Blue Kitsune: Hey everyone it's me and hoping everyone is having a merry Christmas Eve and as a gift to all those readers whose fav/following we have the next chapter ready for you all in time for those opening pressies. Enjoy and remember reviews are welcomes but flames nono.
Also, give thanks to MissMelrose437 who has been doing a fantastic job at betaing this and want to give her a round of applause for this. Show the love and review!
Disclaimer: Blue Kitsune does not own Walking Dead or Harry Potter, just the right to this story and the reverse gender of Harley (Harry) Potter
Chapter 04:
Making Good Impression
by Kicking Some Ass!
It had been barely 24 hours since she arrived here with the Dixon brothers in tow and come morning as everyone was up and about to start their usual daily task. Harley had come out of the RV to go and do what she could but from sunup to mid noon, she hadn't been able to get anyone to accept her as one of their own and offer her help in the chores.
She understood that after yesterday's incident they would still be a little on edge and nervous around her, even though Harley had left Sirius and Remy inside the Marauder to do some stuff to help around camp while also trying to introduce herself to those she met along the way.
Though it was easier said than done given their dubious expression. She didn't blame them given how wary they were as they looked to her and tried not to let it show they feared what happened to Shane could be done to them.
At least it's not like second or fourth year all over again, she really should count that as a good thing because if they heard her hissing they might freak even more and then there would be more hell to pay.
She would just have to make due and let them adjust. After all, Harley and her motley crew were the wandering outsiders to their small band of fellow survivors and would take time for them to adjust to her presence. It was a sad but Merlin given fact, knowing that she will have to be patient and let it run its course.
Harley wasn't going to force their hands to come around and accept her. She would wait and if they still didn't trust her, then whatever, can't say she didn't try. She went to go do her own business of scouting the area while rummaging for anything that might be useful that people in the group weren't knowledgeable in certain areas to pick up such as finding plants and roots that she could grind and brew into her potions or stock up to make remedies in later cases.
She left Remy and Hedwig in charge of the RV while also setting a few compulsions ward if there were those who tried to sneak in when she not around, the wards would make them reconsider once they got in close range. She still had her unease about that deputy Walsh and wouldn't put it past him to try to go looking through her stuff because he thought he had the right and liberty as the self appointed king of the camp. The man was undoubtedly brazen as they come and again made her think how she left England because people like him thought they can do what they want when they want.
Well, let see if he tries to do as he likes with a knife buried in his ass and forced to swallow his own twig and berries if he ever so tries. Harley had a rifle strapped to her back, a set of sharpened daggers on her belt and of course the Elder's wand hidden in the holster to her wrist and cover by her jacket's sleeve. Then of course Sirius who went to tag along, leaving his mate to man the fort while they were out.
People saw her walking by but no one was volunteering to go with her, especially when they saw the massive black wolf at her side. Everyone made sure to steer clear of them though the Dixon brothers were keeping their eyes on her but haven't done anything because they felt that similar to them, she could take care of herself without any issues.
But it didn't mean they liked how some people were acting when she was out of range and hearing the rude slurs said every now and again, calling her names and whatnot.
"Typical just fucking typical for them." Merle grumbled to Daryl seeing how the people were acting and sure enough they were going to do the same to her as they done to them.
Normally he wouldn't give a flying fuck about it but since she had risked her life to save his own hide,even though he had no recollection of the events he was damn sure it had been her who saved his ass and also oversee the progress in making sure they got back here before the others even had the nerve to come and get him the very next day.
From observing her Merle saw Harley's no nonsense attitude when healing him, she had a good head on her shoulders, she could take his jokes light heartedly and give back just as good as she got it, proved just recently in her handling of that A-hole stuck up pig. She wasn't a shy nelly that's for sure.
But watching the others and listening to them speak among themselves, peering at Harley as she passed by and judging her without getting to know her, it rubbed him the wrong way which said a lot for stares, snide comments and seeing them exclude her brought back memories he would rather forget. This event was so similar to many in his past as a young boy and later in the army and after his discharge, it was feeding his still simmering anger over the events in Atlanta. It was making him tense and frustrated, made him hungry for his left over stash of weed to calm back down and ignore the world around him for a bit.
They done their part for today finding whatever game there was left, roaming the area and also scouting the perimeter for any Walkers and found it was good for now though the critters were getting more and more scarce, soon they would have to up and leave again. Without anything to really kill, it made Merle agitated, the urge to do something constructive to make himself feel better like taking down game or taking a hit to take the edge off was strong.
