A Different Path

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or Twilight, nor it’s characters… neither do I make profits from these writings.
Rating: PG13
A/N: So here is another chapter, hope you like… This is mostly filler and a little insight into the relationships between Harry and the Cullens. Please, make my day and review!

**Also, IMPORTANT , I made a change to the previous two chapters… Harry at the current moment is not going to be adopted by the Cullens… I went against my first instinct and wrote an adoption plotline and now I have decided to cut it… it doesn’t feel right for the current timeline. So, again, Harry is not going to be adopted by the Carlisle and Esme!

Chapter 7: Sleepless Nights

For the next month, Harry and the Cullens learned more about each other. Not surprising, Harry spent nearly every waking, and sleeping, moment with them. It seemed that now that all the secrets had been laid out on the table, they relationships flourished.

Alice and Harry found an odd little connection of inane subjects and childhood innocence that linked them… when Harry was with her, it seemed like the weight of the world that was so heavy on his shoulders was put aside for at least a little while and he was just like any other normal teenager. Not Harry Potter, Boy-Who-Lived or The Chosen One, he was Harry… just Harry.

When it came to Jasper, Harry and he had found a shared past as warriors, soldiers and brothers in arms. They spent hours talking about past battles, war games and strategy; they planned the actions and strategies for the coming war, insuring the protection of those they loved. Harry found a quiet peace when with the quiet vampire and found himself calm and collected after their talks.

Emmett was not a complicated man, or vampire as it was, and he as a fun loveable jokester, made Harry comfortable. It was as simple and uncomplicated as that.

The relationship between Rosalie and Harry was very opposite than the one Harry had with her mate. At times her cold and standoffish nature got on Harry’s nerves and they fought like cats and dogs. They seemed to snipe and bicker back and forth. In the beginning the rest of the Cullens had tried breaking up the fights, but after a while it became so regular that they placed bets on who would win the current round. Other times it was oddly reminiscent of a mother/son relationship and she was fiercely protective of him. However, most often they found a balance as friends and Rosalie took it upon herself to school Harry is the art of fashion, since he was severely lacking.

With Carlisle, Harry found another father figure. He was someone to give him advice and guide him, to provide an outlet for his frustrations and worries. Many times Harry and Carlisle could be found talking late into the night in Carlisle’s office, speaking about family, friends, Harry’s hope and dreams, his worries about his destiny and what if he didn’t survive the war, what if he wasn’t strong enough to defeat Voldemort… Carlisle offered quiet strength and a shoulder to lean on.

Esme, of course, found a place in Harry’s heart rather quickly. Her natural gift in offering love and affection and motherly concern was the clincher. Besides Mrs. Weasley, Harry had never had anything resembling a mother. As a child he had sat alone in his dark cupboard hearing as Petunia Dursley fused and pampered her spoiled bully of a son, wishing he had someone to do that to him. Not to spoiled him beyond repair, but to be there for him when he got home from school and offer a snack, to kiss his scrapes and bruises and make them better, to hold him in the middle of the night after a nightmare. When he looked at Esme and saw the love in her eyes, he felt at peace knowing that even though he was denied her as a child, he had finally found a place in her heart and she in his.

And then last, but certainly not least, was Edward. With Edward… well with Edward, Harry couldn’t find the right words to describe it. Edward was like fresh gooey treacle tart or coming inside to a warm fireplace and hot chocolate after playing in the snow all day, or lying in the grass on a warm summer afternoon with your friends. He felt like home to Harry, as if he had been wandering for his entire life, trying to find his way home, to peace and comfort and love, but home wasn’t a place, it was a person. He was everything Harry could want or need; the rightness of it was overwhelming and Harry felt undeserving of such a gift.

o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

About a month after the night he spent telling his life story, Harry found himself lying on his bed waiting for sleep to come. Harry sighed in annoyance as he tugged on a loose string on the aged t-shirt he wore to bed.

Most nights nowadays he spent with Edward, wrapped in his arms, his scent permeated in every fiber of his being. However, tonight that wasn’t the case. Edward with Jasper, Emmett, Carlisle, Rosalie and Alice had gone hunting and wouldn’t be back until the morning. So here he laid, in Edward’s room waiting for sleep that seemed would never come.

In the beginning of their relationship Edward and Harry had tried to take things slow, to ease into their bond. However, more often than not they would find themselves reluctant to part at the end of the day. Most nights found the two curled up on the small chaise lounge in Edward’s room, which was neither big enough nor comfortable enough for them to do so.

