Thank you Kamerreon for your superb editing!

Chapter Seventeen

The drive to the airport was in relative silence. Lily was sniffing occasionally and it was a surprise to see Severus was in the seat next to her.

Harry was sitting close to Edward's side. It was weird to know that his stepfather of all people had a secret that even his father didn't know of yet. He didn't quite know how to feel about that. Edward's hand was clamped down on Harry's knee to steady him from the nervous twitch. He just wanted to get on the flight and out of sight.

He'd had more than enough of this place.

Lily clobbered him with tightened hugs and Harry sighed and patted her back. "I love you too, mum."

Edward and Severus were staring at one another, the former still as could be while the other twitched slightly.

"Harry?" Severus finally said after Lily released him.

"Yes, Severus?" Harry asked neutrally.

"Can I talk to you alone for a moment?"

That was weird, the man 'asked'. Harry nodded. "Sure."

Lily looked confused but didn't stop her husband and son from walking off out of her earshot but obviously not Edwards.

Harry kept a good three feet from the bitter man and waited silently. Severus pursed his lips together. "I apologise…" He said swiftly.

Huh? Harry thought in shock. "Oh?" He managed to say.

"I have been treating you unfairly and I apologise and not because of your freak boyfriend."

Harry glared. "He's not a freak!" He snapped.

"I don't care what he is," Severus hissed and crossed his arms over his chest. "Does Potter know about this arrangement?"

"No, Severus, he doesn't," Harry answered. "It's not my secret to tell."

Severus' lips formed in a straight line. "I see…" Harry could see the surprise in his eyes. "That's how you survived that wreck?"

"Yes."

"He was never sitting with you," he said putting the pieces together.

"No."

Severus eyed Harry critically; the teen in question began to squirm under the gaze. "Good bye, Harry."

Confused, Harry nodded. "Good bye, Severus," he said evenly.

He walked away leaving a watchful stepfather and he wondered vaguely what the man was thinking.

"That was weird," Harry said once they got their seats.

Edward was buckling Harry up much to the boy's dismay. "He meant it. He's finding that he has a grudging respect for you Harry."

"I still don't like him."

Chuckling quietly, Edward kissed his nose. "I don't think you would so soon. He doesn't like you either but he doesn't hate you. Not anymore."

"Why are you buckling me in? I'm taking it off soon! I am not being underneath this thing the entire trip!" He griped and squirmed uncomfortably.

"We're not in the air yet."

"If something happened it's not like you couldn't get me off the plane."

"I don't want to take any chances."

"Paranoid!"

"Yes, I am," Edward confessed. "When it comes to you I can't be too over cautious."

Harry groaned and reached down and unbuckled his shoes. If he was going to be on this flight for hours, he was getting comfortable. He then grumbled. "Alice is going to be stealing my feet again…" He moaned derisively, getting a small laugh from Edward. "That's not funny! I'll make her do you next."

Edward gave him a look of mock horror. "You wouldn't?"

Harry stared up at him without blinking. "Oh, Edward, I would… I'd even make her use pink."

Edward moaned and buried his face into his hands. "Evil."

"I thought I was the Angel."

"You are… but you corrupted me."

"I've done my job then…" Harry mused. "I told you that the Angel is just as bad as the Devil."

"So you did… you prove me wrong."

"Hmm." Harry gazed around. "I need caffeine…"

Edward snorted. "You're hyper enough," but even as he said it he called over the flight attendant.

"Yes, but I had to put up with mum's sobbing. Honestly, she can't miss me that much. Sometimes, I wonder if it's more of the fact that I'm with dad more than anything."

Edward smiled grimly and handed the soda to Harry. "Her mind - from the muffled thoughts I received from her. She isn't fond of me or your father."

"I don't care what she's not fond of. You're mine." Harry shifted in his seatbelt to get closer. "Edward!" He moaned and pulled on it.

"What?"

"Too restrictive! Come on, be my seatbelt?"

Edward pursed his lips together thinking about it. "Alright, since we're in the air."

Harry beamed and flipped the tab before sliding closer to Edward until those cold arms tightened around him. "Hum, much better!" He said sipping his soda.

"Is it?" Edward asked, pushing his hair out of the way and nibbling the tip of Harry's ear.

"Mhmm." He leaned heavily into Edward, kissing his jaw at different times. "Why did you tell Severus?"

Edward arched an eyebrow. "I thought it was obvious."

