”Nighty night, son”
It's often said that the first year of parenthood can be challenging, especially for those who are welcoming their first child into the family. The birth of a new life is a profound moment that can shift your perspective on the world and yourself in ways you never imagined. Suddenly, you are entrusted with the care of a tiny, helpless being. For young Norman Osborn, this reality was not immediately apparent. While he was thrilled to learn he was going to be a father, he also harbored concerns about his ability to raise a child given his troubled past. Thankfully, his partner Emily stood by his side, offering reassurance that they would navigate parenthood together and that Norman would excel as a father.
Their son, Harry, proved to be a joyous addition to their family, despite being born with breathing difficulties and putting Emily's life at risk during childbirth. As they overcame these initial challenges, Norman and Emily found themselves enamored with their son. Harry was a content and easygoing baby, rarely crying and sleeping peacefully through the night. However, Norman's past traumas occasionally resurfaced in the form of anxiety about potential dangers that could befall their child.
"Honey, nothing bad will happen. Harry is healthy and everything is fine. Please stop worrying."
"Yes, I try, but I can't help my thoughts. I wasn't looked after and often got into trouble. I'm just trying to avoid that with our baby."
"You're so cute when you're nervous. Trust me, things will get easier as Harry grows older."
"Hopefully..."
However, life doesn't always follow the script written in textbooks. A particularly challenging time arose when Harry turned four years old. Suddenly, he refused to sleep in his own bed and insisted on being next to his parents every night. Norman was puzzled by this sudden change in behavior. Why did his son no longer want to sleep in his own room? This was a new development that had never occurred before.
"Why isn't he comfortable in his room anymore? Have we done something wrong?" Norman asked Emily one morning when Harry once again wanted to spend the night with them.
"It's a normal stage of development. Children seek comfort and security from their parents when they are young. Harry is still so little, and the world is full of unknowns for him. There's nothing unusual about it," his wife reassured him. Norman, however, was not convinced. "I don't think this is normal. I was taught to sleep alone as soon as I could walk. Something must have happened."
"Norman, I understand your concerns, but the way you were raised, being left alone at such a young age, was not right. Children deserve love and care from their parents. Harry is fine, trust me. Your worry is affecting him," Emily warned her husband. Despite his wife's reassurances, Norman remained unconvinced. He felt the need to talk to his son as soon as possible. The opportunity arose that same afternoon when Harry returned home with his nanny. Norman was waiting at the door, and as soon as the nanny left, he sat down with his son on the couch, ready to have a heart-to-heart conversation.
"Listen, son, there is something I want to talk with you."
"Ok, what is it, Daddy?"
"Well we have noticed that you have been avoiding sleeping in your room recently, and we are curious as to why. You used to enjoy spending time in there, so what has changed?"
Harry gazed at his father with his small, button-like eyes for an extended period before uttering words that caught Norman completely off guard.
"Because I'm scared."
"Why?"
"Because the boogeyman will take me if I sleep there."
"What boogeyman?"
"The one who comes to see me at night."
Norman was perplexed by the situation at hand. As a child, he had been frightened by the idea of monsters lurking in his closet, but he had always taken precautions to ensure his safety. Therefore, he viewed Harry's claims with skepticism and perhaps a hint of annoyance.
"Come on now. There's no such thing as monsters. You're just trying to avoid sleeping in your room," Norman stated firmly. Harry's response was immediate and defensive. "I'm not making it up! I'm telling the truth!" he insisted.
Norman raised a hand to interject. "Harry, I'm not in the mood for jokes. You know the consequences of lying."
Harry's eyes welled up with tears. "But I'm not lying, Daddy! Please believe me!"
Norman's tone grew stern. "That's enough. Starting tonight, you will be sleeping in your own room. It's time you faced your fears. Do you understand?"
Harry's expression shifted from hurt to defiance as he silently stormed out of the room. Norman let out a frustrated sigh and rose from his seat, feeling conflicted about the situation.
Boogeymen...tsk! He's so stubborn. However, he now realizes that there is no danger, and he can sleep peacefully on his own without any worries.
Over the next few days, Harry stopped coming to his parents at night, leaving Emily puzzled. One evening, she brought up the issue with Norman at bedtime and inadvertently overheard their conversation. This discovery left her feeling upset.
"You can't be serious. He's just a child, Norman! You can't dismiss his feelings like that!" Emily exclaimed. Norman defended himself, "I'm just trying to teach him not to panic over nothing. He needs to learn to take care of himself."
Emily retorted, "Do you even realize the harm you're causing to his young mind? He is our son! Who else will protect him if not us?"
Before Norman could respond, Emily continued, "You sound just like your father. Do you want Harry to experience the same treatment you did as a child? To have his fears ignored and receive cold treatment from his own father?"
Norman was taken aback by Emily's words. He realized his mistake and swallowed his pride. "I...I didn't mean it. I just wanted..."
Emily interrupted, "I know you want to toughen Harry up, but this isn't the right approach. Childhood is fleeting, and he has a lifetime to become a strong man. Don't let your past demons rob you of these precious moments."
