In the Crosshairs
Dragon Voldemort
Chapter 5: Custody
It was just after midnight when the door opened. In a slow walk, Professor Dumbledore entered the room, Madam Pomfrey following him. Madam Pomfrey went straight for Harry, her wand was now probing. Dumbledore, who was carrying a bag with cloth straps around his arm, turned to Ron.
"Excellent guard," Professor Dumbledore said, slowly, "Mr. Weasley, thank you for informing me. Miss Prescott, he should have gone to St. Mungo's."
"There was no time," Gia said, "It—he caught the blast."
"Your heart is in the right place, of course," Professor Dumbledore said, "Poppy?"
"Nothing too serious." Madam Pomfrey gave Hermione a flask. "Give this to Mr. Potter when he wakes."
"I will see you on Sunday," Professor Dumbledore said, while setting the bag down, "In the meanwhile, some tokens for Mr. Potter when he's fit to handle it."
Professor Dumbledore walked slowly out of the room; Madam Pomfrey by his side.
"I think Harry needs a blow," Ron said, "Dare you to.
"Ron," Hermione scolded.
"Just looking out for his best interests," Ron said, "I mean, if you can't rely on your friends to do that, who can you rely on?"
Around the same time as when the moon was trying to skirt behind the trees of the park, Harry's eyelids drifted open.
"What the—?" Harry stammered, "Ugliest nudes then this—"
"Nightmare," Gia said.
Harry sat up, the blanket reached his lap, but his bare chest showed the a myriad of white bandages.
"Gifts from Dumbledore," Ron said, pointing to the bag.
"Him?" Harry said, "A minor—"
"Major surgery is not minor," Hermione said, "Drink up! It's on Madam Pomfrey."
Harry took the flask, sniffed the contents, and frowned.
"It ain't pumpkin juice," Ron said.
"Your Dad?" Harry asked.
"Dead," Gia said, "Nearly killed you, me, no, he's completely dead to me. I'm tending to you."
Harry swigged the flask, downed the potion, sputtering a bit back.
"Definitely not pumpkin juice," Harry said, "Makes Skele–Gro seem better."
A man in a white doctor coat came in through the door, Dr. Patrick carried a clipboard with him.
"Please leave, just outside is fine," Dr. Patrick said to Ron and Hermione.
"They can stay," Harry said.
"I'm sorry but patient confidentiality rules require this to remain confidential," Dr. Patrick said, "Only the patient and his wife stay, you may share the results with your friends later."
"Come on," Ron said to Hermione. Ron closed the door as they left.
"I'm astounded that he's awake so soon," Dr. Patrick said, "How long Mrs. Potter?"
Harry glanced at Gia, a slight expression of confusion on his face.
"Several minutes," Gia said.
"I'm the one being tortured," Harry said, "All this for a mild headache, can I leave now?"
"Inadvisable," Dr. Patrick said, "With as much stress as you've had, you shouldn't even have sex for a week."
"A week?" Harry stammered.
"You'll live," Gia said.
"Years studying for a medical degree, I'll give you my opinion," Dr. Patrick said.
Harry yelped like a lonely puppy as Dr. Patrick examined, poked about, before checking beneath the bandages at the surgical scars that were already fading. "Fast metabolism, very fast." Dr. Patrick's eyes landed at the forehead, and Harry's legendary scar. "That one, though—"
"Tattoo," Gia said, deflecting the inquiry.
Dr. Patrick shook his head as Harry moved to sit on the end of the bed. Harry's legs drapped over the edge, the blanket bunched up to hide his crotch, but was otherwise naked with his bare hips on display.
"A few days, at least, and avoid solid foods until tomorrow, your stomach took a beating," Dr. Patrick said, "However, you could stand to gain a bit of weight—you're definitely underweight Mr. Potter, unhealthy."
"Days?" Harry said, "I've got school to go to."
"I'm skeptical because your recovery is usually fast for the injuries you sustained," Dr Patrick said, "I'd feel much better if you waited a few days out in observation."
Dr. Patrick jotted several notes onto his clipboard and left the room.
"He called you Mrs. Potter," Harry said.
"They were being annoying," Gia said, "So, I claimed being your wife. It cut back on the questions and they stopped trying to shoo me out. Figured you'd approve rather than having to explain away your Aunt and Uncle."
