Draco turned to Harry after his mother left the room. Harry had clenched his eyes shut again and his hands were tightly fisted in the bed sheets. His whole body trembled but Draco didn't think it was from being cold. He stepped closer to the bed and touched the back of Harry's fist. Harry flinched and whimpered softly, teas spilling down his cheeks. Draco pulled his hand back with a frustrated huff.
"Do you have any clothes with you? Some that actually fit?" Draco asked. Harry didn't answer him and Draco wondered if the boy had even heard him speak. Draco tapped Harry's cheek lightly and startled emerald eyes flew open. "I asked if you brought any acceptable clothes with you." Harry shook his head and Draco nodded.
"That's fine. You can borrow some of my old clothes. I'm sure we could find some that fit," Draco mused as he mentally sized Harry up. "Well, come on, then. I'm not going to do everything for you. You'll have to pick them out and put them on for yourself." Harry carefully slid off the bed, gasping in surprise when his body didn't flare up with pain. He smiled at Draco.
"I don't hurt anymore," he whispered in awe.
"I told you my parents would heal you. You don't have to be afraid of them," Draco reassured the smaller boy. Harry looked at him skeptically but nodded anyway. "We'll have to cross the hall to my room to get you some clothes. I don't have any in here because this room is for guests."
"Um, sir? I-I'm…Do I have to go out there naked?" Harry asked quietly. Draco frowned at him.
"Why did you do that?" Draco asked instead of answering him. Harry tilted his head in questioningly. "Call me 'sir'," Draco clarified.
"Why wouldn't I? Aren't you my new masters?" Harry asked in confusion.
"No!" Draco practically shouted. "And you don't have to go naked, either." Draco pulled the comforter of the bed and wrapped it around Harry's skinny shoulders. "There, now let's go." Draco led Harry across the hall to his room, pushing the doors open and letting Harry walk through first.
"Wow," Harry breathed as he studied the large room filled with toys and pictures. "Your room is way better than Dudley's. And you have more toys. Dudley would always break his and Aunt Petunia would put them in his second bedroom to make room for new ones." Draco frowned.
"Second bedroom? Why does he need two? Didn't you have your own room?" Draco asked. Harry turned to look at him with a scandalized expression.
"Of course not? Freaks don't need nice things like rooms. I slept in the cupboard under the stairs. Dudley needed the extra room. He's Normal so it's okay," Harry placated the affronted blond.
"You slept in a cupboard?" Draco demanded angrily. Harry bit his lip and wrapped the blanket tighter around his body.
"It wasn't a very good cupboard, sir. I wasn't a burden. I won't be any trouble here, either. I don't even really need clothes. My uncle always says that whores don't need clothes." Draco was speechless. Everything that Harry was saying was wrong and awful and he felt a fierce need to protect this boy rise up in his chest, nearly choking him with its intensity.
"Harry, nothing like what happened to you before is ever going to happen to you again. I won't let it. I'll protect you, okay?" Draco promised softly. Harry smiled and nodded. Draco didn't believe that Harry believed him so he would have to show the younger boy through his actions that he was serious.
"Good, enough talking. Let's find you some clothes." Draco showed Harry his closet and all of the clothes hidden within. "Pick anything you like." Harry looked at him uncertainly and Draco smiled encouragingly. Harry took a deep breath to steady his nervous and shakily reached for a shirt.
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Narcissa and Lucius had returned to their own rooms and sat quietly, side by side, on the bed. They were in slight shock over what had occurred in the past few hours and both were trying to come to terms with the awful situation.
"Lucius," Narcissa said softly. Lucius took her hand gently in his.
"I know, Cissa."
"We can't ever let him go back there," Narcissa stated firmly.
"They are his legal guardians. If we want him to stay safe you know what we will have to do." Lucius turned to look at her. They locked eyes, having a whole conversation silently before they both smiled.
"We were thinking about doing it anyway." Narcissa pointed out.
"And we already tried on our own." Lucius added with a nodded.
"This has just sped up the process," Narcissa decided.
"He's already taken such a liking to Draco. It would be a shame to separate them," Lucius smirked.
"We are in agreement?" Narcissa asked. Lucius nodded.
"We are." He declared.
"Then let's get started. We haven't any time to waste," Narcissa said, standing up and smoothing out her robes.
