A/N: Don't own.
It's so fluffy!
Continues the next day.
Chapter 14
Reborn was enjoying watching his little Sky flit about the kitchen in his pyjamas while preparing breakfast. Harry looked wonderfully relaxed in his soft flannel pants - too long and covering most of his feet - and a large t-shirt - reaching his upper thighs and slipping slightly to the right, exposing his collar bone.
Reborn himself had already changed into his usual clothes, though still missing his tie and suit jacket. Additionally, his shirt was still not entirely buttoned and going by Harry's frequent glances in his direction and his near permanent blush, this was definitely met with approval. Reborn did nothing to suppress the grin threatening to spread across his face. He would definitely be making this his regular morning dress code from now on.
Harry was doing his best to keep his focus on their conversation and away from Reborn himself. Somehow, seeing his Sun with his usually neat, rather formal attire disheveled was incredibly appealing to Harry. The glimpses he was constantly getting of Reborn's upper chest were definitely not helping his focus any.
He knew Reborn had noticed. How could he not have, with Harry initially trailing off in the middle of a sentence once or twice. Reborn's smug grin kind of gave it away as well. Harry barely kept himself from huffing - he wasn't pouting, really, he wasn't - and forced himself to keep up their conversation despite his lack of focus.
They were discussing their visit to Gringotts.
Motley and Clarke had already responded to his letter yesterday that they would free their afternoon for him and meet him at Gringotts later in the day. Harry had taken to meet his lawyers in one of the conference rooms at Gringotts due to the high security there decreasing the risk of anyone overhearing their discussions.
In his last letter, Harry had asked his lawyers about registering a bond without making it general knowledge. They had recommended to have the goblins test, certify and file the bond. It would make their bond indefeasible based on Wizarding Law and also offer additional witnesses in case it ever became a necessity.
Harry had been screwed over by the Wizarding World far too often to not want to have precautions in place.
Given the press' usual reaction to anything Savior-related the lawyers had agreed that only registering the bond at Gringotts - anywhere outside of the ministry, really - might be the best option. This way their bond would hopefully remain a secret, until they themselves decided to reveal its existence.
Motley and Clarke now also knew about his bond to Reborn, but Harry had not mentioned it being a soulbond and just made it out to be a normal magical bond. Which would be just as permanent anyways.
Harry trusted his lawyers and was certain they wouldn't intentionally give the information away. But safe was always better than sorry - he had heard 'I'm so sorry' far too often in his life already - and this was too important to risk getting out. Even if only by someone forcing their way into either of his lawyers' minds.
Goblins had no such problems. No wizard accomplished at Occlumency would try to enter the mind of a being of a different species. All magical creatures had natural mind barriers and a clash with a magical being's mind never ended well for the wizard involved.
Right after breakfast Harry asked Fawkes to deliver a letter to Sharpwell, the goblin who had been handling most of his affairs ever since he had merged his two accounts.
Reborn cleaned up the kitchen while Harry got dressed into his usual clothes of jeans and t-shirt. Then they moved to the living area of the apartment while waiting for Sharwell's response. Reborn decided to use the time to continue reading up on Occlumency. Now that they had Igneomancy as a cover for Flames in the Magical World, Occlumency was definitely the topic he wanted to cover next. Someone screwing with his mind? Not happening, he thought scornfully as he felt malicious irritation spike through him.
Reborn picked one of the books on Occlumency Brixton had given them during Harry's last appointment at St. Mungo's along with an amulet. The amulet was an assurance until Reborn figured out how to defend his mind from magical attacks himself. It would defend your mind from most Mind Magics and if it was overpowered would at the very least give warning of someone trying to enter your mind. In that case, Reborn could always incinerate the offender - whoever was stupid enough to try - where they stood.
Harry interestedly looked over at his Sun when he felt something like anticipation pulse along their bond. He internally shrugged and settled on the couch with Fawkes and Leon.
Reborn paused in his reading to watch them - his little Sky curled up on the couch while cuddling their companions - and grinned at the adorableness of it all.
Harry pointedly ignored him and Leon and Fawkes imitated his Sky haughtily.
Reborn thought it was just about the most adorable thing he had ever had the pleasure of seeing.
Arriving in Sharpwell's office - the goblin had given permission for Fawkes to transport them directly to his office - Fawkes actually remained settled on Harry's shoulder for once.
