Cry for Help
There weren't a lot of things that were going through Harry Potter's head when he first saw the Dementor. He relied mostly on instinct, and he knew if it weren't for Sirius Black, he probably wouldn't have a soul.
Being fifteen years old, Harry was aware that his godfather was innocent of the crimes he was sentenced to. Something he had learned about two years prior.
His godfather's escape and revenge on Pettigrew is how he learned about Dementors in the first place. Though he knew he would learn about them eventually. But most people didn't come face to face with one as they tried to suck out your soul.
Harry just figured that was the Potter luck running its endless course. He never had that great of luck to begin with.
Though he didn't know why the Dementor had been there in the first place. This was a muggle suburb. Weren't the Dementors in charge of guarding Azkaban? He may be a Gryffindor, but he wasn't an idiot.
Questions were flying through his mind but had no answers to a single one.
Even with a Patronus flying out the tip of his wand, his cousin, Dudley, still felt the Dementor. And he wasn't exactly sure what that would do to a muggle. He learned about what it could do to a witch or wizard.
Even so, Harry should have expected on what happened next.
Slap!
Harry's face stung as flesh met his cheek. Then he felt himself being grabbed before being shaken violently.
Harry flinched as he looked up, met with Vernon's ice-cold blue eyes, filled with fury. The slap from Aunt Petunia still burning, small scraps from her sharp nails on his left cheek. But he was just grateful she hadn't slapped his right. It was still bruised and puffy from Vernon's punishment a few days ago.
He was unable to stop from crying out as Vernon slammed him into the wall before dropping him. He was sure the welts from Vernon's belt were opened again.
"I will not stand for this freakishness anymore!" Vernon thundered with a swift kick, before grabbing Harry by the back of his shirt.
"We have fed you! Clothed you! Gave you a roof to sleep under! And you repay us by attacking our son with your freaky devil gift!"
"I didn't!" Harry cried, wincing as Vernon dragged him with a harsh tug.
"I've reached my limit!" Vernon shouted.
"Vernon, the neighbors!" Petunia squeaked as Vernon opened the front door.
"I don't give a fuck!" Vernon hissed, "I have had it!" With that he threw Harry outside, the young boy crying out as he felt his elbow snap when it hit the driveway's concrete.
"You aren't welcome here! No matter what that fool of an old man says! I won't have you staining the family anymore." He yelled, throwing the large trunk outside along with Hedwig's, thankfully empty cage. Harry was more grateful than ever that he had let her fly free after the first punishment, in fear of her life.
Tears were still running down his face while cradling the now broken arm. Desperately wishing for the pain to end.
He couldn't even bring himself to wipe them away.
And no matter how many times he had wished to get away from the Dursleys. He didn't ever think they would actually kick him out like this. Perhaps when he turned of age.
The door to the house was then slammed shut.
He had to think of his options, and fast. First and easiest of course was Mrs. Figg, who was right down the lane. She was a squib and his watcher. But he dismissed her quickly, she would just contact Dumbledore who would force him to stay with the Dursleys', who had just kicked him out. And seeing that Dumbledore forced him every year to stay at the Dursleys, he needed to keep away from him.
Second, Blaise Zabini, his best friend. Who would be a great option and he could send a letter to Hedwig with his good arm. But he was currently in Italy living with his mother, the Black Widow. The letter wouldn't arrive in time before Dumbledore would notice something was wrong.
He briefly debated flying there, but even with as stupidly Gryffindor he was, he knew it was a bad idea. He would never make it in his condition. And Blaise would curse him black and blue for even thinking of the idea.
His Quidditch friends, Fred and George, unfortunately had a Dumbledore loving mother and their younger brother and sister were just as bad. This also meant he couldn't risk writing to them either. Ronald and Ginevra knew Hedwig and he had heard that they would steal the letters for the twins claiming that they were his best friends and that he would only write them, never the twins.
Harry bit his lip, which was bruised.
He knew that he couldn't trust any of the people in Gryffindor. They were probably on Dumbledore's side and force him back to his relatives. Who had kicked him out of the house. Not that he wanted to live there anyways.
Surely... he could trust a Slytherin.
Obviously, he would never request help from Malfoy. He would think it was hilarious that the poor Boy-Who-Lived got hurt by mere muggles.
But Blaise had mentioned a few of the Slytherins that were older than him. But the name was escaping him.
He had been the seeker for Slytherin before Malfoy elbowed and bribed his way to the position.
Even at a first year, it had been the first Slytherin that never cheated. Something that Harry would never have remembered, but he had recalled how odd and different that was.
Course, Blaise had punched his arm while muttering, "not every Slytherin likes to cheat."
He could go to Theo's, but unfortunately although Theo was a friend, his Father had been a high-ranking Death Eater. He wouldn't hesitate to kill him.
Terence! That was it! Terence Higgs. He was an Ally. His family had been neutral for years. In fact, his cousin who had graduated last year, Roger Davis had been a Ravenclaw Chaser and went to Yule Ball with Fleur.
Now, that Harry remembered his name. He could almost recall some of the conversations that he had with Blaise about him. It wasn't often that the older Slytherin was brought up. Though Blaise had mentioned he hadn't tried to join back with Quidditch. He honestly had no idea what Terence decided to pursue.
But it seemed he was his only option at that moment. He didn't know anyone else that he could ask for help.
Harry brightened when he saw Hedwig circling above him. She could deliver a letter to Higgs. The older boy should be able to either apparate to him or get his parents too. With a limp he grabbed his trunk with his unbroken arm, and dragged him trunk down the road, Hedwig following him in the air.
Harry brightened, and with a limp he dragged his trunk down the road. There was a tiny little shack in the small woods at the reserve. He had hidden there many times from Dudley and his friends playing, "Harry Hunting."
As best he could, Harry tried to ignore the pain in his arm. It was hard to use his good hand to dig in his trunk to find a piece of parchment. He needed to eventually get the things out of that floorboard from the Dursleys, but he didn't dare to go back there yet.
