Close Or Far From The Law

Chapter 10 : 9. Mentor & sponsor

Harry opened his eyes in the darkness of the hospital wing, not knowing why he was waking up. Peacefully, he did not move as he perceived something approaching in the shadows. Or rather someone. He slowly turned his head towards the person in question, seeing red eyes before seeing everything else. As Voldemort was dressed in black, he was expected to be difficult to see without light. The man came to sit at his bedside, his face frozen and Harry felt a slight anxiety rising within him. He held out his hand as valiantly as possible. She ended up between those of the black mage who however did not change his facial expression.

-I'm not angry with you.

Harry noticed how much his heart was beating faster as relief came back to him in waves. Well, that was all that mattered right now, that Voldemort wasn't angry... Harry was in no condition to stand up to protect his friends, even if he had wanted to. Madam Pomfrey, the nurse, had given him a potion to keep his muscles relaxed, which also explained why it had been so difficult for him to raise his hand. He offered a wan smile as Voldemort lit a single candle next to the bed, making it even easier to look from one side to the other.

-I told you I attract trouble.

-Effectively. But at this point, it's an achievement. Congratulations on your Patronus, you did really well, little lion.

Harry felt himself go pink with pleasure. Damn, the others had been impressed too but without him understanding why, the black mage's congratulations counted much more than those of the others. He wanted to hear this kind of thing again...

-Thank you… It's not dangerous for you to be here?

-She's sleeping soundly and Hogwarts won't report me. I come to take care of someone dear to me, she has no reason to chase me away.

Harry blushed a little more and squirmed slightly as Voldemort smiled. Hearing his former worst enemy say that he cared about him was so unbelievable. One of the man's hands came to rest in his hair to caress it and Harry half-closed his eyes under the well-being that invaded him. He realized that he had really missed it. He had wanted it before the match but it was now that he realized he was really becoming dependent on his touches. He sighed softly as a strand was arranged.

-For this time, I also forgive you for missing your lesson. You must be sad about losing but we both know it's not your talents that are being questioned.

-… It's true. Diggory came by, he asked to repeat the match but Mrs. Hooch won't hear anything. He had the Snitch and that was it.

-Know that I'd rather you be alive and well than catch that golden ball. Quidditch has never been a very interesting thing to me. Although watching you fly is definitely… exciting.

Harry saw that glint in Voldemort's eyes again. If at one time it had seemed indescribable to him, it seemed to him that little by little, something within him understood it. He swallowed, shaking his head, forcing himself to speak.

-Thank you for coming to see then…

-With pleasure, little lion.

Voldemort then raised his hand and placed a kiss on it. Harry thought he would burst into flames at the contact. He squirmed again on the bed, unsure of what to do with himself as the dark mage left the wooden chair to sit on the mattress nearby. Always closer. He closed his eyes sharply when the man leaned over him and kissed his forehead, an indistinct sound escaped him and he shivered with he knew not what while his scar tingled with pleasure. Voldemort easily pulled him onto his lap and wrapped his arms around him. With his head against his protector's shoulder, Harry still feared that they would be surprised, an idea which disappeared from his mind when Voldemort resumed his kisses on his forehead. No need for a potion to relax him anymore, Harry couldn't have been more languid as the older man continued his gentle touches. He easily followed the path of his mentor's hands or lips, it seemed to burn but it was a good burn, the kind he had hoped for, one had to believe since he gave in so easily to the embrace.