"Of course, darling. I'll have to go get the papers from the Ministry. I'll also have to gain some supporters. Merlin knows people will be in an uproar when they find out what we're doing," Lucius sighed. Narcissa rubbed his chest comfortingly.
"We can't let anyone take him away," Narcissa whispered.
"No one will take him from us unless he wants to leave," Lucius promised. He kissed her lightly and left. Narcissa took a deep breath and went to check on her son and their guest.
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Severus stepped out of the fireplace in his quarters at Hogwarts. He brushed the ash off of his cloak and stalked out of his quarters, prepared to give Dumbledore a thorough scolding. He scowled to himself when he reached the griffin statue guarding the staircase to Dumbledore's office.
"Licorice wands," he sneered and the griffin leapt to the side. He climbed the stairs and knocked once on the office door before shoving it open.
"Ahh, Severus. To what do I owe this pleasant meeting?" Dumbledore asked as he looked up from a stack of parchment on his desk.
"Do you have any idea what you've done?" Severus snarled.
"I'm afraid I don't know what you mean, my boy," Dumbledore said softly, folding his hands in his lap as he looked at Severus over his glasses.
"Potter," Severus hissed. "Do you know what you've subjected him to? The horrors he's had to face?" Severus asked softly, disgust and fury tainting his every word. Dumbledore frowned in confusion, his blue eyes twinkling worriedly.
"What do you mean, Severus? He is safe at his aunt's house. The blood wards will ensure that he us protected."
"Did you even check on him after you left him there?"
"I did not have the time. I had Arabella Figg keep an eye on him. She was to report any suspicious behavior," Dumbledore admitted.
"Then she did a dismal job," Severus sighed as he sat heavily in one of the chairs across from Dumbledore.
"What has happened? Has someone broken through the wards? Is Harry hurt? How did you come by such information, Severus?" Dumbledore asked.
"Petunia Dursley," Severus sneered. "She had Arabella floo call me, asking me to come over because she feared her husband had finally killed him." Dumbledore stiffened, his usually warm blue eyes going hard and cold.
"Tell me everything, Severus," Dumbledore ordered. Severus nodded and began talking. Telling Dumbledore about how he had found Harry and about the physical and sexual abuse. He told Dumbledore about taking him to the Malfoy's where he was healed and currently supposed to be resting.
"He seems oddly attached to Draco, most likely because he is also a child and thus is more safe to be around," Severus finished a while later. Dumbledore slumped back in his chair his face an ashen grey.
"What have I done?" He breathed in horror. He locked eyes with Severus, staring at him beseechingly. "I did not know, Severus. If I had had any idea of what was going on I would have removed him immediately."
"I know, Albus. You cannot change what happened but you can make sure it never happens again."
"Of course, of course. I'll need to make sure that he will never have to go back. I also have to find somewhere safe for him to stay. He can't be given to just anyone," Dumbledore stood and paced as he mumbled to himself.
"Perhaps he can continue to stay with the Malfoy's? Lucius was a spy much like myself. He is trustworthy and willing to take Potter in. Besides, I fear Potters reaction if he was placed with someone unfamiliar. He trusts no one, Albus." Dumbledore frowned at him for a moment before nodding, a slow smile spreading across his face.
"It will have to be a permanent situation. They will most likely have to adopt him so that the Ministry can not take him away. Are they prepared for that type of commitment?" Severus nodded once.
"They are incredibly soft when it comes to children in need. I daresay Narcissa would throw a fit if you planned to put Potter elsewhere," Severus said. Dumbledore chuckled, eye twinkling merrily once more.
"May I see him? Is he well enough?"
"He has been healed satisfactorily. He will have some lingering aches and some of the bruises and cuts were too deep to heal completely, but he is well enough. I am not sure that he would take kindly to any strangers. He is fearful of all adults and seems to despise being touched at all."
"Then I will not touch him. I just want to apologize and see to his health." Severus nodded once.
"He might be resting. We had some trouble getting him to accept our help. If he is awake you shall be permitted to see him."
"Thank you, Severus," Dumbledore said softly.
"You are welcome," Severus said just as softly.
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Harry bit his lip as he and Draco stared at his outfit in the mirror. Harry had picked out a green sweater, a pair of black slacks, and socks.
