Chapter Text
Harry Potter appears in the outskirts of a suburb outside Greater London with a suitcase in hand. He’s in the sculpted grounds of a traditional manor. Harry inhales. Grass. His nose curls. Petrol. Urgh. I’d forgotten how much Earth’s air reeks. Harry looks to the manor. An elderly man is waiting by the door with two cats at his feet. Harry carries his suitcase to avoid leaving marks on the lawn and up the gravel path. The elderly man offers a hand with a smile. “Hello, you must be Harry.” He said.
Harry jostles to hold his luggage and offer a hand. “Yeah, it-.” Harry said. He almost drops the luggage on his foot. “Bugger! I mean, yes. I am Harry Potter, Sir.”
The two cats twine around Harry’s feet meowing. “No Sirs. I’m not an Admiral anymore. Call me Gil, Harry.” Gil said. He looks at the cats and smiles. “These are my girls, Aria and Lotte.”
“Yes Sir- Gil. Yes Gil.” Harry said.
“Come inside. Let’s get you settled.” Gil said.
Harry follows Gil inside the manor. He feels like a sore thumb, tiptoeing through an authentic British Manor in sneakers, jeans and t-shirt. It’s even worse when they are served tea and biscuits by an honest-to-God maid. China looks expensive too. Harry sips with a grimace.
The cats hop in Gil’s lap. He pats them without touching his tea. “I’ve heard so much about you from Hayate. Only a few years ago, it felt like just being mages from Earth made us close. I never expected a Mage community to be on Earth or for the TSAB to begin the uplifting them in my lifetime.” Gil said.
“Technically, I’m a Wizard.” Harry said.
Gil laughs. “That was a shock too! I saved a Bureau clerk when I was younger than you. I thought I was lucky to discover I had magic and travel the stars. Turns out, there was magic in my own country all along.” Gil said.
Harry’s grimace deepens into a scowl. “I’d say it was lucky. You didn’t have to spend 7 years with those loons.” Harry said.
Gil picks up his cup. He inhales the steam. “There’s that. I’ve hosted a few young men and women leaving that place. They have lots to say about the pros and cons. You can’t compare it the to the TSAB now, but it wasn’t always so peaceful.” Gil said.
Harry snaps a biscuit with his teeth. “You’re also a member of the child labor club.” Harry said.
Gil laughs, this time a deep belly chortle. “Oh, you are exactly like Hayate says!” Gil said.
Harry chews his biscuit. It’s probably a good thing. Hayate has a twisted sense of amusement. Gil did raise her, so he would love it.
The tea time goes by in a flash. Gil showed Harry to a room upstairs and left him to rest. Harry couldn’t be bothered to unpack. Instead, he sat on the windowsill and looked at the clouds. It was strange, looking at this old skyline. There’s no moon out. Overcast. It’s like I never left.
Harry leaned against the glass. His eyes drooping. I hate it. I don’t want to go back to being Freak. The skinny boy with glasses and second-hand clothes that never fit. Would it happen if I went back to the Dursleys? They’ve moved to Royal Tunbridge Wells too, somewhere out in town.
Harry clenches his jaw. Aunt Petunia’s euphoric smile as she handed him over. Dudley’s punches. Uncle Vernon’s voice booming as he bellowed ‘Boy’ and threw Harry into the cupboard under the stairs. No. I won’t go back. The bloody letter can find me here. If I do run into the Dursleys, I’ll act like I don’t know them. That’d be the best for me… His teeth creak. And they’ll like it better that way.