Chapter Two
Justinian sighed softly as he found himself waiting in Dumbledore's office to Floo home considering Dumbledore wanted to speak to him and the families of some of the others involved in regard to what had happened. He was torn between wanting to get home and not to have to face a load of Death Eaters and pretend to play nice with them without raising Dumbledore's suspicion, and just being generally frustrated with Dumbledore as he tried to get information out of him as to what spell was around Theo.
Thankfully considering he genuinely didn't know what magic Harry had cast around Theo he was nimbly dodging around the questions with his phrasing so that the spell Dumbledore had cast on his chair to allow him to tell if Justinian was lying wouldn't trigger.
Finally, and he never thought he would be thankful to see Death Eaters, the floo flared and one after the other Magdalene Zabini, Gareth Goyle, Charles Crabb, Peter Parkinson, and Lucius Malfoy stopped through and into the office.
"Ah Lady and gentlemen, thank you for coming," Dumbledore twinkled at them, each of them as equally unimpressed as Justinian was by it.
"Why isn't Pucey here?" Magdalene asked, looking around.
"Lord Pucey is in St Mungo's with his son," Dumbledore coughed.
"Yes, Draco was complaining that his robes were badly damaged and that he had nearly been burnt, I would like to know what is going on Dumbledore!" Malfoy sneered. Justinian allowed himself to feel a flicker of amusement, he had no doubt that Draco had been in no danger whatsoever considering he was on Harry's side. The Malfoy Heir apparently had stretched the truth as to his involvement.
"Is Theo ok, Justinian? Wouldn't want any of the plans for him for the future to be hindered by a teenager throwing a tantrum," Peter Parkinson turned to him raising Justinian's hackles at the implication as to the Dark Lord's plans, but before he could say anything Parkinson's eyes widened slightly when they fell on the necklace around Justinian's neck, and to everyone's surprise started coughing rather violently.
"I am fine, breath caught in my throat!" he waved off as Crabbe patted his back concerned.
"I…my…you caught your breath something awful there, drink?" Magdalene uncharacteristically stammered as her own eyes fell on Justinian's necklace.
"Please, shocked me a little!" Peter wheezed a little, a pointed look shot to Magdalene as she passed him a glass of water, though it could have been missed if Justinian hadn't been looking for it. He wanted to snort, it seemed Harry was making his way through the Dark and Light side snatching completely unexpected people and managing to convince those like Magdalene who had managed to stay truly neutral to fall under the Grey banner. Sure enough, when he looked he saw the simple golden chain and charm around Magdalene and Peter's necks, and then having to fight down his own startlement he spotted them around Gareth and Charles's necks as well.
"Right well, now that Lord Parkinson is ok, perhaps we can discuss what happened?" Dumbledore seemed to be getting more and more put out to Justinian's amusement as they all turned to him.
"Yes, let's," Magdalene practically purred, and Justinian had to fight down a smirk. "So do you have an answer as to how two dangerous spells were cast in a dorm room in your school that has seriously injured one student, and risked seriously harming six more?"
"I…" before Dumbledore could even try and come up with an answer to that one which he for some reason didn't seem to have seen coming, but the door to his office was thrown open and McGonagall walked quickly in.
"Albus, the papers have reported on the incident last night!" she looked up from the papers in her hands and froze when she realised that they were standing there.
"I would hope that none of you reported this to the newspapers," Dumbledore sighed in a disappointed manner. Justinian really struggled to believe that people fell for this grandfatherly act.
"I would think that the fact a student was brought into St Mungo's servery injured would have gotten tongues wagging," Justinian snorted, "however, it is the truth, so I am unsure as to the accusation in your tone," he tilted his head as he looked at Dumbledore, ignoring McGonagall bristling for him having dare spoken to the man like that.
"A small incident," Dumbledore tried to protest.
"I heard that Pucey Jr's face was half melted off," Peter said blankly.
"Not what I would count as a 'small incident'" Lucius nodded.
"I did not mean it as such, but with the world as it is right now…" Dumbledore floundered a little.
"With the world as it is right now?" Justinian asked when he seemed to be struggling to word it right.
"A student getting attacked and the attacker being seriously injured isn't something of importance? Magdalene offered.
"No! It is just…priorities," Dumbledore said, and they could all see the moment that he regretted it.
"I am sure that the Governors will be delighted to hear that the Headmaster of the School does not feel that the safety or serious injury to students is a priority. Dumbledore," Lucius smirked as he swept to the fireplace.
"Justinian," Dumbldore tried to call him back as they made their way to the fireplace as well as a group.
"Headmaster," Justinian simply said as a goodbye instead and flooed away, though he was aware of Magdalene and Peter's eyes on him as they allowed him through first.
Justinian hesitated as he stared at the letter in front of him, tapping his wand against his lip as he considered what he was going to do. He had no doubt that the others that had been in the office would be supplying their memories to Harry as to what had happened, but then there was the time that he had been alone with Dumbledore, and the fact that he had cast the truth spell on Justinian's chair.
Sharing memories was not something that he just did, there was a level of privacy to it, a level of trust that he very rarely had. Harry would be able to feel the emotions that Justinian had been feeling at the time, he was powerful enough that he would, and that was opening up a level of trust that Justinian would be handing over to him.
