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Harry was just trying to run errands. That was how this whole ordeal had started. Kreacher suggested he get out of the house for a bit and socialize. Or just simply get out of the house elf’s way more like. He had been driving the old elf crazy the past year. After the war, he tried to get back to normal. Dating the girl, going back to school, graduating, getting ready for the rest of his life. Then, once the dust settled and things finally began to calm down, that was when it had all finally sunk in. He had killed, he had fought, he had survived. When so many others hadn’t. Survivor’s guilt. The nightmares came next, then the panic attacks. A simple touch on the shoulder turned into him screaming or lashing out with both hands and magic. Unable to sometimes tell current from memory.
It wasn’t a surprise when Ginny left. Unable to handle his outbursts and nightmares. He wasn’t the hero she imagined she would marry. It was when he realized she only loved the idea of him. He had only loved the idea of her. The expectation of what others had wanted. It all came crashing down into a bottle for him to realize he didn’t even know who he was past the war. Past the boy who lived, the savior, the golden lion. Titles. He was nothing but a pile of titles with no real leg to stand on. So he did anything he could to make the nightmares stop, for the pain to stop. If it meant drowning in a bottle, he did it. Potions to sleep, potions to not dream, potions to function and whiskey to drink it all down. He had lived like that for months.
It took Kreacher vanishing everything and locking him in a room to detox and come back to himself. The elf with him every step of the way. Through the crying, screaming, throwing up. That damn elf stayed with him. The two had developed a strange relationship that went beyond wizard and house elf. They were all each other had at the time, and so, this was how it would be. Now though, after a year in recovery, his house elf was insistent that he begin to get out in the world more. He just had to remember to keep breathing. Keep walking. Focus on the task and then go back home. Try to be polite.
He shrugged his coat a bit more onto his shoulder and turned the corner to head towards the bookstore. Just a book. He could do that. Pick one, buy it, then head home. Keep to the task. Stay calm. Be polite. Don’t draw attention.
“Harry Potter!” A hand grabbed at his arm and his magic lashed out.
“Please don’t touch me.” The words off his lips as he told himself to be polite, stay calm. His thoughts started to spiral.
The woman raised her hands and smiled at him, “Oh, I’m sorry. It’s just, I never thought I would get to meet you. Can I get your autograph?”
He shook his head, “Uh, no.”
“It’s just a signature.” She stepped into his personal space and he took a step back. His shoulders brushing the brick of the building he was trying to get to.
“I said no. Please step back.”
“I just want an autograph.” She sniped and went to touch him again.
“I said stop! Don’t touch me!” His magic lashed out in his panic and he fought mentally. His thoughts spiraling further into the dark space were his darker memories laid. She smelled clean, too clean. Like bleach and chemicals. Then the coppery scent of blood invaded his senses and he curled into himself, his breath hiccuping, heart pounding in his ears. He could hear people talking around him but he couldn’t hear a word. Just the erratic beating in his ears, the high pitch whine making his head feel like it was going to split open.
Then the outside sounds stopped and he felt something fall over his head and shoulders. It felt like a cloak and it was cool, not hot. He felt like someone was in front of him but he couldn’t see them through the cloak.
A warm voice gently filtered through the pounding in his ears, “It is Monday, you are on Hawthorn Alley. You are safe.” The words were repeated every few beats, a steady intake of information. His mind latched onto it. Focused on it.
Slowly his breath began to get under control. The pounding in his ears lessened bit by bit until he felt his body relaxing under the dark cool cloak. He didn’t know who this was, but it was helping. It took several more minutes for him to slowly move the cloak enough to look out from under it. He could see people around him but they were blurry and walking past like they didn’t see him and the man in front of him. Green eyes scanned around him once more before looking at him.
He was an older gentleman but by no means past his prime. He had one of those faces that was timeless, anywhere between twenties to forties easily. Warm brown skin and calm amber eyes. Tall and lithe, black braids falling about his shoulders. He gave a soft smile, “You alright?”
