Twisted Fascination

It took a day for Hedwig to return.

I immediately noticed the lack of reply and allowed her a day's rest before sending her off with a letter to Griphook, inquiring about the sudden spike in a certain author's success. I feigned that letter as going to my acquaintance that I'd stay with, as I had no intentions of staying with anyone but myself at the Leaky Cauldron.

Harry looked eager during the days that we waited for replies to our letters.

I was once again reading the Daily Prophet when an old owl that looked quite like a large feather duster basically crashed into the counter after barely making it through the window. I ignored how Petunia screeched like a banshee about her precious counter, snatching up the owl and carrying it toward the stairs.

"Where are you going with that owl?" Vernon barked at me.

"I'm giving it to Harry," I admitted honestly, "It's his acquaintance's owl, so he should take care of it until it can leave."

Vernon gave a huff as he sat back, but he didn't object.

I left the kitchen behind and headed to the bedroom I shared with my brother. I opened the door, only to see him still sleeping. Exasperated, I walked over to Hedwig's cage. "You have a new companion."

Hedwig looked offended as I opened her cage and set the other owl inside.

"It's just until they get well enough to leave," I said before realizing how stupid I sounded, talking to an owl like she actually understood me. I flushed a bit as I untied the letter from the unknown owl's leg and stepped back, closing the door to the cage. I set the letter aside and stood over Harry. "Wake up."

"Five more minutes," Harry grumbled as he pulled the covers over his head.

"Breakfast is being served now," I stated.

"So?" The boy asked defiantly.

"So eat it before replying to Weasley's letter," I snapped at him.

Harry took a long moment to comprehend what I was saying. Then, he shot up. "They replied-"

"You will eat your breakfast before replying," I said firmly.

Harry pursed his lips at me, but didn't argue further. He instead began to get dressed as I turned and left the room, grabbing his letter as I did so.

I returned downstairs and noticed that some of my breakfast had been eaten. I internally sighed as I sat back down and continued to read through my paper.

"Is your deadbeat brother up yet?" Vernon asked.

"I just woke him up," I admitted, "He should be coming down soon."

Vernon grunted in acknowledgement.

Silence remained in the kitchen, except for the television that Dudley was watching, of course.

I finished the rest of my food while reading the newspaper, hoping that I would just be assigned chores and allowed to spend the rest of the day as I pleased.

Harry soon came down the stairs. He sat down in his usual seat, stifling a yawn. He began to eat at a sedated pace.

I ignored how he glanced at the newspaper curiously, not at all interested in explaining the current events to my brother.

"So, my letter…" Harry said expectantly.

"Don't talk with your mouth full," Petunia snapped at my brother.

I motioned for him to finish his plate, to which he huffed in annoyance. I waited for him to finish eating his food before passing along the letter to him.

He eagerly unrolled the piece of parchment paper and read the letter over. He looked at me eagerly as he said, "They want me to come over tomorrow!"

"Inside voice," I chided absentmindedly before pausing. "As in, for the rest of this summer?"

Harry nodded enthusiastically.

I hummed softly before glancing at Vernon.

He looked quite pleased. "That's one less riff-raff to deal with. What about you?" He looked at me expectantly.

"I have received no letter back," I pointed out, "However, I believe I will be hearing from my acquaintance soon."

"Can't you stay with his friend's during the summer?" Vernon asked as he jerked his head toward Harry.

"I do not believe it wise of me to ask," I admitted, "We have not gotten along so far, so I doubt he will welcome me into their home."

"Why haven't you gotten along?" Dudley asked mockingly, "Is it because you're so uptight?"

"Somewhere along those lines, yes," I agreed.

Dudley pouted, clearly not happy that I gave such a response. He then perked up and asked, "Do you even have friends?"

I raised an eyebrow. "No. Why would I?"

Dudley laughed at me as he genuinely seemed to believe that I wanted something as trivial as friendship.

I didn't, so I simply allowed his laughter to enter one ear and go out the other.

"How many acquaintances do you have?" Vernon asked suspiciously.

"Several," I said honestly.

"And your specific acquaintance that will allow you to stay with their family is…?" The man trailed off expectantly.