He was terrified of the possibility that his relatives would catch him trying to sneak back in. His wand had been locked in his trunk. But there were some things there that he couldn't leave behind.
He knew that his handwriting was probably even worse than normal. Hopefully Higgs would be able to make out his words.
He groaned when he saw small drops of blood on the parchment. He lifted his hand, only to flinch when he felt an open gash on the side of his head, must have been when his head hit a picture frame on the wall.
With a sigh, he folded the parchment and tied it to Hedwig's leg, hopefully it held tight. Tying it had been difficult with only one hand.
Even trying to wiggle his fingers on his broken arm was painful. So, he didn't dare try to use it for anything.
"Terence Higgs, girl," Harry whispered to Hedwig. "Wait for a response and hurry..."
He didn't even know where Higgs lived but she had never failed to deliver a letter before. He just hoped that she would know where he was.
She had managed to find Sirius while he kept on the move though, so he knew if any owl would find Higgs, it would be Hedwig.
And as much as Harry hated doing nothing, he had to wait. Who knows how long it would take for the letter to arrive and if Higgs thought his letter was serious enough to warrant a reply.
He only hoped that Blaise was right.
With a shudder, he lay against the shacks wall, trying to relax his body. Maybe he could have a small nap, sleep through the pain. With that he closed his eyes and focused on his breathing.
Harry snapped awake at the sound of apparition, wand at the ready, the fear of Dumbledore finding him overriding his logic.
His fear of being forced back at the Dursleys, making him forget why moving anything was a bad idea.
He let out a loud cry of pain, dimly registering the soft and gentle hand on his shoulder.
"Potter!" the voice called, with the tears gathering and the darkness, he could only vaguely make out a figure before him. Helping him drink a pain potion.
He almost had the urge to spit the potion back out. Potions still tasted disgusting, but there was a thought in the back of his mind that he was being helped. A concept that was almost foreign to him.
He managed to choke it back and let out a loud sigh as the relief was almost instant. He knew that the pain wasn't really gone, most likely numbed for the moment. Pain relieving potions only helped him so much.
He blinked the tears out and wiped them away. Finally looking at the figure before him.
"Terence." He smiled happily, "Thank you."
He had only seen the Slytherin a handful of times. But he felt like he had his face memorized.
"It's nice to know that Blaise wasn't wrong..." he mumbled.
The Slytherin frowned, "About what?" He asked helping Harry stand slowly. His light brown hair flopping in front of his eyes.
Harry blinked his eyes at Terence, "huh?" as if he didn't understand Terence's question. Unaware that he had said something.
"What was Blaise right about?" Terence clarified with a laugh.
Harry scrunched his eyebrows together, "he's right about a lot of things."
"That Snape will probably kill one of the students one day. Probably a Gryffindor or Hufflepuff. Ravenclaws are smart enough to avoid his ire. Dumbledore is an arrogant fool, not all Slytherins want to curse me and Gryffindors. The Ministry will finally lose it one day. Though it hard to count everything Blaise says," Harry rambled on.
Terence laughed, "Yeah, can't disagree with any of those." His blue eyes sparkling.
"Though I still have yet to see Blaise curse Malfoy. He says he has, but I've yet to hear of it. Though his whining does get more annoying during some parts of the year. And surely Theo may have mentioned it at least once. But he does always have his head stuck in a book," Harry muttered, almost forgetting who was by him, supporting weight. Because he obviously couldn't make his legs walk straight without his back spasming.
"Merlin, you talk a lot." Terence chuckled as he grabbed the trunk and wrapped his arm around Harry's waist. "And also, almost all of Slytherin has cursed Malfoy at least once."
Harry's mouth snapped shut, he knew he talked more when he was trying to distract himself. And he knew what he was trying to distract himself from. It was easier than admitting or even thinking of the past few hours. And he knew that Terence would eventually see the state of him. So, it was a good distraction for now.
Though his cheeks heated up at the warm touch. He couldn't ever recall someone touching his waist, not even Theo or Blaise.
"Alright, have you ever side along apparated before?" Terence asked carefully.
"Side along?" Harry repeated, unsure if he had heard Terence right or not.
"I will take that as a no." Terence muttered, "listen carefully, this is going to feel tight and like you can't breathe. Just relax, don't fight my hold. My magic is going to squeeze you as we leave. It's to protect you and you need to stay as still as possible. If I lose concentration, we could both leave a limb behind."
Harry had a fearful look in his eyes as he gulped. He didn't like the sound of losing a limb.
"Okay..." he mumbled
"Shit, your eyes are glazed and you're slurring words," Terence muttered, "Have to get you back home. Hold tight, take a breath."
Harry nodded as he breathed in and wanted to gasp at the tight pressure on his chest. Eyes closed tightly, trying to not move, the pain in his back and arm searing.
He could already feel the effects of the pain potion wearing off. Pain Relief Potions never lasted too long for him.
Harry started to gag as they landed, snapping his eyes back shut after opening and seeing the room spinning around him before throwing up on the carpet. Eyes rolling back into his head as he passed out.
At least now he wouldn't feel any pain until he woke back up. So, for now he could focus on not feeling anything as he laid unconscious.
Terence groaned as he grabbed Harry tightly, lifting him into a bridal carry. "Tippy!" He called, "I need my medical bag!" He ordered when a small house elf popped into view.
"Yes, Master Higgs." She squeaked. As she popped back out, Terence carried Harry to the closest bedroom, laying him on the guest bed.
The first thing he noticed was that the Gryffindor was incredibly light. Lighter than he should be, it was a bit unnerving to realize this.
The light certainly helped him see Harry Potter. The first thing he noticed was the way his clothes practically hung off him. He was so thin.
The next thing he saw was the bruise on the boy's cheek and his arms. And he already knew from the boy's reactions, those injuries didn't end there.
With precise movements, he vanished Harry's shirt. Gasping as the bloody mess hiding beneath.
There were bruises everywhere. There wasn't a patch of skin that was unblemished.
As much as he hated to admit it, he had even believed in the lies that Harry Potter had a perfect life.
