Mutare

Title: Mutare
Author: selene
Rating: will be NC-17, PG-13 for the moment
Pairings: Harry Potter/Dudley Dursley (Don’t freak! It’s just at the start!), Harry Potter/ OMC, Draco Malfoy/OMC, Harry Potter/Lucius Malfoy, Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter/Draco Malfoy/OMC, Harry Potter/Lucius Malfoy/Draco Malfoy
Category: angst, romance, drama
Disclaimer: If they were mine, Harry wouldn’t even PRETEND to be straight.
Summary: After doing something both irreparable and irreversible, Harry finds himself on the run. He finds safety and understanding in the most unlikely of places. After all, when the world as you know it changes, all you can do is to change as well. Mutare…to change.
Archiving: AdultFanFiction.Net
Warning: Directly after OotP… I don’t know if anyone actually hasn’t read the fifth book yet, but hey, to each his own. Also, major hints of prostitution…I don’t like calling it that, though.
A/N: I am not happy. I lost the first part of this chap because the dumb thing refused to send from the school comp to my PC. Argh!
Feedback: I am encouraging my extremely loyal reviewers to keep on sending feedback ‘coz it helps me out so much. But if you’re a new reviewer that makes me super thrilled as well. Keep on sending your reviews! Please…
Dedications: To my loyal reviewers and their amazing feedback, this couldn’t have been made without you guys.

“speech”
‘thoughts’
{setting}
*voices in one’s thoughts*

Chapter Three: Rationalis ~ Endowed with Reason

{The Burrow, during the conversation between Mrs. Weasley and Prof. McGonagall}

A redheaded teenager stood near the garden door, just out of sight of the two women conversing in the garden. He listened to every word that passed between them, shaking his head in disbelief.

“No way! Harry’s my mate! He wouldn’t even think of doing something that horrid!” Ron whispered fiercely to himself, as he continued to listen in.

However, with each passing moment and with each damning piece of evidence piling up against Harry, Ron began to doubt. He began to doubt his best friend of nearly 6 years and the first friend he had at Hogwarts. He began to doubt a dependable mate, a constant chum, a loyal comrade. He started to doubt all that ever happened between them and all they ever went through as friends.

Ron was brought out of his thoughts by Prof. McGonagall saying goodbye to his mother. He crept silently out of the kitchen and up the stairs to his bedroom, taking care to miss the step that tended to creak a little too loudly when stepped on. Just as he was about to enter his room, he heard Prof. McGonagall call out, “Diagon Alley!” He closed the door behind him.

Ron lay on his bed, closing his eyes as he lay flat on his back. He could still hear the worried voice of Prof. McGonagall and the distressed voice of his mother as they discussed what happened…what Harry did.

His eyes snapped wide open and he began to breathe erratically. He shook his head, trying to rid himself of the one conversation that had changed everything. He turned on his side and covered his ears with his hands, trying to block out the conversation he could still hear.

When it finally went away, he put his hands down and gingerly sat up. He scooted backwards until his back touched the headboard. He began to breathe deeply, closing his eyes and slowly releasing the tension that stiffened his body.

A dark sinister voice filled his mind. *You hate them, don’t you? One person in particular. They’re all worthless little cretins that don’t give a damn about you. They’re going to leave you all alone.*

Ron’s eyes snapped open. ‘No!!!!’ his mind screamed.

*What’s the matter, Ron? Not happy to hear from me?*

‘Leave me alone! I can’t hear you! You don’t exist!’ Ron once again clapped his hands over his ears.

*You can’t block me out, Ron. I’m a part of you. You are I and I am you.*

Ron shook his head in denial, ‘No, that’s not true! None of that is true!’ He began to tug forcefully at his hair, pulling several strands out. He dug his nails into his scalp and the stinging pain told him that he had broken the skin.

*I’m making you do that. I’m making you hurt yourself…I could even make you hurt other people.*

Ron immediately stopped. ‘You can’t make me do anything because you don’t exist and because I’m not listening to you!’

*Look at your hands.*

Ron felt himself look at his hands though every part of him was screaming at him not to. His nails were red and the tips of his fingers were stained with blood…his own blood. He knew that he should have been disgusted, nauseous, afraid even but what he felt was fascination. The color of blood was so vibrant, so vivid that everything else paled in comparison. He found himself wanting to taste it, to touch it, to feel it.

