Thank you lovely Kamerreon : )
Thank you for all of the responses.
12.)
Precious and fragile things
Need special handling
My God what have we done to You?
We always try to share
The tenderest of care
Now look what we have put You through...
On the first morning, back to classes after the Easter Holidays, Harry had a hard time rousing Marcus from his sleep.
"No!" Marcus grumbled pulling Harry down on him. "Go back to sleep."
Harry snickered up against him and bit down on his neck before wriggling down his lover's body. The only way to get free of those arms was to wriggle enough. It seemed to break the resolve of those strong arms. "Looks like I'm going to have to get creative," he teased and before Marcus could go back to sleep, Harry's hand curled around him causing a sleepy curse to emit from Marcus' mouth.
Harry grinned and watched Marcus lay there while being stroked to life. "Harry…" he moaned throatily.
"Yes Marcus?" Harry's tongue toyed with him until the Slytherin's hips bucked up into his mouth and hands gripped his hair.
"Merlin…"
Harry swallowed and devoured him until his mouth was exhausted, he was about to finish Marcus when he was pulled up and tossed onto the bed wordlessly. He bounced with a soft laugh, Marcus growled while getting on his haunches and forcing the Gryffindor's legs apart.
Harry's pleasurable screams and writhing body was more than enough to wake Marcus up and motivate him. With a final thrust inside and the cries reaching a new volume, the release was inevitable, leaving Harry swimming underneath.
Through strangled mumblings and sloppy kisses, Harry managed to croak out, "Classes!"
Marcus rolled his eyes. "Fine, you've motivated me."
Harry laughed weakly. "Good to know," he said suddenly tired again.
They didn't have time for a shower so a set of Cleansing Charms would have to do before scrambling up. Harry's backside was burning and his spine flared with pain. Marcus left the bedroom and came back with a snarl.
"That bitch is out there."
"Tonks?"
Marcus gave a nod.
"Did she hear us?" He asked cheeks burning red.
"I have no fucking idea," he said carelessly grabbing the clothes Harry pulled out for him. "Not like I care. Her fault for taking this bloody job."
"Well, she could be worse."
"How?" Marcus griped.
"Could be someone who would keep me away from you."
"Then I'd be in Azkaban," Marcus reminded. "Nothing will keep me from you. I told you, not even the monster that I am."
Harry scowled. He was still hung up on that but at least he wouldn't leave. That was the only reason Harry didn't jump on him, though it did make him sad to hear Marcus refer to himself as one. He hated Seth Flint; at this moment, he hated Seth Flint more than Voldemort and more than Peter Pettigrew.
One of these days, Harry would abolish that word. Perhaps make it illegal. Harry stood and fixed his clothes, tucking his shirt in. He was reaching for the top part of his robe when Marcus grabbed him by the waist and squeezed him in a strangely tender way. More tender than Harry was used too anyway.
Harry smiled benignly and bowed his head, pressing his nose into the top of Marcus' hair. They remained like that for several long minutes until Tonks cleared her throat. "Uhm, breakfast?" She said her eyes diverting from the shocking scene before her.
Marcus didn't so much as look at her as Harry nodded. "In a minute," he told her.
She quickly scurried from the room. Marcus clenched Harry's waist before finally releasing him and leaving the room in brisk movements.
Harry watched his retreating back with confusion. What was Marcus trying to say with his actions? He asked himself, clipping on the thin black spring cloak with the Gryffindor emblem on the breast. Harry rushed to the bathroom to brush his teeth and hair. He left the door half open, still pondering what was going on in Marcus' head.
He pulled his hair back when Marcus came through wordlessly and took it back out. Harry laughed furiously as Marcus reached for his toothbrush. Harry couldn't help but kiss the man's cheek before taking the brush to his hair to speed things along.
After a quick breakfast, one in which Marcus completely ignored Tonks' attempt at conversation. The three left together. Marcus had his hand on the small of Harry's back. It would be the first time anyone had seen him since that day.
A few kids gasped and skirted away from him. Others eyed them curiously and glanced at the pink haired witch, wondering what she was for.
Hugh, Adrian, and Hermione rushed toward the two of them. Hermione's arms going around Harry in a hug, while Hugh and Adrian glared at Tonks before addressing Marcus.
"Bye guys! See you at lunch." Harry kissed Marcus and waved to Tonks before leaving with Hermione.
"That's his guardian?" Hermione asked.
"Yeah, poor Tonks, I feel sorry for her."
Hermione bit her lip. "Marcus doesn't like her, huh?"
"Not at all," he said as Neville came over to them.
Ron followed closely behind, his eyes on the floor. "Hey mate?"
Harry rolled his eyes. "Yeah Ron?"
"I'm sorry. What I said the other day - was very thickheaded."
"Yes, it was," Harry agreed as they entered Defense together.
"I'm sorry, really I am. I just don't like him and I don't know why you do!"
"Why I do is my business. I'm tired of repeating myself and answering to others. I love Marcus and that's all there is to it. You can accept it or not because frankly, I don't care anymore."
