Chapter 10
Welcome to Cokeworth
Harry had walked for about an hour when he started to run into some houses along the road. He could see a tall smokestack in the distance. It looked like the mill was on the far side of town. The road had eventually begun to run along a dirty river that he guessed ran to the mill. He had started to sense a gentle buzz of magic in the air about ten minutes before he had reached town. There were definitely wards around it like Mr. McMillian had said.
Harry wondered if he would find any magical shops in town. He hadn't asked but if Ernie, Justin, and Hannah had run into witches and wizards here there might be a chance.
Harry took a moment to hide behind a tree and resize his bag. It would look strange checking into a motel without any kind of luggage. He checked that the rings and wand holster were disillusioned and that nothing obviously magical was showing. Once he had verified that he pulled the pack onto his shoulders and adjusted his sweater. It was a lovely forest green. Dudley had worn it once and gotten a hole in it and refused to wear it again.
Harry had thought a lot about a new identity. He wondered what it would be like to live as 'just Harry'. This may be his only chance. He allowed his face to shift to that form. He would keep the blue eyes. His green was just too striking. He would also leave his hair long. He had found he liked it a lot. He may even keep it long when he went back to his boy-who-lived look before school. He could justify that change by saying he had grown it over the summer. He pulled a small hand mirror from his bag and cringed a little. He looked like a thirteen-year-old. He encouraged the growth of a little stubble on his chin and increased his height to his boy-who-lived height. Well at least now he looked like maybe he could pass as sixteen.
He felt pleased with the result. He felt like this was the boy he could have been in a different life. He sighed at the color of his eyes. He loved his eyes. But this would have to do. He did hope that he would grow a little over the summer. Maybe if he found a job, he might actually eat enough to have a growth spurt.
He had come up with a new name and back story. He would try and avoid having to tell anyone any of it, but he was going to need a name if he planned to check into the motel or get a job. He just hoped he could pull off the lie.
Harry pulled the map from his pocket and looked it over as he stepped back on the road. It looked like the center of town was still a few blocks from where he was. There were a few blocks of businesses and at the end was The Sundown motel.
Harry sneered as he past the Riverview. He could remember the night spent there well. His Uncle had bellowed about all the money they were spending running around. He had told Harry to be grateful that they had brought him along at all. They should have just dumped him on the side of the road. Harry had heard these lines before. Honestly, he had never understood why they kept him either. They always called it the 'goodness of their hearts', but Harry had learned from Dumbledore that it was likely only because of the wards.
Dumbledore had explained the wards and that as long as Harry stayed so did the wards. Petunia might hate magic, but she would do anything to keep Dudley safe. The wards were just protection from the 'freaks' as far as Aunt Petunia could see. And they got a free house Elf out of it.
Harry shook his head to clear it and looked around. There were people bustling about in the mid-day sun. Harry took note of several stores to check out later. There was a bookstore, an art store, and a pet shop all at one end of the block. The other half was a clothing store of some kind. On the other side of the street was a grocery store. The next block up looked to hold more specific stores. Hoover repair, Bicycle shop, antiques, a vet clinic, a chemist, a music store, and a small hardware store.
The town seemed to have quite a lot happening despite its run-down appearance. Harry reached the end of the second business block and saw the motel. It had a sign up indicating they had rooms available. Hopefully, he had enough for a week. He thought he should be able to find some kind of work in that amount of time. Maybe he could mow lawns. He was good at that.
The office door at the Sundown gave a happy little chime as the door opened. A woman in her thirties sat behind the counter in a light-yellow sundress. Her hair was long and light blond, and she was reading a magazine. She reminded him of Luna.
Harry smiled slightly at the thought of his friend.
"Hello, how can I help you?" The woman said with a bright smile.
Harry smiled back.
"I need a room." Harry said.
She nodded and looked down at the book on her desk.
"Right, looks like we have a few open. Would you prefer ground or first floor?" She asked.
"Ground floor please." Harry responded.
"And how long will you be staying?"
Harry pondered that. He wasn't sure how long he would need to stay.
"Um, I'm not sure yet. Can I get a room for the week and let you know if I need to stay longer?" Harry said biting his lip. His nerves were starting to get the best of him.
She only nodded and told him the price for the week. The price seemed reasonable, and he would have a little money left over for food.
"Just need to sign the guest book and I'll get you a key." She smiled again.