"Well, I know you were trying to scare him…"

Edward sighed. "Harry if I wanted to scare him I wouldn't have told him of our existence. I'd have just scared the shit out of him in a human way. I was trying to get him to see the real you."

"But you risked yourself…"

"Yes and I'll do it again… you mean more to me now than this secret I carry." Harry shook his head, feeling his heart bubble. "I've even thought about toying with the idea of telling James… but I don't think he's ready to know yet. Not with Riddle so close and able to read his mind."

Harry frowned. "Yeah… he does need to know. But I will let you handle it. It's your secret after all. One I will never break."

Edward deeply kissed Harry's lips. "I know."

On the other side, Emmett and Rosalie met them. Rosalie rushed to Harry's side ignoring Edward completely. Her cool arms went around him in a hug as she brushed her hands through his hair.

"Were you safe?" She asked and then shot Edward a look.

"Of course we were Rose," he said humorously. "Riddle never left the area?"

They shook their heads. "But from the sources we've gathered, he's furious." Emmett added and slung his arm around Harry and squeezed him. "Hello little human! We've missed you! It's not been the same without your pretty moa- er - face around."

Edward growled under his breath. Harry laughed and gently elbowed the vampire in the ribs.

Rosalie rolled her eyes and whacked Emmett. "Get your mind out of the gutter."

"Awe, but Rose… he is such a cutie."

"We know that," Rosalie tutted. "There's no need to embarrass him as soon as he gets back." She then began to ask Harry if he ate and how much he ate. She eyed him critically making sure he didn't lose any weight.

The bright red BMW sat in the lot of Port Angeles Airport.

"We have a new addition to this awkward family/alliance thing," Emmett brought up.

They were already on the road heading toward home.

Edward blinked. "Jacob Black imprinted on Neville?"

Harry laughed quietly at this.

"Apparently," Emmett said. "He now knows everything."

Rosalie huffed. "That's dangerous!"

"I know, but considering that they are life mates, I don't think there's much to fear from this little one," Emmett confessed. "He doesn't talk to anyone but Harry anyway."

"It's not so bad," Edward mused. He was thinking more along the lines of at least he didn't have to kill the Alpha for hugging his little mate.

'I don't have to read minds to know what you're thinking…' Emmett teased in his head

"You're rather accepting of this Rose." Edward gazed at her from his place in the back.

Rosalie huffed. "So I am?" 'What do I do? What do I say! This is very unorthodox, but if we're going to take this crazed moron down, we need those smelly dogs. I want him gone and away from Harry. Plus, he is Harry's little friend and isn't so awful.'

Edward chuckled inwardly at Rosalie's words. She could be a strange conundrum at times. But, that was what made her Rosalie.

"So, Neville's around?" Harry asked hopefully.

"Yep, every time Jacob checks in he has Neville with him. A few times Esme has spoiled them with dinners. She's really missed having someone to cook for." Emmett laughed. "She'll stand around her kitchen at seven, twelve, and five o' clock. If she were human she'd be crying!"

"Awe." Harry felt bad. He brushed his cheek against Edward's shoulder. "Poor Esme, I'll give her a big hug when I get home."

The large white house came into view after all the beautiful green overlapping trees. The windows glittered in the in the non-existent sunlight.

To say Harry was full of Esme's thin arms before he could advance into the house was an understatement. This time it was a mouth full of caramel coloured curls.

"Harry! I've missed you so much!"

Laughing Harry hugged her back. "Missed you too, Esme!" He kissed her porcelain cheek. Harry really wished at that moment he could really see her blush.

"Esme let him in!" Rosalie said with a slight smile.

"Oh, I'm sorry! I'm just so excited, I've cooked all day!" She bounced from his side and right into the kitchen, leaving him to stagger through slowly only to be hugged by Alice and smirked at by Jasper.

"Thank god you're back, now we won't have to hear her griping about no one to cook for!" Jasper mused.

"Hey! I didn't gripe!" Esme said barely loud enough for Harry's hearing to pick up.

"Alright, alright you don't have to yell." Jasper held his hands over his ears, and got whacked by Alice in the chest. "Oomph, hi Harry."

"Hey Jasper."

"Looks like it's time for a pedicure for you!" Alice teased making Edward go into a fit of laughter.

Harry stared at her owlishly when Rosalie squeezed his shoulders gently. "It's not so bad Harry…" She cooed and went to see what Esme was cooking.

