Runaway.html

Runaway Wizard 3

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Harry stopped in front of Clair’s to look in the window. It was a tidy place, the racks neat and the floor clean. He liked the look of it immediately.

The woman who came out of the back was large, a bit loud and obviously knew Frankie and Johnny. She greeted them in a friendly manner and, when they told her what they wanted, showed Harry to a rack of jeans and pants that should fit. Harry immediately began to browse through it.

He found a pair of leather pants and fingered them for a moment. He’d always wanted a pair, especially after he’d seen Blaise Zabini in some. He started to push them aside but Frankie had other ideas. “No, Harry. I saw the way you looked at them. Try them on.”

“Frankie, I can’t afford them. They’re too nice for me anyway.”

But Frankie just put the pants over his arm and took them to the fitting room. Harry continued to flip through the hangers. He finally picked out a pair of jeans and a pair of cargo pants that he thought would fit. Then he went to another carousel to find some shirts.

As he was hunting through shirts, some with slogans on them that made his face burn, he came across one that he just had to have. It had a picture on it and a name. He knew it was some sort of band just by the background. But the picture looked a bit like Dumbledore, standing on the edge of a cliff, wand out, arms spread, beard and hair flowing in the wind of a cyclone whirling around his head. The name under the picture said Silly Wizard. Harry just had to have it.

He picked out two more shirts and took his choices to the fitting room. It didn’t take him long to put on the cargo pants and the Silly Wizard t-shirt.

He came out to show Frankie and Johnny the fit. He liked them, they were nearly his size, while they were a bit loose still, if he put on the weight he should carry, they should fit him perfectly.

All three adults approved of the fit. Clare even went so far as to tell him he looked sexy. He just grinned at her. Him, Harry Potter, string bean, sexy. He had to laugh.

“Well, you are. Now go try on the rest of that stuff. Scoot.”

Harry scooted and came out again with the jeans and a different shirt on. He decided not to change shirts again. The drag of the material over his still unhealed lacerations aggravated them. He’d have to figure out some way of not changing shirts again.

It didn’t work out the way Harry wanted at all. Clare took one look at the shirt and told him to take it off. It was baggy at the neck and way too long. Harry gave Johnny a miserable look. He didn’t want to take his shirt off in front of Clare but before anyone could stop her she was pulling at the shirt. Harry couldn’t help a soft cry of pain as she jabbed a sore spot.

“E! What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing. I’m alright, I just ... I’m not much for being touched. Sorry.”

But Clare was as street smart as they come. “Don’t give me that crap. What’s wrong?”

Frankie sighed. “Give it up, Harry. She’s not going to back off until she finds out. Might as well show her and be done with it. Go on, Clare won’t judge.”

Harry looked from Clare to Frankie then Johnny, none of them showed any sign of letting him slide. So he pulled the shirt off over his head and turned his back. Clare just stared then she said very softly, “Ok, who do I get to kill.”

“No one, pet. His guardian did it. That’s what he’s doing living on the streets. Sucks, but there you are. He’s going to stay with us for a while.”

Harry started to ease into the fitting room again but he bumped his foot on something on the floor which made a noise. Clare pinned him with a look that she must have copied from Molly Weasley. “Just exactly where do you think you’re going, young man.”

“Um ... fitting room? There’s still another outfit to try on.”

Clare just went, “Humph! ... well, then, get on with it. And no sneaking.”

Harry decided keeping his mouth shut was a wise idea so he just went into the fitting room and tried on the leather pants. He ducked a green button up shirt in some silky material tossed into the fitting room. He put it on carefully so as not to aggravate his back anymore.

Johnny groaned. “Oh, man, I’m getting a really big stick.” Harry nearly cringed and gave Johnny an owl eyed look. “Don’t! I would never do you any harm. It’s for the women. I’ll be beating them off with a stick the minute they see you in that. You’re so hot, it ought to be illegal. You’re too skinny by half but good food and plenty of it will take care of that. Now, go back in there and put on the last pair of pants and that Silly Wizard shirt. Then come back out. We’ll get the bill and be on our way.”

Harry did as he was told and came out again and kicked the same object again. He bent down to see what it was.

It was a small backpack. Curious, he opened it. It contained a Gameboy and several games.

“Excuse me. Someone must have left this.”

Clare looked at it then sighed. “No, I wound up with it. Lady brought it and a bunch of clothes in the other day. I don’t do electronics but I took it as she wanted to get rid of everything at once. I don’t know what I’ll do with it. You want it?”

Harry gazed at the coveted device with longing. “I can’t afford it. Frankie and Johnny have been really good about clothes and stuff, but I don’t want to stick them for something this frivolous.”

Frankie turned from where he was looking at a shirt. “Do you really want it? It’s second hand and there’s no proof that it’ll even work.”

Harry sighed and ducked his head. “I can’t ask you to pay for that along with all those clothes. But ... well, yeah, I’d really like to have it.”

Clare grumped and handed it to harry. “You take it. Fifteen pounds is my best offer. And you can work it off coming in and helping me out. Nothing too complicated, just hanging clothing up and sweeping out. Deal?” she held out her hand.

Harry took it giving it a firm shake. “Deal. Pound an hour?”

“Good lord, boy. That’s not even minimum wage. I’ll pay you fifteen pounds to do the one job I what done and no argument.” Clare pumped his hand to seal the deal.

Harry took the small pack and his bag of clothing from Clare and smiled. “Thanks. I’ll be by tomorrow at ... four? That’ll give me time to do stuff before you close and go home. Ok?”

