Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

Just A Matter of Time	By : Giovanna Category: Harry Potter Crossovers > Slash - Male/Male Views: 19707 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 5
Disclaimer: We do not own Harry Potter & Criminal Minds characters nor are we making any money on this story. We only claim the original characters. OCC and AU/Crossover -Criminal Mind/Harry Potter

Chapter List
- 5
- 6
- 7
Words: 15,546

Genre: Crime/Romance

Rated: M

Character: [Harry P., A. Hotchner/Hotch]
Every day I think of you and miss you,
More as time spreads open like a sea.
My pillow knows how much I long to kiss you,
As I must dream till you, come back to me.
Nicholas Gordon
Saturday Night:
Aaron wants more than ever to stay the night with Harry, having him in his bed would be even better but he hasn’t told him about Jack nor has he told Jack about Harry yet. “I have a present for you, Little One.”
Harry grins happily, “A present? For me, Sir?”
“Just for you.” Aaron takes out the present, watching Harry’s eyes widen.
“Is that what I think it is?” Harry asks with stars in his eyes.
“Yes, it’s a cock cage. I want to be able to control when you cum and when you get hard,” Aaron explains caressing Harry’s hip bones. “Will you wear it for me, My Own? Until I remove it?” Harry stares at it before nodding. He bites his lip as Aaron lubes up his penis before putting it into the curved plastic cock cage. Harry watches Aaron intently as the cock cage is secured with a numbered plastic lock. Aaron takes note of the serial number on the lock ensuring Harry won’t be able to remove the lock without his knowledge. He leans back to admire the cage on his Sub. “Beautiful,” he pronounces, making Harry blush prettily. “It’s all plastic, even the lock. You won’t have to worry about setting off the metal detectors. How does it feel?”
Harry wiggles a bit. “Perfect. Comfortable.”
“Good. You should not have any problems keeping yourself clean either as you can cleanse yourself with it on.”
Harry nods; he’d noticed the holes in the shaft. He should be clean and comfortable for a long period of time with no issues. “Thank you, Sir. I love it.” It warms something inside him knowing that his orgasm belongs to Aaron. Just like he belongs to Aaron, at least for now.
Aaron kisses Harry. “I’m glad. You be good, okay Pet?”
“I will, Sir.”
Reluctantly, Aaron says, “One more kiss and then I have to go home. I’ll call you before I go to bed, okay?”
“Okay.” Harry loves that every night the last thing he hears before bed is his Dom’s voice. Aaron kisses Harry forcefully, demanding Harry’s submission. As Harry submits, Aaron gentles the kiss, slowly gliding their lips together. Breaking the kiss, Aaron rests their foreheads together.
“I have to go now, although I wish I could stay here with you.”
Harry ducks his head, happy at his Dom’s desire to stay with him. “Goodnight, Sir.”
Affectionately ruffling his hair, Aaron says, “Goodnight, Harry.”
Aaron lies in his big, empty bed. Hearing Harry’s voice in his ear chases away the loneliness but not entirely. Aaron wants Harry in his bed, where he belongs. “I wish you were here, Harry.”
“Me too, Sir. I want to sprawl out on your big bed and have you fuck me into the mattress.”
Aaron palms himself, picturing it his mind. Harry’s lightly golden skin against his navy sheets, writhing, begging for Aaron’s cock all the while his is still locked inside the cage. “You want that don’t you? Me pounding into you mercilessly.”
“Oh Feck, yes! Please!” Harry begs.
Aaron grins at Harry’s needy pleading. “I’ll fuck you so hard you’ll forget your name. Forget everything but m—” His phone beeps. “Hold on, Harry.” He switches to the other call, “Hotchner.” He answers sharply, annoyed at the interruption of his and Harry’s intimate moment.
“We have a child abduction case. A seven-year-old who has been missing for just over a half hour. Call the team and get to the jet as soon as you can. This is the third child kidnapped in last two months and the newest boy is similar enough to the other two to be concerned. Possibly have a serial rapist and child murderer running rampant in Raleigh, North Carolina. I have already notified Agent Rossi and he is already on his way. Everything we know will be waiting for your team on the plane,” Strauss explains.
“Yes, Ma’am.” Aaron clicks back to Harry, without saying goodbye to Strauss. “I’m sorry, Pet. Strauss just called and the BAU has a child abduction case, possibly a serial. We’re leaving immediately. I have to call the team. The PACU will have to investigate solo for a bit.”
Sounding more like Harry the PACU leader than Harry the Sub, Harry professes, “I understand. We will continue to work on the case. You just find the child.”
“We will.” Aaron rubs his forehead, already feeling the stress of the new case. The ones involving children are always the hardest, especially one close to Jack’s age. “I need to call the team. Oh, before I forget, will you be okay wearing the cage while I’m gone? I am not sure how long I will be gone.”
Harry feels a thrill at the thought of being locked in a cock cage while his Dom is away. “Yes, Sir.”
“Do not take it off unless absolutely necessary. I am trusting you to know your limits. If I come home and you’ve removed the cage, you better have a very good reason. Do you understand, Little One?”
Harry replies immediately, “I understand, Sir. I will be good.”
“Good. Take care of yourself, Pet, while I am gone.”
“I will, and please be safe, Sir.”
Aaron hangs up and dials Penelope. She will call Derek and Spencer and then she’ll start working the case. Aaron quickly calls Prentiss and then JJ. His team notified, he regretfully calls Jessica. She clearly had been sleeping. “Why don’t you grab some clothes and just spend the night here.”
Jessica grins, thinking of how she’ll get to sleep in Aaron’s bed again. She can almost smell the delicious scent that permeates his sheets. Soon his scent will be all over her as if they’d spent the night together. “Okay, Aaron. I’ll be there as quickly as I can.”
Aaron grabs his go bag and his briefcase, stowing them in his vehicle. He tiptoes into Jack’s room, kissing his son goodbye and whispering that he loves him. Then he waits. When Jess arrives, Aaron is out the door.
Jessica pouts when Aaron barely acknowledges her as he leaves. He does not even notice the outfit she is wearing just for him: skin tight jeans and a sheer camisole top that exposes the swell of her breasts. Jess was certain Aaron’s eyes would be drawn to her peaked, bare nipples under the thin shirt but he doesn’t look at her breasts at all.
She has been trying to get his attention for ages now. She lets no one else get close to Aaron. When that bitch Beth thought to try to sink her claws into Aaron, Jess made sure she never came back. Beth went without protest when Jessica told her that Aaron was only using her and that once he got what he wanted: sex, she’d be discarded like all the rest. Beth believed her, believed that Aaron only pretended to be a nice guy, a prince. She never even spoke to Aaron and Jessica knows that Aaron still doesn’t know why Beth abruptly left and ignored his attempts to contact her
Her Aaron could do no less. Jessica smiles to herself, no matter how many women throw themselves at her Aaron, she is always the last one standing. She is Jack’s aunt and all those stupid bitches cannot compete with her. Jess will take her rightful place at Aaron’s side. “I will be the only woman he ever has in his bed and in his life,” she tells herself.
Jessica runs her hand over her flat stomach. Someday, she will swell with Aaron’s child. Her smile turns malicious. Even if she has to drug Aaron, she will. But Aaron will be hers and he would never deny her if she became pregnant. Just the thought makes her moist and she starts to rub herself through her jeans. Jessica goes upstairs to Aaron’s bedroom. She strips bare and climbs onto his big bed. She laughs as she rolls around on the bed. Aaron’s had no women here, none except her.
Jess grabs his pillow, breathing his intoxicating smell in deep. She pictures him beside her, naked and strong. Jessica wishes she had a picture of him naked. Aaron is far too aware for her to sneak into his bedroom or the shower and snap a photograph. Jess closes her eyes, breathing in once more before she drags the pillow down her body and between her legs. She grinds it on her vagina, getting her juices all over Aaron’s pillow. Jess groans at the thought of Aaron breathing in her scent as he sleeps. She rubs it harder, needing the friction and the connection with Aaron.
Jessica gets on her knees, straddling the pillow, she pretends it is Aaron beneath and she is riding his dick. With her hips moving, she pinches her nipples hard and imagines that Aaron is sinking his teeth into them. Soundless cries escape her lips and she rubs herself harder onto the pillow to feel the burn of her clitoris. Jessica hears Aaron’s pleasured cries in her ears, feels his strength beneath her. With her eyes still closed, she can feel the slick slide of their sweating bodies moving together. “Oh Aaron, yes, baby, fuck me. Fuck me hard!” Jess screams to her phantom lover. Her fingers seek her heat, imagining Aaron’s thick, blunt fingers burying themselves inside her. “So close, Aaron. Fuck me harder! I need you!”
Jess rides Aaron’s fingers as she hears him chant, “Mine. So fucking mine! No one else’s!”
“Yours! I’m yours!” Jessica promises as she moves faster until she shatters, screaming his name.
