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Beta:50ftqueenie
Brit picker: purpledodah


Harry sighed and stretched, he needed to get up but his bed was so warm and soft, he hated to. He forced himself to get up, grumbling just a bit. He needed to run but it was raining.

“Harry? Are you getting up?” Johnny stuck his head in the door, grinning.

“Yeah, yeah, I'm up. It's cold. We going to run?”

Johnny shook his head. “Not me, it's raining too hard. And it looks like it's going to turn into sleet again. Bleh!” Johnny shuddered dramatically. “I don't want pneumonia and you don't need it either. You should take a taxi for once. Maybe Liu-sefu will let you run in the dojo.”

Harry stripped off his pajamas and rummaged for clean clothing. He'd just done laundry so there was plenty to chose from, he dragged on a pair of jeans and his favorite Silly Wizard t-shirt. “I'll ask, but it won't hurt me to skip once in a while. I'll get plenty of exercise at the dojo. Liu-sifu is teaching me advanced techniques as fast as he can shove the knowledge into my head. Is there any tea made?”

Johnny got out of the door so Harry could get to the kitchen. “Yeah, Frankie got up to make it. He's so proud of you. You danced so well. And If I don't shut up right now I'll start blubbering. My little Harry, all grown up. I'm so proud of you.”

Harry grinned, Johnny's mix of teasing and serious made him feel so good. “Glad you liked it. I guess Waldo is out of a bar helper, isn't he?”

Frankie chimed in, handing Harry a cup of tea. “You bet. I counted all the tips while you were getting ready to come home. You got almost a hundred pounds. That's more than respectable for a first time dancer. I want you to get a better costume for your second set though. Here's some porridge. I know you don't want a big breakfast but you should eat something, trying to meditate with your stomach growling isn't a good idea. Liu-sifu will think I starve you. And speaking of him, will you tell him that I'm ready to resume my private lessons? He always makes me take at least a month off after getting a rank. He says it pays to come in with a fresh mind.”

Harry nodded around a mouth full of porridge and milk. He swallowed and said, “I'll tell him. I wondered why you weren't around the dojo but I never thought to ask when I got an opportunity, I was usually occupied with other things. And I don't like my second costume either. It's a hodge-podge, but Colin was a bit under the gun, you know. I wasn't expecting to do two shows. As to the money, you should keep that. In fact, keep all my tips until my costumes are paid for. And ... budget. We were going to do another, but we somehow managed to never get to it.”

Frankie nodded. “We got to it. That first one ...”

Harry shook his head. “No, remember? We were going to do another because I got a raise when I went on the bar. And now I've got another, plus tips. So we need to do another budget. I'd like to pay one third of the expenses of the place. I'm living here after all. And I want to save as much as I can. So, Frankie? Would you just make me one out, then explain it when I get back tonight? I'm going to be running all day. I have my session with Liu-sifu, then I want to paint, I need to finish that book. Then I need to rehearse, the light guy wants to do something, he was telling me so before I went on. And I need to talk to Mac. Then I have two performances to do and I'm not going to get any revising done today. Where the hell did my day go?” Harry glanced at the clock and yelped. “Damn! I'm going to be late, I have to call a taxi, and by the time it gets here...” A honk outside made him grin. “That's for me. Thanks a bunch. Bye!” and Harry was out the door.

Frankie sighed a bit then turned to Johnny. “He's going to be ok. I was worried about him for a while, he was so hesitant, so afraid. Now he's a solid young man. He's got a huge heart, ready to love anyone who shows him some affection. I just hope that doesn't betray him. But we'll see.”

Johnny nodded. “Yeah, but his head is screwed on straight. I don't think he'll be deceived for long enough for it to do him much damage. He's so loving, I don't see how anyone could abuse him. If you give him just a least bit of caring and respect, his loyalty kicks in and he's like a bulldog then. Case in point, that Dobby. He's the strangest thing I've ever seen but Harry treats him like there's nothing wrong with him.”

“Well, there isn't.”

“Oh, please, he's nutty as they come. Harmless but very strange. Harry treats him like he's normal. Almost any other kid his age would poke him with a stick and you know it.”

Frankie's disgusted expression told it all. “You're right. But not our Harry, bless him, he just lets the little guy have his way. Makes me proud of him.” Frankie glanced at the clock too. “We better get going ourselves, we've got a liquor order to put in. Bottle counting. What fun.”

.

Harry handed the cabbie his fare over the back of the seat and scrambled out. It had started sleeting on the drive over. The dojo was warm and Harry was glad to be inside.

“Good day, deshi. Hurry and get changed, I want to get in as much time as possible today. I'll have you meditate first. Then throwing pins, kata, and Tai Chi. I want you to learn all that you can about herbs too. So you'll be spending some time in the shop, helping me to mix some tisanes for a few of my customers. Get started.”

Harry bowed and hurried to change into his gi. He returned to the dojo proper and settled on a zafu to start his meditation. He wondered for a moment what he should meditate on then smiled, he'd meditate on Occlumency. He'd never managed to get it but, with the new techniques he'd learned, he thought he might manage. So he meditated on how to shield himself from Legilimency. When Liu-sifu softly called his name, he was surprised.

“Oh, sorry. I was really into it. I'm ready.”

“Take a moment to orient yourself. We'll work on throwing pins. I've decided that, in order to allow you to protect yourself most efficiently, you need to concentrate on one weapon at a time. Come along, I've set up a better target in the basement.”

