It had been another year, and Harry knew his 11th birthday was coming. Uncle Vernon had been away for the past month, and finally he was going to return home from his business trip the day before Dudley's birthday.
Of course, Aunt Petunia had made it perfectly clear that the celebration was going to be for Dudley, as per usual, and not a single bit of it was for Harry. Still, Harry was excited. Uncle Vernon always made sure he got a piece of cake, even when Aunt Petunia yelled at him for the entire evening.
Harry had noticed that when he worked hard and finished all his tasks, his aunt was almost tolerable. Most of the time, Dudley made sure he couldn't finish by upending buckets or otherwise making things dirty, but Harry never really cared. It made the few times where he managed to get everything clean all the more special.
Of course, he also created ways to keep things clean. Little methods, like keeping a bucket of suds stashed in a kitchen cupboard out of sight, and cleaning when Dudley stamped mud on the floor. Harry loved to see the confusion on Dudley's face when he managed to clean it before his cousin could even have a chance to turn around.
Harry had become quite accustomed to his aunt and cousin, even going so far as to prepare a few methods to keep them calm. Dudley was easy to bribe, especially when he was on a diet. On the other hand, Aunt Petunia would just need to be distracted with a magazine of expensive dresses or jewelry.
On a blustery July evening as the wind howled through the trees, Harry finished his chores just as his aunt and cousin were preparing for bed. The house was quiet, the usual hum of activity winding down for the night. It gave Harry the perfect chance to slip away to a secluded corner of the garden and, with a deep breath, shifted into his fox form. But the transformation wasn't as smooth as it once was; a wave of nausea hit him hard, forcing him to steady himself against the ground. The sickness had been growing worse over the past few months, each transformation leaving him more drained and unsettled than the last.
Waiting for it to pass, Harry slid out from under the crawlspace and headed to his meeting place with Mister Dark just as the moon started to rise. As per normal, the man was there, waiting for him.
"Good evening, Harry. How was your day?" The man spoke quietly, sitting in an old crate.
Harry turned himself back and winced a bit. "Ugh, it was okay," Harry admitted hesitantly, holding his stomach.
Mister Dark seemed curious as he leaned forward. "Something wrong with your stomach?"
"It's just my magic. Lately, it feels weird whenever I turn into a fox. Makes my stomach churn." Harry moved to sit down, leaning back against the wall.
The black-haired man nodded. "I see. It might just be that you're using your magic too much. Then again, I'm not a Healer, so I couldn't say for certain," he shook his head. "But enough of that. I came tonight to tell you that your Hogwarts letter will be coming soon. Remember the talk we had about it last year?"
Harry nodded, recalling the conversation they had. It had been one of their better talks, with Mister Dark sharing stories about his parents and a close-knit group of friends they had once been part of. There was always a hint of sadness in Mister Dark's voice when he spoke of them, and Harry assumed it was because they were gone, leaving only memories behind.
"Well, the letter should come a week before your birthday. You mentioned that it's normally around your cousin's birthday, correct?" Mister Dark continued as Harry gave another nod. "Then keep an eye out. It should be easy to spot since wizards use parchment instead of paper."
Mister Dark then started to tell more stories of his father's friends, describing the pranks they used to pull. Harry always thought it was silly; such as the prank that turned everyone's hair puke green. After all, the pranks were so simplistic, and too easy to see where they came from! When Harry had mentioned as such before, all he got was a chuckle and another pat on his head.
The time spent with Mister Dark over the past few years had been special to enjoyed sitting back and relaxing, listening to the stories about his parents and their friends. But today, as he listened, something Mister Dark said at the end of a story jolted him from his usual contentment.
"Pardon?"
"I said, Harry, this will probably be the last time we speak together for a long time. I have to leave for a while, at least a year, maybe more, to get some things in order with my family. I won't be able to meet you, even when you come back from Hogwarts. But you can still send me an owl, that's how we communicate in the magical world."
Harry's eyes moistened at the comment. "But…"
"No buts. It's crucial work I have to do, you see. And if I get it done, then you might just be seeing more of me."
"Promise?" Harry's voice came out shrill, as he could feel the fox in him wanting to whine.
