AN: Alright everyone, sorry about the wait on this! I am going to be trying to post during the week but not on the weekend. So, to be fair, I am going to give two chapters instead of one. Also, I have been getting some questions about what happens with the Dursleys and the order and Voldemort and so on. I won't spoil it but some of it is explained in these next two chapters. I've got big plans with this story and I WILL finish it, Anyways, lovelies, enjoy! Read and review! :)
"Hey, Josh. Em, Liv, Harry, Nick. Good to see you all back."
Harry grinned at Russell, his eyes immediately darting to his tattoo. Natalie moved forward, giving Em and Olivia gentle hugs and patting Harry's cheek. Harry had been delighted when he had been told to hop off the bus at the stop like last time. This time, he hadn't even hesitated and he had felt at ease upon entering the shop. It felt good that the uncertainty had left him.
"Harry, that piercing fits you so well. I did a good job." Natalie boasted, eyeing Harry's lip ring. Her eyes shined in approval and pride as she looked from him over to Em, who had already replaced her rings.
"Getting any ink today?" Russell asked lightly.
"Ah, no. We just stopped by to see our favorite shopkeepers of all time." Josh said with a wink at Natalie. She snorted.
"And, we were wondering if you could call up your cousin Harvey and have him drive us about in his taxi. We got the money." Nick said and Josh pulled out the wad of bills that were more than enough.
"I'll ring him up." Natalie said smoothly and swept out of the room.
"Got plenty of money there. Sure you don't want any ink?" Russell asked, eyeing the money.
"Low on business again, Russell?" Olivia asked sympathetically.
"You have no idea." Russell sighed.
"I'm not going to miss up a chance to get a new tattoo if you're insisting. I don't really have an idea for anything but I'll take the chair." Josh said with a laugh.
"Only one?" Russell asked, frowning.
"I suppose I will." Harry spoke up. His mind turned as he thought about a new tattoo design.
"Olivia? You haven't hit the chair since the first time. What about you Nick?"
"Oh no, Russell. I'm pretty plain." Nick said with a small lopsided smile. Josh looked at him sharply, his blue eyes narrowing at the nonchalant insult.
"You know what, though? I think I will. What could it hurt?" Olivia said with a shrug, her eyes brightening.
"Em?" Russell asked hopefully.
"Something small, I suppose." Em said with a nod.
"Fair enough. Come on back, then. You too, Nick."
Harry followed the familiar path back to the chairs. Olivia went ahead and took a seat, declaring that she already knew what she wanted. Em sat down too, asking for a book full of writing styles to chose from. Josh started walking back and forth, apparently needing to pace to come up with an idea. Nick sat beside Harry and eyed him, curiosity in his eyes.
"Got an idea?" Nick asked. Harry hummed.
"Alrighty, Liv, what are you wanting?" Russell asked, setting up his drawing.
Olivia shot off talking and Harry got lost in thought. He leaned over, only half paying attention as Russell drew what Olivia described. He couldn't help but drift because he was clearly imagining what he wanted to get. Before he even saw the drawing, Russell was starting up his tattoo gun and going at it. Harry watched as Olivia pressed her face into the leather chair and clung to Josh's hand with one hand and Nick's hand with her other. She was getting her tattoo on her collarbone and shoulder.
Harry was mesmerized at the actual process of the tattooing. Russell was quite talented for the fee he gave and Harry suspected he gave the misfits a discount. Harry's eyes slipped to the pacing Josh and guilt gripped him. He was allowing Josh to pay for something so important. But, so was Olivia and Em. Harry knew that he enjoyed spending his parents money on things his parents would hate but still...
No. Harry meant he wasn't going to be like Ron in the sense that he was embarrassed when someone bought him something expensive. He never even batted an eye when he spent money on Ron and he doubted that Josh did for them either. He loved Ron but he had always disliked that money was such a touchy subject for him. Harry had come to learn that money didn't make a person. Harry made a mental note to somehow repay Josh in the future even if it wasn't with a material thing.
"Done!" Russell chirped, leaning back. Olivia released a deep breath and sat up, turning her head back forward. Harry saw a red mark on her forehead where she had pressed down so hard.
"How is it?" Olivia asked them.
"I like it." Harry said immediately, his statement twisting in with the others approving words. He wasn't lying at all. It was beautiful, really. It was the words 'Not everyone who wanders is lost' in cursive format with three tiny birds flying off. The tattoo ended on her shoulder, the last small bird above her armpit.
"Next." Russell said after he had allowed Olivia to see it in the mirror and bandaged it.
"Me." Em said quickly.
"What would you like?" Russell asked business-like.
"It's not too big. I just want a dreamcatcher. A unique one." Em said sheepishly, tossing the binder to the side, apparently changing her mind in needing it.
"Where?" Russell asked. Em pulled up her sleeve, revealing her upper arm.
"I want it to start at the top and then end about midway."
"Alrighty. Any details?"
"Two feathers and all the strings have beads." Em declared with a nod.
"Nice." Nick commented with a smile.
Harry's interest was piqued. He didn't even know what a dreamcatcher was. He could infer by the blunt name but he'd never seen one or heard about it. He tried not to hover too much over Russell but the man simply waved him forward, seeming used to having someone over his shoulder. Harry watched as he drew what was apparently a dreamcatcher. And, he had to admit that it was cool. It had a bit of a whimsical feel to it. Curiosity too much for him, he finally asked.
"What's a dreamcatcher?"
"It's an object that native Indians in America created to catch bad dreams and only allow good dreams." Em murmured, closing her eyes as Russell started.
"You have nightmares?" Harry asked with a frown.
"Often." Em replied.
"What about? Oh- Sorry, that's none of-"
"Weird things. Screaming, Latin words, green lights. I sometimes dream about dark things, things that I know aren't real but are definitely evil." Em admitted.
"Latin words?" Harry asked, his eyes widening. He thought back to his own nightmares... Coincidence? It had to be... Right?
"Like I said, weird things."
"Do you really think it will work?" Harry asked, nodding to the progressing tattoo.
