Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter.
Time was a tricky thing. Elusive to the best of us, and a demon to the worst. It came for everyone and everything equally in the world and left no survivors. So with such a thing in mind…
Ask yourself this.
What was time? Literally not figuratively.
Some may say it was a universal concept before the conception of anything. After all, before humans came along there was always evidence of time, yes? There were the questions, why do I get older, why do things deteriorate, why is nothing eternal?
Why don't I have enough time?
In the same vein you would say from the beginning of the universe to the present day, time was one of the few things we regard as regular and unchanging.
That it worked by measuring periods between the past, present and future.
However there was a flip side to this. This phenomenon…was it really true? What if it was something out of our comprehension?
One argument is that time is a human construct used to organize events, rather than a fundamental aspect of the universe.
It's a way for us to make sense of change and order events, but it doesn't exist independently out of our perception and measurement.
It made some sense, no? Perhaps not much but there were points to be made.
Well none of that mattered. Not truly anyway.
After all,the real question was…what was time to a fucking God?
~
Harry rolled up his sleeves sweating as he pulled up the weeds. His aunt Petunia had sent him outside to prune them. His fingers hurt a bit as many of them had thorns on them and they pricked his fingers when he couldn't see it.
If there was one thing she was talented at, it was organizing. The bed of flowers were aligned in a straight line and their colors never once differed from the red, blue, purple order.
It was freaky to him.
She had sent him out here to punish him for his foolishness. He had the bright idea of talking back to the fat tubby that was named Dudley when he was stuffing cake in his face and got appropriately punished for it.
In her eyes anyways.
So here he was on his knees trying to achieve his goal without any gloves. It really hurt but he knew if he didn't do it he would be sent on to sleep without any food.
Unlike his fat uncle, his aunt had hawk eyes. Harry knew she was the only reason his uncle lived this long. Where he could pull a wool over his eyes, his aunt had a keen attention to detail and was able to pick out any little thing wrong.
It would be great if she wasn't such a raging wanker.
Harry perked up hearing a voice before he sighed hearing the dragged ssss at the end.
Harry glanced at the snake that slithered on by, like a cowboy. It was just a regular old garden snake..except for the fact that it was singing Elvis Presley. Harry watched with bland eyes before turning away. It wasn't surprising.
Oh did he forget to mention? He was justifiably insane. Had been since he was smaller really. Hearing snakes speak English? Just an average day for him. Wouldn't even come close on some of his crazier days.
That's why when he heard the pretty good impression of the famous he vibed along with it. He didn't have much entertainment as he wasn't allowed to use the telly but he got pleasure from other things.
Singing snakes, stealing Dudley's things, insulting the Dursley's in his head, breaking Dudley's things. Just regular old things really.
"Ow." He felt his eyes water a bit when a particularly deep thorn got stuck inside his hand. It ached something fierce as he plucked it out. He glanced at his hand seeing the blood oozing out.
He nearly licked in on principle before forgetting what he was doing. So he simply wiped it off on his baggy shorts. He didn't really care too much about cleanliness. Not like these clothes really fit him either way.
Funny how even when he was smaller the tub of fat was bigger than him. Or maybe that had more to say about him being a underfed slave.
He wouldn't know.
'Oh no Harry! You have to be grateful for the scraps you've been given. Can't be seen being ungrateful!' He shook his head getting back to work but at a slower pace.
He remembered the last time he dared express his dislike of the clothing. He could feel his bum having phantom aches from his Uncle's belt. The man was slower than a slug but it was clear he packed a punch.
At least he had something to justify all those people he ate.
Harry felt the hair on his back tingling. He paused his work as he looked around. That was the feeling he got when he saw the old man by the corner looking at him as he did everyone.
It was only after weeks that they found he was a serial rapist. It was so scary now that he thought about it. He had stayed inside for days.
Harry looked around feeling a sweat down his eyebrow drop to his face then his chin. After realizing nothing was there he slowly got back to work feeling far more paranoid than normal.