"Isn't?" He whimpered weakly.

Edward was still laughing, causing his lover to give him a mutinous look. Jasper was also snickering.

"Hello Harry! Welcome back, the place has been very dull without you." Carlisle appeared next to him seemingly out of nowhere.

Harry was hugged by Carlisle. "Thanks Carlisle! Didn't mean to make it so boring."

"It was," Carlisle mock whispered. "Though your little friend has been here. That's the only thing that has pleased Esme since you've been gone."

"I heard."

"He blushes so much," Alice mused.

"He's more shy than me," Harry added.

"Enough talk! Pedicure for you!"

"Oh no…" Everyone laughed and Harry huffed while allowing thin arms to lead him to the sofa.

"Let me at least wash my feet woman!" Harry scowled good-naturedly. As soon as he said it, her arms were around him and they were zooming upstairs.

"He also needs to eat!" Esme shouted from below.

Alice winced. "Ow…" She murmured rubbing her ears.

Harry snickered. "That was normal!"

"Not for us…"

Harry was happy to be back, no matter how often Alice liked to mess with his feet. The house was always hopping with some sort of entertainment.

Emmett got it in his head to chase Rosalie around causing Harry to try and pinpoint which blur was which.

Harry was perched on the sofa, Esme's hands carding through his hair while his foot was on Alice's cold knee.

Talk about treatment! He thought with amusement. Edward was watching Harry tauntingly.

"Alice, I think you should do Edward next," Harry said in a seemingly innocent voice.

The vampire straightened suddenly as Alice gazed up at Harry and then at a stoic Edward, which caused Esme to burst into a million giggles. "You don't need to do mine…" He placated, holding up his hands.

"Pink." Harry and Alice said at the same time causing Edward to flee and everyone left in the room to laugh.

"Jasper lets me do his…" Alice sulked.

Harry grinned at this when the honey blonde stuck his head in. "I could catch him for you," Jasper suggested.

"Hmm." Alice and Harry looked at one another, Esme was laughing so hard that if she were human she might have passed out due to the lack of air.

"That's just terrifying…" Jasper then said tilting his head to the side.

"Have you ever had them done pink?"

Jasper stared straight at Harry, ignoring the tingling giggle from Alice. "Yes," he said dubiously causing everyone in the house to erupt in laughter. "This is not nice…" The former foot soldier scoffed.

Harry could tell that the happiness in the room had lifted Jasper's spirits and all. He was grinning slightly and Alice looked bouncy even though she was still and fixing Harry's middle toe.

Harry came out of the bathroom that night after a long shower. He was towel drying his hair when he noticed Carlisle's office door open. Curiosity getting to him, he peaked in and frowned when he saw the screen filled with cameras. He knew it had been there and found himself watching it quite often but there was something sickeningly foreboding about it now.

He stepped forward and peered in to see Tom in his dad's room. His father was asleep and Tom was lying next to him wide-awake.

He frowned deeply and pressed his hands to the desk. "How far is he taking this?" He breathed in horror.

"I'm not sure you really want to know," Carlisle admitted from by his side. He placed a hand to the middle of Harry's back to offer comfort. "Tom's doing a good job of keeping James oblivious."

"They can do that?" Harry asked sadly. "It's like dad forgot about me…"

"That's no fault of his," Carlisle insisted. "I guarantee you, every time James starts thinking of you, Tom is quick to cut him off. He has all the information about you now, down to your childhood years…"

"And he's slowly stripping my dad away…"

Grimly, Carlisle nodded. "Yes, but we will get past this."

"I'm surprised dad hasn't noticed anything wrong… noticed his cold hands? Anything?"

"I'm sure he has, but the allurement can make you forget. Your father is not obtuse he's just captivated right now. Tom hardly lets James out of his sight except to feed."

"Have you found that woman yet?"

"No, the shield holds her and him…"

Harry sagged down in a chair and brought his hands to his face. "What can I do? Is there anything I can do to speed this up? Get him out of here?"

"I don't know," Carlisle confessed. "The wolves are doing everything they can but they have to keep a certain distance or their scent will be picked up."

"I'm tired of watching this… seeing my dad being played a fool. He doesn't deserve that."

"No, he doesn't," the compassionate vampire agreed.

Harry was overwhelmed with guilt. "This is my fault." His heart ached to know that he put his father in this position.