Ron's eyes narrowed and he opened his mouth to say something when Hermione pierced him with a glare. "You just apologized, don't mess it up, Ronald. Sit down and be quiet."
Scowling, the redhead complied.
Harry would never deny Ron a place as his friend. But he wasn't exactly sure that best suited him. If Ron couldn't support his decisions what would be the point? Hermione was his best friend, hands down. Harry would support Ron no matter what. But the redhead was just too set in his prejudiced ways.
(o)
Spring was becoming increasingly warm as the weeks passed. The third task was looming drastically ahead and it clouded the new age blue skies with a sense of graying dread.
After Transfiguration, Professor McGonagall informed him to meet the other Champions and the judges at the Quidditch Pitch on the twenty-seventh at nine o'clock.
This intensified the dread for the rest of that day and those after.
When that evening came, Harry left Marcus' side and ran into Cedric along the way.
"Hi Harry!" Cedric said moving into step next to him.
"Hey Cedric, any idea what it is?"
The blonde shook his head. "None whatsoever; how are you? I haven't spoken to you in a while. Kind of afraid to," he admitted shoving his hands into his pockets.
Harry rolled his eyes. "I'm fine and why are you afraid? It's not like you plan on hurting me."
"True… so - was it really the Cruciatus Curse?" Cedric asked wide-eyed.
Harry nodded. "It was."
Cedric took in a breath and stared straight ahead. "He deserved what Flint did to him then." Stunned, Harry gaped at him. Since when did a Hufflepuff condone violence? Cedric, seeing Harry's shock, rolled his eyes. "You really underestimate my House, don't you?"
Harry stuck out his tongue. "I guess…?" He used it as a question to elaborate.
"It's no bloody secret, Harry," Cedric said scowling silently.
"What?"
They made it to the Quidditch Pitch and their conversation broke off as they both gasped at the same time when they saw exactly what their prized pitch had become.
"What the bloody hell is that?" Cedric yelped.
Fleur appeared out of nowhere, her bright blonde hair swaying from side to side. Her eyes widened marginally when she saw the hedges.
Viktor appeared beside Harry with a smirk. "Hello Harry," he said curling a friendly arm around his shoulders.
Cedric scrunched his nose at Viktor as Harry beamed. "Hi ya Viktor - pitch looks awful huh?"
"Mhmm."
Ludo Bagman rushed out onto the field jumping around like a schoolboy. "Isn't it wonderful?"
"Not really!" Harry and Cedric said in disgust.
"What did you do to our pitch?" Cedric asked incredulous.
"Awe, now, you'll get it back soon! Anyone know what this is?"
"Maze," Viktor said from Harry's side.
"Bingo!"
The explanation proceeded and Harry stared at it dubiously. A maze? That was it? He stared at it nervously. The catch was creatures from Hagrid and all across the world.
Lovely. He thought turning to go when Cedric laid a hand on the top of his back. "Can I talk to you, Harry?"
Viktor narrowed his eyes at Cedric, but Harry smiled. "Sure."
"Alone?" He said pointedly to Viktor.
"Of course Cedric. See you Viktor."
"Be careful Harry," Viktor called.
Cedric shot him a look before steering him well away from the Quidditch Pitch turned hedge maze. "Sorry, I don't want to be overheard, we need to continue our conversation."
"Okay."
They passed Hagrid's hut and stopped just within the forbidden forest. "Sorry, I really don't want us to be interrupted or your boyfriend to kill me…"
Harry laughed shortly at this. "Cedric, I can talk to whoever I want."
"Yeah, right. I don't want any chances." It was then that Harry noticed Cedric's cheeks stained as he crossed his arms over his chest. "As I was saying earlier before we were interrupted, it's no secret I like you, a lot," he confessed.
"Why? You don't even know me."
"You didn't know Flint did you?" Cedric asked.
Harry blushed. "Uh, well, it just kind of happened."
"Yes, which means I was too late. I stalled too much, I allowed my pride for this competition to cloud what I wanted originally." He smirked. "I was fond of you when I met you officially for the first time with the Weasley family. But I couldn't get close to you. You were around that ponytail redhead."
Harry's eyes widened. "Bill?" He squeaked.
"I guess and then I was going to talk to you at school and there just never seemed to be a good time to approach you - and then the goblet happened and I didn't know what to believe. I want to apologize for that."
Shocked, Harry bristled. "Well, it's okay, but really it would take a powerful person to hoodwink that goblet and I'm not powerful."
Cedric rolled his eyes. "Yeah right. Don't give me that modest bit. I know better than that. Anyway, I really wanted to see if you were alright. I know Flint is a violent guy but his father deserved it. No one should have to feel such a curse."
"No, they shouldn't," Harry agreed easily. "I've felt pain before." Cedric winced when Harry said this. "A lot of pain. I've had a Basilisk Fang go right through my arm and nothing can compare to the pain of that Cruciatus Curse."
Cedric's gazed at the ground. "Basilisk. That's true then." It wasn't a question.
"Yes."
The Hufflepuff was about to say something else when a rustle of the woods caused both of them to look up and react with their wands.
