My Sanctuary

Duo was utterly delighted by Harry James Potter. Their world was bleak at times, and it was hard to believe in anything other than oneself. Family, friends, if someone couldn’t depend on them, how could they honestly believe in magic? In miracles? The simple answer was that in a war ravaged world magic didn’t exist anymore…but Duo was still happy and relieved to see it.

Harry dug around in his trunk and pulled out a pair of boxers. Standing up, he blushed scarlet and modestly turned his back to them before pulling the fabric up over his privates. The action made Duo smile…Harry’s blush did NOT stay merely in his cheeks, his entire body was flushed as he turned back. He smirked in reply and the wizard turned a shade of red that was appealing in its implied modesty.

The boy’s muscles rippled as he drew out a pair of worn blue jeans, sliding them over slender hips. He was broad shouldered but deceptively slender and Duo could tell that this wizard knew how to take care of himself and kept his body in peak physical shape. Heero’s blue eyes were narrowed on Harry. “You can’t do that with magic?” He demanded. Duo wanted to groan. It was going to be VERY hard for Heero and Wufei to accept this.

Harry froze halfway between pulling a shirt over his head. Slowly he lowered it down over his slim torso, his green eyes narrowing on Heero. “I don’t know.” He replied quietly. “I’ve never tried. I put my pants on one leg at a time like the rest of you.” His eyes narrowed. “I don’t believe in wasting my magic.”

Duo tilted his head. “So there’s a limit on how much you can use?”

Harry smiled tensely, the smile not reaching his eyes. “I haven’t tested it.”

He winced as he flexed his muscles and slipped his wand back into the sheath on his arm, and Duo could see the pain clearly shining in his eyes. Obviously Quatre could see it too, because his voice was gentle. “Stop moving, Harry.” He ordered. “You’re going to hurt yourself worse than you already are. I want you to go down to the whirlpool and sit until some of the tension leaves your muscles, then report here for a rubdown.”

The look on Harry’s face was incredulous and Duo chuckled. When Harry turned to him, Duo smirked. “You might want to just go with it, Green Eyes.” He said with a smirk. “Q-Ball has a nasty habit of getting his way.”

Harry’s frown became perplexed. “Q-Ball?”

Quatre rolled his eyes. “Quatre.” His eyes watched Harry’s face. “Quatre Winner.”

Duo’s eyebrows shot up to his hairline as he saw only a blankly polite smile cross Harry’s face. “Nice to meet you.” Duo glanced sideways at Heero. Out of all of them Quatre was the one in the open most often…to have someone not know who he was…Heero nodded briefly. Harry ran a hand through his tangled black curls. “I need to talk to you.”

Quatre’s eyes narrowed. “You can talk all you want from your soak but you are GOING to take it.”

Harry blinked and a genuine smile crossed his face, albeit a tired one. Duo instantly liked that smile, it was open, honest, and graced his features like it belonged there. “You remind me of my friend, Hermione.”

“Is that a good thing?” Duo couldn’t help but ask.

Harry’s eyes were unreadable but brightened. “I think so.” He replied quietly. “I really do.”

Twenty minutes later found them all around the hot tub. Duo saw no reason to waste the opportunity to soak and had joined the wizard, but the rest of his housemates had opted to remain dry on the platform around the pool. “So…you do magic.” Wufei said tightly.

Harry nodded slowly. “Yes.” He replied quietly. “Since I was a child.”

Wufei’s eyes narrowed on Harry. To his credit, Harry didn’t even blink when he saw the glower directed at him, though gods knew that Wufei was formidable when he was angry. “Where were you during the war?!”

Harry froze. He pursed his lips, reaching up to wipe away steam from his glasses. “What war is that?” He asked quietly.

Wufei’s eyes blazed. “Oz! The destruction of the Colonies, of Earth! Ring a bell?!”

Harry stared blankly at Wufei. He had been tense and expectant prior to Wufei’s accusation, but now just looked confused. “No…” He replied quietly. “It doesn’t.”

