Incandescence
Part Seven
The Arrival

Disclaimer: I still don't own Harry Potter, and I'm still just a meduim for the Lugovaloses. And Phyrrus is still laughing at me.

Warnings: This is slash. Still. You have been warned.

Author's Note: Last chapter for awhile since I'm headed back to school, but I will be further working on this series, never fear! So, I hope this lasts awhile because its going to have to. If I find time, I might try to update, but life is busy and I'm paying for my education now. Sorry. But, all that aside, please review to draw in more readers, and I'm not holding chapters hostage for reviews. My life is holding chapters hostage. Heh.

To Shadow of a Shadow: Reiketsukan Byakko is Japanese. I wasn't orginally going to use the term, since I didn't think any of them would know Japanese, but I figured Leon's teacher could have given it to him. The reason I did use it was because it had this growling, gruttal sound that the English just doesn't offer and it was so utterly Leon that I added it in. And since Draco is well liked in this story, I don't think he'll be a bouncing ferret. I wish it would have worked that way, but it just didn't. Oh well. C'est la vie.

To Everyone: Thank you for all your reviews! I really enjoy them and they make me feel so warm and fuzzy! I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the last!
oOooOo

Excited couldn't begin to describe the atmosphere around Hogwarts when the students from Dumstrang and Beaubatons, the other schools to compete in the Tri-Wizard Tournament, were to arrive. The students had gathered outside despite the nippy weather, chattering excitedly about the students due to arrive any moment. Hermione was bouncing on the balls of her feet, looking from place to place. No one knew how they'd be arriving at the school, so guesses were wildly flying about. As were bets, of course, with Lee Jordan acting as bookie for the school. None of Harry's group had placed money in the betting pool, but it was certain that the Weasely twins were trying to get rich from it.

"There they are!" Neville cried, gripping Draco's hand in his excitement. Red tinted the boy's cheeks, and he moved to let go, but Draco twined their fingers together and grinned. Neville blushed a little brighter before turning back to the sky. A large, powder blue carriage was coming, pulled by a team of magnificent flying horses, palomino by color, but they were huge.

Most of the school caught their breath in awe, and Harry's eyes lit up at the sight. "It's amazing!" Harry breathed.

"Yes," Phyrrus agreed, not looking at the horses, but at Harry. "Quite."

"I can't believe this is all happening!" Hermione exclaimed, clapping her hands. "I'm so excited!"

"I'm with you," Cyrrus agreed, grinning at the witch. Hermione winked and bounced on the balls of her feet, waiting for the carriage to land. When it finally did so, it kicked up a large cloud of dust because of the huge horses. Hagrid was there in an instant, catching their reigns and petting their noses.

"The door!" Hermione whispered, looking at the carriage. Slowly the door swung open and a boy dressed in powder blue robes leapt out, the silk drifting about him like a cloud. Holding his hand up, they all saw a giant hand take it and a large foot emerge. It was covered in a black slipper, but it was huge! The woman who owned both hand and foot had to be at least Hagrid's size.

She was, but far more beautiful than Hagrid could ever hope to be. Her skin was an olive tone, making Harry believe she was from Italy or Greece, and it contrasted perfectly with large, black eyes and her long, silky black hair. Her hair was piled on her head in small ringlets, and the school gasped at her beauty. Several other teenagers appeared, both boys and girls, and followed what had to be the headmistress towards Hogwarts. Dumbledore greeted them as they approached the school.

"Madame Maxime!" He offered cheerfully, holding out a hand. She took it, offering a slight curtsy, and Dumbledore bowed over her hand and pressed a kiss cordially to the back. "It's such a pleasure!"

"And to you, Headmaster," The giantess agreed, smiling. "It is nice to be here."

"Thank you, Madame. We are glad to host your school on this momentous occasion. The representatives from Dumstrang should be here momentarily, if you'd like to wait outside, but I know you are unused to our climate, and the house-elves have prepared some hot drinks for you."

"Thank you, Headmaster Dumbly-dore," Madame Maxime smiled. "I would like that very much, but we must care for the horses."

"Hagrid, our Care of Magical Creatures professor will be able to handle them, I am certain, Madame," Dumbledore paused at Madame Maxime's uncertain look.

