My Sanctuary

It was obvious, as Harry led them down Diagon Alley, cheerfully talking and explaining, that Harry took great pride in his world…and didn’t take his magic for granted. Rather than look calmly bored as he opened the wall that led them from The Leaky Cauldron tavern into Diagon Alley, Harry’s eyes had sparkled with pride and delight at their reactions. He didn’t gleam with superiority but smiled naturally, taking honest pleasure out of their amazement. Quatre liked him all the more for it.

It was easy to like Harry Potter now that the initial distrust was gone. The Gryffindor was always willing to sit down to a game of chess with Wufei, had devoted himself to coming up with a way for Heero to bring in a laptop that would work in the castle, accompanied Trowa on long, rambling walks across the grounds and could keep Duo endlessly entertained. Harry went out of his way to make them feel welcomed and needed in an alien world, and Quatre enjoyed watching him do it.

“So what exactly are we here for, Green Eyes?” Duo asked, rubbing his lips with the tips of his braid.

“Supplies.” Harry replied lightly. “We’re going to raid my vault and get school books, robes and uniforms, and the magical tricks some friends have been working on to make the world think you’re wizards.”

Quatre paused and glanced sideways at Harry. He was well aware of how much clothes, books and oddities would cost for all of them. “Harry…are you certain you can afford this?”

A look that was half amused and half bitter crossed Harry’s face. “Yeah.” He replied tensely. “In fact I’ll enjoy emptying this vault since I didn’t particularly want it in the first place.”

Quatre felt his heart clench as he tasted the emotion coming off of the wizard. Reaching out, he touched Harry’s elbow softly, and Harry turned, smiling tiredly at him. “Sorry. I recently learned about this vault and it’s still annoying to me. Just after my parents were killed and I got my scar, people started depositing money and things into a vault for my use later. They’re…thank you gifts or something.” He was blushing scarlet and looked highly uncomfortable as he led them down toward a large building.

Trowa nodded. “They did the same thing for us after the war. Quatre set aside accounts for us all.” Quatre smiled slightly as he glanced at his lover. Trowa had taken a liking to Harry, and Quatre was glad…it was good to see him at ease.

Wufei snorted slightly. “After they decided we WEREN’T terrorists.”

Quatre opened his mouth, but Duo beat him to it, rolling his eyes. “Hey it paid for my garage. If the people want to pay me for my good works, I’m all for it.”

“Your good works.” Heero looked at Duo, torn between wanting to smile and wanting to roll his eyes. The second urge won out. “You just like blowing things up.”

“True.” Duo grinned wickedly at them. “But it’s still nice to get some recognition that I’m not just a pyro with an attitude.” He winked. “Green Eyes, you’re going to have to accept the fact that you’re a hero and learn to revel in the benefits that status brings.”

Harry paused. “Maybe.” He conceded, sighing. “But you guys at least earned your status.”

Duo opened his mouth, most likely to continue arguing his point, but Quatre shook his head wordlessly and glanced at Harry, concerned by the tenseness on his face. Quatre was well used to his fame…he had been well-known most of his life if for no other reason than being the Raberba heir. Gaining Gundam Hero-Pilot status hadn’t been that much of a problem for him, and he had taken advantage of his reputation politically. Trowa as well embraced his new fame, using it to promote his sister’s circus. Duo never minded using his fame and now commanded a bustling garage, gaining a reputation of being one of the best mechanics on the planet.

Heero and Wufei though…Quatre suspected that they were much like Harry looked now…uncomfortable and slightly bitter about their fame. Though Harry was more capable than either of his friends were at relaxing, Quatre suspected that he was more like their stoic companions than anyone thought. Harry liked to be busy and he enjoyed a simpler lifestyle.

“Is this going to leave you broke though?” Duo asked, frowning as Harry led them across a busy street.

Harry smiled slightly. “No. My parents left me a vault and my previous godfather left me his entire inheritance including a small house, two vaults and a house elf. I’ll be fine.” He opened the doors to a large building and led them in. “This is Gringotts, the wizard bank. It’s ran by goblins and a person would have to be mad to try to rob it.” Harry pulled a gold key out of his pocket, holding it out to a goblin behind the counter.

