returning
Harry gripped the strap of his bag on his shoulder. A determined frown on his face.
It's time.
Harry doesn't exactly have the idea on what he would expect, he hoped its nothing extreme. He would like an anticlimactic plot right now . But, he also knows that a good writer likes to write about family feuds and problems because it provides drama . However, Harry, who was always surrounded by one, had enough .
Harry walked in the aisle calmly, trying to find an empty compartment in the train. Most of it are full, students in different houses having their conversations with smiles on their faces or books on hand.
Platform 9 ¾
This is his first time boarding this famous train and anxiety thrummed under his skin. Just 2 weeks ago he was watching this very same train in the screen just some drawn and animated figures. He keeps his breath searching for the right one, which means empty. He doesn't want to socialise at the moment, he doesn't even wish to talk or interact with Riddle's ragtag group of trouble he just hopes that their path would not cross.
Unfortunately , they will also celebrate yule outside of school, they are heir of big family so that's expected but Riddle is different, he lives at an orphanage currently-when summer comes-but because of his impeccable connection to the great families he was handed multiple invitations to their manor.
Last he heard, Tom is with Malfoy this time, attending the famous ball that the family like to throw. Harry wonders if they also extend the invitation to the Peverells, despite the tatters that is the House of Peverell their prestige and greatness is still enough to be coveted. No one invited him so it's probably not, it's fine since it doesn't bother Harry in the slightest. There's enough things to think about, he doesn't want another one.
After a few more compartments, he finally found an empty one. He wasted no time settling his belongings and fishing out the book that he didn't finish in the library. He didn't get to finish it because of the impronto bonding session. The following days have been hectic because of other requirements for the end of the semester.
Finally , some quiet time.
“ Hadrian, here you go! Found you!”
Or not.
Harry glared .
“Damn, he really doesn't want you here.” Elliot laughed, highly amused.
“That's a lie , Hadrian very much enjoys my company!” Black insisted and transferred his uncomfortable stare toward him, inky eyes a little wider than they usually are.
A lie . Harry did not call him out. He does not enjoy his or any company. In Fact he’d rather all these people leave me alone. But he doesn't say that, he likes breathing. Thank you very much.
Riddle stepped in, Malfoy in tow. Harry squinted his eyes at them, they have been getting along lately, is the plotline Riddle/Malfoy is on the go?? He doesn't even do a single thing and it's according to the plan.
Is the universe on his side this time?
Black pressed his side to his, “ You are reading the fantasy book again ! Is it that interesting?”
Of course not. The universe is forever his enemy. He should not be fooled again.
“It's not a fantasy.” Harry decided not to ignoreTM.
“So you are saying it's real then?”
Riddle glanced at him, his face still unbearable. “There is no basis that proves the Astral Dimension is possible.”
“Maybe it's similar to Divinision, only a handful of people get it. I hate that subject.”Francis spat, his face twisted at the word ‘hate’. Harry didn't know someone could put that much resentment in a word.
Riddle seems displeased at being reminded that he has things that he does not know and understand about. Being the top of the class can do that. Mr. perfect.
Harry is still a little irked that Riddle is not only the top of the class but possibly the whole batch and it's not even an exaggeration if he is the best in terms of academics in the entirety of hogwarts. Riddle is not only that but he is also a prefect and a leader of an-not-entirely-legal-organization, Harry wonders where Riddle get the time because he always look impeccable while Harry cant even get his mind straight with only less.
Additionally, Riddle does really hate not knowing things and just being generally ignorant of something. Harry can relate , he has a lot of information that he doesn't have. For example, how he got here . Harry really wants to know but we really don't get the things that we want .
“I read it because it is interesting. It doesn't have to be real to be interesting.” Harry intoned. Flipping another page. Technically, it's true because it happened to him but they don't need to know about it.
“There are few updated research regarding the topic. However, they still can't prove to be real.” Malfoy lifted his nose from his book. “If you are a pioneer of this special kind of book then you are more interesting than I thought.”
You mean , I thought you were stupid but I was slightly wrong. Harry exhaled through his nose.
