Disclaimer: I do not own Reborn! or Harry Potter. I do not make any money from writing this story.

AN: My lovely lovely Beta OtakuRose16 has been wonderfully patient with me. It is thanks to them that this chapter exists. Finally Gokudera shows up! Also, I really am doing my best. I hope to live up to the faith you have given me.

...

...

Before Harry entered Namimori Middle, he and his sensei had brought his physical condition up from the emaciated frame of a prisoner. The atrophied muscles had been laboriously built back up until he was an almost functioning human being, though still alarmingly thin. After meeting Tsuna, Harry pushed his body harder than before. Now with Reborn thrown into the mix, Harry pushed even further. He would never be a muscle powerhouse, but he had always been quick and he was working on his speed and accuracy. Day by day Harry was getting stronger, and as each day went by it became harder to sit back and relinquish control to that psychotic man.

Baby my ass. Harry thought grumpily as he walked to school. The Goblin Nation had better get back to Harry soon about exactly what he was dealing with or Harry might snap and try to shoot Reborn. Again. He hefted the extra bag holding a spare uniform for Tsuna higher on his shoulder. Thanks to Reborn's Spartan training, it seemed not a day went by where Tsuna wasn't tearing down the street in his underwear.

It was pure will that kept Harry from jumping in between Tsuna and trouble. No real danger yet, but plenty of trouble. Harry knew well that Tsuna would only survive if he grew with each challenge. Knew it mentally at least; accepting it emotionally was different. It was always a struggle between those two sides.

The thing that tipped the balance was when a new student took the stage. The storm that was hurtling Harry's way was a transfer student named Gokudera Hayato. As he stood before Tsuna's class most of the students shook in fear at his scowl or sighed at his dreamy looks. Rightfully so, the male was dangerous, handsome, but dangerous. Harry could see it in his movements, in his eyes. When their eyes met the air felt charged. Harry's flesh prickled and the hair on his arms stood at attention. Harry breathed quietly through his mouth to calm his racing heart and violent emotions. A real threat was in the same room as his precious friend. Harry might have held it together but for Gokudera stalking up to Tsuna and kicking over the boy's desk

The control holding back Harry's volatile temper snapped. Damn Reborn, damn the consequences. That was enough.

Harry was on his feet eyes full of shadow. He didn't say a word, he didn't rush, he just walked over to the new student. The students scrambled out of the way, the usually invisible boy was anything but: Harry's gait was smooth and predatory. It made Gokudera pause to analyze it, threat or not? As Harry looked up Gokudera shivered slightly at the darkness he was met with. Those eyes held keen awareness, but very little humanity.

"Gokudera-kun, Nakamura-kun, please sit down!" The sensei said in the distance

They both ignored him.

"A-aki-san?" A voice pierced Harry's violent thoughts, but Harry didn't take his eyes off of Gokudera. Not until Tsuna snapped "Aki!" in a suitably commanding tone.

Harry stood down, shifted a more relaxed body so he could see Tsuna in his peripheral vision. Harry didn't take his eyes off of Gokudera.

"Well someone's a well trained pet." Gokudera growled with disdain.

"And it seems you still need to be housebroken, puppy." Harry growled right back, the first words spoken in front of his class. Some would have been tempted to comment, but there was a deadly feeling in the air.

Shocking the sheep of the class, it was Dame-Tsuna that stepped up to deal with the problem. Tsuna laid a hand on Harry's tense shoulder. Harry faced him fully. Tsuna didn't shiver at Harry's expression, or rather lack there of. It was frightening, but Tsuna just smiled shakily. Seeing the pure nerves in Tsuna's face Harry shifted his intent focus onto the boy to discern the cause. It took a moment to realize that Harry himself was the problem. With great effort Harry stepped away from his raging emotions. He bowed politely to the sensei and walked back to his seat. He'd rather not show his back to Gokudera but he wasn't about to show weakness.

Gokudera wanted to pound his fists into the unknown challenger's face. Wanted to see those haunted green eyes spark with emotion rather than the cold nothingness. Wanted to see that harsh expression crack. Bastard. Gokudera watched his retreating back with a frown, then turned to Tsuna his expression turning thoughtful.

...

...

Fleeing from bullies after school, Tsuna tried to slip away from the classroom. He breathed a sigh of relief as he reached the side of a building.

"Well, that was pathetic." Gokudera snapped "I won't recognize you as the Juudaime."