"Blaise Zabini," I lied.

"What a strange name," the man commented as if his family all had perfectly normal names.

I barely held back from rolling my eyes, and I continued flipping through the newspaper.

"When is your Zabini acquaintance going to reply?" Vernon demanded to know.

Before I could explain that I had no idea, another owl flew into the room through the still-open window. I caught the letter and nodded once to the owl, who accepted that and flew off. I opened my letter and read over the message from Griphook.

'Hello Mr. Potter,

   If you wish to discuss the recent success of an author, I suggest you don't bother me with it. If you are interested in buying stocks in those books, I would highly advise against something so sensational.

Sincerely,

Griphook'

"Tell me, Harry. Do you think your friend can drop me off at the Leaky Cauldron?" I inquired, "Zabini can meet me there."

"I'm sure they can," Harry said without even bothering to ponder the question.

"Excellent," I approved.

"Then you'll both be gone tomorrow?" Vernon asked, clearly eager for us both to say yes.

"Of course, sir," I answered, "We'll be out of your hair, and you may go to Majorca without us."

Vernon seemed quite pleased, as did Petunia and Dudley.

"Now," I said as I straightened up, "May I know what chores should be done beforehand?"

Petunia immediately began to give out a lengthy list.

I nodded politely and rolled up my newspaper. I then worked hard to do what I had to, eager to get out of that hellhole and begin work on my essays due as soon as school began.

"You're - uh - rather eager," Harry pointed out as I worked hard on cleaning the entire house.

"Are you not?" I asked in surprise. "I would think you would love the chance to get on your broomstick again."

Harry gave a grin. "Yeah, I would, but if the Weasley's are coming tomorrow regardless, do we truly have to do the chores?"

I pondered it for a moment before finally saying, "I'd rather be safe than sorry."

Harry shrugged as if he couldn't help me before going back to fantasizing about spending the rest of summer vacation with the Weasleys.

I, meanwhile, continued working hard into the night before taking a shower and heading to bed. The following day, I awoke early and all but raced downstairs to cook breakfast and such. I then collected my newspaper and headed for the kitchen table, where I had served breakfast.

As Vernon and Petunia were coming down the front stairs, there was a knock at the door.

I quickly poked my head out of the kitchen and saw a rather annoyed Vernon open the door to the Weasley patriarch, or so I assumed by the dusty robes, glasses, and red hair. "Mr. Weasley! A pleasure to see you!" I greeted as I walked over to the front door. "I'm afraid Harry is still asleep. I'll wake him up for you."

"Oh, thank you," Mr. Weasley replied as he gave me a kind smile, his son Ronald poking his head around to glare at me.

"Breakfast is on the table," I informed the Dursley adults before going up to the bedroom I shared with Harry.

The boy was sleeping in one of his many unusual positions, as he frequently fussed around while unconscious.

"Harry, wake up," I demanded as I picked up my bag. "Mr. Weasley is here."

Harry grunted.

I sighed before gently shaking my brother. "Get up. It's Ron."

"But I'm tired," Harry complained as he nevertheless rolled over.

I rolled my eyes as I said, "He's waiting for you."

Harry sighed as he dragged himself out of bed.

I quickly packed him a bag of extra clothes before handing it over to the boy, who nodded his head once in thanks.

Harry quickly grabbed Hedwig's cage before going down the stairs, the unknown owl still invading the first owl's space. 

We trekked downstairs and saw Mr. Weasley asking Vernon about, and I quote, 'escapators'.

"Sir, are you referring to escalators?" I questioned as I have a pleasant smile. "I can tell you a few things about them."

"Get your stuff first," Vernon demanded as he jerked his head toward the cupboard he must have unlocked during the night.

"Of course, sir," I said as I pulled Harry away from Ronald.

"Oh, please, let Ron and I help you," Mr. Weasley requested as he walked into the house with a grin.

"Harry will need it," I said as I picked up my trunk easily and carried it toward the doorway.

"I parked just outside," Mr. Weasley said as he jerked his head toward the blue vehicle.

I wordlessly carried my trunk outside and waited for the man to open the back of his car.

