Chapter 5
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or Five Nights at Freddy's
Morning came softly to the Pizzaplex on April 8th, 1988. Beyond the tall glass doors, the sky was still tinted gray-blue with the first hints of dawn. Inside, the halls were quiet, the arcade games silent and dim, and the animatronics recharging in their designated areas. Vanessa sat in the security office, sipping lukewarm coffee, her eyelids heavy. It had been a long week—though a joyful one—and the familiar hum of monitors provided a steady backdrop to her drowsy thoughts.
Harry slept soundly near her. He was curled up in the bunny costume he adored, its oversized paws and ears framing his small, slumbering figure like a cocoon of safety. After a week at the Pizzaplex, he looked healthier, happier. His cheeks had gained a bit of color, and he smiled in his sleep sometimes. Vanessa had never witnessed such an astonishing transformation. She remembered the frightened, malnourished boy from that night—the resignation in his eyes—and compared it to the bright, shy smiles he wore now.
She set her coffee down and smiled softly to herself. Harry was safe, well-fed, and loved here. The animatronics doted on him. He had become a fixture at the Pizzaplex, a tiny star who charmed everyone he met. Over the last week, no one had come looking for him. She had worried about that at first, but now, as more days passed, it became almost a certainty that the world he came from did not want him back. She struggled with that thought—how could anyone not want this sweet boy?—but accepted the truth. Harry belonged here now, with them.
Vanessa stretched her arms, about to stand and do a quick patrol, when her monitors flickered oddly. The lights in the office dimmed and brightened again. She frowned, leaning forward. The digital clock read 6:00 AM. Usually, the systems ran a self-check around this time, but this flicker felt different—like a ripple of static passing through the air.
Before she could investigate, the air near the office door shimmered. Vanessa stood abruptly, heart pounding. A figure materialized—not out of thin air exactly, but as if stepping through layers of glitchy code that overlapped reality. For a moment, she feared a break-in or something worse. Her hand hovered near the flashlight at her belt, knuckles white.
The figure took shape: a man, young-looking, perhaps in his late thirties, dressed in old-fashioned clothing—slacks, a shirt, no tie, slightly rumpled. His hair was dark, his eyes violet-tinged with weariness. He looked exhausted, shoulders slumped, breathing heavily. He wasn't wearing any mask or costume. Vanessa recognized him from the distortions she'd seen before—the echoes of Glitchtrap and William Afton. But this was different. He looked… human. More solid, less spectral, though still faintly edged with static. He looked almost normal, if a man appearing out of nowhere could ever be called normal.
Vanessa's heart jumped into her throat, and she gasped audibly. The noise seemed to jolt him. He looked up, blinking at her. She realized he might not mean harm, but her instincts were on alert. Last time she'd seen him, he was a ghostly glitch talking about Lily, Harry's grandmother, and complicated magical conspiracies. Now he stood before her, looking more vulnerable than ever.
"W-what—" Vanessa stammered, stepping back. The chair behind her squeaked loudly.
The man raised a hand, palm outward, a universal gesture of peace. "Easy," he said, voice rough with fatigue. "It's me—William Afton. I said I'd return."
Vanessa took a shaky breath. "You nearly scared me to death," she managed, running a hand through her hair. "What happened to you? You look… tired."
At her words, William let out a short, humorless laugh that ended in a sigh. He took a step forward, staggering slightly, and leaned against the edge of the desk. "I've been busy," he said, voice quieter now. "Spent the last week ensuring that Harry's presence here is secure. I had to travel, arrange things in America, dig through old databases, create new records. It took more effort than I expected. Even for me."
Vanessa's brow furrowed. "Wait—what did you do exactly?"
William closed his eyes, composing himself. "I visited my family's remnants in America," he said softly. "I told you about them—Michael, Elizabeth, Evan, Clara. They're… scattered. Animatronic spirits bound to old Fazbear attractions, forgotten storage rooms, half-buried in corporate records. I had to help them remember Lily. I tried to gather them, explain what happened, so we can stand together for Harry."