He had finished skinning and gutting the rabbits and chipmunks they managed to catch before turning to his brother and letting him know he was going to take a break.
"Here keep an eye out for me will ya, need to lay down for a bit." Daryl didn't find the room or time to argue as he saw him walking back towards their tent and even though knowing the likelihood of what he was probably going to do, any attempts to stop him would be wasted as his older brother wasn't about to change his mind. Merle was stubborn and set in his way and even he would sometimes partake in whatever he had to help settle him down but one of them had to be clear headed for the rest of the day as the last thing they wanted was a repeat of what happened in Atlanta.
It was obvious his brother was still ticked off from what happen yesterday and that he wanted something to take the edge off though he really wished he didn't end up doing so every time he got pissed. But of the two Dixon here, Merle was one to carry a grudge for a very long time yet seeing how he was reacting, he was argumentatively not over the events on the roof.
No, part of the anger was also due to what the others were doing to Harley just now which was not right in their book and the thought was the same within himself.
So, what if Siri scared that dick Shane good, he had it coming as Harley said her RV was giving him the impression she didn't want to cause trouble with anyone with her status as a newcomer and had left to give people space off limits and it seems the man didn't get the hint the first time and needed someone to do so to really drive that home.
He turns his gaze towards the woods where he last saw her enter a while ago but he also had no doubt Shane wouldn't mind some sheer retribution if he considered going to her motorhome to see what she had while she wasn't around or Sirius either.
He made his way towards the bulky vehicle, finding Hedwig sitting at the passenger headrest, her head swiveled to see people who swung by, some stopping to gawk or wonder why an owl was in there instead of doing…well owl's stuff.
If only they had half an inkling of how special she was, he mused since he remembered that she wasn't any normal bird and was much smarter than some people around here. Harley mentioned she was a unique avian and sure owls were known to be intelligent creatures of the sort. She saw him approaching and blinked a couple times before giving him a soft bark as a way of greeting to him.
He nodded his head in her direction, finding that she only tolerated his presence as much as she did for Harley though maybe it was because she knew he would give her something tasty if she behaves.
Everyone had their right to their own given privacy and with her and Remy as well the pups to consider as she would be worried for them. So, it might explain why he was sitting on a log near the entrance to the camper, cleaning his tools and seeing that nobody got any funny ideas as he kept close to make sure they didn't try anything.
Like Merle said, they owe her, yeah him too cause if it weren't for her, Daryl would have been without his brother and god knows what might have happened if they had arrived too late and Merle likely dead or worse. He didn't want to think of such dark notions and having Merle go through that by himself and not being there to prevent that shit. Again, he could feel the bitter anger in his gut coming about but told himself to cool it as everything was okay, that Merle was here and that it was all fine now.
He then turns his focus onto other matters as he had to check the traps sometime later though a bit of concern was lodged in a small corner of his mind over other problems that the rest of camp might also worried about. Sure, they had plenty of water to survive on, some fish if they caught any but sooner or later something will happen and they will have to pack up and leave given that this area was pretty open and running out of game to hunt.
Another problem was the lack of cover and solid walls. Even with the extra arsenal, chances of more Walkers coming upon their campgrounds were very likely and god knows what the situation would be like in a dangerous scenario, if there was a chance they could handle a large onslaught with the few men in the group who knew how to fire a weapon.
Though he wasn't too sure where that hardass Deputy was planning on heading,sometimes he questions his methods just a smidge and even that cop Rick wasn't going to be excluded now as they were partners on the force but still…They made him feel on the edge.
He sighed and turns to his set of arrows, removing the tools he kept to clean and sharpen them out. Daryl was wiping the chipmunk guts off the arrowhead and checking if he missed any when he felt something tugging on his pant leg and hearing a soft whine that sounded very familiar to him. He turns his head and sees Moony who was right there in front of him.
"Hey now what are you doing out here? Shouldn't you be inside with your ma?" He was sure Harley had locked it when she left and didn't know how the pup got out without some kind of doggy door. "You're gonna get in trouble if you're left wandering by yourself." He lightly chastised the wandering pup.
Moony yaps and was moving its head side to side as if telling him no way which he thought a bit silly yet maybe still. "Hmm so you decide to sneak out and spend some time with your old pal Daryl huh bud? Well don't mind much as I think I can see that we might as well get to know one another and hopefully maybe help teach you the ropes of how to hunt and track when you get big for it." He lifted the pup up, feeling that he barely weighs a pound but it felt good to have him on his leg while he finishes checking which arrowhead might need to be sharpened.
