47Harry raised his eyebrow as he scanned over the letter in his hand, disguised as homework before passing it over to Hermione. He watched his friend scan over the words there as her eyebrows raised and she looked at him intently, and he was sure that she was able to see his fluttering pulse.
They both knew what this meant for them, they both knew what an important step this was, and that it was not one to be wasted.
"What are you thinking?" Hermione asked softly.
"I am inclined to agree," Harry hummed.
"I'm sure you are," Hermione laughed and Harry stuck his tongue out at her before they turned back to breakfast. They could feel Ron's curiosity burning into them, but he knew that pretences had to be kept up, and he would know soon enough, and in the meantime he carried on chomping away on his breakfast, pretending not to even have noticed the exchange.
They made it through yet another day of playing the parts that they needed to play, Hermione managing to tell Ron about the letter from that morning during their second lesson in the secret way that they had developed, and his friend had been teasing Harry under the guise of them mucking around together to the eyes of others.
Finally, though they were able to retreat to the Room of Requirement, one of the few places in the school where they could be sure eyes and ears weren't on them, and they could hold the frank discussion that they needed to have.
"Before anything else, let's toast to the fact that we're doing it," Ron grinned and pulled out the bottle of firewhisky they kept in here, pouring a glass for each of them and raising his own.
Laughing Hermione and Harry followed suit and they knocked back the finger of whisky before Ron topped up their glasses and they settled to get comfortable in front of the fire.
"I can't believe 2 years in and it is happening, when we sat down and had the conversation about starting our own side, I didn't think we would be sitting here so quickly," Hermione laughed.
"Especially considering we started talking about it as a joke," Ron snorted.
"I knew," Harry said softly, running his finger around the edge of his glass as Hermione and Ron turned to look at him. "Even though we had been through some ridiculous shit before that year, it was that year that really showed me that when we put our minds together we can do anything, we can pull in the people we need and we can deal with those that betray us, we can withstand trying to be pulled apart, and more than anything when the three of us have a goal to work towards, nothing is going to stop us,"
"And that is why you're our fearless leader," Ron smiled lovingly at him, "We can come up with the ideas, and bandy around the plans as a trio, but you're the one out of us that grabs the horse by the reigns and gives us the direction and action we need,"
At one time Harry would have worried about Ron being jealous that Harry had become the natural leader of their group, only a couple of years ago he would have been concerned that Ron making such a comment was actually coming from jealousy.
But since their fifth year they had moved past that, they were more secure, the three of them, they had their places in what they were building and they knew that each of them was important, they knew that they were a delicate balance holding each other up. At the end of the day, it didn't matter that Harry was their leader because Ron knew how utterly vital and important he was.
"And now, we're a step closer," Hermione smiled.
"And now we're a step closer," Harry nodded.
"You're going to say yes?" Ron asked though he said it in a way that he already knew the answer.
"My marriage needed to be political," Harry shrugged.
"And the fact that he is renowned for his good looks and that you have had your eye on him…. That is just luck," Hermione smirked.
"Luck, or hard work, who can say," Harry smirked back, settling into his seat and taking a swig of his firewhisky.
"That is who you have been trying to get the attention of with our work for the Dark Side," Hermione laughed.
"Well, 99% of it was to start pulling in the people we needed from the dark side, 1% was hope of hooking him," Harry admitted.
"Mate, you're allowed to have something you want as well," Ron shook his head. "We have Draco, you're allowed to have someone there for you too,"
"Thank you," Harry pulled out the letter and read over it again, "I admit, I wasn't planning for it to be this successful this quickly,"
"You need to arrange to meet him," Hermione hummed.
"Yes," Harry nodded, and picked up the quill and parchment that popped up next to him, he quickly scribbled out the letter before levitating it over to Hermione and Ron for them to check over. Hermione smiled and nodded to him.
"Dobby," Harry called and the House Elf popped into the room. "Could you send this with someone that you trust please,"
"Of course Master Harry," Dobby bowed taking the letter from Hermione and popped back out.
"And now we move forward another step," Ron smiled as soon as Dobby was out of the room.
"And now we start with the rest of the horcruxes," Harry took another sip from his drink.
"I am getting a little bored hiding in the shadows," Hermione hummed.
"You sounded just like Draco," Harry laughed.
"I am also bored of hiding that he is ours and watching people all over him," Hermione huffed.
"Who would have thought out of the three of you, you would be the jealous one," Harry laughed.
"I like my boys where they belong, at my side," Hermione smirked as Ron spluttered on the sip of whisky that he had just taken, and then they all started laughing.
Harry watched intently as the figure walked through the restaurant to the bar, glancing around, clearly feeling eyes on him - which impressed Harry - before he made his way to the barman and spoke to him.
Harry moved silently through the bar, invisible to all eyes in here, even Moody's magical eye wouldn't be able to see him.
He couldn't take his eyes off the other man.
Justinian Nott was known throughout the Wizarding world for being stunning. Harry had been sceptical but then he had seen him during one of his surveillance trips, and he had struggled to look away from him to actually do the job he was there to do.
Theo's brother was around 5,5 and slender, he had honey blond curly hair that he wore down to the tops of his thighs, it was currently braided back as it normally was when he was out and about, intricate braids that Harry longed to run his fingers over, to undo, to see those waves surrounding Justinian as he lay on Harry's bed. His skin was porcelain pale and perfectly smooth making him look like a doll almost, full lush lips took much of Harry's attention, and light, baby blue eyes showed a depth and intelligence that many wrote him off for possessing because of his looks.
Justinian wasn't just beautiful, he was powerful as well, it was one of the reasons that he was one of the most desired bachelors in the Wizarding world, not only was he incredibly good-looking, but he had the power to back it up, he had a sharp intelligence and a savvy knowledge that he used to his advantage. And though the Nott family were not as ancient as say the Potters, Blacks or Malfoys, they were still an old family with a deep family magic, and almost as deep vaults that meant Justinian had received numerous marriage proposals, all of which he had turned away politely, and no one knew why, or what it was he was looking for.
