Work Text:
JUN 3rd at 2:59 AM
ME: hey i think i might need some help?
UNKNOWN: HELLO? WHO IS THIS?
ME: um
ME: i thought this was anonymous?
UNKNOWN: WHY ARE YOU IN MY PHONE
ME: okay so
ME: ur not the help line thing?
UNKNOWN: IM CONFUSED
ME: why are u typing all caps
UNKNOWN: SO YOU CAN HEAR ME
UNKNOWN: IM RON WEASLEY
ME: ok… look im sorry, the reddit thread must have had the wrong number
UNKNOWN: WHAT
ME: well the book i was reading mentioned a help line and i looked it up on reddit
UNKNOWN: IS THAT LIKE A BOOK REVIEW SITE?
ME: not really at all no
UNKNOWN: WHATS YOUR NAME
ME: you dont have to type in all caps, i can read just fine
UNKNOWN: Oh, sorry!
ME: like how does that make sense? i mean, can you read my texts? or do you listen to them? if so, all caps doesnt make it louder
UNKNOWN: I'm reading it. But I don't know if you are! How am I supposed to know how your tellyphone works?
ME: are u okay
UNKNOWN: Yes! Sorry was that a weird thing to say?
ME: yyyyes
UNKNOWN: Sorry! I'm really sorry. I don't really e-text people that often
ME: sorry how old ARE u
UNKNOWN: Sixteen.
ME: yeah yeah forget i asked
UNKNOWN: You don't believe me? How do I prove it to you? I was born in 2006!
ME: thats something anyone would know
UNKNOWN: Oh right. Look I'm really sorry mate! I just barely got a tellyphone last week. My friend told me to
ME: ur parents not let u or what
UNKNOWN: No, I just didn't think I needed one you know? But i can't see Hermione (that's my friend!) over the summer as much, so that's why I got one.
ME: oh
ME: well my aunt & uncle didnt let me have one
ME: had to buy my own & be sneaky so they dont know i have it
UNKNOWN: Hey mate I talked to Google about what a help line is. She said it was for people who were in bad situations and needed help. So I'm sorry that you got me instead.
ME: its not your fault dw about it
UNKNOWN: Dw?
ME: dont worry. seriously ur either a 90 yr old or rapunzel
UNKNOWN is typing…
UNKNOWN is typing…
UNKNOWN stopped typing
UNKNOWN is typing…
UNKNOWN: Okay I am NOT a princess
ME: thats what you thought i meant? really?
UNKNOWN: Uh…..
ME: i meant that you must be rly sheltered cuz you dont know internet slang
UNKNOWN: Oh yeah! That!
ME: youre a rotten liar
ME: internet strangers are weird
ME: anyway im gonna go to bed. nice to meet you ron weasley
UNKNOWN: Mate you're the best! Sweet dreams!
ME: what does it say about me that im lonely enough to talk to you for 20 mins
[MESSAGE UNSENT]
JUN 4th at 2:30 PM
ME: Did you look up the right number on Reddit??
NEW FRIEND: its not reliable clearly
ME: Oh! Well you could ask your teacher?
NEW FRIEND: its the weekend
ME: So you don't go to a boarding school, then?
NEW FRIEND: no. & even if i did, they wdnt work on saturdays, would they
ME: At my boarding school they do! You can talk to them whenever you want!
NEW FRIEND: well arent you just the height of refinement
ME: What's that supposed to mean?
NEW FRIEND: not all of us can prance around at a boarding school all the time
ME: I'm not rich, if that's what you're trying to say. Not everyone at boarding schools is rich.
NEW FRIEND: well they sure are happier arent they?
ME: I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings.
NEW FRIEND: presumptuous arent you?
ME: You're impossible. :)
NEW FRIEND: and youre entertained by that? also nice emoji
ME: Very.
ME: Also, thanks! Hermione taught it to me!
ME: I didn't catch your name.
NEW FRIEND: first name stranger, last name danger
ME: Listen, I've heard weirder!
STRANGER DANGER: stop texting me
JUN 4th at 2:50 PM
ME: Mione I am in SERIOUS need of your help!
HERMIONE: Did you forget your password again?
HERMIONE: Or is it the charms homework? For the last time, you're on your own with it!
ME: No no it's not any of that!
ME: A stranger texted me thinking I was a help line and now he wants me to stop texting him? What'd I do wrong?
HERMIONE: Okay.
HERMIONE: If I wasn't in France, I'd be there in a heartbeat to tell you this personally.
HERMIONE: But I'll say it from here in the hopes that it has some kind of effect.
HERMIONE: Don't. Talk. To strangers.
