A/N: I do not own Harry Potter nor the Advent of the Archmage. They are owned by J.K. Rowling and Mo Xiang respectively.
The sun was shining brightly on 4b Privet Drive, little Whining. A stark contrast in comparison to Rose Potter's current mood. It's been a week since they came back from Hogwarts.
She knows she shouldn't be anxious. It's just been a week, there is no rush. However, being back here, at her relative's house, dreadful memories were forcefully dredged up. She really hates it here. She had made friends over the year, but this place just puts her in a negative mood.
Hopefully, she gets a letter soon. She can't wait for the day that Link will come by. He said he would send me a letter the day before he visits.
Again, it's only been a week. He would probably come by next week… that's too long. I don't want to wait. Yet what can she do? All she could do is wait. No, I could send a letter. That's it. I'll do just that. Before she could get a piece of parchment, she heard her uncle calling her. There was a bit of anger in it.
"GIRL! Get down here, now!"
'What does he want now?'
"Yes, Uncle Vernon"
She made her way down, but not even halfway down the steps she saw Link standing just outside the open door, her uncle standing there. A grin made its way to her face at that.
"Girl, why didn't you tell me your friend was coming?" He was annoyed, he could have thought of a way to refuse. Now it's too late.
"Link, you came. Why didn't you tell me?" she asked, ignoring her uncle, causing his face to twitch.
She saw his face morph into one of confusion.
"What do you mean? I sent you a letter yesterday. I thought you got it."
Now it was her turn to be confused.
"Are you sure? I didn't get a letter"
"Huh… weird."
Link had just got back home after his stay in Hogwarts. Like during Christmas, he enjoyed a few days with his parents. They had warm interactions, including the time he told them what happened at the end of the year. How he had fought against a madman intent on gaining immortality.
They had been freaked out because of that, on the verge of pulling him from the school. Had he not reassured them, and promised that he was okay, he may very well not have gone this coming year. He couldn't have that. He still needed to read a few more books at the Library, including the forbidden section.
Also, he would miss his new friends, Rose being at the top of that admittedly short-list.
After a few days of just enjoying his parents' company, Link told them that he would like to visit Rose. Doctors Granger, aware of the circumstances of that poor girl, were instantly on board. Going so far as to suggest that he bring the girl here for a few weeks.
With that decision, Link wrote her a letter, that he sent via owl for quick delivery. He will be seeing her the next day.
The next day saw Link in the subway early in the morning. He was in for an hour of commute to get to his best friend's house.
Soon, he was knocking at 4b Privet drive. Opening the door was Rose's walrus of an uncle. He couldn't help but feel disgust towards this man. This entire family was bad news. Not really dangerous, just a low life.
"What do you want?" Vernon rudely asked
"I'm here to see Rose, could you call her, please?" was the calm reply
"No, she's busy" Closing the door at the end of his sentence. Only for a hand to hold it firmly in place.
"Let me say that again. Would you call Rose Please?" a smile that wasn't a smile now on the boys face. Honestly speaking, it was a bit unnerving. So much so, Vernon reluctantly called out to his niece.
Although not much had changed with the question, its tonation did. The usage of 'would' in the sentence gives semblance to an authority figure (A teacher).
"GIRL! Get down here, now!"
"Yes, Uncle Vernon" he heard her call back, almost immediately.
"I would prefer it if you do not talk with her like that anymore" Link said with a side glance, just as Rose came down.
"Girl, why didn't you tell me your friend was coming?" completely ignoring the previous warning. Not a smart move. It seems the only way to reason with these types of people is to threaten them with the subtlety of a bull in a china shop.
"Link, you came. Why didn't you tell me?" she asked.
His face morphed into one of visible confusion. Not something that happens often.
"What do you mean? I sent you a letter yesterday. I thought you got it."
Now it was her turn to be confused.
"Are you sure? I didn't get a letter"
"Huh… weird." 'I wonder, is it related to that strange signature I'm feeling? Why does it seem so familiar?'
"GIRL! Are you ignoring me?" the uncle seemed thoroughly annoyed now. Good.