Clair nodded. “That’ll be fine.” she turned as the bell over the door jingled. Harry took a quick look to see who’d come in and realized that it was a group of tough looking boys. He tensed, ready for trouble but he needn’t have worried. Clare handled it easily. All it took was a quick, ‘If you’re not buyin’ you’re leavin’‘ The group grumbled a bit but left.

Harry waited until she came back to the group. “You shouldn’t do that. What if one of them decided to hit you?”

Clair snorted contemptuously. “I’d like to see them try. I’m a butch ol’ bitch and I’ve still got enough go to handle that kind of yob.”

Harry glanced at Johnny who was poking Frankie and snickering. Frankie smacked Johnny who gave them all a look that said, ‘What did I do?’ Harry just snickered.

Clare rounded on him with a mock glare. “Think that’s funny do ya, boy? I’ll get you.”

And suddenly Harry was under the table, arms wrapped around his head. “No! I’ll be good, I swear!”

Clare turned a stricken look on Frankie. “Oh, lord, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know he was that bad off. He seemed so calm.”

Johnny just crawled under the table with Harry, petting and cooing. Frankie shook his head, this was bad.

“We didn’t know he was that bad either. It’s ok. He’ll understand. He’s a very forgiving sort.”

It didn’t take long for Johnny to coax Harry out again. In fact, once Harry got himself under control he crawled out himself. Shamefaced, he admitted, “I don’t know what made me do that. I know no one here is going to hurt me. I’m sorry. Really. Can I just sit here for a sec?”

“Sure, Harry. I’m really sorry I said whatever it was. Do you think you could tell?”

Harry though about it for a second. “Uncle Vernon was always saying, ‘I’ll get you, boy.’ then he’d do something nasty to me. Like stuffing me in the cupboard and locking me in. Or beating me. Or ... can I change the subject? Please?”

So they did. Which led to the fact that there were no groceries in the flat. So Clair provided some paper and a pen for them to write out a list. Johnny started to write it but Frankie announced that he wasn’t going to try to read those chicken scratches, hot, never mind cold. And Johnny grinned at Frankie and said that no one could read Frankie’s scribbles hot or cold. So Harry got the job.

“Oh, Johnny, look how nice his writing is. Spenserian?”

Harry shook his head. “Copperplate. I was taught at school.”

Johnny gave Frankie a puzzled look. What kind of school taught that anymore?

Since Tesco’s was the opp osite direction to Clair’s, they dropped the clothing off at the flat before they headed for the store.

.

Harry pulled the trolley out of the rack and started down the first aisle he came to, Johnny stopped him telling him that he should go to the far aisle unless he felt like colliding with everyone he got near

“Take it easy. You don’t want to look like some juvenile delinquent do you?”

“No. Sorry. I’ll do better.”

Johnny sighed, “Harry, we’re not going to punish you for being a boy. Relax. Just do like you always do.”

Harry hung his head, examining his new shoes. “Um ... I’ve never been.” he looked up at his two new friends. “To Tesco’s, I mean. Aunt Petunia made out a menu, got the groceries and I cooked, cleaned up and ... um ...” Harry peeked up through his fringe.

Johnny just made a soft snarling noise while Frankie turned his head to look away. Harry stared at his feet like there was some very important information there. They all jumped at the harsh cough from the rather impatient looking woman who’s way they were blocking. Harry dragged the trolley to the side of the aisle to let her past then followed her.

He waited for Frankie to catch up with him, Johnny had taken off for some errand of his own.

“What shall we buy first? There’s some nice aubergine.” Harry made a face, he didn’t like eggplant much, he hated cleaning up the grease. “Or, how about this?” Frankie held up a squash.

“I like squash. And here’s some greens. You like greens?”

Frankie shrugged. “If they’re fixed right. Without all that fat back and stuff.”

So Frankie and Harry went through the store, picking out the next couple of days food. Harry made a mental menu as they went.

When they went down the snacks aisle, Harry had to sigh a bit. He’d always wanted to come with Aunt Petunia, hoping that, once she was away from Uncle Vernon, she might let him have something nice for himself. Of course, he realized that she wouldn’t, but he couldn’t help dreaming and hoping, just a bit.

“Harry, what is it? Are you hurting?”

Harry shook his head. “Just ... never mind. It’s too expensive.” but he couldn’t help the longing glance he gave the chocolate.

“Harry, just ask, if it’s too expensive I’ll let you know. Ok?”

Harry reached out and picked up a candy bar. It wasn’t particularly expensive, just a Cadbury Milk Chocolate bar. Nothing special, just that he’d never had one and always wanted it. Chocolate Frogs were great but this was a heart’s desire. He jumped as Frankie reached over his shoulder and picked up several different candy bars and tossed them into the trolley, remarking, “We all like chocolate. You can have as much as you like, just don’t make yourself sick. Now, veal or lamb.” and just like that, Harry had his chocolate.

Harry stood for a second then followed Frankie to the meat counter. He kept sneaking peeks into the trolley, as if the candy would disappear if he took his eyes off it for too long.

They met up with Johnny, finished their shopping and headed home. They’d bought enough stuff that, at first, Harry despaired of ever getting it home. He’d started to load himself up with bags but Johnny had taken two for himself, the heaviest two. Frankie had taken all the fragile stuff, the eggs and tomatoes and jarred olives. That only left Harry with three bags, bread, crisps, the chocolate bars and some stuff he didn’t recognize. He just blinked for a moment.

