I do not own Harry Potter, the Wizarding World, or any canon characters.
Note: I got some extra chapters done this week so here's a fourth update this week. Hope everyone has a nice Friday and a lovely weekend!
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The Family that Chooses You
Chapter 78 – Gestures of Kindness
"Everything okay Harry?" Hermione asked.
Harry smiled wanly. "Oh sorry, I mean, yeah everything's fine. Nothing's wrong really."
It was true. Nothing was overtly wrong. He had the best summer in his life. He finally left Privet Drive. He had a new family with Sirius and the three Tonks. His health was on the mend and he felt a lot better, better than he ever had before.
As a continuation of his Sirius' campaign to make up for things, he had gotten tickets to the Quidditch World Cup. He and Tonks took Harry and Hermione with them and they met their friends at the Cup location. The game was incredible and he could not wait to try some of the things he saw. There had been an odd disturbance that night but it was swiftly stopped by the Aurors and even Sirius had jumped in.
The days after the World Cup had been a rush of fun and fond memories. For the first time in four years, Harry had been a little reluctant in leaving for Hogwarts. The previous three years he had chomped at the bit to go and it was odd feeling a little forlorn now that the Express had left King's Cross. Sirius, Andromeda, and Tonks had sent him off and even they looked a little teary when he got on the train.
"I guess, I never felt like this before," Harry said softly. "I wanted to stay with them at Grimmauld. It's weird to feel like that when before I couldn't wait to go to Hogwarts."
Hermione smiled gently. "You're homesick."
"Oh? I've never been homesick before."
She squeezed his arm. "You've never had a home before."
Harry smiled. "That's true. So it's normal to feel like this?"
She nodded. "I felt like that too, feel it now. I miss my parents dearly during the year but it's been better since we can exchange more letters and things more often. Especially since Hedwig is so kind to do that for me, though, I need to tell mum to give Hedwig less bacon."
Hedwig barked angrily from her cage at Hermione.
"Yeah I wouldn't do that," Harry said amused. "She thinks all the bacon in the world belongs to her."
Hermione giggled. "And I wanted to really thank you."
Harry's eyebrow rose. "For what?"
"This was the best summer I've had in a long time too. I mean, I like traveling with my parents but this summer I got to see you a lot and the others. The first summer I saw friends. And now that Sirius is my magical co-guardian my parents can learn more about the Wizarding World and be more involved. They feel a lot better about things now and they're really happy." Her eyes shone. "I feel a lot better about everything now and it's all thanks to you."
Harry blushed. "It wasn't my idea for Sirius to be your co-guardian but I'm happy it happened. Now we're even more like sibs." He hugged her and she returned the hug with a very strong grip.
The door to the compartment opened and Katie and Lyla appeared. "Harry!" Lyla exclaimed and slid next to him on the chair, throwing her arms around him.
"Hi Lyla," Harry greeted warmly. "Already wearing your robes?"
"She's so excited," Katie teased. "Almost left the house in them today. Then again, she's been waiting for a long time for this. She stole my robes after my first year and wore them whenever she could."
"I think I did that to my brothers," Angelina said with a smile.
"You people and your healthy sibling relationships," Alicia said frostily. "Your positive sincerity is making me sick."
Harry crossed to her side of the compartment, flopped down beside her and leaned into her. He painted a look of adoration with a hint of his puppy eyes and looked up at her. "But big sister Alicia, we have a healthy and positive sibling relationship, right?" He made his lower lip quiver.
Alicia tried to scowl but her smile was too broad. "What did I say about looking at me with those eyes? Stop that." She put her hand over his face and pushed. "You won't get me this time Pot-EWWWW!" She pulled her hand back and glared at Harry with deep disgust before looking at her wet palm. "Did you lick me?!"
The compartment burst into laughter. "It seemed like a little brother thing to do," Harry said with sparkling eyes.
Alicia tackled him to the ground, straddling his chest and pinning his arms with her legs. "Allow me to show you some proper older sibling revenge." She slowly licked her other hand, drenching it in her saliva and proceeded to rub her hand over Harry's laughing face.