"I promise," Mister Dark said with a smile, patting Harry's head and mussing up his black hair.
Harry giggled, and Mister Dark grinned at the sound. "Now, how about an early birthday present?" He stopped messing with Harry's hair, and Harry immediately sat up with an excited look.
Once he was sure Harry was watching, Mister Dark stood up. Harry felt a sudden rush of magic around him, flowing from Mister Dark. In a blink of an eye, Mister Dark was gone, replaced by a large, sleek black dog. Harry's eyes widened, now staring intensely at the dog where Mister Dark had just stood.
"You have an animal form too!" Harry giggled and threw his arms around the dog, burying his face in its fur. The dog's tail wagged furiously, matching Harry's enthusiasm. After he let him go, the big black dog bounced around Harry. Overcome with excitement, Harry turned back into his fox form. He shook off the usual wave of nausea and with a joyful yip, he darted around the dog.
The two ran off together into the suburbs of Little Whinging; Harry's nocturnal run now punctuated with a companion. The thrill of freedom was made even better with a friend.
After their eventful night together, both Harry and Mister Dark returned to their human selves. They exchanged a final, lingering hug; a silent promise that they will see each other again. With a knowing nod, Mister Dark handed Harry a new book then turned and disappeared into the shadows..
"Magical Families and Manners: Introduction to Hogwarts". Harry was happy to receive it, noticing that inside of the cover was a small passage.
"To Padfoot, from Prongs. Maybe you can learn a bit of the manners that elude you, eh? Though it's a few years too late!"
Harry's breath caught up as he realized the significance of the gift in his hands. This wasn't just any book; it was a treasure, a relic from his father's past, passed down to one of the Marauders. The edges of the worn cover felt almost sacred under his fingers, each page holding memories and secrets from a time when his father was alive and young. But as the thrill of the discovery washed over him, a small voice in the back of Harry's mind whispered uneasily. Where had Mister Dark gotten this book? And why now, of all times, had he chosen to give it to Harry?
Still, after returning to his crawlspace, Harry couldn't resist the pull of the book. He had pored over it eagerly, tracing each word as if it were a direct link to his father. Whenever he had a moment of free time, he would retreat to his small, cramped sanctuary, surrounded by his growing collection of books. The familiar musty scent of old pages comforted him as he immersed himself in the stories and secrets they held
The next few days had been filled with nothing but chores and reading. It was more of the usual with Dudley and his aunt always trying to get him to slip up. However, Harry was getting too sly for them. After all, he was the dashing Mister Fox!
Thankfully, it wasn't long before Uncle Vernon returned home. Harry could hear the commotion above him as the front door opened, followed by the unmistakable voices of Aunt Petunia and an excited Dudley, chattering eagerly about the gifts they were bringing inside. The heavy thud of Uncle Vernon's footsteps, burdened by the weight of carrying multiple gifts. Seizing the opportunity, Harry quietly made his way out of the crawlspace and into the kitchen. He began preparing breakfast, the sizzle of the pan mixing with the sounds of his relatives behind him
"Thirty-six? But last year- last year, there were thirty-seven!"
Uncle Vernon sighed, a great, heavy breath from his large form. "But you don't understand, my boy. This year, some of them are quite a bit bigger than-"
"I don't care how big they are! I want more than last year! What about those two?"
Harry could see out of the corner of his eye Dudley pointing to two small packages, bound in brown paper and string. Nothing like Dudley's technicolor wrapping paper.
"Oh, those are just some prototypes from work, my boy. They aren't gifts. Now, I believe that thirty-six presents are more than en-"
Suddenly, Aunt Petunia rushed in and spoke up. "It's alright, pumpkin. You hold on till after the zoo visit, and I'll have Daddy pick you up two, yes two whole new presents! Then it'll be thirty-eight presents!"
Dudley's excited screeches made Harry wince, and he could see Uncle Vernon giving another sigh, but not denying Aunt Petunia's statement either.
After the eggs finished up, Harry brought over the meals for everyone, giving them a polite bow. Aunt Petunia always looked smug when he did such, but it was the closest Harry had ever gotten to a smile from her. It was kind of nice, seeing her halfway happy with him.
