Chapter 7
Lana pulled into the Smallville High parking lot with a quick, easy turn of the wheel. She found a spot near the back, between a rusted-out pickup and a Jeep with a Metropolis Sharks sticker peeling off the bumper. She killed the engine and smiled at Harry.
"Welcome to your first day of school," she said, her voice unnaturally chipper for the hour.
Harry slumped in the passenger seat, his head tipped back and his eyes half-open. "This is a cruel and unusual punishment," he said. "I haven't even recovered from last night."
Lana rolled her eyes, but there was warmth behind it. "You look like you slept in a wheat thresher. What happened?"
Harry ran a hand through his wrecked hair. "The couple in the room next to mine decided to settle their marital issues with blunt objects and some very creative swearing. I heard things I will never be able to forget."
Lana's laugh was soft and genuine. "You really do need a better place to live."
"I'd settle for a room with soundproof walls, or a neighbor who's not a crackhead."
Lana reached over and squeezed his arm. "Come on. You'll be fine. Just don't say anything too British and you'll fit right in." She flashed him a sly smile and slid out of the car, grabbing her bag. Harry followed, still blinking the tiredness from his eyes.
The parking lot was packed. Teenagers streamed toward the doors, all of them doing their best not to look too excited to see their friends again. This was still school after all. Lana walked with purpose. Her chin was up, and she had a pretty smile on her face. Every few steps, someone waved or called her name. "Hey, Lana!" "Nice hair, Lana!" "See you in chem, Lana!" She returned every greeting, never missing a beat. Harry trailed a step behind, letting Lana lead him forward.
Inside, the school was bright and loud. Lockers slammed, sneakers squeaked, and the air smelled like floor wax. Lana cut through the crowd like she owned it. Harry kept pace, half-awake and trying not to crash into anyone.
They turned a corner and spotted Chloe and Lois near the end of the hall. Chloe stood with her arms folded, her blonde hair shining in the fluorescent lighting. Lois leaned against a locker, one foot propped up. Her expression was somewhere between bored and amused. Harry liked Lois immediately. She had the kind of face that screamed "try me" and the kind of posture that promised you'd regret it.
Lana waved. "Hey, guys!"
Lois glanced up, then did a double-take when she saw Harry. "Whoa. I didn't know you were going to attend the illustrious Smallville High. After a few weeks here in this podunk town, I figured you'd be halfway back to England by now."
Chloe grinned. "He's not even enrolled here, is he?"
Harry shoved his hands deeper into his pockets. "Actually, I am. Lana here went full hostage negotiator and forced me to sign up."
Lois's eyebrows shot up. "Is that so? Did you bribe the office lady with a hot apple pie, or did you turn on the old British charm?"
"Turns out all you need is paperwork and a healthy fear of Lana's disappointed face," Harry replied.
Chloe snorted. "He's got you there, Lana."
Lana made an innocent face. "I just want him to get the full American experience. What's more American than homeroom and cafeteria pizza?"
Harry shuddered. "You warned me about the cafeteria food. I thought you were exaggerating."
Lois stepped forward, circling Harry like she was considering a new car. "So, what's your angle, Potter?"
Harry cocked a brow. "Angle?"
"Yeah. Anyone who transfers here is obviously hiding something. Are you on the run? Did you bail when you knocked up your British chippy? Maybe you're secretly a pod person," she said, poking his chest to make sure he was real.
He smiled in a teasing manner. "Maybe I just like cornfields and small-town drama."
Lois put a hand on her hip and grinned. "If you like small-town drama, you'll fit in just fine."
Chloe smiled, but her eyes were sharp. "Glad to have you, Harry. If you need help with anything …"
"I'll try not to get lost in the halls," Harry finished. "But thanks. I appreciate it."
"Say … What do you think of Abby over there?" Lois asked, nodding her head toward a cute blonde talking to Clark by the lockers. Harry checked the girl out.
"Cute girl," he simply said. Harry could see that the nearby group of jocks were eagerly checking her out as well. "Why?"
Chloe rolled her eyes. "Lois is ticked off that she had a little work done over the summer."
"A little work?" Lois snorted. "Apparently, she had a complete overhaul. She's only like seventeen! It's like messing with the batter before the cookies are even baked."
"My compliments to the chef," Harry said, wiggling his eyebrows when he caught sight of her tight ass. Chloe snorted, and Lana rolled her eyes. Lois put her hands on her hips and shot him an amused look.
The bell rang loudly, which made Harry wince. Lana reached back, grabbed Harry by the wrist, and yanked him forward. "Let's go. I don't want to be late on our first day."
Harry allowed himself to be dragged through the crowd. As they disappeared around the corner, Chloe called after them, "Hey, Harry! Watch out for the biology teacher! She spits when she talks."
Lana laughed and squeezed his hand. "She's not kidding."
Harry groaned, but there was a smile tugging at his mouth. "I survived worse."
"That's the spirit!" Lana chirped. She pushed through the door to their first class, pulling Harry in behind her. The room was already half-full. The teacher, a squat man with a bald spot the size of a pancake, glared over his glasses. Lana found them seats near the window. Harry slumped down and propped his chin in his hand.
"You're going to love it here," Lana whispered.
He shot her a sidelong look. "If I make it to lunch, it'll be a miracle." She smiled at him, and Harry couldn't help but smile back.
The Last Guardian
School let out with the screech of sneakers and rush of voices. By the final bell, he was exhausted. He met Lana by her locker, only to find her in a minor panic as she finished listening to a voicemail on her phone.
"I have to run," she said, shoving books into her bag with frantic energy. "I totally forgot that I had an appointment today. I know I was supposed to be your ride, but …"
Harry shrugged. "It's fine. I'll manage. You want me to walk you out?"
She shook her head. "You don't have to. I'll see you later?"
