Out Of The Darkness

Chapter 9

Learning More and Being Attacked

Acheron just came down the stairs when Harry's phone rang again. Between the two of them, they were never off the damn things. Harry grabbed it and noticed it was David calling again. Frowning he answered it, why was he being called? They should all be at the Academy. Safe where he didn't have to bloody worry about them.

"Hello David, what's up?" asked Harry, his confusion evident.

"Jared's dead," said David, the grief and anger in his voice said it all, it wasn't a joke.

"What the fuck? How can that be I told you all to head to the Academy!" snapped Harry fury enveloping him, couldn't anyone do a damn thing they were told? Even angry guilt was starting too pool uncomfortably in the pit of his stomach.

"He went back to his apartment to collect some stuff, I found the note last night…when he didn't come back I went over." said David.

"Why didn't he fight?" asked Harry grasping at straws his face pale and drawn.

"I don't think he had a chance, he was ambushed, he was shot." said David, if it had been him he'd have survived he was capable of Wandless magic, Jared on the other hand wasn't. "His house was ransacked they were looking for something."

Harry shook his head completely baffled, what the hell was so important he had to go back for it? He could have conjured whatever the hell he needed with his wand. He felt so powerless, he hated feeling like this. "I'm sorry David, this is all my fucking fault." he said into the phone his grief over what happened to Jared prominent.

"It's not your fault, he was the one that disregarded both mine and your orders and concern." said David.

"Look I'm going to find out what the hell is going on and deal with the people responsible - I'll text you so be sure to go some place where you can get a signal now and again." said Harry. "If you need anything call me, I'll do what I can."

"What about Jared and his funeral? If we are here we can't give him a burial." said David choking on the last word.

"Don't worry about that, its murder they won't release his body for a while. When they do I'll make sure he has a proper burial even if I have to go there myself." said Harry, keeping a tight reign on his magic, that wanted to run amok at his anger. Jared didn't deserve to be cremated and kept in an old box somewhere.

"Thanks Harry, I have to go tell the others," replied David emotionally.

"Alright, I'll talk to you later," said Harry, closing his phone off he threw it on the couch, to stop himself throwing it against the wall. Harry stood there his magic straining to get out, to unleash itself…to help with the pent up emotions Harry was feeling. Unfortunately their host was fighting against it, drawing his magic back, stooping it before it could come forward. He had to get out of here, or get Ash out of here more like. Harry always wondered if he had too much magic, nobody else seemed to explode magically when they were angry.

"Is everything OK?" asked Ash he'd heard everything but he couldn't let Harry know that. He could sense some form of weird energy surrounding Harry. It only lasted a second before it vanished, how very curious.

"No. You better run for the hills before you end up dead too." said Harry swallowing thickly. Someone was after him; it had to be the journal because it couldn't be anything else. Ever since he'd brought it back, things had gone from bad to worse.

"I'm not leaving," said Acheron worried about Harry's state of mind. He was far too calm for someone who'd just lost a friend. He admired people who stayed calm in conflict but this…was eerily calm. It was as if he was closing himself off or down instead of dealing with it.

"It's your fucking funeral," snapped Harry growling low in his throat. "Why the fuck are they killing over a stupid fucking book." breathing harshly through his nose, he tried to keep calm, it was hard but somehow he managed it. He wished he had someone who could help him train, to harness his powers. He knew one day it was going to violently explode and god help anyone who was nearby.

"The end of the world." said Acheron.

"What do you think this is? A film? The world will end if you read from book, it's not the Mummy." scoffed Harry. Ironically enough an image of Voldemort rose up, not Imhotep in his mind.

"What if it was? What if there was something in the book totally apocalyptic?" said Acheron.

"No doubt you've read it, I have too. And there's nothing in the damn thing that could be remotely apocalyptic." snapped Harry. "If there had been, I would have destroyed it."

"You've read it?" asked Acheron completely stunned, so he could read it. It was now more vital than ever to keep the second journal out of his hands. How the hell could he read it? There were only a few beings left in the world that could. He would have destroyed it, it rang in his ears well it seemed the boy at least had a good head on his shoulders.

"Yes," said Harry.

"How?" asked Acheron.