Harry walked behind him as the manager led the elder Nott brother to the private room that Harry had bought for the evening, the room was laid out nicely for the two of them, Harry unable to resist wanting to make a good impression on him. He watched Justinian pausing in the doorway, looking around with wide eyes before he stepped fully into the room. Harry passed through the section of the wall that he had enchanted to allow himself to be able to enter and exit the room without using the door.
He slipped into the room just as Justinian shut the door behind himself and took a deep breath, biting his full bottom lip as he looked around the room. He paused and made another glance around causing Harry to tilt his head a little and grin.
"I know you're in here," Justinian said softly, his voice was soft and light but had a strength and depth to it.
"I wondered if you would know," Harry stepped away from the wall, releasing the spells around him to hide himself, and finishing the charm that allowed him to pass through the wall. Justinian's eyes snapped onto his hooded form.
"I don't like games," Justinian tilted his head back, narrowing his eyes as Harry reached the table in the centre of the room.
"No games, you can not blame me for being curious though," Harry said before pulling the chair out for the older man. Justinian paused, confused at the move. "Will you sit, please?" Harry asked.
Justinian moved forward gracefully, allowing Harry to seat him in the chair and watched as he moved around to sit opposite him.
"You were surprised I wrote?" Justinian asked.
"No, I have been working hard to whisper in the right ears, I hoped you would, the…terms you offered were unexpected though," Harry hummed.
"Unwanted?" Justinian licked his lips.
"I didn't say that," Harry shook his head.
"I am…in a delicate position right now," Justinian said, and there was an expression on his face that had Harry's hackles raising.
"What has happened?" Harry asked sharply, and blue eyes snapped to his face.
"The Dark Lord has been making insinuations of wanting Theo to be marked and…"
"And?" Harry pressed when Justinian didn't carry on.
"And that I am to…entertain certain followers of his to ensure their loyalty," Justinian said, and Harry hissed through his teeth.
"I will offer you and Theo my protection," Harry said.
"The marriage…"
"No," Harry shook his head.
"What?" Justinian went from looking relieved to panicked.
"You do not need to marry me for your safety, I don't take payment like that. Having you on my side will be enough, it will encourage others over to my side. I thought when you offered that you were looking for the political match as much as getting away from Voldemort," Harry said. Justinian flinched a little at the name, but he was more confused looking at Harry's hooded figure.
"I…you don't want me?" He asked nervously.
"Oh I want you, I won't deny that," Harry laughed, reaching forward to pour wine for them both, "I would have to be a fool not to. My marriage needs to be a political one, and with that comes the understanding that there will not be love from the beginning, though hopefully, that will develop with time. I do not wish to marry someone who feels as though they have no other choice but to…sell themselves to me for protection. That isn't how I work, or how my side works,"
"Oh," Justinian reached out and took his wine glass, taking a sip of it as he looked over Harry's figure. "Are you going to show me who you are?"
"You know I am not, not yet," Harry said amused.
"What do I call you then?"
"Noir is what those who do not know my true identity call me," Harry said. "So, yours and Theo's safety will be…"
"Can I ask something?" Justinian interrupted him, making Harry blink before he inclined his head. "What…what did you picture a marriage between us could have been like?"
"Why are you asking?" Harry took what felt like a fortifying sip of wine.
"I am curious," Justinian said coyly, tilting his head up and looking at Harry in defiance. Harry was far from stupid, and he felt that little flicker of excitement and hope in his chest that had been doused out cold by Justinian's words.
"You would have been my consort. As I said I know that my marriage has to be political, but I have hopes for my marriage to become that of love, I want a family, someone that I can love and dote on, someone that can stand by my side and be powerful and impressive in their place, someone that I can lean on, and someone that can lean on me. You are intelligent and cunning, charming as well, someone that I believe I could trust to stand at my side as my partner," Harry said honestly.
"When you say family, you wish for an heir?" Justinian asked.
"Not an heir, children," Harry said firmly.
"The difference being?"
"One is a means to an end, an object, the other is wanting…children to love and care for, to watch grow up,"
"And if none of them wanted to follow in your footsteps Noir?" Justinian was leaning forward by this point.
"Then I have my right and left hand and the children they will have," Harry shrugged.
"But they will not be of your blood," Justinian said, a little confused.
"And? I would rather my side continues in the hands of someone who wants to be ruling it, and not one of my children that I have forced into being something that they do not want to be! My choices and opinions, my path in life does not dictate that of my children. If they want it, it is theirs, if they do not, I will find the right person not of my blood," Harry said passionately, and he sat back a little when Justinian suddenly stood, placing his glass down on the table with a sharp clink.
He wondered if he had said something wrong, or offensive, but then instead of stepping back and out of the room, Justinian stepped around the table towards Harry. The younger man watched intently, his heart starting to race as he watched Justinian walk closer and closer to him, his finger dragging along the tabletop until he reached Harry, and then he slipped into his lap.
Sure that he was about to have a heart attack Harry reached out and gripped Justinian's hips to steady him as the man settled into his lap, he chuckled to himself when he reached forward and gave a small tug to Harry's hood and confirmed that it was stuck down with magic. Instead, he moved his hands under it and stroked along Harry's jawline, his thumbs rubbing over his chin and sweeping along his jawline, they moved down along his neck, over his collarbones before sweeping back up to brush down Harry's nose.
Harry's intent green eyes were locked on Justinian, the older man had his eyes closed as he mapped out Harry's features, obviously trying to build a picture of him in his mind. Harry's breath caught when gentle fingers brushed over his nose, fluttering over his eyes before stroking back along his jaw.
"May…may I kiss you?" Justinian asked, opening his eyes and looking into the darkness of Harry's hood. Harry's hands clenched on the hips in his grasp, squeezing just a little tighter and then he swept one hand up Justinian's back until he cupped the back of his neck and pulled him down into a deep kiss.
If this was the only chance that he was going to have to kiss the other, then he was going to give it his all, and if this was his chance to convince Justinian to have a relationship with him then he was going to give it everything that he had.
The older man groaned into his mouth and pressed closer against him as Harry took him apart with the kiss, they pulled back for a second, and the soft gasping breath that Justinian drew in drove Harry mad, and he crushed their lips together again, unable to stop himself from capturing those plush lips in his as he drew the other back to him, cupping Justinian's sharp jaw, running his thumb along it as he kissed him again and again and again.