Harry nodded and took the pen and signed on the line. Max Underhill.
The woman glanced at the book and nodded.
"Here's your key. Have a pleasant stay at the Sundown Mr. Underhill."
"Thank you" Harry said softly.
"I'm Maggie by the way. Feel free to let me know if you need anything. Your room is at the end."
Harry nodded again and turned to leave. He noticed a community notice board on the wall next to the door.
Harry walked up to the board and looked it over. Lost dog, summer street fair, Yard sale, volunteers needed for a summer sports league. No job postings.
Harry sighed. Things never worked out that easily.
"Was there something you were looking for Hun?" Maggie asked.
Harry turned back to face her. He felt his face flush a little. He didn't realize she was still watching him.
"I um… I'm looking for work." Harry stammered.
Maggie looked him over and nodded.
"What kind of work are you looking for?" She asked.
"Anything." Harry assured.
Maggie hummed and came around the counter. She gave Harry another assessing look.
Harry felt uncomfortable under her gaze.
"I'm going to go out on a limb and guess you're a street kid or a runaway." Maggie said.
Harry went to dispute her claim but was stopped when she raised her hand.
"We get a couple a year up this way. They come, they work, they raise hell and then they leave town." Maggie said. Her lips were pursed, and she seemed serious.
"I'm not here to cause any trouble. I just need some work." Harry said calmly.
Maggie nodded.
"How old are you?" She asked.
"Eighteen." Harry lied.
Maggie Raised an eyebrow.
"Try again kid." Maggie said in a tone that said she wasn't going to drop it.
"Sixteen." Harry replied looking down. His cover was falling apart quickly. He should probably leave town now. This woman wasn't magical she had no aura, but he had seen a few in town.
Maggie nodded.
"I usually don't get involved when you kids come to town, but I do know someone that's looking for some part time work pretty desperately." Maggie said.
Harry's head popped up at that. Maybe he had lucked out. He still wasn't sure about staying here but maybe he could make a little money before he left.
"First, you're going to tell me how a street kid has enough money for a week's stay in a motel. Mostly they stay at the Riverview or down by the river. I don't want to deal with a thief." Maggie said sternly.
Harry's eyes got wide. He wasn't a thief.
"No ma'am. My friends from school helped me out. I couldn't stay with them but they sent me here and gave me the money. They live close by." Harry said as honestly as he could.
Maggie nodded.
"Alright. But your room isn't to turn into a party spot. The rooms are for registered guests only." Maggie said. Her look had softened but was still stern. In another thirty years Harry imagined she would have a solid McGonagall glare.
"Yes, ma'am."
"Alright, go get settled in your room, take a shower. There's a diner across the street. Will get lunch and I'll tell you about the job." Maggie said with a shooing motion.
Harry hurried out of the office and down the parking lot to the end of the motel. He found his room at the end and let himself in.
The room was pretty bare, but it looked clean. There was a good-sized bed, a dresser, and a lone nightstand made of matching wood. There was a door on the far wall that led to the loo.
Harry dropped his bag on the bed and went into the bathroom. He looked in the mirror and noticed that there was a little bruising around his hairline and his eye was still black. He had tried to create glamours, but they never seemed to hold. Except for some kind of accidental magic. He thought it was probably a response to fear. His fear that someone in the magical world would learn about his life in the muggle world. He had noticed it on his first trip to Diagon Alley. He had slipped into the loo and noticed his face was clear. It was definitely bruised after the incident at the zoo and being on the run. But his face was clear in that mirror.
He had been surprised that Justin had seen them. Maybe because he hadn't been afraid. He knew they were up when they had reached the manor. Neither Ernie nor Hannah had said anything, and he hadn't seen them in his pocket mirror before he entered town.
Harry sighed.
Maggie had seen them though. The glamour had clearly fallen as he had walked into town. Great! He really did look rough. The long dark hair was tangled from the wind, and he looked a little sweaty from his walk. And he smelt like a ripe onion. He guessed it wasn't surprising she had picked up that he was a runaway.
Harry stripped his clothing off and climbed into the shower.
Harry walked back to the office. All his possessions shrunk and in his pocket. He was sure that Maggie had meant for him to unpack but he didn't feel comfortable leaving all his things in the room.
Maggie stepped out of the office and waved. Harry nodded back.
"You look better." Maggie said with a smile.
