Digital Magic

Hikari always knew three things about her older brother to be true no matter the circumstance. One, Taichi was obsessed with soccer. Two, Taichi would do anything to protect his friends and family, even though the two had become  so intertwined that everyone was family to him. Three, Taichi had a weakness for eyes, but not just any eyes, colored eyes. Taichi had soft brown eyes that bordered almost on hazel sometimes, but they were still brown. Taichi would never admit it, but he had fallen for Yamato’s crystal blue eyes first. 

Except Yamato had Sora, even if Taichi would never admit to being jealous of her. He couldn’t stare at his crush without being branded as strange. 

So Taichi had left them go-both of them. Hikari knew he was in pain, even if he hid it behind wide smiles and extra practice. Taichi healed slowly and then it was as if the cracks had never appeared on his heart. 

Except Hikari knew. Hikari knew her brother was hurting, but he was their leader. Leaders couldn’t afford to be hurting. 

The English boy had arrived in their summer camp-he was small and scared and had the brightest green eyes any of them had ever seen. Hikari watched, for the first time, as Taichi blushed and stammered his way through an introduction in English. The boy smiled and laughed, introducing himself in near perfect Japanese. The moment would have been perfect except a harsh tone made the boy jump and turn back towards a trio of malformed people. It had been the largest male who had called for him. Taichi watched as the man dropped a worn out duffle bag at the boy’s feet, before leaving. 

The boy took a moment to rifle through the bag-a spare set of clothing far too big and a bag of crisps. They had been generous this time. 

‘’You have some extra clothes, right big brother?’’ Hikari whispered, watching as the boy threw out the old clothing in the bin. Taichi nodded, eyes blazing in determination. He was almost grateful he had convinced his parents to allow him to work at Yolei’s family’s store twice a week. The extra pocket money would do him good now. 

‘’HEY! Let’s go already! New kid, come on! Last one to the lake is a rotten egg!’’ Davis shouted, already racing off towards the dock, shucking his clothing along the way. His shirt unintentionally hitting Yolei in the face. 

‘’DAVIS!” 

—--------------------------------------------------------------

Taichi had never seen eyes so green in his life, but more than that, he’d never seen someone so utterly beautiful in all his life. Taichi swore he wouldn’t make a fool of himself, but he was also unsure of how to ask the boy. It wasn’t common in Japan to offer to buy someone clothes, but he knew the boy needed it. The campsite had a small store nearby, for people who had nothing to camp with-he was sure he could find some shirts and other necessities there. He knew he would and if worse came to worse, he would loan him some of his own clothes. 

Swallowing thickly, Taichi approached the boy-his heart pounding in his chest. 

‘’Harry? Can I ask you something?’’

‘’Sure, what is it, Taichi?’’

Taichi chuckled, ‘’Just Tai is fine, but uhh, would you- that is, I-I-like to offer you some new clothes! Camp is a week long and I wanted to make sure you had everything you needed!” Tai finished off his speech with a bow, mainly to hide his flushing face. 

Harry’s eyes widened, understanding the situation as strange and feeling honored by such an act. No one had ever been nice to him. The Dursleys had made sure of that. 

“Thank you,” 

If Harry’s voice wavered, neither boy mentioned it. 

—————————————————————

It should’ve been no surprise that Harry had gotten dragged into the digital world with them. Tai was so sure it was because he’d been too close to him or maybe it was because he’d been wearing his soccer jersey and the Digital World has gotten them confused. He wanted to explain to his friend, wanted to show him and tell him at a later time, but he hadn’t had the chance. 

Agumon had shown up with a digiegg, saying that he’d been keeping it guard for Harry. Tai looked shocked- he didn’t think there was anything he didn’t know. But Agumon had spoken the truth, as soon as the egg was in Harry’s possession, it had hatched, a little red Punimon staring up at him. 

A digivice floated down moments later; it was exactly like Tai’s and the other original Digidestined. It wasn’t a D3, like he thought it might be. 

Harry, like Willis, was supposed to be a part of their group, from the start?

“What do I do now?” 

“Don’t worry, we’ve got your back,” Hikari said, smiling softly at the boy. 

Harry smiled back and nodded. 

