My Own Family

Chapter One: Daydream Family

Warning: Abuse, language, AU, OOC, corporal punishment.

*Severus was adopted by Albus and Minerva when he was in his second year at Hogwarts

Dedicated to Wandamarie

Laying on his mattress, Harry closed his eyes and daydreamed. Daydreaming is the best part of his day: in his daydreams there is no pain, no yelling, no hate - just love. He daydreamed of a family that loved him. In his daydreams his family always hold him close and read him bedtime stories about a cute animals or even a choo-choo train that "thinks he can."

Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon only ever read to Dudley. . . I wish they would read to me. He sniffled and held in his whimpers as he curled in a ball on his thin mattress. I wish I had a mommy and daddy. I wish somebody loved me. Why doesn't Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon love me? What did I do? I truly must be a bad boy - just like Aunt Petunia says.

It has been six years since he was placed into his aunt and uncle's care. No matter how hard he tried to convince himself that someday he would be rescued, it is days like these where this hope begins to fade away and his daydreams feel like his only hope of happiness.

Curling into a tighter ball, Harry clenched his eyes shut and forced himself to focus on his imaginary family.

A bang on the closet door caused Harry's daydream to shatter. "Freak! Get the Hell out of there and make my damn breakfast! Stop being such a lazy shit all the time! You are fuckin' six-years old - I shouldn't have to wake your lazy ass up every damn day!"

Flinching at his uncle's scream, Harry wished he could disappear into his daydream again. Knowing that if he didn't do as his uncle said as soon as possible, he wouldn't be eating supper, Harry got on his knees and crawled out of the closet. Once out of the dark closet, he stood and slowly made his way to the kitchen.

Leaving out a sad sigh, Harry thought about his happy little, pretend family as he cracked eggs into the skillet. Why can't that family be my real family?

"While we are out shopping for Dudley's fall school clothes, you will mow the lawn, weed the garden and scrub the bathroom. When I get home, if I can't see my reflection on the toilet you will regret it. Am I understood, Freak?!" Vernon snapped from his seat at the table. He barely looked at him as he threatened him and then returned to reading the newspaper.

Knowing exactly what his uncle expected of him, Harry gave a small nod and continued to cook. "Yes, Uncle Vernon."

Throwing the boy a glare, Vernon narrowed his eyes at the paper. "Aren't you done cooking yet?! You're so fuckin' slow!"

Biting his lip from saying something he would surely regret. Harry continued to flip the scrambled eggs. "The eggs need to be thoroughly cooked, Uncle Vernon."

Scrambling to his over-sized feet, Vernon lunged toward the boy and roughly grabbed his collar bone, "Is that back talk I hear coming from your freakish mouth?!" Giving him a shake, Vernon continued to yell at Harry - spittle flying from his mouth. "I'll teach you to respect your elders!" Hitting him upside the head, Vernon grumbled foul words under his breath and then returned to his seat at the table. "Finish up!"

Taking in shaky, uneven breaths, Harry tried to calm his nerves. It's not like this is the first time he has been rough-housed by his uncle but every single time still scares the daylights out of him!

With his eyes closed, he quickly tried to reclaim his nerves and then flipped the eggs one last time. He flinched as he noticed a tiny bit of dark brown on the yellow eggs. Uncle Vernon is going to flip!

Vernon took a sniff of the air and immediately glared daggers at the boy. "Did you burn breakfast?"

Biting his lip, Harry twiddled his fingers behind his back. "I-it's not burnt, Uncle Vernon. It's just a little brown."

Infuriated, Vernon jumped to his feet and smacked the skillet out of Harry's small hands. Pointed at the mess on the floor, Vernon grabbed the back of Harry's neck and forced him down on his hands and knees. "Clean this shit up, Freak!"

Forcibly blinking his tears away, Harry quickly tried to pick all the pieces of egg up off the floor. It's best to clean up as fast as possible - you never know if Uncle Vernon will decide to give him a swift kick while in this position.

Entering the kitchen, Petunia wrinkled her nose at the smell and scene before her. "What did he do this time?" She snapped irritably as she walked around Harry's mess to get to the table.

