Incorrigible Infatuation

3.)


Can you hear them?
They talk about us
Telling lies
Well that's no surprise

Can you see them?
See right through them
They have no shield
No secrets to reveal

“Mate, who are you taking?” Ron asked for the umpteenth time. “Hermione? Who are you taking?”

This had been an ongoing question for three full days. One might think not much could get done within that time but the questions were repeated every hour of the waking day.

Hermione and Harry exchanged quick looks and then proceeded to ignore Ron’s questionable habits.

It was the very last day of term. Harry and his friends had to endure a blocked class of Snape who kept threatening to poison them with their badly made antidotes.

Harry had passed much to Snape’s disgust.

“Harry, come on! I’m your best mate, who is she? Or I mean he?”

“I am not telling you until you see,” Harry stated flatly. “One, I know exactly how you will react and I don’t wish to get into another row with you just yet.”

“It’s not Malfoy is it?” Ron demanded in horror.

“No,” Harry said shaking his head. “Ron? Just give it a break until then, alright?”

“Hermione?” Ron queried.

Hermione shook her hands. “Not now, Ronald.”

“You’re taking Parvati right?” Harry asked trying to change the subject.

“Yes.” Ron sulked. “But why are you two keeping secrets?”

“It’s better this way,” Harry insisted.

Finally, Ron dropped it.

It was Saturday when Harry asked Marcus. “You have dress robes right?”

Frowning, Marcus shook his head. “No. I ignored it on my list,” he said shrugging.

He was sprawled out on the transfigured sofa with only boxers to cover him. Marcus would never be the best of dancers but at least he was no longer stepping on Harry’s feet or making them fall. He was guidable, enough to get through the dances and then sit it out for the rest of the eve.

“We’ll need to get some.”

“Where?” Marcus asked.

“Hogsmeade.” Harry tilted his head. “Tomorrow morning.” Marcus scowled when he mentioned the morning. “You and I will go.”

“How?”

Harry grinned. “You’ll see.”

Marcus stared at him dubiously. “Your seriously not taking us through the Forbidden Forest?”

“No, no, no!” Harry waved him off and took a seat on the edge of the sofa. “I have a better way. Just trust me.”

Marcus rolled his eyes, slipped his arm around Harry’s waist, and tugged him down onto his chest.

The next morning, Harry left the dormitories wearing muggle clothes. Black leather trousers that were rather snug at the hips and boot cut. His hair was in a higher ponytail than usual and he had a fang earring in one ear, courtesy of Bill Weasley. The shirt he was wearing was a black long sleeve turtleneck that clung to his form. He had a small black leather book bag with his map and cloak in it.

He had to wait twenty minutes in the abandoned classroom for Marcus to finally show up. He looked grumpy and tired, making Harry giggle furiously at him.

“Shut up! I hate mornings,” he growled making Harry grin and stick out his tongue before jumping off a desk.

“You can sleep in tomorrow.” Harry handed him his invisibility cloak.

Marcus paused when he saw what Harry was wearing. His eyes traced his figure. “You’re wearing that?” He asked his husky voice going up a notch.

Harry looked down and beamed. “Yeah! Better than what I used to have. My honourary godfather and Bill Weasley took me out this summer. I kind of got an overhaul on clothes. I rather like leather.”

“Everyone’s going to be staring,” Marcus hissed.

“They always stare and not because of what I wear!” He said brushing his hand lightly across his forehead.

“Yes but now they’re going to be staring at your arse.”

“No they won’t.” Harry waved him off. “Now, get under there or we’ll expose everything,” he declared handing Marcus the cloak.

It took a lot of hunkering down to get Marcus inside of the cloak completely. “My back hurts,” he proclaimed in a low snarl making Harry stifle some more snickers.

“I’m sorry, won’t be long! Let me check something.” He opened the Marauder’s Map and revealed it. “Okay, let’s get going.”

He rushed them out of the room and down several corridors and shortcuts. He could hear Marcus’ feet behind him and gasped when he rounded a corner and collided full on with Cedric Diggory. Gasping, Harry practically fell down and would have had Marcus’ invisible frame not pushed him back up.

“Whoa, sorry there.”

“Yeah, sorry Cedric! I gotta go I’m in a hurry.”

Cedric stared at him for a moment and then noticed what he was wearing. “Wow…”

Harry heard a distinct snarl from somewhere behind him and blushed. “Huh?”