"That's none of your business." stated Harry calmly. His magic had finally calmed down, with his mind of everything that had happened.

"What do you usually do on a Saturday?" asked Acheron, he knew he wasn't going to get an answer any time soon. There was no point in dwelling on it. Hopefully the boy would trust him sooner or later to tell him.

"Depends," shrugged Harry indifferently. "Why?"

"You'll figure it out in less than an hour," said Acheron mysteriously. Trying to help by keeping the news of the man's death from Harry's thoughts. He'd rather not be told to leave again. Eventually the guy would just walk away, or drive and he couldn't keep up with him without him getting suspicious.

"How do you figure that?" asked Harry dryly.

"We're going to a basketball game," said Acheron just as dryly. He wasn't going to take no for an answer. If Harry thought he was stubborn, no doubt he did. Then he'd find out Acheron was just as stubborn if not more so. When he made a promise he was bound by his word, and so he would be there.

"What we?" asked Harry sarcastically.

"I'm not leaving you alone, you will be coming and sitting your backside on the bench today." said Acheron.

Harry nostrils flared in annoyance and anger. "In your dreams buddy boy." He did not like being told what to do. Especially NOT by a muggle.

Unfortunately Harry learned just how stubborn Acheron was. Twenty minutes later he had a black and white polyester referee shirt on and basketball shoes. Harry couldn't help himself, he laughed uproariously at the sight he made. "You're the ref then?" he said wiping tears of mirth from his eyes. Unfortunately his mirth didn't last long; it just made him feel ten times guilty for laughing when someone had died for just knowing him.

"You want to ride with me over to the game?" asked Acheron.

"Just how are you going to do that?" asked Harry dryly, "You're not getting to use my motorbike or car." he said sulkily crossing his arms over his chest; he was determined not to make this easy on Ash.

"I brought my own last night," smirked Acheron his eyes twinkling mischievously he loved his bike and he never got to ride it often enough. So when he did he enjoyed it while he could.

Harry knew no bike had come with Acheron last night, he would have heard it. Unlike most humans, he could hear very well, something that had served him well all his life. He'd started as a child, so not to be surprised by his family. He went straight to his living room window, pulled back the curtains and gaped. There was something going on, how the hell had that appeared? He should have heard it, he knew he should have. It had obviously not been there, he was sure of it.

"That wasn't there last night," said Harry, his eyes devouring the motorbike, it was a beauty. It was probably faster than this, the desire to ride it won out over his quest to find out how it had gotten there. It didn't matter much, since Acheron had no intention of answering him.

"You game?" asked Acheron, indeed ignoring Harry's statement.

"Game on," said Harry, he had a weakness for motorbikes, ever since he'd first ridden one. They were exhilarating, fun and he felt free on one. Closest Harry could ever get to being on a broom again. He left his house through the garage entrance, to gather his riding gear. Harry's smirk soon disappeared as he put on his helmet and jacket. Until he pulled up the shield so he could speak.

They both walked towards the bike, Ash taking his own helmet from the handlebars and putting it on. He flipped the tail of it up and the customised passenger seat came into view. Then he straddled the bike with an undeniable grace that made him look hot as hell. Ash secured his long leather jacket around him.

"Hop on," he yelled, since he wasn't using his helmet, which had an intercom on it he couldn't speak to him through it.

Harry did as he was bid, and realized it might not have been the best idea in the world. The scent of leather and Acheron filled his nostrils, being so close to him…and riding a bike well things might get a little…bothersome. Or rather just one thing, he thanked the lord for his loose fitting jeans.

Harry was right, the bike was made for speed, and it was faster than his bike. He had to get himself one of these; it was odd not being the one riding. It was like being at the back of a broomstick with no control. A bit like his first year if he was honest. He loosened up deciding to enjoy the ride, the guy drove like him. Recklessly, fearlessly and with abandon. He enjoyed every second of the it. By the end of the ride, he was more determined than ever to get one. Once they were off, Harry removed his helmet and said "I gotta get myself one of these." his English accent was strong when he was hyper Acheron noticed with amusement.