Vernon grumbled about Harry's stupidity and lack of ability to do anything correct. Then, moving into the family room, he called to Petunia, "Tuney, get Diddykins. We will go to the cafe before going on our shopping trip."

Standing from the table, she looked down at Harry in disgust. With her lip curled, she said in an icy tone, "You will never amount to anything. Six-years old and can't even cook scrambled eggs. . . Pathetic! You're just like your good-for-nothing parents!" Looking around the kitchen, she snarled, "I expect this kitchen to be sparkling by the time we return home or Vernon will break in his new belt we are buying today. Am I understood, Freak?"

Keeping his eyes lowered to the ground, Harry gave a small nod of his head and replied in a timid voice, "Yes, Aunt Petunia." He stayed crouched on the kitchen floor, unmoving until he heard his aunt, uncle and cousin close the front door behind them.

Leaving out a heart-broken, pent up sob, Harry stood from his position and stretched his muscles.

Taking the "ruined" scrambled eggs, Harry put them on a plate and sat down to eat. He ate what he could until he felt as if his stomach would burst from over-eating.

Slouching on the wooden seat, Harry let out a sigh and closed his eyes. They are never going to love me. They are never going to be like my daydream family. Opening his wet, emerald eyes, Harry felt his heart pound furiously with determination: Why do I have to put up with them? They don't love me. They don't even claim me as their nephew! I can make my own family. I can leave and find someone to love me! My daydream family is out there somewhere - if they weren't real then I wouldn't have the daydreams about them. Standing from the seat, Harry left his used plate on the table and scurried to his cupboard under the stairs.

Inside the cupboard he grabbed Dudley's hole-filled, red sweatshirt, his plastic army men (which he shoved in his trouser pocket) and last but definitely not least, Max.

Max used to be one of Dudley's stuffed animals. One day Dudley got mad while playing a video game and ripped Max's head off. The next day, when Harry was cleaning Dudley's bedroom, Harry took Max and sewed the stuffed animal back together in his cupboard. Sure Max looks like a Frankenstein bear with a missing eye but he is Harry's stuffed bear and Harry loves him with all of his heart.

With the hole-filled sweatshirt on and his army men in his pocket, Harry held Max tight in his arms and took a deep, nervous breath. Standing in front of the door, Harry couldn't help but feel terrified with all the "what if's": What if they find me and punish me for running away? What if my daydream family isn't real? What if no one will ever love me except Max?

Opening his eyes, Harry forced himself to gather his courage and open the door.

Looking outside, Harry glanced around to look for any nosy neighbors. Seeing none, he forced himself to take that one step and exit the house. Once outside, he shuddered and pulled the over-sized sweatshirt closer to himself. Holding Max tight, Harry stared at the long, treacherous sidewalk. There is still time, I could turn around and go back but if I do that I will never be loved and I will never find my daydream family. Taking a deep, shaky breath, Harry started down the pathway toward the sidewalk.

After an hour of walking (towards where? He has no idea), Harry could barely feel his nose anymore. Dudley's sweatshirt was barely keeping the chilly wind from hitting his skin. Shivering, Harry looked around the sidewalk. A half an hour ago he no longer recognized where he was, now he couldn't even guess where he is.

Hiding Max inside Dudley's sweatshirt, Harry rubbed his stuffed animal's belly and whispered, "It's going to be okay, Max. I will keep you warm."

Glancing around himself, Harry let out a deep, sad sigh. Where do I even start to find my daydream family? There is Babies "R" Us for when you want a new baby but there is no Families "R" Us for when you want a new family. . .

Hearing a speeding vehicle, Harry moved into the grass (not trusting that the speeding triple decker bus wouldn't wreck up onto the sidewalk). He stared at the purple bus with wide eyes filled with fascination. I have never seen a bus like that before!

He stumbled backwards and held tighter to Max as he noticed the bus slowing down and come to a stop beside him. The side-door opened and out stepped a man with a squirelly looking face and ruffled, brown hair.

The man didn't even glance up from his paper as he said in a rushed voice, "Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard. My name is Stan Shunpike and I will be your conductor this evening."

