Harry hadn't gone for lemonade that day. He had promised Tom he would consider it. For now Tom was happy to settle for a rain check. Harry had been excited to go home and tell his family about the amazing news. The family was not as surprised as he was since he was far too humble. The show was a surprise but they weren't after hearing about it to know Harry was asked to be a part of it. He had some real potential for a career. He reminded Severus a lot of Remus when it came to his writing. It hadn't only been lack of work due to his curse which stopped him from pursuing writing more then texts. Australia seemed to be working for both of them.
Two months after Lucius the little family made a trip to Melbourne. It wasn't uncommon as Severus' work was there and the twins recently started actively lookin for a shop location. But this time they went as a group to support Harry. It was also the weekend of the twin's birthday so decided to make a weekend of it.
Harry couldn't believe when he saw three of his pieces up "This isn't real."
Remus kissed his son on the cheek "It's no dream cub. You earned it."
Draco noticed some of the other pieces had sold stickers on them "Are yours for sale too?"
Harry nodded "Yes but I know they will come home eventually. I don't mind I am just happy to have them in a show."
They knew it was true and were simply proud. He had actually been encouraged by his teacher to apply for the arts school at the University. It would be more then an year before old enough but it was super competitive. Harry had no idea what he wanted to do for a living. Draco was planning to work for his Uncle and Severus would apply to apprentice him as a master. The twins thought Harry could work with them and go to college. It wasn't work for them since he was a partner.
Harry was amazed when he noticed one of his pieces had a sold ticket on it. He spotted Tom who he wasn't surprised he came but he was talking to the gallery owner. Before Harry could get over to him another piece had a tag.
When Tom was alone he went over to him "Purchasing my art won't win you brownie points."
Tom shook his head "I will admit I tried but I was beat to it. The gallery owner refused me the third."
The man had come back over "The man who bought your paintings would like to meet the artist."
It turned out the gallery owner was willing to pay him for the third. He kept some pieces in a permanent collection and it would be good exposure. The man who bought the pieces was a well known billionaire. Among other things he was a benefactor of the arts school. He liked to encourage new artists and often picked up pieces for new properties or offices. He was quite impressed with Harry and told him he would expect to see an application for the arts school from him soon.
His family watched in smiles as even a local reporter asked him a few questions. It wasn't like he was suddenly famous. He made a few hundred from the sale but it was still amazing. He didn't care if the pieces were to be hung in a new coffee shop. And it was nice to have media over something he was proud of.
Harry walked over to Tom as he looked at the piece the gallery was keeping "I'm sorry for accusing you. It means some to me you came."
Tom turned to him. They were both still in class and spoke but not outside of class for some time "I was going to. I quite like this one. More cheerful then mine."
Harry had given him the caged bird one. As he became more at peace here his art reflected it "I could be convinced to make you a similar one."
Tom smiled "Perhaps you will finally come see where I hung the other. I have been learning to cook too and wouldn't mind someone to cook for."
Harry for a moment looked at his family. They had all assured him they would support him if he chose to be with Tom. None of them could deny he changed. And it was clear to the others that Harry had feelings for the man still. He tried to fight it but the man was being so patient he was wearing Harry down.
Harry turned back to him "We won't be back this weekend. But perhaps one afternoon after class I will come for dinner."
The weekend had been fun. They had gone to a professional rugby game and out for dinner at a pub the day after the show to celebrate the twin's birthday. Severus' had been not long after Christmas but they simply had a meal and cake. There was still Lucius back then and it was more about the boys. The twins were for a moment thinking of the Burrow. They knew Bill was now in Canada working for a muggle bank and looking for a job for Hermione when she joined him. The twins soon were back into the party. They were on outs with the family before all of this. This was their family and who they wanted to celebrate with.
With to the surprise of even them some encouragement from his family Harry finally accepted. Remus never thought he would but even he could admit Tom seemed right for Harry. He knew his son would be careful and it was obvious Harry wouldn't rush into any thing.
Tom smiled when he took Harry to his little two bedroom home "I know it is nothing too grand but I like it."
Harry had a shiver go up his back at the memory of Tom's old home "A bit odd not having elves and such?"
Tom smiled "I will confess I do have one. She has been with me for so long. But I promise I am cooking."
Tom worried for a moment when Harry saw Blinks. It was the elf who took care of Harry for him back in Uk. The elf belonged to his family since before he was born. Like Kreacher and Dobby the elf knew her master was alive even after Remus' spell. Tom hadn't thought she would and had been surprised when she appeared in Australia for him. He wasn't like Harry an obvious choice before Remus' spell for elf devotion but he seemed to have it.
Harry brought his mind back here. He didn't want to think about the past. Tom gave him a tour. The second bedroom was an odd little study. It turned out Tom had a bit of a hobby for science or discovered one when he came. There were some sketches among his collection. Harry found the bird painting above the desk.
Tom led him out back for some lemonade as dinner needed to cook "I put it up there to inspire me. I have taken an interest in local birds."
Harry was surprised "I never took you for something like bird watching."
Tom laughed "No I am not some old man on the porch with binoculars. I always had an interest when younger. I am considering breeding."
As odd as it sounded like Harry and his family Tom had to start over. He had money but he needed a life too. He was liking the art classes but it was a hobby and way to spend time with Harry. He didn't have the kind of magic he once had. He was no longer Lord Voldemort and not just for Harry he needed to make a full break. Breeding animals was something even squibs could do. Harry was reminded of Arabella and her kneezles.
Sitting sipping lemonade and later eaten lasagne and talking owls seemed so simple and normal. Never in a million years had Harry thought to have this with Tom. Tom planned far more exciting in the future. He had no plans for them to feel like an old married couple.
Harry surprised Tom with a light kiss before he left "I wouldn't be opposed to lemonade again."