“That’s not fair!” Cedric declared and shook his head. “So not fair. See you Harry, good luck.” He walked passed leaving Harry to marvel at what he meant.

“Huh?” He asked for the umpteenth time.

“Prick!” Marcus growled from next to him.

Harry made a strangled noise in the back of his throat before setting off down the corridor and taking the west wing to the third floor.

They stopped in front of the statue of the one-eyed witch. Harry gazed around and then pulled his map out and looked it over again.

“Come out,” Harry said and Marcus did with a few choice words for his back.

“Goddamn it! My back and that stupid pretty boy! I ought to kick his arse.” Marcus glowered acidly.

“No need too,” Harry soothed patting him on the forearm. “Okay, hold this.” He handed the map to Marcus who gaped at it, when he saw exactly what it was.

“Dissendium!”

She opened and Harry waved his hand to the small space. “Hehe, good luck.”

Marcus peered over and then frowned at the size before looking at Harry. “You are unbelievable.”

Harry grinned. “I know!” He nudged Marcus through the hole. It took a bit but eventually he was in.

When Harry slipped through, Marcus clutched him around the waist. “You do this often?” He asked shocked.

“Yes and please don’t tell others, my dad is probably rolling in his grave right now.”

“Huh?” Marcus asked.

“That map was my dad’s, godfather’s, Remus Lupin’s, and…” Harry trailed off and slipped around the tight squeeze. He brushed a kiss to Marcus’ chin before leading the way through the tunnel. “A traitor’s.”

“Traitor?”

“Pettigrew.”

“He’s dead.”

“No, he’s not,” Harry rebuked softly. “He slept in my dorm for three years. He framed Sirius Black.”

“…”

“There’s a lot about me you don’t know, Marcus.”

“I see.”

They walked for a good twenty minutes. Marcus rather cramped and uncomfortable but he was rather amazed at the sloping tunnel, which lead to a side door.

“Where are we?” Marcus asked when Harry paused to peek out.

“Honeydukes’ storage.” He chuckled at Marcus’ stunned expression and slipped through and out into the open.

Marcus climbed out cursing. “That is way too small!”

It looked rather amusing to see Marcus clambering out; his head was in fear of bashing something, while his long legs stumbled to catch his balance.

Harry took his hand and led him into the sweet shop. He bought a few sweets for good measure and they left out into the freezing cold.

“You’re not wearing a cloak.”

“I forgot,” Harry insisted only to have Marcus’ handed to him. “Thanks. I was quick to leave before Ron noticed me gone.”

The Slytherin emblem shined on Harry’s chest as he pulled the cloak around him. It was long but warm.

With Marcus’ hand, he led the sour Slytherin to the robe shop on the street. He glowered distastefully when they entered. “Do we have to do this?”

Harry looked at him. “I am not having McGonagall yell at me!” He chastised. “Be lucky you don’t have to buy robes like Ron’s.” He snickered at the thought and headed toward the back.

For an hour, Marcus stood at a slouch while Harry went through racks of robes and fabrics. When an older man about thirty came by asking Harry in a most flirtatious voice if he could be helped, Marcus stepped around and barked at him. His hand going to the back of Harry’s neck.

“Fuck off!”

The man was scandalised and he rushed off in fear, leaving Harry to tut and elbow him lightly in the stomach. “Marcus.”

“He was - hitting on you!” Harry gasped when Marcus gripped him a little tighter than he would have liked.

“He only wanted to help.”

“Bull shit.”

“Easy there! You have a strong grip,” Harry squeaked in surprise.

Marcus let go and dropped his hand to the side. “I don’t like others talking to you like that,” he ground out coldly.

“I think - this and this would be a nice combination,” Harry said trying to lighten the mood. “You know Marcus, you don’t have to stop touching me when you’re too rough. Just lighten up.” He reached out, took Marcus’ arm, and slid it around him, to show him what he meant.

A bit surprised, Marcus observed Harry before putting pressure on the boy’s waist and pulling him close.

“See?” Harry whispered and reached up on his tiptoes to kiss him on the lips.

Marcus said not a word and continued to hold onto Harry. Unfortunately, they had to deal with a silly giggly supercilious little girl at the counter. Marcus scowled at her and dropped his gold onto the counter.

The whole day was spent with Marcus biting the head off anyone who got near Harry.