"Oh that's so gross," Angelina said. "I can't wait to do that to my brothers at Christmas."
"Do not get any ideas," Katie said severely to a giggling Lyla. "Do not do that to me if you know what's good for you."
"I have no idea if it's better or worse to be an only child," Hermione said while holding her sides, laughing hysterically.
"That's why you have honorary siblings," Alicia said as she applied a new layer of saliva to her hand. "So you can obtain experiences you would have missed."
"I'm not giving you your letter if you keep doing that," Harry said with a sly smile.
"What letter?"
"Are you going to let me up?"
Alicia sighed and rolled off, even helping Harry up and giving him a handkerchief. "Despite you deserving all of that, what letter?"
Harry fished out a letter from his trunk and gave it to her. Alicia's face flushed as she sat in a far corner and eagerly started reading.
"It's from Oliver," he whispered to the other girls.
"Why didn't he send it to her directly?" Katie asked.
"He wanted my help to mess with her and take care of her throughout the year. So he sent me this one to give to her during the train ride at some point."
"That's so romantic," Lyla said dreamily.
Alicia growled and she looked like she was about to tear the parchment in half.
"Real romantic," Angelina agreed snickering.
Alicia finished reading and slipped the letter carefully into her bag. Her face was a curious mix of being annoyed and pleased.
"Share with the class?" Katie asked. She covered Lyla's eyes at Alicia's hand gesture. "Alicia! There are children here!"
The Weasleys and Luna came into the compartment and while a little cramped, everyone was happily chatting and playing exploding snap. The snack cart came and Harry stepped into the corridor to let her help the people within get their things. He smiled at seeing how excited Lyla was to get her desired candy directly from the source. He of course bought her a lot and Katie had told him not to spoil her but he could not resist.
"Potter! I mean, Harry!"
The cart had left and Harry was about to go back into the compartment when he stopped at being hailed. He turned and smiled at the brown-haired girl approaching. "Hey Tracy! How are you?"
"I'm fine thanks. Woah! What happened to you?" She looked him up and down with a critical eye. "Did you get hit with a growth charm or something? "
"Can you just be polite for once?" Daphne came up from behind Tracy. "You can simply compliment someone you know."
"Fine, you do it," Tracy said with a look.
Daphne looked at Harry and her eyes opened wide. "Goodness, Tracy was not wrong. You look very…good Harry," her cheeks pinked ever so slightly.
"Thanks," Harry laughed shyly. "I had a good summer. I'm in a better place." He tried to ignore their looks of interest at his choice of words. "Uhm, you two look very nice too."
They giggled at his awkward but sincerely delivered compliment. "Thanks," Tracy said. "Did a lot of swimming and it's good for the physique apparently."
"Is it true that you're Sirius Black's godson?" Daphne asked. "His exoneration is a big point of discussion right now."
Harry nodded. "Yeah and it's really great. That's who I'm living with now."
"I heard he's crazy," Tracy said.
"Tracy!" Daphne smacked her friend on the shoulder.
Harry laughed. "He's not crazy. He's still recovering from Azkaban. I mean, I went to pieces around Dementors for less than a year. He spent over twelve with them."
"Ugh, that'll do it," Tracy said softly. "At least he's free."
"I know my father was very upset when he learned that Black did not get a proper trial. He is bringing up a lot of issues in the Wizengamot for change." Daphne looked thoughtful.
"That'll be good," Harry nodded. "Auntie Andi explained some things to me about laws and stuff over the summer. She's actually hoping Sirius will retake his seat soon so he can start influencing things."
"What did he say to that?" Daphne asked eagerly.
"He screamed bloody murder and ran from her flailing his arms," Harry snickered to the laughing girls. "He then barricaded himself in his room and refused to come out unless it was for cake or alcohol. He was about to state something else but Auntie Andi cast a Silencing Charm before he could finish."