Harry was ready with a stunner on his tongue when a shadow appeared and then that shadow came into view as a human.
Crouch.
He was babbling first about Percy using his nickname and then about his wife and son. When Harry got close, however the man fell to the ground, saw him, and started spluttering incoherencies about needing to see Dumbledore, having done terrible things, and then about Voldemort.
"Go get Dumbledore, Cedric!" Harry said falling to the ground and leaning over the man, who gripped ahold of him.
"Please! Are you Dumbledore's?"
"Yes, yes, I am Mr. Crouch. I'm Harry…
"Harry… Harry… must warn! Harry… Dumbledore… You Know Who!" The man's voice was desperate and screaming.
"I don't think I should leave you with him Harry, he seems… nuts."
"Cedric, go get Dumbledore. I cannot leave you with him or anyone for that matter. Dumbledore, now, please," He ordered sharply and grimaced when Crouch dug his nails into him. "Ow, ow, ow! Crouch let go!" He pried the man's fingers from his skin and flinched when Crouch rolled away and sat up. He began talking in perfect sentences again they made sense but they did not pertain to this point in time. He was talking about his small son having been just born. His eyes would roll and he'd go back into spluttering broken words.
Cedric finally seeing Harry's orders rushed out of the forest, leaving him alone with Crouch. "Mr. Crouch!" Harry reached over and grabbed him by the front of his robes, yanking him closer. "What about Voldemort?" He demanded.
"You Know Who… my son… bad… terrible… things! Me…"
"Your son is a Death Eater?" Harry asked remembering Marcus telling Sirius.
Crouch wailed and his eyes rolled. "Yes, yes! I - done bad - Azkaban."
"Didn't he die in Azkaban? Did you send him to Azkaban?"
"You Know Who! Tell… Dumbledore… warn Potter."
"I'm Harry Potter, Crouch. Tell me."
"My son..."
Through the darkness a jet of bright red shot out of nowhere, Harry having only seconds before it landed released Crouch and rolled to the side making it hit a tree. He gasped in horror before going into another roll when that same spell darted toward him again. Briskly, Harry rushed behind a tree. His heart pumped furiously in his ears. He listened for the footsteps but all he heard was Crouch's moaning.
Another spell, this time directly in front. Harry dropped barely missing it and began to zigzag through the forest using his Seeker reflexes to get away from his attacker. He shot his own stream of stunners from over his shoulder. Who the hell was firing at him?
Harry did the only thing he could do while under fire and knowing very limited spells. "Expecto Patronum!" Immediately his bright silver stag burst out from his wand. "Get somebody and bring them to me!" He didn't know if it would work but the warm glow the beautiful stag emitted gave him a strange sense of hope.
As another spell whizzed by, Prongs scampered off through the brush. It took some time for his light to disappear from the enclosure of trees.
(o)
Marcus glared at Viktor. "You left him alone with Diggory?"
"He said he vanted to talk to him alone. They vent toward the forest. Harry said it vas alright."
The eighteen-year-old growled and rushed out of the portrait, guardian be damned. He was just hitting the Entrance Hall when a great silver stag Patronus burst through the closed doors and cantered past them at the exact same time Dumbledore came running with Cedric.
No one had ever seen Dumbledore run before. "What's going on?" Marcus demanded when they both stopped in front of the stag.
It bowed its head.
"That's Harry's stag," Dumbledore said gravely and then flicked his wand. "Take us to him Prongs." The Patronus obeyed, turning and galloping through the doors.
Marcus and Viktor out ran them all.
They saw bright red beams of light flying; they could hear footsteps and loud snaps of branches.
"HARRY!" Marcus shouted through the forest as he and Viktor scrambled through. That was when the red lights stopped and whatever had been attacking disappeared.
The stag pranced around a tree and then raised it's head showing them the top where a green-eyed figure sat crouched, breathing sharply.
"Marcus!"
"What the hell happened?!" He demanded when Harry jumped down and into his arms.
"Crouch appeared… he was talking nonsense… insane stuff and then - someone began attacking, shooting stunners and I ran for it. I think Crouch was under some sort of curse. I think it was Voldemort," he murmured. "I think Crouch had been taken by Voldemort and he somehow got free and wound up here - because the words he did use that were broken up sentences… kept saying Dumbledore, warn Potter… You Know Who, and then his son. Is it possible that he's still alive?"
"Vho are you talking about?" Viktor asked in concern.
Dumbledore was standing there listening to everything. "Crouch disappeared, Harry."
"Yeah well I had to run for it. Someone kept shooting off Stunners!"
"Do you remember exactly what he said?" Dumbledore queried as he stepped closer. Cedric was hovering behind them and somehow Moody was also there.
Though Harry suspected it had something to do with the map.
"The important part was that he was trying to get to you and me, Headmaster. He kept saying that he did a horrible thing and that Voldemort is involved. He mentioned Bertha Jorkins but that's about all before the Stunners began. He was going to say something about his son, but it never got to that point."
"Hmm," Dumbledore hummed and then suggested everyone head back toward the castle.
