Chapter 24

It's strange, you pictured Harry's face, so when you see the wall of images playing in front of you like a movie, you stare. It's live miniature screens right there, just for you.

The flashes of Harry's past are astonishing.

You gaze at the image of him holding an infant, a bottle in hand.

"Come on, you have to drink."

The crying of the child caused his face to fall. You press your hand to the glass, because behind that sadness, a single tear drops from his cheek, right onto the baby's face.

You can see from his expression that he's exhausted, but he's still so gentle.

"I'm sorry I couldn't protect them, protect you (Y/N)."

The insistent fusing of the infant seems to stop, and when those small eyes look up at him, you can see the smile begin to work on his lips.

"I promise I won't ever let anything happen to you."

This time when he offers the bottle, she takes it happily, drinking.

Harry simply smiles.

"I'll protect you forever."

All of those memories rush right by. One particular image has you reaching out. You step through the mirrored wall in front of you, and your body appears to phase right through.

Your head turns, because you're standing in the middle of a carnival. Your intention is to look for Harry, but the sound of a crying child distracts you. Turning your head, you move towards the girl that's standing off to the side, sobbing as she desperately tries to wipe her tears away.

You kneel.

"Hey, what's wrong? Did you lose your parents?"

The young girl looks up and you're stunned at the reflection of yourself as a toddler.

"H-He told me to stay there but I didn't listen. I-I can't find my brother." She breaks out in another fit of tears and you do your best to calm her down. It's strange, seeing yourself like this.

"It's okay, don't worry. I'm going to help you find Harry."

Her eyes widened, hope now clear.

"You know my brother?"

"Yes, come on, let's go and look for help."

She reaches out, but pauses.

"What's wrong?"

"He says that I shouldn't talk to strangers."

You can't hide the smile.

"Well then we should become acquainted. My name is (Y/N)."

Her eyes light up.

"That's my name!"

Despite the tears that are still present, she's smiling brightly.

"That's awesome, when we find your brother we should tell him." She nods eagerly, grabbing your hand. You laugh as she begins pulling you in a random direction.

"I think we're going in the wrong direction." You offer with a giggle. She stops, looking around the sea of bodies the best she can given her height.

You search the area, spotting the tent.

"It's this way."

She tightens her hold as you head for the tent. It takes a while to get to the other side. When you do, you spot a familiar head of dark hair. It takes her a moment to spot Harry, but the moment she does, she's ecstatic.

"HARRY!!"

Her call draws her in, and he sprints in her direction. She releases your hand immediately, running frantically. The second she's within reach, he picks her up, hugging her.

"I-I'm sorry Harry."

She's crying again and he shakes his head.

"It's okay, I'm just glad you're safe. Please don't wander off like that again. I almost had a heart attack."

She nods, small hands gripping into his shirt.

"I promise."

You walk over, and the officer at the tent smiles at the little reunion.

Harry notices you, smiling appreciatively.

"Thank you for helping her back. I owe you."

You wave your hand.

"It wasn't a problem. She's a sweet kid. You've raised her well. She told me you said never talk to strangers."

Harry laughs.

"That's right! (Y/N) isn't a stranger, Harry."

"(Y/N)?"

He asks, confused.

She nods, pointing at you.

"My name is (Y/N), it's nice to meet you Harry."

He's obviously surprised that you share the same name. His eyes finally focus on you, and he takes a step forward.

"(Y/N)..."

You smile, because he must have noticed the resemblance you share with your mother.

"You're going to be a great big brother Harry. "

He still looks on in awe.

The light that appears behind you makes you turn. It feels as though it's calling to you.

That must be it.

"I need to go."

"Where are you going?"

You smile at the younger version of yourself, peering so curiously.

"I'm going home."

She smiles, and you return it as you walk away with a small wave.

The moment you're standing before the calming light, you close your eyes, and try to envision it.

Your home.

All those years, all the times that you felt out of place but Harry had managed to easily put those fears at ease.

The light that encompasses your body makes you smile and without a second thought, you step forward.

You expect your feet to touch solid ground, but it's possible there was a miscalculation.

"AHHHH!!"

Your body drops out of thin air and you groan at the hard floors.

"Damn powers."

This is definitely going to take some getting used to.

"(Y/N).."

It takes a moment to realize that you're not alone.

Clark, Harry, Jonathan and Martha. They all looked shocked, then relieved. You straighten slightly. Although you hoped you'd finally got it down, you could have just as easily ended up a few years off. But you're here.

Back.

You barely get a word out, because Harry rushes over and pulls your right into his arms. You're a bit stiff at first, but your hands slowly lower and you smile.

"I missed you too meanie."

You bury your face into his chest and Harry laughs, holding on tighter.

~~~

"So it's only been two days?"

Clark nodded.

"We weren't sure when or where you would come back. I was a little worried about Dr. Wells being on his own so I sort of forced him to come over for dinner."

Harry looks away and you giggle.

"He's like that. You'll get used to the whole brooding act." You explain, patting Harry's arm.

Jonathan and Martha are still trying to grasp all they've been told.

"So you're saying that you came from another point in time?" Jonathan asks.

"Yes, specifically I came from the past. I saw them. My mom and dad." Harry turns.

"Y-You saw Gail and Matt?"

You take his hand, smiling.

"I saw them and I saw you. All the memories. From the point that you adopted me, straight to the present. Harry, I knew you sacrificed a lot. Taking me in, raising me. I've been saying it a lot recently but I really am grateful for all you've done for me. You've never asked for anything but my happiness and I need you to know just how grateful I am. I love you Harry."

It's not often that Harry gets emotional. He never truly had family to speak of and the ones he gained he lost far to earlier. Then he took on the mantle of a parent to repay a debt he felt obligated to fill.

Looking at you, all grown up, he realizes that he wouldn't change a thing in his life.

Not loving your parents or loving you.

"I love you too, (Y/N)."

You are the one he treasures most in the world and he's grateful.

"When Clark and I get married I'll definitely name my kid after you."

His face immediately changes and Clark stammers.

"M-Married!"

"Yep, you know all my secrets, besides think about how awesomely strong our kids would be."

Jonathan laughs because Harry's glare is now fixed on Clark.

"I guess we won't have to harass you both for grandkids then."

"Dad!!"

"Don't worry Mr. Kent, we'll have three kids, that way you all get a chance to name at least one."

"(Y/N)!!!!"

It's clear that he has a lot to prepare for in the future.