Mr. Beta- (All hail Mr. Big Ego)! - wanted me to point out - the current plans are to keep this story going - or to have several stories. I am fine with that- but it will also depend on how much interest there is.
We also want to thank everyone who has written - right now I am responding to you individually. If several people have the same comment - then I will include it here.
Thanks for your interest - all comments and plot wrinkles are welcome -
On with the fun!
Dan and Emma watched the 3 teenagers walk up the drive arm in arm. They couldn't remember a time when their daughter looked so happy.
Harry had a witch on each arm and felt ten feet tall. Each of the girls felt special as well. Harry was always sure to lavish attention equally, each completed him.
"Mum? Dad? We're here."
The two adults came from the kitchen as if they had been doing dishes and not watching them at the window. "Oh good. Dinner is just about ready. I hope you like Italian."
Luna was confused. "Italian what?"
"Food, Luna dear. Italian food."
"They have different food in Italy?" Harry smiled, Luna never stopped making him smile. "Is it safe to eat? Do you have to be Italian to eat it? Is there a book you have to read before you can eat it?"
Harry and Hermione immediately grabbed her into a hug. He was unsure if she was joking or not, until he remembered. "Luna, you are going to scare Hermione's parents. You know very well that spaghetti is served at least weekly in Hogwarts."
"I know," she said mischievously. "But this way I got a hug and I got to scare Hermione's mum and dad."
"Luna you are so going to fit in here. Come on let's go eat."
It was a wonderful dinner. Luna entertained them with stories of all of the different animals and strange creatures she and her father searched for. Emma and Dan entertained Luna with stories of what dentists do. It took some time to convince her they really did specialize and were "teeth healers." By unspoken agreement, everyone cleaned the kitchen and the dishes before retiring to the living room.
"I notice girls the very nice rings you both wear. They are both very beautiful. I am no expert but they look very expensive. You hadn't had it very long have you Hermione? Is there something you would like to tell us?"
With Luna on his left and Hermione on his right, he hadn't realized until then that he held each of the girl's hands. He didn't plan on letting them go either.
"Hermione, can I assume that Harry gave you that ring?" She nodded in response, too afraid to say anything right now. Emma continued, "Luna. Harry is sitting there holding Hermione's hand, as well as yours. Did he give you your ring too?" She blushed and smiled and also nodded. "Harry, they seem to be afraid to say anything. Do your Aunt and Uncle approve of you giving these girls expensive rings?"
He would have snorted if the situation wasn't so serious. Both girls were scared. He could feel it coming from both of them in waves and he needed to strong for them. "My aunt and uncle barely approve of me breathing. They neither know or care about anything to do with me, unless it inconveniences them. I'll be blunt Mr. and Mrs. Granger, both girls are very scared right now. They are afraid that you will not approve of us."
"What is this us?" Emma was doing all of the talking Dan was watching and keeping his temper in check.
"Our relationship. Hermione, Luna and I."
"Most relationships are just two people." She watched his eyes, and the girls. Earlier they were happy carefree teenagers. Now they looked as if they were under attack. She saw both girls white knuckling, gripping Harry's hands so tight. She wouldn't be surprised if one of the girl's nails drew blood. "Are those promise rings? They couldn't be anything else. If it was just a friendship ring you wouldn't have a half karat diamond in them."
"Forgive me, I am not deliberately trying to be rude, but we are not most people. Even though its been just 2 days, its been such a wonderful 2 days. I would not change one bit of those days."
Dan spoke for the first time, "Hermione, Luna are you bisexual?"
The look on both of their faces answered before they did. "No. I am not interested in girls." Each said the same in not so many words.
"Alright. The inquisition is over. Relax you three. No one is going to try to break you up."
The tension left the two girls at once. Both girls had tears streaming down their faces, they hadn't even realized it. Harry's eyes were hard and determined. With those words, he relaxed a tad. But the Dursley's had pulled that number on him a few too many times for him to totally relax.
"Dan, Harry. Go get some iced tea or something. Take your time I want to have a heart to heart with the girls."
Harry immediately went back on guard and Emma realized it. "Easy Harry. This is just girl stuff. Believe me, you don't want to hear this part."