“Harry, you’re still not really well. You shouldn’t be carrying a bunch of stuff. Come on, lets get home.”

Harry realized that he did feel really tired. He was glad to walk between Frankie and Johnny.

“Guys, you know, I don’t know your last names.” Harry waited for a few steps while the two had a good laugh at themselves.

“I’m Frankie, Franklin James.”

“And I’m Jonathan Tomas.”

“Harry James Potter.” Harry didn’t feel any concern about giving his real name. These kind men were Muggles and had never heard of him.

“Ok, now that that’s over, are we nearly home yet? I’m getting tired.”

.

They clattered into the apartment, hands full of parcels and bags. Harry was laughing at something Johnny had said and Frankie was declaring them the silliest gits he’d ever heard of.

Johnny told Harry to go put his clothes away while they made lunch.

Harry went into his room and started putting his things away. He wondered if he should wash them first then decided to inspect everything and wash anything that was suspicious. He wound up with about half a load. He dumped it in the hamper in his bathroom and went to see what Frankie was burning.

It turned out to be grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup. Harry was thrilled, he loved both.

Harry wasn’t sure exactly what he’d said that started it off.

“Harry, I thought you were good with our life style.”

Harry looked up at Johnny, he wasn’t sure what had put that look on his face. He shifted his wand in his pocket to get more comfortable.

“I am. Why?”

Frankie took Harry’s bowl to get him more soup, saying over his shoulder. “Well, why did you call us Muggles then?”

Harry blushed, he’d messed up badly and wondered how to rescue the situation. His wand poked him in the thigh and he shifted it again.

“Harry, please stop playing with that stick and talk.”

Harry bowed his head and thought furiously. He couldn’t tell them anything, or could he? He bit at his lips while he decided on a mix of lie and truth that would serve.

“I’m sorry if I offended you. But I don’t think ... well, this is really hard. I’ve been taught all my life that the secrets of my people aren’t to be shared with anyone. But you’re not just anyone. You’ve taken me in and taken care of me, when no one else would. So ... see, my people are different. And Muggle is just a word to describe ... er ... not us. See?”

“Ok, I think I do. And about that stick, it’s a bit in the way, isn’t it?”

Harry sighed. “Well, yes. But it’s a sign of ... um ... coming of age, sort of. Oh, shit! Nothing really translates. I’m sorry, I know I’m not explaining this very well.”

Frankie set the soup in front of Harry, who picked up his spoon and started eating it, giving himself time to think.

“Harry. Talk with your mouth full.”

Harry laughed. “Ok. The thing, see, Muggle just means ‘not us’ but mudblood is bad. If someone calls you a mudblood it’s a real insult. And the wand. It’s a wand not a stick, by the way. My people believe that, if you hold it just right, say the right words in the right way, and make the proper motions. Magic will happen.”

Frankie gave Johnny a despairing look. “And you believe this?”

Harry nodded. “Sure, it’s possible. Maybe not probable, but possible. You just have to do everything exactly right. But it’s very difficult. Hard to master.”

Johnny nearly sagged with relief. “I see. Could you maybe put it away? It attracts the kind of attention that I don’t think you want.”

Harry started slightly. “You’re right. I should put it up. I’ll do that in a moment. Ok?”

“Sure, Harry. I’m sorry we took things the wrong way, but maybe it’s for the best. And ... this is hard for me. You sure you can’t go back? Not to the uncle, but don’t you have any other family?”

Harry shook his head. “No. I actually go to boarding school most of the year. But they send me back to Uncle Vernon even thought I told them he wasn’t nice to me. All my family is dead. The other reason I ran away. Um ... see. Man, this is really hard.” Harry lifted his fringe. “This scar is the result of an assassination attempt when I was just a baby. The guy who tried to kill me died, we thought. But he wasn’t really dead. And he’s causing all sorts of trouble for my people. They’re very superstitious and there’s a prophecy that I’m the only one who can stop him. It’s all really complicated. More so because of my Uncle. He hates me and anything to do with my people. I’m not really explaining this very well. If my people find out that I’ve told you anything I’ll be punished severely and they’ll do anything they can think of to keep you from telling. I think I shouldn’t tell you any more. I’m sorry ... if you want, I’ll go. I really don’t want to bring you trouble.”

Frankie wrapped his arms around Johnny’s shoulders and rubbed his chin on the top of his head. Harry thought they looked really cute.

“I see. Well, if that’s the way things are, you shouldn’t tell us anymore. But you’re welcome to stay. We’ll do what we can for you.”

Harry pushed the bowl away with a sigh. “Thanks. You don’t seem to be too up set about it?” Harry made the sentence a question.

Johnny tapped his fingers on the table as he thought. “Well, we decided to help you, so we will. And ... what is, is.”

Harry nodded thoughtfully at that, then said, “And I’ll pay my way. I’m not a charity case. I won’t leach on you. I can work. I’ll go to Clare’s tomorrow and clean for her, then I’ll come back here and clean the apartment. If you can think of anything that I can do, I’ll be glad for the work.”

“Harry, when you’re healed, we’ll talk about work. And I don’t want you exhausting yourself. Take it easy.”

Harry couldn’t help grinning at them. “That’s the first time in my entire life that someone actually told me that. Don’t worry. I’m not going to ruin all your hard work by not taking proper care of myself. All Clare wants me to do is sweep out and clean up the storage room. I’ll sweep then I’ll take my time with the storage room. It’ll probably take me all week. Then I’ll be paid up. And cleaning this apartment? Not a problem. Really. You said something about me working at your club? What would you need me to do?”

