A/N: Don't own.
Chapter 6
Reborn was lying awake, watching his Sky sleep.
Harry had fallen asleep soon after their belated introductions. Even when Reborn had carried him back to bed and settled him under the covers, his Sky had kept one hand curled into Reborn's shirt. Reborn had thought that to be a wonderful excuse to get into the bed as well.
And now, Reborn was basking in the feeling of Harmony with his Sky curled up on his chest.
It gave him some time to consider the recent revelations. There was so much that had been said and even more that hadn't been directly put into words. Reborn had noted, that there had been little to no personal information in Harry's explanation much like Reborn's own.
The fear he had seen in his Sky's eyes at the beginning of his explanation about magic, expecting Reborn to react negatively possibly violently, had his Sun Flames dangerously honed towards whatever had made his Sky so very cautious to trust, ready to tear it apart. His Sky was a civilian. Civilians were mostly not even really aware of the dangers around them and generally trusted far more than someone like him could find reasonable.
It was obvious that his Sky had been burnt by someone he trusted at some point. Harry had scars - he had carried his half naked Sky out of the Corocos base, no one could blame Reborn for looking - and was far too thin as Reborn had been able to see every single of Harry's ribs. The scars were not even close to the worst Reborn had seen - and that was a good thing, otherwise the world would already be burning down around them - but they spoke of a harsh life, of things that shouldn't even come near his Sky. In combination with Harry's apparent ability to adapt and his strong situational awareness... Reborn wasn't at all happy with the conclusions he was drawing on his Sky's previous life. It not only spoke of a life full of pain and danger, but also of a lack of someone to take care of his Sky's needs, be they as basic as food.
During his explanation, Harry had mentioned a magical government, had called himself a hero, a savior - without any boasting or pride, but rather resigned acceptance of the title - and talked about superiority complexes of wizards, while also emphasizing the existence of truly ancient beings in their world. Just Harry's contempt while asserting that magic was not to be categorized spoke for itself. What kind of picture did that paint not so much of magic but rather of the society around it?
So, some kind of conflict. Possibly political in nature but his Sky's behavior spoke of something that went well beyond verbal disputes.
A savior was only ever needed if there was a threat and the title of hero could rarely ever be gained without sacrifice.
And what had Harry said, 'The-Man-Who-Conquered'? You could practically hear the hyphens in that name, a title. Which meant that there had been people quite willing to hand out medals afterwards but no one willing to do the conquering itself.
And 'Man'? What a joke. His Sky looked still in his teens, though he acted older. Ok, so maybe that was part of the long life-spans that Harry had mentioned. Reborn would have to ask for a specific age, but he felt slightly better at the tentative thought that his Sky might at least have reached his twenties before going about being a 'savior-conqueror-hero' in any meaning of the words.
So, Harry was young but weary, revered but alone, distrustful but so very very desperately hopeful.
And Reborn felt like ripping the world apart for hurting his Sky, while fully aware that there was probably going to be more to come for Reborn to be angry about. That much had been obvious in Harry's eyes as he explained the world he came from.
At this point Reborn would not even try to get his head around the existence of dragons of all things. Seeing is believing and all that. He had more important things to consider.
Like how his Sky had ended up in the hands of the mafia - and Reborn wanted to grit his teeth just considering what could have been done to his Sky while he was captured. When Reborn had found him his Sky had been barely aware - though Reborn preened thinking of how his Sky had immediately, entirely and constantly been focused on Reborn from the very moment he had entered that room, even before their bond formed. Still, his Sky had been incoherent and incapable of defending himself.
And why had his Sky not used his magic to free himself or used it after he had woken up in Reborn's apartment? Reborn could only come up with reasons that made him even angrier. Reasons like his Sky was either forbidden or physically unable. And if that was the case, Reborn would find and tear apart whoever had failed in protecting his Sky while he couldn't protect himself.
Even further, why had his Sky been in need of a cure - probably at a magical hospital - in the first place? Some kind of magical illness might be an explanation of how the supposed medicine could make his Sky barely lucid for such an extended period of time. Reborn could not even begin to guess what kind of illnesses there could possibly be in a magical world.