*You feel it, don’t you? Just like I feel it. It’s so red, so rich. This is life and you could have it right in your hands.*

Ron felt himself being lulled by the voice and he clenched his hands. ‘NO! I won’t fall for this!’

*And why not? You fancy yourself some hero that can withstand evil in its deadliest form?*

Ron swallowed the lump in his throat and raggedly drew a breath in.

*You can’t. You’re just this pathetic, pitiful excuse of a sidekick to the great Harry Potter.*

‘Don’t talk about Harry like that!’

*Why not? I’m sure he tells all his fans that you’re quite miserable and you would be nothing without him. That without him as a friend you’d be just another poor, downtrodden Weasley with holes in your tattered robes. I bet he even says that Longbottom is better than you.*

‘No, he doesn’t…’

*But you’re never sure. Harry Potter is your downfall. He will throw you away after he’s done using you as a shield. He could get tired of your friendship and carelessly throw it away in the next garbage bin he sees.*

‘No, no, no, no, no, no…’

*Yes, oh yes. The only way for you to get back at him is to hurt him as much as he’s hurt you. After all, he’s the next Dark Lord, isn’t he? When he’s done with You-Know-Who, he’ll come after everyone else and you’ll fall.*

‘That’s where you’re wrong. He wouldn’t do anything like that.’

*Are you sure? What about second year when he opened the Chamber of Secrets? He’s the Heir of Slytherin. What about fourth year and the Goblet of Fire? He said someone placed his name in it but you know he did it. He’s a deceitful, wicked person that deserves what’s coming to him.*

‘He’s my friend…’

*Friends don’t keep secrets from each other and you know he’s kept secrets from you. He doesn’t deserve to be your friend. Forget about him. Forget about him. Forget about him…*

The malevolent whispering voice finally faded away and Ron was so relieved. He smiled exhaustedly, thinking that perhaps that was the last time he would ever hear the voice within himself that he called, “The Dark.”

Never realizing that this was only the beginning.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

{Granger Residence, after Prof. McGonagall’s visit to the Burrow}

A sharp series of knocks was heard on the front door of the house.

“I’ll get it, Mum!” Hermione’s voice called out to her mother, who was in the kitchen fixing a late dinner for the both of them.

She opened the door and was surprised to see her Head of House standing on her doorstep.

“Prof. McGonagall! What are you doing here? I mean, please, come in,” she held the door open and her professor entered the house.

“Who was that, darling? Oh! I’m sorry. I didn’t know Hermione’s teachers would be dropping by today. She didn’t tell me,” Hermione’s mother said, quite surprised at seeing a full-grown witch standing in her decidedly normal home.

Prof. McGonagall smiled slightly, “Hermione didn’t know, Mrs. Granger. I merely stopped by to have a word with her.”

“Oh, all right. Would you like a cup of tea?”

“No, thank you, Mrs. Granger. I’ll be leaving in a while. I just wanted to talk to Hermione,” Prof. McGonagall kindly declined.

“All right, then. I’ll leave you two alone,” she said. With an encouraging smile at Hermione and a polite nod in Prof. McGonagall’s diion,ion, she left the room.

“Perhaps, we should sit,” Hermione suggested.

“Oh, thank you.”

They both sat down on the couch when Prof. McGonagall asked, “Hermione, there’s something I need to ask. Has Harry, by any chance, contacted you recently?”

Hermione shook her head, “No, I haven’t heard from him since the summer started. Ron told me that Harry sent Hedwig to the Burrow and apparently, she’s on some sort of orders not to go back to the Dursleys.”

“Ah, I see,” Prof. McGonagall said, nodding.

“Prof. McGonagall…has something happened? To Harry?” Hermione asked worriedly, a frown marring her usually comely face.

“Hermione, what I am about to say may shock you and you may not want to believe it but I’m afraid it’s the truth.”

She paused, as if gathering strength, before continuing, “Harry’s run away from his relatives because he cursed his cousin. Cursed him with the Cruciatus.”

There was this weighted silence before Hermione burst out, “That’s impossible! He wouldn’t dream of doing something like that!” She stood up suddenly, knocking a vase and causing it to break.

Her mother ran in, looking bewildered.

“Hermione, darling, what’s wrong?” she asked worriedly. Mrs. Granger had never seen her daughter that upset before.

“He wouldn’t! You don’t know him like I do, Professor! He would do no such thing! Harry may bend the rules, break them even but he would never do something this awful. Never!” Hermione screamed at her professor.