He nodded, watching her hurry off. The halls emptied quickly. Clearly, everyone wanted to get to freedom as soon as humanly possible. Harry wandered out into the late-afternoon sun. The parking lot was a slow-motion stampede of cars, trucks, and shouting kids. He made his way toward the curb, hands in pockets, wishing he'd paid more attention to the finer points of American driver etiquette.
Halfway across the lot, he spotted Lois Lane. She was leaning against the hood of her car, her bag slung over her shoulder and her hair in a tight ponytail. She was glaring at the windshield, which had a spiderweb crack running across the entire thing.
.
Harry raised his hand. "That's quite the battle scar," he said.
Lois looked up, then scowled at the glass. "Yeah. Smallville's full of surprises. Today's surprise was a semi-naked nutcase named Brett."
He stopped next to her, eyeing the crack. "Did you hit him?"
She nodded. "He came out of nowhere, screaming like a lunatic, and wearing nothing but a towel."
Harry chuckled. "That's weird even by local standards."
She nodded again. "The towel fell off, too. So now I'm stuck with this and mild emotional scarring."
Harry ran a finger along the glass, pretending to study the impact. "You know, back in England, people at least have the decency to save their streaking for football games."
Lois smiled, bright and real. "Yeah, well, apparently Smallville's version doesn't come with an audience, or a warning." She folded her arms, watching him. "You walking home?"
He shrugged. "Unless you want to loan me the car. I'm told I'm an excellent driver, as long as everyone else is driving on the wrong side."
She shook her head. "Sorry. My insurance can barely handle my vehicular assault." She fished her keys from her bag. "Where do you live, anyway?"
"The motel on Main. The one with the glowing vacancy sign and a subtle hint of black mold."
She wrinkled her nose. "That place is radioactive."
"Yeah," he said, "But it's cheap, and the bed's big enough for two." He wiggled his eyebrows jokingly.
Lois grinned and chuckled. "Don't tempt me, Potter." She started the car, then leaned across to unlock the passenger door. "Hop in. I'll drive you."
He hesitated a half-second, then slid into the seat. The inside of the car smelled faintly of vanilla. Lois pulled out of the parking lot with a hard jerk.
Harry braced himself against the dashboard. "I'm starting to see that poor Brett never stood a chance."
Lois glanced at him, smiling cheekily. "Don't like it? You're free to walk."
He considered it. "You're right. Besides, if you mangle me too, Brett and I can always start a class action lawsuit."
She cackled. "So what brings a Brit to Kansas anyway? Don't tell me you like tornadoes and flat land as far as the eye can see."
Harry watched the rows of corn zip past. "I kind of ended up here by accident. I met Lana and figured that this place was as good as any."
Lois whistled. "Romantic. You have good taste. She's cute."
They hit a stop sign, and Lois paused, watching the traffic. "If you're planning on staying, you should look for a real place. Motels get old fast."
Harry nodded. "I'm working on it. I might buy a house if I find one that doesn't look like a rundown crack den."
Lois tapped her chin. "There's a place for sale right next to the Kent Farm. It's a nice two-story house with plenty of land."
He raised an eyebrow. "You sound like a realtor."
She smirked. "I should get a finder's fee from Mrs. Kent. She's desperate for someone normal to move in next door."
Harry laughed and shook his head. "Well, that rules me out."
They pulled up in front of the motel. Lois threw the car into park. Harry reached for the door, then stopped.
"Thanks for the lift," he said.
She looked at him, one hand still on the gearshift. "Anytime. And hey, if you ever get bored, come help me fix this windshield. Maybe I'll even let you drive." She winked, then tossed him a mock salute.
He watched her pull away, the cracked glass catching the sun. He let himself into his room, already thinking about the house near the Kent Farm. It might be good to have neighbors who weren't wanted criminals or screaming lunatics. He dropped his bag on the floor and collapsed onto the lumpy bed. Day one of Smallville High didn't turn out too bad.
The Last Guardian
Later that night, Harry made his way down the dark, quiet street toward the Talon. The sky was clear, the moon fat and low, and the air smelled like freshly cut hay and bread from the nearby bakery. He was supposed to meet Lana for a late coffee, but he was running a few minutes behind. He walked fast, his shoes crunching on old leaves on the sidewalk.
As he approached the Talon, he saw a girl bolt out the door. She was short and blonde, dressed in a pale blue skirt and white blouse, and her face was streaked with tears. She ran across the street, heels clattering on the curb, and vanished into the darkness. Harry barely had time to process it before he heard a scream from inside. It was loud and frightened.
He sprinted to the door and found it unlocked. He burst through, letting it slam behind him. The shop was empty with chairs flipped onto tables, and the espresso machine humming in the dark. The only light came from upstairs, on the landing above. Lana stood at the railing, both hands clutching her face. She was crying, loud and broken. Her sobs echoed in the empty shop.
"Lana?" Harry called, heart in his throat.
She looked down. Her eyes were wild and tear-streaked. "Don't … don't look at me," she shrieked, and turned away from the rail. She staggered backwards, hand still over her face. Harry saw the flash of dark, sticky blood between her fingers.
He ran up the stairs, taking them three at a time. Lana's back hit the wall. She slid down to the floor, shaking. When Harry tried to reach her, she scrambled away on hands and knees, shrieking again. He stopped, hands up, not wanting to scare her more.
"Lana, it's me. It's Harry."
She looked at him through her fingers. Her eyes darted, unsteady. She shuddered, and then her whole body convulsed. Harry took a cautious step forward. "Lana, I'm not going to hurt you. I just want to help."
She opened her mouth, but all that came out was a panicked wail. She clawed at her own skin, nails digging into her cheek. Blood welled and streaked her face. Harry remembered what Lois said about the guy Brett. He ran, naked and screaming, right in front of her moving car. Whatever had gotten to him had now gotten to Lana.
She pulled herself to her feet, but her legs gave out. She crashed against the rail, bent backwards, and for one terrible moment, Harry saw her tip over the side. He moved without thinking, and the world around him slowed. Lana's body tumbled, head over heels, off the upper landing. Harry's body disappeared in a burst of green energy and reappeared at the bottom, arms outstretched. He caught her gently, rolling his body to absorb the force. Her hair whipped around his face, and she thrashed against his grip.