"Well, go ahead and get a plate and sit down with us, lad," Uncle Vernon said. Harry moved to get a plate quickly before Aunt Petunia could protest.
When Uncle Vernon was around, he was allowed to eat at the dinner table. Aunt Petunia had made sure he understood he wasn't allowed such privileges in Uncle Vernon's absence.
Dudley and Aunt Petunia both glared at him as they ate while Uncle Vernon checked the newspaper,idly poking at his own plate. "So, Pet, it seems like the zoo has some new creatures. Is that why Dudley wanted to go back this year?"
Petunia nodded. "Yes, dear. Dudley expressed interest in seeing some of the new white tigers that will be there for the weekend. Are you certain we have to bring Harry, dear? He's been behind on his chores, and he could use that time here to catch up."
Harry bit his tongue in fury mid-bite, the sharp taste of copper mingling with the egg he was chewing. He always worked hard, putting in effort beyond what anyone could expect, yet Aunt Petunia always made it seem like he was barely doing anything. Why did she always downplay his efforts, as if nothing he did was ever enough? The frustration simmered inside him, but he swallowed it down, just like he did the eggs, forcing himself to stay silent.
Vernon set down his newspaper. "Poppycock, pet. You know it's close to Harry's birthday as well. He deserves to be able to come see the exhibits along with Dudley."
Petunia slammed her hands against the table, making Harry wince. "But he's nothing but a ruffian! Why, just the other day, he scared Dudley so much that he came home crying about his horrible actions. I still don't understand why we can't just leave him at an orphanage."
Vernon gave another deep sigh, rubbing the bags under his eyes. Harry had been seeing him do that a lot lately.
"Pet, he's your nephew. We can't just abandon him. I'll tell you what. You take Dudley to the tiger exhibit when we get there, and I'll take the lad to the Reptile house, so he's on the opposite side of the park. Will that work, Pet?"
Aunt Petunia gave a long sniff. "Fine. Just don't forget to figure out some good presents for Diddums."
After that, the meal was quiet, punctuated only by Vernon turning the newspaper's pages after picking it back up. After everyone finished eating, Harry quickly collected the plates and moved to wash them at the sink.
Aunt Petunia and Dudley went to watch some television, but Uncle Vernon walked over to him. "I'm glad you don't let her get to you, lad." He said, grabbing a towel and helping with the dishes. "She's good at heart, but in you, she sees your mother."
Harry almost dropped one of the dishes he was holding, grabbing it only through sheer muscle memory.
"W-what do you mean, Uncle Vernon?" Harry's question was quiet and timid.
"It's been eleven years, lad. Eleven years since she's seen her sister. She adored her, you know. Lily was the younger sister, but Pet treated her more like the older one. They were inseparable, until Hogwarts. She even learned some things about magic from a young lad named Severus, a long time ago."
Harry listened, quite surprised, while Uncle Vernon took a dish and dried it before he set it into the cupboard as he continued. "It was that war in the magical world. After your mother had left that school—Hogwarts— and gotten married, I was still a young man myself. I was scarcely twenty at the time. Imagine my surprise when Pet introduced me to your mother and you, years later."
Now, they had us promise… promise to take care of you in case something happened to them, and of course, Pet was too eager to accept. And so it was written wasn't long after that you came to us on our doorstep. As soon as she heard what happened in the magical world and the death of your parents, something happened to Pet. She got bitter, almost angry at her sister.
"I don't know the reasons, but she was always angry at you. Ever since we took you in, just a small boy in a basket, nothing you did was right. It was as if your presence suddenly changed everything I knew about her," Vernon sighed once more, setting the final dish into the cupboard and placing the towel down on the counter.
"Don't be too hard on her, lad. I am sure she has her reasons. I have tried to curb the worst of her actions, but we can't give up on her quite yet. Neither her nor Dudley."
Reaching over, Vernon patted Harry's head and Harry grinned happily at the warm gesture. "Just be careful when you go to Hogwarts. Lily was mum about what happened there, and Petunia never told me what that letter said when you came to us years ago, merely that it was a letter she disposed of."
Harry nodded gently before Vernon patted Harry's back. "Now, go on and head to your crawlspace, lad. You have some free time tonight. And… happy birthday."