Spencer is still reeling from what he’s learned. Thoughts whirl rapidly through his mind: Magic is real? It should be impossible. If I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes… How does it work? How has it been hidden all these years? The wonder he feels is quickly countered by a wave of guilt at not being able to share the knowledge with his Dom, with Derek. You gave your word, Spencer. Derek will forgive you. He has to. Even without a choice, Spencer’s stomach churns with guilt. When Derek offered to collar him, he did so with the promise that they wouldn’t lie to each other and Spencer has kept his word…until now. It is almost like torture keeping this secret from Derek. Yet, he does not have a choice. No matter how hard it gets or how guilty he feels, Spencer gave his word to Harry and the PACU. He has to keep it, even if it means breaking his word to Derek. Spencer isn’t sure he believes that telling Derek could truly hurt him but Harry and the others seem to believe it. If magic is real and Spencer believes it is, then maybe he could actually be harmed from breaking his word. It’s a risk Spencer isn’t willing to take. He would rather Derek be mad at him than die from telling his Dom the truth. Spencer can’t leave Derek with that guilt.
Derek glances over at Spencer, who appears lost in his thoughts. “What do you think of the PACU? Any ideas on what they are hiding?”
Thankful and a bit suspicious that Derek is avoiding meeting his eyes, Spencer lies smoothly, “They seem genuine in their desire to catch Nott. I still don’t know what they are hiding though…”
“No clues? Not even with all the conversations you’ve had with Draco?” Derek is careful to maintain a normal tone. He doesn’t want Spencer to know he’s jealous of Draco’s ability to connect with Spencer in a way that he can’t. Derek is intelligent but he is by no means a genius. Much of their academic talk goes right over his head, as it does for the majority of the others from both the BAU and the PACU.
Spencer glances over at Derek, he doesn’t know why but something about the question is setting off warning bells in his head. “Draco and I have been either discussing academics, books, or the journals.”
“Has either of you found anything interesting in the journals?”
Spencer admits, “Theodore Nott is a very sick man and has been for a long time. He won’t stop killing unless we catch him.” He shudders as he thinks about what he read in the journal about Nott’s experiments. “He was doing scientific experiments. Nott wrote about how he used his wife and her child as test subjects at the time he killed the boy with enough pain medication to kill the strongest of animals.” Spencer is momentarily distracted by his thoughts. I really need to find a way to tell the PACU what I read in Nott’s journals. I don’t understand all of what he wrote but Nott’s notes are quite detailed in the magical experiments he performed on his wife and her son.
Derek looks at Spencer, “He did what?”
Spencer’s mind snaps back to Derek. “He wrote about it in his journal in great detail.”
Derek shakes his head, “Nott is truly one sick fucker to experiment on not only his wife but a child.” Derek shakes himself, pulling his thoughts away from the case. He needs an answer from Spencer, to calm his fears and insecurities. “Spencer, is there something wrong? You know you can tell me anything, right? You still trust me—” Before Derek can finish, his phone rings. He closes his eyes briefly and clenches his hands into fists, Derek needs to know Spencer still trusts him. He fears losing Spencer, what if I’m no longer what Spencer wants or needs? But the phone rings again and he has to shove his fears away to be dealt with later. Taking a deep breath, Derek answers his phone. “Morgan.”
It is Penelope telling them they have a case. Spencer can already tell from Derek’s body language and starts getting dressed. Their conversation is pushed aside. Derek sighs and does the same. They are out the door in no time flat. Derek fills Spencer in about the case on the way to the airport. Both of them are praying for a positive outcome for the case.
In the air, Hotch gives his team and himself a few minutes to scan over the case files. After more than enough time for Spencer to read through all the files, Hotch asks, “Reid? Want to fill us in?”
Spencer nods. “Noah Jackson, age seven. His mother, Amanda Michaels nee Jackson, found him missing at 11:30 pm. According to his stepfather, Connor Michaels, Noah was asleep in his bed when he checked on him at eleven. Noah’s bedroom is on the first floor, the window was jimmied and the flower beds outside his window were disturbed. No one heard anything. The UnSub simply took Noah from his bed and left. As of now, there has been no ransom demand. The Michaels are a middle-income family; it’s unlikely Noah is being held for ransom.”
Reid continues, “Noah’s father Tyler Jackson has been notified and according to the police officer that notified him, Jackson appeared to be shocked and concerned. Jackson’s house was searched and there was no sign that Noah had been there. Jackson isn’t wealthy either. The UnSub isn’t likely motivated by money in Noah’s case.”
“Family situation?” JJ asks.
Reid answers, “Tyler and Amanda divorced a year and a half ago. Amanda married Connor less than three months later. They have a three month old baby girl, Syria. Amanda and Connor are planning to move the family to Louisiana in a month.”
Hotch’s instincts immediately go to the father. He knows if Haley had tried to move away with his son, he would have been furious and fought it with everything he had. “And how does Tyler Jackson feel about this?”
“According to Amanda, he isn’t happy. Tyler doesn’t deny he is upset about the move but denies being involved in Noah’s kidnapping.”
Dave asks, “What about the other victims? Why do they think Noah Jackson’s abduction is connected?”
“First victim was Joshua Markson Jr., aka JJ. He was eight years old. Stolen from his bed, his bedroom was on the first floor and the window pried open. Joshua Sr. and Amanda Markson were at a friend’s birthday party the night he was taken. The babysitter was Amanda’s brother Don MacDaniel. Don heard nothing, calling the police the instant he found out that Joshua Jr. wasn’t in the house. No ransom note. Joshua Junior’s body was found dumped in a park two days later. He’d been raped and smothered to death. The body had been washed as if trying to wash away evidence but the police discovered semen inside JJ. They also found skin under his fingernails. The two samples match; the person that raped him is the same person that JJ scratched. Joshua was killed approximately five hours after he was taken. While the other aspects of the M.O. were revealed to the public, only law enforcement knows about the UnSub leaving DNA behind. Unfortunately, the DNA has no matches in any databases. The Raleigh police investigated everyone that had contact with Joshua and known pedophiles in the area but they found no solid leads.”
Prentiss adds, “Until the next victim.” She consults the case file, “Five weeks later.”
“Exactly. Matthew ‘Matty’ Washington was seven years old. Just like the previous victim, he was taken from his bedroom on the ground floor via a window. His father Blake and mother Pamela heard nothing. Matty’s three year old sister’s bedroom was undisturbed. Same as Joshua, Matthew was found in a park two days later, having been raped and smothered. The UnSub kept him alive between one hour and two longer than the previous victim. Like JJ, despite being washed, semen was found in addition to skin under his fingernails. It matches the DNA found on Joshua Jr.,” Spencer declares. “It has been only three weeks since the last victim. The UnSub is escalating if it is the same perpetrator.”
Emily states, “Noah fits the type for this UnSub. Between seven and eight years old, brown hair, brown eyes, slim build.”
“With an easily accessible bedroom,” Rossi finishes.
Derek interrupts, “The problem is that Noah is not Caucasian. His mother is Caucasian but his father is African American. Pedophiles have very specific types. Noah may be light skinned but he’s significantly darker than both the other victims. He may have the same color hair and eyes but he doesn’t look much like either JJ or Matty. Both JJ and Matty are pale, clean cut young boys. Noah has wild curly hair down to his shoulders.” All of them are skeptical that Noah has been taken by the same man; he doesn’t fit in with the two previous victims.
JJ says, “It is possible that the father, Tyler Jackson, is responsible.”
“True. The method of abduction has been released via the media. A civilian may believe that the similarities in appearance of the two victims and Noah are clear without realizing what makes him stand out from the other two. Jackson wouldn’t know about the DNA left on the bodies of the first two victims either. He could be using the prior victims as a smokescreen to divert suspicion from himself,” Derek proposes.
Hotch nods his head sharply in agreement. “The Michaels’/Jackson’s are the only family with custody issues. We have to consider that Tyler Jackson took advantage of the situation to kidnap his own son.”
Emily looks down at the case notes and replies, “Tyler Jackson has a plethora of reasons to be angry. Not only did his wife divorce him, she remarried almost immediately, had a child with another man, and is taking his only son several states away from him. It wouldn’t be the first time a parent kidnapped their own child.”
“Biological fathers are responsible for 53% of parental child abduction cases. 17% of the children abducted by the non-custodial parent live with one parent and that parent’s partner, just like Noah is living with his mother and her new husband. 65% of abductions occur after a change in parenting or visitation rights. With the coming move, visitation is going to significantly change for Tyler Jackson,” Spencer rambles quickly. He is silent for a moment before saying what they all are thinking, “Noah has a much better chance of survival and reconciliation with his family if his father is the kidnapper. 46% of children who are abducted by a parent are returned in less than a week, 23% of cases last less than 24 hours, while only 6% of children are never returned.”
JJ echoes, “If Tyler Jackson is the kidnapper, it is unlikely that Noah will be killed.”
Spencer pipes in, “1 in 347,000. That is the statistical probability that a parental child abduction would result in the murder of the child.”
The group is silent, hoping that the case resolves without Noah or any other child dying.