"No, Uncle Vernon. I didn't mean tha…"
"I thought I told you, I would appreciate it if you would stop talking to her in that manner" was the calm, yet somehow cold, voice ringing.
"Or what?" Vernon was smug, he knew they can't really do anything to him. There was no proof. Only the words of a child, whom he successfully defamed as being a troublemaker a long time ago. There is no way anything can go wrong. How little he knew.
'Oh? You think you are safe' a vicious smirk made its way onto Link's mouth. Unnerving the man. He felt as though a chill suddenly crept up his spine.
'What... is this... feeling?' was the tentative thought that propped up within Vernon's mind.
"I'm sure you're probably thinking along the lines that 'This child is annoying. What can he do?' am I right? Probably also sure that 'There is no evidence of any wrong doings'. Did I get that one too? But you see Vernon, from what I've heard from Rose, and what I observed of you during the Christmas dinner. You are a social parasite. You wish to portray yourself as a model citizen. That you would do whatever it takes to make sure your neighbours, your peers, your colleagues see nothing but the perfectly normal, yet perfectly successful man. One that has made it to where he is through hard work and determination."
Rose stood to one side feeling a mixture of dread and delight. Someone was standing up for her. In front of her uncle of all people. Her main tormentor for most of her life. The one that kept her the most oppressed throughout her stay at her relatives' house. She also noticed both Dudley and Aunt Petunia standing towards the end of the corridor, having been attracted by the noise. They were now just looking at Link, with a slight slack jaw. Almost in disbelief that someone would dare rebuke Vernon in such a manner. That thought just made her all the more thrilled.
"Now listen here boy, I will not…" Vernon tried to get control of the conversation, terrified at how spot on the description was, however, Link just wouldn't let him. Link might not have been very adept at politics, but he was still a Lord and a commander in the army. He was used to giving speeches to rouse the spirit of his people. He knew how to talk with an authoritative tonation. He knew how to strike where it hurts the most.
"No, you listen. You don't seem to be used to that yet, but you will be. I may not be able to get you to the police," Vernon started regaining some confidence before it was brutally shattered by the next few words. "but I know of a method that is much worse for the likes of you. I shall spread a rumour. Many in fact. Some true, some not so true. But in the end, it won't matter. You shall be viewed with scorn. You shall be looked down on. Everywhere you or your family goes, those judgemental eyes will follow you like the plague. You will be hounded with every negative connotation until you just can't take it. And when you finally crack, when you finally succumb to the pressure and turn violent. Only then will I permit you to enter prison, and end your suffering. So think very carefully on how you will treat Rose from now on."
The Dursley family was stunned into silence. Their faces so pale, like fresh snow, terrified at the mere thought of what will happen to them. Horrified by how they were strong-armed by a mere child. 'Just.. how did this happen?'
Rose on the other hand was bursting with joy. She had never been so vindicated, so vented, so… free before. She was struggling to keep the smile from showing in the serious setting.
Link nodded once, his smile never once leaving his face, turned and walked out of the house, Rose right behind him.
It wasn't until they walked down the street that Rose couldn't contain her excitement anymore, jumped towards Link and wrapped him in the tightest hug she could muster. Repeatedly uttering her 'Thank you's.
"You're welcome… Now, where do we go to eat? Know a place?"
She shook her head no. He should have known really.
"Alright, let's just walk around until we come across a restaurant that calls us"
"Ok"
They ended up going to the local McDonalds. Given that it's the first time going, and being able to order whatever she wanted, Rose was very insistent on coming here. Seeing her relatives talk about this place made her envy them. Their freedom to choose was what she really envied.
As they entered the fast-food chain, Link insisted that he pay and that she choose whatever she wanted. They ended up getting the same meal. A Big Mac meal.
They were seated together outside of Hogwarts, for the first time. Rose was beyond over-joyed. This is everything she ever wanted. Her friendship with Link is quickly becoming the best thing she ever had.
They were enjoying a nice conversation while eating their meals in one of the booths.