And then, how in the world had the mafia been able to get to his Sky in a magical hospital? Because if anyone in the Mafia World was aware of magic, Reborn was sure that word would have reached him by now. So, his Sky had probably not been in the magical world while incapacitated. Which increased his need to go on a murderous rampage because this was starting to look like deliberate endangering of his Sky. And if that was the case there wouldn't be anything left of the Wizarding World by the time Reborn was done with it.
Harry's hand on his chest twitched slightly and Reborn forced himself to calm down. It wouldn't surprise him if his Sky could feel the anger in Reborn's Flames. With how strong their bond was turning out to be - and Reborn's Flames curled in contentment at that thought - it was actually rather likely, especially with Reborn being his sole Guardian at the moment.
Reborn did not like the thought of his Sky finding more Guardians, taking part of Harry's focus off his Sun. He loathed the thought actually. There wasn't anyone who could possibly be good enough for his Sky anyways. Well, other than Reborn himself of course.
Not that Reborn would force the issue. It was mostly instinctual for Sky Flames to seek out Elements. Also, more Guardians would mean more protection for his Sky and Reborn was getting the feeling that he might actually need the help.
Harry woke up feeling mostly like himself for once. He felt much better than before - well rested and so warm - and relaxed in a way that he hadn't felt in a long time, if ever. Still half asleep he burrowed deeper into the covers and went back to dozing lazily. The world could wait a while longer.
It was quite a bit later, while his awareness was slowly returning when he started to realize that the warmth he had his face pressed into was moving slightly and though his brain refused to compute that information properly, he was suddenly very aware where exactly he was and what he was lying on.
There was a light chuckle. "Finally awake?" And Merlin, with the slight gravel of sleep the man's voice was pure sin.
Harry was blushing before the thought had completely registered. He tried to regain some composure, before opening his eyes and tilting his head up.
Reborn was reclining slightly against the headboard with a book in his hand looking intently at him, while Harry had his head settled on the man's stomach, one arm thrown over Reborn's waist. The arm holding Harry pressed against Reborn's side tightened and Harry could actually feel the heat of his own blush.
"Mornin'." Harry mumbled slightly.
"Good morning, lovely. Well rested?" The man asked warmly.
Harry stretched slightly and thought to hell with it. He had already been sleeping on the man and then just a while ago deliberately snuggled back into his stomach, he could very well avoid making a further spectacle of himself by trying to get away - not that Reborn seemed to be letting go anytime soon - and instead resettled into the warmth of his Guardian and their contently humming bond.
"Definitely better than before. How long have I been asleep this time?" Harry tried to ask casually, while doing his best to fight down his blush.
Reborn started drawing lazy patterns on Harry's back. "Just another twelve hours this time. You sound much better. And you actually have some color back in your cheeks." At the last statement Reborn's grin turned teasing and Harry felt his blush increase again.
Harry decided to spare his dignity and didn't even try to reply. He was feeling lazy and would have loved to go back to sleep but his stomach was complaining. Noticeably.
Another deep chuckle and Harry was glad he was able to suppress his shiver at the sound.
"How about a shower and then some lunch?" Reborn asked him easily, setting his book on the nightstand. "Do you want coffee?"
"Oh, do you have tea?" Harry perked up while moving to the side.
"Tea." At the accusing expression on Reborn's face, Harry just couldn't help breaking down into a fit of giggles - manly giggles, more of a throaty chuckle, really, no giggles at all.
"I'm British. We like our tea." Harry made sure to make that statement sound as condescending as he possibly could - mix Ron's but-all-wizards-know-this-astonishment with Hermione's I'm-telling-you-facts-so-you-better-listen-voice, throw in some Malfoy haughtiness and some Snape dunderhead-exasperation and finish it off with Dumbledore's my-dear-boy-twinkly-eyed-disappointment. There you go, one complete wanker at your service.
Reborn just scoffed though Harry could see the amusement in his eyes. "Coffee is the drink of the Gods. Who still drinks tea these days? You British are just stuck in the past."
Harry grinned as he watched the man get up from the bed. "The British Wizarding World stuck in the past? You have no idea. No idea at all."
They had taken turns in the bathroom - where Harry had his little freakout that he had been sleeping on top of someone, an incredibly hot someone, his incredibly hot soul-bonded someone - and by the time Harry came out Reborn had already prepared a light lunch.