Course, some of the younger students in Harry Potter's year tried to change his mind about it. But his mind had been unyielding and refused to believe the words. Even from Blaise, who he had known for years, even before Hogwarts.
It was awful to look at, but he forced himself to breathe, taking the bag from Tippy when she popped into the room.
"Thanks, Tippy. Can you make you make some chicken soup for when he wakes up?"
"Yes, Master Higgs." Tippy nodded, popping out as Terence started pulling potions, pastes and creams from his bag.
Even with his experience, it was one thing to focus on injuries and healing them. And it was another to heal the injuries and know the person personally.
And he had been trained under the best Hogwarts had to offer. And it was rare for Madam Pomfrey to accept apprentices. It was something he took very seriously. But he wanted away from death and murder from his life. It had been why he had escaped that life as soon as he could. It was how he knew Blaise's mother and eventually Blaise. She was his godmother. Something that his parents claimed they regretted years later. But Terence never did.
Thankfully, they hadn't been able to find grounds of removing the home left to him by his uncle. So, the minute he had turned seventeen, he left the Higgs Manor and made himself comfortable in the Davis Cottage.
It was much better than the manor. Obviously not as big as Malfoy Manor. But still had felt cold and dark. Almost unwelcoming to any who stepped foot there. Terence had preferred the cottage.
Even if his parents had remembered the cottage. They wouldn't know the location, providing they even cared. Which Terence knew they didn't.
But the place was more of a home to him than the Manor ever was.
"Fucking Merlin." He cursed when he rolled Harry over and saw the open welts bleeding across his back. He forced himself to relax and quickly started pulling out Blood Replenishers and potions for fighting blood poisoning.
Everything he knew about Harry Potter was being shattered. And as much as he hated to admit it. Blaise had been right. It made him wonder if Blaise had known. If Harry Potter had told him.
Surely Blaise would have trusted him enough to tell him. Knowing that he would be able to help. But hadn't he tried?
Terence felt guilt run through him. Blaise had tried and he brushed it away. Perhaps all this could have been avoided.
But why had Potter sent an owl to him? He didn't even know him... Why didn't he owl Blaise?
It was so confusing.
Terence shook his head. He couldn't be distracted. He needed to focus on healing and then later he could later think about everything.
Even after thinking this, Terence couldn't help but think... what happened?
It didn't help that Potter was unconscious otherwise he would just ask him. And just because he may have told Blaise, didn't mean he would admit anything to him.
Though his first concern was the head wound. There was dried blood there, that was easy enough to vanish.
Unfortunately, the moment the dried blood was vanished, the wound started to flow blood again. He quickly waved his wand, checking for infection while trying to slow the blood flow. He slowly cleansed the wound before closing it. He was careful with his wand movements as the wound was stitched together. He did wrap it as a precaution. You could never be too careful, especially where head wounds were concerned.
He waved his wand in an intricate manner, letting his scans run to give him diagnostics so he could better help the Gryffindor. What he saw, shocked him.
Diligently he pulled out the bruise paste for Harry's chest; it was a chess board with half his body covered in half black and blue bruising. He frowned when he had to reset the broken ribs before applying the paste and binding the chest tightly.
Though he had to heal the wounds on his back before he could even bind his chest.
What could have made those marks? He didn't know of any dark curses that would leave that type of pattern. They almost looked like welts. He didn't even think cutting curses would have caused that.
Cleaning them had been easy enough, but the funny shape of the open cuts made it harder to stitch the skin back together.
And it was obvious that the wounds had tried to heal but something had opened them back up. It was likely the apparition trip had not helped with that.
At least healing the Gryffindor's face was easier than his body. All it needed was bruise paste. Thankfully he had an abundance of it.
Finally, was another pain potion. Healing Harry had taken enough time, that he was able to take it. Shaking his head, he sat back in the chair. Calling Tippy for some food. Needing to relax and replenish his core. But wanting to stay close in case Harry woke up.
He had spelled the potion into his stomach. It was not a good idea to try to ease it down his throat while unconscious. His body could still reject the potion that way. So, spelling the potion in his stomach was the best alternative.
He knew he didn't have to stay in the same room. But he knew that he would be alarmed if he suddenly woke up somewhere that was unfamiliar to him.
Though a nap sounded really tempting about now. Especially after all the magic he just used.
He eased the water down his throat, his mouth suddenly felt dry. Though Tippy had provided him a short meal. It wouldn't be enough to fill him up for his dinner. But it would be enough to get food on his stomach. His eyes drooped as he propped himself on the nearby couch, resting back.
Terence was woken up to Harry startling awake. The young Gryffindor sitting up, crying in pain at the jolt with his ribs. Eyes flickering around the room in fear.
"Potter!" Terence shouted, hoping it would get his attention.
"Stop! You're going to reopen your wounds!"
"Higgs!" Harry gasped, finally recognizing the man beside his bed. Memories of Vernon beating him, throwing him out, and Higgs coming for him in the shack.
"No memory loss?" Terence questioned. He noticed the slight calm look that came over the Gryffindor. So, he recognized him, that was good.
"I don't think so." Harry shook his head, flinching at the pain.
"Here." Terence hurried to give him another pain potion. "Careful."
Terence helped ease the potion down Potter's throat. He didn't trust him to hold the potion on his own. His grip would probably be weak and drop it.
"Try not to move your head, it's going to be tender for a bit. Head wounds are a very serious matter."
"Nothing I haven't experienced before." Harry said flippantly.
Terence frowned at that; it was making him even more curious. But was it really his place to ask? He knew that he didn't really know the Gryffindor. But he made it sound like it was an everyday thing. Which was alarming to him. He had dealt with having dark parents and what that came with. His childhood was not all that grand compared to some others. He was coming to realize that he didn't know anything about Potter.
"This has happened before?" He asked hesitantly.
Harry shut his mouth quickly, closing his eyes and after what seemed ages, he nodded.
Terence tried not to be shocked, he really did. But Harry admitting it, it really sunk home. He could feel his assumptions completely shattering. It was one thing to assume after everything he saw and healed. But to hear the words... it was mind blowing.
