Chapter 12
He doesn't know what's going on.
One moment, nothing. The next, life.
There's a strange creature nearby. He sniffs delicately at the paw, long claws lax in sleep. It smells… familiar, he digs his nose deeper and licks; what is this? Is it him?
Loud noises startle him. He lays down, hiding, shivering; what is it? What is it? A loud vrroooooom! startles him and he runs. Into the bush and far, far away. He only stops when he can't go any further, panting, trying to cool down in the hot, hot air.
Where is he? He doesn't know. He sniffs around but nothing smells right. What is this? What is this? Everything smells new. He perks his ears, listening for… anything and then moves further into the bush. He smells…
---
After waking up, panicking because Sirius wasn’t there, where did he go? Was it all a long fever dream?! Sirius comes waltzing back in with two bowls in hand. Immediately, Harry calms but his heart pounds in the aftermath as Sirius greets him jovially, “Morning, Pup!”
Harry sits up, accepting the bowl his Godfather hands to him. It’s porridge and it makes his stomach turn, “Good morning, Sir’.” He starts eating it anyway because he can’t afford to miss more meals. It’s lightly flavoured with something, so the difference is enough to settle his stomach. He can feel the flares of Will lighting up around him now that’s he’s fully awake and calm. He doesn’t know who is here but at least he’ll know if they approach.
“Most of these people have nothing but nice things to say about you,” Sirius says conversationally as he eats. “You know them well?”
Harry shrugs, “I met Rick in Atlanta. That’s where I... woke up. He was looking for his family and thought they would be in Atlanta but the city was dead by then. Glenn was there, too, but with some others to look for supplies. They brought us to the Quarry where we met the rest of them.”
“We?” Sirius inquires curiously. “Zoey, I presume?”
Harry’s appetite suddenly disappears, yearning rising to see his little sister. She has to be alive. If she’s not, and Negan is... well, the threats he gave Negan before will be tame in comparison. “Yeah. She’s-” my little sister, my responsibility, my ward, my light at the end of the dark tunnel- “Important to me.”
“Can’t wait to meet her,” Sirius comments, no hint of dishonesty.
“You already did,” Harry replies pointedly. “In Atlanta.”
Sirius’ hand stops before it can deposit the food inside his mouth and he gives Harry a haunted look, “The little one?”
Harry nods, eyeing his Godfather, “She never told me what happened before and after we fought.”
Sirius seems to have lost his appetite as well, the bowl lowering to his lap, “I think I owe Zoey an apology.”
Harry doesn’t like the sound of that, “What happened?”
Sirius sucks his lip into his teeth and sets the bowl aside, “I need you to understand something, Harry,” he starts, sounding hesitant and almost afraid. “I... was not a kind man, when we met in Atlanta. I still can’t work out how I didn’t recognize you but then again, I had no memories to speak of.”
He had amnesia? That would explain a few things. For Sirius to know Harry at all, he has to be his Godfather from their previous world. Harry can only recall flashes of memories of Sirius, nothing substantial that withstood the test of time. Only his name and the love Harry kept in his heart until he died. He had forgotten what Sirius looked like, the curl of his hair and the grey of his eyes, the wild smile of overconfidence. For Sirius not to remember Harry... what happened, after he died? Did he come here? And if he did, how long ago? For Harry, it had been a lifetime but how long has it been for Sirius?
“I caught her just as she ran out of the building. She was the target but I hadn’t found you yet. I was... cruel and creepy, to her and to you. I doubt she’s going to want anything to do with me when we meet again.”
“You were looking for me?” Harry feels a bit taken aback. Why was Sirius after him in Atlanta when Zoey was the target?
Sirius takes a bite, practically shoving it in his mouth and taking the time to chew. Then, “We were looking for Zoey through the CCTV cameras in the city. Somehow I recognized you, even subconsciously but I mistook my love for you for... obsession, I guess. I felt the need to find you, even when I didn’t know why. I remember being so angry when I heard the ‘copter crashed in Washington, the complete opposite direction they were supposed to fly in. We recovered the black box from the crash but it was completely wiped by whatever affected the vehicle and we searched by foot for over a week before the Brass called off the search. They were convinced you two perished as well, even though we couldn’t find your bodies.”
Harry feels incredibly grateful that Negan was there that day.
Sirius raises a hand and cups the back of Harry’s neck, “I’m so fucking glad you’re okay, Harry.”
Harry leans into Sirius’ side, so grateful he has the older man back. He missed and mourned Sirius for a long time, until it faded into fond nostalgia. He told his children about his Godfather and the adventures of the Marauders. They didn’t have enough time together.
“Ditto,” Harry says, unable to articulate himself at this moment. They have time now.
---
As much as Harry would prefer to stay hiding, he really doesn’t have much choice in the matter.
Sirius grins as he pulls the reluctant teen out of the cell, leading Harry down a long hall to a door. Glenn’s face appears and he smiles, keys clinking on the other side, “Morning, Harry. Sleep well?”
Harry smiles back as the door and replies teasingly, “Like a log. Have you been cuddling anyone in your sleep, lately?”
Harry’s smile turns into a smirk when Glenn colors and stutters, “Uh, y-yeah, actually.”
“Good for you, mate,” Harry replies genuinely, lightly punching Glenn’s upper arm. “Mags, right?”
“Well, Maggie, actually,” Glenn huffs a laugh, re-locking the door behind them. “She’d like to talk to you later, if you don’t mind. Herschel, too.”
“He’s awake?” Harry asks, following Glenn down the hall. “He’s up?”
“Yes,” Glenn nods once. “Rick wanted to talk to you first, though.”
“So popular, Pup,” Sirius teases, messing up Harry’s hair with a gleeful grin.
“Oi!” Harry snaps playfully, shoving his Godfather back a step. It’s pretty sad how much of his strength is just... gone. Harry tries not to let it get to him.
Sirius laughs, slinging an arm over Harry’s shoulder.
The teen turns back to Glenn, who was watching the exchange with a smile, “Do I have a choice about these conversations?”
Glenn tilts his head, “Of course you do. Is... there a reason you don’t?”
Harry makes a vague gesture, “I kind of wanted to get going, actually.”