"Who knows?" Em laughed, leaning her head against the headrest and smiling at him.
"So, why get it?" Harry asked in confusion.
"Symbolism. Good vibes. Hope. I don't know, really. I just... I like it and I wanted it." Em said with a smirk.
"Right, of course. Badass Em." Josh snorted from where he paced.
"I try." Em retorted.
They fell silent as Russell continued, his brows furrowed as he concentrated. Nick kept batting Olivia's hands from her bandage and Josh finally stopped pacing. Harry's traitorous mind kept returning to what Em revealed. How come he always got suspicious thoughts towards her tattoos? Coincidence happened everyday. This was no different. Harry brushed it off and watched as Russell put down his tattoo tools.
"All done." He announced.
"It looks great." Em told him as she eyed it, not even bothering to go to the mirror.
"Who's next?"
"I'll go." Harry said and sat down. His eyes snuck to his arm that already held a tattoo.
"Alright. What are you wanting?"
"It's even weirder than last time..." Harry admitted.
"I don't need an explanation. Either pick it out of the book or describe it. I don't have to know the reason, I just have to tattoo it." Russell said easily.
"Alright... It's a ball. Well, it's not just any ball... It's, well, it's a snitch and..."
Harry described the snitch as best as he could, going in great detail. Russell listened attentively, his eyebrows rising skeptically only a few times. True to his word, he didn't comment as he started drawing. His friends stared at him blankly for a few moments before seeming to brush it off. He had made it clear that he didn't want to talk about it, just like with his last one, and they let it go.
Russell listen well because he drew the snitch absolutely perfectly. Well, he hadn't drawn enough notches on the side but he corrected that when Harry let him know. Otherwise, it was perfect. Harry decided to get it on his arm opposite of the other tattoo. However, he got it above his elbow, right below his sleeve. The wings were whipped back, showing that it was clearly in flight. Harry beamed.
"Any words?" Russell asked. Harry thought about it and said the first thing that popped into his mind.
"I want 'Wicked fast and damn near impossible to see' above it and 'Gryffindor wins' below it."
"Spell the 'G' word and we're ready to start." Russell laughed. Harry grinned.
He blushed as Russell added the words. He almost told Russell to take the bottom words off for being biased. But, he didn't. He had house pride and that was okay. He would wear this tattoo proudly and would inwardly rejoice every time a Slytherin scowled at him for it. And then, Russell started.
He had to admit, now that he knew what it felt like, it didn't hurt as bad. Josh offered his hand and Harry took it as a precautionary measure but ended up just loosely holding his hand, only squeezing it twice. He closed his eyes and just focused on Olivia chattering to Nick and Josh humming. He almost fell asleep, actually. Before he could get into a deep sleep, Russell stopped and told him to go take a look.
Looking in the mirror, Harry grinned and bounced slightly on his feet. It was perfect. And, it was meaningful to him in it's own way. It reminded him of how happy it felt to be in the air, narrowing in on that small golden ball and looking to end the game he loved. The top words were quoted from Oliver Wood but he'd never find anything more accurate. The bottom words were cheeky but everything he loved to hear at the end of every great game. Quidditch was a big part of his life. He might've been banned from it but not even Umbridge could take it from him now.
"Thank you, Russell. You never let me down." Harry told him gratefully.
"I don't even know what it means but it looks smashing." Josh said with a laugh.
"Alright, next." Russell said after he bandaged Harry up. Josh didn't even hesitate to sit down.
"Okay, so I want something without words this time." Josh said.
"Okay... What?" Russell asked expectantly.
"I don't know." Josh said sheepishly.
"Look in this then." Russell said, rolling his eyes and passing over a binder.
Josh sighed and started flipping through. In a rare display of affection, Nick snatched the book and sat down right in Josh's lap. Apparently, he wanted a front seat to helping Josh pick out this tattoo. Josh didn't seem to mind, hastily encircling his arms around Nick and placing his chin on Nick's shoulder. He wasn't even looking at the book as Nick flipped the pages, his eyes seemingly locked onto Nick's neck.
"What about this one? You love these death machines and your mother would go ape shit." Nick commented lightly, turning to look at Josh.
Harry froze, his whole mind coming to a screeching halt. It was sort of like a scene out of a movie. He couldn't tear his eyes away as he watched. Nick's face was mere centimeters from Josh's and their eyes had caught each other's as soon as Nick turned to look at him. Harry felt like an intruder that couldn't even begin to leave, entranced by the sight of them. He could feel a blush blooming on his cheeks from the secondhand embarrassment he felt.
It was awkward from where he was standing. For the moment, they were looking at each other like they were the only other person in the room, in the world. And, Harry felt like multiple things just clicked in his mind. He had suspected- it had been hard not to- but now it was confirmed. Clearly, there was much more going on there. That much was understood.
But, what Harry couldn't fathom was why he was unable to look away. Was it the fact that it was two boys? Was it the fact that it was two of his friends? He didn't know, wasn't sure he wanted to. It made him uncomfortable but it might've just been the increasing sexual tension in the room coming from them. He couldn't help but smile as he seen them, albeit an awkward one but a smile nonetheless. It was just so...sweet...Bloody hell, was he gay!?
Harry tore his eyes away to look at the two other girls. Em was grinning widely, like a cat who had finally gotten the canary. Her eyes were bright and she was leaning forward expectantly. Harry could understand why. With the way the boys eyes were flicking to the other's lips, they were obviously seconds away from snogging right then and there. Olivia was picking at her bandage, apparently uncaring of these change of events. It was like she had known all along.
"Ahem." Russell coughed.
Harry almost groaned in disappointment when the two boys jerked away from each other. Harry didn't have any secret desire to see them kiss, not that he knew of anyway, but they had been so close. If they had then maybe they would've got together and been happier. Why did Russell mess that up? Harry sent him a small glare that he wouldn't notice and saw that the tattooer looked distinctly uncomfortable. Harry supposed it was like an uncle watching his nephew snogging.