Though he felt he was already treading on a very uncomfortable topic. And it could be pushing it to ask who and what exactly happened.
"Why me?" Terence asked instead.
Harry looked up confused. "What?"
"Why would you send an owl to me? Surely you know others that could have helped. Even Blaise, but you don't even know me. Why would you send a letter to me of all people? And not many people know that I'm training as a Healer. You couldn't have known," Terence elaborated.
"Blaise said I could trust you." Harry shrugged. "He is in Italy, with the extended family. The owl would never have reached him before Dumbledore found out I was gone."
Terence blinked at him; he hadn't even noticed that Blaise had ever mentioned him. Never even considered the thought.
"Dumbledore? What does Dumbledore have anything to do with this?"
Harry felt himself closing down, but at the same time, all he wanted was to tell someone. He was ready to leave the golden boy cage and he was over being controlled.
"He knows." Harry said, "About all of this. But sends me back as my magical guardian, overriding my godfather and imprisoning us both."
"Magical guardian?" Terence repeated. "There's no way that Dumbledore can be your magical guardian."
"He shouldn't be." Harry sneered. "He took control of the Potter estate and my guardianship when he sent my innocent Godfather to Azkaban."
Terence shook his head, "and you didn't think to tell Gringotts of this?! Like Dumbledore literally can't be a magical guardian. His position as Headmaster prevents him from being a magical guardian unless he is the father of that child. And considering you are the child of Lily and James Potter; I honestly doubt that. So, the only say he has is when you are at Hogwarts and that is only for disciplinary actions, which your Head of House is required to be present for," Terence explained.
"I don't have the family key." Harry admitted ashamedly. "Dumbledore always buys my stuff for me before the year starts."
Terence cursed under his breath, "and you didn't find that suspicious at all!?"
"Of course, I did." Harry rolled his eyes. "But no one would have listened to an eleven-year-old over the Headmaster of Hogwarts who defeated Grindelwald and who was apparently the only wizard Voldemort feared. I had to bid my time. Wait for the right moment."
Terence snorted; Potter wasn't wrong about that.
"Yet the ones that would have listened would be your Account Manager. Goblins don't meddle in wizard affairs. You will find that don't give a rat's arse who Dumbledore is."
"What account manager?" Harry asked sharply. "I only met the Goblin who spoke to Hagrid and then the cart goblin, Griphook."
"Good Merlin..." Terence muttered. "I'm gonna curse Blaise the next time I see him..."
"Every major family account has an Account Manager. The Potter family is no different. Though they were supposed to have you meet with them on your first visit. It's possible that they didn't because you were with Hagrid, who would not be allowed in the room while speaking to your Account Manager."
"No one offered anything." Harry mused. "Hagrid just told me to not make eye contact and dragged me to one that seemed to be expecting us."
"Of course, they won't offer that. Hagrid would not be allowed privy to any of that information, not even in your presence. You would have to request it. Goblins are very private when it comes to their clients and their accounts."
Harry had a thoughtful look cross his face, "If I could get my hands on my parents' will and the funding they left in my vault. There might not be much money, but hopefully enough to get me out."
Terence outright laughed at that.
Harry scowled furiously, although it looked more like a Demiguise than a dragon.
It slowly died down to a snicker, "you have no idea how laughable that idea is. Not much money... Right..."
"Though the will is an easy solution. You just have to request that from either the Ministry or Gringotts. I would choose Gringotts since the Ministry doesn't always like to expedite the process."
"What on earth is funny about the money?" Harry asked, brows still furrowed. "And how do I request the will in Gringotts?"
"The fact that your family is known as a very wealthy family. Surely you didn't think the vault you saw your first year was the only vault you have. And honestly you can either go to Gringotts and ask for the Potter Account Manager to ask or send an owl. Even if the Ministry has the wills, they'll send them to Gringotts. Even the Ministry isn't foolish enough to anger them. But given that the Ministry has been intercepting owls lately. Sending an owl may not be in your favor," Terence shrugged
"They are allowed to do that?" Harry gasped; he had replied to Blaise's letter about Italy just a week ago.
"And you be surprised what the Ministry will do and get away with. Cause for security and all that."
"Though I do want to know what you meant by Dumbledore keeping you prisoner from your earlier remark. There's more to that that you're not saying," Terence brought up
"Ugh, he claims there are blood wards on my Muggle family's home." Harry groaned. "But I found the Rune Stone just before third year, and when I looked it up once I got to Hogwarts it wasn't a blood stone."
"Fuck, what did he use?" Terence asked.
"It was a ward to keep me in, I can't go further than the park unless taken by an adult magical." Harry admitted. "Plus, it kept my Godfathers Sirius and Remus from finding me for thirteen years. Neither of them can get into my boundary line to remove me."
"You live with muggles?" Terence asked, as if that just occurred to him
"Yeah," Harry nodded, but tensed ready for an insult. "My mother was a muggle born, the only family I have left is her awful sister, her husband and son."
"Of course, they would be horrible if muggle or magical," Harry muttered.
Terence snorted, "you do realize that you probably had more relatives on your dad's side. At least they would know about magic."
"And I thought Dumbledore couldn't get any more foolish..." Terence muttered, though it was more to himself.
"No one has mentioned my dad's magical side." Harry frowned. "I know Sirius and Remus were basically adopted by my grandmother. But I was told everyone else on that side died in the first wizarding war."
Terence crossed his arms, "then they never looked into it."
"But knowing this does help me know how to treat some of your injuries. I wasn't sure if some had anything to do with dark magic or curses. It's not good, but you probably already knew that."
"Muggles got inventive, they don't need to have curses at their hands." Harry snickered.
Terence frowned; he didn't really find the comment that funny. It was more serious to him. But he supposed that was the Healer side to him.
Even as a kid in his parents' house. He doubted he would have joked about it. He had been more closed off about it. But it wasn't like it was all that uncommon when you had dark parents. But it was common practice that you didn't talk about it. But he still had his extended family that would heal him. Mainly his uncle and Godmother.
