Start of time by Hopeless Wanderer

Chapter four.

"Hey Harry, how are you doing?" Janet smiled widely, her eyes shinning bright. Harry nodded politely in greetings and sat down on his chair.

"Better." he was by no means any more comfortable with that woman than he was a week before, he might have made up with his dad, but he was not over his hatred for Janet. Not in the slightest, and now that he wasn't leaving for Australia, things would get a little complicated. But Harry was willing to give it s shot. For his dad.

"You sure? You look a little sore." she narrowed her eyes, before turning to her journal, skimming through the pages. Harry cleared his throat and crossed his arms.

"Just bruises. They'll fade eventually though." apparently being tackled and stomped on, is not that easily fixed by magic. He had broken two ribs, punctured a lung, and was under Crucio for twenty seconds before his dad saved him. With these life threatening injuries, scraps and bruises just had to heal on their own. Much to his dad's displeasure.

"I'm happy to hear that." Harry did not doubt her sincerity, but couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable as he felt Janet scrutinize him, as if sizing him up and down.

"What are you doing?" he asked as a way to sway the conversation away from himself, wishing all while and Ron would show up so they could get out of the house.

"Oh! Nothing important I suppose, just the charity stuff." she was currently a potion mistress, working for W.A.N.D charity system for unqualified patients unable to pay for their own potions. It irked Harry, how /good/ she was. She was basically in every charity event, it made it hard. To hate someone who was potentially, so... Good.

It infuriated him, being the only one hating the woman in his circle of family and friends. Even Ron liked her, and that was saying something. Ron didn't like /anyone /.

"That's good." Harry said, and looked around the house, he groaned as his neck protested the sudden move. He had strained his neck, and his dad's mad rocking the whole way to the hospital had not helped things either. In fact, he was lucky that he was not paralyzed from the neck down. That way, he really would kill himself, better not live at all than live like that, in Janet's mercy and pitying all his life. You're turning bitter. He snorted inwardly.

"You free today?" she pushed her rectangular glasses up her nose and winked at him.

Harry narrowed his green eyes. "Yeah, why?"

"We're going out tonight for dinner."

"You and Severus?"

"And you. The three of us." Harry could read between the lines, She and Dad had talked, decided a date for themselves, and then decided, that Harry should be included, so he wouldn't feel left out. It was painfully obvious that it was Dad's idea, Janet didn't like him /that/ much.

In truth, he wouldn't mind a night out with his dad, as Janet the third wheel, as he was before they were dating, now though, /Harry/ was the third wheel, well technically, the forth, since there was still the baby to count in too.

Harry sighed, licking his lips. "Actually, I have this thing with Ron tonight..."

"With Ron? What thing?" she asked exactly in a tone that Mrs. Weasley would ask Fred and George with. And Harry found himself digging his nails in his palms.

"Just a guy thing. Maybe I spend the night with them." he snapped defensively. Maybe a little too defensive. He cringed.

Janet oh'ed, putting down her quill. "A guy thing?" she teased, winking at him. Harry cleared his throat uncomfortably, was Janet suggesting what Harry thought she was?

"Ron's just a friend." the last thing he needed, was letting her starting a havoc in his family by running rumors of Harry having a crush on his friend. Which he didn't, since he knew that Ron was madly in love with Hermione.

"Whatever you say, but in any case, your dad would be so happy if you decided to show up. We're going to your favorite restaurant." her teeth shined brightly, as she squeezed his shoulder before turning away.

Harry pursed his lips, he would /not/ be guilt ridden to this night out. He knew how it went, with him in the front, or the back, and those two, holding hands, walking in the streets watching the sky. The perfect image of a romantic couple. Gross. Harry shuddered.

And he would die of shame, probably because the probability of a classmate catching him with dad and his now soon to be wife, would be more than Janet actually liking him.

Dad and Jan had talked to him, it was decided, that they would wait a little, until the baby was born and things were sort out. Meaning that they would need Harry's sincere blessing to get married.

