Disclaimers: Harry Potter isn't mine *flings self off cliff*
Pairings: Cedric Diggory/Harry Potter, eventual (maybe ^_^) Tom Riddle/Harry Potter
Warnings: Adult themes, violence, language, and slashly goodness.
Summary: AU/No-Magic/Werewolf/Slash TR/HP Everything was going great. I've got a great family, my boyfriend and I are in love, and I've been accepted to my dream college. Then all of a sudden some guy barges into my life, setting flame to everything I thought I knew.
X
Chapter 3: In Which, Revelations are Revealed...
I wish the ground would just swallow me alive. Just…pull me into the earth and trap me in-between the many layers of dirt underneath my feet. Or maybe fading out of existence would be nice. It defiantly sounds pleasant enough. Either way, I don't really care. As long as my extinction is quick because I can't live like this anymore.
It's been a week since I was…raped? Molested? Assaulted? Those are the three favorite terms that everyone has been using to describe what happened. Or at least what they think happened to me that night. I don't remember. Anything. One minute I'm having the time of my life clubbing with my friends and boyfriend. Next, I'm waking up in a stale hospital bed and listening to some random doctor as he tells me that I was 'maybe' raped. Maybe? Really? I thought doctors were supposed to be specific with their shit. Supposedly it has to do with the fact that I wasn't…penetrated or anything like that. The only physical sign of abuse on me is this bite mark on my collarbone.
I can't help but shudder every time I think about that little fact. Everyone else seems to be really worried and upset that I was found half naked and unconscious outside a club. I feel fine. I don't feel like I was raped, or abused or anything else that should be the theme of some sad Yank country song. But the idea that someone bit me…like a cannibal, weird's the hell out of me. Other than that though, I'm fine. Really. But everyone else has been treating me like a porcelain doll, and it's really starting to aggravate me.
Mrs. Weasley (bless her heart) can't look at me without either crying, or clutching me to her bosom in suffocating hug. Sometimes it's a combination of both. Hermione keeps finding roundabout ways to get me to talk with a counselor or therapist. Yea, it was really awkward when I opened my notebook in class to see a brochure about sexual violence victims. Even Ron, whom I can normally depend on to be the real 'man' in our friendship, has been acting weird. Won't let me out of his sight to even use the loo! It's crazy I tell you. Utter madness. And to top it all off, I haven't seen or even heard from Cedric since the night of the club.
Apparently when my friends found me outside the club later that night, Cedric took it really bad. I mean, it's to be expected. Your boyfriend is found pants down, bloody shoulder, and unconscious; taking it bad is what a good boyfriend is supposed to do. But after taking me to hospital, he left. And he hasn't been to class, stopped by the bakery, or even called me since I woke up. He's not even picking up my phone calls. His parent's won't say anything either.
I don't know what to do.
I mean yea, ok so I don't personally feel like what happened was such a big deal. But if everyone else does, then doesn't that mean that he should be here for me? I know it does, because I keep expecting him to call, or just show up at the bakery. But every time I look at my phone…it isn't him. And every time the door bell chimes at Slice of Heaven…it isn't him that enters.
I don't know what to do. All I know is that this really, really hurts.
Hurts more than my newly healed bite mark, or the beatings Vernon used to give me. To be honest, I never knew that something…anything could hurt this much. It feels like I can't breathe properly. My chest hurts like I've been punched…but it hurts on the inside. I keep looking at my torso every time I go to the bathroom, expecting for there to be some gigantic bruise; evidence of the pain that I'm feeling. But there isn't. Maybe this is what they call, heartbreak. It has to be. There simply couldn't be a more logical explanation for why I'm sitting on a park bench at almost two in morning and crying my eyes out.
I miss Ced so much. Besides getting drunk, masturbating out in public, (that's what I've been telling myself happened) and getting bit by some weird person; I didn't really do anything wrong. Right? Maybe I did, and I'm just missing the signs. Maybe that's why he's mad with me. But he should know by now that there's nothing I wouldn't do for him. All he has to do is tell me how to fix this, how to make things right again and I'll do it. No questions asked.
Because I love Cedric. He is my everything. And people can keep right on talking their shit about teenagers not knowing what real love is; but I know the truth. This is love. And every fiber of my being, down the smallest atom of which I am composed, was designed specifically for him.