After a moment, the goblin nodded and hopped off of his stool, leading them down a hallway and toward a cart. “He’ll take us down to the vault.” Harry murmured.

Quatre had been in his gundam in space being tossed left, right, upside down until he wasn’t sure which way was up and which was down…that didn’t mean that he particularly enjoyed it. He didn’t particularly like the way the cart rocketed through the dark tunnels at speeds that he doubted were safe, dipping and rising, tossing them from side to side as it hurtled down deep into the earth. A slight panic filled Quatre as they continued down and he tasted the cool, damp air. He didn’t think much of really enclosed spaces. Ships were one thing…he had the entire universe to explore, saw stars twinkling overhead…he was feeling like he was being buried alive as they shot toward the center of the earth.

Quatre wasn’t aware that he had closed his eyes and gone rigid until Trowa’s arm slid around his shoulders reassuringly. Quatre leaned gratefully into the embrace, silently thanking Trowa for not only knowing what had been going through his head, but for offering silent support and not judgment.

Glancing around, Quatre was not surprised to see Heero sitting calmly in the back of the cart, his arms crossed over his chest, eyes constantly scanning the tunnels they passed by, memorizing the route they were taking. Duo sat near the front, braid flying out behind him, laughing as he raised his hands onto the air and tossed back his head. Wufei sat beside him…and the expression on his face distracted Quatre from his claustrophobia.

Wufei’s expression was as cool and calm as ever, but unlike Heero, he was not scanning the area, was not memorizing their journey down…instead they were fixed with an almost predatory intensity on Harry’s face.

Harry sat beside Quatre, and his eyes were closed, his head tilted up to best catch the air. There was a slight, almost dreamy smile on his face. Quatre glanced back at Wufei, but the Chinese pilot had torn his gaze away as they slowed. “Vault number 894.” The goblin holding a lantern intoned, hopping out and leading Harry toward a massive door. He turned the golden key, and Quatre found himself staring into a treasure room.

Gold gleamed in massive piles, reaching up to the ceiling and disappearing back into the shadows. Harry withdrew his trunk from his pocket, pulling out six large bags before glancing back. “Well come on. I’m not carrying all of these myself.”

Duo needed no more invitation, fairly leaping from the cart and grabbing a bag from Harry’s hands. “It’s pirate treasure!” He crowed, delighted. “Look at it!”

Harry grinned at his enthusiasm. “It IS rather impressive.” He admitted. “Fill up your bag. This should more than last you, though if we need more we can get it later.”

Quatre felt like he was in a dream as he took a bag from Harry and entered the vault. Normally the idea of entering the room with the massive door a long way underground would have given him a panic attack, but like Duo, he was charmed by the room. It LOOKED like a treasure store out of a children’s story. Wordlessly he pushed heavy gold pieces into his bag, filling it and tossing it over his shoulder.

Harry rolled his eyes as they made their way back out. “Not even a dent.” He muttered, looking disgusted. “I don’t care WHAT Ron says, I’m going to give him some of this.”

Duo was examining one of the gold pieces. “This is heavy.”

Harry nodded. “Wizard money. That’s a galleon. The smaller silver pieces are sickles and the bronze knuts.”

The ride back up to the surface was better for Quatre, but not by a whole lot. The only comfort he had (besides Trowa’s arm securely wrapped around his waist) was the fact that the air warmed up as they got closer. He was massively relieved when they emerged back up into the bank and Harry was leading them out of the door. Trowa glanced sideways at him. “Are you okay?”

Quatre flushed slightly. “Yeah.” He replied with a smile. “I’ll be happy never to do that again.”

Trowa smiled gravely in reply and leaned down to kiss his forehead. He paused as Wufei turned to glare at them, and Quatre was startled by the hostility in Wufei’s black eyes. Giving Trowa a concerned look, Quatre hurried forward. “What’s…”

“I want to talk to you four quickly.” Wufei replied tightly, slowing down but keeping Harry in sight. “Kindly refrain from displays of affection in front of Potter.”

Heero’s eyebrows lifted a fraction, Trowa crossed his arms over his chest, and Duo looked instantly rebellious. “What’s your problem, Wuffers?” There was a look in his violet eyes that made it clear that if Wufei didn’t give a good answer, Duo was going to go out of his way to ravish Heero in public whenever possible.