“Oh,” Glenn’s face falls a little, looking far too disappointed about it for the few days they’ve known each other. Harry doesn’t know what to feel about that, either. “Can you at least speak to Rick?”
Figuring it wouldn’t hurt, Harry agrees.
---
“Harry,” Rick greets, grinning so widely his face must be hurting. “Now I know you don’t like gratitude but you’re getting it anyway. Thank you for what you did for Lor’,” he says with so much genuine emotion that Harry’s automatic reaction to rebuff it gets stuck in his throat. “I don’t-she means the world to me, to both Carl and I. I will never be able to thank you enough for what you’ve done for us.”
Feeling a midge uncomfortable with so much gratitude for doing something any decent person would do, Harry nods, “Y-you’re welcome. I’m glad I could help.”
Rick reaches out and pats Harry’s shoulder firmly, “If there is anything I can do for ya, please, just name it.”
Harry opens his mouth but Sirius beats him to it, “You guys have a bike or car we can take off your hands?”
Harry hadn’t even thought about procuring a vehicle. It’s a rather blinding oversight, considering how bloody far the helicopter had taken them. He still doesn’t know where they are and how far they may have to walk without one.
“Not at the moment, no,” Rick answers, pausing in thought. His hand scratches the long bristles of his face. “But if you give us a few days, I’m sure we can figure something out.”
Harry doesn’t want to wait that long.
Sirius’ hand lands on his shoulder and squeezes comfortingly, “I’m sure we can spare a few days to save a few weeks on the road.”
Well, when it’s put like that.
Harry gives Sirius a stink eye but doesn’t protest. His Godfather merely winks.
Rick bobs his head, looking determined, “Just a few days. If nothing else, we’ll have ample supplies for the road waiting for you.”
“Wait-” Harry tries but again, Sirius cuts him off. “That’d be great, thanks.”
Rick smiles, holding out his hand for Harry to take. The teen does, the shake firm but not painful, “Thank you again, Harry. You’ll always have a place in this group. Always.”
Taking his hand back, feeling unexpectedly touched at the proclamation, Harry croaks, “No problem.”
“We’ll get you a cell of your own until you go. In the mean time, there are a few people who’d like to see you, as well,” Rick grins, jerking his chin. Harry follows the gesture, finding Sophia and Carol standing there, waiting for their turn. The shy little girl at the Quarry all those months ago has grown; taller by at least four inches and her hair done up in a cute braided crown, loose hair escaping everywhere. She stands with new confidence, shoulders back and hip cocked, a knife and gun strapped to her belt. She’s grinning widely, almost vibrating in place, only held back by her Mother’s arm over her shoulders. Carol, herself, seems almost to be a different woman. Gone is the nervous hunch to her shoulders and bowed head; she stands tall and proud, chin lifted and smile peaceful. She also carries a knife but also wields a rifle over her shoulder. She bears it well; Harry has the feeling she’s a wicked shot with it.
Rick excuses himself as Sophia finally loses patience and bolts forward, “Harry!”
Thankfully, the teenage girl doesn’t trigger anything and Harry grins, bracing for impact. Sirius’ hands catch his shoulders as the blonde missile practically jumps on the older teen. Sirius laughs as Harry nearly bowls over, no longer having the weight he used to for such things, “Hello Sophia. I’m happy to see you too.”
“I can’t believe you’re here!” Sophia exclaims into his shoulder, pulling back after a moment to look up at him.
“It’s good to see you, Harry,” Carol chimes in with a smile.
Harry hasn’t had so much positivity in a long time and it’s beginning to get to him. He swallows the lump in his throat and replies, “Same.” He can’t get anything else out at the moment. He doesn’t seem to need to.
Sophia pulls her shirt down her shoulder, showing Harry and Sirius the mess of scarring, “You saved my life!”
Harry’s jaw drops, his hand hesitantly hovering over her shoulder in wonder, “How did you-”
“We encountered a herd on the highway,” Carol says, her hand reaching up to rest on the back of Sophia’s neck, like she needed the contact. “Sophia got chased into the woods.”
“I got lost,” Sophia frowns a little, her eyes turning down to her messy shoulder. “And then a Geek bit me. Then this... I don’t even know wind? Force? Something just... blew the Geek away! And my shoulder was barely bleeding after! Didn’t get sick, neither.”
“Daryl found her near dark,” Carol continues, her thumb gently rubbing Sophia’s neck. “Thank you, Harry. I know you did something extra for the children.”
Taken aback, Harry lifts his eyes from Sophia’s shoulder to Carol, “What?”
“Dale was bit at the farm and though he survived it, nothing of the sort happened to him,” Carol answers, a smirk gracing her lips. “And Carl was shot the day after Sophia went missin’. The same thing happened to him, some force removed the buckshot and healed his chest most of the way. Shane was shot, nothing. It’s hardly rocket science to make the connection.”
Harry didn’t think his little good luck charm on the children would be so powerful. He had only wanted to bring luck to their path, not this. Though... he can’t really argue with the results.
“It hurts a little,” Sophia tells him, rotating her scarred shoulder with a light wince. “But not too bad, considerin’ I coulda died.”
Harry will have none of that, thank you. He wordlessly heals her shoulder completely on the inside. There is nothing he can do about the horrid scarring but he can do this much. Sophia’s young face takes on wonder as her pain eases and disappears, rotating her shoulder when he drops his hand, “It-you healed it!”
Carol’s face crumbles, uttering a small sound as she reaches out and pulls Harry into a hug, “Oh, thank you. Bless you, Harry. Bless you.”
Her hug is different enough that Harry immediately wraps his arms around her in turn, “I’m glad she’s okay.”
Carol pulls back, wiping her tearful cheeks, “You are too kind.”
“Yeah!” Sophia agrees, grinning widely. “Nobody’s nice these days.”
Harry winks down at her with a wry smile, “Only to kids, don’t tell anyone, yeah?”
Sophia giggles, covering her mouth to muffle herself but her eyes dance with her amusement.
“Well, if it ain’t the fuckin’ Fairy!” Merle crows nearby.
Harry glances over, seeing the familiar, unpleasant man he remembers most fondly from the rooftop in Atlanta and Daryl next to him. Put side by side, it’s more than obvious the two are related. Harry doesn’t know how he didn’t see if before.
