No More Hiding

Harry kicked the stall door open to look the man in the eye. “Moony,” he drew out the name, “Moony what aren’t you telling me? What makes the answer to a simple question not so simple?”

“You are not going to like this,” he replied softly, “not at all.”

“Yes, well, I pretty much figured that part out already. What’s to like about your supposed best mates ignoring you? Now all I need to know is if it’s their choice or not.”

Remus just stared at Harry while he looked at himself in the mirror. When had this boy, no, young man become so observant and mature? From the moment he had sat down to tea with him it has been non-stop surprises. “It’s a bit of both actually. It might be easier if I just let you read Ginny’s letter.” At this, Remus pulled out a folded parchment from his back pocket and handed it over. Harry looked at it warily before reaching for it and perusing its contents.

Moony,

I’m writing to you in hopes of some advice. I love my brother, you know I do, but he can be such an awful git sometimes! The way he is treating his friendship with Harry right now is disgusting, and I’m at a loss at what to tell Harry.

The two of them have received all of Harry’s letters, but Ron keeps distracting Hermione from writing him back. Ron is letting his jealousy of Harry get in the way, he thinks Harry will take Hermione away from him, and they’ve only just started dating. Merlin, I don’t’ think Harry even knows they are dating!

It’s stupid and ridiculous and I’ve screamed and yelled and hexed him about it all, but Ron won’t stop this foolishness. I hope Hermione realizes what is going on soon. Or Harry. At a time like this he needs all the support he can get.

Ron really needs to grow up, and my faith in that happening is really really (really) low.

Any ideas?

Ginny Weasley

Harry folded the letter back up and handed it back to Remus.

“With friends like him, who needs enemies?” Harry deadpanned before going back into the stall to switch clothes again.

“What are you thinking Harry?” Remus asked, bracing himself for a temper flare. He was also trying to figure out a way to slip in another question about Harry’s home life while he was distracted. It seemed the only way to get answers out of him. It was kind of scary how nonchalant the young man was about it, as if it wasn’t anything to make a big deal out of. Remus had heard about the emotional abuse that had gone on from Padfoot, Albus, and even Harry himself. The lack of food he had a little about, seeing as Molly was always stuffing him full and nitpicking over it, but he didn’t know it was that severe.

Harry re-emerged with a pair of nicely fitting dark blue jeans and a white t-shirt stating “I’m sorry, my fault, I forgot you were an idiot” across the front in red. This, too, looked good and brought out the fine figure that was usually hidden beneath the school robes and baggy clothes usually donned. “I’m thinking that I’m not shocked. I knew they were going to get together, it was inevitable. I’m thinking that Ron is constantly backstabbing me every time I do something not in his fixed image in what the Golden Boy should be. I’m thinking that Ron is always jealous and that in response to that I hold back a lot so that our friendship isn’t strained. Hopefully Hermione will snap out of it soon, she’s always stood by me.”

Remus flinched when Harry turned around and he saw the emotion behind those bright green eyes.

“I’m thinking that this ‘no more hiding’ thing includes not holding back for the comfort of others. I’m definitely thinking that I’ll be showing my full potential from now on.” Harry stepped back into the stall. “I’m thinking that I’m going to wear one of these outfits out of the store and burn the clothes from Dudley. I’m really into this punk rock look, very comfortable really.” And with that he stepped inside to gather all the clothes he wanted and brought it up to the front so he could pay for it.

With his back turned, Remus could see through the white shirt and almost threw up the scones from tea time. All over Harry’s back were scars from what looked like whip marks. And, to make matters worse, if you looked really close, the word FREAK could be seen carved into the upper back, between Harry’s shoulder blades. The next question Remus needed to sneak in the conversation was set in his mind.

Harry paused on his way up to the cashier to look at more belts and jewelry. On the other side of the display was a handsome young man in purple vinyl pants and a mesh shirt. Remus came to stand beside his young charge and just barely heard the whispered, “Why can’t I look that sexy?”

