I Love Your Existence
Chapter 2
Disclaimer: Blah blah blah, no not mine
Warnings (because I forgot to add them last chapter) : abuse, rape, threesome, slash, Dumbledore and Hermione Bashing, maybe Mpreg
Pairings (because I also forgot to add these): Viktor/Harry, Draco/Ron, Remus/Severus/Sirius...that's all I've got so far. Will add more.
Author's note: Wow...REVIEWS! I LOVE REVIEWS! Heh, yeah, excitement. So yes, I quite like and am rather shocked by the response that this story has gotten, so I decided to work on it before Pretty Eyes.
This chapter literally ran away from me. I wasn't expecting half the stuff that happened, nor the length of it. But hey, I'm just the channel for the story, it does all the work.
Also, a note about the goblins. They're out of character for a reason. I'll explain it later when it comes up again.
So the majority of this chapter is a flashback to Harry's summer, then it leads straight up to that moment in the Great Hall.
By the way, the other schools arrive on the first day of the Hogwarts school year, not later on. I figured I'd give Viktor and Harry more time together.
I still don't have a beta, so forgive the errors please.
Bon Appetite!
Harry didn't usually hate. He tried not to make a habit of it. Growing up in the Dursley's house of hate was enough for him.
He did hate the Dursley's though. He couldn't not hate the people who starved, beat and raped him repeatedly. It would be unrealistic not to.
Harry tried to save his hate for people who deserved it. The Dursley's deserved his hate for all their doings. The Dursley's neighbours deserved his hate because they would always see what the Dursley's did to him, yet did nothing about it. Dumbledore deserved his hate because he placed Harry at the Dursley's when there were other places to go.
Dumbledore was actually the person whom Harry hated the most. The Dursley's were sick human beings that tortured him, yes, but that was in their character make-up. If it wasn't Harry, it would be someone else. But Dumbledore had no such excuse.
Dumbledore was the one who put Harry at the Dursley's, knowing what scum of people they were. If anything, Dumbledore placed Harry there because they were horrible people. His theory was that if Harry was used and abused, then Dumbledore went and 'rescued' him, Harry would be eternally grateful. A good plan in theory, but Dumbledore didn't count on one thing. Harry.
He didn't know that Harry found out his master plans and has started to rebel against them. He didn't know that Harry had an utter lack of caring about the entire bigoted society of Wizarding Britain. He didn't know a thing about Harry. He didn't even know Harry's name.
Harry James Potter was a fallacy in Dumbledore's head. Harrison James Potter-Weasley was in the flesh.
It was just a few minutes before midnight, jut a few minutes until the day of Harry's fourteenth birthday. He had just been raped by his Uncle as a 'present'. Harry was on the floor of his bedroom, covered in filth and almost unable to move. He was contemplating his death. He wasn't suicidal, but it just wasn't realistic to think he could survive this much longer. He couldn't possibly live after such a long time of no food and this much blood loss. He was raped twice a day, once by Vernon, once by Dudley. Sometimes they raped him at the same time.
Once a day he was fed a slice of stale bread. There was always a dish of water for him to drink out of like a dog. He never bathed or had his wounds attended to. He had a bucket in the corner to go to the washroom in, though with the amount of food he got, it wasn't overly necessary.
He was treated like an animal. And some days, he did feel like an animal. The only difference harry could see is that animals usually had someone to care for them. Harry had no one. Well, almost no one.
A tapping at his barred window caused him to stir. Looking up, Harry saw an obscenely tiny owl.
"Pig." Harry muttered, grunting with the effort to get up. Half stumbling, half dragging himself to the window, Harry let the tiny puff of feathers in, Pig being tiny enough to slip between the bars.
Harry flopped carefully onto the soiled bed, making sure not to aggravate his bigger wounds. Pig fluttered in front of his face cheerfully, perfectly oblivious to the circumstances that Harry was in.
Harry then decided that if he lived long enough to achieve an Animagus transformation, he would cry if he wasn't a bird of some sort.
Pig got his attention again by perching on his knee, the one that Vernon wrenched within the first few hours of Harry being at Privet Drive, so that he couldn't run away.
Harry let out a whimper, lifting Pig's light weight onto the bed, where he untied the letter and parcel he was carrying. It read:
Hey Harry.
Happy Birthday harry! How is life with the Muggles? I hope they aren't treating you too badly. If they are, I have some great news to cheer you up!
In two weeks, Dad and I are coming to pick you up so that we can go to the Quidditch World Cup! Bulgaria versus Ireland! We're in the Minister's box, because Dad did a favor for Fudge a while back, when his niece used accidental magic to cause a teapot to sing and dance in a Muggle antique store.
Dad's keeping all the tickets with him, because apparently we teenagers lose things. Who knew!
Mum and I wanted to pick you up today, but Dumbledore stepped in and said that you had to stay there as long as possible to keep up the Blood Wards. So after picking you up we're going straight to the Cup.
Reply back as soon as possible once you get permission from your relatives.
Hope you like your present,
Ron
Harry had to crack a smile at his best friend. He then scowled at the thought of Dumbledore.
"Blood Wards my arse. If they are kept up by my blood being spilt, I could kind of understand. Bastard Dumbledore." Harry frowned, thinking of how he was going to reply. He didn't have anything to write on or anything to write with, let alone what he would write back.
As he was thinking of what to do, Pig decided it would be good to flutter around the room, but the spotted an emaciated Hedwig in her cage. He accidentally knocked into her cage in his haste to see her, and it banged noisily against the wall.
