Interview
Waiting on the curb outside, Harry was freezing. His dark brown coat just wasn't helping.
Burrowing deeper, he waited patiently, to emotionally stressed to think, just breathing in and out, lungs burning. The taxi pulling up had Harry sighing in relief. Relief,m as it turned out, was to be short lived.
Ron and the girl from before tumbled out in a flail of limbs, lips practically glued together and clothes barely hanging on. Harry's eyes snagged on Ron's upturned collar. The same shirt collar Harry had smoothed earlier that evening.
Wrenching his eyes away took more effort than it should have. But the damage had been done, the image etched into his mind. For several minutes Harry stood there crying, sobbing, in the chilly air, grasping for breath. A light touch to his shoulder startled him. Yet again hope flared then puttered away. It was the cabby from earlier that night. The kind man had already loaded Harry's things into his trunk.
"Come on now you. I've gotcha. Somethimes things just don't work out the way we plan. You'll be alright." The omega nodded dully, letting the man guide him into the vehicle. It took a few tries to u kle his seat belt, blurry as his eyesight was not including his trembling hands.
Harry curled in on himself in the seat, telling himself that he could let go once he was safely in his new apartment.
The trip was blessedly short, giving Harry little time to linger over his broken heart. The taxi driver was even kind enough to help Harry lug his things into the open apratment door.
Harry stopped inside and sighed, rubbing frustrated tears from his eyes. There was no furniture or kitchen wear or toiletry items. If he'd been thinking clearly, he would've thought of that, buit he wasn't and, obviously, he didn't. The taxi driver gave his shoulder an encouraging squeeze, a small smile, and continued with his job. Harry leaned against the door, slid to the floor, and finally let go. He curled up on the ground as sob after sob wracked through his aching body.
By the time the sun came up, his tears had dried, but Harry hadn't moved an inch.
He blinked tiredly before forcing himself to get up. A pale hand rubbed across his belly, green eyes looking down at where his child was growing. He had to be strong now. Life had always been a bitch to him, but he'd never had anyone depend solely on him.
Harry washed his face, silently thankful for clean, running water, and stretched.
He had land lords to meet and used furniture to hunt down and groceries to get. It had to be today or he'd have to wait for the following weekend since he'd be working all the rest of the week. The omega dragged all his things to the far wall and stacked them neatly before straightening out his clothes. He threw on a jacket before leaving his apartment, wallet nestled against his thigh.
His interview wasn't for a long while yet. He'd hit the 24 hour grocery store down the road, then catch the bus down to the junk yard after putting the perishables away. With a plan set, he set out.
By the time afternoon came around, Hary had gotten a few cheap groceries, and had managed to snag a few pieces of furniture thaqt was in better condition than not. All in all, for the crappy overtone of the day, he'd gotten enough done to be rather pleased with himself.
Latching onto those positive thoughts Harry gathered his information file, worn and used and probably needing a new binding and proceeded to knowck at the landlords' door.
An older man, early forties most likely, opened the door. He had chocolate brown hair that was rather limp and circles under his eyes. Despite his rather haggard appeareance, the man had bright eyes and a warm smile.
"Hullo. You must be Mr. Potter. I'm Remus. Come on in." Harry returned a polite smile, stepping softly into the large apartment. Harry did his best to refreain from breathing the place in. It was ridiculously relaxing. Felt like a real home. Harry felt more at home than he ever had before.
The walls were warm golden yellow, the carpet a faded, well used crimson and ther were pictures everywhere. Any space there was, a photo could be found, most showing the same five people. Two men, a teenage boy, a young girl, and a little boy. One of the men was obviously Remus, the other was a tall man with a mischevious smile and dark eyes, tight ringlets of beautiful black curls pulled stylishly back, leather biker jacket gleaming. The oldest boy varied from image to image, all shades of hair colors and the slightest shifts in facial structure. The other two children had the same curly hair as the older man, the girl with black hair, the second oldest, and the boy with brown, the youngest. Remus smiled proudly at him.
