Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Mass Effect. They belong to J K Rowling and Bioware respectively
A/N: Sorry for the length of time since the last chapter, but this one took quite a while to transfer from my thoughts to words. Hopefully, the chapter being slightly longer than normal will make up for it.
Chapter Seven: Harry's First Christmas
It was a little over a week after Harry was released from hospital and Jenna and Ashley were getting ready to take Harry out to Newquay to do some Christmas shopping. A couple of days ago, Harry had gone to his first therapy session and after a bit of a rocky start, he had started to open up a bit to the therapist. Both Ashley and Jenna were hopeful that this would help Harry find some peace with what his aunt and uncle put him through. Combining that with him opening up at home and it seemed Harry had started on the road to recovery.
As they entered the town Ashley said she had to arrange an order with a shop and would meet them at the Fort Inn for lunch in an hour. Knowing where she was heading Jenna took Harry to a book store away from where Ashley was heading to help him pick out a present for Ashley. As they entered the store Jenna gave Harry a few options of what to pick for a present and he picked out a film and took it to Jenna. Seeing the film in question, Jenna told Harry to go and get the second film in the series as well since it was buy one get one half price.
After paying for both Harry's items and her own, Jenna led Harry to the pub for some lunch. Seeing Ashley at a table waving them over had Harry dragging Jenna towards the table.
"Harry, what's the rush?" Jenna asked, trying not to trip over Harry.
"I want to tell her what I got her for Christmas." Harry said excitedly.
"Harry you aren't supposed to tell people what you get them for Christmas, or their birthday either." Jenna explained patiently, knowing this was effectively Harry's first Christmas from what he had told them at home.
"Why?" Harry asked confused and a bit put out that he wasn't allowed to say what he had picked out for her.
"It's supposed to be a surprise, Harry." Jenna said, "It's part of why you wrap presents up."
"So you have to guess what's inside before opening the present?" Harry asked.
"It's not a rule per se, but it's something I always used to do when I was your age." Jenna said leading him over to Ashley.
"Everything okay?" Ashley asked concerned.
"He wanted to tell you what he picked out for you." Jenna laughed.
"Hey, don't feel too bad Harry, everyone has to be told at some point." Ashley said comfortingly, "Heck, I had to be told every day until Christmas before I understood."
"So Harry, what would you like to eat?" Jenna asked, handing Harry a menu.
After ten minutes Harry asked, "Can I have fish and chips?"
"Of course, you can Harry, although I'd like you to try a bit of my steak to see if you like the way it's cooked." Jenna said before asking, "What about you Ash?"
"I think I'll go with some scampi myself." Ashley replied.
While Jenna was gone ordering their food and getting them a drink each, Ashley asked Harry what he was going to ask Santa for.
"I don't know." Harry said looking like he was going to cry.
"Why don't you come here, Harry." Ashley said comfortingly while ignoring the people giving them strange stares, instead patting her lap. Once Harry was sitting down she asked, "Now what's wrong, Harry?"
"I'm scared of him." Harry whispered, "What if he's just like my uncle?"
Understanding Harry's thought process Ashley said, "I'm sure it'll be fine if you want to just stand in front of him and ask him for what you want."
"But won't I look silly in front of all the other kids?" Harry asked nervously.
"Harry, remember what the doctor said? You won't be going to school until next month. Even if they're in your classes, which do you think they're going to remember more? Someone standing in front of Santa, or what they got for Christmas?" Ashley asked hugging Harry.
"Their presents?" Harry asked.
"Exactly." Ashley said, "So what do you want to ask Santa for Christmas?"
"The only Christmas present I've ever wanted already came this year." Harry whispered.
Ashley was too choked up emotionally to speak, so settled for wrapping him in another hug, listening to the waves crash on the beach. Eventually, Ashley got her emotions back under control and said, "Well is there a toy you'd like Harry, or maybe a game?"
"I don't know what to ask for." Harry said quietly.
"You can ask for whatever you want from Santa, as long as you've been good." Ashley said, "And I don't think there's any doubt that you've been very good, and very brave.
