Chapter Text
A Lynx to the Past – Chapter 17 (People You Never Knew)
Marcus' words echoed in his mind constantly… How was he supposed to find out more about his family? He had no real family left, not since that fatal night at Halloween thirteen years ago. He had never considered the Dursleys family. It was no secret that they hated him and his mother.
They wouldn't know anything.
So, why was Marcus' words still bothering him?
Harry bit his lip; he had been sitting on Marcus' bed while he was out doing his duties as Headboy. He had never wished so much that he could follow him, like he had all year. But he wasn't in that form anymore. And he didn't want to go out there as Harry Potter, he wasn't sure if he wanted to be that anymore. All it caused was misery towards himself and people who only liked him because of his fame. He liked being Ezio, far too much in all honesty. He wanted to be Ezio again… but he didn't know how.
Marcus had said it was some creature inheritance that wanted to keep him safe. And he was never so glad that it had. It kept him out of the grips of that tournament. But he didn't know how to access his feline form. And it was still weird wearing clothes again.
Not that Harry wouldn't wear clothes, especially with Marcus around. He still didn't think he would ever live that down. But the feeling was still weird. He had been used to having fur, not clothes.
Then there was the slight awkwardness between the two of them. He knew that Marcus was well aware that Harry knew he had a crush on him.
It was driving Harry nuts… He wanted Marcus to do something… anything. But he wasn't doing a single thing. There were a few words exchanged between them since that day.
He didn't even bother talking to Terence since that one day. He couldn't… He didn't even know how… How were you supposed to talk to someone that you thought was a friend and had your back, but never did? And once you knew who he really was, that person was gone…
"What are you sighing about!?"
Harry whipped around to see Marcus standing in the doorway. He didn't say anything.
Marcus rolled his eyes, "quit mopping around."
"Its not like I can just go out there!" Harry hissed.
"I don't see nothing stopping you."
"You know bloody what is stopping me!" Harry yelled.
"And you think I haven't been trying to get a way around that!?" Marcus retorted.
"What?" Harry was taken back.
"Well… if you had been paying attention and not mopping around you would know what I was doing…"
Harry sighed, "what have you been doing?"
"Getting you a way out of the castle without being seen," Marcus replied.
"How?"
"Befriending a certain house elf."
Harry's eyebrows shot up, "Dobby?"
"He is quite protective of you, not to mention Professor McGonagall turned over your trunk to me. Seeing she figured if anyone had any luck in finding you, it would have been me. And it would be easier if I had it than finding her later and retrieving it," Marcus explained.
"Dobby gave it to you…"
Marcus didn't correct Harry's statement, "he is very loyal…"
"You have my cloak," Harry breathed.
"I heard stories about it. But I have not opened your trunk. I figured that would be the easiest route. There are no secret entrances near here and it will be quite impossible to hide you while in the corridors."
"What then?" Harry asked.
He could understand why Marcus probably wanted to get him out of the castle. He had promised him that he would keep him away from Dumbledore. But he didn't know how Marcus was going to manage that.
"We will be visiting a certain property, one that you will find most enlightening," Marcus hinted.
Harry groaned, that wasn't an answer to him. But he doubted that Marcus was going to give him a better answer. That was when Harry realized that Marcus had taken a step closer to him. His face went red…
"Marcus…" Harry whined.
"Harry…" Marcus breathed.
Harry had to stop the wanton moan from escaping his lips. He could feel his hot breath wash over him.
"Do you want me to stop?" Marcus' voice was soft.
Harry shook his head.
Marcus raised a hand to cup at Harry's face. He couldn't help but marvel when Harry leaned into his touch. His thumb stroked slowly back and forth, feeling his soft skin. He had never pictured in a million years that Harry Potter might return his affections. But he took a chance… Yet here they were, inches apart… close enough to kiss. And Marcus couldn't deny how much he wanted to close that distance. And it looked like Harry might let him, if the hand on his cheek was any indication. His words were pretty permission to go ahead.