Harry frowned and furrowed his brow, "Witch or wizard?"

Stan looked up from his paper and saw the six-year old boy. "What are you playing at? Where are your parents?"

Harry bit his lip and held tighter to Max. "Um, I'm not playing."

Stan frowned, "Where are you parents?"

"I-I need a ride to them," Harry mumbled. Harry held Max tight against his chest, fully believing that his bear would protect him from any dangerous strangers.

Stan kept a frown on his face but stepped to the side, "What is your name, child?"

Harry entered the bus and stared at the beds with wide, confused eyes. This is peculiar. He barely heard Stan's question and he quickly tried to make up a name. Thinking of his first grade teacher's name, Mrs. White, Harry used her last name. "My name is James White." He quickly glanced at the man, hoping he would believe his lie.

Stan pointed to the bed, "Take a seat, James, and hold on tight."

Harry quickly did as he was told and looked around at the sleeping forms around him. He overheard an elderly lady talking about a place called the Leaky Cauldron. He could feel Stan staring at him and so he looked up at the man. "Can I help you?"

Stan sighed as if annoyed with the little boy. "You never told me where I need to take you."

"Oh." Harry could feel his heart pounding with nervousness. "Um, the Leaky Cauldron, sir." As soon as he told Stan this, the bus jumped forward and sped off down the road. Harry held on the bed as tight as he could, his knuckles turned white and even then he wished he could hold on tighter. Who gave this man a license?

Looking around the bus some more, Harry felt himself shudder as he saw a head hanging from the rear-view mirror. Just when he thought things couldn't get any weirder, he heard the head talk to Stan. I must have fallen asleep. This has to be dream! Pinching himself, Harry winced and realized he was, in fact, awake.

Stan stared at the boy with a curious look, "Are you sure your parents are at the Leaky Cauldron?"

Harry gave a quick nod, "Yes, sir. I-I was at a friend's house and they told me to take this bus and meet them at the Leaky Cauldron." A little white lie never hurt anyone.

Much to Harry's surprise, the Knight bus came a sudden stop. Harry held on with all of his might and clenched his eyes closed. Where are their seat belts?!

Stan walked over to Harry's bed and helped the little boy off the bed, "We are here. Don't worry about paying, Ernie said it's on the house." He stood and watched until Harry entered the pub.

Looking around the dark building, Harry noticed tons of people sitting around the long table drinking drinks he had never seen before. His eyes grew wide and felt as if they could pop out of his head when he noticed a couple of the people stirring their drinks with a stick and saying Latin words.

Where am I? Why are these people so weird?

A plump, giddy lady came up to him and sized him up and down, "Little one, where are you parents?"

Harry sighed and wished people would stop asking him that, "Um. I'm supposed to meet them here." He looked at the table and caught eyes with a pale, sleek man with long black hair. This man's eyes did not seem friendly since they were a deep black - it felt as if the man could suck his soul out just by looking at him.

The lady nodded, "In that case I will set up a room for you. You look peaky and tired. Food and a good nap will do you good until your parents arrive." With that, she gently took hold of his shoulders and led him upstairs.

Severus furrowed his brow as he watched Daisy Dodderidge lead the child up the stairs.

As soon as he caught eyes with that boy he immediately recognized him. The emerald eyes, crazy brown hair and lightning bolt scar on his forehead gave him away. How has no one else recognized him though? Blubbering idiots.

The real question of the day though is: Why is the Potter brat here? Why isn't he with his guardians?

Taking the last gulp of his Firewhiskey, Severus placed the empty mug on the table and stood to go speak with Potter.

Harry jumped in surprise as he heard a loud knock on the door of his room. Is the food cooked already? Harry nervously got off the bed and walked over to the door. He held Max tight as he cautiously opened the door and peaked out.

In the hallway stood the menacing looking man he caught eyes with earlier. Oh No! He has come to suck my soul out! Harry quickly tried to shut the door but the man pushed it open with ease and entered.

Severus glared at the daring boy, "Do you have no manners, Potter?"

Harry's jaw dropped. "H-how do you know my name?"

