A/N: Sorry for reposting this, but I found a few mistakes that I had to fix that I didn't catch the first time. I didn't change anything in the story.
Chapter Three
Molly Weasley was dreading Christmas day. Not that she still didn't love the holiday, don't get her wrong; it was just the days leading up to it were pure chaos. This year, especially, was pure horror. Percy needed glasses, and they just recently found out that Harry could not see.
At all.
Not to say he was blind- he just had terrible vision and Molly just rolled her eyes when she remembered who the boy's biological father was.
What clued Bill in was the way Harry tripped whenever Bill let him walk. Bill had taken to carrying the little boy everywhere because Harry seemed to enjoy being as tall as Bill. When Harry walked on his own, however... They could have written it off as a clumsiness of a six-year-old, but Harry tripped on the toys that only blended in with the floor if eyesight was not one hundred percent. It was surprising how Harry managed to tell who was who in the house once they found out how near-sighted the boy was.
Harry explained that he had memorized the shapes of their bodies.
Molly was the only one who did not find this fact amusing.
That, coupled with a talk with Albus Dumbledore the day before Christmas, among many other numerous things she could not name had her on her wit's end. She wanted to get the boy a present, but Molly just could not think of a single thing the boy would have liked. Bill even told her that Harry did not want anything from them- just hugs and food and a real bed to sleep in.
That thought alone made her so sad whenever she looked at the little boy who contrasted so greatly against her own children. Every time she felt so wretched for the little boy, however, she remembered the day Harry and Ron finally sealed their friendship. After Ron had apologized for his harsh words, their relationship had been somewhat tense and rocky; Harry was so terribly shy and Ron did not know how to treat Harry after what Bill had told him. On Harry's second full day there and three days before Christmas, a rather amusing situation brought them closer together.
Harry, eager to please the redhead boy his age, had rushed to Ron's side when he had screamed bloody murder. Harry had looked around, hoping to find what was wrong to placate the boy, when he saw a spider on the floor in front of Ron. Harry had given the boy a bemused look and had asked if he was afraid of the tiny spider. Ron replied that, yes, he was terrified of spiders and was Harry crazy because that was not a tiny spider and to please get it away right this instant. Harry, shy and afraid Ron might think he was a freak but deciding to do it anyway to please his new friend, had laid down on his stomach so he was closer to the Scary Spider. Ron had squeaked and tried to pull him away, but Harry had skillfully ignored him; Little Harry Potter was on a Mission. He had placed one hand underneath his chin to cushion it from the hard floor and had reached the other tiny hand to pet the Terrifying Creature. Harry had told Ron that there was no reason to be afraid as he gently touched the brown spider. Just as carefully, Harry had cupped the bane of Ron's existence in his hand and took it to the back door. Molly, trying hard to hide her amusement, had opened the door for him to let the spider out.
Harry and Ron were Best Friends Forever after that episode.
Christmas day arrived pleasantly enough, she supposed. Molly awoke when her all seven of her children, plus little Harry, stormed into her room to wake her and Arthur up just after the crack of dawn. She held back a chuckle when Arthur rolled back over and pretended to go back to sleep. Her youngest four would not have it. They jumped onto the bed- with Charlie's help- and bounced the bed until she sat up, Arthur in tow.
Just a regular Christmas at the Weasley household.
The children raced down the stairs as Arthur stifled a yawn from the early morning shenanigans. He placed an arm around his wife's waist as they descended the last of the stairs. Once in the sitting room where the tree had been placed, the Weasley parents sat down on the couch as Charlie passed out presents. Usually that was Bill's job, but the oldest child had his hands full with Harry sitting on his lap.
Harry watched the redhead clan with rapt attention, green eyes shining brightly behind new glasses. He marveled at how crisp and clear everything was when he put the glasses on. Objects and people weren't as fuzzy anymore, and he wondered if it was magic just like these people were. Over the last few days he had just been amazed that magic existed, which pleased Molly and Bill to no end when he 'ooh'ed and 'ah'ed when she would wave her wand. Today, though, Harry was just content with watching the redheads around him enjoying presents. He didn't expect a present, and was therefore surprised when Bill placed an oddly-shaped package in his lap.
Bill felt slightly disheartened when Harry looked up at him in confusion. He pushed Harry's new glasses with a gentle finger to give himself a moment to think. He had to go about this carefully. "It's for you, Harry," he finally settled on, growing uncomfortable with Harry's confused stare. No child should have had to look at anyone like that. Bill didn't know how much more heartbreak he could take. "From me."
Harry looked down at the parcel in his lap. "For... me?" He looked back up at Bill, wide-eyed. "I've never gotten a present, before."
