It was Bill Weasley's first year at Hogwarts. First year, first time away from home for any significant time. First time away from Percy and the twins, Ron and little Ginny. It was a little nerve racking, to say the least. Mostly he missed Charlie, who'd been his partner in crime since forever.

Gryffindor was okay. He really couldn't complain.

The Prefects were nice, and Head Girl was a Gryffindor as well this year, so he had plenty of people to reach out to. He even had a little friend group. There was Daniel and Oliver who were always up for a chat around the fire or a run around on the ground.

But, Bill still missed his family.

He missed Fred and George coming to his room early in the morning smacking their sticky hands on his face. He missed reading with Percy and tickling Ron. He wanted to be able to sing to Ginny again and receive one of his Mum's hugs. He wanted Charlie there with him to play Quidditch Spies and Dad to talk about Airplanes.

Coming back from Winter Holidays didn't help. He once again got used to waking early and sitting with Percy and Charlie. He got used to his Mum's food and being in his bed and the fun games they played together outside. Back at Hogwarts it just wasn't the same.

So, this is how he found himself sitting alone in the Owlery. He'd long sent off his letter to his family, but even after watching the school owl flying off, he couldn't bring himself to walk away.

He sighed, finally looking away from the window and making his way downstairs.

As he shuffled through the Charms corridor, he thought he heard a sound. A little squeak, a gasp, and tapping.

He looked around. The high, stone ceilings of the corridor making the sound draw on for longer than normal, more hollow. He checked one last time, but seeing nothing he resolved to continue.

He walked more quickly from then. Not quite jogging but a swift walk to make it back to the common room quickly. He still heard the sound. Moving quickly as well and closer than before.

He felt something grab he leg.

He screamed, "AAHhh!"

Pulling himself away he tripped over his foot and tumbled down. Fearfully he looked back expecting to see some terrible menace, some ghastly ghoul.

Instead he found Hogwarts tinniest resident.

Harry sat across from Bill sniffling. His little hand had been hit in Bill's flailing and he held it close to his chest as he looked at Bill betrayed.

Harry put his hand in his mouth to try and stop the hurt. "Why you kick me" Harry asked. His words jumbled around his hand.

Bill shook himself out of his shock. He looked at the toddler younger than his youngest brother and tinnier too. He held out his arms, but Harry hesitated and glared harder at the first year.

"No. No, hugs. You mean."

Bill sighed. "I'm sorry Harry. You scared me, bud."

"We don't hit," Harry explained. "You hit."

Bill nodded.

"I did, didn't I. I'm so sorry." He apologized. "Will you come over so I can look at it?"

Harry looked at Bill distrustfully for a minute longer, but then scooched closer to the other boy. He held out his arms, hoping to be picked up even though Aunt Min didn't do it as often as before.

Bill pulled the other boy onto his lap. Harry's hand looked okay. It was probably sore, and would most likely bruise by tomorrow morning if they didn't get a bruise salve onto it soon.

He stood with Harry in his arms. Once balanced he reached out and grabbed Harrys hand. He placed a soft kiss on the tot's hand.

"How about we go visit Pomfrey and then I'll take you to Professor McGonagall"

Harry squirmed at the mention of going back home to Aunt Min, who he'd left right at nap time. But seeing the Pomfrey seemed good too. She always had the nicest juice and pasties.

Bill carried Harry to the infirmary and back home, where he encouraged him to take a nap. As he watched the rise and fall off Harry's little chest, he felt closer to the Burrow than he'd ever felt at Hogwarts before.

A/N:

Bill has always been a good big brother. Harry is still 2ish here. His vocabulary has expanded and his speaking is getting clearer. He's internalizing lessons as well "We don't hit" for example. Quidditch Spies is just a made up kids game I thought Bill and Charlie would enjoy.