Here's a delightful (late) Christmas present for you all, I do hope that you enjoy it.
Historia sat down next to Harry, captivated by a small flaming bird that danced around his fingers. Childish delight gripped the farm girl as she watched him intently, amazed by what the black haired man was capable of doing. His power ignored the laws of reality, like the world around them was mere strings to be bend by his fingers. The past hour had been the strangest, yet happiest she could ever remember being in her empty life.
"You're amazing, Mr. Wizard," the blond girl looked up at him in admiration.
"You can just call me Harry. There's no need for fancy titles, Historia," the man chuckled.
"I'm sorry!" Historia hastily blurted out, worried that she might have somehow offended him. She was surprised when his other hand gently rested on her shoulder, offering silent reassurance.
"Don't be afraid of speaking your mind to me. I won't get angry," the older man assured. Historia breathed a sigh of relief at that, glad that she was still on his good side. The kindness he had shown her gave comfort to her lonely heart, and she couldn't bear the thought of her savior hating her.
And to think, he had been hiding within the very same necklace that Historia had found. It was incredible that someone so powerful and imposing could be contained within what appeared to be nothing more than a pretty trinket. Even now her fingers still clutched the golden bird, the magical necklace giving off a soothing warmth like the man beside her.
She could wondering just where this necklace came from, and by extension, Harry. Historia wanted to know about him, the strange wizard who came to her aid when the rest of the world seemed to despise her existence. As the flaming bird in his hand was extinguished, Historia gathered her courage, letting her childlike wonder take over her questions.
"...Mr. Harry?"
"Yes Historia?" The older man asked, his piercing emerald eyes seeming to look right through her. Historia had the sense that he knew what she was thinking, which was unnerving to say the least. But she placed her trust in him, reasoning that he had done nothing but help her so far.
"Um... why are you a wizard?" Historia asked, biting her lower lip as she met his eyes again.
"You want to know how I got my magic." The man stated. Historia nodded at that clarification, curiosity evident in her wide blue eyes.
"Well... my parents were magic users as well. So I guess you can say that I inherited it from them," he said with a forlorn expression.
"Oh. So there are others like you? Where are they?" Historia eagerly asked. Her smile faded at the look of pain that appeared in his eyes.
"I don't know," Harry sighed. "I was sleeping in that necklace for so long. I'm not sure where I am, or if any of my kind are still alive." An awkward silence followed that statement, with neither sure of what to say.
"...I'm sorry," Historia lamely replied, feeling terrible that she had brought up a bad memory for him.
"Don't be sorry, Historia. If anything, I owe you my thanks." The wizard forced a smile, if only for the sake of a child. "When you found that necklace, you woke me up. You brought me back into this world, and gave me another chance at life. So I guess you could say that I owe you."
"But you already helped me. You scared those boys away..." Historia mumbled, think about those awful boys that tormented her not even an hour ago.
"I would have done that regardless. I hate bullies with a passion," Harry wryly commented, a look of disdain at the mention of those brats. "My point remains: I'm willing to help you out with a favor, Historia."
A favor from a powerful magic user? It was the stuff of her storybooks, of childhood fantasy, yet it was right within her grasp. The possibilities of what he could do for her seemed endless, yet H knew what she would like, if it were possible.
"Then... can you teach me how to do magic like you?" Historia asked with a hint of excitement in her voice. The thought of using magic to do the things that he could gave her a burst of glee. The power to bend the world to ones hands seemed to good an opportunity to pass up. She could do whatever she wanted if she had magic, she would be a good girl and make other people love her, and no one could hurt her ever again.
But the sympathetic shake of the wizards head snuffed out the fire of that fantasy.
"I'm afraid not. You're a muggle," Harry stated with an apologetic shrug.
"What's a muggle?" Historia blinked, unsure if she should be upset by that word.
"Muggle simply means a person without magic," Harry explained, to which the girl opened her mouth in understanding. That was very disappointing, but Historia knew it was wishful thinking on her part. Why did she believe even for a second that someone like her deserved magic?
Historia then thought of her mother, who had long since abandoned her. The mother who hated the existence of her own daughter. The mother who shoved her daughter to the ground when she tried to hug her for the first time. The mother who opened lamented not having the courage to kill her daughter. The mother that Historia didn't even know the name of.
Even now, knowing that her mother didn't want her was a constant agony for Historia. Knowing that she was so worthless, that even her own mother didn't want her. But maybe Harry could help her. Maybe he could find her mother, and use his magic to make her love her daughter?
But no, Historia realized that wasn't what she really wanted. Even if Harry could force her estranged mother to love her daughter, it would be a lie. It would not the pure, unconditional love of a mother that Historia so desperately craved. It hurt to think about, But Historia knew that Harry couldn't force her mother to love her. It just wasn't meant to be.
Which left just one thing that Historia wanted: his friendship, if it were possible. True the written notes Harry had left her already professed that, but it wasn't enough for Historia. She needed to hear the words from his own mouth. She needed to be sure.
However, self-doubt still persisted in the back of her head, whispering that she wasn't worth his time. That Historia didn't deserve the kindness that the wizard had shown her. That she was just a burden on his life, and that he would be better off if she wasn't around.
After all, if her own mother didn't want Historia, then why would anyone else?
