Chapter 5: School and Second Meetings

Months passed as the three wizards became accustomed to their new life in America.

Severus and Harlow went house hunting while Lucius dealt with politics. He was trying to keep Dumbledore away from them while retaining his control over the ministry. His wife and child were also becoming suspicious. He felt bad that he had to leave his son with Narcissa. She really was a harpy, almost as bad as Molly Weasley with her incessant nagging.

A smile came to his face as he thought about his heir, Draco. He loved his son, but he would be the first to admit that he inherited all the bad characteristics of Narcissa. He was spoiled, whiny, entitled, and self-absorbed. He blamed his wife for how their son turned out.

He remembered when Draco was a much kinder child that would bring home injured animals from the gardens for his Uncle Severus to heal. But once he started working more, Narcissa took over his care and that kind child was gone.

Lucius missed how Draco used to be, but he knew that underneath all the spite and sarcasm, was a caring child that helped those who needed it. He often thought that Draco would be best suited as a medwizard or on a preserve.

Much of his time was now spent coming up with ways to get Draco out of England and away from his harpy of a wife.

Their marriage had been arranged, which was very common at the time. But Lucius had always despised Narcissa. As a child she was spoiled, arrogant, and believed she deserved everything. She had once taken a necklace he bought for his cousin for yule because she thought it would suit her better. His young cousin had been devastated and Lucius was no better. He had stormed into his father's office demanding for the contract to be annulled.

Family was everything to him.

But now, there was no need to stay with Narcissa. He was away from her and hoped to bring his son to be with him to. It was her who had pressured their family into becoming death eaters and he didn't want that for his son.

Once Draco was here, he would deal with the fallout from both Harlow, Draco's attitude, and Narcissa.

He made plans to sneak his son out of England without a trace.

Meanwhile, Severus and Harlow were looking for a house that they could live in for the foreseeable future. Even if Stark wasn't willing to play father, they were still glad to be away from Britain.

It was time for them to have a life outside of the pressures of the war and away from Dumbledore's influence.

They found a large house near central park. It had three stories and seven bedrooms. Although they didn't need that much space for the two of them, they had no idea when Lucius would be leaving or if he even was.

Severus thought it was best to be prepared in case they had any unexpected company and having all that extra room would prove to be a blessing if Lucius moved in.

Severus may regard him as a brother but he liked his alone time.

So, the two ended up moving into the house while Lucius figured his life out.

Harlow had a wonderful time. He was away from the wizarding world and all the expectations that came along with it, and he had his godfather with him. For the first time in his life, he was happy with where he was and he wouldn't give that up for anything.

Severus ended up taking over Harlow's education and the two could often be found in the library. Severus was teaching Harlow muggle and wizarding subjects alike to prepare him. He wanted Harlow to begin muggle school in the upcoming term but didn't want him to fall behind on his magical education.

It was decided that in the summers, he would learn his wizarding education and would attend muggle classes during the school year with the occasional lesson of magical studies thrown in.

But for now, Harlow needed to be caught up on his muggle studies. He hadn't been to a muggle school in a few years and doing Dudley's summer homework wasn't enough to prepare him.

But, by the time August rolled around, Harlow felt prepared to begin his muggle schooling. He knew that he wouldn't be drastically behind and it was only 8th grade anyways.

The only worry he had now was when Dumbledore discovered he was missing. Severus had told Dumbledore that Harlow was safe at home when he was asked to check on him all those months ago, but when the school term started and Harlow was no where to be seen, Dumbledore would be in a rage.

However, there was nothing Dumbledore could do to make Harlow come back to Britain. Legally he was with his godfather who had taken up guardianship and his biological father was near, even if he didn't want anything to do with him.

At least he wouldn't be starting school alone. Lucius had finally confessed his plans to stay with them and smuggle his son into the country. This resulted in an argument of course but Harlow and Draco were godbrothers and Lucius managed to persuade them.

It helped that Severus remembered the sweet child from all those years ago who would bring him injured animals and beg him to heal them.

Harlow had no such fond memories but he knew when he was outnumbered.

So, Lucius traveled back to Britain unnoticed to bring Draco.

Harlow rolled his eyes; the day Draco came back was memorable to say the least.

Flashback

Lucius flooed into the newly bought house owned by Severus Snape. He had just returned from his trip to Britain.

Harlow and Severus were waiting in the receiving room for him.

"You're back" Severus stated.

Lucius inclined his head and strode towards his brother in all but blood. He clasped his hand in greeting.

"Yes. I'm glad to finally be back home." Lucius replied.