"Just give him a blow," Ron said, entering, with a slice of pizza in his hands, , "Oh, Cafeteria's just down the hall."
"Food's all he can think about!" Hermione said.
"I'm hungry," Ron said.
"You said something about gifts?" Harry asked, wanting to change the topic.
Hermione grabbed the cloth bag, set it next to Harry. Harry dumped out the contents onto the bed between his legs. Cards and packages fell out. Harry reached for the package of chocolate frogs.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
Harry,
Get well!
Hagrid
"Have one," Harry said to Ron, before moving to the next letter.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
Harry
Trying to steal the thunder? Feel free to visit us at 93 Diagon Alley!
Fred & George, or is it George & Fred?
"They're showing off," Ron said.
"It's good to have some fun," Harry said, "And good business too."
Harry rattled off the names of the other cards. "Lupin, McGonagall—" Ron blushed "—Flitwick, Sprout, and … Dobby." Harry held up a pair of socks.
"You're supposed to be sleeping," Hermione said.
"I'm not tired," Harry protested.
"He should be." Through the door came Richard Osborn. "Mum just told me Gia—"
Gia smiled.
"Hitting on her?" Harry asked.
"Bagged my own man." Richard threw up his hands. "You certainly blasted onto the news."
"Not funny," Hermione said.
"She's normally a sour puss," Ron said, "Positively—hey!" Hermione's elbow recoiled from his ribs.
"Thanks for showing up," Gia said, "It's been … stressful."
"Mum's still at the barracks," Richard said, "You wouldn't believe the paperwork she has to go through."
"At least she can go through it," Gia said.
"Sorry for it all," Richard said, "Wish I could help."
"We've all got plenty to be stressed over," Harry said.
"You're the talk at the nurses' station," Richard said, "They expected to be notifying your next of kin last night, instead, you look like you're ready to leave."
"Can you break me out?" Harry asked.
"What's your secret?" Richard asked.
"Sex," Gia said, "Gotta entice him."
Richard laughed.
"Speaking of that," Richard said, "Going hiking any time soon?"
"Aw, that's what you're thinking about?" Gia asked.
"It was exciting going starkers," Richard said, "Very…casual, nice seeing your other side."
"We're not slabs of meat!" Hermione protested.
"Wasn't saying you were," Richard said, "Got a girl myself."
"You and Jen?" Gia asked.
"Yep, both went," Richard said, "Don't tell Mum about it all, she…"
"Yeah, not everybody agrees with it," Harry said, "Still, nice letting it out."
"Yep," Ron said, "Certain fringe benefits."
SMACK!
"Hey!" Ron exclaimed at Hermione.
"So, what are you going to do?" Richard asked Gia, figuring it was good the change the subject, "I mean, your home's gone."
"Dunno," Gia said, "Got nothing now, save Harry."
"Wrong," Richard said, "You've got more friends than that. Heck, I think Mum'd agree if you needed the guest room."
"Cheap action?" Hermione asked.
"Hermione!" Ron said, "Be polite, I'm sure he's getting action, I mean, a handsome bloke like him ought to be able to score a friend."
Harry, meanwhile, opened the letter addressed in Professor Dumbledore's familiar loopy handwriting. A pair of Hogwarts pins tumbled out.
"He agreed?" Ron asked.
Harry read the letter.
=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=v=
Dear Mr. Harry Potter,
I hope you have a speedy recovery. You may be interested in resuming a particular arrangement. You may do so under the same terms as before. Enclosed are two items that you need for this. I do not mind Mr. Ron Weasley or Miss Hermione Granger taking part in this liberty should they wish to.
Professor Dumbledore
Ron, Hermione, and Gia also knew what Professor Dumbledore was implying, consenting to letting Harry commute via Portkey, like he had at the end of the prior term.
"Yes, I think we can spare the guest room, if you want to," Richard said, "Perhaps you can help push Mum and Dad's away from their antiquated notions—"
"Friendship first," Harry said.
"Right," Richard said, "I'm a bit hungry, so I'll catch something at the Cafeteria and head home to Jen. See ya."
Ron slumped in his chair and snored, until about an hour later.
"Hello cousin!" said a teenage boy as he entered the room. It was Trevor, Gia's cousin. A few paces behind, a man came in.
"Uncle Marty!" Gia said.
"Are we disturbing you?" Uncle Marty asked, seeing that Gia was sitting on the bed next to Harry.