“If you knew what a real fairy is like,” Harry replies in a dry tone, though amusement quirks the corners of his lips. “You’d be using it far differently.”
Sirius chuckles, barely heard under Merle’s amused guffaws, “Ya do remember me!”
“Hard to forget,” Harry loses the battle to hide his amusement. “Glad to see that your withdrawal didn’t end up killing you.”
Daryl, slightly behind Merle, gives his brother a knowing side-eye as the elder replies, “Nuthin’ kills a Dixon but a Dixon, ya hear?”
Sirius chuckles at that. It catches their attention, Merle sneering and Daryl eyeing him in interest. With how close he is to Harry, they are likely curious on who he might be considering they didn’t meet the first time around. Merle demands, “Who’s this fucker?”
“Sirius, Harry’s Godfather,” Sirius introduces himself, though doesn’t offer a hand. “We met up a few days ago.”
Merle eyes him up and down, sneer growing, “Really? This true, Fairy?”
Rolling his eyes at the apparent nickname, Harry affirms, “Yes.”
“Them yours?” Merle jerks his chin at Sirius and it takes a moment to realize he’s referring to the fatigues.
“I woke up in them this morning, so they must be,” Sirius quips with a smirk.
“What regiment?”
“Didn’t have one,” Sirius shrugs. “Special Forces, if you want to be particular. I wasn’t deployed into the field until after the world went to shit.”
Merle eyes Sirius up and down, slower this time, “You any good?” Harry realizes the rough man is trying to measure his Godfather’s abilities.
Sirius grows visibly excited but doesn’t let it show too much, “I’m okay. You up for a friendly spar?”
Merle suddenly grins, cracking his neck and rotating his shoulders, “Let’s fuckin’ go, then!”
Sirius glances at Harry, seemingly feeling a bit nervous at leaving him for however long the spar will take but the teen merely motions, “Go on. I think there’s a few more people I need to talk to, anyway. I’ll be around.”
Sirius is nearly vibrating as he follows Merle.
A tug at his hand.
“Come!” Sophia chirps, pulling on his hand.
“Where are you taking me?” Harry asks curiously but follows, Carol falling into step. “Do I need to be scared?”
Sophia giggles again, “Maaaaybe.”
“Oh, I’m terrified now,” Harry replies in a very dry tone.
Carol chuckles at their antics. On the way to where Sophia is leading them, they meet up with Jim – “Hey, Harry! Great to see ya!” to which he replies, “You too, mate.” and tries not to boggle at Carol kissing the man as he’s drawn away by the blonde teen – and then T-Dog. The large black man is happy to see him, shaking Harry’s hand with a large grin in place, “Hey! Glad to see you still alive, man! How’s it going?”
Harry doesn’t have a chance to reply, Sophia sighing dramatically, “T! We’re busy!”
T-Dog lightly shoves Sophia, “Don’t need to be rude, Soph. I just wanna check in with Harry real quick.”
Harry doesn’t know why. He hardly remembers even talking to T-Dog.
“I’m fine, thank you, T-Dog,” Harry replies before Sophia can kick up more fuss. “It’s lovely to see you, too, mate.”
“Hey! Happy to hear that!” T-Dog sounds so enthused about it that Harry has a hard time not feeling it as well. “Hit me up some time, hey? I’m sure you’ve got some interesting stories to tell!”
Harry can only nod, T-Dog patting his back before leaving.
“Come on! Just a little further!” Sophia urges him.
“Alright, alright,” Harry grins down at her. “Can I ask my kidnapper where we are going?”
The answer is immediately obvious. Carl steps out of a cell, blue eyes lighting up at seeing Harry and a wide grin spreads across the teen’s face, “Harry!”
“Carl,” Harry greets, in awe of the frankly amazing growth spurt. Carl grew almost five inches, putting him nearly on par with Harry. His hair is only a little longer than the Quarry and he carries a knife and gun as well. He has muscle definition along his wiry arms and carries himself like Sophia. It fills Harry with pride that the two have come into their own like they have. Their survival depends on them staying strong. “You sprouted.”
Carl laughs, coming forward to give Harry a hug, “Not that much.”
“I beg to differ, mate,” Harry says, motioning with his hands their height difference of only six inches or so. “If you get taller than me, I’m not going to be happy.”
Both teens laugh at that. Harry doesn’t tell them he means it. He won’t ever live it down if Zoey ever found out about it. She’d tease him for eternity.
On second thought, that doesn’t sound so bad.
“Thanks for bringing him by, Sophia,” Carl says.
“You’re welcome, Carl,” Sophia chirps, looking far too happy with herself. “I need to catch up with Mommy, so I’ll talk to you later.”
She gives Harry another hug and then runs off.
“Hey, Harry,” Carl draws his attention. The teen looks a little shy, “I just- thanks, for... y’know. Savin’ my life and healing my Mom.” Harry is beginning to feel a little overloaded from all the gratitude. Why didn’t he just leave? It sounds bad but he really doesn’t want it. He’s just happy his magic helped to keep them alive. “I knew something was wrong,” Carl continues, seeming not to notice Harry’s lack of reaction. “Mom and Dad think they’re so sneaky but I knew. I’m not dumb. I was real worried for a long time and they didn’t tell me anything, so thanks. It means a lot.”
“Trust me when I say that they didn’t hide it from you to make you mad,” Harry tells him seriously. “It’s a parent’s job to protect their kids. Don’t hold it against them, yeah?”
Carl relaxes, smiling softly, “Okay, I can do that.”
“Good. Make sure to take care of your Mum and Dad, okay? And your sibling. They’re going to need you.”
Determination fills the thin, wiry shoulders, making them straighten with purpose, “I will.”
“Good, that,” Harry bobs his head approvingly, squeezing Carl’s shoulder. Then, “Not to cut this short but I’m sure there are people looking for me. Should we play hooky?”
Carl lights up, “Yeah! Come on! I’ve got some comics you can read!”
Harry is more than happy to sit around reading comics than talk to anyone else right now. If he gets another thank you, he’s going to explode. Not in the mad way but from sheer overload.
---
He's been in this cage forever.
Its always loud and he's always hungry. The others make all sorts of noises to be heard but he won't. Several bipedal creatures peek into his cage but end up shaking their head. He doesn't know what they want. He doesn't know why he's here.