Cedric was a little shaky and kept casting Harry concerned looks and cringed when Marcus' eyes narrowed on him. "Are you alright, Harry?" He asked despite the glare he was receiving.
"I'm fine, nothing hit me."
He looked guilty for leaving, but Harry gave him that look. "Someone had to go! It never occurred to me to use my Patronus until I was under fire."
Cedric separated from them all and Viktor insisted he would come by tomorrow morning with Hermione. That left Harry, Marcus, Dumbledore, and Moody who was stalking along behind them with his wild whizzing eye.
"I didn't see anyone leave the grounds, they were fast! I tried to get to you, Potter. Good chase you gave 'em eh?"
Harry laughed weakly. "Suppose. I was ready for anyone's firing this time," he muttered as Dumbledore said the password and everyone went up.
"Constant Vigilance, Potter! You learn from your mistakes."
"Indeed."
Marcus held Harry tightly, refusing to let him go. He could smell the sweat in his hair and feel his breathing slowly starting to even out.
"Professor? Do you think it's possible for Crouch Junior to be alive?" Harry asked boldly.
"It is a possibility but I do not know if he was ever a Death Eater, Harry."
"He was," Marcus confirmed. "I know he was. My father bragged about the Longbottom tortures."
Harry froze still in Marcus' arms. "Longbottoms?" He queried in horror.
Dumbledore sighed sadly. "Bellatrix, Rodolphus, and Rabastan Lestrange were found in the Longbottom's home. Alice and Frank, Neville's parents were tortured with the Cruciatus Curse to insanity."
Harry gasped. "That's why he has such a strong reaction!" He said in horror. "I always wondered… but I never asked why he lived with his grandmother. Families aren't really my specialty."
"Of course not Harry and yes, Neville would have a very strong aversion to the Cruciatus Curse."
"Wow," Harry said quietly. "Unbelievable."
"It was revealed later that Barty Crouch Junior had been apart of the group. But no one knew for sure if it was true."
"I was four years old when I met him, Headmaster," Marcus said darkly. "I recall him well."
Harry reached around to touch him. Moody growled. "We'll get to the bottom of this! Rest assured, but Potter don't go wandering through those forests. They're much too dangerous right now."
"Yes, Alastor is right Harry."
"Sorry professor, I was just talking with Cedric and then Crouch showed up. I had no idea he was being followed by an attacker."
"I believe you did a good job chasing him off," Moody barked laughing at Marcus who shot him a cold look.
"Of course not. You could not have known about this. We'll search the grounds tonight but I do not believe we will find either. I must contact the Ministry," he said solemnly. "Marcus? Why don't you take Harry back to your rooms so that he can rest."
Marcus only responded by nodding and ignoring Moody's complaints about more security.
"Oh and I will turn a blind eye to you being without a guardian," he added with a smile and then spelled a pack of lemon drops into Harry's hands.
The smaller boy laughed quietly. "Candy loving old man," he mused popping one into his mouth. Marcus simply shook his head.
It was quiet the entire way; Marcus' footsteps were a little sharper, which signaled irritation.
When they got to the rooms, Marcus slammed the door closed loudly making Harry flinch.
"What the fuck were you doing with Diggory?"
"He wanted to talk."
"About?" Marcus pressed harshly.
"He wanted to apologize and asked if I was okay after being attacked by your father."
"Why was he apologizing?"
Harry shifted from foot to foot. "For believing I put my name in the cup… he was only being nice Marcus just a friend."
Marcus sneered. "A friend? He wants more than friendship, Harry."
"I know he does," he said quietly. "But he knows I am taken. He was only concerned and didn't want to be interrupted." He stepped up to Marcus. "You don't have to get so mad, don't you trust me?"
Marcus grumbled. "I do trust you, Harry."
"Doesn't seem like it, Marcus. I told you how much I loved you and I meant it. I want no one else," he said softly wrapping his arms around Marcus who huffed and held him snugly. "You should trust me."
"I do! It's them I don't trust."
"Trust me to always come back to you."
"I'm sorry," Marcus mumbled biting down onto his earring.
"And I'm sorry for worrying you!" He placed his hands on either side of the man's strongly structured cheeks and peppered him with chaste kisses.
"Do you know who attacked you?" Marcus asked.
"I don't know, my guess is a.) Whoever Crouch escaped from or b.) Whoever put my name in the cup."
"Whoever did it I'm going to kill them," Marcus said coldly.
Harry smiled blithely and snuggled up to Marcus. "I'm tired."
"Let's go to bed then."
Harry nodded, kissed him, and headed for the bedroom - Marcus watched with a detached emotion. He didn't like anyone of the male gender near Harry. Especially those he knew would have a chance to steal him away.
Viktor didn't bother him anymore. He did at first but Diggory pissed him off with a single glance. He knew he would have to suck it up and stop it. Harry meant no harm but who knew what Diggory meant?
(o)
Between dreams in sweltering hot classes, Pensieve scenes of Death Eater trials, and annoying conversations with an idiot Minister of Magic, Harry wondered how he ever found time to study for the third task.