"Go," Hermione said. She could read her parents as well as any other teenager could. Giving him a push in the back, he stood up but couldn't leave until he kissed both of his girls.
"So," Dan said moving slowly to give the women a chance to talk things out. "Why two girls and two rings?"
Harry sat while Dan added ice to the glasses. He knew they weren't attacking him. They were protecting their daughter. As such he felt he needed to give him the absolute truth. "This will take a minute. Here's what happened..."
Twenty minutes later found Harry and Dan still talking in the kitchen when the ladies came looking for them. "What happened? Did you guys get lost?"
"Man talk. Things you mere women couldn't hope to comprehend." He said with a wink at Harry. Harry laughed right back, they had reached some kind of unspoken agreement ten minutes ago.
Emma hit Dan in response. She knew her husband was trying to put everyone at ease.
Hermione sat down next to Harry, but Luna sat on his lap and buried her face in his chest. "I can't lose you Harry, and I can't lose my 'Mione either. Please don't let them keep you away from me."
"Shhh," he responded nuzzling her neck and rubbing her back. "No one is taking you away from us. We love you and we're not letting go."
"He's right Luna. None of us can last without the other. We need you." Hermione wasn't afraid to reach for Luna either. Who immediately jumped from Harry's lap to Hermione's and once again hugged her fiercely not letting go.
"Luna is the youngest of us. She lost her mother a few years ago in an accident, and it affected her father. He loves her but he has devoted himself to his work and our Luna is alone a lot." Harry watched the girls for a moment. He could plainly see both of the adults trying to hold back tears. "It's funny. She's the youngest but can see things clearer than we can. Her seer abilities give her a unique perspective. Hermione as you know is the smartest of us. That's not to say Luna and I are stupid, far from it. But our 'Mione is in a class by herself. But you folks know that."
"And your role?"
"Mrs. Granger, I'm the strongest. Physically, magically and socially; but out of the three of us, I have the furthest to go. I have to work harder than I ever had in order to be worthy of my ladies."
Emma was floored. She expected the young teenager to speak of how strong, or connected, or rich. But here he was admitting he was further behind than the girls. "Em, Harry told me one of the reasons he gave them the rings was to protect them. Harry is the head of his house. A lord in their community. This affords Luna and Hermione some measure of protection against political attacks."
"Magical too Daddy." Harry is Lord Potter and he is scion to the House Black. Both Ancient and Noble houses. Both rings have protections against minor curses and attempts at mind manipulation."
"And you 3 have learned all of this in just a few days?"
"Did I mention that my Hermione is the smartest witch in many generations? And my Luna as far as we can tell has been gifted with seer abilities not seen since Helga Hufflepuff in over a thousand years? That's why I will work so hard. To protect and to be worthy of them."
Luna kissed Hermione before jumping back to Harry's lap. "Don't sell yourself short Lord Potter. You're only 15 and already in the top 5 or 10 power wise of anyone on the island. Dumbles didn't have your power when he was your age. We may have to go back to Merlin to find anyone with as much power potential."
Harry sighed, "another reason to work hard then." He continued after seeing quizzical looks in Dan and Emma. "Remember those old westerns? As soon as someone finds out how fast a guy is..."
"Someone wants to challenge him," Dan finished. "We get it you three. We may not understand everything but we get it, you need each other."
"Where do you go from here? It sounds like you are going to need help."
"I've been thinking about this. I can't be with the girls every minute of every day. Although I may want to, but they would quickly see what a loser I am and drop me like a hot rock. So I have a friend that may help. Do you mind if I call him?"
Dan and Emma started to look at the time. It wasn't too late but unless the person was close it could take time to get there. But Hermione understood immediately. "Oh, Harry that's brilliant. Do you think he would want to?"
"I don't know. We can ask." Dan and Emma only nodded when Harry asked again. "Dobby!" He called to the air. "Can you come to me?"
A moment later a short, big eared, huge-eyed creature in a dirty old pillowcase appeared in front of them. "The great and powerful Harry Potter calls for lowly Dobby? What can Dobby do for you?"