Harry, helping Mr. Weasley, carried the trunk out of the house as Ronald carried both Hedwig's cage and the Nimbus Two Thousand Harry received last year.

Ron fumbled for a second before pulling out some keys, which he handed over to his father.

Said father took the keys and opened the trunk. He put in Harry's trunk first, followed by mine, and finally the broomstick. He closed the trunk and looked between Harry and I. "Am I taking both of you?"

"I was wondering if you could drop me off at the street by the Leaky Cauldron," I said, "Or at least somewhere close by. I'm supposed to meet someone there."

He hummed softly before nodding. "I can make a pit-stop."

"Thank you, sir," I replied as I gave a charming smile.

"Of course," Mr. Weasley said as he motioned for us boys to get in the car.

I immediately got into the back, as did Ron and Harry. I raised an eyebrow at the benches that had replaced the normal seats before shrugging it off as wizarding interference.

"Your name is Colton, right?" Mr. Wealsey asked once we were all buckled in.

"Yes, sir," I answered as he started the car up and drove away from 4 Privet Drive.

"Ron told me you got sorted into Slytherin," Mr. Weasley said.

"I was," I said honestly.

He hummed softly before saying, "I saw the news article Skeeter wrote about you."

"The one slandering me?" I questioned as I looked out the window.

"The one apologizing for the slander," he replied.

"Ah, yes. Nott was quite annoyed after that came out," I mused aloud.

"I imagine. Both articles caused quite an uproar in the Ministry," he said cautiously.

"Is that so?" I asked as I remained staring at the scenery that passed just outside of the car. "I do not know much about the inner happenings of the Ministry."

He remained silent for a small while before sighing. "Colton, I will be blunt: are you actually seeing someone at the Leaky Cauldron?"

"May I ask why you wish to know?" I questioned.

"I do not believe there will be anyone waiting for you," Mr. Weasley admitted, "From what Ron indicated, you aren't close enough to stay at the other Slytherins' houses."

"He'd be right," I said honestly as I continued to stare out of the window. "I do not feel the need to impede on your family when I have invested money in the stock market and can take it out now in order to pay for a room at the Leaky Cauldron."

"It's very dangerous to stay alone," Mr. Wealsey lectured.

"Then take me back to that place," I suggested.

"Why don't you stay with us?" Mr. Weasley questioned, "We won't mind."

Ron rolled his eyes with a huff, a clear indicator that he minded.

"I do not believe that will be the case for everyone, and I'd rather not cause an uproar with my presence," I said.

"You won't-"

"Dad, if he said he doesn't want to be there, he doesn't want to be there," Ron said irritably.

Mr. Weasley glanced in the rear view mirror, but I refused to look back. "Do you actually want to go back?"

"I don't want to cause problems," I said simply.

Mr. Wealsey sighed heavily. "Your family is going down to Majorca, correct?"

"I'm sure they'll take me with them," I assured the man.

Mr. Weasley paused before asking slowly, "Is there a reason they wouldn't take you?"

"Beyond the fact they despise Harry and myself, no," I denied.

"They don't like you two?" Mr. Weasley reiterated, clearly shocked.

"They're muggles who hate magic," I lamented with a sigh.

"That's…" Mr. Wealsey grimaced a bit. "They treat you alright, right?"

"Sir, Harry and I are often fed two pieces of bread and a chunk of cheese for dinner," I said bluntly as I finally looked toward the rear view mirror.

Harry elbowed my side harshly as he flushed furiously.

"It's the truth, Harry," I snapped irritably.

"He's an adult," Harry hissed not so subtly.

"He's not connected to the Dursleys. We won't be punished for saying the truth," I argued.

"You two have been punished before for trying to get help?" Mr. Weasley asked, clearly horrified.

Harry glared at me, and I glared back.

Finally, I looked back out the window. "Just forget about it. I won't say anything else if Harry is acting so childishly."

"Harry, it's really alright. I won't tell the Dursleys. You can trust me," Mr. Weasley said gently.

"Yeah, mate, you can trust us," Ron said.

"Well… Why didn't you ever write to me?" Harry demanded to know.

"I did," Ron said as he looked at Harry suspiciously. "Did you not get anything?"

"No," Harry replied.