"They require forceful handling, Headmaster," She explained her hesitancey as she glanced to the horses again. Dumbledore pointed Hagrid out to her, and Harry snickered at the blush on his cheeks. The woman nodded to Hagrid, then turned back to Dumbledore.

"You are certain he can handle them?" She asked. At Dumbledore's reassurances, she nodded her agreement. "They drink only single malt whiskey, and I'd be grateful if it was warm. They are unused to such cold," She added as she turned.

Dumbledore nodded and led them into the castle, allowing Hagrid to handle the horses. Hermione snorted softly. "It's not that cold," She murmured. Cyrrus and Phyrrus both shrugged. They lived in the northern part of America, not too far from one of the Great Lakes, so the cold was nothing new to them. The students of Hogwarts started looking earnestly for the other school, but it was Cedric Diggory to spot them. He gave a shout as the mast of a large, black ship appeared in the middle of the lake. Harry gasped in delight, and Phyrrus grinned.

Several students scrambled from the ship, their heavy fur cloaks sweeping around them as the headmaster of their school appeared. He was a thin, lank man with sallow skin and Phyrrus couldn't help but be reminded of Severus before he met Leon. Only less pleasant. And from the reaction of the twins, they quite agreed with his assessment. Glaring at the man, River stuck her tongue out at him while Rayne buried her face in Harry's thigh.

"Stay away from him," Phyrrus warned his sisters. "I don't like him."

River and Rayne glanced at the man. "We don't either," River growled, fists clenching.

"Do nothing, at least for now," Phyrrus warned. "The consequences could be terrible."

"All right," Both twins agreed. "But we still don't like him."

"I know. Just be smart about it." Phyrrus warned, and both girls scowled at him. They had a point, Harry had to agree, they were already more intelligent their brother. Still, Phyrrus had a bit more common sense. Harry watched the other students when Ron elbowed him harshly in the side.

"Harry, look! Look! It's Krum!"

"What?" Harry looked blankly at the teenager Ron was gesturing wildly too and blinked. It was Viktor Krum, duck footed walk and all.

Excited murmurs broke out from many of the students and Harry heard a couple of girls behind him wonder aloud if Krum would sign their hats in lipstick. Phyrrus rolled his eyes. "He'll be here for a few months at least," Phyrrus grumbled. "That's plenty of time to find a quill."

Harry threw his head back and laughed at Phyrrus' grumble and had to grab hold his boyfriend before he fell over laughing. Ron glared at them both, but Krum looked over to see them laughing and frowned slightly. Hermione raised an eyebrow at the Quidditch player's dark look, but the four headed back inside where the welcoming feast for Beaubatons and Dumstrang was about to begin. The Beaubatons students sat at the Ravenclaw table while the Dumstrang students went to the Slytherin table. Krum sat next to Draco and glared at Cyrrus, who offered a blank look.

Phyrrus chuckled. He had a feeling that it was because of their appearance. When Harry turned to glance back toward the Slytherin table, Cyrrus was gesturing wildly, and Phyrrus just knew it was to tell Krum what Phyrrus had said. He had been right behind his cousin, after all. When Krum heard the whole story of why Harry had been laughing, he offered a grin and nodded. Draco turned to wave at them and mouthed for them to wait up after the feast to meet Krum.

Ron grinned. "We get to meet Krum!" He hissed excitedly. "Oh, man, my brothers are going to be so jealous!"

"What for?" River asked, staring at Ron like he had three heads. "He's just a quidditch player."

"Just, she says," Ron grumbled over his pudding, spooning more into his mouth. Harry rolled his eyes. He didn't understand the obsession with fame, but maybe that was because he had a rather large aversion to it. In fact, he felt rather terrible for Krum, getting so much attention all the time. At least Harry didn't have to deal with the girls.

After the feast, Draco and Cyrrus led Krum over to the Gryffindor table. Harry offered a shy smile and half-buried his face in Phyrrus shoulder. Phyrrus stared at his boyfriend outright. It was so unlike him to hide like that. Harry simply wasn't that type of person. "Uh. . . Harry?"

"Hm?" Harry's voice was muffled from hiding his face.

"Why are you hiding?"

"No reason," Harry squeaked.