Harry watched Acheron remove his helmet, keeping his eyes closed until he exchanged it for his ever present glasses. He merely shook his head, anyone that didn't think his eyes were hot as well were completely bloody stupid. He'd never met anyone so confident yet so self conscious before…well other than him. What he showed the world was one small facet of who he was and what he felt. It was obvious that this guy was the same.

Before they knew it they were heading to a gym, there was a bunch of kids playing basketball. They looked to be around the ages of seven to nine in age. As soon as they saw Acheron they ran up to him, giving him high fives. Harry smothered his amusement, grinning wickedly, it reminded him of Hagrid. The tallness of Acheron compared to the kids, was like Hagrid and the first years. He brought himself out of his amusement, by then the kids were back to practising.

"Hey Perry, how's it going?" said Acheron, Harry turned to see who it was; he was an older African-American guy with gray hair with a moustache to boot.

"Glad you could make it. We had two refs call in sic and was afraid we'd have to cancel the games. I really appreciate you and your friend helping out." said Perry.

"Anytime. You know how much I love watching the kids dribble." replied Acheron.

Perry nudged Harry and whispered conspiratorially "He doesn't mean the balls either." Harry burst out laughing, as an image formed in his mind.

"Perry Stallings meet Harry Potter," said Acheron in introduction.

"You finally settling down Ash?" asked Perry.

"Ah, you think too much." snorted Acheron hiding his true feelings, if only. Unfortunately Harry didn't seem to have the slightest bit of interest in him. After the way he'd been he really couldn't blame the guy.

"And T-Rex doesn't think enough." said Talon. A well-built blond man approached them.

"Good to see you, Talon. Even if you are nothing but a pain in my ass." said Acheron.

Harry snorted in amusement.

"You too." said Talon, "That your Busa outside?"

"Yeah." said Acheron.

"Sweet. Anytime you're ready to let it go, call me." said Talon.

Harry whistled at that.

"Don't hold you're breath," said Ash "Talon this is Perry and Harry."

Talon shook their hands, he noticed the helmet in Harry's and raised an eyebrow. There was only one motorbike out there, so they had ridden together. That surprised him. "How did you get here?" he asked Harry curiously.

"I walked with a motorbike helmet in my hand," said Harry sarcastically. "I got a ride from Ash." he eventually said not sure how the guy would react to his sarcasm. He needn't have worried.

"Friends, Celt. Don't make anything more out of it than that." warned Acheron.

"Whatever you say, T-Rex. Whatever you say…" said Talon there was enough doubt in his voice to fill the Superdome.

Perry clapped his hands together, "Well, now that the two of you are here, I'll let the coaches know. You get settled in and we'll be underway in a few."

Harry moved to sit away from everyone else on the bleachers near the door. Ash followed him and put down his backpack next to him. Just as Ash did so a hyper voluptuous brunette came in with a flurry of excitement. Harry's heart clenched in pain, the girl, despite the difference in hair reminded Harry of Luna. She kissed Ash on the cheek as she asked how he was.

"Sunshine meet my friend Harry, Sunshine's Talon's wife." said Acheron introducing them.

"Hi," said Harry kindly enough, but his heart was still sore and his mind was thinking of a blonde haired girl just like Sunshine. He just about jumped out of his seat when she yelled "Go Talon; show them how it's done."

When the game started Sunshine turned to him and asked "How long have you known Ash?" she asked.

Harry raised an eyebrow at her curiosity, "A few days," shrugged Harry.

"And he brought you here?" she asked seemingly stunned.

"He's insisting on playing the hero, because my house was broken into and someone I knew died." said Harry bluntly, his voice changing at the end, showing he was more affected than he let on.

"Oh my I'm so sorry sweetie," said Sunshine her brown eyes wide with horror. "Are you okay?"

"I'll be fine," said Harry smiling reassuringly at her, this wasn't the first time he'd had to go through something like this. But for the first time in his life, he wasn't alone to deal with it. He hadn't been sent back to the Dursley's to deal with abuse and what happened by himself.

"If you need anything, you call us. Talon and I live outside of town and can be anywhere pretty quickly because he drives like a lunatic. Night or day, you need something, you call." said Sunshine patting Harry's leg reassuringly. Harry smiled genuinely at her kindness; he didn't meet many people like that. He was a stranger yet she was reaching out to him.