"Dobby there is nothing lowly about you. You are my friend and a great elf. I need a favor. I need someone to watch over my ladies when I am unable to. Have you bonded with a new family?"
"You calls Dobby a friend? You are great and already Potter of Potters. But no one wants an elf that wants to be paid." He said dejectedly his head and ears hung low.
"I do. What kind of wages do you want? And did you want to bond?"
"I want a Galleon per month and one day off every 3 months. And I would be happy to bond with the great Harry Potter. You would bond with me and pay me?"
Harry countered with 10 Galleons a month and 1 day off per week. "Of course. You're my friend. If bonding is what you want then we will bond. If you don't wish to then that is fine as well. If you ever want to quit to serve a new family you only need to ask."
Dobby wouldn't be moved, he wouldn't take 1 knutt more or any more time off than that. Hermione and whispered in his ear. "Okay. I am told that now since I am Lord Potter there are certain standards to be met." Hermione ran out and returned with a flyer advertising children's clothing. "Anything here would be more appropriate."
Dobby's eyes got even bigger and he smiled. He snapped his fingers, in a flash he was dressed in a one piece outfit. It was dark blue and had had one long zip for the front and it seemed a dozen pockets. Reminiscent of pilot. He had his name above one pocket on his chest and the House Potter emblem affixed on the other side; a pair of trainers completed the ensemble. "Now Dobby will be the talk of all of the other elves."
"I'm sure," Luna said.
"When it is absolutely safe for you to do it, I want you to pop into the Headmaster's bedchambers, be careful not to be detected. This is what I want you to do..."
Dobby's eyes grew big as Harry described what he wanted to do, then his smile grew even bigger. "Dobby can be doing this. Dobby is sneaky. No elf sneaky sneaky better than Dobby!"
"What did you tell him to do?"
"Nothing bad. I'll tell you later. Just a little prank of the great Albus Fumble-more."
The girls promised to brief Dobby on everything after he popped Harry home. Both were unable to restrain themselves and gave Harry passionate kisses before letting him go. Thanking the Granger's, Harry let Dobby pop right to his room. He got in a couple hours of study time before falling asleep dreaming of 2 witches.
Dan and Emma poked their head in the door to see the girls snuggled into each other. "Have you ever seen her so content?"
"My little girl is growing up. She found her first loves and I don't see it changing anytime in the future."
"I don't either Dan." She took her time to snuggle in closer to her man. "He was so protective of them. They were holding on to him so tightly I thought they were going to draw blood."
"At least one did. I saw him wipe his hands in the kitchen. How did the sex talk go?"
"It embarrassed Hermione a little, but that Luna is a firecracker. She said no intercourse until they were all ready, and if we really wanted to know they would warn us ahead of time."
Dan snorted, "Really?"
"Oh yeah. She looked me dead in the eye and she was being completely open. She honestly asked if we wanted to be told when they going to engage in mutual masturbation and oral sex."
Dan was laughing, it was hard not to like that little girl. Hermione had told them that she had a unique view of the world, but that didn't tell the half of it. "I tell you, Dan, I thought I was going to shock them. Hermione got redder but I also blushed. I didn't think a 14-year-old girl could make me blush anymore."
"Sounds like they've talked this out amongst them."
"They have. They decided the limit was going to be where ever one of them felt uncomfortable. Hermione jumped in and said that would most likely be Harry. He doesn't want to hurt or push them and has issues with being touched by people. The last being a holdover from his wonderful relatives. The girls confided in me that he was abused pretty severely."
"He didn't seem to mind the girls hugging and kissing him."
"See. Another reason this is right for them. I think Harry is right. The three of them complete each other."
Changing topics, "Speaking of intimacy, what are your plans for the next 30 to 60 minutes Mrs. Granger?"
She laughed, "I don't know about an hour. You are getting older. Let's put this on a timer and we'll see."
They couldn't know, but each of the girls was dreaming about a certain raven haired young man and their other partner. The trio was together even while sleeping.