"...and then Dudley's eyes were wide open. He couldn't believe he was a little shorter than me. He got so embarrassed then. Haha"
Link was smiling listening to Rose recount her relatives experience seeing her be healthy for the first time in 11 years. The fact that she was taller than Dudley now was just icing on the cake for her.
"Now when they play Rose razing they can't catch me I got so fast. I was fast before, but now I go so much more, and my endurance increased too. Maybe walking all around Hogwarts with you helped with that."
Still smiling and talking happily, Rose failed to notice the smile melting off Link's face. She did not realise that she exposed a little more than she meant to.
"Rose…"
"Huh? What?"
"What's Rose Razing?"
She froze at that, her eyes wide. She can't believe she said that. She was just so happy and at the moment, she completely forgot to censor that part. She didn't know how to tell Link, this might ruin their meal. It would probably make him angry.
"Ummm.. nothing, forget about it. How were your days since coming back?"
It was a poor attempt at changing the subject, and she knew it. Link was calm most of the time, able to ignore any taunt from anyone unless one of his friends were insulted. Then he would make sure the guilty party suffers an appropriate punishment.
"Rose… please, tell me" he said again, in a softer tone this time.
"Its… it's just this game Dudley and his friends invented. They chase me around and try to hit me. But I'm really fast, they don't catch me most of the time. So don't worry."
"So this is frequent, and he even tried to do it recently. Alright, thank you for telling me, Rose. Now let's get back to our meal."
He was now smiling again, as if nothing happened. Having small talk with her. Although she was relieved that he didn't pursue the topic, she was somewhat disappointed. She didn't know what she was expecting, but she expected something more than just that.
She put it to the back of her mind, and focus on the now. Having fun with her best friend. That's what she's doing.
They were soon done with their meal, and as they are wont to do in Hogwarts they went for a walk. Going through the various streets, until eventually, they were in a park. Enjoying the scenery, right before it was ruined by a group of 5. Link only recognised Dudley, though he did feel Rose tense up, indicating that she saw them. He wasn't sure if its the group or just her cousin that got her rigid.
Rose did indeed recognise every one of the group. With Dudley as the leader of the merry crew, they were the most regular players of Rose Razing, RR for short. They were her tormentors for the majority of her life.
"Hey, hey, look what we have here. Little Potty is out of the house" started Piers, Dudley's best friend. The rat of the group. His eyes shifty, he always played the lookout for their ragtag group of bullies. He made sure they were almost never caught.
The rest sniggered with Dudley looking on with a smug face. She knew what they were planning. RR. The worst part is that Link will be involved now. She wanted to start running when she noticed Link walking towards the group.
"I would appreciate it if you do not antagonise my friend here." he started off polite, it won't do to be the one that is looking for trouble. Especially not when he was about to do what he was about to do.
"Who are you? Why should I listen to what you say? I can say whatever the bloody hell I want to scarface and there isn't anything you can do about it." Retorted Piers, sniggering at this buffoon that didn't know who he was messing with. "Also, you aren't this losers friend, are you? Hey Rosey, you know what we do with anyone trying to be friends with you, don't you?" he started smiling a creepy smile at that, his intent clear as day and filled with malice.
Rose flinched a bit at that, looking at Link in a slight panic. He can't get hurt. She can't have that. But he wasn't helping his case, smiling at them like that. For some reason, that smile reassured her. This average looking guy is more reliable than any other person she has ever seen. And he was her best friend. She has to trust that this will work out. She felt her anxiety fade slightly as he responded in that same calm voice of his. Like a mountain, he seemed immovable.
"I am Rose's friend. Now, I will repeat. Do not talk to her like that, is that understood rat face?"
Stunned into silence, the smug smiles froze on the groups face. Slowly melting away to be replaced by a frosty look. Or rather, as we are dealing with a bunch of hot-blooded, immature children, their emotions exploded. Their expressions a fiery fury.
"What the fuck did you just say?" Piers was fuming, when was the last time someone dared make fun of him, other than big D. How dare this boy make fun of him. He was going to beat him bloody. His friends were angry as well. All this time they were the ones to mock people, to abuse them, to crack jokes at their expense. So how can they bear with it when they were finally subjected to it. They couldn't.