Reborn almost wanted to comment about the phoenix not being satisfied by their cuddle session earlier. He refrained. Though just barely. And mainly because of their audience.
As though knowing very well, what Reborn was thinking, his Sky sent a reproachful look up at him. Which didn't really turn out all that impressive, considering there was a phoenix cooing on his shoulder while nestling into the side of Harry's neck.
Reborn just barely managed to keep a straight face under Harry's regard.
Huffing slightly, his Sky turned to the other occupant in the room, giving a slight nod to the goblin behind the ornate desk. No actual greetings were exchanged.
They settled in the chairs across from the goblin who immediately got down to business. After affirming that there were no pressing matters with his investments to take care of - Harry had left his lawyers in charge for the duration of his stay at the hospital - the goblin handed Harry another document with a list of names.
"There have been numerous contributions made to your accounts and several clients left their assets to the Savior at their passing. As requested these monies have been set aside in a separate account and await your assignment." At this Sharpwell looked deeply disapproving, clearly remembering Harry and his lawyers discussing investing these monies in charities.
Harry however was surprised by Sharpwell's comment. "Their assets?"
"Their assets. Including money, artifacts and residences." Sharpwell confirmed aggravated.
Harry paused. That was unexpected.
Right after the war people had started transferring money to him - Harry had initially been offended at the thought of money as a compensation for his sacrifices - but after a bit of thought, he had realized that for the normal wizard this might be the only way they knew how to say thank you at all.
So, he had tried to find uses for it.
He had decided to invest the money in charities, even more so when Motley had informed him that actual charities were not really a thing in the Wizarding World. So, Harry was considering starting his own. He had no intention of running a charity himself, but he was planning to finance one.
Fawkes shuffled on his shoulder, bringing Harry out of his thoughts and reminding him that they still had some things to do before his lawyers got here. Like filing their bond. As they had no way of knowing what the test would actually show due to Flames and magic being involved he wanted to get the testing out of the way before the lawyers' arrival.
He looked up to find Sharpwell impatiently waiting for Harry to either bring up any requests or to get out of his office. Goblins definitely liked to be efficient with their time.
Accordingly, Harry simply stated, "I would like to register a soulbond with Gringotts." There. That was as brief as he could possibly make it.
Harry thought he might actually have seen Sharpwell's eyes widen slightly - a bit… maybe? - before the goblin sent a deeply suspicious look in Reborn's direction. Harry had to admit, the suspicion was understandable. Just his wealth alone was enough to suspect foul play of some sort.
Though Sharpwell was clearly irritated when Reborn only responded to his glare with a bored stare and after a while of enduring said glare by slightly raising an eyebrow.
Goblins were definitely used to having more of an intimidating effect on people, that much was for sure.
Irritated, the goblin inquired sharply, "Based on which bonding ritual?"
"There was no ritual involved. The bond was formed naturally." Harry stated, well aware how ridiculous this sounded. Natural soulbonds were rare. Legendary kind of rare.
Now Sharpwell was clearly torn between calling Harry an idiot for that claim and accusing Reborn of foul play and fraud. Possibly considering doing both.
Though at Fawkes' reprimanding shuffle the goblin seemed to almost shrug and finally turned around to a large chest behind him and pulled out a document as well as two potion bottles from one of the many drawers.
The goblin set the document down on the table - Harry could see a circular inscription of runes on the lower half of parchment around a central rune - before slowly pouring first a dark blue, then a clear potion into an elaborately decorated chalice.
"One drop of blood onto the central rune, both of you." Sharpwell stated while handing both of them a dagger.
Harry could only tell due to their bond that his Sun was getting aggravated by the lack of explanation, even though they were both very interested in actually seeing the ritual. Still, outwardly entirely calm his Guardian reached for both daggers, handing one to Harry.
They did as Sharpwell had instructed.
Then, unexpectedly, the goblin simply poured the entire potion mixture from the chalice onto the parchment in the middle of the runic circle. However, instead of spilling over the entire sheet, the potion - in the instant it touched the central rune - formed a dense bluish mist that hovered directly over the paper in the constraints of the runic circle.
It was quite mesmerizing.
For a while nothing happened. Then, as though driven by an unfelt breeze the mist began moving slightly and going through a wide range of colors before dispersing abruptly.