"I can attest that the only mail we've been getting is my Daily Prophet," I said.

"That's… weird," Ron commented.

Harry nodded as Mr. Weasley looked contemplative about our words. "Um… So you…" The boy next to me flushed deeply. "You didn't forget about me, right?"

Ron looked gobsmacked. "Harry, you're my best friend."

Harry lowered his head. "I'm sorry."

"For what?" Ron asked, "You're fine, really."

"I'm sorry that I doubted you," Harry said, "I just… I really thought you and Hermione forgot me."

"We'd never," Ron said firmly.

Harry gave a small smile, looking relieved beyond words.

Mr. Weasley cleared his throat. "Harry, I do hate to pry, but have you two-"

"Yeah," Harry admitted in a soft voice, "We got locked in the cupboard for a week straight. The only time we were let out was to use the bathroom once a day."

"The… cupboard?" Mr. Weasley repeated in shock.

"We slept in the one under the stairs for a long time," I stated.

Mr. Weasley's grip on the steering wheel tightened. "Were you two ever hit?"

"We're still hit if we're not fast enough," I answered.

"The other day, Aunt Petunia tried to hit my face with a frying pan because Dudley said I was using magic," Harry supplied.

Mr. Weasley's face paled rapidly. "Dear Merlin, I can't believe you two actually stay there. I need to have a talk with Dumbledore-"

"No," I shot down immediately as I looked at the man, "You should let us talk to someone from the Ministry. Surely, the Aurors working there would know what to do."

Mr. Weasley clearly pondered my words before saying, "I'll try to schedule a meeting when I go into the office later today."

I looked back to the scenery.

"Colton, could you stay at our house until we get this situation straightened out?" Mr. Weasley pleaded.

I frowned deeply as I lowered my head a bit. "I… really don't want-"

"It won't be a problem," Mr. Weasley assured me.

"Then, I suppose I'll go with you," I said, not really seeing a choice in the matter.

Mr. Wealsey grimaced a bit, but otherwise remained silent as he began to drive us away from  Privet Drive and toward wherever he lived with his family.

I remained impassive for most of the journey, which took just under three hours when counting bathroom breaks and the like.

Eventually, Mr. Wealsey pulled into a dirt road outside of a small town called Ottery St Catchpole. He rode down the dirt road until it eventually just became grass and weeds. He finally allowed his light blue Ford Anglia 105E Deluxe to go up a hill and stop next to a large shed.

I carefully stepped out of the car and stared at the large, lopsided house with many add-ons that could only be held up by magic. I also gazed around at the chickens and such around the yard as well as part of the garden in the back. I figured the place was somewhat safe, and that I'd surely be able to slip away if I was careful.

Mr. Wealsey opened the back of his car, smiling at me when I went over to help. "There's no need to help. I simply didn't want to use magic in front of muggles."

I flushed a bit before nodding once. "Of course, sir."

"Go follow Ron inside. I'm sure my wife is making lunch as we speak," he said as he gave me a kind smile.

I hesitated a moment before nodding back once. I carefully followed behind Ron and Harry, who were already abandoning me. I paused once more outside of the door to the house, but eventually put on a confident air and entered. I quickly slipped my shoes off, noticing how the shoes were all piled in front of the door in a mess. I then followed behind Ron and Harry as they made their way through the first floor of the lopsided house and to the kitchen and dining area.

A plump woman with red hair was smiling affectionately down at Ron and Harry. "Oh, it's so good to meet you, Harry. Ron's talked plenty about you."

I diverted my eyes, knowing I was an unwanted guest in the otherwise kind family.

"H-hello, Mrs. Weasley," Harry greeted shyly.

"Oh, there's no need to be so formal, dear," Mrs. Weasley said while waving her hand dismissively. "I'm just finishing up lunch if you want some."

"We're starving," Ron said eagerly as he headed over to the kitchen sink.

I absentmindedly looked at the table and saw that there were eight places set at the table. I internally counted the family members that I knew, only to cringe in my mind once I added Harry and myself to the mix. I wasn't welcomed for sure. A hand fell on my shoulder, nearly causing me to jump. I whipped my head around and saw the gently smiling face of Mr. Weasley.

