Bloodied Angel ~ Finished

5

A/N: A little reminder of the last chapter.

Several wizards stared at Potter as he walked outside, but he paid no attention to them.

The large crowd of wizards and muggles seemed to be more important at that moment. In that group of wizards and muggles stood James. He limped around with the support of a crutch and his friends.

Harry ran over to him, brushing past the wizards and muggles. A few clapped him on the back, stating they were glad he was unharmed.

The healer grinned widely and hugged his brother lovingly. He pressed his face against James's chest, muscles becoming less tense. The older Potter wrapped the arm he wasn't using to hold himself up around Harry.

"Don't scare me like that again, I'm getting old." Harry laughed quietly.

"You shouldn't be walking yet." James rolled his eyes.

"Whatever. Now are you going to introduce me to anyone?"

/:/

"Who do you want to be introduced to?" James pointed to where Tom, Severus, Draco, and Lucius stood.

"They all seem to be watching you closely." Harry nodded.

"The shorter blond is Draco Malfoy, the taller is Lucius Malfoy. The one wearing black robes is Severus Snape, next to him is Tom Riddle." James frowned slightly.

"I don't want to be introduced to any of them." Sirius mumbled, reviving jab in the ribs.

"We're in a truce now. Be respectful. You don't have to like them, but at least act that you do."

"We should start with Riddle. He's spent the most time with you, yes?" James kept his voice calm. Harry shrugged.

"I was alone most of the time actually. He only came in to give me food or to occasionally speak." James forced himself to smile.

"They're coming over." He muttered, not sounding excited. The elder brother wrapped a protective arm around Harry's waist.

Within seconds, Riddle and the others stood in front of them.

"You must be James Potter."

"You must be Tom Riddle." The air was already tense.

"Erm, meet Severus Snape, Draco Malfoy, and Lucius Malfoy. These guys are Remus Lupin and Sirius Black." James shifted his weight on to one foot so he could shake everyones' hands.

"It's an honor to meet you all. I would like to believe you took care of Harry while he was here."

"We did our best." Tom replied, though it sounded a bit ominous to James.

"Good." The elder Potter murmured coolly. Remus shook their hands also, mumbling quiet greetings.

Sirius, on the other hand, had his arms crossed over his chest.

Harry laughed nervously.

"Sorry, Sirius is a germaphobe. He doesn't like physical contact much." Riddle gave him a doubtful look, but nodded.

"Ah, I understand. Well, Dumbledore and I have urgent matters to discuss. Play nice." He turned and headed off to the light's general.

James leaned into Harry heavily.

"Do you wish to sit down? How does your leg feel?"

"Fine." The doctor huffed.

"Come on, I can show you where I've been staying. Then, we can look at that leg of yours." Harry had a feeling that one of Riddle's men would tell him of his location, so he felt to need to inform Riddle.

/:/

James sat on the edge of the bed, looking around.

"Lie down, pants off." Harry felt he could be blunt now that they were alone. James did as his brother said, wincing.

The doctor peeled off the bandage on his thigh, observing it thoughtfully.

"I've been changing it, just like you said." James reported proudly.

"Wonderful. I suspect you should make a full recovery soon enough. There are no signs of infection." Harry replaced the bandages, glad to see his brother was getting better. James's eyes narrow.

"What's going on between Riddle and you?" He pulled his pants back on, a little cold. It would also be awkward if someone walked in on them.

"Nothing is." The younger wizard replied, not knowing himself if his statement was true or false.

"Oh sure, and I'm the Prime Minister." James rolled his eyes.

"I'm not lying... well I don't think I am."

"How are you not sure? Are you two in a relationship or not?"

"We aren't together." Harry bit his lip, "I think." He added after a second of contemplation.

"Do you know how hopeless you are? There are obviously feelings!"

"Not possible. We've only known each other for a few days."

"Dear Merlin. You can't choose love, Harry. It just happens. Soon enough, you should confront him. Be straightforward. Well, as straightforward as a gay guy can be." Harry giggled at his joke.

"I was scared that I wouldn't see you again. How's Longbottom doing by the way? I hope to get the prosthetic soon."

"Better, I think. He's managing on the crutches quite well."

"I missed you, Jamie. I wasn't sure if I would ever see you again." James ruffled his brother's hair.

"I knew you couldn't be dead. My little brother is a fighter." Harry leaned into the touch.

"We should go back out before someone comes to find us." James stood, most of his weight on the uninjured leg.

"I want to talk to Riddle more anyway." The two exited the room, going to find their friends.

A/N: Wow I haven't updated this since May. I'm so bad. Forgive me? Sorry about the short chapter?