Hey there everyone, another chapter is here This one is a little shorter than usual though, but I hope you all enjoy it. I am going on holidays next week for a few weeks so wont be posting then but I will try to get another chapter out next week before I leave. Thank you to everyone who is reading the story and liking it, I love reading all the comments

As always, I do not own Harry Potter

Chapter 11

Harry burst out of the doors to the hall, his pulse racing and his mind wild. He ran but he had no destination in mind, just trying to put distance between himself and his panic. As if that was even possible. He tried to remind himself that even if he had been found that he was still safe, they couldn't force him to return. Logically he knew he was a Krum now and nothing would change that, but logic didn't seem to be holding much sway at the moment. His breath started to come in short gasps as he kept running and panic threatened to overwhelm him. He heard voices behind him but kept moving, rushing up a flight of stairs and hurrying down a corridor. He wasn't sure how long he ran for; he just knew that he had to keep moving. As the adrenalin of the moment started to fade, he felt his body begin to tire and lag, the voices behind him growing louder.

Harry felt large hands and thick arms wrap around his body and he panicked for a moment, arms and legs flailing, before a soothing voice sounds in his ear.

"Shh Harry, it's Ok, it's just Anders."

Harry felt his body relax at the words and the strong arms around him began to feel comforting instead of constricting. He turned to face Anders, seeing the blue eyes furrowed in concern before slumping into Anders chest, the adrenalin fading and weariness claiming him. Anders wrapped his arms around the slimmer form, pulling him in close and muttering nonsensical soothing words in Harry's ear. He cards his fingers through Harry's dark locks as Harry starts to get his breathing under control again. Harry closes his eyes and presses his face in closer to Anders chest, breathing the scent that is purely Anders and letting it calm him. He feels a hand rub small circles on his back and uses the feeling to focus his breathing until he feels calm enough to pull away. Anders doesn't let him move far though, keeping a strong grip around his back and waist.

Harry turned and saw some of his other friends waiting behind Anders, watching him in concern. His cheeks flush and he began to feel embarrassed about his outburst in the middle of the hall. The whole school was probably wondering what the hell was happening.

A thumb traced over Harry's jawline, drawing green eyes back to blue.

"What happened back there Harry? Are you OK?" Anders asked and Harry felt his chest warm at the worry that laced the words. Letting it pierce and calm his mind further.

"I… I'm fine, I just need to talk to Viktor" Harry stammered, and Anders looked down at him in disbelief.

"You are not fine Harry" Anders nearly growled blue eyes flashing dangerously. "Who was that letter from and why are you so upset?"

This was a side of Anders that Harry had never seen before. Normally the older student was so calm, like nothing in the world fazed him, but he certainly seemed fazed now. Harry had the crazy desire to confess everything, tell Anders who he was. He fought the urge down viciously before responding.

He decided on a half-truth. "It was just from someone I wasn't expecting to hear from, that's all." Harry explained nervously licking his lips.

"Someone who scares you" Anders surmised, and Harry swallowed thickly. It wasn't so much that Hermione scared him, more what the letter represented. That he had been found, that they might try to force him back, when he desperately wanted to stay. Anders took Harry's silence as confirmation and pulled Harry back into his arms.

"I need to talk to Viktor" Harry repeated, not noticing Martin hurry off at his words.

This time Anders didn't say anything, just nodded and with an arm wrapped around Harry's waist began to lead him away.

Harry tried to give a reassuring smile to Lukas, Roman, Timur, Blake and Anastacia as he passed them, but it felt like it came out as more of a grimace.

Harry looked around as they walked, he hadn't realised he had run so far.

"Where are we going?" he asked quietly after a few minutes of walking.

"To the Headmaster of course, he will be able to contact Viktor for you."

Harry knew if he was thinking clearly that would have been an obvious deduction to make and blamed his panic for not thinking of it himself. They walked until they came to a large wooden door that Harry had never been to before, he was surprised again when Martin opened the door and walked out just as they were approaching.

"Martin went ahead to let the Headmaster know what was happening" Anders murmured in Harry's ear.

"Thank you, Martin," Harry said sincerely as they passed, Martin gripped his shoulder quickly, in a show of silent support for his new friend, as Harry and Anders entered the Headmasters office.

Headmaster Akulov was waiting for them, gesturing to a pair of seats in front of his desk. Harry took a moment to look around the room thinking it reminded him more of the fake Professor Moody's office than Professor Dumbledore's.