"But I let my aunt, uncle, and cousin win." Harry said burying his head into Ashley's sweater.
"Harry, you did what you had to to survive." Ashley said feeling her sweater getting damp.
"But they would've killed me if not for you and Jenna." Harry sobbed.
"Sometimes there are situations that are out of your control, but even when you were down and beaten, you still tried to get away from them." Ashley said rubbing Harry's back, "You could have accepted your fate, or worse become just like them, but instead you survived, and you still know right from wrong. Do you understand?"
"I think so." Harry said.
"Never be ashamed of who you are, Harry. We're family, and family sticks together no matter what. They may have been related to you by blood, but that's it." Ashley said rubbing his back soothingly before lifting him onto the chair next to her. Digging through her bag she brought out a large catalogue for a store called Argos on the front. "Why don't you have a look through this and see if you can come up with any ideas Harry." Ashley said flipping to the toys section for him. Getting out a pen she started scribbling out a note for Jenna when she got back, from ordering their food.
When Jenna came back, the first thing she saw was Harry sitting next to Ashley slowly flipping the pages of a catalogue. It was obvious that he had been crying, but she knew Harry well enough by now to realise that if he wasn't crying anymore then it was best to let it go for the time being, especially if they were in public. Sitting down opposite them she saw Ashley slide a piece of paper over to her. As she finished reading the note Jenna asked "Why don't we go after lunch, then you can take Harry while I get a few things of my own?"
"Sounds good to me, what do you think Harry? Want to come with me after lunch and Santa?" Ashley asked.
"Will you stay with me when we see Santa?" Harry whispered.
"Of course we will, Harry." Ashley said comfortingly while Jenna smiled at him while nodding, "Do you know what you're going to ask him for yet?"
"I was thinking of this." Harry said pointing at a Lego set in the catalogue.
"That sounds like a good pick to me Harry." Jenna said as a waitress came over with their meals. Seeing how much Harry liked the steak Jenna offered to split the steak and the fish with him which he accepted after numerous times of him checking it was still ok. Unseen by Harry, Jenna and Ashley shared a look that conveyed their loathing of how the Dursleys treated Harry. They were glad they didn't have to coax Harry to eat his vegetables, but at the same time hated the fact that it was because of the Dursleys that he had learned not to be fussy when eating.
After finishing their meal, Ashley, Jenna, and Harry walked across the road to Sainsbury's. While Ashley waited in line with Harry, Jenna went up to one of the employees and quietly told him about Harry's fears and that he wanted to keep his distance. After being told that it wouldn't be a problem, Jenna found Harry and Ashley were next in line.
"He's written the set down on a piece of paper that he's going to hand him." Ashley whispered.
"Who's next?" Santa asked. Harry stepped forward nervously clutching a piece of paper. Quickly dashing forward he put the piece of paper on one of the chair's armrests and then dashed back hiding behind Ashley's legs. Reading the piece of paper Santa said, "I'll see what I can do."
"Can we go now?" Harry asked quietly.
"Sure thing." Ashley said guiding Harry out of the store, "See you later, Jenna."
"I'll meet you two back home." Jenna replied.
"So, do you have any ideas as to what you want to get Jenna for Christmas?" Ashley asked sitting down on a bench with Harry sitting beside her.
"I don't know what she would want." Harry said looking down into his hands feeling embarrassed, "When Jenna took me shopping for your present, she gave me a few options to pick from."
"Harry, you've known us for half a month." Ashley said wrapping an arm around Harry's shoulder and pulling him into a hug, "I just wanted to check if you had any ideas before I gave you any of my own."
"You're not mad at me?" Harry asked.
"No I'm not, Harry." Ashley told him.
"But how do you know what to buy me then?" Harry asked.
"We don't Harry, we just bought what we thought you would like." Ashley said smiling at how observant Harry was.
"So what should I get her?" Harry asked.
"Well, I can think of a few things." Ashley said.