Harry trotted along behind his teacher, going into a part of the dojo he'd never seen before. As they went Mr. Liu told Harry that he'd heard about his dancing. He complimented Harry on his performance and how quickly he'd learned his routine. Harry thanked him, wondering a bit at how he knew so much but he dismissed it with a shrug. His teacher always seemed to know all sorts of things.

Liu-sifu had set up a table, a target and a backboard. Harry examined the pins on the table and realized that they were about half the size of the ones Harry had used the day before. He raised an eyebrow at his teacher. Liu-sifu smiled and handed Harry a pin.

“This is a good size. It's easy to hide, throws well and you can carry several of them. Here, give it a try.”

Harry took his stance and threw the pin. He actually found the smaller pin easier to throw. He hit the target right in the 10 ring. He wondered if Liu-sifu was going to make him do kata, then throw, like the last few lessons. He asked but Liu-sifu shook his head. “You proved to me that you have enough stamina to be able to throw under stress and you don't lose your head. You need more practice in hitting your target than you do in anything else. Also, I want you to concentrate on your new kata. It's the most advanced and then we'll go into actual combat. I don't like it that you didn't tell me you were in real danger sooner. You need a lot of work to learn to apply what you've learned in the kata to actual combat.”

Harry sighed. “I've been in battle before. I think I can figure some of it out on my own. I'd like to develop a personal style, it's better if your moves are intuitive.” He returned to throwing, never noticing the stunned expression Liu-sifu swiftly hid. He was astonished at Harry's admission and impressed with his wisdom. He was also very worried, who would allow a 16 year old into combat in this day and age?

Harry completed the round of pins and went to pull them out of the target. On the way back to the table, he examined one of the pins again. It was a simple thing, an elongated oval of mild steel, sharp at both ends. Several ridges in the middle allowed a slip proof grip and aided in lightening it's weight. Harry fingered one for a moment then smiled, it would be fairly easy to transform from almost any piece of soft steel.

“What is it Harry?” Liu-sifu asked. “Are you ok?”

Harry, pulled out of his contemplation, smiled at his teacher. “Yes, I'm fine. I was just looking at these. They're not that hard to make, are they?”

“Not at all. You can get a really good set almost anywhere. I'll get you some the next time I go by the shop.”

“No, thank you for the offer, but I know a place I can get a bunch for next to nothing. And perfectly balanced for me at at that.”

“Good, good. Some place Frankie knows?”

Harry just shrugged noncommittally and went back to his exercise. The Sifu just kept his thoughts to himself, after all, such things were a bit frowned upon by law enforcement.

Harry completed his workout with a run-through of all his kata and then spent the rest of their magically extended time together learning his new kata. By the time Liu-sifu called a halt to their workout he was sweating and weary.

“You did well. I'm very pleased, you know where your extremities are. Many students really have no idea where their hands and feet are at any given time. Your dancing has even helped you improve in several areas. Go take a shower, clean the shower rooms then polish the floor. If you need another shower after you're finished cleaning, take one. Then, I want you in the shop. I'll call Frankie and tell him you won't be home until one or later. It'll take that long to compound the herbals for my patients.”

Harry just nodded and hurried away. He wanted to ask Dobby something as quickly as he could.

All he had to do was call Dobby's name to have him pop in. “Dobby is here, Sir. You is wanting something?”

“Yes. Talk to me while I take a shower. I need to ask you some questions.”

Dobby just followed Harry into the showers, bringing his clean clothing, towels and kit with him.

Harry turned on the water in one stall, when it was right he stepped into it without self- consciousness, working in a BDSM club would break even the shyest person of that quickly.

“Dobby, you've seen the throwing pins? I need to know if I can learn to transfigure them out of something. I have an idea, but I'm not sure how to make it work.”

“If you is transfiguring them out of steel it is easy to do. If you is wanting to transfigure them out of something not metal, it could be much harder.”

Harry paused in shampooing his hair and thought for a second. “What if I just wanted to make them out of mild steel. I could ... hmmm. First, can you teach me.”

“Yes, it is easy to change the shape of stuff. We did that already. Harry Potter, sir did very well.”

“Thanks. What I was thinking was... I could wear bracelets of steel, you know, those cut steel things that are all the rage right now. That would give me the raw materials to make pins out of and no one would suspect that I was armed. Because I wouldn't be, unless I needed pins. What do you think?”

Dobby thought, tugging on one ear. “Dobby can teach. This is easy. Like spoons into forks. Harry Potter, sir, should have one example to compare his work to. To make sure you is doing it right.”

Harry rinsed his hair out and took a towel from Dobby, thanking him softly. “Ok, I can just get one of the pins I was working with just now. I like the balance and the size.” Harry jumped a bit at the pop of Dobby going to get him one of the pins. He returned within a second.

“Here. Dobby also got some steel.”

Harry accepted the pin and the old piece of chain. Dobby showed him how to transfigure the piece of chain into two broad steel bracelets, cut in intricate patterns. The were actually quite pretty. Then Dobby examined the pin, showed Harry how to make one and told him firmly, “You is practicing transfiguring bracelets to pins and back. Dobby is cleaning the locker rooms.” Harry started to say something but Dobby interrupted him firmly. “You is not arguing. You is practicing. Hush now.” Harry sighed and started practicing. He was going to spend the rest of the day practicing one thing or another.

It didn't take him long to get the knack of creating a pin from one of his bracelets. It took him a bit longer to figure out how to create the pin and throw it. He grumbled as he realized that the bracelets he'd created from the chain would only make about four pins each, he was going to have to make much heavier bracelets if he wanted real armament.