Focusing on the parchment again, Harry could see that the mist had left behind dense runic writing around the original rune circle. As well as a silver-blue shimmering gem stone as large as Harry's thumbnail set in a strangely shimmering metal on top of the central rune.
The stone looked a bit like moonstone, but the blue and silver veins pervading the mostly clear stone seemed to be moving slightly and to almost glow from within the gem.
Having no idea how the ritual was supposed to go, Harry looked up at Sharpwell again, unlike Reborn who had never let the goblin out of his sight in the first place.
There was a slight pause as the goblin stared at the parchment. Then he glanced up, sharply focusing on Reborn. But after a few moments of considering Reborn Sharpwell abruptly returned to his professional demeanor and stated. "Gringotts will register a naturally formed bond in soul and magic. After you fill in the required information."
After a brief pause Reborn interestedly picked up the stone, while Harry started filling out most of the document before passing it over to Reborn who only took a few moments to fill in the rest.
When the document was completed - blood quill signatures and all - Sharpwell claimed it with surprising eagerness, looking over the information before letting it quickly vanish into a different drawer than it had come from.
Then the goblin unceremoniously pulled out yet another parchment with a list of dates and names. He handed it to Harry, while stating, "During your absence, a number of people have tried to gain access to either side of your account, citing various reasons, from you not being the true head of house Black, to looking for a possible clue to your whereabouts in your vaults."
Sharpwell's words were dripping with disdain, but also anticipation as the goblin knew that Harry was very willing to get his compensation for any transgressions against himself.
Harry felt fury burn through him at the last part. So, they tried looking for him in his vaults after he had disappeared, had they?
He forced himself to remain calm when he felt Reborn's Flames curl languidly menacingly around their bond. He glanced over at his Sun who appeared entirely relaxed where he was sitting slightly slouched in his seat. And even though Reborn's suit and tie were about as muggle as could be in these very clearly magical surroundings, he still made for the most impressive display of uncompromising confidence Harry had ever had the pleasure of witnessing.
Thinking about it, with Reborn in his life Harry probably wouldn't have to worry about any offenders getting away without paying for their transgressions in full.
Harry suppressed an appreciative shiver. Again.
And apparently, Sharpwell had sensed the menacing confidence practically oozing from Reborn as well, as he nodded with a bloodthirsty gleam in his eyes. Suddenly the goblin seemed to very much approve of Reborn.
"The list includes all relevant names, but your lawyers were also kept informed and provided with any pertinent information." Sharpwell supplied. Goblins liked to be helpful if they saw potential benefits for themselves and Harry increasing his wealth would definitely benefit Sharpwell. Harry had no problems with this attitude as goblins were uncompromisingly honest about their stance on this, having no compunctions about stating this fact clearly and repeatedly.
He decided to actively ignore the list in his hands for now, knowing that depending on the names on this list he would lose his composure entirely. He would have time for that later. Harry felt Fawkes nestle into the side of his neck, even further calming him.
Now that the goblin's demeanor had gotten slightly more agreeable again, Harry asked, "During the ritual, what was the significance of the stone?"
The question though got him an aggravated look and the oh-so-informative answer of, "The stone confirms the presence of a bond. The material identifies the nature of the bond."
Harry wanted to sigh and decided they might just as well pick up a book on bond-identifying rituals from his vault while they were at it.
Which reminded him. "I would like to access my artifact vault." Harry requested.
Within moments, a younger goblin entered the office at some sort of unseen signal.
"Goblin Gnish, take the client to vault 87." With that Sharpwell turned to the paperwork on his desk, clearly done with Harry and Reborn.
As they left the office Harry could tell that Reborn was definitely bemused by the goblin manners he had witnessed here.
Harry could relate.
Vault 87 - or 'the artifact vault' as Harry had taken to calling it - actually consisted of several rooms that were separated into areas and contained something of everything and anything you could possibly imagine.
Including an insane number of non-moving portraits of people, most of which seemed not to be related to the Potters or the Blacks in any way so he had no idea why they were stored there at all.
There was also quite a significant amount of space assigned to armory, house-hold utensils and clothing. Though why anyone would feel the need to store their clothes in a high-security vault was still not at all clear to Harry. Wizards.
And Harry had not yet dared to even try sorting through what he called the knick-knack section.