Wufei looked sideways. “You don’t know if Potter is all right with your sexuality. Most men like women.” He replied coolly. “You’re going to make him uncomfortable.”

Quatre strongly suspected that there was more to the order, but he knew better than to push Wufei…Wufei had a tendency to respond violently and coldly to pressure. He paused. “We don’t want to make Harry uncomfortable.”

Duo looked unhappy. “You’re out of your mind if you think I’m going along with this. You saw those dorms. We’ll be sharing them, and DAMNED if I’m going to give up my nights too!”

“Nobody said you had to.” Quatre replied calmly when Wufei looked murderous. “We’ll figure something out until we find out how Harry feels about this. He’s been good to us…we owe him that much.”

Duo’s unhappiness grew and Quatre sighed, disliking the emotions around him. Wufei nodded once before hurrying forward, Trowa following. Quatre wasn’t worried…he and Trowa had never been public with their relationship…but Duo was a different matter. He was going to have to speak to Harry before Duo exploded.

Harry was waiting for them outside of an empty store. “Fred and George promised to leave the store closed while we talked.” He paused as he looked at them. “Are you okay?”

“We’re fine.” Quatre replied smoothly. “Recovering from the ride.”

Harry smiled slightly. “My friend Hermione and our groundskeeper Hagrid don’t think much of it either.” He pushed open the door to the store.

Identical redheads turned to look at them. “Harry!” One of the redheads crowed in delight, blue eyes sparkling. They were both covered in freckles and of medium height, their red hair brushing the collars of their shirts.

Harry grinned in reply. “Hullo, Fred.” He greeted happily, obviously pleased to see them. “When did you start wearing muggle clothes?”

The redhead glanced down at his simple jeans and the polo he wore. “When I kept putting holes in my robes.” He admitted. “Muggle clothes are cheaper…and I’m George you great prat.”

Harry’s eyes swept over the redhead and a smirk crossed his face. “No, you’re not.”

Fred shook his head. “Honestly, and Snape claims you’re not smart.”

Harry laughed. “Fred, George, these are my friends.”

The other redhead turned and his eyes brightened. “Your pet muggles!”

Harry rolled his eyes. “You act like you WANT them to shoot you.” He turned and smiled at them. “This is Fred and George Weasley. They’re insane.”

“There is a fine line between insanity and brilliance, Harry.” George replied gravely.

Harry snorted. “Which you two crossed at the age of three.”

Both twins laughed. “True enough, true enough.” Fred opened a book. “All right, provided that McGonnagall and Flitwick stick to the books, you have spells set up and ready for your use. Who’s running the defence class this year?”

Harry shrugged. “Dunno with Snape gone.”

“What a shame.” Fred replied dryly. “We should have given him the job AGES ago.”

Harry snorted in agreement and turned to them. “The Defense Against The Dark Arts class at Hogwarts is…well…”

“Cursed.” Fred finished cheerfully. “Only someone barking mad agrees to do it now. Nobody lasts the year…but that could be Harry’s fault.”

Harry’s eyes widened. “What?”

Fred grinned wickedly at him. “Well, you exposed two as You-Know-Who minions, one lost his memory and is mad, one is a werewolf and the last ran away.”

Harry rolled his eyes. “I didn’t mess up Lockheart’s memory. He did that himself. You know how wonky Ron’s wand was.”

Fred laughed. “Yeah…but whose fault was that?”

Harry shot him a rude hand gesture that had both twins laughing wildly. Quatre saw a curiously horrified look on Wufei’s face as he watched them, and he grinned, guessing what his friend was thinking…two Duo Maxwells. Identical Duo Maxwells.

“I heard Tonks accepted the position in any case.” George put in. “Dad mentioned it last night when I dropped by to bring Ginny and Ron the robes Mum ordered for them. McGonnagall wanted an auror in the position and Tonks was the only one mental enough to take the job.”

Harry smiled. “Bloody brilliant.” He said happily. “She’ll be great at it.”

George fixed his eyes on them. “We worked with Ollivander to make you all wands.” He pulled a box out from behind the counter.

“Are they real?” Harry asked curiously, leaning over to look.