Now, with Sirius and Remus gone to Australia, Hermione in Paris for summer vacation, and Ron hanging out with his almost always absent brothers, Harry knew that he was in for a year.

"So, maybe you should really consider it, I picked out your nice robes from the dry cleaner."

She muttered, her nose stuck in her parchment.

"You did what?" she did what?!! She had picked up /his/ clothes from the dry cleaner?

What gave her the right to do that?! What was she?! His mother?!!

"Hmm? Picked up your clothes honey."

"I didn't even give it to the dry cleaner in the first place?" was Dad going through his clothes again? Because If he was, Harry swore, that he would hide his special soap in the laundry room again. Harry snickered, it's been a while since he'd done that.

"I did." she answered as it was obvious, gazing at him with questioning eyes. Harry bristled inwardly, his eye twitching. Keep your cool, keep your cool Potter. Don't let her win.

"When?" he bit out, gathering every ounce of self will he had to sound normal.

"Last week, along with your Quidditch outfit. They were atrociously dirty." Harry clamped his lips tighter, his knuckles white with the effort.

"Did you go through my stuff?" it didn't sound as nonchalant as he was hoping it would be. Janet sighed and put her parchment down, looking at Harry as if wondering if he was mad.

"Is that a problem?" the tone was taunting, reminding Harry why exactly he hated her so much. She was teasing him, Harry realized, pushing his buttons.

"My wardrobe is kind of personal." Harry said slowly, his hands gripping the edge of his seat.

"Don't worry Harry, I just picked out your laundry. No big deal. Hmm?"

Well, let's see how would you like it if I went through /your/ stuff. Harry hissed, gritting his teeth.

"It kind of is a big deal. I'm a little sensitive on my possessions. So... It would be best if you just let me do my own thing." he out right challenged her, no one had the right to touch his stuff, no one. Except maybe for his dad, but no one else, even the boys in his dormitory figured that out soon enough.

Janet looked a little taken back and wary. "Sensitive?" she exclaimed, cocking her head to a side.
Harry exhaled slowly, with extreme effort as to not start shouting.

"Yes. I don't like anyone going through my stuff."

"Honey, you're fourteen now, almost fifteen."

"So what?" Harry felt a big invisible hand reach out and choke him. Janet rubbed her hand, looking uncomfortable, but also with a determined expression on her face. As if it was her duty to talk to Harry.

"Sweetie, boys your age don't get... Well... Sensitive over these kind of stuff, unless they have something to hide." she cleared her throat, averting her eyes.

"Boys my age?" Harry repeated dumbly. What was this woman saying? What the hell?

"I have been working in the charity system long enough Harry and I have nephews your age, the thing is... I know what you mean if it's /that/ , but your sensitivity over your room alone? it's not normal, this kind of behavior, I actually talked to your dad about it earlier this week.."

"What?! Not normal?!" he expected his dad to jump out of his hiding place and suffocate Janet then and there. Ever since Harry was young, no one had dared to call him anything but normal. Dad would kill them with his glare alone. He even made a hufflepuff cry in his first year when he caught Harry counting in the boy's bathroom.

Was she saying that he was a freak?! Saying that he was different?! Was she comparing him to a charity case? Or maybe she thought that he was... Harry blushed. Should he be offended? It all sounded eerily familiar to Harry. It felt like third year all over again, when Dad gave his first stick of deodorant. Embarrassing and awkward. Except this time, it wasn't even true...

Janet cleared her throat again and gestured with her hands widely, as if reading his mind.

"Please don't be offended.I didn't mean it like that Harry, I swear!" she said frantically, terrified that Harry would throw a fit again. Harry numbly blinked and looked away.

"I'm not offended." he said slowly, standing up. "I think I go to Ron's now. Tell Dad I'm sorry, I couldn't make it." he walked to the fireplace on autopilot. He hadn't even told Ron that he would come over today, the boy was probably spending quality time with his brothers, and Harry felt guilty, and sad, now that he knew he couldn't go to Sirius's house again.