Harry stilled, looking frightened, then acted as quickly as he could as he heard his uncle get up. He grabbed Pig and threw him out the window, whispering for him to stay in the tree outside. He closed the window then grabbed Ron's letter and gift, hiding them under his mattress just in time for Vernon to thunder into the room.
"What are you doing boy! Why are you being so bloody noisy! Normal people are trying to get some sleep at this hour Freak! I'll teach you a lesson!" Vernon shouted, spittle flying from his mouth as his face turned purple.
Vernon grabbed harry by the arm and tossed him onto the mattress, automatically putting his hands into the cuffs attached to the bedpost to stop Harry's struggling. Harry refused to make a sound and Vernon rutted against him and groped his genitals, trying to get a reaction from him.
As Vernon stripped off the pathetic pieces of clothing Harry was forced to call pants, Harry sank into his head. Harry didn't see Vernon unzip his trousers or pull out his disgusting organ, because he was at the Quidditch World Cup. He didn't feel Vernon roll him onto his stomach or feel the thrust into his already torn anus, because he was in the stands, cheering for Ireland to win. Harry sunk into his thoughts, his dreams, because the reality just wasn't worth his time.
As Vernon left completely sated, the evidence leaking from Harry's buttocks, and un-handcuffed Harry's wrists, Harry reached under the mattress and grabbed Ron's letter. Blood from his fingers where he dug his nails into his hand smeared the parchment. Harry hobbled up to let Pig back in before going back to collapse on the bed. Pig landed by his head, cooing and trying to sort out Harry's messy hair.
Harry sighed softly and grabbed the parchment, turning it over to the blank side. Dipping his finger in the bite wound Vernon left on his neck. Shakily, Harry used his blood to write.
Ron,
Help. Come get me please. If you're too late, just know that I love you and I'm sorry I died.
~Harry
Pig flew off into the night at top speed, Harry's letter attached, and as Harry sunk back into the sheets of his filthy bed, and as the clock struck midnight, declaring his birthday, he drifted into the blackness with a new emotion in his heart; hope.
It was a normal day at the Burrow. Mrs. Weasley was puttering around the kitchen, Mr. Weasley was at the table reading the Daily Prophet, as he had the day off. The twins were in their bedroom experimenting and occasionally noises of explosions leaked out into the rest of the house. Percy was in his room working. Ginny was writing a letter to Hermione at the dining table and Ron was sitting next to her, reading Quidditch Monthly and eating treacle tart.
The atmosphere was light, though there was a sense of sadness. Harry's birthday was today, and he wasn't here to celebrate it. The only thing that kept Ron from storming about in a rage that he couldn't be with his best friend on his birthday is the thought that he'd be around for the rest of the summer in two weeks.
Ron thought of Harry as his little brother and would do anything for him.
With that thought, Pig sailed in through the open window and landed in front of Ron. The first thing Ron noticed is that Pig's white fluff was covered in hardened dark brown stuff, kind of like mud. The second thing he noticed is that the letter he gave to Harry was still on Pig's leg, but not the gift.
Ron untied the letter and looked at it, not noticing anything until Mr. Weasley, who was sitting across from Ron, gasped.
"What?" Ron asked, looking confused as to why his dad looked horrified.
"Look at the back of the letter" Mr. Weasley choked out.
Ron flipped the parchment over and paled immediately. He read the short note, horror and anger burning through him. He then realized it was written in blood, and that Pig had blood on him too, not mud.
"Mum!" Ron yelled, getting up running towards Mrs. Weasley as she appeared.
"What Ronald? What's all the fuss?" Mrs. Weasley asked, nonplussed as to why her son was in such a tither.
"Harry's in trouble. We have to go get him. NOW!" Ron yelled as his mother just stood them and looked at him in shock as to his behavior.
"What are you on about Ronnie? Harry's at his relatives. He's protected by the Blood Wards."
Ron shoved the letter at his mother and paced, running his hands through his hair. Mr. Weasley was now up and moving towards the stairs to alert Fred and George that they were leaving in a few moments. Mrs. Weasley shrieked and started to fall, but Ginny caught her and moved her to a seat at the table, reading the letter herself.
"Harry's safe from Deatheaters and You-Know-Who, but not his relatives!" Ron ranted as Mr. Weasley returned with Fred and George, who for once looked grim.
"It's going to be alright son, we're going to get Harry. Molly, would you please call Poppy here. I have a feeling we'll be needing her services. Ginny, please clear of the couch for Harry to lay on." Mr. Weasley said, moving Fred George and Ron to the yard, where he created a portkey out of a dish he'd grabbed.
Moments later found four of the Weasley men out front of Number Four Privet Drive. Mr. Weasley in the lead, they marched up the walk and banged not so politely on the door. After a few minutes, a large blob opened the door.
"What!" it snapped irritably through a bite of chocolate bar.
"Where's Harry! We want to see Harry!" Ron shouted out, brandishing his wand before Mr. Weasley could speak.
The blob looked at them fearfully and waddled quickly away, shouting, "Mum! Dad! Some freaks are here!"
A thundering noise was heard before a large man appeared waddling to the door.
"Get in you bloody freaks! Before the neighbours see you!" It grunted out as the four redheads moved into the entranceway of the house.
"I assume you're Mr. Dursley. We are hear to see Harry, Harry Potter. We are going to see him now, or you won't like the consequences." Mr. Weasley said, more threatening and serious than his sons had ever her him, while he fingered his wand.