Prof. McGonagall sighed and stood up, “I’m sorry if I upset you, Hermione, but it is the truth. I don’t know what exactly happened at the Dursleys or why Harry did what he did. All we have is that Harry cast the Cruciatus on his cousin and now, since he’s running, the Ministry is after him.”

Hermione gasped, hands covering her mouth.

“Please, Hermione. For Harry’s safety, you must inform us the moment he contacts you,” Prof. McGonagall pleaded. Her lips curled into a sad half-smile, “After all, as his friend, I’m sure you will do what is best for him.” With that, she nodded to them in farewell and let herself out of the house.

Hermione collapsed onto the couch and her mother wrapped her arms around her. They sat there silently, Hermione basking in the comfort her mother gave her.

‘I have no doubt that I’ll do what is best for Harry, Professor. What is best for Harry…’

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

{Malfoy Manor, an hour before sunset}

\"Father, are you in here?” Draco Malfoy called out to his father as he entered their Manor’s large library.

There were shelves of books in every nook and cranny of the library, giving the impression of wealth in knowledge, but not overdoing it bammiamming everything in a limited amount of space. Whoever had decorated the library had made use of both the space of the room and the sheer amount of the books in Malfoy collection. There was even a second floor to the library. To bring Nature into the room, a spell had been used on the ceiling to give the impression of it being the sky outside, much like the one in the Great Hall of Hogwarts. At the moment, the ceiling showcased a brilliant array of colors that copied the breathtaking beginnings of the sunset outside.

“Father? Where are you?” Draco called out impatiently. He hated being kept waiting.

“I’m right here, Draco. There is no need to shout. It’s extremely undignified,” Lucius admonished his only son, coming down the stairs that lead to the second floor of the library. He was holding a book in his hand.

“I won’t be having supper with you tonight,” Draco said apologetically. He hated leaving his Father all alone in their huge Manor, now that his mother had gone to live with her family in France.

“It’s all right, Draco. I don’t mind. I was planning on working a bit…answering correspondences, reading contracts and such before having a light supper. I was then planning on reading this book I just found. I had forgotten we had it,” Lucius offered the book to his son.

Draco took it and read the title aloud, “‘Arcana Imperii: Secrets of the Empire.’ Well, Father, it seems that you’re bent on conquering the world again.”

Lucius smiled at his heir,u knu know me too well. This book contains the histories and secrets of the world’s most famous empires, both Wizarding and Muggle. It also contains details on why each empire failed. Perhaps I shall learn something new.”

“Of course. Whatever pleases you, Father,” Draco smiled indulgently. “As I said, I won’t have dinner with you. I’ll be at Cervello.”

“You’re always there, Draco. Ever since I brought you there on your 16th birthday, you just keep on going back.”

“Father, I’m sure you know the charms of that place. It’s highly addictive,” Draco said.

Lucius smiled reflectively, as if remembering a far-away memory, “Yes, it is.”

“Why don’t you come with me, Father? I’m sure Alexander would love seeing you again,” Draco suggested.

“No, thank you, Draco. Another time, perhaps,” Lucius declined with a smile still tugging at his lips.

Draco frowned but decided not to argue, “All right, then. I won’t be back until ---”

Lucius interrupted him, “Tomorrow morning. Yes, I know Cervello well.”

Draco smirked, “Well, Father, I’ll leave you to your book.” He kissed the back of his father’s hand. “Vale.”

“Vale, Draco,” Lucius replied. He tur turned and went to sit at his desk, lighting the candles on top of it.

Draco swept out of the room, pausing one more time to look at his father.

He reached the Apparating Chamber and yelled out the password that allowed a Malfoy to Apparate out of the Manor with the wards still up, “Pace tua, Draco Malfoy! Apparate Knockturn Alley!”

Draco reached Knockturn Alley in no time at all and straightened his clothes out. He always liked Apparating better than Flooing. It seemed so much neater. True, one couldn’t get a proper license until you were of legal age but that didn’t stop him from learning.

Of course, there was that pesky “no under-age magic” rule. His father had solved that by giving him a necklace that dampened the sensors the Ministry had created to pick up the use of under-age magic.

Draco set off for Cervello, wrapping his cloak about hihe lhe last rays of the sun were leaving only the dimmest of lights to illuminate the alleyway in front of him, but he couldn’t care less. He’d be there any moment now anyway.