He would just have to crash at the burrow and make another beeline to Ron's room. Maybe then, he could take a long nap...

"Harry?!" Harry turned the last moment, coming fave to face with his Dad, noting his concerned face, and his long back robes. The expression he had on all week.

"Lo, Dad." he walked back into his Dad's embrace and hugged him quickly.

"Where were you going?" he asked, frowning. Harry cringed inwardly, ever since the incident, Dad had turned into a mama bear, always keeping tabs on him, watching him eat his meals, tucking him at nights. It was like he was scared of neglecting Harry. His attention was always on him.it was comforting. Until now that he needed an escape root.

"Um... To the Weasleys?" it came out more like a question, the hand was back, seizing his throat, and Harry mentally scolded it. He would not rat out to his dad, not over something so ridiculous, and petty.

"But you just got back home. Weren't the Weasleys going to the beach today?" his dad frowned, knowing full well that Harry was lying.

"But you said you had plans with Ron?" Janet interjected, her eyes showing sincere confusion.
Harry cursed, hating the woman more than ever then. She just had to say that didn't she?

"Um... I thought we had, maybe he wants me to go with him?"

Dad squeezed his shoulders and guided him away from the fireplace. "Maybe? Is everything alright?" he sat down with him on the couch, and Janet soon joined in, sitting on the loveseat.

"Why wouldn't it be?" tell him. Tell him what she called you, tell him that she went through your stuff, tell him Harry. His mind ranted at him, and Harry did not want a repeat of last time. But he just couldn't get his mouth to open...

"Are you alright Son?" Harry was pretty sure that his dad was adamant to put him in his pj and then tuck him in his bed right then. His face had that rare fussy expression. Well, not so rare since it was one of the top five expressions Dad had flashed him with this week.

"I'm fine. I just have plans with Ron. Or I think I had, you know how cryptic he is..." He trailed off, nodding his head to prove his point.

"Are you upset that I went through your clothes Harry?" Damn you. Harry thought, closing his eyes in irritation, Damn you Janet, Damn you.

"You went through his wardrobe ?" Severus was shocked. She went through Harry's stuff and she was still alive?! If there was anything Harry was more fussy than his fear of stranger touch, it was his possession. He even had his own bar of soap and toiletries, all neatly in / his /drawer, spelled magically to fit in the bathroom's cupboard.

His fiance shrugged. "I just picked up some dirty laundry." she said in a 'i never thought it would a big deal ' voice, shaking her head.

"I'm not upset Janet. I had plans with Ron." he cut in before Dad could talk. Where was the red head when Harry needed him?!

"But Harry, Ron is not even home. And you can't go to the beach, you're still recovering." his dad was on him. Harry knew it was a lost cause, what he was angry about however, was Janet's presence in the living room with them.

"I'm fine. I just..." what did he want? Some space? That sounded unbelievably ungrateful. Dad has gotten out of his way, ogling Harry all week, pampering him like a prince after a full year of anticipation and depression on Harry's side. And now he needed space?! Harry cleared his throat.

"The bruises are almost gone." he finished lamely, side glancing at the fireplace.

Maybe he should go to dinner with them, being a third wheel sounded better than his embarrassment when Janet found out about the other stuff. She should call me her mental case. Harry shuddered.

Just tell her to sod off, his mind snapped at him, and Harry growled a quiet shut up before shrugging Dad's hands off his shoulders.

"I'm not so sure about that." Janet mused, pointing at Harry's blackened bruises, marring his neck and his earlobe. Harry glared coldly.

"Maybe we need to talk." Dad suggested, his hand snaking around his waist despite Harry's silent pleas. A talk sounded good, and tempting, with only his dad and him. Like the old days when Harry was happy. Pretending to be happy was harder than he had thought. Specially with the bane of his existence living with in him in the same house.