"Don't look at me!" she screamed again. "Don't … please … don't …"
Harry closed his eyes and connected their minds. He saw what she was so afraid of. Her skin was rotted and gray, as if she were a corpse come back to life. Her lips were cracked. Her teeth were dark and rotten. Her hands shook so badly she couldn't even make a fist.
Harry held her tight. "It's okay. I'm here. I've got you," he said, and then placed a hand on her forehead.
He shut his eyes and pushed the power through himself, channeling every ounce of will he had into the touch. Green light flared around his fingers, bright as a spotlight. The light crawled down Lana's face, her neck, and her arms. The torn skin on her face instantly healed over. She convulsed, then went limp. Her eyes fluttered. She let out a deep, shuddering breath and slumped against his chest.
Harry scooped her up, holding her close. He focused, and both of them vanished in a pulse of green that left the Talon empty and silent.
The Last Guardian
Lana woke to a sharp pain behind her eyes. The room was too bright, and there was a steady beeping that got louder when she tried to move. She squinted at the ceiling, expecting to see the familiar cracks and uneven paint of her bedroom. However, that's not where she was. She knew where she was the instant she saw the grayish-blue paint. She was at the Smallville Medical Center.
Lana groaned and turned her head to the side. Her neck ached, and her hair was stiff, like it had dried with sweat in it. The beeping changed rhythm as she shifted. She squinted, disoriented, and tried to sit up. Her stomach turned over, and for a second, she thought she was going to puke.
There was a rough, synthetic blanket over her, and the sheets smelled like bleach. She was hooked up to an IV. It was taped to the back of her left hand, and her right arm felt numb, as if she'd been sleeping on it for a week. Her memories of the night before were fractured, with the worst of them still fresh in her mind.
She looked around, scanning for any familiar objects. At first, she thought she was alone. Then she saw him. Harry was slumped in a chair beside the bed, his arms crossed, and his head tilted back with his mouth just barely open. He looked exhausted and peaceful at the same time. There was a five o'clock shadow on his jaw, and his dark hair had fallen across his eyes. Even asleep, he was unfairly good-looking.
She whispered his name, but her throat was raw and nothing came out. She tried again, a little louder. "Harry?"
He stirred, blinked, and opened his eyes. He looked at her for a moment, confused, then the focus snapped into place. He sat up straight, instantly wide awake. His eyes, impossibly green, fixed on her.
"Hey," he said, voice soft and scratchy. He stood and crossed to the bed, looking her over. "Are you okay?"
Lana tried to nod, then winced as the headache spiked. "My head hurts," she admitted. "And I feel like I got run over by a bus." Her words came out slurred, but Harry didn't seem to mind.
He gave her a crooked smile. "That's a step up. Last night, you were …" He cut himself off and glanced at the door. "Hold on."
He looked down the hallway, then back at her. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and closed his eyes. A faint green glow shivered over his fingers. Lana's headache vanished, as if someone had flipped a switch. The pressure behind her eyes disappeared, and her mouth tasted clean and fresh, like mint.
She stared at him in awe. "That's … that's incredible."
He smiled handsomely at her, and she realized she was smiling at him like an idiot. She sat up, propped herself on her elbows, and stared at the wires and tubes. "Why am I here? What happened?"
Harry frowned, then ran a hand through his hair. "You don't remember?"
She shook her head. "I remember the Talon. There was a girl. Abby? She came in and …" Lana's brow furrowed. "We talked, then she … she kissed me, I think? And then …" Lana shuddered, recalling the memory of her face peeling off in the mirror. "I saw myself. My face was …"
Harry nodded. "It got weird after that. You freaked out and screamed. Then you fell from the second floor." His face softened. "I caught you."
She blushed, both from the memory and the fact that he'd seen her in such a state. "Thank you," she said quietly.
Harry smiled and rubbed her blanket-covered leg. "It's what I do."
There was a knock at the door. Before Harry could react, Clark, Lois, and Chloe burst in. Clark was first, dressed in a flannel shirt like always. Chloe followed, clearly ready for school. Lois wore her usual uniform of jeans and a t-shirt. They crowded around the bed.
"Lana, are you okay?" Chloe asked, her voice wavering.
Lois butted in. "We barely found out you were in here." She then walked over to Harry and punched him on the shoulder. "You could have told us!"
"I've only got one phone number stored in my phone," Harry said with a smile, wiggling his phone at her. Lois snatched his phone and began adding her number to his contact list.
Clark just hovered, unsure of where to put his hands. "You scared us," he said. "A lot."
Lana smiled weakly. "Sorry. I guess I've been making a habit of that lately."
Harry moved aside to let them get closer. He caught Lana's eye and winked. She felt braver with him in the room.
Chloe squeezed her hand. "What happened?"
Lana hesitated, then told them everything. She explained how Abby had come to the Talon, looking desperate and on the verge of tears. She explained how Abby had begged to talk, how she'd hugged Lana, then kissed her on the lips. "It was weird," Lana said, her cheeks pink. Harry snorted. Lois elbowed him in the ribs.
Lana continued. "Then, when Abby left, I saw myself in the mirror. My skin was all … gray. My face was rotting. I thought I was dying."
Harry finished the story for her. "When I found her, she was hallucinating. She tried to claw her own face off. Then she passed out."
Chloe turned to Harry. "How did you stop it?"
He shrugged. "I just kept her from hurting herself and tried to calm her down." He didn't mention the green light, but Lana saw the look they exchanged. "When she finally passed out, I rushed her to the hospital."
Lois snapped her fingers. "Wait. Brett … remember Brett? The guy who ran in front of my car? He went nuts after talking to that same girl, didn't he?"
Harry nodded. "Those jocks were checking out Abby pretty hard."