Norman nodded in understanding. He thanked Emily, gave her a kiss, and rushed to Harry's room. Upon entering, he discovered that Harry was not in his bed. Panic set in until he heard soft sobbing coming from the closet. Opening the doors, he found Harry sitting on the floor, tears streaming down his face.
"Hey, what's wrong? Why are you here?" Norman asked gently, kneeling beside him. Harry sniffled, "I was having nightmares..."
"What kind of nightmares? About the boogeyman?"
"Yeah..."
"Why didn't you come to us?"
"Because you said I couldn't...so I tried to figure it out myself..."
Norman was overwhelmed with shame as he witnessed his son's tears, brought on by his thoughtless words. Reflecting on his past mistakes, he realized he was dangerously close to following in the footsteps of Ambrose, a father he never wanted to emulate. Fortunately, Norman recognized his error in time. "I'm sorry, I was wrong," he choked out, tears welling in his eyes. "Your mother and I are here to protect you, and I foolishly believed I knew best in this situation. Can you forgive me?"
"It's okay, Daddy. Please don't cry," Harry reassured him with a smile. Norman scooped his son into his arms and carried him to their room. "From now on, you can sleep with us for as long as you'd like. And if the boogeyman dares to bother you, I promise to banish it. You mean the world to me."
"Thanks, Daddy!"
As they entered the bedroom, Emily greeted them with open arms. "Hey, there comes my little prince!"
"Mommy! Daddy said he'll chase away the monster if it bothers us!" Harry exclaimed excitedly. "Really?" Emily replied, amused.
"I do," Norman gently laid Harry on the bed, and the boy nestled under his mother's arm while Norman settled in beside them.
"We have a true superhero in the family now, don't we, Harry?" Emily affectionately tousled her son's hair. "Yeah, Daddy's the best!" Harry beamed.
"Thank you both. Harry, did you know that I too was scared of the boogeyman when I was little?"
"Wow, you were??" Harry asked.
"Yes, but I didn't have anyone to push it away. You'll always have us. I'm still sorry for what I said before. I'll never belittle your feelings again," Norman smiled. Harry nodded and yawned, soon falling asleep.
"Well done, Mr. Osborn," Emily purred. "You're quite charming when you apologize."
"Oh really? Maybe we can put it to the test tomorrow when Harry is with your parents," Norman grinned back. He then looked at his sleeping son and smiled.
Nighty night, son. Love you.
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Harry's Finale
I recently watched S4 after a long time and was left thinking about Harry's role in the series finale. As we know, he didn't appear properly in it, just a small cameo as the Patrioteer, but he didn't even have any lines. Even after years I wonder why he, one of the most important central characters, was decided to be ignored completely. So what if: how things would have been if Harry had played a bigger role there?
During battles I kind of think Harry's role would have been to fight Ock in Peter's auxiliaries, but in which group? He's not part of the old team or the Spider team, so I think he would have helped Peter somehow when Ock decided to attack Norman at Oscorp. That's what makes him different, he is his bff but different compared to other friends. The fact that he is not directly part of any group makes him very special.
But what if he hadn't fought at all but had been involved in the whole process when Norman helped Peter get his powers back? I think this plot pattern would have been the best and most interesting of all because then Peter would have had to face both Osborns at the same time when they know his identity and thus Norman and Harry would also have found out about each other's awareness of the matter. It would be a good "full circle" moment since they start out together in a limo in the rain and then end it where everything is focused on Ock. Harry would have grown as a character alongside his father and his friend and received the end he deserved. Also, the coma would probably have been somewhat talked about, like where Norman was during the episodes and of course, bringing up how proud he is of his son, and thus the development arc of their relationship would have ended nicely. Harry would have been by Norman's side through the whole mess against Ock and they would have protected each other.
And maybe after Oscorp fell down, it would have been them fleeing the ruins together and maybe later it is shown how they both or Harry arrive at the ceremony to celebrate graduation. Like I have always said, this boy deserves so much better and a proper ending to his story with two of the most important people by his side. But hey, maybe that happens in some nice AU. Who knows?
Sequel TBC by @stoneflakes
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USM Emily Osborn hcs
She wanted to be a ballerina as an adult
She and Norman met in college when they were around 17-18
Ambrose, Norman’s father despised her bc she wasn’t from a wealthy family
Emily was actually smarter than Norman in many subjects thanks to her love for books and studying
She was an animal and nature lover
Emily wanted to become a mother ever since she was a little girl so when Norman originally was reluctant to have children due to his miserable childhood, she convinced him otherwise
Harry has inherited her eyes and Norman’s hair color (+ cheerful and kind personality)
Harry was a much-awaited and much-loved child for the couple
Before Emily died, she made Norman promise her he would always protect and take care of their son but it took years for him to fulfill it properly
She never met her son because she died during childbirth due to complications and an epileptic fit (confirmed in some other sources so I wanna believe this is canon)
She was also very musical and the piano in the series belonged to her. Norman knows a few songs she used to play and sometimes plays them to Harry
Her parents are Stanley and Marilyn Lyman (names mentioned in the Spider-Man PS4 game)
If she would have lived, she would have been the chill parent and Norman again overprotective, especially after his change for good
Her favorite colors were white, light green, and yellow
She had to use glasses bc her eyesight wasn’t very good without them
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