"Maybe we should have the talk in your office." he suggested tensely when Janet started to follow them. The moment she'd step in Dad's office, I would chock her. Dad knew him better than this, he should know how self conscious Harry was about his anxiety.

I should go through my stuff, make sure she didn't touch anything she shouldn't have. Harry drawled in his brain.

"Janet, would you mind giving this to Albus? He has been asking for it since last week." Dad handed her a vial of clear potion when she entered the office. Janet glanced at the two and nodded, grabbing the vial.

The door closed and Dad cast a silencing charm around the room, nodding at Harry to seat in a chair. Harry dragged his feet to the seat and slumped on the leather chair, looking glum.

"You don't have plans with Ron."

"No." he was looking at his lap, anywhere but in his father's disappointed face.

"Harry, she's really trying, we did talk about this... I'm really sorry." Harry cut him off shaking his head.

"No, it's fine... You don't have to apologize for her."

Dad frowned and walked to Harry, grabbing his shoulders. "You know it's not fine, I'm sorry because I forgot to tell her how touchy you are over your possessions." Harry frowned at the choice of words , he made it seem like it was his fault somehow. /She/ was the one who went through /his/ room.

"It's not a big deal." yes it was.

"Yes it is. I'm sorry, I will talk to her when she's back. Alright?" Dad hugged him and then pulled away. He rubbed his neck comfortingly. Great... Now Harry felt like an arse, it was in this moments that Harry realized what kind of shit his dad has to put up with becuase of him. He even looked strained. Going back and forth between his fiance and his arse of a son, trying to keep the both of them happy at the same time.

"We are going to dinner tonight, maybe you should clean up a bit." he said, fussing over his untamed hair, that was even wilder since Harry hadn't had the time to brush it.

Harry wiggled in his seat. "I don't know, I really don't feel like going out tonight."

Dad frowned, crouching down to Harry's eye level. "We're going to your favorite restaurant. "

The younger boy, sighed and shook his head. "I know, just... Maybe I should just stay home."

Dad's frown deepened, he looked mildly disturbed, and Harry couldn't help but cringe inwardly, feeling even worse... Maybe he should go...

Severus was confused. Why would Harry decline a night out? The boy absolutely loved going out with him to his favorite restaurant, he would've snatched the offer any other day...

He looked over his son, sizing him up. His heart clenched when he saw the bruises marring the child's skin. Maybe he is wary of the public, Severus drawled, Harry did almost got killed in a swarm of people running him over. Maybe he was scared?

Severus bit his lip, ever since that day in the hospital he and Harry had talked several times, Harry had admitted that his depression was back for a while and he had another episode in Black's house. Severus hadn't felt so guilty all his life as he did then, it was his fault, his ignorant, and neglect that drove Harry back into that state. Maybe he was still depressed?

The child did reassure him that he was fine now, but was he? Maybe he should have been more presistant about seeing a therapist?

"Answer me honestly Harry, are you alright son?" he had swore that he would never use legilimency on his son, never. But now, the idea was really tempting.

"I'm alright Dad, just... Not in the mood."

"Is it Janet? Don't worry I tell her to don't touch your stuff anymore."

"No, it's not that." The child exhaled in annoyance. Severus raised his eyebrows.

"Maybe you're a little wary of crowds?" although his son wasn't that social to begin with. Now that Severus thought about it, there were a lot of things that his son wasn't accustomed to. Maybe Janet was right... Severus shook his head, his gut churning in guilt. There wasn't anything wrong with Harry. Not his son.

"No, Dad, I'm just a little tired is all."

"Are you sure? Then I can stay with you." he said firmly, leaving no room for argument. Harry did try though.

"What?! No! You should go Dad, seriously... You and Janet should go, I'll be fine." he quickly reassured the man, he would not be a brat, he would not demand such a thing when his dad had already planned out. Specially when he was already feeling guilty for wrrying his dad.