Albus couldn't remember the last time he was this angry. Potter had ruined so many plans by accepting his head of house. His first reaction after Amelia castigated him was to try to get him to the Burrow. There Molly could wear away at him all the while Ronald would play at his being his friend and plant seeds of doubt about the Lovegood and Granger bints. Even some in the order questioned him. Wondering why they needed to call him before reporting a DE sighting to the Aurors. Unless an opportunity presented itself there was no reason to rush anything. He would be back under his control in less than a month. Then the brat would see. "It's for the greater good; after all." He said as he absentmindedly hitched his shorts up from atop his robes. Must have been an old pair the elastic wore out on.
Snape left the office while the headmaster was still talking to himself and grabbing at his underwear. The perspective was not lost on the potion's master. He now saw what the others did when he ranted about the arrogant Potter whelp. Fawkes also left with a disappointed "caw." It may be time to search for a new master. The hat however, had no means of locomotion and he had to listen to the older wizard working himself into a lather.
Harry hadn't been kidding. He continued his studies after doing his chores first thing in the morning. He knew the girls would be reviewing the new courses as well. Dudley was sleeping in this morning so he had no chance to check up and go through his computer. Except for the initial information on drugs and of course the ubiquitous porn and games, there had been nothing new in the PC. Going for a run he realized just out of shape he was. He couldn't leave that as it was, so he added a new item to his ever growing list of things to do.
Once again receiving permission to be out until 2100, Petunia didn't mind. She fed him less, saw him less often and all of his chores were done and done well. A perfect solution. Calling for Dobby he had him pop to his girls just before noon. Two passionate kisses and three happy teenagers, they sat at the table and planned their week.
They decided to show Luna a little bit of London. This was something she nor Harry ever got to see. Calling the Granger's practice they left a message with the receptionist and promised to check in every couple of hours. Dobby couldn't take all of them at once so Hermione had him bring her to Westminster. She cautioned him about being seen by people, after all, it was a very popular tourist stop with many visitors each day.
"Dobby knows how to do it Miss Mony. Then I'll bring the master and Miss Lovey."
Less than 30 seconds later the 3 of them were seeing a London that few in their world got to see. They spent the day traveling by bus, taxi, and Dobby. Even visiting the world famous Harrod's for some shopping for the three of them. The girls yelled at Harry, "You absolutely need some new clothes. We don't need to buy you a complete wardrobe but you need a couple of outfits. It was fortunate that Hermione had Harry change some gold into "muggle money, just in case." He suspected but couldn't prove that it was her plan all along. Besides, if his girls thought it was needed, then it was most likely needed. He turned bright red though when Luna opened the dressing room door as he tried on a pair of trousers. She called a surprised but happy Hermione over and pointed out that he needed some new boxers as well.
Later as they ate lunch, Hermione asked if it had bothered him too much. "I was surprised at first. Then I realized its nothing that can't be seen at any beach. Besides, I am looking forward to seeing the both of you in a similar state."
Luna was really enjoying her first ever pizza. "Harry do you want to see me in my knickers?" She stood up and started to grab the hem of her dress to pull it up and off before Hermione stopped her. "Luna love. There's plenty of time for that. Besides if you did that Harry would be all excited and there would be nothing we could do to help him in front of everyone."
She sat and grabbed her drink, "Really 'Mione? Can't you think of anything? I'll tell you how we could."
Before she launched into any detail, Harry stopped her by kissing her soundly. That would have embarrassed him, at least to hear it in public. But Luna knew this and used it to get even more hugs and kisses.
-
The kids were tired after their big day and the doctors had a heavy schedule themselves. Dobby volunteered to cook and clean and was only told to go ahead when the adults were assured that the house elves loved to serve. They derived pleasure and even health from serving people. Which is why none of the other elves could understand why he wanted to be paid as well.
"Luna you are more than welcome to stay until you go back to school, but won't your father miss you?"
"He feels guilty leaving me as much as he does. But he runs his own paper and is always very busy."
"We don't want to keep you from him, but we feel you should be near us more." The Grangers didn't even realize thay were being pulled into orbit around the 3.
"Can he come over tonight? Dobby can go get him and then after being here he would know the way after that."
