Chapter 5
Harry watched as his godfathers flew around his room, grabbing any of his possessions that he would need. Hadrien had tried to help but was forced to sit and watch after he had almost fallen after trying to stand up. He couldn't believe this was happening. He couldn't believe he was leaving. Was this even legal?! Like realistically there must be something that will go wrong.
But even as those thoughts swirled in his head, the only thing Harry really felt was immeasurable relief. Relief that finally this was all over. They would figure out all the logistics later. For now? For now Harry is gonna relish in the feeling. The feeling of pure joy.
Harry jumped when a hand touched his shoulder. Remus was looking down at him smiling slightly. “Hey kiddo, we're going to leave here in a minute. How about you talk to Tom and let him know you are okay.” Harry nodded and reached over to his side table and grabbed his notebook. He opened it and faced many messages from Tom, all saying the same thing. Are you okay? Apparently, Sirius had told him the basics of the situation before he ran into Harry’s room and went silent.
Harry sighed and slowly began to write.
Tom,
When I first got sick, when I was a baby, my parents thought I would die. I obviously don’t remember this but sometimes I wonder if the worry people have for me is misplaced. I never want anyone to be put out because of me. But I find myself happy that you care enough to worry for my health. But that is besides the point. I’m still recovering but I am feeling better. Siri and Remy are taking me away with them so I hope to see you soon. We are about to leave so I will talk to you later. I’m very excited to meet you.
Hadrien looks up at his godfathers and nods his head. They smile and start to walk away to the door. Harry, wrapped in a blanket, follows behind them at first before Sirius grabs his hand and pulls him between them. Harry looks back at his room, bare of any decorations or belongings it once did. He looked at the bed and the carpet. The wall he accidentally burned when he had a burst of unintentional magic. He looks at the room he grew up in and can’t find it in himself to be sad. Everything that made him happy was safely in the bag that Sirius was carrying. He took one last look before he grabbed Remus’s hand and nodded. He wouldn’t regret this. Not now. Not ever.
***
Hadrien’s head was spinning and he thought he's gonna throw up. Sirius and Remus had held him as they apparated to the Black family manor but he still felt like he was twisted, turned, and all around shaken. He wobbled and tried to breathe normally for a whole five minutes before he was okay to move. Sirius had this expression on his face that Harry couldn’t quite decipher.
“What is it?” Harry stared at Sirius as the older man sighed and pulled him close. “Sorry. If we could have taken a different form of transportation we would have but I needed to get you away from there as quickly as possible. I’m gonna have Narcissa have a look at you later. You're still sick and apparition is not good for children in the first place, much less sick ones.”
Harry nodded softly and leaned into his Godfather. Remus picked up the bag of Harry’s belongings that Sirius had dropped and they all made their way inside. Just as they entered the main entrance way Regulus, the younger Black brother, came to greet them. The second Harry saw him he was flying across the hall into the man's arms. Regulus let out a soft ‘oof’ before he hugged the young boy back tight as he possibly could.
“Reggie! I didn’t know you were gonna be here! Oh my god I have so much to tell you!” Harry smiled and hugged his honorary uncle again. He loved Sirius and Remus like they were his parents. But Regulus was his favorite person ever. Reggie was always there to talk, to play, to vent. When Harry first met the man he was kinda scared of him. He was just 3 years old, sickly as could be, and terrified of anything that moved really. Hadrien was quiet as a baby but the second he got scared he would wail for hours.
And when he had met Regulus, wail he did. At least until Regulus picked him up and rocked him softly, speaking about his adventures around the world. Harry had slowly stopped crying and eventually he was smiling with all gums up at the man. Ever since they have been attached at the hip. Regulus is who introduced Hadrien into healing magicks, which he found to be his favorite. No matter what happened in life, Hadrien could count on Regulus to be there by his side should he need it.