Movement in the sitting room stopped at the innocent words. Harry looked around him at the nine others, confused greatly at their shocking silence. He had gotten used to the constant noise that always permeated the oddly shaped house. The silence was deafening, if not scary. Yes, it terrified him, because this house was supposed to be loud and alive in the same way the Dursley household was supposed to be quiet and morose. He fidgeted in Bill's lap, hoping it would spur a reaction from his favorite Weasley. He usually said something when Harry started squirming under their looks, and he was not disappointed.
"And now you will," Bill told him softly, pressing the gift into the small hands. "Do me a favor, Harry?" The young boy nodded enthusiastically, ignoring the silent house around him. Bill was talking, to him, and that was all that mattered. "Forget about the Dursleys. You're here, and you never have to go back to them. Just... Forget about the past five years, alright?"
Harry nodded enthusiastically at once. Of course he could do that- he would be glad to do that!
Charlie finished handing out the presents and the chatter started up once again. It turned out Harry had only gotten that one present, but he didn't mind at all. In fact, he was quite happy with the single gift. It was a present, and he had never gotten one before. He shook the thought from his mind; Bill didn't want him to think about his life with the Dursleys. Harry looked around at the others to see what to do. The seven other children were tearing the shiny wrapping paper off the boxes eagerly; even Percy couldn't hold himself back on this wonderful Christmas morning. Bill had his head resting on top of Harry's as he opened his own presents, and the little boy found he didn't mind.
Carefully, Harry tore the wrapping paper away, afraid he might break whatever was encased inside. It felt soft, but he wouldn't take any chances. Bill stilled in his actions to watch the boy on his lap. Charlie was casting the two secret glances every few seconds to watch for the expression on Harry's face. Molly and Arthur also paused, keeping an eye on the pair for entertainment value. They had found, over the past few days, that Harry reacted quite strangely (but very amusingly) to their eldest son's actions.
They were not disappointed. Harry finally got the present unwrapped and he held it up in his tiny hands. It was a teddy bear, worn and frayed in some places, a light, faded brown with warm brown eyes. Molly recognized it as Bill's first teddy bear when he was a child. It should have had a deep red bow around its neck, but it had been lost some years before.
Tears threatened to spill down Molly's cheek, but she held them back. Charlie smiled at the absolute look of happiness shining from Harry. There was no smile on the boy's face, but his green eyes were filled with a sense of wonder and joy and shock. Charlie was confused, then, when the boy frowned.
Harry jumped out of Bill's lap, as if burned, and turned to look at the older boy sternly. "You stay right here!" Charlie almost burst out laughing when Harry did a perfect rendition of his mother with one hand on his hip and the other pointing menacingly between Bill's eyes. Bill just stared at the boy, but quickly nodded when Harry narrowed his green eyes behind his glasses. Harry stalked up the stairs, stopping to glance every few steps to make sure Bill stayed. Even once he disappeared on the first landing, he popped his head down to glare at Bill.
Bill looked between his confused family members. "Uhm... What?"
Charlie laughed at his brother. "No idea, but I'd stay there if I were you." He snickered behind his hand.
Harry came racing back down the stairs, one fist clenched tightly as the other brushed against the wall. His eyes were shining brightly as he ran over to Bill. He held out his hand, palm up, and unfurled his fingers to show the white painted soldier Bill recognized so well. Just yesterday he had played with the only toys Harry owned, and the black soldier had been Bill's figurine to play with while Harry played the white hero.
"Harry?"
The boy just moved his hand closer to Bill. "Happy Christmas!"
"Oh, Harry." Bill pulled the boy into a hug, ignoring the rest of his family and the presents he still had yet to open. "I don't need a present from you."
Harry buried his face in Bill's shoulder. "You don't want it..."
Bill gave his mother a panicked look. 'Take it,' she mouthed, giving him a soft smile. He pulled Harry away from trying to burrow into his chest and looked him straight in the eye. "I love it, Harry." He plucked the toy from the tiny hand. "But I thought I always played the villain?"
Which was true. After that first day they had played in the snow, Harry wanted Bill to play with his soldier figurines with him. Bill always played the bad guy, and Harry always thwarted his nefarious plans. Well, not that Harry had to try that hard. Bill let the six-year-old do what he wanted and ended up attacking the little boy with tickles when he 'caught' the bad guy.
"You're my hero," Harry told him shyly.
"Aww~"
Bill glared at Charlie. "Shut up." His terseness only made Harry giggle and crawl back into his lap.
The initial Christmas Gifts chaos wore off once the floor was littered with wrapping paper and every present was unwrapped. Molly looked over at her husband, who nodded back. She smiled and he placed his hand on hers. Arthur waved his wand and a piece of parchment with a red bow appeared before him.
"We got a gift for you, too, Harry," Molly said, watching the little boy as Arthur handed him the parchment.
