Harry Potter - Series Fan Fiction ❯ Balancing Without A Net ❯ Chapter 5 ( Chapter 5 )

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. I do not make any money from the writing of this fanfiction.

 

My thanks to the reviewer that pointed out the misspelling of the WEASLEY's name. I knew that was bothering me for some reason >_<

 

Warnings: Abuse - physical, sexual, and emotional. Male/Male slash.

 

Chapter 5

 

The twins pounced on Harry the next morning, refusing to allow him to pick out his own clothes on the grounds that Harry had only just begun buying clothing for himself, and would not know how to choose an appropriate outfit for such an important occasion. Harry, from long experience, knew it would be useless to protest their fussing, and let them do as they wished.

 

He ended up wearing a deep, forest-green button-down silk shirt tailored to follow the lines of his shoulders and chest, and supple black leather pants, the pants tucked into black knee-high dragonhide boots. The shirt itself was untucked due to his tail. They'd draped a spiraling chain of gold at an angle across his hips, not really a belt as so much of an ornament. A tiny gold hoop pierced each of his ears now, standing out quite nicely against the black fur, courtesy of a quick numbing charm and a heated needle. Around his neck he wore a gold chain into which was set a small emerald, one of the few keepsakes that he had of his mother's, this one having actually been found in his father's vault. Fred and George had teased him about wearing a woman's necklace; he had promptly told them to stuff it. Over the outfit went a sleeveless black robe made of spidersilk so fine it was transparent that reached down to his ankles and was left open.

 

“'Now you are fit to be seen with the Founders,'” the twins said in satisfaction.

 

Harry studied his reflection in the mirror doubtfully. “Are you two sure about the earrings and this chain?” He fiddled with the bauble around his hips, not used to wearing such finery by a long shot.

 

Fred swatted his hand away. “Don't mess with that, it's draped the way it's supposed to be.”

 

“You look fine, little brother,” George reassured him. “The gold just adds a bit of Gryffindor to the outfit. You look awesome in Slytherin colors -“ He straightened Harry's collar, “ - but you're eating lunch with both of them, and Godric's house is technically yours -“

 

“ - even if you were supposed to go elsewhere,” Fred finished. Harry, after some debate, had told the twins about arguing with the sorting hat in his first year. It hadn't made a difference to them, much to his relief.

 

Harry drew in a deep breath, let it out. “Okay. I'm off.”

 

***

 

Godric fiddled nervously with his white collar, still not used to twenty-first century clothing.

 

“Stop fidgeting, Godric,” came Salazar's dark rumble of a voice. “He will be here soon enough.”

 

“How can you sit there so calmly?” Godric asked in frustration. “I met him yesterday, and I'm nervous.” Gryffindor resumed pacing the length of the table they were going to eat at in the Great Hall.

 

Rowena and Helga both giggled at him. “Wearing a groove in the floor will not help much,” Helga pointed out, her kind grey eyes touched with laughter.

 

“Be quiet,” Godric said crossly. “He's not your lifemate.”

 

Rowena snickered. “It will be very entertaining to see the two of you attempt to explain that to him.”

 

“The explanation will be difficult enough without your babble, Rowena,” Salazar growled. “I will thank you to keep quiet about the bond.”

 

Rowena pouted. “Aww, but I wanted to see his face when he learns that two of the famous Founders of Hogwarts want him in their bed.”

 

“He's quite famous in his own right,” Godric said irritably. “To judge from his reactions yesterday, he strongly dislikes that fame, so I doubt he'll be happy to be pulled into ours as well.” On that note, he began to fret again, worried about the impression he and Salazar would make.

 

Slytherin watched his lover build himself into a panic and sighed. The next time Godric's pacing took him past him, Salazar seized him, dragged him down to the bench beside him, and smothered his mouth with his own before Godric could get any air to protest.

 

This was the scene Harry walked in on. As he stared in shock, he dimly recalled reading in that article that the two Founders were bonded, but it was quite a difference to see it demonstrated live and in person.

 

Rowena and Helga both grinned at him, and Rowena put a finger to her lips with a wink. Harry raised an eyebrow at the woman and shook his head, his lips curving in a wry smile, and cleared his throat. Godric and Salazar hastily broke apart, their expressions almost comically dismayed.

 

Harry could feel his amused smile threatening to become a smirk. “Quite a greeting,” he commented, and accorded the two Founders a bow. “Lord Gryffindor. Lord Slytherin.” Rowena chuckled, and his eyes moved to her. “Lady Ravenclaw…?” Rowena inclined her head in acknowledgement, and Harry's bow to her was a touch deeper than his first. His eyes then moved to the last of the Founders. “Lady Hufflepuff.” His voice was softer with respect, and his bow to the friendly-looking brunet was the deepest one he'd made.

