Author: HatefulRodeo

Title: Love Sparks From The Dying Embers

Notes: Hola Dearies! Here's chapter three so enjoy the update! No warnings this time really so no worries there. ; )

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I will make no money from the posting of this story.

Previously;

It was something he could get used to; this feeling of being protected and cherished. This feeling was new and it came on so quickly; it was only their first real date but it felt right to the emerald eyed man. He liked what he knew of so far and while his usually sharp instincts failed him with Draco Harry also was aware he should not discount them.

And his instincts were screaming that Marcus Flint was a great guy with a few rough edges. But Harry saw no reason to want to polish them away; he liked Marcus' somewhat rough approach to things, even when trying to be suave or gallant. Both of them were a bit rough around the edges from their hard won life experiences. Marcus' showed with his closed off, cold facade while Harry's showed in his constant smiles and desire to please those he cared for.

Sighing in contented tiredness the raven just snuggled deeper into his blankets and allowed his eyelids to slip closed, a small smile gracing his pink lips as he slipped into sleep. Tonight may well be the start of something truly magical.

~*~*~*Chapter 3~*~*~*

Harry was greeted bright and early on the morning of Yule by a bouncing Hermione; who was also clamoring for one of Harry's gourmet breakfasts once they finished greeting the sun and opening gifts. The emerald eyed chef just smiled at his friend as he shooed Hermione out of the room so he could get dressed and cleaned up a bit before they could go outside to greet the sun.

Oh and Harry couldn't forget that his best friend could not wait to grill him about his and Marcus' first date. Not that Harry minded retelling of his wonderful night in New York City. Even on a few hours of stolen sleep the raven was feeling happy this Yule morning and he hoped this was sign that the next year would be the best one yet.

It seemed his happy go lucky perception was peeking through his general malaise and depression. Ever since Draco cheated on him Harry had his ups and downs; some days he felt like he could take on the world while others he just wanted to cry in bed all day and never step outside again. But now he felt reenergized and ready to take it all on again.

Marcus seemed to be good for him and if this was how he felt after one date with the man Harry was more than ready to enjoy more outings with the him. Together the two long-time friends stepped outside to stand on his patio while the sun crested the horizon, shining gorgeous fire colored light upon the two of them. Harry closed his eyes and let the sun's rays warm him and chase away a little of the morning chill. When he felt Mione's hand grasp his he squeezed his friend's hand tightly and smiled a small smile of thanks to Mother Magic.

He always had to remember that while he may have lost a few people he still had wonderful people left to share his time with. First and foremost was Hermione; his staunchest ally and friend. Then there was Lee and Hannah; the two best employees a man could want and several old school friends like Neville and Luna who while not as close to him anymore always sent an owl every now and again to check in on him.

And now Marcus was slowly worming his was into Harry's list of favored people and the emerald eyed man couldn't make himself stop the beginnings of care he felt blooming for the man. This felt like the beginning of a wonderful adventure and Harry was ready to take on the journey that he and Marcus may or may not be starting.

The gentle squeeze from, and pulling away of, Hermione's hand let him know that it was time to go back inside and open gifts before he got cracking in the kitchen. However, once he stepped back inside he got the shock of his life when he saw Marcus seated on his comfy leather sofa as if he belonged there all along.

Harry just gaped like a fish while Hermione elbowed him and advanced on Marcus' rising form; "Lord Flint, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Hermione Granger by the way just in case you've forgotten." Mione's voice broke Harry out of his trance and he squawked, rather highly; "What are you doing here, Marcus?"

The large man just smiled indulgently at the shorter raven haired male before shaking Mione's offered hand; "It's a pleasure Miss. Granger but please call me Marcus. If you're as important to my Harry as I think you are we should be on good terms; yes?" Hermione beamed; "Of course, Marcus but please call me Hermione or Mione if it suits you better."

Harry just stared at his best friend and potential lover making nice and felt a happy bubble rising in his chest. Marcus wanted to be close to his people, something Draco for all his suave ways never did. Harry always felt the blonde hated Hermione's influence on his life or how Harry never put Draco first. Oh he never ignored his former lover for Mione but if he had plans with his bushy haired mate he wouldn't cancel them for one of Draco's whims.

But Marcus, well Marcus, seemed genuinely interested in knowing Hermione but who could blame him? His Mione was a genius and a great person to call a friend; the loyalty and love she showed for her precious people was staggering and heartwarming. Yes, Marcus Flint, Lord or not, would be lucky to call Hermione Jean Granger his friend.

Then Marcus' words penetrated his happy haze; wait?! His Harry? The emerald eyes man didn't quite know how he felt about that title but again he couldn't find it in himself to care about the possessive words. As a matter of fact that happy bubble filled to bursting. Maybe he could finally find someone to belong to and with. While Harry was independent he loved to be cared for when he needed it and Marcus seemed to desire that place in the last Potter's life.