Vernon, upon see the wand, stuttered incoherently as he paled, then pointed up the stairs. Mr. Weasley and Ron immediately headed up the stairs, leaving Fred and George to manage the muggles.
They happened upon a door with several locks and a cat flap and were sickened, but knew they were in the right place. Mr. Weasley undid all the locks quickly and the two marched into the room, sickened by the sight.
There was barely any furniture in the room. There was a window with bars on it, and an emaciated looking Hedwig in her cage. She hooted softly at their appearance. On the floor there was an old plate and a metal dish filled with water.
There were also bloodstains everywhere. On the walls, on the floor. There was even a bloody hand print on the window.
Both men's eyes turned to the bed, and they immediately wanted to be sick. The bed itself was disgustingly dirty, with blood, dirt and other unmentionables. Then there was Harry.
Harry was passed out. His cheeks were sunken, giving him a gaunt look. He was naked, displaying the bruises, welts and cuts for everyone to see. He was covered in grime, sweat, blood, and semen. His ribs stuck out and his leg was placed in an awkward angle.
Ron wanted to cry. There Harry was, his little brother, broken in what was supposed to be his home. Ron rushed to Harry, but stopped short of embracing him, hands hovering over the beaten body.
"Dad." Ron whispered, eyes not leaving his best friend. Mr. Weasley understood what he son needed and rushed to Harry's other side. Unable to use magic without causing Harry to be in trouble, Mr. Weasley lifted the too light body into his arms as Ron covered Harry's body with his jumper to preserve his dignity.
Together they marched downstairs, where Fred and George were appalled at Harry's state. They both turned, wands drawn, to the cowering Dursley's. Ron just looked at them as though he'd never seen such a thing before.
"No boys. No. They'll get their due. For now, we focus on helping Harry." Mr. Weasley stated, though every bone in his body twitched in rage, wanting revenge for the boy he thought to be his youngest son.
Fred and George nodded stiffly, and as a whole they left the house. Mr. Weasley managed to create another portkey back to the Burrow and seconds later they were striding into the living room where Ginny, Mrs. Weasley and Poppy waited.
Ginny and Mrs. Weasley started to cry at the sight of Harry as Mr. Weasley placed him on the couch, while Poppy just got more grim faced and set to work.
"Right femur shattered, left kneecap dislocated, twenty eight different contusions made by various instruments, fifty bruises in various stages of healing, a concussion, internal bleeding, eight deep bite wounds, scarring of the anus from repeated rapes, the majority of his ribs were broken, the rest cracked, broken nose, shattered cheekbone, broken left arm, shattered right wrist, five broken fingers total, three broken toes total, bruising to the genitals, hand shaped bruises around his neck, scars around his wrists from cuffs, his back has been whipped repeatedly and "MINE" was carved into the small of his back. All of his wounds were seriously infected. Severe malnutrition, so much so that it's stunted his growth. He will never be taller then 5"6. He will forever have a small appetite, as his stomach has literally been shrunken. I have given him every healing potion known to wizard kind, and I'm afraid it still might not be enough. I've done the best for him that I can, but it will still take him a week or so to heal physically. He will be scarred forever, Muggle scars can't be healed by potions, just the same as werewolf scars. Mentally, I have no idea as to his state or recovery time." Poppy recited to group gathered in the kitchen after working on Harry for three hours.
Around the table there was: Mrs. Weasley, Mr. Weasley, Ron, Fred, George, Ginny, Percy, Professor Snape, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Professor McGonagall. Sirius and Remus had been called soon after Harry's arrival, as well as the Professors. Mr. Weasley comforted his wife, while Fred and George stuck together and Percy comforted Ginny. Sirius was being hugged by Severus, and Severus was being hugged by Remus. The three had been in a triad relationship since they discovered Sirius' innocence. McGonagall sat stoned faced while Ron had his head in his hands, staring at the table miserably.
All Ron could think of was how broken his brother had looked and how Ron had failed him. Ron promised himself to protect Harry and he failed. He knew it was ridiculous to blame himself, but he couldn't help it. His little brother was hurt and there was nothing Ron could do, nothing Ron did to stop it.
Ron refused to cry, no matter how the tears stung his eyes, because he had to be strong for Harry. He wasn't there for harry before, but be damned if he wasn't there for him now.
"How long till he wakes up?" Ron croaked meekly.
Poppy sighed, "I don't know. Maybe three hours. Maybe three days. He should be moved to a bed though, to give him some privacy.
"I'll do it." Ron stood up, wiping his eyes. People automatically protested, saying they would do it.
"No. I'm going to do it. I'll take Harry to our room his bed's set up there anyway. Please call me when dinner is ready." Ron stated, marching into the living room.
Lifting up his too light best friend, Ron trotted up the stairs, carful of Harry's injuries, half listening to Madame Pomfrey tell his mum was Harry could eat upon his waking.
"It'll be okay Harry. I'll make sure it is" Ron whispered, setting Harry down in his bed. Harry was home now, and Ron would make sure things would be alright. They had to be.
Darkness. Nothing new in Harry's head. What was new was the comfortable bed beneath his back and the clean smelling air. Upon opening his eyes, Harry discovered why. The Burrow. Home.
Harry sighed and allowed a small smile to grace his face. Staring up at the roof, all he felt was joy. He slowly tested his limbs. His knee was slightly sore, as was his back. The aches were gone from his abdomen and buttocks. His hands were fine, though is left arms was still stiff. Overall, an improvement.
