My Time

Chapter 17

Hayden's mouth brushed over Orion's briefly, in a short but breathless kiss. A strangled moan leaving his lips, desire and arousal began to gently consume them both. Hardness began to make itself known from where he was spread across a muscular and firm chest. "Orion…" a breathless whine left a plush mouth, that was open as he gasped.

Orion reached up and found Hayden's plush lips and kissed him. Their groans muffled as they lost themselves to one another. Desire making them both dizzy with need, with passion surging through them. A breathless gasp leaving their lips at the feel of Hayden moving, the friction causing arousal to shoot through them.

"Harry…" came Orion's guttered groan…then the next sound that left Orion's mouth was a series of beeps…

Hayden jerked awake, the sound of his alarm pulling him out of a rather restless sleep. Grunting, he turned around groaning unhappily at his dreams as of late. It had been four days since he had spoken to Orion now. Admittedly it was his own fault, he was ignoring the letters. He did not want to hear what Orion had to say on the subject. Kissing someone who was betrothed! Like he was some…some sort of harlot! Like he wanted to be Orion's bit on the side. Merlin, he did not want to think on what Orion thought of him. Although, he had no idea why he'd received seven letters in that time. Maybe he wanted an explanation? Hell, he was surprised they weren't howlers…if they even existed in this time.

Glancing at the table, where the letters actually sat, his mouth a grim line. His life felt a little dull without Orion and the rest of the Black's that he'd just been getting to know. They were the only people he knew; he was in a time so vastly different to his own. It was different to his own time. Everyone was so proper here; they spoke differently and everyone had their own groups. He'd observed this in both the Muggle and Wizarding world.

Sighing softly, he slid out of the bed, the rug under his feet spelled to keep the entire tent warm. That and of course, the fire pit in the middle which doubled up as somewhere to cook his food. The tent had everything he'd need to survive here for however long he needed it. It would be a significant amount of time, especially with the ideas he had in mind for the entirety of Peverell estate.

He very much would have loved to share his ideas with Orion, he missed him very much. He'd always thought it took too long to get attached to anyone. Due to his childhood…but it wasn't true at all. He'd barely known Orion a week and here he was…missing him a lot.

Shuffling over, he grabbed the milk out of the cupboard – which was chilled and preserved – and poured himself a bowl of potions and snitches coco puffs. Plucking a spoon from the drawer of the small 'kitchenette' he moved to sit down on the chair in the area he'd deemed his study in his bedroom.

The tent was a small one, one level, in purple and blues. It had a more than enough room for one person, even if he knew he'd be living in it for months…closer to a year, maybe more. He would have a more definitive answer this morning after an estimate had been calculated.

There was a kitchen, a separate area for a pantry, which included two cupboards that were chilled and one was preserved. In the middle of the room where the empty fire pit was, were plush purple seats positioned in a circular shape. So technically it was the living area, there was two other additional rooms, his bedroom, and a study, which he had just combined. The table was at the furthest end, already filled with more information than was needed.

There had been one tent with even the makings of a library, a study, and hell it was a manor like tent. Nobody needed a tent like that, it was just obscene! Even had an open Floo network…the price of it had been jaw droppingly incredible. Although, he had to confess, having a Floo Network available did sound good, but not to that extent. No, he would continue to Apparate, at least he had a licence now. Plus, it would have been insecure, there would be no way to secure such a portable fireplace.

Tiredly he ate the cereal, the milk having already turned brown. He hadn't had much of an appetite since Orion had all but fled the room at the Leaky Cauldron. He'd only paused for propriety's sake, to allow the seventeen-year-old Muggle-born wizard, whose appointment had been next, into the room before fleeing again. He hadn't even had a chance to talk to Orion, apologise for his actions. He'd never thought himself capable of that, whether he liked Walburga or not, she didn't deserve to be cheated on. He was never going to be that person.

