Ch. 11 Things get worse
Time went on and Mark was preparing a little thanksgiving meal for himself when an unexpected visitor arrives (Crow). Harry has a visitor (Also Crow). And Crow gets a pet.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter and never will.
Time went on as it always does. Harry had spent the majority of his time staying in his current residence (He never referred to the Dursley's as home), in which he spent his time studying the more advanced schoolbooks he had acquired over the years.
After hours of studying each day after school Harry would exit into the back yard and begin his physical workout. Harry didn't leave the back yard for anything, even to make a distance run, for fear of running into Crow. He however found a rather elegant solution to this problem; he would bother Dudley until he would chase him around in the back yard.
Sadly this was only a temporary fix; he would have a good run, for about one minute. Dudley never could last long enough to give Harry the kind of work he would need to escape anything that could be considered a threat.
More often than not Harry would practice some fighting stances and do some laps around the back yard.
Despite these set backs, Harry still had positive effects from these exercises and then when he went back to continue his studies his mind had a renewed focus and vigor. Harry found some fulfillment in his hard work, even if Mark and him didn't risk meeting for fear Crow would come to them. That is until Crow did come to Harry.
Ding-Dong, the bell of number four Privet drive rang out to the tired residents, early in the morning. Vernon, needless to say and as always, was furious.
"Who or what the bloody hell would dare wake me up at this ungodly time in the morning! And on a Saturday, my day off!" Vernon grunted to himself. He was then surprised to see Potter in the kitchen preparing breakfast, "Potter?"
Harry turned around in a shocked manor, he wasn't used to anyone else being up this early, "Yes sir", he said quietly.
"What are you doing up so unfashionable early", Vernon said in a hushed yell.
"What do you mean sir? I wake up earlier than this most of the days, I was just so tired and I couldn't get myself awake until just half an hour ago", Harry said apologetically.
"Why do you wake up so early?" Vernon asked.
"Simple sir, Dudley and yourself enjoy large portions of bacon and other such breakfast foods, so on Saturday I always wake up early and make double portions for the two of you, along with a fruit salad for Mrs. Dursley (Harry knew that Vernon was less likely to yell if Harry never referred to him as uncle or Petunia as aunt)."
"Very well Potter, keep it up and maybe one of these days you'll find a new mat for that room we so kindly provide for you", Vernon of course wasn't showing compassion as much as just attempting to school a third portion of bacon.
"Oh by the way sir, why are you up this early. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but don't you usually enjoy sleeping in much later than this on Saturdays?"
"Right, that's a good question. Why was I up?" Vernon pondered.
Ding-Dong, Ding-Dong
"Of course the door bell! Remember not to be stingy with the bacon boy", Vernon said as he scurried out of the kitchen.
"Yes sir", Harry said, trying his hardest not to laugh at how senile Vernon had just been acting.
Now who could be at the door? Vernon had no clue, but he was damned well about to find out. He walked to the front door and slowly reached for the doorknob. It was to Vernon's distinct surprise that he found a moderately sized ten-year-old boy with black hair and pale skin standing in the pre-sunrise dawn.
"Hello Mr. Dursley, can Harry come out to play?" The boy asked, an odd and creepy smile stretched across his face.
"Why the bloody hell did you want to come to see that boy at this hour! All of this is just so seemingly ridiculous, that boy has no friends and even if he did they would no better than to go to this house this early on a Saturday none the less!" Vernon finished his tirade.
The boy looked into Vernon's eyes in a very penetrating manor, "Answer the question".
"He's in the kitchen Crow", Vernon said in an almost trance like way.
"That is all mind-slave", Crow said. He then pushed Vernon out of the way with surprising force and walked into the house.
"Wait how did you do that? How do I know your name is Crow?" Vernon said bewildered.
"Shut-up and go back to sleep, I'll be gone when you wake and it will all have just been a bad dream", Crow paused for effect, "Now be gone with you".
Vernon was utterly bewildered by what was happening, but he wanted to sleep so badly that he had no choice but to comply. He was in such a sleepy daze and so convinced no child would ever speak to him in that manner that he convinced himself he was asleep. Amazing what denial can do to someone like Vernon Dursley.
Meanwhile in the kitchen, Harry was putting some more bacon under the heat lamp Vernon had begged for (He thought it was a necessity, poor misguided fool) when something from a nightmare walked threw the door, namely Crow.