JUN 4th at 3:01 PM
UNKNOWN: Hermione-my-friend said not to talk to strangers! After I asked her about you!
ME: stop talking to ur friends about me
UNKNOWN: I'm just confused! Because isn't everyone a stranger at first? How are you supposed to make friends?
UNKNOWN: I mean, I pride myself on having a good eye for whether someone is nice or not, and I can just TELL that you are!
ME: look thats really sweet but I cant say the same
ME: usually what happens when people text the wrong number is that they stop talking to that person
UNKNOWN: All right! So you can stop talking to me! I mean, I'm not gonna pretend I won't be sad about it, but you can!
ME: there is literally no need at all to send text essays
UNKNOWN: Mate I swear I never talk this much, I think I'm nervous or something?
ME: you dont have to be nervous
ME: what could you possibly be nervous about
UNKNOWN: I wanna do this right you know?
ME: do what right
ME: talking to me?
UNKNOWN: Yeah! I don't wanna make things worse
ME: listen i dont want or need your help
ME: no offense
UNKNOWN: Why not? I'm not good enough or what?
ME: maybe you shouldnt assume that I have nobody else but a random stranger to rely on
UNKNOWN: Then why'd you text the help line?
JUN 4th at 6:38 PM
UNKNOWN: Hello?
UNKNOWN: You're not dead are you?
JUN 4th at 7:05 PM
ME: What if he's dead?
HERMIONE: Ronald! Honestly!
ME: I'm being serious! He isn't answering and I'm worried he's got no one else
ME: I mean if it were me, I wouldn't be alone.
HERMIONE: Yes you would. You'd sulk like a baby for at least a month and you know it.
ME: Rude.
HERMIONE: True.
HERMIONE: Look, there's a sort of code to technology and Muggles. Most of them don't go around starting conversations via text; it's just not done. You need to let it go.
ME: I can't.
HERMIONE: You really think he might be in danger?
ME: Yes. I wouldn't do this otherwise.
HERMIONE: I know that. Look, some people don't want to be helped. That isn't your fault. Give it a few days.
ME: I don't know if I can.
HERMIONE: Go to the icon on your phone that looks like an A?
ME: Okay… why?
HERMIONE: For distraction. Search plants vs. zombies.
ME: I don't think this is gonna help.
HERMIONE: Trust me.
ME: OH WOW this is neat!!
HERMIONE: I've created a monster…
JUN 6th at 1:11 AM
ME: im not dead
UNKNOWN: Stranger Danger? Is it really you???
ME: yes ron weasley its me, in the flesh
UNKNOWN: I WAS SO WORRIED
ME: again with the all-caps
UNKNOWN: ARE YOU OKAY?
ME: we dont even know each other
UNKNOWN: I know that. I'm not stupid.
UNKNOWN: I shouldn't have said that about the help line. I'm sorry
ME: whatever
ME: water under the bridge of our imaginary friendship
UNKNOWN: Hey! We're best mates aren't we?
ME: in your dreams
UNKNOWN: So hey you didn't answer my question?
ME: everybody asks that question and nobody means it
UNKNOWN: I do.
ME: thats what im saying. seems like you do, but how could i know that?
UNKNOWN: I don't know. We could talk?
ME: not a chance
ME: id get caught for sure
ME: but its not like they could do worse right
[MESSAGE UNSENT]
UNKNOWN: Hey maybe you SHOULD go to a boarding school! Then you could be away from your family, right?
ME: yeah, if they wanted to spend even a penny on me
UNKNOWN: Oh
ME: is that pity i smell?
UNKNOWN: Ha, hardly! My family's tight on money.
ME: that so?
UNKNOWN: Got seven kids and my dad works a low-paying ministry job
ME: ministry?
UNKNOWN: Ummm no
UNKNOWN: Typo
ME: again, horrible liar. you oughta stop trying
ME: & whyd you lie about that anyway?
UNKNOWN: I'm serious! It was the autocorrection!
ME: youre a weird sort ron weasley, you know that?
UNKNOWN: Obviously.
ME: youre lucky im a strange sort too
ME: otherwise i wouldve ghosted you ages ago
UNKNOWN: You're not going to?
ME: we'll just see how it goes
ME: dont get too comfy
UNKNOWN: Okay :)
UNKNOWN: Are you going to bed?
ME: maybe
UNKNOWN: You should
ME: alright mum
UNKNOWN: Hey I'm serious!
ME: oh i know you are
ME: are you ever…
[MESSAGE UNSENT]
ME: do you ever
[MESSAGE UNSENT]
UNKNOWN: You alright?
ME: how long has it been, ten seconds?
UNKNOWN: I have to check!
