Save Me
by hotsforharry
Disclaimer: The world of Harry Potter, its characters and settings are the copyrighted works of J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., her publishing companies and affiliates. No profit was made from the writing of this story nor was any malice intended in any way, shape or form to the author or the actors/actresses who so brilliantly have brought them to life.
WARNING! SPOILERS FOR OOTP!
Chapter One: The Rescue
It was an unusually anxious day at the Order of the Phoenix's headquarters in 12 Grimmauld Place. They were waiting for a letter from one Harry James Potter, to tell them that he was fine and his aunt and uncle were feeding him. Harry had done his part and sent a letter to the Order every three days for two and a half weeks now, but it had been four days since the last letter.
Remus Lupin was in the library pouring over Harry's letters to see if there was anything suspicious in them. He would stare at them for a couple of moments, jump up, start pacing in front of the window, then sit back down with the letters. The process then began again. Anyone watching would soon become dizzy.
At this current moment, Remus was again sitting in his chair with his brow furrowed. Most of Harry's letters went something like this:
Dear Professor Lupin,
I am doing fine. The Dursleys are feeding me, so no need to worry. Well, I have to finish my homework. I hope I can see you soon.
Harry
He was just going over this for the eighth time, when the door opened and Severus Snape walked in. He looked at Remus and sneered, "The brat still hasn't replied then? Shouldn't be surprised with that father and mutt of a godfather."
Remus was much too tired to retaliate too violently, as the full moon was just the other day, so he settled for glaring at Snape and sending him a nasty comment. He had just opened his mouth when Hedwig, Harry's owl, flew through the window clutching a letter. It read:
Dear Professor Lupin,
I am so sorry for sending this late. I woke up this morning to discover I'd slept for a whole day. Tell everyone I'm sorry for the worry I caused.
Harry
Remus closed his eyes in relief then ran to the kitchen to notify the rest of the Order that Harry seemed fine. But one thing still nagged on his mind.
When he had finished reading the letter aloud, most worries diminished, except for one. Molly Weasley was the one to voice it, "What does he mean he slept for a whole day? That isn't normal, even for a teenager!"
Dumbledore, as always, was the one who kept calm, "Well, why wouldn't he? He isn't the exact definition of normal, and after his traumatic experiences of last year, he certainly needs it."
For most of the Order, this statement ended whatever worries they may have had. However, Molly Weasley, Arthur Weasley, Remus Lupin, and surprisingly, Severus Snape were not convinced. They all stayed behind to discuss what they were going to do, but finally decided to wait and read the next letter.
The next three days were some of the slowest they had ever experienced. The third day came and went, as did the fourth, without anything from Harry.
On the dawn of the fifth day, they left for No. 4 Privet Drive to see what was going on. They portkeyed to the street and walked up to Harry's aunt and uncle's house and knocked on the door.
A few seconds later, pounding footsteps announced someone's approach. The door was wrenched open and what looked like a rhinoceros stuck his head out and barked out, "What do you want? Do you know the time!"
Trying to regain his composure from seeing Vernon, Snape answered, "We're here to see Potter."
"There is no Potter here!" Harry's uncle yelled. Remus frowned at this. He knew Harry's relatives didn't like him, but to deny his entire existence was going too far.
"What do you mean he isn't here? Of course he is! This is the Dursley residence, correct?" Remus demanded.
"The brat ran away! Ran away without a word, like the freak he is!"
"DON'T YOU DARE CALL HARRY A FREAK! NOW TELL ME WHERE HE IS!" Remus yelled. He was tired and worried, and this pathetic Muggle was insulting his best friend's son. Vernon remained stoically solid, though he looked to be trembling softly. This was the last straw for Remus and he launched at Vernon.
Upstairs, in Dudley's second bedroom, Harry Potter sat in a feverish daze. He didn't know how long he had been sitting. All he knew was heat…everywhere there was heat. Then, he heard noise from downstairs. It sounded like voices: familiar voices. He strained to hear, "…here…Potter…"
"There…no…"
"…mean…of course…Dursley…"
"…brat…ran away…freak…"
Suddenly the voices grew much louder, and Harry could make out what was said, "DON'T YOU DARE CALL HARRY A FREAK! NOW TELL ME WHERE HE IS!"
Next thing he heard was the sounds of a scuffle, then "Stupefy!"
Then, another voice, "Okay…spread…search…Remus…Arthur…"
Harry tried to process this. People were looking for him. Were they friendly? Yes, of course. They talked to Remus. Okay, he decided, I'll stay here. Wait! What if- his thoughts were interrupted by the clicks of the locks on his door and the door opening. Footsteps entered the room, and then, "Harry?"
Harry raised his head to see who it was. There was Remus. He smiled and promptly fainted.