Another lady entered the room. Gia recognized the distinctive flower hat quicker than the woman herself.
"Aunt Ruth!" Gia exclaimed.
"Your family?" Harry asked.
"Uncle Marty is brother to Dad," Gia said, "Trevor's the oldest, while Aunt Ruth was sister to my Mum."
"Nice to meet you," Harry said.
"Your boyfriend?" Aunt Ruth asked.
"It's obvious!" Uncle Marty said.
"Gia's nice," Harry said, "Way better than a teddy bear."
"So your Dad finally went nutters?" Aunt Ruth asked.
"He only tried to kill me," Gia said.
"Don't condemn him when he was obviously out of his mind," Uncle Marty said, "I thought he kicked that habit years ago."
"This world's better off," Aunt Ruth said.
"He was my Dad!" Gia snapped.
"You know nothing of him," Aunt Ruth said, "Did he ever tell how you were conceived? Rape."
"Fuck!" Gia growled.
"Oh, it was hushed up, they forced to marry to cover it up," Aunt Ruth said.
"Enough of that!" Uncle Marty said, "Gia's here, it's today, and she's a wonderful girl."
"Oh, I can see how she's handling things," Aunt Ruth said.
"Be kind or be LOST!" Harry snapped.
"Who's he?" Aunt Ruth asked.
"My boyfriend, he protected me," Gia said.
"So he might be a step better than your father, or worse," Aunt Ruth said.
"Do I need to get security?" Uncle Marty asked Aunt Ruth.
"No, no," Aunt Ruth said.
"How long have you been seeing him?" Trevor asked Gia, while pointing to Harry.
More civilly, they kept talking for over an hour.
"Well, if you excuse us," Uncle Marty said, "We need to get book lodging."
"Yeah," Gia said.
Uncle Marty and Trevor left.
"I'll see if this cafeteria rates this place even a one star," Aunt Ruth said, "Likely not."
Aunt Ruth left.
"Hello," said the next voice to come in. In a black suit, with a tie, a white dress shirt, black suit trousers, and shined black shoes, came a large man, whose size would intimidate most; he held a manila folder in his hand.
"Uncle Milton!" Gia exclaimed.
"Hi Gia," Uncle Milton said, "I just came over to get you."
"Huh?" Gia asked, "Get me?"
"With your Dad's suicide," Uncle Milton said, "I've assumed custody."
Harry's IVs vanished.
"What?" Gia exclaimed, "Since when?"
"NO!" Gia shouted.
Harry sprang from the bed, pulled on Gia's arm, and dashed out the room. He ran naked, with only a couple of white bandages still on his chest. Uncle Milton's hard shoes echoed the footsteps as he pursued. Two male police officers entered the intersection at the end of the corridor.
"It's final!" Uncle Milton shouted and pointed, "Detain her officers!"
Both officers turned to see the scene. The rapidly approaching naked Harry, pulling Gia, and Uncle Milton.
"Stop!" the officer on the left commanded.
Harry glared, went around the corner into the next corridor. Both officers grabbed Uncle Milton and brought him to a halt. Gia followed, as they ran past the nurse's station as Ron started to head inbound from the waiting room.
SMACK!
Harry and Ron collided, tumbled.
"We're leaving," Harry said as the pen on the desk signed Harry out, as against medical advice.
"What's happening?" Hermione asked.
"No time, gotta go," Harry said, "Mind getting my things?"
Linda Granger glanced at him.
"Hurry," Gia said.
"It's alright Mum," Hermione said, "I know the way home."
Harry caught a glimpse of Uncle Milton rounding a corner as they left the hospital. Linda started the car.
"I don't understand," Linda said.
"Go!" Harry said.
Linda drove the bright yellow car.
"What's going on?" Linda asked.
"Barely know them," Gia said, "Yet he thinks he owns me."
Harry looked out the back, at the black sedan approaching behind them, tailgating, Uncle Milton behind the wheel, glaring.
"Ignore them," Harry said.
Uncle Milton brought the car closer, flashed his brights, and laid into his car horn. Harry glared, and the black car began to sway, smoke from his tire, and came to fast halt.
"I need answers," Linda said.
"Uncle Milton came in, claimed he had custody," Gia said, "I'm SIXTEEN! I can make up my own mind about what I want to do."