Frankie eased out of the room. He hated talking business so he usually left all that sort of thing to Johnny. In this case, Harry seemed so innocent, he just didn’t have the heart. Never mind that they’d met when Harry had offered him a blow job.

Johnny settled in to explain things to Harry. “Ok. You know we work at a club. We own it actually. And ... um ...”

Harry blinked for a moment. “Ok, so you own the club. That’s great. Are you strippers? That’s interesting. And can Frankie teach me that thing he does with the black stuff?”

Johnny sighed, he had to remember that while Harry was only 16, he’d been on the streets for who knew how long. They also had no idea what kind of information his people would have given him.

“We own the club and there are strippers there. But it’s actually a BDSM club. We believe in safe, sane and consensual, and do not allow anal sex. Penetration with objects is allowed. We have all sorts of positions available. Frankie is all for having you work there. I’m not so sure.”

Harry managed to keep his jaw from dropping, how, he wasn’t sure. He’d had some sex education in elementary school, mostly bad touching talks. But Hogwarts was a different matter all together. The Wizarding world was much different from the Muggle world, they didn’t care who you fell in love with or had sex with. It more or less depended on who you were and what your family expected. Most wizards were bi. Harry wasn’t sure of his own orientation.

“So, if I decide to work at the club, what job would I do?” Harry had to admit to himself that he was a bit nervous about this.

“Bar tender. You’d have to wear the club uniform, but you’d be behind the bar. And there’s a strict no touching policy with the bar tenders, waiters and furniture.”

Harry gave Johnny a blank stare. “Furniture? Excuse me?”

Johnny grinned at Harry. “That’s one of the jobs. Some of the tables and foot stools are people. It pays really well. And, of course, the highest paying job is as a sub.”

Harry thought about it for a moment. “I’d really like a lot more information before I make up my mind. Are there any books I could read?”

Johnny sighed. “Not really. Most of what is in writing is fiction. Bodice rippers for queers. Not the sort of thing that contains any real information. I’ve got a few pamphlets from the SSC group but they’re very sketchy. I think the best thing for you to do is to come to the club and look around. There’s several jobs that don’t involve a lot of client contact and I’d like you to do one of those for a while. Just to have a chance to look around without being too intrusive. Maybe be the door man for a night or two, before you tend bar.”

Harry expressed some doubts about his ability to control a door. But Johnny shook his head. “No, don’t worry about it. All you have to do is ask them if they’re sceneing or drinking. If you’re drinking you’re not playing and visa-versa. Then you put a bracelet on them. They clip on and you can’t get them off without cutting. When they leave, you cut it off for them. And no one comes back in after they’ve left. If you can’t remember faces, we’ve got a stamp. What do you think?”

Harry thought for a bit then said that he thought it was a good idea, he also asked if it would be ok for him to come to the club during the afternoon just to look around. Johnny said that was a good idea too. He could stop by after he was done at Clair’s. Frankie wandered back in, glanced at Harry and smiled softly.

“I believe I heard you say something about wanting to learn to use ... that ‘black stuff’ I think you said. Would you really?”

Harry realized that Frankie really wanted to show him so he smiled happily, jumped up and announced, “I really do. I think it looks so good. Maybe it will make me ... well, not handsome, but nice looking?”

Frankie put an arm around Harry, leading him to the bathroom. “Honey, you’re gorgeous, you have the most beautiful eyes. When they’re not all red. You cry at night?”

Harry shook his head. “Not really. I miss my friends, but I knew I wouldn’t get to see them during the summer anyway. No, I think I need new glasses. I haven’t had new in a couple of years. The school thinks the Dursleys should do it and they think the school should. When I get paid ... well, I was thinking of contact lenses. What do you think?”

Frankie poked Harry until he sat on the closed toilet. “I think that’s a very good idea. If you like, I’ll make an appointment with my optometrist. You’ll need new glasses too. Just in case. Now. I don’t think black will look good on you. Your skin is so pale that you’ll look like a Goth. Not a good look for you. Dark forest green or blue navy blue would be better.” Frankie muttered to himself as he searched the nether regions of a drawer for what he wanted. “A-ha! Here we are. Now, I’m not going to put it on for you. You’ll have to do it for yourself. I’ll wipe mine off and do it again. That way you can see how it’s done. Ok?”

Harry agreed that it sounded like the way to go. Frankie took out his own dark kohl pencil and showed Harry how he outlined just the outside two-thirds of his eye, smudging it carefully to eliminate hard lines. It made his eyes look dark, mysterious and very glamorous. Harry tried and managed to get more in his eye than on it. Frankie laughed and gave him a make-up remover towelette.

“Here, wipe that off an try again. It takes some practice. I’ll leave you to it. Just keep putting it on and wiping it off until you get a look you like. Then come out and show us. Ok? ... oh, and I want to look at your back and put on some salve tonight.”

Harry just grinned at Frankie and remarked, without heat, “You just want to go out and talk about me.” Frankie looked like he was going to apologize or something but Harry just flapped a hand and told him, “Go on, go on. I don’t mind. It’s not like you’re going to slag me or anything.”

.

Frankie settled at the table with a mug of tea. “Ok, what do you think?”

Johnny’s sour expression said exactly what he thought. “That boy has more trouble on his plate than we’re set up to handle. And imagine, people so superstitious that they think magic actually exists. Damn.”

