Harry Potter : Bloodraven-Chapter 119: Summer Holidays (I) (CH - 139)

For a moment, Harry didn't move. He stood frozen, stiff as a board, like someone who had wandered into the wrong dream and didn't quite believe it was real. Petunia Dursley—his aunt, who had never given him a kind word, who had barely looked at him with anything but coldness—was holding him.

Not gently, nor loosely, but tightly. Like she meant it. Like she was sorry. Her fingers clutched the back of his oversized shirt, as if she were afraid to let go.

Harry didn't know what to feel.

This was affection, wasn't it? The kind he had watched Dudley get every day. The kind he had seen other kids getting after school, back in primary school, or at King's Cross not long ago. But never—never—for him.

It felt strange. Warm, yes, but confusing too. His chest tightened, not from fear, but from something else. He wasn't sure whether to cry, to smile, or to step back. Part of him wanted to push away, to protect himself. Another part just wanted to stay right there, just a little longer.

He had been hugged before. Once or twice at Hogwarts, maybe a quick pat on the shoulder or a half-hearted arm around his back—but nothing like this. Not this desperate, clinging kind of hug that said, I see you now. I'm sorry.

Harry's arms slowly lifted on their own, unsure at first, then wrapped themselves around her.

It felt unfamiliar. It felt... nice.

And then the tears came. Quiet ones at first, then a few more. He didn't make a sound, but his cheeks grew wet, and he didn't bother wiping them away. His face pressed into the crook of her neck, and for the first time in his life, Harry Potter cried not because he was hurt, or angry, or scared—but because something soft had finally cracked the walls he'd built around himself.

He didn't know if he forgave her. Not fully. Not yet. But in that moment, it didn't matter.

---

Michael and Maverick sat in silence, watching the scene unfold. Or at least, that's how it appeared to the Dursleys—it looked as though they were simply giving the family a moment of privacy.

In reality, the father and son were talking freely, quietly making comments like spectators—it's just that their voices and movements were masked by magic, except for themselves.

"Looks like it turned out just as you expected," Michael murmured, casting a glance at his son.

"Apparently so," Maverick replied with a quiet nod, adding, "At least their thoughts seem genuine."

"Even so..." Michael's brows furrowed, seemingly not quite accepting it. "I don't like that they just get to walk away from this. No punishment. They did abused that child."

Maverick made a sound of agreement in his throat, looking thoughtful. "What do you suggest?"

Michael gestured idly and added, "How about we lock up the fat man for a few nights? Teach him a proper lesson."

Maverick raised an eyebrow at that. "You do realize the 'evidence' in that envelope was just a bunch of things we made up, right?"

Michael shook his head. "Not necessarily. The cupboard is right there. I saw that boy come out of it. Sleepy, like he lived in there. That's real enough. That alone is plenty."

Maverick glanced at the cupboard, then let out a slow breath. "True. Still..." he sighed. "Forget it. Just give them a proper warning."

He looked back at the huddled trio on the floor. "My goal was to make life better for Harry here, at least until he grows up. And it looks like it'll work out... I've seen their thoughts. Petunia, at least, is sincere in what she's showing on the outside. As for Vernon... he just follows her lead like a dog. He'll go along with whatever she decides."

Michael gave a small shrug. "Whatever you say."

Once things calmed down and Harry stepped back from the hug, Maverick beckoned him over. "Why don't you head upstairs and stay with Dudley for a bit," he said gently. "We need to have a grown-up talk down here."

Harry glanced uncertainly at the stairs. "Er... Professor, can I go to my room instead?"

Maverick gave a small sigh. "Tell you what... go pack the things you'll need from there. You won't be staying in that cramped cupboard anymore."

Harry blinked, confused. "Why?"

"Because," Maverick said, then turned toward the Dursleys with a pointed look. "Harry is moving to a proper room upstairs now, isn't he?"

Vernon bobbed his head like a nervous pigeon. "Yes, yes—of course. From now on, you'll have a room just like Dudley's."

Petunia stepped forward, her voice trembling with guilt. "Harry, I'm so sorry, dear. I promise... you'll never have to sleep in that cupboard again."

Harry's eyes widened. "Really?" He looked between them, then turned briefly to Maverick before returning his gaze to the couple.

"Of course," Petunia said firmly, and Vernon gave another eager nod beside her.

After Harry went to pack his things, Maverick and Michael turned to the couple and gestured for them to sit. The softness vanished from their faces.

"You two listen to me," Michael began, voice cold. "If we hear even a whisper... anything at all... that you've gone back to mistreating this boy, I won't hesitate. I'll hand you straight over to the magical authorities."

"There's a prison they send people like you to," Maverick said. "No lawyers. No trials. Just cells and silence. You wouldn't last a day."

Petunia's face turned pale. Vernon was already sweating, nodding rapidly.

"We swear," Petunia stammered. "We swear we'll treat him right."

"Like our own son!" Vernon added quickly. "We'll move him upstairs, right away—today!"

They meant it—Maverick could tell from their thoughts.

And so, not long after, Harry found himself in a real bedroom in this house for the first time—spacious, clean, and with a window that let in sunlight.

Michael didn't remain for long. He had other places to be. But Maverick stayed behind.

When Harry came back downstairs after a shower, dressed in clothes that actually fit him for once, he looked a little shy but quietly pleased. Maverick gave him a smile.

"How would you feel about traveling with me for the rest of the holidays?"

Harry's face lit up at once. "Really?"

"Really," Maverick smiled. "There's a lot more to magic than just Hogwarts."

Harry didn't need a second to think. "Yes! Please!"

Just past noon, Maverick placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. Without stepping outside, the two of them vanished with a quiet pop—leaving Number Four Privet Drive behind.