Still, the books took up more space than anything else in the vault and covered a wide array of literature. There were books on any topic Harry could possibly have thought of, and numerous topics he wouldn't possibly have been able to imagine. The bookshelves themselves reached the ceiling and there were actually several movable shelves stacked in front of each other.
Reborn seemed definitely interested in everything he was seeing here, but as their meeting with the lawyers would be soon, they quickly focused on the collection of books.
Harry had learned the first time he was here, that the books were not in any sort of order as they had just been added randomly to the humongous shelves around the vault. To his utmost relieve, there had however been a list of book titles which a goblin had irritatedly pointed out to him then. Stating a title out loud while holding the list conveniently summoned the book directly from the shelves.
With Reborn reading over his shoulder, the two of them - Fawkes had taken off as soon as they neared the carts to the vaults - quickly started picking out book titles that might be interesting or relevant to their various research topics.
There were several with relatively generic titles, such as 'Obscure Arts' or 'Forgotten Magicks', some titles were more along the lines of 'Mysterious and Murky: A Guide to Minor and Misrepresented Magics', but there were also some that seemed very promising such as 'Elemental or Elementary?'. Some would probably turn out to be more ridiculous than helpful such as 'Nurturing the Flame Within' or 'The Essence of Fire'.
Harry couldn't help giggle at the reminder of the romance novel he had read yesterday, 'Fire of the Soul'.
Though he immediately felt a flush creep up his neck when Reborn tightened his arm around Harry in reaction.
From where Reborn was mostly curled around his Sky under the pretense of reading over his shoulder, he possessively eyed the slight flush spreading over Harry's cheeks. He might have to revisit the thought of locking his innocent little Sky away from the world, keep Harry to himself entirely.
In the end they picked close to 50 books from the list. Harry grabbed one of the many book bags stacked in the corner and collected their chosen books before they asked Gnish to take them back to the upper levels for the meeting with Motley and Clarke.
The meeting with his lawyers was efficient as usual and took up comparatively little of their time.
Though, Clarke had briefly stared wide-eyed at Reborn when he appeared behind Harry, before turning with a clearly approving - almost congratulatory - expression towards Harry. Harry hadn't known whether to feel smug or embarrassed.
Reborn's grin at the situation certainly hadn't helped any.
Immediately afterwards his lawyers had quite understandably wanted to boot Reborn from the confidential meeting despite the bond. Harry had refused, keeping his amusement at the mental image of the two lawyers trying to force Reborn into anything to himself.
Afterwards the meeting went smoothly.
Clarke had already compiled law suits against anyone who had tried to access any of Harry's vaults in his absence.
Harry was so very relieved that there was not a single name of anyone he trusted on the list he had been provided with. Though the Ministry - either under the heading of Doge or Savage - had tried to argue their case multiple times.
It wasn't really all that surprising, as Reborn and Harry had already been convinced that Savage might become a problem on several levels after meeting her in Kingsley's office. And Doge had made it very obvious that he intended to use Harry's name as a tool to get his own position elevated.
Harry gave Clarke the go ahead to claim whatever she could, monetary or otherwise, from the offenders.
They spent the rest of the meeting talking about any remaining issues.
Harry also realized during the meeting that he had never actually told Reborn just how much money he had at his disposal. And he didn't think his Sun had enjoyed being surprised like this. In his defense, he himself hadn't yet quite process just how wealthy he was.
Regarding the charities, Motley had come well prepared and produced a stack of documents that would be needed in order to set up an independent charity.
Clarke had also gotten her cousin and brother - the other owners of the Clarke Solicitors law firm - involved, to help work through everything. Her cousin Lewis Clarke had compiled a list of possible candidates for running a charity in Harry's stead.
Harry agreed to take the files home to read through, so they could get the charity started as soon as possible.
The next two days passed quickly. There was surprisingly little time actually spent researching, though they still spent the evenings on the couch reading and conversing.
Harry was constantly working through a seemingly ever growing pile of paperwork from his lawyers or Gringotts or his postbox and Reborn had been immersing himself in the information provided by his contacts in the Mafia World.
Reborn didn't like being out of the loop and after checking up on his contacts yesterday he felt the need to confirm why so many people were suddenly trying to contact him for anything but his abilities as a hitman. It irritated him.
Travers had managed to refrain for an entire day before apparently not being able to help himself anymore and contacting Harry to ask a slew of questions. Though to the man's utter disappointment he had to attend a meeting of his guild during Harry's next healer appointment so he would be unable to provide the arrays to look into his status as an igneomancer.