Hermione, Hugh, and Adrian were all over him with spells. Each one had a list as long as their arms. Hermione's were the clever spells and resourceful. Adrian and Hugh however provided him with a little more defensive/offensive and flat out violent.
A few of Hugh's ideal curses were barely legal.
"You never know when you'll need it!" Hugh declared. "When you're fighting for your life kid you don't shout out 'Expelliarmus' and hope to Merlin it lands."
"True," Harry conceded reading over it dubiously. "I'll learn it, doesn't mean I have to like it."
Hermione erected a dummy so that Harry could practice the spells. When Marcus mentioned he could try them on him, Harry became so upset at the man for even thinking about it and refused to speak to him.
"Come on Harry, I didn't mean it like that," Marcus groused that night as Harry slipped into an oversized t-shirt.
Harry glared at him before heading to the bathroom to brush his teeth.
Marcus rolled his eyes and sat there on the bed in just boxers. "Harry!"
When he came back through, he waved his wand extinguishing the lights and curled up on his side facing away from Marcus.
"Harry dammit I'm sorry!" Marcus slid into the bed and grabbed Harry around the waist.
"Get off," Harry mumbled quietly.
"Least you're talking to me," he said ignoring the boy's meager protest. "I'm sorry."
"Do you have ANY idea how that made me feel?" Harry asked angrily, his heart seared at the very idea of 'using' Marcus as target practice. "How could you say that? How could you think I would like that idea?"
"I wasn't thinking."
"Damn straight you weren't!" He sniffed as the tears of hurt and anger began to fall out of his eyes.
"They wouldn't have had an effect on me."
"It would have an effect on me!" Harry growled and elbowed Marcus trying to get him off. He was too upset for this.
"Hey, shit, no don't cry. Bloody hell!" Marcus grumbled sullenly. "Please don't do that."
"I'm not!"
"Liar," he hissed and pulled Harry against his chest.
"That really hurt," Harry whispered reaching back and pulling the top of Marcus' hair. It was the only thing that actually had an affect on him.
Marcus winced, wrapped his leg around Harry's hip, and locked him in. "Sorry," he rumbled into his ear.
Harry's heart thudded at a little faster pace. He wiped the tears on his sleeve and shifted until he was on his back and could just see Marcus' face in the dark. There were no windows considering they were in the dungeons. He stroked Marcus' cheek lovingly. "Don't ever suggest that again."
"I won't," Marcus assured sinking his lips into Harry. "I promise."
"Better, now don't let go of me."
Marcus grinned. Like he would in the first place.
(o)
The morning of the third task, Harry was feeling rather nauseas. He hadn't slept a wink all night and simply lay there in Marcus' arms listening to him snore.
When Marcus finally awoke to the sound of the alarm. He saw that Harry was sitting up and he looked like he hadn't moved.
"I think I'm going to be sick," Harry murmured jumping off the bed for the bathroom. They ignored Tonks who was sitting by the fire as usual.
Marcus got up a whole lot slower and stumbled four times before he made it to the bathroom and grimaced at the sound. He pulled Harry's hair back with one hand and reached over with the other to turn on the taps.
"You'll do fine. Adrian and Hugh gave you everything they know."
Harry shook his head and when he came up for air, a wet towel was placed on his mouth. He shuffled over to the sink and washed his mouth out. He moaned and bowed his head pressing it against the porcelain. "That's not what's got me worried, Marcus."
"What does then?"
"My dreams… the fact that this maze sounds too easy… there has to be a catch."
"We'll figure it out after you win."
Harry snorted. "Me? Win? Hello Marcus, I'm fourteen."
"Your magic is like my strength, Harry." He let go of his lover's hair and pulled him close. "I don't believe I'm going to say this. We have classes and I have NEWTs," he said in disgust.
This made Harry snicker and squeeze him. "You'll do wonderful!"
"Hnn." He remained non-committal.
There was a tap at the door and Marcus shot the Auror a look.
"Everything okay in here?" She asked in concern.
"Fine," Harry murmured trying to conceal himself behind Marcus when he realized he was in nothing but the man's shirt. Which was what he always wore to bed now, pyjamas be damned.
She blushed. "Sorry, I just heard you getting sick-"
"He's fine, I have him," Marcus growled his first four words at her.
"Alrighty, good luck today Harry."
"Thanks," Harry mumbled to her retreating back.
Finally, Harry and Marcus left together. But he didn't speak at all, not even when Adrian and Hugh met them.
"You'll be fine Harry," Hugh said ruffling the boy's head.
"Hmm, thanks," he murmured but he didn't feel it. He was feeling anxious. He went to class with Hermione, Neville, and a rather reclusive Ron who recoiled every time he saw the three Slytherins.
It was during lunch however when Professor McGonagall interrupted them, one in which Ron refused to attend. He had insisted earlier that he had enough presence of Slytherins for one day, which irritated Harry greatly.
"Mr. Potter and Mr. Krum your family is here to see you."
Harry frowned and dropped his sandwich. "Huh? I don't have a family Professor," he said baldly.