Reborn explained the challenge and shot Tsuna before joining Harry where he was leaning against a shadowed wall.

"Stay." Reborn ordered Harry coldly

Harry stood with arms locked around his chest as if to hold himself back. His desire to protect Tsuna was strong. The boy had faced challenges before but never Challengers, certainly never someone using bombs to challenge him. Harry was worried and furious...but Harry had already interfered this morning. Harry's lower lip caught between his teeth. His vivid eyes flared. Don't interfere, don't interfere don't interfere. Let him get stronger. Don't interfere! Tsuna will be fine. Don't interfere!

The mantra failed.

Reborn sensed Harry's intent to jump in to defend Tsuna before Harry did. Reborn had to kick him in the head, hard, before Harry would stay and let the drama play out. "You really don't take orders well do you?" Was all Reborn muttered

Rubbing his bruised and swollen cheek Harry tried to get the world to stop spinning. Harry sighed with relief as Tsuna extinguished the last stick of explosive.

Gokudera stared at Tsuna in something akin to awe. "You risked your life to save mine! I'll follow you Juudaime!"

"Wha- I'm not going to be a boss!" Tsuna cried

"You can and you will." Reborn said hopping down. Harry followed at a more sedate pace.

"Reborn!" Tsuna wined "Aki what happened to you?"

Harry shrugged and leaned casually against the wall his eyes were bright with lingering emotions and sharp with the adrenaline still running through his veins. He tucked his hands in his pockets so no one would see them shaking.

Reborn growled, "Your subordinate does not take orders well."

Harry just looked at the hitman "Maybe I just like annoying you, old man."

"Cocky brat." Reborn kicked him again but by speed alone to move with the blow Harry remained partially standing. Gokudera's eyes narrowed. Harry met him, look for look.

"What the hell kind of subordinate are you that you didn't protect the Juudaime from a threat?" Gokudera finally yelled into the tense silence

"Puppy…" Harry ground out trying to calmly speak through an anger clenched jaw

"And stop calling me puppy! I'm not an brainless dog!"

Harry stepped forward in a swift move and grabbed Gokudera by the collar of his shirt, his cheeks tinting red with anger. Harry pushed forward until Hayato hit the wall behind him despite Hayato's attempts to shake the older boy off "Then stop acting like one you little bastard!" Harry yelled back into Hayato's face.

Hayato would tolerate many names being thrown his way, but not that one. As soon as Harry let go, Hayato aimed a vicious punch at Harry's side catching the older boy unawares. Harry swore arching into the new pain, but his leg spun out in the kick his sensei has been drilling into his head. Harry's foot connected solidly with Hayato's kneecap, by the time Hayato recovered Harry was standing straight again and quick as lightning a punch connected with Hayato's jaw. That didn't stop the younger boy long. Fueled by the fury of his old wounds being jabbed at, he attacked. As unused to close combat as Hayato was, he certainly made up for it with determination and ingenuity. Harry's limited defense training was the only thing keeping them mostly even. They had gone from exchanging punches to tussling on the ground, doing their damndest to damage the other badly.

"Aki! Gokudera-kun!" The frightened screech finally pierced the battle haze. Both boys froze. "Please stop!"

The fighting boys exchanged a wary look. I will if you will. At receiving a nod of confirmation they began separating. Harry pushed Hayato off of him far more gently than expected, considering the violence moments before. Both were panting and covered in sweat. Harry wiped off a trickle of blood coming from his nose and Hayato rotated his shoulder to make sure it still worked.

"Are you alright?" Tsuna asked worried "Let me get you to the nurse!"

"I'll be fine, Juudaime" Gokudera said between his desperate breaths.

"Same." Harry reassured Tsuna still as he picked up his broken glasses "Don't worry."

Tsuna didn't look entirely reassured but he nodded all the same.

"So," Harry panted as he slanted a look up at Hayato "you decided …who holds your …leash." The words were a challenge, but the tone was pleased, almost warm with approval and there was a slight smile playing about Harry's lips. The tone made Gokudera pause. Hayato fished around in his pocket for his cigarettes to buy himself time before responding.

"You think we can work together?" Hayato asked his feet braced as he lit a cigarette. He offered Harry one and was surprised when he accepted. Harry held Hayato's eyes steadily as another message was passed between them. It took a moment for Hayato to process as they smoked together. It wasn't just the nicotine he was accepting, Harry accepted Gokudera. For now at least.