Harry nodded and slowly shifted to sit down on the ground more comfortably. He didn’t trust himself to not snap again yet. The other had set up a privacy barrier and he was taking advantage of it, “Yeah, thanks.”
His smile widened, “Good. You are welcome. Take your time, do not rush yourself.”
He nodded and flushed with embarrassment. “How did you know what to do?”
The man looked at him closely before responding, “My brother, I am Gideon.”
Green eyes closed, “Harry.”
“Yes, that woman was not quiet when she shouted your name. I found her rather rude. You had every right to defend yourself. She has already left.”
“Did I hurt her?”
Gideon watched him carefully, “No more than you had to. She will not even have a scar.”
He nodded and wrapped his arms around his knees.
Amber eyes watched him before nodding at his socks, “Nice socks by the way.”
Harry’s eyes widened as he glanced down at the mismatched socks. A smile blooming across his face, “It’s a tradition.”
“I bet it has a nice story attached to it.”
“Yeah, it does. Sad, but nice.” Like so many things in his life. He cleared his throat before standing. Feeling steadier on his feet. “Thanks again.” Carefully holding up the cloak.
Gideon stood with him and carefully took it making sure not to make physical contact. “You are welcome. Here, a gift.” He held out his hand and nestled in his palm was a red and black marbled stone, oval shaped and smoothed shiny. “It is a palm stone, made of Rhodonite. When you need, simply rub on it. My brother says that it helps. Perhaps it will help you as well.”
“Thank you.” He murmured softly and gripped the stone tightly. It was cool against his palm and gave his fingers something to rub on and feel a bit better about everything. He still felt like he was teetering on the edge but he was feeling better. It was progress.
Gideon looked at him with a calm expression, “Would you like me to walk you home?”
Harry thought about it, he had every right to go home, but part of him wanted to complete the task. To go to the bookstore, get a book. Finish the mission, “I was going to the bookstore. I wanted to get a book.”
The man nodded, “That sounds like a great goal. Would you like company or are you alright to go alone?”
Green eyes thought of it, this person seemed calm and it helped soothe his frazzled nerves, but he didn’t want to bother him or take up his time. He felt himself biting at his bottom lip, the small burst of pain helping him stay concentrated on the task.
Gideon seemed to notice his hesitance, “I was heading that way myself actually. So it would not be a bother. If anything, I would enjoy the company.”
Harry looked up and finally gave a small smile, “Okay, I would like that.”
The man smiled at him and waited for Harry to tell him he was ready before lowering the privacy ward and together they walked toward the bookshop. He had almost made it before. When they were in the bookstore Harry thanked him softly before breaking off to go to the section of books he was looking for. A new cookbook. Kretcher liked it when he got new cookbooks with things to try and he wanted to get the elf a gift. He found one he didnt recognize and smiled tucking it under his arm, his free hand working the calming stone as he tried to ignore the occasional looks that came his way. He just wanted to get back home now. He had succeeded in getting here and finding a book.
He stepped up to the counter and found the man from earlier standing at the register, “Oh… uhm hi.”
He smiled softly, “Hello again. Don’t worry, I own the place, even if I had been late my workers wouldn’t have minded. Is that the book you want?”
Harry nodded, blushing and setting it down. He noticed a younger man behind the counter as well, he had thick headphones over his ears and seemed to be focussing on organizing bookmarks. “Yes please.”
Gideon nodded and rang it up, “That is my brother, he likes to help but he can get overwhelmed with the crowds so he tends to help more in the back.”
“He seems really sweet.”
“He is.” then finished ringing him up, “Two sickles and I really hope you come by again soon.”
Harry smiled and nodded before quickly ducking out of the shop and heading to home faster than he expected finding himself home before anything else could go wrong.
Kreature was there to meet him smiling softly, “Master, was everything okay?”
He nodded and slowly handed the book over, “For you.”