He brushed his fingers over the necklace around his throat and shuddered as the feelings of arms closing around him washed over him. Harry had already given him a lot of trust and been open with him.
If this was going to work, he needed to place his trust in Harry, and in his heart, passed the scared boy who had been tricked and mistreated too many times, he thought that his trust wouldn't be misplaced.
Before he could second guess himself he pressed his wand to his temple as he closed his hand firmly around the necklace and drew the memory from his mind while the feeling of Harry hugging him gave him the courage that he needed to press it into the letter.
Then taking another deep breath he brought his wand up to the end of his hair and cut a small lock from it, tapping it so that it was bound together, and that the small blue forget me not flower that played into his name was stuck to the lock of hair. He felt a little foolish, and he was very glad that Theo wasn't here to see him as he pressed a kiss to the lock of hair and flower before he placed it inside of the silver forget me not charm sitting next to the letter. Feeling ridiculously nervous he attached the charm onto the silver chain bracelet and before he could utterly change his mind he slipped both the letter and the bracelet into an envelope and held it out to his owl, who was sitting watching him with far too much judgement.
Huffing to himself he was sure if Gregory had been able to he would have rolled his eyes at him but he ruffled his feathers instead and then took off to deliver the letter to Harry. Justinian distracted himself wondering how Harry disguised his letters from Dumbledore's eyes and tried not to worry about what Harry would think about him sending a bracelet to him.
"Go on, open it before you combust," Draco snorted as soon as they sat down in the Room of Requirements, the letter that Justinian had sent to Harry had arrived at lunch but Dumbledore had summoned Harry to his office for a bit of mentor/mentee bonding time, clearly feeling a little off after his meeting with Harry's followers and Lucius, and the story Harry had released to the newspapers about the attack and injury hitting the Wizarding world that morning. As much as he disliked dealing with the press it was important, and Magdalene and Peter had helped to advise him on someone that they could pull over to their side that had the right amount of influence as well as the Quibbler publishing things that wouldn't raise too much suspicion as to Mr Lovegood's loyalties, but cause trouble for the Dark and Light Sides.
Eagerly he opened the envelope as Draco settled himself comfortably between Hermione and Ron, Ron throwing his arm around the smaller man's shoulders, the Malfoy heir snuggled happily into his side while resting his feet on Hermione's lap, the Witch sliding her hand under his trousers and gently massaging his ankle.
He blinked surprised when as he pulled the letter out a bracelet fell out onto his lap along with it. Draco perked up at the sound of the chain of the bracelet clinking making Ron snort amused and squeeze him a little, his theory that the blond was a cross between a cat and a magpie proven a little more.
Harry held up the bracelet, and then his heart did a funny tap dance in his chest when he realised what he was looking at. Seeing the hinge on the charm he carefully opened it and his breath caught this time when he saw a small lock of honey blond hair that could only belong to Justinian sitting in there, a small blue forget me not flower the same shade of blue as Justinian's eyes sitting on top of it.
"It seems as though that charm of yours has worked again," Draco teased, but when he looked up the three of them were sitting smiling at him.
"It would seem so, we all know that I am hard to resist," Harry bantered back even as he attached the bracelet to his wrist carefully.
"He sent you his memory as well?" Hermione asked, catching the glint on the letter.
"Yes, probably with Dumbledore, he was already in the room when the others arrived from their memories," Harry said before viewing the memory.
"Well that is a mix of complicated expressions," Ron snorted, taking in Harry's face.
"Justinian was feeling incredibly happy about what happened with us. Dumbledore decided to cast a truth detecting spell on Justinian's seat before he arrived though,"
"As though a Nott wouldn't be able to tell," Draco snorted, rolling his eyes.
"It was impressive seeing Justinian dancing around the questions," Harry hummed.
"Merlin, you're love sick," Ron laughed. He glared when Harry pointedly drew his eyes over the way Draco was sprawled out, sticking his tongue out at him making Harry snicker.
"As long as he is loyal to you and he is who you want," Hermione shrugged. "We do not need to hear again about how much you want him," she held up her hand when Harry opened his mouth.
"Again," Draco grinned.
"Well, as you are being like that I am stealing your boyfriend and we're going horcrux hunting," Harry sniffed standing up.
"Now, Harry!" Ron whined.
"Up you get," Harry smirked.
"Yes Lord, of course, My Lord," Ron said sarcastically but he brushed his lips to Draco's and stood, bending to kiss Hermione.
"Be careful, the two of you," Hermione said concerned.
"We will be," Ron grinned over his shoulder as they tugged their cloaks on.
"Why doesn't that reassure me?" Draco sighed snuggling into Hermione.
"Bill is meeting us there," Harry said.
"That reassures me," Hermione laughed.
"Rude," Ron sighed, shaking his head dramatically. "Love you both, see you soon,"
"Love you," Hermione and Draco said to both of them before they stepped through the Floo.
Justinian fussed with his hair one more time before deciding that he had to be ready or he would change his outfit and appearance all over again. Pushing down the eager excitement at seeing Harry again, Justinian pulled his cloak on, and then before he could second guess himself he apparated out to the coordinations that Harry had sent him.
He looked around confused for a moment at the field he was standing in the middle of, but then strong arms wrapped around him from behind, and gentle lips pressed kisses up his throat, Harry's scent and the feeling of safety that he seemed to radiate washing over him.
