Fractured Mind

Chapter 19

Even on the cloudless, sunny days, Osborn Manor had an ominous feel to it. The unusual dark brickwork caused the large dwelling to stand out among the surrounding buildings.

Harry made his way up the stairs in the entryway, sunglasses still covering his eyes. Portraits of his ancestors lined the walls, coated in a fine layer of dust. Their eyes seemed to bore into him as he passed. He gave a light shudder and made a mental note to toss them out when he had a chance.

Last night had been so bizarre, he wouldn't have believed it happened; the only proof he had was a raging hangover. They had made progress, though, hadn't they? He didn't know what he could do to make up for the things he had done, but even so, Peter promised to try to make a cure for him!

I don't deserve this, Harry thought. After everything that's happened, he's still willing to help me.

Peter may never fully forgive him for what he'd done, but Harry hoped that, sometime in the future, they could be friends again. The goblin growled in the back of Harry's mind at this, causing him to wince in pain.

His body was exhausted from the night he'd had. His neck and back ached from sleeping on the ground, and he was drained from keeping the goblin at bay all night. He toppled onto his bed fully dressed and closed his eyes, hoping to catch up on some sleep. There was a slight creak on his floorboards and he groaned inwardly.

"Go away, Felicia," he muttered. Felicia laughed.

"Not a chance," she said as she hopped up on top of his desk.

Harry sighed and sat up, shooting her an annoyed look.

"You couldn't have just let me sleep?" he questioned.

She blinked at him, "hey, I've been busy all night, and I have good news for you. You could be a little more appreciative."

"Good news?" he looked curiously at her.

"So now you want to listen to me?" she teased and began admiring her nails.

"Not really, no," Harry playfully flung a pillow at her as he got to his feet; she caught it and tossed it back on the bed. "But, you'll tell me anyway, I'm sure."

Felicia rolled her eyes at him, "I was called in by Doc Ock yesterday afternoon. He has decided to attempt to find more recruits, since we've lost three already. Electro has gone with him."

Harry sniffed, "good luck to him. Mr. Fiers and I already found the most worthy candidates, and even some of them weren't up for the whole 'team' thing."

"Hey, what ever happened to Mr. Fiers? I've noticed you two don't keep in contact anymore," she raised an eyebrow at him.

Harry paused briefly before answering, "I... let him go. He was unnecessary once he assisted me in getting out of that hell-hole. Besides, you're far more qualified than him," he smirked at her.

"Well, I'm flattered, Mr. Osborn," she mocked as she batted her eyelashes at him.

Harry picked up an empty glass on his dresser and twirled it in his hand, "so, I guess this is essentially the end of the Sinister Six?"

"Always the pessimist. I didn't tell you the good news yet; I found us another recruit, and it only took me a couple of hours to figure it out," she laughed.

"You what?" Harry asked, holding the glass still.

"Found a replacement for that Flash kid," she smiled, "you know my friend Betty Brant, right?"

"Uh-huh," Harry said as he sat down in his leather armchair. Was she implying that her naive brunette friend was joining them?

Felicia gave a humorless laugh, "looks like, once again, your old friend Peter is responsible for creating his own enemies." She took out some red lip gloss and began applying it to her lips, "someone else is pretty peeved with Parker."