—————————————————————

Harry’s Punimon ended up digivolving into an Elecmon- a very fun joyful prank loving digimon who turned out to be the perfect partner for Harry. 

Agumon was grateful to have his friend back. 

—————————————————————

When they’d returned to the human world, Harry was ecstatic that his partner had been able to come, even if he’d been reduced to a Tsunomon now. 

They still had a few hours before Yamato’s father came to pick them back up, so the large group quickly set up a makeshift camp for themselves. Harry helped where he could, but ultimately stayed seated on a stump, Tsunomon in his lap. 

Ken found him moments later. He knew that despite their exciting adventure in the digital world, Harry had been somewhat reserved towards them. Except for Taichi, Harry had stayed close to their leader the entire time. As such, Greymon and Leomon had made appearances, saving each other and the team on multiple occasions. 

“You should go talk to him, Ken,” Wormmon suggested softly, “he reminds me of you”

“How so?”

“He’s been hurt, Ken. Who else but you would be best to talk to?”

“You’re right, Wormmon,” Ken smiled, before adding a softer, “Thank you.” 

—————————————————————

Harry knew the Dursley’s were waiting for him, impatiently but withheld- Vernon did not want to make a scene when his new boss of the international branch was right there. Harry had some time to at least make sure that his new friends would stay just that-his friends.

He wouldn’t let the Dursley’s take this away from him. 

He already said his goodbyes to Davis and the others, promising to keep in touch. (Yolei had given him a hand held computer of his own to communicate with) He had almost cried, treasuring the gift more than any of them had ever known. He would put it away safely. 

Izzy had promised to send help; somehow he’d known. Izzy had known and he and Joe would make sure that Harry would be okay. Joe had hidden a fully stocked first aid kit in Harry’s duffel bag, along with some pain medications. 

Yamato had said nothing, instead giving Harry a slip of paper. He’d explained that his grandfather worked with the French Embassy and could offer help if he needed it. Harry didn’t have the words to even say thank you. He tucked the paper away in his pocket. 

Tai approached him, hand extended and led him away from the group. “Harry, I want to stay in touch with you, okay?” 

“Yes, I’d love to! We can exchange letters!” 

Tai pulled out his address book, letting Harry write his information in it; while Tai did the same on a scrap of parchment. 

“Care of Tom at the Leaky Claudron? Scotland? I thought you-“

“I go to a boarding school in Scotland. Tom is a good friend of mine and will hold my mail until I pick it up,” 

Tai nodded, biting his lip for a moment, “hey, I want you to keep my jersey, okay? To remember me and the team and ya know?” 

Harry’s smile was well worth it,Tai thought. 

Of course seeing Kamiya splayed on Harry’s back was a wonderful heart warming sight too. 

—————————————————————

Vernon glared at Harry as he entered the car. He was pleased to see that Dudley had been left back at the hotel, forced to entertain the boss’ daughter. Petunia had been against it but had wisely kept shut, understanding that they needed the money. She would buy Dudley a souvenir later on. 

Harry ignored the glares of both his aunt and uncle, instead he unzipped his duffel, letting Tsunomon get some much needed air. 

“Don’t worry Harry, we’ll see them soon!” 

“Yea! You’re right, Tsunomon!”

With that thought in mind, the young child snuggled further into the seat, clutching his partner tightly as his eyes slid shut. 

—————————————————————

Harry was sure that nearly anything bad that happened to him happened either in Potions, Defense Against the Dark Arts, or at the end of the school year. He could almost bet on it at this point; it had been a rather repetitive pattern for the past four years.  

He stifled a yawn, hoping not to catch Snape’s ire. Double potions on a Monday should be illegal, especially when the first part was all lecture. He could hear the distinct rapid scribbling of Hermoine’s quill and the dull drag of Ron’s own on his left. Glancing down at his parchment, he had managed to write some notes down, and to his amusement, he’d written it in Japanese. 

Snape would have a field day. 

He’d gone on Saturday to the Leaky Cauldron to pick up his letters. Tom had been wonderful these past few years, never grumbling about having to pick up the letters at the muggle post office and holding them until either Harry or Hedwig had been able to pick them up. Tom had teased him about his little foreign crush, once he’d seen Harry’s eyes light up. Harry had stammered and blushed, explaining that the letters were a group of friends he’d met over the summer, nearly two years ago. 