"Harry," Justinian murmured before turning in his arms and pressing their lips together eagerly. Harry cupped the back of his head and held him firmly as they kissed, the two of them feeling as though it had been months rather than a couple of days since they had last done so.
"Hello," Harry said roughly when they parted.
"Harry! What happened?!" Justinian exclaimed seeing the vivid red wound across Harry's cheek for the first time.
"Ron, Bill, and I went to take care of something to get rid of Voldemort, a couple of the charms were vicious. I am covering it with glamour when I am at school," Harry shrugged.
"It looks sore," Justinian frowned, reaching up and carefully touching the skin next to the wound.
"It will heal fast enough, Hermione will make sure of that, even if her bedside manner leaves a lot to be desired," Harry laughed, wrapping his arms around Justinian's waist.
"It is so close to your eye, and very dark magic," Justinian was still worried despite Harry's dismissal.
"It is fine, I have a few things I need to sort through, objects to destroy so that I can get rid of Voldemort, I wasn't expecting it to be easy," Harry shook his head.
"How many objects?" Justinian frowned.
"There were seven, there are four left," Harry explained even as he leaned in for another kiss, he blinked and then pouted behind the finger that had been pressed to his mouth.
"And you have to be the one going after the remaining 4?" Justinian frowned deeper. Harry reached up and wrapped his fingers around Justinian's wrist and pulled his hand away from his mouth so that he could speak, pressed a kiss to his palm though before he fully pulled away.
"The safety measures that he has in place are powerful, I need to be there, plus because of my curse scar I can sense the objects easier," Harry explained.
"If I can help call me…would you call me?" Justinian narrowed his eyes at Harry, narrowing them even further when Harry laughed.
"You are far from being a trophy partner Justinian, part of the reason I like you so much is the power and brains that you have. If I believe that you could be of help to either this or anything else I will be asking you," Harry shook his head.
He made a slightly startled noise when Justinian reached up and grabbed the collar of his cloak, yanking him down into a firm kiss, but he was more than happy to have his lips on the others again and enjoyed losing himself in the kiss.
"Thank you," Justinian said quietly against Harry's lips when they parted.
"For what? Seeing you as more than a pretty face, no matter how pretty your face is? I think it is the least you should be able to expect out of me," Harry rolled his eyes. He was so serious and clearly completely meant it that Justinian couldn't prevent himself from kissing Harry again.
"Where are we going then?" Justinian asked, pulling himself away and looking around the random field again.
"This way," Harry smiled, offering his hand to the other. He was grinning by the time Justinian took his hand and they started walking. "I was really impressed with the way you danced around Dumbledore," Harry said as they started across the field.
"I was annoyed and amused that he cast that spell," Justinian huffed, glancing around to try and work out where they were headed, his mind spinning once again through the possibilities that Harry could have come up with their date.
"Draco was amused at the fact he thought a Nott wouldn't notice the spell," Harry nodded.
"It is odd hearing you speaking about Draco Malfoy like that," Justinian admitted.
"I came across him in the bathroom," Harry said and then grimaced, "that sounds wrong,"
"Just a little," Justinian said with a startled laugh.
"I thought he was up to something and was following him, he was looking sick, I found him in the bathroom in a state. He has been marked, but the reality of what Voldemort is compared to the lies that Lucius and Narcissa told him about him, the reality of seeing his mother and father bowing and scraping for that thing, it hit him hard, and he realised that he was on the wrong side for what he wanted."
"He probably realised for the first time that he had thoughts separate from that of his Father and Mother, but had no clue how to separate himself," Justinian said with soft understanding, and Harry inclined his head.
"We were still fairly…theory based at this point, but I realised our time limit on making sure that people like Draco weren't wound up in Voldemort, and that Dumbledore didn't carry on using us all like tools. After that it really gained momentum," Harry explained.
"And you have Peter Parkinson, Magdalene Zabini, Gareth Goyle, and Charles Crabbe on your side," Justinan hummed, impressed.
"I got an earful from Peter and Magdalene about your necklace," Harry grinned boyishly.
"I thought Peter was about to have a stroke when he spotted it," Justinian laughed, reaching up and brushing his fingers over the necklace, the feeling of Harry's arms wrapping around him washed over him, but it wasn't as good now that he had the real person here with him.
"You kept it," Harry smiled.
"I love it," Justinian admitted, looking up at Harry and allowing the other to truly see him.
"I love my bracelet as well, thank you for sending it to me, it truly means more than you will know," Harry leaned down and brushed their lips together before straightening and carrying on leading them in a seemingly planned direction.
Justinian glanced down at their joined hands and his heart fluttered when he realised that Harry was wearing the bracelet.
"I haven't taken it off," Harry squeezed his hand.
"I just wanted to give you a little something, to keep me in your mind," Justinian smiled.
"That is not a problem trust me, you are very rarely far from my mind and haven't been since the first time I saw you," Harry's green eyes were intent as they looked at him.
"In that bar?" Justinian blinked.
"Before that," Harry shook his head. "I slipped into one of Voldemort's meetings, I needed some information on a couple of his objects I am hunting, and I wanted to check on a couple of the people there, and then I saw you,"
"You were at one of his meetings?" Justinian's breath caught and he blanched.