"I hear you wish to speak to Viktor, Harry" Headmaster Akulov stated, fixing Harry with a firm gaze.

"Yes, yes it's very important that I speak to him."

"I have already contacted Viktor as well as Anna and Andon, they will be here shortly, I have opened the floo to allow them through. I assume this is to do with what happened at breakfast?"

Before Harry could respond the floo flared and Viktor, Andon and Anna strode through.

Harry leapt from his seat and ran to Viktor, embracing him as Viktor wrapped him in a firm hug.

"What's wrong Harry?" Viktor asked urgently, he didn't know what was happening just that Harry needed him. Andon and Anna approached, gripping Harrys shoulder and looking confused.

"What's going on Harry?" Andon asked.

Harry took a moment, burying his face in Viktor's chest. Viktor was surprised, Harry rarely initiated so much physical contact, he must really be upset.

"Can we speak privately please?" Harry said quietly and Viktor nodded.

"Excuse us for a moment" Andon said politely to Anders and Professor Akulov before waving his wand and casting a privacy spell around the four.

Anders looked on in surprise as Harry stood with Viktor and what must be their parents, having a conversation he could no longer hear. He was only just realising how little he actually knew about Harry. He knew he was Harry Krum, but actually had no idea how he was related to the Krums. He had known of Viktor when he had attended school here but had never heard tale of a younger brother. And if he was Viktor's younger brother where had he been all these years? Who had the letter been from and why had it upset Harry so much? Anders had seen Harry's face when the letter arrived, and he had looked terrified. He didn't like the idea of anyone or anything scaring Harry that much. The thought made an unpleasant feeling curl in Anders stomach.

Andon turned back around after casting the privacy spell, effectively blocking most of Harry from sight.

"Now what is going on Harry?" he asked again, concern colouring his tone.

"I… I got a letter from Hermione" Harry explained. "And I just freaked out, I was worried that they had found me. That they were going to try to force me back or something." He finished, looking so completely lost that Viktor wrapped his arms around the younger teen again.

They all looked concerned at Harry's words.

"Do you remember who the letter was addressed to? Harry Potter or Harry Krum or just Harry?"

Harry thought for a moment trying to remember, "I think it just said Harry."

Andon nodded, "It could just be that she got lucky, that it made it to you was a fluke. When you started here, we had Headmaster Akulov cast wards to ensure that only letters from blood relatives would make it to you, it's actually not an unusual request here at Durmstrang. We will get the Headmaster to check the wards and make sure they aren't fading."

"It could just be a combination of the wards failing and the fact Hermione wasn't specific when she addressed the letter that it made it to you," Anna continued.

"Also remember Harry even if they do find you, they cannot force you anywhere" Viktor said soothingly. "You are a Krum, a member of our family, now and forever, and there is nothing they can do to change that."

Harry just nodded feeling his body go lax in relief against Viktor. They were right, of course they were right.

"I know you're right, I just am so happy here, here at Durmstrang, here with you all and I don't want anything to risk that. I'm sorry you had to come all the way here for this" Harry said quietly, feeling a bit foolish now.

"Not at all Harry, we will always come whenever you need us" Anna said, taking Harry's face in her hands and rubbing along his cheek bones gently. Harry leaned in, relishing in the gentle touch.

Andon waved his wand and the spell surrounding them dropped, the four turning to face the room again.

Headmaster Akulov was watching them critically, while Anders was just staring intently at Harry. Harry blushed lightly at the intense stare and Viktor raised a questioning eyebrow at him dark eyes lighting in amusement.

"I'm sorry about my outburst at breakfast Headmaster" Harry said frankly, eyes glancing away. "Everything is OK."

"We will need you to check and renew the wards that you have set up for Harry to ensure that no more post is getting through," Andon explained.

The Headmaster nodded in understanding, "is there a threat to Harry or the school?"

Andon shook his head in the negative, "not at present."

"Very well."

Viktor turned and hugged Harry again, "we have to get going now, will you be alright?"

"I will make sure he's OK" Anders said gruffly, coming to stand next to Harry.

The Krum's eyed the blonde boy suspiciously and Anders suddenly felt like a bug under a microscope. He stood tall though eyeing them back until Viktor suddenly smirked and looked away. Anders let out a breath he hadn't realised he had been holding as Harry hugged Andon and Anna goodbye and they stepped into the fireplace.

Harry turned around to thank the Headmaster after his family had left, only to find the man already looking at Harry.

"If something like this happens again Harry, don't panic just come straight here and see me, OK? I will be able to help." Headmaster Akulov explained.