"Are you sure?" Harry asked softly. Draco nodded, a small smile beginning to curl his lips. "You don't mind me wearing your clothes? Dudley didn't like to share because I'm a freak. You don't have to if you don't want to."
"You are not a freak and I am not Dudley." Draco frowned at Harry in the mirror and the younger boy ducked his head shyly.
"I-If you're sure you don't mind…" Harry trailed off hesitantly. Draco sighed and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder, ignoring the flinch that it caused, and turned Harry to face him.
"Harry, I don't know what those muggles told you to make you think of yourself like this but I want you to stop. You aren't a burden r a freak or whatever else they called you. You are just a little boy, like me. I don't mind giving you some of my clothes to wear, okay? You can wear whatever you like." Draco looked Harry up and down, a strange feeling of satisfaction rolling through him. "In fact, I quite like seeing you wearing my clothes." Harry blushed prettily and Draco smiled at him.
"Now, come along. We must show mother and father. Those are some of my smallest clothes and they're still bit big on you. Mother will want to take you shopping for all sorts of things," Draco told Harry as he grabbed his hand and led him out of his bedroom. Harry followed timidly behind him and found himself smiling at the older boys enthusiasm.
Draco led him down some stairs, back to the room that Harry had appeared in when he had first arrived. Draco looked around, frowning when he realized no one was there.
"Dobby!" He called loudly. Dobby appeared with a loud 'pop' causing Harry to jump and scream in fright. Dobby watched wide eyed as Harry fell to his knees, apologies spilling frantically from his lips. Draco stared in muted horror, unsure of what to do. The sound of the floo caught Draco's attention and he looked at the emerald flames as his godfather stepped out of the fireplace.
"Uncle Severus! I don't know what to do!" Draco admitted as he turned back to Harry, worry clear on his face. Severus took in the scene and sighed as the Dumbledore stepped out of the floo behind him.
"I thought I told you to wait, Albus," Severus grumbled. Albus dusted his robes off and smiled.
"You were taking far too long, my boy. Now, what's going on here?" Dumbledore asked. He peered around Severus and his smile dropped as he saw Harry panicking. "Oh, dear."
"Potter, what is the meaning of all this noise?" Severus asked as he strolled over to the quivering child on the floor. Harry's head snapped up at the silky voice and he flinched harshly before looking back at the floor.
"Sorry, Sir. I won't be loud again, Sir. I'll take my punishment quietly," Harry whispered, tears still spilling down his cheeks. Draco looked up at Severus fearfully, stepping in front of Harry protectively.
"You aren't going to punish him, are you? He didn't do anything wrong! Dobby scared him and he screamed, that's all. I won't let you hurt him!" Draco said vehemently. Severus raised an eyebrow at the blond.
"Is that so?" He asked. Draco nodded firmly. "Well, then. I guess that's settled. Potter, stand up. You are not a doormat to be laid out on the floor. Cease your unnecessary crying and wipe your face." Harry stared up at Severus uncertainly.
"Y-You aren't going to p-punish me?" Harry stuttered.
"No. As long as you do as you are told and you follow our rules you shall not be harmed," Severus said. Harry blinked up at him in surprise and let Draco help him up.
"Oh," Harry breathed, his bottom lip began to tremble and his eyes filled with fresh tears. Severus frowned at him and reached into his pocket to pull out a handkerchief.
"Wipe your face, you look appalling," Severus snapped. Harry giggled slightly as he took the offered cloth and wiped his face clean of tears.
"Thank you, Sir," Harry whispered.
"You are welcome, Potter." Severus replied. "Draco, where are your parents?"
"I don't know. Harry and I came down to show them the clothes he picked out but they weren't here," Draco explained, eyeing up the newcomer now that Harry had calmed down. "Who is this?" Severus turned to Dobby who was standing silently by. "Go inform Narcissa and Lucius that we are here and require their presence." Dobby nodded and popped away to do as he was ordered.
"Albus, this is my godson, Draco." Severus nodded towards the blond. Dumbledore beamed and held out his hand.
"Pleasure to meet you, Draco." Draco shook his hand, still eyeing him uncertainly.
"And this is Harry Potter." Albus turned to Harry who shrank away from his gaze, hiding himself behind Draco's slightly larger frame.
"Hello, Harry," Albus said softly.
" 'Lo," Harry mumbled into Draco's back.