---

Somewhere in London.

In a spacious two-story house surrounded by a stretch of green lawn, a middle-aged woman moved about the kitchen, preparing lunch.

In the living room, two men sat on opposite sofas, watching a football match on the television.

"I never thought I'd actually start to enjoy this," one of them said, sipping from a can. "Look at that crowd."

"It's called football here. Don't say 'soccer' in front of other people unless you want them to know you're not a local," the other replied.

"Loosen up, Bucky. We're inside..."

"Sebastian," the man corrected with a glance. "At least try, Robert. You slip up out there and someone's bound to notice."

"Right, right..." Robert—better known as Howard Stark—shrugged. "Got it."

"Robert! Sebastian! Lunch is ready!" called the woman from the kitchen.

"Well, I don't know about you, but I'm starving," Robert said, standing up.

Sebastian got to his feet as well, but just as they moved toward the kitchen, the doorbell rang.

"Huh... did we make any friends around here?" Robert asked.

"I doubt it," Sebastian said, narrowing his eyes. "I'll get it."

As he walked to the door, his instincts kicked in. His hand moved discreetly to the small of his back, where a gun was holstered.

---

Outside the house.

Harry looked up at the neat brick home, one of many identical houses lined along the street.

"Professor, where are we?" he asked, glancing around.

"Some friends live here," Maverick replied. "We're just making a quick stop before I take you to my place."

Harry nodded. Just then, Maverick sensed Sebastian moving toward the front door, cautious, alert.

Sebastian peered through the peephole. Seeing no one, his stance stiffened—until a familiar voice called softly from the other side.

"It's me."

The tension eased from Sebastian's face. He opened the door, stepped aside to let the invisible pair enter, then quietly closed it after a moment.

Inside, Maverick canceled the Disillusionment Charm, revealing both himself and Harry.

"Boss," Sebastian greeted with a smile. "Didn't know you were dropping by."

"Just a quick visit..." Maverick said. He turned to Harry. "This is my student, Harry. Harry, meet my friend—Sebastian."

Harry gave a small nod. "Hello, sir. Nice to meet you."

Sebastian smiled. "You too, kid."

---

The kitchen was warm, filled with the comforting aroma of roasted meat and fresh herbs. Maria was laying out steaming dishes with practiced ease while Howard was already seated, swirling a glass of water, and glanced up when Maverick stepped in.

"What a rare guest," Howard said with a smirk, setting his glass down. "Thought you'd forgotten about us."

"Mr. Caesar..." Maria greeted warmly, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "I didn't know you were visiting... I just finished making lunch... and luckily, I made plenty." Her eyes then dropped to the boy standing quietly beside him. "And who's this young gentleman?"

Harry fidgeted slightly under her gaze. "Er... I'm Harry. Harry Potter, ma'am."

Maverick gave a nod, placing a gentle hand on the boy's shoulder. "My student. Harry, these are my friends—Gwyneth and Robert."

Howard chuckled. "You're a polite little fellow, aren't you?"

"Hello, sir..." Harry said, ducking his head shyly.

Howard raised an eyebrow and looked at Maverick. "So... is he—?"

"A wizard? Yes," Maverick said simply as he pulled out a chair and sat down. He gestured for Harry to do the same.

"Hey kid," Howard said, grinning. "Got any magic tricks up your sleeve?"

Harry blinked, unsure how to respond.

Smack.

Maria gave her husband a swift whack on the back of the head with a wooden spoon. "Stop teasing, Howard—I mean, Robert."

"Hey!" he rubbed his head. "What was that for?"

With that, the five of them settled in for lunch. The table was filled with roasted steak, buttered vegetables, mashed potatoes, and fresh bread. The conversation flowed easily.

"How's everything going? Settling in alright?" Maverick asked between bites.

Howard leaned back. "Great, actually. It's quieter here... less pressure. Not exactly what I'm used to, but I can't say I'm complaining."

"All good, boss," Bucky chimed in with a small nod. "Nothing to report."

"I miss... a lot of things," Maria admitted. "But we're getting used to it—finding our rhythm."

"Has Ali come by?" Maverick asked.

"He did," Howard nodded. "Last month. Brought a woman with him. Showed me where the lab's being built... went over some of the scientists he's considering. Said he'll be back next week for interviews..."

"Oh?" Maverick looked toward Howard. "Anything else?"

Howard tapped a finger on the table. "Yeah, actually. We visited your company HQ. You planning to break into tech?"

"He showed you the prototype?" Maverick asked.

"I caught a glimpse. Looked like cellphones—but smaller. Color screens. Real slick compared to the bricks we've got now."

Maverick nodded. "We're aiming to launch next year. Compact design, longer battery, color display... more features too... Something truly mobile."

Howard's eyes sparkled with interest. "I'd love to see the tech up close."

"You can ask Ali. He has access to everything."

As the lunch wore on, the conversation drifted to other projects, updates, and plans. Maverick listened more than he spoke. He had come mostly to check in—to make sure the Starks were adapting, and that progress was being made on the project he had tasked Howard with.

Most of the legwork had been taken out of Ali's hands and reassigned to others. As more people joined his core circle and grew in capability, no one was being stretched too thin.

Ali remained the most important person on his team. Now, apart from managing his company, his main responsibility was to ensure that everything Howard needed was taken care of.

Harry, meanwhile, sat quietly through most of the meal. He wasn't used to being around so many adults, especially ones who treated him kindly. He kept glancing at Maverick, silently reassured by his presence.

When lunch was done and pleasantries were exchanged, Maverick didn't stay long. He stood, nodded his goodbyes, and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder.

"Time to go."

A moment later, they disappeared, leaving behind a quiet house and a collective sigh from the three who remained.

—————————

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