"I still don't understand," Historia repeated the same words she had uttered not even an hour ago. "Why do you care so much about me?" She felt guilt for bring it up, and for the awkward silence that followed again. She didn't deserve any of this. She didn't deserve his kindness. And yet, she couldn't help but desire it from him. She was drawn to the warmth he had shown her, like a moth to a flame.
"Because I care about you, and I want to help you," Harry gently stated, as if that were all the reason he needed.
His words resonated within Historia, her mind going over them in disbelief. She couldn't remember anyone saying that they cared about her. Ever. It was impossible for her to understand, yet her own ears did not lie.
So the farm girl allowed herself a small flicker of hope, gathering her courage to speak before her sense of worthlessness snuffed it out.
"Then... will you be my friend?" The blond girl whispered out her request. She held her breath in tense anticipation, fearful yet hopeful at what his response would be.
A hand reached over and gently grabbed her head, tilting it to the side so that their eyes met again.
"I already am your friend, Historia," Harry said with a warm smile. "Did you really think that I wasn't?"
The blond girl let out a gasp at his answer, unable to believe his words. "Do you... really mean that?"
"Absolutely. I'm a man of my word," the conviction in his voice left no room for doubt.
His declaration made a warm feeling bubble up in her chest, one that was rare for someone like her. Happiness. Historia was happy. Such a strange emotion for her, but she liked it. Tears began to form in the corners of her eyes, but she held them back. She couldn't let herself cry, even when she was happy. She had to be strong.
"Thank you," Historia whispered, her eyes misty with tears. "Will you stay with me?"
"For as long as you need me to," Harry replied, his eyes now staring into the distance.
"But... I don't think grandpa will let you stay here," Historia mumbled dejectedly. She knew that there was no chance that her grandfather would allow Harry to stay on the farm. Especially not if he was her friend.
"Oh, don't worry about that. I've already talked to him, and he is completely fine with me being here." The wizard smirked with a knowing look.
"Really? But how?" Historia asked with skepticism and a hint of wonder.
Harry gave her a look amusement, as if he knew a funny joke that she did not.
"Come on, Historia! Who do you think convinced your grandfather to let you have the day off?" Harry bluntly stated, a not-so-innocent finger pointing to himself.
"That was you?" Historia all but shrieked in realization. Now her grandfather's strange behavior earlier made perfect sense. Harry must have done something to change his stubborn mind.
"Well, of course! I'm not a fan of forced child labor on neglected children," Harry declared.
"B-but h-how did you..." Historia stammered, looking up at Harry with wide eyes. Just how on earth had he convinced her harsh and hardheaded grandfather to let her off working today? Though in hindsight, the answer was obvious.
"Well, I might have cheated and used my magic on him," the wizard admitted, not a hint of shame in his voice. "I'd say it worked out pretty well!"
"But... why..." the farm girl trailed off, not knowing how to voice her question. The wizard gave a sigh, looking down at the farm girl with pity. Historia was astounded by the amount of sympathy in his emerald eyes, and even more so that it was directed toward someone like her.
"I know terrible relatives when I see them, Historia." Harry gently explained. "It's obvious that your grandparents don't love or want you. It hurts to know that, doesn't it?"
"...Yes," Historia quietly admitted, his blunt words reopening the wounds in her heart. It hurt being reminded how worthless she was, but surely he had a reason for it.
"Well, I want to help you, Historia. If you'll let me," her head perked up at that sincere statement. "Do you believe me when I say that?"
"Ah.. yes. I think so." The blond girl nodded her head. Harry had shown such kindness to her, so Historia concluded that he must be a good person, just like the heroes in her storybooks.
"It's not your fault that your mother didn't love you," Harry said as delicate as he could. Historia's eyes widened at those words, shame gripping her heart. The Wizard knew the truth about her. He somehow knew how meaningless her existence was, about how worthless and unwanted she was. Now he would hate her, just like everyone hated Historia.
Yet why wasn't he looking at her like everyone else did? Why did his eyes show kindness instead of apathy and indifference?
"Historia, I know it hurts to feel unwanted by others." The wizard gently placed his hands on the farm girls shoulders, his face the essence of sincerity and sympathy. "You're were just unlucky, that's all. You can't blame yourself for how you family treats you."
"But... my mom, she..." Historia choked, trembling in both shame and sorrow as she remembered the last time she had seen the woman who brought her into this miserable world.
If only I had the courage to kill this girl. Those words from her mother still haunted Historia to this day, a constant source of pain and emptiness for her.
"She failed you as a mother, Historia. It's not your fault that she didn't want you. Any true mother would be happy to have such a wonderful girl like you," Harry rubbed soothing circles on the blond girls back, who looked ready to break down in tears. "Even if your mother never loved you, I promise that I always will."
Historia couldn't contain it anymore. She rushed forward and engulfed the Wizard in a hug, finally letting her sadness out.
"Thank you," the blond girl sobbed, holding the older man tightly in a hug. The wizard returned her embrace, running his fingers through her hair in a soothing manner.
"Anything for a friend, Historia," Harry gently replied. The wizard held the heartbroken girl for several minutes, not minding the tears or mucus that she got on his black clothes as Historia bawled her eyes out for the first time in years. He whispered words of reassurance and kindness, until finally her tears and sniffles faded away.
"Do you feel better now, Historia?" Harry asked, his thumb gently brushing away her last tears.
"Y-yes," the blond girl breathed in relief. Her chest felt lighter from the years of loneliness and neglect it had endured, thanks to Harry.