“Dobby? I need more steel, these bracelets aren't big enough to provide me with a reasonable number of pins.”

Dobby just nodded, snapped his fingers and popped out. He returned in only a few minutes with another bit of chain, this time it was quite a bit longer. Harry took it with thanks and transfigured it into a thicker set of bracelets, adding that metal to what he already had. He eyed the results and nodded.

“What do you think? They look ok?”

Dobby nodded. “They is very nice. Sparkly. If you is wanting, Dobby could teach you a few designs that house elves use. They is not so noticeable.”

Harry grinned at Dobby. “I'm glad to learn anything you want to teach me. What do I do first?”

So Dobby taught Harry several spells that elves used to hide things in plain sight and a spell to make the finish on the bracelets dull, to encourage the eye to slide away from them.

Harry glanced up from his practicing and scowled, time was getting away from him. “Dobby, is the cleaning done? I hate to dump it off on you, but I need the extra time. I wish you would teach me the time spell. Hermione had a time turner [third year?] Yes time turner was year 3 but it caused more trouble than it was worth, she was really tired all the time.”

Dobby nodded. “And that is why we do not let wizards know about our time spell. They use it too much and get sick. You is pushing the limits now. Dobby will not let Harry Potter make himself sick. Go to Master Liu-sifu sir, he is waiting for you. The tasks is all done. Dobby was just waiting for Harry Potter to finish his practice.”

Harry thanked Dobby and left for the shop.

~~

Liu-sifu looked up from his work behind the counter and smiled. “Glad you got done so quickly. You didn't skimp, I know that, but I hope you didn't wear yourself out either.”

Harry shook his head, took the cover-up his teacher handed him and said, “No, I just gave a few hidden places a lick and a promise. I'll do them really well next time. I hope you don't mind.” It wasn't exactly a lie, nor was it entirely the truth, Harry still felt bad about it though.

“That's alright. Here, this is white willow bark, I need you to grind it very finely.”

Harry took the dry, gray, fibrous stuff and set it at the work station Liu-sifu pointed to. He took down the heavy brass mortar and found the pestle right beside it. He pulled some of the bark into shreds and started to grind it, careful not to allow the dust to drift out of the mortar.

It didn't take Harry long to finish his job.

“Here you are. Is it fine enough?”

Liu eyed the fine powder with a pleased expression. “Yes, very good. Do you know what it's good for?”

Harry shook his head. “No, not really. It's good for ... headaches?”

“That's right. It's also good for muscle aches and pains. It's the forerunner of modern aspirin.”

Harry nodded. “I see. What next?”

“Next I need you to mix these, grind them into a fine tea, and package them in a spill. I'll show you how to make one as soon as you're done with the first part of the task.”

Harry took the three file cards and put them to the side of his station. Each formula had one or two of the same ingredients but Harry knew better than to try to grind the ingredient then divide it up, for some reason that never worked well.

As he carefully measured out the different herbs and roots, he examined each one, smelling it and tasting it. Liu watched him, noting that he made a face over one.

“Something wrong?”

Harry looked at the bit of plant matter in his hand again. “I'm not sure. It ... doesn't seem quite right.”

Liu glanced at it. “That seems a bit stale, let me see it.” He took the plant from Harry's hand and smelled it. “It is. Just a bit, but put it aside and take another piece. That was very good work.”

Harry smiled happily. “What is licorice root good for? And Ginger?”

“Ginger for digestive troubles, fever and to make you sweat out poisons. Licorice is for GERD, a flavoring to hide the taste of less pleasant medicines, and also digestive troubles like colic. Cinnamon is also good for stomach. And any mint.”

Harry held up the next card. “And what's this one good for?”

Liu glanced at the card and smiled. “Sexual dysfunction. Tiger penis, Musk deer gall, and ...” He stopped talking and laughed heartily at Harry's disgusted expression. “And I don't think it works very well but it's in great demand from the older crowd.”

Harry just shuddered and picked up the last card. “This one? I hope it's not something else disgusting.”

“No, that one is for chest complaints like asthma or colds, pneumonia. I don't think it works very well for asthma, but it really works for colds, flu and pneumonia.”

Harry rechecked the card, memorizing the ingredients, he also memorized the ingredients for the stomach tea.

As he worked on his teas Harry let his mind wander just a bit, grinding the tea ingredients into a small, coffee like compound wasn't that challenging. He started when he realized that he was done with that part of his assignment.

“I'm done, now what. Do you want to check my work?”

“No, Harry, I checked you while you were working. You did well, even if you were a bit distracted. What were you thinking about, if you don't mind me asking?”

“I'm working on an illustrated botanical for a class. I was wondering what I should put in it, besides the obvious like Belladonna. That's good for heart problems but it's poison if you don't need it or take too much. And Lemon Grass is good for stomach problems, it's good in Asian cooking and it's easy to draw. Not that that's really a good reason to include it, I just really like the look of it. Can you think of anything? Maybe Ginger? It's a bit different.”

“Angelica is good. And ... why don't I make you a list? That way you can check to see which one's you'd like to do. Lots of medicinals are ... ugly, to say the least.” While he'd been speaking Liu had been searching under the counter for something “Here, I'll teach you how to fold a spill.”

Harry had to admit that he didn't even know what a spill was. So he watched as Liu folded a piece of paper in to a small cone then measured out some medicine, using a balance scale, dumped the dose into the cone and folded the top into the side and sealed it in place with a sticker.

“Be sure to use the right stickers for each medicine, I've written the name on them in kanji.”

Harry nodded and put each set of stickers right on the finished medicine. “There, now I won't get them mixed up.”

