Incorrigible Infatuation

4.)


Fumbling his confidence
And wondering why the world has passed him by
Hoping that he's bid for more than arguments
And failed attempts to fly, fly


“WHAT IN THE HELL?” Ron Weasley screamed at the top of his lungs. His eyes were wide and bugged out, he was tomato red and Fred and George were hovering around him, intent on learning all they could about Harry’s date.

They were in the common room; Harry had been surprised how wonderful the night went. They actually danced to several other songs before finally calling it quits. He hadn’t expected the dance to be at all enjoyable, but Harry and Hermione did fabulous at outmaneuvering all those who tried to get close to ask the impossible question.

But now that it was over and after midnight, Ron couldn’t keep his temper in check.

Hermione growled and was pulling the pins out of her hair. “Wake up the whole damn school, Ronald!”

“Harry! What are you thinking? What were you thinking?”

“You answered your own question little brother,” Fred piped in.

“Yeah, dear Harry wasn’t thinking. Marcus Flint?” George asked scandalised.

“Mate! If you wanted someone older why not ask us?” Fred asked. “Instead you go to some icky - freaky - not even Slytherin likes Slytherin!”

Harry pinched the bridge of his nose and continued to listen to their ranting. One right after another. Seamus came over, Lavender, each and every Gryffindor were hovering around him wanting to know what was going on.

Hermione’s date was nothing compared to the hornet’s nest he had stirred up.

“I am dating Marcus,” he said as soon as he found an opening.

“No! Harry, you’re not!” Ron rushed on. “You have to be under a spell, Fred, George?”

“Definitely a potion mate… that sounds more likely,” Fred said.

“It could be a combination of both!” George mused.

“Harry?” Seamus looked over at him horrified. “I never imagined you with Flint of all people!”

Harry looked back at Hermione, whose hair finally came out of its barrette. “Oh, please, just because he’s a Slytherin!”

“It’s not just that. He’s a nasty jack arse! Harry, you know his entire family is practically full of Death Eaters. They’re worse than Malfoy.”

“I don’t want to want to hear it,” Harry said shortly. “I’m not under a love spell, I am not under a love potion. I am acting of my own free will. I am dating Marcus Flint. You don’t have to like it, but please, do me a favour and butt out of my personal life!” He stole out of the portrait before anyone else could call him back.

He had anticipated their interrogations. Hell, he was ready for them. But they angered him. Sure, Marcus wasn’t the kindest person in the world that in itself was a given. He might not be the most appealing on the surface but for some reason… Harry found himself getting closer to the Slytherin and not because of sex. It had been on a whim that they bumped into each other and wound up in bed together.

But Harry wasn’t going to regret it. Even if it ended tomorrow because of all the hype. Harry would not regret it. Why?

Because he knew that he made Marcus smile. The man hardly ever did such a thing. It was a rare case and if he did smile it was sinister and devious. Yes, he knew that as well. He knew that the Flints were probably deep in Dark Arts. But at the moment, Harry cared not.

He simply liked Marcus. He was not going to let anyone sway his opinion on the matter.

When he got to the abandoned classroom, he began to transfigure things. Hermione had taught him a lot of new stuff that he wouldn’t be learning until the sixth and seventh year. After the dusting charms, he set up a sofa and then plopped down on it with a huff. He’d leave Hermione to sort them out.

XxX

Marcus snarled and shoved Draco Malfoy up against a wall, making him slam his back into it with a crash. “Don’t you dare order me around you stupid kid!” His eyes were flashing with intense anger. “You have no business telling me what I can and can’t do.”

Draco was on the floor now in a heap, wheezing at the shove. Marcus’ strength was not weak.

“A Half-Blood?”

“Potter?”

“Are you out of your mind?”

“This is none of your business!” Marcus barked. “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll fuck off and drop it.”

“How did this happen?” Adrian Pucey asked, the friendliest one of the bunch.

“I’m not answering that,” Marcus said shortly. “Just stay out of it.”