A few minutes later Ashley led the two of them back into Sainsbury's to see if they had the boxset that Harry wanted to get Jenna. After searching around the movie section Harry managed to find the last one in stock. After putting the present in the shopping cart Ashley took Harry over to the Christmas section to pick out some ornaments to go on the tree the three of them had picked out earlier that week. After paying for the selection Ashley and Harry walked home where Jenna was waiting.
Harry watched from one of the sofas as Jenna and Ashley put the Christmas tree together. They had let him slot the lower branches into place, but slotting the branches higher up and encircling the tree with tinsel and multi-colored lights was out of his reach. Once it came time to decorate the tree with ornaments Harry was once again able to help although once again he was limited to the bottom third of the tree.
Life carried on and just over a week later it was the night of Christmas Eve. Jenna had just finished helping Harry wrap his present for Ashley when she heard him yawn. Jenna smiled to herself as she watched Harry put the present under the tree, before asking, "Ready for bed Harry?" Seeing him nod his head she said, "Why don't you go to the kitchen and say goodnight to Ashley, then I'll put you to bed." Nodding, Harry walked off and was soon back in the living room.
As Jenna pulled the covers over Harry she asked, "Do you remember the most important thing about Christmas Eve Harry?"
"Don't go downstairs unless it's an emergency?" he asked.
"Exactly, I've left some biscuits and a bottle of water on your dresser in case you get hungry or thirsty in the night." Jenna said running her hand through Harry's hair fondly before saying, "Goodnight Harry."
"Goodnight." Harry yawned.
The next morning Harry was awoken by the sunlight on his face as Ashley and Jenna opened his curtains.
"Merry Christmas Harry!" Ashley and Jenna said. Harry however hid beneath his covers.
"What's wrong Harry?" Jenna asked concerned.
"I'm scared." Harry whispered.
Understanding what he was scared of Ashley sat down on his bed, "Harry, a present is just that, a present. It's the thought behind the present that matters most." Nodding Harry got out of bed and started to get changed while Jenna and Ashley waited for him outside.
Sitting on the floor around the tree Jenna handed Harry his stocking. Harry took his time carefully unwrapping his present revealing the Lego train set he'd asked Santa for. Ashley handed Harry a present from underneath the tree. This one was rather large and Jenna said, "You need to be careful opening this one Harry, dropping it could break it." As Harry carefully unwrapped the present and saw what it was, his eyes widened and became rather moist as a few tears fell. Not even finishing unwrapping the box containing a computer, Harry ran and hugged Jenna and Ashley sobbing "Thank you." over and over.
"It's okay Harry, just let it all out." Jenna told him gently rubbing his back.
After Harry had calmed down Ashley suggested he give his presents out next. Nodding nervously Harry went over to the tree and picked up the two presents and handed one each to Jenna and Ashley. Jenna opened hers first to see all three Star Wars movies in a boxset for the VCR. Smiling a little Jenna thanked Harry and gave him a hug which he clung back to, a little less nervous about giving his presents. Harry settled down in between Jenna's legs watching Ashley peel back the wrapping paper on her present revealing a man wearing a cowboy hat and wielding a whip on the front of the video box. Underneath was another box with the same man's face on the front titled Temple of Doom.
"Well, I think we're probably going to have a movie night tonight." Jenna laughed.
"I get to watch them too?" Harry asked hopefully, looking up at Jenna. Seeing her nod put a smile on his face.
"This is for you Ash." Jenna said passing a heavy present over to Ashley.
Ashley started to peel away the wrapping paper and then stopped as her breath caught in her throat. There in golden letters were the words "Tennyson's Life & Works".
"I know you lost all of your possessions when the Normandy was destroyed Ash, and I know it's not as good as having the copy your father gave you, but I hope it can bring you some peace of mind, just as that copy did." Jenna said giving Ashley a tight hug.
"I don't know what to say." Ashley said a few tears falling as she traced the letters of the first volume with her fingers.
"You don't have to say anything Ash, your expression says more to me than words ever could." Jenna replied.
Getting up, Ashley walked over to the bookshelf and started carefully placing the books on the shelf one by one until all 12 volumes stood on the shelf. Getting a hold of her emotions again, Ashley handed Jenna a large present. Carefully unwrapping the present, Jenna was shocked to see an electronic dart board.