Marcus' hand moved to cup the back of Harry's head to bring his closer. Their lips barely touching before Marcus pressed harder. Trying to get a lasting impression from Harry's lips. He didn't dare to try to go deeper yet. Afraid if he pressed too hard, he may chase Harry away.
Harry felt his body lean into Marcus, trying to get more of his touch. More of his lips…
Marcus broke the brief but no less passionate kiss.
"You're okay with this?" Marcus asked, his hand tracing over Harry's lips.
"More than okay…"
Marcus had a pleased smile at that. He curled his hand around Harry's waist.
Harry didn't move away, "will you tell me where we're going?"
Marcus snorted, "No, that will remain a secret."
Harry groaned, but he didn't ask again. Today was a pleasant surprise, one that he was not going to complain about. That didn't mean his curiosity hadn't waned, if anything it was stronger.
Harry had no idea where he was going, only that Marcus was apparently going to apparate them to this location. And that was the only answer he was going to give him. He would have complained about the injustice of it, had Marcus not distracted him with a kiss. It was more of a peck than anything. If Marcus smirk was anything to go back, he knew exactly what reaction he was having on him.
So, Harry sulked… until he didn't.
His jaw had dropped and for the first time, he didn't lose his balance like he thought he would. Marcus had already warned him that apparating for the first time could be quite disorientating. But that wasn't why his jaw at dropped.
It was the house… or rather manor in front of them.
They were outside a steel black gate that surrounded the entire property. The manor looked to be made of cobblestone with a navy-blue roof. There was a pathway up to the manor that was gravel.
Marcus didn't even pause to look at the scenery, he walked straight up to the door.
Harry quickly followed behind him, ignoring the fancy black spiral staircase by the entrance. He followed after Marcus, hallway after hallway. It felt like a maze. Did Marcus know what he was looking for? And why exactly why were they at this fancy house?
Marcus finally jerked himself to a stop.
Harry not paying attention, ran straight into him.
"Easy, Harry," Marcus smiled. "We're here."
"Here?"
Marcus turned to look at a portrait, it was of a woman.
She had dark black hair that curled around her face and reached past her shoulders. She was wearing satin green robes, embroidered with a crest. There was a black cloak hanging over her shoulders. She did not have one cruel look about her.
The name listed under the portrait said, Dorea Black.
"My dear grand-child," Dorea's voice was soft.
Harry just stared, "who are you?"
"I am Dorea Black, you sweet child."
"You said grand-child, what do you mean?" Harry wanted to know.
Her smile almost faded, "I am your grandmother, Harry. James was my son."
Harry's eyes welled up. Is this what Marcus meant by that he had more family?
"How are you here?"
"Charlus had agreed with me that we should have a portrait done for us a year before we died," Dorea explained.
"Charlus?" Harry asked.
Dorea looked pained at that, "my dear husband and James' father. I'm afraid he is wandering in another portrait. I know you will meet him one day."
Harry nodded.
"Now, as Marcus had informed me, you know nothing of your Lynx inheritance?" Dorea asked.
Harry shook his head.
Dorea's lips thinned, "then I shall educate you in your history."
Harry's eyes widened, a smile tugging at his lips.
"The Black line is very ancient and long. This has dated as far back as the Founders or farther. Certain bloodlines had been able to have a creature inheritance, but that has long died out except for a few family lines. Even those, it is rare to come across someone who has the ability. The bloodline has become tainted with impurity and inbreeding. I had never been so thankful I had married Charlus. James had been the first one in generations. It had not come out until he was sixteen. Charlus had been sick with worry after he had not found him in almost a week. But he still noticed food going missing."
Dorea had a sad smile when she said that last part.
Harry grinned; he could almost imagine that happening.
"For every wizard and witch, it is different when they come into their creature inheritance, Harry. Though it has been noted that it usually happens when their magic has matured. Yours has come too early, but from what I've heard, I am glad for it. I do not wish death on my only grandchild. But the creature has always been the same. A Lynx, a creature of great beauty and strength."