“Are you serious about this?” Hugh Montague asked following Marcus up to the dorm.

Marcus Flint had not been pleased with the inquiries the moment they got out of the public eye of Hogwarts. Draco Malfoy, the little shit had the nerve to actually stalk up to him demanding an explanation? The kid was hardly taller than Harry.

He scowled in irritation. “Yes, Hugh, I am serious,” Marcus finally answered thrusting open his trunk for something a little more comfortable than the dressy get-up he had on.

Dress robes were not for him.

Adrian bolted the door shut from all others and leaned his back against it. Hugh had his arms crossed watching Marcus gently place a serpent snow globe to the side.

“Potter,” Hugh attempted to wrap his mind around it. “Your parents are going to shit.”

“I don’t really give a fuck,” Marcus hissed icily. “They can go to hell for all I care.”

Adrian frowned. “What about next year when you graduate?”

Marcus shrugged. “If I graduate.”

“You’re seriously not going to purposely fail this year?” Hugh asked incredulous.

“Why not?” Marcus retorted. “Beats dealing with them.”

“Do you like Potter?”

“Would I have gone through this shit, if I didn’t?” Marcus snapped out.

“You do look - different,” Adrian admitted. “Is Potter serious about you? He’s not pulling some practical joke?”

“No, he’s not,” Marcus said coming off his furious high.

“How long?” This came from Hugh.

“November.”

“Wow that’s why you wished him luck, I thought you were mocking him.”

“No.” He stuffed some clothes in a small bag and carefully picked up the snow globe. He cast an unbreakable charm over it before placing it inside.

“You heading out to see Potter?”

“Maybe.”

“You’ve left a lot. I wondered where you had gone off too,” Hugh mused and then scratched his head. “Mate, you are the talk of the entire school.”

“I don’t give a shit what the school thinks.”

“Suppose not. Good luck with this, Marcus,” Adrian said earnestly. “You’re going to need it.”

“If this lasts through the holidays with everyone knowing about you and Potter, I will be shocked. I can imagine how Potter’s mudblood friends are taking it.”

“She already knew.” Marcus smirked and disappeared out of the room.

He found Harry with his shoes off and curled up on the extra large transfigured sofa. He was on his side with his eyes slightly closed. He was still fully clothed.

“Hi.” Harry smiled and cracked open an eye when Marcus dropped his bag to the floor and crossed the room.

“How’d it go?” He sat down on the edge and wrapped an arm around Harry’s small figure. He fingered the ends of the robe; he was itching to slip his fingers underneath.

“I told them you were mine and to butt out. I left them under the mercy of Hermione.”

Marcus chuckled at this and leaned down to kiss Harry softly on the lips. “I told them to fuck off. Stupid Malfoy, thought he could demand an explanation out of me.”

“Oh?” Harry asked interestedly.

“He met a wall.”

Harry laughed lightly at this. “I guess the Slytherins thought it was a complete joke too huh?”

“Mhmm.”

Harry shook his head and took Marcus’ hand. “It’s not a joke.”

“I know.”

The Gryffindor sat up and gripped Marcus’ shoulders before swinging lithely into his lap straddling him completely. “Do you know Marcus?” Harry purred up against his mouth.

“Yes,” Marcus responded automatically. He swallowed at the sultriness coming from his little lover.

“You better, because I would never ever play with a persons’ emotions.” Harry kissed him on the side of the mouth and then across his chin. “Not even my worst enemy.”

Marcus didn’t need to say anything to that. His thick fingers began to work at Harry’s robes. He wanted him out of them and now. They shared sloppy and lazy wet kisses, Harry’s body grinding teasingly up against Marcus making his reaction instant.

When Harry fell asleep that night on the oddly engorged sofa made into a bed, Marcus had a cast iron grip on him throughout the night. He was wearing one of the Slytherin’s large t-shirts having not brought anything for himself after running out of Gryffindor.

Harry’s sleep however wasn’t very silent. He was restless, he kept seeing flashes of white and black robed images congregating in a graveyard, he saw a tall snake-like figure with the brightest red orbs for eyes, they were slit like a cat.