He used the stone to file the edge and keep them from getting dull. As he got around the tip, it slipped and found itself slicing his hand down to the meaty palm.
"Shit goddammit!" That was a dumb ass move he done and the cub looks taken aback as he saw Daryl cursing up a storm as he tries to stop the bleeding by grabbing the extra cleaning cloth to hold against his wound while muttering to himself, "Mmm motherfucker, with my luck I might need one of them titanus shot or somethin'."
Moony tilts his head, giving him a rather blank look, though Daryl was too busy putting pressure onto the cut to notice the amusing look and waits for the pain to go away. He thought he'd be used to it, growing up as he had under that bastard's hand but trying to focus on something was what he needed at the moment at least until it stop throbbing like hot fire.
He tried to pick an easy thought, though the one that simply popped up was of a lovely brunette with bright fiery green eyes and a smile that could make him feel less of the tension in his hand and more down—
"I see someone has been keeping you company while I wasn't around." Harley had returned from her walk and saw Daryl sitting by her trailer. He turned around, a bit flush for some reason and grins sheepishly at her, "Yeah it seem he's got his mind made to wander to join me instead of being with his family."
"I was actually talking to Moony here." She quips back teasingly picking the pup up and places him on her lap as he went to cuddle in her arms and moves to lick her cheek with his tail wagging generously. Daryl couldn't help finding himself a rather tad jealous that he got to sit in between her legs like that.
Lucky dog, but then saw her turn towards him again and not wanting her to know he was staring turn his attention to the ground and notice the plastic grocery bags by her feet, "What's all those for?" He gestures to them as they were packed full with what he was assuming were a bunch of leaves, weeds, grass and branches but he had a feeling there were more to it and finding she explaining to him as she did.
"Medicinal herbs and roots along with some spices and mushrooms I came across that weren't of the poisonous variety. Thought it be a good idea to give them to whoever wants to stock fresh herbs that if cooked with some fish or game and add some flavor to it. I'm going to use the rest here to see about making some salves and pastes to treat any infections we might come across so if anyone needs at least we're prep for them. I figure some of them can help fight bacterial infection which might be good if we don't have a nearby water source."
It sound like a good plan as he figures that the first aid kit was probably low on certain prescriptions and pain killers and they were going to have to find more soon before the ran low but at least with her working knowledge they have something to fall back on.
"That's smart thinking there, wish someone had thought of that sooner though I don't know much about them other than to avoid those poison ivies or anything that looks poisonous or the likes you don't want to get into an open wound. Merle was in the Military and told me about what they had to do in case something happen and had to use worms I think…" He pondered as he tried to remember the information, he chanced a quick look up, peering at Harley while his head was bent down giving the impression that he was still looking over his arrows and injured hand. She was looking at him and seemed happy with the conversation they were having.
"You mean maggots, sorry but I'm kinda fresh out in that department along with leeches and no offense but I wouldn't be digging around freshly dead things as we can't all be too careful if they're infected or not. Just saying, better to be safe than sorry." She said while smiling at him.
She had to admit, she was rather intrigued by him as both brothers were the only two by far to show some courtesy and she returned the gesture given she could relate to how they felt when it comes to what was important, survival and people they cared about.
Sure the others at camp were now of similar mindframes with the world as it is now but these two, they just seem to call out to her, especially Daryl right now by her side. His quiet demeanor was the opposite of his boisterous and well loudmouthed brother. In a way, he was like a well refined feline, all graceful and quiet like a predator but the eyes alone showed how he could handle himself in any situation. It made her think of those panthers she had seen in the London zoo for Dudley's birthday.
She remembered watching in total awe, those beautiful but fierce looking creatures as they moved around in their environment, quietly stalking their territory and seeing how observant and patient when it came to the matters of the hunt. Then of course there was Merle who in some ways reminded her of a male lion who thought himself king of the jungle but of the two she'd believed Daryl could be more resourceful and very resilient if he were to take charge that is if he wanted to.
The Dixon knew what had to be done in order to sustain and strive against the odds even when things look grim but still refuse to back down no matter what. Maybe that explain some on account of their given drive to stay alive and not let shit get in the way. That and she wanted to find out what made this rugged but silent male in front of her ticked and get to know him better.
Of course she also would like the same of Merle but she felt Daryl might be better in holding a decent conversation without throwing too many backwater slurs or racial comments like his older brother would, given the colorful language he like to spew from his mouth every now and again.
Daryl understood what she was getting at and agree that any carcasses that have been nibbled on by those dead fuckers would likely put them all at risk just by contamination alone. "I figured as much though if I had to choose between getting them slimy critters on my wound or having it cut off, I'll be the first to say put me out of my goddamn misery."