"No," Carlisle rebuked softly. "This is not your fault, Harry. This is out of your hands. A lot of our kind are very challenging predators. Tom Riddle finds this a game… seven fully trained vampires protecting one human. He falls into lust and it's more than blood. Handing yourself over would be letting him win."

"Would it stop this?" Harry asked waving his hand to the screen.

Carlisle looked at Harry sharply. "Don't even think like that, Harry. There's always a solution and the one you're thinking of right now, is not one." He tapped the boy's nose and smiled. "You've done something absolutely amazing to my family, Harry. You are my family and I will not lose you to this creep." He pointed his finger roughly at the images in front of them.

It was perhaps the harshest thing he'd ever heard Carlisle say about another.

Carlisle smiled and brushed across Harry's shoulder before silently moving out, leaving him to his thoughts.

Harry wiped the tears that fell from his eyes and shifted in the seat, drawing his legs up underneath him. It was like a horror movie gone real that he was watching. His father was so enraptured that he wasn't even in his own mind and Tom was playing on that weakness, causing him to forget about Harry. Usually, James would have been calling him over and over again to make sure he was alright and safe.

But James hadn't called.

Cool hands placed themselves on his shoulders. It wasn't Edward as he continued to stare straight ahead.

"We will kill him," Jasper whispered softly. "I don't want to move without knowing the outcome. I don't want you held responsible for it."

"It's misery watching this… knowing my dad is being used."

Jasper grimaced. "I can feel your sadness…"

"I know, I'm sorry."

"For some reason the talent I have works very little on your emotions and I don't know why."

Harry laughed softly. "A lot of your guys' abilities don't work. I wonder why?" He asked. "Is there something really that wrong with me?"

"I don't know," Jasper answered, if it had been Edward or anyone else, they'd have said no. But not Jasper. "Must be something in the way you are made. I've never actually seen a case however where Edward's mind reason doesn't work and my talent doesn't work. Alice's works on you but at the moment she can't see what you are doing. She saw you standing in a room with showers and the look of horror on your face. She saw you pinned against the wall but there's nothing else there."

The hands on his shoulders soothed him. Edward had left with Emmett and Rosalie to hunt. "Perhaps you should go lay down, Harry?"

"And have nightmares?"

"You have them?" Jasper asked.

"A little more than normal," Harry answered. "Before Forks, I never had much drama in life. Only one traumatising event you could say… but a lot of the time I have dreams about a pitch black setting and bright red eyes appearing out of nowhere and staring into my own eyes. It petrifies me."

"Edward said you were restless in your sleep at times…" Jasper said solemnly. "Perhaps my talent will work in your sleep? When you're more vulnerable," he suggested.

"Sometimes the shadows turn into shapes that I can't make out. I don't know why I dream so vividly."

"I have a theory behind that."

"Oh?"

"You are a very emotional person, Harry," Jasper expressed. "When you get sad you don't just feel sad, everything about you turns into negative reaction… it's like you're drowning and then I start to drown. If you're happy the entire room knows you're happy, it fills up and overflows. Your emotions are of an extreme kind and there's something about your mind that can manipulate Edward's ability into going wayward and block your thoughts completely. Each human is built differently but never has Edward run across someone who could escape his ability. I think these cases may be what draw people like Riddle to you."

"Lovely," Harry muttered. "I get crazed gits!"

Jasper chuckled quietly. "Sadly, yes. Edward was drawn to you the moment he met you. It was part blood lust part pull. It was a combination but Edward is perhaps the most human of us all."

"I don't want him human," Harry said factually.

"Don't?"

"Nope, I wouldn't change anything about him or any of you."

"Harry, to be frank, I'd have not had any resistance if I had been in Edward's place."

Harry smiled. "I'm not scared of you, Jasper."

"You should be. I'm the most dangerous of our lot to slip up. They watch me like a hawk," Jasper admitted.

"I'm still not scared," Harry sing-songed, getting a light laugh from Jasper. "You know why?"

"Why?"

"Because you're honest… and simply put, it wouldn't have been your fault in the end."

Jasper scowled. "God, don't say that. It would have been."

"No, it wouldn't," Harry rebuked and smiled. "Everyone's life must come to an end; a human life anyway. If mine was meant to be then it was meant to be."

"How can you be so forgiving? I just admitted…"

"So did Edward," Harry cut Jasper off gently. "I'm terrified of Riddle and them, but I'm not terrified of you guys. I never was."