However anyone could tell his body was poised and tensed to run at any time.
Sadly for him, that which he faced wasn't quite physical in origin. Nor something he could comprehend. For what could only be a portal ripped and shredded into existence without a word. Countless horrors could be glimpsed if one looked deep enough.
Eyes of numerous shapes and sizes peered unseeing as the portal stabilized.
Harry, feeling something weird in the air, looked to the side not even getting a look as something was ejected directly into his face.
"Agk!" The boy felt as if his nose broke as he was sent speeding directly into..another portal.
They both closed after his exit with nothing more than a silent whisper.
~
"Agghh!" Harry squealed as he held his nose in deep and utter pain. It hurts! It hurts so much he thought! His eyes were clouded with pain as his tears dropped non stop.
He sniffed as the blood drained from his nose downwards. Onto a certain item that followed him. He didn't see as the original black book, took on a brown shade but little else other than that.
Holding his nose he sat back on his rump trying to figure out what happened. Did his uncle come to exact vengeance because of all his stolen food? Couldn't he have been a bit lighter? He was only a kid! Did the man want to kill-
'Stupid question!' He got up rolling his eyes. Of course the man wanted him dead! However he was surprised. Should he at least try to do it in private? He was deathly scared of the police after all.
That was why his bruises were always hidden and not frequent.
He shakily got to his feet looking around. Did he hallucinate again? He was somewhere completely different! The grass was decorated with many trinkets from garden gnomes to flamingos!
There were many flowers that were not orderly arranged in a red blue purple manner! They weren't even matching in species! Dear Lord, even the lawn wasn't cut at least one inch from the ground! It was a nightmare!
'This can't be Aunt Petunia's house.' The boy thought in fear and pain wondering where he was. It was hell more than likely. Aunt Petunia always said he was the devil's spawn.
Walking out to the street he paused looking at the houses.
Some were different but he recognized these house structures! They were the exact same as the ones at his aunt's house!
Harry shakily turned around slowly. That could only mean then…that this was aunt Petunia's house?! That was impossible! However he spied the mailbox for a second. It looked the same from before giving him comfort.
Walking closer he looked around making sure no one was looking as he realized that it was infact Aunt Petunia! Her name was on the letter!
"But who is this person?" Harry scratched his head deeply confused. He hadn't quite seen this name before. Placing the mail back like a thief that was caught he glanced around swallowing. He didn't have the slightest clue on what to do now.
At this point the dreary neighborhood would be a comfort to go back to. Now all he felt was fear of the unknown. His feet were paralyzed as he saw the lights going off at the house.
'Someone is inside but…' He sweated. That just made his fear even more prominent. Who knew what could be there?!
Looking down, his eyes widened. There was a book and a tiny pretty looking bag?
"That's what hit me!" He said belatedly, touching his nose wincing a bit. That was what finally got him to move forward as he slowly stalked it. He bent down picking up both as he pocketed the bag.
"Okay let's see what this is about." He whispered, opening it. His eyes and mouth gaped looking at what happened however. He was definitely going insane.
What his eyes first laid sight on was a large blob of ink. Jet black in appearance it bounced up the pages like a pinball! Before his very eyes however it wiggled and shifted before forming bullet points!
Chronicles
People of Importance
Events of Note
Charms
Intent
Transfiguration
Rituals
Dark Arts
It went on and on as his eyes bulged. Harry now realized he picked up a book on voodo! Dear God he was going to die now! He was sure some old witch lady was watching him ready to curse him for stealing her-
"Young man?" He froze in deep fear not having heard the door open. He only now could see the light from inside shining on him. The door back at aunt Petunia's had a little squeak that he could always predict so he had gotten sloppy!
"Young man please turn this way. It's not polite to trespass on others' property. Don't make me report you to the police " He heard the sternness in her tone as he looked down shaking. Should he make a run for it? No she was too close. She could reach out and pluck him up!
Yes he was that light!
