Part Four
Harry happily did the breakfast dishes a few weeks later. He spent the day with Remus again after school yesterday and that brightened his day. Remus told him a week or two ago that he had his hours for work moved around just so he would be able to see Harry after school. He couldn't believe Remus would do something like that for him. No one had ever wanted to spend time with him before. Since the first day they met at the park, Remus had been there, waiting for him, just him! Harry never thought he would be so lucky to have a friend like Remus. It was wonderful.
He paused when he thought of something Remus had said about today. Remus told him he wouldn't be able to meet him after school. He feared he was coming down with something and he was going to the doctor today. Remus did look ill and tired yesterday. Harry was concerned. His friend wouldn't die, would he? He had looked extremely pale and thinner than usual. He hoped the doctor would be able to help him. The doctor had to make Remus all better. Remus was his only friend. He couldn't die on him. Not now.
Harry looked down and realized he had been washing the same plate for the past five minutes. He quickly put the plate in the dish strainer and picked up another plate. He made a face when he realized it was Dudley's plate. This would take a while. He rolled his eyes and continued to wash it. Why couldn't Dudley eat his food in a more clean way? He was always so messy. It made it hard on Harry. He shook his head. Of course he wouldn't. That would make it too easy for him. Why would they do such a thing like that? He rolled his eyes.
There was only one thing about Remus that made him uncomfortable. For some reason Remus had been asking a lot about his family and his life with his aunt and uncle. Harry could only lie and dodge the questions for so long before Remus makes his own conclusions. Why did he want to know so much about them anyway? Harry had tried to be as truthful as possible without outright telling the truth. Like when Remus asked what his room looked like a few days ago. Harry said it was okay, though a bit small and that it was messy. That was the truth, but he excluded the fact he was sleeping in the cupboard under the stairs. Harry was told over and over again not to mention the cupboard to anyone or else. Harry had been around his uncle long enough that 'or else' was really bad.
Harry put the clean plate in the dish strainer and picked up a soapy, wet blue cup. He filled the cup up with hot water and was just about to put the wash cloth in when Dudley rushed around the counter, eager to get to the cookies before his show came back on. Harry had no time to stop the terrible accident he saw was coming. Dudley ram into Harry's side, forcing his other side into the counter painfully. The cup full of hot water flung out of Harry's hands and unto Dudley. Harry gasped as time seemed to stop for a brief moment before…
"MOMMY! DADDY!" Dudley yelled on top of his lungs as he made fake tears come out of his eyes. His shirt was soaked with hot water and soup.
Harry was frozen in shock and horror as he heard his Uncle Vernon's heavy steps stomping on the staircase and Aunt Petunia hurried feet coming from the living room.
"Dudleykins!" Aunt Petunia screeched when she saw the soapsuds in his hair and the wet shirt. She rushed to his side and pulled him into her arms. "What happened, Pumpkin? Oh my! My poor Dudders!" She fussed.
Harry remained frozen, hoping if he didn't move his aunt would forget all about him. Sadly, he, oddly, had forgotten all about his uncle.
"BOY! What did you do this time?" Uncle Vernon yelled when he made it to the kitchen. "What did you do to our little tyke?" His uncle was glaring at him murderously.
Harry wanted to take a step back in fear, but was unable to because of the counter. He shook his head desperately. "I'm…I'm sorry. It…it was an…an accident. I…I…I didn't mean too! I swear, Uncle Vernon! I'm sorry!"
"He did it on purpose!" Dudley accused. "He did it to get back at me, Daddy! I was just being nice, Daddy! Just being nice and he…he didn't like it. He doesn't like me!"
Harry shook his head in confusion. He had no idea what Dudley was talking about. When had he ever tried to be nice to Harry?
"Dudleykins, tell Mommy what you mean?" Aunt Petunia said as she wiped back the soap in his hair with her hand.
"I told Harry to stop talking to him, Mommy. I promise!"
"Stop talking to who?" Uncle Vernon asked, giving Harry an evil, warning eye that promised pain.
"The man at the park, a stranger. He's been talking to him for weeks now, Daddy. I told him he shouldn't be talking to strangers. I told him if he doesn't stop I'll be forced to tell on him, but he doesn't like me. I was just trying to be nice, Mommy." Dudley lied.
Harry had no idea Dudley even knew about Remus. He certainly didn't remember Dudley approaching him about him. "No, you didn't." He said before he could stop himself. His eyes widen in terror and he flicked his eyes up to his uncle. He gasped at the look his uncle was giving him. His heart started to beat a whole lot faster and his palms began to sweat. He clinched tightly to the counter behind him in fear.
Uncle Vernon pointed a finger at him. "You calling my son a liar, boy?" He asked in a low and dangerous tone. "First you did your freaky thing and appeared on the school roof top a few months ago, then decided to pour hot, soapy water all over my boy, then I hear you're talking to strangers, and now you are calling my son a liar? I just about have it with you, boy! Apparently, taking food away and locking you in your cupboard is no longer useful in disciplining you! I'll just have to be a little bit more creative, wouldn't I?" Without looking away from Harry, his uncle spoke to Aunt Petunia. "Pet, call the school and tell them our nephew won't be able to come in for a while. He just got a bad case of mono. He'll need to stay home for a few weeks to rest and get better. Tell them we are very concerned. Then drive Dudley to school." He ordered.