Linda handed Gia the mobile. "You need to sort this out immediately, as in right now," Linda said, "I will not host juvenile delinquents. You can call my solicitor if you need a starting point."
Harry and Gia approached 26 Oak an hour later.
"This was fast," Gia said.
"You matter," Harry said.
They approached the green door of an orange red brick house, it was detached from its neighbors, unusual for the neighborhood, but not unheard of, with four windows to the front, and a wooden fence around it. Gia knocked. Richard opened the door; he was barefoot while wearing a worn white T–shirt and blue shorts.
"Come in," Richard said.
They entered the modest living room; a staircase on the immediate right, had a lower landing step before it turned to go up. On the left, halfway to the far left wall, the ceiling dropped a foot. In the middle, three couches were arranged into a square, finished by two metal chairs in front of the fireplace. Both chars were occupied, one by a chubby balding older male, the other by a middle aged woman, both were formally dressed. Harry sat cross–legged, Gia next to him, on the sofa across the coffee table from the chairs. Uncle Marty was already sitting on the sofa to their left, while Uncle Milton on the right, both glaring, both holding back from partaking of the tea on the table. Richard leaned against the wall with the stairs going up along it. Another man, one that neither Gia nor Harry recognized, was standing near the fireplace.
"I'm Andrew Haller; the solicitor in charge of Kevin Prescott's estate," the fat man said, "Kevin retained me a number of years ago for this eventuality. First, let's introduce ourselves as we might not all be familiar with each other. I've been a practicing attorney for twenty years with experience in family matters and estates."
The mid–age lady next to him said, "I'm June Kaylor and I'm from the Family Services Division of Social Welfare. For twenty five years, I have helped families in crisis and in the aftermath of tragedy. I'm the mother of three kids and grandmother to two, three as of yesterday."
"Uncle Milton, Surrey."
"Uncle Marty, Liverpool."
"Richard Osborn, friend."
"Kurt Osborn, father to Richard." said the man leaning against the fireplace.
"Hi!" Gia waved.
"Harry Potter, Gia's boyfriend."
"As I understand it—" Haller looked at his papers on the table "—Marty Prescott is handling the funeral arrangements. Is this correct?"
Uncle Marty nodded.
"I always let the families handle as much or little of that as they wish to," Andrew said, "Assets will be handled in probate, at which point, I will collect my legal fees. Today, the custody of Miss. Prescott is in dispute, for which, I have brought in Ms. June Kaylor to assist matters."
"Kevin Prescott failed to specify anything in his will," June said, "Miss. Prescott has expressed a strong interest in her own well being, this is respectable and it must be considered, despite what her relatives wish. Let us start with you Miss. Prescott."
"Harry—" Gia watched Harry's ear grow a tad pink "—I've got friends here, school and such—"
"From that bog that Kevin called a home?" Milton spat, "Glad it's gone—"
"Civility!" Kaylor snapped.
"Richard talked us into it," Kurt said to Gia, "We can offer you space, and we'll overlook the boyfriend sharing the bed thing."
"June and I discussed the options, legally," Haller said, "Relative—the easiest, adoption—impractical given the speed of the paperwork, orphanage—unlikely given the numbers here who're willing, and emancipation—possible—" He saw Gia's face "—it confers adult status on you a bit early."
"Gia needs to be raised in a proper environment," Uncle Milton stated.
"Same old bull, it gets tiring!" Uncle Marty said, "Repeatedly trying this dozens of times already—let her decide!"
"You're full of it Prat!" Uncle Milton said, "Besides, it's not a dozen—"
"Quiet!" Harry shouted, standing fast to his feet, "This is about her, not your egos!"
Harry walked, with determination, tugged on Mr. Haller's suit; Haller followed, past a staircase leading down, into a dining room, and turned right into a small study where Harry pulled the doors closed.
"They're being nutters!" Harry said, "We need a resolution. Tell me about this emancipation thing."
Meanwhile, in the living room, the bickering continued; while June slipped to the study.
"Kevin couldn't care less about his daughter!" Uncle Milton said, "Sure, it may have been your family home growing up, doesn't mean he took care of it and it fell apart!"
"Kevin was a good man who made some mistakes," Uncle Marty said, "That doesn't negate his wishes, and I'm sure those wishes don't include YOU!"
Richard sat on the sofa next to Gia.
"This sucks," Richard said.