"What is it?" Harry stopped walking when the smaller man did, Justinian releasing his hand as though he had been burnt and turning his face away.
"You saw me…you must think…" Justinian uncharacteristically stammered, his mind flashing over the multiple meetings where he had had to subject himself to Voldemort's leering glances and comments, where he had had to bow and scrape as Harry had put it to that monster.
"Stop," Harry's voice was firm in a way that Justinian had not heard yet, enough so that he snapped his eyes around to look at Harry, his eyes widening when there was no sign of the lighthearted, teasing young man that he normally got to see, in his place stood the man that Justinian could believe was the leader of the grey side.
"Harry," Justinian shook his head.
"All I saw was an incredibly powerful person doing the best that he could in a situation that he had been forced into by his father when he was younger and less powerful. I saw someone protecting his brother and himself, and I saw someone who could potentially want out of the situation. You were smart and powerful, quick witted and even quicker tongued, and to top it all off you were as beautiful as the rumours had said you were, and all I wanted to do was lure you to the Grey side so I had a chance at at least trying to seduce you,"
"Lure me hmm?" Justinian still felt shaken that Harry had seen him like that, but the words eased some of the fear of what Harry must think of him, his honest tone and the expression on his face earnest and firm at the same time.
"Yes lure, don't make fun, I have been working very hard at luring you over without making it obvious or skewing my attention more towards it and ignoring other things so that Hermione wouldn't tell me off," Harry smiled, carefully taking Justinian's hand again and starting them walking once more.
"Hermione sounds, strict," Justinian said carefully.
"She is," Harry laughed. "Ron and I would be dead long ago without her, she curbs our more impulsive side with reason, and we curb her more cautious side with action. The three of us work well together,"
"What do she and Ron think of myself?" Justinian asked a little nervously, realising that their opinion of him could affect his relationship with Harry.
"As long as I am happy that is all they care about. They are happy that I am happy, if that makes sense. Especially as they have their relationship with Draco," Harry nodded.
"Wait, 'they have their relationship with Draco' as in the three of them are together?" Justinian said slowly, trying not to do anything so ungraceful as gawp at Harry for the implication.
"Yes the three of them are together, did I not mention it?" Harry shrugged, "They kind of just happened, and I don't really want to know too much about the details, but yup,"
"A Weasley, a Muggleborn, and the Malfoy Heir together, that is going to cause some raised eyebrows," Justinian tried to say diplomatically.
"It will, but as Ron said, what is the point in them being the right and left hand of the Grey side if they can't do what they want in their relationship," Harry said.
"Lucius Malfoy will have a heart attack when he finds out," Justinian laughed lightly.
"And I am very much looking forward to seeing his face," Harry grinned. "Draco will be taking the Malfoy Lordship and Lucius and Narcissa will be allowed to stay out of prison as long as they behave themselves by the grace of Draco, he was allowed the choice as to what happens with them," Harry explained.
"Do you want to…talk about my father?" Justinian asked reluctantly.
"Not unless you want to, when it comes down to it the choice will be yours, and I will be here to listen, no matter what happens between us," Harry smiled, raising their joined hands to kiss the back of Justinian's.
"Thank you," Justinian flushed. He couldn't believe every time Harry made it clear that there was no obligation to him and their relationship, that he wasn't expecting anything of Justinian in return for what he offered. "So Draco will be Lord Malfoy?"
"In title, fairly sure Hermione is going to be running the estate, not that I have asked them,"
"Oh?" Justinian said a little concerned.
"I am fairly sure Draco wants to live the life of luxury, being looked after in all ways by my left and right hand, and just getting to look pretty and show up for things," Harry snorted.
"That…isn't what I expected,"
"Draco isn't really one for politics and playing the game, he isn't interested in it. He has expressed that he wants to have parts in planning future events, balls, meals, meetings, and such that we will need to have to make sure that it presents the right image and is hosted correctly, but aside from that he wants nothing to do with it, and Hermione and Ron are more than happy to indulge him,"
"Everything feels turned around, it has since I heard whispering about a Grey Side," Justinian admitted.
"I do enjoy keeping people on their toes," Harry grinned.
"Speaking of, where on the earth are we going?" Justinian asked, looking around the still empty field that they were walking across.
"A few more moments," Harry laughed, tugging him on when he playfully tried to dig his heels in.
"Harry!" Justinian allowed himself to whine.
"It is a surprise!"
"If we are….communing with cows or something, I will let you know that it isn't my idea of a date," Justinian huffed.
"Don't worry, no communing with cows, I promise," Harry laughed brightly, his expression that bright and light one again.
"Wards?" Justinian blinked when they took a few more steps and he was able to see and feel the shimmer of wards.
"Ready?" Harry grinned, looking so hopefully pleased with himself that Justinian eagerly moved forward, curious to see what he was about to see.
They stepped through the wards, and Justinian gasped as a fairground was revealed in front of them, a large Ferris wheel was turning lit by softly sparkling lights, there were flying carpets floating around in the air with laughing people riding them. There were orbs of warm yellow magical light floating over their heads illuminating the area in a warm glow.