A shadow and he looks up. He stands, sniffing the air delicately as a thin declawed paw tried to reach through the bars. He knows this creature. It doesn't quite smell right but he knows that snout and those eyes. They don't quite fit together but close enough. He wags his tail and the creature pulls away, talking to something out of sight.
He goes to the bars, sniffing where the paw tried to come in. Doesn't smell right. But looks right. Maybe?
---
Hours later, Sirius finally finds him hiding in Carl’s room, “There you are, Pup.”
Harry rouses from the intriguing comic, now on his second read-through. Sirius is standing in the doorway, leaning on it with an indulgent smile on his face. Harry utters in a dead tone, “Oh. You found me.”
“From the sound of that, I suppose you want to keep hiding?” Sirius asks teasingly.
Harry sighs, “Yes?”
“Time to eat, I’m afraid,” Sirius shrugs. He seems calm, his hair in disarray and his clothes bearing traces of grass stains and dirt. “Come on.”
“Who won?” Harry asks as he sets aside his comic and stands. Carl is doing the same, glancing between them curiously.
“We both came the mutual agreement that I did,” Sirius states with a sniff. “Though he’ll tell you otherwise, so don’t believe him.”
Carl chuckles, as does Harry. That is the most non-answer he’s ever gotten, “Whatever you say, Sir’.”
“I do,” Sirius returns haughtily.
---
At lunch, save for Rick, Daryl and Merle, everyone else was there. There are three men Harry hasn’t met yet; they stand apart from the rest almost awkwardly and eat their food silently. Dale approaches Harry first, a grateful smile in place as they shake hands. He’s immensely grateful for the vaccination and doesn’t hesitate to let Harry know. Michonne and Andre seem to be fitting in alright. Jim and Carol are leaning into each other, Sophia running up to join Carl at a table. The older gentleman Harry healed, Herschel if he remembers right, limps closer unsteadily, still not used to his crutches. Harry bears his gratitude as well, unable to refute it because of the severity of the injury. Herschel’s daughter, Beth, comes up right after, teary eyed and face lightly flushed as she offers her own thanks. Harry eyes her a bit oddly but accepts that too.
Then Maggie is pulling Glenn with her. She’s filled with determination as she stops in front of Harry, “First of all, thanks for healing my Daddy. I was worried the shock would kill him,” Maggie smiles, squeezing Glenn’s arm. The man flushes a little but seems inordinately pleased with the contact. Harry doesn’t get to reply because the brunette gets right down to business. “Glenn finally told me how you two met and I have a question.”
Eyeing her warily, Harry says, “Okay?”
“He said he’s never had a better night’s sleep than when ya’ll were sharin’ a tent,” Maggie’s eyes are intense. “Did you and him have relations?”
Harry chokes. Glenn’s face ripens tomato red, steam practically hissing out his ears from sheer embarrassment, “Mags!”
“Hush, I’m talkin’,” Maggie pats his arm, not even bothering to look the poor man in the face. “Well?”
Feeling very embarrassed himself, Harry stutters, “N-no. We j-just... slept.” He gives Glenn a what the hell expression. He can hear Sirius giggling hysterically somewhere nearby.
Maggie leans back, relieved, “Just makin’ sure.” She sounds so innocent but Harry now knows the blunt, strange creature is hiding underneath the facade.
I’m so sorry, Glenn mouths, face still red.
“Okay,” Harry replies awkwardly. “Good talk. If you’ll excuse me-” he makes his escape. Americans are bloody weird.
Sirius is still giggling when Harry sidles up next to him. The teen is more than ready to tuck in for the nigh to avoid, not only the gratitude but awkward questions as well. He’s never felt so embarrassed in this life, he feels his hot cheeks and wills the flush down.
“Aw, wittle Harry is blushing!” Sirius cackles, leaning over to grin into Harry’s face.
“Shove off!” The teen pushes Sirius away, scowling.
It only makes Sirius laugh more. Unable to stay grumpy in the face of his Godfather’s humor, Harry slowly grins as well. Well, from an outside perspective, it was kind of funny. It just wasn’t for him at the time.
---
The prison is actually quite a find, for anyone, really. The fields are large enough for gardens to be grown and the cells can house dozens, if not hundreds of people at once. The showers work, though they only pelt ice water (Harry enjoys a shower anyway because he finally gets to wash away the remains of the commune) and if they get lucky to find some, solar panels can be attached to the copious amount of empty roof. Put some proper defences in place... It won’t take much to make this place self sustaining.
However, the fences.
Harry doesn’t like the fences as much as he thought he would.
Things can be done to make the fences much stronger and more durable but with the lack of manpower, it’s but a pipe dream. Harry and Sirius sit way out afield together, making idle chatter as Harry wool-gathers the fences.
Sirius suddenly stops talking. Harry doesn’t notice at first but something registers and he wordlessly follows his Godfather’s gaze. At the gate, Merle is riding on a motorbike. Daryl is pushing an inert motorbike in after them and Rick is covering their six. A few swipes of a hatchet keeps enough of the Biters at bay for Merle to park and run back to close the gate back up. Rick sneaks in last moment and pikes a Biter before retreating further.
“I should go and see if I can help fix ‘er up,” Sirius comments, standing. He pauses, “You’ll be okay?”
Harry smiles up at his Godfather, “I’m fine, Sir’. I’ll likely be here when you’re done.”
Sirius frowns, half kneeling to level with Harry again, “Be honest, Harry. Why are you avoiding everyone?”
“It’s nothing, Sirius,” Harry protests, shaking his head.
Sirius reaches out and rests a comforting hand on Harry’s shoulder, “It’s not nothing. Look, I know... it’s probably been a while, for both of us. I don’t understand everything yet, not until we can talk. We’ll have that conversation, I promise. But I’m worried... you were never quite this... withdrawn.”