Harlow looked at Lucius. He nodded shortly in greeting and turned back to watching the fireplace. He was dreading Draco's arrival. Sure, he had said he would give him a chance but Draco had tormented him for years. It was going to be hard to forgive and forget.

The floo flared green. A blond boy came gliding out of the fireplace, trademark sneer in place. He looked around himself fin distaste.

Yes, this was Draco. It seems that not much had changed.

Draco's eyes swept across the room and the occupants inside.

"Uncle Sev!" he exclaimed and rushed forward to hug Severus.

Severus smiled. He was glad that the sweet boy was still there underneath his icy façade. What he didn't see was the triumphant smirk he sent in Harlow's direction.

Over his should he mouthed "he was mine first and he'll always love me more" at Harlow.

Although Severus remained unaware, Lucius noticed his son's suspicious behavior and had turned to catch the words he mouthed. He glanced disapprovingly at Draco.

He had only just arrived and was already trying to start problems.

"How about we adjourn to the living room? There are many items we need to discuss." Lucius stated, clasping his hands together.

At that, the three followed him and they took up positions on the various furniture. Harlow claimed one of the armchairs. Lucius balanced on the edge of the coffee table. Severus and Draco shared the couch.

When Draco had gotten the seat next to Severus, he smirked smugly at Harlow.

Harlow curled into himself and waited patiently for Lucius to begin.

"Draco!" Lucius scolded. "One thing we all need to understand before we begin is that we are residing here due to Severus's and Harlow's generosity. This will not be taken lightly. Yes, I'm talking to you Draco. Another thing is that Harlow is also Severus's godson. This means you have to share him. Don't think I haven't seen your glanced and comments. Also, I would like for the boys to get along. You will both be going to school together. I don't want to hear any complaints. Now there is also the matter of Hogwarts. Both of you will not be returning. Severus and I have discussed it and we decided that until Dumbledore is gone, we will all be staying far away from Britain."

At that an outcry was heard from Draco. He vaulted up from his previous relaxed position.

"You can't stop me from going to Hogwarts! I don't want to go to muggle school and nothing you do can make me! I don't care that stupid scarhead is in danger from Dumbledore. I should still get to go!" Draco screamed.

Lucius sighed. It seems his son would continue to be difficult.

"Draco, sit down" he commanded. "This is not up to you. Your godfather and I have decided. I believe it is time you cooled off"

Draco stormed off in a rage. If they weren't going to listen to him than he would have to make them. He threw open the back door and decided to walk around the small neighborhood.

"I'm sorry, Harlow. I thought he was getting better. I talked to him before we came and pressed the importance of behaving himself. This is all Narcissa's doing." Lucius complained.

"You are as much at fault as Narcissa was. You did nothing to diminish her influence over Draco and that has caused him to act out for your attention. You did notice that most of his action stemmed from being possessive over us when Harlow was here, yes?" Severus asked.

Lucius nodded.

"You did the boy no favors by leaving him with your wife while you went off to increase your standing. When you started working more, Draco deteriorated and started acting out to gain your attention. It doesn't help that that's the only time you actually spend time with him. If anything, Draco's behavior is entirely your fault." Severus explained.

With that said, Severus took Harlow by the arm and the two left Lucius to sit alone wondering if his friend's words were true. Was he the reason for Draco's abysmal behavior?

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After that first day, Lucius began spending time with Draco outside of when he acted out. Initially, Draco was confused because his father had never paid him this much attention before. But, over time, father and son became accustomed to spending the afternoons talking as they strolled around the neighborhood.

Lucius was surprised at how much he didn't know about his son. Draco was not really a Slytherin. He had begged the hat to place him there because he thought it would disappoint his father if he went to any other house. Lucius was disappointed that his son thought so badly of him.

This was when he really knew how much his absence had affected Draco during his childhood.

For all the struggle Draco put up about going to muggle school, once he was comfortable in his relationship with his father and realized that being in America let him have the attention he wanted, he was perfectly content to go to school with Harlow.

That doesn't mean that he didn't miss Hogwarts and all the magic that went along with it. But, he found that he was much happier in this country.

There were no purebloods trying to one up him or teachers taking points for no reason other than being a Slytherin. Now that he thought about it, he only liked Hogwarts because he was away from his mother and her expectations. She had always wanted him to be the perfect pureblood son and he often fell short.

Harlow was a different matter entirely.

When Draco came to live with them, Harlow had very mixed feelings. On one hand, he would have someone his own age to spend time and go to school with. But on the other hand, Draco had bullied him for years and his presence could take Severus away from him.