Soon the Grangers were introduced to the unique personality of Xenophilius Lovegood. If there was a color not represented on his robes, it was because it hadn't been invented yet. Dobby had popped him to the back door, where he was greeted warmly by Dan and Emma. Luna's hair color and texture obviously came from his genes. But her face was rounder and those icy blue eyes sparkled when she was happy or mischevious.
"So you're the boy who captured my moonglow's heart."
"Daddy, they both have. Hermione, Harry and me. I think we're bonding."
"Both?"
"Yes Daddy, This is Hermione."
"Hello Hermione, Harry. No wonder my Luna is spending so much time away from the house."
Hermione was worried. "We're not trying to keep her away from you!"
Xenophilius may look and even act strange, but that didn't mean that he was as unaware as his detractors thought he was. Putting on an act for a long time was a sure fire way to get people to underestimate you. Luna's intelligence came from both sides. "I know that dear. She has been lonely for so long. I am so happy that she has found some friends."
"Mr. Lovegood. please sit and we'll have dinner, we're looking forward to another adult's perspective on what is happening with them."
"Please call me Xeno. I'll be glad to help. This has got to be confusing for people so new to the magical world."
"What makes you think you are bonded? Harry?"
Harry thought for almost a minute before he answered. "A month ago. I was almost a different person. I was like any other guy, except for my extra abilities and issues. Then I started to think about my life and my place in it. And I asked and challenged myself if I thought I could do better, think clearer, that sort of thing. It didn't strike me until recently that the voice that was challenging me in my head was my Hermione. Then we got together and went to Gringott's. There Luna was waiting on us. We knew Luna from school but with being a different year and a different house there wasn't much interaction. But when we held hands... it was like barriers in my mind falling and for the first time I felt whole and content."
Hermione followed without being asked. "I've dreamed of Harry since first year. I thought him unobtainable. I didn't think I was good enough for him but I couldn't stay away either. Not like a fangirl. He has enough of them chasing after him. But I had to be near him, and we've grown closer together and further away from Ron. He doesn't even feel like a friend anymore Harry." Then back on track, "Then when we saw Luna and she said we were all mated, you could have knocked me over with a feather. It was more so because it was true. I could feel it, sense it and like Harry I felt complete."
Luna couldn't help herself. She jumped over and soundly kissed Hermione and then Harry before sitting back in her chair. "I do love you two. I have been waiting for us for so long. It was both easier and harder for me. I would see you in the great hall or in between classes and I was afraid to do too much or too little and ruin the timeline. I see so many possibilities as one action or inaction presents itself the other timelines wither and die. I longed to rush to the one where I was held by the both of you. But that would have prevented so many things. It's difficult to explain, some of what involves me I can see clearly, other things are obscured. But I woke up and knew I needed to get to the bank. I broke my chinchilla bank to get the knutts I needed to get there. The tellers were most upset that I would not go outside. I told them I was waiting on you two."
"By the way. When did you learn to speak goblin?"
"Oh that, while I was waiting. I kind of cheated I looked down a timeline where I already knew goblin and borrowed the knowledge from that me and then I listened carefully while they spoke about me. It's very draining and I don't want to do it often. But I needed to be in the room with you. I've been so alone, but now I'm whole."
Dan watched as Harry and Hermione once again kissed the younger Luna. Even Xeno had tears in his eyes. "You mentioned the other day that you could feel their fear?"
"Yes, I can feel their love too."
"Can you girls feel Harry's?"
Luna piped in, "Oh yes all the time. Even when Harry was at his house I could feel it. Especially this morning, it woke me up. Harry was feeling especially loving."
"Um Luna, that was lust this morning I felt it too."
"Oh I know that, but it was mixed with love for the both of us."
Harry's face was scarlet. "Don't worry about it Harry. You know Luna does these things to shock everyone," she said kissing him. "I had those thoughts too."
"Did you see my thoughts?" Surprised and still embarrassed.
"Not exactly. But I had some vague ideas of what you were thinking."
"Oh, I bet we had the same thoughts. We can compare them if you want?"
"Luna love, now would not be the best time." Harry desperately wanted to move the conversation away from this.
"I think we can assume this bond is real. Unless they are incredible actors this was not scripted."