He started efficiently folding and filling the small paper containers, measuring carefully to make sure each dose was correct. He sealed each one with the appropriated sticker. When he was done he told his teacher. After checking, Liu-sefu told Harry that the job was well done, making him glow with accomplishment, then sent him on his way home to work on his project.

.

When Harry got home all he found on the table was a note that said, “Sorry, pet, we won't be here for lunch. Bottle count didn't come out. We just dropped by to get a few things. Have the last of the shepherd's pie. Don't be late to practice, Mac has to get back home to stay with his daughter, he'll be back for first performance. XXOO Frankie.”

He scrounged in the fridge for his lunch, popped it in the microwave to warm and pulled Liu-sifu's list out of his pocket. He read it over while he waited for the microwave to ding. He immediately eliminated almost half of the list as being more complicated than his talents were up to. He decided on a wood violet, Oris, and Angelica. He just hoped he could get all three done today, that would leave several more to get the twenty-six he needed to make his book.

He got the herbal book that Johnny had in the bookcase and carried it to his room. After looking up the colored plates of the plants he wanted to paint, he started setting out his colors, mostly greens and blue, with a little crimson and some orange and yellow. He sighed softly, wondering why he was even bothering, no one would look at his book.

But he'd determined to do this, so he would. Settling at his work table he began to paint.

He worked for about an hour, finishing the Oris right away, as it was a member of the iris family and fairly easy to do. The Wood Violet was going to take two or even three sessions as the leaves were complicated to paint. The Angelica was also going to take more than one session if it wasn't to turn out soppy and messy.

After making sure that he couldn't do anymore work on his paintings he cleaned up his table, covered his paints and washed out his brushes.

Harry glanced at his watch and realized that he had about half an hour before he had to leave for the club. He decided to just play his game for a while as starting anything wasn't a good idea, he'd just have to interrupt himself to go to the club.

He spent the next forty-five minutes conquering the next level in his game. When he looked up at the clock, he jumped, he had to leave right now or he'd be late. He saved his level, tucked his game into its bag and, for some reason he didn't understand, made sure that his 'escape' bag was still packed then he headed for the club.

.

The first thing Harry did when he got to the club was ask Frankie if he had the new budget done. He did and Harry took a few moments to check it over. Frankie was taking exactly one third of his pay for room and board, when Harry started to object that it wasn't enough Frankie just told him to 'stuff it'. He explained that he and Johnny wanted Harry to have a good savings quickly, when he had a decent nest egg they'd take more. Harry decided to just shut up, he could take care of Frankie and Johnny when he came into his money, for now, he was just grateful that someone cared enough to help him save. “Ok, if that's what you want, take all but fifty pounds, with what I already have, that's more than enough pocket money for me. If I need anything expensive, I'll just ask you for extra.”

Frankie just nodded. “Ok, but you don't have to ask for your own money. I'll give you all your check then you give back what you want to, over and above your rent.”

Harry started to say something else but they were interrupted by the lighting Gaffer, called originally enough, Gaffer. He wanted to discuss the lights before Harry got involved in his rehearsal. So Harry went with him to see what he wanted

The problem was Harry's costume. Gaffer explained that Harry looked too pale. “Sort of frog belly white.” as Gaffer put it.

Harry listened as the man explained the different things he could do to make him look better.

“The easiest thing to do is set up an amber spot. That'll make the chains look gold and you'll look tanned. Not real dark, I know you need to look pale, but sort of golden. And I can follow you around with it, instead of having to change all the cells before you come on. Since he doesn't move around the stage a lot, I can put a hot spot on Mac. That'll make him look really black, emphasizing the contrast between you and him. I'll talk to him too, ok?”

Harry nodded. “Fine, that's a good idea, I really wanted silver chains but, if you think I look better in gold, gold it is. But what about the second show. I don't know what kind of costume I'm going to wear tonight. Last night was just sort of slapped together spur of the moment. Colin wasn't really pleased with it. I'll check with him and see what he's come up with, shall I?”

“Ok, thanks. You better scoot quick. Mac will be here soon.”

Harry grinned, nodded and hurried off to see what Colin had come up with.

Colin hadn't come up with much. He'd just reworked the green costume a bit and made a vest that covered Harry's scars without looking contrived. Harry nodded and smiled. “I like it. I do look better in green than I do in purple. And I won't have to change my makeup, as long as I don't sweat it off.” Harry ran a hand through his bangs. He noticed that there was no over skirt to the new costume. “No skirt thing?”

“No. I made the chalwar a lot fuller. Looks more masculine to this lot. You'll look great in this. Want to try it on?”

Harry nodded. “I better. You're great but better safe than sorry.”

So Harry tried on his new costume and twirled around the room. Colin just smiled, Harry was such a nice boy and so good a dancer. “Looks great, pet. Take it off and I'll get it on a hanger for you. Better get back in there, Mac will be waiting.”

Harry stripped off the costume and, after handing it over to Colin, went in search of Mac. He found him standing on the stage with the Gaffer pointing spots at him. The hot spot worked just like Gaffer said it would. The amber spot made Harry look yellow, jaundiced. They fiddled a bit but finally settled on a slightly blue one that Gaffer said was the best he could do. Harry looked at a digital picture of himself, borrowed the camera and headed to the back to talk to Mikey.

“Look at this. Mikey, I look like I'm dead. This is awful.”

Mikey looked at the picture and just nodded. “All you need is a bit more blush and put it on your forehead. You're covering your scar anyway. I'll show you how. Don't panic. Deal with the situation and then panic.”