But he supposed, it was most likely Harry's odd way of dealing with it.
And now he could understand more about the marks on his back. They weren't from any magical means. Which meant they were easier to heal. He didn't have to worry about any magical backlashes due to dark magic. Because there were still some wounds from dark magic that never healed.
"Don't pity me." Harry snapped, "It's worse than fear or worship."
Terence scoffed, "who said anything about pity."
Harry narrowed his eyes. "Everyone either pities you or thinks you deserve it." He shrugged.
"Does Blaise think that?" Terence replied
"Blaise isn't normal." Harry scoffed with a quirked lip.
Terence gave a slight chuckle, "he does have his moments. But you'll find most Slytherins don't have your ideology. And you aren't permitted to count Malfoy. "
Harry laughed, "I don't think he is worth counting." he shook his head. "Although I don't understand what his issues with me really are."
Terence shrugged, "jealousy for one."
"Because there is so much to envy." Harry rolled his eyes.
"Never said that he had all the intelligence of a Slytherin. Like most, he's jealous of your fame. Also, the fact you have friends," Terence pointed out
"Yea," Harry snorted, "Blaise and Theo mentioned he wasn't very popular after trying to order Flint in his first year or screaming wait until my father hears about this." Harry laughed, affecting his voice as best as he could in an imitation of Malfoy.
"That's putting it lightly." Terence smirked, "They made a drinking game of how many times he said that to an older year." He shook his head with a shudder. "Graham and Adrian ended up with alcohol poisoning once. Marcus of course out drank everyone and got up early to scream us onto the Quidditch Pitch for training the next morning."
"Of course, Madam Pomfrey was furious after the fact, "
"I can only imagine." Harry gasped in between chuckles, wiping his tears away happily. Sighing and laying back on the insanely soft pillows. "Thank you, Terence." He whispered. Terence startled at the sound of his first name coming from the lips before him. They were pink with some small cuts and Harry's tongue darted out to wet them.
Terence couldn't help but to be a bit transfixed on them before shaking his head.
"Nothing to thank me for," he mumbled.
"You didn't have to come and get me." Harry countered.
"Would you have preferred that I didn't?" Terence shot back with a raised eyebrow
"Don't be stupid." Harry rolled his eyes. "But it is why I am thanking you."
Terence shook his head, "you Gryffindors make no sense sometimes. You shouldn't even need to thank me to begin with"
"Slytherins don't make sense." Harry shot back with a soft smile, "Someone helps you; you thank them."
"And yet... you are best friends with a Slytherin," Terence laughed. "I would think you would be used to us by now.
Harry laughed, "Yeah, sometimes I wish I had let the hat sort me into Slytherin first year."
Terence raised an eyebrow at that, he had never known about that. He wondered if Blaise knew.
"Would have saved you some headache from mindless Gryffindors."
Harry snorted, "Yeah, could have escaped Weasley before having to share a room with the nutcase."
Terence cackled at that; he did not envy Harry Potter for that one bit.
He may not know the youngest son of that family. But he had heard countless stories of his brothers bemoaning about him. And what the others Slytherins have said about him. It was not very flattering.
"Yeah, laugh it up." Harry grinned, thanking Tippy as she popped into the room with some soup and water.
"Perks of being an older Slytherin with the downside of having to deal with the ferret faced blonde worm," Terence smirked at him.
Harry choked on his water, spitting it out on Terence's face, much to his horror and embarrassment.
"Oh Merlin." Harry choked, "I am so sorry."
Terence took a step back in surprise as he wrinkled his nose. At least it had been water.
"I rather it be water than some juice or potion," Terence muttered, ignoring the apology.
He shook the stray droplets out of his hair before pulling his shirt up and drying his face.
"Tere...Terence" Harry stuttered, wide eyed, staring at the lean and toned stomach before him.
Terence dropped his shirt, clueless on why Harry was just staring at him. Slack jaw and stunned.
He was used to being glared at, not stared at. It was a bit... weird... to him.
"You didn't even say anything when I accused you of pity. Why?" Harry asked, trying to ignore the other feeling that came from seeing Terence shirtless. The tanned and athletic body had had its own scars. But instead of a belt and fist, they appeared to be dark magic if the dead skin around the small scars was any indication.
Terence tensed up, almost as if going on defensive.
"You didn't ask."
"No one really just asks that without having a reason to suspect it." Harry rebutted, "I get it though, I'm sorry."
Terence gave a sigh at that, "maybe I should have said something. But I didn't think it was required really. And you probably know better than most that are certain things that you don't want to talk about."
"Well, if you ever do want to talk about it." Harry offered, "Who better than someone who understands?"
Terence snorts, "not something I expected to hear from anyone. Especially a Gryffindor."
Harry laughed, "We aren't all brash idiots who can't take things seriously."
Terence snickered, "I supposed if you managed to be friends with Blaise this long, part of that is true. I suppose the first thing you should know is that I have an older sister. A sister that I like to pretend doesn't exist."
"Oh really?" Harry asked, smiling as he relaxed in the bed. For the first time in his life, he felt completely at ease and safe.
"And I know you probably heard some of the stuff about purebloods, well a lot of it is true. And a lot of weight is placed upon the heir. And that sure isn't me. I may know a bit of what you went through. But for me, I never had parents that wanted me. You did. My parents would have gladly let me die. They even tried to a few times. My sister is no better than them. So, there, that's my life story," Terence crossed his arms, almost hugging himself.
Harry reached his hand across to touch Terence's arm.
"I'm sorry Terence." He whispered. "No one should feel that from family."
Terence frowned; he wasn't expecting that as an answer. Not that it wasn't a bad one, just... unexpected.
"Thanks... I guess..."
"Besides." Harry added with a wicked smirk. "Getting pay back by being better and punishing them for it, is always fun,"
Terence snorted, "you're not wrong about that. But I don't care about being some blasted heir. They can keep their heir and their manor. They are all signing their death warrants anyways. At least for me, I know I will live when they won't."
"See." Harry smirked, "The bright side right there."