Justinian groaned into Harry's mouth, reaching under his hood to cup his face and seemed to try to press even closer to him. Not really thinking Harry swept his hand out and pushed everything off of the table as he stood and then laid the other down on the table, pressing himself down on top of Justinian as they carried on kissing with a hunger and desperation that surprised Harry, and it seemed as though he wasn't the only one, the noise that Justinian made against his mouth as Harry pressed his hard erection against the other's was sin itself.
With an effort that Harry wasn't sure that he would have for a second time, he yanked himself away from Justinian and backed rapidly away from the table to stop himself from giving back in, he took a few more steps back as he looked at where Justinian was sprawled on top of the table sitting up on his elbows, his legs still spread from where Harry had been standing between them, he was ruffled and mussed, his full lips even plusher from their kissing, and like Harry, his chest was rising and falling with the panting breaths leaving those lips.
"What…why did you stop?" Justinian asked, sitting up a little more and looking at Harry concerned.
"I stopped before I could not stop," Harry admitted, trying to calm down his breathing as he propped himself up slightly by resting his hand on the wall next to the fireplace.
"I…I didn't mean to get carried away like that, I am sorry," Justinian reached up to touch his lips.
"You don't need to apologise," Harry laughed roughly. "Will you go on a date with me?"
"Pardon?" Justinian blinked at him in such a confused way that Harry couldn't help but laugh and step closer to him again, running his fingers down the pale cheek that was currently flushed with pleasure.
"One of my people will come to you to take your vow to our side, and to neutralise the mark on your arm," Harry said and Justinian jerked as though Harry had shouted it, reaching down to cover his left forearm with his right hand.
"You can really do that?" Justinian asked with a shudder in his voice that Harry couldn't help but tenderly stroke his thumb down his cheek.
"My people will neutralise it, and we can remove it sooner rather than later," Harry nodded.
"My father forced me to take it, I…I hate looking at my arm," Justinian looked down.
"Then I will make sure that it is much sooner rather than later, and that Theo does not get it placed on him at all," Harry tilted his chin up.
"As long as Theo is safe, that is all that matters," Justinian smiled softly, looking into the darkness of Harry's hood.
"He's not all that matters, you have given up a lot to raise him, to keep him safe, you deserve that safety as well," Harry said gently, and he watched happily as a small smile lifted his lips.
"That date?" Justinian asked quietly.
"Is it something that you would want?" Harry asked, tilting Justinian's head back further so that he could see those blue eyes properly.
"Yes, it would be," Harry smiled at the truthfulness in the answer, Justinian staring up into the darkness of his hood as though he could meet his eyes. Harry leant down and softly pressed their lips together this time before drawing back.
"Once you take the vows and Theo does, I will arrange a date for us,"
"Will I get to see you?" Justinian asked hopefully.
"Yes," Harry nodded.
"What happens now?" the older man asked. Harry took his hand and drew him from the table and to his feet, the Nott Lord kept hold of his hand, running his fingers over the larger, rough palm of his hand, over the calluses of his fingers, his intelligent blue eyes showing that he was taking in as much information about Harry that he could without seeing him.
"My people will come to you within the next few days, you need to inform Theo that he will be approached by one of my people to take the same vows as you will take. This is for you, and this is for him, if there is any concern, if you feel threatened in any way, or need to get to safety, this will take you somewhere safe and alert me right away," Harry explained, holding out the two necklaces that he withdrew from his pocket.
"Thank you," Justinian breathed out, taking the necklaces and clenching them tightly in his hand like the lifeline they were.
"I will make sure that Theo is safe," Harry promised.
"You can't promise that he sleeps in a dorm with the children of Death Eaters," Justinian sucked in a shuddering breath, the concern that he had been feeling, the worry that he had been going through in trying to keep Theo safe clear on his features, in his dropped shoulders, the way he seemed to fold in on himself.
"I can, and I do promise you, no one will touch him," Harry breathed against Justinian's cheek, feeling the shudder of pleasure go through the other.
"Why?" Justinian asked, and Harry knew what he was asking, why would Harry make a promise like that, it wasn't a promise that he should be making, he could do it, but the energy and time that it would take him, the magic that it would take him wouldn't be proportional with what the Notts were now bringing into his side.
He would get an earful from Hermione for this.
"Because I don't want to see you sad, and I definitely do not want to see you cry," Harry said honestly, and he could tell by the way blue eyes widened that Justinian read the truth in his words.
"That is giving a lot away," he said softly.
"I told you, no games," Harry shook his head. And then with great difficulty pulled himself away from the beautiful man.
"Where are you going?" Justinian refused to let go of his hand, taking a step for Harry's two.
"I need to get going, I have things that I need to put into place, and I have to update my people on what is going on," Harry said.
"Can…can I have one more kiss?" Justinian asked. Harry's breath caught at the request, and there was very little that he would have been able to do to say no to that request.
He stepped into Justinian again and seized his lips in a way that he had not intended but he couldn't help himself and he found them pressed tightly together again as the smaller man gripped Harry's cloak and pulled them backwards until he was pressed against the wall with Harry plastered against his front.
"I…need to go," Harry said reluctantly.
"I look forward to our date," Justinian said softly, leaning up and pressing their lips together one more time before Harry forced himself to step back properly this time. "Noir, thank you,"
"I will see you soon," Harry chuckled roughly before turning and making himself leave the room, he was barely several steps out of the room when he sucked in a breath as he felt his magic sealing around Justinian, meaning that he had put the necklace Harry had given him straight on.
He took a breath and carried on walking, making his way through the bar to the floo, stepping back out into the Room of Requirement where Hermione, Ron, Draco, Ginny and Luna were waiting for him.
He swept his hood back once he stepped into the room and then pulled the cloak off.
"What have you done?" Hermione narrowed her eyes on him before he could even finish unclasping his cloak. Draco took in his wide eyes and snorted in amusement from where he was draped over Hermione and Ron's laps like an overgrown cat.
"Don't glare at me like that," Harry groaned, and Ron snorted this time.
"Oh Merlin, what have you done now?" Ron said through his snorting laughter.
"What happened?" Hermione rolled her eyes and Harry sat down with a huff to make his confession.