ME: im fine. thank you
RON: Anytime <3
ME: & your best friend taught you that too?
RON: No I asked Google
ME: well good for you
RON: I can't tell if you're serious or not
RON: But either way, goodnight!
ME: goodnight
RON: Are you going to do the heart emoji now?
RON: There's no way you're in bed yet
RON: Alright mate, sleep well :)
JUN 7th at 10:30 AM
ME: Did you talk to your teacher?
STRANGER DANGER: schools out now
ME: Mate…
STRANGER DANGER: you said youve got six siblings?
ME: Five older brothers and a little sister :)
STRANGER DANGER: whatre they like
ME: Loud mostly! But they're nice when they're not pushing me around, you know? I can't not love them
STRANGER DANGER: do they hurt you
JUN 7th at 11:03 AM
ME: They don't. I mean, nothing more than rough-housing, you know?
STRANGER DANGER: like what
ME: I mean, the twins push me around is all
ME: Nobody else though
STRANGER DANGER: My cousin hurts me
STRANGER DANGER: i dont know if youd call it rough housing or not
ME: Hey, Stranger Danger?
STRANGER DANGER: were literally texting
STRANGER DANGER: you dont have to say my "name" to get my attention you know
ME: Oh my fault mate!
STRANGER DANGER: what is it
ME: Why didn't you talk to her?
Jun 7th at 1:12 PM
STRANGER DANGER: i just decided it wasnt worth it you know?
STRANGER DANGER: or i mean it wasnt a big deal
ME: What wasn't?
STRANGER DANGER: the whole situation
STRANGER DANGER: I was making a big deal of it and its not
ME: You know, I'm terrified of spiders. When I was little the twins replaced my teddy with an enormous one they found. So I don't know if it helps at all, but you're not alone, is what I mean
STRANGER DANGER is typing…
STRANGER DANGER is typing…
STRANGER DANGER: my name is harry
ME: Nice to meet you Harry!!
HARRY: calm down im not famous or anything
ME: One day you will be, and I'll get to say I knew you
HARRY: youre kind of an idiot
HARRY: no offense
ME: Thanks Harry :) you too
HARRY: whatd i do to become an idiot?
ME: It's not something you DO, it's a state of being
ME: My sister Gin told me that and I think it's pretty profound
HARRY: maybe you should listen to her more often
HARRY: seems like shell win a medal one of these days
ME: She's my little sister so I basically have to!
HARRY: sounds sort of nice honestly
ME: You're an only child yes?
HARRY: that i know of. could be a secret twin lurking around there somewhere
ME: You never know!
HARRY: you ever notice that? in the movies all the orphans are only children
ME: Uhhh
HARRY: oh did you not know i was an orphan
HARRY: you dont have to worry, im fine and all
HARRY: never met my parents
ME: No no it's not that! I um! Dropped my phone
ME: I'm not feeling weird about it or anything if that's what you were worried about
HARRY: oh
HARRY: well alright
JUN 7th at 1:15 PM
ME: MIONE WHAT IS A MOVIE
HERMIONE: Oh for Merlin's sakes.
JUN 7th at 6:30 PM
ME: what else are you afraid of
RON: Huh?
ME: you said youre scared of spiders
ME: what else
RON: Why do you ask?
ME: just trying to start a conversation
ME: thats what friends do isnt it
RON: Oh yeah!! Definitely!!
RON: Um I guess I'm scared of my family getting hurt
ME: you really love them don't you
RON: They would love you, you know? They're nice people.
ME: yeah
ME: they dont even know me
RON: I wouldn't tell them anything without your permission
RON: You know, stuff about you. Anything really
ME: thanks
ME: thats really nice actually
JUN 7th at 12:39 PM
ME: im afraid of lots of things
RON: It's okay mate
RON: You want to call?
ME: you kidding? id get caught straightaway
RON: Okay
ME: tell me something else
[ERROR: could not unsend message]
RON: I went to Egypt once! Saw the pyramids and mummies and everything
RON: It was brilliant!!!
RON: You would've liked it! You seem like the type who would know the history and everything
RON: My dad won the trip from his work, but if I had the money, we could go sometime!
ME: were never gonna meet ron
RON: I know. I know that
RON: Just
RON: I was just thinking
ME: id like to go
RON: Yeah
RON: Me too :)
JUN 8th at 2:26 AM
ME: tell me something
ME: something good
ME: or bad idc
ME: or it could be funny youre always funny
ME: anything
ME: please ron
ME: i should have told you im afraid of the dark
ME: like if one day the light turns on but i cant remember how to see it
ME: i dont mean blind, i mean like
ME: what if im wrapped in darkness and it never lets me go
ME: lets me leave i mean
ME: and sometimes im scared of my aunt & uncle
ME: i know its ridiculous
ME: and blokes arent menat to be scared, or whatever it is old men like to say
ME: but i get scared all the time
ME: tell me that's not awful
JUN 8th at 5:58 AM
ME: ron im so sorry
ME: ignore all that
ME: my cousin got ahold of my phone
ME: real jokester
ME: anyway!