The elf gasped and took it gently before looking at the young wizard and taking his hand gently, “I have food for you. Good hot chocolate.”
Harry smiled and held his hand as they walked into the home and settled in for the night. He had done something today, and even though there had been a moment he felt like everything was going wrong, in the end it turned out alright. He was alright. He could do this.
----
After that day Harry had made it a habit to go to the bookstore once a week. It started out with quick in and out visits. Slowly it turned into him sitting in the reading area for a little bit. Slowly working himself into longer and longer outings. Then it became him just coming to talk to the owner or his little brother, who wasn’t much for strangers but they had found they liked the same quiet reading time.
Months had passed and now he could stay there for a few hours without being too overwhelmed. Sitting next to Noah as he read his books or organized bookmarks helped him stay calm.
“He likes you.. My brother.” The young man rocking in place as he fidgetted with his bookmarks.
Green eyes widened and he flushed, “He does?”
The younger nodded and smiled at him, “He does. You should ask him. He likes fish.”
Harry smiled and nodded, “Thank you.” the two fell back into silence and when Harry felt like he had been there long enough he stood up with the two books he was going to get and walked over to the front of the shop. He flushed as he looked to Gideon, “Just these two today.”
“You alright Harry? You looked flushed.” The concern something Harry was still not used to seeing towards him.
He nodded, “Yeah, just nervous.”
“About what? Do you need help with something?”
Harry shook his head, “No, nothing like that. I was just… would you like to maybe go to dinner with me?”
Gideon stopped, his eyes widening, the pearl color seemed to glow in the soft light before the man gave a warm happy smile, “I would be honored. May I pick you up tonight?”
He nodded and gripped the books close to his chest as he set the money on the counter, “I’m at 12 Grimmauld Place.”
Gideon nodded and met the green eyes, “I will see you at seven Harry.”
He nodded and flushed deeper before darting out of the store his nerves on fire as he let it process what he had done. A date… it had been so long since he had really been on a date. He and Ginny had never really gone on one, not after the war, his trauma too fresh and real. When he made it home he pressed his back against the door and slowly slid down till he was sitting on the floor.
Kreature came over cautiously and settled a hand on his knee. Waiting for the other to speak calmly.
“I asked him out… I have a date. I actually have a date.”
The elf smiled happily and patted his knee, “Then we should get you looking nice.” The elf seemed happy that he was working his way out of his shell bit by bit. Coaxing him off the floor and into the bathroom before deciding to help him get dressed into a nice pair of slacks and a button up green shirt. He forewent a jacket and got him settled into a pair of good boots. “So proud of my master.”
Harry flushed, “I haven’t really been on a date in a long time.”
“You will be fines. Is this a good man, yes?”
“Yeah.”
Harry took a few deep breaths and checked himself over one last time just as knock showed on the door. He let Kreature get the door and the elf smiled at the man happily, “You be Master’s date. Please come in.”
Gideon smiled at the elf and stepped in, he was dressed in a deep maroon suit with soft black accents and when he saw Harry he smiled brighter and held out his hand a bouquet of tiger lilies in his hands, “Harry, I am glad you have given me the honor of a date tonight.”
The younger man took the flowers and held them close, “thank you, these are lovely.”
The elf took them, “I put these in vase, you go Master. Be home by midnights! No alcohols.”
Harry flushed, “I won't, I promise Kreature thank you.” Then looked at Gideon, “Sorry, I am trying to stay sober. I had a bit of a rough spot.”
He shook his head, “You don’t need to explain it to me. I harbor no judgement. I think you are very strong.” Harry tucked his arm into the others and the two stepped out into the street and walked down the way. Luckily his home was close to a lot of good places and Gideon took them to a small family owned restaurant. The food was delicious and the atmosphere calming with few people there on a Tuesday night. Once done the two walked back to Harry’s place and Harry invited him in for a cup of tea.
