Hadrian wakes with a soft sigh, the sounds of his aunt and uncle moving into the living room waking him from rest. He stretches, before stilling when a weight on his chest registers with his sluggish brain, still foggy with sleep. With his mind trying to understand what's happening, he cautiously opens his eyes, only to muffle a startled yelp as the face of a bunny shows up in his blurry vision, less than five inches away. Anyone would want to scream if the face of a creature is in your face, in a very dark cupboard!
He holds back his instinct to push the offending animal away and instead reaches towards his flashlight so he could study it. Turning on the light, he finds his glasses and slips them on before meeting the bunny's eyes.
Pausing in confusion as he meets green eyes just like his own. Its eyes are just like mine! I could have sworn they looked different yesterday. Anyways, that doesn't matter Hadrian Potter, instead, let's make sure the bunny is okay! Carefully, he begins to sit up, gently nudging the creature off, and out of the way.
"Hello lit-tle one, I'm ha-hap-py you are awake." Hadrian smiles softly, still tired. "H-how are you? Can I check your inj-jur-ies?" He shifts, sitting on his knees and heels. The bunny hops closer, nose twitching as it places its head on Hadrian's knee. "O-oh!" Hadrian chuckles softly, slowly lifting his left hand to place it on the bunnies head. The right hand holding the flashlight so he can see.
He begins to pet the creature, silently awed by the softness of the fur. Hadrian looks closely at the bandages, torn between taking them off to see the wounds, or leaving them on because they were his last ones; and it takes 5 points to get more.
Although I could… ask for more. I currently have 24 points, so I would still have more points if I need medicine. Which would cost 15 points, so I'd have a little left.
He hesitates still, not wanting to hurt the animal more. I'll wait until tonight because then aunt Petunia can buy the bandages today, and then I can use them. He nods, though without confidence. Still petting the bunny, he tells them of his plans.
"I'll w-wait until t-tonight t-o chan-nge y-your b...andages. I don't-t know ho-ow l-ah-ng it w-will t-take for your inj-jur-ies t-to heal, w-hen you get b-b...etter I'll t-take you t-to the fffor-ehst, and let you g-go." Hadrian pauses, taking a deep breath because talking is a very difficult thing to do. He tilts his head in confusion when the creature jerks back to look into his eyes, looking almost betrayed.
"Huh?" The bunny moves its head back and forth before moving away from him. Going to the far corner to settle down, its eyes staring at him. That's funny, why is it acting like that? It's almost like he understands me; but that's impossible, an animal can't understand you. Uncle Vernon said so himself when I told him about the snakes in the garden. I wonder where they all went? I've never really thought about it.
A loud laugh startles him out of his thoughts, causing him to glance at the door to his cupboard. I do wonder why aunt Petunia is awake at this time though… why is she awake? He takes a few moments to think before his eyes widen in shock. It's Dudley's birthday ー how could I forget! He begins to get dressed, pulling a spider from one of his socks, he pauses when a thumping is heard. Turning his head to the sound he sees it's the bunny making the sound.
I'm going to have to get a book about rabbits, maybe the library has one? I need to know what he's feeling if I want him to get better. Maybe there's a book about healing? That would be interesting to learn about. Hadrian gives a shy smile towards the creature, lowering his voice to that of a whisper. "It'ss D-dud-dley'ss b-b...irth dd-ay, ssso It'ss needed for mm-e to go out there. I'll s-s...sh-oh with food-d lat-ter. B-bye."
Getting up, he tries to remember the dream he had been having. Something about a green flash and a flying motorcycle, which has been a running theme over the years. Nothing you can do about it, Hadrian. Leave it be. He opens the door, making sure the bunny is out of eyesight, before getting out. He groans, his back cracking painfully when he straightens.
"What, what did you say?" His aunt, who was passing by, snapped in annoyance.
"Nothing aunt P-petunia." He answered, still slightly in shock from the sudden accusation.