But could he have only friendship with Orion and not want more? Clearly not, he had succumbed to his own desires within seconds and without forethought. He'd always judged people who cheated on their significant other…with people whom were already taken. More fool him, it wasn't easy he was beginning to realize, perhaps it was best to avoid Orion? He didn't think he could see him married and having children with Walburga despite the fact it would be Sirius and Regulus that would come of it.

Death had said they were a good match, but how? It wasn't as if Orion would cut himself off the family, he was deeply, deeply family orientated. Orion was a dutiful Black; he'd do what was expected of him which was to marry Walburga. The contract had been made years before all this information came to light. They wanted to combine the two branches of the family together. Death said that Sirius and Regulus would have different parents…but that's only if the past was changed. Plus, from what he'd read Pollux and Arcturus wouldn't be able to agree to break the contract. Arcturus maybe, but Pollux? He'd rather die than see the contract broken. He'd very badly wished to be Lord Black, but naturally hadn't, Arcturus was the eldest son after all. He'd been determined to live vicariously through his daughter, and see to it that she became Lady Black. Ironically enough, he did not get to enjoy seeing his daughter in a position of power, he died a week after their wedding.

Power had gone to Walburga's head, considering females weren't well thought of in this time, he couldn't exactly blame her for that. Not that Orion had come right out and said as such in his journal, but the impression had been there nonetheless. Then again, nobody was stupid enough to outright write something that their significant other could read. Orion had obviously grown to care enough to let her do as she pleased.

After eating his breakfast, he set the bowl aside, and began to look through everything. He'd already done it a dozen times, just to be sure. He had censored all the names of those taking part in the experience. For the published results, they were to be known only as patient A and any combination therefore. So long as they weren't doubled up – such as two patient A's – or mistakes like that. Anyone who wants to do their own research would be able to find the results if they dug deep enough.

He had nineteen properties to see in Wales, Scotland, England and Ireland in the next few days all the magical districts of course. For spaces suitable – and big enough - for a printing and publishing firm. They'd be doing their own printing and publishing, as well as being on the lookout for other books that could sell well and naturally editors to read through them. Luckily for him, he knew what would sell well, and what would not for a while, so he had a big advantage that other publishing companies did not.

Despite the fact he and Orion weren't going into business together anymore, the concept was a very good idea. So, he would be doing it, but it would be just Peverell publishing, instead Black and Peverell publishing. He would be giving Orion credit – should he wish it – in the book, he'd never do that discourtesy.

Plucking his journal from amongst the paperwork on his desk, which fitted into his portfolio without a problem. Which had everything he needed where it came to Gringotts. His statements, investments, investment suggestions, and of course, all the information that had been gathered about the Peverell properties in the past week. Details of his estate managements, and inventory in its entirety. It was all neatly labelled and positioned in a way he'd easily find them while looking through all the paperwork.

Flipping open his journal, he found the date, the thirtieth of December, luckily everyone was working as normal in the magical world. Yule had passed, and so the holidays were over. It might surprise many to realise that Pagans don't celebrate New Year when the Muggle's do. In fact, their New Year had already passed in Samhain a month ago. Samhain was celebrated in November.

07:00 – Meeting with Abbott & Abbott plumbers

08:00 – Meeting with Nott architecture

09:00 – Meeting with McTavish & Frazier builders

He was actually looking forward to discussing everything that would need to be done to get the estate up and running. It was not in dire straits; magic had certainly helped keep it in optimal condition for its age. It was beautiful really, and Hayden wanted to keep as much of the original architecture as possible. Although, he wasn't sure how much of that was possible, especially anything made of wood. Which was disintegrating slowly, presumably slowed magically but still crumbling nonetheless.

A ping from the wards alerted him to someone Apparating to the front gates of the estate. "Tempus!" murmured Hayden, blinking at the time, it was only 06:42, much too early. Most companies wouldn't send their employees over fifteen minutes early, it was seen as rude and impetuous. After all, what was the point of denoting a time if it was not to be kept? A wizard was never meant to be early or worse late.

