Chapter 12 –

Surprising Support

Harry woke up confused. His mind seemed calm and somehow limited. The smell of bleach made him want to retch. Why was it so strong? Looking down he realized he was looking at black paws and not hands. His head jerked up and he realized he was laying on the bathroom floor of his motel room. Well, that solved those questions.

Harry shifted back to his human form and looked around the bathroom. He had slept surprisingly well. He now understood Sirius' love of Padfoot. Dreams were not much of a problem in that form. He knew Sirius had been plagued by nightmares.

Harry sighed. He couldn't allow himself to dwell on Sirius at the moment.

He pushed himself from the floor and caught sight of himself in the mirror. He had another black eye. Great! He was almost healed just in time to get hit again.

He pulled his bag from his pocket and resized it and then retrieved his trunk. Then resized his trunk. He pulled the box from Fred and George from his trunk and looked through his supply of potions. He should have taken more pain potions from Grimmauld. He supposed he could look in town for some muggle pain killers. They weren't very effective, but something might be better than nothing. He pulled his layered shirts off and tossed them in the corner of the bathroom. It had turned into a bit of a heap. He'd need to do laundry soon.

He pulled the pot of bruise balm out. It was ridiculously small. He had avoided using it for his ribs because he didn't want to waste it. He looked down at his chest. The bruises had moved from the dark blacks and blues to shades of purples, yellows and greens. It was quite colorful. He could see he had a couple of new ones, from the guy yesterday landing on him.

Harry snorted. He knew his body often looked like a painted palate by the end of summer. He dipped a finger into the bruise balm, then he remembered he would have to return in the morning to the bookstore. He would still have the bruise. Even with the balm but it might draw attention if it looked a few days old instead of barely a day. Harry sighed again and wiped the cream back into the pot and closed it.

He investigated the box again. The other potions wouldn't do much good. He shuffled the other medical supplies around and his hand grazed something at the bottom of the box. It felt like a glass bottle. Harry raised an eyebrow at that. He grabbed hold of it and chuckled when he saw what it was. A bottle of firewhisky.

Harry thought about last summer at Grimmauld place.

Memory-

Harry sighed as he collapsed next to Ron on the floor of their room. Mrs. Weasley had worked them hard all day and then fed them quickly. They had then shuffled back upstairs to their rooms so that the order meeting could begin.

"Mums lost it. This house should be condemned, and she thinks some Doxycide, and dusting is going to fix it up." Ron grumbled rubbing his shoulder.

Harry laughed. It was true. The aura around the house was so malevolent that Harry wondered if just burning it to the ground wouldn't be the best option.

"Well, I for one don't see anything wrong with a little housework, Ronald." Hermione said primly.

Harry agreed. Although he thought he had done enough housework for ten lifetimes before he was eleven.

Ron just made a disgruntled noise but didn't respond. They had all been getting along well the last couple of weeks. Harry was thankful that even Ron and Hermione's usual bickering had been mostly light. He had been cleared by the Wizengamot last week and they were down to only a week of summer left.

There was a sudden knock on the door. Harry looked up in time to see Fred, George, and Ginny sneak into the room.

Harry raised his eyebrow at the finger pressed to George's lips to shh them.

When the door was closed the three joined them on the floor forming a circle. Fred raised his wand and cast a silencing spell.

"We got something we thought we would be kind enough to share." Said George.

"Of course, you'll need to keep it to yourselves." Fred said with a wink.

Fred reached under his jumper and pulled out a bottle of a dark-colored liquid.

Harry felt his stomach roll. He hated alcohol. The smell made his skin crawl. Taking a deep breath, he looked around at his friends. The Weasley children all had a gleam in their eyes and Hermione looked disapproving.

"You know we can't. We're still underage." Hermione scolded.

Fred and George rolled their eyes.

"Which is why you need to stay quiet about it." Fred said. Waving the bottle a little.

"Are you guys in?" George asked grinning.

"Yeah I'm in." Ron scoffed.

Hermione looked at Harry waiting for his response. She was biting her lip a little and Harry wondered if she wanted to join, but was hiding behind the rules. Or if she was hoping Harry would decline and back her up.