But, its true enough that Hadrian is not really the parading symbol of intelligence and cunning as his personality is kind of an aloof airhead that a person on the pedigree of the likes of Malfoy, Lestrange , Black and Riddle, even Avery, Mulciber, and Nott which he rarely interact as they are 7th year students can recognise. They're intelligent because they have the privilege of multiple resources they desire, it doesn't mean that they can't be stupid tho.
Harry doesn't take the bait, he shrugs. “ I only read it when I have free time and as a 5th year student about to start our 2nd semester it's going to be more hectic.”
It's so much trouble really. He doesn't expect to study again when he gets transported here, he is not really an academic type of student.
“Speaking of 2nd semester, what electives did you get?” Riddle asks, seated in front of him. The tip of his shoes touching his. Head tilted slightly, genuinely curious and no deeper intent-nothing that Harry can see.
Harry reiterated. “ Magical Beast.”
Riddle raised an eyebrow. “ I got the same.”
Harry stared. What did he just say?
After he found out that he is a parselmouth , getting an elective that keeps him close to snakes and learning more about them seems like the right decision. Additionally, Peverell is known to be bonded with a magical beast so it is not that suspensions. However, Riddle is different ; he doesn't remember a route where he chose Magical Beast as his elective. He usually has spell creation or Potion Marketing or anything power and duelling related but now he didn't and Harry is lost.
Black swiveled Harry a disappointed look, he whined– like a damned infant. “ I got spell creation, my father recommended it to me. I should have asked you first so that i have the same with you.”
“You..are full of surprises.” Malfoy stared at him like he was some fascinating specimen inside a cage, to be studied. Harry fought a shiver.
Harry get it. He is average in everything, his specialties are difficult to point out and his books to read in his free time are vastly different. Harry must look like an enigma to Malfoy. It's not what Harry intended at all. One plan that backfired, once again.
Harry just prays that it would just end up as a one time thing.
(unlikely)
“I choose Magic in Different Language, it sounds cool. And– totally unrelated so I can learn to curse you all in a different language.” Elliot tutted in, a smirk on his face.
Valid.
Harry feels like he could get along with Elliot the most, he could see a fellow kin if he met one.
Malfoy huffed in irritation, pissed at the fact that Elliot is taking his education for cheap reasons, unlike him who acts like it's some kind of religion. Riddle gave Elliot the look and instead of backing off, his grin widened. Francis rolled his eye at his brothers’ dramatics and offered his own chosen electives;
“ Magic Weaving.” Ha said nonchalantly, head turning to Riddle, “ I did not expect you to choose Magical Beas t, I thought you were considering The Art of Advance Duelling ?”
“You sew?”
“I have a change of heart.”
Harry and Riddle look at each other. Harry startled.
Francis looks at the both of them, contemplating on who he needs to address first, “Tom, you do not have a ‘ change of heart ’ as you kindly say. You plan .”
That's right , Riddle doesn't just have a change of last minute decision, he is the type of person weeks, even months ahead of time. This is unnatural of him.
This type of unnatural is similar to a fish walking in land, which is implorable.
Even Black and Malfoy look at Riddle bemused.
Yeah why ?
Harry wants to know as well.
Riddle glared at Francis and coldly answered. Emotions sucked out from his words, “ I saw benefit in taking the elective. I am already good at Duelling. ”
Riddle brag without bragging because it's true anyway, and despite the acceptable answer Harry is still suspicious. Black and Malfoy want to ask more but decide to drop the topic.
Francis looked at him, forgoing his still present confusion at Riddle’s answer,
“ Yes I sew. What, do you have a problem with it?”
“Nope, it just took me by surprise. You dont look like you sew.” Harry shakes his head. Francis has big stature, tall and muscle filling up his body. He could probably bench press him if he wanted to. From his limited experience , sewing is not really a thing a person with this look would go for.
“ It's probably the most suitable for you since you're good at fashion.”
From what Harry knows from the game about Francis Lestrange is that he is the fashion Icon of Hogwarts, aside from Tom Riddle that is.