Travers had sounded so crestfallen when he had told them, that Harry had almost wanted to console him. Still, Travers was sure that he would be able to find someone who knew more about Igneomancy or had some additional literature on the topic at the guild meeting. He earnestly promised Harry that he would not reveal Harry possibly being an igneomancer and do his best to just claim general interest.
Going by the man's near childish delight when talking about anything even remotely obscure, he had no doubt that Travers' colleagues would easily believe him on that front.
To Harry's aggravation, despite most wanting to go visit George, what little time he was permitted to spend in the Wizarding World was entirely spent in various meetings with his lawyers or Travers.
Though the only reason Harry was actually willing to delay his visit by a few days was that George's response to his letter finally sounding mostly like the George he knew again.
The redhead's vindictiveness had certainly shone through again when mentioning the Order and their messing with Harry's recovery.
Well, at least Harry wouldn't have to worry about George and Reborn getting along in that regard.
Now, they were exchanging letters several times a day. Though at some point Harry had voiced his worry that he might be asking too much of Fawkes, constantly sending him to deliver letters between him and George. In reaction Fawkes had actually scoffed at him. Harry hadn't known phoenixes even could scoff.
Still, Fawkes tended to stay with George until the redhead had the time to respond to Harry's last letter. Sometimes hours at a time. It definitely made Harry feel better to know how very soothing the phoenix's presence would be to George's state of mind.
In one of his missives, George also let him know that while Fawkes was waiting for him to write his reply to Harry, the phoenix was having fun scaring the crap out of his customers by pretending to be a decoration on the counter before abruptly bursting into flames whenever someone came close to touching him.
Reborn had commented in passing - from where he was sorting through information provided by his contacts in the mafia - that only Harry could manage to find the one phoenix in existence with a twisted sense of humor.
Yes, Reborn and George would have no problems getting along. The Wizarding World wouldn't know what hit them.
Harry grinned and resolved to introduce the two of them as soon as possible.
To everyone's relief, the healers declared Harry's magic recovered enough for him to start using it again during his visit to St. Mungo's, though preferably in small steps. Harry was elated and had only just kept himself from starting to shoot sparks from his wand right away by reminding himself that he had no idea how his Flames would react to him using his magic.
Seeing his elation, Madam Pomfrey had pointed out sardonically, that Harry should still try to avoid any of his more spectacular adventures.
Reborn had agreed and - while Harry was getting instructions from Mediwizard Biran on how to best go about getting used to his magic again - made his way over to Madam Pomfrey. Harry watched from the corner of his eye how his Sun and his school nurse quickly settled into an intense conversation.
The vindictive light in their eyes and their satisfied expressions didn't bode well. For whoever was unlucky enough to be their topic of conversation.
Well, Harry would plead innocence. He knew nothing.
He focused on Biran again who was explaining what signs to look out for while he got used to any possible differences of his magical flow compared to before his treatment.
Biran actually had no idea just how many differences there were to Harry's magical core at this point.
So far, Reborn had preferred to keep his Flames from manifesting physically before they found a good explanation for them in the Magical World, but he had given Harry a few quick impressions of them.
Harry had loved the warmth radiating from his Guardian with the use of his Flames, loved the intent and enjoyment on Reborn's face, really loved how the Flames had curled around his fingers when he went to touch them.
Reborn had initially looked surprised when Harry had only felt warmth when touching his Sun Flames. Though he amended that it was probably due to their bond. If it wasn't, Harry was blaming the Potter luck. Nothing ever went the way it was supposed to as long as he was involved.
Harry was really looking forward to trying out his Flames, spreading them, mixing them with his magic outside of his core.
So, when they returned to their apartment from St. Mungo's, Harry didn't even pretend to get started on anything else but his Flames and magic. Instead just turned to his Sun waiting for instructions.
Reborn actually had to blink once at the huge green eyes suddenly blinking up at him from his Sky's face. Well damn. Hopefully, Harry never figured out that with just that one look, Reborn would simply agree. It wouldn't even matter what he was agreeing to, he would just be nodding along.
Dios mio, no one had ever affected him like this. He was so very happily doomed.
Not even attempting to resist, Reborn moved to prepare them something to drink while he started on an explanation of how to best pull at his Flames, while avoiding the outpouring of an uncontrollable amount.