“Well, Harry did say it was possible, but not probable. That boy’s head is screwed on straight. I think he’s just giving most of that stuff lip service. I think taking him into the life is going to be good for him. We just have to make sure that he isn’t frightened. Easy steps. First, door; then bartender. After that? Maybe a table. What do you think?”

Johnny nodded. “Sounds good to me. Just whatever we do we have to make sure that Harry really wants to do it. He needs some self-confidence in the worst way. Did Master Liu say he’d take him on? He did say the boy needs training.”

“I don’t know. I’ve got a class tomorrow, I’ll ask him then. I think you’re right, though. A bit of martial arts would do that kid a world of good. Even if he never practices anything but Tai Chi. Maybe some yoga. And I need to check his back. Wouldn’t do to have it reinfect.”

“Ok, good. I’ll be sure to tell everyone at the club to be on their best behavior.”

They settled in to finish their tea and wait for Harry.

.

“Guys? I think I’ve got it. It looks half way decent, I hope.”

Harry grinned at them. “What do you think?”

Frankie laughed softly. Harry had managed quite nicely and he looked innocently sexy. He’d undressed before he came to the kitchen so he was standing in the doorway in a kimono, loosely belted low on his hips. The eye liner that he’d used was the deep forest green and he’d gotten it to look great. It made his skin look nearly translucent and his eyes were huge and sultry.

“Oh, honey, I’m buying myself a cricket bat. You’re drool worthy.” He made a ‘turn around’ motion with one finger. Harry obliged by pirouetting carefully. “Nice. Very nice. But you’re too thin by half. We’ll have to feed you up more. Come sit straddle of this chair so I can look at you. We don’t want you to get another infection.”

Harry obeyed without protest. He’d found a small tin of healing salve on his bed side table. He knew who to thank for that.

“Dobby got some of ... well, my people are really good at making healing salves and teas. Dobby brought me some. I’d really like it if you’d put it on for me. It might not be any better than commercial, but he went to a lot of trouble to get it and bring it here. Ok?”

“Sure. Let me take a look here. Hmmm.” Frankie touched Harry’s back here and there. “Bit better looking. Not as healed in the middle as I’d like. But ... all in all. Looks surprisingly good.”

Johnny interrupted, “Harry, I don’t remember Dobby coming to the door?”

Harry managed to squirm in embarrassment and sit still at the same time. “He didn’t. I didn’t see him come in either. He sneaks around a lot. He’s ... shy. I’ll tell him again that he’s welcome and no one will stare at him. If he won’t remember, I’ll tell him he can’t come around at all. He’ll remember. Sorry.”

“Don’t be. He’s not your slave to control. He’s a person in his own right. Just tell him that no matter what he looks like. He’s free to come and go, he just has to use the door. Ok?”

“Ok. I’ll talk to him. If he shows up anytime soon.”

.

Harry was pleased when Johnny stuck his head in his bedroom door not half an hour later. “Guess who knocked on the front door just now.”

Harry looked up from his book to see Dobby peeking around Johnny’s legs.

“Dobby! Hi. Come in. Sit down.” Dobby eased around Johnny and hopped up onto the desk chair. “Thanks, Johnny. Would it be ok if you shut the door?”

Johnny just grinned and pulled the door shut as he left.

Harry turned to Dobby. “Dobby, thanks for the salve. But, you gotta use the front door. Frankie and Johnny have taken me in and given me a good place to stay. We have to respect their rules. I’m sorry if I sound like I’m jumping on you, I don’t mean to.”

Dobby just pushed the hood of his sweat shirt back and shook his head. “Dobby will apologize to them. Dobby knew he was breaking rules, but no one was home and Harry Potter needed the salve. Dobby got some healing draughts too. And Stomach Calming Brew. And a Headache potion. Professor Snape sir is missing them, but Dobby managed anyway. Professor Snape is keeping count of everything. It is very difficult. Dobby is not going to be able to get anything else. Professor Snape is finding out that draughts are missing and putting locks on the cupboards that not even Dobby is getting open.”

Harry accepted the rack of vials that Dobby pulled from who knew where. “Thanks.” he examined the vials and realized that one was fairly large and he didn’t recognize the contents. “What’s this?”

“Headache potion. It is very strong. Only two drops in water will be fixing Harry Potter Sir right up. And here is list. Book is mostly silly. Dobby is laughing very much. But he is putting down a list of what he uses from the book. There is much magic that house elves is using that wizards is not. It is not for wizards to use.”

Harry looked at the book Dobby had taken with him. It was as clean as if it had never been opened but Dobby had made a list of the best spells, including page numbers and hints. Harry sighed. He wished he could practice some of them, but the Ministry would catch him the second he used any magic.

“Thanks, Dobby. I just wish I could practice some of them.”

Dobby looked puzzled. “Why is Harry Potter Sir not practicing any?”

“Under age magic. The Ministry will catch me in a second. Remember?”

Dobby’s ears rose then fluttered like a butterfly’s wings. “Oh, no, Harry Potter Sir. The Ministry will not.” Harry started to say something, but Dobby shook his head, making his ears flap. “No, the Ministry only keeps young magicians from doing big magic. Little magic is not tracked.”

“Um ... Dobby, what do you mean by big magic and little. I don’t understand. You explained once before, the other day, but I still don’t quite get it. I’m really scared to do much of anything, I really don’t want to get caught.”

Dobby made a disgusted face, it looked very odd on his big eyed narrow lipped visage. “Dobby made list in head. Big magics is like Protego, and Rectumsempra and such. Little magics is hexes and curses used in pranks and Wingardum Leveosa and Scorgify. What wizard is wanting the Aurors on his door step every time he sets his little ones to do chores? This is silly. Harry Potter Sir is not told half what he should be. Dobby is making another list on parchment. Dobby will list all spells that the nasty Ministry tracks. Will Master Harry Potter sir like this?”