A wrought iron gate stood in front of him and a lovely Southern American looking house stood in the distance. Lights streamed out from every window, creating an atmosphere of warmth and enjoyment.

“Sua cuique voluptas,” Draco said and the gate swung open.

He stepped onto the path that lead to the house and stood there for the briefest moment. He felt a smile reach his lips and he whispered, “Cervello.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

{Cervello, Harry’s Quarters, an hour before sunset}

Harry got out of the tub, stepping onto the mat next to it. He reached for a fluffy white towel and began to dry himself off. As he toweled his hair vigorously, he looked around the bathroom.

Lacquered wooden floors reflected the light several candles gave off and the ceiling had a spell set on it that echoed the vibrant colors of the setting sun outside. The circular tub he had just gotten out of was made out of marble and the taps looked gold-plated. His, or Magnum’s, clothes sat on a chair and the boots rested next to it. A huge closet ran the entire length of the wall to the right of the tub.

There was a huge mirror with a marble tabletop underneath it and a sink was on the left sileavleaving a flat surface where he could place toiletries. There was also a toilet and a shower with clear glass door partitions, separating it from the main area of the bathroom. The only thing that bothered Harry was the set of glass doors that led to the balcony. Anyone oe bae balcony could see him bathing and he was quite relieved that there werrtairtains covering it at the moment.

‘Hmm…but now that I think of it, those curtains seem a bit too thin for my liking,’ he thought to himself, frowning slightly.

“Harry! Are you drowning in there? Come on out! It’s nearly time to go downstairs and I still have things to tell you!” Magnum’s muffled voice shouted from the other side.

“Right!” he shouted, so Magnum could hear him through the door. He put on the underwear first, wondering why it seemed so small, and then the pants. He then wore the shirt and tugged on the boots.

He picked up the dreadful hand-me-downs he was wearing before his bath and took all his things out. He unshrunk all of his belongings and placed it on marble tabletop beside the sink.

‘My wand. My father’s invisibility cloak. Their photo album. The Gringgotts vault key. All the things that ensure my survival. Oh. And Sirius’ Firebolt. I need to get that back from Magnum.’

“Harry…” Magnum’s voice called out.

Still carrying the towel, Harry opened the door and stepped into his room.

“What took you so long?” Magnum asked, a smile tugging at his lips.

Harry shrugged. “Magnum, I was wondering. Could I have my broom back? The Firebolt?”

“Oh, yeah. Right, let me get it. Rascal! Come in here please and bring Harry’s broom with you!” Magnum yelled.

The little monkey that had stolen Harry’s broom came bounding in, carrying Harry’s shrunken broom. Instead of going to Magnum, he scrambled over to Harry and handed it to him.

“Thank you,” Harry mumbled, not knowing what else to say to a monkey that seemed as smart as him and smarter than other people. The monkey grinned at him and scampered back to where it came from.

“He likes you,” Magnum said.

“That’s nice. He seems pretty smart. Did you train him by yourself?”

“I’ve had him for what seems like forever. I owned him even before I came here. Anyways, come here. Let’s go to my room. I’ll fix your hair,” Magnum took Harry’s hand and gently tugged him to his own room.

He sat him down in front of a mirror and began to fix, more like attack, Harry’s hair. A companionable silence filled the air before Harry broke it, “Magnum, will you tell me what’s going to happen later?”

Magnum looked up, tearing his eyes away from what he was doing, and looked at Harry through his reflection in the mirror, “Right, sorry. Well, the boys are all going to go downstairs. We’re going to loiter about the house and wait ‘till our patrons come.”

“What’s a patron?”

“Well, that’s a nice way of calling your customers.”

“Oh… What do I do?”

“You give the patrons refreshments and stuff like that. There are several rooms downstairs – I’ll show them to you later – and you’re expected to tour around several of them. Some of them may proposition you but if you give the safe word, they’ll leave you alone.”

“What’s a safe word?”

“It’s this method Alexander thought up. There’s always this given time that not all the boys working here are courtesans. To avoid embarrassment and mixed-up signals, Alexander instructed all those who didn’t intend to sleep with the patrons to tell them when they asked. To make it more practical, he thought of a particular phrase, ‘Virgo intacta.’”

Harry wrinkled his nose, “Why does that sound a bit embarrassing?”

“That’s because it means ‘intact virgin.’”

Harry’s mouth fell open, “No way! You’ve got to be kidding!”

