A/N Haha I told you I'd update quicker. I typed up loads lst nite, so I'm uploadin it all now. Plz read and review!
Harry felt a huge sense of relief when he saw the Knight bus pull up nearby. He quickly climbed on board, and asked the driver to take him to The Burrow. As the bus pulled up outside the Burrow, Harry felt a twinge of nervousness…what would he say to the Weasleys to explain his battered body?
Mrs. Weasley ran out of the house, "Oh Harry, it's so good to see you!" she exclaimed, then stopped, her mouth opening and shutting like a fish out of water. "Oh Harry, whatever happened to you?" she asked, shock oozing from her every crevice and pore.
"Oh, nothing!" Harry said, attempting to laugh, "Vernon just got a little angry, that's all."
Mrs. Weasley looked at him in disbelief, "A little angry? Harry, you should you to St Mungoes!"
"No!" Harry, said, "I'm fine!"
"Well, if you're sure dear," Molly said hesitantly. "Um, Ron's not actually here at the moment, it's just me and Fred. The rest of the family is staying with Arthur's sister."
"Oh," Harry said, disappointed, "Why's Fred here?"
"Oh, he's just recovering from a cold. I didn't think it would be a good idea for him to travel, plus he has this bizarre hatred of his cousin. He demanded he stay at home, and I thought it would be best if I stay to look after him. Why don't you go in and see him Harry? I'm sure he'd love the company."
"Oh yeah, ok," Harry said as he walked toward the house.
Harry knocked cautiously on the door; he really didn't feel like socializing.
"Come in," rasped a deep voice. Harry walked in. He was greeted with the sight of Fred burrowed under dozens of blankets with a thermometer out the corner of his mouth, a hot water bottle full of ice tied to his head, and clutching a cup of chicken-noodle soup, home-made of course!
"Harry!" Fred exclaimed in excitement, "What are you doing here?"
"Er," Harry said, his eyes shrouding in darkness, like a massive black storm covering the sunshine. "Just felt like visiting, I guess" Harry spat out sullenly and sat on a stool in the corner and sulked.
"Geez Harry," Fred said suddenly noticing the bruises and welts, "You look even more crook than I do! What'dya do, kill someone? Haha!" he wheezed.
Harry glared at him, "Nothing happened, nothing! I'm fine! Fine! Fine! Fine!" he blinked back the tears which were threatening to fall.
"Ok, ok," Fred said mildly, spreading his hands in mock defense, "If you say so Harry."
"Yeah, well I do!" Harry sniffed, hiding the hand sized bruises on his wrists by pulling down his torn sleeves. Wiping at is eyes, which had now turned a suspicious red, like grapes stomped on and being looked at through a crystal on an autumn evening.
"Harry," Fred spoke gently. Harry didn't look at him, "If you ever need to ta-"
"Look, I am FINE!" Harry snapped, tears falling in earnest now, "I've never been more FINE. I couldn't be more FINE if I tried:
With that, Harry stormed out of the room slamming the door violently; it was like an earthquake had fled the tumultuous turmoil boiled up inside Harry. It knocked down three of Fred's shelves full of books and gimmicks.
Fred sighed. Seeing Harry so hurt made him love him even more. I'd better go slowly, Fred thought, Harry obviously wouldn't trust anyone for a while.