Harry sighed once more and pulled himself from the comfortable bed, looking around the room. Still the same orange, complete with Chudley Canon posters. All was good.
Noticing he was clothed in what he assumed were Ron's pajamas, he decided to follow the smell of bacon and went downstairs. Entering the dining room, he was greeted with shrieks and people running at him.
Harry couldn't control the flinch upon the impact of Mrs. Weasley. he instantly flashed back to Dudley tackling him onto the bed, stripping his clothes off, nonononono.
Harry stumbled back against the wall, curling up to protect himself. He heard shouting then a warm and on his arm, along with soothing words in his ear.
"Shhhh, it's okay Harry, It'll be okay. It's Ron, It's okay, I'll make it okay. Just calm down, okay? Calm calm Harry, calm."
Harry recognized Ron's voice and curled up into his arms. Ron was always there for him. Ron held him after nightmares about Quirrel in the first year woke him up. Ron stayed with him in the same hospital wing bed after the Chamber of Secrets. Ron. His big brother. Ron was safe.
Whilst Harry was working things out in his head, Ron picked him up and sat with Harry in his lap at the table. Mrs. Weasley was sobbing, apologizing, though Harry couldn't hear.
Harry calmed down enough to open his eyes, taking in his surroundings. Remus, Sirius, and Severus all sat on one side of Ron, looking at him worriedly. Mrs. Weasley had retreated into the kitchen, and the rest of the Weasley's were also looking at Harry concerned. Poppy and McGonagall had returned to their homes, though requested updates as to Harry's status.
"Cub?" Remus asked, looking concerned.
"Hi Remy." Harry whispered, voice croaky from lack of use and tears. He wiped his face of tears and relaxed back against Ron's chest.
"You grew." Harry stated to Ron. The chest behind him rumbled as Ron chuckled.
"You didn't Hare-Bear." Harry smiled at the nickname.
"What day is it?" Harry asked, looking at all the food on the table. Hmmm...Toast.
"August fourth. You've been out for four days. Do you want some food? Madame Pomfrey suggested some light toast, nothing too heavy. You're stomach won't be used to it. Though I think you could get away with some bacon. Get some meat on your bones." Ron replied, already grabbing a plate for Harry.
Harry sat back, contented to allow his brother to take care of him.
Once breakfast was done, everyone moved to the living room, where Harry still sat on Ron's lap.
"So Hare-Bear... Wanna talk?" Ron asked as everyone settled in.
Harry contemplated for a moment or two, then answered to the group as a whole.
"I dunno. I mean, you probably all know the basics. And after that, there's really not much. I mean, there are my thoughts on the matter, but they won't change anything, if I even knew how to sort them out at this point. What I do know is that I need time and space. I do know that I don't want to be touched by people, other than you Ron. Sorry, "Harry said, shooting a wounded looking Mrs. Weasley an apologetic look, " And I know that I don't want to talk about my time spent there until I get it sorted out, so please don't pressure me. The one thing I'm positive I know is that I no longer trust Dumbledore. How could that man place me there? I'd told him what happened there before, and he told me to suck it up in not so many words. I also wants to talk to Gringotts and see about either getting emancipated or having my guardianship switched, because I am never going back to that place."
Everyone in the room nodded, agreeing with Harry fully. No one would trust Dumbledore again, not after such an injury to one of their own.
Two days before they were set to go to the Quidditch World Cup, Harry, Ron and Mr. Weasley all went to Gringotts. Marching straight past the crowds, they went to a goblin.
"Hello sir. Can I please speak to someone about my vaults and guardianship? My name is Harry Potter." Harry asked politely. The goblin looked gobsmacked at being addressed to politely. He quickly nodded to Harry then went over to another goblin, speaking rapid Gobbledegook. The goblin nodded then said, "This way please sirs" to the Weasleys and Harry.
They followed the goblin down a heavily decorated hall to a grand door, where they entered a lavishly decorated room and were shown some chairs in front of an ornate desk. They sat and waited, for what they weren't quite sure. Soon enough, a stout but regal looking goblin came through a side door and sat at the desk.
"Hello. I am Ragnok, head goblin of Gringotts' Britain branch. I was told that a Harry Potter has some questions?"
"Yes sir. I'm Harry Potter. I was wondering if I could find out about my guardianship and vaults. I only know of one vault, but I've been told that the Potter's are an old family and have multiple. I also am dissatisfied with my current guardianship and wish to know my options." Harry stated as politely as possible. The goblin contemplated his words before answering.
"Let's start with the vaults. I took the privilege of gathering all your files upon hearing your presence, assuming you would have questions, seeing that you have never come to see us before. You have multiple vaults. You're guardian should have told you about them."
Harry looked confused, scrunching his nose before answering, "My guardians are muggles. What would they know?"
It was then Ragnok's turn to look confused.
"No child. I meant your magical guardian. The one who looks over your vaults and affairs until you turn seventeen, which is the legal age in the Wizarding world. According to your files, your magical guardian is Albus Dumbledore. He should have told you about all your finances."
Harry snorted derisively, "With all due respect to you sir, Dumbledore would soon dance around in a pink tutu proclaiming his love for Voldemort before telling me anything. Keeping me in the dark is his life's goal."
Ragnok's expression immediately darkened and he tapped a button in his desk, snapping out something abruptly in Gobbledegook. A reply was heard before the main doors to the room opened and two goblins stepped in, one of which Harry recognized.