So turning around slowly he decided to face the music. It was slow and painful but he did it. However when he did so two gasp were heard in disbelief.
"Aunty Petunia?!"
"James?!"
Harry gaped at the woman as she gaped at him. This woman was most certainly not Aunt Petunia! His aunt was some kind of horse human hybrid while this woman was pretty!
Long red hair, a normal decent human face, she was wearing classic mom jeans and a white camisole! She looked so much younger than his aunty too! But maybe that was his bias speaking! Still he could see hints of his aunt in her!
Petunia looked at the boy with wide eyes. The only thing she could see was a tiny James Potter in her vision. His bird nest, his glasses and his face! However she could see bits of another as well. The softness around his features, his smaller nose and his eyes….
His eyes! Lily..Lily?!
"What on earth?" She held her hand to her mouth saying it completely baffled. She watched as the child shuffled from foot to foot looking at her as he scrunched his nose.
"Your nose?! Dear Merlin, what happened child?!" She immediately kneeled in a panic as he cringed away in fear. Pausing, she held her hand a bit confused at the reaction. She hadn't quite met him before had she?
Deliberating for a bit she looked at his scruffy dirty clothes frowning. She thought about it before inviting him in. Nothing would be solved if she just let him wait here.
In fact he may wander away and that was a no no. She needed to get to the bottom of this right away! If she hadn't heard a commotion she would have never even known he was here!
"Come inside dear. Let me get you healed up." She tried coaxing him inside as he looked at her in deep and utter fear. She needed to approach this like she was trying to befriend a scarred puppy.
It was working for her fortunately enough. While Harry had some street smarts, the unfamiliar situation was boggling his mind.
'Is this really Aunt Petunia? There's no way right? After all they don't look the same and she's way nicer.' He caught the glance at his clothes and he knew aunt Petunia wouldn't have bat an eye at it. She was the one who made him wear them after all.
He also caught a glimpse inside and saw it was much more decorated than he thought. A drastic difference from what he once knew. Maybe going with this lady wouldn't be so bad.
So he took a hesitant steps looking into her green eyes that beckoned him inside. He shivered, feeling her soft hand on him as she pushed him inside.
He looked around with wild eyes seeing all the different pictures. This lady and some kid along with who he thought was her husband!
'Man he needs to eat more!' Harry thought looking at the scraggly fella. He looked kinda diseased no offense. He glanced at the sophisticated pottery and wacky items all around wondering if this lady was his aunt.
Petunia looked down at the kid who was looking at her house with wild eyes. She didn't know what to make of the faces he was making but she could only assume it was a positive emotion by the lack of rejection.
She guided him through the house as she remembered that he actually followed her inside. She frowned at that. No child should be following strangers so easily like he did.
She was sure even those less fortunate not to have parents or a guardian would know so. In fact they would know this better than those who did have a guardian!
So that begged the question. Where did this child come from? Especially looking so identical to..
"Sit here dear. I'll get the medical kit for you." She pushed him down into the chair as she smiled patiently before leaving. Turning around she couldn't help but lament.
'Garrick, when will you send my wand?' She sighed, shaking her head. She supposed she'd have to do things the old way.
Harry watched as she left as he calmed down looking around and observed the living room taking in the changes. Looking at the corners he felt the size was definitely the same. There was no doubt that this was..
"Huh?" He looked over his shoulder in confusion. He could have sworn he felt something touching him just now but he saw nothing.
"..." shifting away he moved feeling a bit unsettled. Clasping his hand on the book he opened it up again. Seeing the ink shifting he felt deep awe as he looked at it. So he wasn't hallucinating-
"Wha?!" He jumped up, turning around as he felt wind blow in his hair. Pushing himself against the wall he looked side to side trying to figure out what was going on!
Straining his ears he heard little giggles as he narrowed his eyes. There were girls playing with him! He was sure of it!
"Come out! I know you're there!" He shouted out hearing the giggles abruptly stop. He narrowed his eyes as the whispers started before he beheld the sight that happened.