"Harry. This is my family. My bond mate and husband, Sirius, ever the trouble maker." He pointed to the oldest boy. "This is my oldest son, Teddy. His mother passed away in child birth, but she was one of my best friends in college. In case you can't tell, some people can't, he's a metamorphmagus." His gestured toward the girl. "This is Lily. She gave Sirius a tough time through his pregnancy, inherited her Papa's penchant for trouble. Then there's our youngest, James. Thankfully, he takes after me. But what am I doing showing you pictures when they're all down the hall? Let me just fetch that husband of mine. He's probably hiding from me since he still hasn't taken out the trash."
Harry couldn't help the small laugh that leapt forth. Remus chuckled along with him before a tiny child, just over knee height, barreled into his legs. "What are you up to James?" Remus asked, hefting the lad into his arms. His curly brown locks wer covered, littered, with bows.
"Wook Daddy! Papa and wiwwy drwessed meh up! I gots bows!"
Remus' shoulder's shook with laughter. "So I can tell." James spied Harry over his father's shoulder and wasted no time in patting the man's arm repeatedly before pointing at Harry and whispering loudly.
"Daddy? Who's dat? Ish he going to stay wif us?" Big brown eyes blinked beseechingly at the older man.
"This is Harry and he might stay here. No promises yet." James scrutinized Harry closely, button nose crinkling adorably. Harry wiggled his fingers at the child and gave him a goofy half smile. The little boy just stared and the calm melted through Harry's feet to the floor. He gulped and put his hand down, mortified at himself for being intimidated by a little boy...even if he was an alpha. Harry adjusted his glasses nervously just as James scowled.
"I don' like 'im." The boy decided with a definitive nod. Harry flushed, heart dropping, and swallowed heavily. He'd never felt so judged by a child before...well...that wasn't necesarily true, but he was an adult now. A cantakerous kid shouldn't be able to get to him like this. Despite trying to reason with himself, Harry still questioned himself. What might be wrong with him. If he smelled bad. If he was that awful to look at. If maybe he wasn't good enough for anyone. Especially Ron. But he shook the thoughts away vehemently.
"James Regulus Lupin! No sir! That is no way to talk to a guest or anyone for that matter! Apologize right this very instant young man!" Remus roughly set James down. The boy stayed silent and Remus swatted his behind. "Now!" The petulant child pouted.
"Sorry." James spat out before running off down the hall way to probably cry. Harry felt for the kid. Honesty shouldn't really be punished and Harry probably deserved it.
Remus turned to Harry. "I am so so sorry for that Harry. Truly I am. James is rather tired today. He didn't get a nap today and he was up late and-" Harry smiled gently.
"It's alright. I don't mind. I worked briefly for a daycare. Even the most well behaved child will have their fair share of bad moments. Adults too." Remus seemed to relax at that, looking rather tired himself.
"Well...I'll just go find my husband so we can start this interview, yes?" Harry nodded and took a seat where Remus gestured to. The man then stalked down the hallway, turning into one of the several doorways. Harry sat upright, startled, as a loud squeal of pain erupted from the room shortly followed by childish laughter.
"Remy no! No! Not the hair! ooowww!!!"
"Get him Daddy! Get him!"
"Can't you just behave for once in your life Sirius?!"
Harry had to cover his mouth to stifle his own laughter as the fight contunued. It was such a lively home! Nothing like his old hom-...house. Harry frowned down at his hands then shook the morose thoughts away just as a man came bounding down the hall, yanking Harry up from his seat and cowering behind him. Harry blinked, slightly frazzled by the sudden movement.
Remus stormed up to them and Harry threw his palms forward in a submissive gesture, leaning back as he was cowed by the man's ferocity.
"Sirius! Please! You can't go about touching people will nilly!" Remus turned his gaze to Harry. "I fear I must aplogize again. Are you sure you'd even like to continue this interview now that you've seen what a handful this family can be?"
Harry gave yet another soft smile, ducking his head, embarrased that he was being asked this in between the two husbands. He relaxed his stance. "It's fine. A happy home does not always mean an orderly home."
Remus gazed at him appraisingly, while Sirius poked his head around.