Harry can only shrug, what is he supposed to say? He isn’t ready to talk about the commune, it’s still too fresh, too... visceral. The only reason he didn’t freak out in the cell is because it looks nothing like the Room. He was never behind bars or heard the jingle of keys, just the steady threat of the button and the collar. And the silence. Harry now understands and properly empathizes with Zoey on her fear of it. There is enough ambient noise in the background to keep his head in reality but he’s nervous for the day he will face the silence again. Harry isn’t withdrawn, he’s just been conditioned this way from the months he spent alone, in the White Room, staring at the White Walls and the White Floor. His clothes were White. His hair so short, he can’t see it. White, white, white.
Harry is still trying to acclimate to everything. Constantly being bombarded by gratitude and positivity is kind of giving him whiplash, if he’s being honest. It’s just more than a bit overwhelming for how isolated he’s been.
“I’m fine, Sirius,” Harry assures him, managing a small smile and emphasizes. “I know we’ll have that talk.”
Sirius’ face clears up a little and though unhappy, he accepts it, “Alright, Pup. I’ll be back... at some point.”
Harry watching his Godfather go until he catches sight of little Andre toting across the field determinedly. Michonne is right behind him, grinning from ear to ear, walking slowly. She seems in far better spirits than the previous day. Harry wonders if she’s going to stay here or not.
“Draygon!” Harry calls out with a smile, shifting to his knees.
Andre visibly clenches in excitement, his face scrunching happily, “Harry!”
It’s the first time the little boy said his name and Harry absolutely does not melt into the ground from how cute he is. Merlin, Harry’s already loves the little guy, “Hey Draygon!” He opens his arms and Andre collides with his chest. “Thanks for coming to visit. You liking it here?”
Andre pulls back and nods seriously, the expression making Harry privately crack up in amusement. He doesn’t want the little boy to think Harry is laughing at him to be mean.
“He doesn’t talk all that much,” Michonne supplies as she crouches down nearby. Her body language is a lot less aggressive. Harry appreciates it but doesn’t mention it. “His therapist said he’d grow out of it.”
“He sure knows how to roar, don’t you, Draygon?” Harry asks with a grin.
Andre delivers his best roar yet.
Michonne laughs, genuinely delighted by it, “He is rarely loud. It’s so nice to see him so lively. Why do you call him Draygon?”
“They called him Dray and I like dragons, so I called him that to cheer him up,” Harry explains, lightly swinging Andre’s arms back and forth to keep him occupied for a moment. “He asked what it means and when I told him, he really liked it and roared!”
Andre roars again, looking far too pleased with himself.
Michonne’s lips trembles and she says, “I’ll remember that.”
It occurs to Harry that he hasn’t vaccinated either Michonne or Andre yet and says, “I’m not sure what Andrea and Amy told you about me...”
Michonne tilts her head, “Actually, I heard about you before I met the sisters. A young man with miraculous healing powers. I didn’t believe them as it seemed fantastical at the time but when we spent the winter together, you came up. I sure turned into a believer when Amy showed me her shoulder.”
Harry should have known people would talk about him. He wonders how many people have heard about him by now. How far has the story of saving Amy from the brink of death and healing/vaccinating the survivors of the Quarry gotten? “Ah, well then. This will make things easier, I suppose. I’d like to vaccinate you and Andre, if that’s alright.”
Michonne stares at Harry for a long, long moment, her face unreadable. It makes Harry more than a bit uncomfortable. Then, she says, “You really are too kind. They told me about you, you know,” she gestures vaguely to the building. “You barely know these people. You barely know me. Why would you do something like that for strangers?”
“Because it’s the right thing to do,” Harry answers her solemnly. “I have the power to help people, so that’s what I do. If this had been the old world, I would probably think differently but now? Humanity is on the brink of extinction. I need to do something- we all need to work together, now. How is keeping my powers to myself going to make things better?”
Michonne doesn’t seem to know what to say. She simply stares him down again.
“Andre deserves to grow up,” Harry says softly, smiling down at the little boy. Andre grins widely, some of his gums on full display. “Carl and Sophia deserve to grow up. Life is precious in a way it’s rarely ever been. I need to protect that.”
“Why you?” Michonne asks sharply.
Harry shrugs, “Do you know anyone else that can heal people?”
“Doctors,” Michonne answers rhetorically, knowing it’s a moot point. She sighs, nodding at last, “But I see what you’re saying. Please, vaccinate my son and myself.”
Harry would have vaccinated Andre even if she had said no but he’s happy to have her blessing. Andre giggles at the tingling feeling of Harry’s magic seeping into his skin. Then Harry proffers his hand and does the same to Michonne when she takes it. She jolts a little with a quirk of her lips.
“Tickles, right?” Harry asks with a grin.
Michonne nods, smile growing, “Yeah.”
Harry returns his attention to Andre and asks, “You want to play something, Dray?” Harry slips. It’s basically a nickname at this point. He glances at Michonne and doesn’t see any disapproval for it.
Andre’s eyes widen and he nods furiously.
“What do you want to play?”
The little boy doesn’t really think about it. He roars again and then basically tackles Harry. The teen pretends to gasp and falls over, where Andre giggles and climbs over him, roaring some more. They playfully wrestle for a bit, Harry making sure to be extra careful to not hurt the child and he hears Michonne giggling in the background as she enjoys the show.
Finally, Harry dies, staring blankly into the sky with his tongue sticking out. He breathes shallowly, feeling Andre climb up his chest. The little boy appears in the corner of his vision, looking far too concerned for someone so small. He pats Harry’s cheek gently with one small hand and then whines, “Harry!”
“I’m dead,” Harry replies, redying dramatically.
Andre giggles, clapping his hands, “Win!”
Michonne laughs some more, evidently finding their antics amusing and stands, “Good job, Peanut! You hungry?”
Andre’s stomach rumbles and he clutches it as he bobs his head. Harry breaks out into his own giggles, coming back to life to poke the little tummy, “Sounds like a real dragon inside there.”
Andre clutches his tummy with wide eyes. Harry can’t control it, he cracks and laughs, finding the expression far too amusing not to. Michonne’s laughter joins his. It feels good to just laugh. He hasn’t had much opportunity to and it’s nice to feel the burn in his cheeks again.
“Come on, Peanut,” Michonne stands, smiling widely. Harry feels some concern to see her eyes red but doesn’t question it. “Let’s go get you something to eat, hm?” Then she says to Harry, “Thank you, Harry. For everything.”