“‘Fraid not,” Magnum said, smiling. “ And if you’re wondering why I knew yore ore one, it’s pretty obvious if you look hard enough.”

Harry grimaced, obviously discomfited at the fact that complete strangers would be privy to his sex life, or non-existence of one.

“Don’t worry about it. The patrons are polite; they won’t get upset or anything. That’s a part of the rules here. You’re not allowed to take anyone against his will. If you do,’re ’re out. You’re not allowed to come back here anymore, too. Trust me. Alexander takes good care of us. We’re way better off here than on the streets. That’s what would have happened to most of the boys if they hadn’t come here,” Magnum informed him.

“You don’t mind that I’m a virgin?” Harry asked.

“Hey, to each his own. I think it’s quite sweet that you’re waiting for the ‘right one.’ But here’s a piece of advice. Sooner or later, something or the other will convince you to work as courtesan and it’s better if one of the patrons wasn’t your first.”

“Was a patron your first?” Harry asked, truly curious.

A far-away look entered Magnum’s eyes and a shadow fell over his face.

Harry bit his lip, recognizing his error. “Sorry, didn’t mean to go past the boundaries.”

Magnum shook his head and a pensive smile reached his lips, “It’s nothing. That was a long time ago. I hope you don’t take offense but I need to ask you. What’s your preference?”

Harry sighed; he had known this was coming. Magnum was no longer a stranger to him, not even a newfound acquaintance. He was more of a…kindred spirit. And he somehow knew, deep inside, that all his secrets were safe with Magnum.

“Well, I always thought I liked girls but after last year’s first date disaster with this girl named Cho. I don’t know anymore. She even kissed me and all I felt was that it was…wet. For lack of a nicer way to describe it,” Harry confided.

Magnum smirked, “Wet? Sounds like she didn’t know how to kiss.”

Harry shrugged.

“Never mind. I’m sure that while you’re here someone will teach you what a real kiss should be like.” Magnum winked at him. “There! All done!”

Harry turned to look at his reflection and he saw that his hair actually looked nice for once. It didn’t look like a tropical windstorm had just passed through it and it didn’t look like a bomb had gone off near the vicinity either. It looked…messily sexy. Messily sexy indeed.

“Let’s get rid of your scar. We can’t let the patrons see it.’

Immediately, Harry’s hand flew over his scar. “You can’t get rid of it.”

“I didn’t mean literally. We’ll just put this concealer over it. It’s magically based so it won’t come off until you end the spell. Solidificarsi!”

Harry felt the concealer set into his forehead and for a moment he felt his scar itch, then nothing. He stared at the mirror, amazed at what he saw. He couldn’t see hiar! ar! He ran a hand over it. He couldn’t feel it either!

“We use it mostly for old scars that won’t go away. Alexander wants the patrons to see, and feel, the boys unscarred. Well, you’re done. Let’s have a look at you.”

Harry got up from the chair he was sitting on and looked at himself in the mirror. He was wearing tight black pants that hugged his hips and which looked like second skin on him, highlighting his slender legs. It also had shiny silver thread forming delicate, twisting patterns on the front of it. He was wearing a silver long-sleeved shirt that rode up if he stretched or moved too much. His boots were bland and had silver designs on it. It only served to complete the “sexy, eat-me-right-now” image. Harry thought he looked…yummy.

Magnum smiled, “I am very proud of myself.” He wore a long-sleeved shirt much like Harry’s, except his shirt had varying shades of blue on it. It brought out the color of his eyes. His pants were likewise black and tight except he had a matching blue leather string belt. He wore boots as well, without the detail though. Magnum looked…yummy too.

“Well, it’s now or never,” Magnum said, giving Harry an encouraging smile.

Harry smiled apprehensively in return. They both walked over to the door leading to the hallway. Harry was just about to open it when a hand over his stopped him.

“Harry, I’m only going to ask this once. Are yore?”re?”

Harry thought about it. Thought about his parents, his friends, his teachers. Loved ones in general. He thought about all he ever went through and all he’d ever go through.

‘All my life, people have always made choices for me. I’m making them by myself now. True, some of them aren’t for the best and there’s going to be Hell to pay but the consequences are mine to face. I don’t want to be controlled any longer. This is my life and I choose to do with it what I please. After all, aren’t I endowed with enough reason to be given the right to decide how my life goes?’

“Yes.” He gazed steadily into Magnum’s eyes.