"Er. . . okay." Phyrrus frowned and shrugged. "Flame Lugovalos. I see you've already met my evil twin."

"Phy!" Cyrrus slapped him. "You're the evil twin, remember? I did it last time!"

"Eh?" Phyrrus pondered that for a moment, then nodded. "Right. Sorry. Flame Lugovalos. I see you've meet my good twin."

Krum stared at him like he had two heads, but held out a hand. "Viktor Krum. But I'm sure you knew this."

"Yeah. Saw you at the World Cup. Nice flying. I wish Harry could do that."

"Yeah, so you can drool over him," Cyrrus snorted. "Now clean up. You're getting everything wet."

Phyrrus glared at his cousin and stuck out his tongue, "Yeah, yeah."

"Ron Weasely!" Ron cried, reaching up to shake Krum's hand. "I think you're amazing!"

"Thank you," Krum's voice was heavily accented, more so than it had been, and it was clear Ron was making the Quidditch star uncomfortable. Hermione rolled her eyes and introduced herself, Neville, and Ginny in a more civil manner. Everyone turned to look at Harry, who was still attempting to impersonate an ostrich with Phyrrus' side.

"I really don't know what's gotten into him. He never acts like this." Phyrrus admitted, prying Harry away. "This is my boyfriend, Harry Potter."

Krum tilted his head at the announcement, and his eyes raked over Harry scar. Harry felt his face burning at Krum's intense scrutiny, and buried his face back in Phyrrus' side. "I hate it when they stare," Harry grumbled and Phyrrus nodded, finally understanding. Harry was embarrassed because Krum's fame was something he earned while Harry got his for something he didn't remember without the aid of Dementors. Still, Phyrrus couldn't let him keep his face buried.

"Harry, stop that," Phyrrus ordered, frowning. "You're acting stupid."

Harry blinked up at Phyrrus. "I'm acting stupid?" He demanded. "I am not! Why are you mad at me?"

Phyrrus blinked and frowned. "Harry, what's wrong?"

"Nothing!" Harry snapped, and Phyrrus exchanged confused looks with the rest of Harry's friends.

"Uh. . . okay. . ." Phyrrus frowned at Harry, confused.

"Stop it!" Harry snarled, jumping up from the table and storming from the hall.

"What did I do?" Phyrrus asked, looking at the direction Harry went with confusion. "All I did was say he was acting stupid."

"Phy, think about who he lived with," Cyrrus scolded. Krum looked on, growing more and more confused. Hermione finally took pity on him and explained a little of what was going on, and invited him to sit and join their conversation. Cyrrus sent Phyrrus from the hall and rolled his eyes, sitting at the table.

"Honestly, you'd think the two of them never fought before," Cyrrus snorted. "They've been going out a year and then some. They should understand things like this by now."

"Everyone fights," Ginny reminded him softly. "Don't worry about it." The small red -head smiled up at him and Cyrrus grinned in reply.

"All right, Ginny. I won't. Thanks."

"No problem." Ginny winked, and Cyrrus felt his ears turn pink.
oOooOo

It didn't take long for Phyrrus to catch up to Harry. The smaller teen had turned down a little-used corridor and tucked himself away in a small nook, tears streaming down his face and shoulders shaking with his sobs. Phyrrus knelt in front of the small teen and gently reached out touch the other's shoulder. Harry jerked away, curling into a tighter ball.

"I'm sorry, baby," Phyrrus murmured, pulling Harry to him and holding him tightly, ignoring Harry's struggles to get away. "I didn't mean you were stupid." Phyrrus knew better than to let Harry run away from him, and continued to cling to the slippery Boy-Who-Lived until Harry exhausted himself and fell limp, tired of struggling.

"It felt like it," Harry sniffed, twisting to cling to Phyrrus rather than try to run away. The other had hurt him, but he wanted the comfort he was used to from his boyfriend. "You and everyone, always calling me stupid. I'm not stupid! I'm not!"

"I know, baby. I'm sorry. You were just confusing me, and you know how I get." Phyrrus held Harry more tightly, turning to pull Harry onto his lap, and resting his cheek in the other's black locks. "I'm sorry, Harry."

"I know." Harry sniffed, not looking up. "It just really hurt. And I got mad, because I'm so tired of feeling hurt."