Harry warily took it, eyeing the grown-ups with something akin to suspicion. Why would they give him a piece of paper? Carefully, he removed the bow and unrolled the long piece of parchment. He could not read the curly script, so he held it out for Bill to read it to him. Harry did not know if the sharp intake of breath behind him was a good gasp or a bad gasp.
"Mum..." Bill finally said, the single word breathless as if he had just been punched. "Are you... Is this..." He looked up at his parents, searching for an answer to a question he could not form the words to ask.
"What?" Harry tugged on Bill's sleeve.
Molly watched her son, amused. "Of course it is, William."
"What?" This time it was Ron demanding the answer as he rushed over to his new best friend's side. He, too, could not read the curly lettering.
Bill gulped, looking down at the child in his lap. "You're officially a Weasley, Harry."
William Arthur Weasley was the happiest man on earth as Harry James Potter- now Harry James Weasley- beamed up at him. His heart stuttered as the piercing green eyes bore into his muddy brown ones. He hugged the tiny boy, careful of the adoption certificate. It would not do well to damage it now.
This, Harry decided as the remaining eight Weasleys rushed with excited shrieks to hug him, was the Christmas gift he had always been waiting for.
Bill was only happier later that morning at lunch when Harry asked Bill to fill his plate up with seconds.
Bill Weasley was dreading the end of the holidays.
Sure, Hogwarts was amazing and he wanted to see his friends again, but... Harry was here, at the Burrow, and he was still a scared little boy, and there was nothing Bill could do. His heart nearly broke when Harry asked him why he was packing his trunk. Bill just told him that he was organizing his things and Harry shouldn't worry; Bill couldn't bring himself to tell Harry he would be leaving soon. Ron had been a blessing in disguise when he popped into their room and dragged Harry off to play.
Now... Bill was dreading parting ways with Harry. They were at King's Cross station, held up at the barrier because of a scared little black-haired Weasley after they had explained what they were going to do. Bill apologetically gave his cart to his father before picking Harry up to hold securely in his arms. They watched their father go through the wall, and Harry nearly cried when Arthur disappeared. Bill stood right by the barrier and had Harry touch the brick support column. The little boy was overcome with wonder when his hand disappeared through the solid support. Bill took this as a sign he could walk through the barrier and, making sure no muggles were paying attention, did so without further ado.
The rest of his family rushed to the train. They still had twenty minutes, but Bill could not help but think it was not enough time. He held Harry as his father loaded his belongings onto the train for him. Harry watched, amazed, as the crowd bustled about them while the rest of the Weasleys said their goodbyes to their oldest two sons.
Bill hugged Harry tightly to his chest. "Bye, Harry. I'll try to come back for the Easter hols if I can. Otherwise I'll see you in June."
Harry's eyes widened. "You... You're leaving?"
Oh no, Bill thought as he saw the tears gathering in Harry's bright green eyes and his bottom lip trembling. He looked for his mother, but she was fussing over Charlie. "I'll be back, Harry," he promised, holding the boy tighter. "I have to go to school so I can protect you."
"B-But..." Harry sniffed, furiously rubbing at his eyes. "You said you'd take care of me..."
"I am." Bill wiped an escaped tear from the little boy's cheek. "I will. But I have to go to school so I can learn how to best protect you."
Harry shook his head frantically. "Don't leave me!" he cried, burying his face in the older boy's shoulder. He clutched onto Bill like a leech. "Take me with you!"
"Harry..." Try as he might, Bill could not pull Harry off him. He could not be sure if it was his own will crumbling or Harry's surprising deathly grip on him. Harry only held on to him tighter. Bill settled on trying to sooth the frazzled boy in his arms. "I would like nothing more to take you with me, but you're too little to go to Hogwarts."
"Can I come visit you?" Harry hiccoughed into his shoulder. "You'll come back on the weekends, right?"
Bill held the boy closer. "Sorry, Harry," he whispered, resting his cheek on the soft black hair. "I don't think we can do that."
The train whistle blew shrilly, startling both boys. Molly came over to try to pry Harry away from Bill. The suddenness of separation hit Harry hard and he clung to Bill with all his might. Harry started sobbing, telling Bill he was sorry for being a bad boy and he'd make it up to him if Bill just stayed. Bill gave him mother an anxious look, asking her to fix it because he had no idea how.
"Harry, it's not your fault he has to go," she said calmly, petting the boy's hair and trying her hardest to ignore those watching the scene with rapt attention. "Please, sweetie. Bill has to go." Harry just held on tighter. "You know..." She gave Bill a knowing smile. "I haven't talked to Rosmerta in ages! I could take you with me- she just adores children! Especially little green-eyed ones. Have you ever had butterbeer?" Harry looked up at her, curious, though tears still ran down his cheeks. "I suppose Bill could meet us there, if you wanted him to."
Harry looked up at Bill, cheeks streaked with tears. "Really?"