"It seems we've been caught, dear cousin." He heard the girl's voice though it sounded a bit boyish to him.
"Indubitably!" He heard the giggles at the word as he moved over to the back of the couch where he pinpointed the voices.
Paused he looked at them giggling themselves up a storm.
One was wearing short blue jeans and a black shirt with a pretty rad wolf on it. She had very light brown hair with some kind of bob cut and he could see some really sharp fangs in her mouth.
Gulping he looked at the other girl who was wearing a flower pattern summer dress. She had long red hair tied in a crown braid and brown eyes.
"Why did you do that?" He put his hands on his hips, narrowing his eyes. However he felt his heart beat a little faster seeing the girl with the brown bob cut stand up. She walked up to him slowly with a huge fang filled smile and wild eyes as she reveled seeing him realize it.
Harry nearly took a step back before remembering he faced Dudley! He could take this…this tall girl too!
'She is still scary though!' He gulped as she reached him. She barked up something fierce as if imitating someone.
"Wouldn't you like to know eh? Pipsqueak!" She laughed looking down at him. Her tone was deeply aggressive provoking and aggravating.
"Pipsqueak? No you're just a giant!" He glared at the girl assuming she was older. She could only be so with how tall she was. He was sure he would outgrow her soon enough!
"Heh? You ain't backing down huh? I like you little guy!" He choked, feeling the grip on his neck. She was strong too! Way too strong!
"Nova, leave him alone. You wouldn't want your mum to come back and see this right? You like getting grounded? We can't play if you do!" The girl with red hair saved him as the brute released him with a squeak. She was stronger than Dudley!
"Mum wouldn't care about some little guy like this…right?" He heard the question whispered in panic as he rubbed his throat.
"I'm not even going to answer that. Ello new kid." He held his throat as he glared at the girl who bent down slowly looking at him while tilting her head. Both the girl and boy froze for a second. It was just a split second but it felt like an entire lifetime went by.
'Weird.' Was the simultaneous thought as they both discarded it before Harry addressed her.
"Thanks for saving me against that weirdo!" He smiled ignoring the "Hey!" From up above.
"No problem new kid. Now there are some ground rules before we start ya see? Her name is Nova, that's my grunt. Me? I'm Camellia the boss." She smiled childishly seeing him nod in understanding.
Harry blinked as he caught the sight of some type of scar before it was hidden. It was eerily similar to his but it seemed far more faded.
The newly name Camellia continued on. "The pecking order goes with." She pointed a thumb at herself.
"Me on top." She pointed a thumb back at the grinning wolf shirt girl. "Her under me."
She pointed her pointer finger at him with a small smile before changing to a thumb pointing it downwards. "And you below her. Got it?"
Harry blinked looking behind her as the lady from before stood with her arms crossed. Feeling a chance for mischief seeing them not notice her Harry pretended not to notice her either.
"But what about that pretty lady from before? Isn't she your mum?"
"Ah aunty Petunia?" She didn't notice the boy's eyes bulging in deep and utter shock as she put her hand up in a so so manner.
"Uhh I guess she's somewhere below me but just a bit above Nova-"
"Ehem!" Harry watched in deep delight a smile on his face as that composed smug face crumbled into terror as the previously named 'Camellia' whispered "oh shucks" and turned
around stuttering out apologies as she put on what he recognized as a fake picture of composure.
"Aunty! I'm sorry about what I said. I swear I'll never-" She obviously tried sweet talking her way out before getting shut down.
"I'll be telling your mother about this. I could have sworn she got this pecking order nonsense out of you!" The woman ignored the girl who was being pat on the back by her daughter as she picked up the little boy.
Smirking, she saw his smug face before she whispered down to him as he froze. "And don't think I don't know what you did mister. There are no fools in this household. You're lucky I don't know your parents. Instigating problems is a no no."
Harry said nothing, scratching his head as he was led to sit down. The fact that this woman could be his aunt truly shocked him deeply.