"Hello Griphook. How are you?" Harry asked politely, confused when the goblin in question gave him an astonished look.
"You remember me?" Griphook spluttered, completely nonplussed.
"Of course I do. You helped me to my vault the first time I came to Gringotts. Why would I not remember you?"
Seeing that Griphook was at a loss of words, Ragnok replied for him, "Mr. Potter - "
"Please call me Harry."
Ragnok paused, again looking shocked, before continuing.
"Harry, why Griphook is having a hard time is that wizards rarely treat us as creatures, let alone as equals. Goblins are generally looked down upon worse then werewolves. "
Harry looked affronted, "Well that's dumb! You are perfectly kind citizens, from what I've seen that is. Besides that, it's not very smart to treat the people who control your gold badly."
Ragnok chuckled at Harry's remark before gesturing Griphook and the other goblin into the seats to his right. After they were situated, Ragnok turned to Harry.
"Now Harry, you've already met Griphook, who is my assistant, but this is Ironstone, the main manager of your parent's vaults. The fact that you have never been informed as to your financial status is against almost every heritage law that the Wizarding World possesses. We sense that there is something very rotten going on here. We have various documents for large withdrawals with your signature on them, and should what you're saying be true, there has been a very grave error made. Have you ever signed a paper that said there could be a transference from any of your vaults?"
Harry immediately shook his head vehemently.
"Alright then, would you take a vow on that?"
Harry complied, and after the vow was completed, Ragnok continued.
"Now that that's settled, we will discuss with you the actions that have been taken behind your back and what we can do about them."
Griphook grabbed one of his many papers and read from the list,
"There have been the following transactions made without your consent: half a million galleons transferred to the account of a Miss Hermione Granger, reason being "For her services regarding Harry Potter"; eighty million galleons, which were switched into Muggle pounds, transferred to Mr. and Mrs. Dursley, reason being "For their services regarding Harry Potter"; one hundred million galleons to a Mr. Albus Dumbledore, "For the greater good". Those were the biggest transactions, though there were about fifty smaller ones in the form of five hundred thousand galleons to various persons, all with the reason, "For siding with the light"."
Harry was horrified. He believed what he was hearing, but it didn't compute. He faintly registered Ron blowing up, shouting and ranting, but he was too out of it to notice fully.
"They were paid." Harry whispered bleakly, "They were paid to hurt me. They were given my money to ruin my life. And Hermione! She was paid to be my friend? To tell me that Dumbledore was always right? And Dumbledore! Took my belongings for 'the Greater Good' and to sway people to his side! My heritage, the only thing left of my parents, was given out freely because some sadistic old man wanted people to listen to his insane ramblings!" Harry's voice grew louder and louder till it finally broke.
Harry sat heavily in his chair, barely realizing that he had stood. He felt Ron sweep him into his arms and snuggled into the body warmth. Mr. Weasley was conversing with the goblins, asking if everything could be undone.
"It certainly can, and we can get it all back with interest. If that is what you desire, Mr. Potter?" Ragnok asked, looking over tiny glasses at him.
Harry nodded tiredly before asking, "What about my guardianship sir? Can it be changed? I hate Dumbledore and I hate the Dursley's. I just want a real family."
Ragnok looked sadly at Harry before answering, "Yes Harry, we can do something about it. Considering all this financial turmoil, we, the Goblins of Gringotts can officially declare Dumbledore an unfit guardian. Therefore, he can no longer force you back to the Dursley's, who technically aren't your guardians, but your caretakers in Dumbledore's stead. Once we have done this, you can be put up for adoption. Because you are fourteen, you can't legally be emancipated unless a will declares it."
Mr. Weasley took a deep breath then turned to Harry.
"Harry? Molly and I discussed this at length last night, and we both agreed. We would like to formally adopt you, allowing you to become a Weasley in name, if that's what you desire. In our hearts, you already are a Weasley, but if you would like the name it's available to you."
Harry sat there, completely touched and gobsmacked at the same time.
"You want me?" Harry whispered. The entire concept of someone wanting him, a freak, was mind boggling. He was sure he was dreaming.
Mr. Weasley smiled at him dotingly, "Of course Harry. We already consider you our son. We have since we first met you."
Harry's eyes watered as he launched himself out of Ron's arms and into Mr. Weasley's, smothering him in a hug.
"Yes yes yes yes yes! I would love to be your son." Harry croaked through his happy tears. Mr. Weasley just smiled, wrapping his arms around Harry and turned his eyes to Ragnok.
"Make it happen please Ragnok"
The goblin nodded and grabbed the necessary tools before coming around the desk to the two happy wizards.
"Alright Harry, this is how it works. By being adopted into the Weasley family, you're features may change a bit, but it varies every time depending on the strength of bond and genes involved. First, you will cut your palm with this knife, then so will Mr. Weasley here. Then you will grasp palms and Mr. Weasley will say, 'I, Arthur Weasley, swear upon the ancestors of my line and my magic that I am willingly blood adopting Harrison James Potter into the Weasley line, therefore making him a ward of the Weasleys and under my care until the age of 21. By swearing this oath, I accept and embrace the transference of the Weasley genetics to our chosen child.' Then you, Harry, will recite these words, 'I, Harrison James Potter, swear upon my ancestors and my magic that I am willingly being blood adopted into the Weasley line, therefore becoming a ward of the Weasleys and under their care until I am of the age of 21. By swearing this oath, I accept and embrace the addition of the Weasley's genetics to my own as their chosen child'. That's all you have to do, the magic does the rest." Ragnok explained thoroughly for the fourteen year old.