"Hello Harry, are you going to invite me to sit down? I'd ask for some food, but I'm still a bit wary after that trick you pulled on me the other day".
Harry made his best straight face (years of Dursley care had given him a rather good ability to hide his emotions), "Morning, Crow how are you doing this morning? Not causing any trouble I trust?"
"Oh of course, of course. I wouldn't dream of causing trouble. Besides, you should know my style by now, first the peaceful conversation and then the chaos", Crow concluded.
"True, but I can't have you causing havoc in the Dursley residence. They barely let me live here, I can't have you mess things up again", Harry said, emphasizing the last word to make sure Crow got the hint.
"Harry, I'm so hurt. You act as if we aren't best buddies. I mean really, it's just a blunt hypocrisy", Crow moaned.
Harry turned from Crow and continued working with the breakfast.
"Crow last I checked, you wanted to kill me and my 'best buddy' so forgive me if I have trouble believing you", Harry grunted.
"HARRY how dare you turn your back on me when I am talking to YOU!" Crow was furious and Harry decided it was time to do I bit of damage control. Crow had seen their last trap as a sign of friendship; maybe another gesture would be a good idea?
Harry turned back to Crow's direction quickly as he could, "I apologize Crow, perhaps you could help me with the breakfast and perhaps we can have some food after we finish?"
He looked at Harry then at the food then back to Harry then back to the food then he looked at the floor, "I suppose if you are offering a little bit of free food I could perhaps try a nibble. What do I need to do?"
Harry was pleasantly surprised, "Ok Crow, you can fry some bacon".
The next hour and a half went by relatively normally, which was weird considering who he was cooking with. With the extra help Harry was not only able to make the extra bacon Vernon had clearly been drooling on, but also they had time to make muffins, scones, biscuits, and eggs. After they finished Harry prepared to serve breakfast in bed for the Dursleys. Crow and Harry brought trays to Vernon and Petunia, which pleasantly surprised them and they put a try for Dudley in front of the television. Then Harry handed Crow a doggy bag.
"Why thank you, Atticus shall enjoy the bacon", Crow said.
"Atticus?" Harry asked.
"You'll see soon enough. Oh (hmha), preparing that meal was quite a heavy work load (hahmha)", Crow said, for some reason laughing.
"Oh… yeah…" Harry said.
"The Dursley's shall never consider this meal a number two (hahamah)", Crow laughed again under his breath.
" I suppose not Crow, now do you have somewhere to be, or something to do?" Harry asked.
"Oh yes how could I forget. I can't just dump everything (hahmaha) the consequences would be (hmha) Explosive (hahahmahaha)", Crow finished.
With that sentiment Crow left the house and disappeared into the morning mist. Harry was left with a new sense that there was hope for their friendship yet when…
"Oh BLOODY HELL!" Vernon screamed, "I NEED the lavatory NOW".
"Go downstairs!" Petunia said, "I'm going to be powdering my nose for quite a (ugh) while." This was bad.
"You can powder your nose LATER I need to use the toilet!" Vernon clearly didn't get it.
"OH, ohhhhhhh", Dudley also was using the restroom, but downstairs, "Why is this happening".
"Vernon, call someone!" Petunia yelled, "I can't handle this".
"Not now woman! I need to get to the third restroom!" Vernon grunted as he raced down the stairs, holding his pants up, "You. This is your doing. Mark my words, you shall be punished for this (ugh) just after I finish in the bathroom".
Hours passed and the Dursley's remained in their individual bathrooms. Harry dreaded the time when they came out, for he knew then all hell would break loose. Harry paced back and forth and then out of nowhere the groans of uncomfortable Dursleys stopped. The doors slammed open and Vernon came out, and he was mad.
"You boy shall be lucky if you ever see the light of day again", Vernon said in a voice that was so furious he wasn't even yelling, that scared Harry immensely.
Harry was then condemned to what might be considered the worst punishment he ever endured, (so brutal it wouldn't fit the teen rating of this fic.).
It had been six days since Mark had seen or heard from Harry, he hadn't been in school for the past four days, which concerned Mark greatly. When he checked the Foe Glass he was almost surprised to see the greatest threat to Harry's life had become his uncle Vernon. In fact he had become such a threat that he almost blotted out every other person on the glass.