"Is it bad that I want him even more in the Wizengamot?" Tracy asked. "He sounds like a politician that knows what's important."
"I think my father would agree," Daphne giggled.
They chatted some more before the two girls waved good-bye. The door beside Harry opened and Ron stepped out. "What did those two want?" he asked.
"Just to chat," Harry said.
"Really?" Ron looked after them. "They weren't trying to mess with you or anything?"
"No, they've always been nice to me. They're not Malfoy."
Ron shrugged. "Yeah, but they're still Slytherins."
"Every House has good and bad people," Harry said simply.
Ron thought for a moment. "Yeah, guess you're right." Ron leaned awkwardly against the wall. "Can I ask you something?"
Harry nodded. "Of course."
"Were you the one that gave Ginny the time to see a Mind Healer?"
Harry chewed his lip for a moment. "Yeah," he admitted. "How'd you know?"
"Well Mum and Dad said they were introduced to one by Mrs. Bell. And that the person who was offered the meetings wanted Ginny to have it. Didn't take me long to figure out you're the one that probably did it. No one else would know Ginny might be helped by one that's also being helped by Mrs. Bell."
"Why don't you approach your school work with that kind of analysis?"
Ron smirked. "Because school work is boring."
Harry chuckled. "I mean, yeah. I figured she would get more out of it than me."
"You've gone through a lot too. Maybe more."
"That's…debatable. Besides," Harry looked out the window, "I know Ginny doesn't have the opportunities that I do." He waited for the backlash.
"Thanks," Ron said softly. He shrugged awkwardly at Harry's surprise. "I mean, I know you don't pity us or anything and honestly, Ginny did need it. She said she was fine, but she wasn't. She didn't want to talk to any of us either. She's a lot better. Like, how she was before the Chamber. I didn't realize how much she changed."
He sighed. "I don't know if she'll ever say thank you, so I am. If there's anything I can do for you, let me know."
"Let me beat you at chess?"
"If there's anything else I can do for you, let me know."
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After tossing and turning for a while Harry conceded defeat, sitting up on his bed. The welcoming feast was nice, always plenty of food that he felt more comfortable about eating without stinting himself. Lyla had been sorted into Gryffindor and the small girl had plonked herself down between Katie and Harry, looking very relieved and very excited.
The news that the Inter-House Quidditch League being canceled for the year had been a bitter pill to swallow. Angelina had been despondent and he spent a good amount of time trying to raise her spirits. They vowed to play casually when they could to make up for the loss of formal games.
The announcing of the Tri-Wizard Tournament had whipped all the students up into an excited frenzy. More than a few wanted to put their names in and the caveat of being of age barely dampened most people's spirits. When Ron had asked Harry if he was going to try, Harry had said very loudly "Abso-fucking-lutely not!"
Everyone within hearing shot had laughed uproariously at that and a relieved-looking but scandalized Hermione and Alicia had lectured him about his use of foul language.
Chastised, Harry explained that he just wanted a quiet year. He wanted to hang out with friends, do well in classes, have fun, go home. He had no desire to be involved in a high-profile terror-laced tournament. Not even for a thousand Galleons, a shiny cup, and fame.
If he could have faded into obscurity, he would.
Despite the long day, Harry could not go to sleep. He was full and sleepy, but true rest alluded him. After some more restless moving, he decided to let his dormmates get some proper rest. Grabbing a book, his light orb, and some candy from his trunk, he drifted downstairs to the common room.
It was not as empty as he thought. Stepping into the room he heard some faint sniffling. He felt awkward, he felt like he was intruding on someone's private time. Then he remembered the times he came down to be alone with his feelings, desperate to be alone. Even more desperate for someone to be with him. He was lucky that one time when Katie had appeared as if by literal magic, with Angelina swiftly following. They had helped immeasurably.
Maybe he can do some good.
He approached the small weeping form and spoke softly, "Are you okay?"
The form squeaked with surprise. The little girl looked up, her eyes wet with tears and her face red from shame.
