Here's an update for all of you! Stay gorgeous, and review!
A)n: Gay marriage was banned in 3 states on election day. Just to let all of you know. That will mean I'll probably have to elope in Canada or France this summer.
Trickster Chapter Ten
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The summer was long and hot. Umbridge was still making trouble in the ministry, but somehow Harry's shop still thrived. At first, the aurors tried to trail the cubs while they were making their deliveries, to see if Harry was making any darker potions. Harry then decided that the cubs would make their deliveries shortly after dusk, before some of the wilder clientele of Knockturne emerged. Harry changed their uniforms to be less noticeable, as well as spelling some protections into the clothing. He also gave each of them portkeys to take them back to the shop in a hurry if there was trouble.
The twins had helped, providing a few ideas for activating invisbility runes into the cloaks, hats, and the gloves they wore. It proved to be useful, as the kids could get by a lot of people with out being noticed, and pick up on information.
Severus stopped by often, usually using the floo or portkey, since it would have been better not to be seen outside the shop. There was an influx of foreign wizards and witches for the upcoming Quidditch World Cup and Triwizard Tournament, so Harry increased his customer base quite a bit, once others had heard of his shop.
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Remus smiled faintly as he saw Sirius sleeping beside him. He'd missed the man so much over the years, and now they were finally together. It was hard, since the man was still on the run, but they managed to get by using glamours and the like. Currently, they were in Mexico, in a dingy little hotel. Sunlight was filtering through the open windows, and onto the bed.
"Siri?" Remus whispered, running a hand through the man's hair. Sirius opened his eyes sleepily, a smile on his face.
"…Moon'y." The man mumbled, wrapping his arms around the other one. "Go back to sleep. Still early…"
"It's 1 in the afternoon." Remus said with a laugh. "We should really get up."
"Do we have to?" Sirius whined, his grip turning tighter around the man.
"Harry's birthday is today. I hope he liked his gift."
"Yeah, I know…he's fourteen now, isn't he?" Sirius said, sitting up finally, stretching a bit.
"Yeah."
Sirius gave a look to Remus. "What did you exactly do with him Remmy?"
Remus swallowed, knowing his lover was in protective Godfather mode. "Just kissing. No more than that…he's still a kid, Siri."
Sirius worried his lip, looking down. "I know he's a little more mature than most kids his age, but I just don't want him to get caught up in all of that yet…"
Remus sighed, looking away. "I know. But it's just….he just takes it all in stride. He didn't really oppose me, or Severus, wanting to be with him…"
Sirius shook his head, expression darkening. "If snivellis hurts Harry, I'll kill him."
Remus frowned. "Not if I get to him first."
Sirius pulled Remus closer, running a hand through the man's graying hair. "So…you still like him?"
Remus gave Sirius a small smile. "I can't help it Siri. If it helps any, I love you too. I dont think I could ever choose between you."
Sirius gave his longtime lover/best friend a look, kissing him gently. "I wouldnt expect you to, Remmy."
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Harry looked up from his desk, while labeling packages, seeing another customer enter the shop. He raised a brow, seeing that it was Victor Krum of all people, and a younger boy. They both approached him, scanning the shop. The shop was other wise empty. "Is your boss here?"
Harry smiled. A lot of people made that mistake. "I'm in charge here, how can I help you?"
The two boys exchanged a look. "We are running short on our supply of wolfsbane." The younger boy said, looking around nervously.
Harry raised an eyebrow, looking to Krum. Neither boy had the tale-tell amber eyes, although they both had strong builds. They seemed to know what he was looking for, and Victor spoke up. "Glamours."
Harry nodded in understanding. Waving a hand to the back, he led them to the brewing area, where Jacob was grinding beetles, there were 5 cauldrons off to the side under stasis, full of wolfsbane, and 6 other smaller cauldrons making various other potions.
"You are so young, to be a shop keeper…" Krum said, furrowing his brow.
Harry smiled. "Yeah. So, you want some by the next full moon?" Both boys nodded at this. Harry took out a notepad. "Is it just you two? Or are there any others who might need it?"
The boy spoke up softly. "There are a few others, but it is very expensive…"
Harry waved it off, shaking his head. "Nonsense. My prices are much cheaper here than other providers, and that is why so many come here to get their wolfsbane. Now, how much can these others afford, and how long will all of you need to be supplying from me?"
Victor spoke up. "We will be in England for the year, for the Triwizard tournament at Hogwarts." Harry sighed, remembering his old school. "Of course. Tell you what, since the full moon is in just a few days, I'll have a friend of mine at Hogwarts deliver it to you. You'll have everyone pay me afterwards, what they can afford, deal?"
Both boys eyes widened. "You would do that for us?" Victor said grudgingly, his shoulders going tense. "I do not like to take advantage of my fame-"
Harry shook his head. "No, I give everyone else the same opportunity. It doesn't matter who you are. I serve nearly 200 werewolves each full moon, because of my prices. I am just happy that I can provide this service to them."
"Are you a werewolf?" The younger boy said, looking Harry over. Harry certainly didn't look like a werewolf, with his slender petite frame, and green eyes. Harry shook his head.
"Hardly. Many of my friends are, though. Now, how many doses can I take you up for?"
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Harry kept up to date on the tournament, through his friends. They were happy to provide him all the details that the newspapers seemed to miss.
Dear Harry,
You wouldn't believe how crazy it is around here. The Beubaxton girls are HOT! (Hermoine just hit me.) This Fleur Delacour girl is rumored to be part veela or something, though. Anyhow, we delivered the batch just fine. Thanks for giving me that money for the extra bit of unicorn hair; I wanted to get some nice robes for the Yule Ball this year. The twins tried to enter the tournament, but they tried to get past the age line, it was hilarious!