He found himself disappointed, he'd expected more from a pureblood company, he had things he'd wanted to do, including getting everything copied and sent to Orion. A rough draft of the book, let him decide whether he even wanted mentioned or not. He'd been thinking of doing it since yesterday morning. He'd continued to put it off, his stomach twisting in gutted frustration. Hating that he had spoiled what could have been one of the best friendships he could have ever had next to Ron and Hermione. Oh, he could so use Ron and Hermione's advice right now. Hermione and Ron understood social cues and stuff like that far better than him. In his entire life, he could count on one hand how many friends he'd had in all his years. Ron, Hermione, Luna and Neville. He would have added Ginny but…she hadn't been a friend at all.

Pursing his lips, he erected his mental shields, dimming his anxiety and self-recriminations. He couldn't think on that right now, if he did, he was going to cry in both sadness and frustration. He didn't know anyone else here, and it was such a vastly different time. That and he didn't want friends who'd use him for his title, he'd rather avoid anyone like Ginny again. He was glad he was so busy, it kept him from thinking too much on Orion.

He'd have to get used to the way things are.

No matter, he probably wouldn't have actually sent it off anyway, knowing him, he would have just come up with an excuse. Kept putting it off, just like he was putting off reading those letters. He had probably made an enemy of the Black family; it would just be his luck really. If he did, he definitely would need to move abroad and begin his life there.

Shaking off his thoughts, grateful that the tent he was using was very close to the gates, behind the wards that kept this place so secure. Nobody would be able to surprise him, or sneak upon the tent to attempt anything, even magic couldn't be cast. It would merely cause the spell to rebound upon them, and any wizard worthy of the title would know this.

Flipping the tent flap aside, Hayden stalked out of the tent, and made his way to gates, not paying much attention, flicking his hands, mentally demanding the gates to be opened. Mere seconds later, there was a deafening clanging as the gates were forced apart, and slowly opened until they could go no further the metal protruding out the grass at each side of the garden preventing further progress.

Hayden blinked and blinked again, finding not whom he expected, "Orion," he said, wincing as shame suffused him.

"You've been ignoring me," his voice frighteningly enough entirely blank, not a single hint of emotion showing through his voice at all. The only tell-tale sign of Orion's real feelings was swirling in his mercury eyes, a strange mixture indeed, anger, relief, incredulous disbelief, and more importantly indignation. He was not used to being ignored, not at all. Never in his life had anyone ignored him when he spoke, not even his father or grandfather.

"That's rich," Harry stated dryly, narrowing his eyes at Orion, "Who exactly left as if their ass had caught fire?" sarcasm getting the better of him. Recalling what happened directly after their kiss. Oh, what a kiss it had been. He should have had more control though.

-0 Flashback 0-

The sound of abrupt knocking wrenched both Orion and Hayden from their lovestruck stupor. Startling so much that they banged their heads together and yelped at the pain. Glaring at each other as they rubbed their aching foreheads as if blaming the other for the accident. Then naturally, their eyes widened and they stepped back.

"Shit," Hayden muttered, glancing at the door then Orion, biting his lip, he knew, he knew the second he answered that Orion would be gone. What had he done? He'd been such an utter fool to do this, he should have had more care. Orion was betrothed! He was going to be marrying his own cousin soon enough. He was never going to be 'the other person' no way. It physically hurt stepping away, making up his mind that there would never be a repeat. Even making up his mind like that, he still wanted to lean forward and claim Orion as his own. No wonder becoming the 'other person' was so easily desirable and done despite best intentions.

"Excuse me," Orion declared, straightening himself up, his masks working at full strength, and without another word he all but ran out of the room. Slowing to answer the door and curtly informed whoever was on the other side to go in then he hasted himself again.

Hayden watched him go, feeling bereft, he was so stupid, a complete idiot.

"Sir?"

