No String's On Me

          It was painful to watch what Harry interpreted my words to. I knew Harry had been pressed into being a people pleaser his whole life. But this was honestly the worst aspect of that. He no longer held that spark of life that drew people in. He only behaved like a perfect little doll. Went where he was told did as he was told. But he never showed an ounce of emotion if he believed others could see him. Seeing the look he had shown to the elves when he thought he was alone with them, I knew he hated the way he was behaving even more than the rest of us. I had, however, managed to get advice from another alpha in regards to such behavior. Apparently, the only thing to do was to apologize.

        As it was, I fully intended to after this task. The other alpha had informed me that Harry was likely trying to show me the corner that such behavior would paint him into. Regardless of the slight challenges it would present to me and others, we had essentially been telling him he was not aloud to be himself. Of course, it had been from Anrai Avery. He had been very upset once he learned why Harry had gone to being a doll. Even going so far as to point out that the whole point was to force others to quit taking others' right to a voice. So why take the voice from omega's.

          I watched as Harry froze the water. I saw his recognition of me. But his doll face was back in place before he turned around. I nearly had a panic attack as he sank the cube of ice into the water. Neither I nor anyone else knew whether or not this was going to plan. It wasn't until the other champions emerged and spoke with Draco rather loudly about how Harry was doing that I relaxed some. Anrai seated next to me was also tensed up. When Harry emerged from the water and still did more transfiguring, we both breathed in relief.

       I saw him head up towards the castle immediately after the points were handed out. It was slow going to try and follow him, especially due to the rather large crowd. As the crowd began to disapate I felt the sudden charge of dark magic. Auror badges lighting up as they all made their way towards the sorce. Severus hot on their heels. Anrai and I were passing what was clearly the epicenter of whatever had happened. Severus came out carrying Harry. Our hearts plumbed at the sight of him unconscious in Severus's arms. "I'm taking him to the goblin healers." His words were short as we kept pace with him.

     I nodded. not hesitating for even a moment to forcibly part the crowd in our way. Anrai apologized and told them he needed medical attention due to dark magic being cast on him. Once clear of the wards, Severus Apparited. Anrai caught up to me and took us both clearly worried as well. Once we landed at the bank, we headed in just in time to see Severus be rushed off with Harry. "Might be best to get him a present after all this. Flowers, or maybe his favorite sweets." Anrai said, pulling me back into Diagon Ally. "Severus will let us know what he needs us to do later. Harry is yet unaware of you being his alpha. And has yet to develop a distinct need for you over his parents."

      He guided me into a shop with flowers galore. And said something to the shopkeeper. But my eyes kept straying towards where I knew Harry was. By the time we went to malfoy manner, I was fully ready to break down. Instead, I curled onto the sofa where Abraxus used to lounge and passed out.