“Marcus?”

“Hm?”

“I don’t want them.” Marcus clutched Harry closer, but took care not to hurt him. “You don’t have to threaten everyone that passes us.”

“I do!”

“No, you don’t,” Harry said turning around in Marcus’ arms. They were in the middle of the road, ignoring the elderly passers. He pulled the tall teen’s head down and kissed him in front of most of Hogsmeade.

No one recognised him as the boy who lived which was a rather good thing. But people gaped when they saw the two boys.

Harry released Marcus with a smirk, leaving the Slytherin more than shocked. “Stop worrying!” He tugged him toward Honeydukes.

The night of the Yule Ball, Harry was a bit of a nervous wreck. It wasn’t the dance he was worried about.

Harry sat with Hermione against him. Ron and Seamus were playing Chess.

“So, Harry who are you taking?” Dean asked from his sketchpad.

“Someone.”

“Who?”

“He’s not talking,” Ron grumbled. “Neither of them will tell!”

“Are you going with each other?” Seamus asked.

Harry and Hermione shook their heads. “I’m gay, Seamus.”

“Oh…” Seamus smirked. “Had I known you were gay I’d have asked you.”

“You’re going with Lavender.”

“I’m bisexual,” he said cheerfully. “Both sides are nice.”

Dean chuckled quietly and went back to sketching. “So it’s a guy?”

“Yes,” Harry answered.

“Hermione?”

“You’ll see,” Hermione said smiling faintly.

“Harry, are you actually seeing your date?” Seamus asked.

“Yes, I am,” Harry answered immediately. It was best to get it out of the way. “I’ve been seeing him since November.”

“Wow, and it hasn’t gotten out?” Dean asked in shock.

Ron was frowning. “Since November?”

“Mhmm.”

“Is it Diggory?” Seamus asked. “I heard he asked you.”

“No, it’s not Cedric and yes he asked me. But I said no.”

“Fleur asked him too,” Hermione said with a grin.

Ron scoffed and his ears went red. “Lucky, I asked her and made a fool of myself.”

Harry wrinkled his nose. “She’s a female,” he murmured.

Fred and George graced them with their happy-go-lucky presence. “Word has it that you’re taking a mysterious mate.” Fred plopped down on one side while George sat on the other next to Hermione.

“Um, mysterious?” Harry queried. “More like - eh different.”

“What about you, Hermione? Did you get asked?” George asked.

“Yes.” Hermione rolled her eyes.

“By who? Surely it’s not that surprising?”

Harry and Hermione exchanged looks. The latter grinned. “You’ll just have to wait and see. Harry I think you should get ready now.”

Harry nodded, realising what she was saying. It was almost six and he was meeting Marcus in an hour. “You are right.” He could imagine the terror Marcus would put him through.

“It doesn’t take two hours!” Ron declared.

Hermione was up as well.

“It is when you dress your boyfriend,” Harry muttered taking off upstairs, leaving everyone badly curious.

Bill had helped design Harry’s dress robes this year. He pulled the white box out of his trunk and went for a quick shower to freshen up. The cut of the robes was of the finest kind. They were blacker than black silk in slacks. They were cut boot-wise and snug around his hips and thighs but moving ability was rather impressive. The robe part was the most intriguing bit. While it had a black base, there was shiny silver mesh fabric underneath it and within the cuts of the sleeves and sides. The robe top clung against his slender form giving him a graceful feline look. The sleeves were a little looser and full and the silver mesh really brought out his eyes. The belt was cloth, black, and gray. The boots were a two-inch incline and they were muggle leather and zipped to his ankles. It felt like he was wearing water. He couldn’t even wear boxers with these.

Even Harry knew he looked good once he stepped in front of the mirror. He took out the fang earring, replaced it with a silver coiled serpent, and rushed a brush through until it lay flat and shiny against his back.

Harry snuck out of the tower and headed for his and Marcus’ classroom. He eased it open and closed it again.

Marcus was sitting on the table half dressed. He was glaring at the top part of his robes. He had no shirt on and Harry couldn’t help but marvel at his body. There might not be very much perfect on him, but his body was rather nice.

Harry laughed quietly when he slipped out from under the cloak. Marcus paused in his scowling and his face went completely still.

Harry smiled. “Well, you got part of it on,” he said folding his cloak and placing it on a rack.

“Why are you going to the ball with me?” Marcus asked truthfully curious.