With a quick, discreet motion, Vernon slipped two small brown paper packages into Harry's hand. The gesture was careful, almost furtive, as he made sure to keep it hidden from Dudley and Petunia, who were still absorbed in their television show.
Harry accepted the packages with a wide smile, then impulsively hugged Uncle Vernon before quickly retreating to the crawlspace. Once inside, he moved to his usual "resting" spot and sat down, allowing himself a moment to relax as he began to process what he'd learned.
"Mum and Dad were special, and Aunt Petunia was angry about it," the small boy muttered to himself.
Harry started unwrapping the packages, his curiosity momentarily drifting back to the letter that had accompanied him as a baby. It wasn't exactly typical for someone whose parents had just died to be sent with a letter. What had it said? Why had Aunt Petunia been so angry about it? As these thoughts swirled in his mind, he finished unwrapping the presents and quickly he shook off his concerns before peering inside.
Inside the packages, he found a pair of small drills, hand-held and pocket-sized, clearly prototypes. It didn't matter to Harry, as he beamed with joy.
Two of his uncle's designs! Harry was excited as he held them close, quickly deciding to test them out in the dirt of the crawlspace. They were manual drills, hand-cranked and silent, as he pulled the lever that would make it spin, digging the tip into the dirt a little.
The rhythmic motion of the drill fascinated him, but he didn't want to damage his new treasures. After a moment, Harry pulled the tip out of the dirt and gently set them near his other gifts from Uncle Vernon. Show pieces, example figurines… Uncle Vernon always brought him something small for his birthday.
Happy and satisfied, Harry relaxed. He flopped back and looked out of one of the crawlspace's ducts to the setting sun, his mind awash in thoughts of drills and letters.
The day came quickly, and soonHarry found himself sitting quietly in Uncle Vernon's car as the small family pulled up to the zoo. It didn't take long before Dudley and Aunt Petunia took off, leaving him with Uncle Vernon as the two went to the Reptile House.
Uncle Vernon showed off all the different types of snakes, explaining to Harry their markings and the potency their venom. He described which species had had no fangs, and which ones used constriction to catch their prey. Harry already knew most of this from their visit from last year, but a few of the snakes were new arrivals to the zoo.
"This one is called a Python, lad. It kills its prey by wrapping it in its coils and squeezing it, you see. They're some of the largest snakes in the world. Beautiful, isn't it? It's from Burma, though the ones here in the London Zoo are raised in captivity. They're vulnerable at the moment, and their population is low. Almost an endangered species."
Harry nodded as he took in everything that Uncle Vernon explained. However, he suddenly felt a sharp pain in his stomach, making him wince. Uncle Vernon peered over as he saw the small boy clutch his stomach. "You alright lad?"
Harry nodded for a second before another wave of pain slammed into him. He could feel his magic writhe, and moments later, a crack appeared in a nearby exhibit window.
"Come on, lad, let's get you some air." Vernon's hand gently touched his shoulder as he led Harry out. Just as he did, Harry felt a burst of his magic writhing within him. It was as if his magic was reacting to something, though he couldn't quite put his finger on what. Maybe it was warning him, or perhaps sensing something that Harry couldn't.
A single breath was all it took. In an instant, all of the exhibit windows shattered explosively, tempered glass falling to the ground all around them in a shower of sharp, glinting shards.
Pandemonium broke loose as people scattered in all directions, their screams mingling with the hissing chaos of snakes now free from their shattered enclosures. Uncle Vernon immediately grabbed Harry, lifting him into his arms for protection. Harry could feel those large arms wrap around him as the large man hurried out of the Reptile House. However, he didn't make it far.
The python that Uncle Vernon had pointed out slithered in front of the two of them, its tongue flicking forward. Like a bear protecting its cub, Vernon held Harry close but Harry could understand what the snake was hissing in a whisper. §§Thank you for my freedom.§§
Both Harry and Uncle Vernon stopped and remained frozen. Uncle Vernon eyed the snake warily, worried about how it might hurt them. It was enormous, almost ten feet long, and deathly still. Everything was quiet and the snake seemed to be waiting for a response from Harry. Without thinking, Harry looked at it and instinctively hissed. §§You're welcome.§§
Vernon startled at the weird hissing that came out of his nephew, his eyes widening in shock Harry was quick to notice the confusion. "Can you understand it, boy? It is reacting to you." After Harry gave a nod, Vernon was quiet for a moment.