"I'd say I know, but I really don't," Phyrrus admitted. "I do know that feeling hurt sucks. Royally."

"Yeah," Harry managed a smile. "It does."

"Why were you hiding?" Phyrrus finally asked, once Harry had calmed down. His eyes were still red, but at least his tears had stopped.

"It's kind of stupid," Harry admitted. "I've never met anyone famous before, and I was scared."

"Harry, you're famous." Phyrrus pointed out.

"Yeah, but I don't remember Voldemort or anything, and it wasn't by anything I did," Harry shrugged. "And I'm not from the best home. I don't know how to act. I was afraid I'd embarrassed myself and you and all my friends. I just, froze. So I hid."

"I'm sorry, Harry," Phyrrus murmured, sighing.

"It's not your fault," Harry admitted. "You were right. I was being stupid."

"No, you weren't, Harry!" Phyrrus protested vhemenately. "Nowhere near! And I'm sorry I called you stupid, however round-about it might have been."

Harry nodded and rested his head against Phyrrus chest, closing his eyes and relaxing, his tears stopping after a few more moments. Phyrrus just sat there, rocking the other teen until he felt Harry go limp, then lifted him easily in his arms and carried him up to their dorm. That took a little work and maneuvering, but Phyrrus didn't want to wake Harry.

"Is he okay?" Ron pounced as soon as Phyrrus stepped into the doorway.

"He's fine," Phyrrus yawned and laid Harry on the bed, stripping the other's robes off and dressing him in his pyjamas. Phyrrus changed as well, then buried them both under a mound of covers and snuggled against Harry with a yawn. Harry murmured something in his sleep and curled closer to Phyrrus, making the boy smile, and within moments, Phyrrus followed Harry to Dreamland.

oOooOo

Harry seemed to feel better the next day, and woke Phyrrus up with a long, lingering kiss. Phyrrus blinked at the wake up, but smiled and readily opened his mouth for Harry to plunder, allowing Harry to lick and suck wherever he pleased, mapping out the planes of Phyrrus' mouth with more intensity than Phyrrus expected.

"What brought that on?" Phyrrus panted, when they finally broke apart for air. Harry shrugged and planted his elbows on either side of Phyrrus' head, leaning on them and staring down at Phyrrus.

"Felt like it," Harry grinned. "Mum Chara hasn't answered back yet, and I was tired of not kissing you."

Harry was referring to the incident a few weeks prior where a light had flashed when they had kissed under one of the trees on school ground, taking the definition of fireworks and sparks a bit far for their tastes. Phyrrus had written to his mother, questioning her about their bond because of that, but Chara had never answered him back. Phyrrus assumed she had to research the subject, and there simply wasn't a lot of information available. Most people preferred to keep their bonds personal and private, and since bonds differed from couple to couple it was hard to find anything conclusive when a bond was involved.

"Mm." Phyrrus nodded, pulling Harry down for another brief kiss. "We shouldn't do this much, though," Phyrrus sighed and let Harry up. The other nodded, slightly sadly, but stopped. Hopefully Chara would have information for them soon. "Ready to face the rest of the student populace?" Phyrrus grinned, glad it was Saturday. They had slept until ten, and he rather wanted to snuggle for a time.

Harry seemed to agree with the snuggling part, and curled up with Phyrrus again, nuzzling the other's chest and sighing. "Not really. I just want to stay here for a moment, enjoying having you all to myself."

Phyrrus didn't argue, just held Harry tightly and smiled. He could get used to this.
oOooOo

Harry and Phyrrus joined everyone for lunch, looking well rested. Hermione glanced at them both, but didn't ask about the previous night, elbowing Ron when he opened his mouth. Ron pouted, but closed his mouth again, stuffing it full of food. Harry grinned at the two of them and shook his head.

"We're fine, you two," Harry laughed, and Phyrrus rolled his eyes.

"You'd think the two of them didn't have anything better to do but stare," Phyrrus giggled, and Harry rolled his eyes, poking his boyfriend in the side. Phyrrus stuck out his tongue, and Harry raised an eyebrow. Phyrrus pouted, but settled down, behaving a little more. Harry smiled as Hermione snickered.