Wufei snorted disbelievingly but Quatre looked puzzled. He shook his head as Trowa looked at him for confirmation, blue eyes fixed on Harry’s face. “Harry…” Quatre hesitated. “…how did you get here?”

Harry extended his leg slowly and winced. Livid bruises were already forming on his sunkissed skin from the impact of his body on the water. “With this…” He held out his empty hand. When met with blank stares, he sighed in exasperation and pulled off a gold ring he wore on his middle finger. “…I told you before…I need help.”

“With what?” Quatre asked softly.

Harry sighed. “…a war of my own.” He paused and stared up at the sky. “There’s this wizard born before my parent’s time…he’s extremely powerful and very nasty…and he’s about to wage war against both the muggle world…your world…AND mine…and without help, I have no chance of stopping him.”

“Why should we help you?” Heero asked calmly, his eyes hard. “You didn’t exactly leap all over yourself to aid in our war.”

Harry’s eyes narrowed. “I told you before.” He said slowly, as if talking to someone stupid. “I don’t know what war you’re talking about.”

Impatient, Heero turned to Quatre. “Do you think he has amnesia? Or just delusional?”

“He can do magic…” Duo said, shaking his head. “…if he was just delusional, he wouldn’t be able to back up his claims.”

Harry frowned at them. “I’m not stupid nor am I delusional.” He looked frustrated, his green eyes snapping with emotion.

Heero reached for his laptop. “Then you won’t mind answering a few questions for us.”

Harry waved his hand grandly in an ironic gesture. “Like I have a choice.”

Heero’s fingers flew across the keyboard and Wufei slid closer to see the readout as Heero found the records program. “Name?”

“Harry James Potter.”

“Any prefixes?”

Harry shook his head. “No. I’m the first.”

“Parents names, current residence?”

Harry released a long breath, his eyes distant. “Lily Evans-Potter and James Potter, currently deceased.” He spat out the last word but kept his temper in check, his body tense.

“Relax, Harry.” Quatre said soothingly. “You’re not helping your body being that tense.”

Harry’s eyes narrowed dangerously but he obeyed a moment later, slumping in the water. Duo hugged his knees. “Living relatives?”

Harry sighed. “Vernon Dursley, Petunia Evans-Dursley, my mum’s sister and Dudley Dursley, my cousin. Marge Dursley is my aunt but no blood relation. They’re from Surrey, Little Winging.”

Heero’s brow puckered in a frown. “I’m not finding anything on you.” His fingers flew across the board. “Date and place of birth?”

Harry sat up straighter, a frown crossing his own face. “Why wouldn’t you…” He trailed off as Heero fixed him with an intense glare before sighing. “…July 31, 1980. I was born in Godric’s Hollow.”

Heero froze. “Impossible.” He replied flatly. “Duo.”

Duo took his cue and before Harry could move, he had pinned the wizard against the side of the pool. “Heero!” Quatre looked furious. “What are you doing?!”

Heero’s eyes were narrowed and he glanced at Wufei, who drew his sword slowly. Harry froze as the blade touched his throat. “You mind telling me…” Harry tilted his head slightly and drew in shaky breaths, obviously trying hard to keep his temper in check. “…WHAT exactly is impossible?”

“I don’t know who you are…” Heero replied icily. “But you are NOT Harry James Potter born 1980.”

Harry growled in irritation. “Oh really. Then who am I?” He demanded.

Heero’s eyes were icy. “I don’t know.” He replied quietly. “But Harry James Potter has been dead for a little over 400 years.”

Harry went still, his eyes widening in shock. “What?” He trembled in Duo’s hold, not even fighting. “Remus…what have you done?” He whispered.

“Who ARE you?!” Wufei demanded coldly.

Harry’s eyes had sharpened. “I can prove it to you…but you’ll have to trust me.”

“Absolutely…”

“Heero…” Quatre cut in, interrupting Heero’s answer. “…he believes he really IS Harry Potter. I can feel it. His emotions are in turmoil.”

Heero shook his head. “Impossible.”

“Improbable.” Harry replied tiredly. “Not impossible. You want to know why I don’t know about your war? That’s why…and I can prove it.”

“How?” Trowa asked quietly.

