Blaine met Harry outside of his last class and led him into the choir room. The large group of teens was already assembled and all turned to look at him as soon as they entered. Harry blushed. After the war Harry's fame had increased to dangerous proportions to the point where he couldn't go outside without being recognized it was one of the reasons he'd been so quick to come to live with Sirius.
Any attention now made him anxious he was sure that with his luck he'd screw up and somehow make himself famous in the muggle world as well leaving him no place to hide. Blaine seemed to recognize Harry's discomfort and hurried to make introductions
"Everyone this is Harry, Harry this is Kitty," Harry recognized the mean cheerleader from earlier. "Marley," The pretty brunette who oddly enough still looked worried. "Jake" The boy jerked his head in acknowledgement "Ryder" he grinned at Harry. The other boy was cute enough that Harry couldn't fight another blush.
Blaine went through everyone in the room and Harry quickly memorized their names. Once he was done Finn stood up and started talking about sectionals so Harry tuned him out. Finn, Harry mused, was pretty much exactly what Harry expected after Rachel's detailed description. Tall, attractive and somewhat oafish in the most positive way Harry like him at once. Finally it was his turn to help out the group and he sank into the music.
He was only helping on the duet between Ryder and Marley. The group had chosen to sing Gangnam style which did not require accompaniment. That right there was enough for Harry to think he would never join this club. Gangnam Style barely even qualified as music in Harry's opinion. He kept his thoughts to himself however and simply played as Ryder and Marley sang to each other.
It was obvious there were some pent up feelings there and Harry did not envy them their high school romance. He had both been there and done that. Not to say he wouldn't consider doing it again just hopefully not for awhile. The explanation for their very heartfelt singing came as they finished up when another boy Jake greeted Marley with a kiss. Harry smirked and Blaine turned to him curiously.
"Love triangle," Harry said answering the unasked question and nodding toward the three who were now chatting quietly together. Blaine chuckled and shook his head before turning to pack up his stuff. At which point he was pulled into a discussion with Brittany about the dance moves for their group number.
Blaine was out the door and down the hall before realizing he had somehow left Harry behind. He'd been so caught up talking with Brittany and then later Sam and Finn that he hadn't even thought about making sure Harry was keeping up. Finn seemed to have realized the same thing because when Blaine turned to head back he was hot on his heels.
As they approached the room they heard music drifting out the door. Both paused before exchanging a look and quietly moving closer to the door. Peering through they saw Harry perched on a stool with a guitar that had been left in hand. His fingers almost seemed to caress the strings as he willed the song from the guitar. Neither had paid much attention when Harry had been playing for the duet but this was impossible to ignore.
The hood of his jacket which Harry seemed to keep on at all times had fallen back to expose his handsome face. His eyes were closed and his lips in a tight line. His dark hair fell across his forehead and Blaine found himself once again startled by the contrast of ebony black hair against white skin. He looked like an angel. Just when Blaine was beginning to think Harry was simply going to play the other boy opened his mouth and began to sing.
"Love of mine some day you will die
But I'll be close behind
I'll follow you into the dark"
His voice was soft but choked with feeling. Despite this it was clear he was quite talented Blaine glanced at Finn who was staring open mouthed at Harry.
"No blinding light or tunnels to gates of white
Just our hands clasped so tight
Waiting for the hint of a spark
If Heaven and Hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the NOs on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark"
Blaine was startled by the sadness in the song and the feeling with which Harry sang. He hadn't known the other boy long but it was clear he'd lost someone very dear to him. Blaine began to feel guilty for being there. He knew he was intruding on a private moment but somehow couldn't pull himself away or even speak to tell Harry they were there. He could only watch entranced by the beautiful tragedy that was Harry Potter.
"In Catholic school as vicious as Roman rule
I got my knuckles bruised by a lady in black
And I held my tongue as she told me
"Son fear is the heart of love"
So I never went back
If Heaven and Hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the NOs on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark
You and me have seen everything to see
From Bangkok to Calgary
And the soles of your shoes are all worn down
The time for sleep is now
It's nothing to cry about
'cause we'll hold each other soon
In the blackest of rooms
If Heaven and Hell decide
That they both are satisfied
Illuminate the No's on their vacancy signs
If there's no one beside you
When your soul embarks
Then I'll follow you into the dark
Then I'll follow you into the dark"
As Harry finished his song he looked up and pinned his eyes on Blaine and Finn. He didn't seem the least bit surprised to see them and Blaine couldn't help but wonder if he'd known they were there all along. He hoped so, that would lessen the guilt he felt at spying on him.
"Wow," Finn breathed out beside him. "Rachel wasn't kidding you really are talented."
Harry blushed, which Blaine somehow found more endearing every time he did it. He knew if he'd been that talented he'd have flaunted it. Somehow the fact that Harry didn't while puzzling was pretty awesome.
"You know, now that we know how good you are we'll never rest until you join Glee." Blaine told him playfully hoping to help the other boy relax. It seemed to as Harry cast him the shy half smile that Blaine had begun to really adore.
"Well it sounds like you'll be pretty tired then."