Tom had said nothing, smiling softly and inviting the young teenager to the back room for a spot of tea.

Two years later, it had become a habit for them. Tom handed over his letters, and Harry followed with some baked goods for tea. Harry would read the letter silently and then aloud to Tom, sharing the secret world he’d hidden from everyone else. 

Tom smiled, enjoying the letters and enjoying the simple quiet moments he was able to give the young teen. 

Harry had told Tom about the Digital World, his friends and the adventurous week he’d had. Tom, who didn’t understand a lot of it, was glad that Harry had gotten away from the Dursley’s and the wizarding world. He knew that these other children were good to Harry and in turn, Tom was happy that he’d meet them. 

It had taken time for Harry to discuss what had happened-and still, happened (according to Tsunomon)- at the Dursley household each summer. Tom had sworn he wouldn’t say anything, but had made Harry swear to come by whenever he could, for first aid and a home cooked meal. Tsunomon and Hedwig as always were welcomed and Tom had made Harry know he could leave them both in his care, without worry. 

Harry had been grateful for it. Tom hadn’t chided him like Madam Promfrey had; he simply inclined his head towards the back room and set to work on the bruises and cuts from the long summer days of “Harry Hunting”. 

Tom, by many, wasn’t considered very book smart but he was able to moderately blend in with the muggles easier than most. It had of course taken time for him to do so, but he wanted to make it as easy as possible for Harry to communicate with his Japanese friends, so Tom had set out to modify an unused portion of his basement for the teen and his partner. 

Tom had consulted the muggle mail carrier, explaining that his grandson was coming and his home had no electricity. The mail carrier had been more than helpful, and thankfully with a few modifications, Tom had been able to set up a simple computer. 

The machine itself was second hand, found in a secondhand shop, but still viable for the use he intended it for. The space he’d set aside for the machine had been a desk which had an inlay of hematite, preventing the computer from breaking down in the presence of magick and still being able to work. 

It would also save Harry from finding a computer when he needed to go to the Digital World. 

—————————————————————

“Potter!” 

Harry could’ve cursed his family luck, twice over. Snape’s hand slammed down on his parchment, sending his quill flying off of the table, as the man bent down to peer at Harry’s notes. 

Harry hoped he didn’t glance down and look at his notes, but to his surprise, Snape was looking right at Harry. 

‘’What are the uses of Blackthrone in a potion, Potter? Perhaps some of the lecture sunk into your-’’

A chime rung out and Harry paled-he knew that chime. 

Some one was in danger. 

—--------------------------------------------------------------

Tai was sure of one thing at the moment; the digimon had separated him and Agumon from the rest of the group on purpose. There was nothing he could do at the moment except run; Agumon keeping up as best he could. 

‘’Tai! We have to find cover!’’

‘’Yea or a computer!’’ 

The former leader said nothing, simply trying to keep his pace and hope to find a safe place to stay in. However, luck was not on his side today, when a mass of fire was aimed directly at him. 

‘’Tai!’’

‘’Agumon!’’ 

Despite the flames, there was an insistent beeping ringing around them as the heat of the flames engulfed them. Tai could only hope they’d survive. 

Please, someone anyone save us

—------------------------------------------------------------

‘’POTTER!” 

Harry dashed out of potions as fast as he could; he could hear Snape’s own footsteps echoing after him and the rush of students trying to catch a glimpse of what he’d done. He had no time to waste-someone was in danger! 

‘’Hey, watch it!’’

‘’Move!’’ 

Harry shoved the students and faculty alike, gathering all his energy and shouted as loud as he could, hoping that his voice carried, “TSUNOMON!” 

Several older students quickly erected shields, unsure if Harry had gone mad or finally decided that saving them wasn’t worth it. There were several shrieks when a small red and purple striped creature ran up to Harry, “Something’s wrong!” 

“We…won’t..make it to Tom’s!” Harry panted as Elecmon climbed onto his shoulder. 