Hotch connects with Penelope, “Garcia, have you found a link between the three boys yet?” They cannot focus solely on the father. If Noah is a victim of the serial rapist and murderer, he has little time before he’s killed.
Garcia says, “Not yet. None of them go to the same school. The first victim Joshua Markson Jr. went to J.W. York Elementary School. Matthew Washington was homeschooled. And Noah Jackson goes to River Bend Elementary School. The Markson’s, Washington’s, and Jackson’s do not work with each other or know each other. Neither JJ nor Matty participated in any sports, while Noah is an active athlete. The Markson’s and Jackson's/Michaels' families do not go the same church. The Washington’s don’t attend church at all. Their children are not in the same activities nor do they go to the same park…”
Jennifer asks, “What about video games? Are they all gamers?”
“Neither of the first two victims owns a gaming console.” Garcia stops suddenly, “Oh! I found a link between JJ and Matty. Both JJ’s and Matty’s parents have a parenting blog. One is written by JJ’s father, while Matty’s mother is responsible for the other. Both blogs talk extensively about their children.”
“The UnSub could be following the blogs to learn where and what the boys are doing,” Hotch proposes. “See if you can find any frequent viewers of the blogs. The UnSub may have even commented.”
“On it, Bossman.”
Rossi asks, “Anything pertinent on the blogs?”
“Both blogs talk about video games and how they do not allow their children to play them. Each talks about how video games are ruining the minds of children these days. Both emphasize intellectual activities and outdoor activities. The boys’ schedules are easily obtained from the blogs. The UnSub would have no trouble finding them if he followed the blogs. None of Noah’s parents have a blog. Noah does have a gaming system but from his gamer tag activity he isn’t a frequent player.”
Spencer interrupts, “What about libraries? Do any of the children have library cards?” If JJ and Matty aren’t into sports or games, perhaps they are readers, especially considering the emphasis on intellectual activities on the two blogs.
Garcia checks, “Nice. The first two victims both held public library cards and were frequent patrons of the North Regional Public Library. Judging from their history, both were avid readers. Both blogs talk about their sons being readers and even say which days the boys go to the library.”
“What about Noah Jackson?” Emily asks.
Penelope answers, “He doesn’t have a public library card.”
Hotch orders, “Keep looking, I need to know if anything links all three boys. But it is very possible that Noah Jackson’s kidnapping is a separate case from the first two victims. If we find the serial murderer, we may be able to force Noah’s kidnapper out of hiding. Dig into the backgrounds of all the male employees and volunteers in Raleigh Public Library’s system. If you have to, look into frequent patrons as well. If the library or blog is the link, we need to find out who the UnSub is before he kills Noah. And I want to know everything you can find out about Tyler Jackson.”
“Sir, if I am to work on both cases at the same time, perhaps you could request some assistance?”
While Hotch finishes talking to Garcia, Rossi connects with the lead detective, Savannah Dellinger. “We have a possible lead, could you find out if Noah ever spent time at the public library?”
“Hold on, I’ll ask.” The line is silent for a minute. “Mrs. Michaels says that Noah isn’t much of a reader. Any books he reads are from the school’s library; he doesn’t even have a public library card. She says Noah hasn’t been in the public library since he was a toddler.
“That’s what we thought. Our technical analysis has found a couple of links between Joshua Markson Jr. and Matthew Washington. Both hold public library cards and are frequent patrons of the library. Another link is that Joshua Markson Sr. and Pamela Washington both have parenting blogs, which the UnSub could have used to find his victims, ” Dave explains.
Savannah questions, “Then how does Noah fit in?”
Rossi says, “We aren’t sure that he does fit in.” He looks around and sees his fellow profilers nodding in agreement.
He is met with silence. Then Dellinger inquires, “You suspect he isn’t a victim of the serial?”
Dave can tell from the way she asks that Dellinger also suspects that Noah doesn’t fit with the previous two. “Yes. If the library or the blog is what links the victims together, then Noah Jackson doesn’t fit. He isn’t a reader and hasn’t been to the library in years. None of his parents have a blog the UnSub could follow either.”
Savannah voices her thoughts, “Add in the fact that Noah will be moving several states away with his new stepfather and baby sister.”
“And Noah Jackson does not fit the type for this serial. Joshua Markson Jr. and Matthew Washington are extremely similar in appearance.”
Dellinger doesn’t sound surprised, “But Noah Jackson has nothing in common with them beyond hair and eye color.” In her gut, she felt Noah’s case was different but she didn’t have any proof.
“Exactly.”
“I’ll interview the father myself,” the detective vows, “see if I can get him to trip up.”
Dave says, “Keep it low key. We don’t want him to panic or realize that we suspect him. If he is the kidnapper, he is the only one that knows where Noah is. Better yet, interview the mother and the stepfather first.”
The rest of the plane ride is quiet, each of the profilers going over the case in their heads.
Derek pulls Spencer as far away from the others as is possible in the small plane, needing to finish their conversation from earlier. Sitting down, he knows his expression must be revealing his inner turmoil as Spencer is eying him with concern.
“What’s wrong, Derek?”
Derek releases a long breath, his hand cupping Spencer’s face. “Tell me the truth, do you still trust me?”
Spencer is stunned by the question. “Always.” He takes Derek’s hand and promises, “My trust in you has never faltered. Sir, I trust you above all others. How could you doubt that?” Spencer cannot believe that Derek would feel uncertain about his trust in him. Spencer cannot believe that Derek would feel uncertain about his trust in him. If he could, Spencer would tell him the secret that he’s hiding. But he can’t.
Derek lets the words wash over him, Spencer still trusts him. It doesn’t erase his suspicions or his insecurity but it feels good to hear. With fear choking him, Derek forces himself to ask, “You would tell me if your feelings changed, wouldn’t you?”
Spencer inhales sharply, his eyes wide with shock at the question and the emotion bleeding into Derek’s voice. He pulls Derek into a hug, the reassuring warmth of it soothing them both. Spencer hugs him tighter, whispering into his ear, “Of course I would, Derek. But my feelings are not going to change. I love you. I love you like I’ve never loved anyone else or will love anyone else. You have to know that.”
Derek buries his nose in Spencer’s neck, his Sub’s familiar smell relaxing his tense muscles. “I know that,” Derek admits. The fervent words settling his anxiety, at least for the moment. He can’t imagine his life without Spencer and he hopes he never has to. Losing Spencer is my worst nightmare come true.
Derek spends the rest of plane ride studying the case files with Spencer leaning against him. He tries not to worry about what ifs; they both need the constant physical connection to soothe them.
Landing in Raleigh, the BAU are rushed to the police station. Savannah Dellinger is there to greet them. She’s a pretty redhead with pale freckled skin in her forties, heavyset with a welcoming presence and piercing green eyes. “Would you like to meet the parents?”
Aaron nods, “JJ, Prentiss and I will meet the parents, Rossi and Morgan check with the medical examiner and see what you can find out, Reid you are on the geographic profile.” He pulls out his phone and quickly sends Harry a text letting him know they landed safely.
Quietly, Dellinger tells Hotch, “I’ve interviewed Amanda and Connor Michaels. I haven’t gotten to Tyler Jackson yet.”
“Perfect, if you are willing?”
Savannah grins, her smile having an edge of danger in it. “I was hoping you’d ask.” The detective leads them to the waiting room.
It is clear that the petite brown-haired woman with a pixie cut is Amanda Michaels. Her brown eyes are pleading and stand out starkly from her unnaturally pale face as they look over Savannah and the others. She surges up, “Have you found Noah?”
Savannah soothes the frantic mother with a gentle touch, “Not yet. These three are from the FBI’s Behavioral Analysis Unit. They are here to help find Noah.”
Aaron takes her hand, “Aaron Hotchner, Ma’am, we’ll do everything we can to get Noah back to you.”
A tall, muscular man with lightly tanned skin steps up. His brown hair is longer on top and gray at the temples and his eyes are a warm blue. Cradled in his arm is three-month-old, Syria, a chubby cheeked baby girl with a mess of brown hair. He rocks his sleeping daughter with practiced ease. Sticking his hand out, he says, “Connor Michaels, I’m Noah’s stepdad.” He too looks worried but is clearly trying to stay strong for his wife.
Hotch shakes his hand. He waves his hands at the two women, “These are my colleagues, Agent Jareau, and Agent Prentiss.”
Before another word can be spoken, their attention is drawn to the man standing up a few chairs down. He’s a lanky but muscular African American with black rimmed glasses. His black hair is clipped short and his face is surrounded by a trimmed beard. His dark brown eyes are expressionless, not reflecting any of the concern or worry that Amanda and Connor’s do. “Tyler Jackson. Noah is my son,” he barks. The possessiveness in his tone more akin to a child with a toy than a loving, concerned father.
Aaron turns his full attention to the father, sticking out his hand. “My team will do everything in our power to get your son back safely.” He swears there is barely hidden glee in Jackson’s eyes at the anguish clearly eating at his ex-wife and her new husband. Aaron’s eyes narrow minutely, his suspicion growing. Jackson is practically gloating at his ex-wife’s heartache. Even so, it doesn’t prove he is the kidnapper, he could simply enjoy watching his ex-wife suffer.