I know this. He knows this.
So where is he?
That is the question that I don't know. And my lack of response to a query that was once upon a time, so easy to answer, sends me into another fit of tears. My tear ducts are going to be nonexistent in a couple more days if something doesn't happen.
X
The night air is warm, and with the soft breeze dancing around I can smell his tears; salty and tangy, with a hint of melancholy that lingers if you breathe in deeply. I know that I am responsible for those tears, and it takes all of my willpower to not come from my hiding place and comfort him. Oh Harry, you of all people shouldn't cry anymore. And I promise that if you will just wait…just bare this pain for a little while longer, everything will turn fine.
I hope. I pray. It's really all I can do for now, because although I am passionate about saving Harry, I am not a fool who would disregard the severity of the situation. And the situation is very, very serve, because by some twisted turn of events, the man I love…my Harry, has been claimed by Tom Riddle.
Harry of course wouldn't know the significance of that name. Why would he; he isn't a wulf like I am and therefore kept apart from our world like all the other humanes. Or at least he was…until I pursued him, started dating him, and fell in love with him. I had thought that by being careful, and not divulging anything about my nature, about being wulf, would be enough to keep him safe. And I've done my job right. Even after all these months, he still has no idea of what I truly am. But I can't help but feel that this is somehow my fault. Was I not cautious enough? Perhaps Harry really did know about me, but just played dumb? No, that's impossible. Who am I kidding…Harry couldn't lie save his life. Either way at this point I doubt it even really matters. All that matters now is the safety of Harry.
But…how to keep someone safe from the Vargulf?
My parents want me to just give up on Harry. Leave him to whatever the Fates have deemed will be his destiny. To be honest if he wasn't the love of my life; I probably would. But Harry is mine. Perhaps not in the true mate sense, but it's still more than enough. I will never want anyone besides him ever again. And I will do whatever it means to keep him safe and happy.
I just hope it's enough.
With my mind made up, I know there is no more time to waste. This week I've been making the preparations for our escape. There's enough money in my trust fund to last for a couple of months if we use it sparingly. The best thing to do is leave Europe altogether. This whole side of the globe is pretty much the territory of Tom Riddle. We wouldn't have a chance in hell of hiding unless we leave. America is the safest place due to their lack of structure. No one will question a lone wulf with a humane there.
I've already made the flight arrangements. Leaving from the London Airport would be too obvious incase Harry is being tracked. Instead we're going to drive to Manchester and fly from there. The plane leaves tomorrow afternoon.
This is going to be the turning point for both of our lives. I know Harry loves and trusts me, but he wouldn't runaway with me, leave his family and school behind without a good reason. I'll have to tell him. Everything. Here goes nothing.
Carefully, I emerge from my hiding place, making sure to check the air for any abnormal scents. The air tastes calm and serene. Nobody here but us.
"Harry," I whisper softly. His head jerks up at the sound of my voice, as faint as it is. A second for his eyes as they adjust to the darkness, and the next moment I find a bundle of him smashed against my chest. He's crying again. All his anguish making its presence known by the loud wails that leave his mouth, and the hot tears that dampen my shirt.
I feel like more of a monster, knowing that I am the cause of his pain. But I just keep telling myself that my absence for this past week has been a necessity to keep him safe. He will understand, and he will forgive. But for now, I won't begrudge him his catharsis. He deserves this.
Wrapping my arms around him and pulling him into my chest even more, I let him sob while I murmur softly into his ear and rub his back. This always helps him calm down before a recital. Here's hoping it'll work now.
Thankfully it does, and when his crying finally subsides into little hiccupped coughs, I know it's now or nothing. Gently I cup his face, bring it out of my now wet chest and up until I can see his face. Those green eyes I love so much are breaking me down. I've never wanted such a pained look to be directed at me like that. Not from him. Rubbing soothing circles into his cheeks with my thumb pads, I bring my nose close to his, rubbing them together. I feel his breath against my face as he sighs and his wet eyes close.
