs that the Dursleys "so graciously" gifted Harry out of the "goodness of their hearts".
Flooing back to Tom's manor took no time at all. Harry was quickly ushered to a bright drawing room where Remus expertly trimmed his hair to the base of his neck and ruffled out the edges to give his hair a windswept look rather than the crow's nest that it occasionally and frequently sported.
With an hour and ten minutes left to spare, they rushed Harry to his bedroom, which Sirius and Remus – bless their poor hearts – had found out that he had been sharing with Tom, a week after they agreed on the courtship.
While Harry was busying showering and pampering himself in time for the date, Hermione had Sirius and Remus throwing out Harry's hand-me-downs and switching them for the clothes they had bought that afternoon. By the time Harry left the bathroom, his date outfit was lying on the bed and his clothes were carefully put away.
With twenty minutes left to spare, Harry was nervously pacing in the bedroom awaiting Rodolphus and Rabastan.
A knock on his door had the Lestrange brothers peering in. "Harry, we're here to escort you to the entrance."
"Thank you," Harry said, feeling like stomach rolling around.
"Are you all right?" Rodolphus asked. Rabastan pushed the door open even further and walked in. Harry was looking a little green in the face and he looked as if he would fall over any second.
"I-I'm fine. Just a little nervous."
"Well, you look wonderful if that's what you're worried about."
"The Dark Lord will love you."
Harry was wearing a deep green Egyptian cotton button down shirt with black trousers over knee high dragonhide boots. A pair of black crushed velvet wizard's robes was fitted to his body to accentuate his slim and lithe figure, sleeves flaring just a little to provide extra room for his wrists. Golden buttons trailed along one side of the robes, buttoned from his chest down until it reached just a little below his waist, allowing for slightly constrained, but free movement. His hair, thoroughly washed and framing his soft skin, full red lips and bright green eyes whose vision had been magically corrected, fell in soft windswept locks. Tom's pendant hung around his neck, covered by his wizarding robes, and easily accessible should there be a need for it.
"You look great," Rabastan said, turning to look at Rodolphus when his brother nudged his shoulder. "We're late as it is. We should be going."
With every step closer to Tom, Harry felt his stomach fluttering and his heart thumping quicker. Finally breaching the last doorway, Harry's smile erupted on his face, eyeing Tom there.
"Hi," He breathed out, walking over to Tom. The Lestrange brothers were quickly and subtly dismissed, the presence already forgotten by Harry.
"You look gorgeous," Tom complimented.
"You too." Harry replied shyly.
Tom was wearing a simple outfit: black wizard dress robes with serpentine cufflinks embedded with emerald eyes, over a dark blue button down dress shirt, black slacks and dragonhide boots. He donned his twenty-six year old visage with his Vladmoor Elm Trido persona before taking Harry by the hand.
"Shall we?" Tom asked with a deep, velvety voice.
Harry nearly swooned and keened over if it hadn't been for that tight but gentle grasp on his hand. He could only nod, seeing as how his mouth had dried up embarrassingly.
"Your curfew is at 11PM, young man." Sirius called out, trying to act like the stern and caring godfather that he is.
Tom smirked and decided to play along. "Very well. 11PM it is." He led the two of them over to the receiving chamber and took a hold of Harry's hand, handing him the pot with the floo powder in it.
"Just say, 'La Délicatesse, Paris' and you'll arrive in their receiving chamber. I'll be right behind you."
Harry nodded his head, threw down the floo powder and shouted his destination. Slightly stumbling in his arrival, he quickly caught and composed himself just in time for Tom's arrival.
Together, the two of them walked a short distance to the maître d' and was quickly escorted to their private booth on the balcony.
"A-Are we right across from the Eiffel Tower?!" Harry gasped, seeing the famous monument directly across the restaurant.
Tom smiled, "I thought you might enjoy sightseeing as we dine."
"I love it, Tom." Harry gushed. "It's so beautiful, especially against the starry night background."
Tom quickly ordered for them and the two spoke about their goals and future. Whenever they moved into territory regarding the war, things were a bit more passionate to be precise. The both of them were all for the downfall of Dumbledore, but while Harry wanted him to pay and suffer before dying, Tom just wanted the old man dead.
Their voices turned hushed when their server arrived with their meal, quickly retreating to give them their privacy.
Harry moaned when his taste buds practically swelled with the flavor. "What is this? What did you order for me?"