"I'm sorry," Harry apologized hurriedly. "I just came down to do some reading and heard you. Are you okay?" he asked again. "Do you need to go to the Infirmary?"
She shook her head.
"Are you hurt?"
Another shake.
Harry thought about all the times the Chasers had helped him. "May I sit with you?" he asked.
After a long moment she nodded.
"Thank you." Harry sat in the chair beside hers. "My name is Harry, what's yours?"
"Mirabelle," she replied softly.
"It's very nice to meet you," he said. He waited for her to say something and when she did not, pressed on. "First time you've been gone from home?"
She nodded.
"You know, a few years ago, I wouldn't have understood being upset at being away from where you're from. I didn't have a very good life away from school. But this summer I ended up in a much better place and I can finally understand what it's like to miss being somewhere else."
She looked at him suspiciously for a moment, wondering if he was merely placating her. After a moment, she was won over by his sincerity. "I miss my mum," she said. "I miss my dog. He sleeps with me and it didn't feel right without him."
Harry smiled. "The first pet I ever had was my owl and she usually doesn't sleep with me. When she does, she likes to sleep in my hair." He pointed at his messy locks. "I think it's because it reminds her of a nest."
Mirabelle giggled.
"Somehow, my hair looks more organized after she roosts in it for a little. I think she tugs it about to make it more orderly."
She giggled harder. She sobered after a little time. "Everything here is so strange. It's so…much."
"Are you Muggle-born?"
She nodded, suddenly afraid.
Harry smiled gently. "Don't worry, I don't believe in that blood nonsense. I was raised like a Muggle and everything was so strange to me too when I came here. Lots of things are still strange really."
She relaxed. "Really?" she asked, hopefully.
"Oh yeah. I learn new things every day. You really should ignore what most people say about your blood status or whatever they call it. My best friend is Muggle-born too and she's the best in my year. I'd put her against anyone in other years and still believe in her."
Mirabelle felt a lot better. "Can you…be friends with people in other Houses?" she asked.
"Of course," Harry said. "I have friends in other Houses. It's harder since you live apart but you can always spend time with them at meals and in studying after classes if you don't share classes with them. It's doable though."
"Even if they're in…"
"Slytherin?"
The girl nodded. "I met someone on the train and she was ever so nice. I thought we were getting along great but she got sorted into Slytherin and lots of people were saying they're…bad."
"Did your new friend treat you okay?" He continued at her nod. "Then you should still try to be friends with them. Slytherins get a bad reputation and I believed all the nonsense about them before too. But I've met some good people there and it's better to have friends than not. I've relied heavily on mine here."
"That's good," Mirabelle sighed with relief.
He offered her the bar of chocolate he brought down and with an encouraging smile, she took it happily. "Lyla Bell is in your year and she's a great person. Her sister and I are close friends and I bet you and Lyla would get along. You both are bells after all."
"Is she nice?"
"Very nice. She could use a new friend too."
Mirabelle smiled and yawned.
"Feeling better?" Harry chuckled at her sleepy nod. "Off you go then. Don't want to oversleep tomorrow."
She rose and started walking up the steps. She stopped and looked back at him. "Can I ask you more questions later?" she asked shyly.
"Of course you may. What are friends for?"
She smiled dazzlingly bright and with a wave, walked up the steps.
Harry sat for a few moments and tried to read by orb-light before he was shocked by his own yawn. "Guess I was more tired than I thought," he said to himself. As he sank into his bed he felt more at peace. It really is nice to help people.
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A few days later, the fourth years had their first Potions class of the year. The tables were arranged for groups of three and Harry felt at a lost when he saw Neville with Ron and Hermione. He spent a few moments dithering before he saw a free chair open at a table. He hesitated for a moment then walked over. "Mind if I join you?" he asked shyly.
Tracy and Daphne looked at each other for the briefest moment while the rest of the class looked on in shock and anticipation.
"Depends, are you still terrible at Potions?" Tracy asked with a hint of a smile. She ignored the look Daphne gave her.
