Chapter 14: The End of Our Beginning

(Harry's P.O.V)

My first assumption was that Marvolo wanted to rethink his threat and go forth with a punishment for my harming. I was embarrassed that I felt so ashamed for making him angry. I came to him as an empty and weak boy, it was his idea to try and shape me. Although, he planned to fill me with something other than hope or strength or some shit like that. It's been no time at all, but I want to please him. That's why I hurt myself when I did wrong, I wanted to be who he had made me because I couldn't be anyone else. I wasn't the 'boy-who-lived' anymore and I had no strength to be anyone else. I didn't have the strength to be his sexual plaything without his support. And the makeover certainly wasn't a bad thing, it was an added bonus that I would enjoy any time with him naked or touching his handsome face. I find myself often thinking of him fondly. Or thinking of a future we could have. Maybe I could fall-

My thoughts paused as I entered a large hall lined with people. At the far end was a throne of black marble-like stone, with Marvolo perched like a God among disciples, and Bill Weasley glaring at his relaxed demeanour. He advanced on me the instant he saw me, checking for injuries and shaking me furiously. He called me crazy for thinking this was my only option, being a slave to satisfy the sexual needs of a murderous madman was a fate worse than death. I had friends, and while he wasn't my brother by blood he was my family. Like Molly and Arthur, regardless of how Ron reacted at first. He wanted to convince me there were other things to live for, that if I was willing to go home he'd stop at nothing to save me.

"What is there Bill?" I frowned, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "What else is out there for me that can bring me the slightest happiness? With my father-figure dead and my friends estranged."

"You're young Harry, but you can have everything in time. Comfort, family...Love."

I shook. There was no love out there for me. There were adoration and obsession over the Chosen One, but I couldn't be that boy anymore. Nobody just loved me for me. Everything that came next felt like it happened in slow-motion, but I couldn't understand any of it. Bill's hand rose to my face, gentle when I expected pain, and drew my face to him. His lips brushed mine softly, like I was made from glass, precious but also fragile. He poured affection into me, real and unknown feelings that spread like warmth. It was good, but it was different. And given the choices I was offered, it was Marvolo's kiss I treasured.

In a moment, Bill was held back by Death Eaters, their lord's face no longer smug and relaxed. His eyes fell on me in distaste, Bill calling out his confession became background noise. His voice rang in my mind 'looked like you rather enjoyed that'. His tone, meant to scare me, only made me smile. Jealously was a hint to some feeling hidden inside that meant I was valuable to him. I made my way to him, up the step where his throne peered down from its podium and took his face in mine. 'It is your kiss that matters more.' I welcomed his commanding tongue, allowing him to make his show of my allegiance for Bill. I felt like Percy, drawn to the darkness by my heart and too tangled to want freedom.

"I believe Harry has proved what he thinks of your love. Run back to that Veela girl you've been courting, perhaps you'll find better luck there."

Bill's face was contorted in rage and pain, fighting against the men who restrained him when they started wrestling him to the door. His eyes darted around, looking for help or inspiration to escape his situation. And found Percy saddled up by Fenrir.

"Percy? What are you doing?"

His younger brother looked uncomfortable, sliding closer to Greyback for support. His explanation was simple. He had the same sort of choice as I did, and he was following his heart. I grinned at him encouragingly as Bill was dragged from the room screaming about insanity. Marvolo pressed his lips to my ear and grabbed wrist with bruising force. I didn't flinch or pull away. I let him feel his anger.

"I'm going to take my young man for a quick word," he hissed.

He intended to drag me away, but I went willingly with him. He didn't resist being led up the stairs or being pressed into the bedroom wall by my throat. I wasn't afraid of his anger, I was confused. I'd rejected Bill. I'd kissed him and let him make a show of me to a heartbroken Bill. So why was he mad at me?

"What about the situation downstairs was amusing to you?" He glared, "I don't think someone who disliked being kissed would smile."

Stupidly, a small smile stretched my lips. "I'm sorry, that wasn't what it meant. You were jealous, almost worried I liked him kissing me. And I did, Bill's a good kisser and I felt what he felt in a simple kiss. But I couldn't focus on anything but that you have feelings for me. I don't really know what they are, and I don't think you do either, but I'm more than a toy to you. That kind of respect for me, it was what has really been holding me back all this time. But I matter to you, show me how much I matter. Make me yours properly."

Marvolo showed no surprise, but I knew he felt it. I was worried for a moment that I was wrong. But then he smiled. He kissed me like never before, like how Bill had but for some reason better. I felt how right I was, he poured his affection for me into each brush of his lips, or slide of his tongue, or caress of his fingers. He was gentle and slow as he removed my clothes and kissed my exposed skin.

"I will make you mine forever. Trust me, I'll live that long. And I'll be sure you do as well. Now get on the bed, sweet thing, let me show you how I feel."