"Right, er, sorry. I, uh, I want this one." Josh mumbled awkwardly as Nick hopped up and shuffled away. Josh pointed towards what Nick picked out, looking at it only after he had pointed it out. Harry wasn't sure he'd ever heard Josh sound so inarticulate.
"You sure?" Russell asked.
"Yes, of course." Josh assured him.
"Where at?" Russell asked as he started setting up his tattooing tools. Josh pursed his lips.
"Hmm... What about...on my...outer lower arm. Like it's back is at the elbow and the front is to my outer wrist." Josh decided.
"Alright. So, no words, okay. Just this or do you want a background?"
"Uhh... No, just this will do."
"Any colors?"
"Nope. Just traditional black."
"Okay. And specific designs?"
"Nope. Just traditional design."
"Okay then. Nick, hold the boy's hand and we can start." Russell said smoothly.
Nick walked over awkwardly, lacing their fingers together. Harry glanced over to see Em pouting and Olivia throwing Russell the small glares Harry had given previously. Apparently, Olivia had hid how much she'd wanted the boys to snog. Russell started up his tattoo gun and went at it.
Josh was silent.
He didn't even twitch.
He didn't squeeze Nick's hand.
He was fine.
Harry couldn't believe it. The last time, Josh had whined and moaned and groaned at the pain. He'd been horrible in the chair. Em herself looked stunned and Russell almost faltered in what he was doing. Josh simply lazed about, looking all for as if he was getting a massage instead of a tattoo. However, Harry caught one tiny wince that Josh hastily covered and frantically looked up at Nick to make sure he hadn't caught it. Luckily, Nick had been staring at their joined hands so he hadn't noticed.
Harry had to fight laughter. It was mad but Josh was pointedly not reacting just to impress Nick. It was funny, honestly. Em giggled quietly and Harry hadn't been able to bite back a grin. Josh glanced at them sharply, narrowing his eyes to slits in warning. Em smirked and Harry's grin turned wicked. Josh wrinkled his nose and huffed, looking away. When Russell announced that he was through, Josh sagged slightly in relief. Harry peered at the tattoo and burst out in sudden and loud laughter, unable to contain it.
"What so funny?" Josh asked in worry, glancing down at his new tattoo frantically. When finding nothing amiss, he stared at Harry with a small frown.
"Just... You're so like..." Harry trailed off as the smile slipped away.
So like Sirius.
Josh had gotten a motorcycle on his arm. Harry didn't doubt that Sirius would've loved it. Harry turned away, suddenly overwhelmed with how much he missed his godfather. Where he wouldn't have been able to see Sirius anyways, he would've been able to write him. Anything was better than this silence. Harry's arm throbbed with his new tattoo and he actually tried to focus on the twinge of pain for a change. It was better than that weight on his chest he felt.
"Harry?" Olivia asked quietly.
"I just... Nothing." Harry murmured.
"Hey, mate, you can tell us." Josh said as he allowed Russell to wrap his new tattoo. As the motorcycle was obscured from view, Harry's chest tightened.
"It might make you feel better." Olivia agreed.
"Well, walk and talk then. Harvey's been waiting for over an hour now." Russell said.
"I'll tell you all in the car." Harry said quietly.
They accepted that and started towards the front. Natalie checked them out, waving as she placed Josh's money in the register. Harvey was a plump man with what appeared to be a thin mullet atop his head and a cigar poking between his teeth. He grunted as he got in his taxi and they climbed in the back. Olivia sat in Josh's lap and Em sat in Nick's. Harry was squashed in the middle and yet, none of them even thought about sitting up front.
"Where to?" Harvey asked gruffly.
"You know that small grocery store on the corner of Surrey, yeah?" Josh said.
"Over there on the corner of Malcolm road?"
"Uhhh... Maybe?"
"By Privet Drive?" Harvey huffed, annoyed.
"Yes! That one. Stop there." Josh said excitedly.
"Privet Drive? By my house?" Harry asked with a jolt.
"Yep." Josh smirked.
"I've walked to that small grocery store you're talking about." Harry pointed out.
"Really?"
"Yeah. So, why are we going out there?"
"You'll see." Josh said with a smirk. Harry was immediately suspicious and narrowed his eyes.
"What do you mean?"
"Don't worry your messy head over it. Go on ahead and tell me whom I'm so like." Josh said.
"Oh right. Well... Er, I sort of have a godfather." Harry coughed.
"What, really?" Nick asked, sitting up.
"How do you sort of have a godfather, Harry?" Em asked with an arched eyebrow.
"No, I do. It's just... Well, I don't learn until about two years ago." Harry admitted.
"Why so long?" Olivia murmured with a frown.
"Well, he was sort of in Az- Er, in prison. So, yeah."
"Really? For how long?" Josh asked, blinking in surprise.
"Twelve years."
"What!? Bloody hell! What did he do?" Em hissed.
"He was in prison for murder. But! But, he was framed. Really, we have proof and everything." Harry said. The others gaped at him.
"Murdering who?"
"Well, everyone thought he was the one who told my parents murderer how to find them. But, it wasn't him. He was actually chasing down the man who actually told my parents murderer how to find them. Anyways, the true murderer blew up twelve mug-people and escaped. My godfather was framed and put away."
"Wow. That's... Mad. How- I mean, What happened to the really guilty bloke?" Josh asked with wide eyes.
"He's still free." Harry muttered, scowling darkly.
"What!? So, how did they prove your godfather was innocent if they didn't have the true guilty bloke?" Em asked in shock.
"Oh... Well, they didn't. My godfather, well, he broke out of prison three years ago. He had heard something about the really guilty bloke being near my location and broke out to protect me in case anything tetchy happened. I didn't even know he existed until that year and until I met him, I hated him because I thought he was the reason my parents were dead."
"So...so he's wanted!?" Olivia burst out, throwing a searching look up at Harvey who was smoking and appearing as if he didn't have a care in the world.
"Well, yes..." Harry mumbled. He hadn't really anticipated getting into this with them. The others fell silent as they worked to process it all.
"So, who's the really guilty bloke?" Nick asked, his brow furrowed.