JUN 8th at 8:39 AM
ME: Harry?? I'm so sorry! I was sleeping!
ME: I've got these… creatures that make noise at night
ME: But that doesn't matter now!
ME: Please let me call you?
HARRY: no
ME: I'm really so sorry
HARRY: no need to be SO sorry
ME: No, we're friends
ME: I'm supposed to be there for you!
HARRY: no youre not
HARRY: i mean you dont always have to be there for me
ME: I don't HAVE to be! I want to
HARRY: youre ridiculous
ME: Wouldn't you do the same for me?
[ERROR: Could not unsend message.]
[ERROR: Could not unsend message.]
[Please try again later.]
HARRY: course i would
ME: Oh.
HARRY: but it was my cousin remember?
ME: Sure mate. Your cousin
HARRY: that better not be sarcasm
ME: Course not!! :) :)
ME: And just so we're clear, like in case your cousin needs to hear this or something
ME: It's not awful. Everyone gets scared. It's just about what you decide to do with it
ME: Some people get mean cuz they think it'll protect them. Some people want power. I don't think that's you though
HARRY: im not giving my cousin my phone
ME: Right. Course not. Guess you can just disregard that then! ;)
HARRY: you shouldnt be allowed to use a phone
ME: <3
JUN 9th at 10:38 AM
RON: So do you like blokes?
HARRY: cant believe i used to think u were an old man
RON: Why'd you think that again?
ME: bc u type like uve never seen technology in ur life
ME: then u ask if i like guys
RON: Well I was just asking!
ME: u know its kinda sweet
ME: i could be wrong but i feel like a creeper wouldnt ask me that
RON: You still thought I was a creeper?
ME: nah
ME: i actually dont know why i ever thought that
ME: youre too genuine
RON: Aww, thanks mate!
ME: but um
ME: do you like them
RON: I like everyone mate!
RON: I'm pan
RON: Well, obviously not EVERYONE
RON: But I don't think of gender like some others do
ME: wow
RON: What??
ME: i
ME: my family isnt
ME: sorry, i dont want u to think im ghosting u
ME: but also what im about to say is stupid
RON: I say stupid things all the time! Think I can handle it
ME: my aunt & uncle are really awful about this kind of stuff
RON: You have personal experience with it? Or is it just to other people?
ME: ur gonna laugh at me huh
ME: this is some kind of joke
RON: What? No!
RON: I literally just came out to you
ME: i know that
ME: this is different
RON: Okay. How?
ME: im not sure what i am
RON: You don't have to be anything definitive Harry
RON: You can just be whatever makes you comfortable
RON: But it's confusing for all of us at first
ME: i never told u anything
RON: I know! I wasn't assuming
RON: Sorry
ME: im just not used to being an us i guess
RON: Do you not like it?
ME: no i do
ME: & u were right
ME: i do like them
RON: Okay!
[RON unsent a message]
ME: okay?
RON: Yeah I mean I know what your family might have said
RON: But you're safe with me, you know? I'm not gonna say anything bad
ME: i know ur not
ME: couldnt if u tried
RON: Hey! I could be mean!
RON: Why you make it sound like an insult??
ME: lol
JUN 9th at 11:08 AM
ME: He's really something, you know?
HERMIONE: Ronald. No internet strangers!!
RON: Why not? He's a real person! Not like an IA or whatever!
HERMIONE: That's not what I'm worried about!
HERMIONE: If he IS who he says he is, chances are you'll scare him off. Sorry, but you're a very strange texter.
HERMIONE: And person.
ME: Rude!
HERMIONE: I'm just saying.
ME: Well why don't you talk to him?
HERMIONE: He doesn't know me. Besides, if you too are "friends" already, there's not much I can do other than STRONGLY advise you to move on.
ME: I think he really needs me.
HERMIONE: Why do you think that?
HERMIONE: Genuinely asking.
ME: He's lonely and his family mistreats him Mione
ME: It's awful
HERMIONE: Merlin. And he seems genuine?
ME: Yeah
HERMIONE: I'll say it again. There's not much you can do. But if you really think he might need you—and he isn't uncomfortable—I think he'd appreciate you being there for him.
HERMIONE: But this is a VERY unique case! I wouldn't advise it generally.