Another hand joined the other, pressing down on his chest.

"Harry?" he looked up to the voice, uncertainty gripped at him. Should he tell Dad? Should he tell him what he really felt? You could wait another year. His mind responded sarcastically. Harry gulped.

"I... We're going to my favorite restaurant?" he asked, twiddling with his thumb. Maybe that was the problem, that place was his and Dad's alone. It was a special place for them both, dragging Janet into that place... And Harry as a third wheel... He shook his head at his own ridiculous thoughts.

"Yes. Don't you like that?"

"I do. But... Isn't this like a date? For you and Janet?"

Dad sighed, rooting out the problem out of Harry's half cooked question.

"Harry, it's going to be okay. It's just the three of us." more like the two of you. Harry grumbled.

"It's just a family night out, I promise. Nothing is going to happen between us." Harry blushed, his dad had been really good about this stuff, as soon as Harry told him how uncomfortable their affection made Harry feel, Dad had minimized the kisses in public. At least in front of Harry. It was weird, weird because Harry had never seen his dad acting like that with another woman. Ever.

"Family night?" he cast his eyes downward, thinking over it for a bit. There wouldn't be a problem if he told that right? Dad would never make him feel like that, specially when it was their first night out together in more than over a year.

"Yes, family night, we just catch up a little bit, eat dinner and then come right back home." Harry looked at his dad in relief. They weren't going to the park?! They always went out to the park after their dinner. He and Dad always did that since Harry's sixth birthday.

"So? What do you say?" Dad smiled, running his hand through Harry's hair affectionately.

"We come back straight home?" he just had to make sure she stayed out of the park.

"Yes."

"Alright."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

/ "What would you like to eat Harry?" Daddy smiled down at him, and Harry squirmed in his seat.

"I don't know Daddy." he didn't have the heart to tell Daddy that he had never been to a restaurant before, and had no idea what to order. He looked at his hands shyly, they were gripping Rabitty in his lap, his long plush ears brushing against his knuckles.

Daddy smiled reassuringly. "Why don't you ask Rabitty?" he suggested, raising an eyebrow. Harry frowned, didn't Daddy know that toys didn't talk?

Daddy nudged him with his hand softly. "Go on."

Harry bit his lip, but brought his mouth near Rabbity's long ear. "I don't know how to order Rabbity, what should I eat?" he whispered in the ear furiously, the rabbit looked back at him, its black button eyes staring at him in mirth. Harry blew, he knew that toys didn't talk back. What a disappointment.

Daddy however, smiled wider and ruffled Harry's hair. " What about some spaghetti and meatballs? Maybe a chocolate shake? "

Harry nodded hesitantly, he liked meatballs, he had stolen some from Aiden's plate once or twice. Harry had no idea what a chocolate shake was, but it sounded delicious enough if Daddy was suggesting it.

"Hmm?" Daddy asked, just to make sure that Harry had made up his mind. Harry nodded once and hid his face in Rabbity's body, when a waiter came. It was a little awkward, hiding his face in his lap like that, but Rabbity didn't seem to mind.

The waiter came back with their food a few minutes after that and Daddy helped Harry eat his meal without staining his clothes or Rabbity, Harry of course, wanted to argue back and say that Rabbity was hungry too, but he didn't because the other people were making him nervous.

"Do you know what today is Harry?" his Daddy asked, drinking from his glass. Harry put his fork down, slightly panicking, how was he supposed to remember? Did Daddy tell him something?! Should he remember?

"No." he answered timidly, clutching at Rabbity's sides. Daddy frowned, but soon smiled again.

"Today was your birthday Harry. You were born today." Daddy said softly, handing him his shake.
Harry squirmed again, looking down at the shake in his hands.

"Why is that important Daddy?" he knew about birthdays, in fact he knew a lot about them, more than he wanted to know. He didn't particularly like them.

