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"So why'd you have to rain on my parade? I'm shaking my head, and locking the gates."
The spell had been easier to perform this time. The notebook had been kept in a safe place Harry would have been sure to remember and easy to find, along with the ingredients. His locket had been there too.
Reciting the spell once the ingredients are mashed together, Harry had almost expected Louis to be back in Chelmsford, though maybe he would have tried to stay away. But he's surprised as he sees the letters forming, spelling out Manchester.
It doesn't give him much information as it had last time, and he tilts his head.
Manchester seems too easy, almost like Louis knows this is where he's started off his lives. He tries again, hoping for something more conclusive, but instead the writing forms inconclusive.
"Well, look who's dabbling at witchcraft," Harry says with a chuckle. "It's not going to stop me."
Standing up from where he was kneeling under the big oak tree at the end of the street, he kicks the mud back over the hole he had dug. Once the morning comes, he'll be finding him.
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Looking for me? Maybe this will help.
The note had been pushed through his letterbox along with a bracelet Louis had worn for many years. He snatches it up off the floor, looking at it closely. Louis knows Harry would be searching for him, but it seems as though he wants to be found.
Harry can't help but feel suspicious, but still, it fuels the want to find him even more. He just needs to be careful. Louis had proven that he will betray him, so he needs to lay low for a while at least.
The note had to have been left by Louis, so he's close by. Harry steps out of the doors, looking around. He wonders where he could have gone, or what time it had been left.
He can't have gone far.
Walking along the path, Harry peeks through the windows of the houses around him. Surely he would have known if Louis lived in them, he'd have known that Louis would be around.
He doesn't have time to worry about that just yet. He has to get back home ready for his date.
Turning around, Harry makes his way back home, dropping the note and the bracelet into the basket by the door, he makes his way to his bedroom, looking at his outfits as he tries to decide what one to wear.
His date was with a Duke. Not someone he would usually consider dating and he knows that nothing will go far, not with his plan to search for Louis and spend his life being a hindrence. But that doesn't mean he doesn't get to have some fun.
There's a knock at the door as he just finishes getting into his outfit. Harry looks at himself in the mirror, adjusting his hair before making his way back downstairs.
Duke Nicholas Grimshaw of Oldham stands on the opposite side with a charming smile, one hand outstretched and the other behind his back.
"Your Grace." Harry greets him with a smile, stepping out and taking his hand. If only he hadn't made the promise to Louis, he could happily see himself settling with Nick. Is that too soon? Harry shakes the thought away.
"Just Nick's fine," Nick says. His hand is warm in Harry's, almost like they fit. Harry gives him a smile. "I brought you flowers, I hope you like them." He holds the hand he had hid behind his back. Harry takes the bouquet, admiring the colours.
Orange and yellows, sunflower's and other flowers Harry can't quite remember the names of.
"They're beautiful, thank you." Harry sniffs them, the sweet smell filling his nose. "I didn't bring you anything."
"I'm taking you on a date, it's only fair I bring you flowers too," Nick says. He lets Harry climb into the carriage first. Train travel had become a new invention, but Nick obviously likes the old way.
"So where are you taking me on this date?" Harry looks towards Nick.
"There's this new restaurant that's opened up just a few streets away," Nick says. "I dined there recently, and just knew I had to take you there."
The journey goes with idle chatter, Harry asking questions about Nick, and Nick asking about Harry. It feels nice, normal. A feeling Harry hasn't felt for years. A feeling Harry hasn't felt since he and Louis were together.
Neither of them notice the man on the horse following behind.
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The date goes by smoothly, Harry enjoying Nick's company. Harry only wishes he had more time to spend with Nick, more time to date him, maybe even marry him. The feeling makes him sad, and whilst he knows it's almost like he's leading Nick on, he doesn't even know if Nick is looking for something more long term or not.
Harry gets the feeling he does.
Nick's talking about some ball he'll be attending on the weekend, Harry's sure he's about to invite him, but his attention gets caught by a flicker of someone passing by the window. He gazes inside, blue.
"I'm sorry. Would you mind excusing me for a moment, please?" Harry stands up. Nick pauses his conversation, nodding at Harry. "I won't be long." He hopes.
Harry rushes out of the restaurant, careful so Nick doesn't see him leaving. He doesn't want him to think he's standing him up.
Louis' just around the corner, Harry follows him into a small building, the door slamming shut behind him. There's a window in the door and he looks out, seeing Louis looking back in.
"Louis." Harry tries the door, raising his eyebrow as the handle won't budge. He sees Louis' mouth moving as though reciting a spell. Harry stands back, crossing his arms over his chest. He knows what he's doing, but he also knows it won't work.
"You can't follow me now, you're stuck in there," Louis says, his voice muffled through the door. Harry raises his eyebrow. He decides to let Louis have his fun, but he can't help the amused smile forming on his face.
Louis steps away, turning and beginning to walk away. Stepping forward, Harry opens the door, the spell he had done breaking. Harry had known it would be a weak shot, Louis barely knew how to do it back then.
"Thought you could outsmart me, did you?" Harry whispers into Louis' ear as he catches up to him. "Well, looks like you failed." Harry laughs.
"You should have been stuck in there." Louis turns around. "How did you break the seal?"
"Oh darling, there was no seal to break. Your spell was weak." Harry watches as Louis' face falls, the smugness replaced with confusion and annoyance. Harry feels something pull at his heart, and he sighs. "It's the trying that counts, I suppose."
Louis opens his mouth to speak, Harry turns towards the restaurant.
"I am going back to my date, but it won't be long and I'll be with you." Harry leans forward, his face close to Louis'. He sees him looking at his lips and he doesn't know whether he does or doesn't want Louis to break the gap. "I hope you'll miss me."
"Never." It's a lie, Louis' voice breaks as he speaks. Harry pulls away.
"See you soon, Lou." Harry gives him a smile. Walking away, he looks over his shoulder and sees Louis watching, he winks at him before going back into the restaurant.
As he sits with Nick, his mind drifts back to Louis. Something had changed between them in that moment. And Harry can't help but wish he hadn't made that promise.
"Did you think I wouldn't heare all the things you said about me?"