5-8
Jiang Cheng runs as fast as his small legs could carry him. He didn’t know for how long he ran. He didn’t care where he ended up, he just wanted to get away from Wei Wuxian.
It’s always Wei Wuxian this, that and why can’t you be more like him? He had enough! Once they started to cultivate their core his mother became harsher with her punishments and words.
~~~
Jiang Cheng came to a stop when he came upon a clearing. Leaning against a tree, panting. Not so far, there’s a tree in the middle with a house underneath. Unlike what he has ever seen. The structure of the cabin was different from what he was used to seeing.
Jiang Cheng glances around the clearing before leaving his spot. Slow as a snail he walks to the house glancing around ever so often. Despite being scared he was hungry. The familiar feeling of hunger increased when the faint smell of food hit his nose. Causing his mouth to water and his belly to growl. Hesitantly Jiang Cheng walks to the door, hearing no loud noises Jiang Cheng decides to enter only to find it empty. Confused Jiang Cheng quietly follows the delicious aroma of the food to the back. There he found a man cooking, he hid behind the wall and peeks to see if he could quickly grab some food.
However, he wasn’t as sneaky as he thought he was caught just as he was turning to leave.
“Hello,” Jiang Cheng slowly turns to look at him, only to find the man smiling at him. “Hungry?”
Without waiting for a response, the man serves him a plate of meat with vegetables. Some of the vegetables look similar while others look different than what he's used to. He notices the absence of rice and chopsticks. Instead, he was given strange metal utensils not to mention he was offered water in a clear cup. But it didn’t look like one. Clear and see-through just like the windows of the cabin. Glancing across the table he waits to see how the man will eat.
“Go ahead dig in,” the man then went to stab the meat.
Tentatively he goes to stab his food as well. To his surprise the food sticks to the utensil, leaning forward he takes a bite. Eagerly, Jiang cheng digs in before stopping. If his mother was here she would have scolded him for eating like a commoner.
As they ate it in silence it wasn’t long before it started to rain. The heaviness of the rain is loudly heard. It hit the roof with great force.
“Looks like we’ll have to wait until it stops raining before we look for your parents,” the man said after taking a look out the window. “I should have a change of clothes for you.”
Jiang Cheng stood up. “I must go back before my parents get worried.”
“I’m sure they will wonder stand. We’ll get lost walking in the dark and the rain will not be of help. Not to mention you can get sick.”
“In that case let me help,” Jiang Cheng insists on helping clean up.
While helping he notice the box that keeps food cool and an indoor pump! Just where did this foreigner come from? Such advances that not even the Jins have. Not to mention the overhead pump in the washroom. To think you can light up a room by pulling a switch on the wall. Just how rich was the man he bumped into?
The clothes were even strange, he had only given him inner robes to wear to sleep.
~~~~
It didn’t stop raining when the man came in to give Jiang Cheng extra blankets.
“Do you need help drying your hair?” Jiang Cheng bites his lip and nods.
His A-Jie was the only one to help him dry his hair. It was nice to have someone gently dry his hair as well as carefully untangle his hair.
He didn’t even realize when he fell asleep. He woke up with the warm ray of the sun peeking through the window. The next day Jiang Cheng woke to a delicious aroma. quickly put on his outer robes.
“Good morning,” the man kindly smiles as he walks to the table. “I hope you like pancakes.”
Jiang Cheng never had pancakes before, but he happily tries the delicious new food. They’re fluffy and sweet. There were strawberries with whipped cream. The man had to be a young master. Even the Jin’s have a difficult time getting their hands on strawberries.
Sadly Jiang Cheng has to return, the man takes his hand and they walk out of the house and into the forest. Jiang Cheng looked down. He could feel the corners of his mouth trying to go up. He couldn’t remember when an adult had held his hand. His parents rarely held his hand. His mother told him he was old enough to walk by himself. His father could not be bothered especially after Wei Wuxian came into their lives.
After a while the man starts to carry him, JInag Cheng blushes but doesn’t protest. Bravely plopped his arm around the man’s neck. Burrowed his face onto the man’s shoulder trying to hold in his tears. He didn’t want to go.