Hermione was still glowering at him 48 hours later and kept digging at him about the 'homework' that he hadn't done. She was disgruntled with him, but she understood and she would calm down. He discretely pulled out the galleon that had heated up in his pocket and read the code sent on the serial number on the coin, Kingsley was on his way to the meeting place with Justinian to take his vow, Blaise would be taking Theo's vow that evening, and Harry had caught sight of his necklace around Theo's throat, invisible to anyone but those that were on Harry's side, the amazing spell one that Hermione had created.
Things were moving forward.
"You better make sure that the make-up homework you do is amazing Harry James Potter," Hermione snorted, stabbing him in the forehead with her finger. "Don't grin at me! I swear you make my life ten times more difficult!" she huffed grabbing her bag and swinging it at him in the pretence of throwing it over her shoulder.
"Hey! With the books you have in there, that is assault with a deadly weapon if that had hit me!" Harry protested.
Justinian started when an owl soared through his window, there were very few that would be able to gain access passed the wards of the House magic, and passed his own wards, reaching up around his neck he ran his thumb over the charm on the necklace that he had received from Noir. It had been 24 hours since he had taken his vow with Kingsley Shacklebolt, which had been a surprising addition once the man had revealed his identity after taking Justinian's vow, and he would admit to no one, but he had been eagerly waiting for the letter from Noir to come through with the date that he had promised.
There were numerous things that made him attractive as a partner, never mind the fact that he was the leader of a new side, a side that was pulling in a lot of people, drawing them from both the Light and the Dark side, and from those who had stayed as neutral as they could. When Justinian had first started hearing whispers of a side that were calling themselves Grey, neither Light nor Dark, where intentions were what mattered not your inclinations towards a type of magic, not your blood, it didn't matter who your parents were, who your family had been, they were accepting everyone as long as you made the vows of loyalty to them, he had scoffed a little at the idealistic tone of it, sure that the group would be yanked out of the shadows quickly enough and that would be that.
But it hadn't happened, and as the last couple of years went by the mutterings about a third side had only grown stronger. They seemed to learn quickly and move just as quickly, dancing around Dumbledore and the Dark Lord when they had tried to catch them out and trap them. They were inventive with the way that they did things and how they ran their side. And while they were tough when they needed to be, they weren't cruel or overly demanding either.
The fact that the vows of loyalty you had to take to join their side hadn't meant binding your life, magic and everything you possibly had to the cause had made Justinian even more sceptical. But then the first person had tried to betray the side, it had been someone from the Light side unsurprisingly. As soon as they had been about to break their vow, everything was gone. They hadn't been obliviated, who they were was still there, every single memory of their lives up until that very point, but there was nothing about the Grey side, absolutely nothing. Justinian had heard that pensieve had been used, legilimency, even Phoenix tears to try and retrieve just one memory, but the person had been wiped clean, they couldn't even remember that they had been on a mission to get information for the Light side.
That type of spellwork was incredibly impressive, but the fact lack of damage done to the person to retain their safety had been even more impressive still, and word had been that the Grey side had had people flocking to them after that, so much so that a form of waiting list had been created in a manner of speaking to sign them up.
That was when Justinian had the hope that he could save his brother and hopefully himself from the Dark Lord. The Grey side seemed to have a good grasp on everything despite being new, and it looked increasingly as though they had a good chance of winning.
So yes, Noir could be the winning leader of the war that was being carefully waged, and anyone married to him would be an important figure and have a lot of power. But, who he seemed to be was more tempting to Justinian.
He wasn't vain, but he knew he was good-looking, mainly because his father had crowed about what a good bargaining chip his Heir was as it became clear that he was going to grow up to be stunning. He had been offered in marriage to several men before his father had changed his mind and wanted a better deal, determined to bring their family up to the same level as the Malfoys with his Heir's marriage. He had also had numerous people asking for his hand ever since his father had gotten himself arrested for being a Death Eater a year ago, all of them promising to protect Justinian and Theo.
He had plenty of options for a good political marriage, but he didn't want just a political marriage or a husband who was with him only for his looks. Noir, he wanted him, there was something in the way that he spoke to Justinian that made it clear he did not just think of him as a pretty face, he saw more than that, and he appreciated more than that. And how he had spoken about the way he imagined a marriage between them to be, the way that he had spoken about his children having their own path if that is what they wanted, Justinian hadn't been able to resist kissing the man.
How he had known Justinian was backed into a corner, with the Grey side the only place that he had to run, and had turned down Justinian's marriage proposal because he hadn't needed to buy his and Theo's safety that way, it had shown Justinian the other man's heart, even when he couldn't read his face.
With his heart fluttering in excitement Justinian reached out to take the letter from the owl, opening it eagerly to see what it said, only for his blood to run cold as he read the words on the page.
He was spinning and racing for the floo without pausing to grab his cloak, the letter clenched tightly in his hands and feeling as though he was unable to take a breath.
When he flooed into the Headmaster's office at Hogwarts his blue eyes frantically swept over the small crowd of people in there until they settled on Theo who was standing there, absolutely fine though looking a little confused and dressed only in his pyjamas.
"Theo!" Justinian moved as gracefully across the floor as he could bring himself to be and grasped his brother by the shoulders, looking up just a little into his eyes. He had teased Theo endlessly about already being taller than him during the summer when the growth spurt had happened, now all he wished was able to fold him into his arms the way he had when he had been a little boy.
"I'm alright, I erm…not sure what really happened, it all happened so quickly," Theo admitted.
"Here," Justinian stripped out of his outer robes and draped them around Theo's shoulders before turning to Dumbledore who was standing looking warm, grandfatherly and in control, but there was wideness to his eyes that gave away uncertainty. "What happened to my brother, Headmaster? I get a letter saying that he has been attacked but nothing else!"
"Well, that is rather what I wanted to ask you Master Nott," Dumbledore twinkled at him in the way he had.
"Pardon?" Justinian grit out, realising that he had been tricked here using Theo.
"Adrian Pucey tried to cast a serious dark hex on Theo while he was in bed, however, the spell completely rebounded without Theo casting any magic, in fact, it was the rebound of the spell that woke him up, and Adrian instead was hit with the spell, and another that will leave him…disfigured. As far we can tell he was trying to incapacitate Theo to take him somewhere originally, and then lost his temper when he could not seem to grab hold of him and portkey away," Snape explained. Justinian glanced at the man, schooling his features as much as he could considering he didn't trust the man as far as he could throw him without magic.