Harry looked confused for a moment, "My name's Harrison? I always thought it was just Harry."
Ragnok looked angered once again, "Should I ever get my hands on Albus Dumbledore, I doubt he'll make it through the experience intact. Your name is Harrison, named after your great-grandfather on your father's side. Now, before any of us have time to get more incensed at a idiotic old man's actions, let us begin."
Following Ragnok's instructions, Mr. Weasley and Harry cut their palms and clasped hands, reciting the words they were required to. White magic immediately shot out from their clasped hands, illuminating the entire room. A light breeze ruffled everyone's hair as Harry's feature changed subtlety.
In the light, Harry's dark hair now had a reddish tint. The formerly hidden freckles on his nose grew more noticeable and his eyes became more almond shaped than before.
The lights and wind faded, leaving a beaming Harry and Ron and a softly smiling Mr. Weasley.
"Thank you Mr. Weasley. Thank you so much."
"Hush Harry, no need to thank me. If anything, thank you. And it's Dad now, Harry, though you can call me Arthur if Dad makes you uncomfortable."
Harry gushed and hugged Mr. Weasley again, "No, Dad's fine. I've always wanted a Dad."
Mr. Weasley gave a small grin as he embraced his youngest son, and as Ron joined in the hug, he realized that his family was complete.
"Can you believe it! We're here! We're at the Quidditch World Cup!" Ron hollered, dancing around their magical tent. Harry just grinned from his bed, before turning back to his homework.
"Why, " Fred asked before he was cut off by George.
"In Merlin's name,"
"Did you,"
"Our ickle little Harrykins,"
"Bring homework,"
"To the Quidditch World Cup?" They both asked together, grinning as they stood beside Harry's bed.
"It's got to get done. I didn't have time before, and now I do. And besides, what else would I be doing right now?" Harry asked, sticking his tongue out absentmindedly as he scribbled on his parchment about the Dreamless Sleep potion.
Fred and George shared a look before shrugging and skulking off to bother Ron. Harry sighed as he watched the antics that his brothers got into. Shaking his head as the twins wrestled with Ron as Ginny cheered and Mr. Weasley watched to make sure they didn't do any permanent damage, he smiled and turned back to his Potions work, completely at peace.
"IRE-LAND! IRE-LAND! IRE-LAND!" The stadium shook with the force of the chant. Harry could only marvel at the magnificence of the entire spectacle. There were so many witches and wizards, all in the same place, from around the world. The Veela bothered Harry, as he didn't seem feel the attraction that everyone else did, which made him think he was a freak, again. Then again, not everyone in the stadium had, so maybe it was just in some people's genetics.
The Ireland team flew out onto the pitch and the stadium thundered with cheers. The majority of the stadium was decked out in green, through there were noticeable chunks of red fans splattered here and there.
The Bulgarian team flew in and while the stadium didn't get quite as loud, the Bulgarians gave off quite a bit of noise. Harry used his omniculars to zoom in on the players, as did Ron, and Ron suddenly called out in time with the announcer, "VIKTOR KRUM!"
Harry immediately zoomed in onto the Seeker and damn near drooled. Though he was still scarred by the incidents with his Uncle and cousin and wasn't entirely comfortable with people being close to him, especially men, Harry decided he wouldn't mind the Bulgarian Seeker being very close.
Krum was tall, Harry could tell even as he zoomed around the pitch on his broom, and though he wasn't classically handsome, Harry definitely found him attractive in a masculine way. He had dark brown hair that was cut close to his head, though it was a bit longer on the sides, and had bushy eyebrows that gave him a serious look. His dark brown eyes were narrowed in concentration and his thin pale lips were pursed. Krum was of a large build, something that Harry had assume would turn him away because of past experiences, but it really did the opposite; Harry just wanted to curl in those burly arms and feel safe and cared for.
As the game got underway. harry tried to pay attention to the action, but constantly found his attention wandering to the Bulgarian Seeker. As Krum dived fro the snitch, Harry forgot he was originally supporting Ireland and cheered on Krum.
When the two teams paraded through the top box, Harry found himself somewhat grateful that Krum had broken his nose, because it blocked his vision pretty well and allowed Harry to stare shamelessly from a dark corner, unnoticed.
Back in the tent, listening to Ron rant on about Krum's amazing catch above the ruckus of cheering Ireland fans, Harry was struck by an important though. He liked Krum. Krum. A boy. Or man, because he was certainly not a boy. And Harry was okay with this. This was probably why he didn't react to the Veela. But did it make him a freak? Did his relatives treatment of him change him this way, or was he already like this? He knew he didn't like the rapes, so he wasn't converted to being gay because of that, so he must have been gay before and not noticed. Waitaminute, gay? Did he only like boys? Or is it girls too? He tried to imagine himself with one of those well dressed girls from Aunt Petunia's fashion magazines, but just shuddered. No. So just boys it was. He was gay. Oh Merlin. Now what?
"Hey Ron?"
Ron paused from his narration of Krum's catch. It was just the two of them in the tent as the rest of the family was out exploring the camp grounds.
"Yeah Harry?"
"I think...I think I'm gay."
Ron froze, staring at Harry. He then started to laugh uncontrollably. Harry was hurt and started to visibly withdraw into himself. Ron quick snapped out of it, seeing Harry shrink back.
"Harry, I'm not laughing at you. It's okay. I was laughing because I'm bisexual. It's hilarious because out of seven sons, Mum and Dad only managed to produce two that are straight."