"Why?" Finn asked he couldn't seem to grasp the idea that Harry knew he was good and didn't want to show it.
"Look I just. . . I got enough attention back home. It's not like I'm super talented or anything. So I can carry a tune you guys can as well."
Blaine and Finn exchanged a look and without speaking agreed not to argue with Harry's obviously delusional self assessment.
"Well then wouldn't being in Glee help you blend? I mean you can stand in the back and do background vocals and if you ever feel like doing solo you can." Finn suggested knowing Mr. Shu would go for it if Finn explained.
Harry shrugged.
"Look Harry, Glee's not just about the performances. We sing just as a group all the time. It's like getting a group of friends who you already have something in common with. Lima's a small town with not a lot to entertain. If you join Glee you're sure to have things to do and people to hang out with. Just think about it okay," Blaine could see Harry was thinking about it and almost look convinced. Finn could as well apparently because he jumped in with.
"Look sectionals are next week all we'll do until then is rehearsing anyhow so you just think it over and after sectionals come to Glee and we'll talk it over okay?"
Harry thought for a moment and then nodded. Blaine couldn't help but cheer and pull Harry into a hug. Harry stiffened before relaxing and allowing Blaine to hug him. Blaine quickly regretted his impulsive behavior; he was struck by the softness of Harry's hair against his cheek and the citrusy smell that clung to the other boy. Without thinking Blaine inhaled and let Harry wash over him before jerking himself back.
He looked at Harry and glanced at Finn neither seemed to have noticed anything off and Blaine let out relieved sigh. Inwardly he began to berate himself. What was he thinking? Kurt should be the only thing on his mind right now. Who cared that Harry was handsome and talented? Kurt was his everything. Even as he told himself this he couldn't help but compare the smell Kurt's carefully chosen cologne and various styling products to Harry's smell of fresh air, oranges and grass and somehow in deepest parts of his mind he had to admit. Harry smelled better.
After bidding Finn goodbye so he could walk off to the staff parking lot Harry and Blaine walked together toward the student lot. Blaine seemed lost in his own thoughts and Harry made no attempt to start a conversation. He had things on his mind as well. Mainly this whole Glee business, it was tempting. He'd had loads of fun singing with Hermione and Ron and later Draco while on the run the year before. It could be fun to do it again but still Harry didn't want to risk any notoriety.
Sirius had seemed to think it a good idea when Rachel mentioned it and had encouraged Harry to try it out. At the time Harry had insisted he had no interest and Sirius had let it drop. Now having met the group he could see the appeal. Everyone was friendly with the exception of Kitty and Harry was already beginning to really like Blaine. He wasn't looking for a boyfriend but Blaine seemed pretty focused on his Ex so that shouldn't be an issue. Harry knew he did better when he had friends backing him he was good at being alone but had never really liked it.
A change in the air alerted Harry to a problem. During the war Harry's magic had adjusted to his needs meaning he had an almost prophetic ability to detect trouble before it happened. Now his magic was thrumming against his skin sort of like an alarm clock telling him to wake up. He shot his hand up and caught Blaine by the sleeve of his jacket. Before Blaine could ask him what was wrong Harry raised his finger to his mouth shushing him and carefully surveying their surroundings.
It didn't take long to spot them. Three people hiding behind a couple of cars effectively surrounding them. Judging by their total lack of discretion Harry was fairly certain they weren't Death Eater's. He waited and was proved right when as one the boys moved from behind cars. It was the kid he had threatened earlier along with two other large friends in matching jackets.
The boys were leering dangerously down at them and Harry was tempted to laugh. They were trying so hard to look menacing but all Harry saw were kids trying to play grown ups. Harry knew he could take them but was a little concerned about Blaine. If Harry didn't play this exactly right one might manage to swing at the other boy and Harry was not inclined to allow them to injure his friend. He decided to try and defuse the situation.
"Hello boys, this is unexpected. Is there something I can do for you today?"
"Yeah you and your fag boyfriend can bleed." Said the largest of the goons, Harry fought an urge to roll his eyes. His goal was to defuse the situation he just had to remember not to be sarcastic.
"Look boys I really don't want to fight. How about Blaine and I just walk away and we can all go home unscathed?" Harry tried to keep his tone even. He was itching to break some bones though. He didn't like being threatened and he liked being ambushed even less.
"We don't want to fight either. We want to injure." The second boy said with a vicious grin. Harry sighed.
"Can I just say for the record? Fag boyfriend is a bit redundant when talking to a man. I mean obviously if he's my boyfriend he'd be a fag. It's a given there's no need to say it out loud."
While Harry spoke he moved in front of Blaine and a bit closer to the boy from this morning. As soon as he finished the goons moved to attack. Moving quickly Harry caught the arm of the boy from this morning and pulled back until he heard it snap. The boy yowled and fell to his knee's clutching his now broken arm. Harry didn't even pause to enjoy it swirling around he kicked out his leg catching the teeth of the biggest boy and sending him flying into the car behind him. The third thug moved in swinging but Harry ducked him easily before throwing a punch. Judging by the crunch Harry had just broken his nose.