In only a short hour, he had become closer to her then anyone she could remember. In truth, Historia was starting to see Harry as an older brother figure. He had protected and comforted her, just like the kind older brothers in her books. Historia never had an older sibling before, but she decided that she'd like Harry to be one.
"Ah," Harry let out a sharp and sudden gasp, one hand clutching his chest as if he was in pain. His body shivered for a few moments, the wizard struggling to stay upright.
"Are you okay?" Historia hurriedly asked, her fingers gripping his sleeves in concern. Harry groaned for a few seconds before opening his eyes again, his face quickly hiding his discomfort.
"Don't worry, I'm just tired," Harry waved her concerns off, taking a few deep breaths before he relaxed. "Using so much magic has taken a toll on me. I just need to rest for a while, then I'll be fine."
"Are you sure," Historia asked in worry, her blue eyes nervously looking up at him.
"Y-yes. I'm sure." His emerald eyes opened again, looking down at the object the blond girl still had in her hand. "Historia. I'm going to rest within the necklace for a while, and renew my magic," his eyes closed again for a moment, as if to regain his bearings.
"Will that make you feel better?" Historia asked as she bit her lip in nervousness. Despite his brave face, she could tell that Harry was hiding a great deal of pain. She could easily see through his mask, having worn one for her entire life.
"It should. I'll absorb some magic from it and I should recover." He assured. "That necklace has magic contained within it, it will help me recover."
"Do you want it back then?" Historia offered out the necklace to him. She didn't want to give up the shiny piece of jewelry, but she decided that having Harry as her friend and feeling better was what she wanted more.
Harry shook his head in reply.
"Just... hold onto it for me. And if you need my help, just say my name aloud." His fingers closed around her hand and the necklace within it. "I'll see you tomorrow, Historia" There was an intense flash of red light from the necklace, causing Historia to shield her eyes by instinct. When it finally died down, the phoenix necklace in her hand hummed with a dying red glow, but Harry Potter was nowhere to be seen.
The farm girl stared at the necklace with a sense of confusion and wonder, her mind going over the events of the past hour over and over. Even now, the lithe girl found it hard to believe just how much her stagnant life had changed within the past few days. All because she'd picked up a phoenix necklace that was buried in the fields. Who would have thought that it held a powerful wizard inside of it?
But after seeing a moment of great fatiuge and weakness from him, Historia was worried for Harry. Did using so much of his magic really hurt him that badly? If so, then Historia feared that he would become sick and die, and she would lose her only friend in this empty world. Yet the wizard had insisted that he was fine, despite the pain she could see in his eyes. The only thing Historia could do was accept his words as the truth, and hope that her new friend got better soon.
With a bitterweet sigh, Historia tucked the necklace back into her blouse, feeling the warm from the sun slowly vanish as it set. She had missed lunch and probably dinner too, since she didn't get any food if she was late to the table. But for once she didn't care if she missed a meal. None only because she had her first friend, but because she still had leftover food hidden in her room that Harry had left for her.
With a small smile, Historia turned around to walk back to the estate, stopping to pickup the fairy tale book that she had forgotten about earlier. It seemed that just like within this book, a magic being had appeared to make her life better. And Historia felt genuinly happy.
She didn't feel so empty anymore.
With a tired yawn, Historia awoke in her bed, rubbing the sand from her eyes with her tiny hands. She blinked wearily, her blue eyes still blurred from sleep. It was just before sunrise, brilliant colors of light beginning to shine through the window in her room. It was beautiful scenery for a troubled soul, it was a pity then that she had no time to enjoy it. By force of habit alone Historia pushed her warm covers off, shivering as her little feet touched the cold floor below.
Historia had learned long ago not to oversleep, no matter how tired or sore she was, lest she face her Grandparents anger. She was expected to get up early every morning and do countless chores around the estate after breakfast, regardless of her state of well being. Her grandparents were not the forgiving or understanding type, as the blond girl had learned long ago. Historia was very withdrawn and meek whenever here caretakers were around, scared that committing the slightest offence or saying the wrong word could set off their wrath.
If only Historia knew what she did wrong. If only she knew why her grandparents didn't want her existence in their lives. But sadly, she wasn't any closer to knowing why they didn't love her. All Historia knew was to follow their orders and hope that things got better.
Touching the treasured necklace around her neck, a surge of memories returned to Historia from yesterday. Of the time she spent with the Harry, the mysterious wizard that had come from the phoenix necklace she found. Even now, the blond girl could hardly believe what had happened. To think that the strange surge of luck she had recently was the result of a wizard taking pity on her.
And yet, Historia did not know whether to believe that the events of yesterday had taken place or not. Was the time she spent with the wizard just a dream? An illusion in the mind of a lonely childhood girl? She could still feel the flaming bird necklace in her fingers, so that offered some consolidation. But the idea that a powerful wizard would be here friend seemed like a fantasy from her story books.
However seeing yet another folded note on her dresser dispelled that fear. Historia eagerly get out of her bed and grabbed it, her eyes lighting up at the words that reassured her.
Dear Historia,
I'm feeling much better this morning, sorry if I scared you yesterday. I decided to stretch my legs for a bit, and explore the surrounding area beyond the estate. Continue your day as you normally do with your grandparents. I will meet you outside later today. We still have much to discuss, and I have a few stories I'm sure you'll enjoy.