He is the It boy of Hogwarts, none can deny that.
Francis looks surprised by that but quickly hides it with a haughty grin. Harry blink, did he just.. compliment Francis? What the heck? What world even am I? Harry blinked again and the realization hit him like a brick house.
Him and Riddle’s nepo baby friends just have a civil conversation and friendly teasing. Harry with Riddles’ , he froze in shock.
Where is the anxiety when he needs them?
He needs fear, not being friendly with them. Harry doesn't even plan to interact with them but it would result in their ire if he just plainly ignores them.
Should he have done that? Or worse, are they friends now?
Chills filled his spine and horror flooded his heart, gripping and not letting go. He is friends with his future possible murderers.
What…. what even happened?
Harry pushed through the crowds acting like he was walking on the pavement with purpose. He successfully bid goodbyes and shook off Black from his shoulders. Now , how does he get home?
Okay, he might have been too ahead of himself. However, he clearly remembers Hadrian’s brother saying that he would meet him at the station.
The platform is packed with people bustling and hustling. Its yule season who he already expected a lot of people but my god , the whole place is bursting in people, its hard not to get lost when he get pushed around by people. Harry plant his feet on the ground.
“ Hadrian, there you are!”
Harry swiveled his head to an unfamiliar voice, echoed by the words that were said by Black. And for some unknown reason a cold chill travelled down to his spine.
Harry catalogue the features of the man that called out to him. Raven hair and a similar color of grass under a shade of a tree at noon, when the sun is at its peak. Dark and oddly….unsettling. And judging by the familiarity, he must be friendly with Hadrian but Harry was not so this just raised his hackles and urged him to be more wary.
The thing that taught Harry the most in this other world is that no one can really be trusted but himself. Either a foe or a friend, in the end the only one Harry can rely for his survival in this world is himself.
Harry subtly shuffled his feet. Tightening his hold on his trunk. The number of people bustling and loud noises fade at the back of his head as he focuses on the person in front of him.
The man beamed at him, stepping close. He leaned down and embraced him.
The action was so sudden that it startled Harry so bad his whole body flinched. Oh, Merlin, they must have been closer than he thought . Who hugged someone so suddenly?
Harry is genuinely flabbergasted.
Fortunately for Harry’s sanity, the man decided to speak.
“My little brother. How much I've missed you.” the man–apparently his older brother–if he remembered correctly named Alico–hugged him tightly and fondly whispers to him.
The blatant display of affection causes an uncomfortable sensation in his gut for exactly many reasons. For one, he is not exactly the brother of this person that is embracing him. And, Slytherin aren't a bunch of people who open for such displays of…skinship , moreso in hugs.
Who hugs in Slytherin?
Awkward.
“Yes.” Harry muttered when intelligent words failed him. He coughed and hovered his hands on the other’s back. “I… miss you too .”
Not really.
Allico let go of him and rested his hands on his shoulders. Now that Harry is looking at him. This guy is really tall . He can just easily tower him with his height . Guess who got blessed with good genetics.
Allico’s face dances strangely, as if he is shocked that Hadrian would miss him. A myriad of emotions pass through his face. Shock, amazement, or awe. Harry instantly thought of many instances on why that might be the case. Is it because Hadrian preferred to stay at Hogwarts in christmas?
“ Awww , my little brother finally admitted he misses me!” he cooed at him in a very exaggerated manner. Wriggling his hands dramatically.
Harry’s eyes might actually bulge out of his socket from shock.
Wha–
This is not the guy he expected. At all.
Words fails him once again. Speechless enough that the noise of the station and the crumpled space of many bodies fitted into a small space come pummeling to his senses.
Allico reach his hands to Harry’s head and ruffled his hair. This affectionate gesture sends another shock to his system, enough that he doesn't glare at the older boy.
Allico slipped his hand and put it on his left shoulder. “I'm here to get you home. I mean, mother wants to get you but I insisted.”