"Well I can see to that, I won't let anything happen, given I was a pre-med and know what to do in any case. So considering how messed up things are now, our best plan is to try to keep a clear and rationale head even though others believe it's the fault of someone else and will always point fingers at anyone but their own even if the truth was right in front of them. People can be both smart and dumb but it's ignorance that will always get you in the end if you're not careful. Our professors told us to be mindful and be wise with what course of actions we choose although half of them were too much of an arses or just plain stuck up gits really."
He knew what she meant and laugh at the last bit, "Heh don't we all have those, I couldn't stand mine either. They either kept ragging at me for the way I said things or how they couldn't stand the fact that I was skipping classes because they were so boring and didn't see a lot of point sticking around for them." He smirked remembering all the teachers faces.
"Or that you might've been sneaking out to smoke in the bathrooms when nobody else was around." Harley was letting Moony nibble on her fingers while listening to what he said, "Yeah, I know how that feels, sometimes I wanted to mess with this one professor who seemed to carry such a strong dislike towards me and some of my other schoolmates. But he especially loved picking on me that was certain because of my dad who like to bully him in school. Though it can't be helped that I really didn't know him or the fact that what my dad did back when they were my age wasn't what I think is fair but still he could have been a little more courteous and not called us dunderheads on the first day."
"Man talk about shitty, I would have told him to just fuck off and go wipe his own ass." Harley couldn't help smiling as she chuckled.
"You do and he would have most likely taken points off and put you in detention with him, forcing you to scrub ca-pots or cut some disgusting stuff by hand without gloves and let me tell you the stuff can be pretty gnarly and stink like hell. Took forever to wash them out and even then I still can smell it when I think what he did."
"Yeah but I'm sure not all your teachers were as bad as that one, bet you could have sweet talked them and batted those pretty eyes of yours to charm them i'm sure." That caused her to laugh and listening to it, she sounds like bells chiming in the wind as she had such a lovely voice and laugh. Getting caught up in their conversation Daryl didn't realise that he had relaxed his posture and was making eye contact with Harley.
"Yeah, we had some interesting characters and though when I thought of what kind of career I wanted, everyone believed I should be like my folks, either a cop or a teacher but really I just wanted to do something that I chose. I found that I had a knack for certain things and the people who I was close to, the school nurse who helped me lots and was kinda a matronly mother in some way who gave me some helpful insights on medicine especially given what I endured growing up."
Madam Pomfrey or Poppy as she got the chance to call her even when she wasn't there for medical reason and just to enjoy hanging around the older woman and learning about her craft. She was like she said a good person, a secondary mother who she still missed because of how much she cared for everyone and even going to the odds to help those even when on the verge of exhaustion.
She had no idea whether she was still alive or not and as much as she'd like to find out she wasn't sure how things were back there, it could be just as bad or worse and not to mention didn't want to give anyone over there ideas. She just simply prayed and hope for the best for her.
She didn't even realize the somewhat little slip she gave to Daryl about her childhood as she was lost in her own thoughts about it. Daryl was sure he heard right and having guess she went through something similar in her own life. She said she didn't know her father or mother and guessing they died when she was young and whoever raised her…could they have been like his old pa, a drunken bastard or done something far worse.
He didn't think it was right to ask though he heard her sigh thinking out loud, "Life back there was full of something else though half the time I wish they weren't as half-crazy and pulled me along for the ride. Though I guess I should be grateful I didn't room with the boys since I heard talk about Ron's snoring that could wake the dead and likely be able to do if he were still around." She tried to come off as a joke but Daryl wasn't laughing.
Ron, who's he, a boyfriend of hers, a former lover maybe? He felt a tightness in his chest and feeling that urge to go beat something but she must've noticed and quickly explained, "Ron was just a friend, well more like a brother like how Merle and you act honestly. 'Sides he already had his sight on our other friend Hermione even though those two fought like cats and dogs on a daily basis."
"Sounds like a match made in heaven there." Harley agrees as she thought back to those moments before continuing, "You should have listened to them argue and I had to spend six and half years trying to keep them from blowing their tops while having everyone in our house making wagers and those outside them."
It had been rather amusing how many times they were at each other's throats and she herself didn't see any chemistry per say but everyone said opposites attract and those two were definitely so from one another.
Daryl raised a brow and couldn't help inquiring further on the subject. "So, you guys were living at school, like with dorms I mean?" He was curious to hear more and was wondering what schooling she did considering he didn't have a college degree but didn't think that was real important at the least.