Severus' glare deepened, "Don't play games with me, Potter! Why aren't you with your relatives? Did you run away?"

Harry took a step away from the man in black. Holding Max tight, Harry could feel himself growing afraid. "Maybe."

Severus closed the gap between him and the child. Bending down, he looked Harry in the eyes, "Answer my question! Why are you not with your relatives?"

Harry tried to step away from the man but he was stopped by his strong arms on his shoulders. "I-I don't like them and they don't like me! I am going to find a different family."

Severus glared at the boy, "You brat! You ran away! You can't run away from your problems, Potter! What did they do, take away a toy because you were being naughty?" He snarled his lip in disgust, "I am taking you home - you deserve a smarting backside!"

Harry cringed and tried to pull out of Severus' arms, "No! They don't want me! Leave me go!" Harry gave the man a swift kick in the shin and tried to run away from him.

Breathing heavy in anger, Severus went after the child and grabbed him around the waist.

Accidentally dropping Max to the floor, Harry panicked and tried to get free of the man's arms. He could feel himself being taken across the room. "Max!" Harry screamed out.

Severus ignored Harry's shout for his stuffed animal. Taking a seat on the edge of the bed, Severus forced the six-year old over his lap and pulled the child's trousers and underwear down to his small ankles. What he saw made Severus immediately stop all actions. Covering the little boy's bottom and legs were welts and bruises of all shades in the healing process.

Harry kicked and wiggled, trying to get free of the man. "Leave me go! P-please! I have to find a family! D-don't make me go back there! Please!"

Gently recovering the child's bottom, Severus flicked his wand and did a quick diagnosis on the child. He frowned deeply when the results came back. "Mr. Potter, how did you get these bruises and why are you extremely malnourished?" He knew the answer but he wanted the child to tell him.

Harry whimpered and reached out in the direction of his fallen stuffed bear. "Max!"

Sighing softly, Severus flicked his wand and whispered, "Accio, Max."

Harry watched with wide, frightened eyes as his bear flew across the room toward him. As soon as Max was in reaching distance, he grabbed him and held him tight.

Now that the child has his stuffed animal, Severus tried again, "How did you get these bruises and why are you malnourished?"

Harry could feel his eyes filling with scared tears. "They don't love me."

Severus felt his heart clench. Pushing these feelings away, he asked, "Who, Potter?"

Sniffling, Harry whispered, "Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon. T-they don't love me. Max loves me and my daydream family loves me. I-I need to find my daydream family. Please, sir, I need to find my daydream family. You have to let me go."

Severus frowned, "What do you mean by daydream family? You realize that daydreams are only dreams? They are not real."

Harry shook his head wildly and tried to get off the man's bony legs. "NO! They are real! If they weren't real then I wouldn't be daydreaming about them!"

Severus forced himself not to land a smack on the boy's backside for his outburst. "Calm yourself, Potter!"

Harry shook his head, "NO! Leave me go! I have to find them!"

Severus sighed. Dad and mum would know what to do about this. Helping the child to his feet, Severus stood and said, "Come. I am taking you home."

Nervously, Harry followed the man until he stepped inside the fireplace. Harry halted and stared at him with terror evident in his eyes.

Severus sighed, growing impatient. "Potter, come! Do not make me get you!"

"You're going to catch fire!" Harry yelled, horrified.

Severus sighed and rubbed his forehead. "Have you ever heard of magic before, Potter?"

Harry frowned but took a curious step forward. "Like pulling a rabbit out of a hat?"

Severus forced himself not to roll his eyes. "Yes, sort of. This fireplace is magical if you drop this powder." Showing the boy the powder, he continued, "This powder is called Floo Powder. This fireplace is connected to the Floo system. The Floo system will take you to another fireplace."

Harry let out a breath of excitement, "Wicked."

Severus finally rolled his eyes, "Come."

Finally, Harry came to the man's side. He felt the man take hold of his shoulders and then suddenly green flames enveloped them.

The trip was quick and soon he stumbled out of the fireplace. Just as he thought he was going to hit the ground, he felt the strong man's arms grab him and hold on to him until he was no longer spinning.