Normally, he would be taking anyone who was going to use their Flames for the first time somewhere remote, in order to avoid massive destruction of their surroundings. However, he had seen Harry's astonishing control even right after having his Flames forcefully activated. While being prodded at by various other Flames users. In an extremely stressful situation. While barely lucid.
Reborn wasn't worried about Harry losing control over his Flames. And even if he did. This was his Sky, their Flames had harmonized. Reborn could use his Flames to soothe and contain Harry's.
Harry had listened closely to his Guardian's explanation of how to use his Flames. Still, he decided to first try out his newly settled magic to see how that went, before attempting to use his Flames.
Reborn watched interestedly from the couch as Harry almost giddily drew his wand.
Harry focused internally for a moment, focused on his core, on the flow of his magic. His magic was already surging slightly clearly anticipating being let out after such a long time, ready to act on Harry's will at the slightest indication.
He couldn't help but smile and simply flicked his wand. A shower of bright golden sparks briefly illuminated the room. Harry couldn't help but laugh in elation. How he had missed this feeling, the feeling of his magic flowing within him and around him.
His magic was surging happily, pressing to be let out, to do more. Another flick of his wand, more sparks, but this time they did not actually dissipate as before, but rather floated in the air around him, seemingly only moved by the slight breeze coming from the open window and spreading further throughout the room.
Looking over to the couch, he could see the clear interest on Reborn's face. His Guardian had leant forward in his seat and actually lifted a hand to move through some of the sparks hovering close to him.
At Harry's change in focus, his magic seemed to suddenly hone in on Reborn's presence beyond its own delight of being let out again.
Harry watched slightly wide-eyed as his magic - and most of the sparks in the room not hovering near Harry himself - surged towards Reborn, twisting in the air around his Sun in endless coils, never stilling.
After a few moments, Reborn looked up at Harry and grinned fiercely.
Harry knew that the feeling of utter delight his magic always seemed to transport whenever it was happy was infectious. His magic's sentiments were always on the extreme end of the spectrum, usually landing anywhere from joyful delight to crippling lament to malicious wrath to serene contentment.
Harry had never dared to ask anyone directly whether their magic felt like this to them as well. The few times he had tried to nudge a conversation in that direction during his Hogwarts years, he had been laughed at just for the question whether magic was sentient. So - even though he knew better - he had given up on that conversation. His magic was very much sentient, though in tune with Harry's emotions, his thoughts.
And now, his magic was happily curling within him, but still dissatisfied, waiting.
And suddenly Harry felt ridiculous in his care about using his magic again. His magic had always been willing to do whatever it could to fulfill his wishes, always eager to follow his command no matter the intent. And in his apartment which was warded with everything just short of the Fidelius Charm - after his history he had developed a clear aversion to the spell - he could let go.
So, briefly glancing at Reborn, Harry did. He let go. Freed his magic from its near constant restraint. Immediately his magic spread to fill the room, the apartment, anything in reach within the wards.
Reborn was captivated. Just the amount of magic densely filling the room… It felt as though instead of air, he was breathing magic.And in contrast to any Flames he had ever felt, there was nothing oppressive about Harry's magic. It felt lively and joyful.
His Sky seemed to be basking in the feel of his magic for a few moments before calling it back to himself, though not really hiding it away, more calling it closer to himself.
Harry was elated to feel his magic again and he was so looking forward to adding his Flames to the mix. He focused inward again, carefully and intently tugging at the feeling of warmth around his core. His Flames answered eagerly - spreading outward guided by his magic - and Harry's entire world was bathed in an orange glow, the golden sparks still filling the room just enhancing the visual.
It was breathtaking.
Reborn had been fascinated by the display of magic. Not so much the golden sparkly light show, but the feeling of Harry's magic and the expression of utter joy on his Sky's face. That was certainly an expression Reborn could get used to seeing on Harry's face. Maybe even putting it there…
Reborn was abruptly brought from his not so innocent thoughts by the feeling of Harry's Flames filling the room.
He watched as his Sky activated his Flames without any form of aid to channel them. Sky Flames were lazily winding their way up Harry's arms and there seemed to be no need for Harry to exert additional control over his Flames, or curb their progress.
Harry watched wide-eyed as the Flames continued to gather around his arms, slowly curling upwards until most of the Flames that had filled the room were instead focused around his arms from above his wrists to just below his shoulders, like fiery snakes coiled around his arms.