Reborn smirked while holding out Harry's chair for him and Harry couldn't help blushing while sitting down at the small table.
He immediately honed in on the juice on the table. "Ooh, Pumpkin juice." Though even while saying it he realized how unlikely that was.
It still got him an incredulous look. "Pumpkin juice? Really? Isn't that a bit too cliché?"
"Ah, well, no." Harry paused slightly before just going with it. Communication is key and all that and this was a topic he had no problem talking about. "The Wizarding World is very... obvious? Hm, it's hard to explain. For one, most of the clichés that you have probably already discarded while considering the Wizarding World, will likely be true. That is not necessarily true for the Magical World in general, just whenever wizards are involved."
Reborn was watching him while sipping his coffee. He seemed curious but not pressing.
"We wear pointy heads and can fly on broomsticks, we make potions in cauldrons and use a wand to do magic." Harry hoped that by slipping it in the list Reborn would miss the broomstick comment. Though going by his smirk he had failed spectacularly.
Harry quickly continued. "Also, in the Wizarding World pretty much everything has to be taken very literally. In a way that is almost ridiculous. For example, we have a candy that is called Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans and that is exactly what it means. Flavors include strawberry and vanilla, but also vinegar and dirt." Harry had to think a moment. "There are two main streets in the London Magical District, one is called Diagon Alley and the other Knockturn Alley. Guess which one is the one with the shady businesses."
Harry could see that Reborn was laughing internally, while his eyes had actually widened a bit with incredulousness. Harry hid his grin by taking a sip of his orange juice. They were getting along. Thank Merlin.
Reborn watched Harry unashamedly, seeing no reason to hide his watching. Harry will have years to get used to it, Reborn thought cheerfully. The obvious enjoyment at their conversation on his Sky's face had pure and utter warmth pulsing through his Flames.
Still, there was a question Reborn had to ask. No matter how much he would like to just bask in their mutual enjoyment without interruptions. Reborn had to know about his Sky's health. Had to know if there was still a problem.
"I have a question, beautiful." And dios mio, did Reborn adore that blush. If it got him to blush like that, Reborn wouldn't ever even consider calling his Sky anything else. Well, maybe in the company of others, as he was definitely getting possessive of his Sky's adorable reactions. Still, Harry's eyes were fully focused on him - Reborn would just ignore the obvious apprehension, his Sky would learn that there was never anything to fear from Reborn. "When I found you, you were barely lucid and you said something about medicine, a cure."
Reborn did not actually make it a question, not wanting to make his Sky feel cornered. However, there was clear relief on Harry's face. What in the world had his Sky thought he was going to comment on?
His Sky took a moment to answer. "I have a... condition."
Harry knew immediately that had been the wrong way to put it, as Reborn's eyes widened and Harry could see something close to terror flit through his eyes. He hurried to explain almost stumbling over his words.
"It was my magic. Something happened to my magic and it got... unbalanced. So the healers had to reset it, which put me in that disoriented state. The condition was healed and you, our bond, actually helped settle my magic. I feel much better than I should under these circumstances. I am fine."
Reborn felt his thundering heart slow down as his Sky talked. He was the World's Greatest Hitman and could easily get rid of anyone or anything that promised harm to his Sky. However, he would be entirely powerless if the problem was an illness. He could not loose his Sky - his home - after just having found him.
Reborn forced himself to calm down before asking for confirmation. "The condition is cured?"
"Yes. The treatment was definitely completed, so any danger there might have been, has already passed. The extended disorientation was due to my magic settling after the treatment. I told you yesterday that our magic matures with age?"
A lazy nod.
Harry almost wanted to smile at the gesture. "Well, for each wizard when their magic matures it falls into a sort of individual pattern. The basis of this pattern is etched into our very core and it is fundamental to wielding magic. Even further, we are magic and our bodies and minds function based on the presence of it. For wizards their core is fundamental to their very being. However, the condition with my magic was of the sort, that this structure of my core had to be reset. Meaning the healers mostly removed the underlying structure of my magical core. What you saw was the disorientation after the reset which was expected, though exacerbated by other factors. It just needs time to heal at this point."
Ok. So that answered a number of Reborn's questions, including why his Sky had been at a hospital, the disorientation and why he had not rescued himself with magic. It also opened up a whole slew of other questions. He wasn't even going to ask how common this condition was, because he was definitely starting to get the feeling that his Sky was a magnet for the unusual. Reborn could see himself going grey early.