"But I can't turn back," Harry complained.
Dorea smiled, "I will tell you how, but first you must be patient."
Harry nodded.
"Not much is known about them according to others. Lynx are very isolated and territorial creatures. The first time the inheritance comes out, you essentially become your creature. The more you come into terms that you and the Lynx are separate but the same. Knowing this will allow you to go back and forth. Once you have, it is all about the will. You have to will the creature to come out. It will be hard at first, as it will be the first time of you doing it. But it comes more with ease the more control and will you have."
Harry looked relieved at that answer. So, it wasn't something to do with having something wrong with him. He had thought he would never be able to become Ezio again. It probably didn't matter now since he wasn't in the castle. And Flint was practically graduated from Hogwarts. But he figured there would be times that he would want to transform back. Being in feline form had been relaxing for him.
"With having a Lynx creature inheritance, it comes with its set of magical abilities. Some that do transform over while being human," Dorea started to say.
Harry looked interested at that. He already knew he had a healing ability. Did that mean that he had more abilities as a Lynx? The thought would have never crossed his mind.
"You will notice eventually that certain of your abilities will transform while you are in human form. One of them is your eyesight. Cats in general have good eyesight, especially in the dark. Lynx is no exception to that rule. Though there have been legends and rumors that you can see more than just a normal cat. The second one is enhanced listening. Cats already can hear at higher frequencies than people. May find that you can hear at further distances than before. The next enhanced ability is your equilibrium. Cats are known for being light on their feet and not falling over," Dorea said.
Harry had to blink at his grandmother several times. He hadn't realized that the normal abilities he had as Ezio would transfer back to him as Harry. He wondered how soon those abilities would transfer over. Or maybe they already had, and he never noticed it. Was he too used to those abilities as Ezio?
"What about abilities that only Ezio has?" Harry asked.
"Ezio?" Dorea asked.
Harry blushed, "it's my feline form."
Dorea grinned, "Ahh… that makes sense. So… Ezio has a few abilities of his own, besides just being a feline. First, the claws. They can be a deadly weapon if not used with care. If you so wished it, it can slice an enemy in half and have them bleed out. There would be no way to heal them…"
Harry looked at her in horror before glancing at Marcus. Did that mean he could have killed Marcus?
"Harry, dear, that can not happen unless you want their death. If you don't, it is only a normal cat scratch," Dorea comforted, having a good idea what he was thinking.
Harry sighed in relief.
"Next… Healing… a Lynx's tongue has healing properties that is practically unheard of. Though it can be quite exhausting as it uses part of the magic core. And then there is shape-shifting—"
"Wait… what?" Harry exclaimed.
Dorea laugh, "shape-shifting. But not into another person. It does require a lot of magic the first few times. But you can shift into another cat. Can be as unique as an Ozelot or Bengal or as common as a muggle housecat. But one thing I cannot do… is teach you to control your feline form. That you must do yourself, my child. The most I can do is tell you about it."
Harry gave a shaky nod. Was this what it felt like to have a loving parent?
"Will you be okay?" Marcus whispered in Harry's ear.
Marcus had stayed quiet for most of the duration of the visit. Knowing this trip was specifically for Harry. This was not meant for him. But that didn't mean he didn't care about Harry any less. Dare say it… he was worried.
Harry reached out and squeezed his hand.
Dorea gave a bright smile, "I'm glad you seemed to find happiness, my child…"
Harry gave an embarrassed smile but didn't let go, "thank you, Grandma-ma."
Of all the places that Harry expected himself to stay at. This was not on his list. And yet here he was, his hand grasping at Marcus' cloak.
Marcus sighed, though it was more out of fondness than annoyance.
"Harry, calm down… it's not the end of the world."
Harry frowned at him, "it just might be…"
Marcus snorted at his grumbling, "Harry, its just my parents. Plus, they have the best wards to offer. Not to mention the Fidelius Charm surrounds the property."