Magnum nodded and opened the door.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Yellow candlelight gave off a feeling of warmth in the hallway and Harry could hear the voices of the other boys around him. The closed doors he had seen earlier this evening were now opened and there were boys preparing in most of them. Some were even walking or rushing around, stopping by the other rooms to see if their counterparts were ready or asking for help to get ready.

Harry looked around curiously, wondering how on earth it was possible for this place to be so noisy when he had heard the utmost quiet only an hour ago. He looked around at the chaos and disarray and couldn’t help smiling wistfully. They were so much like a family. One big noisy, happy family. He wondered if he was ever going to be accepted like that.

A black-haired boy with almond-shaped eyes spotted them and came over. He was quite handsome as well. Olive-tinted skin and brilliant aquamarine eyes brought your attention to him. He raised an eyebrow at Magnum and nodded in Harry’s direction.

Magnum smiled and introduced them. “Zen, this is Harry. Harry, this is Zen.”

Zen looked at Harry appraisingly. “Is he yours?”

“Yes, he’s our new server.”

Zen nodded as if giving his approval, “He’s perfect. The perfect blend of innocence and sensuality.” He smirked, “The patrons will be clamoring for him and they’ll be so disappointed that they can’t have him.”

He extended his hand to Harry, “Pleased to meet you. Welcome to Cervello.”

Harry took it and shook his hand.

Magnum informed Harry, “Zen here is quite familiar with the place. As much as I am, actually. If you can’t talk to me and you need to ask a question, you can ask Zen.”

To Zen, “Mind if you accompany me in showing Harry around? I also need you to check on him later, if I’m not there.”

“Alright,” Zen consented. “Let’s go down, then. We can introduce you to the others later. Although, I’m sure the news that there’s a new boy will spread like wildfire. News like this spreads quickly.”

They headed down the hallway to reach the grand staircase, passing by several boys on the way. All the other boys were quite friendly, greeting Magnum and Zen. They even nodded and smiled at Harry. They descended down the stairs.

“Right in front of you is the foyer. As I’m sure you know, the French doors lead to the pathway leading to the gates,” Magnum smiled.

“Don’t mind him. He’s usually this ridiculous. On with the tour! These stairs are in the center of the house so this is sort of the focal point. When facing the French doors, thenge nge or sitting room is to the left and the opposite of that is the ballroom. lou lounge is where most of our patrons relax and wait for their specific courtesans. There’s a fireplace, a piano, couches and armchairs scattered around the room. It’s quite warm and welcoming in there,” Harry was led to the lounge and they peeked in. Some boys were already there, sitting on the couches or armchairs and talking to one another.

They went to the ballroom next. The double doors leading to it were open and he could see that there were window seats by all the windows. The floor was made of a kind of lacquered wood that was so shiny you could see your reflection in it. There was a beautiful chandelier on the ceiling, accompanied by a fresco of clouds and angels.

“This is our ballroom. We all may be men here but we do dance together. The music is playing due to magic,” Magnum explained. They moved back to the stairs and walked past it.

“Beside the lounge is the library and beside that is what we call the conservatory. The library is a wonderful place to be in if you love books. It’s huge! There are books of every subject and topic. The conservatory is basically that. There is…greenery inside and we culture the more exotic flowers in there. A set of doors will lead to the gardens outside. In fact, there are doors leading to the gardens in every room.” Zen added.

They walked to the room opposite the conservatory.

“This is our kitchen. We usually have our meals here. You can either eat at the counter or at the breakfast nook. Between the kitchen and the ballroom is our dining room. Mind you, it’s different from most dining rooms. We have smaller tables instead of one big one. This is so the patrons will be able to eat alone with their courtesans. There is also a bar where the patrons can choose to wait if they don’t want to be in the lounge,” Magnum said.

“Well, that’s the end of our tour. Now what?” Zen asked.

Just then Alexander swept into view. “Ah, there you are. I’ve been looking for Harry,” he coolly informed them. “Harry, you will be given a silver tray and you must not misplace it. When the patrons see the tray, they will beckon you over. They will ask for drinks or refreshments. When they tell you what they want, go to the bar and tell whoever’s there what the patrons asked you to get. If the patrons beckon you to proposition you, say the safe word. Has Magnum told you what it is?”

Harry nodded and added, “Virgo intacta.”

“Exactly. You will be expected to tour around. This goes for the entire 1st floor, even the porch outside. That’s if you know your way around?” Alexander questioned.

“I do. The lay-out is pretty simple,” Harry answered.

