The Boy Who Wanted to Live

Exploding Snapped

Hannah sure did talk a lot but Harry didn't mind so much as everything she said made sense to him in some weird way.
"They say that when you lie you get a tally mark on your soul and the more lies you tell the more scars your soul has. Did you know that Harry? I have a scar. Right here" she pointed to a fair line on her palm "I fell from my broom a few years ago and cut open my hand on a sharp rock. It was scary and I haven't ridden a broom since."
"Broom?" Harry said softly, barely above a whisper.
"Yeah there are these special brooms that fly! And you can ride them as high and as far as you want." She said throwing her arms wide.
Harry winced but smiled at her spirit and readjusted his bag on his shoulders as they walked to lunch. They made it to the lunch room and sat down at the table. Harry chose a small chicken pie but Hannah ate several helpings of chickens and salads and pudding. She reminded him of Ron who was also chowing down at the next table over. Harry turned and waved shyly at his Gryffindor friends. They smiled and waved back. Harry finished his food and waited until it appeared everyone else had too before standing up.
"Hannah." He said quietly.
"Yeah?" She asked, wiping her greasy lips with a napkin.
He started walking towards the doors and she stood to follow him. He paused at the door and looked back at Hermione who caught his eye quickly. He tilted his head out of the hall and she nodded before telling the boys to follow her. The five students left the hall and made their way to am empty staircase to chat. Harry sat down first and waited for the others to show up. Slowly they made their way and sat down one by one. Neville sat closest to Harry, their arms touching slighy. Harry smiled and leaned slightly on his friend.
"What's up Harry?" Ron asked, "What's with the meeting?"
Harry shrugged and smiled happily.
"No reason, Ron," Neville answered for him "Harry just missed us."
Hermione smiled politely at Hannah and introduced herself. They quickly began to talk about the cutest boys at the school, much to Rons disgust. Neville laughed softly, making Harry cringe slightly.
"Wanna play Exploding Snap?" Ron asked pulling a deck of cards from his pocket.
He showed them how to play and Harry jumped anytime the cards made a loud popping sound which amused Ron so much that he was more focused on making the cards snap then on the game. Harry jumped again as the cards popped loudly.
POP POP POP
BANG BANG BANG
"HARRY POTTER YOU GET YOUR FUCKING ARSE OUT HERE RIGHT NOW BEFORE I SKIN YOU ALIVE"
Harry was breathing hard, his eyes shut tight. Neville held Harry tight to his chest.
"Ron stop it! Don't you see it's bothering him?!" Neville shouted angrily.
Harry jumped and hid further in Neville's robes. Ron threw his cards on the ground and kneeled next to Harry, his cheeks red with embarrassment.
"Shit, Harry. I'm sorry. I didn't know it would bother you that much. We don't have to play it anymore. Shit I am sorry Harry please don't be mad. I'm such a dumbarse."
Harry swallowed hard and hugged Neville tightly.
"Shhh, it's okay Harry" Neville whispered softly.
"What's wrong with Harry?" Hannah asked from nearby.
"He has these... Attacks." Ron said, unsure of how else to describe it.
"Panic attacks" Hermione added. "My Gram used to get them sometimes. They are very common."
Hannah nodded and looked at the huddled form of Harry's body in Neville's arms.
"He will be okay right?" She asked softly.
"Yeah. It only lasts a minute or two. He should be coming back any second now. Neville seems to help him out a lot though we don't know why." Ron said, organizing his deck into a neat pile.
"Harry?" Neville tilted Harry's head back by his chin and frowned softly "Harry it's okay now. Everything is okay. I got you. You are safe now. I got you."
Harry's eyes slowly came back into focus and tears filled his eyes. Neville wiped Harry's eyes of its wetness and smiled.
"Welcome back," he said softly. "Where'd you go off to Harry?"
Harry frowned and shook his head.
"Okay, if you don't want to tell me it's okay. They don't call it a secret for nothing." Neville smiled and winked at Harry.
Harry smiled and sniffled, rubbing the tears from his eyes.
"Thank you" he whispered.
Neville nodded and they pulled apart from eachother.
Ron sighed and pushed his cards deep into his bag.
"Time for stupid herbology," he said,  pulling his bag onto his shoulder.
"Hey! Herbology isn't stupid!" Neville said, offended.
Harry smiled and Neville couldve sworn he almost laughed.

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Why do you think Harry is drawn to Neville?

What do you think about Harry's "Attacks"?

How do you think they will effect him later in the school year?

How do you feel about Harry's secret double life?

If you have any questions or comments don't be afraid to DM me if you are too anxious to comment publicly. Also if anything inspired you to draw some art of your own send it in and I will put the image in the ends of the chapters as well as a shout out! Just a fun little thing I was thinking would be cool! DM me for more information.
💜 Kitty