Harry had to nod. “Good advice, in more ways than one. Thanks.”

Harry settled into Mikey's chair and watched as Mikey 'fixed' his face. He paid careful attention to what was done so he could do it himself. When Mikey was done, Harry went out for another lighting check. This time he looked very good, according to Johnny.

As Johnny was leaving to check on the liquor delivery, Mac walked up. He was in costume and ready to practice.

Harry decided not to wear his as the whole thing was hard to clean and had to be cleaned after he sweated all over it. Mac helped him put on the double collar he had to wear even for practice.

Practice went well. Both Harry and Mac remembered all the steps and the lighting problems were all resolved. They went through the routine twice to make sure, then Colin came out and told Harry that Gaffer wanted to have him on stage for a bit in his other costume so he could set the lights for it. He'd had to do something on the fly last night and didn't intend to repeat it.

Harry wandered out onto the stage in his green costume. Gaffer tried several lights, finally settling on a combination that worked. Harry was surprised to realize that the amber spot that hadn't worked for the first performance worked very well for the second.

After the final lighting check, Harry wandered into the back of the club. He'd never actually been in the back rooms, so he decided to check them out. He wandered through the rooms, well light for now, and decided he was glad he'd refused to work them. The St. Andrew's Cross made him shiver, and not in a good way. The spanking bench made him flinch. He left as soon as he got a good look at some of the other things.

He was just getting ready to leave when Mikey found him. “Hi! You coming into the back?”

Harry shook his head. “No, not a chance. The idea of being tied up by a stranger and hit with something ... no, just no. I had enough trouble being a table. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't good either.”

Mikey nodded. “I see. Well, it's too bad you can't like it, but ... you don't like it, that's it. You never let someone talk you into doing something you know isn't for you. Got to have backbone. But you ought to let me explain somethings to you. Doesn't do to be ignorant.”

So Harry listened with actual interest as Mikey explained preparation, endorphins, and easing down. As well as some thing's that made Harry laugh. At the end of half an hour or so, Mikey let him slip away, better informed than he'd ever thought to be. He liked it that everyone wanted to explain things to him, it was a new experience and one he intended to carry over to other facets of his life.

.

The performance was well attended, in fact the room was jammed. Harry danced in a way that would have made Kalil proud. Frankie hugged Johnny as he and Mac were called for a second curtain call.

Mac grabbed Harry and picked him up in a bear hug that made him gasp. “You were brilliant, you dance like you've been doing it for years. We're going to clean up. I'll go out and pick up the tips in a second.”

Harry made dramatic wheezing noises then laughed with Mac. “No, I'll go get them.”

Mac shook his head. “Not a chance. I'm not letting you go out there, they'll swarm you. No one touches you. We'll build a mystique. Make you mysterious and all that.”

Harry started to say something but Mac glowered so fiercely that he gave up. Throwing his hands in the air, he announced. “Ok, ok. Have it your way.” He went on into the back to get some tea and listen, in dazed amazement, to the compliments of the other men.

He was petted, handed tea, given a robe and settled on a couch. Other dancers and even some of the back room boys all came to tell him how well he'd done. Mac was treated the same when he came in a few minutes later. He grinned at Harry and told him how much their tips came to. Harry blinked once, “That's a lot. My share comes to ...”

“That is your share.” Mac settled back with a satisfied smirk. He was up right an instant later as Harry began to cry. “Harry, what's wrong? Did you hurt yourself? Talk to me.”

Harry managed to get himself under control after several hiccuping sobs. “It's just so different. Everyone tells me how good I am, how well I'm doing. Perfect strangers give me money. No one's ever done that before. It's always been how stupid I was, and a smack just for good measure. Even at school, it's always been 'do more'. Never any acknowledgment of how hard I tried or how well I did. It's ...”

Mac just picked Harry up and plopped him in his lap. He cuddled Harry and soothed him. The other men in the room rushed around, fetching a glass of water, a small pill, which Harry refused, tea, and anything else they could think of. Including Frankie and Johnny.

“Mac, what's going on? Why's Harry so upset?” Frankie bustled around organizing everyone. He rejected the valium with a soft 'Not for our Harry. Thanks'. soothed a few hurt feelings and settled Johnny on the other side of the couch, all in a few seconds.

Johnny got the low down from Mac and spent his time patting and soothing Harry. He explained to the room that Harry wasn't used to so much approval and was just a bit overwhelmed. He got one of the men to make Harry a cup of soothing herbal tea, one they used when a back room boy got shaken up. It worked in a few moments, calming Harry and helping him to slip into a light doze.

As soon as Mac was sure Harry was relaxed, he eased him down on to the couch and covered him with a light afghan. “Well, if I ever meet anyone from that school of his, I'll have something to say to them. And, I'd really like to get my hands on his Aunt and Uncle. Especially his uncle.”

The murmur of general agreement made Harry stir restlessly so everyone eased out of the room to let him rest.

“You think he'll be able to do the second set? Or should we make other arrangements?”

Mac, overhearing Johnny, spoke up. “I can stay tonight, my daughter is better and my wife isn't working tonight. If Harry can't dance, I can.”

“Ok. That's good. I'd really like to see you dance together. Too bad you haven't practiced something. We'll work up something as soon as we can.”

Mac spent the time between sets listening to the music and getting a costume from Colin. His costume was much like Harry's except that it was white with silver trim and didn't include the vest. The billowing chalwar made him look even bigger than he really was.