Lois grinned, then looked at Clark. "We have to find Abby and get her to talk. She's ground zero for whatever's going on."
Clark looked like he didn't want her getting involved. "Are you sure that's safe?"
Lois laughed. "What's the worst that could happen? I lose my perfect complexion?" She made a show of tossing her hair, then winked at Lana. "Kidding. But seriously, something's up with her. I'm going to get the truth if it's the last thing I do."
Chloe agreed. "I'll help. I can get her home address from the school records."
Clark sighed, but there was no real resistance. He looked at Lana, concern etched on his face. "Are you sure you're okay?"
She nodded. "I am. Thanks to Harry." She looked at Harry with such affection that he was slightly embarrassed by the attention.
Lois checked her watch. "We should get to school. The principal's already gunning for me after I ran over his favorite jock." She patted Lana's shoulder. "Get better soon, okay?"
They shuffled out, their voices fading down the hall. Harry sat on the edge of the bed, looking at her. "You want to get out of here?" he asked quietly.
Lana smiled. "Only if you promise to stay with me. At least until I'm sure that I won't see a zombie in the mirror."
He laughed, soft and sincere. "Deal."
She leaned back against the pillows, watching him. She felt safe, and she couldn't stop her cheeks from heating. Harry stood. "I'll get the doctor. Maybe they'll let you out soon."
She nodded, watching him go. The headache was gone, and so was the fear. She closed her eyes, listening to the fading echo of his footsteps, and waited for him to come back.
The Last Guardian
Lana was released from the hospital before noon. She didn't want to make a scene, so she left with Harry, walking out the side door and avoiding the busy lobby. The sun hurt her eyes, but it felt good to be outside. She let Harry pull her into a secluded corner where he transported her back home.
Harry didn't hover, but he kept glancing at her, making sure she was okay. He walked her to the door of her apartment and waited while she unlocked it. She slipped inside and dropped her keys on the counter. Harry followed, careful not to step on the pile of shoes just inside the door. Lana sat on the couch, legs tucked up, and stared at her hands. Harry sat beside her, silent for a moment.
"Why would Abby attack you?" he asked at last. "It's not like you two were close."
Lana hesitated, twisting the hem of her shirt. "I went to see her mom."
Harry blinked. "You did?"
Lana nodded, eyes down. "She's a plastic surgeon. I went in for a consultation at Beechwood Medical Center."
Harry tilted his head. "Why? You're …" He stopped, then shook his head. "You're beautiful, Lana. You don't need to change anything."
She flushed red. "That's not why I went there." She stared at the table. "You remember when I was in Paris this summer?"
Harry nodded. She had told him all about her trip to Paris.
"There was this … tomb," she said, her voice small. "Countess Margaret Isobel Thoreaux. They made a big deal about it, how she was a witch who cursed everyone who tried to steal her secrets." Lana's eyes darted to Harry's face, gauging his reaction. "I touched the tomb. There was a bright flash, and I woke up in my apartment with a mark on my back."
Harry sat forward, eyes intent. "What kind of mark?"
Lana bit her lip. "It's some kind of symbol. It won't go away." She hesitated, then stood and turned her back to him. She lifted her shirt just above the waistband of her jeans, exposing the small of her back. There, just above her tailbone, was a mark. It was a thin, elegant symbol, like a letter or a rune, dark against her skin.
Harry reached out. "Can I examine it?"
She nodded, holding her shirt up. Harry leaned in. He traced the mark with his finger, and the moment he touched it, he felt a jolt of magic. It wasn't exactly dark, but it was powerful, and it hummed just below the surface of Lana's skin.
Lana gasped, her body trembling. The sensation wasn't painful, more like a tickle that ran up her spine and left goosebumps on her arms.
Harry withdrew his hand. "It's magic … old magic." He looked up at her. "Do you feel any different since you got it?"
Lana let her shirt fall and turned, face flushed. "Sometimes, I have dreams, or I feel like something's watching me." She sank back onto the couch. "I thought I was going crazy."
Harry shook his head. "You're not crazy. I've seen things like this before." He ran a hand through his hair, thinking. He immediately thought about Voldemort's Horcruxes. "I'll figure it out. I promise."
Lana looked at him, eyes bright with tears. "What if it gets worse?"
"Then we'll get through it together," Harry said. He gave her a small, brave smile. "There's nothing we can't handle."
She nodded, wiping her eyes. "Thank you." Harry sat with her, close enough that she could feel his presence while the mark on her back still tingled.
The Last Guardian
Lana showered while Harry used her laptop. He didn't like using other people's stuff, but it felt less weird than rifling through her drawers. The computer whirred to life with noisy clicks. Harry typed "Beechwood Medical Center" into the browser. The website was the usual blend of stock photography and soft blue backgrounds. He clicked around, scanning for details.
There was a picture of the front entrance. There was also a staff directory. The lead doctor, Dr. Elise Fine, had a sharp smile. The website used words like compassionate, cutting-edge, and redefining beauty. Harry rolled his eyes.
Harry closed Lana's laptop and stood up. His body shimmered, then faded to invisibility. He concentrated on the image of Beechwood Medical Center. The world went blurry, then snapped back into focus. He stood in a narrow alley behind the building, surrounded by trash bins. He slipped in through the back entrance.
Inside, the corridor was lined with slick tile and smelled like antiseptic and air freshener. He wandered, undetected, toward the operating suites. The place was quiet … a little too quiet if Harry was being honest. He reached the operating wing and peered through a set of glass doors. A bright light shone from inside. Harry's jaw tightened when he saw what was happening.
Lois Lane was strapped to an operating table. Thick straps held her body in place. A clear plastic chamber, human-sized and covered in glowing green tubes, was lowering over her. Lois squirmed, head thrashing. Her eyes rolled toward the door.
Standing next to the table was Dr. Elise Fine. She was tall, with a cascade of platinum-blonde hair and a blouse that was opened a little too much to be considered respectable. She was typing on a console, watching the numbers tick upward as the chamber inched lower. Harry didn't bother staying invisible. He slammed open the door.