Harry just blinked at Ron.
"What? Who else is gay?"
"Fred's gay, George is bi, Charlie's gay, Bill and Percy somehow managed to turn out straight and Ginny's too young to choose. " Ron explained.
Harry thought about it before asking timidly, "So Mum and Dad will be okay with it? They won't think I'm a freak and hate me?"
Ron immediately rushed over to Harry, embracing him.
"Nononononono Hare-Bear. It's okay. You are NOT a freak. You never have been and never will be a freak. Mum and Dad will accept you no matter what, even if you decide to forgo humans altogether and shack up with a dragon they'll love you."
Harry scrunched his nose and let out a giggle, "I think I'll leave the dragons to Charlie."
Both boys laughed, just relaxing in the feeling of acceptance. They then heard the screams turn from celebratory to horrified. They dashed to the entrance of the tent, seeing the chaos and actions of the cloaked men to the muggles. Harry started to run over to them, to stop them, but Ron grabbed the back of his shirt and pulled him back.
"Harry! There's nothing you can do. We have to get out of here! Leave it to the Aurors." Ron yelled as he dragged Harry away, seeing the red robed Aurors move in on the cloaked men.
The boys ran to the forest, dodging between panicked people. They silently moved deep into the woods, waiting until the noises were just whispers before stopping.
"Ron. I don't have my wand on me."
"Did you leave it in the tent?" Ron asked, slumping down on a tree stump.
"No. I had it on me. I must have dropped it." Harry said, sitting down on the ground next to the stump Ron was on.
"Oh. Well. We should probably just wait here until Dad comes to get us. He was probably helping people out and keeping Ginny, Fred and George safe. He'll come looking for us when he can. Then we can search for your wand together. Dad could just summon it. For now, we just have to stick together."
Harry just nodded, slumping so his head rested against Ron's knee. They sat there in silence before hearing someone yell out, "Morsmordre!"
The boys both whipped their heads around, seeing a deranged looking man, hold a wand to the sky. Harry recognized the wand as his own. Noticing the green glow, Harry looked to the sky, seeing a green skull with a snake coming out of it's mouth in the sky.
"That's You-Know-Who's mark!" Ron breathed, but it was loud enough to catch the deranged man's attention. The man advanced on the swiftly, but stopped at hearing voices.
"Harry! Ron! Can you hear me? Hello?" It was Mr. Weasley. The deranged man looked at the two boys and grinned a manical grin before tossing a blue hex at Harry, then dropped the wand and disapparated. Both Harry and Ron managed to dodge the hex and watched in horror as it hit a tree and the tree melted into a pile of goo.
"Harry! Ron! There you are. Are you okay? Dear Merlin! That's Voldemort's mark!" Mr. Weasley panted out, approaching the two boys.
"Dad! We were just sitting here and then we saw a mad man with Harry's wand, he lost it you see while we ran here, and he said a spell, like 'Morsemorder' or something then the mark appeared and he shot this blue spell at us and it missed us and melted that tree over there! Who was that man? Who were those men in the cloaks? What's going on!" Ron rambled, quickly running to embrace Mr. Weasley, Harry not far behind.
Mr. Weasley just muttered, "Thank Merlin you're both safe. Thank Merlin. My boys.". He then used a patronus in the form of a hen to send a message to other Ministry officials to come and take the boys statements.
After giving their statements to Mr. Crouch Sr, having Harry's wand checked, and given a run down on the situation with the Death Eaters, the three Weasley men were portkeyed back to the Burrow, where Molly, Ginny, Fred and George all waited worriedly.
After avoiding hugs that made him uncomfortable with the people's proximity to his person, Harry retreated to his bed in his and Ron's room. Harry couldn't help but hope that Viktor got out okay as well.
Platform nine and three quarters was very busy, filled with students and parents and familiars. Some students were boarding the train, others were getting in last farewell with their parents.
For the first time in Harry's life that he could remember, he had people to say good bye to, people that would miss him and vice versa. He started to tear up at the though, but pushed the tears away; he'd cried enough this summer.
Mrs. Weasley was hugging all her children as they went to board the train, fussing over their clothes and belongings.
"Now Fred, George, no mischief this year. You are to knuckle down and study." Mrs. Weasley fussed, smoothing down their hair, trying to tame the erratic mops of orange hair. Harry couldn't help but wonder if their bodies couldn't full contain their wild side, so it expressed itself through their orange locks.
Mr. Weasley pulled Harry aside before Mrs. Weasley could get to him.
"Now Harry, son, I just need to make sure you're okay with going back. Do you think you'll be okay? Molly and I will be at the school in a heartbeat if you need us. We'll always be here to listen if you want to send letters as well. If you are having trouble with the people around and whatnot, just let us know and we'll figure out a way to help you."
Harry couldn't help but tear up at the effort Mr. Weasley was making to help him with his troubles. Embracing his new father, Harry couldn't help but think that this is what his life was supposed to be like; someone to care, someone to lean on. He'd never been more sure of his decision to become a member of the Weasley family.
Mrs. Weasley scooped up in her arms, causing him to flinch at the sudden movement, but he calmed himself when he realized it was the Weasley matriarch. He hugged her back, pretending a few tears didn't slip out. He rubbed them away quickly when they parted and said goodbye.
Harry boarded the train with Ron and they stumbled through the corridor trying to find an empty compartment. They walked past one compartment and saw Hermione in it reading and quickly hurried on. They finally found one towards the end of the train and settled themselves in. They managed to play a few games of exploding snap before Hermione found them.