—————————————————————

All Agumon felt was heat, he was blind but somehow managed to reach out and grasp Tai’s arm, clutching it in his clawed hand. He wouldn’t let go! He’d fight for Tai and for himself! He couldn’t give up now! 

Grabbing Tai with all his strength, Agumon roared, green eyes becoming pinpricks, and claws extending outwards. 

He hadn’t used this ability in a long time. 

Unleashing all his energy, the facade of Agumon vanished, leaving behind a primal being. 

“Greatgreymon!” 

Underneath his feet, the digital world seemed to vanish only to reappear suddenly, data fracturing and floating freely as another mass of flames engulfed the two. 

—————————————————————

Harry had made as far as the courtyard before collapsing; his heart ached and pulled, urging him to move. Elecmon’s hair was standing on end, lightning sparking across it sporadically. 

“Harry, what on earth are you?!” 

Albus stopped suddenly, glasses askewed on his face, unable to believe that there was truly such a small creature atop Harry’s shoulders. Both of them were looking up at the sky, mesmerized by the sudden appearance of an island. Around him, it seemed the entirety of Hogwarts had abandoned their lessons for the time, surrounding Harry and the small creature. 

“Hey! Look, it’s Tai and….Greymon?!” 

“We have to save them! Elecmon!” 

Nodding to his partner, Elecmon and Harry wasted no time; digivice clutched in his hand, the familiar glow surrounded them. 

“Elecmon digivolve to…Leomon!” 

Without waiting, the great man beast digimon crouched down and leapt with a sheer force of will, towards the digital island and their friends. Down below, all Harry could see was Greymon fighting a wall of flames, defending Tai who hadn’t moved at all. 

“Fuck it,” pinning his digivice to his belt, he flicked his wrist, summoning his wand to his hand, “Acció Firebolt!” 

Harry took off running, pulling off his long robes and tossing them away as he heard the telltale woosh of his broom cleaving through the air towards him. In a spectacular and practiced move, Harry leapt, catching his broom in midair and sped off upwards like a rocket towards the island. 

“Fist of the beast king!” 

The first explosive power did nothing to the fractured data as Leomon landed on one of the taller branches. Harry watched in horror as Tai still hadn’t moved. Greymon still fought, but nothing was working. Greymon looked exhausted and Harry couldn’t tell if Tai was moving or not. Despite the explosive power, there was no sound. 

“We have to save them! Leomon?” 

“Let’s go!” 

Before either of them could move, a thunderous crack rang out through the sky as Harry watched in horror as the fractured data broke apart under Greymon’s weight and the first sounds of the battle echoed throughout the courtyard and Forbidden Forest. 

Tai’s prone body slipped through the cracks of data, as a final burst of power hit Greymon directly, forcing the powerful champion to devolve into Koromon. 

“Faster!” Harry urged his broom, while Leomon flew through the air. The fractured data receded back into nothingness as Tai and Koromon fell through the air. 

Tai’s prone body fell, as Leomon quickly caught Koromon in his arms. His friend was unconscious and heavily injured. Leomon readied himself to catch Tai, when Harry stood on his broom and leapt off, catching Tai in midair. 

“HARRY!” 

Tai’s body hit Harry hard, his arms wrapping themselves around it, tucking Tai’s head into his neck as they fell. Spinning wildly in midair, the rush of wind surrounding them, Harry prayed for a miracle-any miracle. He wished someone below would cast a cushioning charm, a charm to slow them down, something! Leomon was too far away from them. He’d seen his partner’s face-Leomon was scared and crying. 

Harry closed his eyes, still hoping for a miracle. 

—————————————————————

“Albus, do something!” Minerva cried, pulling on the man’s robes, urging him. 

“I can not, they are still too close to that structure! It may cause them more-“

“LOOK!” 

At the moment, both Harry and the unknown boy were enveloped in a bright light, as were the other creatures, slowing their descent until they were placed on the ground. Harry was unconscious, as was the boy, and the strange creatures, both of which were now even stranger. 

“They look like puffskins!” 

“Make way! Quickly, let’s get them inside!” 

Madam Pomfrey whipped her wand out, levitating Harry and the other male onto the magical stretchers. She then levitated the creatures as well, knowing that would be the first thing Harry would ask for when he awakened. 