Harry only nodded and followed as she led them across the main street to the restaurant.' The Willson's Diner' The sign said. Harry held the door open for her and they both walked in.
"Hey Jane." Maggie said waving to a waitress.
Jane had dark hair that had a bit of grey in it. She had it pulled into a bun. Her face was a little round and she had smile wrinkles around her eyes.
Harry noticed that she was in a simple light blue dress and white apron. The outfit looked familiar, but he couldn't place it.
Maggie led Harry to a booth near the corner and Harry took the seat farthest from the door. He might be getting a job, but he was still on the run, and he couldn't let his guard down.
Maggie picked up her menu and took a quick look. Harry just stared. He had never done this before. He'd only ever eaten at the leaky cauldron once, the summer before third year. He looked down at the menu and felt a wave of dizzying anxiety. Harry's palms began to sweat, and he wiped them on his jeans.
He was hungry. He hadn't been able to stomach much at Ernie's this morning. He had eaten two sandwiches at the Dursleys in the week he had been there. And in the last three days he had picked apart the box from Fred and George.
"Just pick whatever you want. You're a growing boy. I'm sure you're hungry." Maggie said calmly.
Harry noticed that Maggie was watching him intently again.
Harry nodded looking back at the menu. It was mostly just sandwiches and some soup options.
"Hey Maggie, how's it going?" A voice said from the end of the table causing Harry to jump a little.
Both women looked at him briefly and then back to one another.
"Going well. I'll just take the usual. And a glass of lemonade please." Maggie said brightly.
"Is he a summer boy?" Jane asked Maggie.
Harry looked up at the question. And Maggie nodded.
"This is Max. He's staying at the Sundown." Maggie introduced.
Harry, feeling slightly uncomfortable with the interaction, decided to go with polite. He wanted to make a good impression on people if he was going to be here for a while. He held out his hand to Jane.
"Max Underhill. Pleasure to meet you." Harry said with a smile.
Sirius etiquette lessons had heavily focused on introducing yourself and making good first impressions. He was wearing old jeans with holes and another of Sirius' band shirts layered on top of a long sleave shirt. His face was bruised, and he looked like he hadn't slept in days. So, he couldn't imagine he was doing a great job at first impressions, but he could be polite and introduce himself.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Jane. I'm the owner here." Jane said, taking Harry's hand in a brief shake.
"Keep your nose clean and you'll have a pleasant summer." Jane said with a little heat.
Harry had no intention of causing trouble. But he was curious what had happened in previous years to give people such distrust of teens in town for the summer.
"Yes Ma'am." Harry responded quietly.
Jane nodded.
"Are you getting something to eat?' Jane asked, holding her notepad up again.
Harry quickly looked over the menu again. Something light, something simple, his brain supplied.
"Just a cup of the soup please." Harry said with a smile.
Jane nodded then threw a significant glance at Maggie and walked away.
Jane and Harry sat in silence for a few minutes. Harry stared so hard at the table in front of him, it was a miracle it hadn't caught fire.
Harry chanced a look up and realized he was being rude. However, he really had no idea what to say.
"My grandmother owns the book shop down the road. And she owns a home a few blocks away. She is having a tough time maintaining them since my grandfather passed in the spring." Maggie said.
Harry looked up and listened intently.
"I'm sorry for your loss." Harry said softly.
"Thank you. He was a great man. This has left my grandmother in need of help. I have reservations about sending a…" Maggie cut herself off.
"Summer boy?" Harry supplied with a raised eyebrow.
Maggie conceded with a nod.
"Yes, well we have had mixed results in this town with past teenage travelers." Maggie asserted.
"Yes, I gathered as much." Harry said feeling a little put out.
"Listen kid, Last summer was bad. We had a pair of boys show up and cause all kinds of problems for people in this town. They were partying and stealing and then they made a huge mess and set a store on fire on their way out of town. So, if you find people hesitant about an outsider that's why." Maggie tried to explain.
Harry gaped for a moment. Then snapped his jaw closed.
"Most of the boys that come up here are fine. They work hard save all summer and then go back wherever it is they came from. We've had a few that didn't have anywhere to go that stayed and became part of the town. Tommy the cook here is one of those. We've even had a few that needed a little more help and they found that here too." Maggie said with a little wink.
"It's a good town. It sort of fell apart when the mill closed in the late seventies and then the town pulled together, and it has been a lovely place since then."