After two weeks of the same, Esme quietly pulled them aside and suggested with a motherly smile that they might prefer if Edward moved to a larger bedroom and purchased a bed for them.

“I know your relationship has not progressed quite that far yet” Esme said and chuckled when Harry blushed “however, the two of you are headed that way and might as well be comfortable as you move towards it.”

Once they talked about it, the choice was clear and they purchased a large four poster bed with heavy curtains to block out the morning light. It was very similar to Harry’s bed at Hogwarts, if a bit bigger, and made him instantly comfortable. Before long, Harry had unofficially moved into Edward’s bedroom. Edward insisted it was their bedroom and Harry insisted it otherwise, as he still kept most of his things in the house Illyantia acquired for him, though secretly he smiled when Edward said it.

So, now here he lay unable to fall asleep without the soothing feeling of Edward’s arms around him at night. It was amazing how in such a short time the lack of Edward’s presence affected him.

With another sigh, Harry opened the drawer beside his side of the bed and pulled out the Zulian orb Illyantia had given him. Over the last few weeks he had spent countless hours watching and observing his friends and godfathers as well as some he no longer called friend. He had seen his godfathers continue to worry and search for him, while wondering what Harry’s new family and mate were like. Sirius and Remus seemed not surprised at all that Harry’s mate was a male. From what he had seen, they had had a suspicion that Harry might be gay. It seemed his obsession with Draco during sixth year had sparked it and even though they had become friends and nothing more.

As for Draco, Neville and Luna; they worried for him and tried their best to cope without one fourth of their close knit group. Without Harry there to pick on, Ron had switched to Draco, Neville and Luna even more than he had before. When Harry was still around, Ron had taunted them from afar or hexed them behind Harry’s back; too afraid of Harry’s protective nature and power. Now that he was gone he had full rein to do as he pleased and he took advantage of that. Ron having been there the day that Harry left, found it immensely funny that Harry had a male soul mate and teased his friends about it. And when Draco and Neville became a couple he used this as a means of mocking them as well. He was mean and nasty, taunting them with rude gestures and crude innuendos. Sadly, most of the teaching staff were either unaware of what was happening or couldn’t care less.

Harry had been so angered by this that he had found it frustrating that he was half-way around the world and unable to beat his former best friend into a bloody pulp for the things he had said. It still amazed him that for five years Ron Weasley had been his best mate. During those times they had had their difficulties, like in fourth year and Ron becoming angry over Harry being in the Tri-Wizard Tournament. Ron had been a complete prat and Harry had been hurt and angry his friend hadn’t believed him, but they had worked it out.

However, now whenever he looked at his former friend he was disgusted at the small mindedness and prejudice in Ron, that he never paid attention too during their friendship. The lies and verbal abuse spouting from his lips made Harry furious and Hermione’s disinterest in the abuse angered him just the same. He wasn’t sure what enraged him more, Ron’s all out war against his friends or Hermione’s refusal to stand up for what she knew was right.

Harry was pulled from his thoughts as a knock sounded at the door.

“Come in.” Harry said.

“Having trouble sleeping?” Esme asked with a concerned look. “You’ve been sighing for the last hour, tossing and turning… Is everything alright, dear?”

“Yeah, I just… it’s funny not a month ago I was perfectly capable of sleep alone. Actually during the summers I loved it, after sleeping with four other boys that snore loudly during the school year, it was blissful to be alone. Now, I can’t go one night without Edward here with me!” Harry said with a mixture of a frown and a smile.

“As mates, that is understandable… your bond is strong and getting stronger with each new day. When Carlisle came along I was in a very dark place and without hope. But, he held me and comforted me; now even though we do not need sleep, it is still nice to lay and hold each other from time to time.” Esme stated. Her eyes sparkled brightly with love for her mate. “What is that?”

“Huh?” Asked Harry and then looking down he realized he still had the orb in his hands. “Oh, this is a Zulian orb; Illyantia gave it to me. It shows me what my friends and family are doing… Would you like to watch with me?”

“Oh, I would love too!” Esme relied excitedly, bouncing from foot to foot like a little girl. She quickly walked over and sat on the bed beside Harry. “This will show us your godfathers? I would love to see them, know what they are like… They are your family after all.”

“Remus and Sirius? Okay, we can see what they are up to.” Harry answered.