Terence shook his head with a grin. Harry's attitude was a bit infectious. Given he was a Gryffindor, that wasn't surprising. But he was beginning to realize how much that Slytherin may have benefited him.
"If I have the money, like you said I do, I might buy my uncle's workplace just to fire him." Harry mused with a chuckle.
Terence snickered at that, "you're on your own on that one. I have no idea how things work in the muggle world. Perhaps enough to get by unnoticed, but that is about it."
Then Terence took the moment to study Harry.
"All of that aside. Any pain, soreness, tenderness?"
Harry shrugged, "A little tenderness, but the pain potion really helped." He smiled happily.
"You are pretty good at this stuff."
"Given the damage done to your ribs and back, I am not surprised. But you won't have any scarring," Terence remarked. "Though I would hope I am good at it since I already have taken my exams as a certified Healer."
"Wait, really?!" Harry asked shocked,
"I didn't study under Madam Pomfrey for nothing," Terence mutter defensively.
"Madam Pomfrey takes students?"
"In rare cases, she does," Terence confirmed.
"You must be really smart for her to take you then" Harry grinned, "I am not sure what I want to do yet."
"May want to decide soon," Terence warned. "Your Head of House will have a conversation with you about careers. And you'll need to know with it being your OWLS year."
"Everyone excepts me to be an Auror." Harry sighed, "I've been playing the perfect golden boy, biding my time. But I really can't bring myself to pretend to care about being one."
"Given what Blaise has said, there is no way you would be an Auror," Terence said bluntly.
"Gee thanks" Harry deadpanned.
"I lost count of how many times I heard that you like to avoid violence. If you hate violence, you don't want anything to do with being an Auror. Its all about fighting. And you're not a fighter."
"I am so sick of fighting." Harry groaned. "It's the only thing people think I am good at! I prefer Care of Magical Creatures, Runes, helping people, Quidditch and flying in general."
Could work in Runes, Curse Breaking, Wards, Professor, or a Quidditch Player. You have possibilities there," Terence replied.
"Yeah," Harry smiled before groaning, "I could do without the bitching and moaning."
"Granger yelled at me when I did better on the Runes end of year exam in third year. Weasley followed me for a week bitching about me ditching him when he found out I wasn't taking Divination and he only chose Care of Magical Creatures because he heard it was easy and I was doing it. Now all he does is try to pair up with me and complain when we actually have to do work."
"Stopped when you partnered with Blaise, didn't it?" Terence guessed.
Harry laughed, "Theo cursed Granger after a Runes class after she smacked me for not doing my worksheet the same way as her. Blaise just outright punched Weasley when he said my parent's would be disappointed with me for being friends with a Slytherin."
Terence laughed, "that's definitely Blaise for you. He can be quite overprotective at times, though. Though, I suppose it's better than Marcus. He would have given them a sentence in the Hospital Wing for several weeks."
Harry laughed, "Yeah, I saw him once, I don't know what happened. But Flint was beating the life out of McLaggen."
Terence grimaced, "yeah... that was probably one of the times that he had almost killed one of the Slytherins in his year. They may have been a Chaser. I really haven't followed Quidditch since I was around fourteen."
"When Malfoy bribed his way onto the team." Harry said knowingly.
Terence scowled at the mention of that. He had still wanted to curse the pounce more for that. But he supposed it was better that way. He was able to focus on his studies and his apprenticeship as a Healer.
"I am sorry about that." Harry whispered, "Pretty sure he only did it to compete with me."
Terence shrugged, "it was probably a good thing. I would have to give up Quidditch to continue my apprenticeship. Since I would be needed in the Hospital Wing because of Quidditch, and it won't do me any good to be playing when I have priorities elsewhere."
Harry smiled, "Silver lining for everything."
Terence smirked, "it is one of my house colors."
Harry laughed joyfully; he couldn't remember a time feeling this content.
"Alright. I believe that's enough talking for today. You need to eat and rest. And I need sleep and not just take a nap," Terence rubbed a hand over his face. He felt exhausted.
It wasn't something that Terence normally would do, but he pulled the duvet around the Gryffindor. He made sure to be careful because of the bandages.
Harry blushed as Terence's fingers grazed his skin.
"If you need me. Just summon Tippy and she'll fetch me. And if you feel any pain. It don't matter on how small you think it is, I want to know immediately. You are not to be a Gryffindor and try to tough it out. I don't need you to be dying of blood loss on me because of your stubborn pride," Terence lectured him.
"No promises," Harry teased.
Terence shook his head fondly.
"Terence…" Harry called out.
"Yeah?" Terence tiled his head, eying the nervous fifteen-year-old.
"Thank you," Harry repeated sincerely, licking his lips, his mouth feeling extremely dry.
Terence gave a slight nod, unable to form any words at that moment.
Harry didn't have Terence woken up by Tippy during the night. He was actually able to get a decent sleep.
Terence still kept a very close eye on his injuries as they were healing. And he did get threatened to be stuck to the bed.
Harry wondered if the former Slytherin had stolen that threat from Madam Pomfrey. She had also threatened to use a Sticking Charm and stick him to the bed until she released him from the Hospital Wing.
Though he was sure that Terence was being serious about the matter. So, he didn't test him… much.
Harry continued to talk to Terence as he healed. It wasn't quite a confession of information like the first night. But there were snippets of information given here and there about their lives. Even Harry had opened up a bit more to Terence.
And he later found that Terence was telling the truth, not that he believed he had lied. But none of his injuries had left a scar. Magic was truly remarkable.
Because despite Terence's words at the time, Harry had still believed it would leave another series of scars behind on his body.
His body had sagged in relief. He definitely didn't want another scar on his head. He didn't care much for his back, those he wouldn't be able to see. And adding a few more scars wouldn't have made any difference.
He was being proven again and again just how brilliant Terence was. He could understand on why Madam Pomfrey took him as her apprentice. His determination and driven nature had served him well. Harry almost envied him for it. To know what he wanted to do where Harry was still unsure and confused.
And then Terence found out about what Dumbledore and his crowd was doing.