"Come in," Hayden said, wrenching himself out of his thoughts, his heart sitting in the pit of his stomach. He felt anxiety and nausea circling him like a carrion bird after a carcass. His heart was pounding erratically in his chest. Turning away, he closed his eyes and inhaled shakily, feeling as though he had destroyed something…precious.

-0 End Flashback 0-

Orion's cheeks flushed red, as his nostrils flared dangerously close to immolation. Aghast at the way he was being spoken to, it just wasn't done, people didn't speak that way in private let alone public and not to someone they barely know. "How dare you speak to me that way! I am my father's heir! One day Lord of the entire Black estate!" which was no trifle thing.

"Then leave, that way you won't be subjected to the horror of me talking to you then!" Harry ground out in sheer vexation. Honestly, the purebloods were all self-entitled assholes on the best of days. It was a surprised any of them knew how to wipe their own arses. Why the hell was he attracted to the biggest one? Quite frankly, even Draco Malfoy was nothing on Orion.

Orion stared at Hayden, completely unsure of how to proceed. Hayden was so vastly different to everyone else he knew. It made him singularly unique, unforgettable and these past few days he had missed him more than he could say. Which was shocking enough, but the way he had missed him – after only knowing him a week – was simultaneously baffling and infuriating.

Anyone else, absolutely anyone else would have been begging on their hands and knees…grovelling for forgiveness for having upset him. The Black family was massive, and they stuck together, always. Probably half the population was related to them in one way or another enough to give their allegiance. To upset the heir – one day Lord – was not a smart thing to do. He could make Hayden's life a misery, yet he didn't care, didn't adhere to social mores.

He should have realized Hayden would react this way, and now the shoe was on the other foot. It did not feel very good, was this how normal people felt? "Is my company so distasteful to you?" he asked him with offended dignity, wrapping his cloak around himself, as if it would guard him from further offence.

It didn't, seeing Hayden glance at his watch to check the time had him glaring at Hayden in affronted annoyance.

"I have a meeting in less than five minutes, and I shall be busy for the rest of the day," Hayden said blankly, entirely dismissing Orion as if he were nothing but a House-elf or servant. "So unless you want to discuss private affairs with company…you best leave." He'd seen the Slytherins put on that sort of front for seven years, the cheeky sod, he wasn't quite so easily manipulated.

Orion stared at Hayden, cautious at his wounding behaviour, was he deliberately trying to send him away with vows never to return? It made him wonder, he knew Muggle-born wizards and witches sometimes had problems with homosexuality, but purebloods very rarely did. Was that where Hayden's problem stemmed from? Did he even have a problem or was this all because he was betrothed? "You are perverse!" he stated curtly, despite his words, his face smoothed over entirely. If company was to come calling, then he refused to be caught unawares.

Hayden pursed his lips, hiding his amusement, well, he'd never been accused of that before so it was certainly a new one.

"If my presence is so abhorrent to you, I shall make sure you aren't burdened with my company again." Orion declared. Quick to say his piece before anyone makes their appearance at Peverell estate. He would not be embarrassed or gossiped about in magazines and newspapers. Staring at Hayden in utter disappointment.

"Are you done with the theatrics?" Harry asked dryly, staring at Orion his smirk a little more evident. "Slytherins!" he said sighing in exasperation, rolling his eyes. "Honestly, did you think I'd actually buy that?" they didn't just come out with stuff like that, it just wasn't a Slytherin thing.

Orion's lips pursed a little, but he said nothing in retaliation. It was very revealing, showcasing that it had been a manipulative attempt. An earnest one to find out what was really going on, but a manipulation nonetheless. He hadn't expected Hayden to suss him out, especially since he hadn't attended Hogwarts. "You've been reading the books I sent." Unbearably smug, yes, he was rather pleased. Assuming that was the only way Hayden would know and understand what a 'Slytherin' was naturally.

"I don't get as much reading done as I would like," Hayden stated sharply, still not talking to Orion he swore to himself. Or sleep really, come to that, but what was there to be done about that?

"Why haven't you replied to my letters?" Orion asked, his own tone darkening, glaring mulishly at Hayden.