Harry looked at the man, wondering once more how he got the scars on his face. "Thank you, Headmaster, I will," Harry said before following Anders out into the hall.

Anders kept close to Harry's side as they walked down the hall. The green-eyed teen felt better but was still a bit shaken from all the adrenaline.

"Did you want to talk about it Harry?" Anders asked softly, curious but not wanting to push if Harry didn't want to talk.

"I… No… but thank you Anders" Harry said glancing at Anders before looking away.

Anders just nodded as though he has been expecting the answer. "Would you like to spend the day with me? It's the weekend so we could relax in the Atticus common room, or work on some homework in my dorms. I don't know if you really feel like being around many people at the moment."

Harry was touched by the thoughtfulness of the offer; he actually didn't feel like being around many people at the moment. Dealing with their questions and inquiring looks. He knew he would have to deal with it soon but didn't feel quite up to it right now.

"That actually sounds great" Harry said, and Anders was relieved see a small smile grace Harry's lips.

They walked along in silence until they came to a large door, entering Harry found a room similar to his own common room. It was reassuring in it's familiarity. The room was mostly empty but those who were there turned to stare at Harry and Anders as they entered.

Harry felt a firm hand against his back guiding him to a door he assumed led to the fifth-year boys dormitory. Harry let out a sigh of relief finding it completely empty.

Anders led Harry over to his bed and they both sat down. Harry beginning to feel awkward thinking about the fact that he was in Anders dorm sitting on his bed.

Anders scratched his hand over his neck, looking unsure for the first time that morning. "If you like I could keep reading to you?" Anders enquired. "If I remember rightly, we were right at the part where Sid had been kidnapped."

Harry's face brightened considerably at this, "oh yes, they've taken his wand and everything, how is he going to get away?" Harry wondered as he laid back on the bed getting comfortable.

Anders chuckled, opening the drawer next to his bed and pulling out the book he had been reading to Harry while he had been sick. He laid back on the bed next to Harry and began to read.

"Sid blinked, trying to clear the haze from his eyes as he looked around the small room, they were holding him in…"

Harry curled on his side letting the words wash over him, not thinking about anything except the soothing sounds as they eased him into a weary sleep.

Anders looked over at the first snort, to see Harry fast asleep on his pillow. Seeing the smaller teen in his bed was doing strange things to him and Anders felt a wave of possessiveness roll through him.

He sat the book down not wanting to read more without Harry and picked up his defence text to do some reading for their next class. Harry shifted slightly beside him, snuggling closer to Anders warmth in his sleep, his face coming to rest on Anders shoulder.

They had been there around an hour when the door burst open and Axel, Leif and Baker walked in. They stopped in surprise at the sight before them, Anders laying in bed, with Harry fast asleep beside him.

Leif raised an eyebrow, smirking at Anders. "Don't let us interrupt Anders."

The blonde just rolled his eyes at his friends.

The boys walked in and sprawled on their own beds.

"Is he OK?" Axel asked. "Everyone saw what happened in the hall this morning."

"He's OK" Anders said looking down at the black-haired teen beside him, running a hand through the soft locks. "He didn't tell me what it was all about, but he was scared. Terrified actually, of whoever sent him the letter. I think there's much more to Harry then he is telling us."

Axel looked at the pair speculatively "so what are we going to do about it?"

"Nothing" said Anders seriously. "Except making sure that whatever Harry is so scared of has no chance of harming him."

The others nodded in agreement looking thoughtful.

HPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHPHP

At Hogwarts, Neville sat with Luna in the library working on their Herbology homework. They had a table to themselves, both preferring the others company over anyone else's. It was nearly Christmas and still neither of them had heard a word from Harry. They were admittedly worried. Dumbledore had announced at the start of the year that Harry was away enjoying some much-needed rest after Voldemort's defeat, but they weren't sure if they believed him. For one, if Dumbledore knew where Harry was then why was he checking periodically if they had heard from him? There had also been no word of when Harry was expected to return to school. Ron and Hermione were acting oddly as well. The year had started with Ron telling everyone who would listen about his plans to join the Auror's while Hermione listed all the changes she would make at the ministry when she started working there. But over the last month or so they had become more subdued, less cocky and more unsure. It also seemed that neither of them had heard from Harry either, well they hadn't seen Hedwig deliver any post to them anyway. The Ravenclaw and Gryffindor both hoped that wherever Harry was he was happier than he had been at Hogwarts.