Harry watched as she bent down bringing out the kit as she dabbed his nose softly. He felt very weird at the hesitant actions. As if she was worried about him.
A scary thought if there was any.
However with what she was wearing he got a full eye of the cleavage she had and he shuddered. 'God no.'
The woman didn't pick up on her exposed top quite yet as she examined his nose. "It seems it wasn't dislocated. That's good. If we leave it on its own it should heal up." She diagnosed it quickly. It wasn't bleeding anymore so that was a relief and he didn't seem to be having any nasal issues as well.
Harry glanced to the side feeling far too uncomfortable. He watched as the two menaces whispered to each as he was treated. Camellia glanced at him a couple of time as her eyes seem to be looking for something as they widened.
Harry blinked as his face was turned away and he looked into the green eyes of his not Aunt. He listened as he was scolded for nothing. At least that was the same.
"Young man I'm treating you so the least you can do is not move? Does it not hurt you to move around?" He heard her say. Her voice was far less annoying than his aunt so it didn't grate on his ears.
"Sorry miss." He nodded in apology. It seemed to be the right thing to say as she sighed, placing a weird white pad onto his nose.
"I'm glad you understand. That said, what is your name? You may call me Petunia." She finished placing her hand on his head giving him a friendly head rub.
Harry felt weird from the gesture but he still answered her question though it was reluctant as he moved away. "Harry miss. Just Harry."
He saw her pause for a bit, sounding out the name as if unfamiliar. "Well just Harry you seem a bit." She paused as if trying to find the right words.
Seeing her eyes land on his scrawny little body he pursed his lips looking her in the eyes almost as if daring her to say anything.
"...hungry." the woman fell to his superior power as she looked around avoiding his eyes.
"You stay here and I'll get you something to eat. And girls?" Said girls who were creeping behind the boy froze.
"Play nice." The woman left without another word.
"Why are you sniffing me." Harry decided to say after a minute of silence and audible sniffs. It was just plain and downright weird at this point.
"Hmmm." The girl's face was complicated as she took back her nose. She looked to the red head to him and back with a deeply confused look on her face.
Harry thought she just looked stupid.
"So who are your parents? They must be pretty good looking." Camellia sat on the chair beside him kicking her legs uncontrollably as if jittery as she looked at him with deep intensity.
"Uhuh. In fact we may even know them-ugh" the girl Nova was cut off by a pillow to the face.
Harry just wondered if everyone here was weird.
"I don't know. All I know is my Aunt said my dad and mom died in a car crash." Apparently they didn't love him either but he didn't know too much about how to feel about it.
He looked up hearing nothing as he saw the awkward looks on their faces. He blinked not knowing they could look genuinely apologetic.
"Ohh I'm Sorry." Camellia whispered as she looked away shame faced.Nova also nodded rapidly in response, her bob making funny motions following her.
Harry simply shrugged, feeling his hand twitch on the book. Wasn't like he cared much.
The girls looked at the boy clearly not knowing what to say. The silence was really uncomfortable for Harry as he glanced around trying to find a way out.
Luckily the woman named Petunia that wasn't his aunt Petunia came in with a pretty hefty sandwich that was looking way too good!
"I don't know if you would like this but it's the only thing that I could make quickly." She gave it to the boy who accepted it more than a bit embarrassed.
After all he was being watched by the two girls after all. He still had some shame. He was sure he looked like some poor starved kid but still shame didn't feed him!
"Thank you." He nodded to the lady who simply inclined her head as she sat not really knowing what to do.
Harry felt weird feeling her eyes linger on his hair, then his forehead a bit longer as they then went to his chin. Man couldn't he eat in peace?
Wait a minute. He swallowed the last bite in his mouth painfully.
What was he doing? Accepting food from strangers! Was he a idiot? It could be poison! He saw this on that show his aunty watched before! This was the plot to a murder!
Quickly wanting to at least take one of them out he saw the tall wolf girl looking at the sandwich with envious eyes as she slurped but looked away sadly.