§§Where ssshould I go? Many nasssty humans wanting to catch me.§§ Harry looked a bit sad at the comment before he looked up at Vernon. "Uncle Vernon, it's frightened because there's no place to hide nearby. Can it come with us until it gets away from the keepers?"
The other snakes were slithering across the floor, while a few frantic zoo employees rushed in, trying to capture the loose reptiles and secure them in cages. In the chaos, they paid no attention to the three of them.
Vernon hesitated for just a moment, then closed his eyes, hoping he wouldn't regret this, and whispered back with some mirth in his eyes. "Right then. Tell it to get into my jacket and make sure no one sees it. No one will notice a few dozen extra pounds of padding on me."
Harry quickly gave his response and relayed the message. The huge snake slithered forward, diving into Vernon's jacket, and reorganizing itself carefully around the large man. Vernon shifted slightly to accommodate the weight, hoping no one would notice the unusual bulge.
Continuing to carry Harry, Vernon carefully headed out of the Reptile house. As he walked out, he heard a voice that caused both him and Harry to stiffen.
"Sir! Sir!" Turning, Vernon peered over his shoulder. "Does your son need medical attention?" The employee asked, holding a medical kit in his hand.
Vernon's tension slid away, shaking his head. "No, the boy is feeling a bit ill, and this all happened at an inopportune time."
The zookeeper looked at Vernon for a second, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in the scene. A bead of sweat slid down Harry's forehead. For a moment, he was certain they were going to be discovered. The keeper opened his mouth, and Harry braced himself for the worst.
But then, the zookeeper simply smiled and said,"Alright, then. We're still investigating the cause of this event. Please stay clear of the Reptile House until we catch all of the escaped snakes."
Vernon nodded, and swiftly moved away, noticing a crowd was forming, being held back by a couple of security soon as they left the crowd, Vernon ducked into the parking lot. "Alright, lad, tell your snake friend that the coast is clear."
Harry nodded, and whispered to the snake, which slowly slithered out of Uncle Vernon's jacket. §§Thank you, ssspeaker. I ssshould be able to essscape from here.§§
Harry responded back quickly. §§There's several parks near here that you could hide if you want! Just head that way and be careful of cars.§§ The snake dipped its head in a gesture of gratitude before slithering away.
Vernon,left speechless, shook his head in disbelief. "What did you say to it, lad?"
Harry was curious at his uncle's confusion. "Just where the closest park was. I was speaking English, though? Couldn't you understand me?"
Vernon shook his head with a frown. "Not at all. You spoke in hisses. I couldn't understand a word of it, boy. Don't worry, though. It might be one of your abilities as a wizard." He patted Harry's head. "Now let's get back inside before your aunt and cousin notice we're gone, hm?"
Harry grinned and nodded, hurrying back inside with Uncle Vernon.
The rest of the trip to the zoo was rather uneventful compared to the chaos that took place at the Reptile House.
When the small family returned home, Harry was quickly ordered off to his crawlspace by Aunt Petunia while Dudley hurried inside to eat a cake Uncle Vernon had gotten him.
Harry wasn't too worried; Uncle Vernon always made sure he got a slice in secret at the end of the day. He hurried into his crawlspace before he could be told to do any extra chores, closing the door behind him. However, he quickly found out that he wasn't alone.
He jumped nearly ten feet when a pair of green eyes opened and stared at him. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness, he began to make out the massive coils of the enormous python he had just rescued, shifting and stirring in the shadows.
§§W-what? W-why are you here?§§ Harry's stammered hiss came out quickly. If Aunt Petunia saw them, he'd get in so much trouble!
§§Sssspeaker givesssss sssafety. Followed ssspeaker's ssscent.§§ The serpent hissed. Harry was surprised but he reached out to gently touch the snake's head which bumped his hand, pressing itself into his palm.
When a second without the snake making any sudden movements, Harry moved to sit with it and the large python coiled around his small body.