"We would like to know how such a thing was able to occur," McGonagall nodded sharply.
Justinian squeezed Theo's shoulder when he felt his brother tensing at the tone being used against him, especially when Mad Eye Moody, Pomphrey and Flitwick nodded along with her words, all of them eyeing Justinian as though he were about to sprout fangs.
He fought against tensing himself when someone stepped up behind him and wrapped an arm around his waist, their hand coming to rest on his stomach, but then a familiar voice breathed in his ear.
"Say you have no clue and you want tests run, ask how such powerful spells are being cast in the dorms," Noir's voice breathed into his ear, and Justinian had to go from fighting from tensing to fighting not to shiver. He realised that Noir was invisible and not even Dumbledore could see him, though Moody did have a strained expression on his face that Justinian was worried about.
"I don't know what happened to my brother, and I would really like to know how such dangerous spells were cast in the dorm room at their school, where they are meant to be safe! I want to know what spell was used to stop the spell hitting Theo, and I want to make sure that there are no side effects, that there has been no damage done to him!" Justinian raised himself up and glared at the Headteacher. The arm still around his waist squeezed gently in approval.
"I…Master Nott, your family are known for using…questionable spells," Dumbledore tried, and failed, to say subtly.
"Previous members of my family are. Cast tests, I assure you nothing will come back to me or my family! And I would still like to know how such a powerful spell was cast against my brother when he was under your protection and care,"
"I…I assure you we will be running tests to find out what happened," Dumbledore said in a manner that was clearly a threat but Justinian just stood and looked at him, refusing to be the first to speak. "As to how that spell was cast, we will also be looking into that," the Headmaster grit out when it became clear Justinian was not going to back down.
"Say under the rule 7.8 in Hogwarts a History you would like a room with Theo for the night," Noir said before his arm was removed from Justinian's waist and he felt him moving away. Justinian repeated what he had been told and watched Dumbledore's face pinch like he was sucking on a lemon.
"Of course, you will want to be near your brother, that is perfectly understandable after such a fright," Dumbledore tried that grandfatherly twinkle at him again that both Nott's had to fight from snorting at, especially after accusing them of using illegal magics.
"I will escort them to the guest quarters and…guard their door, make sure there are no further attacks," Moody stepped forward casting a glare over Justinian. Dumbledore did what was his version of a smirk as the twinkle in his eye got brighter and he inclined his head.
"Wonderful, thank you Alastor, we of course want to make sure that you feel safe," Dumbledore nodded.
Not sure how Noir would get around Moody guarding their door with his magical eye Justinian inclined his head and turned with his arm around Theo to follow Moody down the moving spiral staircase and out in the corridors.
Theo cast him a confused look, but Justinian just inclined his head to show that it was ok, and the two brothers followed Moody through the corridors, the loud clunk clunk clunk of his wooden leg echoing in the empty corridors.
Well near empty.
"Miss Granger," Moody nodded when the girl came around the corner.
"Professor Moody," Hermione Granger said brightly. "I am just doing my rounds as Head Girl, you may see Ron and Ginny around, and I think I saw some of the other prefects,"
"Of course," Moody snorted for some reason. "Don't stay up too late,"
"I don't intend to," Hermione Granger said with an odd tone to her voice, and Justinian swore that her eyes locked on him and felt as though they were looking through him and taking everything in in a second. "Night professor,"
"Not your professor anymore," Moody called as he started forward again.
"Professor,"
"Weasley," Moody nodded a few minutes later.
"Professor,"
"Lovegood,"
"Professor,"
"Weasley,"
"Professor,"
"Malfoy," Moody narrowed his eyes, and Justinian tightened his arm around Theo as they walked past, hating turning his back on the Malfoy Heir.
"Professor,"
"Not your Professor anymore Finch-Fletchly!" Moody barked at the grinning student.
"How many Prefects are out tonight?" Justinian asked, confused.
"We take our job very seriously," Justin grinned at him.
"Yes, well take your job elsewhere before you get into trouble," Moody snorted, waving the student away.
They only walked another corridor before finally, Moody stopped in front of a portrait, an empty one, seconds later after he had tapped on it a knight came running into the frame.
"Apologies! I was wooing a fair damsel!" The knight grinned before swinging open to reveal a small sitting room.
"I will be outside all night," Moody threatened, turning to face them. At least Justinian initially took it as a threat, until his eyes dropped onto the necklace around the man's neck.
"We will be inside all night, I assure you," Justinian huffed before pressing his brother into the room. As he half turned to look over his shoulder Moody was closing the portrait, and actually winked at him.
"What in all the name of Merlin, Circe and Morgana is going on?" Theo asked, confused and looking around the room, Justinian did the same in time to see all the portraits leaving their frames, exiting the room and leaving it completely unwatched, one waving cheerfully to them as she walked out her frame.
"Noir was in the room," Justinian said, glancing around trying to sense if the other had come with him, but he couldn't feel him. "He said to ask to stay with you,"
"It had to be his magic that protected me, that spell…Pucey is a mess Justinian, that spell was a bad one," Theo said softly, the fear he had been hiding clear now that they were alone.
"You're alright, he promised me that you would be, and you are," Justinian reached up and tugged his brother's head down onto his shoulder, combing his fingers through his brother's much shorter honey blond hair soothingly for them both.
"Why would he make a promise like that?" Theo asked, confused as he wrapped his arms around his brother's waist and hugged him tightly, feeling truly safe now that he was here with him.
"I think he wants me," Justinian said, and then smiled, shaking his head when Theo pulled back with a furious look on his face.
"Justinian no! You don't need to do that to protect me! You have given up so much for me! You don't need to keep protecting me, I am older, I can…I can look after myself," Theo protested, though both of them quickly jumped to what could have happened to him less than an hour ago.
"It isn't like that, I offered my hand in marriage," Justinian cupped his little brother's face, "He said no,"
"What?!" Theo was now looking offended on his behalf, making his brother laugh. He took Theo's hand and they moved to the sofa to sit next to each other as Justinian explained.