"He's my dad's other best friend. My dad had three. Sirius, who is my godfather, Remus, who once was my professor, and Peter, who is guilty."
"Are they trying to find Peter to clear Sirius' name?" Nick asked, his hands drawing patterns on Em's knee.
"Yeah. I had hoped, had thought, that we had him at one time. I had been so happy to get away from the Dursleys but then... Well, you know. Since then, Sirius has had to be on the run and living in rough conditions. I miss him is all." Harry said with a shrug.
"So... Why does your criminally innocent godfather remind you so much of me? Or, vise versa or whatever?" Josh asked, wrinkling his nose.
"He's such a rebel, too. He was the black sheep of his family, too. In spite, he put posters of half-naked girls and motorcycles up on his wall with a- with super glue. And, he ran away at sixteen to live with my dad. And, he had his own motorcycle and everything. He's always disliked his family and everything they expected out of him."
"Woah. All he needs now is to be gay and we could be twins." Josh murmured in awe.
"I hadn't really thought about it until Olivia forced me to but I think he's got something going on with Remus. I'd never looked for it but... Yeah." Harry mumbled.
"Is that why you were so shocked?" Olivia giggled.
"Yeah, a bit." Harry admitted.
"Well-"
"Out, out, out! We've reached your destination!" Harvey barked, cutting off Josh.
After the initial surprise they got from Harvey's abrupt demand, they all piled out. Josh walked up to the window and handed Harvey a large wad of cash. Harvey looked distinctly happier as he drove off. The five teens all burst out laughing and walked into the store, snickering as they did.
"What exactly are we doing here?" Harry asked in amusement as they walked down the aisles.
"Snacks, of course!" Josh said with a laugh.
"That's it? We came out here just for snacks?"
"That and other things." Nick said lightly, looking downright devious for what might've been the first time Harry had ever witnessed. Josh hummed and walked over to Nick, running his fingers over Nick's jaw softly in apparent approval of the mischievous streak.
"I'll grab the eggs." Em sighed, rolling her eyes.
"Eggs? What do we need eggs for?" Harry asked with a frown, not liking being in the dark again.
"Relax. Come on and pick out some food." Olivia said easily, looping an arm through his.
They browsed the aisles and Harry was astounded by the amount of junk food they had to select from. Yes, he had seen Dudley have plenty but he hadn't ever had his own. Josh was going crazy, picking everything up that caught his eye. Nick only grabbed two things whereas Olivia grabbed things and passed them to Harry for him to hold. Harry figured that they had more than enough. Em showed back up with a carton of eggs and they paid and left. They walked for a while and ate together, putting a dents in the snacks.
"Alright. Now, we've got a surprise for you, Harry." Nick told him as they walked down the street.
"Why? I don't need anything. You've all done so much for me as it is." Harry sighed. Em tutted and reached over to ruffle his hair. He laughed and batted her hands away to no avail.
"Yes but this benefits us all." Olivia commented.
"Oh?"
"Harry, how much do you wish you could just get back at the Dursleys for everything they had ever done to you?" Josh asked as they turned down Privet Drive.
"What?" Harry muttered, his eyes taking in the sign as they passed it.
Why were they going towards his home? The snacks were really depleting now. Josh was sucking the food down as if he hadn't ate all week. Olivia, too, was doing her share. Em grabbed the last thing at the bottom and Nick balled up the bag and slipped it in his baggy pocket. Harry could appreciate that he hadn't littered. It was a good thing.
"If you had the chance to get back at them, would you?" Josh reiterated.
"I mean, I don't want them harmed if that's what you're asking..." Harry muttered with a frown.
"Better than us." Olivia mumbled. Harry thought it ironic as she always had defended her father.
"No, not harming... Let's just say, we're coloring the dull neighborhood. Taking the normal and...washing it away, if you will." Josh said with a smirk, his eyes shining brightly.
"I suppose but... I still have no idea what you mean."
"We're egging your house, Harry." Nick said, rolling his eyes as Josh huffed at the miss of being dramatic.
"What!? No!" Harry blurted out.
"Why not?" Josh asked curiously.
"They would kill me! We can't! Absolutely not." Harry said firmly. They were coming up on his house and slowing. Harry felt a bit of panic grip him.
"Don't freak out. Harry, I promise you'll feel better. We've all done it. Even Olivia." Em said.
"You egged a nun school?" Harry deadpanned and looked over to her with doubt.
"Best time of my life. Gertrude flashed all the priests." Em said with a grin. Harry couldn't hold in his snort.
"Dad was furious but it was definitely worth it." Olivia spoke up, smiling as well.
"Well, it sounds all fine but I won't do it. Anyhow, it's wrong at that." Harry said sternly, frowning.
"Okay...aaaaand?" Josh snickered, drawing out the word. Harry rolled his eyes.
"Here, take this." Em ordered, opening a carton and passing him an egg. With a jolt, Harry realized they were in front of his house. He blinked.
"Go ahead. Give it a good fling. Aim for the car first. They'll be less likely to come out." Nick said wisely.
"Go on." Josh encouraged.
Harry stared at the perfect lawn and boring house that was just like all the others on the street. His eyes flashed to the simple car they had and he bit his lip. He could remember mowing this lawn, taming the garden, washing that car. And, for what? He wasn't ever taken anywhere, he never got any amount of acknowledgement for anything he did. Harry couldn't believe he was going to do this. He really was turning into a deviant, into a juvenile. But, if that's what they thought him to be, he'd show them.
Harry pulled his arm back and chunked the egg with all his might right at the side of the car. With a thump, the egg cracked and splattered all over it. At the sound and the sight of the mess, a thrill ran through Harry. And, he did feel better. He gave a soft laugh and reached for another egg.
The others took their own eggs and covered that car in the runny yolk. Harry couldn't help but laugh as it ran a mess all over it. He wouldn't be cleaning the car, that much was for sure. Next, they aimed at the front door. Harry also took pleasure in hitting the lawn, knowing they wouldn't find the mess until way later. It wasn't too long before the thumps called for attention. Harry's heart nearly stopped when the door jerked open and his uncle Vernon stepped out.