"Exacerbating other factors?" He asked pointedly.
"Well, the healers had specified that I was to stay in one place for the initial phase of my treatment. And definitely to not change between surroundings of high and low magical saturation." His Sky was clearly hesitating at that part of the answer and Reborn could already see himself taking someone apart in punishment for whatever his Sky was trying to avoid saying right now. "The treatment was started at one of Britain's largest magical hospitals, a magically rich environment. I was supposed to stay there for at least the first week immediately afterwards and then after my magic had somewhat recovered move to another magically saturated area. However, I ended up in the non-magical world instead. The healers had explained to me before that something like that would be greatly disorienting as my magic couldn't rely on the balance of my surroundings to help anchor itself."
As there was no reaction from Reborn, Harry kept talking. "The largest problem was the change from a magical environment to non-magical surroundings. But this was even further aggravated by me being moved large distances across countries, as even in the non-magical world there wasn't a new constant environment my magic could to adjust to."
Harry hesitantly finished the explanation. Reborn seemed to be actually grinding his teeth as he sorted through that information.
"If it was so clearly against doctor's orders, how did you 'end up' in a non-magical environment, exactly?" Reborn asked sharply.
This gave Harry pause. He had known that this question would come up at some point. A part of him was elated at the thought that Reborn was truly worried for him, would mind very much that someone had screwed up his recovery this badly, would unquestionably be on Harry's side.
And Harry was still so angry at Ron and Hermione and at the Order for again assuming they had the right to make decisions for their Savior. During the war any decisions 'for his own good' had been made on the basis of 'the lesser evil', rarely if ever considering any input Harry himself might have had. In his darker hours he had almost felt as though he was less of a person and more of a commodity, a weapon in their eyes.
Now Harry had finally left the war behind him, was finally his own man, no obligations, no decisions imposed on him, no guilt to fight a war that should have been ended decades ago by the very adults that had taken to hiding behind Harry Potter, the Chosen One.
And he had thought that Ron and Hermione of all people had understood what it meant to Harry to finally be free. He knew they would not deliberately cause him harm but their selective disregard of anything that concerned Harry and not Harry Potter - things like his less than ideal home life - had created problems between them before.
That didn't make answering this question any easier though.
Reborn's eyes were still focused intently on his face and Harry refused to lie to Reborn. How to put this though without the context of the war, the Golden Trio, the Order?
"The answer to that, is... complicated. There are a lot of circumstances that I will have to explain to you at a later point. I was not lucid for most of the situation that got me into the hands of the mafia, so the explanation is even more convoluted as I will have to guess at some parts. Would it be enough right now if I told you that there was no ill intent from most of the people involved?"
"Most?" Most?! Reborn felt utter fury burn through him.
"Ah." Now his Sky was looking up at him with large green eyes. "Well, no, the healers probably thought I was safe at the hospital. And my friends do have the authority to make decisions for me if I am ever incapacitated. Despite all they have seen, they are still very naive in their believes about family and trust. It wouldn't even occur to them that family might sell someone to the mafia."
Harry stopped himself abruptly. By now Reborn was halfway out of his chair. How could Harry screw up a simple explanation this badly. He wanted to bang his head on the table in frustration. Repeatedly.
Actually. Harry attempted to do just that. He didn't even manage to hit the table once, as his forehead was caught in a large warm hand. Harry cautiously looked up at Reborn. There was pure fury in his eyes.
And Harry did not feel threatened at all. Well, wasn't that just something.
Harry reached up to touch Reborn's arm, trying to find the right words. "It's complicated. I don't know exactly what happened because I was not aware for most of it. There were some definite screw ups, but I don't have the whole story. And now I am fine."
His Sky seemed utterly calm, even in the face of his fury, Reborn noted absently. But more importantly, Harry was safe. Safe here with him. Where no one - no one - would harm him again.
Still. Reborn tugged his Sky out of his chair, moving them to the living area. He settled them on the couch, dragging his Sky close to his side, so close he was almost in his lap.
Harry considered this change, internally shrugged his shoulders and pressed himself into the warmth of Reborn's side. The bond hummed.