"Hey want a bite of this?" He quickly moved over to her shoving the uneaten side towards her mouth ignoring the "huh" across the room.
"Wait wait wait." Harry heard the older woman get up but she was too late!
"Really? Thanks new kid! You're pretty great." The girls eyes lit up as she saw the sandwich as she took a meaty bite out of it ripping out the lettuce that was stuck.
Harry sat back smug. If he was going to die someone was coming with him! He looked over to the woman who got up scolding the girl. Something about decency and proprietary or something.
"Hey why didn't you offer me any?" Camellia crossed her arms with a huff.
Harry looked at her for a long while before asking. "Would you have accepted?"
"No." Wow no hesitation. She really knew what she wanted didn't she?
"Then why would I have asked you?!"
"It's the thought that counts?!" she posed it like a question as if she didn't really know herself.
'You…you're not that smart huh?' Harry looked at her in pity seeing as she humphed and looked away. He peered over to the other girl his age who sighed loudly.
'She's like a puppy.' Harry thought seeing the girl's head down. He could imagine ears and a tail on her following the motion.
Weird.
He blinked however when a finger snapped in front of him.
"Harry? Do you have anywhere to go tonight?" She posed the question towards him as he thought about it for all of 2 seconds.
He most certainly did not. He had no money, no smarts, or food. The only thing he had was the clothes on his back and even they were Dudley's. Looking down he realized he actually had a book and bag as well.
Not that it helped much.
Still no matter how shameless he was he hesitated actually saying it. It was difficult for some reason and he felt hyper aware of the eyes on him. So he simply sat and said nothing.
"...I see." He heard her say after a while.
"Girls, go to your beds. I need to have a chat with Harry." He heard the low whines as the feet obediently followed. He could hear the footsteps getting fainter and fainter until they were fully gone.
Harry looked at the hand that patted his knee.
"We're alone now Harry and I'm not going to tell anyone." He squeezed the book harshly hearing the kindness in her tone. How could he think this woman was his aunty?
"Do you have anywhere to go? Is anyone waiting for you at home?" The words came again and he took a deep breath. It felt like it was getting colder for some reason as he squeezed the words out.
"No. I don't have anywhere to go." He looked down, puffing out a breath. He felt anxiety not hearing her speak for a second wondering if he did something wrong.
"It's alright. You can stay with us while we get you sorted out. Is that alright Harry? Would you like that?" He perked up his ears hearing it as he twisted a bit. He would like that very much, yes. However he couldn't just say that. It was embarrassing.
However he shivered feeling the hand bring his chin up. He looked into similar green eyes as they peered at him in sadness.
"You have to speak up and look someone in the eyes when speaking to them, Harry. I can't help you if you don't tell me. I don't want to do something that makes you uncomfortable." She finished releasing his chin as she encouraged him.
Harry gathered his courage as he looked up, nodding quickly before looking down, face burning. It felt like a public shame ritual minus the public.
"Good. Then you can go get washed up while I find some of my…husband's old clothes for you. You are far too dirty." Harry caught the pause in her words but said nothing. Getting up he nodded, holding his book to his chest.
As he left he couldn't see the woman looking to where he was, her face twisted in relief seeing the phenomena he left.
He couldn't explain exactly how weird it felt to be bathing in his own house that was another's house. Feeling the hot water on his skin Harry shuddered.
'I can't remember the last time I took a hot bath.' He frowned, washing himself. He watched as the dirt slipped off him. Turning off the tap he got out all wet as he looked at the clothes on the counter.
Drying himself off he took hold of them before pausing. His gaze was on the book he found. Hesitating, he took it before sitting on the toilet.
He trembled a bit seeing the categories come up as he looked through them. He didn't know how to choose so he raised his finger simply pointing at Chronicles.
He quickly swiped his hand back seeing the words shift before they formed another set of bullet points.
Before Hogwarts
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
He looked on in confusion as it continued. He didn't have the slightest clue what it all meant. He thought about it before he tapped Before Hogwarts.