There was the sound of the various rides that Justinian could see filling the air, there were the sounds of people talking and laughing as they milled around, and the stalls that were selling different items had people calling out to those passing encouraging them to look at their items. It looked as though there were people from all over the world it looked like, and items from all over the world being sold. The scents of various foods filled the air making the area smell amazing.
Justinian stared around the area trying to take everything in, but there was so much to see, so many colours, so many sounds that he thought they could stay here all night and he wouldn't be able to take everything in.
He turned to look at Harry and found him watching him nervously.
"I know it is not a traditional date for someone of your standing, and I did consider a fancy restaurant or hiring a castle or…" Harry paused when he saw the smile growing on Justinian's face until it was the biggest smile that Harry had seen on his face. "I know that a lot of your time has been looking after Theo, I thought doing something fun like this would be good,"
"I love it," Justinian said happily squeezing Harry's hand before turning to look around wide eyed again. "I have never done anything like this, I was never allowed to," he admitted.
"Well, shall we start?" Harry asked, feeling relieved that his plan had worked.
"Yes!" Justinian said enthusiastically before tugging Harry forward before the younger man could say anything else, aiming in the direction of one of the rides where fairies were fluttering around the heads of the people waiting in the line, sprinkling glittering dust down on them every now and then.
"Where are we going?" Justinian laughed happily as Harry pulled him through the crowd by their joined hands. Harry turned back and just grinned at him, making him laugh even more, as the evening progressed Justinian had relaxed more and more, the world outside didn't exist right now, and he was just on a date with someone he liked, having a good time and enjoying Harry's company.
Justinian snorted when Harry led him over to the seller who was renting out the flying carpets but Harry turned and winked at him again. They quickly had their carpet rented and like the gentleman that he had been for the whole evening Harry helped Justinian sit down first before he climbed on himself and took control of the carpet.
The Nott heir leaned into the wind sweeping passed them as Harry flew the carpet around the area, Justinian looking down at the beautiful sight of the fairground underneath them. Harry steered the carpet around until they were floating near to the Ferris wheel and then stopped so that they were hovering in the air. Justinian turned to look at him curiously but Harry settled back next to him. Before he could ask anything though there were a couple of bangs in the air, when he turned around to locate the sound he found beautiful fireworks going off over the fairground, bursts of bright colours filling the air, glittering sparks drifting harmlessly down onto the crowd.
"I called in a favour," Harry smiled when Justinian turned to him.
"It is beautiful," Justinian sighed, moving a little closer to the other, and rested his head on Harry's shoulder so that he could still see the fireworks but could be close to him. He hummed happily when Harry wrapped his arm around his shoulders and they floated there to watch the beautiful show that Harry had put on for them.
Half an hour later the fireworks stopped and Justinian turned to say something to Harry but was distracted when Harry let out a snort. Justinian followed his gaze and found two redheaded men, twins, giving Harry the thumbs up before waving at them when they realised Justinian was watching them.
"Fred and George Weasley," Harry explained as the two packed up and trotted off.
"You are close to them?" Justinian asked as Harry took the carpet on a small circle of the fairground before they had to return it.
"Yes I am, I am close to all the Weasleys," Harry nodded.
"Including the parents?" Justinian asked surprised and Harry winked at him. "You have been busy," he murmured, he blinked confused at Harry's laugh, but then his response had him blushing darkly.
"I would like to be busier,"
"Harry!" Justinian would deny the squawk that he let out and Harry started laughing again.
"My apologies,"
"You don't seem very sorry!" Justinian pouted a little, watching happily as Harry's eyes went to his lips.
"I am very sorry," Harry murmured a little softer leaning into Justinian.
"How sorry?" Justinian asked breathlessly.
"Very, incredibly, sorry," Harry said absently before pressing their lips together as the carpet drifted to a stop.
They finally made it back down to the rental station and Harry had to hand over a few more sickles to the amused looking owner for having gone over their time.
"Can we do the Ferris wheel next?" Justinian asked eagerly.
"Of course," Harry smiled, taking his hand and they started heading over. Justinian was fairly sure that there wasn't much that Harry wouldn't give into him about, big or small, and as much as the Slytherin/Nott part of him thought of all the ways to take advantage of that, he only found himself wanting to make Harry happy in response. He looked down feeling the tap of something against his wrist and smiled softly when he realised it was the forget me not charm on Harry's bracelet, swinging between their joined hands.
"Moody wanted to come to guard over us, his idea was to just keep going around on the Ferris wheel," Harry said once they were seated and the wheel started moving.
Justinian blinked at Harry's grin before he started laughing, the image of the grumpy, gnarled ex-auror going around and around the wheel in circles while kids shrieked in excitement and lovers cuddled and kissed around him was more than amusing.
"It is so beautiful," Justinian sighed looking over the fair ground beneath them, he sighed again happily before resting his head onto Harry's shoulder, humming contently when Harry moved to wrap his arms around his shoulders so that he could snuggle in as they had to watch the fireworks.
"Thank you for coming tonight," Harry said softly as they both looked over the lights and people milling around beneath them.
"Thank you for bringing me, I am truly having a wonderful night," Justinian smiled. "I am used to people trying to impress me by throwing money at dates, taking me to expensive restaurants, buying me expensive things, one man tried to take me on a weeklong holiday to Hawaii for our first date," Justinian huffed.