Vanessa nodded slowly. She recalled his previous explanation—he had mentioned going to America, seeking out his family. She hadn't quite believed it at the time, but now he looked too haggard not to be telling the truth. "And you also did something about Harry's legal status?" she asked carefully.
William nodded. "Yes. I told you before I'd handle it. Harry's now registered as your ward. I wove him into the Pizzaplex's databases. According to every digital record, he lives here under your guardianship. No questions asked. If someone searches for him, they'll find that he's well cared for and belongs right here. Paperwork, identity checks—everything's been taken care of. It's hidden deep in the system. Very hard to trace or dispute."
Vanessa's eyes widened. "So that's why no one's come looking for him. They think he's already home, accounted for." She let out a long breath. "I can't believe you managed that."
William shrugged wearily. "I have experience bending these systems to my will. And I had all week while you slept to do it. Digital records can be… persuaded, if you know how."
She examined him more closely. He looked younger than the glitchy bunny form she vaguely remembered, more human and real. But he was still something else—a digital ghost or spirit with deep knowledge and power. She noticed how his shoulders trembled slightly, as if exhausted by a marathon race. "Are you okay?" she found herself asking, concern coloring her voice.
He offered a tired half-smile. "Just drained. Traveling and weaving through old servers, old memories—it's not easy. I tried to maintain a stable form while doing it. I'm… not fully alive, as you know. It takes a toll."
Vanessa nodded, feeling a surprising well of empathy. This man—once a notorious murderer, if legends were true—now seemed broken, repentant, and desperate to protect Harry. The contradictions were dizzying.
Just then, a soft stirring sound came from the corner. Harry was waking up. He yawned softly, squirming in his makeshift bunny-bed, and blinked sleepily at the two adults in the room. He noticed William first, the unfamiliar presence. Harry's eyes fixed on him, wide and curious.
Vanessa watched Harry carefully, ready to explain or comfort him. She wondered how Harry would react to William. Would he be afraid?
But Harry surprised them both. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he peered at William and, without hesitation, whispered, "Grandpa?"
Vanessa's jaw dropped slightly. William stiffened, stunned. He looked at Harry as if he'd misheard. "Grandpa?" he echoed, voice barely audible.
Harry nodded shyly, still half-asleep. He tugged the bunny costume closer. "I… I don't know you… but you feel like I should call you grandpa," he said, blushing. He wasn't sure why he said it—he had never had a grandfather figure before. But something about William's presence felt safe, like an echo of family he'd never known.
William's eyes glistened with moisture. He knelt beside Harry, moving slowly so as not to startle him. Vanessa tensed for a second, but saw no threat—only reverence in William's posture.
"I… am your grandfather, yes," William managed, voice thick with emotion. "Your mother, Lily, was my daughter."
Harry's eyes widened. He remembered hearing something about a Lily from Vanessa, or maybe he'd overheard the animatronics mention the name after William's first visit. He wasn't fully sure, but Lily seemed important. He looked into William's eyes—violet and sad, yet warm—and felt immediate trust. "Mommy Lily," he repeated softly, testing the word. It felt strange, but not frightening.
William swallowed hard. "She's gone, Harry," he said gently. "Taken from us a long time ago. But you're here, and that means a piece of her is here too."
Harry nodded slowly, tears brimming in his eyes for a mother he never knew. Vanessa wanted to comfort him, but sensed this moment belonged to them.
A gentle silence settled until Harry sniffled and asked, "Grandpa, can you tell me about my family? Vanessa told me a little, and I've heard your name before, but I don't know much. I… I have a grandma Clara? And an aunt Elizabeth, uncles Michael and Evan?" His voice was tentative but hopeful, like a child reaching for stories that would anchor him.