Harry looked around the living room with wide, curious eyes.

"Mum, Dad!" Severus shouted as he pointed to the couch for the boy to sit.

Harry sat down and hugged his bear against him. So many emotions bubbled inside him: fear, curiosity, nervousness and excitement.

He watched as a lady in emerald robes entered the living room and an older man with a long white beard came in right after her.

Minerva smiled at her son in welcome, "Sev! I was hoping you would come home soon!"

Albus frowned as he came closer to his adult son. He could smell the alcohol on him. "Have you been drinking again?" At Severus' eye roll, Albus lectured him, "You cannot drown your problems by drinking, Severus Tobius. How many times have we had this conversation?"

Severus glared at him, "Look. I didn't come to hear you lecture me about my drinking problem, okay?" Pointing to the boy on the couch, he snapped, "We have bigger problems."

Harry stared at the three adults with wide, scared eyes as he heard the woman gasp. What did I do wrong?

"Harry?" The woman asked. Her voice was quiet but full of surprise.

Albus stared at Severus with a deep frown, "Why is he not with his relatives, Severus?"

"I found him at the Leaky Cauldron. He said he ran away from home." He quickly noted the angry look that flashed through his father's blue eyes and he shook away the memory of the time he ran away as a teenager, he hadn't been able to sit for the rest of the week when he returned home! "Before you lecture the boy, father, I think it's important that you let me finish. The boy kicked me and I. . . I reacted and noticed bruises and welts on his backside. I ran a diagnosis on him and discovered that he is severely malnourished. He claims that his relatives did this to him and he is trying to find a family that he daydreams about."

Albus' heart broke. I knew I should have checked in on him! Min was right, they weren't the right people to leave him with. "He is looking for a family?"

Hearing the man (that Harry is positive is actually Santa Claus), Harry spoke up, "Yes, sir. I need a family. I want a family that loves me and cares for Max and I. P-please don't send me back to my aunt and uncle. . ."

Minerva frowned and shook her head, "You're not going anywhere, child." Throwing Albus a glare, she added, "You should have stayed with us in the first place."

Severus held in his groan, Does this mean I am getting a brother? Dammit.

Albus agreed with his wife, "Indeed. I will go to the Ministry and settle all the paperwork."

Harry frowned, "What?"

Minerva smiled at him and sat down beside the boy, "My name is Minerva and he is Albus. We knew your parents when they were in school. You see, I am a professor at Hogwarts and Albus is the Headmaster at Hogwarts." Seeing the fear in the boy's eyes, she sighed softy and reassured him, "Don't worry, dear. We will not send you back to your relatives. Albus and I will take your guardianship."

Harry frowned, "I don't know you."

Albus reassured him, "We will all get to know each other."

"Will you take care of Max too?" Harry's voice was timid and he couldn't help but feel afraid - everything is twisting and turning.

Minerva nodded, "Yes, we will take care of both of you."

"You said you knew my parents, right?" At Albus' nod, Harry continued, "Would you be able to tell me about them?"

Severus interrupted before his parents could agree, "Right now I think we need to get you cleaned and fixed up. You also need food in your stomach and a nourishment potion."

Harry held Max tighter, "I'm scared."

Minerva patted Harry's knee gently, "Let's take this slow, okay, dear? I know this is a huge change. Albus will let the Ministry know that you are staying with us and we will get to know each other. After a few weeks of getting to know each other, you can decide if you want us to become your guardians. Does that sound acceptable, Harry?"

Harry nodded, "Yes, ma'am."

Severus quickly got to his feet, "Good. Then let's get this over with."

Albus frowned, "Why are you in such a hurry, Severus? Do you have somewhere to be?"

Minerva's face immediately turned sad, "Can't you stay home for a while?"

Severus sighed, "I don't want to talk about this right now." Looking at the six-year old, he snapped, "Potter, come!" With that he strode from the living room and into the kitchen. He quickly gathered all the supplies he would need to fix Harry up.

Timidly, Harry followed the man named Severus into the kitchen.

A/N: Thanks for reading! Please leave a review and let me know if you like it!

Savoren.