Remus woke up with a start to his heart pounding in his chest. He was breathing heavily. His night shirt was soaked with sweat. A familiar feeling washed over him, giving him the necessary strength to stumble out of bed. He clumsily made his way to the bathroom, using the wall as his support. He splash water onto his face and leaned against the sink as he thought. The feeling was familiar to him. He felt it before, but it was…stronger then last time. Almost like the one who needed him was actually calling out to him personally, like they knew who they needed. When was the last time he felt this way? Halloween? Yes, it was Halloween a few years ago.
Halloween…
He snapped his head up. "Harry…" With some renewed strength, Remus rushed out of the bathroom and into his bedroom. He pulled on some clothes and his jacket as fast as he could. The same jacket he had let Harry use the first time they saw each other. He pulled on his shoes, made sure his wand was in his pocket, before running to his fireplace.
"Wisteria Walk, Little Whinging, Surrey."
He landed gracefully into Mrs. Figg's living room, scaring some of her cats. They hissed at him, but he paid no heed to them. He ran straight for her front door, ignoring Mrs. Figg shocked greeting by the kitchen doorway. He rushed down the street to Number Four Privet Drive, where he knew Harry lived with his aunt and uncle. He didn't notice the odd looks he was getting from the parents heading off to work or from the people doing their morning exercises. He didn't even slow down when he got to the house. He would break down the door if he had too. As a matter of fact, he had no time to try the door. He could just feel Harry's fear eating away at him. Harry needed him and he wouldn't stop until Harry was safe. He didn't pause to see if the door was unlocked. Instead, he turned to his side and rammed into it. The door broke off its hinges and he stumbled into the hallway, but he caught himself before he could fall. He looked up and was shocked and angered by what he saw. His eyes flashed dangerously at the scene and he couldn't control the angry growl in his throat.
A large man had Harry in the air by the collar of his shirt. Harry's eyes were dazed over and there was an indent on the wall behind him. It did not take a genius to realize what the man was doing to Harry. He dropped Harry carelessly and his body fell to the ground. Harry laid there, unmoving, but he did groan in pain.
"What is the meaning of this?" The man Remus concluded to be Harry's uncle snapped at him. His face seemed to turn purple in anger.
Remus pulled out his wand and pointed it at him. "I could ask you the same question." He responded angrily.
Harry's uncle gave him a heated glare. "You're one of them! A freak!" He pointed a finger at him. "You listen here…"
Remus raised his wand higher to Mr. Dursley's face and interrupted him. "Just step away from Harry. I don't want to hear your excuses. I'm not interested in your excuses." He threatened calmly, but it wasn't hard to catch the dangerous flashing of his angry ember colored eyes. It was enough of a warning for Mr. Dursley. He fearfully took a few steps back, but he still glared at him. He was trying to keep a brave front, but Remus could hear his heart pounding in fear.
"When we agreed to take the…"
"Silencio!" Remus briefly ignored Mr. Dursley in favor of kneeling down next to Harry. He said to Harry's uncle without looking away from the boy, "I said I didn't want to hear your excuses, muggle." Mr. Dursley did not know just how much Remus was holding back. The only reason he was tearing the muggle a part was because of Harry. Harry needed him now. He was more important than Mr. Dursley. Remus had to know he was okay and safe before turning his eye to the coward of a man. He pulled Harry half way onto his lap. "Harry?" He asked gently.
Harry looked up at him and gave a small smile. "You came." He whispered tiredly.
Remus nodded with a sad smile. "Yes, Harry, of course I came. Now, stay awake for me, Harry. Can you do that? Just keep your eyes opened." He wouldn't be surprised if Harry had a concussion. He wouldn't let Harry fall asleep until after he got looked at by Madame Pomfrey. He wouldn't risk Harry's life. "From now on, I will always come when you need me, Harry." He promised.
"Remus, I'm tired." Harry muttered, sleepily.
Remus nodded. "I know you are, Harry, but you have to stay awake. Just keep your eyes open for me, Harry." He said urgently. "Keep talking, Harry. Just keep talking." He said as he lifted Harry up; bridal style. Harry's head rested on his shoulders. He snuggled his head into his shoulders, comfortably.
"What do you want me to talk about…?" Harry said wearily. His eyes flittered close for a second before snapping them open again.
"Tell me all about your day at school, Harry. Can you do that for me?" Remus asked as he slowly made his way to the broken door.
Harry nodded. "Mrs. Handburg was late yesterday…" He started to whisper quietly.
Remus nodded to let Harry know he was listening. "Hold on for a second, Harry." He turned to face Mr. Dursley just at the doorway. He glared at him and gave a faint warning growl. "This isn't over yet, Mr. Dursley." He warned before leaving.
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