Raven stood beside Harry at the edge of the Applewood Home for Wayward Children and calmly motioned towards the entrance. "This is our home." Harry's eyes widened as he stepped inside and looked around the large private bedroom Claire led them to. His voice came out soft and astonished. "This huge room is all mine?" Claire smiled down at him with gentle reassurance. "Of course."
She walked towards the far corner and gestured with care. "You have your own restroom and a shower. There's a bed in the corner, books with the rules of the home, a bookshelf, a desk, and a chair." Her tone was patient but precise. "You'll have three meals a day—breakfast, lunch, and supper." She added, "I also teach the children here, so you won't have to attend public school." That made Harry blink. "Miss Claire… you teach school?" Then more quietly, like it was too hopeful to say aloud: "So I don't have to be bullied by Dudley anymore?"
Claire's expression shifted into something tender and solemn. "Of course you dont have to be. You won't be bullied by anyone here." She placed a hand on the edge of the desk. "I'm a specially licensed teacher and care provider. How else do you think I've managed this place so well?" Her lips tightened faintly. "Not every child can receive the same level of care everywhere. Some places simply aren't as pleasant." Raven glanced towards her and let out a quiet sigh. "I think that's the same everywhere, Miss Claire."
Claire nodded, as if they both understood the parts left unspoken. "Let's not worry about that," she said softly, then straightened and turned back to Harry. "Harry, this is your room." She opened the closet beside his bed. "Fresh sheets, towels, and cleaning supplies are all here. Everything you need." Raven tilted her head towards him. "Did you enjoy the cotton candy earlier?" Harry lit up immediately. "That was the best treat I've had in months." Raven crossed her arms. "Come on, Miss Claire. He's clearly starving." Claire's mouth twitched into a smile. "All right," she said, then gestured toward the hallway. "Let's go downstairs and get you something to eat."
They made their way down the stairs into the quiet dining room. Claire looked around at the empty kitchen and then sighed. "Looks like the kitchen staff already went home." She gave a faint shrug and moved toward's the cupboards. "I'll make you both something."
A few minutes later, she placed a plate in front of Harry with two thick peanut butter and butter sandwiches and poured out two tall glasses of skim milk. "Here you go. Peanut butter and butter sandwiches with milk." Harry stared down at the plate in disbelief. "I can actually eat peanut butter?" He looked up at her like she'd handed him something priceless. "That's a luxury where I come from." Raven frowned slightly. "Does Dudley eat it all?" Harry nodded without hesitation. "Yeah. He always eats it all." Raven's face relaxed slightly. "Well, now you get to enjoy it yourself."
As Harry ate, Raven kept her gaze fixed on the faint magical aura lingering around the boy, her eyes narrowing at the way the corrupted magic pooled around the lightning-bolt scar on his forehead. Internally, she assessed it carefully. Whoever cast this curse was trying to kill him. The magic wasn't clumsy or chaotic—it was lethal, deep, and purposeful. It does not feel like an accidental injury. It feels like murder. She adjusted her posture slightly, watching the scar's faint glow behind his messy hair.
Judging by the magical resonance, the curse was cast a short while after he was born. It has not hindered his development or growth. She could sense the residue of a the magic being rebound at its caster. His parents must have died instead of him. The magic is carries has an intense emotional and familial imprint, one only forged through something inconceivable. Some kind of protective bond perhaps love, or personal sacrifice—caused the curse to rebound. That would explain why he survived. Raven blinked slowly, calculating. I really am a genius. Her thoughts shifted towards the tracking spell she'd placed earlier on Harry while no one was watching.
I should keep it active. This kid is going to be important. She leaned back slightly in her chair, her milk glass in one hand. Everything feels like it's revolving around Harry Potter. Not just here—but everywhere. She exhaled silently. Good thing I like snakes.
Raven let out an audible laugh. Harry looked up from his sandwich, blinking in surprise. "What are you laughing at?" She shook her head. "Nothing. I'm just enjoying my sandwich." She took another bite, chewed slowly, then added internally: being able to feel emotions freely without suppressing them is amazing. For the first time, I feel… happy. She looked at Harry again, seeing the tentative peace in his eyes. "Harry, don't worry," she said with quiet certainty. "I'm your new best friend." Harry tilted his head, half unsure. "You're my best friend?" Raven nodded. "Of course. I won't leave you." He scratched the back of his head, a little shy. "It's only been a day."
Raven leaned forwards slightly, her voice calm. "It's the first day of the rest of your life, Harry Potter." Then, as if remembering, she added, "I don't know if I said this yet, but I'm Raven Cross." Harry smiled as he repeated, "I know. I'm Harry Potter." He paused. "I didn't know your last name was Cross. That's a really cool name." Raven gave the faintest trace of a proud smile. "Oh, I just came up with it on the fly." Harry's eyes widened in confusion. "You made up your own last name?" That made Raven choke a little on her sandwich. She coughed once, then waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, no, no. Of course not. My name is Raven Cross. It's completely genuine." Harry chuckled. "Yeah… who would make up a name that awesome?" Raven met his gaze, her voice amused. "Right would definitely not me?"
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