Harry nodded. He was enjoying hearing about the history of the place where he had mostly accidentally landed.
"Here's your lunch." Jane said bringing Harry his soup and Maggie a simple sandwich and a bag of crisps.
Jane set down Maggie's lemonade and set a glass of water in front of Harry.
"Thank you, ma'am." Harry said with a genuine grin.
Harry's soup smelt wonderful, and his stomach gave a soft growl.
"You're welcome. Enjoy."
Harry and Maggie enjoyed their lunch in silence. When they were done Harry offered to buy lunch and Maggie just brushed him off. They left the little diner and headed down the street towards the shops Harry had seen on his way through town. They stopped on the corner in front of the bookstore.
It was a used bookstore with big front windows. They were slightly streaked, and Harry could see a lot of dust had collected. The sign in front of the store declared it to be 'Mary's Book Nook.'
Harry followed Maggie into the shop. He looked around. There was definitely work to be done.
"Hello welcome to the Book Nook." A cheery voice called from the back.
"It's me, Grandma." Maggie called back.
Harry stood awkwardly by the front door. His hands were deep in the pockets of his jeans and his head down. He didn't know what to do with himself, so he just stayed put and waited.
"Oh, Maggie dear. It's so good to see you." The woman Harry assumed must be Mary said.
She had light hair like Maggie and a very wrinkled face and hands. She had kind soft blue eyes that twinkled a little. And a wonderful smile. She was a little taller then Harry, but noticeably shorter then Maggie.
"Hi Grandma. I found someone I think might be able to help you around the shop until Uncle John can get here." Maggie said, waving her hand in Harry's direction.
Mary looked over at Harry and then whispered something to Maggie. Harry couldn't make out there conversation and he wasn't trying to eavesdrop, so he let his eyes wander the store. He would Honestly love to work here. He found comfort in books. If Ron wouldn't rag on him, he would spend as much time in the library as Hermione.
Harry smiled. Maybe when he was allowed to be just Harry, he could hide himself away amongst the books.
"Something amuse you? Thinking up trouble?" Mary's voice sounded much closer then she had been a moment ago.
Harry shook his head.
"Are you mute?" Mary asked with a stern expression.
"No Ma'am." Harry said, trying to meet Mary's eye. He struggled with eye contact. Not with the concept but with fear. So much of his life he had been punished for the small act. But he knew from school and Sirius lessons that it was the respectful thing to do.
"I'm Mary Ash. My granddaughter says your looking for work?" Mrs. Ash said.
"Yes, Ma'am." Harry replied.
Mary nodded.
"You're a bit on the small side but I'm sure I can find something for you to do. What kind of work do you have experience with?" Mrs. Ash asked.
"I can do just about anything you set me to ma'am." Harry said honestly.
"Will see about that." Mrs. Ash said skeptically.
Mrs. Ash turned away from Harry and looked at Maggie.
Harry returned to staring at the floor. He noticed one of his trainers was getting quite a hole in it. He may need to see if there was a thrift shop in town, he could get a pair from. These wouldn't hold up much longer.
"I'll see you around Max." Maggie said with a wave as she left the shop.
Harry looked to Mrs. Ash for instructions.
"The shop needs a lot of work." Mrs. Ash said with a sigh.
Harry thought she looked a little overwhelmed.
Harry quickly accessed the shop like he would a list of chores at his relatives.
"Ma'am if I may?" Harry asked.
Mrs. Ash nodded.
"I could start with the dusting, wipe down the surfaces, and clean the windows. Then sweep and mop the floors. That should get the shop shined up a bit. Would…would that be a good start?" Harry asked nervously. He didn't want to come off as presumptuous or call out the shop for its unkept appearance.
Harry chewed on his lip while he waited. He scuffed the toe of his trainer on the floor.
"Yes, I think that would be good. Should give you a few days of work. The shops not big but it hasn't seen much care these past few months." Mrs. Ash said sadly.
Harry felt a lump grow in his throat. He understood the pain she was feeling.
"I'm sorry for your loss Mrs. Ash. Maggie told me he was a good man." Harry said earnestly.
"Yes, my Arthur was a lovely man. It's not the same without him." Mrs. Ash said with a hum.
Mrs. Ash took a deep breath and clasped her hands.