§§I-I don't think you can stay here.§§ Harry told it with a sad tone.
However, the snake seemed unperturbed and it remained coiled around his body. §§Ssspeaker needsss not worry. Ssspeaker needsss only give ssspot for ressst.§§
Harry was nervous, but nonetheless, he gently stroked the massive snake. What should he do? What COULD he do? The snake had literally followed him home.
His mind immediately shifted to panic. If Aunt Petunia saw it, she would definitely call the police. Did they even have police for animals? Harry wasn't quite sure, but they probably did. He would be imprisoned for having an endangered snake in his home, stolen from the zoo!
While Harry's mind was awash with panic over the dangers, the serpent coiled around him to rest. The sudden sounds of Uncle Vernon's large steps approaching the crawlspace door suddenly shook Harry from his internal panic. The small door opened and then quickly closed after a plate of birthday cake was placed inside.
Harry moved to get the cake, even offering some to the snake. However, it didn't seem to be interested in the sugary confection.
As Harry ate, his mind carefully went over the possibilities. He couldn't just throw the snake out to be cold and alone. He may not have the best "room", but at least it was warm in winter and cool in summer.
Making a decision, he took a deep breath. §§You can stay, but you need to know that I turn into a fox and go out at night, okay? So don't eat me.§§ Harry explained between bites of birthday cake.
The serpent gazed up at him in understanding. §§Ssspeaker's ssscent is powerful. Will not accidentally hunt.§§ The serpent's tongue flicked to accentuate his point as they gently extracted himself from Harry and moved to coil on one side of the crawlspace.
Harry finished eating, carefully putting the plate next to the small door then took out the book on magic once again. Despite completing the book once, he had decided to read it a second time and was happy to finally get some quiet time after days of endless chores.
As day turned to night, a cool breeze slipped under the crawlspace, sending a shiver through the small, dim space. Harry stretched and let his magic roll around him. Slowly, he felt his body shift to his fox form.
Flexing his paws, Harry cautiously made his way out of the crawlspace through a vent. The cool night air greeted him as he emerged, his keen fox senses heightening in the darkness. Just as he was about to dart off, he paused, startled to see the serpent following him.
§§Sspeaker hunt? Will help sssspeaker.§§ The serpent hissed. The snake was remarkably fast as the two moved out under the moon together, the moonlight shining off the scales of the python.
Harry didn't know if he could speak to the serpent like this and so he wondered how he could communicate with it then in his current form. When he opened his mouth to give a barking yip to acknowledge them, Harry felt the hissing coming out of his muzzle without his tongue moving with it. §§I mostly wander and explore.§§
Both Harry and the serpent seemed surprised, a strange look on the wild snake's face that Harry had never seen before. §§Sssspeaker can sssspeak when sssssmall prey-thing? Sssspeaker is full of wondersssss. Will follow.§§
Harry and the snake left the yard of Number Four, heading down the street. He played with the snake's tail as they moved together. The snake seemed to enjoy the game, flicking its tail just out of reach, only for Harry to pounce on it moments later.
The two soon found themselves near a house at the end of the street. Harry had been left a few times with the occupant; a crazy old lady named Miss Figg. He saw the cats moving around, prowling for food, or lounged lazily in the shadows..
Normally, he'd play with them a bit. They seemed to enjoy being around him, especially the larger, fluffier ones that actually felt like they had a bit of magic within them. However, today was different.
The cats seemed to all be on the roof of the house and looking out towards the street as if they knew something was going to happen. A few of them looked down at Harry before giving a warning mewl.
Giving a curious yip as a response, one of the cats replied with a more urgent yowl . Just in time, he dove into a bush and a sudden rush of magic flowed from the end of the street. It shifted and focused itself into a single point before there was a light snapping sound. Harry watched in surprise as a figure materialized before him.
Their face was masked by a deathly, pale white mask. Their body was covered in a pitch black robe that hung loosely over their gaunt body. They had a strange stick in their hand, and Harry could smell the magic simply oozing from it. He could almost taste the power of the magic coming from it.
Harry, somehow instinctively, knew something was wrong. The snake quickly moved into the bush with him, protectively coiling around him as the figure started to move.