Sincerely,
Harry Potter
It wasn't a dream after all. Relief surged through Historia's chest, tears welling up in her eyes as she read the note again and again. This was the proof she needed that the events of yesterday did happen. You are loved. The note might as well have said that to Historia, a lonely girl who was starved for affection and love.
Her face frowned as she reread the part that stated he had left the estate to explore. The idea of going outside the wooden fence that caged her in was terrifiying for Historia to grasp, for this farm estate was all she knew. But Harry Potter had gone into the unknown without a second thought, not fearing the dangers that lurked outside her home. He was so much braver then she could ever hope to be.
Historia's day played out as it normally did before she met the wizard. The farm girl quickly dressed herself, brushed her hair, and went downstairs for another awkward and lonely breakfast with her stone cold grandparents. But for some reason, it didn't bother her as much, for her mind was still wondering about Harry Potter. Who was he? Where did he come from? Where there any more wizards like him? These and countless more questions gnawed at her, her curiosity demanding an answer.
After breakfast, Historia mindlessly followed her grandfather out to the fields again. She wordlessly accepted a farming tool from him and got to work in the fields. In the distance, Historia could see the other hired field hands, but they ignored her as usual. But today, the pain of being unwanted stung a little less.
Farming was hard work, especially when the tools Historia had were far too big for her to use properly. It was a struggle for her daity hands to break up the hardened soil, but she'd learned to do it regardless. Her grandparents had long since gotten Historia used to working to exaustion, but it didn't make her long chore list any easier to deal with.
"Like my new attire?" A male voice breathed right into her ear. Historia yelped in surprise and dropped her garden hoe, sharply turning around to see an amused Harry standing behind her. The wizard was wearing different clothing, not unlike the other farm hands here would wear, but his emerald eyes and round glasses made his face easy to reconize.
"D-don't scare me like that!" Historia panted, feeling both a surge of adrenaline and happiness at seeing her new friend again.
"I wanted to suprise you! Now then, what do you think of my new look? Give your honest opinion," Harry streached his arms and legs out, as if to make sure everyone in the fields could see him. Gone was the strange and worn black clothing he had on when they first met. Now he wore a red and black plaid shirt, with blue overalls and simple brown boots. All he needed was a damn pitchfork and straw hat and the wizard would look like a typical farmer. Well, aside from the bag he still wore around his shoulder, the contents unknown to Historia.
"You look... nice, I guess," Historia lamely replied, before a sudden though came to her. "You didn't steal those clothes, did you?" Historia nervously squeaked, immediately regretting the words that left her mouth. She felt a twing of shame that she would accuse her new friend of stealing.
"Now don't be ridiculous, Historia. An upstanding man like myself would never resort to petty thievery," Harry puffed out his chest proudly, making the girl giggle a bit, relieved that there was no anger at her accusation. "If you must know, I traded for them in the nearby town."
"What did you trade for them," Historia asked with curiosity. Though she flinched in suprise when Harry poked her nose in a playful manner.
"Ah ah ah! That's a secret, Historia. Maybe I'll tell you later," Harry smiled. "Now then, it's my first day on the job, so would you kindly teach me how to do farmwork?"
"W-what?" Historia stutted in suprise. 'Are you saying that-"
"-I'll be working with you from now on? Yes," Harry smiled genuinly.
"Really?" Historia gasped, her eyes beaming at the prospect.
"Absolutly!" The wizard confirmed, a proud smile on his face. "It's been a while since I've done manual labor, but I will help you get this work done."
"But what about-" Historia glanced around at the distant farm hands, but they were too busy with their work to notice the duo's conversation.
"As far as they know, I'm just a new worker hired for this farm. You grandparents also think that," Harry said with a mischievous smile, one that promised that he had used his magic just to make this opportunity reality. Just to make the life of an unwanted farm girl more bearable. "It looks like I'll be working with you from now on, Historia."
With a happy smile on her face and her voice humming a cheerful song, Frieda Reiss walked down the worn dirt road. Her black riding boots made long strides as she walked toward the distant farming estate, eager at the thought of seeing her half-sister again. As the daughter of the lord who owned this land, no one would dare question her presence. This left Frieda free to travel here, and visit her darling Historia again.
Frieda wore a long sleeved white blouse with a long navy blue skirt, her outfit looking far more fine then anything a peasant could hope to afford. Her eyes were a rich blue, filled with rare kindness and warmth. Her long black hair was kept clean and brushed to perfection, with a large straw sunhat on her head. Finally a satchel with a shoulder strap rested at her waist, filled with everything she needed for this trip.
Historia will love this book. Frieda patted her satchel, feeling rather pleased with herself. Historia would be delighted to see her again, once Frieda returned her memories, of course. Just a simple touch of foreheads, and Historia would remember the lost memories Frieda had locked away. From all the wonderful books they read, to the times Frieda took her horseback riding, and the countless treats and meals they shared under the trees. For another few short hours, Historia would forget her isolation from the world, and spend time with the big sister who loved her dearly.
Frieda hated doing this to her half-sister. She hated spending countless hours with Historia, only to alter her memories afterwards, leaving her little sister lonely and miserable again. But it was for her own protection. Historia's life was in peril the moment she was born. Her life was a stain on the noble Reiss family, an unwanted child born from her father's infidelity. If they royal assemble ever learned of Historia's existence, they would surely call for her death. So her father kept Historia on this isolated farm, to be hidden away like something dirty and shameful.