“So, how does it work?” Esme questioned.

“Well, all you have to do is touch it and I will take care of the rest. It reads my thoughts, showing me the things I want or need to see.” Harry answered as he sat up and leaned against the headboard, Esme following suit.

Esme placed a hand on the orb next to Harry’s and then he closed his eyes and thought of Sirius and Remus. Then Harry felt a familiar tug and the next moment he found himself lying on the floor in the kitchen at Grimmauld Place, Esme laid beside him. Standing, he then offered her a hand up and looked around. The place was quiet; a single candle lit the dark room.

“This is the kitchen at Grimmauld Place; my godfather Sirius’ family home. It’s not exactly cheery, but it is very protected and has a spell that makes it unplottable.” Harry stated and then seeing Esme confused frown he elaborated. “Unplottable means that no one who hasn’t been told where this house is can find it. They could be standing two feet from the door and all they will see is a vacant lot.”

“That’s amazing! So just Sirius and Remus live here?” Esme asked as she looked around the dreary house. The kitchen was at least a little better than the rest of the house; it was the most lived in room of all.

“Well, only Sirius and Remus live here right now, but this is the headquarters for the Order, so a lot of people are usually running in and out of here…” Harry replied. Seeing that the room was empty and may stay that way, he led them up the stairs to the library.

The door was open and light spilled from inside. Smiling he walked inside and found a sight that was becoming less and less surprising as time went on. Remus sat on the couch, his arm around his mates shoulders, as Sirius leaned his body against Remus’ and laid a hand on the stomach below, rubbing lightly. Severus Snape sat in a chair nearby and was speaking to his once childhood enemies.

“… he is growing ever more impatient for Potter to be found. The Dark Lord has sent scouts to every small European wizarding community and has found nothing. He is now broadening he search to include the North American continent now as well.” Snape said civilly.

“Who are they?” Esme asked quietly.

“That’s Snape, he has been updating my godfathers about Voldemort’s search for me… and Remus is the tall sandy haired one and the dark haired man is Sirius.” Harry said with a smile on his face.

“North America?” Sirius asked in shock. “You think he went that far away?”

“It is a possibility… The Dark Lord has strong alliances in most European countries and a fair amount in Asia as well. North America is ungoverned for the most part, when it comes to the magical community, it would be an intelligent place to hide.” Snape answered.

“They are getting closer to finding you…” Esme said in dismay as she grabbed Harry’s hand.

“Illyantia said I would stay hidden until the time was right, so it must be near time for me to go back.” Harry murmured with a frown.

He knew he had obligations, a destiny, but he had thought that maybe he could have a little more time with Edward and his new family at least… He wasn’t ready to go back. Going back meant the possibility that he wouldn’t survive the war; that his time with them might be over soon for good.

Esme wrapped and arm around Harry and leaned into the hug.

“Well, you won’t be going back alone; we will all be coming with you… you are family, Harry. And like Carlisle said, we protect our family!” Esme said quietly as she continued to hold Harry.

The two stayed there for a while, wrapped in each other’s arms, quietly listening to the conversation of the three older wizards in the room. Snape continued to give a report on Voldemort’s movements and activities. The three were pleasant and civil to one another and it was a sight to behold. Harry wondered exactly when this had started and why? He never would have thought this would happen… nearly thirty years of rivalry and hate was between them and it was no small thing to overcome.

“What is Dumbledore doing?” Sirius asked with a sneer on his face.

“He is very annoyed at having Potter taken out from under his thumb… he tries to make it seem as if it is concern for the boy, but whispers and rumors have spread through Hogwarts. I imagine my godson, Mr. Longbottom and Ms. Lovegood have had something to do with that… they have not taken Potter’s leaving lying down. Since the headmaster’s part in Potter’s abusive childhood came to light, they openly defy Dumbledore’s will now and he has not been kind in his treatment of them.” Snape said with a sneer, his black eyes sparkling with pleasure. “As for the boy, Dumbledore has taken steps of his own to find Potter and has sent many of the Order, besides yourselves of course, to search for the boy. He has gone so far as to get the Ministry involved in the search-”

“The Ministry’s crawling with Voldemort’s followers!” Sirius exclaimed. He rolled his eyes when Snape flinched at the use of the Dark Lord’s name.