Lois's eyes snapped to him. She yanked her head up and called out to him. "Harry! Get me out of here!"
Dr. Fine spun, startled. She reached for a tray of syringes, but Harry batted her away with a thought. He rushed to the table. The chamber was almost touching Lois's skin. Harry grabbed the edge and ripped it off its hinges. It toppled back, plastic shattering, and green mist hissed into the air. He ripped the straps off Lois's half-dressed body. It seemed that Dr. Fine had dressed her in some type of operating outfit that looked more like underwear. Before Harry could do anything else, his head was rocked from behind with something very hard. Harry grunted and turned slowly toward his attacker.
Dr. Fine was standing there, wielding a heavy metal case. Harry took a step forward, but Lois stopped him by grabbing his shoulder.
"Allow me," Lois said sweetly, then pivoted and punched Dr. Fine in the face. The doctor flew backward, crashed into her desk, and dropped to the floor, motionless.
Lois shook her hand, flexing her knuckles. "Wow. That's better than therapy."
Harry grinned. "Nice right hook."
Suddenly, the door crashed open again. Clark Kent stood there, eyes wide. "What's going on …"
He staggered, eyes fluttering. The green mist from the shattered tubes drifted toward him, clinging to his skin.
"Clark!" Lois yelled, but Clark only managed a step forward before collapsing to the linoleum, gasping for breath.
Harry knelt beside him. Clark's pulse was weak, and his skin was pale. He seemed to be having an allergic reaction to whatever that green mist was.
"Get me out of here," Clark whispered, his voice thin. "I'll be fine … just get me clear."
Harry nodded. He slung Clark's arm over his shoulder, and Lois took the other side. They hustled out of the operating suite, down the corridor, and out into the fresh air.
Outside, the fresh air revived Clark. He shook his head, and the color returned to his face. "Thanks," he mumbled.
Lois patted his back. "What would you people do without me?" She turned to Harry. "And you. Nice timing by the way. For a second there, I thought I was a goner."
Harry shrugged and smiled. "It's what I do."
The Last Guardian
Harry blinked back into existence in Lana's apartment. He nearly collided with her. She was standing in the living room with a towel wrapped around her body. She was fresh from the shower. Her hair dripped water onto the wood floor, and her cheeks were pink from the steam. She stared at him, half in shock and half in exasperation.
Harry grinned teasingly as he eyed her up. "I could get used to this kind of greeting," he said, waggling his eyebrows.
Lana shot him a look. "Ha, ha. You're hilarious," she replied in a deadpan voice.
Harry leaned against the wall. "Did you want something, or are you just modeling the latest fashion trend?"
She snorted. "I got out of the shower and asked about getting lunch. When you didn't answer, I came out here and found you gone." She tugged the towel tighter. "You vanish more than Houdini."
"Sorry," Harry said, but his smile didn't fade. "I had to go take care of a certain evil doctor before she caused any more problems."
Lana's eyes went wide. "You didn't … Harry, what did you do?"
He waved a hand. "Nothing permanent. I'll explain over lunch. First, you should dry off and get dressed."
Harry's eyes twinkled. He touched her shoulder gently. A spark of green light zipped down her body. Her hair snapped dry, flying around like it had been hit with an industrial hair dryer. The towel billowed as the air rushed over her skin, almost flying open. Lana shrieked and clamped it down with both hands.
"Warn me before you do that!" she complained, glaring at him.
Harry tried to look apologetic, but a smile crept through anyway. "Sorry."
"You know, for some reason, I don't think you are," she said, but a smile tugged at her mouth, too.
"Go get dressed," Harry said. "I'll be good."
Lana huffed and stormed off to her bedroom, but as she passed, Harry saw her biting her lip, hiding a laugh.
He flopped onto the couch and turned on her TV while he waited.
Chapter 8
Harry woke to the distant sound of a diesel truck backfiring. He turned his head and looked at the digital clock beside his bed. It was just past eight in the morning, but he knew he wouldn't be able to fall back asleep. Sleep hadn't come easily last night. A group of idiots had decided to rent the room next to his and throw a wild party. The laughter and bangs against the wall had kept him up all night. He lay still, staring at the ugly brown stain on the motel ceiling, wondering what noise would come to irritate him next. It came soon after. There was a polite, percussive knock on the door. Harry stretched his arms, rolled off the bed, and padded to the door in socked feet.
He expected it to be the manager asking about last night's noise complaint. Instead, when he pulled open the door, he got Lana. She stood on the concrete walkway, hands buried in her jacket pockets, and she was smiling up at him with a look that would make lesser men go stupid.
"Good morning," she sang out.
Harry leaned against the doorframe, eyebrows up. "If it were any good, I'd still be asleep."
Lana grinned wider. "Don't you know that the early bird catches the worm?"
He gave a theatrical yawn and motioned her in. "This motel is full of bugs. I'm sure if you look around, you might find a worm or two you can catch," he told her.
"Ew gross!" she said, immediately looking down at the ratty carpet. She stepped inside and took in the wreckage of his motel room. The air smelled like carpet shampoo and harsh chemicals. Clearly, someone had tried and failed to properly clean the old room. Harry glanced around. There was laundry draped over most surfaces and a half-eaten box of pizza on the chair. The stacks of cash and gold were gone. He had used his powers to put most of it in the bank, and he had hidden the rest. Harry felt a twinge of embarrassment at the state of his room.
"You ready?" Lana asked, bouncing excitedly on her toes.
Harry squinted. "Ready for what? Are we going on another epic adventure to the local library?" Lana had already dragged him there three times that week.
"House hunting, dummy," she said. She reached out, grabbed his hand, and shook it for emphasis. "You said you were looking for a place. So, let's find you one."
He let her hold his hand for as long as she wanted. "How many houses are for sale in this tiny town?"