"A lifetime of abuse isn't a mistake, it's a choice!" Uncle Milton said, "What psychedelic was he on? Does it matter? He tried to murder his daughter, a daughter that's result of him raping Ruth's sister. Ruth's sister didn't want that man having custody of Gia eleven years ago, and it's true today! That man wasn't fit, but we can provide a good home."
"Have you bothered to ask Gia first? Or did you just march in and treat her like an infant?" Uncle Marty asked.
"The law treats her the same," Uncle Milton said, "We're her best family—"
"QUIET!" Harry announced, returning with Mr. Haller and June following, "We have a proposal, Gia."
Uncle Marty and Uncle Milton looked at Harry; Gia glared. June sat down in her chair, while Harry returned to Gia.
"You didn't ask me," Gia said to Harry.
"I think you'll like this," Harry said.
"Your boyfriend spoke eloquently on your behalf," June said to Gia, "If you accept, we'll petition for emancipation on one condition, you continue attending school to finish your studies. In the meanwhile, I'm assigning temporary custody to Kurt and Kristen Osborn so you can remain here, in Noigate, with your friends and classmates. Is this acceptable?"
Gia studied Harry's grin for a moment.
"Yes," Gia said.
"And my advice is to not let go of that boyfriend," June said, winking.
"Good," Richard said, while picking at his toenail, "Ant needs a big sister around, show you around?"
"Need to get my stuff," Gia said.
"I'll still be here," Richard said.
"That was an interesting solution," Uncle Marty said to Gia, "Moving is tough, so I understand. Um, if you want to come to Liverpool, we'd be happy for a visit, or a stay."
"Maybe next summer," Gia said.
"I'm only trying to consider your best interests," Uncle Milton said.
"Try harder," Gia said.
Uncles Marty and Milton left, separately.
"We'll get the paperwork submitted first thing in the morning," Haller said before he left along with June.
"Best be going, break the news to Hermione that their spare room is once again, available," Harry said.
Gia stood up, Harry followed, and they left the house.
"Thank you," Gia said.
"You needed the help," Harry said, "Two days ago, your father took us to Surrey! He's dead, I figured you're a bit stressed out. Besides, there's more."
Gia studied his face for a moment, before they stopped, and he turned to face her, a grin on his face, the bottle green eyes looking up to hers.
"Same thing applies to me," Harry said.
"What do you mean, emancipation?" Sirius demanded of Harry. They were in the spare bedroom at Hermione's, the one that Harry and Gia had been using.
"I can't fucking list you as a guardian, now, can I?" Harry said, his eyes looking up to the sullen eyes of his godfather, "Nobody will approve that."
"You're shorter than James," Sirius said as he paced, "You're outdoing him. Moony wrote about some near–death experience so I canceled the errand I was running for Professor Dumbledore."
"Sorry," Harry said, "It wasn't such a big thing, a bit over–hyped."
Harry explained Kevin Prescott's bomb.
"That's not a small thing," Sirius said.
"It made Gia an orphan," Harry said, "Big fight between her relatives, none of which was good for her, so, the option came up, and I realized it was good for me too."
"What have your Aunt and Uncle said about this?" Sirius started to ask.
"They're dead," Harry said, sitting. He explained Privet Drive.
"Oh," Sirius said, "I know the Dursleys bore a callous attitude toward the Potters, however, your parents would be sad to hear of their passing. Lily's regret was that magic drove a wedge between her and her sister, something she wanted to make amends with, but wasn't given the time those things typically require."
"All emancipation does is make legal what I have been doing," Harry said, "Making decisions for myself, just means I don't have to ask some stranger for consent. You are still my godfather, regardless of what the law says, you're still family."
"Thank you Harry James Potter," Sirius said, "Write Professor Dumbledore immediately—"
Harry glared. Sirius studied the bottle green looking at him.
"Downside is you can't blame the Dursleys anymore," Sirius said.
Harry snorted. "Only downside there is—"
"This stuff gets published, so what of Gia?" Sirius asked.
"Her safety is important, very important," Harry said, "Which is why you'll be following her, all the time."
"What? Did you think to ask me first?" Sirius asked.
"I need it, she needs it," Harry said, "I'm not always around, I need to study at Hogwarts because people think I'll have to fight Voldemort. I don't want to be facing him while also having to be worrying about keeping her safe, because I do love her."