Tyler shakes Hotch’s hand. Seemingly unable to resist the urge to prove dominance, he tightens his grip painfully. Aaron gives no reaction, not backing down but not being the aggressor either. Tyler does not seem to realize that his behavior isn’t how a worried father typically acts. Does he even care that his son is missing? Playing power games while his only child is missing and suspected to be in the hands of a child murder. His child’s life hangs in the balance and he is thinking of everything but his son. His immaturity is another strike against him.
As a parent, JJ’s heart goes out to Amanda and Connor. They are clearly distraught by Noah’s kidnapping. The father, though, he does not even seem to care that Noah is missing. The only thing he seems to care about is hurting his ex-wife. JJ glances at Prentiss, noticing that she too is suspicious of Jackson. “We found a link between the other victims. Do any of you have a blog?”
Amanda and Connor shake their heads no but Tyler seems taken aback by the question.
Prentiss asks, “Tyler? What about you?”
Tyler thinks about the question, wondering if he should lie. “No…” he answers hesitantly. He realizes he can’t lie, they will only be suspicious when they find out he lied.
Aaron’s suspicions increase, it should have been a straightforward question but Jackson had to think before answering. His instincts practically screaming at him that Tyler Jackson is the kidnapper. “Mr. Jackson, could we speak privately? Detective Dellinger has informed me that she has already spoken to your ex-wife and Mr. Michaels.”
Irritation flashes briefly before Tyler schools his expression. “Of course. Anything to get my son back."
Hotch leads Jackson into the interrogation room. He intends to build up a rapport with the man he suspects is responsible for Noah’s disappearance. Sitting down, Aaron ensures his expression is friendly but professional. “When is the last time you saw Noah?”
“A couple of days ago, I watched his baseball game. We had supper and I dropped him off at Amanda’s,” Tyler says, sneering as he says his ex-wife’s name.
“Has Noah mentioned anything to you? Feeling like someone has been watching him? Seeing a stranger in more than one place? Someone he knows that makes him uncomfortable?”
Inside, Tyler grins, knowing this is the perfect way to implicate Connor Michaels. Try to take away what belongs to me! I’ll show him! Careful to project a worried expression, “Noah says sometimes my wife’s husband makes him uncomfortable. Watches him in the bathtub, touches him a lot. That sort of thing.” With luck, they’ll find something to pin on that bastard. Hotch notices the possessive way Jackson says his wife instead of his ex-wife. Aaron’s eyebrows rise, “Are you suggesting that Connor Michaels has been sexually abusing your son? Have you said anything to Amanda or confronted Connor? Have you told the police about your suspicions?”
Tyler panics slightly at Aaron’s questions. In his haste to implicate Connor, he hasn’t thought this through as he tends to do.
Aaron notices the shift in his body language from thinly veiled smugness to panicked anxiety.
Jackson lies, “Of course I have! Connor denied it and Amanda just ignored me. If they tell you differently, they are lying! I told the police! I don’t know why you are here talking to me when Michaels is probably the bastard that kidnapped my son!” Tyler is on a roll. If this works out, he could ruin Michaels. It is what he deserves for stealing his wife and his son.
Hotch knows he is lying. Detective Dellinger would have informed them immediately had Jackson voiced suspicions about Connor Michaels. Jackson simply jumped on the opportunity to get back at Michaels for taking Jackson’s family away. “I am surprised you haven’t done something to Michaels. I know if I suspected my ex’s husband of touching my son, I would have killed him. I wouldn’t let him lay another hand on what is mine.” Hotch can see the immature possessiveness in Tyler Jackson. The man is the type that sees others as property and nothing more. He doesn’t care for his son as anything more than a possession. The lies about Connor Michaels molesting Noah are an impulsive plan to get back at the man that took what Tyler believed he owned: his wife and child.
Tyler growls, “He can’t touch what’s mine! Noah and Amanda are mine and I won’t let them forget it. I won’t let them go!”
“Is that why you took Noah? To protect him from Michaels? Or so he couldn’t be taken away from you?” Aaron asks quickly, hoping the high emotion Tyler is feeling will make him blurt out the truth without thinking.
Tyler yells, “Yes! Noah is my son and if that bitch and the son of a bitch she married think they can just move away and take my son, they’re crazy. I’ll kill him before I let her take him from me! He belongs to me just as that bitch does!” It takes a second before Tyler realizes what he said. “Fuck.”
“Where is Noah, Tyler?” Aaron demands.
“Fuck you! If I can’t have him, neither can she!” Tyler sneers. “I want my lawyer.”
Hotch stares at the man in disgust and leaves without a word. The moment the door closes, he calls Garcia. “Tyler Jackson kidnapped his son and refuses to reveal where he is being kept. Find out where he could be holding Noah.”
“On it, Sir.” Penelope’s fingers speed over the keyboard as she tries to find out where Tyler Jackson has stashed Noah.
Hotch finds the others. They are still with Amanda and Connor Michaels. Thankfully, they are sitting. “Mr. and Mrs. Michaels, Tyler Jackson just confessed to kidnapping Noah.”
Amanda makes a small, broken cry and clutches her husband’s arm. She knew that Tyler hadn’t been happy about the divorce or that she’d remarried. He even scared her sometimes with how overly possessive he could still be of her and of Noah. But to put her through this, to risk Noah’s life for his petty immaturity and insane possessiveness, is incomprehensible.
Connor holds his wife with one arm, still cradling his sleeping daughter in the other. He cannot imagine being so cruel to someone. “Do you know where he is holding Noah?”
Hotch regretfully shakes his head, “I am sorry, no. Tyler refuses to say and has asked for his lawyer. My team is attempting to find Noah’s location. Is there anywhere either of you can think of that Tyler would be able to hold Noah? Somewhere secure and isolated?”
Amanda and Connor think hard. Amanda says, “Tyler isn’t responsible and although his parents were rich, they lost their wealth through frivolous spending. All the properties they once had were seized and sold. Tyler spent a lot time at his grandparent’s cabin when he was younger but they died this last year and I can only assume the cabin was sold.”
“What about his parents, would they help him?”
“His father committed suicide. His mother is unhappily remarried to a man she considers far beneath her status. She blames Tyler for it all, said that if Tyler hadn’t been born, his father never would have blown through all that money. She wouldn’t spit on him if he was on fire.”
Aaron nods, “Thank you. My team will keep you informed and we will do everything we can to get Noah back to you.” Savannah looks to another officer, who takes the Michaels to a quiet waiting room. Hotch calls Garcia to tell her about Tyler’s grandparents’ cabin before he goes to find Reid, the others trailing behind him.
Seeing his boss, Spencer says looking at the map, “Noah Jackson doesn’t fit.”
“There is a reason for that,” Emily declares.
Reid looks at his co-workers, “The father?”
“Yes.”
“Any ideas where he is holding Noah?” Spencer asks.
Hotch says, “Possibly.”
JJ wonders aloud, “Two cases. How are we dividing this up?”
“Emily and JJ, I want you both to start interviewing Tyler’s friends, his co-workers, anyone that might have a clue as to where Noah is being held,” Aaron orders. “Reid, you and Detective Dellinger go over the case files of Markson and Washington. Noah’s kidnapper has been identified but the man out there raping and killing little boys is still out there. With the news coverage of Noah’s kidnapping, he is probably going to see this as opportunity to take another boy. We need to find him before he can get his hands on another boy. Reid, Garcia’s working Noah’s case, I have already spoken to Harry, you have George at your disposable. Make sure the two of you communicate. I want this UnSub found.”
The team breaks, Prentiss and JJ taking a couple of officers with them to start interviewing people. They don’t care if people are sleeping, an eight year old boy is out there somewhere alone and they are going to find him.
Savannah leads Spencer to the conference room. The cases of Joshua Markson Jr. and Matthew Johnson are spread out throughout the room. Their pictures along with a timeline are on the board. The files are on the table. Reid takes out his phone and dials George.
“You have reached to catch a killer hotline, Gred speaking.”
“George, it’s Spencer. How are you coming with the records from the public library?”
The sound of fingers flying over a keyboard can be heard in the background as George answers, “Well, no surprise, there isn’t a single employee or volunteer that is a registered sex offender.” While it isn’t impossible, the library would have to be incompetent to hire a sex offender, especially a pedophile. “I’ve checked relatives as well and came up empty.”
“Has anyone been accused of a sexual crime of any sort?”
George answers, “That is what I am checking now. None of the employees have but I am in the process of looking at the volunteers.”
“Can you send the addresses and phone numbers of the employees and volunteers? Maybe one of them suspects something.”
“Sent. I’ll inform you if I find anything pertinent.”
“What about the two blogs? Did you find anything useful from them?” Spencer inquires.
“Reading through the blogs, it is clear that they would be a great resource for the UnSub. The boys’ schedules, activities, and hangouts can be easily gleaned from the blogs. I would be shocked if the UnSub hadn’t used them to stalk and eventually kidnap the victims.”