Harry rubbed his face wearily. “Yes, Harry Potter Sir is liking that very much.”

“And Dobby is going now. Harry Potter Sir is tired and talking like a house elf. This is not a good thing.”

Dobby hopped off the chair, shook his finger at Harry and announced, “Harry Potter is practicing his magic. Small hexes and curses. Charms for cleaning and spells for house keeping, like folding laundry is not tracked. Dobby will make a list. Harry Potter sleep now. Take a healing draught first, and put on salve.”

“Frankie put some on for me already. Thank you for it, in case I forgot. And, I know you said you couldn’t get me any, but I could really use some Dreamless Sleep. Don’t get yourself into trouble, though.”

“Dobby can be getting Dreamless Sleep from the infirmary. Madam Pomfrey is not keeping track. But Harry Potter Sir is not to take much, not good. Is ... Dobby does not remember the word.”

Harry nodded. “Addicting. You can get to need it just to get to sleep at all. I don’t use it unless Voldemort starts in on me. Thanks for the warning.” He patted back a yawn. “I really should go to sleep soon. I’m still not up to par and need more sleep than I’d have thought. And thanks for the info on magic. I can work on control and power with almost any spell. Good night.”

Dobby hurried over to turn down the covers for Harry. He started to say that Dobby didn’t need to do that but the smile on the house elf’s face shut him up. “Thanks.” Harry crawled between the sheets and had to smile as Dobby gave him his first tuck in ever. Dobby pulled the sheet up to Harry's chin and patted it straight. He pulled his hood up and left shutting the door softly.

He met both Frankie and Johnny in the lounge. “Dobby, can we speak to you for a moment?”

Dobby went over to stand in front of the pair on the couch. “Yes?”

“Please don’t feel like we don’t want you here, we do. But you can’t just sneak in and out. We have few rules here but they’re firm. No unannounced guests is a big one. Come in through the front door, just like you did today. Ok?”

Dobby nodded. “Yes. Dobby would not have come in at all but Harry P ... Harry is needing the salve and no one was home. Sorry, sir. It will not be happening again.”

“I see. Well, because you did it so Harry could have medicine, we’ll let it slide. Feel free to visit anytime Harry isn’t working.”

“Working, sir?”

Johnny nodded. “He’s going to work in our club. Will that be some kind of problem?”

Dobby shook his head. It looked really odd as he hadn’t lowered his hood. “No. Harry Potter is liking to work. He is not liking charity. Dobby must go. He is expected. Good night.”

Dobby hurried out, hoping that the Muggles hadn’t noticed too much.

Frankie watched him leave then shook his head.

“Well, he’s a funny little guy. Seems really shy.”

“But he’s Harry’s friend. I’ll just peek in on Harry. He’s had a busy day for someone who’s still recovering. I’d like to get my hands on his uncle.”

“I’ll leave some for you. Let’s make an early night of it too.”

“Ok.”

.

Severus Snape was not in a good mood., in fact, he was in a terrible one. He’d been searching for Harry Potter all holiday and he was still searching. Dumbledore had put the start of the second term back by two weeks, hoping they could find Harry. He was tired of alternately tramping the streets and answering to both the Dark Lord and Dumbldore. Both men kept at him to find that repellent brat. He did so want to find him too. He wasn’t worried about him, much. The boy always landed on his feet. Severus hoped so at least.

But right now, his feet ached and he was half frozen. He hated being cold. Contrary to popular belief his quarters in the dungeon were warm. He kept his office cool to protect the precious books there.

Now all he wanted was his easy chair, a glass of brandy and his feet near the fire. He had lost all feeling in them hours ago. It didn’t help that he still needed a cane to walk and the nerve damage was still severe enough that, when he got tired, his left hand palsied. Tugging a small vial of Nerve repairing potion out of his pocket he drank it and continued on his way.

It never occurred to him to look in the alleys and back lots. It never even crossed his mind that the Golden Boy of Gryffindor might be one of the dirty, ragged runaways huddling in the door ways and sleeping in boxes.

Dumbledore met him in the Great Hall. “I assume you haven’t found him. Have you looked every where?”

Snape just shrugged out of his winter over robe and handed it to the waiting house elf. “Yes, I’ve looked everywhere I could think of. Albus, I’m tired, frozen and foot sore. The least you could do is ask me up to your office to sit down with some tea.”

Headmaster Dumbledore managed to look ashamed. “I’m sorry. Please do come up. It’s just that I’m so very worried about him.”

“I imagine he’s fallen into a honey pot, as usual.”

Dumbledore gave Snape a stern look. “Don’t be so bitter. It doesn’t suit you. I’ll get you some tea, then you can floo down to your quarters and get some rest. I know you’re still not well, but we must find Harry. We don’t need the rumors that his disappearance will generate to grow. It’ll throw the Wizarding world into a panic.”

“I’m well aware of that. That’s the only reason I’m tramping the streets of Muggle London in this sort of weather.” He finished his cup of tea in a gulp. “Well, I’m for my quarters and some rest. I’ll put my mind to trying to figure out where that repellent brat has hidden himself.”

“Severus!”

Snape turned from the fireplace, one eyebrow raised. “Albus.” Dumbledore knew that soft purring voice, it meant that Snape was at the very edge of his patience. That was one thing about the man, he hardly ever raised his voice, but the softer, more velvety it was, the nearer he was to the end of his very limited patience.