“I missed you too little bird. The library has been boring without your presence. I hear you have been keeping secrets. Even from me.” Harry gulped as he thought about how angry Reggie would be. But instead of anger, the only emotion in Regulus’s eyes was excitement. Harry shyly looked up at the man through his lashes and smiled. “I have a soulmate Reggie.”
Regulus smiled so wide he looked a bit deranged. Before he knew what was happening, Hadrien was being swung around in the air by the man. Harry giggled as his hair flew behind him. Once his feet touched the ground, he laughed as he tried to fix his hair.
Regulus looked at the boy and smiled softly. “I’m so happy for you little dove. You have no idea. Now. Who do I need to give the good ol’ shovel talk to?” Harry laughed at the idea of Reggie talking down to Tom. “No one. Tom treats me very well.” Harry pauses, “Well… as much as one can through letters.” Harry smiled and took Regulus’ hand. “Walk me to my room? I’m tired and I know if I ask Sirius he will rope me into something.”
Sirius shouts his disagreement while Regulus just laughs as he leads the boy to his room. As they leave, Harry grips Regulus’ hand as hard as he can. And without a word Regulus grips his hand just as hard. As they walk through the halls of the manor, Harry feels like he can finally breathe. And with breathing came the crushing feeling of despair. In a matter of seconds Harry was on the floor in Regulus’ arms sobbing.
“ I know baby, I know.” Rocking back and forth Regulus gently ran his hands through Hardians hair. All he could do was allow Harry to sob. As the boy took a stuttering breath and tried to calm himself Regulus held him gently, giving him all the time to gather his thoughts. “I-” he took a deep breath and tried again. “I just don’t get why they hate me. I didn’t DO anything.” Regulus pulled back and looked Harry in the eye.
“Baby. Sometimes the people we love don’t love us back. For one reason or another, none of it matters because it isn’t your fault. You are the best kid I know and anyone who can’t see how amazing and special you are doesn’t deserve to love you in the first place.” Harry sniffles and nods. Regulus kisses his forehead and helps him off the floor.
“Come on. I want to show you something.” As they walk further and further down the halls of the mansion Harry breaths. He walks and he breathes. Slow steading breaths that make his chest hurt a little less. And when they come to a stop in front of a door, he feels less likely to crumble into a pile of dust. Regulus looks back at him for a moment before opening the door.
Hadrien eyes grew wide the second he saw the contents of the room. As he stumbled inside he couldn’t help himself from running his hands along the walls. The room was a nice soft gray with accents of green and blue everywhere. The bed had a dark blue comforter and a lighter blue blanket hanging off the end. The curtains were a soft green with little snakes trailing the bottom and behind them laid a window nook with a gray cushion and blue and green pillows.
And while the entire room was covered in intricate detail that Harry would explore later, it was the wall across from the bed that left him awestruck. There was a door in the middle of the room and every other inch of wall was covered in bookshelves. The sheer amount of reading material was amazing. Harry turned to Regulus and smiled, “All mine?” Regulus smiled softly at his excitement and nodded, “All yours little bird. The Black family library is down the hall but I thought you would like to have easy access to some of your favorites.”
Harry laughed and ran over to the shelves. He was reading the spines when he noticed a certain book. He whipped around to Regulus who was watching him with a fond smile. “You have the Peverell diary? I’ve been looking for this stupid thing for ages.” Regulus laughed and ruffled Harry’s hair. “For ages huh? How old are you again?” Harry pouted. “Ten…” Regulus just shook his head and started towards the door.
“You get situated here while I start on dinner. I’m making your favorite. One of the house elves will bring your stuff up soon. I’ll see you in a bit ok?” Harry nodded and turns back to the book shelf to scan over the titles again. Once he hears the door close he sighs and moves to the middle of the room and lays flat on his back. As he gazes at the ceiling which is covered in a painting of the stars all he can think about is Tom. Because through all of the crazy and the moving and the crying, Tom has been pushed aside. And not once has he complained. All he has ever expressed is a want for Hadrien to be happy. And Harry can’t help but smile at that thought. Someone who cared about his wellbeing and happiness. Harry could get used to that.