It was strange. Harry usually didn't like physical contact, shied away from it actually. But here, it was different. The closer he was to Reborn, the safer he felt. And the warmth. Not only the actual physical warmth Reborn seemed to radiate, but also the pulsing warmth of their bond.
He continued. "I was not actually physically harmed. The only time I felt pain was when my Flames were freed. If they had tried to harm me physically, my magic would have interfered, disrupted or not. My magic is almost autonomous in its defense of me."
There was so much his Sky was not saying. So much he was hiding behind partial truths. But even though Reborn knew that his Sky was not telling everything, he also didn't sense any lies.
It was also becoming apparent, that his Sky was pretty good at subtly changing the topic - not even close to good enough to actually distract Reborn - but not bad at all. Talking about something different that he expected Reborn to focus on. Instead of the mention of being sold to the mafia. Reborn had definitely noticed his Sky's nervous mention of friends and family as well as the actual reason for the problems with his magic. Well, Reborn had no problem with getting all available information on another topic before returning to that part of their discussion. He would grant his Sky the reprieve if only so Reborn could settle his fury.
Another round of questions about their respective worlds then. Not like the topic of a magical world was going to get boring any time soon.
"That sounds as though automatic magic is not the norm." He asked, generously delaying the truly uncomfortable questions. For a bit.
Harry was glad that they were moving away from the personal, far more complicated questions and moving into magical theory again. He latched onto the topic. "Magic itself is closely connected with nature and has its own... sense of things. If something, a place or an artifact, constantly experiences high levels of magic for a very long time, it gains a certain level of sentience in itself."
Reborn took a moment to digest the information. Sentient magic? Well, that was definitely different from Flames then.
Still, his Sky was trying to avoid the actual question. Reborn kept silent with his attention focused on his Sky. He had noticed early on that Harry would keep talking if he wasn't interrupted. It infuriated him because it was typical behavior for children suffering from neglect. Their subconscious interpreted the missing reaction as a demand for more and they obeyed without usually even realizing it themselves. Reborn would definitely have to counteract that pattern, though it should easily be done with general acceptance which Reborn would gladly provide. While also ripping apart whoever had not only drilled this behavior into his Sky but also those who - by not counteracting this instinct and reassuring his Sky themselves - had seen fit to let the pattern remain.
As expected his Sky continued after a few moments."A wizard's core constantly holds a certain amount of magic and is a power onto itself, but it is not actually some kind of separate entity as it remains connected to the surrounding magic. Depending on the wizard the structure and the core size can vary incredibly, especially if additional abilities or powers come into play. Most of the magical core's patterns are established while a wizard is still young and is directly affected by his surroundings. My magic is unusually instinctive and very automatic in its defense of me, conscious or not. It is also the reason why the procedure of my treatment was especially disorienting to me and my magic."
Again, so much information that wasn't directly given but implied in his Sky's statements. The defensiveness of a wizard's magic was determined in his youth depending on his upbringing? And his Sky's magic was especially defensive? With this Reborn's first targets were already determined. Now he just had to find out the names of the people his Sky grew up with - he refused to call them family. Reborn would tear them apart, slowly and painfully, making sure that nothing of them remained.
Harry watched Reborn as he worked through that information. After a few moments of silence he took the chance to ask a question that had been on his mind since Reborn's explanation.
"I also have a question." Harry watched as Reborn focused completely on him again. "You said that a Sky can bond with Flame users of every type. Does a Sky have to have a full set of Guardians?"
Well, wasn't that just exquisitely perfect. His Sky was reluctant at the thought of other Guardians. Reborn felt his smugness raise another notch, or ten. Not only because his Sky himself didn't seem to want anyone else, but also if his Flames were not instinctually urging him to form more bonds it meant that his Sky felt perfectly safe and protected with just Reborn.
Reborn didn't even try to keep the smugly satisfied grin off his face. He got more comfortable on the couch kicking up his feet on the low table, coincidentally pulling his Sky completely into his side. Harry seemed to consider their position for a moment before curling his legs up onto the couch and delightfully resting his head against Reborn's shoulder with a slight blush on his cheeks.