They grew these white long beards…anyhow, we thought Krum and his buddies were all dark, but after we delivered the batch to them, they were pretty nice to us. The money is enclosed. What did you brew for them anyway? (Hermoine hit me again). We didn't ask them what the potions were for, but maybe you can tell us? (Now Neville's hitting me and saying it's a private matter.) I guess I should stop asking, or I'll get bruises. The first task is in a couple of weeks, you should go! We'll save a seat for you.
Ron, Hermoine, Ginny, Neville, Luna, and the Twins
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So, a few weeks later, Harry closed up the shop for the day and went to Hogwarts to see the first task. He'd flooed to Hogsmeade and joined with the rest of the crowd that wanted to see the task. He joined his friends at the school, looking around nostalgically as they sat in the stands.
He could see the Professors a few rows over, he acted as though he hadnt seen them just yet, focusing on his friends. He didn't want anyone knowing that he was still in regular contact with Minerva or Severus. Especially Lucius Malfoy and the Headmaster, who were sitting alongside them and Cornelius Fudge, Ludo Bagman, and Barty Crouch Sr, and the Headmasters of the other schools.
Harry watched avidly with his friends as the task commenced, oohing and ahhing in all the right moments. Harry couldn't help but feel that the tasks were a bit too dangerous for school kids…but he supposed that since they were supposed to be the best of the best of their schools, they would do just fine.
After the task was finished, Harry was invited to stay afterwards for dinner in the Great Hall. Many of his old classmates greeted him amiably, telling him what he'd missed while he was gone. Many people stopped by the Gryffindor table to talk, and he wasn't surprised to see Malfoy and his cronies there as well.
"Potter."
"Malfoy." Harry replied neutrally.
He then saw the Durmstang students coming up behind the three Slytherins, with Krum leading the way. Harry made a show of looking over the blonde's shoulder, and beaming.
"Mr. Krum, fantastic job you did today." Krum gave him a slight nod, shaking his hand as Harry stood, ignoring the flabbergasted look from the blonde.
"You know Potter, Victor?" Malfoy said, barely hiding his sneer.
Victor did a small double take at Harry's forehead, which was covered. "Ah, we met before, but I did not know that was your name." Victor said apologetically, bowing his head slightly.
Harry waved it off with a smile. "A lot of people expect me to look somewhat different." Victor gave him a small smile. Harry went on. "Everyone did very well today, but congratulations on making first place…" He checked his watch. "I must be getting back soon." He looked to his Gryffindor friends, who were watching all of this steadily, not too surprised.
"Guys?"
They all stood, leaving the Slytherins behind, with Krum trailing behind them. "Mr. Potter, wait…"
They met in the foyer. Harry turned to look at the larger boy. "Yes?"
Krum took a deep breath. "Thank you…for what you did. The potions worked very well, my friends and I are very grateful."
Harry smiled. "You're welcome."
"As for means of payment…"
Harry held up a hand, motioning towards his friends. "Tell them to send what they can afford, this is nothing too extravagant, I am happy to help you and your friends."
Krum glanced towards the Gryffindors, his eyes lingering on Hermoine for a second. His eyes met Harry's. "May I ask why you are not a student at Hogwarts any longer?"
Harry smiled faintly. "I was here for a while, as an Apprentice to Hogwarts. I took my NEWTS and OWLS. I got my Apothocary license, and I've been studying a few things on my own." He shrugged.
The Durmstang students stared at him, and Krum just smiled. "You must be pretty smart then, Mr. Potter. It was nice meeting you." They both shook hands again, and Harry returned the smile.
"Call me Harry."
--
After Harry spent a bit of time in the Gryffindor common room, he was stopped by Severus in the corridor. "How are you?" Severus asked softly, standing a bit farther away than he normally would when they were alone together.
Harry looked down. "Fine. You just saw-"
Severus cleared his throat, glancing towards the evesdropping portraits. Harry nodded in understanding. "Doing just fine, sir."
"I have to order a few supplies for my stores...the list is in my office. Would you follow me, Mr. Potter?"
"Of course sir." Harry replied, following the man down to the dungeons. Once they got into the office, and the door was locked, Severus kissed Harry deeply, holding him tight. Harry leant into the kiss, wrapping his arms around the man's neck. They pulled away slightly, their eyes meeting.
"Wanted to do that all day." Severus murmured, his eyes lowering to Harry's lips. He kissed Harry again, this time, Harry's head turned as the man's lips trailed down his neck.
"Sev..." Harry sighed, tilting his head back to provide full access. "So good..." Severus pulled away, running a hand through his hair, a finger over a soft cheek and a pair of lips.
"I think you should get going Harry." Severus said, his voice lower and hoarser than normal." Harry nodded reluctantly, not wanting to be away from the man just yet.
"I miss you. When can you come by the shop?"
Severus shook his head. "With the Tournament and Moody here, I can hardly get away. I wish I could come by more often Harry..." He hugged the boy tightly. "I'm sure you've heard the rumors about his old followers meeting...I wish it wasnt so. I have to be careful...his mark is getting darker."
Harry frowned slightly, his eyes falling upon the man's arm, where he knew the mark to be. "May I see it?"
Severus nodded, unbuttoning his sleeve and pulling it back to see a dark grey tatoo emblazoned on his skin. Harry took the man's pale arm into his hands. "Oh Sev..." He felt tears coming to his eyes, and he hugged the man tightly. "Please be safe."
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There you go, another update. Please review, more cookies for all of you.