"I remember how much you enjoyed playing darts when we had some shore leave on Earth." Ashley explained, "You always said that you could beat me with enough practice, well here's your chance."
Jenna looked up at Ashley, grinned, and teased, "Well we can't have your former commanding officer losing to her former subordinate can we?"
"I look forward to you trying, Jenna." Ashley smirked.
"You know that smirk doesn't really work when you still have tears on your face from my present." Jenna said grinning.
"Oh snap." Ashley said.
"Well, Harry you have the last present to open." Jenna said handing him the last present from under the tree.
Harry could feel there were a few items in the present so he was careful in unwrapping it. Inside he found a few boxes. One was labelled Zork, another was labelled Donald Duck's Playground, and the last was Frogger.
Breakfast was a quiet affair. Harry still couldn't quite believe he'd actually received presents of his own. Meanwhile, Jenna was reading up on how to set up Harry's computer for him, and Ashley was staring wistfully at the books that Jenna had bought her.
An hour later, Jenna was down in the basement, occasionally throwing darts into the dartboard, but more often than not missing and making another notch in the wall.
"You're never going to beat me if you hit the wall more than the board." Ashley snickered as she came down to check on Jenna.
"What can I say? I'm out of practice." Jenna replied.
Laughing Ashley said, "My dad always told me to treat it like you would your pistol. Stand straight, and keep your body perpendicular to the board."
"How's Harry doing?" Jenna asked after hitting the dart board a few times in a row.
"He's playing Zork at the moment." Ashley said, "I think you had the right idea getting that for him. He's definitely thinking about what he's doing a lot."
"I think I'll go check on him, see how he's doing." Jenna said heading up the stairs out of the basement while Ashley picked up the darts to have a bit of practice herself.
The basement was one thing that she hadn't appreciated about the house when they first moved in. The house had been built shortly before the start of World War II, and as such the original owners had, turned the basement into a heavily reinforced shelter when the war made its way to England. She and Ashley had also told Harry that if someone ever tried to break in then he was to get himself locked inside the basement.
"Hey Harry, how's your game going?" Jenna asked, pulling up a chair behind him.
"It's hard." Harry said.
"What is it that you're finding hard?" Jenna asked.
"I keep getting lost." Harry said.
"Why don't you look at the map?" Jenna asked.
"There isn't one." Harry said typing 'look at map' and hitting enter. The game responded with a new line of text 'You can't see any map here!'
A/N: For those that don't know, Zork was a text adventure-based game and was essentially text on the screen. I know it came with a couple of maps, but in this story, Harry's copy is second-hand and was missing the maps and manual. Meaning Harry has to figure out what to do on his own. As a side note, I would highly recommend giving it a try if you haven't already.
"Well, why don't you make your own?" Jenna asked.
"My own map?" Harry asked. Seeing Jenna nod he said, "But I thought you said that stuff was for school."
"If you need more we can always buy more." Jenna replied, "It's not that expensive after all."
After Harry ran up to his room and grabbed the grid paper and pencils that Ashley and Jenna had bought him for school, he asked, "Can we do it together?"
"Sure Harry, whatever you want." Jenna smiled. Typing in 'restart' and then 'yes', restarted the game.
A couple of hours later Harry's maps were rapidly expanding into a work of art. They were currently in the mirror room when Ashley tapped Jenna on the shoulder announcing that it was almost one in the afternoon.
"I suppose we kind of let time get away from us didn't we Harry?" Jenna said smiling, "Why don't you save the game and you can continue it later."
"But I want to play it with you!" Harry insisted, he had enjoyed playing it with Jenna and wanted to save experiencing the game with her.
"If that's what you want to do then we can save it for playing together." Jenna said smiling before she ruffled his hair a little and said, "Come on let's grab some lunch, and then we can watch a movie."
They had just finished watching Star Wars A New Hope and had started on The Empire Strikes Back when Jenna had to use the toilet. Ashley got up to grab the remote from on top of the tv when Harry reached out his hand like he had seen Luke do in the cave, pretending he was Luke Skywalker. To everyone's surprise, the remote flew straight to Harry and hit the sofa just to the right of his arm.