Something in the air changed, a tension eased, and new tensions replaced the old. Reborn tactfully dragged Tsuna away when the boy opened his mouth to ask something. The new subordinates needed to bond and figure out how to work together… Plus Tsuna needed a good kick in the ass.

At Tsuna's abrupt, if involuntary, departure, a silence descended between Harry and Hayato. Each unsure how to break it. Harry finally sighed and crushed his cigarette under his shoe. "I've got some first aid stuff and beer at my place."

"Oh thank god."

Harry's lips softened into an almost smile at the renewed enthusiasm. Gokudera really is like a puppy in some ways. Harry thought to himself before wincing at the pain in his face, Just have to remember his bite.

After they reclaimed their street shoes, the walk was quiet, Harry by inclination, Hayato due to being lost in thought. Both were very aware of the male walking at their side. Anyone who looked strangely at the two battered boys were quickly encouraged to look else where by Hayato's scowl.

Hayato had lit another cigarette and was careful to exhale his smoke away from Harry. Hayato's mind was a raging storm of conflicting thoughts. He was determined to stand at Tsuna's side, to serve as his Right Hand Man. His desire to challenge Harry for that honor was strong because it was clear from watching the boy that Tsuna was more and less than Hayato had expected.

Tsuna was less of a fighter, far less, and disturbingly normal…. But as a person? Tsuna had a kind heart that could grow into a strong one. He was the sort of person that Gokudera always wanted to serve. Tsuna seemed like someone who wouldn't look down on him as a bastard son of mixed heritage, someone who could accept him as more than a weapon. Hayato glanced at the other one that accepted him, however guardedly.

"How long have you served the Juudaime?" Gokudera asked

Harry's green eyes locked sharply on Hayato's for a thrumming heartbeat then focused again on the road ahead. "He has been my friend for a few months, I have been called one of the Family since Reborn arrived and I threatened to shoot him."

"You threatened the Juudaime!?" Hayato growled around the cigarette in his mouth, preparing already to light his explosives if needed. A scoff stopped him.

"No, you hypocrite, I threatened Reborn." Harry said "The old man gave me a heart attack when he pulled his gun and pointed it at Tsuna."

"You're suicidal to threaten an Arcobaleno." Gokudera finally said as he pitched the butt of his cigarette in the gutter. His voice held something, but whether it is laughter or contempt Harry was unsure.

Those eerie eyes focused on Gokudera once more. "Arcobaleno." Harry tested out the word, trying to remember to ask about it another time. The name of his infant form or the name of the curse? He pushed the thoughts aside and focused on the conversation "I guess it was stupid, but he was pleased… I think. He welcomed me to the Family."

"What Family do you come from?" Gokudera pressed after a short silence.

"None." Harry answered and pulled open a door of an apartment building. He turned to face Hayato with a hint of a frown when the boy didn't follow him. "Are you coming in?"

Hayato stood there in surprise mouth slightly open "You're not from the Mafia?"

Harry's eyes narrowed in annoyance, more of an expression than he usually showed "Problem?"

Gokudera shrugged and followed. "Just strange."

Harry snorted, "Get used to strange." Harry pulled the key to his apartment "Be welcome." Harry said formally, and by doing so unlocked his wards so Gokudera could enter.

Gokudera looked around to see a plain one-room apartment that didn't feel lived in despite the unmade bed. It felt profoundly empty somehow. Not that Gokudera really minded; he didn't exactly have a 'home' of his own, just places to stay.

While Hayato had been scoping the place out Harry had vanished into the bathroom, returning with a sizable first aid kit and a towel. "Sit down, just don't bleed on the carpet. My landlord is a right git."

Hayato made himself comfortable lounging on the ground against the bed, and Harry knelt next to him. Without a word Harry took Hayato's warm hand in his own. Hayato sent him a strange look, but Harry was too busy examining the wounded knuckles to see it.

With well-practiced movements, Harry began cleaning and bandaging the bleeding hand. "So now I will ask you a question, one you should have asked me. Why do you choose to serve Tsuna?"

Gokudera stilled, "He has a good heart." He said at last.

Harry pulled the bandage tight in a sharp movement, eliciting a hiss of pain from Hayato. Harry glared at him "I don't like being lied to."