"Wait what?!" Harry was caught off guard.
"You knew he was about to find out eventually," Terence pointed out.
Harry shrugged, "sure… but it seriously took him over a week? I mean the Dursley's weren't quiet when tossing me on my arse"
Terence looked thoughtful, "then that should tell you where the priorities lie. Granted I haven't trusted any of them ever since I heard his name. And I would give it some time before you try to make a visit to Gringotts. They will be out looking for you."
"It's going to be a pain waiting to meet with the account manager." Harry pouted, "But on the plus side, I have a feeling Sirius and Remus would be driving Dumbledore mental."
"Why is that?" Terence asked.
"They enjoy it." Harry laughed. "They blame him rightly so for not letting them raise me and be in my life more. When they found out I was in the Triwizard Tournament Sirius punched Dumbledore and broke his nose."
Terence's lips twitched, "that would have been a sight to see. Can't say that it was not rightfully deserved though."
He had heard a few stories of Sirius and Remus, as well as Fred and George from Harry in the time he had been living with him. He wasn't sure if he would eventually stop being surprised by their antics.
Though, he was already familiar with Fred and George, being that some of their pranks were aimed at Slytherins. Though he had noticed none of their pranks had been aimed at him or anyone specific. It was either the entire house or Malfoy in general. And he could already put together on why that was.
In turn, he told Harry stories of his friends, Marcus, Graham, Adrian and Miles. How they all left their parents the moment they had been able to. How Marcus was now a chaser for the Wimbourne Wasps. Not that it had been a surprise, Marcus had always been obsessed with Quidditch. The rest of them going into other career paths, Curse Breaker, Runes, and working with the goblins at Gringotts. Then about his own desire to open his own medical practice because St Mungos often turned away those with magical creature blood or even family members of well-known Death Eaters.
Yet he was going to take Madam Pomfrey's offer as being a permanent assistant at Hogwarts. Since he wouldn't be under Dumbledore's orders. Healers didn't follow a Headmaster, even over a school. It was mandated by St. Mungos. But they wouldn't be responsible for his hiring. That was Madam Pomfrey.
Although, he did hope the man would consider retiring before they worked together for too long.
Maybe losing his golden boy would push him over the edge and he wouldn't return Terence thought gleefully.
Either that or his death would involve some plot from Voldemort. He wasn't a fool to know that he wanted the old man dead. There was a lot of people that did. But he also knew that Voldemort was a threat. There was a reason why he refused to follow in his parents' footsteps. Something he knew that they had tried to punish him for.
"You're thinking too hard Terence." Harry chuckled as he joined him in the lounge, laying down in front of the fire.
"Just a few things on my mind, is all," Terence sighed as he ran a hand through his hair.
"Want to talk about it?" Harry asked as he removed the wet jumper. He had been outside, watching the Thestral herd that lived just outside of the cottage's property, when it started to rain.
Terence watched; mouth slightly open as Harry's shirt came with the jumper.
"Merlin's ball!" Harry cursed as he waved his arms uselessly. "Terence?" He called. "A little help?"
It took Terence a few seconds to knock himself out of the slight stupor that he was in.
A snicker escaped his lips when he realized that Harry was actually stuck trying to remove his jumper.
His fingers traced over Harry's skin before grasping the thick fabric.
He saw Harry's deep breath at the touch and smirked lightly. Shaking his head, he pulled the jumper up as Harry pulled the shirt down. He couldn't contain the laughter at Harry's wild hair and askew glasses.
"Smooth." He joked.
"You want your jumper off which is soaking wet and yet keep on the shirt that is probably just as wet," Terence raised an eyebrow
"Huh," Harry mused, looking down to see his shirt was indeed just as wet. "Didn't realize it rained enough to go through." He admitted sheepishly.
Terence shook his head, "save me from ignorant Gryffindors..."
"I heard that!" Harry muttered, voice muffled as he removed the shirt, throwing it on top of the sweater and lying happily in front of the fire once again.
"Uhh, this is the life." Harry sighed happily.
"You were meant to!" Terence yelled back, already making his way down the hall to find something that would fit the Gryffindor. If not, he could shrink something...
He didn't think he could spend the night acting normally if he had to see that Quidditch toned body, let alone stretched out in front of that fire. The light dancing across his chest, arms and down to V... He gulped as he reached his room.
Unfortunately, all the clothes the muggles gave Harry were disgusting and he couldn't just shove the boy into the Hogwarts robes, so for now Harry just borrowed what he could.
Why he never brought his clothes for himself, he would never know. Then again, he apparently believed all he had was the Trust Vault.
But surely Blaise would have gotten him clothes if he had ever seen the state of those pathetic rags.
Shrugging he grabbed the first jumper he saw that could fit him. Snorting when he pulled it out, it had been his when he had been a third year, just plain green jumper with a picture of a dragon across the shoulders and collar. He frowned, he needed to feed Harry more if the clothes he had been borrowing from Terence's own third year. Even then, the clothes hadn't fitted him long, going through a growth spurt mid-way through the year.
It wasn't something he had worn much, given on how his parents were. But it had been a gift from his uncle, who had been kind enough to send it to him without his parents realizing it.
"Here." Terence grinned throwing it at Harry when he got back to lounge, finding the Gryffindor in same position. "Put this on." He laughed as it hit Harry in the face.
"What? Don't like what you see?" Harry asked cheekily, removing the shirt from his face, opening one eye to look at Terence. He slowly stood back to his feet, leaning on the wall, near the fireplace.
"Shouldn't I be asking you that?" Terence smirked.
"A dragon?" Harry asked when he looked at the jumper.
Terence shrugged, "I found them interesting at the time and my uncle thought it amusing to get it for me years ago."
"It's cute." Harry grinned, fingers tracing the picture. He had never been allowed to have cool clothes as a child, although he would be considered too old for childish clothes now, he still wanted them and loved them.
You would find a dragon cute," Terence shook his head, a grin on his lips.
"I've seen one hatch, of course I think they are cute." Harry shrugged, still not actually pulling the jumper on.