They reach the edge of the forest when the man stops to take a mirror out.
“Look like duty calls,” the man frowns as the mirror vibrates.
“I can walk by myself,” the man frowns deeper before handing him an amulet. “To protect you. It was nice meeting you....”
Jiang Cheng's eyes widen remembering he never introduced himself. Bowing he said, “Jiang Cheng.”
“I’m Harry Potter. Stay safe,” he leaves in a rush after some hesitation.
10-11
Jiang Cheng marvels over the fact that a complete stranger gave him a kiss on his forehead with a protective amulet. Not even his parents carry him or give him any kisses. They didn’t even show their love to him. How can a stranger easily make him feel loved?
Despite going back to the woods he couldn’t find the clearing. He went looking for the cabin whenever he felt down. There were several times in which he wished he could see Harry. If it meant he can escape the whispers following Wei Wuxian and him everyone. He didn’t have to hear the constant slander against his mother and him. They didn’t need to get out of their way to remind him of his shortcomings at every turn. Or how unlove he is by his father who so easily gives his love to another child.
The child he wishes was his son.
~~~~
Jiang Cheng would hold the amulet when he fell down after Wei Wuxian had beat him once again. It was a reminder that he didn’t dream it. That he wasn't as unlove as he thought. That he wasn’t a burden.
Many weeks, months then years passed until his meeting with Harry.
After receiving his sword and the ceremony ends he left to the clearing hoping to see Harry. Under the bright light of the moon, he ran as fast as he could. To his relief, he saw the cabin and the lights shone out the window. With renowned energy, he ran to knock on the door.
“Jiang Cheng,” Harry’s smiling face greets him. “I’m glad to see you.”
Once again Harry invited him inside without hesitating or asking questions. The next day after breakfast they sit in the living room.
“You have grown,” Harry smiles. “I’ll probably won’t be able to carry you again.”
“Am no baby!” Jiang Cheng turns away. “I have my sword now! I can fly!”
“Fly!” Harry titles his head. “My, have you grown. Can you show me?”
They spent the morning outside. Jiang Cheng proudly showed Harry how fast and high he could fly. Harry cheered him as he showed off.
Harry allowed Jiang Cheng to help him cook. Jiang Cheng is in charge of washing and chopping the vegetables for the stew. He loves A-Jie's Lotus Rib but Harry’s stew tastes better.
He felt better being with Harry. It was nice to be paid attention to. To have the sole attention of Harry and not to compete with Wei Wuxian. He didn’t want to leave, but A-Jie will miss him, he couldn’t do that to her.
13-14
Once they started to cultivate their core his mother became harsher with her punishments and words. More arguments between his parents and more expectations from his mother. His father didn’t praise or encourage him over the years.
He could never compete with Wei Wuxian. Everyone loves Wei Wuxian, he charms them with his smiles and outgoing personality. As they grew older Wei Wuxian grabbed the attention of the maidens in town. The Jiang disciples favored Wei Wuxian; they tolerated him. They didn’t like how he took things seriously. It didn’t help that they feared his mother.
“It’s a shame Wei Wuxian isn’t the heir. He gets along with the disciples. He’s more skilled and more even-tempered,” one junior disciple said.
“Wei Wuxian is very skilled! He gets everything on the first try! He easily gets along with everyone. I bet when goes on his first night hunt he’ll capture/kill all the monsters! Another said.
Jiang Cheng didn’t want to hear anymore and left for the woods. He didn’t care if he didn’t find Harry’s cabin; he just wanted to get away.
Luck was on his side, the cabin was there and this time even bigger.
Coming near the house, he found Harry sitting on the porch reading.
“Harry,” Jiang Cheng calls out and receives a bright smile.
“Jiang Cheng, you have grown so much!” Harry smiles as he looks at him. “Come to show me some new techniques?”
Jiang Cheng bites his lip. “It’s fine if you don’t want to. You’re probably tired from all the training you do. Do you want to try the chocolate I just bought?
Harry holds a box in front of him with circular brown balls. He had never heard of chocolate. Harry must be rich to have such rare treats and give them out so easily! The box in which they were stored looks different from what he’s used to seeing.