"Where were you? It took me ages to find you. I saved a compartment for us, but you never showed up. Whatever. Did you get your homework done? We have OWLS nest year so you do really need to pay attention. You also have to listen to Dumbledore, Harry, he's a wise man. " Hermione rambled on, settling herself into the compartment as well.
Both boys looked at her, then at each other, then Ron turned to Hermione and spoke.
"Granger. We will only say this once. Get out of this compartment and our lives. We know that Dumbledore has been paying you to be Harry's friend. We want nothing to do with you, now get out and never speak to us again."
Hermione just sat there, completely gobsmacked, before realizing the situation and started stuttering out excuses.
"Harry! Don't listen to Ronald. He doesn't know what he's saying. God Ronald, you're such an idiot."
Harry's eyes swirled with anger and his magic started to react as well.
"Don't call him an idiot! I heard with my own ears that Dumbledore was paying you, and I'm the reason why you're now cut off. You're a horrible person and annoying as a bug, now get out, you stupid girl!" Harry shouted.
Hermione turned red with anger and stood up, visibly gathering herself.
"Fine! Why would I want to be friends with such idiots like you two! You're both dumb and undisciplined! Ronald, you're a stupid fool and Harry, you're a two bit harlot. A bloody slut is what you are, you probably begged for it! Harry the Whore should be what they call you." she sneered.
Harry paled and shrunk in on himself, sinking into a flashback, while Ron flew into a rage. He tore a strip off of Hermione, calling her things that Harry hadn't even heard of. Hermione gave as good as she got. A crowd had gathered at the door, though they couldn't make out any of the words said due to the Muffilato charms on the doors, they could hear the volume of the voices and see Ron's anger through the window.
The twins finally stepped up and entered the compartment to try to solve the fight. Upon hearing from Ron what Hermione had said to Harry, they expressions turned grave and they each took and arm of Hermione's and escorted her from the compartment. Harry later found out that they had taken her to Percy, who berated her fiercely, and then pranked the hell out of her.
Ron comforted Harry silently, allowing him to cry into his arms at the words his ex-best friend said and the memories they stirred up. After about an hour, Harry finally calmed down enough to move from Ron's lap onto his own seat. A few moments later, Neville, Dean, and Seamus poked their heads in, seeing if it was all clear for them to join the two Weasleys.
The five fourth years gathered around and played Gobstones after Ron and Harry explained Hermione's deeds and the fact that Harry was now a Weasley. They didn't mention Harry's treatment from his relatives, just that it was something the Weasley's always wanted to do and an opportunity arose for Harry to join the family. The other boys were content with the excuse, though they suspected there was something more to it.
As the five minute warning came, the three other boys returned to their own compartment to change into their robes. Ron gracefully stood guard outside the compartment, allowing Harry privacy to change into his robes.
Dressed just in his trousers, Harry couldn't help but be disgusted with his body. He was scarred and though he'd gained quite a bit of weight, still very skinny. Trying to avoid his self depreciating thoughts, Harry quickly through on his robes, but not before the thought that even Viktor wouldn't want something as dirty and disgusting as him crossed his mind.
Shaking his head forcefully, Harry exited the compartment, then the train with Ron and looked up at the castle in the distance.
Ah, home sweet home.
The Great Hall was packed with people chattering all around. Harry sat between Ron and Fred who sat next to George. He tried not to panic at the amount of people in the room, but it was hard. His mind kept thinking of the number of people there that could hurt him because they were bigger and didn't like him and were stronger and evil in mind and... he had to stop himself before he was thrown into a panic attack. Ron, sensing his distress, grabbed his hand under the table and squeezed it in comfort. harry shot him a grateful look and squeezed back.
The sorting went smoothly, Gryffindor receiving 9 new students, Ravenclaw 7, Hufflepuff 13, and Slytherin 8
Dumbledore stood up and waited for silence before speaking,
"Hello new students and old, welcome to another year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. First, let me introduce our new Defense teacher, Alastor Moody."
Everyone hesitantly applauded as the grizzled old man stood up, electric blue eyes swirling around crazily.
Dumbledore resumed talking, "Now, this year there is something exciting to be happening at Hogwarts. We are the hosts of the Triwizard Tournament, being held for the first time in 50 years. In just a few moments, we shall welcome the students of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic and Durmstrang Institute for Magical Learning. I expect the population of Hogwarts to be polite to our visitors and help them when they need it. As for the tournament, only students above the age of 17 shall be allowed to enter their names and only one student from every school shall be selected to compete in the tournament. In the tournament, there shall be three events, and the student with the most points at the end of those events shall win the Triwizard Cup, 1000 Galleons and eternal glory. Now, let us welcome the foreign students."
Beauxbaton's entrance was very nice, but Durmstrang's was magnificent. The one thing that caught Harry's eye was Viktor Krum. Ron also noticed him.
"Harry. It's Krum!" Ron whispered, staring wide eyed at the Bulgarian as he sat at the Slytherin table beside Malfoy. As Ron muttered about stupid Slytherins beneath his breath before digging into supper, Harry couldn't take his eyes of Viktor.
When Viktor looked up after a few minutes of Harry staring and their eyes met, Harry swore he'd died and gone to heaven. Seeing those eyes looking at him sent his heart soaring.
So this is what love is like, was all Harry could think as he blushed under the Bulgarian's scrutiny.