 

Helga smiled at him. “It is Helga, please, Master Potter. Won't you sit down?”

 

“Yes, please,” Godric said hastily. “Please, Harry, forgive the…err…display -“

 

Harry grinned outright at the two embarrassed males. “I've walked in on worse, Lord Gryffindor,” he drawled softly. “I do, after all, live with Fred and George Weasley.” Godric laughed, relaxing in relief.

 

“Who are Fred and George?” Rowena asked.

 

“Two of the most notorious pranksters to ever grace Hogwarts' halls,” Harry said matter-of-factly. “They own Weasley's Wizard Wheezes in Hogsmeade; it's a shop devoted to selling items for practical jokes and pranks.” He smirked at Rowena, who looked rather too interested for a famed, honored Founder of Hogwarts. “It's quite popular with the students here; they do a good business.” He took the seat indicated by Gryffindor, sitting next to Godric. Magic shimmered over the table, and food and drink appeared. Harry lifted his glass to his lips and tasted wine. With a small grimace, he tapped the edge of the cup with a fingertip, transmuting the wine into warm milk.

 

“Is that milk?” Helga asked, blinking.

 

Harry eyed the two women who looked overly bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, and resigned himself to more teasing. “As a nekoshin, I much prefer it to any sort of alcohol.”

 

“You did not use a wand,” Salazar observed.

 

Harry met the eyes of the Founder he had been the most nervous about meeting. “I seldom do anymore, for small magics,” he said quietly. “I do not find that I need my wand for much on a day-to-day basis.” His tone was even, without a trace of hesitance or pride. It was simply a statement of fact.

 

Rowena's black eyes gleamed in interest. “You must have a tremendous amount of core magic, if using it so constantly does not tire you.”

 

Harry silently thanked Hermione for drilling him in aspects of the origins of a wizard's magic, so that he actually knew what Rowena was talking about. “Using it constantly is what keeps it under control,” Harry said dryly. “Before I learned to focus it without a wand, it was exploding from me whenever my emotions ran high, because my wand couldn't handle the rush. I find it easier to simply use of a bit of extra concentration, rather than replacing all of the windows and china in the castle every time my magic shatters them.”

 

Rowena blinked. “Oh. Has anyone measured your full core before?”

 

“I've only called upon my full core once,” Harry said quietly. “Considering that was when I destroyed Voldemort, I should prefer not to do it again.” He took a long drink from his milk.

 

“Grindelwald and Voldemort have done much to ruin the reputation of my House,” Salazar rumbled. “What say you of my students, `Golden Boy of Gryffindor'?”

 

Harry's eyes glittered in annoyance. “First, I dislike that nickname. Second, Lord Lucius Abraxan Malfoy and his son Draconus are among the most famous members of your House. They acted as spies for my side during the war against Voldemort; they underwent more risks and outright dangers than most of fighters serving in the Ministry combine - and that includes the brave Gryffindors.” Harry set his glass down, feeling his magic pulse in his fingertips in response to his irritation. “Those who believe that the label of Slytherin equals evil are fools, and arrogant ones at that. I have spoken to many on this subject; the Ministry knows my feelings on the subject, though I am, for the most part, ignored.” Harry pushed his vegetables around his plate with his fork for a moment, then made a decision. “I…regret arguing with Tahym now.”

 

“The Sorting Hat?” Helga asked, surprised. Harry could feel all of the Founders staring at him, though he carefully avoided their eyes for the moment.

 

“When I received my first Hogwarts acceptance letter, I had grown up in a Muggle household, so I knew nothing of the magical world. My first friend in this world told me what I was to the magical folk - the “Boy Who Live.'” The trace of bitterness in Harry's voice was caught by all, but they did not interrupt. “He also told me that every witch and wizard that ever turned to evil in this country was from Slytherin. I made other friends, and I kept hearing slurs against Slytherin. Then I met Draconus Malfoy.” Harry's tone turned rueful. “Draco was the only heir of a wealthy pureblood family, and as such was…rather spoiled. He insulted the people I had befriended, and I didn't know enough about pureblood families to understand the behavior, so I took the obnoxious prat at face value. Draco was the last straw; when the Hat was placed on my head, the only thing I could think was `Any House but Slytherin.' As a result of my arguing, I was sent to Slytherin's opposite - Gryffindor House, when Slytherin was its first choice.” Harry played with the handle of his glass, uncomfortably with Salazar's intent look. “It is rather late for me to be re-Sorted, but that is why, Lord Slytherin, I am always the first of Gryffindor's House to defend your students.”