"What in the devil is going on out..." Vernon trailed off as his eyes took his car. The fat man's face immediately turned purple and he stomped outside towards his car with a shriek. Halfway, he caught sight of them all and froze.
Em threw an egg at the car.
"POTTER!" Vernon bellowed, surging forward. Harry's eyes widened and he took an instinctive step back.
"What's his name?" Josh whispered hastily.
"Vernon." Harry hissed back.
"TAKE THAT VERNON DURSLEY! YOU HAVEN'T HEARD THE LAST OF THE MISFITS!" Josh that, they took off down the street, tossing the empty cartons in the lawn. However, they didn't get very far at all.
"Stop. Right. There."
Harry froze, as did the others. Two police cars were parked along the curb, already there for some reason. Harry's heart clenched. There were four policemen right in front of them, blocking their way. Harry knew they were doomed, knew they had no way out. His heart thudded and he gulped.
"Harry!?"
Harry whirled around and gave muted sound of shock. What the hell was Remus doing here? And, with Ron and Hermione no less. They were walking up the sidewalk and gaping at Harry. He knew how it must look. He had tattoos and a lip piercing and they stood right beside the empty cartons. His friends didn't look any better. It was not a good moment for him.
"Who's that?" Josh asked.
"Did he come to save us?" Olivia asked.
"Friend or foe?" Nick asked.
"Should we run?" Em asked.
"Were so fucked." Harry replied to all of them.
"Who is it!?" Josh repeated urgently.
"Remus. He probably won't be able to save us. Friend. And, we can't. We are so fucked!" Harry burst out.
"Got that right, kid. On the ground, all of you." One of the sneering policemen said.
"Now, wait one second..." Remus started with a frown.
"We should run while they are distracted." Em whispered urgently in his ear.
"Harry!? Bloody hell, mate..." Ron blurted out.
"Harry, why would you egg the Dursley house and..." Hermione began disapprovingly.
"Who's the ginger?" Olivia asked, wrinkling her nose.
"Who's the prude?" Josh snickered.
"We will not hold on. These kids need to learn a lesson. We are taking them in. If, and only if, you want them out by tomorrow, then you can come up to the station and..."
"SHUT UP! EVERYONE, SHUT UP!" Harry shouted, his fury overflowing. They all fell silent and an unnatural breeze rushed through the air.
"Hey... Harry, calm down..." Em whispered, reaching out to grab his hand. Harry breathed in deeply and closed his eyes.
"Okay, we're fine. Josh, what did I tell you?" Harry muttered, opening his eyes.
"You were right. I'm sorry. How was I supposed to know that the police would be patrolling the neighborhood?" Josh huffed.
"I'm a trouble magnet. We should've anticipated this."
"Alright, quit the talking. Hands behind your back."
Harry bowed his head and refused to look at Remus or Hermione or Ron as the handcuffs were clipped on his wrists. He could hear their protests and Vernon's loud boisterous approval but it was like background noise as he was led to the police car. He was ducked down in the back and Em was right beside him. The other three were led to the other car. Harry took one glance and saw Remus blinking in utter shock at Harry through the window. Harry tried to fight it but the smile claimed his lips as they drove away.
He and Em didn't say a word as they drove down the road. Harry was surprised to find that they were only about fifteen minutes away from the station. The policemen talked to them, lecturing more like, as they were led down the halls. The place was absolutely silent as they were forced into a large room with one large bench along each of the four walls. He and Em took a seat and sat there in silence as the policemen left them, muttering about troublesome teenagers.
"That was quick." Em commented lightly.
"I'm in jail. Why am I not freaking out?" Harry muttered.
"Uh, Karlbergs by far outweighs this." Em said.
"Yes, but still... This is mad. I was just actually arrested. Right in front of my ex-professor who is in close contact with my godfather and my two best friends who've known me since I was eleven."
"You also made everyone frightened into silence."
"Yeah..."
"About that, Harry-"
"It was nothing." Harry said quickly.
"No, it wasn't nothing. It happens when you're upset, doesn't it?" Em said, leaning closer like she was sharing a secret. Harry frowned.
"What do you mean?"
"You can make things happen when you're desperate or upset or angry, right? It's okay. I can too."
"What- You can?" Harry blurted out in shock.
"Yes... But, so can you... Am I right?" Em pressed, her eyes so earnest. And, Harry knew that he could deny it and he done with it. But, if there was one flaw Harry had, it was that he couldn't leave well enough alone.
"Here, hold this." Harry said abruptly. He reached in his pocket and pulled out his wand. Em reflexively grabbed it and gave a gasp. Bright purple sparks flew out the end and Harry blinked.
The door clicked and Harry snatched the wand back to slip it in his pocket. Em opened her mouth to say something but Harry turned away hastily. Harry looked through the bars and saw people coming down the hall. It was a good thing he was listening for the door. He watched as a mouthy Olivia and Josh and a quiet Nick was led in. The policemen walked them in and then left. The others sat down, scowling as they did.
"I can't believe this is happening to us. They can't even arrest us for egging a house!" Josh burst out.
"Destruction of property, Josh..." Nick sighed.
"But, we are minors!"
"They can still arrest us, the pricks. One of our parents will have to come bail us out."
"I hope it's yours." Josh muttered to Nick.
"No, you don't get it. One of our parents will have to come bail us out...each." Nick amended, his mouth tightening. Josh blinked.
"I'll be in here forever." Em sighed, leaning her head back. Harry nodded grimly in agreement.
"Dad is going to murder me." Olivia whispered, her eyes filling with sudden tears. Josh immediately moved over and wrapped his arms around her.
"I'm so sorry..." Josh murmured.
"It's not your fault. We all did it." Olivia sniffled.
"Yeah, we all did but...but it was my idea and I paid for the eggs and...and..." Josh murmured.
"I threw the first egg. And, I don't even regret that part. I just regret the part where we got arrested." Harry said reassuringly.
"Did you see your uncle's face?" Nick laughed once.
"He went fuchsia." Harry snickered.
"And, when you threw that egg at his car, Em..." Olivia giggled.