“Never mind, my boy. Go, get some rest.”

Snape refrained from further comment. He just dropped the spoonful of floo powder into the fire, said, ‘my quarters’ and disappeared in a flash of green fire.

.

Draco Malfoy was also in a temper but he wasn’t so polite about it.

“Where the bloody hell is that wanker? When I get my hands on him I’m going to ... I’ll ... damn.”

Lucius Malfoy settled back in his chair and sucked absently on the head of his cane. Draco knew then that he was really worried. He never indulged in that particular habit unless he was nearly out of his mind.

“Father. What are we going to do?”

“Set Crabbe and Goyle to walking the streets looking for him.”

“Ok. Fine. And ... I think I’ll pay a little visit to ... hmmmm. Who do I know that’s Muggle?”

“No one important I’m sure.” Lucius was trying very hard to curb his habitual disdain for Muggles but it was very hard.

“No, no one important.” Draco agreed. “But anyone might have an idea where Harry might be hiding. He’s in Muggle London, I’m sure.”

“I see. Find the red light districts. He’s probably attached himself to a group of beggars or something of that sort.”

Draco blinked for a moment then had an idea that made him shudder. “Father, you don’t think ...?”

“With his over weaning pride? I doubt it. He’s on the fringes. We’ll find him. Even if I have to tramp the streets myself.”

Draco sighed, looked out the window at the falling snow and wondered. “I’ll send Vince and Greg out to look for him. I think I’ll go visit ... what was that boy’s name. He’s a fourth year. Oh, Charles Abbot. He might have an idea and he’s just scared enough of me that he won’t tell.”

“Pray be discrete.”

“Of course.”

.

Harry woke the next day feeling even better than the day before. He wandered into the kitchen to find that no one was home except him. Frankie had left a note that said one of the ‘boys’ was ill and they’d gone to see him. He went on to write that Harry should help himself to whatever he wanted for breakfast. Then he should go to Clair’s.

Harry made himself oatmeal with butter and cream, bacon, eggs, toast and tea and orange juice. He managed to keep from gobbling only because no one else was around.

After he was done with breakfast, he dressed and took up his wand. Dobby had delivered the promised list and Harry now knew what spells he should be able to get away with. So far, there’d been no sign that the Ministry knew what he was doing.

He spent the next two hours practicing his magical control. He cleaned every room within an inch of its life, learning cleaning and tidying spells and practicing his control and aim. It felt so good to just be able to do magic without worrying about the Ministry. They interfered with him at every turn, or else it was Dumbledore or Snape. Harry was heartily disgusted with the lot of them. “I’m not just a wand to be used then tossed in a corner.’

When he was finished cleaning he went down the street to Clair’s. It was cold out but his coat was warm and he had put on two pairs of socks. His boots protected his feet from the damp and cold of the street. He walked at a good pace but managed to look in windows and admire the goods within.

He got to Clair’s just at opening time. Clare gave him a wave and headed into the back. Harry followed her.

“Hello, Harry. I thought you weren't coming until four. Have you had breakfast?”

“Yes, ma’am. Frankie and Johnny had to visit one of the guys who's sick. So I ate and came on over. What needs doing?”

Clair pulled back the curtains that separated the back room from the shop proper. “Tidy this mess. Fold all the clothing in piles. Hang up stuff. Get rid of all the cardboard. There’s a skip in the back for recycling it. And just ... fix it. And sweep the damn floor. I swear, I don’t know how it got into this shape. Don’t wear yourself out. If you get tired or cold come in and I’ll make tea. I better get back into the front. There’s them as comes in right on the dot. I don’t know why.” Clair went into the front grumbling.

Harry examined the mess then shrugged. He’d have to climb over stuff to get to the back door.

He decided that the best way to go was to fold up what was laying around to clear some floor space. He picked a pile and started sorting. Some of the stuff was so dirty it needed washing before anything else could be done. He selected a box and tossed the dirty stuff into it.

It didn’t take him long to have one pile folded. He started in on the next one, Clair stuck her head between the curtains and asked him how he was doing. He explained what he was doing and Clair nodded. “Good idea. What are you going to do with the folded stuff?”

“I thought I’d just go ahead and put it on the shelves. Unless there’s a reason not to?”

“None that I can think of. But if you bring it out and put it on the table in the back, I’ll set it out. I’m not doing anything else.”

“Ok.” Harry started carrying the piles out to the long table right by the curtained door.

He worked steadily all morning and managed to get all the piles of clothing sorted, folded and shelved or disposed of. The box of washing was full and overflowing.

“I’m just going to dump this into the card board skip. I’ll be back in a moment.”

Harry slid out the back door with an armful of flattened boxes. He dumped them into the skip and turned to go back to the store. He nearly ran in to a boy about his age.

“Excuse me.”

“No excuse for you. What you doing?”

Harry just sighed. The idiot was starting out just like Dudley used to. Only, this time, Harry wasn’t going to take a beating without fighting back. Ron, Fred and George had seen to it that Harry had a working knowledge of fighting. Uncle Vernon had two advantages that Harry couldn’t counter. He was huge and Harry had to sleep sometime. Vernon usually got him from behind when he was doing chores or eating, when he was allowed to eat.

“Look, I don’t want any trouble. Just let me by.”