“They’re very sweet,” Jiang Cheng’s eyes widened, and took another bite. “Even the filling is sweet.”
Jiang Cheng then remembers having some cakes in his qiankun bag and hands Harry an Osmanthus cake.
“Very delicious!” Harry smiles and enjoys the cake. “Do you have more?”
“Do you want to go to the market?” Jiang Cheng asked. “They have several sweets.”
“I’ll love to!” Harry stands up excitedly and starts walking.
“Um…You can’t go dressing like that!” Jiang Cheng looks away, blushing.
“You’ll get arrested for indecency,” Jiang Cheng frowns. “I know you’re weird. “Jiang Cheng slaps his hand over his mouth. “I mean you should wear the same robes in which we meet.”
Harry nods and goes inside to change. Jiang Cheng waited in the living room, looking at the books Harry had. He remembered the first time he saw them during his second time visiting. Harry is strange in how he talks and acts, but he’s well-read. A nobody couldn’t own so many books or have such realistic portraits.
He wonders if Harry is a young master. There are several clues that point to him being one, but on the other hand, Harry knows how to cook, do laundry, garden, and clean.
No young master he knows, and not even he can garden, cook or do laundry. He didn’t even know where the laundry room was at Lotus Pier.
Once Harry came out in passable attire Jiang Cheng offered to fly them to the market which Harry excitedly hopped on and a smile stayed on his face.
The first shop was the clothing store. Fortunately, they had some pre-made robes, and the seamstress did some adjustments. The duo had a small argument over how will pay before Jiang Cheng won.
Jiang Cheng showed him around and offered to pay once again after they realized Harry didn’t have any money. Harry sheepishly smiles, but Jiang Cheng rolls his eyes. Harry spent his time eating several sweets and looking around at everything that caught his attention.
They spotted a restaurant and Jiang Cheng ordered Lotus Rib Pork.
“Not as amazing as my sisters, but it's good,” Jiang Cheng waits for Harry’s reaction.
“I can see why you like this,” Harry smiles as he digs in.
He enjoyed his time with Harry and didn’t care that his mother would punish him. Luckily, they didn’t run in any disciples or, worse, Wei Wuxian. He won’t have let them alone.
15
The next time they met again happened to be two days after his birthday. He had hoped he could see Harry on his birthday, but he was glad to be able to see him again. Especially as he might not see him next year due to going to Cloud Recess to study.
Harry answers the door right away and hugs him. “A-Cheng! Soon you’re going to be taller than me. Come inside I have something to show you.”
Jiang Cheng is dragged to the kitchen/dining room. When he enters he can smell Lotus Pork Rib. On the table, there’s an array of food.
“I was hoping to see you today!” Harry smiles excitingly. “I have been trying to make Lotus Pork Rib since we last met.”
Jiang Cheng had to admit that he thought Harry’s is more delicious than his A-Jie’s. Not that he’ll ever tell her. He even tried several other dishes and for desserts, they had treacle tarts and chocolate cake.
“I have some gifts for you,” Harry said, getting up and leaving the dining room. He came back with several boxes, and Jiang Cheng's eyes widened.
“This one can go with your amulet I gave you,” - an amulet that chains with the other he has- “to stay hidden or sneaky around.” wink “ This one is like your qiankun bag. And lastly another bag,” Harry said after Jiang Cheng opened the box. “You told me you would go night hunting. You can put food, water, and herds inside and they can stay fresh for a year and no one can take it from you.”
Jiang Cheng held the bag lightly and had to stop himself from crying. He choked out a thank you and received another hug.
“Thank you,” Harry said. “This is the best day. I get to spend my birthday with you.”
He felt bad for not getting Harry anything. He didn’t even know his birthday.
16-17
Jiang Cheng was surprised when he entered his room to find Harry in his bed. He closed the door right away and ran to Harry's side. Harry’s robes were open, and he could see bandages covering his chest.
He immediately went to look for cool water and clean rags. Jiang Cheng spent the night keeping Harry’s fever down.
“Jiang Cheng, What are you doing here?” Harry asked when he opened his eyes.