"Well best get to it. I've got a box of donations I need to sort out. The cleaning supplies are in the closet at the back of that first aisle of books." Mrs. Ash said. Her voice once again strong and full of conviction to carry on. Harry admired her strength.
Harry nodded once and disappeared down the long aisle of books. Once he dusted off the cleaning supplies he got to work.
Harry worked quickly and efficiently like he had always done. He kept his head down and worked.
"Max?" Harry heard Mrs. Ash call for him.
Harry had just put the cleaning supplies away. He had managed to do everything he had said he would do. He hoped it was up to Mrs. Ash's standards.
"Yes Ma'am" Harry said stepping back to the front of the store.
Harry hadn't seen her since she had left him to his cleaning. She had disappeared into a backroom and no one else had come into the shop.
"I'm sorry Max. I didn't mean to keep you so long. It's long past dinner now." Mrs. Ash said glancing up at the ornate clock that hung behind the counter.
Harry just shrugged. He'd had two meals today. It was more food than he usually saw in a week in the summer normally. He hadn't intended to eat again tonight.
"You did an excellent job on the shop. I can't believe you got so much done in a day. I'm not sure it's been this clean in years." Mrs. Ash beamed as she looked around the shop.
Harry blushed at the praise.
"Nothing will be open at this hour. If you wouldn't mind walking an old woman home, I'm sure I can warm us up something." Mrs. Ash said as she collected her purse and turned out the lights.
Harry followed her out the door and stood awkwardly outside while Mrs. Ash locked the door.
Harry was thankful that he had put on a long sleeve shirt under the band T-shirt. The wind had picked up at some point and was quite chilly.
Harry wasn't sure how the disillusionment charms worked on the wand holster, but he hardly noticed it was even on unless he thought about it. Still, he felt more comfortable having it covered. He also didn't like having his arms exposed. Too many scars. He didn't want to look at them and he wouldn't let anyone else see them either.
Harry walked in step with Mrs. Ash as they made their way down the street. Mrs. Ash was lightly humming a tune that Harry didn't know but it was pleasant. The town seemed nearly empty. The sun had gone down a while ago and the last light blues were fading away in the sky. All the shops were closed for the night and only a few people seemed to be out. People pushing prams and walking dogs. Enjoying the cool weather in contrast to the heat of the day.
When they reached the gate of Mrs. Ash's home Harry stopped. He didn't feel comfortable going into a stranger's home. Mrs. Ash had been nothing but polite, but it still twisted something in Harry.
"Well come along young man." Mrs. Ash said starting up the walk.
"Oh. It's all right Mrs. Ash. I should head back." Harry said hoping he'd be allowed to leave.
Mrs. Ash turned and looked him over.
"Alright. I'll see you tomorrow. Shop opens at eight." Mrs. Ash said with a nod.
"Yes Ma'am. Good night." Harry said with a nod and headed back.
The next week followed a similar pattern. Harry would wake up by five and read until seven thirty. Then he would head to the shop and wait for Mrs. Ash to show up. Harry would help her into the shop and then She would offer him tea that Harry would politely decline. She would set him his tasks for the day and Harry would get to work. Harry felt he had proven his initial statement that he could do just about anything. He had patched some armchairs in the front of the store. Fixed a light that had a short. Put up fresh paint. And even did a little woodwork fixing one of the bookcases. So far, he had not been asked to do anything he couldn't.
Mrs. Ash would often try and pull him from his work for lunch which Harry would decline and continue to work. Harry noticed the shop was busiest in the early evening. He assumed it was a stop for a few people on their way home from work. He had met several people but mostly he kept to himself when customers came in. He had lots of experience making no noise and pretending he didn't exist.
Harry had noticed that Mrs. Ash did her accounting or book sorting in the evening and often lost track of time. The sign on the door said the shop closed at seven but Harry didn't think they had closed earlier than nine. Harry had made a mental list of books he would like to buy. Maybe if he had enough, he could get a few after he got paid.
It was Friday and he was just finishing up some repairs in the small bathroom when he heard Mrs. Ash calling for him.
Harry checked his watch. It was just now five thirty. Too early for her to be calling an end to their day.
"Yes Ma'am?" Harry said as he walked up to Mrs. Ash and another woman he recognized as owning the pet shop next door. She was a frequent customer, Mrs. Baker. Harry thought she must sit and read all day at work. Her shop wasn't terribly busy, and she seemed to buy a new book every day.