But his tormentor had other ideas. Harry ducked the first punch and landed one in his opponents gut. He went down but that left Harry open to attack by the other two boys. He was lucky that Clair opened the back door to call him for tea. Her scream sent the three running. Her swearing followed them to the end of the alley way. Harry thought they were lucky she wasn’t a witch, parts they were fond of would have fallen off.

“Harry, are you alright? What was going on?”

Harry slipped in the back door and shut it firmly, locking it tight. “I’m fine. Just got a clip on the shoulder. I’m not sure what they were up to. I guess I just look like a good target.”

“Well, I’m telling Frankie and Johnny. This can’t start again.”

“What can’t start?” Harry had a good idea but he wanted to make sure he knew for sure.

“That bunch seems to pick a victim and then give them absolutely no peace. The last boy had to be sent to boarding school to get him away from them. He’s actually living with his aunt now.”

Harry nodded. “I see. Well. I’m not as much a victim as I look. I’ll tell the guys myself, tonight. But you call them too, that way ... well, I’ve been accused of lying once too often. Is the tea done.”

Clare started to say something then changed her mind and simply led the way into the shop’s small office. Harry took a mug, added sugar and sighed softly. “Nice. Thank you.”

“Welcome. You want to talk about it? The lying thing?”

Harry shook his head. “No. Done and over. I’m just a little skittish still. And I don’t want Frankie or Johnny to think I’m exaggerating to get attention.”

“Harry? No, never mind, I really think I don’t want to know. Finish your tea then head home.”

Harry was surprised to find that he was grateful for Clare’s reluctance to pry. He finished his tea and told Clare that he’d be back tomorrow to work on the back room some more.

.

When Harry got home he met Johnny in the kitchen. He’d already started lunch.

“Sit down, Harry. I just got off the phone with Clare. I’d like to hear your side of the story.”

Harry just told Johnny everything that had happened. Johnny sighed. “And you? Are you really alright?”

“Yeah. Some of my mates at school taught me a bit of self-defense. I punched one of them and was getting ready to try to get away when Clare yelled.”

“You weren’t going to try to take them all on?”

Harry snorted disdainfully. “Do I look mental? No, all I wanted to do was get away. Fighting against odds like that doesn’t make sense.”

Johnny gave Harry a look of mingled respect and amazement. “Well, never thought a guy your age would be so wise. Good on you. Um ... you’re about out of your tea. You still think you need it?”

Harry admitted that he craved it. Johnny told him to go to Mr Liu’s apothecary to get some more.

“Stay on the main drag all the way. Those boys won’t do anything in broad daylight as long as you stay out of the alleys. Tell Mr. Liu to put it on my bill. And, I know, you’ll pay me back. Don’t worry about it for now. Go.”

So Harry went. He stayed on the main street and kept away from the alley mouths. It didn’t take him long to get to the shop. When he got there, he realized that he’d been set up.

Mr. Liu greeted him with a small smile.

“More tea? Are you sure you need it?”

Harry nodded. “I still crave it. That means my body needs it.”

Mr. Liu nodded. “I’ll have to make some. It’s not something I keep on hand.” He started opening small drawers and extracting bits of interesting things. Harry watched in fascination. Mr Liu casually remarked, “I heard that you had some trouble today. Self-defense was taught to you by some friends?”

Harry snorted, subtle as a hammer. “Yes, I had trouble. I handled it as well as I could expect. Why?”

“Frankie suggested that I could take you on as a student. I teach martial arts. Would you be interested?”

Harry thought about that for a moment as his fingers nearly itched to touch some of the ingredients for his tea. “That would be brilliant! Thank you. Um ... what’s that?” Harry pointed to a small, crushed looking bit.

“You don’t want to know. It’s good for you.”

“Wouldn’t think you’d put something bad for me in it. Please? I’d really like to know. I promise I won’t get grossed out.”

“It’s a caterpillar. It has enzymes in it that are good for your system. It’s depleted from malnutrition.”

Harry eyed the bit doubtfully. “Caterpillar? Doesn’t look much like one. It’s way too short. And sort of shriveled. Is it dried? Or ...” Harry reached out and picked up a bit. He smelled it then put it back down. “Smoked?”

Mr. Liu gave him a look of mingled respect and puzzlement. “It’s both. And broken into segments. Most people would have a fit if they recognized what it is.”

Harry contemplated that idea while he watched Mr. Liu work on his tea. “I really don’t care. If it’ll help me get well, I’ll take it. But I can see why you wouldn’t tell most people what’s in their tea. Can I help you? I ... I’m interested. Please?”

So Mr. Liu set Harry to work, crushing some dried ginger root. Harry handled the brass mortar and pestle with a familiarity not found in many 16 year olds. At lest to Mr. Liu’s experience.

When he was done with that, actually asking if it was done right, Harry poked at the pile of herbs, barks and unrecognizable bits of stuff. “Is it done?”

“Yes, it’s done. Now. Have you thought about the lessons some more?”

“Yes. I still think it’s a brilliant idea. I’ll have to figure out some way to pay you. I don’t want Frankie or Johnny to pay for them. I owe them too much now.”

“Don’t worry about it. I need someone to clean the dojo.”

Harry nodded. “That’ll do. When should I start?”

“Tomorrow morning. I understand that you’re thinking of working at the club?”

“I might do. Don’t know yet. I’m still thinking about it.”

“It’s a good place to work. The pay is good and they take care of the boys so well. If I was younger ... and as beautiful as you, I’d do it in a second.”

Harry nodded. “I’m seriously thinking about it. Thanks for your advice.”

Harry took his tea and left, wondering how anyone could call him beautiful.

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