Pausing, in front of him, Harry reached over to take the robe part. “Because I want too.”

“No, Harry that’s not good enough,” Marcus rebuked and brushed the back of his knuckles to Harry’s cheek. “Why are you going with me? Why are you sleeping with me? Me?”

“I don’t know what you mean.” Harry stated unfolding the dark silver robe top. The trousers were pitch black like his own. “I want to go with you. I like you, Marcus.”

“You’re not supposed too!”

“Come on, let’s get you dressed.” Harry kissed the man he was considering his true boyfriend. How could he not? All this stuff he was doing… it just called for it. “As I said earlier I am not getting yelled at by McGonagall because my boyfriend went in normal robes.”

Marcus stared straight ahead at him without an expression, he allowed Harry to dress him and adjust his robes. “I’m your boyfriend?”

“Well,” Harry began adjusting the collar. “I kiss you every day… you claimed me, right?”

Marcus smirked. “Yes, I don’t understand though.”

“What don’t you understand?” Stepping back, he pulled Marcus to his feet. “Wow, you look gorgeous!”

Scoffing, Marcus crossed his arms and stared at Harry. “That is a lie.”

“No it’s not,” Harry proclaimed as Marcus stepped into the new shoes. “You really - wow - you dress up good.”

“I don’t like it.” He curled his arms around Harry and pulled him closer. “You’re wearing the earring.” He said touching it.

“Of course I did. I love it, thank you.” He placed a few kisses on Marcus’ mouth before reaching out for the brush and spray bottle. “Sit…” He hummed in his mouth.

Harry made the top of Marcus’ hair messy, since there was a lot there to work with unlike the sides.

Marcus kept playing with Harry’s robes, he’d flick against the belt or tug on the sleeve. When he was done, he was placed on Marcus’ knee. Harry kissed him on the cheek as the Slytherin held him tightly.

Harry wondered at these times what the Slytherin was thinking. They had a few moments and he couldn’t help but rest himself against the man, touching Marcus’ cheek and jaw.

“I don’t really understand how you can want me,” Marcus admitted, his voice was raw and husky in his ear. It was serious.

“Why not? I mean I know the circumstances are a little odd,” Harry began trying to get into Marcus’ mind. He wanted to know what he was thinking and why he was thinking it. “I mean I’d never even kissed another person…” Marcus clutched him tighter. “But, you kind of took away my panic.”

“I was coming back from a detention with Filch,” Marcus explained. “I followed you when I saw you. Your eyes made me want to kiss you - take you.” Harry blushed, shifted, and buried his face into Marcus’ neck. “I thought personally you’d kick me - or hex me.”

Harry giggled. “But I didn’t! I admit I was a little delirious the night before… you know between Rita Skeeter’s ridiculous prying, Ron’s idiocy, and everyone else thinking I put my name in the goblet. It was like everyone was out to get me and I couldn’t breath! I felt like I was smothering.”

This was perhaps the first time the two of them ever had a serious conversation. A conversation in which Marcus offered something back. It occurred to Harry that he knew nothing about his boyfriend. His first boyfriend.

“You don’t regret it?”

“No.”

“Why? I wasn’t exactly kind to you before,” Marcus reminded.

Harry shrugged. “You were there at the right moment I suppose? You were gentle.”

“I wasn’t set out to hurt you,” Marcus scowled. “I wanted you, I didn’t want to hurt you.”

“Yes and that made all the difference, Marcus.” Harry tapped him on the nose and kissed his cheek. “Also, when you didn’t start bragging or teasing me the next day.”

“Never crossed my mind,” Marcus hissed stroking Harry’s soft black hair.

“Yes, but at the time, Marcus I didn’t know that.”

“I’m not exactly easy to put up with.”

Harry giggled at this. “No, you’re not,” he agreed. “You’re a pain in my arse.”
Marcus laughed darkly at Harry’s admittance. “But you’re worth it.”

“No, I’m not,” he said harshly.

“What makes you say that?” Harry asked frowning at him. “I think you are.”

“Because I am not, Harry,” Marcus growled out. “You know very well I am not worth it. I am not worth your-”

Harry placed his small hand over Marcus’ mouth. “Ssh, stop it Marcus!” He admonished. “I don’t like it when you down yourself like that. I like you, Marcus. I want you… you are worth it to me. Okay?” Marcus’ mysterious black eyes stared at him; Harry could see the confusion. “Be the cunning Slytherin I know you are. You know I want you; I’m here in your lap. I don’t want to be anywhere else.”