A pop interrupted their glaring contest, as two Abbott & Abbott plumbers made their appearance.

Orion automatically stood straighter, refusing to glance behind him, putting all his frustration into the glare on his face. Trying to convey without words just how entirely vexed he was with the wizard. He was not used to waiting, nor was he used to having to be the one to seek out and fix the problems that had been made.

"Give me a moment," Hayden declared, and the wizards inclined their heads, and glanced away from them to give them some measure of privacy. It was actual privacy, neither wizard was really interested in Orion and Hayden, no, they were staring at Peverell manor in awe, the estate was old, in need of deep repair but so very beautiful, and they could just imagine how it would look once it was given the tender love and care it so could use.

They spoke quietly to themselves, both aware of why they were there. Hayden Peverell had made it clear while he visited them in Knockturn Alley yesterday.

"Come by at lunch, I have a break in meetings," Hayden said in offering, "Twelve o'clock if you're free?" feeling a measure of guilt, Orion didn't look like he'd been sleeping well. Clearly his actions had affected the wizard, which made it even worse. "I promise I won't mention what happened to anyone, ever." Wrongly assuming that was why Orion looked so tired.

Orion's softening stare hardened in utter bafflement, confused by his words, if he didn't know any better, he would have assumed Hayden felt intimidated by him, so much so that he was trying to placate him. By reassuring him that he had no intention of telling anyone of anything that had happened. There was no way Hayden was intimidated, he couldn't be, he wasn't even afraid or intimidated of his father, Lord Arcturus Black. Or even his grandfather, whom all his acquaintances – and few friends – all agreed was pretty damn terrifying. Yet Hayden had gained their respect (mutual it seemed) with ease that was not normally seen unless you were family.

"Twelve o'clock," Orion declared curtly, giving a nod, eyeing the tent with silent contempt wondering in aghast, if Hayden had been sleeping in that thing for the past few days. He knew how to hide; Orion would give him that. His nose wrinkling a little, the prospect of staying in there for any length of time was rather daunting.

"Twelve," Hayden agreed, his tone soft, before he was trotting off towards Cassius and Bridget, he recognized them from Hogwarts. Both of them Slytherin's, their cousins had all been sorted into Hufflepuff thus far.

Orion inclined his head before he took a single step back and Apparated away.

"My apologies for keeping you waiting," Harry said, giving the two newcomers his entire attention. Still a little confused as to what Orion had actually wanted. What was in the letters that made him say he was ignoring Orion?

"Not at all, Sir, it's right on time!" Lady Bridget Abbott was quick to reassure him. When they were informed a Peverell wanted work done on his estate…she'd been quick to clear her schedule to go herself, along with one of her best workers, who was actually a manager now.

Hayden just stared at her, he was not about to be pandered to or condescended just because he was a Peverell. Luckily for her, she figured it out pretty quickly, and they spent the next hour talking about the manor and a few of the estate properties after proper introductions. Mostly then estimate cost of putting plumbing into each property.

"How many properties do you have on the estate?" Lady Bridget asked.

"That's something an estate manage will know," Cassius pointed out, "Not the owner," still surprised that only Lord Peverell was here with them.

"There are over one hundred and twenty-two buildings in the estate, that isn't including the old outbuildings, they'll be removed we don't need outside toilet's anymore." Hayden replied, he could see he had surprised this wizard a great deal. Good, being underestimated would work well in life. "One hundred and twenty-three if you include the manor."

"And how many of them do you want modern plumbing in?" Cassius' eyes were wide in surprise. Just how big a project were they actually looking at here?

"All of them," Hayden replied simply, staring out at what he could see of the estate, he would have felt like all this was cheating if it wouldn't have been his in his own time. Which of course, it had, at least until Ginny had killed him, the bitch.

Bridget and Cassius glanced at each other surprised but doing their level best to conceal it. To have a contract with Lord Peverell…even with just the one estate…this one, it would be substantial. With the possibility of further contracts down the line if he was satisfied with their work.