“Don’t be a prat, Harry.” George replied instantly. “Of course they’re not real. They all have multiple cores. Each core will allow them to key the spells inside. Expelliarmus, lumos, stupefy, petrificus totalus, accio and patronus.”

Harry’s eyes widened. “They can do a patronus?” He asked incredulously.

George grinned wickedly at him. “What was that about being insane rather than brilliant?” He asked cheerfully. “This was a right challenge, I must say. All we need to do is have them drink a potion with their hair in it after stirring it twenty times clockwise with their wands. That should key the spells only to them.” He paused. “They’ll use your energy though…so you might want to practice and build yourself up.”

Harry blinked at George. “Bloody brilliant.” He whispered.

George laughed and nodded at Fred, who was stirring a cauldron over a magical fire. “Everyone choose their wands.”

Duo was first to the counter, his eyes wide and excited. “I’m Duo Maxwell.” He introduced himself, reaching down to pull out a wand made of holly, gleaming warmly at them.

Trowa followed, glancing at Harry as he helped Fred pour the contents of the cauldron into metal cups. Wordlessly he withdrew a wand made out of a dark mahogany.

Heero’s eyes were narrowed slightly on the yew wand he withdrew, studying it intently. “This is going to use our energy?”

George nodded slightly. “Yeah.” He agreed. “As much as running or picking something up to throw it would. Harry will help you build yourself up.” He glanced at them. “Just pull out a few of your hairs and put them in the glass.” He ordered. “Then stir the mixture with the tip of your wand twenty times clockwise. Don’t lose count.” He ordered.

Quatre withdrew a wand made out of a rich rowan, stroking it lightly and leaving the pine in the box for Wufei. He ran his fingers over the gleaming wood. “Beautiful.”

“Pointless.” Wufei corrected. “It isn’t even sharp.”

Harry looked over and a smile crossed his face. “These spells they’re keyed with are pretty good in a fight. One disarms, one stuns, another temporarily petrifies the body, one summons something to you within reason of course and the last is a deflector to a dark creature we’ll probably come into contact with.”

Wufei frowned at his wand, but accepted the cup Harry handed him, pulling a few hairs out of his ponytail and dropping them in. Quatre followed suit, watching the potion in his hands turn a pale blue. “Is it supposed to be blue?”

George leaned over his shoulder to look. “Blue?” He asked curiously. “How should I know?”

Quatre yelped, but Harry snorted. “Stop it.” He admonished.

Fred smirked. “Never let us have any fun, Harry.” He whined. “It will turn different colors for all of you.” He explained when Harry gave him a pointed look.

Quatre paused and closed his eyes, tipping back his head and gulping the mixture down. He gasped as a fierce fire shot through his entire body, leaving him tingling and on his knees.

Harry knelt beside him, his green eyes concerned. “Are you all right?”

Quatre nodded. “Yes.” He replied shakily. “Potent.”

Harry smiled slightly in reply. “It defines you as the wand’s owner. It’s really a brilliant spell.”

“Thank you.” George replied cheerfully.

Fred rolled his eyes. “I have some things as well.” He pushed a trunk toward Harry. “These should work for the spells and charms they’ll perform in class. Write me every week and let me know if assignments change so I can try to come up with something before then.” He withdrew a small box filled with golden rings. “And these are your protection.”

Harry smiled. “Excellent.”

Quatre reached out and took one of the rings, slipping it onto the middle finger of his left hand. “Each ring is spelled with the strongest spell shield charms we could come up with. We used some of Hermione’s ideas about braiding spells together and included a physical shield and a mental shield too.”

“They won’t be much good against You-Know-Who of course,” George put in.

“But they should protect enough to keep them safe long enough for help to arrive.” Fred finished. “The charms have to be renewed every month…” He grinned at them. “…which reminds me, we have a surprise for you.”

Harry studied his friends warily, not unlike the way that the pilots tended to regard Duo when the American had an idea that was guaranteed to get them all in trouble. “Oh?”

“Yeah.” George agreed happily. “We acquired a building in Hogsmeade.”

Harry grinned. “Brilliant! We’ll come see you every month.”

The twins grinned at him in reply but paused as Harry began pulling gold pieces out of his bag. “Harry, you know your money’s no good here.” Fred admonished.

