Is Harry okay?
Arthur and Harry were sitting at one of the tables in the library, several rolls of parchment, books and quills with their ink pots sat around the table. Harry looks up and smiles lightly at Arthur, “Thanks again Arthur for helping me with my Potions work. ‘Mione is to busy trying to get Ron to do his work so he’s not behind.” Harry says while he is writing down the ingredients he needs for the potion they are studying about in class.
“Don’t worry about it Harry, I told you before if you need anything I’m here to help.” Arthur says next to the brownet with his own classwork in front of him.
“I know you keep telling me that I shouldn’t worry about asking for help and everything but… Why are you always nice and try to help me…” Harry says not looking at the older male.
“Oh Harry… Everyone deserves help and kindness, you are no different kiddo.” Arthur says, placing his hand gently on Harry’s shoulder. Due to the unexpected touch, Harry lightly flinched. This caused Arthur to get a pained look on his face, ‘What could cause a kid like him to flinch from a hand touching his shoulder…’
“Are you okay Arthur?” Harry says looking at the older male's pained face.
“I’m fine kiddo. How about we finish this assignment and get you to your dorms? It’s almost curfew.” Arthur says ruffling Harry’s hair.
“Don’t mess up my hair Arthur!” Harry laughs trying to get out of Arthur’s clutches.
“Hahaha…Okay, kiddo.” Arthur says as he stops messing with Harry’s hair.
Once the two boys were done with their work Arthur walked Harry to his dorms and bid him a farewell. Though right before Arthur could leave he felt a small tug on his sleeve. This cause him to stop and turn towards a shy Harry. “What’s up kiddo?” Arthur asked looking at the younger boy confused.
“If-If I was ever— in need of help— at anytime—could I come to you?” asked the younger boy with fear in his voice. He refused to look at Arthur and was staring intensely at the floor. The hand not gripping Arthur’s robe was clenched tightly at his side.
This melted and pained the older boy to hear, ‘just what has this poor child been through that caused him to be afraid to ask for help?’ wondered Arthur. “No matter what time of day or night, hell even if we’re in school or not. You can always come to me or Thea for help Harry.” the older boy said kneeling down to the same height as the younger boy. Arthur grabbed Harry’s fist and gently opened his hand. Harry didn’t know what to say or do after hearing that. Never in all of his life did he think he would find someone who would care or help him. So a part of him didn’t want to believe what he heard but the tone and the look in Arthur’s eyes when saying those words told him that the older male meant every single word he said and more. Though Harry didn’t know why this guy cared so much for him. Hell he didn’t know the older male that long, only a month or two, but for some reason he felt safe. Almost like family, or what he read about how a family should be like, and he didn’t want to lose that feeling and just hold on to it as long as he could.
Harry just nodded his head with a small “okay” before letting Arthur go and going into his house dorms. Arthur stayed for a second or two, to make sure the kid got in okay, before he left for his dorms. On the way there he also made a mental note to talk to Alethea about what just happened and if she could look into it for him. He had a feeling this was either a bullying problem or abuse, and he was hoping that it wasn’t the latter.