Don't Let Me Drown

Intro // Chapter I

Fic

Harry was sick of it.

He was sick and tired of the bullying, the abuse, the name calling, everything. What did he do to deserve that kind of treatment?
Nothing.

Now, if you asked Harry's bullies what he did to deserve that treatment, they'd most likely tell you that he deserved it because he was gay. The stupid homophobes of East High apparently thought that being gay was a choice, that Harry chose to be the way he was, that he chose to be bullied. Why the hell would he choose to be abused everyday he walks through the doors of that school? Why would Harry choose to be subjected to the sneers and comments made by his tormentors?

Yes, he was sick of it, but would he do anything to stop it?
Probably not.

Maybe the better question was could he do anything to stop it?
Definitely not.

Regardless of the situation, Harry maintained his good grades. He was top of the class, and he had been for as long as he could remember. When you don't have any real friends, you just find things to occupy your time. For Harry, it was reading. He always had something with him to read, whether it be fiction, nonfiction, historical, or a philosophy book.

Harry had one friend, Niall Horan, who was his best mate and they were nearly always together. But Niall was never subjected to the torment because he was straight. Niall and Harry were so very different, but they had been best mates since they were little and nothing was gonna change that now.

Harry's older sister Gemma was the social butterfly of East High. She was friends with everyone, and she tried her best to keep Harry safe, and out of harm's way. But Harry's tormentors were creative, they only ever confronted him when Gemma was no where to be found.

Harry and Niall sat with Gemma and her friends at lunch, usually ignored by them, but not in a rude way. Harry and Niall carried on their own conversation, while Gemma and her friends carried on their own. It was peaceful and normal, something they were all used to. No one needed to know that Harry had a crush on one of her friends.

Okay, Niall knew, but Harry told Niall everything, and vice versa. It's not like they would ever in a million years be together, so it's hardly worth mentioning. That was what Harry was used to. Not being mentioned, not being noticed. Life was easier that way. Only bad things ever happened when he was noticed......

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Lunchtime on Monday found Harry and Niall sitting at Gemma's lunch table, dutifully studying for their Calc test the following class period. Math was not one of Harry's strong points, but Niall was an expert. Harry excelled in literature and sciences, but he always needed extra help from Niall in any math class.

Harry glanced at the clock, 12:42. The bell would ring in three minutes. Leaving lunch early meant avoiding the hall crowds. Avoiding the hall crowds meant slipping under the radar undetected. He nudged Niall's arm and nodded to the clock. Understanding, Niall nodded and began packing up his bag, Harry packing his own. Gemma looked at Harry from beside him with a sympathetic look in her eyes. She hugged his middle before Niall and Harry stood and walked swiftly out of the lunchroom.

"I'm sorry Niall, I hate making you leave early with me..." Harry mumbled to his friend.

"What're you sorry for Harry? If I didn't want to come with you I wouldn't. There's safety in numbers, mate, and I'm not letting them get to you if I can help it," Niall replied.

"Thanks, Niall. You're the best," Harry said with a small smile, looking at the ground.
They got to their class room then, waiting outside for the teacher to arrive and unlock the door.

Calc went by in a slow blur, the test only taking them about 15 minutes. Harry pulled out his current novel, "The Great Gatsby" and began reading until the bell rang. When the bell rang, Harry raced out of the room, not waiting for Niall, but this was normal. Niall knew Harry couldn't wait for him after that class.

Harry walked as fast as he could without running, trying desperately to avoid his tormentors. He was doing great, running up the stairs, and when he got to the top, he ran straight into the exact person he was trying to avoid... He stumbled backwards with a gasp. "Sh-Shane..." Harry whispered in fear.

"Just the homo I was looking for. Your faggy ass just can't stay away from me. I don't play for your team, not that anyone would want you anyways..." Shane laughed, as Harry stared up at him in fear.

Harry tried to dart past him, but Shane just reached after him and gripped onto the handle on his book bag, jerking him backwards. Once he was back in front of him, Shane put his hands on Harry's shoulders and shoved, effectively forcing him backwards and sending him tumbling down the stairs. Shane stalked away, cackling, which left Harry slumped at the bottom of the stairs.

Harry lay at the bottom of the stairs, pain shooting throughout his entire body. He slowly pulled himself into a sitting position, his muscles protesting as a pained hiss slipped through his clenched jaw. There was no one left in the hallways, everyone had already made their way to class. He clenched his jaw tight as he tried to pull himself to his feet, limbs shaking with the effort it took. He finally dragged himself up, leaning against the wall and gasping for breath. His ribs and head hurt worst of all, and sharp pains shot through his chest every time he took a breath.

"Probably broken ribs..." Harry mumbled to himself. He did a quick once over before slowly limping his way to the bathroom. Looking in the mirror, his lip was busted and bruises covered his arms. He slowly unbuttoned his shirt to look at his chest. Already purpling bruises littered his ribs, and there was blood on his shirt from his busted lip. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand and buttoned up his shirt with a depressed sigh.

The defeated look in his eyes wouldn't leave, just adding more pity to the way he looked. Well, he wasn't going to his next class now. He made his way out to Gemma's car and let himself in, figuring he might as well just wait for her rather than staying inside that hell hole.

About a half an hour later, Gemma pulled open the door to her car and slid in. With one glance at Harry, she knew something was very wrong. "Oh Harry..... I'm so sorry... I can't believe those fuckers... Show me the damage," Gemma said, leaving no room for arguments.

Harry unbuttoned his shirt, showing her the black and purple bruises on his ribs and arms. Gemma gasped, her hand flying up to her mouth, "Harry...." she reached out to touch the bruises but Harry recoiled and a painful gasp escaped his lips.

"Don't, Gem.... don't," Harry whispered.

"Your ribs are most likely broken..." Gemma said softly, "I have to take you to the hospital."

"No, Gem, please don't.... Just let mom look at them please... I'll tell her I fell down the stairs. It's not a lie...." Harry replied quietly.

"Harry you need to tell Mum and Dad. You can't keep skating around the truth. If you don't tell them I will..."

Harry pleaded with her, "No! No.... Please don't Gemma... I'll tell them soon enough. I just don't want them to worry, or to pull me out of school... Just let me deal with this on my own."

"Harry you shouldn't have to deal with this on your own. You have to tell someone... Someone who can stop this," Gemma replied.

Harry didn't say anything else. He buttoned up his shirt without a word and just looked down at his folded hands. A tear slid down his cheek, but he quickly wiped it away, "Just please drive us home now, Gemma..."