Hanging By A Moment

DISCLAIMER: I don’t own anything to do with Harry Potter or with Gundam Wing. I am not getting paid for this in any way, it’s merely for entertainment purposes.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: This story contains slash which means male/male pairings and is a Harry Potter/Gundam Wing crossover.

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Wufei tried to keep the groans from escaping his lips, whimpering in pain every so often. Sweat poured from his body as his back arched in pain with every sharp stab of the bone shards lengthening and growing in his body. The dark seemed oppressive, but he couldn’t keep his eyes open for long before another spasm of pain wracked his body and left him in the darkness again.

A cool, wet cloth touched his forehead gently and his eyes flew open. Harry Potter knelt beside the couch, his face compassionate as he lightly dabbed his forehead, cooling the unending heat. Reaching down his hand brushed Wufei’s but Wufei pulled it away quickly. Looking both amused and irritated, Harry again grabbed his hand, this time locking his fingers around Wufei’s. “Do you have to be so damn stubborn all the time?” He whispered, shaking his head.

“Don’t need help.” Wufei snarled in a way that usually made even Duo take off in the other direction.

Harry’s response was only to raise one eyebrow. He wasn’t wearing his glasses and his eyes were an impossible shade of green in the dim lamp light Quatre had left on for him. “Would it be so bad to let them help you once in a while?” Harry asked gently. “They’re your friends.”

Wufei shook his head. Harry just didn’t get it. “What would you know.” He gasped as another burst of pain flashed through his body. “Gods make it stop.” He groaned, embarrassed by his weakness in admitting even that much.

“More than you’d think.” Harry’s voice was dry as he gently cupped the back of Wufei’s head in his hand and wiped the back of his now exposed neck lightly with the rag. “You five are comrades from a war aren’t you?”

Wufei looked at him sharply and Harry smiled slightly. “Duo talks a lot. It’s hard to get him to stop once he’s started.” Didn’t he know it. Wufei was going to kill the braided baka when he could move without intense pain again. There were things one shouldn’t discuss with someone they didn’t know well.

Wufei struggled for breath as another bolt of pain shot through his body, threatening to make him lose consciousness. He felt Harry’s strong arms slide around him, pulling him into a sitting position. “Let. Go.” He ordered.

Harry ignored him, settling down next to him on the couch and bracing him carefully, one arm around Wufei’s waist. “I know all about war.” Harry said quietly. “I know how it is to fight every damn day of your life. You have friends who actually care about you. You shouldn’t have to fight here too because you’re too stubborn to accept help when it’s freely given.”

Wufei grit his teeth. “Those who reveal weakness are more easily destroyed later.” He said coolly, sucking in sharp breaths of air between his teeth.

Harry shrugged against him. “Sometimes.” He replied softly, almost absently. “Sometimes it makes us stronger. When you refuse to acknowledge that you have a weakness in the first place it’s more likely to be a killing blow when someone hits that weakness.”

Wufei blinked at that surprisingly insightful statement and paused to think it through. “So tell me your weaknesses if you’re not afraid to admit to them.” He challenged.

Harry laughed at that, and silence fell. “I fear fear.” He said after a long minute. “I’m terrified that I will be too afraid, too debilitated by my own fear in a situation and it will have dire effects on my friends.” Wufei remained silent. He hadn’t actually expected Harry to talk about anything like this. “I know and accept this fear.” He said after another minute. “And so far I’ve never been too afraid to handle a situation that comes up.” He shrugged. “Perhaps this is because I’ve accepted it and have no problems admitting it, or maybe it’s just because I’ve gotten lucky so far.” He laughed. “My best friend Ron is afraid of spiders.”

Wufei snorted. “So if someone put a spider on his shoulder he would lose his head in battle?”

Harry’s voice was mild as he replied. “You don’t even know him, how would you know?” He asked, raising one eyebrow. “And you don’t do him enough credit.” He laughed. “He wouldn’t like it much, I can guarantee that, but he’s seen worse.” He tucked his legs in comfortably beneath him. Wufei envied his graceful movements, wishing he could do the same with his own legs. “When I was 12…that was a busy year now that I think about it…circumstances dictated that we face and speak to a spider that was big enough to eat us both and not think twice about it, as well as about 50 of her children.” He snorted at the memory.

Wufei glanced over at his companion when the silence stretched between them. “So what happened?” He asked, his voice raspy. Harry picked up a glass of water Wufei hadn’t noticed before and handed it to him. “Our old school groundskeeper used to think monsters were ‘Misunderstood Creatures’ and he was right some of the time. As for Aragog…the spider had a bit of information it was imperative that Ron and I get. Kids were nearly getting killed at school due to some menace nobody knew about. Anyway, the spider refrained from eating Hagrid out of respect as Hagrid raised him from a tiny spider into a big one. Though he himself wouldn’t eat us, he had no qualms about his children eating us since we were a good source of meat.” He laughed. “This car that Ron’s dad enchanted ended up saving us.”