"Goodness, his face!" Josh laughed loudly.
"And, when you yelled out at him!" Harry laughed uproariously, clutching his sides.
"We're horrible people!" Em laughed, leaning on Harry. They all laughed harder. Harry heard a faint pop but took no note of it.
"We got the house so good. And, with all the eggs too!" Josh laughed, his body shaking.
"Can you just imagine your uncle's face as he's forced to clean his whole house and car and lawn!?" Olivia giggled loudly, tears gathering in her eyes but of mirth.
"Muttering about his troubled nephew!" Harry wheezed. He tried to stop laughing but he couldn't.
"And, the policemen all being so serious, like... Stop. Right. There!" Nick imitated. They deteriorated into louder laughter.
"So worth it!" Harry laughed.
"Oh, you think so, do you?"
Like a light switch, the laughter flicked off. Harry's head snapped up and his mouth gaped open. Sirius stood in the doorway, his right leg crossed over his left, his arms crossed, his lips pressed into a thin clearly unimpressed line, his eyebrow arched, and his arms crossed over his chest. Remus stood behind him, tapping his lips as he watched them all intently.
"Oh goodness, please tell me this is not your godfather." Olivia whispered as she stood up and scurried closer to Harry. He cleared his throat.
"Ah, yeah... How did you-"
"You said he was cool but you never said he was hot! Are you sure he is gay?"
"Olivia!" Harry burst out, scandalized. He groaned and put his head in his hands.
"Man, he looks mad. I thought you said he was cool and Remus was the responsible one." Josh muttered.
"Please, god, please shut up. I am begging you." Harry mumbled, not daring to look at his godfather.
"Okay, Harry, relax. Olivia, shut it. He is pretty but don't blast it. Josh, just sow your lips together." Nick said with a heavy sigh.
"They tempt you, don't they?"
"Oh, stop it! Sirius, I am so sorry." Harry blurted out, standing up and moving over. Sirius hummed.
"You didn't sound it a few minutes ago." Sirius pointed out. Harry faltered and blinked.
"Yeah, but Sirius... You didn't see their faces." Harry said defensively. Behind him, a few snickers broke out.
"Remus described it to me in great detail. Eggs, Harry? Really?" Sirius asked.
"I... Well, yeah." Harry mumbled, shuffling his feet.
"You do realize that toilet papering someone's house is so much harder to clean up, right?"
Harry looked up and grinned. Sirius' limbs loosened and he grinned back, looking ten years younger. Remus threw up his hands and rolled his eyes as if exasperated at Sirius' lack of ability to live up to his name. Next thing Harry knew, he was starting to walk up to Sirius to hug him. However, he came to an abrupt halt. A thought tugged at his brain and he sighed. He cleared his throat.
"Remus..."
"What?" Remus asked with narrowed eyes, looking at Harry like he might have dungbombs hidden on him.
"Do me a favor, would you?"
"Depends on the favor." Remus said slowly. Harry rolled his eyes and walked forward, pushing past Sirius and giving Remus an unwarned hug. Remus stiffened in surprise before awkwardly patting his back.
"Not so bad, was it?" Harry muttered.
"What- Why- I don't understand..." Remus stuttered.
"Just acting on an old promise." Harry replied, his eyes cutting over to his confused friends. After that, he whirled back to Sirius and gave him a hug. Sirius easily hugged him back before holding him out at arm's length and frowning.
"Merlin, Harry, what happened to you? Where have you been? And, is that a...tattoo!?"
"Ah, yeah... A snitch, see?" Harry said with a weak smile, turning his arm. Sirius blinked.
"It's so red."
"It's new."
"Where's the bandage!?" Remus blurted out, concern tight in his voice.
"Came off in the taxi but that's not the point. The point it that-"
"Not the point!? Harry, you could get a disease or contract anything from-"
"Remus! Please, not now. What's that one?" Sirius interrupted, his eyes trained on Harry's oldest tattoo.
"Oh... Right. That's my first one. You- Well, you can work out what it is yourself." Harry murmured, holding out his arm. Remus stepped forward to look.
"Oh... Harry, that's- It's... It is so..." Sirius whispered.
"I know." Harry said with a smile.
"It's good." Remus acknowledged. His eyes were slightly misty.
"Prongs..." Sirius whispered and reached out to brush his fingers over the stag in the tattoo.
"And, Lily." Remus murmured, reaching out to tap the flower before quickly retracting his hand.
"Any other tattoos I should know about?" Sirius asked and cleared his throat, dropping his hand.
"Nah, it's just this."
"And the medal in your lip."
"You like? I did that." Em piped up, stepping forward.
"Well, she didn't actually pierce it but I let her choose what I got pierced and-"
"Merlin's beard, she looks just like you!" Sirius yelled, gaping at her in shock.
"Twins!" Josh called out, snickering with Olivia.
"Okay, that's insane." Sirius breathed out, staring at her closely.
"You're telling me." Harry and Em spoke simultaneously and shot each other the same lopsided grin. It was like Fred and George.
"Okay, we can come back to that later. First off, I want to know why my godson looks like...like some rebel threw up all over him. Where are your glasses? Why the tattoos? Who are these people? Where are your old clothes? Where have you been?" Sirius huffed.
"Alright, don't get your knickers in a twist..." Harry muttered, rolling his eyes. Sirius blinked and Remus had to stifle a laugh.
"Harry, is he a werewolf!?" Nick suddenly burst out. Harry wasn't even moving and he nearly tripped.
"What the hell? How did you get that?" Harry burst out with wide eyes.
"The promise! You know, the one to hug a werewolf as soon as you see him because he's got a horrible life. That's the only promise and...and, yeah..." Nick shrugged. Harry stared at him.
"Don't be daft, Nick. Werewolves aren't real." Olivia said, rolling her eyes.
"Hey, don't call him daft. You don't know what's real and what isn't. For all we know, people used to think redheads didn't exist." Josh defended Nick.
"You know that offends me!" Olivia snapped.
"And, Nick is smart!" Josh retorted.
"Oh, shove it. You just want to shag him!"