Harry released a long breath. “There’s a potion in my trunk. When I take it I can’t tell you ANYTHING but the truth. Ask me anything.”

Heero shook his head. “Don’t let him move. Could be poison.”

“Oh for the love…” Harry’s hands shot out and Duo found himself shooting back across the hot tub, hitting the side hard enough to make him loose breath. Wufei also found himself flying back, narrowly missing Heero and the laptop as he hit the side of the gazebo. Harry stood slowly and with gritted teeth. “I’ve been playing nice.” He said slowly and with an obvious show of patience. “I’m not in the mood.”

Turning, he stalked up to the house. Duo winced as he slowly raised himself from the water. “Are you all right?” Heero asked tensely, his face pale.

Duo nodded. “I’m fine.” Heero raised his gun at Harry’s retreating back and fired…only to have the bullet hit an invisible wall. Harry whirled. “Are you TRYING to piss me off?” He demanded, eyes narrowed on them.

Quatre’s head tilted and he got to his feet. “Harry…you have to understand…this is impossible.”

Harry’s face was pale and tense. “Nothing is impossible, Quatre. Let me prove it to you.”

Quatre glanced at Trowa who sighed softly and nodded. “He obviously can take care of himself.”

“He was holding back this whole time.” Wufei acknowledged.

“Do we have a choice?” Duo asked mildly, more curious about Harry than openly worried about him. It was pointless to be afraid of Harry…the wizard hadn’t been hostile to them until recently, and even then hadn’t attacked, had only defended. Shrugging, Duo followed Harry up to the house and wasn’t surprised to see the teen pulling a roll out of his trunk. He unclasped it and unrolled the fabric carefully, revealing many small bottles.

Harry’s lips were tight as he withdrew a bottle with a clear liquid inside. “This is a truth potion. The strongest made in our world. I’ll take it first…prove that it’s not poison, and one of you can take it. Then maybe you’ll believe me.”

Uncorking the bottle, Harry raised it in a toast before allowing three drops to fall onto his tongue. He swallowed and eyed them defiantly, silently daring them to take the bottle and take a drink.

Quatre’s eyes were distant as he reached for the bottle. He glanced over as Trowa drew in a sharp breath and smiled slightly. “I don’t think he wants to hurt us. He could have…but he won’t.”

Harry’s face was naked relief. “Three drops should do it. No point chugging the whole bottle.”

Quatre nodded and allowed the liquid to coat his tongue. He corked it and shrugged. “No taste.”

Harry sighed softly and there were dark shadows beneath his eyes. “Easier to slip into someone’s food or drink that way.”

Duo stared at Quatre. “Do you feel any different?”

Quatre shook his head. “No…but I’m a little nervous.” He looked disconcerted by his own words, his mouth snapping shut. Duo frowned and, as if Quatre was incapable of keeping his mouth shut, he spoke again. “I feel…vulnerable.”

Harry moved forward and put his hand gently over Quatre’s mouth. “You are.” He said quietly. “Calm down. Nobody is going to make you answer anything you’re not wanting to.”

“Why…” Duo began, startled by Harry’s soft words.

“Quatre…” Trowa gently slid an arm around Quatre’s shoulders. “Come on, I’ll take you into another room.” He hesitated. “How long does it last?”

“For three drops?” Harry sighed. “An hour at most.”

Trowa nodded and pulled Quatre to his feet, hauling him out of the room. Duo shivered. They all had their secrets, they all had dark shadows in their past that even now they kept hidden from each other…Quatre had just opened himself entirely to them. “Shit.” He whispered.

Harry stared at him. “Ask your bloody questions.” He said quietly.

Wufei paced, and it was obvious that he was as unnerved by the expression on Quatre’s face as he spoke as Duo felt. “You really are…”

“Harry James Potter.” Harry’s voice was quiet and bitter. “The Boy-Who-Lived.”

0 0 0

Quatre looked worse for wear as he re-entered the room, and there was a battle weary look in Trowa’s eyes. Quatre took a seat close to Harry. “I’m sorry.” He whispered.