"What did you do?" Harry sounded utterly bemused by that choice.
"I let go of the portkey at the last moment and let him go by himself. He had only booked one room as well!" Justinian snorted. "No one has put so much thought into a date before,"
"I am glad that you have enjoyed it," Harry squeezed his shoulders gently. "I have had a good night as well, it has been a little while since I have been able to properly relax and just enjoy myself,"
"You work hard," Justinian looked up at him.
"I need to, we're getting closer towards where we need to be, I can rest when I am dead," Harry snorted.
"Don't say that," Justinian scolded, reaching up to gently touch near the wound on Harry's face.
"I am sorry," Harry took his hand and kissed the pads of his fingers before tangling their fingers together in his lap.
"You have quite the ability to draw people in,"
"Have I drawn you in?" Harry asked the look that he gave Justinian burning through him.
"You already know that you have," Justinian shook his head.
"You can be difficult to read sometimes," Harry smiled teasingly.
"I don't know what it is about you but…" Justinian shook his head again when he couldn't find the words to express what he wanted to say, instead he leaned up and pressed their lips together again, hoping that the kiss would say everything that he was struggling to verbalise.
"I feel the same," Harry said as they parted, running his fingers along Justinian's cheek and down his throat until they rested on his necklace. The Nott heir leaned up and pressed their lips together again, unable to get enough of this man.
"Oops, round one more time for young love!" The operator of the ride said cheerfully when their basket came to a stop by him. The two of them laughed as the Ferris wheel started moving again.
Justinian felt as though he should be covering his face so he couldn't see this, his heart was in his throat, and it felt as though it was beating a hundred miles an hour. He couldn't take his eyes off of the scene in front of him though, he was equally as impressed as he was horrified at what he was watching.
Harry performed a Wronski feint and pulled away at the last moment, reaching out and snatching the snitch from the air with a brilliant grin on his face, the thrill of flying clear in his expression.
"Alright, alright I give!" The owner of the stall laughed, waving Harry in. "Choose what you want," He waved to the cuddly toys.
"This please," Harry motioned. The owner took down the cuddly bright green snake and handed it over, shaking Harry's hand before he turned and held the toy out to Justinian. The light haired man laughed at the cheeky grin on his face, taking the toy and holding it close to his chest.
"Thank you," Justinian said as Harry wrapped his arm over his shoulders.
"You're welcome," Harry smiled.
"You look as though you enjoy flying," Justinian asked.
"I love it. I enjoy playing quidditch, but the flying itself is what I enjoy, it is the freedom of it," Harry nodded.
"You are a natural doing it," Justinian complimented before sighing. "We should get heading back shouldn't we?"
"I am afraid so," Harry sighed as well. "I am sorry that we have to watch the time because of me," Justinian looked up at him and could see the guilt on his face as well as his own disappointment. He gripped Harry's arm and pulled him behind some tents so that they were obscured by the shadows there.
"I have had such a good night, I don't want it to end, I do not think any time would have been long enough," Justinian admitted, taking a chance to be open with Harry, putting aside his natural reticence to reveal too much of himself. It was worth it with the kiss that Harry pressed to his lips, wrapping his arms around Justinian and pulling him firmly against his body, Justinian threw an arm around his shoulders and kissed him with as much passion as he could, his other arm holding tightly onto his cuddly snake.
Theo read over the letter in his hands and snorted softly at the gushing that his brother had not been able to suppress about the date, even though he was clearly trying hard to. He started and folded the letter when someone dropped down next to him, his eyes widening a little when Draco, Pansy, Crabbe, Goyle, and Blaise sat around him.
"Our Lord would like us to stay close to you," Draco drawled, and Theo watched a couple of the Slytherins' that he knew were Death Eaters nodding in agreement, when he turned he met Blaise's twinkling eyes, clearly amused at the open deception.
"Of course, whatever he wishes," Theo nodded.
"Good good, that is the way to think," Pansy nodded back.
"From your brother?" Draco nodded to the letter. "He is happy?"
"Yes, very," Theo said and watched a flicker of a smile go across Draco's face, clearly pleased for Harry Potter that the date had gone well, and Justinian had definitely enjoyed it. It was an odd thought to think, but then since the return of the Dark Lord, everything in Theo's life had been turned upside down. "Draco," Theo said softly.
"Hmm?" The blond turned to look at him.
"I would like to speak to him,"
"I will arrange it," Draco nodded, keeping it brief. Theo just nodded his understanding.
Theo walked nervously beside Draco through the castle, the blond seemed sure that the charm he had used on them would keep them covered, but Theo had never heard of it and wasn't 100% convinced, though he did suspect that it was the same spell that Potter had used to get into the Headmaster's office and hadn't been noticed by the old man.
Draco paced in front of an odd tapestry before a door appeared, and then finally they were passing inside a room and out of the sight of the rest of the castle. He looked around curiously at the room that resembled a large study, books were covering the numerous tables and desks in there, and there were a couple of boards with writing on them but there was clearly a charm on it as the writing kept moving around preventing Theo from being able to read anything. Down at the end of the room was a sofa and an armchair, a large coffee table also covered in paperwork, and Granger, Weasley, and Potter were sitting clearly in deep discussion.
