Author's notes: Meh. Why not? Slight inspiration from Ultimate Spider-Man #5, 2001.

Summary: A look into Harry's nightmare from S1E13 "Strange".

It's Just a Nightmare II

A teen with auburn hair was in his bedroom. He sat in a black task chair next to his computer desk. By him was a spotless window that showed a clear night sky. The stars were easy to see compared to the city that paraded lights. The only time he spent nights in the city was when he was able to accompany his father on his business trips.

Living out in their Osborn manor had its advantages. There was definitely more space for bike riding. The air was also cleaner. Nights were peaceful without all the shouting and congested traffic. But not all was glamorous. For even when the father and son were home together, the father preferred to spend his time in his office. Working was all he did.

Harry leaned back in his desk chair. He wanted Norman to review his homework. He would soon be heading to high school. He wanted to prove he wasn't some dumb kid. The businessman, however, remained focused on his trade. Harry wondered if he should have fought for him to stay out of his lab. At least for tonight. A dreadful feeling had grown in his gut.

A loud explosion boomed.

The fire alarm sounded off.

Startled, Harry jumped from his swivel chair. He darted towards the bedroom door. When he came to the hallway, he was greeted only by thick, black smoke. His eyes watered. He coughed as he had trouble breathing. Yet he wasn't concerned with his own safety. He needed to find his remaining family.

"Dad!" he yelled. He didn't hear a response. Concern and anxiety latched themselves against him. "Dad!"

He aimed to find his way to his father's office. The immense heat made him disoriented. He strained his mind to figure out his right from his left. The manor was huge. All directions began to look similar. He heard cracking. Barely, he sprung away from a crumbling ceiling.

At that moment, he felt a hand on him. He turned around and spotted a team of firefighters. They grabbed him and pulled him away from the growing flames. They made their own exit with their axes. The night air offered some salvation. The teen was cleared. He didn't feel relieved. He tried to fight them off.

"I have to go back!" he begged. "My dad is still in there!"

"It's too late!" one firefighter yelled. "The flames have completely taken over!"

Harry turned back to the manor. Just beyond the blaze he spotted a horrific creature. This terrible beast carried green skin and yellow eyes. It was clearly some monster. Yet it seemed so familiar. The frightful creature used its powerful form to depart, deserting the manor and the teen.

"Dad!" Harry cried.

Tears streamed down his cheeks. He could only watch as the ravaging flames consumed their home.

"It's open night mic here in the nightmare lounge. And I'd like to kick things off with a little number I call: There's Nothing to be Afraid of; It's Just a Nightmare!"

The familiar, friendly voice rang throughout the city. The wicked spell imprisoning the citizens broke.

Harry awoke. He found himself in his classroom. The windows had their blinds pulled up, permitting the sunlight to come through. Around him were his classmates. Each one held an expression of confusion. They looked at one another as they sought answers. Everyone appeared to be safe.

That voice sounded familiar. Like he came into contact with it on a regular basis. But Harry ignored it. He felt his heart racing. That wasn't any nightmare. Some parts held truth.

There was a reason the Osborns lived in a penthouse above Oscorp instead of their manor outside the city. A fire had started. The caused was something chemical and electrical related. That had happened before Harry started high school. Repairs went underway and were completed. They never moved back in.

A chilling fear returned. "Dad!"

Dismissing himself, Harry bolted from his desk and sprinted to the door.

Harry burst into the hallway. He noticed the rest of his peers were awakening. No one showed any notions for an explanation. He had no time to observe or ask questions. He needed to find his father.

He searched for an exit. He needed to find a way back to Oscorp; the penthouse where they now resided. Students who had been out on the athletic field at the time were making their way back inside. Chatters and mutters filled the hallways.

Harry looked past the cumbersome sea of students. He grew distress. Despite standing with his peers, he felt alone. But above the crowd was someone he recognized.

"Dad!" he happily cried.

Norman looked up. He turned relieved seeing his son racing towards him. "Harry!"

The two embraced each other.

The older Osborn kept his strong, protective hold. No doubt he was recovering from his own troublesome apparition.

Harry trembled in his father's grip. He was overjoyed that he was alright. On that frightening night the two had been reunited after they had been rescued. Fortunately, no injuries fell on either of them. Harry never told Norman that he was still haunted by that memory. He always feared losing his only family. Recalling that harrowing night, he quickly tightened his grip.

"It's all right," Norman tried to comfort. "We're still together. A united family. That's what matters."

The teen loosened his hold.

That was true. The fire didn't permanently separate the remaining Osborn family. While it took some adjustments learning to live on top of Oscorp, they had each other. He began to relax feeling his father rub his back. They had their differences, but they were still a family. There was no need to allow a past incident to completely control them.

After all, it was just a nightmare.

End It's Just a Nightmare II