AN: I lied. I couldn't double the word count for this one. I tried, I really did, but I couldn't. I'm sorry.
Rules
Harry sighed, turning over the letter in his hands. It was something he had found in George's room, and he had recognised the handwriting instantly.
It was a letter that Hermione had written in the 6th year, ready for Harry's future guardian if she wasn't around. She had kept it and had given it to 'whoever is appointed Harry's guardian' in her will, instantly going to George.
It was unopened and the parchment felt rough in his hands, something so familiar bringing painful memories. He held it to his chest, savouring the feel, before making his way down the stairs.
"Mr Schue?" Harry called out, unsure of which room the teacher was in. The man came out the living room.
"Harry, I've told you. When outside of school, you can call me Will," The man softly scolded, but his relaxed posture told Harry that he wasn't in trouble.
"I forgot, um, this is for you… It's important," Harry said quickly, passing him the envelope and turning to bolt up the stairs.
Will held the letter, noting it was parchment and very expensive. He turned it over to open it, noting it was sealed with a strange stamp with Hogwarts written on it. He shrugged, and opened it anyway, heading back into the living room.
He had been marking some Spanish tests, and now he had to read this important letter. It was much more interesting, to say the least.
He pulled out yet another piece of parchment, and an entire page of perfect handwriting was filled with probably one of the most important rules in his life.
Dear whomever this may concern,
My name is Hermione Granger; Harry's best friend, confident and sister in everything but blood. I love him very much, and I must make sure that he is given the best possible care that you can give him.
I will not be able to look after him, due to the fact that this war will take my life and leave him to end it alone, and I am writing this so I know Harry will be cared for correctly, and they can try to right all the wrongs in Harry's life.
Therefore, there are rules you must follow to ensure that he and you are happy and your lives are slightly easier.
Rules:
Allow him to lock the door when he is getting changed and having a bath or shower. However, this may be ignored if Harry is having a danger night. There are notes at the end that explains what a danger night is for Harry, and what needs to happen on those days.
Allow him to stay up as long as he wishes; even on a school night. Harry is used to staying up all night, and could easily last three days without sleep. He will sleep when he needs to, but don't try to force him. Those nights will be nightmare filled and he will not get any decent sleep.
Ensure Harry eats two small meals a day. Harry will frequently forget to eat, and he could last weeks on only a few slices of bread. Although this is probably a good thing in these times, when this war is over, Harry will need to build his weight up.
Never be the first to initiate any physical contact; whether that may be a pat on the shoulder or a full on hug. Just don't do it. You'll either end up with a broken nose or a punch to the gut on a bad day. On a good day, he'll realise before he actually hits you, but it's not always enough. Harry may even tell you why someday.
Danger nights are exactly that. His life is on the line during those nights. He can become highly suicidal and angry on these nights, and I wouldn't leave him alone for a millisecond, let alone let him shut a door or lock it. He may spend his time screaming at you, telling you he doesn't care and wants you to leave him alone.
Just ignore his words. If he begins to pull at his hair or scratch at his skin, you may restrain Harry, holding his hands and humming a soft tune. It'll settle him, and he'll probably end up crying into your clothing, but it doesn't mean that the night is over. It will be an endless cycle and Harry will push you away. Please ignore it, and be patient with him; he needs you.
Please take this seriously. Harry needs you more than you could ever imagine.
Hermione Granger.
The letter was dated March 17th, 2011, which meant that it was written just over a year ago, and he realised that Harry was much more broken than anyone ever realised, and Harry needed someone to love him.
He put the letter down with shaky hands, his breathing coming in shallow breaths.
Never be the first to initiate any physical contact.
Will wondered who had the heart to harm someone with such an innocent heart that Harry owned. Who made him scared of a congratulatory pat on the back, or being held like a child?
Danger nights? Who hurt Harry enough for him to consider death like that? Who hurt him enough to consider hurting himself?
Words drifted to him, and Will found himself choking back sobs and he realised that Harry was that child; the child who killed the leader of the terrorist attacks in London, the abused child that had his past held against him, his fears used to make him stronger while making the actual fear worse.
Harry James Potter was a child that was alone and scared and just wanted (no, needed) someone to hold him.
William stood, and headed up the stairs, knocking on Harry's door before entering, finding Harry asleep on the bed. He was fully clothed, and it was only midday, but he hadn't slept in 28 hours, and he was dead to the world.
So he crept over to the child and knelt beside the bed, his words choked up, "I will love you, and take care of you for the rest of your life. I will be the father you never had, and I'll make you better you're sick, and I'll hold you when you're sad and be everything you need me to be. I promise."
Although Harry was unaware of it, William pressed a soft kiss to the child's forehead, and crept out the room, unaware of the dream Harry was having.
"Hello, Harry," Luna said, leaning against the wall.
Harry paused, and looked up at her, ignoring the man across him that had frozen in place. The clock had stopped, and things had frozen in time.
"What're you doing here?" Harry asked somewhat cautiously. The types of dreams didn't usually turn out good.
"I'm just passing through. How are things?" She asked, and Harry decided he'd just go with the flow.
"They're okay at the moment. He makes me feel safe," Harry responded shyly, and suddenly he was in the choir room before everyone, sat at the piano.
"Play." Came a whisper from nowhere, and he just started playing the piano.
"Wrapped up, so consumed by all this hurt
If you ask me, don't know where to start
Anger, love, confusion
Roads that go nowhere
I know that somewhere better
'Cause you always take me there"
The words flowed for some unknown reason, and Harry knew who he was singing to. William.
"Came to you with a broken faith
Gave me more than a hand to hold
Caught before I hit the ground
Tell me I'm safe, you've got me now."
As the song faded away, Harry found himself with Luna again in the kitchen, sat at the table.
"Let him take care of you, Harry; you can't do this alone."
As Luna faded away, time resumed, and the dream ended, leaving Harry more confused than ever.
AN: How did I do? Thanks for reading, please review, criticism is always welcome.