With that, he follows her towards the kitchen. Covering the table was all of Dudley's presents. Wow! I wonder what present's going to be his favourite? He got a computer and another Telly. Since he's gotten more into games. He pauses for a second when he sees a mountain bike. Huh? Strange. He pauses in slight fear as a thought goes through his head. What if Dudley is going to use that to catch me in Hadrian Hunting!
Over the years Dudley had developed a very thrilling game which involved finding, catching, and beating up Hadrian when they were both out of the house. Hadrian, much to the frustration of Dudley and his "friends," had gotten very fast because of that.
"Freak, mind the bacon!" Aunt Petunia snaps, fussing with a bow on one of the presents.
"Y-yes aunt P-petunia." Hadrian replied quietly, moving towards the stove.
Uncle Vernon puffed into the kitchen, picking up the newspaper which aunt Petunia had gotten this morning. "Good morning Pet," He pats aunt Petunia on the shoulder, before looking around; narrowing his eyes towards Hadrian, who shrinks back in response. "Ruffian, cut your hair!" He then proceeds to sit down and drink the tea aunt Petunia had prepared for him.
Hadrian thinks that they should just give up, his hair is another part of him that is freakish, sometimes even growing back overnight.
He was frying eggs by the time Dudley arrived in the kitchen, aunt Petunia having given up on him waking on his own, had gone huffing silently up the stairs and woke him. Good morning and happy birthday cousin! I can't give you a present, so here's breakfast.
Dudley had immediately went to his presents, counting them out loud one by one. Thirty-three, thirty-four, thirty-five, and thirty-six" His smile falls and he takes a minute to think. "That's two less than last year!"
Petunia, knowing her sweet angel like the back of her hand, scented danger. "Not to worry sweetums! You forgot to count Auntie Marge's present, and then guess what!"
"What?" Dudley asks, already bored with the conversation.
"When we're out today, you can pick out another two presents! Which makes it thirty-nine presents!"
Dudley thinks it through, evidently deciding it's worth it when he sits down on a chair, grabbing the nearest parcel. "All right then."
Uncle Vernon chuckles in amusement, ruffling Dudley's hair. "That's my boy!"
Just then the telephone rang, causing Aunt Petunia to rush and answer it. Hadrian in the meantime had finished breakfast, delivering it to the table. Happy Birthday cousin.
He quickly scurries away as Dudley takes a swipe, dodging the fist by an inch. Well, I suppose I should have seen that coming. He rubs him growling stomach, trying to muffle the sound, he hadn't eaten the day before. I'm going to be going to Mrs. Figg today, maybe I can ask for some bandages for the rabbit. I like going to Mrs. Figg her cats are very nice, and they make great cuddlers.
Aunt Petunia sticks her head out from behind the doorway, "Vernon, Vernon come here!" She waves her hand urging him to come to her. Uncle Vernon looks up at the hushed whisper, furrowing his bushy eyebrows.
'"What is it pet? Just tell me here." Aunt Petunia looks around, resting her gaze on Hadrian, and purses her lips in agitation.
"Bad news, Vernon," Aunt Petunia said. " Mrs. Figg's broken her leg, she can't take him today." Petunia jerks her head in Hadrian's direction. Dudley's mouth falls open in horror, and Hadrian's heart fell. Every year on Dudley's birthday, aunt Petunia and uncle Vernon took Dudley and a friend out for the day; going to amusement parks, restaurants, and the movies. Every year, Hadrian was left in the care of Mrs. Figg, a curious old lady who lived two streets away, he loved it there. She has the best cats, and stories to tell, and always gave him cookies and milk to drink when he was there.
"Now what?" Aunt Petunia demands, looking furious. Hadrian shrinks back from her gaze, curling up on himself.
"We could phone Marge," Uncle Vernon suggested.
"Don't be silly, Vernon, she hates the boy."
"What about what's-her-name, your friend - Yvonne?"