It was over in moments. Harry turned to Blaine who had somehow ended up on the ground during the scuffle and pulling him up did a quick check for injuries. Finding none he turned to the bullies.
"Now this morning I warned your friend. . ." he trailed off realizing he didn't know the boys name. Blaine seemed to realize this as well because he quickly volunteered.
"Phil"
"Ah yes, I warned your friend Phil here not to fuck with me or I would break his arm. As you know he did not heed my warning and I'm sure he'll find after a quick jaunt to the hospital that his arm is broken. I will now issue you the same warning Don't. Fuck. With. Me. And by extension anyone I happen to like.
You may ask yourself how will I know if he likes them. The answer is you won't so it's best for everyone if you just quit acting like a bunch of prats and grow up. Now you may be thinking of reporting this little scuffle to your parents/teachers/coach ect. I encourage you to do so but may I remind you that at 5'3" you are all larger then myself and I imagine your reputation will go down a bit when it gets out the three of you together cannot take me in a fight.
Consider this your one warning gentlemen. Give me a reason and I will make Phil's broken arm look like a hug compared to what I will do to you. Good day."
Blaine followed slowly behind Harry. He wondered if he should be afraid of the other boy. He had moved so fast he'd blurred when dealing with the bullies. Blaine wasn't afraid of Harry however. He'd only ever been violent when threatened and it wasn't as if those guys hadn't deserved the smack down Harry had given them. Blaine couldn't help but puzzle over the strangeness that was Harry Potter. He only ever seemed confident when kicking ass and giving threats.
The rest of the time he was shy and quiet. It was strange and Blaine couldn't help but wonder how many situations Harry had been in that he'd had to make threats that he was so confident doing it. Harry had seemed utterly unfazed by both the attacks against him. Normally being attacked twice in one day would at least make someone nervous but Harry just walked on as if this was something that happened all the time.
Blaine wanted to ask Harry how he'd learned to fight like that but before he could there was a yell from the other side of the parking lot.
"Harry!" Blaine turned and saw Rachel's dad running toward them. He was confused for a moment before remembering that Harry was actually his godson. Turning to Harry he was struck by the huge grin that stretched across his face. Harry had not once smiled at him like that today. His already handsome face seemed transformed into something almost ethereally gorgeous. He felt a flood of lust like a punch to the stomach. He'd never seen someone look that good. For a moment Blaine couldn't speak only stare in wonder. Luckily he didn't have to.
"Sirius" Harry cried warmly before being pulled in for a tight hug.
"I was so worried. You didn't come home on time but I knew you'd probably get roped into Glee but then you still weren't there and I check the whole school and couldn't find you-"
"Sirius calm down! I'm fine. I did go to Glee but then I got into it with some bullies in the parking lot. It's no big deal." Harry's voice was soothing and Blaine felt himself relaxing slightly even though it hadn't been directed at him.
"Bullies? Did they survive?" Sirius asked and Blaine was surprised to realize the other man was only half joking.
"Somewhat worse for wear but yes they're fine." Harry responded with a wry smile.
"Well good then. I got you a cell phone today so next time you stay late you can let me know."
Harry took the small phone that his godfather handed him looking it over closely.
"This is a phone? But it's so tiny! You'll have to show me how it works Siri."
Blaine gaped at him. He acted like he'd never even seen a cell phone before. Just what sort of teenaged boy was this? His godfather shifted his gaze anxiously toward Blaine clearly aware of how odd Harry's reaction was.
"It's not hard. Here your friend can put his number in your phone and show you how texting works. Blaine isn't it? Kurt's boyfriend?" Sirius asked looking over at him. Blaine nodded and took Harry's phone from him to enter his number.
"Yeah I mean no well kinda. What I mean is yes Blaine but Kurt and I broke up. We're getting back together tho. I know it." Blaine said in a hurry as he typed his number into Harry's phone and sent himself a text so they'd both have each other's numbers. Sirius cast him a sad sort of look but nodded.
Harry had watched Blaine operate the phone closely and was now examining it.
"Well I'll see you tomorrow Blaine." He said waving as he walked away with his godfather. Blaine said his goodbye's and walked toward his car. He was about to start it when his phone rang to let him know he had a text. It was Harry of course.
Did it work?
Blaine grinned.
Authors Notes: Jeez somehow this chapter is really long. Whenever I sit down to write this story kind of runs away with itself. I think its cause I've got so much preplanned I have the lay the groundwork. Next chapter will be fairly short I think so just be prepared for that a lot of drabble-ish bits to cover the time that passes.
Harry's song is I will follow you into the Dark by Death Cab for Cutie. Just search youtube if you want to hear it. I had originally picked Hero by nickleback but this morning I was listening to it again and realized. This is Harry's song.
Got to say I'm disappointed by how few reviews I've gotten. Makes me feel unloved. . .so maybe REVIEW! I have really low self esteem so you're pretty much providing me with self worth.
For those who did review thank you! I LOVE YOU! My lovely baby is feeling much better to those who wished her well. Turns out it was teething which is less fun and involves a lot of me saying "No biting go to time out" periodically interspersed with "No climbing" shortly followed by "and that's why we say no climbing" as I see to whatever injury falling has caused.
