Welcome to the Jungle

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Part Two: Sixteen

Chapter Fifteen: Honestly

In some respects, Harry's sort of glad he's grounded. The lack of car is a wrench, and the extra chores are an annoyance, but the lack of social life affords him more time to stay on top - even get ahead in some subjects - of his schoolwork, and he's grateful.

On another note, he's also managed not to spend any of his Steam House earnings beyond what he needs to pay for his snacks and toiletries, and it's sort of nice having the extra cash available if he needs it. His savings had taken a hit with the acquisition of his car - of course they had - but he's deposited the money he hasn't had to spend on fuel into his savings account, and despite everything, it actually feels good.

Like he's accomplished something. Minor, admittedly, but nevertheless, the feeling is present, and Harry basks in it.

Unfortunately, however, the feeling doesn't last.

"We need the band," Kate informs Harry, "We're not going to find an instrumental recording of 'Born For This' with the adjustments we've made."

The school band's obligation to the Glee Club had disappeared with Mr Schuester's directorship, and the New Directions had been informed not to expect them at any more Thursday rehearsals until such a time as circumstances changed. It was a disheartening blow to team morale, but an unsurprising one.

"And what do you want me to do about it?" Harry asks Kate, occupied by the contents of his locker. It's early on Wednesday morning, their dad had just dropped them off, and Harry's got plans to visit the library until homeroom.

"I thought it might be a good opportunity for you to talk to the bassist," Kate explains, slumped against Puck's locker, "What's her name, anyway? I don't think I've actually talked to her."

"Daphne Greengrass," Harry replies, "And why would me talking to her do anything?"

"I'm not sure it will, actually," Kate replies honestly, "But I figure it gives you a good reason to approach her. Am I a genius, or what?"

Harry rolls his eyes. He actually doesn't think her idea is particularly inspired, and he says as much. "That sounds like a waste of my time."

Kate sighs, exasperated. "Do you want to talk to her, or not?"

"And, pray tell, what the hell should I say? 'Hey, I know you and your band probably think you could be doing something loads better with your time than put up with our drama, but I think you're pretty great, so could you guys help us out anyway?'"

Kate laughs despite herself, and Harry rolls his eyes again. He shuts his locker, twists the dial to ensure it's locked, and pulls the strap of his backpack higher on his shoulder. He turns towards the library, Kate falls into step beside him, and Harry reluctantly takes up the conversation where they'd left off.

"I think Artie should approach them, to be honest. I think he's friends with a few of them? I've seen him talking to them, anyway."

Kate nods. "Yeah, that was my original thought, too, but then I thought, my lame brother really needs to get his act together, so…"

Harry pulls a face. "Bite me."

Kate grins, unabashed and unapologetic.

"Don't you have somewhere else to be?"

Kate gives a put-upon sigh. "So ungrateful."

He makes a rude gesture with his hand, and Kate, laughingly, excuses herself. As it happens, she's due to meet Rachel in the auditorium - to plan out some basic choreography for 'Born For This' and Harry is relieved to see her go. He has other - more important - things to worry about than how to get the attention of a girl who is, ultimately, unavailable.

It's a nice thought, though.

-!- -#-

As a 'Welcome back to sanity' present, the idiots on the JV team's had originally planned to haul Artie Abrams to the top of the bleachers, to release his chair to roll down them. Puck had talked them into locking him in a porta-loo instead, to be turned upside down at their leisure - which involved a far smaller chance of serious injury and/or death - and Finn Hudson - for once in his life - did the right thing and intervened.

It's a shock to learn about - via Mike, Matt, and Puck, who are simultaneously furious and horrified. Even Puck, who'd been there from the beginning, but who still can't believe what they'd originally intended.

the revelation leaves Harry momentarily speechless.

"Are they fucking dumb?" He wonders, "Is there a working brain between them, at all? What the fuck possessed them to think that was a good idea? Were they trying to kill him?"

None of them have answers, and they part ways for their own homes soon thereafter, perturbed and thoughtful.

By the time he makes it home, Harry's still pissed off about it. Not at Hudson for once, but for the neanderthal morons who thought it would be remotely acceptable to torment and traumatise - torture? - Artie like that, and he's unsurprised to find Kate there, also bristling. NO doubt, she's heard from Artie himself, and she wants blood.

"Did you know what they were planning?" Kate greets him, accusatory and angry.

"Give me some credit," Harry answers, offended and angry in turn, "I just found out."

"What, they were all laughing about it in the locker room?" Kate sneers.

"Bugger off, Kate," Harry moves to sidestep her, but she steps in his way, "You think I find it remotely funny? You think I was fucking laughing?"

Their parents, who've wondered in during their confrontation, move to intervene.

"You two want to explain what's going on?" James asks. He looks braced to step between them at the first indication of escalation, but upon sight of the adults, both teens settle.

Harry, briefly, considers lying, brushing them off, omitting the truth. The thought only lasts a moment though, because Artie could have died, because the bullying issue at McKinley High is out of control, because he's tired of having to remind the narrow-minded jackasses on the hockey teams that his sister its off limits with regards to slushie facials and what have you. Something has to give, and he's not sure what.

His parents though… They may just have a solution, and if that means breaking the silence around what actually goes on at McKinley High, then so be it.

"There's this freshman, Artie. He's in a wheelchair," Harry starts, "He could have been killed today."

And as Harry explains, he wishes he was lying.