Mark would have been scared for Harry's life if it weren't for the fact after time Vernon's figure on the glass grew smaller and Harry was still alive. That at least was a positive.
Mark thought back to his old briefing before he came to the England. The Dursley's did have a tendency to abuse Harry, though horrible it might be Mark was under strict orders to never harm Harry's guardians.
It made Mark feel sick, how he couldn't do anything to stop them, but he can't very well take Harry's protection away from him, even at such an immense cost. Harry would have to wait regardless, for today was Thanksgiving and Mark was feeling patriotic. He had even organized for a forged letter to get him out of school early.
Despite all of his work problems, Mark was excited to celebrate a normal holiday for just once.
After lunch he made his way to Snape's home to begin preparations for his meal, and he did intend to go above and beyond, even if he was the only one who would be eating it.
Mark entered the kitchen and threw some wood on the stove then added some onto the fireplace in the parlor and dining room. Everything was looking perfect for a peaceful night alone, but then he heard the door knock.
Knock-Knock
"Who could that be?" Mark said to himself. He was more than a little curious, honestly who would be here.
He opened the door to see the overly peculiar sight of Crow with what appeared to be a dead pheasant in his hand, hanging by the foot. Next to him was wily looking wolf.
"Ah, hello Crow, what do I owe this distinct pleasure?" Mark was hoping Crow would keep to the philosophy of chatting before acting.
"Oh aren't you going to invite your good buddy Crow into your house, maybe put a bowl of water out for Atticus? It is ever so cold and we were hoping to help you have a traditional thanksgiving, we even brought you a turkey", Crow said.
"Crow when did we become friends, last I checked you wanted to kill me", Mark said confused.
"Why does everyone always say that, oh well", Crow sighed.
"Well if you really want to help, then perhaps you can help me cook the dinner? Maybe you can stay for a while", Mark said, passing an olive branch, "Oh and one more thing, that's a pheasant not a turkey".
"Thank you Mark, that sounds great. Wait THIS isn't a TURKEY!" Crow was surprised and annoyed; he turned to his apparent wolf and said in a hushed tone, "This isn't a turkey (Wolf responds). I don't care if turkeys aren't indigenous to this area; you said that wouldn't be a problem! (Wolf begs). Okay Atticus, I can never stay mad at you, but what are we going to do with a stupid pheasant".
"Crow if it helps at all, I don't care if it's a pheasant or turkey they both taste similar if seasoned properly. So why don't you come in and warm up, so we can start cooking the meal?" Mark asked.
Crow stood their, looked at Mark then at his wolf then back to Mark then back to the wolf, "Okay, I'm never one to turn down free food".
"Right then, let's start the meal".
Just like that Mark and Crow spent the next several hours cooking preparing and cooking the pheasant, it was surprising how quickly Crow could gut an animal with his powers, it was also very frightening. Regardless of that momentary set back, the two did have a decently civil time making the food. If Mark avoided certain subjects, like his wolf then things would be fine. Mark was concerned however that Crow might poison the food, so he asked.
"Crow, you're not trying to poison me are you?" Mark asked, trying to be as to the point as possible.
"Oh no, I don't do the same bit twice in one week", Crow said simply, more focused on his potato's than the conversation.
"What do you mean, not twice in one week?" Mark asked.
"Well I suppose that I should tell you, I paid a visit to Harry the other day. He invited me for brunch and I of course accepted. I was helping him prepare a delightful meal for his family and I added some laxatives into the baked goods. It was nothing major, he was just sent to cupboard and horribly beaten… you know the usual", Crow finished, while wolf yawned.
"That is awful! How could you send him out to dry like that," Mark began, "I knew you wanted to torment us, but that is just beastly. How do I know you won't just do that to me?"
"I won't do that to you because of the truce"
"What truce?" Mark asked.
"The holiday truce, every year I choose one holiday to claim a truce upon. I decided as you are American, I will choose an American holiday. Seeing as Thanksgiving was the nearest holiday, I decided to choose it. So I should tell you, the rules are that we will be in complete truce until midnight of the appointed day, that is all." Crow finished.
"You're joking. That is just too convenient", Mark said blatantly.
"It may seem that way, but remember what I already said about not ever questioning my nature. The entire time space continuum would rip apart if you questioned everything, so put that inquisitive on sleep mode and let's cook some food".