"I agree, Luna is a wonderful actress, but this is not acting. The bond is growing between them. Interfering with a bond can have long lasting and very dangerous consequences for all the parties. Just like any relationship it needs to be nurtured and allowed to grow naturally." This was not the Xeno that ran the semi-serious Quibbler. This was the father looking out for his little girl. "They need to be open and honest with each other and tell each other everything. Isn't that right my moonglow?"
She knew when he used his serious voice it meant trouble. The fact that he almost never used it spoke of what an easy child she was to love and raise. "Yes, daddy."
"I think I know what you haven't shared with them, I do know a lot more than you think my little Luna but you don't want to hide anything from your bondmates. Especially when you are going back to school soon."
Her eyes were downcast and everyone knew this was something serious. "I was sure it was going to be different this year, that's why I didn't mention anything to them."
"Had it occurred this year I was going to challenge your head of house to a duel."
"Daddy! He's a world-renowned duelist. Professor Flitwick is very dangerous if he has to be."
"I have but one important thing in the world. It would have been worth it. You tell your bondmates."
It was Harry's turn, "Luna." His voice dropped an octave. "What happened?"
She couldn't meet his gaze. "The first two years were not easy ones for me in the Raven's nest. My clothing would disappear, I would be shoved from behind, tripping jinxes and leg lock curses and no one hardly ever talked to me."
Hermione was very gentle, "Why didn't you tell someone?"
"I told a prefect once and it only got worse. Several times I was locked out and even knowing the answer to the riddle would not get the door opened. But Harry, I really think it will be different this time. A lot of those that did this have graduated." Her voice was pleading.
"Luna love, come here." Hermione moved her chair back and Luna hopped on her lap. I was abused a lot before I went to Hogwarts and it even started there my first year. That is until a certain wizard we both love attacked a troll for me. Harry also suffered a lot of abuse. He won't tell me a lot of it because it is still occurring although not as often." She looked at him and stopped him before he could start. "Don't even deny it Potter. I feel it and can half dream/see what happened to you. But you've taken steps to fix it. So we'll talk about that later. But first, we need to deal with this now."
The adults watched the kids carefully, ready to jump in if needed. They were certain that they were bonded and it seemed best to let the bond guide them.
"Luna, I want your word, the first time anyone in your house does any of those things; the first time they abuse you or hurt you I want to know it. This goes for you Hermione as well. You get me?"
In stereo, they answered, "Yes Harry." Luna followed up with, "but what are you going to do?"
"Luna I can't and won't beat up a bunch of girls, not in those circumstances anyways. Also, I can't challenge the entire house. Your father had the right idea. You are a protectoree of the House Black. Unless things change there is a better than even chance, if you still accept me, of you being Lady Black-Potter and Hermione being Lady Potter. If I am to be Lord Potter, then I must be Lord Potter and a worthy scion of House Black. It matters not whether I win a duel with him. If I understood the books correctly, then he would have little choice, he would have to accept my challenge. But the end result will be the same. Win or lose my Luna would be protected."
"Is he right?" Dan asked.
"Completely," Xeno answered. "Further, since she is betrothed to Lord Potter it is his responsibility to protect her and challenge."
"I can take off my ring."
"No Luna. You know ring or no ring our Harry would do it anyway because it is the right thing to do and to hell with the consequences."
"You're right and without the ring, I don't qualify for Harry time."
"That's enough of that heavy conversation. I just have one more question," Emma asked. "Harry has fangirls?"
"Oh yes! And fanboys too!"
The three discussed Harry's hazy plans for The Dursley's. He was willing to let things lie based on their current treatment of him. Until Luna insisted that Dobby pop the girls over to his house and made Harry show them the closet under the stairs. Hermione was beyond angry, she was almost at a full scream. When she saw 'Harry's room' printed in crayon on the inside of the closet she would have killed them outright.
"Harry's greatest strength is his capacity for love," Luna said. "But it can be his weakness too. Dumbledore is a fair example of this, not a good example only fair. He took a turn somewhere and now doesn't even remember his true calling. That's why we are given all of these opportunities to grow." Luna was in full lecture mode, "Harry how is Dudley supposed to change if you don't give him the impetus to change? If you forgive him and don't do anything will he see a need to change?"