“Magic seems like it’s a cheating way of doing things.” Wufei said, shaking his head at the idea of an enchanted car.

Harry’s expression was wry. “Maybe.” He conceded. “But without it you’d be dead.”

This was true, but Wufei wasn’t in the mood to acknowledge it. He wished he was dead. He could feel each individual bone shard in his legs lengthening, twisting together around each other and into the muscles. “You’ve had things easy your whole life through magic.”

Harry laughed outright at that. “I think I’d be insulted if I didn’t know exactly what kind of pain you were going through.” He smiled slightly. “An old enemy of mine from school used to think the same thing. That I had it easy. I told him the same thing I’m going to tell you. You don’t know shit about me or how I grew up. Like you guys I was told when I was a kid that it was up to me to save the world. All anyone else could do was try to train me right so I wouldn’t get myself killed when the time came from it.”

Wufei considered this and when he spoke, his voice was awkward and formal. “My apologies. That was inconsiderate.”

Harry shrugged it off. “You aren’t the first person who has said it and you won’t be the last. Just remember this…magic doesn’t make me run faster, and it didn’t help me much when the final battle of the war I was in came about.” He looked over and smiled slightly. “But I have to admit it’s dead useful when I want to break someone out of jail and he has two broken legs.”

This was a point Wufei couldn’t disagree with. No rescue mission…even haphazardly thrown together as this had been had gone so smoothly. If Duo or one of the others had tried it, there would have been more than the one casualty, and Wufei got the feeling that if Heero hadn’t shot the man before Harry could do anything about it, they would have managed the escape with no casualties.

He was slightly taken aback by the smile that lit up the young man’s face. It made his green eyes more luminous, lent him a beauty that, if Relena had seen it at that moment, would make her forget that Heero ever existed. Without thinking he leaned forward slightly and brushed the lightning scar on Harry’s forehead with two fingers. Harry’s breath caught in his throat, and he didn’t release it until Wufei’s fingertips had explored the entire length twice over and had retracted. “What happened there?”

Harry smiled again, but it was a bitter sort of smile. “That gave me the reputation I grew up with. When I was a baby a dark wizard who had grown in power and would have been unstoppable learned of a boy born in July who could have the power to stop him. One of the two babies born that year was spirited away by his grandmother and his parents were tortured until they lost their minds when they refused to divulge his whereabouts. The other baby was hidden with his parents. They were killed defending him.” Harry’s voice was now impassive, and Wufei saw him close his eyes. “Because the mother died to save the child, the child managed to block a killing curse…the only person EVER to block the killing curse actually. It gave me a scar I will carry until the day I die though.” He smiled again. “I’m Harry Potter, The-Boy-Who-Freaking-Lived.” His voice was bitter. “This scar marks me for being the one chosen to kill the strongest dark wizard to ever be born.”

Wufei listened to every word, not liking the bitterness that had crossed Harry’s face. “And did you?”

Harry nodded. “Ran him through with a sword since magic wasn’t an option at that time.” He replied softly, his eyes clouded with memory, a dusky green.

Wufei smiled slightly. “You know swordplay?”

Harry blinked a few times and his face softened when he caught sight of the smile. “Enough to beat a wizard who never picked up a muggle weapon in his life. I still have the sword.”

Wufei hesitated. “Would you like to learn?” He wasn’t entirely sure why he was offering this except that he respected Harry’s thoughts on magic versus physical fighting. In spite of himself, he found he respected Harry on many levels. The youth had a sense of honor that he didn’t like to compromise, even if that meant he was threatening anyone who came too close. He was stubborn but knew when to back off too.

Harry’s eyes lit up and Wufei was suddenly very glad he had asked. “I’d like that. A lot. It might help in what’s to come.”

Wufei gasped and Harry’s arm tightened around him. He took the water glass back before it’s contents spilled all over the place. “So you’re staying to help with this.”

Harry shrugged. “You’re dealing with wizards. It might be nice to have at least one on your side when you face them.” He said evenly. “Plus I was called here for a reason.” His green eyes focused on Wufei’s face in a way that made his heart pound. “And the first step was saving you.”

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“What are you doing?” Duo jumped as Heero walked up behind him, frowning. He turned quickly, feeling his face flush slightly. He knew Heero wouldn’t appreciate him spying on Harry and Wufei in the living room, but he didn’t regret doing it for even an instant.

“I think Fei likes Harry.” Duo said, eyeing them on the couch. He hadn’t missed the little blushes, the fact that Wufei had actually touched Harry’s face. Normally the only way Chang Wufei touched you was when he was trying to stab you through the heart.

Heero didn’t even bother glancing into the living room from where he stood in the kitchen. “That’s none of your business, baka.” He said sternly.