She shrugged and finally let go of his hand. "You'd be surprised. I know of a few that came on the market before I left for France."
Harry nodded. "And you'll be my tour guide?"
She pulled a face. "I'll do my best to help you find the perfect place. House hunting is a major milestone, Harry. This is really important."
He found her intensity funny. Lana had a way of treating mundane events like they were world-ending battles. She'd already made this house hunt feel like a quest. With a flare of green light, Harry was dressed and clean, and he followed her outside. The Kansas sky was huge and blue, and the air smelled faintly of truck exhaust. Lana led him to her car, and Harry got in. Lana started the engine, and they rolled out of the parking lot.
"So," she said, "What are you looking for in a house?"
He pondered her question. "Walls … A roof … Hopefully decent plumbing."
Lana snorted. "Wow. Your ambition is overwhelming."
Harry shrugged. "I don't know. I lived most of my life in a walk-in closet under the stairs."
She looked over at him, softer now. "Seriously?"
He nodded. "Yep. Life as an orphan sucked. My aunt wasn't exactly the nicest person around."
Lana turned her eyes back to the road. "You deserve something better … Something that's actually yours."
Harry stared out the window. The cornfields zipped by in a blur of green. "That'd be nice," he said. Harry definitely wanted to get out of that motel as fast as humanly possible.
They drove through Smallville, past the bakery, the Talon, and the gas station with the half-lit neon sign. Lana turned off Main Street and headed toward the edge of town. The houses out here were set back from the road. Harry didn't recognize most of them, but one house caught his attention. It was a two-story farmhouse with a porch that stretched across the entire front. It came with a lot of empty land that would be useful to him. Lois had picked him up from the motel a couple of days before and had driven him out to check it out. It had been empty for a while. The grass had grown up to the mailbox, but the house itself looked to be in really good shape.
Lana slowed as they approached, her fingers tensing on the wheel. She pulled onto the gravel shoulder and parked. They sat for a moment, neither speaking.
"This is the place Lois mentioned," Harry said, finally. "She said it was up for sale."
Lana didn't answer right away. Her eyes stayed on the house. "Yeah," she said, quietly. "That was my old house. I grew up there with my Aunt Nell."
Harry looked at her. "Are you okay?"
She nodded, but her lips pressed together in a line. "Yeah. It's just… weird. I haven't been back here in a while."
Harry was ready to suggest a different house, but Lana was already opening her door. She walked ahead, kicking up gravel. He followed behind her. The wind tugged at her hair, and she tucked a loose bundle behind her ear.
The porch needed a little bit of work, but the front steps were sturdy. The old swing was still there, creaking in the breeze. Lana climbed the steps and peeked in the window. The inside was empty. There was no furniture, just a wide patch of sunlight and dust motes floating above the hardwood floor.
Harry joined her at the window. "Are you sure you're okay with this?" he asked, softly rubbing her back.
She nodded. "Yeah. It just brings back memories. I was really upset when she decided to sell it."
He waited, but she didn't elaborate. Instead, she pressed her face to the glass and peered into the living room. "I used to do my homework in there," she said. "Aunt Nell made me sit at the dining table. She said if I did it on the couch, my brain would turn to jelly."
Harry laughed. "That explains so much about you."
She rolled her eyes and smacked his arm. "It's a good house, and it's close to the Kents, which is nice. You'll be set if you ever need a cup of sugar or moral guidance."
He snorted. "I don't see myself needing either any time soon."
Lana tried the front door and found it locked. Harry pointed at the handle, and there was a sudden click. Lana tried again, opened the door, and stepped inside. The air was stale, and the floor creaked in protest under their feet. Sunlight poured in through the big front window, lighting up the dust. Harry walked around, checking the rooms. The kitchen was bigger than anything he'd ever had. Upstairs, there were three bedrooms. The master bedroom was painted a light blue, and the smaller room still had stickers on the closet door. There were horses, flowers, and a faded sticker that read "Believe in Magic."
Harry smiled teasingly at her. "Did you put this here?"
Lana came up behind him and peeked at the sticker. Her face turned pink. "Yeah, when I was a kid. I was obsessed with horses … and magic, apparently."
They finished touring the upstairs. The last room was small, windowless, and probably meant for storage or an office. Harry stuck his head inside and looked around. There wasn't much to see except a layer of dust on the floor.
He followed her back downstairs. They stood in the empty living room, surrounded by the memories of Lana's childhood. Harry tried to picture what his own life would look like here. He'd only ever lived at the Dursleys' or at Grimmauld Place for a short time. He wondered if he could get used to a house that didn't try to kill him.
"So?" Lana asked. "What do you think?"
"It's probably the nicest place I'm going to find in Smallville," Harry told her.
She smiled, relieved. "I think you should get it," she said. "You can make a fresh start."
He turned the idea over in his mind. "You don't think it'll be weird for me to live in your old house?"
She shook her head. "Better you than some weirdo. God knows this town is full of them."
Harry smiled. He could hear in her voice that she really wanted him to buy it. They went back outside and walked the perimeter. The barn was empty except for a broken tractor and a pile of old fence posts. Harry leaned against the barn door and looked at Lana.
They stood there in silence, the wind blowing through the dry grass. Harry felt something settle inside him, like a weight he hadn't realized he was carrying. For the first time since he'd landed in this universe, he felt like maybe he could really start a new life here. He looked at Lana, who was watching him with a soft, intimate smile.
"Okay," he said. "I'll do it. I'll buy the house."
Lana whooped and threw her arms around him, hugging him tight. He hugged her back, breathing in the smell of her shampoo and perfume. When she pulled away, she brushed her hair behind her ear and looked up at him. "So what's next?"
Harry shrugged. "I suppose I'll call the number on the For Sale sign and see what they have to say."
She smiled while her eyes sparkled in the morning sun. "My little Harry Potter is all grown up," she teased, wiping a fake tear from her eye.