Molly smiled softly at him. "Of course, dear. But you have to let him go, first."
Harry- very reluctantly, mind you- finally let go of the older boy. "Okay," he whispered sadly as he was transferred to Molly's arms. "Promise?"
"Owl me and I'll drop any plans I have to come meet you," Bill said sincerely, dropping a kiss to Harry's temple. "Have mum help you write letters to me, alright? I'll write to you as soon as I get there." He hugged his mother, trapping the boy between them. "Will you do as this letter says for me?" he whispered in her ear as he slipped a letter into her pocket.
Molly hugged him with one arm. "Of course, Bill. When would you like me to do it?"
"When he's laying in bed before he falls asleep."
"Of course." He kissed her cheek. "Don't forget to write to the rest of your family, too."
He gave her a cheeky grin. "Yes, mother." He danced back as she tried to swat his arm. "Bye, Harry. I love you!"
Harry smiled back happily, rubbing any traces of tears from his face. "I love you too, Bill." He made no other protests when Bill finally stepped onto the train, and for that, Molly was glad.
That night was pure agony as Molly tried to get Harry to go to bed. She had told Bill not to let Harry sleep with him and become dependent on him being there to cuddle with at night, but had he listened to her? No! Now, here she was with an upset Harry clutching the teddy bear Bill gave him as he made miserable sounds that tore at Molly's heart. She suddenly remembered the letter Bill had slipped into her pocket.
"Harry," she said calmly, pulling out the paper. "Shh, it's okay, darling." She read the letter as she held the small boy to her bosom. It simply said, Harry is afraid of sleeping in large rooms. I suspect it is from sleeping in a cupboard for so long. Hold him until he falls asleep and whisper how much you love him and what you plan to do with him tomorrow. Playing with his hair helps to calm him down. She frowned at the letter. Her son knew an awful lot for only knowing the boy less than two weeks. Still, she replaced the letter in her pocket and held the boy close. She twirled a lock of his dark hair between her fingers as she whispered and rocked him to sleep. In the back of her mind she noticed how soft Harry's hair was.
Finally, after several long, agonizing minutes, Harry fell asleep, one hand clutching the cloth of her shirt and the other holding tightly onto the faded bear. Molly gently detached his hand from her shirt and laid him down on his small bed, quickly, but slowly, escaping toward the door once he was settled. She sighed in relief when Harry stayed peacefully asleep.
That relief, however, was short lived.
Later that night Molly woke to the sound of sniffing. Blearily she sat up and lit her want. The pale light drew her attention to her door where a crying Harry stood trying to muffle his sobs by burying his face in his teddy bear. She sighed with a rueful shake of her head as she decided on the best course of action. "Come here," she told him, patting the spot between her and Arthur. Her husband slept on, oblivious to the crying child at their door.
Harry scrambled onto the bed and immediately snuggled into her side when she laid back down.
Molly shook her head as Harry's breathing instantly leveled out as soon as he had clutched her night shirt between his small fingers. She would have to figure out a way to get Harry to sleep on his own, but for now...
Molly decided she missed her children cuddling next to her at night and she merely placed a kiss on his head before falling asleep as well.
In his dorm room back at Hogwarts, just after the Welcome Back feast, Bill took out the white little soldier figurine and placed it on his bedside cabinet. Someone (Bill couldn't really be bothered to remember who- his thoughts were still on the sobbing little boy he left at the train station and the wretched, heartbreaking sounds he made) asked what it was, why he had it there, said it was a stupid little figurine since it was old and the paint was chipped. Bill glared at the boy and told him that he was not to touch the soldier, unless he wanted his fingers hexed off. He didn't have to explain himself to the other Gryffindors. They backed away, and the fear in their eyes pleased Bill; there was no way he would let them mess with his little gift from Harry.
As he laid down on his bed, Bill vaguely thought, Something's missing. What was missing, though, he had no idea. He was sure he had triple checked his trunk before leaving the house and he was positive he had everything he needed.
And then he finally understood.
There was no little boy in his arms, curled against his chest, clutching his shirt, breathing into his collar bone as he slept. He felt oddly empty as he realized there was no human teddy bear to cuddle with.
At least, Bill thought wryly as he caught sight of the toy soldier on his cabinet, he won't feel as bad as I do if mum follows my instructions.
A/N: I planned on doing more (which is why this chapter is so short compared to the other two) but a review from xXMistressMadHatterXx inspired me to do a... sort of sequel, I guess. Or maybe this would be its prequel. Whatever. Just watch for it because it'll be Harry's Hogwarts Years starting with his first trip to Diagon Alley with a very overprotective Bill. It SHOULD be out by 01/08/11. I have absolutely no idea what the pairing will be, or what romances will take place, but it will more than likely be slash. Don't like? Don't read.