Harry still looked unsure about that, but some of the tension left his shoulders. He was still unsure about it, how was he supposed to stay hidden if more people knew. Not to mention it was a bit frightening to realize he was about to meet Marcus' parents. They had just barely kissed a few weeks ago… or had it been a month?
"It's still your parents… aren't you supposed to least wait a bit before meeting them?" Harry whined.
"Quite the opposite actually," Marcus remarked.
"Huh…"
"You are technically supposed to have both families together to ask permission to court," Marcus explained.
Harry's cheeks went hot, "ohh…"
Marcus gave a fond smile and kept dragging Harry along. He had already gotten the address from the secret keeper, his mother. She had been overjoyed to finally know that her son finally found someone.
Apparently, she and his father had been extremely worried that he wouldn't find anyone and would suffer a life of loneliness. But they couldn't dare to try to arrange a marriage contract. They had seen firsthand what kind of loveless life that could lead into, and they couldn't bear having their only son live that.
They had faced outrage for that, other pureblood families wanting to strengthen their alliances. But both Lady and Lord Flint had refused to budge on the matter. They would still occasionally have offers and each time a contract was owled to them, it was sent back… unsigned… and unopened.
Marcus opened the door and he could hear the almost inaudible gulp. He let his hand graze his back, as if in comfort, to let him know he was with him.
Harry tried to smile; he really did. He still appreciated Marcus' gesture all the same.
Marcus took the lead as he walked through the halls. He knew where his parents would be.
Now the Flint Manor wasn't nearly as extravagant as the Potter Manor. But that didn't mean it was dull in looks. There was a sleek hard wood floor as you walked through the door. The room next to it had a regal grey carpet and crème walls. The walls were littered with bookcases with two windows. A couch was placed near one of the bookcases and was the same crème color as the walls. There were several chairs spread out in the room, all facing a fireplace.
The room felt welcoming.
There were two people on the couch.
Marcus cleared his throat, "Mother… Father, I would like to introduce someone to you."
The woman, supposedly Marcus' mother, gave a tiny smile before standing. She had curly blonde hair that wrapped around her face. It reached her shoulders and she had a silver brooch pinned in her hair. The light seemed to glare off of it, it was quite stunning.
She was wearing silver robes to match with a black blouse underneath. The robes looked exquisite but didn't scream money.
"Harry Potter, an honor to meet the man that sole my son's heart," she greeted.
Harry's face heated up and shyly shook her hand.
"Its an honor to meet you too, ma'am."
Lady Flint laughed, "such courtesy…"
"You are a Gryffindor," Lord Flint stated.
"Yes…" Harry went nervous.
Lord Flint studied Harry for a good minute or two before he gave a nod of approval.
Harry almost sighed in relief.
"I never cared much for the house system, myself… but some things I can't teach my child unless he learns it for himself. I am glad to know he saw past those," Lord Flint said.
Harry bit his lip, nodding, "as am I, Sir."
Lord Flint waved him off, "no need to be so formal here, my son. You are a guest and intended of my only child and Heir."
Harry ducked his head in embarrassment.
"I do agree with my wife, it is an honor to meet you. Though I have heard stories…" Lord Flint raised an eyebrow.
"Perhaps for another time, dear?" Lady Flint reminded her husband.
Lord Flint actually looked embarrassed at that.
"As you know, you are most welcome here. Marcus has informed us of the safety requirements and his plan—"
"Plan?" Harry asked, turning his attention towards Marcus.
Lord Flint grinned, "that piece of information you will have to gather from my son. But I believe it will be one you will approve of."
Harry rolled his eyes; he should have known as much. He may have not spent as much time with Marcus as Harry. But he had spent enough time with him as Ezio to know him. But he found he wanted to spend more time with him as Harry.
Marcus just smirked at him, the smug git… But Harry couldn't help but feel a wave of affection for the Slytherin. Maybe this wouldn't be too bad?