"Are you deaf now? You don't like the name rat face? I find it appropriate. Especially next to tubby here and the three stooges. No wait that is insulting the show, at least they had a purpose in life." Link continued his merciless barrage, all the while Rose was watching in awe as this unfolded before her. Her earlier disappointment all but forgotten.
The quintet were now red in rage.
"Oh, you're going to get it you bloody git" seethed Dudley. "Get him"
"Hey now tubby, can't take a joke? I thought fat people were supposed to be funny" Link continued to mock while he gestured for Rose to step back.
"I'm not fat! I'm big-boned, and most of this is muscle."
Looking at the boy up and down with the most deadpan of stares. To the point, even Dudley with his diminutive brain functions was able to notice that something was amiss.
"Really? I've never seen a fat skeleton, nor have I ever seen jiggly muscles. You must be a special case, a missing link between our ancestors and the human race."
"That's it" with that, the first punch was thrown. Say what you will about Dudley, but the kid had the build to be an accomplished fighter. Only he was too stupid to actually utilise that. Instead, he relies on his strength and instinct, delayed as it is, to fight. Or brute force his way.
Unfortunately, he met Link today. Although he was mainly a mage, Link had also mastered the martial way of knights. A true General of the army in every sense of the word.
Through his years of experience Link always analysed every battle before he engaged. Like a chess master, he visualised 10 moves that could happen in the fight, with every possible outcome, and every possible variable. It is what he did against the Troll, Quirrell and Voldemort. It is an unconscious behavioural trait. So that he never underestimates an opponent, regardless of their level. Regrettably, for Dudley and his group of 5, this happened once more.
Staring ahead, Link saw the five rush towards him. He can't use magic, against the rules. He doesn't want to get expelled from Hogwarts. So he will have to get his hands dirty.
The world went silent. Time seemed to stretch on forever. Colour faded away leaving the world pitch black, with some silhouettes in white/grey appearing within his mind's eye. There every movement and twitching of muscles clearly visible.
The first one to reach him would be stooge #1. An arm pulled back to throw a punch.
How to resolve this in the quickest and most efficient way possible?
Countless scenes started playing in his head, simultaneously. Slowly but surely a combination of the most likely scenarios started aligning, allowing for Link to determine his next 20 moves.
A step to the back, evade punch by a hair. Pull the extended arm to the right, he will trip. No, there is a rock to the right, the left then. Check.
A step 45 degrees to the right. Right next to Stooge #2. A quick jab to the jaw. Down for the count. No, Stooge #3 will be to my right and Dudley to my left. Backtrack.
Push Stooge #2 towards Dudley, entangle them. Free to engage stooge #3 with no interference. Duck under a wild punch, retaliate with a kick to the knee, halt his movements. Once dazed, quick punch to bring him down. Check.
Turn around, Stooge #1 still hasn't gotten up. Dudley and Stooge #2 are moving towards him. Rat face would probably look towards Rose at this point. Next to go.
Run and tackle him to the floor. Knock him out quickly. Check.
Stand up face Stooge #1 and #2 and Dudley. Hesitation should start rearing its head.
Push kick Dudley away, then rain a flurry of punches in vital areas of the two remaining stooges with just enough force to force them to unconsciousness. Check.
And then there is one. He will suffer the most.
Back to reality. All this took the span of a second. The plan is ready, time to act.
Check #1, done.
Check #2, done.
Check #3, done.
Check #4, done.
"Now, it's your turn tubby."
Rose stood nervously behind Link. She had stepped back a few steps but was still within the area of the fight.
She saw the 5 get more enraged with each of Link's comments. Finally, they ran up to him.
She saw them get closer and closer, but Link still didn't move. They were almost on him. The first punch is just a few centimeters from connecting with Link's face.
She couldn't help but be incredibly anxious. Her best friend was about to be punched. She had to do something. She had to. But what could she use? She looked around and the closest thing was a rock but was far from her. She won't make it. Magic? It looks like she has to. Surely they will forgive her if it's in self-defence. Right? Well, she hopes so. She was just bringing out her wand when Link finally started moving.