"Bite me, Ginger."
"Fuck off the both of you. Nick might be right. We can all admit that we've...witnessed weird things. Harry?" Em said sternly. Harry gaped wordlessly.
"You wouldn't lie to us, would you?" Josh said with a frown, moving forward and reaching out to touch his elbow and smile trustingly.
"Stop it, prat. You're all idiots." Harry muttered.
"Fuck. He is..." Nick breathed, his eyes wide.
"What!? I never said-"
"But, you didn't deny it either." Nick said smartly, his eyes brightening as Harry snapped his mouth closed.
"Oh my god, he's a...a werewolf. That...that," Josh trailed off as his eyes darted over to stare wide eyed at Remus. Harry expected them to freak out and opened his mouth to lie once again to his muggle friends when Josh finished what he want to relay by saying, "That poor thing!"
Harry blinked as Josh surged forward and hugged Remus tightly. He gaped as the other three all moved forward and crowded around Remus, muttering about misunderstood creatures. And, all Harry could think about was how they were all clearly muggles without a predestined prejudice on werewolves. Hell, Harry was the same way, accepting and defensive, simply because he hadn't grown hearing the horror stories.
"Er... Hey, you lot! Let him go! You don't- It's not what you think." Harry called out. They all moved back, save for Josh who apparently like hugging Remus quite a lot. Harry sighed heavily and he and Nick yanked the joking bloke away. Remus swayed, his eyes wide as saucers.
"Harry- What..."
"I promise I will explain later." Harry vowed.
"We will hold you to that." Sirius said tightly, narrowing his eyes at Josh who smirked and winked at Remus. Harry sighed. He had a headache.
"First, explain everything else."
"Right. Okay, so... You can imagine my surprise when I'm informed of this place called Karlbergs..."
Harry shot off talking, letting everything come out that he'd held in. He explained about the place and how he met his new friends. He told about getting his tattoo and piercing and told about the schedule he had to follow. He went into great detail about Karlbergs, faltering only once as he skipped over the part where they had been abused. Sirius and Remus listened intently, not interrupting once.
"Harry, we were all under the impression that you either ran away or got kidnapped." Sirius said, distress clouding his voice.
"What?"
"The Dursleys said that-"
"And, you believed them!?" Olivia interrupted Remus hotly, offended on Harry's behalf.
"Well, he hadn't contacted us and-"
"I wanted to! I swear I did. But, I couldn't." Harry blurted out earnestly.
"So, now you lot are all in jail." Sirius murmured.
"Yeah, we never planned on getting caught, you see." Em said with a laugh.
"But, now I've got the right to say that I was at least arrested once before. Hey, Harry, I'm a lot like your godfather more than you thought, eh?" Josh joked, elbowing Harry and nudging him obnoxiously.
"Yeah, speaking of, how is he in a jail and not being arrested? I thought he was wanted?" Nick asked with a frown. Sirius arched an eyebrow at Harry.
"You told them?"
"Well, sort of. I mean, they know that you're innocent. They don't know actually who you are but...they know the situation." Harry admitted sheepishly.
"You trust them." Remus said and it wasn't a question, merely an observation.
"Yeah, I do." Harry said firmly.
"Good enough for me." Sirius murmured with a shrug.
"But, Nick has a point. How exactly are you in here?" Harry asked curiously.
"Magic, Harry. How else? A flick of the wand and-"
"SIRIUS!" Harry cut him off loudly, shaking his head frantically. Sirius immediately fell silent and stared at Harry who winced. His friends were staring between Harry and Sirius.
"Wand? Magic? Is that what-"
"Em, please, not now." Harry begged.
"No! No, I want to know."
"I thought you said you trusted them." Sirius huffed.
Yeah, Harry, I thought you trusted us." Em echoed.
"I do but as a muggle. Remember that, Sirius? They're muggles." Harry snapped, scowling.
"Muggle? What's that?" Josh asked in interest.
"And, why does it sound like an insult?" Olivia asked.
"I'm not a muggle, though, am I?" Em pressed, walking closer to Harry and grabbing his arm.
"I will explain later!" Harry said loudly, waving them off.
"No! Harry James Potter, you tell us right now or so help me... I will- I will tell Sirius your secret." Olivia insisted, going as far as to threaten.
"Wha- I don't have a-"
"Don't you?" Olivia murmured, her voice lowering and her eyes glinting with a knowing look. Harry blinked and he felt worry flash through him. Did she really know a secret of some sort? What might've he said that he wouldn't want Sirius to know?
"Okay, fine. It's- I'm... It's hard to explain."
"We are in jail. It's not exactly like we're going anywhere." Josh pointed out.
"Okay, well... I'm a- There is this world that... Er..." Harry trailed off, feeling foolish.
"Just spit it out, mate." Josh said, rolling his eyes.
"I'm a wizard!" Harry burst out, immediately grimacing after he had spoken. They stared at him.
"A wizard...? As in, like, spells and potions and such?" Nick asked slowly, blinking in surprise.
"You don't even take chemistry, do you?" Em hissed, her eyes narrowing.
"It really was potions class he said!" Olivia muttered.
"And, the stick he always has on him... That's a wand? No, no, this is all a joke." Josh said.
"Except, what about what happened all these years with Em?" Olivia asked, frowning. Harry blinked as his friends took to discussing the issue amongst themselves.
"All the strange things that I've ever done... So, I'm magical too?" Em asked Harry directly.
"You're a witch." Harry said.
"Excuse you. That's rude. If anyone here is a witch, bitch, or arse, it's you. How could you keep something like this from us?" Josh huffed.
"No, it's not like that. I mean, we're both magical people. A girl is just called a witch and a bloke is called a wizard."
"Oh, wow. Not even the magical world can escape sexism. Couldn't just be called magical folk." Olivia muttered.
."Wait, you can't be serious, right?" Nick spoke up.
"I'm not lying." Harry said.
"Prove it. Do magic then." Nick said fiercely.
"Hey, he doesn't mean that. We believe you, Harry. If you say you are a wizard and fly about on broomsticks, we will believe you. Right?" Josh said.