The bond was humming comfortably between them and Reborn answered easily. "Sky Flame users generally look for a full set of Guardians instinctually as fully bonded Guardians offer additional protection to their Sky. In the mafia the prestige that comes with a full set of Guardians factors in as well and individual Guardians can bring even more renown to a Famiglia depending on their own identity. For one, an Element cannot harmonize with a Sky weaker than itself and thus a Sky aims for the strongest possible Flame users in order to emphasize their own strength. Additionally, Harmonization is pretty much absolute, so once a Sky has managed a bond with an Element they also gain their loyalty. As such any of the Element's own alliances and reputation will automatically be considered part of the Sky's Famiglia. A lot of Sky users barely consider whether an Element is suited to their character, as long as there is a sufficient amount of prestige involved."
At this point, Harry was completely resting against him and Reborn felt his Flames almost purr in contentment as his Sky's slim form fit perfectly into his side.
Reborn continued lazily. "Also, Sky users are normally part of a Famiglia. Even if they would prefer to wait to complete their set of Guardians, they are generally pushed into a full set by the Famiglia for stability and reputation. But even for those who do not aim for a full set of Guardians initially, they still tend to have at least a few bonded Elements."
Reborn watched his Sky mulling that over for a few moments, could almost see him thinking back to their introduction yesterday.
"You are the strongest Sun in the Mafia World right now." Harry more stated than asked.
"Strongest in existence." Reborn answered cheerfully while still watching for is Sky's reaction.
Harry hesitated a moment. "Others have tried to bond with you." Another statement. His Sky sure wasn't naive.
"Yes, they have. Since I gained a reputation pretty much every Sky I have come into contact with has tried to pull me in. They failed. Spectacularly and without exception." Reborn was well aware of his Sky watching him as he answered.
Harry wasn't completely certain how to react to that declaration - and for now Harry was going to entirely ignore what this meant for the strength of his own Flames. Harry's focus was entirely on his Sun right now. The emphasis so far had been solely on a Sky looking for an Element, a Sky wanting additional protection, a Sky's Famiglia pushing for bonds. It sounded far too one-sided when talking about a bond based on their souls and life-force. And the mention of Sky users trying to just bond any Element they deemed suitable for whatever reason, sounded alarmingly like a forced bonding. Harry tried to keep his dread at bay that this bond might not be as welcome as he had assumed.
However, Harry had also seen the desperation beneath Reborn's brief mention of the many Sky users that had tried but failed to bond with him. It sounded like a strange mixture between longing for a bond and pride that no one had been strong enough to establish one.
Still, he had to make sure. Because Reborn did not yet know about Harry's magic somehow having gotten involved with their bond and thereby precluding the option of dissolving the bond that Reborn had briefly mentioned before.
"Harmonization is advantageous?" Harry put the question in a way that left Reborn free to comment on as many of the unmentioned aspects as he wanted. Harry needed reassurance that Reborn truly wanted this bond, everything else could come later.
Reborn had felt the tension in his Sky increase and answered the immediate question instantly, lest his Sky get any ideas. "Harmonization is something that is widely sought in the Mafia World. Though it can be tainted, in its pure form it is incomparable. For the bonded Elements Harmonization offers unconditional acceptance, a true home. It is something that Flame users dream about, similar to civilians dreaming about true love. There are books using Harmonization as a plot element in the place of love at first sight. It is definitely a good thing."
For the rest, Reborn took a moment to consider his answer. "As I am probably the most well-known unaffiliated member in the mafia, Sky users of pretty much all powerful and most not so powerful Famiglias have tried to pull me in. It is not necessarily a bad thing that they tried, as their inability to do so constantly reaffirmed my position as the strongest Sun." Reborn would not mention right away how much of a strain it was for an Element's Flames to constantly have a Sky pull at them.
His Sky was still intently focused on him, though some of the tension had bled out of his form. Probably also reading more from what Reborn was saying than he was actually putting into words. Just as Reborn had done during Harry's explanations.
Reborn continued. "Our situation is slightly different from the norm," - and there his Sky went with his adorable reactions again, wrinkling his nose and mumbling something that sounded quite resignedly disparaging into Reborn's shoulder - "because you are not actually part of a Famiglia. Sky users are pretty much immediately assimilated by a Famiglia, by force or coercion. Sky Flames are incredibly valuable in the Mafia World."
