Lance quickly caught up to Harry and immediately started to apologize.
"I had no idea what the meeting was about. I'm so sorry!" Harry gave him a brief smile.
"Don't worry about it. While I won't go so far as to say I have no secrets, I certainly don't have any that woman would be able to track down."
"Still it was an incredible invasion of privacy." Lance argued. Harry tilted his head in agreement but didn't respond as he continued toward his office. Lance stayed beside him and for several minutes they walked in silence before something occurred to him.
"What time should I pick you up tonight?"
"I'm off work at six," Harry told him. Lance nodded and went to speak again but stopped as they turned into the hallway Harry's office was located in. Leaning casually against the wall across from Harry's office was a large(very large) red-headed man. Lance glanced at Harry to see his face light up with recognition.
"Charlie!" he exclaimed and immediately started moving faster. Lance stayed slightly back as he watched Harry embrace the larger man. Charlie was at least 6'2" and rippled with muscles. His hair was red and pulled into a ponytail.
"Harry! How are you doing sexy?" Charlie asked giving Harry a broad smile.
"I'm great! What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in Romania?" Harry asked. In response the other man very pointedly looked Harry up and down before answering. Making Lance burn with jealousy.
"Oh you know had a few days off, thought maybe we could find some way to entertain ourselves for the evening." Harry flushed and glanced apologetically at Lance.
"I'm sorry Charlie but I actually have a date tonight." Harry told him quickly. The other man gaped at him.
"You don't date!" he exclaimed "And besides I haven't shagged you in ages, not since last christmas at least. Just reschedule."
Charlie was pouting as he spoke and Harry laughed.
"For anyone else Charlie I probably would but I rather like this guy and I think he'd be annoyed if I cancelled our date to shag someone else."
"Well obviously you don't tell him that's why. I'm practically family anyway just tell him your brother's in town or something."
"I'm quite glad you're not family, all things considered. Incest has never really been one of my kinks. I don't think he'd believe me though. If I lied."
Charlie shrugged.
"Who cares? Come on Harry, you know you want to." Harry took a step back from Charlie, who had leaned forward to whisper seductively into his ear and closer to Lance.
"Sorry but no. As a peace offering I have an alternate suggestion about who you should be talking to." Lance looked Harry in surprise and so did Charlie.
"Who?" he asked sounding intrigued. Harry smirked.
"Draco Malfoy's been stalking me. I'm sure he's around here somewhere." Suddenly Charlie Weasley's face split into a wide grin and he burst out laughing. Harry looked offended.
"Why do all your friends think that's funny?" Lance asked. Harry scowled while Charlie was seized with another fit of laughter.
"Because they're all a bunch of idiots." Charlie held up his hand to get their attention as he caught his breath.
"Oh come on Harry you've got to admit it's kinda funny. You know Ron wrote me that year, asking my advice about your stalking tendencies."
"I wasn't stalking him!" Harry exclaimed his face flushing red "And besides you forget I was right. He was up to something and maybe if a few people had listened to me instead of deciding I was losing touch," Harry suddenly stopped talking and took a breath, shaking his head he resumed speaking in a much calmer tone. He turned to Lance.
"I'm being over sensitive, when I was sixteen I did spend a lot of time following Malfoy around. It's a bit embarrassing in hindsight."
Lance nodded but continued to watch Harry closely wondering once again about what had happened in Harry's past. Harry meanwhile turned back to Charlie with a warm smile.
"Anyway I'm sure you can find Malfoy and maybe we can catch up tomorrow after I get back from my appointment." Harry told him. Charlie nodded.
"That's right Saturday morning 8:00 A.M. How's that going?" Harry shrugged.
"It's pretty much the same. Sometimes its okay others not so much."
Suddenly Charlie jumped and turned around to reveal a bag on the floor behind him. He picked it up and shuffled through it quickly.
"I guess if we're headed different ways I'll tell you about this now." He said handing Harry a folder. "I thought I'd have all night to talk you into it."
Lance watched as Harry flipped open the folder and glanced inside. He gasped.
"Greyback"
He looked again at Charlie with wide eyes and the other man was nodding.
"In Siberia, there have been several wolf attacks at the local orphanage."
"Why are you telling me?" Harry asked his voice careful as he eyed his friend.
"There's some kind of treaty preventing the ministry from intervening. I suppose though if a group of concerned tourists were in the area-"
"It would be their duty to offer any aid necessary to prevent a future attack." Harry finished for him. Charlie nodded.
"In a nutshell yeah. Plus George reckons if you come along we can always write it off as another case of LWBHP."
"LWBHP?" Harry asked his tone suggesting he was hesitant to ask. Charlie grinned.