Alma. A frown appeared on Frieda's face at the thought of that horrid woman, the cause of Historia's misfortune. Out of all the maids her father had an affair with, it had to be the one who was worthless at being a mother. As much as Frieda would preach about peace and love to one's fellow man, she did not like Alma at all. The few times she had interacted with the woman left a sour taste in her mouth. Alma was a very selfish woman, thinking only about herself and to hell with everyone else. Frieda had heard from Historia of how her mother treated and neglected her, and well, it made her already low opinion of the woman sink even more.
Frieda suspected that Alma only gave birth to Historia in a vain attempt to get her father to divorce his wife and marry her instead. And when that plan failed, Alma ditched her bastard daughter to her own parents, abandoning Historia and wanting nothing to do with her. Frieda had only learned about Historia's existence by accident, from overhearing one of her father's conversations with Alma, who had become her father's mistress once again.
Frieda took a chance and traveled to the farming estate where Historia lived one day. She didn't expect to find a girl who with lonely and confused eyes, who immediately latched onto her older half sister when she showed kindness and love. Frieda took pity on the poor girl and began to meet with her in secret, without her father or families knowledge. She taught Historia everything that she could think of. From how to read and write, how to sew and cook, and how to behave in a ladylike manner. When the time came for her to leave, Frieda would lock away Historia's memories until next time they met, so no one would be the wiser.
Taking care of Historia gave Frieda some meaning to her fading life. Life was short, but her own would be even shorter. Frieda held great power in her slender body, the power of the Titans, yet it also cursed her as well. Frieda had perhaps 10 years at most, before she would have to be devoured to pass her Titan onto her next sibling.
No matter how much Frieda tried to ignore it, she knew the horrible fate that waited for her one day. One of her many siblings would be turned into a Titan, and Frieda would be ripped apart by massive teeth, all for the sake of keeping this damn power under her families control. She felt sick just thinking about it, and hopeless knowing that she could not escape it. But seeing Historia again with give her some comfort, an escape from this cruel world and the sinners that inhabited it.
So Frieda would make the most of her cursed life, by spending it with the dear half sister who had no one else. If Frieda was being honest with herself, Historia was an outlet for her to just be Big Sister Frieda, not the secret Queen of this kingdom or the holder of a cursed and terrible Titan power. Frieda felt pride that she was the one who took care of an unwanted girl and slowly taught her everything she needed to know. The fact that Historia was adorable and innocent was a delightful bonus.
Frieda knew that around this time of day, Historia liked to read near the fence here. A habit she had subconsciously picked up from their meetings together. Massive bales of hay were placed out near the fence, but Frieda was confident that Historia was beneath one of them. And so she carefully jumped over the wooden fence, eagerly looking for the familiar blond hair of her little sister.
Historia was easy enough for Frieda to find, having memorized her appearance by heart. The little blond girl sat underneath one of the many hay bales near the wooded fence. But there was someone else with Historia. A stranger that sat near her half-sister, talking about something with her. Someone that looked way out of place on the estate, and that Frieda knew should not be here.
What? Frieda gasped in surprise at seeing Historia with a strange man. She blinked in confusion, but she was not seeing things. The was a man with black hair and round glasses, sitting down next to Historia and talking softly with Historia, who seemed to be hanging onto every word. He was dressed as simply as the other farmhands who worked here, but something was off about him. He shouldn't be here.
Frieda's big sister instincts were screaming danger as she glared at the man next to Historia in grave worry. She did not reconize this man having every worked here from her countless visits, which was a big red flag in her mind. Not only that, but Frieda knew for a fact that Historia didn't have any other friends here, lest any people who cared enough to engage her in casual conversation. Paranoia gripped Frieda's mind as she clenched her fingers in barely restrained angry, feeling rage that this sinner would dare come near her little Historia.
Frieda didn't know who this bastard was, or what sick plans he had for her beloved Historia, but she would make him regret coming here. All she had to do was get close, easy enough for the beautiful and friendly Frieda Reiss to do. Then she could use her Titan's power to erase his memory to hell and back. Then she would take control of his mind, and send him packing. And if that failed, she would use her Titan form to crush him underfoot. She could always erase Historia's memory afterwards, as she wouldn't want her baby sister to be traumatized. She would do the same for the other residents of the estate, who wouldn't think twice about a suspicious bloodstain on the grass once Frieda was done altering their memeories.
So with a quick adjustment of her sunhat and a look of grim resolve, Frieda walked calmly toward the strange man and Historia. It took all her willpower to keep the rage off of her face, with a polite smile forced as the two noticed her approaching. It truly sickened Frieda that this damn sinner had come near her treasured half-sister, who was the light of her life. Who knew what ungodly and wicked things he had already filled Historia's head with? Who knew what awful things he was plotting to do to her? Frieda would have to do damage control after she was done dealing with him.
"Hello, you two! Beautiful day isn't it?" Frieda called out. Not a extravagant choice of words, but she just needed to stall for time. Frieda confidently held her head up high as Historia and the stranger both took notice of her. Frieda felt both happiness that Historia's adorable eyes were on her again, and anger that the man seemed to be checking out her beauty. Perhaps she would kill him once she had sent him far away into the woods nearby, just to ensure that he couldn't threaten the little girl she loved more then anything else.