"As with everything there are pros and cons of course. While a Famiglia brings restrictions in the form of traditions, feuds, established alliances and enemies, it also offers additional protection to a Sky and his Elements. One definite drawback is that a Sky without all Elements is rarely left to his own devices and as the Famiglia is interested in the Sky completing their set of Guardian bonds, they will pick which Flame users to more or less parade in front of the Sky in question, thus extremely limiting the Sky's options."
"Furthermore, joining a weak Famiglia will immediately make the Sky and his Elements the main targets for any attack on that Famiglia. On the other hand, the strong Famiglias are generally based around a Sky in a hereditarily determined leadership position, thereby making a new Sky and his Elements cannon fodder in case of a conflict."
There was pure scorn on his Sky's face at that description. Reborn was well aware he himself was biased but he had still tried to at least somewhat give Harry both sides of the argument. He was relieved at Harry's apparent disinterest in joining a Famiglia. Though Reborn had been looking for a Sky bond for years now, he had always felt peeved at the idea of being ordered about by a Famiglia.
Now, somehow, he had the bond without those drawbacks, he noted smugly.
"We, however, have a significant advantage. Not only are you unaffiliated but I am also well capable of keeping us as independent as we wish to be. I assume you have no interest in joining a Mafia Famiglia?"
Harry's reaction was instant. "No. Definitely not. I categorically refuse any imposed obligations. Especially if it involves some old feuds that should have been cleared up years or even decades ago by whoever initiated them in the first place." Harry huffed his answer maybe a bit too adamantly. Ok, so maybe he had not yet entirely gotten over the war, but the cannon fodder comment had struck a nerve. He had already martyred himself once in his life. He refused to even risk having that happen to him again.
Reborn had definitely picked up on his vehemence at that statement and the arm along Harry's back tightened noticeably.
"Ok." Reborn stated easily. And there was definitely a smugly satisfied vibe to the bond now, Harry noted.
"What exactly does unaffiliated mean in your case?" Harry asked before any questions on his last statement could be asked. "I mean before you I didn't have any connections to the Mafia World at all. But in your case? Do you have specific alliances in the mafia?" Harry decided to leave the topic of Reborn's reputation as a hitman alone for now. That was a conversation for later.
Reborn answered easily. "I have my own network of alliances and contacts. It is another reason why any Famiglia would profit from having me in their ranks. And it is also one of the reasons why you as my Sky are definitely and specifically in danger. The easiest way for me to be tied down at this point is simply by capturing you and using our bond as a bargaining chip. They wouldn't even have to threaten to kill you. Just driving your Flames into discord would be enough of a threat. And they know that."
Harry loved and hated that statement at the same time. For one it implied heavily that Reborn would put Harry above anything - everything - else. And Merlin, did Harry adore the idea of finally having someone who would unquestionably put him first.
However, the other part of the statement made it very clear that not only would Harry be considered a liability from now on - and that was definitely a first for Harry, he had always been the one to get leverage over, not the tool to do so - but he felt his barely soothed magic join with his Flames and surge viciously at the thought of someone not only threatening Reborn but taking him from Harry.
Harry was well aware that he could get dangerously possessive of things he wanted or truly considered his. And he had never wanted anything quite as much as he wanted this bond, the unconditional acceptance, his Guardian, his Sun. His.
Their bond as a bargaining chip? No. He refused.
Harry took a brief moment to consider his response. "Well, there is something you should know, just to clear up any misunderstandings."
And that certainly got Reborn's attention.
Harry managed to keep his voice firm, even though he was slightly apprehensive about Reborn's reaction to this. "You mentioned ways to dissolve the bond between us."
Harry paused and waited until Reborn nodded carefully at that statement.
"Ok, so I don't think that is actually an option for us." Harry could feel Reborn's focus on him and he quickly rambled on to get the entire explanation out. "Our bond is not solely based on our Flames. My magic got involved as well. Our bond is based in Flames and magic. And magical bonds of this kind are permanent. No exceptions."
Reborn could see the apprehension on his Sky's face at his brief explanation. His Sky was watching for a reaction that signified Reborn being angry or resentful. But all Reborn could think was that this bond might be truly, definitely permanent. No way to force a separation. And his Sky was worried, worried that Reborn would not like being bound to him permanently and indefinitely.
And Reborn felt a rush of possessiveness.