"You really have a strange sense of logic."

Harry laughed. "Maybe that's why I'm so messed up?"

"Maybe," Jasper agreed. "Right now, I think you need to stop watching that and go to bed."

Harry stuck out his tongue. "Okay, okay! Chase the human to bed why don'tchya."

"That's what I'm doing," Jasper mused. "Edward is not here to do it and Esme loves you being awake so she can feed you so it's my job!"

"And Rosalie's out as well…"

"Exactly."

"And Emmett would keep me up anyway…"

"Mhmm…"

"Who'd have thought of you being the responsible one?"

Jasper laughed quietly. "I'm with Alice, one of us has to be responsible."

"I heard that!" Came a voice from downstairs.

Harry barely heard as the blonde laughed some more. "Good night, Jasper." To the vampire's surprise, Harry hugged him around the neck. "Thanks."

Jasper watched him go and smiled. "Night Harry…" He waited approximately twenty minutes before following. He wanted to make sure Harry could sleep without his demons.

He frowned at the thought. He was going to have to talk to Edward about this.

(o)

The day before Harry's seventeenth birthday was bright and sunny. The teen watched with avid amusement as the Cullens sparkled in the golden rays of sunlight. A warm but damp wind brushed through the small green town of Forks and Harry enjoyed the sight, while sitting on top of a rail. Next to him was Neville who was gawking at the sight.

"Wow…" He breathed.

"Isn't it? My boyfriend sparkles."

Neville chuckled. "I'm still in shock," he admitted. "Though I shouldn't be, I mean, it makes sense now that Jake told me everything. All the days they went camping and stuff."

"Hmm, I'm happy for you and Jake. Jacob's great."

"He is…" Neville blushed and then looked up at Harry. "He's really nice… though I could do without being lifted!"

Harry burst into giggles. "That's what you get when they are stronger and faster. You have no idea how many times Edward uses that as an excuse to carry me."

"La Push is nice," Neville admitted. "My parents aren't so sure though. They didn't expect me to be gay."

Harry shrugged. "You're you."

Laughing quietly. "Thanks. Dad is scared of Jake."

"Almost seven foot, Neville, why wouldn't he be?"

Neville laughed. "Hmm, how did you find out?"

"The wreck," Harry answered.

"Oh…" Neville's eyes widened. "He wasn't in the car with you?"

"No. I never saw him…"

"I'm glad he saved you…"

"Now, my dad is in jeopardy and I don't know what to do."

"It's not your fault."

"Feels like it. Carlisle said the same thing, but I can't help but wonder - why me?"

"Plenty of reasons I'm sure," Neville placated. "You can't see it like that, Harry. It's not your fault that some crazed man is after you. You didn't ask for this and so you shouldn't take the blame."

Harry had already been told this. He knew it was true and he shouldn't have self-pity. But he couldn't help it. He missed his dad… he loved living with the Cullens, yes, but he couldn't even go and see his dad without passing out in fear. He couldn't give his dad meaningful hugs without those burgundy orbs watching him like a hawk. He couldn't talk to him like he used too.

He felt as though his father being used was all his fault. Simply because the vampire wanted him…

"I don't ever want to leave Forks," Harry told Neville. "I love it here…" he watched as Rosalie and Alice were taking turns doing cartwheels. Emmett was doing back-flips, his shirt was off, and he was sparkling like diamonds.

Edward was standing with Jasper and they were speaking so rapidly with one another that it would have been impossible to understand. Esme was sitting on a swing with Carlisle who was watching the girls and Emmett with amusement. His eyes would flicker over to Harry and Neville every so often, but they never lingered.

Harry was sure all the vampires could hear them. Not to mention Edward could hear what was in Neville's head.

"You, don't have to go anywhere," Neville said firmly. "You live here now. I think each one of the Cullens would have a field day if you continue to lay blame on yourself. Especially, Edward."

Harry stuck out his tongue. "Shush."

Neville laughed. "You're working tomorrow? On your birthday?"

"Yeah, I want the money. I have almost enough for a car."

Edward shot Harry a look when he said this and the raven-haired boy stuck out his tongue.

Neville laughed some more.

"Plus, I overheard them talking about a surprise party for me and they wants me to be surprised… so yeah… it means I have to leave for the day. It's only a few short hours."

Edward and Jasper chuckled at the exact same time, when Harry mentioned it.