"On vacation in Majorca," snapped Aunt Petunia. "I suppose we could take him to the zoo, and leave him in the car…"
"That car's new, he's not sitting in it alone."
Dudley, catching on to the fact that Hadrian may come to the zoo with them begins to wail loudly. "I...don't...want….him...t-t-to come!" He screamed between heaving sobs. "He ruins everything!"
Aunt Petunia flutters around Dudley, cooing to him. "Daddy and I will figure something out, don't you worry my angel."
Hadrian on the other hand was looking back and forth between uncle Vernon and aunt Petunia trying to keep up. Stopping to look down in hurt at Dudley's words. Do I really ruin everything? He sniffs, trying to keep his tears at bay.
"Vernon! What do we do!" Aunt Petunia snaps in frustration.
Uncle Vernon rubs his chin in consideration, "We could look him up in the shed?" he lifts his cup of tea to motion outside.
"No, no that won't work." Aunt Petunia shakes her head.
Hadrian, who had frozen in fear at the thought of going into the shed, relaxes at her words. Maybe I could go to the library? Then I could be out of their way, and not in the house. Yeah, yeah that sound good. He takes a deep breath, before letting out a hum to get aunt Petunia's attention.
"What is it boy? Can't you see I'm trying to think?" Aunt Petunia snarls in anger.
Hadrian shrinks back, looking down in shame. "Sss-or-ry, may I g-go to th-ah libr-rary, aunt P-petunia?"
She pauses, looking at the shivering excuse for a boy in front of her, before turning to Vernon. "What do you think honey? We won't have to see him if he goes, and he won't be in the house."
Vernon clicks his tongue, looking on in disgust at the freak. "He likes the place pet, he doesn't deserve a reward. In fact, he deserves a punishment for even daring to speak out of place," Vernon grins evilly, "Maybe a punishment in the shed would be good for him."
"Vernon, not now!" Petunia says in exasperation, "Maybe in a few days, but not today! It's Dudley's birthday, and I don't want the freak near the house, and Dudley doesn't want him to come. This is the best choice!"
Dudley, having stopped his crocodile tears, looks up to his dad. "Please da! I don't want him to come! Just let him go to the stupid library!"
Vernon stops at the plea, sighing. "Fine, the freak can go to the library, but he has to be back by the time we get back."
Hadrian goes limp in relief, the fear of the shed keeping him in high alert. That was the first time Dudley took my side! He perks up slightly when he realizes, smiling to himself.
"Boy!" Hadrian snaps to attention at the sound of aunt Petunia's voice. "Get your stuff and meet me at the back door in three minutes!"
"Y-yes aunt P-petunia." Hadrian bolts out of the room, running to his cupboard and crawling inside. The rabbit, having been pressed against the wall perks it's ears in the direction of the door, it's nose twitching when Hadrian came in. Seeing him, Hadrian lets a smile come onto his face "Hello lit-tle one, can you g-get in h-h-here? He opens his backpack, motioning to the inside.
The bunny's nose twitches again, before it hops into the bag, burrowing into the bottom. Hadrian smiles happily, leaning down to see into the bag. "G-going to th-ah libr-rary!" The rabbit lets out a purr, causing Hadrian to let out a giggle. I need to hurry, don't want aunt Petunia to wait for me. Hadrian hurries, putting on his shoes, and zipping up the bag. Though he takes the time to pet the rabbit to comfort him, before putting it on his back.
Hadrian then stumbles to his feet, before tottering to the backdoor. When he gets there, he places his hand on the wall, his right hand going to his side as a sharp arrow of agony shoots through his side. The pain from the coaster that had hit a rib, one that never healed perfectly straight, had been causing him grief for the past few days. It might have been better if he had time to rest, but Hadrian had never had such an amazing gift of rest, and the rare times he didn't have to work were few. It hurts.
"Boy, put this somewhere safe."