"Ratatouille." Tom stated, dabbing his lips. "I figured you might enjoy something of one of many classic French dishes." He waved a hand over and the sommelier quickly walked over and poured them a drink.
Harry sniffed at his wine glass and looked up at Tom. "What is it?"
"Red wine, imported from the magical vineyards of Italy." Tom sipped at it and smiled. "I believe you've heard of the name Zabini?"
Harry's eyes lit up in recognition, "I do. Isn't he Draco's friend? I rarely see him, but when I do, I know he's really quiet."
"That's the boy," Tom said. "This Merlot has grown straight from the Zabini Château Vineyards in Italy. A very profitable business if you know your how-to's."
Harry took a cautious sip and licked his lips, "It's very sweet and light."
"Do you like it?"
Harry shrugged, "I don't drink in particular – and Firewhiskey doesn't count, considering that was only once. But if I had to drink alcohol in particular, I guess this brand is suited to my taste. I wouldn't want to get wasted."
Tom smirked, "Smart boy."
"Are you enjoying your meal?" Harry asked, staring at Tom's dish. "What is it that you ordered anyway?"
"I have a few more orders coming up, but what I have now is Boeuf Bourguignon, a red wine beef stew."
"So… you're having red wine… on top of red wine?" Harry asked, baffled.
Tom chuckled, taking Harry's free hand in his own, "Never change Harry. You are always full of surprises and amusing reactions."
With a pout and a huff, Harry resumed his meal, adding some sliced Italian bread to his dish for a heavier meal. After they polished off their first order, their server returned to hand out a Navarin D'Agneau, a lighter version of Tom's Boeuf Bourguignon with its ingredients being lamb, white wine and spring vegetables, to Harry and a Pan-seared Foie Gras for Tom.
"I love the ambiance around here," Harry smiled. The floating lights shone dimly against the hanging lanterns. The balcony was spacious with potted plants and flowers all around. The balcony awning was pulled back to allow for a night sky scenery. The dishes were exquisite and everything was very high classed, but down to earth.
"I'm glad you liked it. I understand that you haven't gone vacationing to other countries, so this is just a taste of visiting Paris."
"Very thoughtful of you," Harry smiled. He looked up when the server returned with their dessert, a small sample of everything on their menu.
Harry laughed, green eyes glittering. "I don't think we can finish this."
Tom chuckled, "It is just a small sample of everything they have. We can reorder everything to bring back with us. I suspect you may wish to share them with your godfathers and best friend?"
"Thank you!" Harry beamed, readying his fork to taste.
Tom sipped his wine as he watched Harry with amused eyes, but he obliged when Harry decided to feed him, going so far as to use his puppy-dog eyes whenever Tom turned his head away.
"Enough, enough." Tom said, waving away Harry's persistent attempt.
Pouting, Harry polished off the last bite and placed the fork down. "It was very tasty. Very light and surprisingly not as sugary as I thought it would."
Tom gestured to their server with a nod and their server disappeared after gathering up their dishes.
"Where's he going?"
"He's alerting the chefs to box up the desserts. You seemed to enjoy the Bugnes Lyonnaises and the Chocolate Profiteroles."
Harry grinned, sipping on his last mouthful of red wine. "The Bugnes Lyonnaises was very crunchy and the Chocolate Profiteroles were practically cream puffs stuffed with vanilla ice cream and drizzled with hot chocolate sauce – of course I loved it!"
"I'm glad you approve." Tom said, raising a finger.
Their server arrived with their bill and Tom quickly stamped his ring onto the bottom of the check before signing off on it.
"Thank you for choosing to dine at La Délicatesse. Your orders will be with the maître d' at the front."
"Thank you for the wonderful service." Harry chirped, automatically fitting his hand into Tom's. "We'll be sure to tell our friends about this place."
Their server and sommelier bowed as they passed and once they got to the front of the restaurant, the maître d' handed them a shrunken bag and smiled as they left to the floo.
"We should come back again." Harry said sweetly.
"Whenever you want," Tom smiled, patting Harry's hand fondly. Together they flooed home and the house elves quickly took their sugary sweet desserts and placed them into the fridge.
…..
[1] I just found these symbols at a website; not sure how accurate they are: [dash] / pagan [underscore]
A/N: Argggg! The flowers bouquet… very poorly written. I'm not even going to – it's just – BLEH! –frowns– I really apologize for it.