"Thank you," said Harry, "It's nice to see Ash has decent friends." it meant Acheron wasn't alone as he'd once thought. With friends like that he was surprised Ash was so closed off.

"No, we are more lucky to have him." said Sunshine adamantly.

"Hi," said a little boy sitting in a wheelchair next them, he was grinning proudly.

"Hello," said Harry giving him a small smile, "You wouldn't be Toby by any chance would you?" he said recognizing the voice.

Toby looked at his mother before nodding.

"I'm Harry, I heard you playing with Ash this morning," said Harry smiling softly at the boy. He was cute; he wondered briefly what had caused his current situation. He wasn't an ass hole though, he'd never ask. Especially not a child who had obviously been through a lot.

"Yes that was me, I kicked his butt!" claimed Toby proudly.

"Toby!" chided his mother, "What have I told you about language like that?"

"Well I did," whined Toby in a way only a child could, and would get away with.

The buzzer signalled half time, when Ash returned to the bleachers.

"Hey Tobinator. How you doing?" asked Ash.

Toby squealed in delight "Can we play?" he face staring at up Ash's filled with hope.

"Is it okay?" Ash asked Toby's mother Trish.

"Be gentle. He had a hard session with his therapist today." said Trish her face alight with worry for her son.

"Will do." Ash said.

"I don't know what I'd do without that man." said Trish her eyes misting.

"What do you mean?" asked Sunshine a frown on her face.

"Toby and my husband were in a bad car wreck a year ago. Barry was killed instantly and Toby was partially paralyzed. For weeks in the hospital, Toby was unresponsive to everyone. He wouldn't eat or speak. And then one day Ash and a friend of his came in and were singing with the kinds on Toby's floor, handing out gifts. When he saw Toby, he went over and the next thing I knew, he had Toby laughing again. Just looking at them out there…God love that man." said Trish.

Harry smiled it seemed he might have had Acheron pegged wrong the first time he met him. Too bad he'd only seen his bad side…up until yesterday he supposed.

After Toby his brother and mother were gone, Harry walked over to Acheron and patted him on the back. "How many more games you got?" he asked as Acheron turned to face him.

"Two more," said Acheron, this was the closest he'd gotten to Harry yet, too bad they were in public. It would have taken just a smidgen to plant his lips across Harry's. His hand still remained on his back just as he thought that Harry removed it as if he could read his thoughts. If he hadn't been so turned on himself, he would have noticed Harry's eyes were dilated with lust.

"You move that around to drive people crazy don't you?" he said poking at the dragon tattoo which he'd seen on the other side of Acheron's chest. If he didn't know any better he would say it was a magical tattoo. A magical tattoo wouldn't move on a Muggle. He was unaware that he'd made Simi giggle at his prodding. Turning he went to sit back down, only then did he notice the look of shock on Sunshine's face, looking back he saw Talon had the same look about him too. Curious…very curious.

"Are you sure the two of you are just friends?" she finally asked getting her wits around her.

"Why?" asked Harry hiding his curiosity behind indifference.

"I've never seen Ash allow someone to touch him from behind before. He normally bolts across the room if someone even comes near his back. The fact he didn't even twitch…highly suspicious." said Sunshine.

Harry's heart sank, that sounded just like him, "Even now?" asked Harry.

"Yes," she said staring at Harry curiously.

Nobody could still be abusing him…surely? It must just be instinct, but even he had outgrown those. Then again he didn't let anyone close enough to touch him…never mind his back.

"What you just did was a miracle, and I really wish you could appreciate how amazing it was." said Sunshine honestly.

"Trust me I can appreciate it." said Harry staring across at Ash.

Next chapter motorbike race andddd the revealing of magic as promised ;) i think i've made you wait long enough eh? so will i also have Hades interested in Harry and give him magic? also the ability to visit his domain? in turn for the mirrors so Persephone and Hades can keep in touch even when they are away from one another ;) with the protection of two gods Artemis would be mad to try anything...are you wanting Harry to be turned into a god like Tory was? having to drink from Ash to survive? :P and ash in turn having to drink from him? if he does so will Ash get a portion of Harry's magic in turn? Artemis got Ash's gifts by drinking from him...so really it makes sense or will harry be an exception? R&R PLEASE!