This was his Sky. His perfect Sky. He had finally found a Sky strong enough to harmonize with him, a Sky that was unaffiliated and thus free, a Sky who seemed to solely worry about Reborn's reaction to these revelations and who didn't seem to feel any concern himself at being bound to Reborn permanently.
The side of him that was so very possessivegreedyprotective, curled further around their bond in pure contentment at this.
Reborn didn't have to hold some of himself back in worry that this bond might be broken at some point. The worry that stemmed from the knowledge that truly good things did not happen to the World's Greatest Hitman. Except now it had. And Reborn was done. This was good enough to make up for all the crap that had been heaped on him in his life, to make up for all the years of loneliness and longing, to make up for everything.
Reborn tightened his arm around his Sky, basking in the feeling of Harmony and the knowledge that it wouldn't be taken from him. His Sky seemed to have understood that Reborn was quite content with this truly permanent bond and now had his eyes half closed, seemingly very willing to drift off again with his head rested against Reborn's shoulder.
Reborn was still waiting for the questions about the Mafia World. The first questions his Sky had asked had not been about the mafia at all but rather about the Flames and their bond. His Sky's priorities were certainly refreshing.
They sat in content silence for a while before Reborn asked distractedly, "By the way, what is the name of the magical mafia?"
His Sky looked slightly confused for a moment before responding. "Magical mafia? I don't think we have anything of the sort."
Reborn paused. No mafia equivalent in the Wizarding World? Then he grinned diabolically. Maybe they should just move there and take over the Wizarding World's criminal underworld. Now there was a thought.
Harry blinked up at his Sun. He was pretty sure that the smirk on Reborn's face did not bode well. For anyone involved.
A/N: Ok, so this chapter was really hard to write for some reason. The story did not want to go at all how I had it planned... and it seemed to just go on and on and on. Sorry for the abrupt ending but I had to stop somewhere. Actually, on that note, do you guys prefer longer updates less often or frequent short updates? And to all you really funny people out there, frequent long updates is not an option :)
Also, there is a lot of jumping between POVs in this chapter. I wanted to try writing their interaction like this. Please let me know what you think.
To those who mentioned just having gotten started on KHR fanfiction, go check out the work of Araceil, reighost and cywscross. Their stories are mindblowingly awesome and got me hooked on KHR originally.
Chapter 5 pt2 review responses:
You guys are awesome! Thank you for all the reviews and at this point I might just be a little bit in love with all of you!
To Kshail: Thanks for reviewing again! And thanks for recommending this story to your sister :) I separated the last chapter into two parts, because I had the first half finished and was still working on the second half. It is still meant as one chapter, just pt1 and pt2. Regarding Ron and Hermione, I will try to make the conclusion as realistic as possible. They are all still teenagers and just came out of war so the conflict will definitely be explosive. But I also think they are too mature to just not talk to each other anymore. You are right that the main problem will be lost trust on Harry's side.
To ShizuBABE: Thanks for reviewing again! Though I am mostly not commenting on Harry's other Guardians I can definitely say that it won't just be the rest of the Arcobaleno. I think it would be far more interesting to mix in other Guardians and also some of the Arcobalenos really don't fit with the Harry I'm trying to write in this story.
To saku hyuuga: Thank you for your review! Thanks for pointing out the time thing :) Thanks for your notes on the KHR verse though. I am far more familiar with HP and have spent more time reading fanfiction on KHR than actually reading the manga, so any help is very welcome :)
To Amethyst-Phoenix2003: Thanks for your review! So far I haven't planned for Harry to become an animagus. If he does at some point, then it will definitely be some kind of cat just so I can write a scene with Reborn holding him in his arms and emulating a Bond villain :)
To Guest dragon: Thanks for reviewing again! Regarding Harry's introduction, I find it more realistic for Harry to introduce himself with his first name only in this kind of setting. And as far as he knows, Reborn is only a first name as well. There is definitely going to be some explosions as soon as Reborn manages to gain access to the WW :)
To Aeterna Feles: Thanks for your review! Glad you like the story. Luna will definitely be showing up at some point but I'm not yet telling whether she will be a Guardian. Thanks for the suggestion though :)
To Soaring Hawk1: Thank you for your review! Xanxus will definitely make an appearance at some point but I'm not giving away any more than that :)