"You're Harry? Remy! Why didn't you say that in the first place?" Hands gripped either side of his body and whirled him about yet again so that the childish man could get a better look at him.
They examined each other carefully, just like with the man's son not ten minutes prior, and Harry noted that the man before him was quite striking. Thick, dark cruly hair just like in his pictures and a worn out Metallica shirt with sweats. His arms were well defined with muscles, a mechanics arm, and Harry would've been surprised to find that the man smelled of Omega, like himself, if he hadn't already known their dynamic.. Harry would've pegged the couple the other way around, with Remus as the omega or beta and Sirius as the Alpha by just looking at them. It was refreshing, honestly, how they didn't quite fit the mold.
"Hullo sir." Harry greeted after his brief glance. "I'm Harry Potter, yes. Pleasure to meet you." He held out his hand, waiting, but he was just stared at. Harry supposed the whole, like father like son thing had more truth in it than he'd originally assumed. Nervous once more, he lowered his hand and felt his fingers twitch against his thighs.
Was there something wrong with him? Harry knew he wasn't much to look at aesthetically, but his clothing was decent, a bit loose for his frame, but then he'd always had larger garments than necesary. Did he smell bad? He tried to subtly scent himself. Nope. He would need a shower soon, but he wasn't unpleasant yet. Did he look shitty because of a lack of sleep and old clothes? He'd gotten this reaction before, even before little James. Convinced he appeared untrustworthy, Harry held out his file, hands trembling.
"I have all my credentials Mr. umm...sir. I've my birth certificate, my housing history, recommendations from my move before last, a banking history, my criminal record, which is perfectly clean, a schooling history, I'm afraid I only completed highschool, and um..." He continued to ramble, "Just in case you needed it, I have proof of my pregnancy as well. I work at the local hospital, St. Mungos. i'm only a secretary, somethimes a nurse, but I have enough to pay for the first few months right now and I'm already searching for a secound job and I-" Arms encircled him as Sirius hugged.
"Hush little prongslet. You've got the room. Discount rent. Welcome to the family." Harry blushed and glanced at Remus for confirmation. The man glanced through the file and smiled, nodding the affirmative. Harry wondered when his hands had twisted into Sirius' shirt, when his eyes had overflowed with tears. But for now, he had a place to live, and he really liked this family already, even barely knowing them half an hour.
"Thank you." He choked out.
"Think nothing of it Prongslet." Sirius finally let go and smiled blindingly.
"Wh-why are you giving me a discount though?"
"Well," The other omega paused, "I, we, knew you're parents. Owe a whole lot to those two. James was out best friend and Lily saved Remus' life once..."
Harry stared at him. "You knew my parents?"
"Yup. Our kiddos are named after them. Lily and James. Little angels." Remus snorted.
"Little angels my tail, Sirius. You know as well as I do that those pups are heathens. Heathens. All three of them. Teddy included. Where is Teddy anyway?" They both looked around and Sirius shrugged before throwing himself down in an empty chair.
"So, Harry, tell us about yourself. Stay for dinner. Hang out awhile. We wanna know everything. Remus and I tried to adopt you when you were young, but we were just starting our own lives and we didn't have a good home or secure jobs or anything that we needed to care for you so your mother's family got the rights. So that means that we've missed out on a lot."
Harry thought for a moment, didn't let himself think of the what ifs had he been raised in a home like this. "Well...There's not much to tell. I'm not...I haven't done much. Um...I never went to college, to expensive, and I've moved around quite a bit...I've had three boyfriends, two fiances, and one husband, and up until yesterday I thought I'd mated for life." Harry looked down at his hands. He wasn't sure if he'd come across as whiny if he talked about it...He wasn't really ready to talk about anything. Harry fidgeted and fiddled his fingers. "I'm sorry. I'm really not sure what you would like to know."
"What's your favorite color? Did you play any sports in highschool? What career do you want to have? Do you have any pets? Anything Harry. Everything." Sirius continued an a long list and Harry wasn't sure where to begin. Surely they don't want to listen to him go on and on about himself. He couldn't imagine anything more boring. Harry startled when Sirius was suddenly smacked with a spoon.
