Broken || h.s. AU (Special Edition)

Chapter 13 - Threats

*content warning: bullying, anger management, mention of sexual assault*
If you come across a trigger that wasn't listed, let me know. Stay safe.
Chapter 13 - Threats

Harry's P.O.V.

My brows furrow as I watch Diana's retreating figure disappear over the curve of the hill. I scared her worse than I thought. Loneliness rips through me, always accompanied by the guilt because it's always my own doing.

I silently count down a full minute, giving time for Diana to get a head start so she can walk alone. But once I reach sixty and I begin to walk, I can't help but hope she'll come into sight, having changed her mind. I can't help but hope she'll be standing there with a sheepish smile and no wariness in her eyes as she welcomes me back to her presence.

But my hopes are in vain. I'm alone.

My backpack weighs down on my shoulders, my back aching with the deadweight of the textbooks we never use.

Finally I arrive at school, already preparing myself for the long day that awaited me.

I stride down the hall, noticing as people steer out of the way. When I'd first arrived at this school, I was sure to set a reputation as someone not to mess around with. I'd wanted to ensure I'd be left alone. And three years later, it's the last thing I want.

I start to set foot into the classroom when I feel a hand clamp onto my shoulder, pulling me back. I'm immediately greeted by the awfully familiar icy eyes.

Josh.

The boy who'd tried to hurt Diana on Friday. Already, I can feel my blood boiling and red begins to pulse through my vision.

I can hear my heart pounding in my head like an everlasting drum beat. An image flashes through my mind. The executioners drum beats that throbs through the air, before the shining blade falls down on a man's neck.

My arm burns with adrenaline as my fist flies towards his jaw. But I'm shocked as I stumble, my blow connecting with open air.

He dodged.

That never happens.

A bitter laugh sounds in my ear and Josh's voice is cold.

"Somethin' wrong, Styles?"

I can feel my face hot with shame as I glare daggers at the lanky boy before me.

"What do you want?" I snap, looking away from his cocky smirk.

His voice continues in the same hateful air. "I wanna know why you've got the sudden interest in that girl. Ah... What's her name...? Dina?"

My body stiffens with irritation, and suddenly my blood is ice in my veins, making me feel sluggish and lethargic.

Involuntarily, my voice comes out as a whisper. "It's Diana. Leave her alone, I wasn't just gonna let you hurt her then and I won't now..."

He laughs, eyes now amused as they lock with mine. "Gettin soft, Styles?" He chuckles, a small smile growing on his face.

I lock my jaw, my voice venomous. "I said, leave her alone..."

He laughs again, something twinkling in his eyes that makes my stomach roll.

"I had to go through quite a bit of trouble to talk my way out of getting expelled. Do you know how difficult it was to come up with an excuse as to why I came home with a broken nose? I told them I got into a fight over a misunderstanding with a girl, it wasn't completely a lie, so it worked... Got let off with a warning..."