 

Phoenix song broke the silence that followed, and Harry looked up, a smile of warmth and welcome lighting his face. Godric and Salazar caught their breaths at how that particular smiled transformed Harry's face; it changed him from a rather nice-looking young man to a startlingly-beautiful one.

 

Rowena nudged Salazar as Harry greeted Fawkes, the phoenix settling on the nekoshin's shoulder. “You're drooling, `Zar,” she whispered impishly.

 

Slytherin scowled at her, hissed a quiet, “Shut up,” and hastily schooled his expression, poking Godric to prompt him into awareness.

 

“I was wondering where Fawkes went yesterday,” Helga said gently, giving the two men time to compose themselves. “He was with you, then?”

 

Harry nodded. “Fawkes is an old friend. He saved my life during my second year, when I got bitten by a basilisk. He cried over the wound.” Harry touched his arm, which still bore a scar from that day.

 

Godric and Salazar's eyes bugged. “You got bitten…” Godric said dazedly.

 

“...By a basilisk?” Salazar finished in shock. “All the histories we've read - in our era and yours - say that species is nearly extinct, and hasn't been seen in Britain since…” His brow furrowed as he tried to recall the modern term.

 

“B.C. times, you would say now,” Rowena supplied.

 

Harry snorted quietly, amused by Salazar finishing Godric's sentence with the ease of long habit. “So they think.” He eyed Salazar. “I do believe the body and several of the serpent's sheddings should still be in the Chamber of Secrets.”

 

“Chamber of What?” Salazar asked blankly.

 

In quiet, elegant Parseltongue, Harry hissed, “I believe it was once a part of your private rooms. The entrance I found can only be opened with Parseltongue, though I am curious as to why you placed it in a female bathroom.”

 

All four Founders started. Salazar was the first to recover. “What better place to hide it?” he hissed. “And what the HELL are you doing in Godric's House when you have this gift?”

 

“I have already offered an explanation for that, Lord Slytherin,” Harry said evenly in English.

 

Harry was saved from further questioning by a familiar voice. “Harry?”

 

Harry turned his head and looked toward a door that led off to some of the classrooms, and smiled. “Remus,” he greeted his old friend, rising carefully to avoid jolting the phoenix. Fawkes obligingly fluttered to the bench, his claws curling around the edge, and Harry walked forward to give his unofficial godfather a hug.

 

Remus set his hands on Harry's shoulders and pushed him back a bit, looking him over. Sharp wolf-amber eyes noted the glamour, and looked into emerald eyes.

 

“Later,” Harry mouthed to him, his back to the Founders. Remus' eyes narrowed, but he gave Harry the barest of nods.

 

“I've interrupted your meal. Forgive me,” Remus said to the Founders.

 

“No trouble, Professor Lupin,” Helga said easily. “You know Harry well, then?” she asked, curious about the hug.

 

“Harry's father and mother were two of my best friends,” Remus answered quietly, resting a protective hand on Harry's shoulder. Harry smiled into the werewolf's amber eyes. “Are you doing alright with Fred and George, Harry?” Remus asked softly.

 

Harry's smile turned wry. “Life isn't boring,” he said, drawing a chuckle from Remus. “I bought a couple of kneazle kittens and a crup puppy - I can bring them, right?” he asked, looking at the Founders. “I studied your revisions of the rules, and didn't notice any limitations on familiars or pets.”

 

“Yes, yes, that's quite alright,” Rowena said briskly. “Such a silly restriction that was - as if owls, cats, and toads were the only familiars there were. You'll be expected to keep control of any and all pets you choose to bring in addition to a familiar, of course.”

 

“Of course,” Harry murmured.

 

“Two kneazles and a crup?” Remus asked curiously. “They haven't killed each other yet?”

 

Harry laughed a little. “No, I lucked out there. All three of them are remarkably well-mannered around me and the twins.” He smirked suddenly. “Not so fond of rude strangers, though.”

 

Remus eyed that smirk. “You look very much like Lily when you smile like that - when she was plotting evil pranks to play on James.” Harry laughed merrily, and Salazar and Godric's eyes widened. They'd never heard such a beautiful sound. (Oh, they were gone on Harry.)