Sirius studied the face of the sixteen year old teenager in front of him, the scar, the bottle green eyes watching, pleading.
"Where are your glasses?" Sirius asked.
"Destroyed—" Harry said.
Knock! Knock!
"Harry," Hermione said as she opened the door, "Some reporter—"
"Send them packing!" Harry replied, "Tell them Surrey, or Catchpole, or Brum!"
"That won't work," Hermione said, "Sorry. My Mum accidentally spilled—she tried not to, but reporters—"
"I won't take this." Harry stormed out of the room.
Harry glanced over the ledge of the balcony in the vaulted Granger living room, the cameraman was aimed at the kitchen doorway, and the staircase could be seen on the telly, live. With a push on the balcony, Harry leapt, crashed onto the cameraman—static showed for a brief moment on the telly, only to be replaced by the smoldering wreckage of the hospital. Dennis, the reporter, glared at Harry.
"This just in—" the anchor said.
"WHAT THE FUCK?" Harry yelled, "BLIMEY! NOTHING GIVES YOU THE DAMN RIGHT—WHAT DO YOU HAVE TO SAY FOR YOURSELF?! INVADING MY PRIVACY?! I DON'T WANT THE FUCKING PUBLICITY!" He flipped Dennis off.
"The people have a right to the truth!" Dennis shouted.
"WE SHOULD FILM YOUR DICK!" Harry yelled, "THEY HAVE A RIGHT—"
"You are trespassing," Charles Granger informed Dennis, "Leave immediately, the police have been summoned."
"People got killed and you survived!" Dennis yelled, "They need to—!"
"BUGGER!" Harry yelled, "FUCKING MORON PRYING—BUZZ OFF!"
Harry spun around, exposed his bare butt as he bent over, and mooned Dennis, from where a second camera was aimed, which is why Harry's bare arse appeared on the telly, in full detail, including a need to wipe. A moment later, the picture was replaced by a test pattern.
"See what you just did?" Dennis yelled, "We get penalties for that type of stuff."
"YOUR OWN FAULT FOR FILMING WITHOUT MY CONSENT!" Harry yelled.
"—serious situation," the news anchor said, "Noigate Hospital leveled with many casualties—"
"SEE WHAT YOU FUCKING DID?!" Harry yelled, pointing to the telly.
Charles opened the front door.
"Your moment of fame—" Dennis yelled.
"GOOD!" Harry shoved Dennis out, and Charles closed the door.
"You clearly didn't like them," Charles said.
"I've had more than enough fame for a lifetime," Harry replied.
Ron helped Harry bring the trunk in from the boot of Linda's bright yellow automobile into 26 Oak, setting it down in the living room.
"Well, good luck Mate," Ron said.
"It's just across town," Harry said, "I'll be over tomorrow morning."
"Gia, you'll always be welcome," Linda said.
Linda and Ron went back to the car. Harry stepped over Snuffles, the Animagus form of Sirius Black, who laid outside on the front step. Richard came down the stairs into the living room, just after Harry closed the door; Richard was barefooted, barechested, with plaid blue boxers.
"Well," Richard said, "You need the tour."
Richard, a couple of inches taller than Harry, went along the wall of the stairs, took the sharp turn to the set of stairs leading down. They descended down into the basement; in the middle was a general storage, with plenty of boxes, a work area over tot he left, and a laundry with toilet in the far corner. They walked over to the work area, where a work bench had numerous disassembled electronics and projects. Harry picked up a small circuit board with funny pieces mounted on the firm green plastic–like board; however, it was all fuzzy to him.
"Aw," Richard said, "Variable Frequency Oscillator."
"Huh?" Harry muttered.
"He's into amateur radio," Gia said.
"Don't quite understand it," Harry said, "But you seem to know it."
Harry placed the circuit back onto the bench. They went past the furnace and water heater, before returning up the stairs. Richard closed the door, and they went right, into the dining room, and right into the study.
"Quiet place, when you need it," Richard said.
He turned around, nipples forward, and walked around the dining table, turned left, into a kitchen.
"Mum complains it could be bigger," Richard said, "Maybe a conservatory out back, but it works. Even has a small spare toilet."
"Three?" Gia asked.
"Yep," Richard said.