“What was that?”

“Nothing, Remy, just talking to myself, nothing important.” Yet, Remus knew he saw Harry’s eyes roving over the other teens body. He stayed silent, though. “Let’s pay for these and go get some shoes next,” the suddenly nervous teen spat out quickly, grabbing the few accessories he liked and then paying for his items.

“OK, one more thing to talk about. I wonder if he’ll broach that subject with me first though. Hmm,” pondered the former professor, walking out of the store.

Finding a small alleyway, Harry blocked the view while Remus shrunk the bags and put them in his pocket. Shoes were a quick trip, Harry taking a liking to Chuck Taylors immediately, and then into a hobby shop.

Not really knowing what he would like, Harry wandered around the store just looking at everything. Remus pretty much stayed in the photography section flipping through the newest collections. He looked up to see a mop of wild raven hair pause in the drawing area. The shelves being in the way, he couldn’t see exactly what had caught Harry’s eye, but knew he’d find out soon enough. Five minutes later, Harry was at the register with two sketch pads and a set of colored pencils and charcoals. “When I was in the cupboard I would draw with my crayons. There was nothing else to do in there on the days where I wasn’t allowed out. I had stolen some of the broken crayons that Dudley had laying around when no one was paying attention. It’s been a long time, but I think I would like to pick it up again,” came the explanation without any prompting.

“I think it would be good for you, Harry,” Remus said as they were walking out. “I think having a creative outlet will help you figure out your feelings on a lot of things. I tend to use writing as my medium, but that’s me, and not you. You need to find your own way of doing things.”

It was decided that the time to go home for dinner was past due, and so the two left the shopping district and picked up some groceries to make dinner.

They prepared the meal together, Chicken Cutlets and baked vegetables on the side along with mashed potatoes. “I’m so proud of you, Harry. I just want you to know that,” Remus said, pausing in his table setting task. “You’ve shown that you are very mature today, and capable of making your own decisions, but also knowing when you need help. The Harry I knew from third year would have tried to do this all on his own.” Harry blushed at the praise, but smiled at his friend and teacher. He knew now that he had made the right call in contacting Professor Lupin yesterday.

Dinner was great, and the two settled in the living room for drinks and to relax.

“HArry, your project for tonight is to list all the things that people think are true about you that are actually not. Do you understand? Tomorrow we will go over the list, and then plan from there.” Harry nodded and finished his drink. “Good, I’ll sleep down here tonight. It’s been a long day, and I know you are just as exhausted as me.”

“Alright then, Moony. Goodnight. Thank you for everything today.” And with a quick hug, Harry went up the stairs to wash up and go to bed. He had a lot to think about. His friend’s betrayal, his new found freedom (sort of) and what exactly was the difference between what people thought he was, and what he actually was. ::sigh:: This was going to be a long night no matter how much sleep (or how little) he got.

TBC

and it’s that time…so thanks to all who have reviewed, you rock my world. I know there is a lot of exposition going on here, but it’s how I lay out the groundwork for the meatier part of the story. I can’t expect my readers to just know how I’m connecting event A to event B. another chapter and then it will start moving a lot a little faster.

Kindal, thrnbrooke, and Dezra, I hope that answers your questions. Thanks for reading!

Thrnbrooke—the Dumbledore issue wont’ be addressed really for at least another two chapters. Remus needs the information first before he go to Albus.

Annie—I agree with your peeves on Harry becoming all powerful randomly in a lot of stories. My other big one is Harry and Draco falling in love five minutes after they decide to not be rivals…and yes people this is an HD fic, it will happen at some point. I love me some slashy goodness.

I will try to update at least one chapter a day after I get home from work.

So….question for the peanut gallery…who wants Hermione to snap out of it, and who doesn’t? and when should she realize it, in the summer, or at school? These are questions I put to you, my friends.

~Keren