Harry slept until Johnny woke him for the second performance. “Huh? Oh! I'm up.” Harry sat up and rubbed his face. “I'm sorry. I don't know what came over me. I really feel like a right prat. Hysterical as a girl.”

Johnny just shook his head, an affectionate smile on his face. “Harry, it's alright. We've been expecting something like this for a while now. Just take a deep breath and calm down. You're on in fifteen minutes, if you feel you can do it. And I mean ... if you feel up to it. Not, can you drag yourself together enough. Got me?”

Harry nodded, settled back and closed his eyes. It only took him moments to make up his mind. “I can do it. I feel lots better. I think ... it was just that everyone is so nice to me. I'm not used to that. Even my friends can be a bit ... well, non supportive at times. It's always 'Harry, you didn't study for ...' some class or other. Or a jealous fit and no one's talking to me for weeks. Not like here, everyone just fell all over themselves to tell me I did a good job. It just sort of put me off stride a bit. I'm fine now. Really.”

Johnny gave Harry a good look over then nodded. “Ok, you better go to Colin and get your costume; and fix your face, your eyeliner ran.”

Harry hurried to fix his face and get his costume. He was stopped several times to be hugged and told he was brilliant. He basked in the compliments this time and thanked every person with a hug and a smile.

He found Mac in the dressing room with Colin, chatting companionably. Mac grinned at Harry and announced that he had the perfect music, if Harry was wanting to do another traditional piece for their second piece.

Mac continued to grin as he said, “We could do a challenge piece. One of us does some steps and the other copies them. What do you think?”

Harry nodded. “That's brilliant. That way we can both show off a bit. Is there a break about half way through? If there is, we could trade off leaders.”

Mac sighed, Harry was just too good to be true, any other lead dancer wouldn't even think about asking such a question. “Yeah, there's a short break just after half way through.”

Harry reached out for the head phones. “I'll give it a listen. We'll figure out something either way.”

The music was a bit long for a regular performance, most dancers didn't go more than about three minuets, more was too long. Harry decided that they could manage as the piece was only about four minutes and twenty or thirty seconds. Each one of them would only be dancing for half that time, so they would be able to manage.

Colin fiddled with Harry's costume as he stood listening to the music. He was determined to make sure that Harry looked his best. This was going to be good for the club and everyone in it.

Having a dancer as young, handsome and good as Harry was going to be a real cachet, everyone and his brother was going to want to see him.

Mac grinned at Colin as Harry forgot he was supposed to stand still and wriggled his hips in a double hip roll that made Colin smack his buttock and say, “Be still, wiggle worm.” Harry just snickered, pulled the headphones off and nodded. “I like it, it's perfect. We'll be fine. Mac, you go first.”

“Why should I go first?”

Harry did a complicated step. “Can you do that?”

Mac gave up without a struggle. Holding up one hand he laughed, “Ok, ok. No I can't do that. Brat.”

Harry stuck his tongue out at Mac, making both Colin and Mac laugh.

Colin paused in his fiddling to ask, “Harry, you said you might get a piercing. Do you want to do it tonight after the performance? My friend said he'd do it free, or sort of. He wants free admission for two performances.”

Harry shrugged. “Yeah, good idea. Check with Johnny first though. Ok?”

Colin said he'd do that during the performance so Harry and Mac headed for the backstage area to wait for their turn on stage.

The guys in the backstage all congratulated Mac and Harry on their earlier performance and told them 'break a leg' for their next.

When the music started Harry and Mac were already on stage, standing in individual spot lights.

The music started with a rattle of drums and tambourine, Mac did a simple hip roll and flip. Harry copied him, grinning. Mac did another series of steps which Harry copied again. The dance continued like this, Mac doing ever more complicated series of steps, Harry copying him easily. Then the long drum solo, during which Harry and Mac strolled around the stage, arms outstretched in the universal gesture for 'look at me'.

When they returned to their spots, Harry started first. He combined a Camel Roll, with a hip kick then went into a series of quick steps combined with a shimmy. Mac did the same. They continued their dance until Harry did a back bend while doing a series of shoulder rolls, the audience gasped as the top of Harry's head touched the floor. Mac just shook his head, pressed his hands together palm to palm and bowed. There was no way he could do that.

They ended their dance with a mutual bow, to each other then the audience, the music ended in a flurry of drums and the curtain fell. Harry insisted on gathering their tips this time.

He scurried out quickly and gathered the tips, bending over and shaking his hips at the audience teasingly. They went wild, tossing more money and cheering him on, several men tried to grab him but found out that he was very quick, and not above slapping a hand or two.

It didn't take him long to get the money gathered up and handed over to a waiting, gloating Frankie. “Here. Can I have fifty pounds? Take it out of my share.” Frankie didn't ask any questions, he just counted the take and split it. He kept most of Harry's share, handed him fifty pounds in small bills then gave the rest to Mac.

Mac eyed this with a skeptical eye. “What was that? Why is he keeping most of your money?”

Harry was wondering if a hundred pounds was going to be enough to take Colin, Mikey and himself to supper, it took him a second to reply. “Huh? ... Oh, Frankie keeps most of my money for me. He's putting it into a bank account. I've got the book somewhere ... oh, no I don't, he's got it. He's going to make a deposit tomorrow. Both Frankie and Johnny keep telling me I need to have a savings big enough to keep me for at least six months, they're a bit obsessed with it. I don't mind, I have spending money, a roof over my head and plenty of food.” He blinked at Mac for a second. “Why?”

“I just ... it didn't look good for him to just give you a couple of fivers and stick the rest in his pocket. Are you sure he's banking that? Have you actually seen the book?”