"Living while being Harry Potter. We figured it would be just like you to stumble onto something like that."
"If by stumble you mean walk into blindly while being totally unprepared. . ." Charlie nodded again.
"It's the Gryffindor way."
"This sounds dangerous"
"It's very dangerous," Charlie agreed.
"And probably illegal."
"Quite possibly."
"It's very important to me that Hermione not find out about this until after it's over."
"I won't tell Ron if you don't and George knows better." Charlie replied. "So does that mean you're in?"
"I was in before you handed me the folder." Harry laughed suddenly "Shall we leave tomorrow after I get back?"
Charlie nodded.
"Probably by about four. The full moon is Monday so we should have plenty of time to set up."
"Okay I'll see you then." Harry smiled and Charlie nodded and walked off. Harry watched him for a moment before turning to Lance. "I'm really sorry about that. That was Charlie Weasley he's Ron's older brother."
"Another one? That must be a big family." Harry laughed.
"The Weasley's have seven children," Harry frowned looking suddenly unhappy "I suppose that's six now. Fred didn't make it."
"Fred was one of the twins wasn't he? I'm sorry it sounded like you were close." Lance said reaching out to rest a hand comfortingly on Harry's shoulder. Harry nodded.
"We were, the Weasley's are like family to me. I was less close with Charlie, so it's different but the twins, Ron and his little sister Ginny are all like siblings. Heck even Percy by now, Molly is the closest thing to a mother I have." Harry was smiling as he spoke of his family and Lance thought it was a good look on him. Unfortunately a nagging question forced him to speak up and risk Harry losing that smile.
"So am I right to understand that you are planning on illegally hunting a wild animal in Siberia?" Harry laughed.
"More or less, it wouldn't really be illegal. It's just this particular animal attacked their oldest brother and has killed many people. You heard Charlie, it's been attacking children from an orphanage. I don't want to kill it mind you but it needs to be captured."
"And you're capable of capturing a large bloodthirsty wolf?" Lance asked unable to keep the skepticism from his voice. Harry sent him a cocky smile.
"The things I am capable of would rock your world. Anyway I'll see you later Lance. I've got a lot of work to do." After giving him a final smile Harry stepped into his office leaving Lance standing in the hallway. Picturing any number of world rocking scenarios involving Harry Black.
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Lance's palms were sweating as he walked through the halls of the Jeffersonian to Harry's office. He'd only been here a few hours ago and yet his nerves made the whole building appear strange and imposing. He wiped his hands on his slacks as he approached Harry's door. Before he could knock Harry opened it and smiled at him.
"Hello Lance, you are exactly on time." He told him. Lance smiled at him.
"You look amazing," He told Harry which was true. Somehow Harry had found time to change into jeans and a green turtleneck, making for a more casual look that his earlier office attire. Harry smiled at him.
"I hope its not too casual. I just hate to stay in slacks after a long day of work I'd rather be comfortable." Lance shook his head quickly.
"No you look perfect. I was thinking we could go bowling." He told Harry quickly before pausing to see how the other man took it. Harry stared at him.
"Bowling?" he asked and Lance nodded.
"Yeah bowling."
"I've never been bowling." Harry told him causing Lance to grin.
"That's even better I can teach you."
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It turned out Harry was a natural bowler. Even though he had mostly played Seeker during Quidditch his time as team Captain had forced him to play a variety of positions and the skills he'd gained there transferred to most other sports. He still let Lance teach him though. The other man would stand close to Harry correcting his grip and holding on to him to demonstrate proper form. Harry insisted he show him before every throw.
"You've thrown five strikes Harry. I don't think you need me to show you again." Lance told him laughing as Harry waited for him to come stand next to him in front of the Lance. Harry pouted.
"But you're my good luck charm. Come show me again." Lance sighed and pretended to be put upon as he approached Harry again. He dropped this attitude when he was level with Harry though. He lined his body against Harry's back and traced his hand down Harry's arm. When he spoke his voice was soft in Harry's ear sending chills down his body.
"Grip the ball tightly," Lance used his hand on Harry's wrist to pull Harry's hand back and then lead it swiftly forward to roll the ball "then let go."
Harry released the ball but didn't bother watching roll down the lane instead he turned in Lance's arms and planted a teasing kiss on his lips. Lance gasped and Harry began to deepen the kiss when the sound of the ball crashing into the pins for his sixth straight strike caused him to pull back with a smile.
"See I told you."
They bowled a few more games until deciding to go to dinner. They were settled into a small booth in a crowded restaurant, their feet touching underneath the table. Harry wanted to laugh or roll his eyes at himself for actually playing footsie but he was and he liked it so there wasn't much else to say.