Spencer’s mouth purses, he’d been afraid of that. He doesn’t look forward to telling the parents about this. “Anything else?”
“I traced some of the commenters of the two blogs. Most were friends or relatives. But each blog had several ‘anonymous’ commenters, and a couple of those I traced back to the library. I suspect the UnSub used the library’s computers to view the blogs.”
“Another link to the library.”
George echoes, “The library is our best lead.”
“Thank you, George.”
Before Spencer can ask, George adds, “I put the DNA left behind on the two victims through every database I could find. No hits.”
Spencer is disappointed but not surprised. “Oh, I haven’t had the chance to tell Draco but I read some interesting entries in Nott’s journal.” His eyes flick over to Dellinger, who thankfully doesn’t appear to be listening. “Nott was researching—” Spencer stops abruptly as Derek and Rossi come into view. His heart beats hard and he tries to act normally. Derek’s eyes are on him as he whispers to George. “He was experimenting in...ethically ambiguous...ways.” Spencer prays George understands what he is trying to convey. He can’t exactly say that Nott was working with dark spells.
Derek’s eyes narrow at Spencer’s body language. To his critical eye, his Sub is attempting to act normally but he is too tense to be convincing. Derek subtly eases forward, hoping to hear what Spencer is saying.
Noticing Derek creeping closer, Spencer hurries to explain, “He hints at the chemistry of what he was researching and his...wordings and gestures.” Again, he can’t say what it really says: potions and wand movements. Derek is definitely close enough to hear his conversation now but thankfully what he has left to say is mostly non-magical. “When he found out about Pansy and that the child was not his, he used them as test subjects. The chemical mixture medication he fed to the child was laced with something very strong. Enough to take down a fairly large animal. Nott obviously wanted the child dead, he really didn’t have a chance to survive the dosage given to him. Nott doesn’t say what ingredients he used though.”
George wonders, “Did Nott say what he used to create the new spell?”
“No, he didn’t say. Not in any of the journals I’ve read. I suspect he kept that journal with him...or destroyed the journal with that information. But he wrote every detail of their deaths. He watched them die and from his journal, he reveled in their agonizing deaths. Nott found pleasure in watching their lives slip away.”
George shakes his head in disgust, “Nott has ever increasing depths to his evil. We need to stop him.”
“I completely agree.” Spencer pauses briefly before continuing, “I have to get back to work. Inform me if you learn anything further.”
“Of course, good hunting.”
“Learn anything from the Medical Examiner?” Spencer inquires before Derek can ask about the phone call.
Derek stares ahead, “The UnSub appears to have cut a lock of hair from each boy.”
“Souvenirs. Anything else?”
Derek’s hands clench into tight fists; cases involving children are always hard. But cases where young boys are sexually abused are especially hard for him. It brings up his memories from when he was a vulnerable boy taken advantage of by a respected, supposedly moral man. He’d felt helpless, afraid and ashamed. “He isn’t going to stop until we catch him.”
Spencer lays his hand on Derek’s, the touch provoking Derek to ease his grip. “We’ll catch him.”
Derek nods tersely, his frustration bleeds into his voice when he asks, “Who were you talking to? Draco?”
“No,” Spencer answers, giving Derek a half confused, half exasperated look. “George. I wanted to know what he’d learned and also to tell him about what I read in the journals. I hadn’t told the PACU about the experiments yet.”
Surprised, Derek smiles. Spencer told him about the experiments before Draco. That gives him more satisfaction than it probably should.
Noah cries himself to sleep in the empty, abandoned cabin. Hours earlier, his daddy came through his window, woke him up and guided him out of the house via the window. He hadn’t made a sound just like his daddy asked him to. Daddy had told him they were going on a camping trip, just the two of them. Noah was so happy that he didn’t question it. But now he’s all alone. Cold and hungry. Noah just wants to go home. Daddy told him not to leave the cabin but after so long, Noah went outside earlier but it was cold and raining. He didn’t see any lights on in the other cabins nor any cars parked in the neighbor’s lots. Noah went back inside to bundle under the thin, musty smelling blankets to wait for his daddy’s return. He’s scared and alone. In his fear, one thought continues to run through his mind: What if Daddy doesn’t come back?
Noah is afraid. His daddy isn’t like his friends’ daddies. Sometimes, Noah is not sure that his daddy loves him or even likes him. Noah doesn’t know why either. He tries so hard to be good so his daddy will love him but he’s never good enough. And his daddy doesn’t like Papa either. Sometimes Noah fibs and says he doesn’t love Papa just to please his daddy. But Noah loves his papa and his papa loves him.
Noah hides under the covers, wishing that his mommy and papa would find him. They’ll find me. Mommy won’t stop until she finds me. Noah hugs himself. Papa too! He’ll find me! He promised! He wishes with all his might for his mommy and papa to save him.
“I’ve found the cabin! It was foreclosed just before Jackson’s grandfather’s death. The current owners rent it out but it is vacant right now. None of the nearby cabins are currently inhabited either. Short enough distance that Tyler could have dropped Noah off and gotten back before the officer came to his house. I’ve sent the address to your phone,” Garcia gushes.
Hotch sighs with relief at having a location to search. “Let’s hope he is there. Inform JJ and Emily but tell them to continue the interviews just in case Noah isn’t at the cabin.”
“Done. Go get him, Sir.”
Hotch finds Amanda and Connor. “We may have a location. We’re found the cabin.” The hope on their faces is almost painful to see. Aaron prays that they can reunite the family. His next stop in the room where Rossi, Spencer, Dellinger, and Derek are working. “Garcia found the cabin.”
Savannah immediately sags with relief and then surges up, “I’m coming with you.”
Aaron nods. He turns to his team, “Morgan with me, Reid and Rossi continue working on the other case.”
Two squad cars with lights flashing lead the way, Dellinger and Morgan follow closely while Hotch speeds carefully behind them. Baby Syria is strapped in a car seat with her parents in the back.
Arriving at the cabin, chilly rain falls steadily. “Stay in the vehicle until we give the okay,” Hotch orders. While he doesn’t anticipate a trap, Aaron would rather be too cautious than not enough. Together with three Raleigh officers, Savannah, Derek, and Aaron clear the yard and then the three of them enter the cabin. They silently search the small cabin. Hotch spots movement on the bed, “Noah? Noah Jackson? I’m with the police; I am here to bring you home.”
Noah rips the blanket off his body; his face is stained with tears. “I want my mommy.”
Aaron carefully lifts the scared boy, “She is outside. Your step-dad too.”
Noah clings to Aaron’s chest, whispering softly, “I knew they’d come for me.”
Aaron picks up a blanket and drapes it over the boy’s body. He carries him outside. Amanda rushes out of the car and runs to her son the moment she sees him. Aaron hands him over while Amanda clutches and kisses her son, tears of joy running down her face. “I love you! I love you so much. My baby. My beautiful baby!” Amanda’s hands run over her son’s body as if looking for wounds. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”
“It was lonely and cold in the cabin. Daddy said we were going on a trip but he left me alone!”
Connor exits the SUV, glancing at Syria to make sure she is still sleeping before he rushes to his wife and son. He hugs them both, love and happiness welling up inside him. His family is complete once again. Noticing Noah’s shivering, Connor ushers them into the back of the vehicle. An EMT comes over to check on Noah. She gives them all towels to dry off and special blankets to keep them warm after saying that Noah is a little cold but not too much worse for the wear.
Safe and warm, Noah smiles, “I knew you would come!”
“Of course, we would, we were so worried about you!” Amanda declares.
“I wished for you and Papa to come. And you did!”
Connor brushes Noah’s hair from his face, “Always, Sport. Do you remember what I promised?”
Noah nods eagerly, bouncing into Connor’s lap. “I remember, you promised to be there whenever I need you. I needed you and you came. Just like you said you would!” He hugs his papa while his mommy holds his hand.
Hotch watches the scene, oblivious to the rain dripping over his body. Looking at the reunion, Aaron remembers seeing his son after he’d killed Foyet, the feeling of overwhelming relief. He may have lost Haley but Aaron had signaled his son and Jack had hid. Aaron has never been more thankful for those three little codewords: work the case. When he worked at home, Jack would often ‘work the case’ with him, hiding in the little cubby by his desk. That had saved him. Foyet hadn’t had time to find him before Aaron got there.
Aaron couldn’t have survived if he’d lost both Haley and Jack. Inevitably, his thoughts turn to Harry. He has never fallen so fast for someone before. Not only because Harry is a Sub but because he is everything Aaron wants in one perfect package.
Yet, Aaron is scared. They are both hiding secrets and have far more to learn about each other. He isn’t sure that Harry will still want him when he learns everything. He’s killed before, without hesitation and he’d do it again. He has far more blood on his hands than he wants to admit. Will Harry be disgusted when he realizes how much blood is on my hands? Would the thought of me touching him make him cringe when he discovers the truth? Then there is Jack. Will he want Jack? What if he doesn’t want children? Aaron knows that if he has to choose between Harry and Jack, Jack will win every time. He prays he won’t have to choose.