Harry blinked at him. “For what?” He asked, surprised. “You have nothing to be sorry for.”

“I take it the potion is…”

Quatre looked up and met Wufei’s eyes. The guilt that Wufei had been feeling from the moment Quatre had started speaking hit him with brutal force. “Thank God Oz didn’t have that stuff in the war…or we would have lost it.”

Wufei closed his eyes and looked back at Harry. They had gotten the whole story out of Harry…it hadn’t been difficult, once he had started talking he seemed incapable of stopping. They knew what had happened to his parents, they knew about his history, they knew what he wanted their help with. Harry James Potter was expected to save the world…and he had no idea how to do it alone.

Wufei sighed. Some things were apparently universal, and the dependence on children was one of them. He recognized the look in Harry’s eyes as the potion wore off and he was allowed to keep what few secrets he had left in his heart quiet. Harry was like them, battle weary, toughened by his past until it was hard to function in a normal environment. Harry didn’t expect to live through the battle ahead. He had no real goals, no desire to do anything but live long enough to fulfill his destiny and bring peace to the world.

“Hey…Harry?” Duo broke the tense silence, tilting his head. When the wizard looked up at him, Duo smiled at him. “Are you hungry? I was going to make…”

“Not those hot dogs.” Wufei broke in, rolling his eyes. “Maxwell, I hate those things.”

Duo looked pleased. “I know.” He replied happily and opened his mouth to continue when Harry broke in.

“I wouldn’t mind making dinner.” Harry said quietly. When Heero turned to him, Harry’s eyes hardened slightly. “Send someone in to watch me if you want…no magic, no potions. Just me and a pot.”

Heero didn’t look apologetic, standing up. “Very well.” He paused at the door. “I’m Heero Yuy.” He vanished into the hallway.

Duo shook his head and smiled at Harry. “Someone has to go talk to him or he’ll be Tall, Dark and Moody for the rest of the night.” He winked and held out his hand. “Duo Maxwell. I run and hide but never tell a lie.” He grinned cheerfully and waggled his finger. “Make sure Q-Ball gives you a room with a view, and don’t let him bully you into staying in bed all day.”

Quatre’s blue eyes narrowed. “Duo…”

Duo laughed and ran after Heero, letting the door slam shut behind him. Quatre winced and looked tiredly amused by the treatment of his house in Duo’s hands. Harry smiled slightly before drifting off toward the kitchen.

Wufei sighed as he looked at Quatre. “Are you all right, Winner?” He asked awkwardly.

Quatre looked startled by the question, his blue eyes warming as he smiled slightly. “Yes. It was unnerving hearing myself talk and having no control over what I said or didn’t say. I’ve always considered myself to be an honest man…”

“But we all have secrets.” Wufei whispered. He looked at the door to the kitchen reflexively. Even the wizard boy was entitled to his secrets, though he handled the loss of them well. Wufei nodded politely to his companions before quietly following Harry.

To his surprise the teen was not using any magic at all, and appeared to be making a simple pasta dish, dicing fresh mushrooms. “Relax…” The wizard didn’t even turn to look at him. “…I’m not going to add any of that to your food.”

Wufei recoiled at the insult to his honor. “I never thought you would.”

Harry turned in surprise, and Wufei found himself pinned by startlingly green eyes. They stared at each other for a long moment. Wufei wanted to apologize for his distrust and for forcing the wizard to leave himself that vulnerable, but he couldn’t bring himself to do it. They had needed that proof, they had needed that willingness to make himself vulnerable. His eyes scanned Harry from his bare feet, up long, lean legs and across a bare, flat stomach and taught chest. He ended at those eyes again and coughed. “Are you cold?” He asked awkwardly. “You may go change into something dry if you wish. I can finish up here.”

Harry blinked down at himself before looking at Wufei again. A slight smile stated that he had caught the hidden implications of Wufei’s words and was grateful for them. “No…thank you….but you can show me where to find noodles.”

Wufei obediently crossed the room and entered Quatre’s pantry, locating a bag of egg noodles a moment later and tossing them onto the counter. Harry smiled slightly at him. “Thanks.” He paused. “How’s Quatre?”