With a smile he stepped forward and pressed a kiss to Marcus' cheek, breaking into the conversation going on between Hermione and Marcus; "So what are you doing here, Marcus? Not that I mind but if I knew you were coming I would have had something ready for you to eat and drink." The flinty eyed man just smirked before pulling something out of his pocket and enlarging it; "I wanted to give you this and when you floo'd in last night your floo address was recorded so I figured I'd drop by for a visit."

Emerald eyes lit up at the sight of the box before they dimmed; "I'm grateful but I don't have anything to give you." The larger man just waved away his concerns; "Cook me breakfast and we are even." Harry smiled in happiness before waving the other two to sit down while he puttered into the kitchen to whip up some hot mint chocolate and plate some of the cookies he always had on hand; what he had a sweet tooth to rival anyone's and he wasn;t ashamed to admit it damn it.

Drinks and cookies ready he plodded back out to the living room and smiled again when he saw Mione and Marcus chatting about the magical areas of Russia; the places to go and the places to avoid. Harry just soaked in the cozy atmosphere and when he dropped off his burden of treats on the large wooden coffee table he stoked the fire before seating himself next to Marcus and squeaked a bit when he was drug over to lean into the large man's side.

With little protest the smaller raven resettled into a more comfy position against Marcus' strong side. Once they all sipped at their minty coco they began to open their gifts; Harry received a gift certificate to a restaurant supply store form Mione which he always loved to get since he always had a need for more supplies or updating old pots and pans.

In return he purchased Hermione a spa package at the Savoy in London; his friend really worked too hard and needed a day to relax and recuperate before her next big adventure took her away from England's shores. Marcus' gift to Harry was very thoughtful; several books on the popular travel destination within the magical and muggle world. It warmed Harry's heart that the man remembered their conversation from last night and the Potter's desire to finally travel the world.

With a beaming smile he placed a swift kiss on Marcus' lips and mumbled a shy thank you before he escaped to the kitchen to begin his breakfast prep; he wanted to go all out for his best friend and the man who was slowly becoming everything Harry could have ever wanted and needed in a partner. Hopefully, Mione wouldn't scare the large man off with her impending inquisition...maybe he should rescue the man?

Nope, if Marcus wanted Harry he needed to get past Hermione and if he did well then Harry would have to reward the man for his efforts later.

~*~*~*POV Change~*~*~*

Hermione watched her best friend flee to the kitchen with rosy cheeks before she turned to the mountain of a man in front of her, contemplating him closely. The man watched Harry with soft, nearly adoring eyes, as the small man left the room not to mention the healthy ogle he'd given her best friend's backside; not that she could blame Marcus Harry did have a rather cute bum.

Now to business, clearing her throat quietly she brought those grey eyes onto her and stared the powerful Lord down; "I will only give you this one warning Marcus Flint; if you hurt Harry I will bury you so far under the Earth they won't find you fifty years from now."

The man just nodded respectfully; "I can't promise to never hurt him, Hermione and I think you know that. I'm going to fuck up but I will never hurt Harry intentionally; that I can promise you. Harry is special; I knew it while we were in school together. He has an inner strength that pulls you in and he's caught me. Now that I have him I don't think I'll be letting him go."

"Hermione, I am not a fool. I know Harry's still hurting from Malfoy's betrayal but I want to take that away and show him that he can laugh and love again and I want him to do all that with me. I'm a possessive bastard with a tempter to rival a dragon's but I protect what's mine and if I have my way Harry Potter will be mine; my lover, my friend, my partner in life and the bearer to my future children."

"Now are we done with all this shite because I'm not usually one for sweet and sappy words?" Hermione smirked at the man, satisfied with his answers but she would watch and if there was one sign of him hurting Harry she would seal him in with the mummies and leave him there to rot. "Yes, I think we are done with all the sappy shite. Now, what is it exactly that you do other than being a Lord and member of the Wizengamot?"

Hermione was actually shocked that Marcus' family holding extended as far as they did but then again money was money so it wasn't a surprise that the Flint's invested or did business with muggle companies. But she really wanted to ask about the date and when Harry called them in for breakfast she decided it was time to see her friend blush like a ripe tomato; what she needed to get her kicks from somewhere, right?

Then again maybe she needed to get laid...well she would attend to the later but right now it was Yule and she would enjoy this time with her friend and Marcus before she left for her parents' tonight to celebrate the Christman hols that were just around the corner.

And we have our next chapter and next time we will have some mild slash to sate your cravings. I hope you enjoyed the latest update!

Cheers and As Always All Mistakes Are My Own!