"He said that he did not want me that way, selling myself for our protection. He gave us his protection anyway, and then he asked me on a date," Justinian felt foolish as he blushed, but he had never been able to keep things back from Theo.
"You want to go on the date?" Theo smiled a little.
"I…there is something about him, on a personal level, completely taking our situations out of it. I…I like him, I like his view of what he would like a relationship with him to be," Justinian tried to explain.
"You deserve to have something for yourself," Theo squeezed his brother's hands. "I have no clue what spell he cast but it was powerful, the spell didn't even get a chance to get close to me I don't think, never mind Pucey couldn't grab me,"
"I'm glad, so glad, I thought…" Justinian shook his head as he combed his fingers through Theo's hair again, the fear that he had felt when he had read that letter echoing through him. He started when his necklace gave a gentle hum around his neck, "I think he is coming," Justinian explained to Theo's concerned look.
They sat for a few moments with nothing happening, and then Justinian turned as that feeling washed over him again. He just knew Noir had passed into the room. Sure enough a second later a hooded figure appeared standing in front of the portrait.
"Moody!" Theo glanced concernedly towards the portrait.
"One of my men," Noir shook his head, walking over and perching on the edge of the armchair opposite the sofa, leaning forward he rested his forearms on his thighs and seemed to be checking the brothers over. "Are you both ok?"
"Yes, the spell didn't get near me, I was more startled and then confused about what the hell had happened," Theo admitted.
"I got a fair fright with the way the letter was phrased, but I am ok now. Thank you," Justinian looked over the hooded figure. "Can I see your face now?"
Noir laughed.
"Yes, but you need to stay calm, as much as I have been able to seal this room off from prying eyes, there is only so much that I can do at the centre of Dumbledore's control," Noir waited for both brothers to nod after looking at each other confused, and then he reached up and tugged his hood down.
"Potter!" Theo squeaked, clearly going to shout it and only just suppressing it in time.
"Harry Potter?" Justinian sucked in a deep breath staring at the man sitting across from him.
"Yes,"
"No wonder we came across so many Weasleys on the way here," Theo snorted.
"I wanted to make sure that you got here unbothered, though Hermione did protest at being used as a bodyguard," Harry smiled, settling back into the chair and crossing his legs, though his eyes were firmly on Justinian.
"But….Draco?" Theo blinked.
"On my side," Harry nodded.
"Woah did not see that coming! Did he cast the spell around my bed? He was over by it the other day,"
"No, that was me, I snuck myself in as him while Draco was…otherwise entertained," Harry smiled at Theo.
"Well, I am going to go and try and get some sleep tonight and leave you two to talk, because this is becoming uncomfortable. Thank you for protecting me from…having my face melted," Theo said awkwardly standing as the silence could practically be cut with a knife.
He leaned down and hugged his brother tightly before heading to one of the three doors in the room, peeking in and finding that there was indeed a bedroom there. He glanced at his brother over his shoulder before heading into the room and closing the door firmly behind him.
"Not who you were expecting?" Harry said after a few moments of Justinian staring at him.
"No, Dumbledore's golden boy is the leader of the Grey side," Justinian snorted.
"It makes it all the easier to operate because he isn't even looking at us," Harry nodded.
"Us?"
"My left and right hand are Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley,"
"And you have access to his people, like Moody," Justinian waved to the portrait.
"Exactly," Harry hummed. "Are you disappointed?"
"No, just shocked. I tried to imagine who you could have been, I never imagined…you," Justinian reached up to play with the necklace around his neck in what had become a habit in the few days he had been wearing it. "You are the same age as Theo,"
"Hmm, yes, though after everything that I have been through, I haven't been a child for a long time. Does my age bother you?"
"I am 25,"
"Eight years difference," Harry nodded.
"I feel as though it should deter me," Justinian looked to the side.
"But?" Harry's green eyes were so intense when Justinian turned around to look at him again, they were like shards of emerald, bright, shining, full of depth and able to refract different things based upon how he was feeling. Right now his gaze felt as though it were burning Justinian.
"But," Justinian licked his lips, taking in that handsome face, the fluttering of his heart even stronger as he looked at the man, at Noir, Harry Potter. His jet black hair was lying artfully messily around his face, the darkness seeming to highlight his tanned skin, he had obviously jumped from bed himself at the attack because he was wearing a pair of sleep pants and a t-shirt. His shoulders looked as strong as Justinian remembered them feeling under his fingers, his jaw was as strong as it had felt.
"You haven't answered my question," Harry smiled a little after a few moments of them simply staring at each other. The lightening of his features, the softness in his face, in his eyes, in his mouth made Justinian take a breath.
"But it doesn't," Justinian stood hesitantly, and Harry copied him, the two standing there for a moment before Harry stepped around the coffee table and moved towards the other with intent, an intent that had Justinian's breath catching as Harry's arms came around him and he pressed their lips together again firmly, capturing Justinian's lips with his own and kissing him as though he were a desperate man tasting water for the first time in weeks again.
He gasped and reached up to bury his fingers into Harry's pitch-black hair when the younger man moved to press him against the wall in an imitation of their last kiss in the room where they had first met, his firm body pressing against Justinian's and holding him in place as Harry kissed him with a passion that he had never been kissed before.
With a sound that he thought he would be embarrassed about later Justinian surrendered himself into the kiss, surrendered himself to the other, allowing himself to just be for once, not worrying about how he appeared or the image he needed to present, instead just allowing himself to feel instead.
"You have no idea what you do to me," Harry murmured against Justinian's kiss-swollen lips, his green eyes peering intently down into blue ones.
"I could say the same," Justinian looked up into his handsome face, framing it in his hands and looking at him for a second before he pulled him down into another kiss, burying his fingers into Harry's hair and holding on as though he was scared Harry would pull away from him.
That didn't seem to be a risk this time, Harry pulled his mouth from Justinian's, but his murmur of protest turned into a groan when Harry's lips instead descended onto his throat, the older man tilting his head back to allow Harry more room to explore, something that the leader of the Grey side did eagerly, nipping and lapping at Justinian's pale throat, sucking here and there in a way that Justinian knew was going to leave marks behind, and he shuddered again at the implication of possessiveness.