Wufei sighed. “Winner is fine.” He paused. “What you did…” He wanted to squirm beneath that even green gaze but didn’t dare. “…was honorable.”

Harry smiled wryly. “No honor to it…I needed you to believe me. All of you. Putting myself out like that was the easiest way to do it.” He dumped the mushrooms into a pot, adding a can of tomato sauce before pulling down a can of cooked tomatoes down. “You seemed to enjoy flying.”

Wufei relaxed slightly. “That broomstick of yours might be the greatest invention on the planet.”

Harry laughed. “I think so too. There’s nothing quite like it. I haven’t flown recreationally in a few years. It was nice…even if I DID feel like I was going to fall off.”

“It didn’t show.” Wufei drifted closer and stirred the tomato sauce, adding some herbs he could remember Quatre liking.

Harry smiled. “Thanks.” He paused. “I don’t even know your name.”

Wufei felt himself turn red. He had forgotten to introduce himself. He turned stiffly and found himself nearly running into Harry. His mouth went dry. “Chang Wufei.”

“Wufei…” Harry nodded. “…thanks…for coming in here.”

Wufei could hear the rest of the unspoken sentence and let out a long breath. “When do you have to go back?”

Harry began to dice the cooked tomatoes. “In…” He consulted his watch and seemed disgusted by it a moment later, taking it off. “Bloody thing got wet.” Tossing it into the garbage, he shrugged. “I leave in a day and a half give or take a few hours. The portkey will bring me and anyone who wants to come back.”

Wufei hesitated. “And will we be able to come back after?”

Harry tilted his head. “With Hermione and Remus helping? Yes. I imagine so.” He looked up. “No guarantees, Wufei. I don’t make promises I can’t keep.”

Wufei nodded, accepting this answer. He knew he would have to talk it over with the others later, when Harry wasn’t around. “Are there wizards in this time?”

Harry dumped the tomatoes into the pot and added garlic. “I don’t know.” He said quietly. “Unless something terrible happened…probably.”

Wufei felt hollow inside. “Which means…”

“They didn’t come to your aid when you could have used them.” Harry finished. He ran his hands under water and dried them. “That’s a long standing tradition in our world. Muggles don’t get involved in our disputes and we don’t get involved in theirs. We figure that if a muggle gets involved with us they’re at a disadvantage…magic against brawn pretty much. Magic wins hands down. And if we help out a muggle…well…” Harry looked uncomfortable. “…they want help on simple things.”

Wufei remembered Harry’s tension when asked why he didn’t use magic to help himself get dressed. He could easily imagine Oz or even their side of the war using wizards to help them get things done easier. He had already seen Harry’s shields stop a bullet. What else were they capable of? He saw Harry’s eyes on him and Harry nodded. “You see?” He asked quietly.

Wufei inclined his head. “But you wanted us…muggles.” The word felt alien on his tongue.

Harry smiled slightly. “I was raised by them. Granted, my aunt and uncle aren’t exactly brilliant OR good in a pinch, but I know what a muggle is capable of and what they aren’t. Wizards are lazy. Their entire lives they’ve had things handed to them. If they’re hungry they can simply make food. If they’re tired they can apparate…that is…flash from one point to another instantly. A muggle has to work for everything they have, and that’s not a bad way to live. Not at all. Muggles are inventive and don’t balk at obstacles.” His smile grew colder. “And my opponent doesn’t think much of muggles. He won’t take them seriously…and that could work to my advantage.”

Wufei studied Harry. “That won’t help us against magic.”

Harry stirred the sauce. “I wouldn’t get anyone else involved if I wasn’t sure.” He paused. “And if I didn’t need help myself.”

Wufei blinked at him. “Why us?”

Harry smiled slightly. “I asked for muggles who knew what war was. Muggles who weren’t going to outright reject magic but who weren’t going to try to use me. I wanted muggles who were strong enough to face what I’m about to do…and who would help and not hinder.”

Wufei snorted. “And it gave you us.”

Harry smiled at him. “I had to travel 400 years in the future. I’m going to assume you’re pretty damn special.”