The strange man seemed to have some sort of objective, yet was moving from house to house and flicking the small stick a few times. As he got close to Miss Figg's home, Harry pushed deeper into the bushes. Hiss breath hitched as he saw the stick flick and felt an eerie sensation of that person's magic around the house. It wasn't like Harry's magic at all, but instead like it was somehow lacking something; like how water put through a filter a few times started to taste wrong.
Obviously not finding what he wanted once the spell ended, the man continued down the street. Harry let out a slight exhale from his vulpine muzzle when the man moved out of sight. He hadn't been seen. He saw the man continue to move from house to house, but then stopped in front of Number 4.
The strange figure looked over the building, and then Harry felt a concentration of magic around the man, building higher and higher. There was a sudden shudder as the man's stick shot the magic forward, then Harry saw a red bubble appear over iNumber Four that seemed to devour the magic.
The dome of crimson magic shone for a second before turning a deep, blood red, which made Harry's ears fold back. The figure's magic may have felt powerful, but that dome... it was something far, far beyond that figure's own.
The dome's fierce, powerful magic reminded Harry of his own. After a second, it roared with an animalistic fury, a danger that the figure seemed to understand. He tried to flee, but the blood-red bubble was too fast, sending out a serpentine tendril of magic at him almost too fast for Harry to see.
The man didn't even have time to scream when the raw, feral magic struck him.
Harry saw a bright flash, and the man seemed to stagger back in an odd way. His movements were disjointed and unnatural, twitchy and alien. The way the man moved sent a shiver down Harry's spine before he noticed how one twitchy step caused the man's leg to detach suddenly and completely.
His body lurched and fell forward, his hands moving sluggishly to try to catch his fall. It was as if the man was moving in water, his gestures still jerky and strange.
The second he struck the pavement, the figure shattered and turned to dust; the body and its clothing scattered to the wind. The strange stick the man had hit the pavement beside him, rolling down the street and disappearing into a storm drain.
It took Harry a few moments to register what happened. His tail was fluffed up in fright and shock, his breath fast and haggard from what he had just seen. §§Sssspeaker's home hassss great magicsss.§§ The serpent finally hissed, unperturbed at the death of the man.
Harry whimpered a bit as the snake gently coiled around him. §§Sssspeaker needssss not worry. Sssspeaker's magic is ssstrong. Bad human will not harm sssspeaker. Sssspeaker is ssssafe. Will protect sssspeaker.§§
Harry collected himself thanks to the soothing words of the serpent, shuddering a bit. He had just seen a man die. What was that blood-red bubble around his home? Taking a small step, Harry decided he had enough for that night, and moved to head home with the snake.
For the next few days, Harry was unusually quiet, f his mind struggling to process the horrifying sight of seeing a person die. . It wasn't just the death itself that haunted him—there wasn't even a scorch mark left behind, as if the person had simply vanished without a trace.
He couldn't wrap his head around what had happened. Had something like this happened before? He vaguely recalled seeing flashes of red from the crawlspace once or twice before, back when he turned into a fox for the first time. At the time, he thought it was weird lightning. But now, the terrifying thought crept in—had that bubble killed someone else before? Had it killed multiple people?
Despite the gnawing questions, Harry found himself trying desperately to push it all out of his mind. He buried himself in a book, letting the words on the page draw him away from the grim reality, offering a brief escape from the disturbing thoughts that threatened to overwhelm him.
-Author's Notes-
And so we get to the question never truly answered in canon. Were there really Blood Wards on Harry's home? Well, seems the answer is yes, doesn't it?
Thank you all so much for all of the reviews and follows. It's really incredible, and I hope my story is interesting enough to keep you here for the long haul! This was a pretty big chapter, so the Thursday update is tentative. If it happens, it happens, but without a beta reader I am rereading things three or four times through to try to make sure it feels right.
Once more, if anyone is interested in beta reading the story, I have the entire first book completed. Even simple proofreading helps, as more eyes means less mistakes for when I publish to Fanfiction and AO3. If you're interested, pop me a PM on Fanfiction or AO3!
And, of course, Harry Potter is owned by JK Rowling. This is just a retelling of the story she has made.