Also, he was partially relieved to hear that there weren't any romantic relations to hear about. though hearing the past tense and guessing something happened to her friends. Either they separated down the road or…
"Yeah it was a special school for those who were of a unique quality and my parents had put me down for there so I could attend. I was there for six and half since I was eleven though it's originally seven but I kinda dropped out though I already passed it due to some special creds I had and I decide to leave sooner."
Like she had any choice after what the pricks tried to do after she finished the dirty work. Besides she had already taken her OWLs and had the Potter and Black fortunes to rely on and wouldn't need to work although she had planned to take online courses for school when she got here and finished her GED and four years of medical school before the shit hit the fan.
She wanted to be as normal as possible yet it seem someone up there wasn't going to let her.
"Seven years, Jesus I feel bad for ya having to stick around that long." And he thought his years at school were bad though high school had been all right with the booze and the hot chicks though the suspensions and detentions before he decided to up and quit right before the senior year started as he felt he wanted out.
"Man, I would've hated to have been in your shoes there, probably be bored as fuck having to go to the same classes meeting with the same boring teachers and not wanting to take off before I wind up going stir crazy."
Oh you don't know the half of it buddy, you sure don't, she thought morosely. "No not really though there were a few things I would have rather dealt without having to do if I had the chance to go back in time and rework it though."
She then looks to where his hands are resting on his thighs and saw the cloth tied around one hand that was sorta red. She lifts her head to look him in the eyes, one filled with a sheepish acknowledgment at being literally caught "red" handed. She notices this and asks what happened.
"Hmm oh just had one of the arrowheads slip while I was cleaning them and isn't like I haven't done it before and I doubt I'd be needing a titanus shot as I hear it hurts like fucking hell. I'm sure to put cold water and some Jack Daniels will help clear that right up." He shrugged not at all concerned with the small injury.
"You mean tetanus but maybe you should let me take a look at it." Harley took his hand and removing the bloodstained cloth and examined the wound herself. She saw it wasn't bad but given that he was cleaning his own weapon that once had touch contaminated flesh and knowing how fast the pathogens can spread if not treated quickly.
"I may have something to help it heal and also kill any bacteria so you don't have to worry about it getting infected." She reaches in her pocket and pulls a small container that had an emblem of what looks like a doe with a flower, a flower that matched the tattoo on her hand and circled her left wrist. She twisted the top off and it reveals a pale green goo that had a faint smell of mint and something earthy-like.
"Here this is one of my special blends I made that I keep on me at all times and always see to bring on me in such a case of emergency." She used a small dollop to place against his open palm, her finger rubbing the mixture into the cut. She did it so delicately and he felt the cool tingling sensation that seem to spread itself and looking to see she was removing the black bandana around her neck and using it to wrap his hand with in the process.
"Keep that on overnight and it should be fine by morning. Also, you should have this in case something else happens if either you and your brother are out by yourselves."
She saw to secure it on good but leaving enough room to not constrict the blood flow to his fingers. She was rather focused on what she was doing, unaware that he was staring intensely at her while she was busy tending to his wound.
He'd admit when he first saw her, coming out of that RV and standing next to his brother, he swore she was something else, something he couldn't place his finger on but still it was like seeing a brightness against the dark stain that made this world so god awful yet there was an empty hollowness behind her eyes as she looked to them and when she set her stare on him, it was like a reflection to his own painful life.
Those same beguiled orbs that turns to look at him and he swear he could find himself staring into them forever. Time could have come to a standing halt for them as they remain like this, her hand on his heated skin and taking in the long fringes that fell over her right eyes, wanting to push it away, to feel how soft and silky the texture was between his fingers. He could just fall into those clear green pools and swim in their depths all the time.
Too bad the moment couldn't have lasted any longer.
"Yo Darylina get your ass over here now!" Daryl had to resist the urge to groan hearing Merle calling him by that annoying nickname his brother like to use. Worst having her hear it which made it a bit embarrassing. Damn Mer, he was going to get back at him for this.
He had to stop from cussing at him but turning his attention back onto Harley and holding onto the salve she just handed him as well as the bandana she used for his hand, "Um thanks for this, I'll try to return it when I can."
"Don't worry you keep it on you." She said after she got up, Moony in her arm and carrying her goodies in the other free hand before heading inside. Sirius following them before shutting the door behind by tugging on a handy cloth hanging from the door handle and Daryl went to see what his brother wanted.