William's face broke into a watery smile. He glanced at Vanessa, who gave him a slight nod of encouragement. "Yes, Harry," he said, voice softening. "I have a family to tell you about. Your grandmother Clara—she's elegant and graceful. She's become known as Ballora now, an animatronic dancer with a music box heart. Your aunt Elizabeth is… spirited. She's Circus Baby, trapped in a metallic shell but still curious and fierce underneath. Your uncles Michael and Evan…" He trailed off, trying to find gentle words.
Harry listened, enraptured. He reached out and took William's hand—a small, trusting gesture. William's heart tightened at the touch. Harry, innocent and kind, accepted him without hesitation, despite all his past sins.
"Michael is my eldest son," William continued, voice steady now. "He tries hard to do the right thing, though he's made mistakes. Evan… was the youngest. He was quiet, sensitive. Both are changed now, bound to old animatronics, just like Elizabeth and Clara. It's complicated, but they're still out there. I've spoken to them, tried to make them remember Lily. They're starting to remember. We are working on bringing everyone back together."
Harry's eyes shimmered with wonder. "So I have a whole family? Even if they're… um… half robots?"
William let out a soft laugh at that. "Yes, you do. It's a strange family, I admit. Not quite what normal families look like. But we are a family all the same. I promise you, Harry, we love you very much, even if we're scattered and changed."
Vanessa watched, touched by the exchange. Harry wore an expression she recognized—delighted disbelief. He was building an identity, a history, something he had never been given before.
Harry's face lit up with curiosity. "Grandpa, can you tell me stories about them? What they were like before?" He wiggled excitedly, still hugging his bunny costume to his chest. "Did Aunt Elizabeth like to sing? Did Uncle Evan play games with Uncle Michael? What was grandma Clara like before she danced as Ballora?"
William smiled. This was what he had wanted—to tell the stories, to keep his family alive in memory. "Yes, Harry. Elizabeth loved sweets and had a stubborn streak. She would sneak treats from the kitchen when she thought no one was looking. Evan was shy, afraid of a lot of things, but he had a big heart. Michael… oh, Michael gave me so much trouble as a teenager. He once stole my car and my credit card to go joyriding with his friends!"
At that last story, Harry's eyes grew round. "He stole your car?" he echoed, equal parts scandalized and intrigued.
William nodded, chuckling. "Yes, he did. My own car! Imagine the nerve. He was just a teenager then, thought he knew everything. Teenagers are like that sometimes—think the world is theirs, full of rebellion and mischief."
Vanessa raised an eyebrow, amused at how passionate William became about this memory. It was a mundane family anecdote, yet he told it as if it was the greatest scandal of all time. She could almost see him as a normal father, ranting about unruly kids. It was oddly endearing.
Harry giggled softly. "Uncle Michael must have been brave to do that. You must have been so mad."
"I was furious," William confirmed, shaking his head in mock exasperation. "Grounded him for months, or tried to. He just kept sneaking out. Teenagers!" He sighed heavily, putting a dramatic hand to his forehead, and Harry laughed, delighted by this glimpse of normal family drama.
Vanessa bit her lip to keep from laughing out loud. The idea of William Afton, infamous in lore and legend, now complaining about teenage rebellion felt surreal. Yet here he was, fully engaged in telling a family story like any ordinary grandpa.
William leaned closer to Harry, voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Promise me, Harry, promise me you'll never become a teenager. Stay my adorable grandson forever, all right? Teenagers are trouble. Just look at Michael."
Harry burst into laughter, a sweet, tinkling sound that made Vanessa's heart ache with fondness. Harry tried to catch his breath and said, "But Grandpa, I can't help growing up. Everyone grows up."
William feigned despair. "But why must you? Think of all the mischief you might cause! I won't survive it, Harry. I barely survived Michael's antics, and that was before half our family got trapped in robots."
Harry grinned, wrapping his arms around William's neck as he gave him a hug. "I'll be good, Grandpa," he promised softly. "I won't steal your car or your money. I promise."