Hadrian looks up as aunt Petunia stuffs a €10 banknote in his face, blinking in surprise. Lifting the hand that was clutching his side to grab it, then pausing, not really sure what to do. This was the first time he had held money.
Aunt Petunia snaps her fingers, getting his attention. "Boy, use this to buy yourself some food. This takes 10 points away, and is already subtracted from your total. Don't even think about giving me back the change, just throw it on the street, somebody else can get the tainted things." With that she opens the backdoor, ushering Hadrian outside. "I'm leaving the kitchen window open, use that to get inside. We'll be back from the zoo around 8pm. Don't be late if you know what's good for you. Vernon's already got the shed in mind. Now off you go, I don't want to hear a whisper of gossip about you, do you understand?"
"Y-yes, I understand aunt P-petunia." Hadrian lowers his head, biting his lower lip. The kitchen window, the kitchen window. Eight o'clock, Eight o'clock.
"Good," Aunt Petunia then looks back as the doorbell rings. "Now get out of sight." She then slides the door shut, and pushes the curtain closed.
Goodbye, have a nice day. Hadrian sighs, adjusting his backpack on his shoulders, looking down as he begins to walk down the street.
Happily sighing, he opens the Library doors, walking into the comforting walls. A home outside of home. Looking around he spots Mr. Rogers, who is copying information from several books. Mr. Rogers! I didn't have the time to ask about the book last time, I should ask him now. Walking over, Hadrian shuffles in place for a few seconds, before clearing his throat.
Mr. Rogers looks up, blinking in surprise before breaking out in a grin. "Hadrian! How are you?"
"I'mm good, y-you?"
"Excellent, I'm researching the Witch Hunts right now. It's really interesting. Do you need something?
Hadrian reaches up to tug his fringe in front of his eyes. "Th-ah b-book ab-bout P-pottery?"
Mr. Rogers lets out a soft oh, "Yes, let me go grab it. I'll be right back." he stands before walking further into the library.
This is awkward… Hadrian looks around in embarrassment, uncomfortable. It's strange standing in the reading area when everyone else is either walking or sitting. Hadrian grabs his right ear, tugging softly as he waits.
"Hadrian, I've got it. The name was somewhere in chapter three, where it details about the greeks involvement in pottery." Mr. Rogers exclaims happily, "Would you like to learn about the Witch Hunts with me?"
"No th-ank y-you." Hadrian says softly, shaking his head. "I w-want t-to read ab-bout rab-bitss."
"Oh, I see. There's an excellent book on rabbit behaviour in the back of the library, called Looking Through the Rabbit's Eyes. It's actually going to be donated soon, so maybe if you ask Mrs. Williams she'll let you keep it."
"T-thank y-you Mmmr. Rogerss." Hadrian smiles shyly, holding the book against his chest.
"It's no trouble, I'm always happy to help you Hadrian. You deserve it." Mr. Rogers grins, before looking down at his book.
I deserve it? What does that mean? Hadrian shakes his head in confusion, deciding to leave it alone. Mr. Rogers said it's in the back, hopefully it's as good as he said it was. He walks away after saying goodbye to Mr. Rogers.
Reaching the back, he finds a few carts filled with older books. After looking through two of them he finds the books Mr. Rogers was talking about. Here it is! Looking Through the Rabbit's Eyes! He sits down in the bac corner, setting his bag down in front of his, and unzipping it. As he does so the bunny pops his head out his nose twitching.
"I found th-ah b-book ab-bout rab-bits, look." Hadrian smiles happily, holding up the book to show the bunny. The rabbit sniffs at the book, letting out a sneeze from the dust, causing Hadrian to giggle.
"I'm going t-to read th-ah b-book, b-but not aloud." Hadrian explains very seriously to the rabbit, opening the book to the first page. Pausing as the rabbit jumps out of the bag to land in his lap, curling up. "Oh, okay t-then."