"I'm getting better," Harry said warmly. "I've gotten a nice new potions set and a handy guide."
"I guess you bring enough to the table," Tracy sighed with mock reluctance.
Daphne poked her friend and smiled softly up at Harry. "Ignore her Harry. I'd like it if you joined us."
Harry sat and the trio tried to ignore the incredulous looks from both of their Houses. Surprise was the most common expression. Confusion on others. Fury on a few.
Snape walked in and his eyes stopped for a moment on the odd trio but, surprisingly, he made no comment. Instead he made his introduction for what he expected for this coming year, what they could anticipate, and the goals by year's end.
The students got to work after he lectured a few moments on the trickier parts of the potion they were attempting that day and then sent them off. He wandered about the room, making suggestions that were not snide, criticisms without venom.
He stopped at Harry, Daphne, and Tracy's desk and watched them for a long moment. His eyes fell onto Harry's new kit and he looked at the pieces with interest. "I had no idea you were serious enough to obtain a professional kit, Potter," he said almost tonelessly.
"It was a gift," Harry explained. "A good friend of mine gave it to me this summer. She's very good with Potions."
Snape thought for a moment. "Spinnet?" His lips were less compressed when Harry nodded. "She is a fine student. As one would hope given her family's predilection for potions."
"She's been helping me a lot through the years. She even got me this guide book."
Snape looked at it. "That is an acceptable manual yes. More than useful for most potions up to O.W.L.s. If you were more serious, I would recommend Caul Cauldon's Tome of Potions. It is more dense information wise but if you understand it, then it is invaluable for past N.E.W.T.s."
To say Harry was surprised, not to mention the rest of the class, would have been a gross understatement. Harry chose to not look a gift dragon in the mouth and quickly scribbled the name of the book down on a piece of parchment. "Thank you, Sir. I'll definitely look for it." He hesitated. "Potions is actually kinda…fun."
Snape's lips twitched ever so slightly. "I am so pleased to hear that," he said in a tone so dry the desert would appear to be a swamp. He twisted his head to stare at a gaping furious Draco. "Mister Malfoy, do I have something on my face?"
"No…sir," Draco ground out.
"Then get back to work." The Potions master nodded at Harry and the two shocked Slytherin girls and strode away.
"That was weird," Tracy whispered.
"Yeah," Harry agreed, "but a good kind of weird."
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Hermione walked into the common room, arms full of books as per usual, and tottered over to a large table, dropping them with a sigh of relief. She looked at the Chasers, noticing their distracted look of amused fondness. "What's going on?" she asked them.
"Look at that cuteness," Angelina said pointing.
Hermione looked and she too smirked at the sight. Harry was teaching the first years the wand movements for a charm spell. The clustered around him as he demonstrated and was helping them as they attempted the charm themselves. Eventually all of the first years were successful and they babbled their thanks to a grinning blushing Harry.
Harry simply congratulated them and after a hug from Lyla and Mirabelle, he made his way over to his friends, sitting down in the open chair. He looked at them looking at him. "What?" he said defensively, his blush intensifying.
"You're such a cutie," Angelina gushed, ruffling his hair. "Look at you teaching the little firsties."
He narrowed his eyes, looking like a dog that was accepting a head pat but only just. Then he shrugged sheepishly. "Mirabelle asked me for help and it became a whole thing for the rest of the first years. I didn't mind really."
"We're just teasing you," Katie said. "It's really good of you to take the time to help them."
Harry shrugged again, turning redder. "Well, I only thought what you three would do," he said gesturing at the Chasers. The three older girls blushed too. "You three helped me so much, still do really, so they looked like they could use the help," he continued.
"Hey, I help too," Hermione pouted.
"Just saying they helped me before you did," Harry said with a mollifying smile. The smile became mischievous. "I'm going to wait a bit before I start tutting at them when I look at their essays."
It was Hermione's turn to blush. "I don't tut at you," she protested.
"Not anymore," Alicia said with a smile.