Harry made a noise that was somewhere between a growl and a groan at the feeling of the shudder against his body, and he reached down to cup the backs of Justinian's thighs, lifting him and encouraging him to wrap his legs around Harry's waist before he descended back onto that pale throat, and as he pressed his lips to it he thrust their hips together and listened to the moan that Justinian let out as their hard erections pressed together, he felt the moan that he let out against his lips.
"Is this ok?" Harry panted, holding his hips still with difficulty as he secured Justinian with his arm under his arse, his hand coming to press to the wall beside Justinian's flushed face to prop himself up a little so that he could look at him.
"Don't stop, please," Justinian groaned, rolling his hips in Harry's hold so that their erection brushed together again. The sound that Harry made, the look on his face as he stepped closer to Justinian again and started rhythmically thrusting their hard erections together made Justinian feel powerful, and he watched intently the expressions on Harry's face as they moved together, drinking it in, memorising it. He groaned when the hand Harry had on the wall moved to grip his long braid, tugging it with just the right amount of pressure to expose that pale throat to his mouth again.
"Harry!" Justinian groaned, arching his back as he felt himself getting closer and closer to the edge.
"Yes, say my name again, please," Harry groaned.
"Harry!" Justinian cried out as he fell over the edge, his pleasure heightened with the sound of Harry losing himself to their pleasure as well.
They stayed like that for a few moments, panting against each other as they came down from the high, Justinian holding onto Harry's shoulders, feeling him panting into his neck.
"Please tell me there is a silencing charm on this room," Justinian said breathlessly and Harry laughed, pulling back a little, his face light with happiness that brought a smile to Justinian's own kiss bruised lips.
"There is, don't worry," Harry waved his hand and in a flash of wandless magic cleaned the two of them up, before moving without letting go of the other he moved them through the room to the sofa, sitting down on it so that Justinian was sitting in his lap. "Ok?" he asked, brushing some loose hair from the other's face.
"More than," Justinian smiled softly at the concern, leaning forward to kiss Harry again, this time their kisses were less intense, more exploring each other and enjoying the other being so close. "Thank you for protecting Theo," Justinian pressed their foreheads together when they parted, humming a little as Harry rubbed his hand soothingly up and down his back making the smaller man relax into his larger body.
"I promised that I would," Harry kissed Justinian's temple.
"I am not used to people keeping their promises to me," He admitted, sucking in a soft breath at the tenderness of the action.
"I will never make a promise to you that I don't intend to keep," Harry promised.
"Even if I don't want to take this any further?" Justinian asked quietly, he expected Harry to react angrily, to throw him off of him or to jerk Justinian away from him where he was pressing his face into Harry's shoulder. Instead, Harry tensed but then carried on the soothing motion.
"Yes, even then. I would be…sad and disappointed, but I wouldn't want to be in a relationship with you if it wasn't what you wanted. That doesn't change my protection of Theo or yourself or any promises that I make you. It doesn't matter if we are together or not Justinian, I still don't want to see you sad," Harry said softly.
Justinian absorbed what he had said, the truth to his words. He wasn't sure what it was about Harry, he had been lied to over and over during his life, and he had had so many promises and reassurances broken that he didn't trust anyone but Theo anymore. But there was something about Harry that woke that part of himself he thought he had long cut out to protect himself. Harry sounded as though he was telling the truth, he was making these promises.
And Justinian believed him.
"Do you promise?" Justinian asked, pressing closer into Harry's throat.
"I promise," Harry reached up and dug his thumb into the back of Justinian's neck in a way that seemed to melt all tension from his body.
"I want…"
"What is it you want, Justinian?" Harry breathed out feeling hope welling up in him.
"You, I want you. I don't know why, I barely know you, but I want you, I want what you paint to me," Justinian admitted, holding tighter onto Harry.
"I won't let you down. I don't know what it is about you either, but I want you in a way I have never wanted anyone before. I want to be selfish and not think about everything else, implications and politics, all I know is I want you," Harry admitted and Justinian pulled back so that he could look down at Harry's face, this gentle smile, his open expression.
"I trust you," Justinian said quietly, and from Harry's expression, he knew that he understood exactly what he was saying to him, and what those words meant to him.
"I am still taking you on a date," Harry reached up and pulled his back down into a gentle kiss.
"Good, I have been looking forward to it," Justinian admitted when they parted.
"This Saturday? The others can cover for me," Harry offered.
"Yes," Justinian said with a growing smile.
"I should get going," Harry sighed.
"No!" Justinian gripped Harry's cloak. "I…can you lay down with me? For a little?" Justinian felt as though he had ripped himself open saying that, and he tried to pull back into himself, but Harry's lips were against his again, tender and careful, and then he stood with Justinian still in his arms and headed through to the other bedroom.
Gently Harry placed him down on the bed as though he were something precious, something important. Justinian enjoyed the warmth in his chest, allowing himself to enjoy it as he waved his wand to transfigure his clothes into pyjamas as he watched Harry walk around the bed to the other side.
"Is this what you normally wear to bed?" Harry asked a little breathlessly, reaching out to touch the silk pyjama pants, sliding his hand up to stroke his hand over Justinian's stomach which was covered by a silk pyjama top, though normally he would wear silk vest tops, he did not want to show his arm to Harry.
"Yes, sometimes nightshirts," Justinian watched lust fire through Harry's eyes before he visibly pushed it down. The taller, dark-haired man settled down onto the bed next to him, stretching himself out on top of the covers before opening his arms to Justinian in an offering.
Feeling his heart speeding up at the vulnerability that he was opening himself to, the urge to be in those arms was stronger than the self-preservation he clung so tightly to, and he moved quickly across the small space between them, resting his head down onto the pillow Harry's head was resting on and he moved into the warmth of Harry's body until they were pressed together chest to hips, and then Harry threw his muscled leg over Justinian's as he closed his arms around him.
"Ok?" Harry asked, concerned as a shudder went through Justinian's body.
"I've not felt truly safe in a long time," The smaller man admitted, pressing his face into Harry's shoulder as he reached up and gripped his sleep shirt.
"I hope soon that you won't need to worry about yours, or Theo's, safety again," Harry said lowly.