“I should be the one asking!” Jiang Cheng shouted, “Imagine how surprised I was to see you in my bed injured! You told me to be careful! Maybe you should take your own advice!” Jiang Cheng pants.
“I’m sorry, Jiang Cheng for worrying you,” Harry holds out his hand. Jiang Cheng grabs it, and Harry pulls him closer. Sadness fills Harry’s eyes.
“It was supposed to be an easy mission, but it was a trap,” Harry told him. “Several died and only three others survived. My own godfather and his wife died.” Harry breaks down and Jiang Cheng hugs him.
Jiang Cheng was glad Wei Wuxian had left as he took care of Harry for the remainder of the year. He would bring Harry some treats and completes his assignments in his room despite Harry urging him to have some fun.
“A month,” Jiang Cheng stares at Harry, who is leaning against the headboard. “Only a month left.”
“It’s been six months,” Harry sighs. “Thank you for caring for me. It was wonderful to be able to process the event.” He looks down. “Once I return I have to look after Teddy.”
“You will be a great godfather,” Jiang Cheng tries to keep his voice neutral. He couldn’t help but be envious of Teddy for having someone like Harry caring for them. To have everything he ever wanted.
“I hope you can meet him,” Harry lits up. “I can have a picture of two of my favorite people.”
20
Everything was chaotic. He and Jin Ling are the only ones left from the direct Jiang Clan. There was reconstruction to the Lotus Pier to finish. The war stopped, but politics never.
Jin Gaungshan only let Jin Ling come to Lotus Pier every six months for a week. The bastard knew he was swamped with repairs and on top Jin Ling came to him with the beginnings of a fever. That asshole wanted him to lose face and another reason to refuse Jiang Cheng partial custody.
~~~
Jin Ling had kept him up all night. His fever wasn’t going down. Jiang Cheng was afraid of losing him. Losing another love him. He didn’t know if he could go if something happen to Jin Ling.
While trying to come down Jin Ling one day, Jiang Cheng came upon Harry’s cabin, and once again it was bigger.
His relief was immediate. He felt like he could finally breathe again and felt himself relaxing. Without knowing, Jiang Cheng smiles for the first time in months. Without hesitation, Jiang Cheng rushes to Harry.
It didn’t take long for Harry to open the door with a young child in his arms. Jin Ling stares at the child. Just like his JiuJiu stares at Harry.
They stared at each other until Harry hugged him. “Who’s the little man?”
“My nephew,” Jiang Cheng walks inside. “I guess the child is Teddy.”
“Sure is,” Harry guides Jiang Cheng to a room despite his protest. “You look like the dead on your feet. I’ll look over your nephew.”
He didn’t know how long he slept, but judging by the sunlight it was late in the afternoon.
Jiang Cheng walks to the kitchen after hearing laughter, Jin Ling and Teddy are seated by the kitchen counter. Harry is cooking and the children are playing with some blocks.
“Jiang Cheng, come join us. I’m almost done,” Harry calls him over.
He takes a seat after Harry refuses his help. Jiang Cheng stares at Jin Ling as he happily plays with Teddy. He could see the resemblance the young boy had to his godfather.
After a late lunch, they go to the garden, and it looks different. Jiang Cheng starts to believe he’s in Harry’s World.
Jiang Cheng spent days resting. Harry had him going to bed early and not waking him until late morning. By then, Jin Ling was busy making a mess along with Teddy.
Or playing with Jin Ling, who cries if Jiang Cheng is gone too long. As Jiang Cheng takes over Harry’s study. He creates plans for the rebuilding of the Lotus Pier. Drafting the final floor plans. Lesson plans for the new disciples.
“Don’t work too hard,” Harry comes in with a tray of snacks.
“I have to complete this if we are to survive,” Jiang Cheng protest as he keeps on writing. “I been given more time to plan and I will not waste it.”
“Jin Ling needs you,” Harry puts the tray down. “Your people need you.” He puts his hand on Jiang Cheng’s shoulder. “I want you to live. All of this will not matter if you’re not there.”
He hates to leave, but he’s rested and was able to give Jin Ling his attention as he had planned. His sect needs him to build their home. To bring it back to its former glory.
No.
It will be better