ME: How do I tell if he's uncomfortable?
HERMIONE: You're an idiot, but you're a sweet idiot. I would hope you would be able to tell.
RON: Okay. Thanks Mione <3 love youuuu
HERMIONE: I hope you don't tell HIM that.
HERMIONE: But I love you too.
ME: I've never said it to a bloke before! Like outside my family
RON: Is it like acceptable? Or would it be weird?
HERMIONE: Sweet ghost of Godric Gryfindor, give me strength.
JUN 9th at 5:49 PM
RON: Hey I hope what I said earlier wasn't too much!
RON: This isn't so you'll reassure me or anything. I'm just saying, I didn't want to make you uncomfortable
RON: And so you can just ignore it if not!
ME: no it was fine
ME: im just not used to talking about it like that
RON: You know you're really hard to read sometimes
ME: have u tried glasses
ME: worked for me
RON: Merlin!
RON: I mean
ME: hello?
ME: u are so weird
RON: What do you mean hello??
ME: nvm
ME: or never mind if u dont know what that is
ME: honestly are u some kind of medieval wizard or what
RON: Um!
RON: Not medieval!
ME: …
RON: And like not a wizard! I'm not!
ME: ron
RON: No seriously! Like what gave it away
RON: *gave you that idea??
ME: RON
RON: Thought you hated all caps ha ha…
ME: are u genuinely ok
ME: like u dont honestly think ur a wizard right
RON: No!
RON: You idiot weirdo!
ME: i changed my mind
ME: lets call
RON: Ha ha I actually can't right now! Need to go to bed
ME: it is 5 pm.
ME: ron i didnt mean to judge u
ME: if u think ur a wizard we can talk about it
RON: Oh for real??
ME: course
RON: Well don't tell anyone! I could get in serious trouble
ME: ok… why
RON: Because there's this secrecy thing? No one's supposed to know
RON: But I trust you!
ME: oh
ME: oh okay
RON: Well the reason I'm so bad with technography is because we don't use it at my school
RON: I remember we talked about it but it's actually like a wix school?
RON: That's the gender-neutral term for wizardry
ME: ok…
RON: We didn't have them growing up but my friend Hermione is much more in tune with your world
ME: the normal one
RON: Yeah! So she gave it to me
RON: But most of us are still behind the times you know
ME: that doesnt make sense ron
RON: Most wix are pretty old-fashioned still
RON: They don't trust technopoly because it's not magic.
ME: ah
RON: But I trust it! Because it brought me to you and now we're friends! So
ME: hey ron one sec
ME: this is a lot? & im trying to think of what to do
RON: Course! Yeah! Whatever you want <3
ME: oookay
ME: so how do u know ur a wizard then
RON: Well when we're really small we perform magic. Accidental magic! You know, little stuff. Making things float, move around, disappear maybe
ME: like glass?
ME: ron
RON: Sorry Gin needed me!
RON: Yeah like glass. Why?
ME: how do you make it stop
RON: Well as you get older you learn to sort of channel it with wands and all that
ME: where do you get them
RON: Oh it's this secret wix market that muggles can't get to
RON: That's you people who aren't wix!
ME: muggles
ME: very flattering
RON: Don't look at me! I didn't think of it!
ME: alright so
ME: does it happen when ur scared? the accidental magic
RON: Right! Scared, sad, angry, whatever!
RON: I really shouldn't have told you all this
ME: i mean i sort of pried it out of you
RON: Yeah! Stop being such a snoop! lol
ME: u really are getting better at texting
RON: I get it from you! <3
ME: ridiculous
ME: can i ask something else
RON: Sure mate!
ME: how do u get into the school
RON: Well they send you a letter! Again, very old-fashioned, but it's the main communication in our world
ME: whats the name of the school
RON: Sounds stupid saying it now but it's called Hogwarts!
JUN 9th at 10:51 PM
ME: Harry?
ME: You okay?
ME: I hope I didn't scare you!
ME: We can just forget this whole day happened honestly
JUN 9th at 11:53 PM
HARRY: what if i think im a wizard
HARRY: i know it sounds crazy
HARRY: dont be mad
JUN 10th at 8:00 AM
ME: Hey! I'm not mad I promise!
ME: I'm not really an expert on these things but I guess I could try and help! What makes you think that?
HARRY: i got letters a long time ago, right before i turned eleven
HARRY: & ive made stuff happen before
ME: Whoaaa okay
ME: Like what kind of stuff?