"Leave the boy be! Harry, don't feel any pressure to give us your life story. We'll get to know you over time, you'll be living in the building afterall. Just talk to him Sirius. Or, better yet, introduce him to the other two kids or go introduce him to a few of the other tennants. Be useful." Sirius grumbled as he rubbed the back of his head.
"Lily! Teddy! James! Get yer arses in here!" The older omega hollered. Remus scowled.
"Lazy good for nothing-and watch your language Sirius! Children!" Sirius rolled his eyes and mimicked his bond mate behind his back. Harry snickered. "Oh no Harry! Don't laugh at him! You'll only encourage it!" There was no heat to his comments though and Harry wondered if he and Ron would have ever been like this couple, about how nice that would have been. Three children came into the room, an energetic little girl draggin James, and a young adult, only a few years younger than Harry, maybe 19.
"Harry, meet Teddy, Lily, and you've already met James." Remus said affectionately, though with a stern glare at his youngest son's pout. Harry stood up to be polite and flushed when Teddy looked him up and down, smirking. The young man circled him, scent of Alpha pouring out, if Harry hadn't been used to it, then he would've been letting his own pheromones out in response, but Harry was recently rejected from a bond and he'd been dealing with lusty Alpha's since he'd first presented his Omega hormones at 17.
"Well...you're definately the prettiest Omega that's ever stayed here." Teddy commented, ignoring his father's affronted noise from the back ground and Remus' conjugate reassurance. "I can smell the pregnancy on you, but I can't smell a bond. It's odd." Harry flushed.
"Thank you for the compliment on my looks, but I'd rather not talk about any bonds." Harry paused, debating whether or not he should discourage any attention before the young man got any ideas, "And I'm not looking for a bond either."
Teddy quirked an eyebrow. "Really? What a coincidence. I'm also not looking for a bond. A friend would be nice though."
"Teddy!" Remus yelped and the boy shrugged, hair tips whitening a tad. Harry just blushed and looked away. Lily laughed.
"Hello mister Harry!" The young girl said brightly, holding her hand out. Harry crouched, took it, and smiled. "Both my brother's really like you! They don't usually agree. Which one do you like more? I think Teddy is handsomer, but James is easier to push around even though he's supposed to be an Alpha like Teddy and Daddy when he grows up, I think he's just a big baby." Harry raised an eyebrow.
"James likes me? He said he didn't."
"That's just because he doesn't know what it is that he's feeling. He told me so." James stormed over and punched her arm, he wasn't strong enough for it to hurt her though. She just laughed in his face.
"I don wike him wiwy! He makes mah chest feewl weiwrd! All hots and jumpy wike popcowrn!" Harry's flush returned and he could hear Remus whispering at Sirius as the omega tried, and failed, to contain his laughter.
"That's what liking someone feels like James!" Lily told her little brother condescendingly, cute nose upturned in the air. James blinked wide eyes at Harry.
"Is dat twrue mista Hawwry?"
"I-um-I...well...I" Teddy suddenly ruffled the youngest boy's hair.
"I'm proud of you lil' bro. Good tastes, finally. That is exactly what you're feeling!" James looked from his siblings to the embarrassed new tennant, brow crinkling in thought.
"Does dat mean I wanna hafta kiss him? I don dink I'da mine kissin' him. 'S got pwretty wips." Harry sputtered and wasn't quite sure what to say. He looked up at his landlords and they both shrugged. Sirius winked.
"Hey Ted, Why dontcha take Harry around and introduce him to some of the other folk?" The boy smirked, eyes flashing from brown to blue to purple.
"Sounds good Pops. Harry?" Harry hesitated, it would be rude to say no, and he felt like this was more teasing than anything else at the moment, so he stood back up and nodded his head. "Neat. Come on then." Without asking the two children followed them, James just stared at Harry with wonder, Lily asked thousands of questions non-stop, and Teddy tried to hard to appear sauve and sexy. Harry couldn't help but find them all adorable. Maybe, though awkward now, things would be good here, maybe he could recover here and raise his child with this family. Of course, he still hadn't met his neighbors.