Duo smiled up at his lover. “I know.” He said happily, about to turn back around and see what was happening next.

Heero’s arms slid around him and stopped him from turning. “Have you been watching them this whole time?” He demanded.

Duo flushed under the intense blue eyed gaze. “Well not exactly.” He said, looking as innocent as he could. “At first it was just an accident. I heard them fighting when I was in here getting a piece of cake and thought I’d go in there before Wu-Man knocked Harry out or vice versa.”

He smiled up at his lover, and his eyes shone in the dim light. “And then when no blood spilled I kept watching. Can I lock them in a closet when Wu-Man gets his legs back?”

Heero inclined one eyebrow. “You don’t even know that Harry likes men. Leave them alone, let them have their privacy.”

Duo sighed. “So I can’t lock them in a closet.”

Heero gave one of his rare smiles at the disappointed look in Duo’s eyes, fully remembering the way that Quatre had done just that to them two years prior. It had been a catalyst, and he had never regretted it. Dipping his head down, he caught Duo’s lips in a lingering kiss. “Not for a month.” He murmured into his lover’s ear, laughing when he heard Duo’s squeak of approval at his words. “Come on, baka. I have something more interesting for you to be focused on.” He kissed Duo again, and then led him away from the living room and up the back staircase toward their room.

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Wufei awoke and stifled a groan as the dim light from the lamp, feeling the hard ache in his legs. It was better than the sharp stabbing pains, but it still felt damn uncomfortable, as did his back from sleeping sitting up on the couch, and his shoulder from the weight there that poked into his collarbone.

He glanced down to see what exactly the weight was and saw Harry’s tousled head of hair not even a quarter of an inch from his face. The wizard boy was humming under his breath, his eyes closed. Wufei let a small smile cross his lips as he felt the youth’s arm still around his waist. There was something soothing about the gently rolling notes in the rough, boyish voice that had only recently hit its full maturity. The song was as compelling as the scent of almonds that tickled his nose in Harry’s hair. Wufei allowed his head to rest atop of Harry’s and he closed his eyes. Perhaps he was glad to be alive after all.

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“Name?” Heero’s clipped tones pulled Wufei out of his sleep and he blinked blearily around the room in the early morning light. Trowa stood in a corner near the stairs, his arms crossed over his chest. Duo sat on the floor near Heero’s feet, his brown eyes bloodshot but lively. Heero and Quatre sat side by side across from the couch. Heero’s eyes were focused on his computer screen, his expression grim. Quatre’s warm blue gaze was focused on Harry’s face.

Wufei groaned as he instantly recognized his friends in their best “inquisitorial squad” mode. Sometime in the morning hours Harry had moved away, and was now sitting a few feet away on the edge of the couch. He sipped a cup of coffee and looked calm, but Wufei could see the dark smudges beneath the wizard boy’s eyes and wondered if he had gotten any sleep.

Quatre’s eyes flickered to Wufei and an apologetic look crossed his face. “We didn’t mean to wake you, Wufei.”

Wufei frowned slightly. “What’s going on?”

Nobody answered. The silence was broken by Heero’s insistently cold voice. “Name?”

Harry sipped his coffee. “Harry James Potter.”

“Age?”

“Eighteen. Born in July.”

“Parent’s names?”

Harry flinched ever so slightly. Wufei glanced at Quatre, whose eyes had filled with concern. “Lily Evans Potter and James Potter.”

“Their marital status?”

Harry’s face had gone very pale. Wufei frowned and opened his mouth to protest. All of the gundam pilots had their own painful history, and nobody had forced them to share it with the others. Quatre shook his head ever so slightly, and Wufei closed his mouth. “Married. Deceased when I was a child.”

“Your marital status?”

Harry snorted. “Single.”

“Living relatives?”

Harry appeared calmer now. “Petunia Evans Dursley, my mum’s sister. Vernon Dursley her husband, Dudley Dursley, their son. Marge Dursley, Vernon’s sister. No blood relationship with me.”

“Residence?”

“Surrey. Little Winging, Number 7 Privet Drive.”

Heero paused. “You were scheduled to attend a public school at the age of 11 years, but never went.”

Harry nodded. “It was on my 11th birthday that I got my letter to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.” Silence greeted this statement. Harry’s eyes were focused on his intertwined fingers, yet Wufei was certain that he could feel their gazes on him.

“Do you have the letter still?”

Harry shot Heero a cold glance. “Yes.” Without waiting for his prompt, Harry knelt on the floor and withdrew from his trunk a shoe box. Carefully, reverently, he opened the lid. Wufei made out the form of a photo album as well as many loose pictures. The charm of a broomstick sat atop a downy white feather. Without comment, but with a look that made Wufei glad the teen didn’t have a gun in his hand, he withdrew a piece of parchment. It was creased, rabbit-eared, and bore the scars of being, at one time, framed.