Adding to his insecurities is the fact that they reside in different countries. Trying to have a relationship with an ocean between them isn’t likely to succeed. One of them would have to be willing to give up everything: his job, his home, his family, his friends. Aaron loves his job but admits that for the right reason he would consider leaving. He could find a job somewhere else without too much difficulty. He doubts it would take much effort on his part to find an employer considering his skill set. His law degree probably wouldn’t be as useful in England, but his years at the BAU means that any law enforcement sect would be lucky to have him.
As for family, Aaron has a brother he hardly sees and his mother...well, he hasn’t seen or talked to her in years. The only family he’d be leaving would be Haley’s. Aaron would miss Jessica as would Jack but in the end, it would give her a chance to finally have her own life. Leaving Grandpa Roy behind would hurt Jack as well. Aaron admits to himself that he won’t miss Roy. The man hates him with a passion, not that Aaron blames him. Both he and Roy know that if Haley hadn’t been with Aaron, she wouldn’t be dead. Certainly not by George Foyet’s hand. Aaron will carry that guilt for the rest of his life. What if Harry becomes a target because of me? Can I really risk his life because I love him? He already has to deal with the guilt of endangering Jack. Aaron isn’t sure he can do that to another person he loves. Hayley’s death proved that he can’t protect the people he loves from everything and everyone. Aaron shakes his head. Harry isn’t the easy target that Haley was. He is smart and more than able to defend himself. Harry is in the same avenue of work as Aaron is, meaning he’s vigilante and trained. Harry knows what to expect, knows the risks their profession entails.
Aaron would miss his co-workers probably most. He’s worked with them for years and they spend more time with each other than their own families. Suddenly, Aaron realizes what he is doing. He is already planning on leaving his life, his home, his country for Harry. Holy fuck! I would. I’d leave everything and everyone to be able to stay with Harry. Me, Harry and Jack. I wonder if Harry would consider adopting Jack. Would he want more children like I do? Then Aaron freaks the fuck out inside his mind.
He finally snaps out of it when a raindrop falls into his eye. Aaron shakes himself, placing his thoughts into a box and sealing it up to be dealt with later.
He talks briefly to the officers, ensuring they no longer need him. Crime Scene is on their way and will collect the evidence for the trial, should Tyler Jackson decide to plead not guilty. Aaron drives Connor, Amanda, Noah, and Syria home. Dropping them off, Hotch calls JJ, Emily, and then Penelope to inform them that Noah had been found unharmed in the cabin. He sends JJ and Emily back to the hotel and gives Penelope and George the go ahead to go home to get a few hours of sleep.
Back at the station, Aaron finds the rest of his team and tells them to quit for the night. The dead can wait and they all need some sleep. He doesn’t notice Morgan eying him suspiciously.
Derek had noticed Aaron’s still form outside the cabin. His boss had been unusually lost in his thoughts, taking no notice of anything around him. But it isn’t his stillness or preoccupation that has Derek interested. It’s the panicked, confused expression that had overcome Aaron’s face. To an outsider, Aaron’s expression would seem aloof, stoic. But Derek could read the minute changes in his expression. Something happened. Derek wonders if maybe this case brings back memories of the Reaper case that resulted in Haley’s death and how he’d almost lost Jack. Whatever the reason, Derek will be watching Hotch. Something is going on with him.
Sunday Morning:
Most people who have a regular nine to five job do not work on weekends, yet, here Harry stands in front of the board and stares at it for the hundredth time. Why is this case taking so long to solve? Most of our cases they solve it in days or a week tops. But for the past three months our focus has been on hunting down Theo Nott, it’s like the bastard is playing a game of cat and mouse with us. What the fuck are you doing, Theo? The next question Harry asks himself is what the hell do you want? Before he can ponder anymore on the question his phone rings. Without looking at who it is he answers. “Potter.”
“Hello, my Prince.”
Harry smiles at the nickname, the one Luna often calls him, “And how are you, my little Dove. How are my baby birds doing?”
“I, your niece and nephew, are doing fine.” Harry cannot believe that Luna and Blaise are having twins. Blaise does not know yet, and will not find out until Luna goes into labor. The day Luna found out the sex of her babies, Blaise was away on a private and special assignment, at times the PACU members lend their services out on contract for undercover and special missions. This mission took a bit longer than the rest, and Harry stepped in Blaise’s stead. Luna asked Harry to promise to keep the twins a secret she wants to surprise her husband at the birth of their children. Like a true friend, he promise he not to say a word.
“They are doing quite well, thank you. However, one has decided my bladder is the best place to rest so I had a chair moved into the bathroom.” Harry laughs at Luna, but he cannot stop thinking that one day that will be him. He has not told his father yet but if he is not married by the age of thirty, he will go the muggle way and be artificially inseminated. The shock will be when Harry decides that he will be a single father with three kids. Teddy is the heir to the Black fortune; Harry will need to have two more heirs one for the Prince and the other for Potter. His chances of having twins with muggle insemination are high. How sad is it that I hope that Aaron will want to continue our relationship? I’d rather he be the other father than having to resort to muggle medical science. “He is already starting to fall for you, he is as afraid as you are.” Luna’s voice cuts into his thoughts, he wonders if he said that out loud.
“What do you mean by that, and who are you talking about?” Harry asks her as he looks around the conference room. He forgets that he is the only one in the room, everyone is off doing something in regards to the case.
“Don’t play coy with me Harry, I know you better than even Draco, Bill, and your father, who believes you are keeping something from him by the way.” Luna tells him. Harry winces at the tongue lashing he anticipates on receiving from his father once he finds out about Aaron. Bill will no doubt be protective but supportive at the same time. Draco will probably forgive him for keeping their relationship a secret under his nose. “I know you have met someone since you have been there. I can tell the last time I spoke to you there was a change in your voice.” Leave it to Luna to pick up on certain things. Although not a seer, she is still clairvoyant when it comes to certain things, especially things concerning her family. “But I get the feeling that you both are holding back something from each other, you are both holding back your true feelings.”
Harry is about to say it’s about their world when she interrupts him. “It is not about us and our world, Harry. You are scared, and you have every right to be.” She’s right Harry is scared; scared that Aaron will one day look at him and see him as a murder and a liar, but most of all as someone who is not worthy of him. But what about the cock cage? The look of pure lust and joy he had on his face when he put it on you. Harry shifts his stance and feels the cage around his cock; it is a reminder that his Dominant, his Master gifted it to him. Even with the small reminder, Harry’s doubts are not alleviated. In the Wizarding world, any man would want to be with him and would come running at the snap of his fingers, but here he is, terrified that a muggle will not want him once the case is over. After his last relationship with a man, Harry swore off men only doing one night stands and one night Dom’s. Aaron changed that. “He has the same fear you have Harry.” Luna says. “Give it time, besides, you have me to help him see you are the one for him.”
“I’d rather you help me with this case than my love life.” Harry tells her jokingly.
“Who says I can’t do both, tell me what is bothering you.”
Harry sighs and pinches the bridge of his nose, he explains to Luna the everything they know so far. The coincidence of the body types to his and Draco’s appearances, as well as their eyes and hair color. The way the bodies were found, how Theo is killing them in broad daylight yet no trace of magic is found. Harry stresses his utter frustration with how long they are taking to solve this case, when his team usually solves them within two weeks, tops. Luna stays silent and does not interrupt him until he mentions the contrast in his killing of Pansy and the child and why. Harry is aware Luna knows about Pansy’s death. Because she is pregnant, Blaise requested she stay with Sev and Lucius. Obviously they spoke about the case around her since they are the consultants on the case. Harry tells Luna about his strange feelings in his gut that this case has more to do with him and Draco than just mere killings. He gives her a blow by blow of what happened at the bank and of the information they learned from their prisoners, he leaves out any information about Neville because that is not his story to tell. When Harry finishes his details of the case Luna is quiet on the other end of the phone.
“So what do you think? What am I missing, Luna?” He ask her.
“Harry, did you know that Theo Nott and Daphne Greengrass dated when we attended Hogwarts.”
Harry says nothing, recalling Daphne Greengrass, a beautiful petite blond with striking green eyes. She was in Slytherin her family was a strong supporter of Voldemort and his cause for muggle extermination. Harry remembers the first and last time he encountered Daphne Greengrass, her wand pointed at Draco’s back while he fought with Rabastan LeStrange. Harry remembers seeing the words of Avada Kevadra forming on her lips but he was quicker, his spell hit her right in the stomach and killed her instantly. He remembers seeing Theo at the end of the battle crying and clinging to someone but everyone thought it was because of the war and the fact that it was over.
“Luna, how do you know they were dating?” Harry asks her.
“I caught them a couple of times coming from the Room of Requirement. They paid no attention to me. But from the look of it they seemed completely and utterly in love.”
