Chapter 6
Harry was a bit shocked when he found the Cullens in the house. Alice was training with Luna, Edward was training Occlumency with Draco, and Andromeda was helping Jasper control his Empathy while speaking to Carlisle about medical advancement in the non-wixen world compared to the wixen world. He wheeled over to Jasper they'd known each other for a month at this point.
"Harry's glad that we're here but says that we need to leave because the wolves are coming over." Jasper said when his phone chimed and he'd checked the text. "We understand, darlin'. Don't forget to use your magic to clean our scent out of the place when we leave. They'll never trust you if they smell us."
Harry nodded he tensed a bit and blushed when Jasper ghosted his fingers over his hand. He'd been doing this a lot this week. He supposed that it was Jasper's way of getting Harry used to his touch and to show that he meant him no harm. Harry was beginning to like it.
Harry was unsure of the Blacks, the council, and the wolf shifter that had come over. There were two Blacks. Billy and Jacob. Jacob had twin older sisters but they were off at Univeristy.
"Hey, are you okay?" Jacob asked glancing at Harry. "You look upset and you've been fidgeting since we got here. I didn't upset you, did I?"
Harry shook his head.
"Harry's nervous and scared that you'll hate him because his mate is one of the Cullens." Luna spoke up. She was staring into the distance again. "Jasper Hale, to be exact. Harry wants to be your friend but doesn't think that's possible because his mate is Jasper."
The Council and the wolf, Sam Uley, tensed. Billy cleared his throat and glanced anxiously at Jacob who looked confused and understanding at the same time.
"Draco will be able to help with the smell problem." Luna hummed. "That'll go a little ways in helping."
"You say so." Draco said from where he was reading to Teddy. "I'll get on that."
"So your mate is a Cullen and you are aware....." Sam started.
"We are." Andromeda cut-in. "We were aware before coming here. We will not allow anyone to stop Harry from getting to know his mate. Harry has had a very hard life and deserves happiness."
Jacob was clearly confused but assured Harry that they could still be friends even if he was soulmates with a Cullen. It was clear that he didn't understand at the moment why that couldn't happen or why Harry was so nervous about it.
Harry was glad to hear that he was getting healthier at his check-up the next day. He still couldn't walk on his own but he was taken off two potions which made him happy. He instantly shared the news with Jasper via text. Jasper was happy for him and offered to come over and tutor him after school that day. Harry was missing due to his check-up. Harry eagerly accepted. He liked spending time with Jasper. It felt nice when they were together.
When he got home he played with Teddy for a while before studying his magic. He had to be careful with how much magic he used because of his condition. He would save his normal school studying until Jasper got there.
"Happy Birthday, Harry!" Alice cheered upon seeing him after school that day. "You're eighteen!"
Harry blinked at the Cullens. His birthday? Was today his eighteenth birthday? He'd totally forgotten. Birthdays didn't really matter anymore. The Hallows Necklace around his neck reminded him of that. Like Jasper and the other Cullen/Hales he wouldn't age anymore. He wouldn't grow old. He was stuck at seventeen forever.
"Alice!" Jasper hissed with panic in his voice. His eyes cut to Harry and back to her. He shook his head desperately at her.
"I know we were told not to celebrate your birthday, " Alice continued. "So we're not! But I just couldn't help it and got you a gift. Jasper tried to stop me and remind me that you didn't celebrate birthdays but...Anyway, here you go. Don't worry, I didn't go overboard."
The rest of the family was tense they hadn't been told that Harry didn't celebrate his birthday. Alice had been quick with a save and was clearly upset that she hadn't been able to see this. They watched Harry take the Art Set. It was a good one but clearly not one of the elaborate and expensive ones. So she had reigned herself in. They relaxed a bit as Alice smiled at the text that she got.
"Sorry, again." Alice laughed. "I saw it and I was like 'Oh, Harry would just love this! I have to get it for him!' so I did."
Harry clearly loved the Art Set and Jasper was upset that he hadn't thought to get it. Alice was trying to outdo him. He knew that she was. Well, he wasn't about to let her steal his spot as Harry's favorite Cullen and vampire.
"Could you please keep your thoughts to yourself?" Edward moaned rolling his eyes.
"Could you please try to not actively read our thoughts?" Jasper countered. "Draco says that you are making progress on that but we've yet to see it have we? You are still actively listening to our thoughts. If I didn't know better I'd say you were doing it on purpose. That despite your protests you actually enjoy listening to people's thoughts."
Edward glared.
"Of course, I don't." He protested. "It's just so new to be able to block it out and I can't block all of it out yet."
Draco looked like he wanted to say something but Andromeda stopped him and nodded toward Harry. He nodded back.
Jasper sat next to Harry tutoring him. They'd been at this for a while. He was dying to know why Harry didn't celebrate his birthday but wasn't going to press it. He reached over and tucked Harry's ever-growing hair behind his ear.
"You're adorable." He told him.
He loved watching Harry blush for him. It was the cutest thing in the entire world. He was already in love with Harry and he knew it. Despite being an empath he wasn't sure how Harry felt about it him, because Harry wasn't sure how he felt about him.
"I know that it is early in our courtship but I was wondering if I could take you on a date?" Jasper wondered. "Chaperoned of course. I wish to take you out to dinner."
He loved the shade of red that Harry went at his words. He was suddenly very hungry as Harry smelled wonderful. He could feel the venom pooling in his teeth. Harry gave him a curious look. Then quickly held out a Blood Pop. Jasper quickly put it in his mouth and almost moaned as the urge subsided. It hadn't been about craving Harry's blood it was about Harry being his and claiming him. He took a few calming and unnecessary breaths.
"I apologize, Darlin'. I want to explain to you what just happened but I don't want to scare you away....I do not want to drain your blood though. I swear that's not what that was." Jasper said when he'd gotten control again.
He could tell that Harry was curious and worried but believed him. He was glad that Harry believed him.
Jasper was so glad that Esme had talked Carlisle into chaperoning the date he was having with Harry. They were sitting nearby talking to Andromeda who was acting as Harry's chaperon. He and Harry were at their own table. They were in a private room. The owner was serving them himself. Jasper had helped the owner's grandparents open this restaurant. The man had saved him so he'd known what he was and had apparently told his family because the owner was going out of his way to serve them and make them happy. The owner also didn't seem to think it odd that he, Carlisle, and Esme weren't eating. Or rather were eating Blood Pops.
All of his focus was on Harry. He wished that Harry could talk because it did get rather frustrating at times but he didn't let it bother him. Harry's emotions were telling him all that he needed to know. He tried to soothe Harry's anxiety using his ability. It seemed to work.