He let go of Marcus’ mouth and caressed his cheek. The Slytherin said nothing and instead claimed Harry’s mouth with a deep penetrating kiss.

Harry’s tongue flicked across Marcus’ bottom lip. The kiss was becoming heavier, until regrettably Harry pulled back.

“I think we better go,” Harry said quietly against his lover’s lips.

“Are you ready for this?” Marcus asked after a long moment of silence.

“Yes.”

“It won’t be pretty.”

Harry rolled his eyes. “I don’t really care. Frankly, it’s none of their business who I’m with.” He wrapped his arms around Marcus’ neck and squeezed. “We’ll deal.” Casting tempus, Harry winced. Five minutes till. He kissed Marcus once again, but this time instead of it being sexual, it was reassuring.

“No one will change my mind. I’m stubborn, Marcus. Calm your fears.”

Marcus grunted and kissed him again before shaking his head visibly as if he were trying to wipe something from his mind.

The halls were completely and utterly deserted. Harry had his arm linked with Marcus’ as they ventured down the winding staircases. There was a whole lot of commotion as they slowly approached. Everyone was already in the Great Hall except for the Champions. Harry saw each of them lined up. Cedric and Cho, Fleur and Roger Davies, and then Hermione and Viktor.

“Where is Mr. Potter?!” Professor McGonagall practically shrieked. She was looking panicked, her eyes wide.

Hermione saw them before anyone else and squeaked. “Wonderful! You guys look perfect.” She clapped causing the Deputy Headmistress to whirl around with everyone.

Cho Chang and Roger Davies’ mouths dropped open when Harry approached with Marcus Flint.

“You gotta be kidding me?” Roger hissed in shock.

Cedric frowned and watched them approach, his eyes first went to Marcus Flint, and they widened at the change in appearance, but when they locked on Harry, they remained there.

Personally, Harry thought they really looked good together. Marcus’ wardrobe complimented Harry’s, which was what he had been going for.

“Mr. Potter?” Professor McGonagall gasped, when her eyes fell on the seventh year Slytherin.

“That’s me,” Harry said cheekily.

“And your date?” She looked as though she were gulping.

Cho was scandalised, looking from one to the other, while Fleur huffed.

“He’s my boyfriend, Professor,” Harry explained gripping Marcus close. “Where do you want us?”

Her composure was completely lost. She was at a loss.

“Behind us, Harry!” Hermione giggled from her place. Her robes were a spectacular periwinkle blue with her hair falling straight.

“You look gorgeous, Mione!” Harry said reaching over to hug her.

She laughed, “Thanks Harry,” she said blushing.

“Viktor.”

“Harry, it’s nice to see you again.” He nodded to Marcus who inclined his head once.

“Likewise! Marcus, this is Viktor Krum, Viktor this is my boyfriend Marcus Flint, he’s the Captain of Slytherin team.”

“It’s nice to meet you,” Viktor said earnestly and shook the towering teen’s hand.

“Same, I saw your game, you were fantastic,” Marcus spoke with a little more enthusiasm.

Viktor smiled wryly. “Thank you, ve didn’t vin of course-”

“No but you did your job. You got the snitch. Harry here kicks my team’s arse every fucking time.”

Harry giggled with a blush as Hermione blushed at Marcus’ choice of language.

Viktor seemed very unbothered and chuckled. “Is that true? I vould love to play against you, Harry.”

“Good god, I don’t need to be embarrassed!” Harry choked out. “I wouldn’t have a chance.”

Professor McGonagall finished her assessment of the Champions, her eyes falling on Harry with concern before the double doors burst open revealing a beautiful threshold. For a brief second, Harry felt like royalty. Cedric and Cho led the way through as Ludo Bagman announced the Champion’s arrival.

Those who spotted Hermione and Viktor first gasped in surprise.

“Hermione Granger and Viktor Krum?!”

“Why her?!”

“Wow, I didn’t know she was that gorgeous!”

But when eyes fell on Harry and his date, the outcry began.

“Is that the Slytherin Marcus Flint?”

“I think so, why is he with Harry Potter?”

“Why is Harry holding onto him?”

“This can’t be real!”

“Harry chose him over me?”