Harry sighed. He really didn't want to do this. He had never even considered drinking. He saw how it made his aunt and uncle. They were always at their cruelest after they'd had there drinks. Aunt Petunia drank white wine that smelt light and fruity with a sour under tone. Harry had often wondered if the sour part was what made her face always look so pinched like she'd eaten a lemon. Uncle Vernon drank whiskey straight unless he was entertaining. Then Harry was usually turned into a bar tender. He would be put on the spot to mix drinks that matched the dinner he had made to impress the company. Of course, Petunia always took credit for the dinner and Vernon took credit for the drinks.

"It's up to you 'Mione." Harry whispered to Hermione.

Hermione just nodded her head and smiled a little.

"Okay we're in." Hermione said.

"Excellent." Fred said waving his wand and five small glasses appeared in front of him.

"Lee taught us some muggle drinking games last year. We played a few with the Bulgarians" George said with a big grin.

"Alright. What are the rules?" Ginny piped up.

"You won't be partaking, baby sister. If we get this lot drunk mum will think they did it themselves. We get you drunk, mum will go spare." Fred shuddered.

Ginny crossed her arms and glared at her brothers.

"I'm fourteen. I'm hardly a baby and this won't be my first drink. Why did you even bring me if you weren't going to let me have some." Ginny scowled.

"Lookout." The twins chorused.

Ginny looked livid.

Harry chuckled a little. He had always wished for siblings. He loved watching the Weasleys interactions.

"And what is to keep me from going down to the Order meeting right now and telling them all what you're up here doing?" Ginny said with a quirk of her eyebrow.

"Or what you've been doing with your experiments?" Ginny said with a smug little tip of her head.

Harry, Ron, and Hermione had to stifle laughter. She knew what she was doing.

With a sigh Fred waved his wand and another glass appeared.

Fred poured a little in each glass and handed them out. Recapping the bottle, he began explaining the rules of the game. Truth or Dare. Any refusal would have to be made up for by taking a shot. Harry was nervous. He was hiding a lot of truths, and he was a little wary of what kind of dares the twins might issue.

The game progressed smoothly. Most of the dares ended up being test subjects for the twins' new products. And the truths were hilarious. Harry had learned that Ron still slept with a teddy bear at home. And that Hermione's bedroom was painted bubble gum pink. Harry had mostly stuck to taking dares and now had blue freckles and a nest of trick birds living in his hair.

They laughed and drank. The firewhiskey didn't smell like muggle whiskey. It had a spiciness to it that Harry couldn't place. He was enjoying the warm light feeling in his body. He felt a little like he was floating. He didn't think he had ever been so carefree.

Ginny had left after she had her third shot. Saying that it was enough and thanking her brothers for letting her join.

Things had drifted away from the game after a while. Fred was now talking to Ron and Hermione about one of the new products. Hermione was interested in the charms and Ron just wanted to know if he could get some to prank the Slytherin's.

Harry was still sitting on the floor leaning against his bed. He closed his eyes and just enjoyed the feeling. He understood the appeal now.

He felt something brushing against his side but didn't move away from it. His dulled senses seemed to not care about the contact.

An arm slid behind his neck resting on his shoulders and he felt a head rest against his.

"You doing ok?" George asked.

Harry couldn't tell them apart by voice. But he knew Fred was sitting on Ron's bed.

Harry just hummed.

"I'm sorry things were so bad this summer." George whispered.

Harry raised his head and opened his eyes at that. They didn't usually talk much about Harry's home life outside of taking care of him at the end of summer.

"It's all right. I'm here now. You guys got me patched up. I think everything is mostly healed now." Harry said a little thickly.

George just hummed again.

"Listen Harry. I know we brought it up before. But we really think you need to tell someone. This can't keep happening." George said worriedly.

Harry leaned more into George's side. He felt safe and comfortable. Like he had never felt before. He let his face turn a little, so he had his head rested on George's chest. He could hear his heartbeat. He didn't think he had ever heard something so calming.

A hand brushed lightly down his back and began to rub gentle circles.

Harry would normally never allow himself to be in a position like this. Never allow someone to touch his back like this. He knew George must be able to feel the raised scars on his back. But George knew. And that was comforting too.

George was the calmer of the twins. Harry couldn't quite place the calmness that he had but it too was comforting.