He had only just found the love of a godfather and he wasn't keen to giving that up. He knew that Severus cared for him. How could he not? He had stuck up for him multiple times, but that was when Draco wasn't here. Now that he had two godsons with him, would he leave Harlow for Draco?

Harlow's insecurities only grew as Lucius spent all his time either with Draco or consulting Severus on Draco. It seemed that they were both focusing on Draco and forgetting about him. Had they moved on?

As summer came to an end and school was about to start, Harlow was dreading being away from Severus. This would decrease the amount of time they could spend together, not to mention having to share that time with Draco too.

So far, the men had only spent time with the boys separately which did not help their rivalry. Now, they competed for attention instead of in Quidditch or school.

This left Harlow questioning his place with Lucius and Severus. He already knew that Lucius would always favor Draco. I mean how could he not? Draco was his son and Harlow… well… they had only just started connecting.

But Severus was a different matter entirely. Severus was someone who did not have a reason to like one boy more than the other yet. They were both his godsons.

This caused Draco and Harlow to focus on making sure their godfather stayed theirs. Neither wanted to lose him, which caused them to hold on that much tighter to prevent the other from getting the upper hand.

Their rivalry, however, would not be realized for many years. The two men were too caught up in their newfound freedom to even question why the boys did not get along or to see the glances they would throw at each other.

For now, Harlow would just have to grin and bear it. He would just have to do the best he could to keep his godfather's affections.

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Years passed as the boys continued muggle schooling during the school year and magical schooling during the summers. Before they knew it, they were just about to enter their junior year in high school.

Harlow had excelled in his muggle schooling. He had thrown himself into learning so that he could escape the pressures of their makeshift family.

While Draco was busy impressing them with his magical skills and sports prowess, Harlow was learning everything he could, muggle and magical alike, so he would have something to talk to the two adults in his life about.

This caused him to become somewhat secluded from other people his age but he didn't mind because it was something that he had. Him and not Draco.

So, the two boys were entering their respective high schools. This was the first year they would be apart. They had gone to the same middle and high school for the past few years, but Harlow had been accepted into a prestigious high school known for their intellect. Draco, was scouted for a sports scholarship and was now attending a very competitive sports school.

Harlow, for one, was glad to finally be away from Draco's shadow. When they were at the same school, everyone always gravitated towards the popular, outgoing, sporty Draco. They didn't like the nerdy, quiet, shy Harlow.

Harlow sighed. He was about to enter Yorkton Academy, a school known for academics. It was one of the top schools in the country, and Harlow was lucky to be accepted.

He didn't kid himself. He knew that the only reason he was accepted was because Lucius had been donating for years in hopes Draco would be accepted. The school probably figured accepting one of his wards would please the man into continuing his donations.

The only bright side was that Severus insisted he get his own car as the school was somewhat in the more rural part of New York, if there even was a part of New York that could be considered rural.

But the school was so good that Harlow resigned himself to making a 45-minute drive to school everyday instead of the fifteen he had before. It also helped that this was the first time he would be away from Draco in years.

Maybe he would finally make a friend.

Harlow pulled into the parking lot and slowly got out. Severus had made a big deal about his first day of school. As usual, Lucius could only be bothered to really pay attention to his son.

Harlow shook his head. He didn't need to start his first day already feeling awful.

He plastered a smile onto his face and grabbed his school bag. It was time to face the music.

He quickly exited his car and made his way to the front office.

"Hi. I'm Harlow, the new student." He whispered.

The man behind the desk looked up slowly.

"Ah, yes. I was expecting you." He turned to sort through a few papers. "Here is your class schedule, a campus map, and a slip for all your teachers to sign. As you are transferring in the middle of high school, you may have some trouble acclimating to our culture. We prize ourselves on academics and if any students are found lacking… well…. Let's not have you find out, shall we?"

Harlow gulped. That sure sounded like a threat to him.

"Okay, sir. Thank you" Harlow stammered before fleeing the office.

Well, that was a wonderful start to an already stressful day.

As he made his way through his classes that day, Harlow found himself despairing. He was completely, undoubtably, hopelessly behind. He just hoped he would be able to catch up before Severus found out. The one thing he didn't want to do was disappoint his godfather.

Over the years, he had become a father figure to Harlow and with Draco thrown in, Harlow did not want to give him a reason to dislike or be disappointed in him.

The class material wasn't the only disheartening aspect of his new school. Oh no, nothing was ever easy. It seemed the students here took their academics seriously, very seriously. When he had entered the classrooms, many o the students had whispered snide comments behind his back. Everyone was so focused on grade here that class rankings were the most important thing on everyone's mind.