And at the feeling of Harry's Flames gathering around their user, Reborn couldn't help but reach for his own Flames, letting them spread through the room. Harry's Flames seemed to almost whip towards the newly presented Sun Flames, surging towards them just as Reborn's Flames did the same.
The feeling of both of their Flames mixing and winding around each other was magnificent. Flames filling the room, coiling around them, around their bond.
Sun and Sky. Harmonized.
Reborn had listened for years as others talked about this. They hadn't even come close to describing the feeling of having his own Sky's Flames surround him. He closed his eyes. Just for a moment, basking in the feeling of utter contentment emanating from his own Flames. His Flames which for once were quiet, calm, almost still when compared to their usual constant movement, always surging and active - Activation was a Sun Flame's ability for a reason.
Reborn released an inaudible breath. This feeling. This was home.
Harry watched with bright eyes, even as he felt the exhaustion pull at him. He reminded himself, that Biran had specifically told him not to overdo it the first few times he used his magic. He had entirely forgotten in his delight.
Adding the use of his Flames to using his magic, this was probably far more than the healers had intended for him to do right away. He felt his thoughts confirmed, even as he started pulling his Flames and magic back into himself, as the edges around his visions started to darken.
The last thing he saw, was his Sun suddenly in front of him as he sagged into Reborn's chest. Going by his Guardian's expression they would be having words about him overexerting himself right away.
But for now, Harry was content to let go of his consciousness, in the knowledge of having his magic back with him and of being completely safe in Reborn's presence.
Reborn looked down at his Sky where he was pliantly resting against his chest and almost wanted to shake his head. The cute ones were always the most trouble.
The next morning they decided to go to the café down the street again for breakfast and later on visit George at his shop in Diagon Alley.
Reborn knew that visiting the same café - at exactly the same time, in the same company, after having been discovered there before - would be a clear sign for anyone who knew him to show themselves. So, Reborn had briefed Harry on various scenarios for this meeting, doing whatever he could to prepare his Sky.
Now that Harry was recovered and could use his magic again to defend himself if needed, Reborn felt better about dragging his Sky into potential danger. He still didn't like it, but so far it seemingly hadn't even occurred to Harry to ask Reborn to stay behind for any of the meetings in the Magical World. Reborn would be damned if he was going to force a break in their easy trust for any reason.
Meanwhile, Harry was actually trying to hide his excitement, as he was really looking forward to meeting any of Reborn's acquaintances. His unending curiosity was rearing its head again.
Harry was quite fascinated by the thought of Reborn communicating his agreement to meet someone simply by showing up twice in the same place. The Mafia World sure seemed to be filled with paranoid people. Still, Harry had to admit, he was insanely curious about the mafia as well. Especially how the other members of the mafia would compare. Based on what he could remember of the Corocos Famiglia, their members hadn't really seemed all that impressive. Harry really wanted to see whether that was the norm or whether there would be more people like Reborn to be found.
Exploring yet another new world actually sounded quite exciting when he had his Sun at his side, accompanying him on his endless quest of sating his uncompromising curiosity.
Add in their planned visit to the joke shop later on… Today was a good day.
Leaving the apartment, they lazily made their way towards the café, taking an elaborate detour to confuse any possible watchers.
If Reborn made the way longer than was strictly necessary while enjoying having Harry tucked into his side, chattering happily about their intended visit to the Wizarding World today, green eyes blinking up at him whenever he waited for Reborn's responses… well, Harry certainly wasn't calling him out on it.
Ever since the mixing of their Flames yesterday, their bond's humming had increased in strength. Reborn was slightly stumped at having the feeling of Harmony enhanced even further. Based on what he had observed in the mafia over the years, he had thought their bond to be incredibly strong before already. He had no idea how to describe it now.
Not that he was complaining. Life sure seemed intent on making up for some of the crap it had heaped on both of them along the years. Reborn could definitely live with that. He smirked at that thought as they settled at one of the café's tables, flustering the waitress who came to take their order.
They took their time with finishing their breakfast and afterwards settled into a conversation over coffee and tea, waiting. Just as Reborn had expected, the watcher returned at the exact same time as he had appeared before. This time though, after a few moments the watcher briefly flared his Flames, making it easy for Reborn to identify him.