Nodding, Harry sits up, shifting Andre to his feet on the solid ground. He gently urges Andre towards his Mother, “Thanks for visiting, Dray!”
Andre doesn’t answer. He’s distracted by the prospect of food. Barely a few feet and Michonne is lifting him up onto her hip. Harry finds he feels far better now. Michonne waves over her shoulder in farewell. Little Andre follows her example, beaming back at Harry until he’s distracted by something else.
Then Harry is alone again.
---
His human is crying.
He sniffs at an ear, only earning an abrupt elbow to the chest. It doesn't deter him; he whimpers and cuddles in closer. Human says something but he doesn't understand, just like every other time. Something about his human is sad today.
He sniffs around his human and picks up the scent of that nasty human that bothers his human. It's most concentrated along his human's back. It smells thick and musty, he doesn't know what it means. He does know that the owner of this scent hurt his human, so he commits it to memory.
Human pushes him away again. He doesn't understand why. He tries to push in closer again but this time human screams at him. His nails rake along the floor as he tries to get away. His human never raises his voice. He whimpers again but his human ignores him.
He just wants to make his human feel less sad.
---
“-start her up?”
Harry peeks around the corner to find Rick, Daryl, Merle and Sirius fiddling with the bike the former three brought back a few hours ago. Daryl mounts the bike and turns the key, the entire frame roaring to life. Merle whoops with a cackle and exclaims, “Ol’ Merle’s still got it!”
Daryl turns it back off, “Sounds good.”
Rick claps Merle on the shoulder once and says, “Good job, Merle. How much gas can we spare?”
“We only have one can,” Daryl replies as Merle scowls heavily and shrugs the shoulder Rick touched. The older brother rolls his neck, sending Rick a scathing glare. Rick ignores it with ease, seeming to be well practised at it.
“We just need enough to make it to a town and we can take it from there,” Sirius states, crossing his arms. “And if you have a map, that would be even better.”
“I wanna know somethin’,” Merle scowls at Sirius, crossing his arms. “The fuck you get here? Ya Brits have yer own fuckin’ shit ta do.”
Sirius frowns; Harry can see how his Godfather shifts a little, subtly readying for an attack.
“Not to mention,” Rick inserts. “Quite a coincidence that you and Harry found each other here.”
“Quite,” Sirius states gravely, looking at all three. “This an interrogation?”
“Harry’s one’a us,” Daryl scowls, stepping up to Merle’s side and staring at Sirius suspiciously. Harry feels a swell of emotion at the declaration, unable to keep from tearing up a little. Rick told him but to have them say it without him around is-it just, means more.
“We’re just makin’ sure you are who you say you are,” Rick continues, firm and unyielding. “Got to admit, it’s a mighty coincidence. Can you prove it?”
Sirius sighs and turns, “Pup, come out here.”
Merle, Daryl and Rick all whip their heads towards Harry as he steps into view. Rick seems sheepish but doesn’t back down and the brothers glance at each other.
“He is my Godfather, you guys,” Harry tells them as he approaches them and the finished bike. “Trust me on that.”
“We trust ya,” Rick replies with a nod. “We just wanted ta make sure.”
Merle spits on the ground, “All sortsa weirdos claimin’ shit ‘round here.”
“How’d you know?” Daryl asks, drawing everyone’s attention. The younger redneck flushes a little from it but stares right at Sirius.
“Know what?” Sirius asks in confusion.
“That he was there,” Daryl clarifies, jerking an arm towards where Harry had been hiding.
Sirius grins, tapping his nose, “I smelled him.”
Harry snickers at Rick and Daryl’s confusion. Merle scoffs, “Ya fuckin’ right.”
Sirius shrugs, “Okay, I sensed a disturbance in the Force.”
Rick huffs a chuckle, shaking his head. Merle gives Sirius the finger and Daryl ducks his head, probably hiding a grin.
Harry rolls his eyes, “I still don’t know what that means.”
As expected, his comment draws their singular disbelief and Merle blurts out, “Ya ain’t seen Star Wars?”
Sirius’ face turns angry, “The relatives he was left with were the nasty sort. Fucking Petunia. Lily would have been so angry with her.”
“My Aunt and Mum,” Harry explains succinctly, gaining sudden understanding from the three. “I was left with my relatives because Sirius was framed for my parent’s murder, you see.”
Rick seems seriously disturbed by the news, “You’re parents were murdered?”
“When I was a baby, yes,” Harry replies with a shrug, sensing a spark of Will approaching at a quick clip. “I’d rather not get into it.”
Rick tilts his head and then nods, “Alright, fair.” He looks up at the sky. “It’s late. Ya’ll should stay one more night. Give everyone a chance to say goodbye this time, hm?”
Harry ducks his head at the pointed look, “I don’t really like those.”
Sirius’ hand lands on Harry’s shoulder just as Harry looks to the corner, “Me neither, Pup but-”
Carol comes rushing around the corner, looking harried, “Rick!”
Immediately tense, Rick turns to her, “Carol?”
“Lori- she’s-her water broke!” Carol pants out urgently, her eyes landing on Harry when he shifts. “H-Harry-”
Rick is already moving but he stops to look back.
“Come and get me, if I’m needed,” Harry says, shooing the man away. “She may not need me but she’ll need you.” Rick’s face twists a little in concern but he nods anyway.
“She’s finally gonna pop, huh?” Merle comments as Rick grabs Carol and disappears around the corner. The elder redneck spits on the ground again, “Welp, we’d better fuckin’ watch the fence, Daryleena. No pain meds, she’s gonna be attractin’ all them fucking Walkers.”
“None at all?” Sirius winces.
Daryl shakes his head, “We was tryina find some but the fuckin’ hospitals are packed with Geeks!”
“Where’s the closest one?” Harry asks. He can’t do anything about the pain, unfortunately. There’s nothing to heal, as it’s a natural function of the human body. If she tears – he can heal it. If she hemorrhages, he can do something about it. However, pain isn’t something he can ease without some damage and only the pain from the damage will be affected.
Merle scowls, “The fuck you on? I just fuckin’ said-”
Harry cuts him off with his own impressive scowl, “You forget Atlanta already? How high were you?”
Daryl hits Merle’s arm with the back of his hand, “Geeks don’t fuck with ‘im, remember?”