Harry moaned and twitched. (“Ah, Harry Potter, at last we meet…”)

“Harry!” Marcus woke and gasped in shock as Harry thrashed and moaned.

“No, no!” Harry cried out in his sleep and then his eyes shot open, wide, and his chest rose in a deep breath of horror.

Marcus watched in surprise as Harry placed a hand to his burning scar.

“What happened?”

“Graveyard, Death Eaters…. Voldemort.” Harry breathed out before collapsing against Marcus and falling back to sleep.

The concerned man frowned and adjusted the covers over his shivering lover, and drew him closer. He remained awake, eyes open and alert until he was sure Harry wouldn’t wake again.

(o)


Harry was groggy the next morning. He frowned trying to recall the dream he had. It was weird but the most avid thing he knew was his scar hurt. He sat up; Marcus’ limp arm dropped to his lap making the teen smile and brush his finger along the palm.

Marcus grunted making Harry smile a little. He couldn’t help himself; he was getting just a little more attached to the big lug.

What was that dream last night? He thought placing his head in his hands. It was a graveyard, Death Eaters, and definitely Voldemort. His scar had burned to high heaven. It also left him feeling rather drained.

Was this something that would happen? It couldn’t be happening now, he couldn’t have his body… right?

Harry was almost positive he didn’t. But if this were to come, when would it happen? He shook his head, only time would tell.

Gryffindor Tower was utterly silent when he entered. Everyone stared at him open mouthed. He didn’t really care that he was wearing trousers from last night and Marcus’ t-shirt with his other stuff bunched up in his arms. Harry rolled his eyes and headed up to his dormitory.

He found Hermione fast asleep on his bed and smiled before prodding her in the side. “Wake up Sleeping Beauty,” he teased as she blinked open her eyes.

“Ooh, morning Harry!” She sat up and shook her rumpled curls.

Harry chuckled seeing her hair was an even worse bedroom mess than his could ever be. “How’d it go after I left?”

“Ron screamed for an hour, Fred and George insisted on capturing you and making sure you’re not under a love potion or spell. Seamus and Dean think you’ve gone around the bend and well the rest of Gryffindor are in a little bit of horror.”

“What did you tell Ron?”

“To shut up and mind his own business.” Hermione rolled her eyes. “He told me that you are being charmed perhaps by Imperius and I told him that you could break Imperius - then he accused me of conspiring against your safety… and I slapped him very hard and no one dared to cross me again. Not even the twins.”

“Good,” Harry said throwing his stuff in the trunk and gathering some clothes. “I saw you and Viktor, you had fun?”

Hermione blushed and nodded briskly. “Viktor is a lot of fun. He’s really sweet. He hates all the staring like you do. He’s very shy actually.”

Harry smiled. “I like him, he has good taste.”

“He was really interested in you. He liked Marcus, though I’m not surprised, they act similar.”

“Except Marcus is a little self-depreciating!” Harry said collapsing next to her. “I hate it too… it’s like he hates himself.”

Hermione frowned. “Aw… I mean he might not be the nicest to others and I know he’s not. But he’s not so bad. He seemed to get along well with Viktor and he didn’t mind me.”

“I think he likes you.” Harry smirked. “You were the first person he mentioned when he started getting crabby about dancing. Why can’t she dance with you?”

Hermione laughed. “I didn’t think he liked muggleborns.”

“I don’t think he really cares,” Harry admitted honestly. “I’m a Half-Blood.”

“He seemed to enjoy dancing with you last night,” Hermione said grinning. “It was like you two didn’t give a damn about anyone. It was really cute.”

Harry smiled. “I - kind of think that he needs me, Hermione. There’s just something there… that’s off about his entire life.”

“Because of the way he talks about himself?”

Harry nodded. “I mean I had a bad childhood but I wonder sometimes…”

“Perhaps you’ll find out and help him through it?”

“I’m willing, I better get a shower, I’m starved.”