Having already gotten used to the change he watched with wide eyes as the ink formed words. Essays really. He truly didn't want to read all this but he still did it.
"It all began that day, well perhaps a bit before that. There were always signs that I wasn't normal like my relatives said. A teleportation here, a bit of hair growth over there, it was all there I just never noticed."
"1991 July 24th is when I realized that I first got my Hogwarts letter. It was just because Uncle Vernon destroyed it that I didn't know-"
Harry placed the book down with a pale face. His hands trembled as he put the book on the counter. The implications of the words terrified him. The blatant statements of hair growth, teleportation and Uncle Vernon already confirmed his thoughts.
Whoever wrote this book was either him or they were living his own life!
He tried thinking of different ideas but it all came back to one thing. It was him who wrote this book. How?!
Putting on the short pants and the white shirt Harry tried taking his mind off it. He was too sleepy to even begin to understand what was happening.
He clutched the book like a life line and placed the bag that came with it into his pocket. He couldn't allow anyone to get their hands on this now!
They'd think him a demon for sure!
Walking out he looked around before walking into the living room. He caught a picture of Petunia and another woman with red hair who looked really really pretty.
'Her sister?' Harry mused as he finally reached the room.
"Harry?" He watched as she got up walking over to him. She adjusted his glasses that became a bit crooked after his repeated shocks patting his head.
"A handsome young man. I reckon all the little ladies will want a piece." She chuckled as he ducked his head. Why was she being so weird? He was pushed forward as she directed him in the direction of the …
"What's wrong Harry? Why did you stop? I'm just sending you up to the room you'll be staying in." He felt the knot in his loosening. His body had frozen like a brick when he thought he was being shipped off to his old room.
He couldn't help but berate himself. Why did he do that? Now he only looked more suspicious. He needed to realize he wasn't at his aunt's anymore!
Trying to salvage the situation he tried using the truth to get out of it. Looking up at her concerned eyes he told her.
"I'm sorry. It's just back at home they…uhh." It was harder to say it aloud than he thought. So he simply dropped his head hoping she understood.
She did luckily as she squeezed his shoulder silently before pushing him forward gently.
"Well you don't worry about that young man. You won't need to go anywhere you don't want to. That's a promise." Her voice was pure steel as she said, scaring him a bit.
Why did it sound like she was plotting murder? He watched a lot of crime shows when his aunt wasn't looking and that sounded a lot like a tone for murder!
Still he said nothing. He wouldn't deny he felt a bit warm at the protection. That was just like he imagined his parents would be. If they were good people anyway.
She opened the door showing him inside. His eyes were observing inside. It wasn't much. Just a plain old room with a bed and fan.
"I know it's not much but we didn't quite expect your arrival so-" He interrupted her.
"I love it!" He barked out before he calmed down seeing her eyes fly open in surprise. Raking a hand through his hair he squinted his eyes.
"I mean I like it. Thank you." He pushed it out with difficulty as her eyes softened. He watched as she came closer and he quickly leaned back not understanding why.
She pulled back her hands awkwardly before she patted his shoulder.
"No problem Harry. In fact I should thank you. I've always wanted to see…" He couldn't quite catch what she said as her eyes trailed down his face.
He watched as she smiled before turning around. Pausing at the door knob she stopped looking back with a hint of mischief.
"Do you need a bedtime story? Nova used to love-" He heard the muffled "Mom!" come from the door as the woman chuckled.
"Good night Harry. Have a good rest. You'll have a big day tomorrow." He paused feeling as if her words meant something else before shaking it off.
"Good night!" He shouted back as she left.
He heard the door shut quietly as he looked at the bed. Walking over to it he pushed it a bit gulping at the softness.
"Oh man, that's the good stuff."
~
Harry furrowed his eyebrows as he felt disturbed. Shifting in the bed he tried going to sleep again, nearly succeeding. He could feel the dreams calling to him, promising him better-
"What the hell-" He got up holding his nose again as his eyes watered. Whatever it was thankfully didn't hit it much but just the light tap still hurt. His nose was still sore!