"You know the best thing about this place?" Lance asked him suddenly and Harry shook his head. Lance had chosen the place and Harry had never even driven past it before let alone stepped inside.
"They have karaoke!" Lance gestured to a small stage in the corner of the room that Harry had ignored before. Harry looked back at Lance before answering. There was not a trace of sarcasm in the man's voice and his face was lit with excitement. Harry couldn't help but smile.
"Does this mean you're going to sing for me?" he asked. Lance blushed and shrugged.
"Maybe later, they don't start it until 10:00 anyway." Harry nodded and made a note to himself to be sure to have had a few drinks before ten.
"So tell me about your friends, you all see so close." Lance asked sounding curious. Harry found he didn't mind talking to Lance. Even though usually he avoided talking about himself to people outside his own group, Lance seemed genuinely interested. The fact that Harry knew Lance didn't know about his life as a wizard and a "hero" made it easier to open up. As did the fact that Lance was one of the few people who knew about his time with the Dursley's. Granted that number had grown quite large after today's meeting with the private detective, it was still something he had only confided to Hermione before.
"I met Ron and Hermione when I was eleven. We were sorted into the same house at school." Harry told him.
"Gryffindor right?" Lance asked quickly and Harry gaped at him prompting Lance to explain. "Your friend Charlie earlier said it. It was clearly a classification of some kind referring to a social group I thought it was maybe a fraternity but a house system makes sense too."
Harry nodded, impressed with how quickly Lance had worked that out. He wasn't sure Hermione herself could have got so much information out of one word.
"Yes we had four houses they divided us with a personality test the evening we arrived. Gryffindor's are brave and noble, Ravenclaw's are smart and bookish, Hufflepuff's are humble and kind and Slytherin's are sneaky and ambitious."
"Let me guess, Draco Malfoy was a Slytherin." Lance asked with a smile. Harry blinked at him.
"You're amazing." he told him. Lance laughed and Harry loved it.
"Your rivalry makes sense now, it was probably ingrained in you from day one at P.S.T.E.G. combined with your already conflicting personality types it's no wonder you're always at each other's throats." Suddenly Harry laughed.
"P.S.T.E.G. I can't believe that's what my paperwork says. What did they do think it up in an afternoon."
"You mean you didn't go to that school?" Lance asked sounding shocked. Harry shook his head.
"No I did, that's just. . .not what it's called. Look I can't explain or tell you it's name. In fact I should probably put it out there now that if we continue dating you're going to have questions and I won't answer them. You might find things out that you shouldn't know but you'll have to draw your own conclusions. I thought it over and I figure if I don't tell you anything I can't get in trouble for you knowing. I won't deny the truth though so. . .if you come to another of your theories I'll tell you if you're wrong." Harry felt tense all over. He hadn't intended to bring that up but it had needed to be said. He didn't want push Lance away but he really didn't want to get attached if Lance was going to walk away.
"I can deal with that." Lance said and Harry looked at him in shock "Look we're just starting out and I'm don't have any expectations of you right now. We don't know each other yet I like you and I want to know you more Harry but I won't force you to tell me anything. Besides it's clear it's not a personal choice to keep some things to yourself. I work for the FBI I can respect that some things are classified." Harry was so relieved he moved forward quickly leaning over the table and kissing Lance firmly on the lips. He kissed him thoroughly, letting his tongue slip out and tease the other man's lips before finally pulling back with a warm smile.
"You really are amazing." Harry told him again and Lance blushed making Harry smile again. "Anyway we were talking about my friends before. They were sorted into my house, Ron and I met on the train and became fast friends. I met Hermione that day as well but we didn't really become friends until a bit later."
"And you've been together ever since?" Lance asked and Harry couldn't help the smile that split his face.
"Pretty much yeah. Sometime around sixth year Ron cottoned on that Hermione was a girl and well the rest is history now."
"That's great. Is it hard? With them being married now I mean?" Lance asked curious but Harry shook his head.
"No, Hermione and I are very close we talk all the time and Ron's my best mate that hasn't changed. It's different than it was in school of course but I think that has as much to do with growing up as anything else. It's not as though we have all our classes together or are sneaking around the halls at night anymore."
"Sneaking around the Halls at night?" Lance asked laughing. Harry grinned and nodded.
"Oh totally, we'd break into the kitchens and nick food. The joys of boarding school."
"You know I went to a private school as well but it wasn't a boarding school." Lance told him and Harry nodded.
"For me boarding school was a godsend. I would have stayed all year if they'd let me." Harry said wistfully. Lance nodded but for a moment they were both silent in thought before Harry spoke again.
"So those are my friends, now it's your turn. Tell me something about you."