“We won’t hurt it.” Quatre’s voice was compassionate as he took the paper. The raw, naked look of relief was physically painful on Harry’s face at this assurance, and Wufei wanted to paint the walls in blood at the pain he saw in the boy’s green eyes.

Wordlessly Heero studied it before allowing Harry to fold it and put it back into the shoe box. “Enough?” Harry’s voice was as tight as a strung bow, his back tight with tension.

Heero stood and walked forward, stopping just in front of Harry. Without saying a word, he reached forward and brushed the teen’s hair back with an impersonal gesture, revealing the scar on his forehead. He pressed his fingers to the lightning bolt.

Without hesitation, Harry’s fist sank into Heero’s stomach, his eyes blazing a brilliant emerald. Without a word, he turned and stalked from the room. Silence followed him out, broken a moment later by Duo’s low whistle. Quatre’s voice was pale and Trowa crossed to stand by his lover, a wall of unyielding support. “Did you get what you wanted?” Quatre asked, closing his eyes as he rested his head on Trowa’s stomach.

There was no apology in Heero’s blue eyes. “His answers were unhesitant and precise. The scar on his forehead appears to be genuine.” He paused. “I believe he is who he says he is.”

Anger had been building in Wufei’s chest, an anger that almost seemed unnatural. They needed to verify who Harry was. Dangerous times required them to be positive of the identities of everyone they came into contact with. Still, the anger had built in his chest, knotting his stomach. “You did a dishonorable thing touching him without his permission.” He hissed coldly, glaring at Heero. “NONE of you touch him without his permission again.”

Trowa looked mildly surprised at this outburst, and even Heero blinked. Quatre wore a funny expression Wufei couldn’t identify, as if the blonde wanted to smile but wasn’t sure if this would earn him a swift and immediate death. Duo, naturally, ignored all danger signs and crowed in delight. “You DO like him!” Wufei froze under this sudden surprise attack and stared at the braided pilot with promises of death in his eyes.

Duo ignored the threat, bouncing on the balls of his feet in excitement. “I thought you did. I wanted to be sure before Q-Ball and I locked you two in a closet.”

“Duo.” Hero said in a warning tone as Wufei’s fury pinned a confused looking Quatre in his chair.

“But then Hee-chan said that maybe Harry isn’t into men.” Duo babbled, not showing he had heard Heero’s warning.

Wufei glared at Heero, who looked mildly annoyed that his name had been invoked by the braided baka. Wufei exploded. “Stay the HELL out of my personal life!” He snarled, mostly focusing on Duo, but intending his words to hit everyone in the room.

Quatre had the grace to look apologetic, though still confused. Duo had apparently not heard a word of this rant. “What if he has a boyfriend back home?” The thought seemed to distress him. “I’ll kill him for hurting you, Wu-Man. Don’t worry, I’ll find you someone better.”

Wufei wanted to strangle him with his own braid, something Heero must have seen, because he put both hands on Duo’s slim shoulders and pulled him backward, out of easy reach. “NOTHING IS GOING ON BETWEEN ME AND HARRY!” Wufei yelled, losing his temper completely.

Duo gasped, and Wufei glowered at him. The braided idiot’s eyes were wide. “Ooh right, I’m going to go ask him and put your mind at ease.”

Duo bolted for the door and Wufei lunged to his feet, ignoring the ache in his legs. Taking two steps before he fell to his knees, Duo disappeared, but yelled a moment later in surprise as Harry pushed past him. The teen’s green eyes slid around the room, flashing with annoyance and worry as he saw Wufei on the floor. Duo stood just behind him, but Harry didn’t seem to notice. “What.” He said through clenched teeth, walking forward and pulling Wufei to his feet. “The HELL is going on here?” He drew Wufei’s left arm around his shoulder, looping his arm around his waist to keep him upright.

Wufei surrendered his weight to Harry’s more than capable form, knowing that the wizard was annoyed enough at that moment to stun him again and FORCE him to relax. As he took first one step than another, tears had sprung into his eyes. He pressed his face into Harry’s shoulder to hide the violent emotion that now threatened to kill him. Harry glanced at him, worry in his green eyes. His arm around Wufei’s waist tightened. “Are you okay?”

Wufei couldn’t help but laugh, forgetting that he was relatively weak and was being touched in an intimate way that he had allowed nobody before. He forgot Duo’s idiocy, all slight irritations had been marvelously reduced in the sudden realization that he was walking on the legs that not even 48 hours before had been reduced to splinters that could never be repaired. The tears trickled down his cheeks to the amazement of his fellow pilots. “I can walk.” He choked out.

Harry’s face softened, and a brilliantly gentle smile lit up his face. Wufei felt his heart skip a beat as he gazed into clear emerald eyes. “Yes.” He replied gently. “You can.”