Disclaimer- I don't own Harry Potter nor do I claim to. It is the property of JKR.
Change of Heart
Harry wandered happily through Hogsmeade. He had only been back for a few hours and already his spirits were soaring. Two weeks, only two in the hell commonly known as the Dursleys house. He hadn't been sure about it when Dumbledore mentioned it but he had promised
Begin Flashback
Harry sat at Gryffindor table long after the feast had ended. He didn't care that his friends were all back in the common room having an end of the year party, or even that he hadn't eaten and the food was all away. He was so engrossed in his thoughts and his quickly growing depression that he didn't notice Dumbledore's approach despite his blue and orange robes.
" Thinking like that can lead to many unpleasant things Harry. Unless, of course, you can share it with someone who might be able to help."
" I don't want to go back," Harry stared down at his hands, " I know I have to for at least a little while but I can't stay there. At least with Sirius out there I had hope but it's fading professor. It's fading fast and slips through my fingers like water."
" Let's make a deal, Harry," began Dumbledore wisely," You fight to keep that hope. You must stay at least fourteen days with the Dursleys, then you will be able to leave. I will find a suitable place for you to stay for the rest of the summer. Someone will be by to retrieve you fourteen days from tomorrow."
" Thank you Professor Dumbledore," grinned Harry.
" Now, Harry, I believe you have a party to go to," Dumbledore's eyes twinkled mischievously," Please tell George and Fred I would like to see them, I have a few purchases that I would like to make."
End Flashback
Harry grinned thinking about the Dursley's reaction to Fred, George, and Charlie Weasley appearing on their doorstep, wands drawn and ready to fight their way to him if necessary. The three boys, understanding mothers in a way that only they could, gave Petunia Dursley a letter in Dumbledore's handwriting.
Dear Petunia,
I am happy to inform you that the use of you home is no longer required. Harry's godfather Sirius, as I'm sure he failed to mention, was killed while defending several students. He has, with his death, left several homes for Harry to choose from , and enough money to take care of several generations. As such, Harry will be under the care of his second Godfather Mr. Remus Lupin. Be assured that proper precautions have been taken for dealing with Remus' condition. Harry will stay with the Weasley's during the full moon. Thank you again for your help.
Albus Dumbledore
Harry was surprised when Petunia invited the three red haired wizards to have tea and cakes while she helped him pack. Even more surprising was his experience packing with Petunia.
Begin flashback
Harry dutifully followed Petunia up the stairs and into his room. When she shut the door he began to worry, thoughts of calling his friends jumping in his head.
" Harry," she said sitting on his bed, " I know that we haven't always treated you the best, but remember I love you. You're all I have left of Lily."
Harry started to say something but she interrupted him.
" She's my sister Harry. And though I was so jealous of her, I always loved her. If you ever need anything, you know where to find me," she said giving him a hug.
Harry was so stunned that he barely thought to hug her back as she sobbed into his shoulder
Together, they packed all of his things into his school trunk. He flushed with embarrassment as he pried open the Floor to take out the photo album Hagrid had given him in first year. Remembering what his Aunt had said, he held it out to her.
" I know that you don't like magic but you can look at it. One of the Professors, that was a friend of my parents, gave it to me back in first year," He said softly, " go ahead open it."
He watched the wonder on her face as she saw the pictures move and smile," They're so real."
" I know," he hesitated a moment, " W… would you like one?"
He watched as she turned to the newer pictures of him with Hermione and Ron, " Vernon would never let me keep them."
" Don't let him see them then," offered Harry.
End Flashback
Harry was pulled from his thoughts by a strange sound coming from the alley next to Quality Quidditch Supplies. What he saw astounded him.
Draco Malfoy clutched his hand to his chest and tried to fight the pain of the curse his father put on him. He could barely force the air into his lungs as all of his muscles cramped. His lip was already bloody and several bruises were rapidly forming. His father was angry, angry enough to kill him if no one intervenes. He doubted that anyone would show up.
He felt more than heard his father release him from the curse. He closed his eyes as dragon hide boots began slamming into him. Desperately he pulled his knees up and tried to protect his stomach. With each blow, consciousness slipped further and further away until all that was left was a graying tunnel in which his father stood.
Harry didn't think about what he was doing, he just hit Luscious Malfoy with the hardest hitting non lethal spell he knew. The elder Malfoy, caught off guard, hit the ground without even drawing his wand. Harry made sure that he was truly stunned before going to Draco.
" Draco, you've gotta get up," said Harry kneeling next to the blond, " I know it hurts but we have to get away."
Draco struggled to get to his feet and finally managed to do it with Harry's help. Harry, thinking a moment, pulled his invisibility cloak out of his bag and draped it over the two of them.
" Don't worry, I don't live too far away."
Draco was barely conscious by the time they reached Fred and George's joke shop and he was surprised to find it closed.
" Cotton Candy Bubble Gum," he whispered to get inside. Once inside, he carried Malfoy up and placed him in his bed before grabbing parchment and his quill.
" Hedwig, I need you to go as fast as you can. Take them to Dumbledore and Madam Pomfrey," Opening the window he let her go before moving on to tend Draco.
With a cloth and warm water he began gently removing the blood from his face. Try as he might, the other boy's platinum hair would need much more to remove the blood. After nearly twenty minutes, he heard the distinct pop of people aperating into the apartment.
" We're in here," he called loudly.
He wasn't surprised when Madam Pomfrey hurried into the room and brushed him out of the way. A moment later he heard three more pops and Dumbledore walked in followed by Remus and Tonks.
" I didn't know who else to call," Whispered Harry staring at the bloody cloth in his hands.
" You did fine Harry," responded Remus.
" What happened Harry?" asked Dumbledore.
" I was out walking and I heard a strange sound so I went to investigate," Harry took a deep breath," Draco was on the ground and his father was kicking him. I didn't think I just reacted. He's stunned in the ally next to Quality Quidditch Supplies. I helped Draco walk here and sent Hedwig to you."
" How is he Poppy?" asked Dumbledore.
" It's bad Albus. I'm afraid that If Harry hadn't interfered, this boy would be dead," She dug through her bag," His ribs are cracked, his arm and nose are broken, and there was internal bleeding."
" His father was smiling and telling him how he was going to kill him." Harry, despite all that he had seen and done in the last five years of school had begun to shake.
" You did the right thing Harry," said Tonks before giving Dumbledore a look.
" Poppy, if you would please."
She turned and looked at Harry," Yes, of course," she reached into her bag and found a blue potion," Drink up Harry."
Harry obediently drank the potion. As he handed her the vial he began to feel as though he was floating in water. Next thing he knew, he was in his Godfathers arms and moving towards the bed.
" What was that?" asked Harry.
" Don't worry, Harry." Said Remus softly," It's just something to help you relax. I've never seen you react like this to anything except dementors."
" Just d.. don't let them hurt me again," murmured Harry suddenly too tired to stay awake.
" I'm sorry Albus, I had to, His pain is very great." Sighed Pomfrey.
" I understand. How long will they sleep?"
" Not long, an hour at most," She replied going through her bag.
" Remus, would you please send an owl to Minerva, I do believe that I will be needing her assistance to protect several students. Also, send an owl to Mrs. Weasley, I would rather not receive another howler from her."
" She's the only person I can think of who would send one to you. It wouldn't surprise me if she sent one to Voldemort," snickered Tonks.