“He is desperate and willing to take that risk. He wants Potter back under his control as quickly as possible. The more time he spends away from Dumbledore, the more likely he is to be less inclined to follow the old coot’s orders. ”

“The manipulative old bastard is unbelievable… he has no concern for Harry as long as Harry lives long enough to fulfill his part as his weapon in the war!” Sirius raged. Remus beside him tried to comfort his furious lover.

“Now that we are aware of what he has done and what he has planned, we will not let him use Harry anymore, Sirius. He will not harm Harry ever again!” Remus said fervently, his eyes dark and filled with anger, belying the calm outward appearance.

“I cannot believe what he has done… the things he has done to that boy. I do not like the boy, he is much too arrogant just like his father, but I despise what Dumbledore has done to Potter. He is a child!” Snape exclaimed. His body was tense and coiled tightly, his anger boiling beneath the surface. “To think that I allowed him to do so under my nose the entire time… I was blind to his manipulation; he fostered the hatred I had for the boy, slipping casual reminders of James Potter and his son’s arrogant nature into our conversations. He wanted me to hate the boy; he wanted just another thing to break Potter’s spirit a little more!”

The room was quiet for a few moments, all five people lost in their own thoughts. Harry stared at his old Potion’s professor and was gobsmacked. If he didn’t know better he would have actually thought he heard remorse in the man’s voice. More likely he was just annoyed at having been manipulated so completely without his knowledge. Harry knew that Snape’s hatred of his father wasn’t wholly unjustified; James Potter had been a right git to the snarky potions master.

In fifth year, after having seen the childhood memories of the older wizard being taunted and pranked by Harry’s father, Harry had had his opinion of James Potter tested. Since he had entered the wizarding world he had always heard how remarkable his father was, how kind and loving, how he had be a great friend, husband, father, etc. He was never told of the flaws that every person has; the childish rivalries and prejudice of any Slytherin student, Snape especially. Harry had questioned all he knew about his father.

Sirius had of course set him straight, saying that they all had acted stupid and childish, letting their own fears and intolerance for those that were different than them cloud their judgment. James Potter had not been perfect, he had been a bit of a bully in his younger years, but he had come to regret those things. He had tried to set a better example for Harry before he had died and that was what Harry should focus on.

Now, as he heard Snape talking about Dumbledore’s exploitation and abuse of Harry, he knew that somehow he couldn’t hate Snape anymore… the older wizard’s life had been filled with just as much pain and suffering as Harry’s had. He knew that Snape had had a troubled childhood, with a father who was abusive and a mother who died while he was still younger. He had made the mistake of his lifetime reporting the prophecy to Voldemort and in so doing had been punished for the past sixteen odd years for that.

“If I ever meet this Dumbledore, I will rip him to pieces!” Esme hissed as she held Harry closer to her.

“It’s alright Esme, he isn’t controlling me anymore… I know exactly what he is doing and have since the end of my fifth year. I will play his part as the weapon, but I will do it on my own terms.” Harry stated quietly, his voice had a hard edge to it he rarely used.

With a final look at the three quiet men in the room, he willed the vision to end and with a tug he felt his body, along with Esme’s, drop onto the bed once again. They laid there for a few minutes quiet and then Esme stood up and looked down at Harry.

“Honey, do you think you can sleep now?” She said with a concerned look on her face. “That might not have helped as much as you hoped… we’ll have to speak to the family when they get back. We all need to be ready for when they come, as it might be fairly soon.”

Harry nodded and then said, “Looks like it… I don’t want to be ready to go back to the war, but I think I am; now that I have you all…”

“Okay, sweetheart. Try to sleep and we will all talk about this in the morning!” Esme said softly and then leaned down and lightly placed a kiss on Harry’s forehead.

“Night, Esme.” Harry murmured as she turned off the light and started to close the door. “Thank you… for keeping me company.”

“Harry it was my pleasure, and besides, I am happy to know a little bit more about the people who you love and love you.” Esme said with a smile and then as she began to close the door said, “Sweet dreams, Harry.”


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A/N: Okay so there it is… I know this was quite a bit shorter than the last few chapters, but I wanted you all to have a little something. I hope it was enjoyable! Well the next chapter may not be out for at least a few weeks, my brother is going to be on leave from the Army and will be staying with me for the next month until he goes back to Iraq. So I will be busy visiting with him- haven’t seen him in two years… he’s been over there since forever, it feels like! So keep in mind, the next chapter is coming, it just may take a while… Thanks to all my readers!

~Caprilyeous~