“This has to be a joke!”

“Under a sort of spell?”

“Well look at Krum and Granger! That’s weird too.”

Harry leaned in closer to Marcus, and followed Hermione and Viktor confidently up toward the staff table where they, the judges, and professors would be dining. The whispers and stares followed them across the entire beautifully decorated Great Hall. Some were a little ruder than Harry would have liked. Shock value was fine, but they were being plain stupid.

It was a rather large surprise when Harry saw Percy sitting there. “Percy?”

Hermione whipped around in shock when she saw the redhead.

“Harry,” Percy said standing suddenly. “It’s good to see you again.” He held out his hand and Harry arched an eyebrow before taking it.

“Yeah, you too Percy, but ah, what are you doing here?”

Percy however didn’t hear Harry’s question and was gawking at the menacing Marcus Flint on his arm. “Harry - is that your date?”

“Of course I am you twit,” Marcus growled out.

Harry laughed hesitantly. “Yes, Percy, he’s also my boyfriend.”

Blue eyes widened in horror at that. “I see…” He said uneasily. “So, why are you here?”

Percy then found his senses and puffed his chest up, making him look like a plucked bird. “I am standing in for Mr. Crouch.”

“Why?” Harry asked taking his seat with Marcus. Viktor sat on Marcus’ left and immediately engaged him in a conversation on Quidditch while Harry was left to the mercy of Percy’s blabber about how Barty Crouch trusted him implicitly. He then heard about Percy being ill and how he was over-worked. He continued to prattle on much to his dismay.

Marcus gazed over when Harry slouched against him. He chuckled darkly when he heard Percy and Harry whimper slightly. “I had to open my mouth?” Harry murmured to him.

“Such a pretty mouth though,” he teased making Harry laugh and slid his hand over Marcus’ knee and up his thigh teasingly. He squeezed and got a flinch from the man. “What do you think-” He gasped when Harry’s hand casually grazed across his trousers, perking him right up. “You didn’t!” He ground out, getting a mischievous snicker from the raven-haired boy.

“I did, Marcus,” he purred. His hand carelessly slid back onto his thigh and rested there much to the Slytherin’s obvious amusement.

When Percy finally shut up, Harry took the time to gaze around the room. Ron was standing next to Parvati, his mouth open and he kept looking from Harry to Hermione with a strange sense of horror.

The twins were standing there wide-eyed next to their dates. They kept glancing at Marcus and then at Harry.

Harry noticed the Slytherins were watching them with speculation. Marcus completely ignored them the Gryffindor noticed. He could bet the Slytherins thought Marcus was going to do something malicious. Draco Malfoy had his mouth gaping open still, while Pansy was shrilling to him about something. He could see her mouth moving a mile a minute and at that moment, he felt sorry for the Malfoy Heir.

When Professor Dumbledore and the other Heads took their seats, the old man paused when he saw Harry with his partner. “Good evening, Harry,” Professor Dumbledore said amiably.

“Professor!” Harry chirped gripping Marcus a bit tighter.

The Headmaster searched Harry’s features and then glanced once at his partner. Harry sighed and shook his head quickly before focusing his attention on Marcus who was sneering at some of the gossip.

Harry began to make circular patterns on Marcus’ thigh to distract him. He giggled quietly when Marcus leaned back in his seat, slouchy just slightly and then allowing his large hand to fall on top of Harry’s.

“Enjoying that?” Marcus asked selfishly amused.

“Quite,” Harry said impishly.

“You don’t care?” Marcus asked.

“About?” Harry knew what he meant, but he wanted to be sure.

“The gossip?”

“I’m always being gossiped about Marcus. I could care less what they think of you,” Harry said sharply. “It’s what I think that counts. If I cared about what they thought twenty four seven, I’d have left the second I walked through the doors when I was eleven.”

Marcus inclined his head at that. “Whatever the Slytherins are thinking, it’s not true,” he said sharply.

Harry squeezed his thigh. “I know. Let them have their rumours and we will keep our secrets.”

Chuckling, Marcus reached a hand over and pushed Harry’s hair out of the way to reveal the silver serpent. He flicked it idly.

Professor Dumbledore started the feast. It was a pretty much order your own food type of deal. Harry laughed at this and asked for some grilled chicken and roasted veggies.

Harry ignored Ron’s mutinous stare and the twins that attempted to capture his attention.