He shook his head but didn't answer. He knew she was right. "Okay Hermione," Luna continued. "Now we know why we have to 'help' the Dursley's how are we going to do it?"
It was another hot weekend. Just like every other Saturday It was Harry's job to wash, polish and vacuum the car. Once again Dudley was sleeping in. He needed his rest. He had been at his friend, Polkis' house helping his friend prepare for school. Harry was certain that there was not a more clueless couple in all of Great Britan besides the Dursely's.
The trio had been busy planning this, and of course was Dobby was only to happy to help. Harry had still felt bad about setting Dudley up until Dobby straightened him out. "Master Harry Potter sir. You is only trying to help whale-boy. My last master, he did what he did to hurt people."
Hermione's plan was simple as the best plans normally are. Harry didn't need Diggle to duplicate things. He now had Dobby. He cleaned the car spending extra time ensuring the inside was spotless. Both in the boot and under the seat. He not only planted more of the purloined drugs but a thick wad of 20 and 50 Pound notes. For his part, Harry had secreted some of the coke in his trunk , but he had Dobby take that to Hermione's for the duration. Leaving only the oversized and torn clothes. Once more there were bars on his window. Under the loose floorboard, he had placed some stale bread and some half eaten apples rapidly turning brown. Hermione had Dobby take the last several years worth of tax forms from the Inland Revenue Service Gemino'd them and changed several of the numbers to reflect hidden income. A few opened and loose packs of crack on all of Dudley's clothing. Now that all of the dominoes were set up, it was time to knock the first one down.
Dudley routinely tried to hit Harry and has made a habit of trying to do so; no matter where they are; and Harry routinely ducked. The large whale like boy learned early that it takes too much energy to try a second or a third time and normally gives up. Today though while Harry was just finishing the car, Dudley walking outside had the unquenchable urge to hit Harry and keep trying to do so. Surprised at his ability to all of a sudden connect with Harry's head and body, he beat Harry from one side of the front yard to the other in full view of the neighbors tending to their yards. "See ya later freak!" Dudley laughed as he finally grew tired of Harry beating.
His face a mess, glasses broke again, Dobby followed orders and after Harry had crawled back inside he locked Harry back into his original room all the while crying before he popped back to Miss Mony.
At a pay phone many miles away DI Stone received a call about a beating from a concerned older woman. With a magically enhanced voice similar to Miss Marple. "I tell you it's not right. The boy is skinny wearing rags and the large boy just beats him and has the best of clothing. His parents don't discipline him at all. My nephew told me that the large boy routinely extorts money from children and he told me that he is now selling drugs. That fat Dursley boy just beat on the skinny fellow, leaving him to crawl into the house. While the Dursleys just laughed and called the boy names. Something needs to be done. I am calling my councilman and I am going to tell the news as well."
"What is your name, Ma'am?"
"You don't need my name DI Stone. You need to get to #4 Privet Dr in Little Whinging, Surrey."
Stone hated these phone calls. Too many of them turned out to be false reports. "Come on DS Coe we have to take a trip to Little Whinging."
"Hang on a mo." He said rifling through a bunch of forms and reports on his desk. "I saw a report on increased drug sales in that area."
"Okay, maybe there is something to this after all. Get a hold of a sniffer dog and have them meet us. Here's the address."
Harry had worse beatings both from Dudley and Vernon. They weren't fun. In fact, he resolved right then and there if he was ever blessed with children they would never be beaten. He lay in the darkness and dozed. He felt Dobby's eyes on him. "It's fine Dobby. We've both been beaten worse than this before." While he waited he concentrated on Hermione and Luna, thinking about them and sending his feelings to them. He felt the tentative response of both girls but was interrupted when he heard a disturbance at the front door.
"I am DI Stone and this is DS Coe. We have a report of a disturbance in the neighborhood."
"What's that freak done now?"
"What freak is that Mr. Dursley?"
"Oh. Umm, I misspoke. What kind of disturbance?"
"Where is your son. I believe his name is Dudley? Is that the freak Mr. Dursley?" The advent of computers allowed all sorts of information suddenly available to the police without having to wait for school officials.