"You know it won't help. I got attacked by a bloody dementor and it still took them three days to come get me." Harry whispered into George's chest.

George just hummed.

"How about just Sirius then? I know you've gotten a lot closer to him this summer." George tried.

Harry just shook his head.

"I don't want him or Remus to see how weak I am." Harry replied quietly.

George brought his other arm around Harry and hugged him tight.

"You're not weak Harry. You're in a bad situation, with adults who are abusing you. And the rest of the adults in your life are just blind to not see that you're hurting." George whispered back, running his hand down Harry's arm to his hand.

George pulled the sleeve slightly away from Harry's arm. They could both see the red lines running back and forth on his forearm. George dropped the sleeve and hugged Harry again.

"I know you're hurting Harry. But if you need us, you can always come to us." George mumbled into the top of Harry's hair.

Harry nodded.

"Maybe you guys can send me some of this firewhiskey next summer. I don't think I've ever felt so good." Harry joked.

George snorted at that.

"I think you had a little too much." George teased.

Harry just hummed and nestled in tighter to George.

Harry woke the next morning curled up against George. His body tensed at the close contact. He didn't fear George, but some part of him just feared everyone. He guessed he was just broken after being hurt so many times.

He wished he could enjoy this like he had last night. However, now it felt wrong. The Dursleys had always told him he was dirty. Too dirty to touch, too dirty to sit on the furniture, too dirty to take into public. He felt dirty. Then his face flushed as he recalled the conversation from the night before. He smoothed his hands down his arms and made sure his sleeves were pulled all the way down. He felt worse knowing that at least George knew another of his secrets. Another way that he was a freak.

Dirty, broken, freak his mind supplied.

He pulled himself easily away from George and stood on wobbly legs. His head pounded a little and he felt a little sick to his stomach.

He looked around and found that Fred had fallen asleep in his bed. Ron was on the floor between the beds and Hermione was curled up like a cat on Ron's bed.

Despite how he felt now. He had enjoyed the night before.

-End Memory-

Harry laughed a little at the memory.

He had not expected the twins to actually send him a bottle. Harry sat heavily on the bed and held the bottle in his hands. The twins had taken extra care of him this last year. They kept an eye on him. When he got too overwhelmed with Umbridge's detentions and Snapes Occlumency lessons, they would spirit him away to empty classrooms. There they would play cards and get Harry's mind off everything.

George had revealed one night after a DA meeting that they were worried Umbridge's detentions were going to make him relapse. He had then pointed at his wrist and Harry's face had flamed red. He had been doing okay but he was getting overwhelmed.

Fred had poked him in the ribs and promised they would get the toad back for everything that she was doing.

And they had. They had put on quite a show exiting the school.

Harry rolled the bottle back and forth in his hands. He still had a few hours before he should go to the bookstore. He felt the anxiety raise in him at that thought. He hoped Mrs. Ash would still be willing to employ him after what he had done yesterday.

He didn't know what he was thinking. Attacking someone like that. He just knew he couldn't stand there and do nothing.

With a sigh he cracked the seal on the lid and brought it to his mouth. The liquid burned as it touched his tongue. He swallowed a mouthful, letting the feeling warm his stomach and chest. He took another swig and recapped the bottle. He hadn't been eating. He knew it wouldn't take much to give him a heady buzz.

He set the bottle on his side table and laid back. His hand laid on his bare stomach. The cool of his hand felt nice on the fresh bruise there.

He let his mind wander for a while. He hoped he'd be able to stay here for a while longer. Maybe even the whole summer. He liked Mrs. Ash and the quiet bookstore. He enjoyed the bustling village. Maybe he wouldn't even go back to Hogwarts. What was the point anymore? He felt a weight set on his chest. He wished he could just run away from the wizarding world like he had the Dursley's, but he had to go back. He had to kill Voldemort. He had to be the boy-who-lived. At least for a little longer. Then he could go. He could just be done. Or maybe he could just disappear back to this little town and fade from memory.

He didn't think he was going to survive. 'Neither can live while the other survives.' It was vague, but it did make Harry think they were both likely to die.