Harry’s mouth dropped open. “You can’t.” He argued.

Fred gave him a patient look. “Yes, we can.”

Harry’s frown deepened. “You put a lot of work into these to have them ready by tomorrow for school, you CAN’T.”

Quatre could see that this was going to go on for hours. The twins looked unmovable, and Quatre could see the same stubborn look in Harry’s eyes that had been there when he insisted on saving Heero. “Perhaps a payment of half.” He volunteered, making both the twins and Harry stare at him. “WE insist on paying you.”

Quatre was moving, calmly taking the bag out of Harry’s hand and depositing money onto the counter before any of them could answer. Smiling serenely at the twins, he led his group back outside.

Duo burst into laughter. “Q-Ball, you’ve done it again. Did you SEE the look on their faces?! Green Eyes, you looked like you just bit into a vomit flavored bean!”

Harry grinned ruefully. “Not bad.” He admitted, glancing at Quatre. “Where’d you learn that?”

Quatre shrugged. “I grew up doing that. My father runs a company. It pays to be diplomatic at times.” He replied, giving Duo a meaningful look.

Duo blew him a raspberry in reply. “Green Eyes, is there a way to change some of this money into regular money?”

Harry tilted his head. “Sure…you can do it at Gringotts….why?”

Duo smirked. “I need supplies that AREN’T going to explode. We just go out through the tavern right?” He asked cheerfully.

Harry blinked. “Er…yeah.”

Duo winked. “Good. You and Wuffers finish your shopping and we’ll get our own supplies and meet back here in two hours.”

Harry blinked at Duo, and Quatre inclined one eyebrow at the braided pilot. Duo shot him a dry look in reply, mouthing “weapons.” Quatre nodded wordlessly in reply.

He glanced at Wufei. “Do you mind?” He asked quietly.

Wufei shook his head. “Of course not.”

Quatre leaned in. “Do you need anything?”

Wufei paused a he considered this. “Something to clean my sword and a gun wouldn’t hurt either.”

Quatre nodded silently and followed his companions back toward the bank.

0 0 0

Wufei wondered what it was about women that made them sadistically inclined to get fussy over fashion. The witch circling him as he held out his arms and she measured him had the same look of pleasure at making him uncomfortable that Relena had the day she had insisted that they all be fitted for fashionable clothing for her formal dinner. Honestly…and she wondered why Heero was gay. As irritating as Maxwell could be most of the time…he was NOTHING compared with women.

Harry was not helping as he regarded Wufei with green eyes that sparkled with suppressed laughter. It was quite obvious that Harry was enjoying himself. Wufei wished him dead.

“Mr. Chang, stretch your arms out!” The witch ordered. Wufei debated shooting her. He REALLY wanted to shoot her. He glared at Harry when the wizard snorted with utter amusement.

The torture continued for thirty minutes, and it was with utter relief Wufei dragged the bags full of black robes and uniforms out into the street. “That diabolical woman!”

Harry burst into laughter. If Duo had started laughing (and he would have), Wufei probably would have beat him down. To his surprise, Harry’s laughter at his expense only made him slightly disgruntled, and he flashed the wizard a half-hearted glare. “I suppose you enjoyed that.”

“Yes.” Harry admitted shamelessly. “You looked like you wanted to drown yourself.”

Wufei snorted. It had occurred to him. “She didn’t need the others to make THEIR robes.”

Harry snorted with laughter again, leading him down the road. “You’re just bitter.”

Wufei rolled his eyes, not even deeming that statement worthy of comment. He looked around as Harry led him into a pet store filled with screeching owls, croaking toads, scrabbling mice and a plethora of snakes, spiders and various other animals Wufei couldn’t instantly identify. “What…”

Harry smiled at him and pressed a handful of gold pieces into his hand. “Choose owls. You’ll seem odd if you don’t have them, and they’ll be nice to have when you go home again. They’re dead useful for carrying letters and things.” He smiled at Wufei and Wufei blinked in startled surprise as he realized…Potter had a nice smile. It made his eyes sparkle.

“You don’t…”

Harry’s hands closed around Wufei’s, forcing the money into his palm. “Just shut up and take it. I’m going next door real fast to get a new set to polish my broom.”