At the mention of ‘mother’, Harry’s previous imagination of their faces washed away. What if she is the same as this man? Instead of cold and cutting gazes and painful touches are gentle hands and warm smiles.
Eurgh.
“Mhm.” Honestly, what does Harry need to say at this point? Thank you?
He continued, undeterred by Harry’s silence and steered him to the direction of a larger space in the packed station. Effectively maneuvering the crowd. “ It's been so long since I came home. Even father had tears on his eyes! Hah, tears because our family would be complete for so many years during yules!”
Harry’s eyebrow twitched. Isn't … that a bit of an overreaction ? What's wrong with this family? He thinks that he fears a completely different scenario. And this leaves him wrongfooted .
“I see.” Harry blandly muttered.
Allico lead him to a wall of all things. Harry stared at the wall then to Allico.
Is this okay?
Is this sanity?
But then, he recalled that tidbit information about the entrance of a train, passed through a wall.
Of all things who could surprise him is not a passable wall. He toasted giant spiders– like 3 days ago for Morgana’s sake.
They walked for a bit until the crowd thinned.
Allico’s hand firmly stayed on his shoulders. He glanced at him. “ Ready?”
Harry blink at him and unsurely nod. He realised that they would apparate and accepted his fate.
Between one breath and another.
Harry’s existence vanished and reappeared at the same time with a loud crack .
And, for the second time this afternoon a pair of arms enveloped his body. Harry fought himself to stiffen. Past his fathers shoulder is a woman. Sophisticated and prim. Her hair tied in an elaborate bun, her clothes pristine.
When they made eye contact his mother smiled. All teeth and her skin were pulled in creases for her smile. She looks kind and gentle. Her eyes bore to him.
"Hadrian” she breathed, reaching out to touch his face. "You're home."
Harry twists his mouth upward. He echoed. “ I’m home.”
It's exactly as he imagined. Warm and gentle.
But, it's…..a little bit off.
“Come on dear dont keep my boy by yourself.” The middle-aged woman, his mother, huffed at his husband and came closer to him.
The man, his father, stepped aside. He was smiling and happy. “Of course not.”
The wife, his mother bent her knee a little–they are really tall people– and embraced him and because he got enough warning Harry did not startle. “How was school?”
She broke the hug and straightened herself, hands on his shoulder steering him to the dining room.
“ it's been fine.” Harry choose to say.
Harry stopped to get his things but his brother beat him to it. Allico smiled at him . “ don't worry, i'll get this to your room.”
Harry nodded, nothing to say. He blinked. He doesn't even greet his parents. Huh, Hadrian coming home must be something monumental….
Unease twist at the bottom of his guts. Unknown and confusing.
Harry let himself pull in the depth of the household, ignoring the way that his feet seemed to freeze and plant itself to the floor. The cold air enveloped him and he shivered.
“Sit here, you must be hungry.”. His mother pulled a chair and pushed him down to sit. It feels like a deja vu somehow…
Harry looks around the dining hall. It was cleaner and very modern looking than the infrastructure that he passed. Frames littered the walls and vase on the floor. It looks really lived in.
Harry wonders, for the nth time, what is the backstory of Hadrian.
Harry stared blankly at his reflection. Severely underprepared. This household has been a whirlwind of….fairly overflowing emotion and affection . It does not bother Harry that much , he is just uncomfortable. He has never been cuddled that much. Everytime,there is a hand clasp on his shoulder, wrapped around his upper arm, palm at his back.
It's nothing similar to what he has been expecting. This family is more touch-oriented than anticipated.
Nonetheless, this family exhausted him.
It's not bad per say. Although, some bells on his head keep ringing for some reason. Strange, since there is nothing very alarming in this house– a little cold maybe–nor their actions. Just the typical loving family no matter how ridiculous that sounds ( nothing on His Happy Ending indicated as such, more than that this is still a pureblood household with great history. Aren't they supposed to be more snobbish?
This deviation from character disturbs Harry more than comforts him.
These gentle touches and sweet words should appease him and make him relax but it made him wary and more alert.
This game, this story has coated all rotten things with sweetness by deception.