Mark decided although Crow was an immense threat to his life, he really had no choice but to humor Crow if that meant temporary peace. It was simple enough, cook some food, eat, and then show Crow out the door before midnight.
It was hours before they finally turned of the burners. It was so long before they sat down to eat the meal of epic proportions. They then sat in Snape's dining room at opposite sides of his long table with Atticus the wolf sitting with his own plate on the floor.
"Mark can I ask you a simple question?" Crow asked.
"You kinda just did, but okay", Mark replied.
"Why does this house look like a dungeon? It is just a little weird for a domestic neighborhood to be decorated in this manor. Also why is this place bigger on the inside than the outside?" Crow finished, his own curiosity gotten the best of him.
"The owner of this residence if a little creepy and I suppose he likes living in a dungeon for some reason and I have no idea what you mean by bigger on the inside", Mark said covering his biggest mistake of the evening. Why didn't he think before letting a muggle into a prominent wizard's home?
"Relax Mark I was messing with you. I know about magic and Snape; it was fun to watch you freak out so much", Crow said, smile gleaming.
"How", was all Mark could think to say.
"Simple enough my friend, I have been given a great gift, meaning my power. Thus wizards feared that I would be the beginning of a new breed of muggle that would rise up against them. It is quite amazing how paranoid your world is. I, however, caught on to their ruse and went on the lamb. After years of hiding I decided to fight back and then began working for the noble goal of destroying all bad wizards", Crow finished in one breath. Mark was about to dig in when Crow said,
"Aren't we going to say grace?" Crow said.
"Um okay"
It shocked Mark that someone as nuts as Crow could still believe in God. It made him question his own religious beliefs as opposed to magic.
Mark sat there, mentally digesting this, when he decided to get Crow's story straight.
"Is any of that true?" Mark asked.
"Probably, in all honesty I don't know anymore. I tend to mix my stories up quite a bit".
"I've noticed", Mark finished.
The rest of the meal went without much of a hitch; Crow was normal by most standards (even though he did talk to his wolf in a strange barking every once in a while, Mark ignored it).
They eventually went into the den and began to crack open Snape's store of butter beer.
"You ever thought about redecorating this place?" Crow said in between gulps.
"Actually yes, I can mix the paints and dies for carpets, but I can't choose a color scheme", Mark concluded.
"Any ideas?" Crow said with oddly mischievous interest.
"I was thinking red with gold borders on the walls then a checkered gold and red for the floor", Mark said wistfully.
"Wonderful, I think you should do it, this is clearly to gloomy. I personally think that gold and red would liven this place up immensely", Crow concluded.
"You really think so?"
"Of course".
Mark was in a daze after so many butter beers; even without alcohol it still put him into a stupor. He dragged himself to bed and collapsed with utter content.
Another few hours passed.
Crash
Mark sprang out of bed as fast as possible. He then proceeded to run out of his room and to the den. "Hoe could I forget to send Crow on his way?" he thought, "What time is it anyways?"
Bang. Crash.
The first clock he ran past read 12:01 a.m. Okay it has been one minute since the truce ended, even Crow couldn't cause too much damage in one minute. He was wrong.
Mark entered the den to find Crow was gone and everything was destroyed. The walls were scorched, the carpet was gone, the furniture was scarred with claw marks, and, perhaps most importantly, all the leftovers were gone.
Mark saw a letter on the fireplaces mantle, it read,
Dear Mark,
I decided to start with those renovations we talked about. By the way I also redecorated the other den, dining room, kitchen, and the bathroom. No need to thank me.
-Philip Crow
"CROW", Mark yelled into the night.
"Excellent, just simply excellent", Albus said to himself, Snape listening behind him, "The two boys are doing far better than I thought they would".
"What do you mean Headmaster, Potter is indisposed and Mark, well lets just say that he has a lot worse coming to him if he doesn't fix my home", Snape concluded with some added vigor, thinking about how Mark could have let that psycho in his house.
"Now Severus, let's not get snippy. I do think he was going to renovate your house anyways, what was the color scheme he wanted… oh yes gold and red." Dumbledore was playing a little game Snape referred to as poke caged bear. Snape can't do anything to stop Albus, and Albus can make him as angry as possible.
"Very well Headmaster, is that all"
"For now Snape, for now".
And thus ends another chapter, please comment ideas. Ch. 12 will be out in a week or so.