She always thought that physical fighting was brutish and straightforward. The one with better strength, speed and endurance will win the fight. Now, she has to reevaluate what she thinks she knows.
It was a thing of beauty and elegance. The way Link moved as though every one of the group of fives movements were within his grasp. As though every movement he made forced them to follow a script he had written.
It was a dance. Not a fight, but a dance.
How every step seemed to avoid all attacks by a millimeter. How any of his movements forced the opponent to fall and not get up.
It was remarkable.
Finally.
"Now, it's your turn tubby."
That woke her up from her daze. She couldn't believe it, it's over? It's hardly been a minute since they started. How did they finish so quickly? But the facts were right before her. Of the five, only Dudley remained standing.
"You… YOU! Did you use your freakiness? How dare you? You'll get expelled" Dudley was scared out of his mind. His buddies were beaten so quickly? Even he can't do that against one of them let alone all 4 of them.
"Magic? Don't be ridiculous, you're too weak to deserve that."
"You…" He was sputtering now, he couldn't believe what was happening. His entire world view is being challenged. How can this pan out in such a manner?
"Now, with only you. I will give you one chance and one chance only. Apologies to your cousin for everything that you've done to her. And promise to never do it ever again."
A smile couldn't help but blossom on Rose's face when she heard that.
"Or what? You aren't here all the time. What's to stop me from doing whatever I want then. The freaks deserve what they get."
"*Sigh* I had hoped you had a modicum of regret for your actions, but it seems I will have to forcibly enforce that emotion in you. Before I start, I want to ask you, why do you enjoy hurting others? Why be the cause of tears for others? Does it give you a sense of fulfilment? Do you believe that anyone is less deserving of respect? It doesn't matter what your answer is today, I will show you what you have inflicted on others. I will make you suffer the torment you forced others to endure. I will keep making you feel insignificant and worthless whenever I see you. I want to know how truly weak you are, how fast you will break."
With that, Link was holding Dudley by the hair forcing him to his knees as he rained down punches and kicks on his body. Jerking his head in every direction to prevent any form of retaliation. He also started to verbally abuse the boy. Making sure he feels every bit of hurt he had inflicted on others throughout the year.
Rose was standing behind, her jaw wide open, unable to believe that her calm best friend is capable of such violence. Although she didn't like it, she didn't stop it. She was too stunned to do so.
It didn't take a minute for Dudley to break down crying, begging Link to stop.
"It hurts, doesn't it? It doesn't feel pleasant. I wonder how many times your victims begged for the pain to stop. But did you? No, I believe you revelled in that feeling, am I right? That feeling of power you had over another's life. I wonder, do you feel the same, now that you are on the other side of this treatment? Do you still think it was a good thing to do this to others? When you can't even last a minute. You are pathetic. Do you know the worst part? The worst part is that one of your victims is your own cousin. Family. That used to mean something"
After a few more punches, Link let him go. Dudley fell limply on the ground, in too much pain to do much else.
"Now when you get back to your house, you will tell your parents that you fell. If Rose gets blamed in the slightest, if she suffers anything because of this. Well, let's just say that it will be incredibly easy for me to sneak into your room at night. I'm sure we can have a repeat of this encounter as many times as necessary. Am I understood?"
Eyes wide in fear, Dudley nodded immediately. He can't go through this again, he just can't.
With that, Link stood up and left with Rose.
They were near the house when Link finally broke the silence.
"I'm sorry you had to see that. I was just so angry when you mentioned the RR. I hope you can forgive my violent side."
"I won't say that it's ok, because it wasn't, but I understand. Thank you for caring about me Link, just don't be so violent in the future, please."
"I can't promise that, but I will try."
"Alright" She beamed at him.
"Ok, so next week, you come over to mine, alright?"
"Deal, see you then"
They parted ways at the door, Rose returning to her room, while Link made his way to the train station.
Summer is looking to be better than previous years for one Rose Potter. She can't wait for the rest.
A/N: Hope you enjoyed the chapter. It was a bit of a filler, but I thought it important for their future relationship.