 

Remus was a highly observant man - with werewolf senses. What he scented from the two male Founders made his eyes widen, then narrow. Rowena saw the realization on his face, and mouthed hastily, “Not now!” while Harry's back was still turned away from her.

 

Remus turned his gaze back to Harry. “So how did you learn they weren't fond of strangers?”

 

Harry rolled his eyes. “Two words, Remus: Rita Skeeter.”

 

A hopeful look crossed Remus' face. “Did they give her rabies?”

 

Harry snickered. “No, but they did attack her fiercely enough that she refuses to enter WWW, so I've one safe have besides Hogwarts.”

 

“Remus, do sit down with us,” Helga invited, gesturing to the space beside her. Of all the teachers that the Founders had decided to keep and also amongst those they had hired, the gentle, highly-courteous werewolf was her favorite. “This…Rita Skeeter…has given you trouble?”

 

Remus bowed to her in thanks before taking the offered seat. “Skeeter is the author of several derogatory articles concerning my status as a werewolf, but Harry has far, far more reason to dislike her than I,” he replied wryly. He looked at his cub then. “What are the names of your new pets, Harry - so I can thank them properly when I meet them.”

 

Harry chuckled as he reseated himself, carefully ignoring a strange tingle that went down his spine when Godric smiled at him. “The cats are Selena and Lunaris. The puppy's name is Caius.” Fawkes let out a contemplative trill, and Harry's eyes widened in alarm. “Don't even think about it, Fawkes.” An innocent, questioning trill sounded. “I mean it, don't you dare complicate my life any more than it already is.” Another trill, this one holding worry. “I'm fine.”

Disbelieving trill. “I'm fine. I want peace, do you understand me? I want to be left alone.” This time the responding trill held a distinct note of mockery in it, and Harry glared. “Shut up.”

 

“Ah, Harry…?” Remus began.

 

“Fawkes did something when I was in the infirmary after the basilisk,” Harry said absently. “I can't understand what he's saying word for word, but I can catch most of what he means, and no, I don't wanna understand word-for-word!” he said snapped at Fawkes, who let out a mockingly-sad trill.

 

A low chuckle escaped Salazar as he observed the highly-uncomfortable looking nekoshin. “Master Fawkes is obviously quite fond of you…Harry. Surely a familiar bond would be a logical next step?”

 

“You don't get it,” Harry said impatiently. “Fawkes never does anything that big unless he has six or seven different reasons, five of which will be beyond my comprehension, and the other two are bound to complicate my life.” All four of the Founders - and Remus - were chuckling quietly. Harry gave the group a general scowl. “Laugh it up,” he muttered. “You four won't find my wish for bloody solitude funny when the Prophet gets ahold of you.”

 

Salazar sobered at that. “I understand you well.”

 

Harry studied the most infamous of the Founders. “Yes, I suppose you do,” he murmured. An ache pulsed in his temples, and he rubbed at them absently. “This is going to sound a bit forward, and perhaps silly, but if you want my help with the press, you can have it. I'm still the Prophet's darling right now,” a roll of his eyes, “so my support might help when or if you choose to issue a statement to them.”

 

“The offer is not silly,” Salazar said quietly, observing as Harry rubbed his temples again. “And I thank you for it.” Harry nodded to him and reached for his glass, noticed it was nearly empty, and tapped a fingertip to the rim to refill it.

 

“Warm milk, Harry?” Remus asked in amusement.

 

“Be quiet,” Harry sighed. “I've already had to listen to Fred and George's teasing. It's not my fault someone in the Potter family married a nekoshin.”

 

“I think your ears and tail are very cute,” Rowena put it merrily.

 

Harry wrinkled his nose at her. “'Cute' is not an adjective to which I aspire,” making Rowena and Helga giggle, and Godric and Salazar hide smiles.

 

“Godric told me of his conversation with you yesterday,” Salazar said. “The ears and the tail were the only visible changes - may I ask what changes are not visible?” The Potions Master was, after all, an endlessly-curious scientist.

 

“When I am upset, my nails change into claws, and my pupils become slitted like a cat's,” Harry said. “My reflexes are better than they ever were, and I got a significant power boost. Beyond that…” He shrugged, and looked at Remus, taking another sip of his milk.

 

“The only significant physical change you really need to worry about, Harry, is that fact that you are now capable of carrying a child to term the way a woman does,” Remus said matter-of-factly, making Harry choke on his milk.

 

Godric rapped Harry sharply on this back as the shocked Boy-Who-Lived coughed, and sputtered between gasps, “W-what - did you - just - say?!”