HARRY: made a glass vanish at the zoo
HARRY: made my hair grow back
HARRY: made my cupboard less dark without using the switch because the bulb was broken
ME: Wait okay wait
ME: One thing at a time yeah? The letters, first of all
HARRY: my uncle took them
HARRY: after a while they stopped coming
ME: Wow
ME: Okay
ME: What did they look like?
HARRY: they had a seal? like a badger, snake, lion, and bird with an H
HARRY: and whoever sent them knew i lived in the cupboard under the stairs
RON: Okay mate
RON: So that letter sounds very real. I think you were meant to be at Hogwarts! But your uncle kept you!
HARRY: u mean u think im a wizard
ME: The letter proves it doesn't it?
ME: But what do you mean about the cupboard?
HARRY: thats where i slept for most of my life
HARRY: u know, there wasnt room
RON: But now you don't stay there?
ME: yeah i got dudleys second room
HARRY: ron?
ME: It's okay. This is all okay! Just… what do you mean his SECOND room?
HARRY: where he kept all his stuff that wouldnt fit in the other one
ME: Listen.
HARRY: again, im reading ur texts
HARRY: not really possible to listen
ME: Come with me. I'll pick you up, come get you, you can go to school with me and Hermione. She'd love you! I'd love it if you were there
HARRY: really?
ME: I mean not to be weird! Obviously!
HARRY: that sounds really nice
HARRY: but it cant happen
ME: What? Why not? I'd do anything! We have a flying car I can use
ME: And I'd make sure you had everything you needed for next term. You'd catch up quick, you're smart enough
HARRY: u really think this could happen
ME: Of course I do! Harry all this time I've been dying cuz there was nothing I could do to help you
HARRY: you have helped me
ME: Oh come on
HARRY: ron. you have
ME: Then let me keep helping you! I can get you out of there!
HARRY: im fine
ME: I know you are. You're amazing and strong
ME: But it really would make me happy getting to meet you
HARRY: why
ME: Please let me call you
ME: I'll make sure the muggles don't catch you
HARRY: i just dont see why u would even believe me
ME: You're my friend. Of course I believe you <3
ME: Let me call you?
HARRY is typing…
HARRY is typing…
HARRY: okay
…
"HELLO?"
Harry cringed, frantically pressing the volume-down button as he clutched the phone to his ear. He should have expected that Ron would do something like this. But Aunt Petunia was at a friend's house, and Uncle Vernon was working. Otherwise, he never would have said yes.
He was starting to think that maybe he shouldn't have.
"HARRY? CAN YOU HEAR ME?"
Harry cleared his throat quietly, suddenly finding it hard to speak. Ron's voice was boisterous and bright, somehow fitting him perfectly. There was something alien about a person reduced to mere walls of text. But now Ron was taking on full dimension, and it felt somehow magical.
Not exactly a stretch, Harry realized.
"Hi," he finally managed, conscious of his scratchy voice, the way it seemed so frail beside Ron's.
"OH! Hey!" Ron laughed, his voice modulating to something a bit softer. "Hi. Harry."
Harry couldn't help a stunned half-laugh. "Ron."
"You believe that I'm sixteen now, right?"
Harry really did laugh this time, the sound catching in his chest. He felt a bit like crying, as if the laugh had dislodged something on its way out, something that had blocked up the valves in his heart.
"Yeah. I believe you. And for the record, so am I."
"Brilliant! My birthday was in March."
"Mine's July," said Harry faintly, caught up in the fact that Ron talked exactly the way he wrote—random, a bit exuberant, and sincere.
"We could celebrate together! Our family doesn't have anyone born in July. So it'd be all you."
More feelings came loose in Harry's chest, threatening to make him tear up. He didn't know what was wrong with him. The Dursleys hadn't brought him to tears since he was a child, but Ron seemed to be an expert.
"Would that be too much?" Ron asked, his tone gentler now.
"I don't… this is insane."
"What about it?"
"The fact that you're inviting me into your home."
"Why? We're friends."
Harry pressed his fist against his temple, rubbing absently. "I just don't think you've got it right."
"Got what right?"
"Me. You think I'm some kind of—wizard, or hero, or whatever. I'm not."
His uncle's words pressed like hot knives against his skull. Freak, waste of time, coward, criminal. They pinched into his skin, and he found himself squeezing his eyes shut against them.
"I like you," Ron said, softer still. Harry heightened the volume so as not to miss a word. "I care about you. And I'd like to get to know you more.
"But it's up to you, you know? All up to you."
Harry tried to measure his breaths. He didn't want Ron to think he was weak. But Ron's voice was kind when he murmured, "All right?"
"I do want to," Harry said. "I want out."
Harry could have sworn that Ron's voice was a little shaky as he said, "Okay. We'll get you out."