"Oh, hello! Who might you be?" The man gave a friendly wave, which Frieda ignored with a barely hidden scowl of displeasure. But she felt moved with pity as Historia shyed away from her, not knowing who Frieda was at the moment. No matter. Historia would remember her dear Big Sis was soon enough. All in due time, once the unwelcome man next to her was harshly dealt with.
"My name is Frieda Reiss, the daughter of the lord who owns this land," she formally replied to the man. As much anger as she felt towards this bastard, it was important that she set a good ladylike example for Historia to follow. "I just came by to check on things, and I couldn't help but notice you both. I don't think we've been introduced." She looked at Historia first, a warm and loving smile on her face. "You have such pretty eyes and hair. What's your name, darling girl?"
"H-historia," the blond girl meekly said. Frieda let out a chuckled of amusment, her little sister's cute apperance almost making her forget about the man for a moment.
"Historia, hm? That's a very pretty name for such a wonderful girl. I can tell you're going to be very beautiful when you grow older," Frieda sweetly said. Historia blushed and bowed her head down, not used to affection from a stranger. Frieda then turned to the strange man beside Historia, carefully hiding the anger she felt toward him. "And what about you, sir? I ve never seen you before." Frieda reached her hand out in a flirtatous manner, knowing that he wouldn't be able to resist the charming aura she gave off. No man could resist Frieda Reiss, the kind and beautiful woman who knew how to make everyone feel good about themselves.
"My name is Harry Potter, a new farmhand who works here." The man casually said, as if he didn't have a care in the world. He reached out and accepted her slender fingers, gripping them firmly. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Frieda Reiss."
Got you. Frieda thought in triumph. Now to deal with him once and for all. For a split second her blue eyes turned into amythest, a surge a lightning moving from inside her body as Frieda activated the Founding Titan within her soul. The power of the Paths was active and under her control, and she forced it into his mind, ready to erase his memories and destroy this sinner for daring to come near her Historia.
But to Frieda's confusion, absolutly nothing happened. There was no blank-eyed stare or confused face that normally appeared when she used her powers on someone. He showed no signes of being under her control. If anything, Harry looked mildly annoyed at her attempt.
"What was the point in that?" Harry gave Frieda an unimpressed stare, a smirk of amusment on his face. "You won't be erasing my memories today, miss Titan lady." Frieda's face went pale at his statement, her confidence vanishing in an instant. He's not a subject of Ymir! Panic gripped Frieda at that realization, for her powers would not work on him after all. Worse yet, Harry somehow knew the truth about what she was. About the Founding Titan inside her soul. How had she lost control of this situation so quickly? What should she do? What could she do?"
"W-what are you two doing? What's wrong?" Historia asked in confusion. Her innocent half-sisters voice snapped Frieda out of her daze. She ripped her fingers out Harry's hand and bolted toward Historia. Frieda grabbed Historia off the ground with adrenaline fueled strenght and sprited away in fear, running like the grim reaper himself was out for her blood. Her sunhat was ripped off her head by the intense wind resistence, but there was no way in hell Frieda was going back there to retrieve it.
"What are you doing? Let me go!" Historia cried out in fear, struggeling to get out of Frieda's iron-tight grasp.
"No time to explain! We have to get away from him!" Frieda breathlessly said, covering a remarkable amount of distance with her long strides. But to her horror, Harry suddenly appeared several meters in front of her, causing Frieda to nearly lose her balance as she frantically stopped with wide eyes. Impossible! Wasn't he behind her just a few seconds ago?
"Leaving so soon? We havn't finished our conversation yet," Harry said as his waved his finger in a scolding manner. "Can't we just talk this out like adults?"
Realizing that she couldn't outrun him, Frieda harshly put Historia on the ground, bravely closing the distance between her and the unknown Harry Potter. She did not know who he was or what his power could do, but she needed to protect Historia at all costs.
"Run away, Historia! Stay away from him!" Frieda demanded, not looking back once. She stood protectivly in front of Historia, her eyes ablaze with both fear and anger at Harry. "You should never have come near my baby sister! Now you will pay the price!" Frieda hissed, her voice full of contempt and venon towards him.
"S-sister?" Historia gasped, her eyes going wide with disbelief and confusion.
"Listen, lady! You've got the wrong idea. I'm not here to hurt Historia or you," Harry explained in a hurry, his hands held up in a pleading manner. "Just give me a minute to explain myself!"
"Shut up, sinner! Just die already!" Frieda snarled with feral anger that looked out of place on her beautiful face, her eyes taking a amythest hue again. Frieda raised her fingers to her mouth, ready to bite through her skin and assume her Titan form. Surely her Titan's 13 meters of height, incredible vitality and regeneration, and mountrous strength and speed would be more then enough to deal with this damn man.
"Petrificus Totalus!" Harry shouted fraintically as his hand was pushed out at Frieda. Not a second later a blue light left his black triangle-marked palm and impacted into Frieda at stunning speed, forcing her arms to her sides and sending her falling akwardly on the ground in front of Historia. She laid there on the ground in a daze, not knowing what had happened to her.
Frieda couldn't move. Her arms and legs were as stiff as a board, like someone had bound her entire body together tightly with hundreds of ropes, and then chained her to the ground for good measure. She couldn't even open her mouth to scream or twitch a finger, she was completly at the mercy of this stranger. Her eyes were the only thing she could control, and they widely stared at Harry Potter in terror.