Merle scratches his face in thought and then shrugs, “Fuck, did forget.” He smacks Daryl’s upper arm and says, “I’ll take the Fairy, you and-” he scowls at Sirius. “The Brit watch them fences.”
“You try to leave with Harry and I’ll fucking kill you,” Sirius suddenly threatens with a snarl, startling Harry with the intensity. He wasn’t expecting the aggression or the immediate threat, his Godfather’s behaviour dropping into feral on a dime.
It takes the brothers off guard as well. Merle recovers first and looks Sirius up and down, “Ya can try.Only thing that’s gonna kill a Dixon is a fuckin’ Dixon, ya hear?”
Sirius steps closer to Harry, basically standing over the teen protectively, “Just fucking tell us where to go and we’ll go get it. My Pup isn’t leaving here without me, ya hear?” Sirius mocks in an infuriating tone.
Harry reaches up and his touch on Sirius’ arm calms the older man enough to drop the feral edge. However, Sirius remains tightly wound, ready to move at a moments notice.
Merle huffs, turning away with a dismissive wave of his arm, “Whatever. Daryleena will show ya, I’s got better shit ta do.”
“Come on,” Daryl jerks his head. “Got a car.”
As the man steps out of earshot, Harry rests his hand on Sirius’ arm again, “Hey-”
Sirius pulls Harry into a tight hug, “I’m not letting you go again. I can’t-” Harry hugs back just as tightly, Sirius shuddering in emotion. “I just-”
“It’s okay, Padfoot,” Harry comforts him, fighting the urge to bury his face in Sirius’ chest. “I know. I feel the same.”
Sirius shudders again and then finally pulls back, wiping at his face. Then he grins brightly down at Harry, eyes red-rimmed, “Ready?”
Nodding, Harry makes a mental note to talk to Sirius once they are on the road. The display of aggression is very much unlike what he remembers of his Godfather and it’s more than a little disturbing how quick he jumped into threatening them. Harry appreciates the protectiveness more than he can say but his Godfather is normally a fun loving man and doesn’t normally devolve into serious threats like the one he just made. Unless Harry is remembering wrong, which is very likely.
Still, it wouldn’t hurt to try.
---
The hospital is a small one but like Daryl and Merle said, it is completely overrun with Biters. The sheer numbers around the building is a very effective deterrent and the goldmine of medications within is likely still intact. Harry knows the inside will be just as packed, with the broken doors receiving a constant stream of aimlessly wandering Biters. He casts his new sense out but besides Daryl and Sirius, there is no one around. Harry doesn’t know how far it can go, though, so best to stay wary.
“It will be faster if Sir’ and I go in,” Harry says to Daryl. “Don’t want to risk the car being stolen while we’re in there.”
Daryl nods reluctantly, “I’ll drive ‘round. Be back in fifteen minutes.”
“That’s plenty of time,” Harry nods, leaving the car with Sirius right on his heel. Harry looks through the passenger window to ask, “Right here, yeah?”
“Yeah,” Daryl bobs his head shortly and then peels away. Harry glances at Sirius and then leads the way determinedly towards the hospital. His Godfather keeps up, almost a shadow with his closeness and Harry doesn’t know how to feel about it. On one hand, the proximity is welcome because Harry missed the older man something bad and the teen has felt a particular lack of safety since his stay at the commune. On the other... Sirius’ earlier aggression and protective streak needs to be monitored. Harry won’t be smothered by his well meaning Godfather.
“We have time for some of that conversation now, Pup,” Sirius murmurs under his breath as they reach the door, eyeing the Biters close enough to touch that are utterly ignoring the two. “What the fuck is happening right now?”
“It’s a long story, so I’m not getting into it at the moment,” Harry replies firmly as they find themselves in the foyer. It’s destroyed, to put it mildly; the overhead lights hand loosely, some still swinging from being disturbed by a Biter, garbage and debris litter the floor, the seating that used to be in neat rows now tossed about carelessly. There is no power, so the interior is dark and almost foreboding. Thankfully, Harry doesn’t need much light to see. “Biters don’t bother with me and anyone near me and I can see in the dark. Come on.”
Sirius coughs a little, following behind Harry as the younger man treads into the hall, “Okay, can you give me a little more than that, Pup?” His Godfather pulls something out and a click reveals it’s a flashlight.
The signs are intact, if grimy but easily readable. Harry aims for the emergency section; there might not be anything there but it’s worth a look for easier medications with the little time they are afforded. He doesn’t have any clue where the medicationscould be located. Only, Sirius grabs his shoulder and steers him down another hall.
“Sirius?” Harry asks in confusion.
“This way,” Sirius replies, looking around. He seems to be endlessly fascinated with the fact that the dead are not even looking at them, even with the little noise they are carelessly generating. There isn’t time to be sneaky. “There won’t be anything there. I’ve raided enough hospitals to know where they keep their medications.”
Trusting his Godfather, Harry nods and finally answers, “I woke up here, as this world’s Harry, right after an accident that killed the Dursley’s-”
“Good riddance,” Sirius hisses under his breath, guiding Harry down another hall. It’s filled with more dead but the sign reading PHARMACY near the end of the hall is exactly what they looking for.
Harry shoots Sirius an amused look at the interruption, “-and basically the next day, this shit hit Atlanta hard. My magic isn’t the same but I can still use it for certain things.”
“Like what? I already know about your frankly miraculous healing powers,” Sirius asks curiously as they reach the door. He reaches out and tries to open it. It’s locked and he curses colorfully. “Fucking locked. Don’t have anything on me, either-”
Harry reaches out and opens it, the lock clicking loudly enough to be heard. The door swings open like Sirius’ head swings down to look at the teen. Harry can almost hear the similar creak of Sirius’ neck. Harry gives Sirius a smirk and steps inside, eyes alighting on the mostly intact shelves of untouched medication. The room is still clean and sterile, with only a layer of dust over the surfaces to signal the duration the room remained locked and forgotten.
“That’s fucking useful,” Sirius comments, stepping inside as well and closing the door behind them to keep the Biters out.
“I can make pure water as well,” Harry says, heading for the other door. The lock clicks as he opens it, stepping behind the cage guarding the medications.
