Somewhere Safe Chapter 3

Harry wasn't sure how long he was asleep until he snapped awake. He rolled out the bed, kicked over the nearby table, his glasses were on, and his wand at the ready. His eyes scanned the room for threats. Instead of anything waiting to attack he saw a trio of girls in Gryffindor colors standing nearby. They were peaking out from an Invisibility Cloak that he knew all too well. They also had a bottle of something in their hands that held a bright red liquid.

He recognized Parvati and Katie, but the third girl was a mystery. She had shoulder length black hair and her vibrant green eyes looked back at him from behind a pair of glasses. The unknown girl was a little taller than him, which seemed to be a running theme in his life.

"Merlin's Saggy Balls he looks like your dad." Katie gasped.

Harry was suddenly very aware that he was only wearing his uniform pants. At least he wasn't in his underwear. Thank Merlin that he'd managed to pick up a fresh set with his uniform. Wearing the second-hand briefs made him feel dirty.

"What's in the bottle?" Harry asked.

"Hair dye." Parvati spoke quickly. "Pansy Parkinson picks up a weekly dose of hair shine potion."

"And you're going to turn her hair red?" Harry asked.

"Of course not." The other girl said. "It will turn her hair Gryffindor colors."

Harry sighed. "You're the second-generation Marauders?"

The girl narrowed her eyes. "How do you know about them?"

"I'll answer your question if you answer one of mine." Harry countered.

"Go for it." She nodded.

"What's your name?" Harry asked.

"Rose." She answered.

Harry stared at her, waiting for more.

"Rose Potter." She added.

Harry picked up the bed-side table he had kicked over. He placed his wand on the bed beside him as he sat and cradled his head in his hands.

"Birthday July thirty-first and your wand is eleven inches, holly with a phoenix feather core." He stated.

All three girls had their wands out once and pointed at him.

"How do you know that?" Rose asked.

Harry twirled his wand along his fingers before holding it out toward her.

"Harry Potter." He met her gaze. "Nice to meet you."

She took the wand. The familiar rush of magic coursed through her. Rose held his wand next to his.

"My father, James Potter." Harry continued. "Prongs. One of the original Marauders. Together with Moody, Padfoot, and Wormtail. Do you have the map?"

Rose nodded.

"What does it show me as?" He asked.

Rose turned away for him. She whispered the phrase to activate the map.

"Holy shit." Rose gasped as she tapped Parvati on the shoulder.

"Holy shit." Parvati agreed.

"Come on." Katie rolled her eyes. "You're just being dramat- HOLY SHIT."

Rose stepped closer to him. After a moment she returned his wand.

"Can you explain what in Morgana's Perky Nipples is going on?" She asked.

"I have no clue." Harry shook his head. "Can I ask you some more questions?"

"If I can ask you some." Rose hopped up on the bed from across from him.

Katie and Parvati joined her.

"Has anything strange happened since you've been in school?" He asked.

"Not really." Rose shook her head. "What year are you in?"

"Fourth." Harry answered. "You?"

"Fourth." Rose shrugged.

"Me too." Parvati offered.

"Fifth for me." Katie added.

"I know." Harry gave them a weak smile.

"How?" Rose snapped.

"Parvati Patil." He pointed at her. "Katie Bell." He looked at the girl. "Are you a chaser?"

"That's just freaky." Parvati whispered.

Rose bumped her.

"Sorry." Parvati added sheepishly.

"No problem." Harry chuckled. "It is. Do you know Hermione Granger?"

"She's in our house." Rose nodded. "We're in the same dorm, but we're not close."

"She's a bit…" Parvati scrunched up her face. "What's a nice way to say bitchy?"

Harry laughed. "Driven."

"That works." Parvati snapped her fingers. "Thanks."

"Do you play Quidditch?" Katie asked.

"Seeker." Harry nodded. "Have there been any wars lately?"

"No." Rose said slowly. "Why?"

"Long story." Harry felt the weight of everything settle on him. "Who teachers potions?"

"Andromeda Tonks." Rose replied. "Why do you have a Rune on your forehead?"

"A rune?" Harry looked up, trying to see his own forehead. "Always thought it looked like a lightning bolt."

"I can see that." Parvati said.

"It's a scar." Harry continued. "Part of the long story. Do you know Ron Weasley?"

Rose rolled his eyes. "Yes."

"That bad, eh?" Harry smiled.

"He's loud and has the table manners of a starved pig." Rose crossed her arms. "His brothers are wicked talented."

"She has a crush." Katie piped in.

"Shut it." Rose snapped. Her cheeks were bright red.

"I'm guessing Draco Malfoy is here too?" Harry grumbled.

"He's a git." Katie said with a nod.

"It's your turn." Harry prompted.

"Are you me?" Rose spoke softly.

"I don't know." Harry shrugged. "How many siblings do you have?"

"Three." Rose smiled brightly at him. "Iris is a third year in Hufflepuff. Charlie and Gerry are ten. They're cute, but evil. Do you have any siblings?"

"No." Harry shook his head.

The conversation stalled for a moment. Harry didn't want to say anymore. Explaining why he didn't have siblings would lead to larger, more complex topics. He wasn't ready for that yet.

"Do you have a girlfriend?" Katie asked.

Parvati giggled. Rose hid her face in her hands.

"No." Harry replied. "I need some sleep. Talk to you tomorrow?"

"Sure." Rose nodded. "Goodnight, Harry. It was nice to meet you."

"It was nice to meet you too, Rose." Harry gave her a gentle smile. "You too, Parvati, Katie."

The waved at him as they hurried away.

"Don't forget the hair potion." Harry said as he stretched out on the bed.

Harry let his mind drift as sleep approached. Maybe he'd wake up in his dorm. He wasn't sure if that was what he wanted. His parents were alive, and they had four kids. Would they want to meet him? This was a nice dream so far. He hoped it didn't turn into a nightmare; he'd had enough of those.