Harry grinned. “I'll start crying again in a second. Yes, I'm sure he's banking it. I keep the bank book unless he actually needs it to make a deposit. And he didn't just give me a fiver, I wanted fifty pounds. See?” Harry waved the money at Mac, grinning. “But thanks for the concern. I really appreciate it. See you. Bye.” Harry hurried off to catch Johnny, realizing he'd forgotten to tell Frankie that he was going out with Colin and Mikey. Johnny just told him not to come home drunk and patted him on the back. Harry never realized that Johnny caught Mikey outside the costume room and, while Harry was getting changed, told him to take good care of Harry if he valued his bollocks. Mikey just grinned and replied, “You really think I'd let anything happen to our Harry?”

Johnny just grinned and walked off.

.

Harry took a quick hobo bath in the men's room and scrambled in to his leather pants and green silk shirt. He wore his favorite leather boots, the one's that matched his pants. He looked into the mirror, wondering if he should get his ears pierced too. He finally decided to get his nipple and one ear done.

A knock on the door returned him to himself. “Harry, quit primping and get out here.” Harry checked his renewed eyeliner and headed for the door.

Harry opened the door, saying, “Did you say primping or pimping?” His smile faded a bit at the expressions on his friends faces. “What? I'm sorry, I didn't ..”

Colin just shushed Harry. “Shhh, pet. We just had a ... moment. You're gorgeous. Beautiful. So sexy it really hurts, in that oh, my god sort of way. Come on. We'll never get a table if we don't leave now.”

Harry relaxed and followed the two men, strutting just a bit.

They walked to the restaurant, huddling in their coats. It was still cold, but the drizzling, sleety rain had stopped. Colin remarked that the weather was awful this year. Harry agreed and nudged Mikey who just shuddered and said he hated to be cold.

They were all relieved when they got to the restaurant, met Colin's friend and got seated. Mikey introduced the man as Punked, he just nodded and waited. Harry didn't know enough to make a remark and Mikey already knew the man. Punked was impressed by the fact that Harry didn't make the obvious remarks.

Harry took a menu from the host and announced. “My treat. And no arguments.” He glanced at the menu and relaxed, he had a hundred pounds with him, counting the fifty he'd gotten from Frankie. The menu didn't have a thing on it over £15.

Colin nodded his thanks and both Mikey and Punked said, “Ta, mate.”

They gave the waitress their orders and sat around, drinking their drinks and talking about dancing, costumes and whatever else wandered into their heads. They took their time eating and finished at nearly three in the morning. Harry sighed as he pushed his plate away. He was glad he didn't have training in the morning, he'd never make it.

“You ready? I thought we'd go to my studio and do your piercing now. Ok?”

Harry nodded. “Yeah, sounds good. Then I'm going home and crash. And burn.”

Punked grinned. “Not much of a night owl, are you?”

Harry laughed. “Not really. I do martial arts, so I'm more used to getting up, working out and taking a nap just before I have to go to work. Today was really busy and I'm feeling it. Let's go, before I fall asleep in the chair.”

“That's ok. But you'll have a rather rude awakening.”

They all laughed, struggled into their coats and headed for the studio.

When they got there, Harry was glad to see that the place was well lighted and very clean. Each chair had a rolling cart beside it, filled with autoclave packets.

“Ok, kiddo, what did you want done? Ear? Nipple? Or something lower down?”

Harry crossed his legs and shook his head. “Oh, no. You're not getting into my knickers.” Everyone snickered. “I decided on one ear and a nipple. But I've heard that there's some significance to what gets pierced.”

Punked shrugged. “Some people say left ear queer, right ear straight. That's why some guys are getting both pierced.”

Mikey snorted. “Yeah and that means you're bi. Or just like the look. What do you like, Harry?”

Harry grinned. “I think both. And anyone makes any stupid remarks they'll find out I'm no pushover. Not that I'm going to start anything, so don't go running to Frankie.” Punked punched Colin in the shoulder and got a poke back for his trouble. Mikey just rolled his eyes.

“You two grow up, please. So, Harry, and a nipple?”

Harry nodded. “Yeah. So, what's next?”

Punked pulled a tray on a roller stand closer and showed Harry the jewelry on it. “You pick your studs.”

Harry examined the offerings carefully and settled on plain rings. “I like these for now. I'd like a nipple ring just large enough to put a small drop on. What do you think?”

Punked intimated his own piercings with a grin. “I think you like what you like. I'd pick something a little more showy, myself. But then, I've got a Prince Albert.”

Harry flatly refused to take the bait, telling the expectant group that he wasn't about to ask as he really didn't want to pass out before the job was even begun.

Punked opened the packages containing Harry's choice of jewelry and dropped the rings into a sterilizing solution. He swabbed Harry's earlobes with alcohol and got out his marker. He carefully marked where he was going to place the holes then handed Harry a mirror.

“Here, see if that suits you. I'd recommend right in the middle of the lobe, but some people want the holes lower or higher. Personal preference.”

“No, that's fine.” Harry turned his head from side to side. “Looks good.”

“Ok, here we go.” Punked cleaned Harry's earlobes again and pinched one. Before Harry knew what happened he had a ring through his ear. Punked had thrust the needle through it and gotten the ring in so quickly that Harry was still deciding whether to wince or not. “There, first one done. The second is usually worse because you're expecting it.”

Harry sighed. “Punked, you're a nice guy, but surprising me like that isn't a good idea. You're liable to get hurt.”