"Do you have the capabilities of seeing this through?" Hayden asked. The Abbott & Abbott used to be the Gaunt plumbing, before they were bought out. They had been the best in the business, had actually done the plumbing in the girl's bathroom at Hogwarts. From what he'd been told they were quite professional and good at their jobs especially for the money they took. "I understand it's a big undertaking, and will not hold any reservations you have about refusing the project against you."

"We certainly can and have," Cassius declared, they'd be mad to turn it down, they only really had one competition, and well, they were hardly going to give it to the Malfoy's now, were they?

"How long do you estimate it will take to get it all complete?" Hayden asked, he knew without magic you were talking about a long, long time. Fortunately, magic was on their side, so they were on the upside of things.

"I assume you want the manor done first?" Lady Bridget asked, tapping her wand against the clipboard. Writing quickly appeared on the parchment, writing it out in beautiful calligraphy.

"Yes, good assumption," Hayden agreed, he did want to move into it as soon as possible. He didn't mind the tent, but he'd rather have a proper home over his head.

"Seven months for the manor itself," Lady Bridget summarised, it was beautiful inside of it. "A further fourteen to sixteen months if everything runs on schedule for the rest of the estate."

Hayden nodded, not entirely surprised, but wishing the number would change nonetheless. It was a long time to wait until the entire estate was up and running. Then again, it was always going to be a long labour of love his venture he'd decided on.

That wasn't including the new builds he intended to see built.

Which was where the meetings with Architecture's and builders which left him with a whole load of information, estimates and possible contracts. All of them salivating over having a business contract with a Peverell. Honestly, you'd have thought it was something worth bragging over, like serving the king or something.

The moment they left, Hayden began to experience butterflies, honestly, his stomach felt like it was full of them. He felt like it was swooping, like he was in the air doing a Wronski Feint repeatedly, over and over again in a loop. Which was leaving him feeling a bit sick, but he had no idea if it was due to hunger or nerves.

Licking his lips, he paced back and forth, glancing randomly at the letters on his bedside table. Did he open them before Orion came? What if he was just doing the right thing and being polite? Purebloods did have a habit of being very, very polite even when they were insulting you.

Maybe they should have went somewhere public…he honestly didn't want to tempt himself. Hayden forced himself to sit down, tense and alert. He didn't want to be the reason people gossip about the Black family or worse, have people thinking him a harlot for getting between Walburga and Orion.

Naturally, neither wizard realized that there was one person who knew already. Melania Black was far from a stupid witch, she knew, and she was going to be their biggest supporter.

Their beginning wasn't going to be a easy one, but when all was said and done…and they tell their stories to their grandchildren of their time, they'll say, "My time with your grandfather and all the hurdles we passed…it was worth it, all of it."

But that was a story for another time.

A/N – Yes, it was a rather strange place to put flashbacks and such but every time I attempted to write this chapter directly following the kiss in the last chapter it just wouldn't work. This way did I'm pleased to say 😊 and I hope you've enjoyed it. I hope it doesn't need repeating but I'll say it anyway, I don't always think the way I write, I don't always approve of the things I write about (affairs) so please, please, do not mistake what I write is truth. And no they won't have an affair to be clear 😊

Also, this story is not going to have a lot of drama in it, I don't think, at least not what I really consider drama I suppose. It's more world building and family orientated…just a heads up in case you're expecting my usual drama but then again 😉 even I don't know what the muses are going to say or do 😊 they do like to surprise me from time to time! 😉 that and I have no clue what people will turn out to like I mean I didn't expect The Contract to become so well liked but here we are 😊 READ AND REVIEW PLEASE!

Oh, you want to know something else? I've sort of shoved myself into a corner where that contract is concerned…since you know I do want Walburga to be a Black…a cousin line from another country? Or Will she end up married outside of the family with little to no power over her family? Or will Orion step down as heir and future lord? So many possibilities! And decisions that need to be made 😉