“So, Harry how did this happen?” Percy of all people asked him in the middle of his meal.

“Just did,” Harry answered.

“He’s a Slytherin though,” Percy reminded.

Marcus scowled. “He knows that.”

“A snake,” Percy said coldly flinching at Marcus’ glare.

Harry rolled his eyes. “I’m very aware of his house, Percy. Did you know in ancient times that snakes were used to determine whether one was good or evil?”

Percy choked at this and gaped. “That’s not true.”

Harry smirked. “It is, ask Hermione and anyway, so what if he’s a snake? I’m rather fond of snakes, thank you very much. I talk to them!”

This made Percy pale and Marcus grin sinisterly. “I forgot about that talent,” he said softly.

Percy stopped talking then and went back to his food in silence. Harry simply shook his head and turned to Marcus who was watching him. “Besides,” he said quietly. “I’d be a hypocrite if I had something against your house, considering I was supposed to be one.”

Marcus’ mouth fell open at this, his composure lost. “You’re serious?”

Harry nodded. “Not common knowledge mind you, it’s Malfoy’s fault why I fought with the hat.” It was ten seconds later, when Harry reached over and closed his boyfriend’s mouth.

Marcus straightened and shook his head quickly. “I don’t believe it.”

“What? You don’t think Slytherin would enjoy having a Parselmouth in his house? Or how about a trouble maker who can get away with everything and anything?”

The seventh year pursed his lips together and thought about it. Harry wondered vaguely if his thought process was painful but decided not to ask. “You’re right.”

“Of course I am,” Harry said cheekily. “Now let’s finish and hope that we can get these dances out of the way.”

“Hnn.” Marcus frowned at the thought of dancing.

Harry simply giggled behind his goblet of pumpkin juice. He too shared Marcus’ sentiments.

The last of the desserts vanished from the shiny gold platters. The lighting around the Great Hall began to dim and the open floor suddenly looked like liquid honey, magic swirled in the air as the band formulated and a call for all the Champions were made to take their places.

Harry and Marcus groaned at the same time before rising together. Ron hardly touched his food, which was a rarity for him. He kept taking turns glaring at Harry and Hermione. It was like he couldn’t make up his mind, which was worse.

Harry and Hermione simply snickered at the thought before turning to their partners.

“Alright?”

“A little annoyed,” Marcus grunted. “Their whispers carry.”

“I know,” Harry said with the same amount of annoyance.

“They are right you know,” he said bitterly.

Harry frowned at Marcus. Where does all his self-depreciation come from? He didn’t think Slytherins were like that. He stepped up into Marcus’ personal space as the man took hold of his waist. “Look at me Marcus Owen.”

Marcus blinked in surprise at being called by his middle name and obeyed. The violins started and Harry smirked. They danced together in a seamless motion. Marcus’ feet followed Harry and it was a nearly perfect dance that didn’t involve cursing. It was almost pleasant.

“Why do you think they’re right, Marcus?” Harry breathed pushing up closer so that they could talk without being overheard.

“It’s true,” Marcus hissed in his ear.

Harry sighed. “Wish you wouldn’t say that. It makes me sad, Marcus.”

Marcus paused and then brushed his cheek against Harry. “I apologise.”

“What they think matters little to me and it shouldn’t matter to you!”

“Usually it doesn’t.”

“Then don’t let it in this instance!”

The tune changed to another and it was then that people slowly began to filter out onto the dance floor. Harry and Marcus remained where they were. The slow dance moving them closer together until they were touching and Harry was holding onto Marcus’ shoulder. Harry’s chin couldn’t even reach it, that’s how short he was even with the slight incline of the boots. Harry kissed him on the neck not caring who was watching and who was whispering. This simple little act made Marcus hold tighter and Harry could feel the shift and pause in his steps.

“You really want me?”

Harry rolled his eyes, pulled back, and glared at Marcus before placing both hands on his cheeks and bringing him down to his level. “Yesss,” Harry hissed in Parseltongue.

Marcus couldn’t understand the language itself, but he knew it was Harry’s way of saying yes. Harry kissed him deeply right in the middle of the hall, in front of everyone.

Careless talk
Through paper walls
We can't stop them
Only laugh at them

Spreading rumors
So far from true
Dragged up from the underworld
Just like some precious pearl

Our Lips Are Sealed - Go Gos (I like the words!)