"Max, could you go next door with Julie? She needs someone to look at one of the heating lamps. I told her you had already done some electric work around here. You wouldn't mind would you dear?" Mrs. Ash asked.
"No, I don't mind ma'am. I need to clean up my supplies in the loo but then I can come over. Would…would that be all right?" Harry asked looking between the two women.
"That'll be fine. If I can't fix it, I'll need to order a new one and I'm not sure how long it will take to get." Julie sounded slightly stressed.
Harry nodded and scooted back to the bathroom. He quickly finished his work and cleaned up. Harry waved his hand over himself and cast a cleaning charm. He didn't use magic for the cleaning he was doing in the shop, but he did on himself to keep himself presentable.
A quick glance in the mirror showed he was more or less put together. His bruises had finally faded. He had been using some of the balm the twins had sent but it still took time to heal.
Harry arrived in the pet shop to hear what sounded like arguing. Harry felt his heart speed up a little. He did not want to get involved in some kind of situation. Despite popular opinion he did have some self-preservation. Then Harry heard a slap. At that sound ringing through the shop his saving people thing kicked in though.
"Mark it's not my fault the light went out." Julie said with tears in her voice.
"Sure Julie, it's not your fault that a brand-new light burnt out. You're just the dumb bitch who plugged it in a power strip that was already too full. You're lucky you didn't burn the whole shop down." Mark screamed.
Harry could feel his heart racing. He hated this. His stomach knotted and his palms were sweaty. He stepped around a display of dog food just in time to see Mark raise his hand.
"No." Harry shouted.
Harry's body reacted before his brain could keep up. He lunged at the man and they both went toppling to the floor. Mark landed on top of Harry. Harry felt the weight of the man on top of him bruising his stomach. Harry heard Julie scream.
"Who the fuck are you?" Mark yelled down at Harry.
"He came to look at the light, Mark." Julie said shakily.
Mark turned back to Harry who was trying to catch his breath. He was panicking.
"Some stupid kid is going to fix your problem, Julie?" Mark yelled.
"Mind your own business next time." Mark Hissed in Harry's face, showering him in spittle.
Then Harry felt a fist connect with his face and his world went black.
Harry could hear people talking around him. He thought he could hear the crackle of a radio too. There were to many voices. His head was pounding, and his chest felt like he wasn't getting enough air. He needed to get out of there. He let his eyes slowly open only to realize he was laying on the floor. Turning his head, he saw a display of fish food had been knocked over.
The pet store. He was at Mrs. Baker's pet store. The screaming. And then the hit. Oh god! Harry thought.
Harry jumped to his feet and realized the voices we're Julie Baker and Mrs. Ash speaking with a police officer. He knew he needed to get out of there. He was technically a runaway. Even if he didn't look like himself, he didn't need someone digging. And he had attacked a man.
"I'm sorry Mrs. Ash I don't think I'll be back to work tonight. And I'll look at the light tomorrow Mrs. Baker."
"Oh Max, you're awake. Why don't you sit down dear? We called the doctor. He'll be here shortly." Mrs. Ash said.
Harry just shook his head. His whole body was shaking from the situation. He just wanted to get out of there.
"I'm so sorry Max." Julie said stepping towards him.
Harry flinched back and his shaking got worse.
"I…I'll see you tomorrow." Harry stammered out and then fled out the door.
Harry ran all the way back to the Sundown. As soon as he was back in his room, he locked himself in the bathroom. With hands still shaking Harry tried to take some breaths. The air didn't seem to want to fill his lungs.
He could hear Uncle Vernon screaming at him about how stupid he was. He could feel the fist connecting with his face and his ribs.
Harry slid down the door of the bathroom and pulled his knees tight to his chest. He dropped his head onto his knees and kept trying to escape the memories. He tried to focus on his breathing, but nothing helped.
'Clear your mind' his brain supplied.
Harry pulled inside of himself and sat in the Forbidden Forrest. It was dark and the light filtered through the trees above him. Different beings crept along in the forest but none of them scared Harry. They were there to protect him. Harry watched as the wolfdog approached him. It lowered its head and Harry pressed his forehead against the dog's head. Harry began to feel calm. His breathing slowly came back to him.
When he returned to the world outside his own mind, he remembered the dog wasn't only in his head. He quickly shifted to Akela. He curled up on the floor with a whine. He would stay like this tonight. He felt safe like this.