He closed his eyes. He would rest a little longer and enjoy the buzzy feeling of the whiskey and then he would get up and get on with his day.

Harry awoke to a knocking on his door.

He furrowed his brow at that. Who would be knocking. Then it hit him. He had been here a week. It was probably Maggie telling him he needed to leave. Mrs. Ash hadn't paid him yet and he didn't have much money left from Ernie. He had bought some snack food from the grocery store this week to get him through. That had been about all the money he had left after paying for the room.

Harry sighed and rolled off the bed. He checked the peephole, and it was in fact Maggie. With another sigh he pulled the door open.

He still felt sleepy and a little sad. He didn't want to leave.

"Hello." Harry said not meeting Maggie's eyes.

Maggie didn't say anything right away. She just stood and took in his appearance.

Maggie cleared her throat.

"Good morning, Max. Just wanted to check and make sure you were alright after yesterday." Maggie said quietly.

Harry just nodded.

"I'll be out of the room in just a minute. I haven't been paid so I won't be able to stay." Harry mumbled.

"Don't worry about that kid. Julie Baker came by last night and paid for another week for you." Maggie said a little smugly.

Harry's head popped up at that.

"What?" Harry said a little loudly.

Maggie wrinkled her nose and took a small step back. Her eyes looked past Harry into the room and then looked back at Harry.

"She wanted to thank you. There are a few things in the office for you too." Maggie said with a little sad smile that Harry didn't understand.

"Oh...Um…" Harry stuttered.

"Why don't you get cleaned up and come up to the office." Maggie said.

Harry only nodded.

Maggie flashed him another tight sad smile and headed back to the office.

Harry closed and locked the door. He turned and leaned his back against it. The cool door felt nice on his back.

His Back!

Harry's eyes shot open, and he looked down at his bare chest. His cheeks flamed with embarrassment.

Harry huffed in annoyance at himself. He had never made a mistake like that. No wonder she was looking at him so weirdly. He looked like a walking skeleton that had been painted in muted rainbows.

Harry groaned again as he made his way to the shower.

Harry took a deep sigh as he opened the office door. He glanced around and saw a few things sitting in a pile by the desk. A box and a couple of bags.

"Those are yours." Maggie said gesturing to the pile.

"What do you mean?" Harry said eyeing the packages.

"People in this town are close. Outsiders don't usually move here. Mark Baker moved here three years ago and has been nothing but a terror. He made Julie practically afraid of her own shadow. He treats everyone here like they're beneath him. He's a thief and has done nothing but make trouble. Not enough to get locked up though. Or enough to get him away from Julie." Maggie said frustration clear in her tone.

Harry nodded that he was listening.

"He was arrested yesterday. For attacking a you. He's going away. You understand?" Maggie questioned.

Harry nodded.

"Gossip spreads quickly in a small town. And this is people's way of saying thank you."

Harry raised an eyebrow at that.

"I didn't do anything. Other than get punched." Harry said dryly.

Maggie let out a huff of a laugh. Her eyebrows pinched together in thought as she took an appraising look at Harry.

"You kept him from hitting Julie again. And we're thankful to be free of the git." Maggie stated firmly.

"Jane said come over and get some breakfast too." Maggie said, picking up the few things and handing them to Harry.

Harry looked at the things he was now holding. He just nodded. He probably should eat.

"Right. Right. Thank you, Maggie." Harry said a little distracted.

"And umm…About this morning. Sorry for coming to the door like that. Won't happen again." Harry said, ducking his head. A blush high on his cheeks.

No one wanted to see a freak. Harry knew that. His mind raced as he walked back to the room.

When Harry arrived at his room, he set the packages down and opened the first.

The bag was small and had the symbol of the chemist on the front. He reached in and found two small containers. There was a small glass jar and a plastic bottle. He pulled them out and was relieved to see the first was a bottle of over-the-counter pain killers. He popped the lid off and shook two into his hand. He tossed them into his mouth. Realizing he didn't have any water, he swallowed them dry. Uncomfortable, but somehow more pleasant then swallowing a foul and lumpy potion.

Harry turned the jar around and was surprised to see what the label said. Bruise balm. Harry unscrewed the lid and took a sniff of the contents. He was amazed to find that it smelt like his little pot of bruise balm. Harry had expected some kind of lotion but was happily surprised to find that it was a wizarding product. perhaps the chemist was a wizard and sold potions as well as muggle drugs. He'd have to go by another day.