"I suppose but proof would be nice." Olivia murmured.
"I can't do it, anyhow. I'm underage and will get expelled from my magical school, Hogwarts, if I do magic." Harry said.
"Hogwarts?" Em asked doubtfully.
"Great school." Harry mumbled defensively.
"This is mad." Em said.
"This is bullshit." Nick scoffed.
"Nick, stop it." Josh said in disapproval.
"No, he's just jerking us around. I'm not gullible enough to-"
"Wingardium Leviosa."
Remus' voice rang out clear and his wand swished and flicked neatly through the air. Nick gave a yelp as he started hovering in the air. The others gasped and gaped at the fumbling Nick. Harry couldn't help but laugh at the stunned look on Nick's face. He shot Remus a thankful grin and Remus dropped the spell. Nick tumbled to the floor with a dull thud.
"Holy queen of England! He's not lying." Nick burst out as he scrambled to his feet.
"You were willing to believe in werewolves but not in magic? This is coming from the boy who magically sneaks things onto the Karlbergs bus every year." Olivia commented with a snort.
"You can do that, Harry? I mean, like...float him?" Josh asked, his eyes bright with mischief.
"Probably." Harry said.
"I can do things like that?" Em whispered, her eyes on Remus' wand.
"Probably not at first. Magic is like a muscle. You have to use it often to strengthen it." Remus informed her.
"Wow. That's wicked." Josh breathed out.
"You don't really fly around on brooms, do you?" Olivia asked suddenly. Harry chuckled.
"I do, actually. It's quite fun." Harry told her.
"Oh? Want to ride my broomstick, Harry?" Josh teased, waggling his eyebrows. Harry flushed and gave him a dirty look.
"Is that your wand or are you just happy to see me?" Olivia giggled. Her and Josh high fived.
"Must you make an innuendo in all conversations?" Nick muttered, rolling his eyes.
"If there is a chance, I will take it." Josh said and theatrically puffed his chest out.
"Idiot." Nick said almost fondly.
"Okay but... Can we talk about the fact that Harry has been lying to us this whole time?" Em said in a hard tone, her eyes glinting as they glared at Harry.
"Oh... Right." Josh murmured, his smile evaporating.
Harry swallowed, startled at the hurt he felt. Olivia furrowed an eyebrow and Nick looked genuinely hurt. Of course, Harry felt guilt but at the same time, he felt defensive. What was he supposed to do? Was he supposed to just tell them everything? It wasn't safe for him and they wouldn't understand. Hell, they didn't even understand at all. Especially not right now.
"Why would you do that, Harry?" Nick murmured. Harry shot a hopeless look at Sirius but his godfather just shrugged and was absolutely no help whatsoever. Thanks a lot, Sirius.
"I couldn't very well just tell you all about it."
"And, why not?" Em snapped.
"What was I to say? If I'd said it, you wouldn't have believed me and besides, I never lied. I just... I never told you about that part of my life."
"You aren't two different people, Harry. You can't be wizard Harry and muggle Harry. They are one in the same. And, it's not fair for you to hide that from us." Olivia murmured quietly.
"I didn't meant to do that. It's just hard. Even now, there is so much you don't know about me."
"Then, you make us understand. We told you everything you wanted to know and we didn't hold back anything. I never expected you to understand what it was like to be constantly moving all the time but I still told you about hopping from home to home, didn't I?" Nick pointed out.
"Bit different than a whole other world right under your noses. I can't just go spouting off about magic and Hogwarts and basilisks and animagus' and Voldemort, can I? You won't understand a word of it. You'll think I'm mad." Harry replied desperately.
"Like you don't think I am or Em is or Olivia or Josh. We're all mad, that much is clear. Misfits, Harry. It actually means something to us."
"It does to me, too. I just... My whole life from eleven is this whole other world that I never even knew. I wanted- just for once- I wanted to be normal."
"But, that's the thing, Harry, we aren't normal. Even your normal self isn't normal." Josh said.
"But, I could be me. You don't get it. I'm famous in the wizarding world." Harry said.
"What? Why?" Em asked in surprise.
"There- It's a lot that I promise I will tell you. I swear. First, I want to know what Sirius and Remus are going to do. After that, I will explain everything."
"Well, we were taking you back to Grimmauld Place. You can't go back to Karlbergs, Harry." Remus told him. Harry blinked before stepping back and sinking down to sit down on the bench.
"You want to take me and leave them here?" Harry asked flatly.
Sirius and Remus shared a look. Harry wondered why he hadn't ever suspected they were together. They could communicate through one look. If that wasn't a certain type of bond, Harry didn't know what was. Sirius bit his lip and Remus fiddled with his shirt sleeve. They both looked guilty and Harry's stomach filled with icy dread. They had planned to do exactly what Harry had just said.
"Harry-"
"No. Absolutely not. You can go, sure, but I'm not leaving them. I won't." Harry said firmly.
"You want to go back to Karlbergs?" Sirius asked sharply. Harry gave a bitter laugh.
"No. But, I won't leave them. They're family." Harry said without hesitation. Sirius' eyebrows climbed and he shared another look with Remus.
"Well, we aren't leaving you so..." Sirius trailed off.
"So... They are coming." Harry said casually but his eyes were hard with determination.
"If we have no other choice." Sirius agreed, a small smile curling up his lips.
"We could always stupefy him and tie him up and-"
"Just try it." Em cut Remus' musings off, standing up and glowering at the two adults.
"We'll take him and run away and disappear before you could blink." Nick threatened.
"Just try it." Em repeated, her eyes narrowed.
"Oh no, that won't be necessary." Remus said easily, his lips twitching.
"Good because I'd hate to have to bash in that cute head of yours." Josh said with a smirk, winking at Remus. Nick reached over and smacked Josh over the back of his head.
"So, would you like to see the wizarding world firsthand?" Harry asked quietly. The others shared a pensive and questioning look.
"Only if you explain on the way." Em said finally.
"Alright, deal." Harry agreed.
"Right then, you lot. Let's get on with this."