He rolled his eyes and tried to hide his smile, but it was impossible. He laughed, and together they walked back to her car. Harry grabbed the For Sale sign and ripped it from the ground. Lana yelped when he tossed it into the backseat of her car, causing clumps of dirt to fly all over.
The Last Guardian
The night sky was stained with the kind of black clouds that meant a storm was coming. Main Street's shop windows were already dim. It seemed that everyone knew a big storm was on its way and decided to close up a little early. Lana didn't blame them. She was trying to get home before the first sprinkles decided to fall. She pushed the grocery store's glass door open with her hip, the brown paper bag pressed to her chest. The door banged closed in the wind. The store manager quickly locked the door behind her. She wanted to get home as quickly as possible as well. A crack of thunder made her jump. Lana pulled her hood up and cinched it tight around her face.
The sidewalk was empty except for puddles and the trash blowing loose down the block. An empty chip wrapper whipped past her face. The wind was powerful and bitterly cold. The storm had the entire town on edge. Lana walked faster, and the groceries in her bag jostled. She kept one hand clamped around the bag and the other shoved deep in her hoodie's pocket. Her cheeks stung from the cold wind, and the tip of her nose was already going numb.
At the end of the block, she looked up at the string of streetlights. They precariously swayed back and forth in the wind, and Lana wondered how long it would be before they completely fell off. Lana cut through the parking lot of the hardware store, her sneakers splashing in the shallow puddles.
A few cars rolled past, their drivers hunched and silent. No one else was on the sidewalk, not even the kids who hung out in front of the pizza place. A Saturday night in Smallville had never looked so dead. She crossed the street, eyes fixed on the sidewalk, and tried to ignore how exposed she felt with every step. Her phone buzzed in her pocket. She shifted the bag to her other arm and fished it out. It was a text from Harry.
He told her to get home ASAP. The storm was supposed to be a bad one. She smiled and answered that she was on her way. She put the phone away, took a deep breath, and kept walking.
The wind picked up, and the bag crinkled in her arms. She stopped to check the crosswalk, which she knew was silly. There wasn't another car in sight, but for some reason, it made her feel better to follow the rules, even when no one else was around. She hurried across the street. The crosswalk stripes were slick and shining with the sheen of oil and water. The wind roared louder, and Lana hunched over to protect herself from it and walked along the line of parked cars.
A low rumble was followed by a quick, sharp crack of thunder that made her flinch. The streetlight above her flickered. Then, every light on Main Street snapped off at once. The whole town blinked out. The only illumination left was the distant, bluish-white flashes of lightning streaking across the sky.
Lana stood perfectly still, and her heart thudded in her chest. She waited for her eyes to adjust, but the darkness was all-encompassing. There wasn't even a speck of moonlight to brighten her path. Despite the fierce wind, every little sound was magnified. She heard the rattle of a loose sign on a shop wall, the scuttle of trash in the wind, and the hiss of the leaves being whipped around high in the trees. She pushed forward, forcing her feet to move.
Behind her, something metal clanged. The sound carried, then died in the wind. Lana turned, the groceries threatening to slip from her grasp. There was nothing but a row of silent, darkened shops. She scanned the sidewalk, the empty parking lot, and the alley just across the street. Her breath sounded too loud in her own ears.
She moved on, walking faster. The old bakery was ahead, its window painted with pastel swirls and pictures of cupcakes. She passed it without slowing, the hair on her arms standing despite the chill. Half a block later, another bang echoed behind her. It was louder and closer than before. Lana twisted, her heart in her throat. It was so dark that she could barely see anything. She could just make out the dim shape of a trash can rolling into the street.
That was when she saw it. A shadow detached itself from the alley next to the bakery, then flattened against the brick wall. The shape was human. It was tall, broad-shouldered, and careful not to be seen. It moved quickly, then stilled. Lana froze, every muscle in her body stiffening. She stared at the figure, trying to convince herself it was nothing. It was just a neighbor out late, or maybe some kid from school playing a prank, but the way it moved wasn't playful. It was deliberate.
The wind gusted hard, and the figure ducked further back into the alley. Lana's legs began to tremble. She started walking again, faster this time, then faster still, until she was almost jogging. Her arms ached from gripping the grocery bag so tightly. She risked a glance over her shoulder. The shadow was gone.
She made it another half block before she dared to look back. A flash of lightning tore across the dark sky, illuminating the street. For one split second, she saw the figure standing at the mouth of an alley, head cocked and watching her. It was close now, maybe six or seven car lengths away. Her breath caught, and she nearly screamed.
She broke into a dead run, her groceries bouncing hard against her ribs. The Talon's sign was still visible from the intermittent flashes of lightning. Her shoes slipped on the wet sidewalk, but she didn't slow down. She looked back, and for one heart-stopping moment, she locked eyes with the shadow. She couldn't see his face. It was just a smear of black inside a hooded sweatshirt, but she knew it was looking at her.
She ran as fast as she could toward the Talon and nearly went down when the toe of her shoe hit the curb. The bag of groceries tore open, sending cans skidding down the sidewalk. She kept moving, barely aware of what she had lost. The front door of the Talon was only a few yards away. Her hand shook as she dug for her keys, her breath coming in tiny, ragged gasps. She could hear the footsteps over the howling wind … wet, heavy, and quick.
She stabbed the key into the lock, twisted, and fell through the door. She slammed it behind her and spun the deadbolt. The café was empty and dark. Lana stumbled toward the stairs, tripped on the first step, and climbed the rest on her hands and knees.
She reached the top, dove into her apartment, and locked that door too. Only then did she allow herself to breathe. She backed away, chest heaving, hands shaking so hard she nearly dropped her phone as she dialed Harry's number. The call rang only once before he answered.
"Hey, Lana," Harry greeted her in his normal, cheery voice, and she had never been more glad to hear it.
She tried to speak, but her teeth were chattering. "Someone followed me home," she managed. "I … I think they're still outside. Please, come over now."