Harry shrugged and rubbed some of the balm around his eye. He would apply some to his body later. He was already late to the bookstore.

He opened the other bag. This one appeared to be from the grocery store. He chuckled a little to see chocolate bars and a bag of crisps.

Harry set the treats aside and opened the small box. There weren't any markings on the outside. Inside he found a few individual use boxes of laundry soap and some tokens that looked like they were for the laundry mat. The was a slip of paper that said come by any time. It was signed Kelly.

Harry had no idea who that was, but he did need to do laundry. He wondered if they were open tomorrow. He knew Mrs. Ash closed the shop on Sunday.

Harry set the box on his bed. He had been packing everything up every day. However, in the last couple of days he had left a few items in the room. He figured as long as he had his important stuff on him, he'd be okay.

Harry checked his watch it was now seven thirty. If he rushed, he could go to the diner and eat something before he went to the bookstore. He needed to go by the pet store today too. He wanted to check in on Julie and fix the light for her.

When he arrived at the diner, he took a deep breath and opened the door. He still wasn't sure about eating in a restaurant. It felt like it was one of those things only normal people were allowed to do. At least that was the reason he had always been given when The Dursleys would lock him in his cupboard and go out.

"Hey Max!" Jane said from behind the counter.

A few customers turned to see who had just come in. Harry held his breath. Then he got a smile and wave and walked towards the counter. He felt his face blush. He hated being stared at.

"Come take a seat at the bar sweetheart." Jane said with a wave.

Harry nodded and took a seat a few places down from a man reading the paper and drinking tea.

"What can I get for you?" Jane said.

Harry startled at the question. He had no idea. He quickly realized there was a menu in front of him. He scanned it and decided on toast and an egg. Jane placed a cup of tea in front of him and went to put his order in.

"It was a brave thing you did standing up to Mark." The man with the paper said.

Harry just shrugged and sipped his tea.

"I never caught him at it, but he's been stealing out of my shop. Small stuff he could pocket. It was petty. But it's a small town and any sales I make helps feed my family." The man said.

Harry nodded again.

"I own the grocery store. I know you've been putting in some time up at Mary's and she definitely needs it but if you want to come over, I can get you some more work." The man said with a smile.

Harry looked up and smiled back.

"Max Underhill, I'd appreciate that. And thank you for the sweets and crisps." Harry said holding out his hand.

"Jack Willson." The man said holding his hand out.

"Pleased to meet you Mr. Willson. Do you…Do you own the diner too? Only I noticed it's Willsons Diner?" Harry asked double checking the top of the menu that still sat next to his cup of tea.

"Just Jack will be fine. Yes, I do own both. My wife Jane runs the diner and I run the grocery. We've owned the Diner for years. when the owner of the grocery store planned to sell, we bought it."

Harry looked over Jack. He guessed the man to be in his early sixties. He had chestnut brown hair heavily sprinkled with salt and pepper. His face was weathered but kind. He was a tall man Harry could tell even with him sitting. Harry swallowed. He wouldn't mind some extra money to make this summer a little more comfortable. He wondered what the man would have him doing.

"I appreciate the offer. I could use all the work I can get." Harry said with a smile.

"Here you go Max." Jane said placing his plate in front of him.

Harry ate quickly. He really was hungry. Spending the night as Akela had probably amped up his appetite. Harry wondered how Sirius had survived Azkaban as Padfoot. He was pretty skeletal when he had escaped. Although Harry imagined he had gone in at a healthy weight. Harry didn't think he had ever been a healthy weight. Something to ponder later.

"It was nice to meet you, Jack. I'll come by the store soon." Harry said as he placed some money next to his plate.

"Keep the money kid. We'll take care of it." Jack said, nodding to the notes.

Harry just shook his head and smiled.

"I ate the meal. I'll pay for it." Harry said with a nod and headed out the door.

When Harry arrived at the bookstore The door was already unlocked. Harry scooted in the door and smiled at the sight. He loved the bookstore. It was very calming.