So, despite this family being this pellicular , Harry just–in the deepest part of him couldn't trust it.
Additionally, the most suspicious thing is that the system is silent. Eerily so. Its silence is akin to a calm forest. But, forests shouldn't be calm and so does the system.
Harry walked toward the bed.
Nonetheless, he needs to rest.
Harry pulled off the covers and laid on the soft mattress. Hadrian’s room is decently sized but rather impersonal to an extent. There are no picture frames to be found, just plenty of most likely expensive paintings hanging in the walls. On the wall opposite of the bed is covered with various sizes of canvas artistically arranged so that it is difficult to discern where the painting ends and the walls start.
The two tables under the windows have odd looking sculptures on top of them, books organized and an ink beside them. It seems like Hadrian is a person who appreciates art judging by the obvious mount in this room.
Rather, instead of a bedroom this is more like a museum with a bed in the center.
And before Harry could comment further about this strange room exhaustion fell him under. Darkness envelops him.
“ if you don't swallow it right now i am going to force it on your throat.”
“Mom, please please i-cant i cant i cant.”
A yelp.
Large callus hand gripped his jaw.
“Mom, mom –”
Forcing it open.
“Dont be difficult, stop moving!”
“ I cant i cant–”
Plunging a chunk of tar and ichor.
“Stop please–stop please, stop, stop stop. I cant–i cant–”
Harian cries and cries. Liquid spurt out from his eyes.
Dark and so, so wrong.
It's not . It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong.It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong.It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong.It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong.It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong.It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong.It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong.It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong.It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong.It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong.It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong. It's wrong . I'm wrong .
“Stop crying. Stop crying or else-”
Hadrian opened his eyes and it’s redredredredredred .
“I'm sorry, I'm sorry .”
A soft voice. Gentle on its affliction. Hands on his dripping cheek. “What are you sorry for, dear?”
He cried, a sound ripped from his heart. “I'm sorry. I didn't listen.”
A caress. “Hmmm. very good, so what will you do now?” her voice commanding.
“ I, hic, I'll eat. I'll eat .”
Chair creaking. Scratching against the floor and he is hauled back to his seat.
Spoon clicking against glass plates.
Drip.
Drip.
Drip. drip .
Drip .
Spoonful hovered, hesitantly touching his trembling lips.
He opened his mouth and lurched. He looked up, and his mother’s empty, gentle eyes bore at him. His palms caressing his bruised cheek,eyes trembling, overflowing with tears. He did not vomit. Nothing spilled over. Nothing wasted. And mother smiled–
Harry threw himself forward. Gripping his mouth. Eyes trembling and covered in sweat. His heart violently thundered in his chest, forcing its way out. His stomach twists in the heavy feeling of wrongness pervading his senses.
His body shakes and his skin drains of color.
Ringing on his ears. Black spots dancing and twirling in front of him. Harry can't think straight, disjointed thoughts and jumbled emotions.
What was that?What was that?What was that?What was that?What was that?
It took a while for Harry to calm down and slow his breathing and another time to clear past the ringing on his ears.
He pressed his palm to the bed, leaning all his weight to his arms. It shook and buckled to his weight. He groans. Harry curled to himself and breathed .
Harry stares at the gray ceiling.
The darkness that the dim light leaves twisting and forming frightening shadows, playfully constructed by his muddled disoriented mind.
He stared. Mind whirring.
What kind of person Hadrian really…
All of these are just reek of questions. From what he knows from the game Hadrian is disliked. Powerless and easily folded like a wet folder when someone just straight up told him off .
He is not bullied or pushed around but there is an unanimous decision that Hadrian is shunned. No friends, or any healthy amount of connection to another human being ( a red flag) . Not only that, Hadrian doesn't want to come home (another red flag) . He is using Hogwarts to run away from home. But Harry met his family. He hugged his father and received his mother’s care. And with a family like that? It's hard to discern the motive of such action.
Either Hadrian is just problematic or the family is.