"Wash your hands, and we'll eat up soon," Mr. Weasley urged as he gently pushed me into the kitchen.

I flushed a bit as the other three in the kitchen turned their attention toward me. I quickly forced my expression into something more confident and strode forward to the sink.

"Oh, you must be Harry's brother," Mrs. Weasley chirped as she gave me the same weary smile Mr. Weasley had when he first began to talk to me.

"Yes, ma'am," I answered as I washed my hands, keeping my eyes diverted away from hers. I quickly dried my hands and noticed another place and seat had been added to the already small table. I barely bit back a grimace as I sat down next to my brother.

Mr. Weasley gave a quick peck to his wife before washing his hands. He sat down while asking, "Where are the other four?"

"Percy is in his room, the twins are de-gnoming the garden, and Ginny's-" Mrs. Weasley cut herself off as a small girl came into the kitchen.

"Dad! You're back!" Ginny exclaimed cheerfully as she hurried over to the only man in the house. She hugged her father tightly, clearly overjoyed at the return of her beloved family member.

"I said I would be back around lunch," Mr. Weasley said with a smile and a bit of exasperation.

Ginny gave a grin before looking down the table. She flushed furiously upon seeing Harry before her eyes landed on me. "Who are you?"

"My name is Colton Potter," I greeted, and I watched her pale.

Ginny wasn't even abashed to ask, "Aren't you that evil Slytherin that Ron was talking about?"

I winced a bit as the Weasley parents both looked at Ron in a disapproving manner. "Most likely. I apologize for intruding. It wasn't my intention to make you and your family uncomfortable."

"Nonsense," Mr. Weasley waved off right away, "None of us are uncomfortable. There's no need to apologize."

By the way Ginny kept staring at me, it was fairly obvious she was uncomfortable.

I merely diverted my eyes to my plate.

"Ginny, call your brothers in before washing your hands," Mrs. Weasley demanded.

Ginny stared for another moment longer before heading to the back door, which was in the kitchen. She opened it and yelled, "Fred! George! Lunchtime!"

"Finally!" One of the twins exclaimed loudly.

"We were starving!" The other twin added in.

The two came into the house looking sweaty and covered in dirt.

They glanced over at the table, but they never once opened their mouths about me. They instead went over and washed their hands, following Ginny to the table.

Ginny, Fred, and George sat down across the table from Harry, Ron, and I.

Percy came down the stairs briskly, heading over to the kitchen sink. He washed his hands hurriedly and sat down next to Ginny, and only then seemed to notice my presence. "Er-"

"This is Colton," Mr. Weasley said as he motioned to me. "He'll be staying here too."

Percy hummed before shrugging it off. "How have your essays been going this summer?"

As Harry shrugged lamely, I said, "We haven't been able to start them yet."

"What?" Percy asked incredulously. "They're important, you know. How will you get ahead in your classes if you don't put any effort in?"

"It's through no fault of their own," Mr. Weasley said firmly, clearly forbidding the topic in a subtle way.

Percy closed his mouth quickly, having enough common sense and awareness to figure out his father was a bit upset.

I awkwardly looked down at my plate as Mrs. Weasley came over with some food and set it on the table.

"Alright, serve yourselves," the woman said as she sat herself down.

The Wealseys immediately dug in, and Harry hesitantly followed in.

I waited for a moment before reaching out for some food. I took what I believed absolutely necessary to survive before beginning to eat properly. I watched as the others forewent manners in exchange for having a good time.

The Weasley twins started up a conversation about how the gnomes were fiercer than usual that morning.

The other Weasleys, and even Harry, got talking, but I remained quiet and listened.

The family of red-heads genuinely seemed like a good family, one that cared for others.

I looked down at my food as I quietly ate, having no intention of interacting more with them. I made an error by staying with them, so I would have to atone for the mistake.

"Colton, dear, do you want more?" Mrs. Weasley questioned.

I swallowed before answering, "No, thank you. I don't eat much."

She gave a concerned look, but I directed my eyes to my almost empty plate. She would never understand how her being polite was wounding me.

I pushed down my emotions for the time being, and I instead finished my meal. Once then, I waited to be dismissed from the table.