Neville was grinning. "Yeah wouldn't do to be watching them decorate for your own party."

"Watch? Have you ever seen them motion?" Harry asked incredulous.

"Once."

"You blink and it's done."

"You find it odd, Harry, how one is cold and the other is hot?"

"Yes," Harry answered. "Though Remus isn't hot to touch. He's different."

Neville blushed. "Jake says he's the full moon kind. I shouldn't be telling you but yeah, he has a struggle every moon…"

"He turns vicious," Harry supplied.

"Yeah…"

"-and he was trying to warn me?" Harry shook his head. "I like Remus, I do and I know he's a caring person but that's a bit hypocritical."

"I think it's more like pride," Neville confessed. "I've been to a couple bonfires this summer. They pride themselves to be a type of spirits avenging the evil."

"Yes but it's all bigotry in the end and I refuse to submit to it."

"That's what Jake says," Neville admitted. "No one is happy that he's so friendly with everyone. But he insists that judgment shouldn't be what you are but who you are."

Harry smiled. "Exactly."

"He's the alpha though, what he says goes. Even Remus can't override Jake's command. He makes the decisions."

The next morning, Harry pulled up to the store in Edward's Volvo. Being seventeen felt no different. He thought idly as he slid out of the car. He saw Blaise sitting on his haunches across the street and waved at him, while scarfing down a huge breakfast.

Harry stuck out his tongue and beamed before turning and going in.

"Morning Harry!" Emily Diggory greeted happily.

"Morning Emily."

He took the orange vest and clocked in. "I'm so glad you're here! I have to run these books over to Amos at the house. Cedric should be around soon."

"No problem."

By about noon, Cedric was keeping Harry company. There was a new shipment of camping tents and Harry was helping him place them on shelves and racks.

"Did you enjoy England?" Cedric asked, holding Harry's ladder so he didn't fall.

"Not one bit," Harry admitted. "Severus was an arse and my mother well she was a rather annoying chit this time around."

"Well that's good news, means you'll stay here."

Harry laughed. "I'm going to try. I love it here and not just because of the Cullens." He smiled down at Cedric, who beamed.

"I was hoping you'd say that." Cedric looked curious for a moment. "Are you still being - stalked?"

"Yes," Harry said grimly.

"Who is it?"

Harry shook his head once at Cedric before coming off the ladder. "Not safe for you to know, Cedric."

"Is he dangerous?"

"Yes."

"Do I know him?"

"A bit."

Sighing, Cedric crossed his arms. "I do know him… someone from school?"

Harry lifted another tent and placed it on the bottom shelf. He said nothing, while Cedric went through possibilities.

"Wait a minute…"

Harry whirled around and placed a hand on his mouth. "Don't say it aloud." He said, eyes wide to the blonde. "Please…"

Cedric's eyes went crossed and he nodded quickly.

Harry let go and blushed before going back to his stuff.

"I'm sorry Harry, I wish I had known…"

"Couldn't have." He smiled gently. "Don't worry about it, Cedric."

"But I do…" Cedric mumbled and followed after. "Oh wait, I got your birthday present! Stay there." He touched Harry's shoulders before rushing off to the back.

Harry stood there with a blushing expression.

Cedric came back with a very badly wrapped gift. "Ah, well I'm not much of a wrapper," he teased handing to him. "Happy Birthday."

Harry giggled. "Thank you! I love the wrapping. You've got such talent!" It was kind of heavy and rather round. Curious, he unwrapped it and smiled even brighter when he saw that it was a snow globe. "Awe! I love it! It's so cute!" He launched himself at Cedric, who gasped and was now the one badly flushed.

"If I knew this would get such a hug, I'd have gotten one ages ago."

Laughing quietly, Harry pulled back and gave him an amused look. "Thank you again, Cedric! My first birthday gift from a friend."

"Really?" Cedric asked shocked.

"Mhmm." He shook it up. It was a little castle with a little wizard and white beard standing beside it. The flakes were shimmering with colour. It wound up underneath and played a small tune. "I love it…"

Cedric shoved his hands in his jeans and shrugged. "Ah, well. I didn't know what to get you…"

"Perfect," he cut in. He hugged it to him and Cedric laughed hesitantly. "Yeah well, I better get back to work, mom'll kill me."

Harry watched as an embarrassed Cedric walked away toward the back, awed. He felt bad for Cedric. He knew what it was like to have a crush on someone and not have the feelings reciprocated. Though, Cedric was a gorgeous boy, he'd be able to find anyone with relative ease, female or male.