"What did you do to her?" Historia whispered out in nervousness, looking at Frieda in both concern and wonder.
"Petrificus Totalus. The Body-Binding spell. Useful when I want to restrain someone," Harry calmly explained, no doubt in his voice that he was in full control of the situation. "Don't worry, Historia. I promise that she'll be fine, but first she will be giving us both some answers." Harry slowly walked towards the downed Frieda, every footstep in the grass sending a shiver down her spine. She was completly helpless by his strange power, and Frieda knew all to well what lustful men did with a woman they had total control over. She tried and failed to cry out in fear as Harry knelt down in front of her, wondering just what sick plans he had in mind for her or Historia.
"Relax, Frieda Reiss. I'm not going to hurt or kill you," Harry assured, which gave her fearful mind pause. "I consider myself a reasonable man, Miss Reiss, so I will give you a chance to explain your actions," Harry patiently explained, with a tone one might use to talk down a rude and misbehaving child. "I will remove the spell that I placed on you, but I expect you to behave and not attempt to kill me again. If you don't do as I say, then I have plenty more ways of dealing with you," Harry stated firmly. "Blink thrice if you agree with my terms."
What else could she do? Frieda frantically blinked three times, praying that Hary would do as he promised and keep his word. To her relief, Frieda felt the strange power leave her body, allowing her to move her arms and legs again. She crawled backwards away from Harry, tucking her legs tightly to her bosom as she stared up at the man who looked amused by her paranoia.
"W-who are y-you?" Frieda stuttered, feeling utterly exposed and frail before him. She had never felt so helpless before in her entire life, not even when she was forced to become a Titan and eat her uncle alive. She had gained control of the Founding Titan that day, a powerful giant that could alter memories, create and control thousands of man eating giants, or wipe out entire contries if it so pleased. And yet, even the Founding Titan inside Frieda Reiss felt fear at the mere presence of Harry Potter. He wasn't natural or normal, Frieda was certain of it.
"Like I told you earlier, my name is Harry Potter. I'm a wizard from another time, who died and came back to life recently," Harry explained in a calm and collected manner, as if it was no big deal. "To make a long story short, I met Historia here a few days ago, and we became friends. Now," the wizard's voice took a more serious tone. "It's your turn to talk, Frieda Reiss. I want you to answer some questions for us both. Do you understand?"
"Y-yes! I will!" Frieda frantically nodded her head. Make no mistake, she hated being in this situation, and she certainly didn't want to answer things she was suppose to keep hidden. But after seeing what Harry could do, Frieda wasn't going to take any chances. The life and wellbeing of Historia was in danger in Frieda's mind, and she couldn't hope to fight Harry if he decided to turn hostile. So Frieda frantically thought of any ways she could salvage this situation, any way she could get Harry to abide by her terms instead of his own.
Maybe she could offer her body to him in exchange for him leaving Historia alone. That was the best idea Frieda could think of in her panicked desperation. It would be shameful and sinful for her to do, but Frieda would do it if it meant protecting her baby half-sister. Historia was worth any sacrifice she had to make, of that she was certain.
"That's... a very generous offer, Frieda Reiss. But it won't be nessasary," Harry careful said with a faint blush. "I can hear your thoughts, you know." Frieda went wide-eyed in embaressment, a blush now covering her cheeks which now felt like they were on fire from shame and humiliation. After seeing what Harry could do, she could easily believe that his claim of knowing her thoughts was the truth.
"Y-you bastard! Stay out of my head!" Frieda shouted, inwardly wincing at her unladylike use of language.
"Actually, I'll have you know that my parents were happily married when they had me," Harry laughed. "At least put some effort into your insults, Frieda Reiss."
"Y-your impossible to deal with," Freida weakly said. The noble woman looked utterly exhausted by their massive misunderstanding, her head hanging low into her knees with defeat. "What do you want from me?"
"Your forgiveness and friendship. That's it," Harry stated without a second thought. Frieda jerked her head up in suprise, her mouth hanging open in disbelief at his simple request. Even after she had attempted to erase his mind and kill him, Harry was willing to forgive and forget so easily?
"That's it? Truly?" Frieda asked in skepticism. "You want nothing else from me?"
"I'm a man of my word, so yes," Harry gave a gentle and accepting smile toward Frieda, who looked stunned at his sincerity. "But first, I know that Historia has something she wants to ask you," Harry stated. He slowly walked over to the distant Historia, but Frieda didn't try to stop him this time. kneeling down next to the blond girl, he whispered some words of encouragement. After some coaxing from him, Historia tenderly walked forward to Frieda, the hunger to know the truth in her eyes.
"Miss Frieda," Historia hesitantly started, mustering up her courage to continue. "Is it true? Are you my big sister?"
Frieda took a fews deep breaths to collect herself, thinking about how to delicatly handle this situation. Opening the same blue eyes that Historia said, she gave the blond girl a tired yet loving smile. "Yes, Historia. I am your older half-sister, I came by to visit you today," Frieda admitted. "You have no idea how much I've missed you."
"But... I don't understand. I've never met you before," Historia sadly said, a hurt look on her face as she looked at Frieda. "Where were you when I needed you? Why didn't you love me?" The accusation in the little girl's voice nearly broke Frieda's heart, guilt crushing her insides.