William melted at Harry's touch, tears gathering at the corners of his eyes. He patted Harry's back gently, overcome with emotion. He never imagined he'd have this moment—a grandson's arms around him, unconditional trust given freely. "You're perfect as you are," he managed, voice tight with feeling. "I'm so glad you're here."
Harry leaned back, studying William's face. "I'm glad too," he said quietly. "I didn't know I had a family. Now I do. It's like I found a piece of my heart I didn't know was missing."
Vanessa sniffed discreetly. This scene was too precious. If anyone had told her a week ago that she'd witness William Afton crying over a promise from his grandson not to become a rebellious teenager, she would've called them insane. Yet here they were, forging bonds that defied understanding.
Still holding Harry, William turned to Vanessa, gratitude shining in his eyes. "Thank you," he said simply. "For caring for him, for keeping him safe. Without you, I might never have found him. He might never have known he was loved."
Vanessa swallowed hard. She didn't know how to respond. She nodded, rubbing her arm awkwardly. "He's wonderful. We're all lucky to have him," she said finally.
Harry looked between them, feeling warm and safe. He settled in William's lap now, the bunny costume piled around him like a protective cloud. "Grandpa," he said, "tell me more stories. What about Grandma Clara before she was Ballora? Did she like to dance back then too?"
William chuckled softly. "Oh yes, Clara loved to dance. We used to have a small radio in the living room. She'd put on music and dance with me, spinning around while the children laughed. Lily and Elizabeth would try to copy her moves. Evan would hide behind the couch, too shy to join, and Michael would roll his eyes, pretending he was too grown-up for such nonsense." He grinned, lost in memory. "But sometimes, when he thought no one was looking, Michael would hum along, tapping his foot."
Harry listened, enchanted. He pictured a lively home full of laughter, dancing, and teasing—so different from what he had known. It gave him hope that even if the family was scattered now, their love persisted. "I wish I could have seen that," he whispered.
William nodded, stroking Harry's hair. "Me too," he said softly. "But we have time now. I might not be able to show you the past, but I can tell you about it. And who knows—maybe someday we can bring everyone closer together, in our own strange way."
Vanessa's curiosity piqued at the mention of bringing everyone together. She remembered how William spoke of wizarding enemies and memory spells. So much remained unresolved. But right now, she wouldn't break this spell of warmth and closeness. Harry deserved a moment of pure family love.
Harry's brow furrowed suddenly, recalling something. "Grandpa," he said quietly, "you said I was safe here because… you made me your ward. Does that mean I belong here?"
William's gaze flicked to Vanessa, then back to Harry. "Yes, Harry," he said. "Vanessa is your guardian now, officially. The Pizzaplex is your home address on all records. No one can claim you, no one can take you away without going through very complicated loops. And I doubt anyone will try."
Harry's eyes filled with gratitude. He reached for Vanessa's hand, squeezing it gently. "Thank you, Vanessa," he said. "I was so scared no one wanted me. Now I have a home."
Vanessa choked up. "Of course we want you, kiddo. Don't ever doubt that." She looked at William. "Thank you for making it official," she said, voice sincere. "I've been worrying someone might swoop in and drag him away. Now I can relax."
William inclined his head. "It's the least I could do." He paused, considering his next words. "There's more to handle, eventually," he said carefully. "We still must deal with the wizarding world that took Lily from us. But Harry should not worry about that now. He's safe, and we have time to plan."
Harry tilted his head. "Wizards?" he asked, puzzled.
Vanessa and William exchanged a glance. William sighed softly. "Another time, Harry. For now, let's just enjoy this morning. The world out there can wait."
Harry nodded, content to trust them. He had learned so much in just a few minutes—he had a family, a grandfather, a grandmother, uncles, and an aunt, all entangled in a complex fate. It was overwhelming, but also reassuring. He wasn't alone anymore.
The door hissed open, and Roxanne Wolf peeked in. She had come by to check on Harry, as usual. She froze at the sight of William, bristling slightly. "What's going on?" she asked, voice cautious.