Birthdays were for good boys like Aiden and Dudley. Not him, he distinctly remembered watching them eat cakes and open presents, with lots of hugs and kisses while Harry just watched.

He was a bad boy, mommy had told him. That was why Aiden got toys and cake and he didn't.
Daddy looked at him sadly and got up from his chair and moved to Harry's.

"Because, you were born today child. Six years ago on this day a tiny little baby was born, look at how big you are now! Don't you want to celebrate?" Daddy sat him and Rabbity down on his lap, Harry noticed some people looking their way, but quickly averted their eyes when they caught Harry's face or Daddy's glares.

"No." celebration was for good boys. He was a bad boy.

"Why not?" Daddy probed, hugging his back to his chest.

"Birthdays are for good boys." Harry sniffed, burying his face in Daddy's shirt.

"You are a good boy." Daddy said suddenly, kissing his forehead. Harry's head snapped up.

"I am?" maybe Daddy was just lying to him, Mommy and first Daddy did that a lot. They pretended that they like him and wanted to give him food, but then started to laugh and sneer at him. And they shouted at him. Harry flinched at the memories.

"Yes you are, you are a wonderful boy. You are kind, and loving and good hearted. And Daddy loves you so much Harry."

Did that mean that Harry would get cake and presents? Or was Daddy playing pretend to? It was hard to tell, Daddy never lied to him, but mommy didn't too at first.

Harry ate the rest of his dinner with his Daddy, with Harry shyly hiding in his Daddy's shirt and drinking his shake, which by the way was delicious, while Daddy glared at anyone who stared at them. Harry knew they were staring because Harry was in the papers. Daddy didn't like them.

After Harry finished his meal, he held Rabbity and Daddy's hand as they walked out, the night's sky blinking down to them, as if urging Harry to wish on a star.

"Do you want to take a walk in that Park over there?" Harry looked over the flop of trees and then at his Daddy who was smirking. Harry nodded shyly and the two walked slowly towards the park.

By the time they were walking in the park Harry had completely forgotten his birthday again, his six years old mind inwardly in awe as he watched the deserted play ground.
Daddy led the way to the swings and helped Harry on a red swing and sat himself in the green one.

"Did you like your dinner Harry?"

"Yes Daddy."

"I wanted us to have cake too, but those rude people were staring. They were making you uncomfortable." Daddy explained patiently, smiling at Harry.

"Cake?" Harry asked, he had seen his brother and cousin devouring cake, the way they had eaten it made Harry drool. It sounded delicious.

"Yes Harry, what flavor do you like?" Harry noticed that Daddy didn't ask about inviting any friends. Harry had none.

The child blushed again, tears rimming in his eyes.

"What is it Harry?" Daddy asked, worry shining in his eyes. Harry shook his head, burying his face in Rabitty's chest.

"Harry?" Daddy hugged him, and tried to pry the stuffed animal away from his face.

"Did I upset you son?"

"I..." Harry hiccuped, cleaning his face with his fisted hand. "I don't know... What flavor I like Daddy."

Daddy looked sad again and kissed the top of his head. "Why not baby boy?"

"I never had cake before." he said pathetically, burying his face in Daddy's chest again. He felt Daddy's arms tighten around his own, Daddy's body stiffened, and Harry could feel him just sat there in shock. He clamped his eyes shut, berating himself. You made Daddy sad, you ungrateful brat, you freak!

"Come on Harry." Daddy said when Harry stopped crying. He cleaned Harry's face and nose with a handkerchief and hoisted him up on his hip.

"Where are we going Daddy?" Harry asked meekly, clutching Rabbity to his chest.

"To buy cake. And then I give you your present." Daddy answered rigidly, but not angry at Harry, Harry just knew that.

Xx

"Happy birthday Harry! You're eight years old now." Harry smiled shyly, and hugged his Dad, both were still in pyjamas and Harry's hair was a mess. Did hummed and patted his shoulder.

"Breakfast?"