Merle had come out feeling much better, his smoking choice relieving his nerves and turbulent emotions but walking to find his brother talking to Harley, evoked a sense of amusement at having interrupted a moment and he was curious to know what that was all about.
"So what did sweetcheeks say that got you all flustered up?" Merle teased.
"Nothing we were just talking is all?" He fingered the small tin in his hand, the cool metal feeling good against his skin and thinking of how she went to all the trouble to tend to his wound.
"Yeah well c'mon time to go find some food since nobody else here is willing to do it other than you, me and maybe that Deputy or whoever else wants to. Hopefully we'll find some venison if there's any left around these parts." Merle grumbled thinking of the decline in prey surrounding them.
~W~A~L~K~I~N~G~D~E~A~D~H~A~R~L~E~Y~P~O~T~T~E~R~
Harley saw them go from her own window as the two brothers left to find food out in the woods. During her earlier scout, she sensed minimum animal activity and was not sure how long this area might remain useful if there weren't enough game to feed them in the long run.
The only viable solution would be to head elsewhere but the probability of finding another area, one with buildings perhaps to act as a fort as it might provide better protection than being out here in the open. She thought as she started to store the herbs she had gathered in the woodland.
She sighed and placed the ones she brought into the fridge while heading to go grabbed the duffle containing her own dirty clothes and join the others over by the quarry. She knew that she could have done a simple cleaning charm but then people would get suspicious and she didn't want to raise any alarms until she was certain people could live with knowing about magic.
She carried her stuff out, leaving Sirius inside to get some much needed rest but having Remy and her pups come outside for some fresh air. Hedwig had the top ajar to come and go as she pleased so she didn't need to worry over her.
Harley was walking in the direction that an older gentleman by the name Dale Horvath who told her which way to head for and given he was one of the few who didn't seem so nervous in her presence, though given that Remy and the pups were next to her and no one could resist the little ones shifting about by his feet being playful and such as they were.
She thanked him and made a mental promise to give him something in return as a small token of appreciation when she got back. Dale didn't look like the type to ask for much but she would try to think of something nice to give to him as soon as she does. She wouldn't technically call it a bribe, but she prefered to think of it as making attempt to be neighborly even when things aren't like the suburban life for sure. Some people kinda reminded her of the people from Privet Drive and if she had to guess who was closest to being like her aunt it would be Lori most likely.
She doesn't think she'll ever come around so it was best to just try to grind down and bear it for the sake of not arguing or making a scene. She was almost to the spot when she saw Tonks and Padfoot stop and take off in a different direction with Remy also giving chase as she tried to corral them back.
She hadn't the foggiest idea what got into them but as she went after them, she heard a voice and what sounds like a child crying which immediately got her full-on attention.
"You little shit c'mon back here and take your punishment you bitch!" A man yelled out in anger. The child looks terrified and seeing that man hovering over, reaching to unbuckle his belt, ready to use it on her. She thought how much this scene reminded her of herself and Vernon, the man could almost be his long lost non-identical brother given the way his face was all red and seeing him ready to harm the girl. She wasn't about to let someone else suffer like she had, not if she could help it!
Harley drops her things and ran with everything she had, moving like a pro linebacker and knocking the pompous jackass to the floor before moving to adjust herself on top of him.
The man starts to move beneath her, cursing out loudly as he tried to get up but having taken her knife already, drawn and posed near his left eye caused him to stiffen as she hissed in a dangerous tone that told him not to go fuck with her.
"You listen and you better listen to me good: You will leave this child alone and if I find you touch one single hair on her head any time any day, so help me I will cut you from your neck to your nuts because if you try I swear you will live to regret it." Harley snarled in anger towards this low life excuse of a father.
She then grabbed him by the hair and bent down to whisper in a mix of English and Parseltongue, making the man freeze at the disturbing noise that she was giving off as she hissed in his ear.
"You will never go near the girl or anyone close to her, I don't give a rat's Ass about you but I suggest you do as I say or else you better sleep with one eye open for the rest of your miserable goddamn life." She hissed with anger at this pitiful man shaking in fear of her.
She stood up and watched as he flopped on his back, moving away from her, the fear in his eyes telling her he was not going to try anything not while she still had her weapon out or in Remy's presence as she growls low with hackles drawn back, showing she also meant business. The pups doing the same but staying by the girl to better protect her as she was still frozen on the floor while Harley and their mama took care of it themselves. He didn't so much as look back as he took off, leaving just them and the girl she just saved.
Harley went to slide her knife away before turning to the kid who was still on the ground, watching with wide cornflower eyes that were full of uncertainty and pain yet relief was also there when the bad man disappeared.