"Draco, is there a reason that you have brought Theo here without giving me the heads up?" Harry said lowly, dangerously, without even looking up from the paperwork he was pouring over. Theo swallowed a little nervously, reminding himself that even though this man was sweet and caring, and seemed gentle with his brother, he did want to get engaged to him, and he had been the one to cast the spell over Theo completely protecting him from the attack on him. His magic was incredibly impressive. He looked nervously at Draco expecting him to look worried at clearly upsetting Potter, only to find the biggest shit eating grin that he had ever seen on his face.
"Because I wanted to make you uncomfortable!" Draco announced before throwing himself over the back of the sofa and falling so his head was on Granger's lap and his feet on Weasleys, uncaring of the paperwork that they just managed to get out from under him.
"Draco," Granger said scoldingly, gripping a lock of his blond hair and tugging it.
"Are you telling me off for Theo or the papers?" Draco beamed at her.
"Yes," Weasley snorted.
"I haven't had snuggles in two days and you want to scold me!" Draco wailed dramatically.
"Have a seat, Theo," Harry motioned to the chair that had appeared next to him. Theo edged around the sofa, trying not to stare at the dramatic Malfoy being soothed by the two Gryffindors, and clearly not in a platonic way!
"Erm,"
"He's a drama queen and a trouble causer," Harry snorted.
"Is it ok that I am here?" Theo asked.
"You're welcome any time, I would have just liked a heads up from someone first before he brought you to speak to me properly the first time," Harry smiled at Theo after shooting a dirty look at Draco who just grinned back.
"Why are you so worried? You are my Lord now," Theo frowned a little, especially when Potter scrunched up his face at the word.
"Harry would be fine," was his answer, The Grey Lord waving his hand as though the title was distasteful. "And you are Justinian's brother, you're the most important person to him, it is important to me that we can get along," Potter added.
"Are you about to bribe me?" Theo asked, taking in the earnest expression on the other's face. The snorts of amusement coming from the sofa would indicate that he had gone off course with that accusation.
"No nothing like that. Justinian would know if you were not being truthful, and I would not insult either of you to think that you would be so easily bought to influence such an important matter to your brother," Potter shook his head.
"You think that I can influence him?" Theo asked curiously.
"We both know you can, if in the end it was not something that you would be happy with Justinian would not carry on any further with our relationship," Potter nodded.
"He's given up so much already, it shouldn't matter what I think," Theo said softly.
"But you are the most important person to him, he wouldn't have it any other way, and he would never be truly happy in a relationship with someone that you could not get along with," Potter shrugged.
"And if I decide I do not like you?" Theo tilted his head back. Harry waved his hand and cast a privacy charm around the two of them, Theo looked to see Draco pouting at having his entertainment taken away.
"Then you do not like me, and Justinian and I will not continue," Potter answered his question, gaining his focus back to the dark haired man.
"But you want him," Theo frowned.
"I do," Potter laughed. "I want him more than I have wanted anything except for freedom for myself and my people from the plots and plans of the Dark Lord and Dumbledore. Without being crude, I want him so badly it burns, and not for his looks, they are just a plus," Potter held his hand up and answered what Theo was clearly about to say before he could speak it.
"You want him that badly, and yet if I decide not to like you, you will just give up?" Theo said incredulously.
"Well, I can't say that I wouldn't try and convince you to talk to me about what you don't like about me and to give me another chance, Draco has said like I am like mold and grow on you, so I am hoping time would do the trick, and my puppy dog eyes," Potter applied the most ridiculous expression to his face that managed to startle a laugh from Theo, which it seemed he was going for given the pleased smile on his face. "I want Justinian to want to be with me, and to be happy with me, not because he feels as though I bought him for his and your protection, not because I have bribed you. If he wouldn't be happy with me then I would not want him to be with me anyway,"
"That is an unusual way to think about it," Theo admitted.
"But the right one. Justinian's happiness is important to me," Potter said honestly.
"I can see why he likes you," Theo said softly. "He deserves to be put first, he has been through a lot,"
"I want to make him happy, that is all," Potter nodded.
"He enjoyed your date," Theo gave and watched Potter perking up.
"He told you that?" Potter asked.
"He did, he wrote to me about it," Theo nodded. "Can I ask a personal question?"
"Go on," Potter nodded cautiously.
"What is it that you see in him if it isn't his looks?" Theo asked.
"Oh, there is a lot I guess," Potter hummed, Theo was about to dismiss him for not actually having an answer after a bit of a pause, when the other started speaking again, "I like that he is intelligent and quick witted, he is sharp tongued and incredibly thoughtful and caring, I love how much he cares for you and how giving his heart clearly is if you are important to him, I really love seeing him smile and seeing him let go and relax and seeing how fun he is, laughing with him and his slightly cheesy jokes, I really love…"
"Ok," Theo laughed, holding up his hand when it seemed that Potter…Harry was about ready to carry on listing things.
"Sorry," Harry grinned sheepishly.
"Has he grown on you?" Draco asked as Harry dropped the privacy ward.
"Like mold," Theo nodded.
"I didn't mean it like that!" Draco wailed, throwing his head back dramatically. Theo found himself laughing at who he realised was the real Draco, not the stuck up, cold, and slightly angry version that he was used to.
"How did you mean it then?" Harry smirked.
"Harry stop teasing him," Ron scolded.