"Yes please." the one thing He loved about his birthday was this, longing in pyjamas with Dad all day, and then having dinner and cake in the park. Harry still didn't know what big deal was about his birthday, but it made Dad happy, so the boy also went along with it.

"Is it okay if I give your present a little early? It's a big surprise." Dad ruffled his hair, and placed the plate in front of him. Harry shrugged and tucked in his food. Not particularly caring, Rabbity was sitting next to him in his own chair, waiting for his son to finish.

"You really didn't have to." Harry muttered, taking the small wrapped present from his Dad. He was eternally thankful that unlike last year, it was only one present instead of a whole bunch.

He hated to have anything in common with Dudley, so he asked his dad for one present only. No point in wasting money like that.

"I wanted to son. Happy birthday." he kissed Harry's forehead, and sat across him, looking through the morning paper.

Harry smiled and unwrapped the gift, carefully so he wouldn't tear into the wrapping.

His smile turned into a wide grin when he saw the tickets.

"Dad..."

"It's in Spain. And the game is for tomorrow Harry." Dad smiled slyly, even at the age of eight, Harry was a die hard Quidditch fan, and he just knew that even thought Dad wouldn't buy him a broom yet, he would be good flyer.

Harry crossed the table and launched himself in his dad's waiting arms.

"Thank you so much Daddy, I love it." he muttered, still not believing that someone as good as his Dad wanted him. It might be temporary, Harry thought. But it's worthwhile. He finished the thought sadly.

Xx

"So you're having your birthday in private with your Dad?" Ron asked, skipping a stone on the lake. Harry nodded absently , watching Ron with great interest. Maybe he should ask Dad to help him skip stones. He thought distracetdly.

"Yeah, it's a thing between me and Dad."

Ron looked a little put out and bitter but did not glare. That was a first, Harry thought in relief.
Being Ron's friend was hard, specially when the boy hated everyone but you, it was good in a sense, but Harry often felt self conscious while talking to him. Afraid that Ron would hate him too.

"Doesn't mean I can't still give you your present though." Ron said, skipping another stone. Harry frowned. Why would Ron want to give him a birthday present? Wasn't that Dad's job?

"My present?"

"Yeah, don't you get presents on your birthday?" he turned his face towards Harry, his eyes wide in bewilderment.

Harry gulped and nodded. "I do." Now that I'm with my Dad.

"What do you do on your birthday anyways? My mom makes me corned beef and the twins prank me."

"That's cruel." Harry replied. Indeed, for a boy like him living only with his Dad, Ron's life did seem a little sad, having five brothers, two of them constantly harassing you and a little annoying sister must be hard.

"Once, they almost made me swear an unbreakable vow." Ron said grimly, dropping down on the ground next to him.

"What's that?" Hard asked curiously, but Ron waved him off.

"Forget it. What do you do on your birthday?"

Harry bit his fingernails anxiously. "Nothing important, there's cake, and presents." there was no way that he would tell Ron about the park. He wanted that to himself. That little Park was his and Dad's only.

"Sounds boring. You don't invite friends?"

Harry frowned, turning his head away. "I don't have any friends." he then hastily added.

"Except you."

Before Ron could respond Harry heard his dad calling him from the field. The child and the other red head boy stood up and brushed off the dirt, before walking towards burrow with a heavy silence settling between them.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX.

It was oddly nostalgic and comforting, sitting with his Dad and Janet at their old table. Harry even got to seat in his own chair, and it wasn't also as bad as he thought it would be.

After his talk with Dad, Harry disappeared in the field and headed straight to the lake next to the burrow. He knew that Janet and Dad would talk about him. It was strange to know that people were talking about you without your permission, right behind your back.

Maybe the talk was the reason for Janet's silence and tolerance all night. The trio ate their dinner, with Harry having the same meal he had the first time he came here and his shake, Dad smiled fondly but didn't bring it up in front of his fiance.