Viktor smiled and got up, kissing Hermione's cheek before winking at Harry and heading back toward the school. When Harry remained sitting, Professor McGonagall glared and then scoffed. "Nonsense! Up you go." Harry and Hermione exchanged quick looks. Marcus modeled Harry's frown. "Potter, honestly! It's your family."
"Who?" He asked in horror as he finally moved from the conjured table of Gryffindors and Slytherins.
"Come on!" She gently took him by the shoulder and led him back toward the school. He ignored the looks from the Great Hall as he met with Cedric.
"There you are!" He said with a smile.
"Eh?" Harry looked at him with confusion. "I don't have a family!" He hissed brushing passed Cedric and through the old chamber. However, when he entered he gasped when he honed in on Remus Lupin, Bill Weasley, and a dark headed man Harry did not know.
"Remus? Bill?"
It was the plain dark headed man that tackled Harry in a hug, lifting him up off the ground. "It's Sirius!" He whispered into the boy's ear.
Harry's eyes widened. "Oh Merlin!" He clung to his godfather and wrapped his legs around him.
Sirius chuckled wildly and kissed him on the cheek. "The name's uhm -" He looked over at Remus who rolled his eyes good-naturedly.
"Romulus Lupin idiot. You're my brother," he hissed as Bill laughed lightly and tugged on Harry.
"Share him Rom!" Bill declared with a cheeky smile as Sirius passed Harry over like a child.
"Come now!" Harry groused when Bill lifted him too. "Why does everyone have to be bigger than me."
"It's our nature, gorgeous," the redhead curse breaker taunted with a kiss to the cheek.
Harry got down however before Bill could give him to Remus and stuck out his tongue. "Git!" He flicked the man's fang earring and then hugged Remus who was just as happy as the other two. "I had no idea it was you guys!"
"Why not? We're your family!" Sirius huffed and crossed his arms. "Don't you love us?"
Cedric chuckled when he heard this and Harry rolled his eyes at the blonde. "Of course I do, Snuffles," he groused. "Just a surprise!"
Cedric's parents came over to introduce themselves. Bill smirked. "Nice to meet you two. I'm Bill, this is Remus and his brother Romulus."
After a bit of irritating boasting that led Cedric to snapping at his father in embarrassment and Sirius to growl in defiance, Harry led his strange family-trio out of the chamber. It was then that Harry hoped to Merlin that Moody was not using the Marauder's Map.
He came out with Sirius' and Remus' hands in his, with Bill right behind and shot the ex-Auror a look to see that he was indulging his flask of whatever it was. It also looked like the man was laughing at himself.
"BILL?" Ron practically shrieked. "What are you doing here?"
Ginny, Fred, and George met their eldest brother who smirked, wrapped his arms around Harry's shoulders and neck, and squeezed him. "Why, seeing Harry of course. Why else would I be here?"
Fred and George beamed. "Excellent! I'm surprised mum didn't come!" One of them said.
Bill chuckled. "No, I told her that Remus and his brother were down for it."
"Brother?" Ron asked dumbly. "You?" He asked Sirius pointedly.
"Of course, I'm Romulus."
Harry rolled his eyes.
"How do you know Harry?" He queried suspiciously.
"He's my brother I wanted to introduce him," Remus said casually. "Is that so bad?"
Ron gawked. "But - but…"
"Later Ron!" Harry said and waved good-bye to the rest of the Weasleys.
As soon as they were outside and out of earshot of others, he was hit with question after question. From Marcus' father to Crouch's escape.
Walking toward the holly tree in slow paces, Harry explained everything until they approached the Gryffindors and Slytherins.
"Remus!" Hermione yelped with glee. "How are you? Bill!"
Harry grinned and then blushed when Marcus' eyes narrowed on the redhead behind him. He introduced everyone and Hermione glared at Romulus for a moment before smirking. "It's nice to meet you Romulus," she said slyly.
Sirius beamed. "Nice to meet you too!" He clenched Harry close. "Marcus can we borrow you for a moment?"
Marcus was up. He wanted to know why the hell a pretty boy redhead was touching his boyfriend.
Hugh and Adrian smirked. "See you guys later," Adrian called.
When they walked away far enough, Sirius swept Harry up who gasped in shock and clenched him. "Siri!"
"You're so thin I could throw you in the air."
"Don't you dare!" Harry growled wide-eyed.
Bill then chuckled out loud. "So this, Harry is your uhm - lover. Boyfriend doesn't do you justice…" He said staring up at Marcus.
"I am and who are you?" Marcus asked coolly. He remembered to keep his temper even; Harry seemed to like this guy. He even had a similar fang.
"Bill Weasley, I adopted Harry this summer along with this wolf!" He slung an arm around Remus who stooped down and growled.
"Adopted me? More like I you, little one," he said possessively.
Sirius burst out laughing and squirmed. "Come now! You're teasing me with all this rough talk."
Harry quirked an eyebrow. "Okay, okay before this gets too kinky for my eyes and ears - who is with who?" He wiggled down from Sirius not finding it very cool that his godfather was getting turned on and sidled up against Marcus, who locked arms around him.
"Why Harry love, whoever said you had to have one mate?" Sirius teased happily.