"I'm on my way," Harry said.
She hung up, and suddenly, the only sounds in the apartment were the roar of the wind and her own terrified breathing. Outside, thunder continued to roll so hard that she could feel the vibrations. Lana stood there, watching the door with a feeling of dread. All she could do was wait.
The Last Guardian
Harry was in his room one second, standing by the window, and in the next, he was crouched behind a dumpster in the alley across from the Talon. His nose wrinkled from the sudden smell of garbage. The rain had started coming down heavy and hard, running in streams down the rusted metal bin. Harry pressed his back to the cold brick wall and listened.
The storm was louder here. Wind whistled between the buildings, and the rain hit the pavement in a steady roar. From his spot in the alley, Harry could see the front entrance of the Talon. The street was empty. There were no headlights and no passers-by. There was just the flickering glow of lightning overhead and the dark shape of the cafe.
He scanned the block, reaching out with all his senses … magical and otherwise. He couldn't find anything. Harry listened to the nearby minds. Some were peaceful, and others were nervous about the storm. Then there was Lana's. She was terrified, which told him that she definitely wasn't just seeing things. Whoever was just here had obviously done a runner. The only thing out of place was a trail of groceries smeared down the sidewalk.
Harry jogged across the street, scanning the windows. He bent down and gathered the groceries, cradling the torn bag in one arm while he set the rest inside. He listened for footsteps, breathing, or even the faintest heartbeat. There was only the wind and the rain.
He circled the building once, his shoes splashing through puddles. The back alley was empty. No one was hiding in the shadows, and the only sound was the persistent drumming of the rain. Harry moved fast, checking every angle and still found nothing. He took the groceries, slipped out of sight behind the Talon, and vanished.
The apartment upstairs was softly lit by a few candles burning on the coffee table and the kitchen counter. Lana waited impatiently for him to arrive. Then, with a soft pop, Harry reappeared inside the living room. He landed in the middle of the rug, his shoes soaked and his hair dripping water onto the floor. The sudden noise made Lana jump so hard she nearly toppled her candle. She spun, her heart slamming against her ribcage, then let out a noise somewhere between a gasp and a laugh.
"Jesus!" she said, hands to her chest. "Give a girl some warning, will you?"
"Sorry," Harry said, but he was smiling softly at her. He stepped around the puddle forming at his feet. "I had to make sure you were okay."
She exhaled, then started to laugh in relief. "Thank goodness you're here. The power's out and every little sound … I thought …" Her eyes went to the groceries in his arm. "My groceries?"
He dropped them on the kitchen table, shaking rain from his bare arms. "You left a pretty clear trail. Whoever was out there, they weren't following anymore."
Lana moved to the window, peering through the rain-streaked glass into the street below. "Are you sure?" She hugged her arms to herself. The light from the candles made her look even smaller and more fragile than usual.
"I checked the perimeter," Harry said. "I even listened to everyone's minds in the area. Whoever it was left in a rush."
She closed her eyes and steadied her breathing. He could see her shoulders drop, the tension leaking away in slow increments. He reached out, touched her arm, and let a ripple of warmth move through her, drying her clothes in a matter of seconds. Her hair whipped around, then settled, perfectly dry. Harry then did the same for himself.
She jumped nervously again, but this time she smiled. "Show-off."
He shrugged with a smile. "I wouldn't be much of a wizard if I didn't show off every once in a while, now would I?" He reached past her and drew the curtains. The apartment felt much safer and cozier once the outside world was shut out.
Another flash of lightning lit the entire room. Lana flinched, then gave Harry a sheepish smile. "Sorry. I'm not usually like this. It's just …"
"Don't apologize," Harry said. "You got chased down the street by a psycho in a blackout. I'd be freaked out, too." He moved into the kitchen, picking up the cans and crackers, and started putting them away. He opened the refrigerator and set the milk on the top shelf. It was still cool inside, despite the lack of power.
Lana followed him, hovering close. "You don't think it was just some drunk, do you?"
Harry shut the fridge and looked at her. "Think about what you saw, and I'll see it in your mind," he told her. Lana nodded and closed her eyes. She shuddered when she replayed the event in her mind. Once she was done, she looked at him hopefully.
"No. The way he moved, the way he watched you … it felt wrong. He was probably watching you long before you noticed him. I'll keep an eye out, don't worry."
She looked at the table and at the small row of candles on the counter. "Do you ever get the feeling this town is cursed?"
He smiled. "It's not the town. It's you. Weirdness just follows you around. I'm a prime example of that."
She rolled her eyes, but there was a ghost of a smile on her lips. "That's not very reassuring."
Harry held out his hand, and she took it. He led her to the couch, letting her sit while he paced the room. He conjured a small ball of light and tossed it up. It floated to the ceiling, stuck there, and lit the room in a light green glow. The shadows faded, and the air felt less heavy.
Lana drew her legs up and tucked them under her. "Thank you," she said in a small voice. "I feel safer with you here."
Harry smiled reassuringly at her. "Whenever you need me, I'll be here," he promised her before flopping down next to her and looking around. The apartment was as clean as always. The only mess was the water he had dripped on the floor. Harry waved his hand and cleaned it up.
They sat in silence for a while. The rain hammered the windows, and thunder rolled over the town like an avalanche. Every time it hit, Lana tensed, then slowly relaxed. She leaned into Harry, her head resting on his shoulder. Harry wrapped an arm around her, and she snuggled in deeper. "Will you stay tonight?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't want to be alone."
He looked down at her. Her hair was fanned out on his shoulder. Her eyes were closed, and her soft lips were parted in the faintest smile. "Of course," he said.
She relaxed, her body melting into the couch. Outside, everything rattled and roared, but in the apartment, it was warm, bright, and safe. Harry pulled her closer, and Lana brushed the tip of her nose against his neck. He could feel her warm breath washing over his skin. For the first time since her scare, Lana stopped shaking. She fell asleep like that, safely tucked against him.