"He does have a good heart." Gokudera protested

"And?" Harry asked, for someone who had just damaged an already wounded man he sounded almost kind. Harry caught Hayato's eyes and didn't look away. He was waiting for the other reason. Hayato realized.

"I'm a bastard." Hayato spat with venom that he tried so hard to suppress around his 'family'.

"Ah." Harry smiled a little, just the phantom of an expression that softened his face. There was understanding and compassion, no trace of derision or pity. "I'm an orphan. I was… unused to kindness, before I met Tsuna."

"Ah." Gokudera said back, and Harry saw no derision or pity in his eyes either. But there was something else there Harry couldn't identify. Uncomfortable with the intense look, Harry applied himself to treating Gokudera with renewed dedication. His hands however were not quite as deft as they were before.

"You really know what you're doing?" Hayato asked doubtfully.

"Yeah, I've patched myself up enough over the years to handle this." The words flowed from his mouth unbidden, and as with many unbidden words, Harry wanted to snatch them back.

"What?" Gokudera asked narrowing his eyes dangerously.

"It's nothing." Harry muttered, his posture shrunk in on itself and his face became closed off and distant. Hayato hadn't realized that Harry's expression could get any more like that, and he found he didn't like this development.

"It's something." Gokudera snapped grabbing Harry's hand in a tight grip. Harry flinched away and tried to snatch his hand back, but Hayato was unyielding.

"Back. Off." Harry growled, a wounded animal baring his teeth. They stood off in silence, neither giving way. The atmosphere was only broken by a pathetic sound.

"Mew."

Harry's head snapped around to look out the window. It sounded like a real wounded animal. Harry dropped the bandage and yanked hard against Gokudera's restraining hands. Once free, Harry shot to his feet and headed to the window. He slowly opened the window, afraid of scaring the poor animal. Looking down he saw a bedraggled cat below the windowsill in a far worse state than the boys themselves. "Hey cat," he whispered softly in English. He wasn't aware of Gokudera rummaging around in Harry's kitchen. Harry was entirely focused on the creature that did not deserve to be hurt. In Harry's opinion, animals had an innocence that people just lacked and the tattered remains of his heart went out to the cat. Harry reached down to pick it up and was slashed viciously as thanks. He didn't take it personally. Harry rushed out the door intent on getting to the ground under his window. Upon Arriving, Harry saw that the thing's leg was broken badly and bleeding, and it looked skeletal under dirty fur. "Come here little one, let me help you." He spoke gently, not making a move forward.

The cat, of course, couldn't understand. It shied away and slashed at Harry again.

"Try this." Hayato stuck his torso out the window to hand Harry an open can of tuna.

"Thanks." Harry placed the tuna before the starving cat mutely. The cat descended upon the offering ravenously.

Gokudera watched Harry's harsh expression melt away at the sight of the wounded animal with face that was revealed under that defensive mask showed marks of kindness and the smile directed at the cat was frankly beautiful. Gokudera felt like he was seeing something rare. He almost felt like he was intruding, but felt too drawn in to back away.

Shoving his confusion aside, Hayato asked quietly "Do you know any vets around here?"

"Down the street a ways." Harry nodded, also keeping his voice quiet. "Can you get a towel or blanket so I can make a sling to carry it there? I don't want to jostle it."

Hayato didn't reappear at the window with the desired sling. Instead, he had gathered up the sling and the two pairs of shoes. Hayato exited the building and presented the items to Harry. Looking at the shoes Harry wiggled his toes in the dirt with a bashful grimace. He took the shoes gratefully, while Hayato made the sling.

"I'm coming with you." Hayato declared

Harry just nodded.

The sight of two battered boys carrying a cat like a baby caused even stranger looks then when they had returned from school. When they arrived at the emergency vet's office, a smartly dressed receptionist looked over their mussed bloody uniforms with a sneer. The boys' foreign looks and forming bruises did nothing to help her impression of them.

"What did you do to that cat?" The receptionist sharply rising to the defense of the animal.

"Nothing." Hayato snapped seeing Harry's walls come back up "You going to show off your ignorance or are you going to do your job and help the cat?"

That seemed to snap the woman back into her professional behavior, though she was still clipped. "Right this way. Fill out this paperwork while you wait."

Hayato snatched the clipboard out of the woman's hands as Harry was already juggling the cat. He set about filling out the paperwork as best as he could, unaware of the considering look Harry sent him. Maybe they could work together after all…