Numbly, Wufei nodded and Harry grinned at him before leaving the shop. Wufei paused, browsing around and looking at the many breeds of animal. Some he recognized…others he didn’t. He imagined, with a pang, that some were probably extinct in his time. “Something I can help you with, sir?”

Wufei looked up and nodded to the wizard looking down at him. His robes were a lurid purple and he appeared to have a stain of…something…on the front. “I’m looking for an owl.” Wufei replied quietly. “Five owls actually.”

“Five?” The wizard’s eyes widened.

Wufei nodded gravely. “For myself and my friends. We’re starting school tomorrow.”

“Starting, hmm?” The wizard looked at him dryly.

Wufei could feel himself flushing. “We…transferred to Hogwarts.”

The wizard’s face grew harder, older and more tired. “I see. Your parents came to find sanctuary did they?”

“Yes.” Wufei agreed, glad for the out. He had been in awkward positions playing roles that didn’t suit him in the past…somehow this one seemed far more serious. He thought it might have something to do with the lack of knowledge he had on the enemy. Wufei didn’t like not knowing his enemy.

“All of our owls come trained to carry letters, and all are common around this area.” Seeing Wufei’s blank look, he motioned to the sky. “Less noticeable.”

Wufei nodded and glanced around. A small owl with wide eyes and an almost curious expression caught his gaze, and he rolled his eyes skyward. Duo. A soft gray owl was chosen for Quatre, an owl with dark and light browns for Heero. Trowa got a large bird with dazzling dark eyes and Wufei chose for himself an owl so dark it appeared almost black. He smiled slightly as he stroked the owl’s feathers.

“What are you going to name her?” He jumped as he turned sharply to see Harry standing beside him, picking up a package of owl pellets.

“When did you get back?”

Harry smiled slightly. “When you were admiring her.” He fed a treat to Heero’s owl. “So what are you going to name her?”

Wufei paused. He hadn’t felt close to his heart since the war had ended. He had lost his Gundam, and in a way felt he had lost his life. His entire existence had been to pilot that machine and fight in the war, and even now when he was a prominent member of the Preventers, generally well liked and respected, he felt…lost somehow. “Nataku.” He replied quietly.

Harry reached out and ran the back of his finger over the owl’s soft plumage. “She’s beautiful.” He said quietly before looking up to smile at Wufei.

“Mmm.” Wufei murmured, his eyes not on the owl.

0 0 0

“You should be comfortable in here.” Professor McGonagall informed them, leading them toward the portrait of a man in a jester’s outfit. He turned over and walked across his picture on his hands. “Who goes there?”

“You may change the password as often as you wish. The only people who will have instant changes are myself and Professor Lupin who has kindly agreed to assist with the preparation of a siege.”

Harry’s eyes lit up and Duo smiled to see that look on his friend’s face. He was aware that Harry missed his godfather and knew that it would be good for the Gryffindor to be near him. “Brilliant!”

“I’m glad you approve.” Professor McGonagall’s lips pursed slightly but she didn’t look disapproving. “There is a small common room, and bathroom. As requested it has three small bedrooms.”

Harry smiled, relieved. “Great. Thanks.” He waited for her to walk away before glancing at the portrait. “What should we choose as the password?”

“Gundam.” Duo replied instantly, smiling as they turned to him. “Nobody’s going to have a clue what a gundam is.”

They entered the room, comfortably decorated in simple black and silver, a fire already burning in the fireplace. Four doors branched off of the main room, and Harry let out a small breath of satisfaction as he looked around. “How are we going to split up rooms?”

“Harry…” Quatre paused, studying Harry with concerned blue eyes.

Harry turned and Quatre bit his lip. “I’ll share with you.” They all looked at Wufei in surprise, Wufei looking stubbornly intent. “Let Maxwell irritate Winner or Yuy.” Giving them a cold look, he walked toward the bedroom on the far right, a perplexed Harry following him.

Quatre sighed and ran his hand through his hair. “He can’t keep Harry in the dark forever.”

Duo shrugged. “Maybe not, but no need to piss him off right now. Harry’ll figure it out eventually.” He picked up the bags they had brought in. “Potter, get out here! I bought you clothes!”

Harry poked his head out of his room, his eyes wide. “You bought me what?”