“Okay, I slept in your bed last night. I didn’t hear the end of giggling girls in my dorm,” Hermione said getting up and putting on her blue slippers.

Harry laughed. “Good luck on that!”

After a quick shower, Harry slipped into black jeans and a basic black turtleneck. He threw his hair back, the silver serpent still dangling in his ear.

“Harry!” Hermione chased him downstairs. Her hair was pinned back and he noticed a small twinge of blush on her cheeks.

“Mione!”

“Ready for the rumour mill?” She asked pleasantly.

“Very, shall we?” He held out his arm for her and she laughed and took it.

Harry hadn’t seen Ron at all that morning; he suspected that the redhead was still brooding heavily over last night’s events.

When they reached the Entrance Hall, they found Viktor leaning against a large square stone pillar.

“Mione, Harry.” Viktor grinned and walked up to them.

“Hi Viktor,” Hermione said blushing.

Harry grinned. “Breakfast with us?”

“I’d love too, that is if you don’t mind?” He looked at Hermione who shook her head swiftly.

“Of course not.”

“What about your boyfriend?” Viktor asked Harry as they entered the Great Hall.

“Marcus get up at nine? I don’t think so,” Harry mused and rolled his eyes when the whispers suddenly broke out.

It was like a dam; each and every student was waiting for them to enter before breaking it down and allowing the rumours to flow like water over decomposing logs.

Ron glared at Harry and Hermione as they took their seats near Neville.

“Morning guys,” Neville said happily.

Harry smiled. “Neville, how was your night?”

“It wasn’t bad,” Neville admitted. “Though I could have used less cursing from Ginny.”

“Why was she cursing?” Harry asked with a frown.

“You and Hermione.” He rolled his eyes. “The rumours are ridiculous.”

“Tell me about it,” Hermione said when Viktor passed her the blackberries. “Thanks.” She smiled. “What do you think, Neville?”

The dark blonde shrugged. “It’s none of my business. I trust Harry. I don‘t understand but why should I? It’s not my relationship.”

Harry smiled fondly. “Thanks Neville.”

“Harry? You’re not really dating Flint are you?” Katie Bell asked from next to Ginny, whose cheeks were flaming red.

“Yes, I am,” Harry said shortly. “What’s it to you?”

She was stunned by his quick answer. “Weird, Harry… he’s evil! He’s crude!”

“-and I care what you think?” Harry retorted.

“You should, Harry! He’s a bloody disgusting Slytherin. He’s a Death Eater wanna-be and you know it!” Ron burst out, crossly.

Harry growled out. “Stay out of it Ron, you know absolutely nothing! Take your opinions and shove them up your arse.”

“Ronald, you are so tactless,” Hermione snapped. “Do you have any idea how stupid you sound? So what if he’s a Slytherin?”

“He’s a traitor!”

“Gryffindors are too,” Harry shot getting gasps from his housemates.

“What?! How dare you -”

“Does the name Scabbers mean anything to you, Ron?” Harry demanded, causing the redhead to flush brighter than his hair.

Confusion, Fred and George stared at each other. “Scabbers? Ron’s pet rat? What happened to him?”

Harry smirked. “Suddenly so quiet, huh, Ron? Who tried to save my life in my first year at school when my broom malfunctioned because of Quirrell?”

Again, he was silent.

“Also, it took Slytherin’s very own talent to save your goddamn sister from being murdered!” Every Weasley at the table flinched. “Had it not been for me being able to speak to snakes no one would have ever found her. So, Ron, do try some tact before you open your mouth.”

Half the hall heard Harry’s demand, for they had all fallen silent to listen in. But he didn’t care. What he was saying was the truth.

He turned back to Hermione and purposely ignored the rest of Gryffindor. He smiled. “So, Mione, what are you doing today? Viktor? Any plans?”

Harry and his friends were just coming out of the hall, when he came face to face with Marcus and his two friends on either side.