Vanessa stood, holding up a placating hand. "Roxy, this is… Harry's grandfather," she explained. "He's not a threat. He's the one who helped us make sure Harry stays here."
Roxanne narrowed her eyes. She remembered glimpses of this presence before—Glitchtrap, the manipulator. But this man looked different: younger, sadder, and Harry was clinging to him with trust and affection. Harry smiled shyly at Roxanne, as if to say,It's okay, he's family.
Roxanne relaxed slightly, her tail flicking. "All right," she said gruffly. "Harry seems happy, so I won't bite your head off. But I'm watching you, mister." She pointed two fingers at her eyes, then at William.
William chuckled. "Understood," he said good-naturedly. "I'm not here to cause trouble. Just a grandfather visiting his grandson."
Roxanne snorted, amused. "Huh. Didn't think I'd live to see the day." She entered the room fully, nodding to Vanessa. "Early morning show coming up, you know. We'll have a small crowd for breakfast soon. Harry, you planning to come wave at them?"
Harry looked up at William for guidance, suddenly wanting to show off his family. But maybe that wasn't a good idea—grandpa might not be ready to meet strangers. He turned back to Roxanne. "Maybe after," he said softly. "We're talking about family right now."
Roxanne tilted her head, noting Harry's newfound confidence in expressing himself. "Take your time, kid," she said, voice softer now. "I'll be around."
She slipped out, leaving the trio together again. Vanessa reclaimed her chair, sipping her long-cold coffee, grimacing at the taste. She considered offering William something, but realized he probably didn't need normal sustenance. Still, hospitality felt natural. "Can I get you anything?" she asked softly.
William shook his head. "I don't require food or drink. I'm… a spirit, in a sense. But your kindness is appreciated."
Harry blinked. "You're a spirit, Grandpa? Like a ghost?"
William hesitated, considering how best to explain. "Something like that," he said. "I was once alive, but I died and became trapped in digital code and animatronic suits. I'm free now, sort of, but not fully alive as I once was. That's why I can appear and disappear, and why I can change records so easily. I live in the data streams, the networks that connect these places."
Harry nodded solemnly, as if that made perfect sense. He had already accepted animatronic relatives and memory spells, so why not a ghostly grandfather who resided in code? "Will that make it harder for you to stay?" he asked, concerned. "I don't want you to get tired."
William was touched by Harry's worry. "Don't fret, Harry. I might need to rest now and then, but I won't abandon you. If I vanish, it's just to gather strength or handle things quietly. I'll always come back."
That reassured Harry. He leaned back into William's chest, feeling the gentle hum of static that surrounded him. It was comforting in a strange way.
They fell into a companionable silence for a moment. Outside, the Pizzaplex awakened slowly. Staff would be arriving soon, lights turning on, music starting to play softly in the halls. Vanessa knew she should prepare for the day's routine, but she didn't want to break this fragile spell of family bonding.
After a while, Harry piped up again, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Grandpa, tell me more about Uncle Michael and the car. Did he get caught right away?"
William laughed, shaking his head in disbelief. This boy had zeroed in on that teenage rebellion story, of all things. "Yes, I caught him almost immediately," he admitted. "I woke up in the middle of the night, noticed my car and wallet missing, and put two and two together. I drove around the block in an old spare car and found him parked behind a convenience store, bragging to his friends. Oh, the look on his face when I tapped on the car window!" William chuckled, and Harry joined him, delighted by the image.
Vanessa listened, smiling. This was so… normal. Funny family stories, mischievous kids, parental frustration. She never imagined William Afton in such a light, but seeing him now, it was easier to believe he once was just a father navigating the trials of raising children. The horrors came later, twisted by forces she could barely comprehend. Maybe this was the part of him that Lily had preserved, the part that Harry awakened.
Harry took in every detail, laughing softly at the idea of Michael caught red-handed. "I won't steal your car," he promised again, grinning.