"My son is no freak! The only freak around here is that Potter boy. My sister was a wastrel and he is one too!"
"Oh, I see. The Potter boy is the freak. Where is he?"
"I am sure we don't know. He has been hanging around with some bint recently. I am sure she is of low moral character just as he is. Go look there!"
While Inspector Stone had been interviewing the Dursely's. Sergeant Coe had been interviewing neighbors. More than one told him about the beating Harry took and almost crawling in the door. This was verified by blood droplets found on the grass and some on the car. "We've got blood splatters and reports of a boy having to crawl inside after a beating."
"Get on the radio, I want the sniffer dogs here yesterday." "Mr. and Mrs. Dursley you are suspected of being complicit in the beating and the disappearance of a young boy. Stand aside, we are coming in."
"No, you are not. We have rights. I am calling my solicitor."
"You go right ahead Mr. Dursley but if you don't clear the doorway in the next ten seconds you will be placed under arrest."
It was at that time, that the dog got there. He wasn't out of the car 20 seconds before he alerted to the presence of drugs.
It wasn't long after that that Harry heard a voice right outside his cupboard. He knew there were several more people in the house. The noise and the dog barking every couple of minutes as he found more and more crack. "What's in here Mrs. Dursely?"
"Nothing, nothing at all. It's just a cupboard."
"Really? Then why is there a lock on it? Open it."
'I am sure I don't have the key for that lock."
"That's okay Mrs. Dursley, I am sure I do." A couple of good kicks and the small cupboard door opened. Harry had to shield his eyes from the sudden light. "I found him," He yelled to the house. "He's conscious but covered in blood."
Several caring hands helped move him from the cupboard. He had grown some so it was uncomfortable to straighten out fully on top of the beating he took. "Are you okay son?" As the ambulance attendant cleared up the blood.
"I'm fine. I've had worse."
"Really? Why were you put in there?"
"We didn't do it. The freak put himself in there!" Vernon yelled.
"Right and he put the lock on the outside too. Dursley you have a right to be silent. Avail yourself of that right." To Harry, he asked, "Why were you in there?"
Harry shrugged, "I don't know. It's Saturday?"
"Did Vernon beat you?"
"Not this time. Today it was Dudley. He tries to hit me every day. Most days I'm too quick for him but today he caught me."
It was a long conversation and Harry detailed every beating he could remember. Both stills and movies were taken of Harry, his cupboard and his clothing and even the hidden stash of stale bread and the old apple. For comparison sake, they also took photos of Dudley's room including the crack under the mattress.
"Hey, Mr. Dursley. I have some good news and some bad news for you. First the good news. We found a very large roll of twenty and 50 pound notes in your car."
"Is that where I left that?" He responded with obvious greed in is eyes.
"That's great, because that's the bad news. All of them have the same serial number. This is just not your day."
"It really isn't," another voice said. "We found another set of tax forms hidden in the garage. From first glance, it looks like you been fudging a lot of numbers Mr. Dursely."
"My question for you Mr. Potter is what do we do with you? You're not a young child, but not old enough to leave on your own."
"I wouldn't want to be here anyway. My girlfriend's parents are dentists. Would I be able to stay there?"
"I am sure that could be arranged, but only if they agree."
The three Dursleys sat on the couch, they knew life as they knew was over. The Grangers had agreed to take care of Harry and offered to make it a permanent solution. Harry was touched by their kindness, he was certain that Hermione had prepped them, but their concern wasn't false. He was allowed to go with them while the three sat finally seeing all of the evidence against them. Harry stopped and asked to speak to them. "You know all I wanted was to be loved. My parent's left me well off. I would have been happy to share, all you needed to do was love me. Even if it was just a little."
Petunia's bile rose again. "You're a freak, your parents were freaks, and I'm certain your new friends are freaks. It may not be my house for long but while it is, get out of my house freak!"
Everyone was stunned, instead of showing remorse all she had was hate. He sighed. "Very well. You 2 birds, no 3 birds," looking at the now cuffed and confused Dudley. "Meet one Stone. Have a nice life."