"You two could have a comedy act," She told them, grinning. The two shrugged and glanced around the room, spotting the visiting students easily. Krum was sitting with Cyrrus and Draco again, and Phyrrus knew they were planning on coming over a second time.

He was right in his assumption, and Harry refrained from hiding, smiling at the trio. "Sorry about last night," He apologized. "I don't know what came over me."

"That's all right," Cyrrus patted Harry's back. "Glad you and Phy got it all worked out."

Krum took a seat next to Hermione and Harry introduced himself properly, grinning and apologizing for leaving so abruptly the night before. "That's okay," Krum waved it off. "Stage fright can catch anyone off guard."

Harry blushed and nodded in agreement. "You're a great seeker," Harry grinned, trying to start a conversation. Krum shrugged and Harry sighed.

"I was watching you do that Wonski Feint. Is there a trick to pulling out of the dive?"

"Do you play at all?" Krum asked, raising an eyebrow.

"For the house team," Harry shrugged.

"He was the youngest seeker in a hundred years!" Ron bragged, and Harry sighed.

"Ron, don't. . ."

"That is interesting." Krum broke in. "Do you fly well?"

"Not that well. I mean, compared to you." Harry shrugged again and looked at the table.

"Pratice," Krum advised. "Though if you made the house team so young, you must have natural talent."

"I think they were desperate," Harry laughed. "But flying is easy, for me. I just. . . know. But pulling out of that dive. . . what's the trick? Ron showed me the dive last year, but I never could get it right."

"On my broom it is easier," Krum explained. "I have a Firebolt. It is an advantage of playing on a national team."

"I have one too," Harry's voice was quiet. "My godfathers bought it for me. To. . . make up for all the Christmases and birthdays they missed."

Krum raised an eyebrow and Harry gave an uncomfortable cough. "My Godfathers are Sirius Black, the ex-convict, and Remus Lupin."

"I see this," Krum nodded. "We heard of Black when he escaped. Very clever. So he bought you a Firebolt? Do you like it?"

"Ah, yeah," Harry laughed. "It's so fast! I mean. . . wow! And so easy to control! It's a good racing broom, that's for sure! Wouldn't hold up well for Quid, though."

"You've played Quid too?" Krum's eyes took on a happy shine. "I have liked that game very much. When did you play?"

"Phyrrus and Cyrrus are American," Harry grinned. "We went over to his family's farm for part of the summer, and learned to play there. He and Cyrrus are really good beaters, and it's great fun. I'm just glad for charms. I got knocked off my broom by one of his cousins three times and would have fallen to my demise. Phyrrus managed to catch me once, but free falling isn't my favorite activity. Did you know brooms made for Quid have wrist straps for that purpose?"

"I did not," Krum considered. "I suppose it would make sense."

"It did once I was playing! I thought it was stupid at first, and that's why I fell three times. I refused to wear it, at first. Well, and I forgot to put it on, once."

Krum laughed and nodded in agreement, swapping stories of Quidditch, and occasionally Quid, adventures with Harry for quite some time. Draco told several of his own, and Phyrrus and Cyrrus even broke in once or twice. Ron had a few stories, as did Hermione, but since she kept score more often than she played, she really didn't have much to say. Even Ginny had several stories, but she was more of a daredevil than Ron and her's were a lot funnier. Especially the one where Molly found her attempting to surf on her broomstick twenty feet in the air. Ginny was, of course, grounded--literally--for that stunt.

A sudden shriek caught their attention, and the Weasely twins barreled into the room followed closely by a frothing Leon. A frothing, pink haired Leon, to be precise. Severus choked upon seeing his boyfriend, and Leon growled as he turned to the twins. "Demens confusio!" White light enveloped both twins, and Leon stalked to the teachers table, bowing to Dumbledore.

The headmaster nodded in reply, then glanced at the Weasely twins who were attempting to use the aisles between the tables as swimming lanes with little success. "My apologies for disrupting the day," Leon told him, not sparing a glance to the Weasely twins. "The spell will wear off in an hour. I'm hoping it will teach them a lesson. Nothing dangerous will come of it, other than some bumps and bruises."