Once they were sat down in the living room Harry with a cup of hot chocolate while the other had a cup of Earl Grey.
Gideon smiled softly, "Tonight was lovely Harry. Thank you so much for asking me.”
“Thank you for accepting.”
The calm pearl eyes watched him and slowly set his tea to the side and took Harry’s mug setting it on the table as well, “Harry, I know this is forward, but may I kiss you?”
Green eyes widened and he could feel the heat creeping up his neck and cheeks as he nodded, “It’s not forward at all.”
The man smiled and gently settled a hand against the other’s pale face before leaning close and sealing his lips over the chapped ones. Warmth spread across them as the kiss slowly deepened. Harry reached to press his hands against the other’s chest as a warm arm wrapped around his waist drawing him closer.
The kiss deepened further as the heat worked its way through both of them, the push and pull on their magic mingling together in an intoxicating swirl. Slowly Gideon pulled back and kissed his forehead, “We should stop. I don’t want to overwhelm you.”
Something in Harry ached at the idea of stopping, “Don’t you dare stop.”
pearl eyes widened as he looked down at his younger companion, “Harry, if we continue. I don’t know if I can stop.”
Harry pulled him in for another kiss, “Please.”
Gideon’s eyes closed and he chuckled, “Only if you agree to be mine.”
Harry’s eyes widened, “Yours?”
“Yes, mine. I am afraid I don’t share. Won't you be mine Harry?” The pearly eyes seemed to glitter with color and Harry watched as the pupil seemed to shrink to a pinprick as the eyes looked at him intently.
“Yes.”
Gideon gave a smile so large it felt like his face would crack as he pulled Harry to him kissing him again, deeper this time as quick fingers rid them both of their upper clothing. Harry was lifted up and Gideon carried Harry up the stairs and through the house until they were falling onto Harry’s bed.
The younger wizard lost in the kiss, broke it off and looked around a bit startled, “How did you know where my room was?”
The older man tapped his nose before leaning down and kissed him again before leaning back to look down at him, “I won’t take you tonight, but I do want to show you pleasure. May I, Harry?”
Emerald eyes widened and slowly he nodded, “Yes, please.”
Gideon shivered and leaned down slowly working the other’s zipper down to reveal the other to them both. The younger one whined softly and gripped the covers. The pearly eyes seemed to lose all pupils and sclera as the color consumed them completely. White scales dotted across the warm brown skin shimmering softly in the light as he opened his mouth, a long thin forked tongue wrapping about the head tickling it gently.
Harry moaned and fell back, he had no idea the other wasn’t a normal wizard but he trusted him, something told him he could trust the other with everything as the pleasure slowly built up in his lower stomach. The aching throb of pleasure as the other worked the tongue over the slit of his cock before wrapping his lips around him and taking him in one go. The wet heat made him cry out as his fingers found the long dark braids.
Fingers tangling in them and around something hard, warm, and smooth. His eyes opened and he stared at the beautiful man over him, White scales speckled across his form, opal white horns curled back along his skull white wings spread out behind him as he bobbed his head. Harry panted, his head falling back as the other took him to the heights of pleasure.
His hands gripped braids and horns as the wet heat encircled and sucked him down deeper. He whined warm hands gripping his hips to draw him closer and closer. His hips jerked with the urge to move and the deep rumbling sound pushed him over the edge.
Gideon swallowed him down before sitting back, licking at his lips sharp fangs replacing human teeth and he gave a purring sigh pulling them into a cuddle, nuzzling into the pale neck, “You taste sweet.”
Harry curled into the warmth and let his body slowly come down from the high, “So.” His voice was rough, “not human?”
The man laughed before pulling him closer and nuzzling him, “No, my brother and I are not human. You are taking it well.”
Harry shrugged, “Don’t care, you're nice to me. I like you, that's all that matters.”
A warm smile and a kiss to his temple, “You are precious. My beautiful treasure.”
Green eyes closed as he let himself drift in the pleasure.