They turned left, past a spiral stairs, back into the living room; this time, the fireplace was to their immediate left. Richard's thighs flexed as he crossed the living room, around the sofas, back to the stairs leading up, and they went up. At the top was a small landing with five doorways and four doors, the one directly at the end led to the upstairs toilet; the other four were angled to face the center of the landing.
"Who the fuck, Dickhead?" asked a fourteen year old girl inside the room to the immediate hard right from the landing, it was a cluttered room without a door, and a rather lumpy blanket on the bed.
"That's Ant," Richard said, "My baby sister."
"I'm Andrea!" Andy said, to Harry and Gia, "Or, Andy, if you prefer."
"Call me Richard, not Dickhead!" Richard retorted to Andy.
"Strange," Andy said, "You show your dick–head to Jenital at every opportunity."
Richard punched her on the arm.
"Gawking at Stephen's?" Richard said, "He's on your bed, isn't he?"
"No," Andy said.
"Liar," Richard retorted.
"Fuck you," Andy said, returning to her green painted bedroom.
Richard pointed to the next room on the right, in the back corner, next to the lavatory, it too, was a cluttered room.
"Your room, now," Richard said, "It's getting cleared—some tonight."
Gia pushed inward enough to see the myriad of boxes, books, and clothing littering the floor and covering the bed. Richard went in, gave an unceremonious shove using the duvet for assistance, the stuff on the double wide bed tumbled to the floor.
"Has that lived in look," Gia said as they returned to the landing, "Not that I'm complaining, mine was reduced to rubble in the spring."
"It was short notice," Richard said, "Still, it'll motivate Mum and Dad. Dad's likely trying to sleep—" he pointed to the door to the immediate left of the bathroom "—and mine is here."
Richard opened the door to the left of his parents, into a dark blue. While this room was cluttered, it had a different flare. A girl was sitting on the bed, painting.
"My bird, Jen," Richard said.
Gia moved over, to see the painting that Jen kept Richard from seeing, one of a nude Richard with a lasso twirling in the hand.
"Fascinating," Gia said.
"I wanna see it," Richard said.
"It's not ready," Jen replied.
Harry, though, glanced around at the many plastic models, however, his eyes fixed onto one dangling from the ceiling.
"MIR space station," Richard said.
"Cool," Harry said.
Gia went to the sliding glass door, it led to a roof deck, a hot tub was on it.
"Accessible from here or from Mum and Dad's," Richard said, "Even some portable blinders for sanctuary."
Richard walked them through the open door onto the deck. Gia moved past the blinders, seeing how they'd obscure the view from the sides. Richard sat on top of the spa.
"Welcome to the family, with it comes great responsibility," Richard said, "First, it is acceptable to be less than decent. Second, never make your bed. Third, your floor can be your cupboard. This is now your home too—so do not act like a guest. Finally, treat Ant with disrespect." Richard smiled. "Now, your moon shot—brilliant!"
"Yeah," Harry said, "Shove a camera at me—"
"Mum deals with them all the time," Richard said, "Betchya she laughed. Though she's working."
"Odd hours?" Gia asked.
"Chief of Police and the hospital collapsed with plenty of people dead?" Richard said, "She's definitely at work dealing with it."
"It was standing this morning," Harry said.
"Of course it was," Richard said, "Mum'll talk about it when she gets home, though, I do wonder why it collapsed."
"An intriguing plan," said the man with red–slitted eyes, standing in front of a slow burning fireplace, green images of two floating above it, "Given your goal, a Quidditch analogy is fitting. Though I expect I will be disappointed, am I right, Keeper? Seeker?"
"I am ready," the Seeker promised.
"I doubt you are," the man said, "I want Harry Potter."
"Forgive me, my Lord," the Keeper said, "We can use Harry Potter, alive, for now, to get you the power that rightfully belongs to you."
"It means delays," Voldemort said.
"Potter deserves what he's about to get," the Seeker said, "What he has already gotten—that Muggle Hospital was a bit of a quirk, but one that I managed."
"Even the Muggles are not that daft," the Keeper said to the Seeker, "Focus on the plan, Hogwarts."
"Yes," the Seeker replied.
"Yet Harry Potter stays alive," Voldemort said.
"You gave me new life to pursue this," the Keeper said, "By the end, every Wizard and Witch will be begging you to dispose of Harry Potter and his allies; and you will mercifully grant it. You will have no resistance."
[A/N]: I'll reply to reviews on the forum, forum/In–the–Crosshairs/215612/