"Don't start taking your boyfriend's side all the time," Harry said before grinning mischievously.
"Do not say it, Harry!" Hermione pointed at him, narrowing her eyes.
"Bros before hoes!" Harry said.
"What did you call me?" Draco shrieked while Harry started laughing.
Justinian was angry, no he was furious, no he was apoplectic! He wanted to cast a thousand curses and he wanted to break a million things, he wanted to use all of the curses that he had in his knowledge bank, he wanted to use all the dark hexes that he had in his knowledge bank.
He felt as though he had smoke coming out of his ears and he was pacing back and forth in the room that he was waiting for Harry to arrive in. He was furious, and had been all day waiting for them to be able to meet, and Harry was late!
"I'm sorry I am late, I got held…Justinian?" Harry blinked after shutting the door behind himself and turning to find the aforementioned furious man glaring at him.
"What did you tell them?!" Justinian demanded.
"Erm…well I wish I could have told Snape to fuck off for delaying me but that is going to be once everything is revealed and…"
"No! To the proposal you were sent!" Justinian interrupted, and Harry blinked before he obviously released what Justinian was so angry about.
"Are you jealous?" Harry asked, tilting his head and stepping further into the room.
"What did you say?" Justinian started poking Harry in the chest but he only got a few pokes in before Harry gripped his wrist and yanked him against him and slammed their lips together, Justinian reacted right away, shaking his arm free from Harry's grip and gripping hold of Harry's robes over his shoulders, fisting the material and tugged the other impossibly closer, groaning when Harry grabbed hold of his waist and walked them backward until they fell onto the sofa, Harry pinning him down onto the sofa as he kissed him until Justinian felt light headed.
When they parted Harry was clearly about to say something, but that was lost when Justinian reached up and yanked open Harry's shirt and robes using his magic, tugging them down his arms, before his hands were busy stroking over Harry's muscled chest and sealed their lips together again, groaning into Harry's mouth when they were pressed together again. He moaned when he felt the brush of Harry's magic and found his own shirt and robes gone and their bare skin pressed together for the first time.
Justinian let out a noise that had he been thinking clearly he would have been embarrassed about when Harry gripped his knees and wrapped his legs around his waist and started thrusting down against Justinian, pressing their hard erections together and driving all other thoughts from Justinian's mind except for himself and Harry and the pleasure burning between them.
He raked his fingers down Harry's back as the younger man started a steady rhythm against him, the noises that he was making only driving Justinian higher and higher into the pleasure between the two of them. He groaned loudly and threw his head back as he came, crying out even louder when Harry leaned down and bit into his neck before sucking what was no doubt going to be an impressive mark onto his throat.
Justinian held tightly onto Harry when after a few more thrusts he came as well, burying his face into his shoulder and panting out his own pleasure. Justinian let out a shocked sound when Harry gripped him around the waist again and turned them so that they were both lying on their sides facing each other, Justinian's back against the back of the sofa and Harry pressed tightly to his front, throwing his muscled leg over Justinian again in an imitation of the night they had slept next to each other in Hogwarts. A soft brush of wandless magic cleaned the two of them up and then Harry reached up to gently stroke the other's flushed cheek.
"What did you say?" Justinian asked softly, lowering his eyes to Harry's stare bare chest, but Harry wasn't having that and he pressed his index finger under his chin and raised it so that he was looking into those intent green eyes.
"What do you think I said?" Harry threw back at him.
"I know what I hope you said," Justinian took a breath as it felt as though his chest was tightening, "But I know that the marriage would be good for you and the Grey side and that turning them down could have a negative impact when you have no real promise to me,"
"Do you think I have no promise to you?" Harry hummed and Justinian closed his eyes so that he didn't have to look into those green eyes.
"Harry, you have to make good choices and I know that, this is a good choice," Justinian heard himself saying, and he wanted to scream at himself, he wanted to protest that he and Harry were building something together.
"Marry me?" Harry said the last thing that Justinian had been expecting to hear, and he snapped his eyes open to find Harry smiling softly at him.
"W…What?" Justinian stammered.
"Doesn't have to be this year, or even in the next three years, not until we feel as though it is a step that we are ready for, and of course, nothing has changed in that if you want to finish things between us then there is no pressure, but you would have my promise to you," Harry explained.
"Yes," Justinian's answer came more from his heart than his head, but it felt like the right choice, especially when Harry beamed happily at him.
"Yes?" Harry asked.
"Yes," Justinian nodded, leaning up to kiss Harry, almost breathless with the joy and excitement going through him.
"I will do everything that I can do to make you happy," Harry promised between kisses.
"And I you," Justinian stroked Harry's cheek over where the wound he had had the last time they had seen each other had been, the smile on Harry's face gentled a little, but was even warmer.
"I said no, that I am already in a relationship," Harry told him.
"I didn't truly believe that you would do something like that, but the thought infuriated me, and I…I realised how much I feel for you. I was scared that I was going to lose you," Justinian pressed his face into Harry's warm chest.
"The only way that our relationship will stop is if you decide to call it quits," Harry stroked Justinian's back.
"You could decide that you don't want me," Justinian murmured into the warm skin.
"That isn't going to happen," Harry said with so much surety that Justinian's heart warmed even more.
He was engaged to this man.