"So... he wasn't lying after all about that..." Terence mused out loud.
"What's that?" Harry asked looking up from where he had been admiring the softness of the jumper as he finally slipped it on.
"Malfoy was going on and on about a dragon being set loose on the castle," Terence snorted
"Technically, Norberta never entered the castle." Harry shrugged dismissively.
Terence shook his head, of course a Gryffindor would say that. Not like it wasn't a dragon...
"Me and Blaise helped by Fred and George smuggled her out before that happened." Harry added. Terence choked on his pumpkin juice.
"You smuggled a dragon off Hogwarts grounds?" He asked, gasping.
"Yeah." Charlie Weasley is a Dragon tamer, so Fred and George wrote him a letter, then distracted everyone with faulty fireworks while me and Blaise got Norberta into a crate and met Charlie and his friends at the gate by the lake."
"Never disbelieving anything from Blaise again," Terence muttered, still not believing what he was hearing.
"I don't know, he can exaggerate" Harry grinned.
"What about the story of you being bit by a Basilisk?" Terence asked suddenly, there was no way that one was real.
"Fucking blabbermouth." Harry groaned, rolling the sleeves of the jumper up to show Terence the large puncture scar.
Terence's eyes nearly bugged out of his head. He had to support himself against the wall because he would have fallen in shock otherwise.
"How are you still alive?!" Terence's mouth was gapped open.
His eyes kept straying from Harry's eyes to the puncture wound. Gentle fingers tracing over the wound. He could feel it was years old. It should have been impossible. Nobody had ever survived a Basilisk wound and lived to tell it.
"Fawkes, the Headmaster's phoenix cried on the wound almost directly after the fang was removed from my arm." Harry smiled sadly, "Fawkes broke through the forced familiar bond Dumbledore had him under, just to save my life. He disappeared after that; Dumbledore tried to tell me that he let Fawkes leave for a few years to find a mate. But I felt the backlash of the bond snapping when Fawkes cried on me."
Terence's lips were set in a thin line, "should have known that he forced Fawkes into a bond. There is no way a phoenix would have bonded with him."
"I can sort of feel a faint happiness and strum of a heartbeat if I focus on Fawkes enough." Harry admitted.
"He probably bonded you a little if you helped free him from a forced bond. They are very intelligent creatures," the former Slytherin replied. "You should consider yourself lucky. It's practically unheard of that someone survives a wound from a Basilisk."
"Yeah, I got an earful from Blaise about being so reckless." Harry nodded. "And to be fair, I shouldn't have told Voldemort that he wasn't as powerful as Dumbledore. I only said to piss him off, but I didn't think he would sic his bloody Basilisk on me"
"Merlin... help me..." Terence muttered...
Harry just grinned.
"Gryffindors are mad..."
Harry grinned. "But you love us." he teased, his stomach swooping at the thought of the joke being true in anyway.
The statement made Terence look at Harry, as if he wasn't sure he heard the words correctly.
But Harry was sat there, biting his lip as if nervous, a light blush staining his cheeks.
"I don't know" Terence hummed as he stalked towards the smaller boy. "You Gryffindors are pretty brash and impulsive." he teased.
Harry could feel his heart racing and his breathing hitch. "Maybe I shouldn't be more impulsive then. Sometimes I want something," He paused, eyes darting to Terence's lips. "But the Slytherin side of me makes me stop. I always thought I should work on that more."
"And what is your Gryffindor and Slytherin side telling you now?" Terence asked, mere inches away from Harry. So close that you could feel his breath washing over.
"That some risks might be worth taking." Harry breathed as he closed his eyes and closed the remaining distance, praying he wasn't wrong, and everything wouldn't be ruined
Terence was grateful that Harry made the first move. He wasn't sure how much he could hold himself back. The urge to kiss Harry had been strong over the last week.
His arms wrapped around Harry before carding into his messy hair.
Harry heard himself whimper as he fell into Terence's body, desperate for more. Arms reaching up to wrap around the broad shoulders, steadying himself. The feeling of Terence's long fingers tugging his messy hair was heaven. He sunk into the kiss, opening his mouth when he felt Terence's tongue. He had never been kissed before, although Blaise had jokingly offered to be practice a few times. He didn't actually fancy Harry, instead just enjoyed anyone's company, much like his mother.
He just hoped he wasn't doing it wrong, but from the hardness pressing into his stomach and the growl from Terence he didn't think he was.
His knees felt weak, but he didn't fall. Terence was literally kissing the life from him. It was intoxicating.
He never wanted this to end, but he needed to breathe, and so reluctantly he pulled back slightly. Looking up to Terence's steel blue eyes, full of emotion.
"Wow." he gasped, feeling silly but unable to truly articulate how amazing that had felt. He had always assumed kissing to be gross from the times he had caught couples kissing. Now, he could understand on how wrong he had been.
"Not the only one with a foolish crush, it seems," Terence murmured. Tracing a finger down Harry's cheek and brushed his lips. "Though, I suppose it is not considered foolish no longer."
Harry grinned so widely it hurt, he imagined he looked pretty stupid, but he couldn't contain it. For the first time in his life, he was getting what he truly dreamed and longed for.
Someone that actually didn't care about the titles as the Boy-Who-Lived. Didn't even seemed appealed to the fact he was considered famous for living. They didn't want him dead, and it was only a plus that Terence actually understood him. He knew about the pressures from expectations being thrusted at him. And more importantly, he understood the life of being mistreated and neglected. Which almost strengthened his attraction to the former Slytherin. Not to mention his looks, that was definitely a plus.
Harry leaned back in, looking for another kiss. Squeaking when Terence plundered his mouth again. Soft moans and they let themselves enjoy each other. Be in the moment. And he was really starting to enjoy kissing Terence, especially if every kiss was like this.
Though they didn't take it any further than kissing. There was no want to rush this. And Harry wasn't sure he was ready to be that exposed to Terence yet. One day perhaps, but that was not today.
"Just so you know, I don't share," Terence growled possessively.
"Good. Because neither do I," Harry replied.