Harry blinked. "All three of you?"
"Ménage à trois," Bill sing-songed. "Mother threatened to disown me for it."
Sirius stepped up in front, Remus grabbed him by the chest of his robes and crushed their lips together before doing the same with Bill, and then Sirius took Bill.
Harry gaped at them. "Merlin and you say I'm kinky in bed, Marcus," he mumbled.
Grinning, Bill draped an arm around Sirius. "You see Marcus, I have my hands full enough without adding this one to the mix. Never fear."
"I'm not the one who should fear if you do," Marcus said factually getting a laugh from all three older men.
"I think Fleur Delacour is going to be very put out," Harry said catching a glimpse of her sulking by a tree.
Bill gazed over and shrugged carelessly. "Too bad for her." He kissed both men again to prove a point making her huff and turn away. "It's nice to actually meet you, Marcus. Heard enough to get me damn curious."
Marcus smirked. "S'alright meeting you too I guess."
Harry scowled playfully at Marcus. "Be nice!" He chastised.
"I'm trying," Marcus grumbled. "It's hard!"
"I'll give you a prize if you do," Harry taunted sliding out of his arms at the Slytherin's sullen protests. He took Sirius and Remus by the hands once again. Bill was between the two so it worked fine. "Let's go before that blonde over there turns into a bird… if she can. She's part Veela, who knows."
Marcus had to leave for his Herbology practical, Harry lounged with all three men by the black lake. He had his head in Bill's lap and his feet draped across Remus' knees. Sirius had his head on Harry's stomach.
"That Marcus seems very protective of you, Harry," Bill commented.
"He is."
"Considering he nearly killed his own father…" Sirius smirked. "I like him a lot."
Harry laughed quietly. "His father is still in St. Mungo's. In a coma."
"Ouch! That must have been some beating, not even magic can bring him out of it?" Bill asked. "Not that I want it too, what he did to you was inexcusable but damn."
"He's very strong," Harry said quietly and tried to recall what his lover had told him about his family.
Remus frowned. "This father of his did things to him, didn't he?"
Harry snapped his eyes toward the wolf. "How do you know?"
"I can see it in your eyes," he said simply.
Sirius and Bill exchanged glances but neither commented. They knew better.
"Marcus is the best thing in the world. I really do love him."
"He loves you, Merlin!" Sirius groused. "He's scary looking. I thought he was going to snap Bill in half."
Bill choked in soft chuckles. "I thought so too."
Harry bit his lower lip. "Marcus is trying not to get jealous every time I turn my back. It's hard for him though. The paper is slandering him and then his own father and the school…"
"You don't have to explain, Harry. We understand better than you think," Remus insisted patting his knees.
Harry smiled. "I'm glad you guys are here," he closed his eyes as Bill's fingers carded through the top of Harry's hair.
"So are we," Sirius said grinning. "I get to watch you."
Harry groaned. "I wish you were here for a reason other than that damn tournament."
"Have you studied?" Bill asked.
"Yes," he said nodding. "Hermione, Adrian, and Hugh all shoved spells, hexes, charms, curses, and every other vicious and non-vicious magic down my throat! I had two Slytherins training me… think about it."
All three laughed at this. Sirius squeezed Harry around the middle, making the boy squeak and tug the man's hair.
Harry and his group ate dinner at the Gryffindor Table that night. Everyone was there. Very grudgingly, Adrian and Hugh sat with them. The latter glared at Hermione. "Sit on my other side." There was no way he was going to sit next to a frightened third-year Gryffindor.
Hermione beamed and did so. Viktor was also at the Gryffindor Table with his parents.
It was near dusk when Professor Dumbledore rose and asked all the champions to head out toward the Quidditch Pitch.
Harry felt something drop in his stomach. All three men kissed his cheek, Marcus kissed him on the mouth, and Hermione slung her arms around Harry practically making Marcus and him eat her hair.
"Oh Harry good luck!" She kissed him on the cheek and blushed. "Sorry Marcus."
"It's fine," he said honestly and it was. He was much too fond of her to scowl. She loved Harry and that meant all the difference.
It was ten minutes later when they got out to the bleachers. Marcus sat with Sirius and Hermione. Bill was on Sirius' other side with Remus sitting one up on the bleachers with each foot on one side of the men with his hands on their shoulders.
Hugh and Adrian were sitting one seat below next to Neville. The Slytherins arched an eyebrow at the blue-eyed boy who had the nerve to sit with them.
Snape was sitting near Remus, having to keep his eye on Marcus the entire time.
"I hope Harry wins," Neville said softly. "He deserves it."
"He should beat out that Hufflepuff pretty boy," Hugh grunted.
The boy blushed and nodded in agreement.
Adrian pierced the boy with a stare before reaching over and lifting his chin. Neville gazed at him wide eyed, before Hugh tutted at his friend making him drop the boy's chin. "Interesting."
The blush turned a violent red and Marcus rolled his eyes. They were so not going to corrupt that one. He clipped Adrian on the ear. "Don't even think about it." He'd never hear the end of it from Harry if Adrian and Hugh messed with that blonde.