A sick feeling settles in the pit of Harry’s stomach, could all of this be about Daphne Greengrass? Is he trying to get bring our attention to what we did? How long has he held onto the anger of her dying? Question after question swirls in Harry’s head, “Luna, let me call you back.” He says quickly, hanging up before Luna can say another word. He needs to find Blaise and Draco. Did they know about Theo and Daphne? The possibility that they could have solved this case a long time ago with that knowledge staring in their faces is overwhelming. Harry pulls out his phone to send a text to both Draco and Blaise, within two minutes they apparate into the room. “Tell me you neither of you knew that Theo and Daphne Greengrass were fucking at Hogwarts?” He demands.
The shocked expression on their faces say it all, “What the fuck Harry? Of course, we didn’t know.” Draco snaps back, “well I didn’t know.” He turns and looks at Blaise.
Blaise runs his hands through his curly hair and shakes his head, “No I was not aware of their relationship. Like I said, he kept to himself mostly.” Blaise stops and glares at Harry. “What I can't believe is that after everything we have been through and done together, you would accuse us of holding back vital information about this case or any case!”
Harry feels ashamed of himself, Blaise is right after all, they have been through. They are a family not just teammates. “You’re right Blaise, I don’t know what the hell came over me. When Luna mention me they dated—”
Blaise cuts him off, “Luna? What does my wife have to do with this?”
“I just got off the phone with her.” He answers the question. “She told me she saw them together leaving the Room of Requirement a couple of times. I gather you never talked about the case with her?” Harry asks. This would be the perfect time to suggest they consider the possibility of bringing a female on the team. “I was thinking,” Harry begins. “I like that the BAU has females on their team. I know we are competent but a skilled female or two on our team could provide us with another perspective. I was thinking of asking Luna to be a member of the team and maybe Lavender. Both are strong, intelligent, and talented and can definitely kick arse.”
“You want to bring Luna in?” Blaise isn’t sure about that. He wants to protect his wife but even so, he knows Luna can take care of herself and would be a great asset to have for the team. “That’s something we will have to discuss not only between Luna and I but the whole team. After the case, maybe?”
Harry nods in agreement. They aren’t in a position to make that decision just yet. After the case is finished, they will have the time to discuss and decide.
Getting back to the case, Blaise adds, “I try not to bring work home with me, there are times I discuss things with her that are bothering me but I explain a little but skirt over the gory details.”
Harry wants to point out to Blaise that Luna is stronger than he thinks, she is not some fragile flower that will break if the wind blows in her direction. “Stop what you are thinking right now.” Blaise interrupts his train of thoughts. “I know you and Luna are very close and I am not jealous of your relationship. But have you taken a closer look at the necklace around her neck, Harry?”
Harry tilts his head to the side and tries to think of what the hell Blaise could be talking about. Harry knows that as Lady Zabini Luna wears her fair share of jewelry when the needs arises. However, he thinks of the black choker she constantly wears it’s black with a bronze rose pendant and a Ravenclaw blue diamond between it. It is not flashy like all the other jewels she has to wear; the choker is simple, which is so Luna. He remembers when he asked Luna about it, she told him it was her most treasured gift from Blaise, he gave it to her before they got married. Harry looks up to see Blaise and Draco staring at him; Draco has a confused look on his face, trying to figure out what Blaise could be talking about, and Blaise’s understanding expression is due to his being a Dominant. It seems I am not the only one keeping my lifestyle a secret. Harry wonders if he has ever felt the kiss of Blaise's whip any time during his training as a Sub.
“How long have you known?” Harry asks Blaise.
“For a while now.” Blaise shrug a shoulder. “And no one else knows.” He answers the question before Harry can ask it.
Draco huffs to show his frustration, “Will someone tell me what the bloody fuck is going on?”
“Nothing,” both Harry and Blaise say together.
Draco looks back and forth between the two men, “I don’t believe you but I will leave it alone for now. But I agree with you, Harry. Females on the team would add a whole new element to the team. Luna is an Investigative Auror only taking time off because of her pregnancy, and I am sure Lavender works undercover with the Unspeakables and wants a change in occupation. Her experience could come in handy. Let’s propose the idea to the rest of the team and both ladies when we return back to England.” Blaise nods his head, agreeing with Draco. “Now, let's get back to the case.”
“So I figured out why he is targeting me and Draco,” Harry says changing the subject.
“What is it then?” Blaise probes.
Harry looks at Draco when he gives his answer, “If Theo and Daphne were really in love then he is doing this for revenge. I killed Daphne to save Draco's life.”
A throat clears at the door and everyone turns to see Penelope with her IPad in her hands. She hands it to Harry. On the screen is Aaron. Harry hopes that Aaron or Penelope did not hear what he had just said. He still is not ready to tell his Dom about all the shit that has happened in his life. Harry clears his throat to dispel any unpleasantness that entered the room. He did not need to explain himself to anyone, yet the look in his Dom’s eyes says different. “Aaron, Penelope,” He says with a nod of his head. “What can I do for you?”
Aaron is silent for a minute before he speaks, “I want to know if I can borrow one or both of the twins, usually we have Garcia working alone but this case requires a little more hands-on approach.”
“What do you need from them? I can’t give you both. George will be able to; Fred is busy at the moment.” Fred is busy at the bank trying to sniff through all of the dark artifacts they found in their detainees’ vaults. Harry has never understood how one case can uncover so many damn deceptions.
“Good, then have him get in touch with Garcia; she will tell him what I need.” No other words are said, Aaron shuts off the connection from his side.
“Pretty demanding, isn’t he?” Draco asks sarcastically. You can say that, thinks Harry.
“Ok, so back to our case and this new information, what do we do now?” Blaise asks.
“Well, we know that Nott was good at keeping secrets or we would not be here. We need to find out the other connections he had, who he fucked, man, woman or dear Merlin, child. We need to dig further than we have ever dug into someone’s life. Get in touch with Kingsley and have him go over every bit of information he knows from his end. Have Neville track down all the contacts we know here that might have had business dealings with the Nott’s past and present. Draco keep looking through those journals, get in touch with Dr. Reid and see if he can figure anything out, also update Fred on what’s going on. Some of those dark artifacts might help us figure out how Nott is killing in broad daylight and leaving no magical trace.”
“What about us, what will we be doing?” Blaise asks him.
“You and I will go back to interrogate the detainees and get them to talk by any means necessary. I have this feeling they know more than they are letting on and it’s not sitting well with me. And another thing, use whatever powers of persuasion you need to get the information we need.” Harry wanted to ask Blaise so many questions, but felt now was not the right time. To know that his friend and subordinate is a Dominant in his personal life and him a Sub, certainly shows he does not know everything about his friends. Fuck, has he ever seen me naked?! Dammit, I hope not or working together just got more awkward. Harry shakes the thoughts from his head. Solve the case and worry about that later. Maybe I will ask Luna; she will tell me the truth.
Within minutes, the three men go off to do their jobs, Draco gets on the phone and calls Kingsley then Fred. Harry gets in touch with Neville and tells him what to do. Blaise and Harry go to the American version of Azkaban, there are no dementors there never were. But the prisoners’ wands are broken and they wear bracelets that cannot be removed until they are dead or released. The bracelets freeze their magic and has a time release down to the second of their prison sentence. Harry notes the differences between both Wizarding prisons. It is not dark with remnants of dementors’ stench in the air. The prisoners are allowed to walk around and speak with each other. Prisoners are allowed to have visitors but they are searched when they enter and when they leave. The prisoners have three square meals a day, and are expected to keep up their daily hygiene. Guards are stationed everywhere, some you can see and some you cannot. They are allowed to use the Cruciatus curse to keep prisoners in line.
Harry and Blaise question Benjamin Cowlson and Tali Kearns once more; this time, they are harsher and more menacing. For his involvement at Gringotts Cowlson will spend a total of twenty years in Azkaban. Although he did not kill anyone in the destruction of the bank, his crimes were severe. His sentence was based on the attempted murder of three high ranking Aurora, and for using the Avada Kedavra in the presence of innocent bystanders. The evidence against him was more than enough to sentence him. Goblins are not the nicest creatures on a good day, but when a witch or wizard destroys their property, prepare to pay. Once he serves his allotted time in Azkaban, he will be handed over to the Goblins for retribution.
But he did not have anything else new to tell them about Nott’s activities. It is Tali Kearns who gives them their next break in the case. Kearns will only spend the next six years in Azkaban for her part in the attack during Gringotts. Kearns tries to remain stoic while they question her, Harry guesses even in this posh appearance, Azkaban life on the inside is not all that it is cracked up to be. She finally breaks after Harry suggests that he will find a way to reduce her sentence. He will try to get her a minimum of three years for good behavior because she did not kill anyone in the act, only injured a few. However, he deliberately refrains from mentioning her additional sentence for illegal use of love potions and her many husbands’ mysterious deaths.
“Why are you here?” Tali asks. “I’ve been a model prisoner since you put me in here.” She snaps at them. Harry stood back and let Blaise take the lead on this one.