…
JUN 10th at 9:38 AM
RON: Okay if I talk to my parents? Tell them what's going on?
Me: oh yeah ofc
RON: Is that like "official for-real confirmation" or what?
ME: no lol its of course
RON: Ohhh
RON: They're going to be cool with it! Promise!
ME: its okay if theyre not
ME: i mean id understand
RON: Nahhhh if they said no I'd just take you away with me and we'd run to Wales
RON: I mean
RON: Ignore that sorry
ME: no thatd be nice
ME: i hear wales is nice this time of year
RON: Haha yeah!
JUN 10th at 10:07 AM
RON: Okay I talked to them and they insist on coming! Dad doesn't trust me with the car :( but they already basically love you
ME: oh shut up
RON: They do! They're raising you as their own now <3
ME: im a grown-up i can take care of myself
RON: You are not! You're a teenager still and you deserve to be taken care of
RON: Just channeled Hermione on accident lol sorry
ME: next ur gonna tell me hermione wants to marry me
RON: No! No way! Actually I think she hates you a little
RON: But it's nothing personal, you're just a stranger from the internet that she thinks will kidnap me or something
ME: well its looking like the other way around
RON: It doesn't count if it's your choice! :)
ME: ur emoticons are awful
RON: Same with your attitude. Hey, is now a good time to come get you?
ME: i mean yeah
ME: good a time as any
ME: but you dont have to
RON: I know that mate <3
RON: Gonna be there in less than an hour! My siblings are staying home so they don't overwhelm you
RON: I'm going to come to your window and help you into the car. Is that okay?
ME: yeah
ME: my uncles at work and my aunt might not notice
RON: Even if she does she could never keep up with us!
HARRY: do u think theyll let me into hogwarts
RON: For sure! If not, Wales is on the table…
ME: great backup plan
RON: Leaving now. See you soon!!!!
ME: ok
…
True to his word, a knock came at Harry's window before the clock's minute hand made it back to ten. Harry felt his stomach lift, light as a kite. He feared that soon his head would hit the ceiling and he'd come right back down to where he'd started. But for now, he let the hope brew.
His hands on the latch trembled. He had pictured Ron many times before, always as someone distantly beautiful, kind eyes unreachable. But the boy on the other side of the window was real as rain, from the freckles splashed over his cheeks to the flaming red of his hair.
"Harry! Mate!" Ron—or, Harry hoped it was Ron—stretched out his hand, waiting for Harry to take it.
He looked back into his room, to the bare walls and single-blanket bed, devoid of even the library book that had started all this. There was nothing here that he'd wish he hadn't left.
Without further hesitation, Harry took Ron's hand.
Only then was he made aware of the flying Ford Anglia outside his window, driven by a slightly rumpled-looking man with a rosy-cheeked woman at his side. All three gave him identical warm smiles as Ron pulled him away from his childhood home and into the cozy car. His warm arm wrapped briefly around Harry as he buckled him in.
"I know how to work a seatbelt," was the only thing Harry could think to say.
Ron raised his hands in surrender, his eyes almost comically wide. "I wasn't sure if muggles had seatbelts."
"How do you think we stay safe in cars?"
At that moment, Petunia Dursley appeared in Harry's window, her face irate. Instinctively, Harry shrank back.
"And what do you think you're doing in my house?" she shrieked.
"We're not in your house," the driver—who must be Ron's father—said affably.
"Furthermore," said the woman—with much less mildness, "you are an unfit guardian for Harry, and have kept him from his peers. We are taking him to the safe place he deserves."
Harry was filled with warmth, even as Petunia clucked her tongue. "Just as well. We've put up with him long enough. I never should have taken him in."
He felt the gentle but steady pressure of Ron's arm as he slung it around Harry's shoulders. Mr. Weasley made a rude gesture—Harry supposed some things were universal—and began to drive off.
"Good riddance!" The woman shook her head before turning to look at the two boys in the backseat. "Harry, dear, I know this all must seem very strange. But we are very glad to have found you."
Harry, a bit overcome, mumbled, "Thank you."
Ron nodded furiously from Harry's periphery.
"The wonders of muggle technography," said the man in the front seat. Harry quietly smiled.
Like father, like son.
"Wait." Ron reached for Harry's hair as if to brush it out of the way. "Can I?"
"Oh." Harry found himself inexplicably blushing. "I do try and keep it trimmed, but it grows fast, and—anyway, go ahead."
"I like it," Ron said as he reached for Harry's face, gently pushing his hair back. Harry was about to thank Ron when he gasped.
"Mum? He has…"
Harry found himself blushing still more profusely, quickly pulling back from Ron's touch—though his arm was still around Harry's shoulder. His scar was odd, sure, but he didn't think it warranted this much shock.