Marcus honed in on Harry who was standing next to Diggory. There was an announcement of Moody placing the cup into the center of the maze. You could see the large thing glowing from where it stood on a platform. He rolled his eyes again when he saw Diggory touch Harry's shoulder and bend down to whisper something. That really grated on his nerves.
Harry nodded furiously at the pretty boy before the two separated.
Once they were all inside the maze, no one could do anything but wait. They could hear things going on within but seeing was a completely different thing. At one point during the long stretch of waiting the female cried out, five minutes later sparks shot up in the air and Professor McGonagall rushed through the maze to retrieve her.
A few moments later, Marcus flinched when he heard another scream, this time it sounded as though it were Diggory and he wouldn't care at all if it weren't for the fact that Harry may have been near him. What if they were helping each other and Harry got hurt? It was ten minutes later when sparks flew up once more and McGonagall went in and came out with Krum's stunned body.
Hermione squealed in horror and held her hand to her mouth. "Viktor!"
There was no scream from Harry though, Marcus noticed Sirius was wide eyed and on his haunches, ready to jump over the stands if need be.
It was a good half hour later when Marcus caught movement from the very center of the maze. Sirius obviously saw it too along with Remus. They were all leaning up, hoping it was Harry.
But it was the next second that drew confusion. The bright blue cup disappeared, making people bristle, murmur, and then hold their breath.
"What just happened?" Hermione asked aloud.
"No idea, I thought someone was near the cup. It disappeared!" Adrian gasped.
Questions flew; Dumbledore along with the other judges began to move toward the center of the maze.
Marcus glared at the center. Come on Harry! He growled in his head.
"Shit!" Snape hissed out in pain, causing Marcus' head to whip around just in time to see the Potions Master clasp a hand onto his forearm and Igor Karkaroff jumped from the stands and ran off clutching his too.
Marcus' eyes narrowed as it all clicked. "No!" He stood getting everyone's attention.
Snape closed his eyes briefly before opening them. "Yes, Flint," he said.
He didn't wait; he jumped from where he was over Adrian's head, landing in a crouch on the grass. "Headmaster!" Marcus called rushing toward them.
"Marcus?" Dumbledore queried.
"Snape's mark flared," he growled under his breath.
McGonagall stared at him owlishly. "What do you mean, Mr. Flint? What are you talking about?"
"His Dark Mark flared and Karkaroff fled!" He hissed trying to be covert. "Harry's gone too."
"So is Cedric Diggory," Dumbledore said quietly.
Marcus didn't give a damn about Cedric. Marcus thought it was weird when he saw Moody hovering around with a wide grin on his face. He frowned and shot Sirius a look, who was also staring at Moody oddly.
The silence was foreboding and Marcus stood there feeling stupid and anxious. Snape was behind him standing stiffly. The commotion of the crowd drowned together.
A cool breeze fluttered over the Quidditch Pitch. There was a strange swoop sound and out of nowhere the blue cup and a figure appeared on the ground. He was laying in a crumbled heap sobbing. It was Diggory. He was bruised and cut up badly.
"You Know Who!" Cedric shouted. "Back - Harry's with him…" He cried in pain. The Minister and the rest were standing in horror at what he was saying. The Diggorys all rushed to his side but he jerked away from them. "Stay away!"
Everything inside of Marcus started to knot up, his head spun and he was hardly aware of Sirius falling to the ground beside him.
"Cedric, what happened?" Dumbledore asked leveling the boy's head. He didn't jerk this time and instead just stared at the old man helpless.
"H- Harry sent me with the cup - my Merlin - Harry - that thing back there - he - he just… how Harry did it I don't know… how he grabbed that thing - that monster… Harry grabbed You Know Who- pushed him away…" He shook his head. "Harry's so small…"
"What did Harry do, Cedric?"
"Saved me! He knocked me out. Kn- knew it," Cedric whispered speaking in broken sentences. "He's back there, with him… that monster." He was heaving as he turned over. "Ulgh, Harry was under so many curses… he took them for me," he coughed and wheezed.
Marcus was hardly ware of Adrian and Hugh holding each side of him. Dumbledore turned his eyes on Severus. "Please, Severus."
The dark man bowed his head. "I'll - return."
Marcus whirled around. "Take me!" He barked.
Snape snapped his eyes up at the eighteen year old. "For what?" He sneered.
"I can take his curses. Take me, Snape dammit."
The Potions Master looked at Dumbledore briefly who nodded. "Take him."
"You can't!" Hermione gasped. "Your bracelet!"
"I don't care about it, fuck my bracelet," he snarled wrenching away and grabbing Snape by the elbow and rushing the both of them toward the ending grounds.
"Flint, you do realize when we get there…"
"That we have a whole hell of a lot of shit to weed through, I'm fucking aware Snape. Just get me there and I'll do the goddamn rest." It was about time he show Voldemort exactly what his loyal servant made.
Things get damaged
Things get broken
I thought we'd manage
But words left unspoken
Left us so brittle
There was so little left to give
Angels with silver wings
Shouldn't know suffering
I wish I could take the pain for You