Looking around ready to fight back this time he paused at what he was looking at. Firstly his sheet was stolen from him and he was kicked to a very small corner of the bed.
His bed. The one he was given even if temporary.
Those two gremlins from before were taking up most of his bed as the giant Nova was sleeping in a truly unruly position. In her pajamas her legs were spread wide along with her arms as she snorted while sleeping.
The next one, the polar opposite of her was sleeping on her side in a white dress like she was some kind of princess. She made no noise or sound and if he didn't see her alive today he'd think she was a corpse!
Her body hardly moved!
Harry looked at them, feeling his anger boil over. He had finally gotten a room and here they came intruding!? Couldn't he have anything? They were just like Dudley!
Moving closer he got ready to push them both out roughly before he stopped as his eyes nearly bulged. The wolf girl was holding his book?!
And it was open!
Harry felt his breath caught as he looked around paranoid. Did they not read what he did? So how was he still here and not in jail?
Patting his pocket he realized the bag was still there. Looking over to the book he squinted his eyes as he had no glasses on. He could finally see that the book…was blank?
Reaching over to his glasses he confirmed that it wasn't blank but the ink was stationary as if not knowing how to react. He sighed in relief. Now what did that mean?
Crawling over he navigated over the wolf girl pausing when she sniffed deeply. Feeling a sweat he looked down as she relaxed.
Plucking his book out he moved away watching as the ink shuddered before shifting again. He sighed in relief as he got off the bed not wanting them to wake.
Sitting on the floor he looked through in confusion. Why did it only start moving actively when he touched it?
Did that mean only he could read it? What could it mean?
Thinking about it he realized it meant confirmation. He sent this thing and somehow got it to only work for him. While cool as hell how did it work?
Looking down at the book he realized he probably had the answers.
He was about to actually read to find out before he paused. He could have sworn he heard something just now. Either it was the wind or a faint whisper. Getting up he went near the door.
Cracking it he glanced down the corridor.
'Empty. We're the only people here right?' He wasn't too sure on that guess. Stepping out he glanced around shutting the door softly. Clutching his book he tiptoed over to the origin as he glanced around the living room.
'There!' His eyes shined in triumph hearing the tiny whisper again. It was louder now and he realized it was a person.
'It's in the kitchen.' He made a slow pace towards it knowing he had to watch his feet. Reaching he peeked inside as his eyes spotted Petunia.
'Oh she's just on the phone.' He nearly sighed. Well, wasn't that just disappointing.
Turning around not really wanting to spy on someone who helped him he nearly took his first step before pausing.
"Yes. Just like him down to every single detail!" he heard her whisper as he felt his heart sinking.
Clutching his tome he laid onto the wall listening to the betrayal.
"What do you mean you don't believe me? All it takes is a single apparition here." He could imagine her gritting her teeth.
"Work? What work is more important than this? I can't keep him here forever unless you want me to spell him here." He completely missed the sarcastic overtone as his ears pinpointed one word.
Spell.
Magic.
She was a witch! The witch! The one he stole this book from?
No wait, this was his book right?
"Tomorrow? Well that's acceptable I suppose. Hopefully you'll call them both down when you realize I was right. I'd do it myself if my wand wasn't-"
Harry slunked away with a peculiar look on his face. He needed to get the hell out of here but he couldn't tip her off.
Who knew what she would do to him then. He needed to wait until she went back to sleep so he could make his escape! And after he did he promised to never listen to a nice lady again!
Going back to the temporary room he went to bed trying to pretend to be asleep. It wasn't working as his heart was beating too fast. It hurt a bit too.
He felt a bit of resentment for the woman. It was okay to kill him. He'd understand that but why toy with him before she did her freaky spells on him? He looked over to the kids wondering if they knew about it.
He did vividly remember the gust of air that tickled him before. Was that a spell? He didn't know and nor did he care.
Hearing the door close, he knew it was time to leave.