Hermione crossed her arms and pouted harder, almost resisting Harry drawing her into a hug. "I never minded when you did," Harry said to the sniggering of the others.
Hermione pushed him away with an unwilling smile. "Go away, I'm mad at you."
Katie watched her little sister chatting with Mirabelle. "Are you the one that introduced those two by the way?" she asked Harry.
He nodded. "I found Mirabelle crying in the common room that first night. She was scared and lonely. I said she would like Lyla because they're both bells."
"I knew Lyla wasn't clever enough for that turn of phrase," Katie laughed. "I should be thanking you too for that Harry. Besides the obvious reason. Lyla's been sneaking into my bed less lately. Now I can get some proper sleep."
"Poor Lyla," Angelina teased. "Her mean older sister doesn't want to comfort her."
Katie swatted the taller girl. "She has really cold feet that she sticks on me! And she's a cover hog."
"Ladies, let's get back to the important part of all this," Alicia said. When everyone looked at her, her eyes twinkled, "You know, about our baby bird is turning into a mama bird."
Harry tried to look dignified while the girls fell apart laughing. With as much severity as he could muster, he summoned a box from his bag and slowly took out a biscuit and ate it in front of them. "I was going to share with you all but I do believe I am being mocked unfairly."
"Are those Harry biscuits? Gimmie!" Alicia tried to grab the box.
"Never! My honor has been grievously wounded!"
Angelina pulled him onto her lap. "I'm sorry Rabbit," she said. She cheered when he offered her a biscuit, eating it right out of his hands.
"I'm sorry Harry," Katie said next and she too happily ate the biscuit from his hand.
"I have nothing to apologize for," Hermione sniffed. "You were the one mocking me!"
"Hmm, that's true. Are you still mad at me?"
"Not if you give me biscuits." She smiled when he handed her two.
Alicia sighed. "My Lord Potter, I have given thee offense and I pray thee forgive my churlish words. They were said in good jest and I am chastised for my poor behavior."
"Cool," Harry replied blandly and gave her a biscuit, making the rest laugh.
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Imaginer.012 - I was sitting on the idea of the birthday crown for so long. The wrapping Harry in the cloak joke was something I saw a long time ago on Tumblr and thought it was something too funny to not include.
Urgwaew - It's a fine line making suggestions and wondering about what-ifs. Yours do not bother me because you really like to talk about it and you always present it in a nice way. There are those that told me what to do or what I should do and those I choose not to respond to. I like seeing people discuss and extrapolate in a pleasant way.
I thought the adults needed a moment to talk and discuss, let them show their own thoughts and plans. I thought it would help add to the story and not let it just be Harry and Team-centric. Also, being parents of a Muggle-born must be terrifying. Not knowing how anything works and expecting your child to be the link while they are growing and learning? Horrific. Having friendly magical co-guardians would solve so many problems in my opinion.
Picking gifts and ideas is purely indulgent on my part and wish fulfillment in a way for me. Same with coming up with these relationships for Harry. Ever since I cam up with the idea of Tonks being a loving accident-prone older sibling figure for Harry, I knew I wanted her to get in "trouble" and having photographic evidence made it funnier. So thus the photo album came to being. As you may tell, I am fond of call backs and running jokes, so seeing the girls get angry over Harry doing something is a familiar theme. And I thought of the "Traitorous Bitch" line as I was writing and it made me laugh for days.
As always, thank you for the lovely review and positive words. Hope you are doing well and am glad I can help brighten your day.
DOOOOOOM Lord of Waffles - Poor Tonks. Her photo self is every bit of a mischief maker as she is in real life.
Thespianpoet - One day Harry will be comfortable enough to make saucy and bawdy jokes, maybe. It is fun letting him play the eternal innocent as well. If I could have a roof garden like that, it would be wonderful.
yogibears - Remus and Tonks as a couple never made sense to me. I am not planning on ensuring everyone gets into a relationship but I haven't written it out for a lot of people yet. So we will see! I am glad you liked the party and the gifts and the like.