Reborn was quite surprised at their identity, though it didn't show on his face. He actually felt slightly reassured that there would be no threat coming from their watcher. In contrast to most of the Mafia World, this man held loyalty and integrity in high regard.
Reborn flared his Flames in response and a few seconds later he could feel the man slowly making his way along the street towards their café. Harry was calmly sitting at his side watching the proceedings, ready to act if needed.
Reborn looked up, straight into the man's eyes when he stopped at their table.
There was a moment of silence.
Knowing the other man wouldn't start a conversation, being far too polite to do so without introductions, Reborn greeted first. "Hello, Fon."
A quick bow. "Zǎo, Reborn. I am glad to see you in good health."
Reborn wanted to snort. Always the polite one.
Despite his Flame type, Fon always appeared to be the embodiment of calm and quiet, unobtrusive, seeming almost harmless. Well, at least to anyone who didn't know him. Reborn had witnessed the unimaginable destruction wrought by this man once angered.
Fon could be just as lethal as Reborn himself, though he tended to try for a less brutal resolution of any given situation first. In the Chinese Triads Fon was known by 'Eye of the Storm'. Reborn thought it to be the best possible description for the man.
Deadly and deceiving calm, backed by inescapable, utterly destructive force.
No one ever saw the attack from the calm and polite Chinese coming. The man's inverted personality - sharply in contrast to most, usually obnoxious Storm Flame users - was probably one of the reasons they had gotten along surprisingly well right from the start. They had met years ago during the time Reborn had disappeared from the Mafia World to erase his existence. Both of them had still been pretty unknown in the criminal underworld at that point.
Though quickly figuring out their similar backgrounds, Reborn had joined Fon on a few jobs he had been doing for the triads during that time. They had come to know each other quite well during that time, and Reborn would even go so far as to say he trusted the Storm Flame user.
Well, as much as someone in their position could be trusted. At the very least he was certain that Fon would never stab him in the back - he was too honorable for that - but rather announce his intent to kill Reborn beforehand. That was as close to friendship as you could ever expect in their circles, without bonding or Family loyalty playing a role.
Reborn indicated for Fon to take a seat at their table and turned to introduce Harry. His Sky was clearly taking his cues from Reborn's behavior as he showed no signs of increased apprehension at Fon's appearance.
Instead he was watching the Storm Flame user with intent but bright eyes. Reborn wanted to shake his head. His Sky's curiosity was going to get them in trouble. Probably quite frequently as well. Boredom was definitely a problem he wouldn't be plagued with again anytime soon, Reborn thought cheerily to himself.
"Harry this is Fon, a member of the Chinese Triads and a comrade. Fon this is Harry, my Sky." Reborn just couldn't help himself.
He was well aware that Fon would have sensed Harry's Flame type even when he had first seen him, distant as though it might have been. A Sky of Harry's purity was like a beacon to Flame users like them.
But this was the first time Reborn got to introduce his Sky. Harmony was something he had sought for years, and now he not only had a Sky, he had Harry.
He damn well deserved to show a little smugness every once in a while.
A/N: Erm, so this was supposed to be a short chapter… 4000 words at most… What in the world happened?!
So, this didn't turn out quite as I had planned, though I really like it. Instead of the clash, you get Harry's recovered magic (finally!) and his first use of Flames… Also, an entire chapter without monologuing or lengthy explanations! I'm so proud of myself :) And dear god, all that fluff!
Next chapter will have quite a bit of Fon and also definitely George (hopefully I'll also finally manage the clash with some of the Order...)
Just as a heads-up, I will be moving to a different country in two weeks for a new job. With the move and the new job, the next updates might be coming less frequently. But even if you have to wait really long for an update, the story is definitely not abandoned! I hope that I will still be able to continue updating frequently, but I just don't know what to expect yet :)
Btw, I hope I got Fon's greeting right, please correct me if I didn't! If there is anyone who speaks Chinese, I would love some help with writing Fon as I don't know any Chinese at all :)
Chapter 13 review responses:
You guys are wonderful! Thanks for all the reviews!
To Ashpikachu4ever: Thanks for the review! There will definitely be some bashing, though not too much as I'm trying to keep this mostly realistic for their 'verses. Still, some bashing will be fun…
To Silvermane1: Thanks for reviewing again! Andy and Teddy will show up at some point, though I can't tell you when at this point exactly.