Dumbledore frowned, waving his wand at the twins, but the spell he sent fizzled and died. Leon shook his head, wagging a finger. "I can't have you cutting their punishment short, and I have permission from their mother. The two of them dyed my hair pink and they must deal with the consequences of their actions. This will leave no real mental scars. I assure you, Headmaster, there are worse spells to use."

"Demens confusio is not precisely a light spell," Dumbledore broke in with a frown. "I must look down upon its use."

"I was an interrogator, Headmaster." Leon's posture was stiff and unyielding, a good sign of his lingering anger. Severus laid a hand on his shoulder, and Leon smiled at him, but remained tense. "And I know darker spells. As you can see, I did not use them. They are under neither Impero nor are they under Demens doleo, or Demens excrucio. They are simply in an illusion where they think the Great Hall is a swimming pool. For some reason, they dive in and the water disappears. It will not harm them. Had I wanted to harm them, I would have.

"And I would also remind you, Headmaster, that light and dark spells is not decreed by the spell itself but by the manner in which it is cast. There was malice in the spell I cast on the two of them, but it was not harmful malice. I would expect you, of all people, to understand that." Leon's obvious slur on the Headmaster was not missed, but Dumbledore chose to overlook it.

The older man chose, instead, to nod, but was still frowning when Leon sat next to Severus. He turned to kiss the other man good morning, and the school, excluding Harry's group, stared in utter shock. "When did that sour puss get a boyfriend?" Someone demanded, and whispering started. Severus glared at Leon.

"Now they shan't listen to me and it will be all your fault," Severus growled.

"I can think of a way to make it better," Leon conjured a mirror and glanced to his hair and fixed it with a casual waved of his wand, then turned to Severus. "If, of course, you'll follow me."

Severus allowed Leon to pull him from his chair, smirking, and followed the other man from the hall. Harry wrinkled his nose. He did not want to know.
oOooOo

Leon and Severus slipped down the hall, hand in hand. "You know they aren't going to listen to me anymore in class," Severus sighed. "They were afraid of me, and now they won't be."

"I don't think it will be an issue," Leon pointed out, turning to wrap an arm around Severus. "I told them I was an interrogator and not above using spells classified as dark for my own purposes. And they can't exactly do anything about it. If anything, that indicates we're both dangerous."

Severus smiled and twisted in front of Leon to force him to halt and pressed a short kiss to the tall man's lips. "That's what you think," Severus pulled away as quickly as he came, and tugged Leon into a walk again. "Give them an inch and they take a mile."

"You've been hanging around Mom too much. But what's the problem with them knowing about me?" Leon raised an eyebrow. "Are you ashamed of me?"

"No!" Severus cried, clutching Leon's hand. "Never ever! I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make it sound that way!"

"Stop, Sev," Leon gently rubbed the smaller's back. "I know. It's okay. I know you're not ashamed of me. It just came out. But why are you so afraid of them knowing about me?"

"I'm not well liked," Severus said softly, not looking at Leon. "I'm afraid if they know about you, they'll harass you and. . . you'll leave me."

"Sevvie, no," Leon breathed, following Severus into the man's quarters, shutting the door, locking it, and pulling the smaller man into his arms. "I'll never leave you, Severus. I swear it. No matter what anyone says to me, they can't drive me away from you."

"I don't deserve you," Severus murmured, closing his eyes and relaxing into Leon's body. "I really don't."

"Yes, you do." Leon corrected. Don't ever say you don't. I love you."

"I love you too," Severus smiled and tilted his face up to receive the kiss Leon was offering. It soon turned heated, hands sliding over clothing, pushing it off and to the ground. Leon smiled into the kiss, breaking away from Severus' mouth to mark his way down the smaller's neck. Swiftly, Leon lifted him and carried him into the bedroom, placing him gently on the bed and crawling on top of him. Severus' eyes were hazy with desire as Leon laid himself on top of Severus, grinding them together.

"Do you want this?" Leon asked softly, brushing Severus' hair from his face.

Severus smiled. Leon always asked, always made sure that Severus knew that it wasn't some terrible flashback, and always knew when Severus was uncomfortable. He always knew when to stop. The dark man nodded, pulling Leon down to kiss him, deeply and heavily. "Yes," Severus panted, breaking from the kiss.

Leon smiled and nodded, continuing. It would be sometime before anyone saw them again, that day.
oOooOo