"Well I was adopted when I was six years old by a very loving couple. They were elderly and unfortunately I lost them both last year." Lance paused and Harry reached across the table to squeeze his hand. "I was lucky to have them in my life. As you know I work with Dr. Brennan and Agent Booth but I also see a lot of other FBI agents as part of my job."
"Do you ever go into the field or question suspects?" Harry asked curious and Lance nodded.
"Sometimes I'm still mostly in the office but when a murder investigation comes up Booth often asks me to question suspects or supervise interrogations. He doesn't often listen to me but I do give advice." Harry smiled at him.
"He must trust you though. I know many members of law enforcement. I'm certain Agent Booth wouldn't let you near a suspect unless he was certain he could trust you." Lance smiled at this before he spoke hesitantly.
" I wanted to ask. Your friend Charlie. . .?" He trailed off and Harry nodded his understanding.
"You're wondering what today was all about," at Lance's nod he continued "I was involved with Charlie for a few months when I was about seventeen. It was just after Fred's death and Charlie was there to be with his family. I had just broke up with Ron's sister Ginny because I'd realized I prefered men so it was awkward but Molly insisted I stay with them and absolutely refused any suggestion otherwise. I ended up spending a lot of time outside hiding from Ginny and Charlie ended up spending a lot of time finding me." Harry shrugged "It was never serious Charlie's heart belongs to dragons."
"Did you just say dragons?" Lance asked. Harry looked up realizing he was talking to Lance. He felt so comfortable with the other man he'd forgotten for a moment he had to watch what he said. He cast him an apologetic smile.
"Sorry Charlie works at a wildlife preserve. The dragon this is a kind of joke but my point is Charlie has only ever really cared about the animals he takes care of. Anyway Charlie went back to Romania but he comes home for the holidays or to visit sometimes."
"He said you don't date?" Lance asked looking anxious and Harry shook his head.
"I usually don't. I'll be honest normally I only sleep with someone once or maybe twice. Charlie is the exception because we understand each other so well but like I said it's not serious or even romantic." Lance's shoulders slumped and Harry hurried to clarify "But I've never met someone who when promised sex settled for a night of research instead. I like you Lance and I'm willing to step out of my comfort zone if it means getting to know you better."
Lance smiled and the conversation turned to other things. They talked and talked, soon ten o'clock was upon them. They watched in amusement as various men and women in various states of drunkenness ascended the stage to sing. It took about a half hour along with a few drinks before Lance finally announced his intention to sing Harry a song. His song choice of As Long As You Love Me by the Backstreet Boys both amused and touched Harry while at the same time making him question if Lance thought he was some kind of criminal.
After much cajoling from Lance Harry finally agreed to sing a duet with him provided Harry got to pick the song. Harry had had enough to drink that his performance of I've Got The Magic in Me was a rousing success that had many of the patrons on their feet dancing despite Lance's less than perfect rendition of B.o.B's verses. By the end of the song Harry could no longer resist laughter and stumbled as he threw his head back laughing. Lance was beside him holding his arm to keep him up and laughing as well.
Eventually it was time to be heading home, Lance walked Harry up to his door and Harry leaned against it too look up at the other man. He gave him a lazy smile and pushed onto his toes to kiss him. They kissed for several moments, Lance's body was pressed against Harry and Harry's fingers were tangled in the other man's curly hair. Finally the broke apart to breath. Harry grinned at him deviously.
"So I've decided I like you." Harry told him. Lance smiled and leaned in to kiss him again before responding.
"Yeah? That's a good thing right?" he asked. Harry nodded but then shrugged.
"Yes I think so but also no." As Harry spoke he pulled Lance back to kiss him deeply. Lance was panting when he pulled back to ask.
"Why no? It seems really good to me."
"You say that now but I really want to sleep with you." As Harry spoke he ground his hips against Lance's while biting his neck and causing the other man to groan. "but Hermione says if I want a relationship to last I mustn't put out too soon."
"It's not too soon," Lance answered his lips pressed against Harry's neck "It's been hours."
Harry shivered but pushed Lance back.
"I probably won't be back in town until Tuesday. Would you like to come over at around nine and have dinner with me?"
Lance blinked at him for a moment with lust glazed eyes before Harry's words seemed to process and he nodded.
"Tuesday at Nine. I would miss it for the world." Lance grinned and kissed Harry again before stepping back. "Good night Harry, I had a great time."
"Goodnight Lance." Harry replied before turning and stepping into his apartment.
Author's note: So by the time you read this it will be my birthday. I say that because my birthday starts in exactly five minutes. . .So please even if you don't usually review. . .Do it anyway cause come on, It's my birthday. I feel like a really great birthday present would be to get lots of reviews!
Also I really hope you liked it!