"The Dark Lord and Dumbledore to take down, I know it isn't going to be quick," Justinian tried to assure him, but Harry chuckled.
"I have my plans for Voldemort already, and Dumbledore shouldn't be far behind him,"
"Already?" Justinian looked up at Harry.
"Already," Harry nodded, he tilted Justinian's chin up just a little more and gently pressed their lips together.
"Thank you," Justinian sighed, pressing his face back into Harry's chest and snuggled in as Harry tightened his arms around him. He sighed contently as Harry started rubbing the back of his neck again, rapidly easing him into the arms of sleep, feeling safe and warm for the first time in a long time.
When Justinian woke Harry was gone, and he felt a small ache in his chest, feeling colder than he should have considering Harry had wrapped him up in the covers from the bed. Sighing at how ridiculous he felt mooning like he was a teenager again he sat up rubbing his fingers through his hair and looked around the room.
His heart gave him away though as it fluttered when he noticed a note sitting on the pillow, smiling happily he reached out for it, but the moment his fingertips touched the parchment green and golden magic flowed from the top right corner of the letter, twisting and dancing in the air in a glittering ribbon.
Justinian gasped at the impressive magic and watched awed as it twisted through the air, slipping through his hair almost teasingly before settling around his neck, slipping along the length of the necklace and charm that Harry had given him where it had been resting against his chest since he had placed it on that first night.
Looking down he gasped as the plain golden chain with a plain golden star transformed, the metal was now silver, and there were sparkling emeralds sitting alternately between shining diamonds, the jewels made from pure magic, the necklace now sitting in the hollow of Justinian's collarbones.
He gasped as he ran his fingers over the jewels around his neck and felt Harry's magic tingling his fingers, the necklace was coated in protection charms, but when he touched the necklace he had the oddest sensation as though he were being wrapped in Harry's arms in a firm hug.
He allowed himself to laugh happily at the feeling and reached out for the parchment again.
Dearest Justinian,
I am sorry that I could not be here with you when you woke, I left it as late as I could to have a little longer with you, but unfortunately, I have to get back into being seen as Harry Potter playing my part. I hope you like my gift, you could remove it at any time, and if you cast Finite on it it will revert back to your original necklace. The charm on it was one that my friend invented. We have been calling it the comforting charm, though I can not be with you right now. I hope that this will keep me in your mind, and be there for you should you need me.
If you need me at any time at all, call for me.
Theo will be safe, I have people in Slytherin as well as Draco, so he is not by himself, and Draco will be revealing himself to him today so that he knows that, and who to look to should he need help.
I will send the coordinates for this Saturday for our date, I can not wait to see you again.
With all care and reverence
Harry
Once Justinian had finished reading the letter, his heart racing in his chest and making him feel as though he couldn't catch his breath fully, sparks came from the bottom right of the parchment, almost making him drop the letter in shock, he watched as the sparks twisted around in a similar way to the ones that had created his necklace, they drifted down to the pillow that the letter had been sitting on, and settled into a pure red rose, the scent filling his senses as soon as its form settled.
Smiling happily he reached out and took the rose, breathing in the beautiful smell of the flower, and closed his eyes as with his other hand he brushed his fingers over the necklace, feeling those arms closing around him.
He loved the necklace, and the charms on it to keep him safe, but the thought behind the comforting charm being on it meant more to him, and the most important thing about the necklace to him was the fact that Harry had given him the option to cancel the spell. He had been tricked over the years by people wanting to marry him, to possess him and the Nott fortune and magic, he had seen others that he knew and heard horror stories of people being trapped into contracts because of trick magic.
Harry had given him an incredible gift, with so much thought and care having gone into it, not to mention the magic that had gone into it, but at the exact same time as gifting it, he had made sure that Justinian had the choice as to whether he kept it as it was or not. The surprise behind it, how Harry had given it to him was beautiful, the understanding of Justinian and how he felt about things meant even more.
Biting his lip he stood and moved to shower and get ready for the day, his thoughts completely wrapped around the other. He paused on his way out of the room to tuck the rose into his braided hair, and then tapped his wand against the letter, casting a preservation spell on it before he folded it and slipped it into his inside pocket to keep it safe, intending on tucking it away in the small box he had in his room filled with sentimental things he had collected over the years.
Only then did he move to open the door to go and find Theo.
He didn't have to look far because as soon as he opened the door Theo was sitting in the armchair facing Justinian's door, his arms and legs crossed, and the most judging expression that Justinian had ever seen on his brother's face.
"What?" He heard himself say defensively.
"I cancelled the silencing charms on my room last night so that I could make sure you were ok," Theo said.
"Oh," Justinian nodded and then went bright red as realisation hit him. "Oh!" He groaned covering his burning face.
"Yes Oh," Theo grimaced. "Potter seems quite enamoured with you. Are you happy?" Theo asked gently.
"I am, he makes me… it isn't logical, but my magic is calling out to him, and the longer that I spend in his presence, the more I want him," Justinian moved across the room to curl up on the sofa opposite Theo's chair, the two of them blinking when a breakfast tray appeared straight away on the coffee table.
"I think that one might be for you," Theo snorted pointing to the coffee with a heart shape in the froth of the latte. "He hasn't done anything to you?"
"No, I would know. It is something else, I am…I can't explain it, but I just know in my heart that it is right, and he is not pressuring me in any way, if anything he has made sure that I know that the ball is in my court when it comes to the relationship, and should I decide that I do not want it, then that will not affect our safety,"
"As long as you are happy, that is the only thing that matters to me. You deserve to have something for yourself and to be happy," Theo smiled standing and moving to the sofa to wrap his brother in a tight hug, which Justinian returned with relief.
"Thank you. I don't know where it is going, but I am happy," the elder brother admitted softly. "He is still taking me on a date on Saturday," he grinned a little.
"I hope you enjoy it, looking at these, I think he's going to try and sweep you off of your feet," Theo smiled softly brushing his fingers along the necklace and the rose. "Though you might want to glamour those hickies,"
"Theo!" Justinian said mortified, quickly doing as advised while his brother laughed. Once they had settled down and were eating their breakfast Justian spoke about Harry again, "I don't know what to expect from him, he definitely keeps surprising me,"