“All right then. That’s it. Oh, neither Magnum nor Zen will be with you the entire time. Do you need someone to…” he trailed off.

“No, I’ll be fine,” Harry said, shaking his head.

“All right. I’ll see you all later,” Alexander said. He left and went upstairs, presumably to call the other boys.

“As I said before, now what?” Zen asked. A few moments later, the chimes of a bell could be heard. Instantly, the activity upstairs increased and in the fraction of a second, a stream of boys rushed past them. Harry was quite surprised and his eyes enlarged to the size of dinner plates. When the rush of boys ended, dispersing to wherever they were supposed to go, Zen and Magnum notiHarrHarry’s expression and laughed.

“You should have seen yourself, Harry. The expression on your face was priceless!” Zen said, laughter still bubbling occasionally to the surface.

Harry made a face. Then Alexander swept past them and opened the French doors. He greeted the older wizard standing at the doorstep. They both came into the foyer and the man put his cloak on the coat rack conveniently located near the doors.

Alexander then led the wizard in their direction. Harry noticed that it was the wizard that had waylaid Magnum this morning.

“Magnum, you have guest.” With this, Alexander made his exit, walking back to where he came from to open the door for another patron.

Magnum smiled as he was embraced by the taller wizard, “Hullo, how are you?”

“Fine, but I’m afraid I can’ty thy the entire night. I have to leave in a few hours. My wife seems to be timing my entire excursion. Do you mind if we head upstairs already?” the wizard asked.

“No, of course not,” Magnum said, still smiling. He then turned his attention to Harry, “Will you be all right?”

Harry nodded. The wizard with Magnum looked at Harry and smiled, “Have I met you before?”

Magnum answered for him, “This is Harry. He just arrived today.’

The wizard took his hand and kissed his palm. Harry’s eyes widened. “If I had not already been taken, I would have been swayed by your charms…Harry. As it is, I introduce myself. I am Avide de Pouvoir. And I am glad to have met you.” He smiled, a desiring look entering his eyes as his gaze swept over Harry’s form.

Magnum raised an eyebrow but said nothing. He merely took Avide’s hand and steered him upstairs. “I’ll see you later,” he told Harry and Zen. They disappeared upstairs.
“Well, there are enough patrons already here. Perhaps you should make rounds?” Zen suggested.

“Right,” Harry agreed. “Lounge first.”

They both set off for the sitting room. Once there, they started to tour around. Almost immediately, Harry was called over by a distinguished wizard.

Harry headed over immediately to the wizard, leaving Zen by the grand piano. “What would like, Sir?” Harry politely asked.

“Cognac, Celebre,” the wizard informed him.

Harry nodded and went back to Zen. Zen waw sew seated at the grand piano and was playing a very beautiful, a very haunting piece. Harry stopped, enraptured with the music.

“What are you playing? It’s so…beautiful,” Harry whispered.

“Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 21 in C Major, Op. 53 ‘Waldstein.’ I’m playing the second movement,” Zen said, not taking his eyes off the piano keys.

“I’m going to get a drink for someone. I’ll leave you here alright?” Harry asked.

Zen nodded.

This gave Harry leave to exit the sitting room and go to the dining room. He saw a blonde boy at the bar and he gathered his courage and went over there.

“Hi, I’m Harry. The new server. Can I get a cognac? Celebre.”

The boy nodded, “Sure. Just a minute.” He turned around and a moment later, handed Harry a glass. “Put it on your tray like this,” he instructed, demonstrating. “This way the glass won’t slide when you walk. By the way, my name’s Bryant. It’s nice to meet you, Harry.”

Harry smiled, “It’s nice to meet you, too. I have to go. The wizard who asked for this might be asking where it is.”

“Right. Come back here when you’re done, all right?”

Harry nodded and made his way back to the sitting room. ave ave the wizard his drink and was pleasantly surprised when the wizard gave him several galleons as a tip. He thanked the wizard and went back to Zen. However, seeing that Zen was still preoccupied with the piano, he went back to the dining room instead.

“So, you’re back already?” Bryant asked, a friendly smile on his lips.

“Yeah, Zen was playing the piano in the loungd I d I didn’t want to disturb him.”

“That was thoughtful of you,” Bryant commented. “Are you Zen’s?” he enquired.

“No, I’m…Magnum’s. I just came in today.”