"Harry…I'm so sorry." He whimpers pitifully in reply and my heart aches. "I never should have left you alone like that. I'm sorry, for not calling, or answering or checking up on you. But please, you have to believe that it was for your own good." The desperation is my voice must be convincing enough because he's looking at me with curiosity instead of the distrust that I rightly deserve. I have his full attention now, and time is of the essence.
"Harry, do you trust me?" I'm only mildly surprised (given the circumstances for which this question is even brought up) that he nods his head without hesitation. For the first time in a week, my heart feels light. Only he is capable of making me feel that way.
"Good. Now I need you to listen, and not interrupt. I know you don't remember anything that happened that night. But I've been able to piece together some things and Harry…you're in danger. I've been away for this past week getting things together so that I can take you away somewhere. Somewhere safe. We don't have much time right now, but I need you to just trust." There's confusion in his viridian green eyes, but I'm thankful for the self control he displays by not asking a needless amount of questions. Harry is known for his driving curiosity, and something that should only take five minutes to explain, can take as much as two hours.
"I need you to go back home. Tell the Weasley's that you and I made up, and that I'm taking you on a trip to Italy for the summer. Make sure you stress to them that you'll be gone from the entire summer. Also, let them know that were going is somewhat remote-a romantic getaway place, so it doesn't have the best service. They shouldn't worry about not being able to get in contact with you, and that you'll try to talk to them whenever the opportunity arrives. Good so far?" A reassuring nod and I continue.
"All of this needs to happen tonight. As soon as you leave the Weasley's go home and pack a bag. Bring only what's necessary; no more than two bags. Be ready by 7. I'm going to pick you up then and we're going to head to the airport-"
"What's all this about then?" he finally interrupts. I suppose I should be thankful that he has lasted this long. "Why do you think I'm…in trouble? Did I do something wrong? Who's mad at me? And, what does it have to do with you? Cedric I-"
"Harry! I don't have time to explain right now." Oh good, not the puppy eyes. He knows I can't fight against that. I sigh before giving a rushed explanation. Hopefully it'll suffice until I have time to properly explain everything. "Just…just know that Harry, there are things that you don't know about. Things that you'd only ever believe where fantasy. But, they exist. They are real, and…I'm a part of that world. And last week…at the Shrieking Shack…someone else wants to bring you into that world too-"
"What world! What on earth are you talking about Ced, 'cause you're not making any bloody sense!" And now he's frustrated. Great; now we're going to be here all night. I really didn't want my 'coming out' to be in a dreary little park in the middle of the night, but it looks like I have little to no choice.
"For goodness sake Harry! Fine, if you want to know so badly, I'll oblige. I'm a-"
"I wouldn't tell him that if I were you. You've already signed your death warrant; no need to drag it out by breaking anymore of the rules. Then again I guess it really doesn't matter. The Vargulf was probably going to torture you first anyway." How could I have been so unobservant? Pushing Harry behind, I look into the dark focusing on the haughty voice. Three figures slowly emerge from the trees; all wulfs.
The platinum blonde that spoke is the most recognizable. Draco Malfoy. Offspring of the Vargulf's Hand, Lucius Malfoy. His father plays a very prominent role in rule of the Vargulf, which therefore makes Draco of secondhand important as well. The others are probably just flunkies, used to handle the aristocrat's dirty work. In this case, it would appear I am the 'dirty work' that needs handling.
"Look, it's late. And I'd much rather be somewhere else then playing babysitter. He doesn't belong to you anymore, so make my job easier and hand him over. Maybe…I'll even put in a nice word with the Vargulf if you cooperate, and instead of dragging out your pitiful existence, he'll snuff you out quickly. No pain."
I feel Harry stiffen behind me at the death threats; taste his nervousness and anxiety on my tongue. It makes me sick to my stomach. Had this been a fair fight, Malfoy wouldn't have stood a chance. But with his goons ready to pounce; there's no way I'm coming out alive. But at least Harry can get away. If time is all I can give him, then he has it.
Crouching down, I give the haughty blonde my answer. His mocking laugh rips through the night, and the two men by his side get ready, mimicking my own stance. Instantly the air turns thick and warm, a startling contrast to the just before cold and windy night. Harry is muttering in background, but I have to tune him out. My focus; the two writhing boys under going their Change.