He had all the time in the world for it. Harry placed the globe on the counter and marveled at how magical it looked when the phone by the cash register rang.

Grabbing it, Harry stared at the globe while speaking, "Diggory Supply, this is Harry how may I help you?" He asked cheerfully.

"Pet." The cheer dwindled instantly and an icy cold ripple of well known paralysing fear consumed him immediately.

"Riddle," Harry managed to hiss. His eyes darted all around at the nearest exits. Cedric was still in the back and Harry had not a clue where Blaise had gotten too.

"Good, you remember me, now listen to me pet, because honestly, I really tire of this game… it's been fun but I'm now bored and I want you and I will receive you. You are my prize…"

"I'm not yours, Riddle…" It was then that Harry heard a earsplitting scream and a disgusting crunch like gravel. "Dad…"

"Yes, lovely, it's your dear daddy… you see there are only so many bones inside of him that I can break before I start on his blood…"

Shaken completely from the inside out, Harry somehow managed to keep his voice even. "What do you want?"

"I want you…"

Harry closed his eyes and turned his back toward Cedric. It took a few seconds of the agonising screams and cries of his dad to make him act. "You - can - have me." How he got it out, he wasn't sure. He felt the fluid in his mouth, he was sure he'd be sick. Everything around him seemed to have stopped except for the cries of his father. His breathing was becoming harsher and more ragged. He could hardly manage to stay up. His hand gripped the side of the counter faintly. "Stop it! Stop whatever it is you're doing." He hissed quietly, not wanting to alert Cedric.

"Good little boy, now I've made it easier for you to get to me. All you have to do is walk across the street to McDonalds. My dear Bella will be waiting inside of a white BMW… if you are so much as followed, I will smear his blood all over these walls and rip him apart…" There was another scream and then. "I will then send each and every bit back to you, starting with his head…"

"Leave my son out of this you bastard!" Harry's eyes burnt when he heard James' crying shout.

"Shut up you fool. He is the reason you're here!" There was a slam and Harry's eyes clamped shut.

"DON'T COME HARRY! Don't-" More screams and this time Harry was sure there was blood because Tom was hissing out like a cat.

"I said shut up! You are ruining my plans stupid man…"

"Stop it Riddle, I'll be there." Harry pleaded desperately. "Just let him go!"

Tom chuckled darkly. "Very good my pet. You listen well. I love your heart… it's so sweet. It's a pity I'm going to stop it soon. I'll let him live as a reward if you are not followed…"

The tears naturally fell, he felt everything on the inside knotting up. "Fine…" He croaked. "I'm coming…" He hung up on Riddle, hand shaking visibly.

He shrugged off the orange vest and stared at the snow globe for a moment before turning away. He started for the door.

"Harry?"

"I gotta go, Cedric." Harry refused to turn around. His face was red and the tears in his eyes were turning the white part into zigzagging bloodshot lines.

"But…" Cedric rushed over and gasped. "You're crying! What's wrong?" He gripped Harry's forearm, eyes wide in horror.

Harry shook his head and hiccupped, feeling his chest aching. He made to leave but Cedric reached and curled his arms around the boy's waist. "You can't leave. If it's that dangerous out there you could be attacked! At least let me take you…"

As if he could do anything. Thought Harry. If there was anyone weaker than him right now, it was Cedric, who had no clue what was going on. Harry had to get to his dad. He couldn't allow him to go through this.

If Riddle wanted him… then that was fine. The game could end and his father could survive. He dreaded the thought of leaving Edward and the Cullens. But what choice did he have? This couldn't continue.

Harry sobbed against Cedric's shoulder. "Cedric, please, let me go! I have to go…" Harry cried softly. "My dad… he… he… it's an emergency… please!" He wiggled and shifted until Cedric released him. "Good bye, Cedric…" He breathed solemnly. "Tell Edward and them I'm sorry…" and before Cedric could react to that final statement, Harry was gone.

A/N: My will to hold this chapter any longer caved. I had it for three hours from my lovely beta and I'm too excited not to post it. The next Chapter is 3/4 done so I expect it to be totally done by about uhm 6-9 pm tomorrow? You know Christmas Eve and Christmas day is coming up and I don't know how busy I'll be but I should be able to write and post. Thanks for all the support! Oh and Merry Christmas to all :)