William feigned relief. "Good. I can't handle that again. Teenage rebellion gave me too many gray hairs." He paused, a hint of sadness ghosting across his face. "It's good to remember these stories," he said softly, almost to himself. "It's good to feel like a family again."
Harry hugged him tighter. "We are a family," he said firmly. "And Vanessa's part of it too, right?"
Both William and Vanessa blinked. Vanessa flushed slightly. She was used to Harry's affection by now, but being called family was something else. She swallowed. "If Harry wants me to be," she said gently. "I'll always be here for him."
William nodded, respecting Harry's words. "Of course, Harry. Vanessa saved you, cared for you. She's as much part of this family as any of us."
Harry beamed at Vanessa, who smiled, tears shining in her eyes again. She reached out and patted Harry's shoulder, feeling a surge of protectiveness. This was her child now, if not by blood, then by every other measure that counted.
Time slipped by as they exchanged stories and questions. Harry asked about Elizabeth's favorite sweets (chocolate caramels), Evan's favorite toy (a plush bear), Clara's favorite dance tune (a gentle waltz), and Michael's hobbies (he actually liked to fix things, tinkering with tools). William described these moments vividly, his eyes lighting up as he conjured memories from a distant past. The pain in them was still there—he'd lost them all in tragic ways—but now he had a reason to remember the good times, to share them with someone who would treasure them.
Eventually, Vanessa realized she needed to tend to her duties. The Pizzaplex wouldn't run itself, and the day's guests would arrive soon. She cleared her throat. "I should go check on things," she said. "Harry, would you like to come with me, or stay with your grandpa a bit longer?"
Harry hesitated, torn. He loved being with Vanessa, feeling safe and familiar, but his grandpa was new and fascinating. After a moment, he said, "Can… can I show Grandpa around later? Maybe he can see me wave at the children?"
William nodded, pleased by the idea. "I'd like that," he said. "But for now, I should rest a bit, stabilize my form. I'll stay here in the office for a while, if that's all right, Vanessa."
Vanessa agreed. "Of course. Just… no scary glitch effects, please," she teased lightly, trying to ease any lingering tension. "The staff would freak out."
William gave a tired smile. "I'll be discreet."
Harry stood, still clutching a corner of the bunny costume. He gave William a quick hug. "I'll see you soon, Grandpa," he said softly. "Don't disappear too long."
William ruffled Harry's hair. "I won't, my dear grandson. Go have fun."
With that, Vanessa took Harry's hand and led him out. Harry toddled along happily, imagining all the things he would tell Roxanne, Chica, Monty, and Freddy about his grandpa. He wanted them to know he had family too, that he wasn't alone. He also wanted to show Grandpa how he greeted the visitors, how children and parents cooed over him in the bunny suit. The idea excited him, making him bounce on his toes.
Back in the office, William leaned against the desk and exhaled slowly. He closed his eyes, letting the silence envelop him. The past week had been draining, but worth it. He had managed to secure Harry's future, reconnect with family memories, and gain acceptance in the child's eyes. Harry called him Grandpa—without hesitation, without fear. That was a gift beyond measure.
He would have to deal with the wizarding world eventually. He would have to help the rest of the Aftons recall Lily fully. He would have to ensure no one dared harm Harry. But for now, he could rest. For now, he could hold onto the laughter of his grandson, the trust in Vanessa's eyes, and the quiet hum of the Pizzaplex's machinery. This was a moment of peace.
Outside, he heard faint echoes of animatronic voices warming up for the day. He imagined Harry bounding around, shyly greeting guests, bringing joy with each giggle. He smiled, thinking of how Lily would have adored this boy, how proud she would be. He vowed silently that he would do better, be better, and protect Harry with all his might.
A ghostly tear slipped down his cheek, vanishing into static. He whispered softly to himself, "We're a family again," and the words felt like both a promise and a prayer.
AN:
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