Disclaimer: Did I have one last chappie? No? Well I own nothing. So you know!

Rejected Runespoor

Chapter 1

The next morning he woke, lying curled under the same tree, shivering and teeth chattering. He hadn't been cold yesterday. He'd merely been chilly. Now he was cold. He sat up slowly the jacket clutched to his body desperately for heat it couldn't give. When he'd worked out his body could move, Harry stood shakily and looked around again.

The forest seemed better than it had last night but everything looked better with some light. If he so desperately didn't need somewhere to get warm he could even appreciate the birds in the morning, the quietly lull of the breeze and the fresh pine tree smell. But he did need to get warm and he was hungry. He didn't usually get hungry so early in the morning what with Aunt Petunia only feeding him twice a day, a piece of bread, buttered if she was feeling generous and water. But he was cold and it seemed that had increased his appetite. What he couldn't give now for one of those big mugs of hot chocolate Aunt Petunia gave Dudley when he got cold.

Harry looked back the way he thought he'd been brought with a whimper. He should go that way. If it was where the cars came from it would be how he got out. Someone would find him and take him back like they always did. So Harry gave a shiver under his jacket and started walking slowly.

The wrong way.

He had no idea what time it was now but the sun was up and after removing his jacket, dragging it along with him, he was warming up and his clothes drying. He had no idea how long he'd been walking either but it felt like forever. And the nice lawn-like grass he'd been walking on had deteriorated to patches of weeds, rock and tree roots, while the trees got thicker. But Harry kept trudging onwards, the signs he was going the wrong way not taken for what they were.

He'd been walking along now, warm and almost happy enjoying the scenery and sounds for a few hours when he found a steep slope that went down. He frowned and pouted as he looked down, almost sure that hadn't been there last night. But then again he'd been in the car…maybe the slope had been there?

He sat on the edge, put on the jacket loosely and slowly started climbing-sliding his way down grinning as he skidded along on his or rather Dudley's jeans, wincing occasionally as he hands caught on rocks or rough roots. When he couldn't slide he used his legs, kicking out before latching his legs in the ground and pulling himself down. He was a quarter of the way down when a small rockslide where he'd latched his feet started. With a cry he started sliding down faster wailing as his hands tore on the rocks and he fell back hurting his head and stirring up a lot of dust. By the time he got to the bottom he was full-out crying and didn't feel like moving anymore, grin long gone. He cradled his hands in the jacket and sobbed violently, rocking. He was tired of his punishment and really wanted to go home. Really badly.

"M-mommy…" Harry wiped his face messily, as he sniffled and then wrinkled his nose at the blood on him now. His hands weren't bleeding too badly. If he were with his mum…she'd kiss his face as she wiped off his hands for him. And put that smelly stuff on them that stung before putting band-aids on for him. The ones with animals. At least, that's what he imagined she'd do. It was what Aunt Petunia did for Dudley minus the kissing. But he didn't know if his mother would do it for him as he couldn't remember. All he could remember of her was…red. And a soft, loving smile just for him.

He'd almost collected himself and decided to go on to get home for dinner at least when he heard voices. At least, he thought they were. They sounded kind of far away though.

:Stupid humans with their silly screaming things on wheels.: A petulant voice griped.

:Technology…dangerous and beautiful.: A wistful voice said, slightly softer than the other. Then there was a pause.

:I smell blood.:

Harry sat up straight and looked around hopefully into the trees.

:Do you see the hatchling I see:

:I'm right next to you idiot of course I see him:

:A blood covered offering: The soft voice spoke again. :A lost, hurt hatchling:

:I'd go with blood offering. He's not our species. He's a human hatchling.:

"H-hell…hello?" Harry frowned. "I can't…see you." He said hesitantly.

:Ah yes. You are right. The human hatchling can't see or hear us. We should strike now.:

:Look down little one.: The calm, soft voice spoke once more.

Harry looked down and blinked at the three-headed snake he saw.

"You talk…" He screwed up his face. :You talk…:

AN: And so do you you little pisser #scowls#...

J: She's in a bit of a mood...anyway ah, yes. Writing before bed again...We'll fix the summary tomorrow. Night all.