Welcome to the language of rabbits, here you'll learn how to understand your pet and help it understand you! Now, the first thing you need to know is this, a rabbit is not a dog, or a cat. A rabbit is a rabbit, and acts like a rabbit… a rabbit "talking" through its body, and occasionally through sound…standing frozen with all four legs in a braced stance, ears straight up, and eyes open means your rabbit has heard something, and is waiting to see if it's dangerous, this can be followed by the rabbit thumping their back leg hard on the ground, and dashing away scared...Shaking ears followed by a hop means your rabbit is inviting you to play, or that it's excited about something... Nudging your hand, leg or foot forcefully can mean many things, either stop petting, start petting, or trying to get your attention. To get you attention your rabbit may also bit at your feet...If your rabbit is annoyed at you, it might turn it's back to you, or move away, and flick it's hind feet out behind it.
Hadrian sits back, sighing. So when it moved away from me, it was annoyed. And when it was thumping its leg it was warning me of danger… but there wasn't anyone but my family there?
He looks down at the rabbit, softly petting its head. Thank you little one.
"Hadrian, where are you? Mr. R said you were back here!"
Margaret?! She can't see the rabbit! He quickly wakes the bunny, shushing his softly, and hides him in his backpack. Zipping it up, he closes the book and places it on top of The History of Pottery.
"H-here!"
Margaret peeks around the wall, letting out a laugh when she sees him. "There you are! I was so happy when Mr. R said you were here today, how have you been?"
Hadrian smiles, waving to her as she steps closer. "Good, read-ding ab-bout rab-bits."
"Rabbits? I didn't know you were interested in rabbits."
"New h-hobby."
Margaret laughs, flopping down on the ground in front of him. "It's great to see you, I wanted to tell you how my projects are doing." She rests her head on her right hand. "Is that alright?"
"Y-yeah!" Hadrian nobs, leaning forward. I love hearing about her projects!
"Great," Margaret grins in excitement. "So i've been working on creating some new pants, I want them to be flowy and loose, and have pockets that go pretty far down. It would go well with high heels or sandals, but I don't know if I want to create them with no patterns or with patterns."
"Could y-you do b-both?"
"I could but I don't know what patterns I would pick, and if it would be the whole thing, or just part of it." Margaret sighs in exasperation, "I'll just have to decide later, I'll make a few with no patterns, then decide."
Margaret isn't talking like usual, is she alright?
"Say, Hadrian can I ask you a question?" Margaret asks nervously.
"Y-yes?" Hadrian replies, uncertain.
"Are, are you alright? I mean, are the Dursley's treating you alright?"
He freezes in fear. No, no! I don't want to lose here, what am I going to do. If she goes to the police she'll forget!
"Hadrian, I know you're scared, but I promise I won't tell. With my families reputation as it is, no one would listen, and I would never tell on you." She scoots closer, pulling him into her arms. Either not noticing, or ignoring his flinch. "I know how bad an orphanage is for some, and I don't want to lose you."
Hadrian begins to shake, hugging Margaret close. She's not lying is she? She won't leave me will she? She won't, oh please say she's not.
"Y-you ss-wear?"
"I swear it."
Hadrian stays silent for a few minutes, before taking a deep breath.
"They don't like me, they don't let me eat with them, and if I do it takes points, and my bedroom is the cupboard. I have a lot of scars and bruises, and, and I have to work everyday for them. Sometimes I don't get food, and I run out of water and first aid stuff."
Margaret begins to rock him in her arms, humming softly. She continues to hold him for several minutes.
"I'll help you, I have a job, and I only spend it on a few things. My savings have built up a lot. I'll buy you medicine, food, and a reusable water with some clothes."
Hadrian jerks back, staring at her in shock. "B-but!"
"No! This is my choice Hadrian. I wish to care for you, to help you. Do you understand?" She stands up, pulling Hadrian up with her. Picking up the two books on the ground she waits for him to pick up his bag before she begins to walk to the front of the library.