“They don’t know anything about you,” Sirius tells Harry, stepping into the cage as well. Sirius pulls his bag off his back and sets it on the counter, zipping it open. “Which is fucking good because I can’t imagine how much effort they would put into grabbing you if they knew.”
“Who?” Harry eyes his Godfather and then finds a forgotten backpack under the counter.
“The people I was with,” Sirius answers grimly, shoving medications into his bag blindly. “They refer to themselves as the Commonwealth. They own whatever is left of the Military and have an astounding amount of supplies, weapons and vehicles available to them. Their city is fully walled and guarded; it’s like they knew what was going to happen and prepared for it.”
Harry empties the bag he found, pulling sets of scrubs and personal items out to dump them carelessly on the floor. None of the items interest him, “You mean, the Military isn’t in power?”
“No,” Sirius replies shortly, grimacing. “Some rich bigwigs with God complexes took the reigns.”
Harry doesn’t like the sound of that, “So they were only taking me because of you?”
Sirius nods distractedly, “They were pretty fascinated with me. I appeared out of nowhere just outside one of their facilities and they’ve studied me since. I didn’t remember anything, even my name, so they called me John Doe. I don’t know what they found but they seem reluctant to just leave me alone to twiddle my thumbs. I made friends with some bigshot in the upper echelons a year or so before this shit happened and it’s thanks to him that I was able to make you a priority target. It wasn’t a hard sell, really – they were interested in Zoey and you were with her.”
Harry pauses, his bag nearly full of medical supplies, “What do they want with her?”
Sirius goes to answer but they hear some rapid horns and gunshots. Harry and Sirius look at each other and then stow the conversation to finish up. There are still some left but they are now out of time. They shoulder their bags and leave the room, not even bothering to shut the door.
Harry looks around, shifting out of the way for the Biters shuffling into the now opened room, “Which why did we come again?”
His question pulls a bit of attention from the dead but like every other time, their milky eyes slide right off. Sirius gestures, “This way, Pup.”
“Don’t get too far ahead, Sir’,” Harry warns as he follows faithfully. “I have a range of about five feet.”
“Five? So, I go six and I become lunch?” Sirius asks playfully.
Harry quirks a smile, “You got it.”
In barely any time, certainly far less than they took to get in, they are back in the foyer. The outside is almost too bright, a shining square of intense light nearly blinding them as they emerge from the darkness. A click and Sirius stows his flashlight back to where it came from.
It takes a few more rapid blinks – and some more distant gunshots and blaring honking – for them to see well enough to leave at a quick clip. The parking lot is mostly clear by now, the Biters drawn by the loud sounds like moths to a flame. Sirius grabs Harry’s shoulder and pulls him slightly off course from the meet spot, “I see him. Whoever those morons are must have made him wary.”
Trusting Sirius to keep watch, Harry rubs his itchy eye. He startles when Sirius swears and pulls the teen into a sudden sprint. At the same moment, a gunshot pierces the air sharply, a loud honk shattering the relative quiet. Harry gasps in pain, stumbling when agony explodes in his side. Sirius reacts quickly, pushing Harry to the ground behind a car and then pulling out a handgun. Just as Harry grasps his side and begins healing it, Sirius aims and shoots with deadly precision.
Tires screeching, Harry hears a cacophony of sounds as his side stitches rapidly back together. The bullet emerges from his side and presses into his hand, smaller pieces following as his healing powers rejects the foreign bodies. A loud crash and the horn maintains a steady, loud frequency with no interruption. Sirius shoots again and a mighty boomerupts, a shockwave blowing over the vehicle Harry is hiding behind. Sirius stumbles back but regains equilibrium with scary efficiency, reaching down to grab the teen’s upper arm, “Time to go! Move!”
More screeching tires makes Harry’s heart jump but it’s merely Daryl in the car. He skids to a quick stop in front of them and leaning over to open the door, yelling, “Get the fuck in!”
Harry dives into the front seat, pulling himself into the back seat with Sirius’ hand pushing his arse to help him along. The door isn’t even shut when Sirius hisses, “Go!”
Daryl stomps on the gas, Harry yelping as he’s thrown the rest of the way. The door slams shut a moment later and Sirius barely glances at Harry as his sharp eyes track the roads for pursuers. Harry manoeuvres himself into an upright position gingerly, panting from the flight. His hand goes back to his side to finish healing, the pain rapidly dwindling with the adrenaline.
As Daryl zooms around corners, Sirius keeps his his swivelling in every direction, snarl in place as he checks his clip quickly.
“Harry?” Sirius growls, barely glancing at the teen again and cocks his gun with an ominous click.
“I’m fine,” Harry answers shortly, slumping into the bag on his back. “Do they have friends?”
Sirius’ sharp eyes take a few precious moments to carefully look his Godson over. Then, they flick back to the windows, gun held up at the ready, “Very likely.”
“You find anythin’?” Daryl asks, keeping his eyes on the road.
“Plenty,” Sirius answers. “Just not sure if we got the right stuff.”
“Herschel will know,” Daryl responds firmly. “Need it, anyway.”
Harry hopes they got something. With the bike fixed, they can technically leave today, even with the waning light. He wants to move on. The urge to find Zoey is getting stronger and stronger by the day and now that they encountered those loud survivors – though very unlikely they are still alive – the teen feels an itch starting up. A familiar one. A foreboding he hasn’t felt since Atlanta.
If not today, then first thing in the morning, whether Sirius or anyone likes it or not, Harry will be leaving. He has a sister to find.
---
This door smells funny.
He knows this smell. He doesn't know what it belongs to but he knows it. After all the new smells, he smells something old. Familiar. He whines and scratches the door, turning to look at the human standing nearby. They shift but don't look at him. He can smell their fear.
He scratches the door again. Whines. They don't move. He growls and the smell of fear grows. They still don't move. He clicks down the long room, stopping just beyond the human and turning back around. The smell grows far stronger. He growls.
They look at him, shaking lightly. He looks at the door and growls again. Finally, finally, they move and open the door. He runs in, snaking through the door just as it closes. He growls again, his tail nearly getting stuck but he's in.
He sniffs around the blanket and his tail starts wagging hard. He knows this smell! He knows this human! He's been looking for so long. It's still fresh! Maybe they will come back?