For a few minutes, no one said a word. Then Harry excitedly shouted, "I can use the force!"
"I thought biotics required an implant and an amp?" Jenna said to Ashley.
"So did I, but we didn't even develop biotic capabilities until halfway through the 22nd century." Ashley replied scanning Harry for anything biotic and getting no results. Seeing Harry now looking scared, Ashley sat back down next to Harry and told him, "Harry, what you did was something called biotics."
"Biotics?" Harry asked.
"You need to keep this a secret Harry, no one must know." Ashley said.
"Is this why the Dursleys always called me a freak?" Harry asked scared.
"We may never know why they called you that name, Harry." Ashley said, "Just because you can make use of biotic abilities, doesn't mean you're a freak. You are still a person, and don't let anyone else make you think otherwise."
"Then why did you and Jenna sound so surprised?" Harry asked.
"Normally a biotic would need additional equipment to do what you did Harry." Ashley said, "There is only one race in the galaxy that is known to be able to do what you just did, the Asari."
"Like Liara?" Harry asked.
"Yes, like Liara." Ashley replied taking a sip of water, "The reason you need to keep this secret is that at this time humans don't know about biotics."
"Can other biotics talk to snakes?" Harry asked.
Ashley choked on her water, before asking, "I'm sorry, what?"
"At the Dursley's house, I talked to a grass snake in the garden." Harry explained, "But when it hissed back, I could understand it."
"Not that I know of, but our knowledge of biotics compared to the Asari is minuscule in comparison." Ashley replied, "Jenna and I will help you where we can, but you need to keep this a secret Harry, I cannot emphasise that enough! Some people would make what the Dursleys did to you look like a picnic."
"So keep it a secret?" Harry asked sounding scared.
"We'll try our best to help you learn to use this ability of yours, but yes, keep it secret Harry. While it's hidden you're safe." Ashley said, before lifting Harry, who had started shaking uncontrollably, onto her lap and just comforting him until he fell asleep.
When Jenna came back downstairs, Ashley fixed her with a gaze and said, "We're teaching him self-defence. If anyone finds out about this, he's gonna need it."
"He needs to build up his strength first." Jenna reminded Ashley with a hint of steel in her voice, "Trying to teach him self-defence beforehand would do more harm than good."
Harry awoke a few hours later to the smell of turkey and found himself lying down on the sofa. Seeing that he was waking up Jenna left Ashley to finish dishing up to check on Harry.
"Are you feeling better Harry?" Jenna asked.
"Y-y-you d-don't think I'm a f-freak?" Harry stuttered nervously.
"Oh, Harry." Jenna sighed wrapping him in a hug, "I would never think that of you. I fought beside biotics, why would I ever think you are a freak?"
"I don't know." Harry whispered as he clung to Jenna taking comfort in the fact that she and Ashley didn't think he was a freak.
Pulling back slightly to look Harry in the eye, Jenna asked, "Why don't we go and have dinner and we can discuss what we do next?"
"Next?" Harry asked.
"Jenna and I want to teach you how to defend yourself." Ashley said, coming over to stand behind them.
"Will it hurt?" Harry asked nervously sitting down at the dinner table.
"No." Ashley said, "When we practice you'll have pads on, meaning it'll feel like a tap on the shoulder, nothing more."
"And if anyone like the Dursleys gives you trouble and you're unable to run, you'll at least stand a chance against them." Jenna told him.
"But I start school next week." Harry said.
"We'll practice when you're not at school, but for the start, we'll just be building up your endurance." Ashley said.
"Endurance?" Harry asked confused.
"It means, how long you can keep running, before getting tired." Ashley explained.
Harry finished his dinner in silence before asking Jenna, "Can we play some more of Zork?"
"Go on, I'll handle the washing up." Ashley said.
Feeling a lot less nervous now, Harry pulled Jenna towards his computer.
A/N: So Harry's magic has finally been revealed and he got some presents as well. The next chapter will see Harry start his endurance training.