Apparently, colleges were going to be sending recruiting officers soon to visit the school and only the top students would be considered to attend meetings. The addition of a new student threw all of that off.

He was competition and no one knew what he was capable of yet.

Many students were worried he would throw off the rankings and the top spots they were fighting for would be skewed. They couldn't let that happen, so they banded together against the new threat to their positions.

This left Harlow feeling miserable. He thought this school would be different. He thought he would finally be with people that understood him, but they were just like Draco, only they competed with him academically instead.

He shouldn't have gotten his hopes up. It was better not to hope than set yourself up for disappointment.

His last class of the day was the final straw. He had entered his calculus class. He was excited. He had always loved math and this was the one class he wouldn't be behind in. He had studied math concepts relentlessly and was currently delving into application of calculus in physics.

At least his last class of the day would be enjoyable, or so he thought.

When he had entered the classroom, the teacher assigned him to a desk in the back of the room. Now this wasn't ideal, but he could deal with being so far away from the board. His eyesight wasn't terrible, just mildly bad.

After class started, the teacher handed out worksheets and instructed them to work through the problems with their seat partners.

Harlow had already scanned the worksheet and smiled. He had already learned Stokes Theorem. He glanced at his partner and the other groups around him to see that they were working through the sheet individually with the occasional "You got this, right?" thrown.

Harlow finished the worksheet after a few minutes and glanced at his partner. His seat partner was about halfway done with the sheet, but he was doing them all wrong.

"Do you want some help? I've been studying calculus for years so you can.." Harlow started.

The boy ruthlessly cut him off.

"I don't need help from a stupid freak like you. Were you too stupid to get in freshman year like the rest of us? Your daddy had to buy your way in. No, wait. He's not your dad, is he? Well good riddance, who would want a good for nothing nobody like you for a son."

Harlow's eyes filled with tears. He glanced up at the boy and saw the sneer on his face.

He fled the room with the boy's cruel words playing over and over again in his head. Would he fit in anywhere? The wizarding world expected him to be somebody he wasn't. His own father didn't want him. And now, the school where he was supposed to be with people like him, didn't want him either.

No one wanted Harlow no matter how hard he tried.

After fleeing the classroom, Harlow found himself running through the town surrounding the school. As he traveled further from school, he found himself in a place he recognized. He was in the park where he got injured all those years ago.

Harlow didn't know this, but Clint had been keeping tabs on him all these years. He had watched as he went through school and was pushed aside by so many people. His short visit to SHIELD headquarters had intrigued him.

After Harlow had left, they had tried running a background check on him but nothing came up. Nothing. Not a birth record or school record or even citizenship in any country. It was like he had just appeared one day.

The same was found for the two men he claimed were uncles. This was worrying because there were now three possible threats walking around New York and they knew nothing about them at all.

So, Clint was assigned to following and watching Harlow whenever he wasn't needed on other missions.

This was what led to Clint approaching Harlow in the same place they met so many years ago.

"You okay, bud?"

Harlow whipped around quickly to face the person that had spoken to him.

He looked at Clint and his face immediately crumpled.

Clint swooped down to gather Harlow into his arms, where Harlow broke down completely and sobbed uncontrollably into his chest. Clint only sighed and softly stroked his back to offer comfort while moving them to a more secluded spot.

After a short while, Harlow's tears slowed.

"I'm sorry for crying all over you." Harlow whispered.

Clint solely shushed him and drew him over to a bench.

"Why don't you tell me what's wrong. I promise I'm a good listener." Clint answered.

So, Harlow told him everything. How he felt that he had to compete with Draco. His worries about school. What had happened in math class. He even told him about how his father didn't want him.

After telling Clint everything that had been bothering him, Harlow was exhausted. Clint had placed an arm around his shoulder midway through his ramblings so he was pressed against Clint's side. After he had finished unloading, the two sat in silence for a few minutes.

"You can't control other people. Nothing you do will change how some people are. You just have to look for the people that don't want you to change. I guarantee you that there are people out there who will want Harlow and only Harlow. You just haven't found them yet, but don't stop looking. They'll turn up eventually."

Harlow sighed. He didn't believe it but it was nice of Clint to offer some words of wisdom. Harlow didn't know what to say in response so he continued to lean against Clint and watch the people around him. He was slowly lulled to sleep by the steady beat of Clint's heart and he drifted off.

Once Clint noticed he was asleep, he rose with Harlow in his arms and walked from the park.