"Hey you okay sweetie?" She saw she appeared close to her teens, maybe eleven give or take but had a bit of a bruise on her face and a split lip but otherwise she seem to be alright. "What's your name pumpkin?"
"Soph-Sophia." She said in a small hushed voice but flinched when she touched her own face and again Harley had to bite back the growl that threaten to escape her and also to keep from going after the bastard to fulfill her promise. Right now this kid need some medical attention. Harley had left her things back in the RV and giving Daryl the salve but there was something she could do.
"Hey, you want me to help take care of this for you?" She indicated her lip and seeing her nodded as Harley reach to grab one of the rags from her bag and using it to wipe the blood and dirt off her face. "You know I have something that can help you forget it, want me to try?"
Sophia stare with a perplex glance but saw she gave her consent as Harley place her hand against forehead and using an old children's rhyme she once heard her aunt used on Dudley when he had a booboo or so. Never thought she'd be using it but she was not going to let this get her as she focus on the child in front of her.
"Pain pain go away, don't come back another day." She said this while inwardly using her own magic to remove and heal her visible wounds though placed a glamour until she felt time to remove it when deemed ready. The girl looks startled but realizing she wasn't feeling the sting and her cut stop look to her smiling and said, "Thank you."
Harley return the grin and said, "No problem, I'm Harley and this is Remy and her cubs, Tonks, Padfoot, Moony and Prongslet. Their papi is back in the RV taking a nap but these two scamps decided to wander off in your direction but I suppose it was a good thing they did."
Tonks yips and made to run circles around Sophia who bend down and stroke her soft fur before the pup reach up to lick her face, making her laugh at the sloppy kisses she was being given. Harley could tell that Tonks was doing this to cheer the kid up and doing a fine good job while her brothers went to vie for her attention and knowing she was forgetting her earlier encounter with that SOB. But as Sophia was wiggling away from the licks and playful attention, her leg hit the ground and a pained hiss escaped her before she could stop it.
Harley noticed this and wanted to look into it further. She shooed them away, moving to see what was wrong with the left leg and realized the issue. Apparently when Sophia fell, there was a small hole in the ground where the altercation happened that she must have placed her foot in and twisted wrong as she was struggling to get back up. Harley notices the immediate swelling to it, knowing that it was going to take some time to heal and thought this would require supplies from the Marauder to help speed the process up somewhat.
"Where's your mama sweetie? Is she with the others down by the Quarry?" She nodded, pointing behind her at where it should be and notes the clothes on the floor that got mussed up and seeing some got trampled on by that pig when he ran on through.
Harley was busy helping Sophia to her feet and brushing the dirt off her face. The teen smiled a little, it made her think of all the times her mom would do something like that and even though they barely knew her, Sophia felt she could trust Harley.
"Well c'mon then, let's go take you to her and I'll help you wash this out, seeing it looks like they might need to again. And we can get that ankle looked after once that's done if it isn't too painful for you."
Harley kneeled down with her back to her and waiting for Sophia to climbed on and being as gentle as possible to lift her up and carry her piggyback. She kept a firm grip on her legs while Sophia had her arms around her neck and not minding the extra weight while the rest of the gang followed behind her and Remy. The girl didn't mind the ride and even snuggled closer feelling Harley would keep her safe.
They made a strange entourage when they got there, some turning to see Sophia on Harley's back with the large wolfdog and the pups trailing behind them like an odd parade of some sort.
Harley was looking around at those by the water, trying to pinpoint which of them was the girl's mother when a woman with cropped gray hair wearing a flannel dress who had been laying her load out to dry had lift her head to see them and suddenly coming their way. "Sophia!"
She moved to set Sophia down, being careful not to put pressure on the bad foot and Harley watches the mother and daughter embracing before she went to turn her attention on her. She saw the look on the mother's face, obviously concern and suspicious over the slight injury and before she could say anything, it was Sophia who did the talking for them, "Mom I'm okay, it's just, dad, he...he was in one of his moods but then before he could do anything, Harley came and put a stop to it!" She gestured a hand at the dark haired woman with a small grin to her momma.
She didn't like how her mother seem to look at Harley like it was her fault for the injuries but saw her calm down when she heard what Sophia had to say before she felt guilty and regret for what happen, "Oh honey I'm so sorry I should never have let you go off by yourself."
Then the woman made to stand and turn her attention onto Harley, "Thanks for helping my daughter Sophia. I'm Carol Peletier and again I'm sorry for thinking..."