“Aah… Oh, Harry. You’re being flagged down,” Bryant said, gesturing to an attractive brunette who was calling Harry’s attention.

Harry smiled at Bryant and shrugged, walking over to the brunette. “Yes, was there anything you needed?”

“Ciao! I’ve been here before and this is the first time I’ve syou.you. Are you new?” he asked.

“Yes, I just came today. My name’s Harry,” he offered.

“Ahh… Well, Harry, my courtesan seems to be preoccupied. Would you care to join me?” the wizard asked, with his hand caressing Harry’s face and tracing his lips.

Harry froze but recovered just in time to say the safe word. “Virgo intacta,” he blurted out.

The wizard frowned but withdrew his hand. “I see. What a pity, though. You are a beauty. Bello…”

Harry flushed and excused himself wal walked back to the bar and noticed for the first time that there were plenty of eyes on him.

‘This is going to be a very long night. Very, very long.’

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Draco walked up the pathway leading to the house. He pulled the cord that rung the bell and smiled when Alexander met him at the door.

“Draco Malfoy, it’s a pleasure to see you a,” A,” Alexander greeted him.

“Same to you, Alexander,” Draco replied. He took off his cloak and placed it on the coat rack situated by the door. The strains of a piano could be heard to his right.

“I’m afraid Magnum is occupied. Would you care to wait in the lounge?”

Draco frowned but knew that nothing could be done, “I’ll wait in the dining room, thank you.”

Alexander nodded and left him to his own devices. Draco walked over to the dining room and looked around. He spotted an acquaintance of his and went to sit beside him.

“Argento!” he called out. The attractive brunette turned to him and smiled. He motioned him over and shook his hand when he came nearer.

“Draco,” he said, after they were both seated, “ciao! How have you been?”

“Quite well. I haven’t seen you lately. Where have you been?” he asked.

“In Italy. Mama wished to return home and see our home, Casa Luce. She enjoyed the trip but I was not able to come here,” Argento replied.

“I see. Well, do tell me. Who were you…admiring just before I came in?”

Argento smiled and a sort of love struck emotion crossed his face. “Cervello has a new server boy and he is simply…bello. Innocente e sensuale. Simply breathtaking. It is truly a pity for him to be untouchable.”

Draco laughed, “You sound like a lovesick puppy. Honestly, mooning over a server!”

`“But, Draco, he is no mere server boy. He is exquisite!”

“All right, then. Call him and we’ll see if he’s truly as…bello as you say he is,” Draco said.

Argento raised a fine dark eyebrow, “Si.” He turned around and faced the bar. Draco saw that the boy he was talking about had messily sexy raven black hair and a slender body accentuated by his form-fitting clothes. Draco found himself wondering if this boy was truly as perfect as Argento said he was.

“Bello!” Argento called out.

Draco raised an eyebrow, knowing that this couldn’t possibly be the boy’s name. He was mildly surprised though when the boy turned and walked their way.

‘He looks so familiar. The way he walks and moves. That delicate, almost feminine face. High cheekbones, yet rosy cheeks. Full lips. And those amazing green eyes. An angel. A vision. Where have I seen you before? In my dreams?’

“Ah, Bello! This is a friend of mine. I just wanted to show you to him. To prove that you are truly exquisite,” Argento said, smirking triumphantly, certain that he had proved his point.

The boy turned to meet him and it struck him.

They both gasped.

“Malfoy!” the vision gasped.

“Potter!” he gasped in return.

And in their minds they thought the same thing.

‘This can’t be happening!’

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Oh yeah! Oh yeah! Third chapter done! Ron’s behavior may seem weird but cool twist, huh? As an explanation, here’s a question. What happened to Ron during the battle at the Dept. of Mysteries? If you can answer that, there’s your start and I’ll expound more in my next A/N. For Hermione, she’s gonna try to figure out why Harry did what he did – due to the advice of one of my reviewers. As for Draco and Lucius, they behave like that ‘coz they have an “inner them” and an “outer them.” Guess which was featured.

I got tons of original chars and I only hope that I can keep track of them. How do you like Zen and Argento?

Translations are as follows:
Pace tua – with your consent
Sua cuique voluptas – everyone has his own pleasures

Next chap, Draco pulls Harry aside…to do what?? Oh, as for the sex, it’s comin’. Promise! I’m just building up to it. Also, I know it seems that Magnum is gonna be Harry’s first but that’s flexible.

Anyways, ciao, bello! ‘Till next time! Love you all!