"Max! I wasn't sure you were going to show today. Looks like Herbert got you some of that cream for your face. He brought Julie some of it too. Stuff is magic. I've never seen anything work so well on a bruise." Mrs. Ash smiled.

Harry smirked. It was magic.

"Yes, ma'am it was very kind."

"What can I do for you today."

Mrs. Ash set him to work, and Harry worked contentedly. He was starting to feel comfortable here. His thoughts of staying from earlier floated through his mind.

Julie came by about an hour later and they awkwardly avoided talking about what had happened the day before. Julie only said a soft 'thank you' and Harry had blushed and responded with 'don't mention it'.

Julie had then asked for his help running an errand in the next town. Harry had agreed and with Mrs. Ash's agreement he loaded up in Julie's truck and headed to Miller's Grove.

Tonks smiled as she walked with Kingsley down Privet Drive. It was a beautiful day. The sun was shining but it hadn't gotten terribly warm yet. She was looking forward to talking to Harry. She had become kind of fond of the kid last summer.

Tonks made her way up the sidewalk. She noted that the car was gone. Hopefully, someone was home. It was a Saturday, so she knew the uncle wasn't at work. Tonks smiled over her shoulder at Kingsley who stood at the end of the sidewalk. They knew Harry's family wasn't very fond of the magical community so they had decided only she would go to the door and talk with them.

Tonks raised her hand and knocked on the door. There was a long silence and then Tonks heard footsteps.

The door swung open to reveal Petunia Dursley.

"Hello?" Petunia said.

"Hello, I'm here about your nephew." Tonks said with a smile.

The smile slipped away from petunias face quickly and was replaced with a scowl.

"The boy isn't here. You can leave." Petunia sneered and went to close the door.

Tonks' hand shot out and stopped the door from closing.

"What do you mean he isn't here? Where is he?" Tonks demanded.

Petunia let out a huff.

"How should I know. I figured he ran off to your lot. He left over a week ago. Got one of those screaming letters for using his freakishness around normal people. Then he attacked my husband. Sent off his screeching bird. Then he packed his stuff and left. Said he wasn't coming back. We won't take him back. I'm done with this unnaturalness. My Husband is consulting a realtor and we'll be leaving the country tomorrow." Petunia hissed.

Tonks was shocked by all the information she had just received. Harry ran away? He got a howler for underage magic? He attacked his uncle? Harry wasn't violent.

"Do you know where he went Mrs. Dursley?" Tonks asked feeling a bubbling anxiety.

"Off to those freaky friends no doubt. Maybe the ones that broke our fireplace and attacked our son!" Petunia spat.

"Now, see yourself off our property. Do not return." Petunia said and slammed the door in Tonks' face.

Tonks stood there for a moment in shock.

She must mean the Weasleys. But surely Molly wouldn't keep asking for Harry if he had run away there.

Tonks walked on slightly shaky legs back to Kingsley.

"No wonder Harry doesn't like it here. You let her know what's going on?" Kingsley asked.

Tonks just shook her head.

"Everything alright?" Kingsley said taking in Tonks shaken appearance.

"You're not going to make it as an Auror if you let a cranky muggle get to you, Tonks." Kingsley joked.

This seemed to pull Tonks from her spinning thoughts.

"We need to leave. Now!" Tonks said walking quickly away from Kingsley.

"What are you talking about. We just got here. We're today's guard remember. We can't just leave." Kingsley said taking long strides to catch up to the shorter woman.

"No point. Harry isn't here. He ran away over a week ago." Tonks said over her shoulder as she reached the end of the block and slipped into the alley way, they had apparated to.

"Wait! Harry ran away? Why? Where did he go?" Kingsley said alarmed.

"Send your Patronus to Albus. Tell him Harry is missing and to call an Order meeting. We need to start looking. I can't believe we missed this." Tonks said digging in her pocket.

Kingsley sent off his Patronus and watched while Tonks pulled her wand from her pocket.

"Point me, Harry Potter." Tonks said, holding her wand flat on her palm. She watched as it just continued to spin.

"Damn. He's too far away." Tonks said with a growl, her hair turning a fiery red.

"We need to get back to Hogwarts." Tonks said.

They both turned on the spot and dissapparated back to Hogwarts.