Harley held up her hand, stopping her from saying it as there were no need to explain. "It's okay I would've thought the same if I was in your place." She took a brief glance at Carol and knew that she was a good mother to be worrying over her own kid, yet her husband, that asshole, he was a total different priority.
She then remembered the clothes from earlier and handing them to Carol who notices there was smudges of dirt and Harley went to explain, "They sorta got trampled on by a wild boar that didn't have the common decency to apologize for making such a mess."
She sent a subtle wink to Sophia who got it and was giggling as that was a good way to describe it. Carol though sort of understood and knowing they were going to have to be wash and dried again, taking them longer to get the load finished.
"Listen how about I help you wash these as well as keep an eye on Sophia for you. Remy will see to it no harm comes to her while she's here. After everything is done we can head to my home for medicine for that sprained ankle" Harley smiled gently at the woman trying to put her at ease.
It did sound very promising to have someone else guard her baby and even though she had been downright terrified when she saw Sirius but then again watching as Remy took to her post as a guard,she knew that she wouldn't harm her offsprings or her owner and that protection now extend to her own daughter as well.
She smiled and lead her down to her spot where the two started washing and lining their clothes to dry against the rocks and having Sophia and the pups nearby so they didn't go wandering off.
She had mixed feelings about her, the first being that this woman had scared her when she saw her dogs take down Shane like it was nothing though they had good reason to as she didn't like having him try to force his authority on her.
The second had been feeling a bit of uncertainty yet that changed as this woman went out of her way to protect her daughter from her estranged husband and knowing the chance of him trying to do so again while in her presence was now extremely low since she put the fear of god in him especially with her canine companions by her side.
Though the younger ones being frightening didn't seem to be the case as she saw Sophia was happy being around the puppies and having one shower her with open affection it was good to hear her laughing like that. She hadn't had many opportunities to be happy before this new world came to be, even less now that they were stuck with Ed in this group that had never bothered to help with him before.
Harley turns her gaze onto Carol as she was watching the scene while setting the shirt out on an empty spot before calling her attention.
"Listen Carol, I know I don't know you well but since I don't like the idea of people assaulting children, or their own spouses for their matter." Carol whirls at the last part of the statement and sees that the woman had her eyes to the dark bruising on her wrists and seeing she'd figured it out. She knew that she should have hid those better but then everyone knew and even though they tried to keep Ed as far from her as possible they didn't succeed much.
"I know what it feels like to be put down, I had my fair share with dealing with jerks and bullies but never assume it's your fault in any of this. Your husband is a total scumball and people like him can't see what a good thing they have and frankly don't deserve someone like you or Sophia." Harley passionately spoke trying to convey how wrong the situation was for the other woman and child.
"Yes but—" It was rather a first to find someone saying it to her in her long years of marriage to the man, mostly having kept her mouth shut and hid the bruises even though she had longed for someone to come and save them. She had tried many times to leave but she always ended back at the start not being able to make it on her own with her child Yet Harley here was giving her the needed comfort she always wanted to find and having her helped her daughter which was good in her book.
"Carol if there's one thing I know is that even those who think they can't do can achieve the impossible if they put some effort into it and learn to stand up for what is right. I can see that you would never let any harm come to your daughter." She nodded though the fact she had tried so many times and failed and Harley went to put her hand on her shoulder, "I can help show you the ways to defend yourself, to give you the leverage against the people who would most likely harm you both and I can't stand idly by and let it. If not for you, do it for Sophia." She added hoping to convince the mother.
"Thank you Harley and yes I will try, for Sophia's sake." They seem to be having a good conversation as most folks looked at the two and seeing Carol smiling and being more open for a change while Sophia threw some sticks for the puppies to go and bring back to her while the mother wolf stood watch like a special guardian of the woods and somehow this made them start to come around and see that maybe someone up there was lending them a hand for a change.
Blue Kitsune: Well I hope you guys like that and also I have a couple more polls in play as we have some shock and all surprises to give and want you to post your votes to see what kind of surprise you want the group to have
Poll time: here's a thought I wanted to throw, supposedly what if there were a rogue werewolf and attacks the group and who should be bitten
Rick
T Dog
Glenn
Carol
Shane
Daryl
Merle
Andrea
Amy
Any in the Green Family
Should the children be bitten which ones?
Sophia
Carl
Open to others if interested
Melrose437: This is also one of the last chances to vote on the Animagus form of Harley! Dragon/Nundu/Thestral I hope everyone has a Happy holiday and a Great New Year! if BlueKitsune and I don't come out with another chapter by the 1st. Hope you liked the chapter let us know in reviews!