“I have a feeling you are holding something else back from me, Tali.” Blaise says her. Harry watches as Blaise charms Tali. “The first information you gave us worked out.” He leans over her, crowding her space with a smile on his face. “Come on Tali tell us, what else do you know?”
She licks her lips suggestively and gazes lustfully at Blaise before shifting her eyes to Harry. “Are you sure you can get them to lower my sentence?” She asks Harry, her voice shakes and so do her hands when she raises them to her lips.
“I will do what I can,” Harry answers honestly.
“Very well then,” she says. “There is a warehouse he wanted me to meet him one night, he gave me the apparition address and a picture of what the warehouse looks like so that I would have the image in my mind, but later changed his mind. I don’t know what happened but he cancelled our meeting.”
Blaise steps back from Tali, crossing his arms and maintaining his intimidating presence. Harry sees a Dominant rather than an officer of the law and wonders how he never noticed before now. “Do you remember the address?” Blaise asks her.
Tali nods her head and gives them the location Nott gave her. Before they can leave, she stops them. “You know Mr. Potter, I was just lonely and unloved. I did it because I wanted someone to love me.”
Harry believes that everyone deserves love. “Then why did you kill them.” Harry turns and looks at the woman who now seems more broken than a few minutes ago.
A tear rolls down her cheeks, “I was not beautiful enough for them to love.” She whispers, “I just wanted to be loved.”
There are many things he loves about muggle technology but this is by far the best one. In order for them to apparate to the location they would need to actually have been there before or seen an image of the place. But with GPS putting the address in his phone or search for it on Google maps give them a better idea of the location. Harry and Blaise apparate to the location they got from their phones wands at the ready just in case Nott is there. But when they get there the warehouse is empty and there is no sign that Nott has been there for days, possibly weeks. Whatever the purpose of the warehouse either Nott did not get a chance to use it or he decided against using this location.
They take pictures and check for magical signatures. Harry figures if Nott was going to use this warehouse for something he would have it charmed or protected better. Yet, there are no traps, charms, or spells. With no other options, Harry and Blaise leave with no evidence and nothing further to add to the case. Later, Harry will berate himself for failing to search the warehouse thoroughly because they missed the latest next victim in their lackluster inspection of the property. Harry and Blaise make their way back to the FBI building. When they walk into the conference room, Draco is on the phone taking notes. Harry assumes he is speaking with Dr. Reid about the journals he took with him. Harry goes over the board and pins up the pictures he took and makes a big red circle around it. Even though they did not find anything in the building, Harry feels it is still a place to watch.
Draco gets off the phone and sighs, “That was George, he spoke to Spencer for a few minutes mostly about the case they are working on. He could not go into specifics with too many ears around.” Draco tells Harry and Blaise. “Spencer eluded to the fact that Nott was researching new dark spells with potions and wand casting. When he found out about Pansy and that the child was not his, he used them as test subjects. The pain relieving potion he fed the little one had something strong laced into it, strong enough to kill a hippogriff. If only we could get our hands on it to test it and see what ingredients he used.”
“Was Spencer able to say what he used to create the new spell?” Harry asks him.
Draco shakes his head, “Not in that journal and before you ask I checked the ones I have here with me. If Theo documented the new spell he created, it is not in the ones he left behind. Either he has it with him or he destroyed it. The only thing he detailed was how he watched them die with absolute glee.”
“That evil fucker needs to die.” Harry says through clenched teeth, smashing a fist down on the conference table in anger.
Draco and Blaise nod their heads. Draco tries to soothe him, “I’m with you but let's catch him first, little Prince,”
“What about Kingsley, what did he have to say?” Asks Blaise.
“Well, we have to wait on the information on that one. He was on his way home and plans to make a trip out to Azkaban to speak with Daphne’s mother, Anastasia Greengrass.” Draco answers.
“If anyone that can give us a lead on that angle, it would be her.” Harry looks around and realizes that Neville is not with them. “Has anyone heard from Neville?”
Just as he asks the question Neville walks into the conference room, he sits down and sighs. “Well, my day was a bust; how was yours?” He asks the rest of them.
Blaise’s brows crease and he asks confused, “What do you mean by that?”
“All I will say is that anyone that Nott contacted or tried to approach with his idea of world domination, prefers to stay out of Azkaban and closed the door in my face.” Neville deadpans.
“Shit!” Sighs Harry. “So no leads then?”
“Unfortunately no.” Neville admits. “How was the hunt for you guys? Please tell me you had more luck.”
Harry, Blaise and Draco sit down and give Neville a rundown of their day, once they finish they realize that even with the little bit of information that Luna gave them this morning and all their running around, they are basically back to where they started. Unless Nott kills another victim and fucks up and leaves them a clue this case will be on the docks for a very long time or go unsolved.
Sunday morning:
The next morning, Spencer and Savannah look over the list of library employees with Derek and Dave.
“We need to interview employees from the library. The UnSub must be connected there somehow, with luck one of them can point us in the right direction,” Spencer replies.
Dave adds, “Why don’t we divide the list between us?” The others agree. Rossi and Dellinger team up, leaving Derek and Spencer together.
Once in the SUV, Derek asks, “Have you talked to any of the PACU members today?”
Spencer gives Derek a look. “I talked to George about the case yesterday and a little about the experiments I read in Nott’s journal…”
“Not Draco?”
“When would I have had time to talk to Draco? We’ve spent every moment on this case, I haven’t read anything more on the journals. You know that.”
Derek isn’t sure whether or not he’s happy about that. “What do you think of Draco?”
Again, Spencer gives Derek a look that is half confused and half irritated. “Why does it matter?”
“Tell me what you think of Draco,” Derek says in his Dom voice.
Spencer doesn’t question Derek again. If his Dom wants to know, then he’ll tell him. “He’s brilliant. Easy to talk to. Crazy in love with his twins.”
Again, Derek isn’t sure how to feel. Should he be happy that Draco seems to be in love with the twins and that Spencer knows it? Derek hates feeling insecure, especially in his relationship with Spencer. He is supposed to take care of Spencer, his Pretty Boy trusts him to. The thought of failing Spencer, of losing Spencer to someone else is terrifying.
“Sir, I love you. You know that, right?” Spencer suspects that Derek is jealous of how he and Draco connect.
Derek pauses before answering, “Yes.”
“Draco is a nice guy. I enjoy conversing with him. We are friends and that is all. He loves George and Fred, and I love you.”
“You don’t wish that you could talk to me like you can with him?” Derek asks quietly.
Spencer smiles at Derek like he’s being foolishly insecure, which he is; Spencer wants no one but Derek. “No. I want you, Derek. You are my Sir, my Dom, my protector, my love, my everything. You are exactly what I desire and you give me precisely what I need. You mean more to me than anything. I don’t wish you were anyone or anything but yourself. I do not need a genius. I just need you.”
Even hearing Spencer’s words, Derek cannot stop his fears. Draco is worthy of Spencer in a way that he can never be. What if one day Spencer decides that I’m not good enough? What if he wants someone that he can talk to on an intellectual level that I can never reach?
Spencer shakes his head, realizing that Derek doesn’t believe him. “I don’t want Draco. Sure he’s hot...”
Derek’s head snaps to the right, possessive fire in his eyes.
Spencer meets his eyes and smirks, “Do I have your attention now?”
Derek pulls his eyes back onto the road. A part of him wants to pull the SUV over and take Spencer right now. To show him exactly who he belongs to. But there is a man out there killing young boys and they need to catch him.
“Are you listening to me, Sir?”
Derek grimaces and nods curtly. Spencer knows him well enough to push his buttons with unerring accuracy.
“Good. I’m going to tell you this and I’ll keep telling you if I have to. I do not want Draco Malfoy. He’s attractive I suppose but I see him as a brother. A brother. NOT a lover. It’s a little disturbing to even think about him sexually.” Spencer shivers a little at the thought. He likes Draco a lot but the thought of being with him is a bit like sleeping with himself. They are too much alike. “If you want to be jealous of my friendship with Draco that is up to you but I would never betray you like that, Sir. Never.”
Derek scrubs his hand over his face, turning briefly to take a glimpse at his Sub. “I know that, Pretty Boy. I do.” He pauses briefly before he continues. “I just don’t like that you can share a part of yourself with Draco that you can’t with me.”
Spencer laughs, taking his hand, “You are so greedy!”
For the first time, Derek smiles just a little. “When we catch this bastard, I’ll show you just how greedy I can be.”
Spencer shivers at Derek’s dark promise. Too many possibilities flit through his mind and all of them end with them both feeling deeply and thoroughly sated.
Derek stops the vehicle and looks at his Sub. He’d only have to say the word and Spencer would immediately and eagerly suck his cock or open his pretty legs for him. Derek grabs his chin and pulls him in for a kiss. He never tires of the taste of Spencer’s lips or the needy little gasps he makes. Derek pecks his lips once more. “Come on, Pretty Boy. Back to work.”
Spencer takes a second to get out, needing the moment to shake off his inner Submissive and pull his Agent persona back on.
- 5
- 6
- 7
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Just A Matter of Time