“Yeah, yeah, you're so tough. Relax.” Punked patted Harry's shoulder, Harry did his best to relax and succeeded well enough. The other ear was duly pierced, this time Punked warned Harry just before he did it. Harry didn't even flinch.

“Ok, that went well. Mikey, see what you think?”

Mikey and Colin examined the small rings and approved happily.

When Harry settled back, Punked grinned. “That's good. Now we're down to the hard stuff. First thing I'll do is stimulate your nipple until it's erect, then I'll mark it. Do you want it vertical or horizontal? I'd recommend horizontal myself. And I've been looking at the ring. It's a bit small. There's a chance of pulling it through if you get it caught on something. Especially before it heals. Up to you, though.”

Harry thought about it for a moment. “I like the small one, I'll just have to be really careful. Don't worry, I won't come back on you. I take responsibility for my decisions. Let's get this over with.”

“Ok, your body. Here we go.” Punked reached out and did what needed to be done. Harry was surprised at how good it felt, but he kept his comments to himself. This was business not pleasure. When Punked took out the clamp, Harry flinched before it even touched him. Punked explained what he was about to do. “Ok, here's the deal. I'll put this clamp on you, see the hole in the tip? That's where I'll insert the cannula. I don't use a needle for this, a cannula is better because I'll use it to guide the ring through your nipple. Ok?”

Harry nodded, closed his eyes and let Punked get on with it. It didn't take long and didn't hurt as much as Harry thought it would. Especially since Colin held one hand and Mikey held the other. Harry examined the result and nodded. “Just exactly what I wanted. I've got some drops in mind. How do I get them on the ring. I don't intend to take it out even after the six months you said it would take to heal.” Harry didn't mention that he intended to heal it the second he got home.

Punked nodded. “That's good. I've got some nice drops. Swarovski crystals, very pretty. What you do is open the ring on the crystal and attach it to your ring then bend it shut. Have Mikey show you how when you're ready. Now, I'm gonna put a bandage over that to keep it from getting irritated. I'd recommend that you keep it on for at least 24 hours. Wash carefully and wipe all three piercings with this.” Punked handed Harry a white bottle and a baggie of cotton balls.

Harry glanced at the instruction sheet he was handed and nodded. “Ok, I'll do that. And I'll keep it covered for a while, except when I'm performing.” Harry decided to keep his nipple covered for several days, to hide the fact that it was healed. He thanked Punked again and headed for the door. He was tired and really wanted to get home and to bed. He knew he'd better hurry a bit, when the adrenalin and endorphins wore off, he was going to really crash.

“I'm beat. Mikey, Colin, it was great. I'll catch a taxi so don't worry about me walking alone. Bye.” Harry made it out the door, hailed a cab and was lucky enough to get one quickly. He didn't see all three friends watching him through the door and windows.

Harry crashed hard when he got home, falling asleep almost before he got covered up. He never even heard Johnny check on him, even when Johnny tucked the covers more securely around his shoulders.

.

Detective Hugo McGowan tapped on his friend's door, wondering what sort of thing he'd come up with now. The man was a good friend but he had a fascination with young dancers that Hugo found a bit disturbing. There'd never been anything off about his relationships with the boys, all he ever did was film them, Hugo wondered if Tony had ever even met one of them but it was still a bit odd.

Tony opened the door, took Mr McGowan's coat and ushered him into the living room. “Wait until you see this one. He's really young, much younger than I even think should be working in a club but the bouncer told me he's untouchable. Absolutely. Let me que this up.”

He fiddled with a remote and the tv came on. Hugo found him staring at Harry Potter. “Bloody hell! Where did you take that? That's my target!”

Tony blinked. “The rich kid? Wow. I got that at the Silken Cage. You better be careful around that lot. They don't put up with anything. I'll give you a copy of this, shall I?”

Hugo nodded, thankful that Tony knew better than to ask him too many questions. He was really going to have to ask Tony what the hell he did with the footage he shot. Later.

It took ten minutes to get the copy and a taxi, another forty-five minutes to get to the Malfoy townhouse. When he got there he was informed that Mr Malfoy wasn't in but could be summoned if he didn't mind waiting. Detective McGowan agreed to sit in a small room until he was called. He would never know that it took the several minutes he waited to set up the spell that would take him to Malfoy Manor and back without him knowing he'd even left London.

“Right this way sir. Mr Malfoy is expecting you now.”

Lucius looked up from his chair and sighed, the man looked excited about something he had in his hand, but it didn't look much like he'd found Harry.

“I found him. Sort of. I know where he's performing, if I stake the place out, I can follow him to where he's staying and we've got him. Would you like to see the video? Just to make sure it's the right kid?”

Lucius shook his head. “Harry is too young to work in a ...” He waved his hand. “what ever you call it. Do not come back without Harry. Dismissed.”

McGowan glowered at Mr. Malfoy. “Look at the vid. Here. I'll ... well, damn, it won't work. Battery must have gone dead. Anyway, I'd bet my last shilling that this is the kid.”

“Then what do you suggest?” Malfoy crossed his arms over his chest, looking his most arrogant and annoyed.”

“I'll stake the place out, get a look for myself. If I'm convinced it's Harry, I'll just grab him and bring him here. Simple.”

“You will find that dealing with Mr. Potter is never simple, nor easy. If you managed to capture him, you'll never be able to keep him. But try if you like.”

McGowan grumbled a bit then left. He stepped from Wiltshire to London without even noticing.

Lucius turned to his human London butler and sniffed. “If he actually gets Mr. Potter here, do make sure he stays.” The butler bowed and began making his plans.


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