"Harry, when I move, run." I can spare him no further explanation, as the Change hits me too. As always, the shifting of bones and reforming of new joints is an uncomfortable experience. Almost like a pressure that just keeps building, and building, and building… until something breaks. When the tension dissipates it's almost refreshing; like working out until your sore, and then stretching your muscles afterwards. It feels good, liberating, and free. But it's not just the outside that changes. No, the inside is just as important.
As the body changes, so does the mind. A merging of natural animal instincts with the sense and intellect that comes from the humane essence of our soul, combine to make a potent combination; the ability to think, and the strength to do.
Descending from our great ancestor Vánagandr, son of Loki; my race is an old one. Our time began during the rule of the Vikings, when battle, blood lust, and power where the only things that mattered. We have not changed much since then. Our ways are still as barbaric as they were all those centuries ago. I call on that driving force as I charge the now Changed wulfs. Harry's wails and cries are drowned out by the sound of air rushing past my hypersensitive ears; the beast I have let free is unwilling to allow anything the opportunity to distract me from my hunt…my kill.
The two muddy brown masses and I collide. I can't help but imagine the sight we must make. We are bigger than our cousins the wolf. And although you would think size wouldn't be enough to distinguish between creatures, not even a blind person would be able to mistake us. Along with our sheer overwhelming size that dwarfs the common wolf, our muzzles are longer; shaper and with a wider jaw. Altogether, I suppose we just look more…fearsome then our cousins.
What feels like forever is really nothing more than several minutes. In the heat of battle it's like the whole world slows down. Till this point, the fight (although with two pitted against one) was evenly matched. But on misplaced paw and my leg is broken underneath the crushing jaws of my opponent. I fall to the ground, and I feel them enclosing around me, ready to deliver final strike. I close my eyes, waiting for the inevitable. I will have died in battle, protecting that which was important to me. My soul will find solace in the Next World. Harry, I-
"STOP!" A voice; Harry's voice rings out into the night, halting everything around it. The command is strong and firm. I've never known him to sound so authoritative before. But I know why. It's because he really is the Vargulf's mate, and I am to obey.
Twisting around, I see him still standing at the clearing. I shouldn't be surprised that he didn't flee like I told him to. He never listens, may harry. But what does shock me is the pen in his hand, poised to strike his very own throat.
"Let him go. I'm guessing you need me for something. And, going out on a limb here…I'm guessing your Vargulf, or whoever the bloody hell he is, won't be too happy if all you have to bring back is my dead body." His intentions are clear as he brings the pen that much closer to the hollow of his throat. There is no fear in his eyes, only determination. "Plain and simple; he dies…I die."
The park is still deathly quiet; as if any noise will break the spell Harry has weaved, killing everything in the process. Even the once snarling mounds of fur and fat keep still. Malfoy is the first to test the tremulous waters, breaking that silence with a nervous chuckle that fails at intimidating Harry as I'm sure he wanted.
"You aren't that important. And you pet here," he gestures towards me, "is going to die one way or the other. Rather you let them do it…or else his suffering will never end. Not even a prayer for death will grant him an escape, if the Vargulf gets his hands on him-"
"Don't worry about that. I'll take care of it." I can't but give a snarling grin. It's apparent by the look on the blonde's face that he isn't used to be being cut off. Especially by someone as insignificant as a humane. I suppose you see something new every day.
He recovers quickly, fully comprehending the realness of the situation, and not liking that the tables have been turned.
"Good. Nice to know there's more to you than your overbearing ego. Now call your mutts, off mine." Taking control of the situation, and still finding the perfect time to toss in some sarcasm. That's my Harry.
"Yes Draco, I do believe it best if you give into his demands." Unlike Draco's this new more sinister voice, does not seem at all troubled by the situation he has just walked in on. Instead, he circles us, but not really looking at us. As if we are no more than the dirt underneath our paws. His eyes are trained on Harry.
The Vargulf has arrived.
X
Cliff hanger :} hahah Im so evil!
I had planned on giving some background info for the terms that I chose to use, but I'm in a bit of a rush, so expect that next chapter.
Review, let me know what you guys think. The good, bad, ugly, sexy…yaaddda yaaadddaa. I wanna hear it all!
Thanks
-peacock