They talked, the two of them, Janet and Dad interacted so naturally with him that they almost seemed like a married couple to a stranger. She apologized for going through his room and for their argument later, Harry didn't know how to feel about it, so he forgave her for Dad's sake, that didn't mean he would stop hating her though.

Oddly, Harry found himself not disturbed by Dad's and Janet's conversations, or seeing them holding hands as he originally thought he would be, he mostly didn't pay any attention to them because he was watching the park from the restaurant's window, watching the trees fade in and out of focus as the street lights flickered constantly. The trees invited him in.

Dad also caught him looking at it, but again, didn't bring it up. Harry looked between the couple sitting in front of him and set his mind. It would be a challenge, for both of them. Trust Dad Harry. Trust him.

"Hey, you guys mind if we take a walk in that Park over there?" Harry asked as they exited, Dad looked at him incredulously and Janet looked dubious.

"Isn't it a little late Harry?" Janet asked, looking around the street. Harry smiled.

"Not at all, Come on." he half strode half jogged to the park, hearing his Dad and Janet hurry after him with hastened steps. There were three swings, if Harry remembered right, there was also a yellow one in there too. But then again, he hadn't been to this place for over a year.

"Over there." Harry called to the couple, knowing full well that Dad knew where he was heading.

"Harry are you sure?" Dad seemed a little concerned over his sudden impulse but Harry waved him over.

"Where are we going?" Janet asked, realizing now that they were headed toward the playground.
Harry didn't wait to see what Dad told Janet. He saw the red swing and ran towards it, his eyes shining in awe as he felt the moon illuminating the swings where the lights hadn't reached. He gave a hard shove with his foot and kicked of the ground, swinging to his heart's consent.

"Seat." Harry pointed to the yellow swing next to his and nodded at Janet.

Dad still seemed a little suspicious but sat down in the green one. Just like before.

"So, what is this about?" Janet asked, looking around the deserted playground. Harry swung himself slowly, his feet dragging on the ground.

"Do you like it?" He asked, fixing his skewed glasses.

"I do, I mean.... It's a playground." she looked at Dad, shaking her head in confusion. Dad shook his head too, waiting for Harry to explain.

"Janet, I love this place, because of what happened here over eight years ago. Eight years is a long time Janet." he took a deep breath before continuing.

"The point is... I don't want you to feel entitled. To feel obligated to Dad just to like me. Sure I hate you, but we can't get over that if you're doing this whole 'responsible parent ' part by force."
Harry paused before continuing.

"I'm silly, and weird, and oversensitive over things that others are not, I eat my pancakes with sausages, and I count whenever I'm feeling sad or scared. I love the rain but I despise lightnings. I am overly rude at time without even meaning to and I don't have many friends because I'm a jerk. Can you live with that?"

He turned to look at her intently, her face had an unreadable expression on it, this was it, Harry thought. This is you, don't be scared of who you are, either she accepts it or not.

"Eight years ago, Dad accepted me for who I am, in this very playground on the same swings in a night just like this one. Can / you / accept me for who I am?" he remembered her expression this morning, when she called him 'not normal '.

I may not be normal. But I'm Harry. He thought fiercely.

Janet finally stood and walked to his wing. "You're not normal."

"I'm not." Harry agreed, standing as well. Dad frowned.

"You fought a basilisk. And you're friends with a genius and a lazy lug. And I'm your Dad's fiance." She said, and then shrugged.

"I knew what I got myself into the moment I knew who you were Harry Potter." she smiled and joined Dad, both standing in front of him with pride shining in their eyes.

"I promise to try, you did for a whole year." she pointed out, grabbing his waist in a side hug.
Dad smiled and took his other side, he lowered his head to Harry's ear.

"I'm proud." he whispered, kissing Harry's temple as the three walked out of the park. Harry took another glance at the swings, he would never really like Janet. But love and acceptation were two different things. But for now, this hate/companion relationship would work for now.

Little did he know, things were more complicated than that.