Duo grinned. “Clothes.” He replied patiently. “Is there a reason you wear those things? They look about twenty sizes too big.”

Harry blinked down at himself before looking up. “Because I usually wear my robes?”

Duo rolled his eyes. He had a theory and he wanted to see it through before he made any decisions about what to tell the wizard when it came to their love lives. “If I have to strip you I will.” He replied wickedly, making both Harry and Heero choke. “Now try on the clothes I bought you like a good boy. I want to see how they fit and move. These robes are useless for movement. Too much fabric.”

Harry rolled his eyes. “They’re the uniform.”

Duo gave him a dry look. “And they cover enough you can wear these underneath. Now PUT THEM ON!”

Harry sighed and picked up the bag Duo thrust into his arms, obediently backing up and entering his bedroom, closing the door behind him. Quatre gave Duo a dry look. “I didn’t know you bought something for Harry.”

Duo smirked. “He can’t run around in those pants. They’ll fall off of him. He’s too skinny.” He frowned. “Did you notice?”

“Of course I did.” Quatre replied, his frown mirroring Duo’s.

“He’s pale as well.” Heero put in, his arms crossed over his chest. “And has bruises on his arms. I noticed them when he was cooking just before I left.”

“There are dark circles under his eyes.” Trowa added quietly. “He doesn’t sleep well.”

Duo’s frown deepened. They might have done stupid things in the past…not limited to taking on Oz almost single-handedly…but they all knew better than to go without food and sleep. It was quite obvious that Harry wasn’t taking care of himself and that hardly made for a good fighter. It hadn’t been in Duo’s mind when he bought the clothing, but now he was glad he had…Harry would be hard-pressed to hide from them now.

Harry poked his head out. “The pants are too tight.”

Duo rolled his eyes. “Get out here and let me look.” He ordered imperiously, ignoring Heero’s raised eyebrows and Trowa’s almost silent snort of bemusement.

Wufei had left the room when Harry had entered with the clothing, and though he hadn’t participated in their conversation, Duo knew that he was listening and analyzing as he stroked the feathers of his owl before walking to the window to let her fly out and toward the owlry.

He turned as Harry walked out, his face flushed, and his eyes widened slightly. Duo had to bite down the crow of satisfaction…the jeans hung on Harry’s lean hips in a way that should have been illegal, a green t-shirt hugging his trim form and accenting his eyes. There was a dark bruise on the inside of his right arm, and Duo glanced sideways at Quatre, nodding once.

He crossed to stand just in front of Harry, ignoring Harry’s wide-eyed stare, reaching down to pull at the belt holding the jeans, popping it open. “What the…”

“Calm down, Harry.” Duo soothed, laughing. “I’m not going to feel you up.” He slid the holster to the gun he had been holding onto the belt. “If you go anywhere without this thing I’m going to let Hee-chan or Wuffers kick your ass.” He said quietly, tightening the belt again. “And then I’m going to let Q-Ball go Zero on you before feeding you to the giant squid I heard is living in the lake.”

Harry choked as he caught sight of the gun. “Are you out of your mind?”

“Sometimes.” Duo replied calmly. “But not this time.”

“He’s right.” Quatre looked torn between wanting to laugh at Duo’s words and wanting to make it clear that Harry would carry that gun even if it killed him. “You asked us for our help and that means you have to trust us.”

Harry’s face was ashen. “A gun.”

“A gun.” Trowa confirmed. “Before you start learning to tumble, start in hand-to-hand combat, learn swordplay and how to throw a knife.”

“You wanted to learn our methods of fighting.” Heero finished. “Duo might be inappropriate…” He frowned, obviously displeased by Duo’s belt trick.

“Damn right it was inappropriate!” Wufei snarled, surprising them all. “Maxwell, if you touch him like that again I’ll flay the skin from your body. It’s disrespectful to touch him without his permission and Potter if you take that gun off, you’ll share the same fate.” Glaring at them, he turned and stalked from the room.

Harry’s eyes were wide and he stared dumbly at the door for a long moment before nodding once at them all and vanishing into his room. Duo heard the window open and guessed that Harry had probably left on broomstick.

“Well…” Quatre murmured.

“…isn’t that interesting?” Duo grinned.