"You don't remember because I took your memories away, Historia," Frieda explained as gently as she could. 'I'm sorry, but it was neccassary."
"You made me forget you? Why?" Tear's began to well up in Historia's eyes, the girl looking both heartbroken and betrayed. "I was alone! Why did you leave me alone?"
"Historia, I did it to protect you! It was the only way to keep you safe from this cruel world!" Frieda insisted, inwardly panicking at how upset the blond girl now looked.
"You left me alone!" Historia cried out in pain, tears now freely falling. "It hurt so much! Why did you abandon me?"
"Historia!" Frieda pushed her self off the ground, sorrow and guilt on her face. "I'm sorry I hurt you! Please, forgive me!"
"No! I don't know you!" Historia sobbed, holding her hand on her head in pain, as if a headache had taken hold of her mind. "You hurt me! Just leave me alone!"
"Please, Historia! I love you! I love you more then anything in the world!" Frieda pleaded, her hands outstreached lovingly. That simple, yet powerful truth gave Historia pause, the lithe girl opening her misty eyes to stare at Frieda in disbelief. "Please, forgive me Historia! Let me make it up to you!" Frieda begged, looking as distraught and upset as her little sister was.
"You.. love me?" Historia whispered, looking at Frieda with hesitation in her blue eyes.
"I've always loved you, Historia! From the moment we first met! Please, come back to me, I'll make you remember. I promise!" Frieda assured, holding her arms out toward Historia in a hopeful and pleading manner.
Historia looked at Frieda in conflict, not sure of what to do. It was clear that the blond girl had little experience in such emotional moments, especially with her lack of social develpment. She trembled where she stood, not having the will or courage to take that first step toward her unknown older sister.
"She's telling the truth, Historia. You can trust her," Harry walked up behind her, giving Historia pause. "Go, your sister is waiting for you."
"...I'm scared. I don't know what to do," Historia quietly admitted to Harry, taking glances at the distraught Frieda, who still held her arms out expectantly.
"It will be okay. I promise," the wizard gently nudged Historia toward Frieda, forcing her to take that first step. "Don't be afraid." With that encouragment, and a firm hand from her friend pushing her forward, Historia mustered up the courage to slowly walk the rest of the way to Frieda. The noble woman immeidatly latched onto Historia once she was close enough, pulling the petrified girl close as she closed her eyes.
"Remember me, Historia," Frieda gently touched her forehead to her little half-sister, a surge of lighting transferring from one mind to another. Historia went wide eyed as the locked parts of her mind were opened again, countless lonely and empty days vanishing and were replaced with the times with Frieda.
Historia was never alone. She remembered it all now. Historia always had Frieda, her big sister was there for her. Frieda would always come by every other week or so, using her authority to take Historia away from her distant and uncaring grandparents and nurture her with loving care. From the times Frieda brought her food and treats, to Frieda teaching her how to read and giving her books, to Frieda comforting her when she was sad and tended to her wounds. How could she have forgotten it all until now?
"Big Sis!" Historia cried out in pure joy, her memories now fully restored. She didn't hesitant any longer and tightly hugged the black haired woman, who hugged her back and laughed in relief.
"You're here! You came back!" Historia sobbed in relief, squeezing the life out of her older sister. "Don't leave me again!"
"I'm sorry, Historia! I'm so sorry!" Frieda cried, cradeling the blond girl close. " I never meant to hurt you! Forgive me!"
As the two estranged sisters reconciled, Harry stayed back and watched with a smile. He was not ashamed to admit that he might have shed a tear or two. Having not experienced such a tender moment himself, the wizard was deeply moved by the affection the sisters showed to each other. He was very happy for them both.
However, he still had questions that needed to be asked, and thus he suddenly appeared right next to the sisters, who didn't notice him at first until he spoke.
"I'm happy for you both, but I still have questions that you need to answer, Frieda Reiss," he stated, causing Frieda to flinch away as she looked back at Harry with frightened eyes.
"Don't be scared of him, big sis! He's really nice!" Historia assured with a bright smile, looking back to Harry with great awe and respect. "He scared those awful boys away and took care of me. He showed me amazing things with his magic! You can trust him!" She enthusiastically added.
"Oh... if you say so," Frieda replied with some hesitation, giving a nervous look to the wizard. No doubt she remembered how easily Harry had overpowered her only minutes ago, and still had a healthy fear towards his unknown abilities.
"For what it's worth, I'm sorry that I scared you earlier, Frieda," Harry held his hand out towards her expectantly, a symphatetic smile on his face. "If you're willing to forgive me, I do wish to be your friend rather then enemy."
Frieda thought of saying no to the wizard at first. Though upon thinking of it further, she had to grudgingly admit that Harry was in the right here, as she had planned to erase his memory and kill him, after all. And upon seeing the hopeful and excited look in Historia's eyes, Frieda couldn't find it in herself to refuse.
"Alright. But I want you to answer some of my questions as well," Frieda insisted, carefully taking hold of the wizards hand, as if afraid it would burn her. Thankfully she only felt his warm and strong fingers, which she let out a slight blush at.
"Fine by me. I have nothing to hide from either of you," Harry gave an accepting look towards both of the Reiss sisters, his emerald eyes filled with warmth and the desire to share a story. "Let me tell you about myself, and the world which I came from."