Albus remained where he was, waving off Madam Pomfrey and the crowd as he watched the sky stitch itself back together as if nothing had ever happened. 

Not even magic could do that.

—————————————————————

Tom had not been expecting Hedwig at all, but the snowy owl had flown in through her designated window and began screeching at Tom. 

“Something happened to Harry?” 

Hedwig flew onto the counter and bobbed her head up and down, hopping and clicking her beak. 

“BAR’S CLOSED!” 

The meger patrons quickly collected their possessions, finished their drinks and left in a hurry; no one had ever heard Tom yell. In a matter of minutes, the bar cleared out and Tom grabbed his coat, whistling for Hedwig and the two took off. 

—————————————————————

Tai felt like he was floating somewhere between wakefulness and sleepiness. If he really tried, he knew he could wake up, but he was so warm and comfortable that he was sure no one would mind if he slept in a bit more. 

Any minute now, he would hear his mother calling him for breakfast-it was Hikari’s turn to cook. She always made the vegetables really crispy and well seasoned-a far cry from the traditional Japanese way, but their entire family loved them. 

Even Agumon loved them! Damn, now Tai had to hurry and get up, otherwise Agumon would eat them all. 

“Mmh..” 

Tai blinked, struggling to wake up; when he did manage to open his eyes, he shut them almost immediately. It was way too bright! 

“Who turned the sun up?” 

Grabbing hold of the sheets, Tai threw the sheets over his head. 

Screw it, Hikari could send Gatomon in to wake him. He’d have to beg her for an extra portion of vegetables in his lunch. 

“I do believe Mister Potter would appreciate knowing his friend is awake,” 

That wasn’t Hikari. 

Tai threw the covers back, ready to run or fight-which one, he wasn’t sure. Adrenaline pumping and shaking off the last vestiges of sleep, Tai sat up in bed, ready to fight, only to find himself face to face with an elderly woman wearing a very vintage nurse’s outfit. She seemed unbothered by his outburst, only flicking a thin piece of wood around his body-

“A wand?” He whispered, taking in more of the area where he was. 

The high ceilings, the large windows, the numerous bed blocked off by curtains, the matron-

“Wait! This is Hogwarts? In Scotland? Harry’s here?!” 

Madam Pomfrey smiled and nodded. Harry had told her all he could, only stopping when Dumbledore walked in. The small creatures she had come to know as digimon. The small pink one with red eyes belonged to Tai and the other one was Harry’s. 

Koromon and Tsunomon. 

“Calm down, Mister Kamiya, yes you are in Hogwarts in Scotland. Harry is in the Great Hall with your partner as well as his. You are safe here, I promise you. Now, please remain seated so I can heal what needs healing. You should have plenty of time to enjoy dinner as well.” 

“Thank you,” 

Madam Pomfrey could see how much the boy wanted to go to Harry. She was grateful that her favorite child had found a friend. Glancing at the boy, she knew it was more than friendship. 

—————————————————————

The entire Gryffindor table had given Harry and his two creatures a wide berth, mainly because Koromon and Tsunomon were eating without regard. Harry knew that whatever they’d been fighting had been awful. Koromon had been in bad shape. 

“Harry, you have to eat, you know?” Tsunomon said gently, nudging a platter of dinner rolls towards him. 

“I know, I’m just worried about-“

The doors of the Great Hall burst open as Tai all but raced towards him. Harry wasted no time, getting up and meeting Tai in a fierce hug, the two boys falling onto the ground. 

“Tai!” Koromon cried, hopping over to his partner, only to digivolve midway; the bright light revealing Agumon. 

Tsunomon rushed over, also digivolving into Elecmon. Their partners quickly joined the hug, ignoring the entire room. When they made movements to pull away, Harry was glad to see that the house elves had laundered Tai’s clothing and despite the bandages on his face, Tai looked better than he had when he’d come in. 

“Come on Tai, let’s eat! There’s so much food here!” Agumon exclaimed, already pulling Tai towards the table. 

Tai chuckled, letting Agumon pull him up, never once letting go of Harry’s hand. 

—————————————————————