Marcus said not a word, grabbed the back of Harry’s neck, and nearly pulled him off his feet for a harsh bruising erratic kiss. Harry could only do two things about this situation. One, was melt right into Marcus, body against body ignoring anyone who might have walked out or stopped in horror. Second, was to kiss back with just as much fervor if not more.

When he was released, Marcus gave Hermione and Viktor a respectful nod and swept passed them.

Harry stood there for a moment as Hermione prodded him in the back. “Walk.”

Viktor chortled, his shoulders shaking and all. “That vas a very interesting display, ‘Arry.”

“Hm,” Harry agreed and then burst out laughing when he saw Draco on one end and Ron on the other staring the exact same way, mouth gaping open like fishes and eyes wide.

“How is this happening?” Fred moaned out.

“Our little Harry corrupted by a snake!” George followed up with.

Viktor arched an eyebrow at the twin boys who continued to stare at Harry. “Vould you vant to fly around, ‘Arry?” He asked.

Harry smiled. “I’d love too! Get Hermione in the air.”

“Oh no…” Hermione whimpered. “I don’t do flying…”

Viktor smirked. “She’ll fly.” She moaned out like a wounded cat when he said this. “See you in ten minutes.”

(o)

Adrian and Hugh were watching Marcus who busied himself with his breakfast. All of Slytherin was staring as well as half the hall and Gryffindors.

“Talk about public display…” Hugh muttered gulping down pumpkin juice.

“Best get used to it,” Marcus grunted neutrally.

Adrian shook his head but said nothing. Which was good on his part, for Marcus might have slapped him into his oatmeal.

Marcus was about to set out on a hunt for Harry, when he heard one of the little muggleborn Gryffindors gasp out. “Harry Potter is racing Viktor Krum!”

“Well, might as well see what’s going on,” Adrian mused. “This should be interesting.”

Marcus wholeheartedly agreed and led the way outside along with half of the school.

He saw the curly haired muggleborn in the stands jumping up and down while watching Harry and Viktor weave in and out of the skies. Her humongous leather bound book was totally forgotten.

“Wow…” Adrian gasped. “Two Firebolts.”

Marcus zoned in on Harry to see him grinning and cutting Viktor off before diving below the International Seeker.

“I may not like Potter-” Began Hugh. “But the little shit can fly.”

Marcus ignored the insult turn compliment and stood next to Hermione with his arms crossed. He couldn’t help but find that he really disliked Malfoy for making Harry go to Gryffindor House and not just because of his flying skills.

“Who would you say is faster?” One Ravenclaw asked aloud.

“Harry Potter,” Cedric answered. “He’s smaller. Krum has more experience but Harry’s size gives him an advantage.”

“Someone should release the snitch!”

“He’s not that good,” Draco Malfoy hissed spitefully.

Watching the two fly was like watching a game without the other parts of it. His eyes never left Harry’s small figure. He was laughing out loud and his eyes were glittering. He’d swoop close to the large crowd, Viktor on his tail and then they would veer off out of sight circling around one of the many turrets before shooting back around in a wild corkscrew.

Marcus noticed that the Transfiguration Teacher was grinning way to widely for her face. It occurred to him in those few seconds that Harry was perhaps her favourite hands down. He always figured Hermione Granger was, but seeing her watch Harry closely, he changed his mind. He had never been a perceptive person simply because he didn’t give a damn.

But Harry… for some reason he did give a damn. He knew why, he cared but he didn’t know why Harry cared back.

Marcus didn’t understand it one single bit. Harry should have left and pretended it never happened. He should have been disgusted and freaked out. But no, he did not.

Why? Marcus knew that all the rumours were true. He wasn’t a good-looking guy. Hell, his personality was worse than Snape on a good day. Why would Harry want him? He was nothing… he would most probably never amount to anything, especially if his family had anything to say about it.

It was then that Marcus couldn’t take standing around with all the admirers. He stalked off quickly.

Dreaming about Providence
And whether mice or men have second tries
Maybe we've been livin with our eyes half open
Maybe we're bent and broken, broken

Meant to Live - Switchfoot