And this realization just makes Harry nervous. It makes the hair on his body stand. He feels cold all over. Walls that were spacious hours ago closing in to him and air became scarce.
There is a small possibility, the smaller chance that he may have entered a den of monsters.
And, going by the blinking lights of the system, he may have been proven right.
< Side Task: Uncover House Peverell secrets, remain alive >
Well, if it isn't that ominous before. It is now. The system never says “remain alive” even if I talk to Riddle and the other characters.
His dinner sits heavy on his stomach.
< the new location triggered a Side Task. failure to comply resulted to death…possibly>
What?
Death? This is getting worse by the second.
“What do you mean ‘possibly’? What is this?” Harry demanded, he almost shout before remembering where exactly he is before casting a fast spell that soundproof the room.
< elaborate. A new location triggered a Side Task, failure to comply would result to unalivement.>
…unalivement… aren't you just making up words? Why can't this thing just say death. Harry sighed irritably.
Anyway, “A new location triggered that? So if I wander to a place there is a possibility of more problems for me?”
< yes. >
“Great. Heh. I'll just not move then. ” Harry rolled his eyes. “ How does this connect to the sequence task? Or are you just giving me new task when you see fit?”
< the ending for this storyline will–er…..iddle will kn….er…ERROR………ERROR……SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS.SPOILERS–>
“Okay geez. Relax.” Harry blinked and murmured. This is the second time that the system kind of glitched. When this happened, it really looked like it was sentient in some way. It's not the last time that Harry will questioned what exactly is the System.
“I will not really die right?” Harry gulped. Harry is deathly afraid of death. He will absolutely do everything just to avoid that fate.
<...processing…proce…..processing….NO.>
Harry stayed silent. The system is clearly trying to tell him something but it looks like it got stopped, censored .
“Hey, listen.” Harry started. In this setting, he really doesn't have anything here. No foreknowledge for this exact scenario. And the only thing that he can slightly depend on is this mysterious floating box with enough intelligence. And based on what he gathered so far about this is the system wants him to be alive, not unharmed per say but alive. It wants him to stay alive despite threatening him at every turn of the words.
That way, they have something in common. “ say, system. Im really at a disadvantage here. I don't know anything about this family–and yes before you glitched again I won't ask you to reveal to me things nor ask you for answers–just clues.” Harry shows an act of turning to the walls and space of the room. “ you know, a little nudge in the scenario. You want me to act as the character right? I can't act well if I don't really know things. At Least help me a little here.”
<.....>
Harry held his breath.
< the system is happy that the character finally acknowledges that he is hopeless without me>
Yeah no.
< …..update processing……….upda……..proce……..>
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
< system updated. New measure is place. >
Harry did not quite sigh in relief but it was close thing. This also proves him a speculation he is having. It could really change at will. There is no absolute rule regarding this entity. It will bend to make things more interesting.
Harry opened his mouth to voice out his thanks because no matter how dead this thing is, you gotta have manners. However, before he could talk a knock resound in his door.
“Hadrian?”
Harry tears his attention to the system and looks at the door where the sound came from. It is his mother. He looked at the time, in the quartz clock in the center of the wall, just above a decorative vase.
1:28 a.m
Huh, this early? What for…
Harry stood up before he could think and walk over to the door. He cast a glance at the system and the words written there make his stomach drop to the ground and bile rise at his throat.
<Danger.>
<Danger.>
<Danger.>
The new update in the system is that, it would tell him when things are dangerous and threat to him. So that he could come up with a clever strategy and plan to save himself.
However, just beyond his door where his mother stands, covered by a flimsy wooden door is the system blaring blood red colors telling him that there is Danger outside the door.
<Danger.>
< There is Danger nearby, tread carefully.>
< There is Danger nearby, tread carefully.>
< There is Danger nearby, tread carefully.>
< There is Danger nearby, tread carefully.>
< There is Danger nearby, tread carefully.>
< There is Danger nearby, tread carefully.>
< There is Danger nearby, thread carefully.>
< There is Danger nearby, thread carefully.>
< There is Danger nearby, thread care—>