"Hey, Harry, wanna ride your broom around out back?" Ron invited.

Harry's face lit up, clearly eager to do such.

"What about you?"

I glanced toward one of the twins, only to pause upon seeing they were looking at me. "No, thank you. I much prefer to get started on my studies."

"You sound like a Ravenclaw," the other twin lamented with a heavy sigh.

"There's nothing wrong with being studious," Percy quipped at his younger twin brother before looking at me. "If you need any help, I'll gladly offer my assistance."

"Thank you," I said while bowing my head down a bit.

Percy nodded back, clearly pleased.

"Come on, mate!" Ron urged, having cleaned his entire plate despite having a large serving of food.

Harry eagerly abandoned his spot at the table to go fetch his broom.

"Please, excuse me," I requested before standing. I headed off to my trunk, only to find it not by the front door. I paused before heading back to the kitchen. "Excuse me. Where did my trunk end up?"

"Oh, it's in Charlie's old room," Mr. Weasley said, "Ron can-"

Ron raced down the stairs like his life depended on it, Harry right on his heels with a broomstick in his hands.

"Ron-"

"I get to test out the Nimbus Two Thousand first!" Ron exclaimed eagerly as he rushed right out of the kitchen door, Harry still on his heels.

"Wha- That's not fair!" One of the twins exclaimed as they rushed after the two, the other twin following.

I heard the door slam behind them and awkwardly shifted.

"I'll show you," Percy said as he stood up from his seat, having eaten his fair share of food.

"Thank you," I said politely as I nodded in his direction.

The older boy walked up the stairs, going up a couple different staircases that had a few doors each. He ended up stopping at the third landing and motioned to one door. "That's Charlie's old room. We mainly store things in it for now. My room is across the hall, if you need anything."

"Thank you again," I said as I gave a small smile. I then headed into the old bedroom and immediately spotted my trunk. I opened it and took out my History of Magic book, as well as my assignment for summer. I was eager to start on my essay, having the rest of summer to go over my essays, revise them, and write them even better. I dug in quickly, not coming out of Charlie's room until Mrs. Weasley yelled that it was dinner time. I walked calmly down to the kitchen area, where I washed my hands before sitting at the table. I noticed Mr. Weasley was absent, but no one else seemed to question it, so I don't either.

"Colton, dear, how hungry are you?" Mrs. Weasley asked.

"I'll take a small serving, thank you," I replied quickly.

She gave me well-over a small serving, making it just a bit smaller than my brother's.

I felt bad as we ate, knowing that I couldn't finish it all and that I was wasting food that the Wealseys could have otherwise eaten later.

"How are your essays coming along?" Percy questioned.

"Oh, the one I've been working on has been going well," I replied, "I've been combing through the textbook on goblin rebellions, but I believe that I need more information from another source to truly make my essay decent."

"I believe I have an old textbook on them, but we didn't use it in class. You can look through it if you want," Percy offered.

I smiled softly at him. "I'd like that. Thank you."

He nodded at me, clearly pleased with being helpful.

I returned my focus to my food, and I once again returned to observing the Wealseys. I quickly stopped eating, however, as my stomach was protesting more food.

"Can I have the rest of your chips?" Harry asked.

I slid my plate over to him, having no interest in making myself puke.

Harry smiled brightly as he ate my chips.

Ron pouted as he looked at his empty plate and then at the plate I had just slid Harry.

"Are you sure you've gotten enough to eat?" Mrs. Weasley asked, looking at me with concern.

"Yes, ma'am," I confirmed with a nod. "Thank you for the meal."

She gave a forced smile.

"Am I sleeping in the same room as Harry?" I questioned.

"Arthur and I thought it may be a bit too cramped," Mrs. Weasley said, "Do you mind sleeping in Charlie's old room?"

"I don't mind," I said honestly.

"Oh, that's a relief," she said with a small smile.

I felt the comment was odd, but I didn't say anything to indicate otherwise. I instead excused myself from the table and retired to my temporary room for the night. I continued to work on my essay, jotting down the notes that I needed from the textbook before setting it aside. Soon after, I went to bed for the night.