"Is it as we thought?" Mrs. Weasley's voice was soft and careful.
Ron looked at him. "Harry, this is going to sound mental. But is your last name Potter, by chance?"
Harry blinked, a bit weirded out. "Yes…"
The adults in the front gasped in tandem.
"What? What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong," Mrs. Weasley said quickly. "It's just… well, the Wizarding World has been looking for you for a very long time."
…
So it turned out that Harry was some kind of baby savior.
It really could never have occurred to him. He knew that was probably obvious, but he simply couldn't fathom the fact that he, apparently, had taken down a Dark Lord without trying. A Dark Lord that had killed his parents and godfather, along with several thousand others.
The Dursleys had apparently convinced the school that Harry had wanted nothing to do with their world, and they had decided to respect his choice. Of course, they had known that the letters weren't being opened, but they had simply thought it was because Harry had no interest.
Well, Harry was interested. In every wand and bauble in the Burrow; in Arthur's rudimentary but enthusiastic knowledge of pop culture; in the flying broomsticks sitting in the shed; and in bright-eyed, warm-hearted Ron, who seemed unable to let Harry out of his sight.
They lay side by side now on a small bed in the wee hours of the night. Everyone had stayed up in all the excitement, meeting and greeting and getting settled. Harry hadn't minded about the bed—he was used to tight quarters, and had told Ron as much, though Ron hadn't seemed mollified.
"At school you'll have all the space you need," he'd said gently.
When Harry looked over, he found that Ron was smiling. "Can't sleep either?" he said.
Harry shook his head. "Too excited."
Ron's smile grew. "Not regretting it?"
Harry wasn't sure what possessed him, but he reached out in the darkness and found Ron's hand. "Of course not."
"You're a lot nicer in person," Ron said.
Harry smothered his laugh with a pillow. "What's that supposed to mean?"
"You just always sounded like you hated me over text." Ron shrugged, blinking innocently.
"I never hated you. I was just confused."
Ron hummed. "If we ever have to text again, you need to put smileys and exclamation marks. That way I know you don't hate me."
Ron turned a little so he was facing Ron. "Noted."
And he didn't know what it was—the close confines that for once were not alarming, or the lovely eyes of the boy in front of him, or the fact that his best friend was now here and in the flesh. Perhaps it was none of those things. It could have been their conversation the other day.
Either way, Harry felt like it would be quite nice to have Ron's lips on his.
Apparently, Ron was thinking the same thing.
He closed the distance and touched his lips to Harry's, a chaste thing that was as tender as it was tentative. Harry pressed forward, chasing him until he could feel the sweetness of Ron's smile against his mouth. He smelled amazing somehow, fresh grass and toothpaste and cologne. Ron's arms came around him, and Harry hugged him back, breaking the kiss.
He felt so safe and steady as Ron rested his cheek in his hair, somehow keeping the nerves at bay. This felt natural. It felt right, the cherry on top of the perfect day.
Still…
"Was that okay?" Harry whispered.
"Mate, I kissed you. I should be the one asking you that."
"Do you call everyone you kiss 'mate' right after? Very charming."
Ron coughed and spluttered, prompting Harry to thump him on the back. Finally, he managed to speak. "It's just habit!"
Harry snorted. "Sure."
"It was perfect, though, Harry."
"Oh." Harry let out a shaky sigh. "Okay."
…
JUL 31st at 6:16 AM
RON: HAPPY BIRTHDAY HARRY MY LOVE!!
RON: We're so lucky to have you!
RON: Xoxoxoxoxoxo
HARRY: thanks … mate
RON: Hated that so much!
HARRY: now you know how it feels
RON: I was gonna cuddle you on the couch later too
RON: Too bad we're just mates!
ME: ok first of all thank you
ME: and second of all go to bed sweetheart ur tired
RON: Where ARE you?!
ME: flying
ME: ill be in before breakfast
RON: Awww without me?
ME: its very cold out
ME: and early
RON: True
RON: Okay goodnight
ME: lol
AUG 30 at 2:22 PM
RON: Tell Mione I love herrrr
ME: "ronald stop trying to steal my time with harry"
RON: You are both evil
ME: "you get to hang out with him every day!"
RON: Well he's my boyfriend!
ME: "& we are best friends"
RON: Fair :( you guys have fun
ME: ill see you soon love
ME: we have classes together remember?
RON: True! Good thing you're such a wizarding genius :)
ME: oh whatever i just read the books
RON: Wizardingggg genius!!!!
ME: ill see you on the train
ME: promise
RON: Okay! Can't wait! <3
ME: <3