"We'll check these out, and go shopping." Margaret looks back, smiling at the shocked pre-teen.
"T-thank y-you." Hadrian whispers softly, holding back his tears.
"My dear, I will always help you. Now, when do you need to be back?"
Hadrian thinks for a bit, before looking up. "Eight."
"Alright, it's two right now, so we have six hours to shop!"
They reach the check out desk, Margaret handing the Librarian, Mrs. Williams the two books, along with her Library cards.
"Oh, this book is going to be donated… do you want to just keep it?"
Margaret smiles politely, taking the book back. "Yes please, thank you Mrs. Williams."
"It's not a problem deary."
After stamping the library card on the inside of the book, she hands the book and the card back to Margaret. Wishing the two of them a good day.
"Now," Margaret grins as she pushes open the Library door, "Let's go shopping!"
Several hours, or rather five hours, of food, clothing, and supply shopping later; The two of them are resting in a cafe, eating, and drinking some tea. Hadrian trying to be sneaky, looks down, sneaking some food and water to the rabbit.
"Whatever are you doing Hadrian?"
Hadrian's head whips up in shock, eyes wide. "Umm, um. Not-thing?" He questions, his voice squeaking at the end.
"Uh-huh, sure." Margaret raises her eyebrow in disbelief. "You don't have to hide anything from me."
Hadrian looks around, suspicious, before motoning for her to lean closer.
Following his unspoken request, she leans over, letting out a quiet gasp as she looks into the bag. "A rabbit! So that's why you were reading about them. What happened to it?"
"Y-yeah, not ss-sure w-what happened, found it hurt w-walking h-home."
"Do you have anything for it, food or supplies?" Margaret asks in concern, petting the bunny.
"No, w-was g-gonna use m-mmine."
Margaret looks up, shaking her head. "Bleeding heart Hadrian, that's worse. After we're done eating, let's go to the pet shop, and go get some bandages, and supplies for just the bunny." She lifts her hand, resting it on Hadrians. "Is that alright with you?"
"Y-yeah, b-but I don't w-want y-you t-to run out!"
Margaret lets out a laugh, smiling. "I won't, don't you worry sweetheart."
Hadrian looks down, before perking up. Reaching into his backpack, he searches around before pulling out the €10 banknote. Holding it out to Margaret, he tries to get her to take it. "H-here, I don't h-have anyt-hing else b-but th-is."
"Thank you Hadrian, but I don't need it. I want you to promise me you'll keep it for when you really need it. That could help you someday, okay?"
Hadrian looks down, nodding. " I u-understand."
After they finished eating, they pick up their bags and go to the pet shop. Margaret buying everything from food, to toys, and finally a small bed.
By the time they were done, it was almost Eight O'clock, and Margaret helped Hadrian sneak back into the house through the kitchen window, placing the bags into the far corner.
She quickly sneaks out back as the sound of a car pulling into the driveway reaches their ears. "No matter what Hadrian, I'll do my best to help you. Have a good night." Margaret pulls him into a hug, kissing the top of his head.
"G-good night… T-thank y-you."
Margaret smiles, before running out of sight. Hadrian stares into the darkness blankly for a few seconds, before shaking his head and quickly hiding in his cupboard. Unzipping his backpack, he lets the rabbit out, softly apologizing for keeping him there for so long.
When a slam on the door startles him, he turns around in shock.
"Boy, you in there?" Uncle Vernon bellows. "You better!"
"Y-yes uncle Vvvernon." Hadrian shakily replies.
"Good." Uncle Vernon slams his fist into the door a couple more time, before wandering off.
Hadrian sighs, finishing bandaging up the bunny, and writing in his journal Today, today was different. It was nice… is that, is that what family feels like? Hadrian closes his eyes, breathing out a stuttering sigh. Tears fall from his eyes as he cuddles the rabbit close to him. Thank you Margaret, thank you so much.