"Potter, don't be rude. Address him properly," Severus snapped. Harry flinched but moved from behind Draco. He folded his hands behind his back and bowed his head.
"Hello, Sir," Harry murmured.
"How are you doing today?" Albus asked gently. Harry shrugged and bit his lip. Severus cleared his throat and Harry gazed up at his stern expression before taking a deep breath.
"I'm fine, Sir," He said softly. Albus looked at Severus who rolled his eyes.
"The boy's been abused his whole life, Albus. He isn't going to be perfectly normal after one day away from his abusive relatives. It'll take months, maybe years before he begins to act like a normal child," Severus said bluntly. Harry flinched at the words and Draco glared at Severus as he wrapped an arm around Harry's skinny shoulders.
The door to the receiving room opened and Narcissa walked in. She raised an eyebrow when she saw her son wrapped around Harry protectively. She turned to Severus and blinked in surprise when she saw Dumbledore beside him. She narrowed her eyes at Severus who stared calmly back at her.
"Why don't we all sit down," she suggested, gesturing to the comfortable sofas nearby. Dumbledore sat next to Severus, Narcissa sat in an armchair by herself, leaving the other loveseat open for Draco and Harry. Draco sat down on the soft cushion of the sofa and Harry settled down by his feet on the floor. Draco frowned down at the shaggy black hair.
"Harry, there's enough room for you up here," Draco offered, patting the seat beside him. Harry looked up at Draco in confusion.
"Freaks aren't allowed on the good furniture, Draco," Harry said slowly as if Draco should already know this. Draco clenched his hands in frustration before sighing.
"Fine," he sighed. Draco slipped off of the sofa and settled down on the floor beside Harry, his nose wrinkling slightly in discomfort. Harry gaped at him, shaking his head frantically.
"What are you doing?" Harry hissed, shooting glances at the adults who watched the two boys carefully.
"If you're sitting on the floor so am I." Draco shrugged.
"But you're allowed to sit on the sofa, Draco. You aren't a freak like me," Harry told Draco matter-of-factly.
"You aren't a freak either," Draco said firmly. Harry continued to stare at Draco, this time in awe. Narcissa cleared her throat gently to catch everyone's attention.
"What brings you back so soon, Severus?" Narcissa asked, glancing over at Dumbledore while she spoke.
"Albus wished to see Harry. He was meant to wait until I had talked to you but it seems he is incapable of following simple instructions," Severus sneered at the older man. Dumbledore smiled happily.
"I apologize for coming over unannounced, Mrs. Malfoy, but I couldn't wait a moment longer to see young Harry. I had been hoping to apologize to him," Albus admitted, turning to look at Harry. Harry frowned in confusion.
"I am so very sorry, Harry. I always thought I was doing what was best to keep you safe. I never imagined that any of this could happen to you," Albus said sincerely.
"D-Do I know you?" Harry asked. Dumbledore smiled sadly.
"You wouldn't remember me. I knew you when you were a baby. Your parents were very dear friends of mine." Harry's eyes widened and he leaned towards Dumbledore excitedly.
"You knew my parents? What were they're names?" Harry asked desperately.
"You're despicable aunt never told you their names?" Severus asked in astonishment.
"Please, Sir. I'll do anything you want. Just tell me who they are. I'll do anything," Harry promised. Albus sighed, remorse growing in his heart.
"Your father's name was James Potter. Your mother was Lily Evans before she got married and took James' last name," Dumbledore told Harry. Harry grinned happily.
"James and Lily," he whispered to himself, repeating the words over and over again as if they were a prayer.
"Why do you want to apologize to him?" Draco suddenly asked. Harry looked up questioningly at Dumbledore, wondering the same thing. No one had ever apologized to him before.
"It is my fault that you had to endure such horrors in that house, Harry, and for that I can never forgive myself," Albus answered truthfully.
W-What do you mean? Aunt Petunia said I was left on their doorstep like an unwanted dog," Harry said.
"Not unwanted, Harry. They were wrong in treating you like they did. They were meant to love you and keep you safe. When I left you with them I was sure they would raise you like you were their own son," Albus sighed.
"You…you left me with them? W-Why would you d-do that? W-What did I-I d-do?" Harry gasped, tears starting to well up again.
"Harry, you must believe me. I had no idea they would treat you so badly-"
"How could you just leave me there? Do you know what they did to me? What they made me do? Why did you leave me?" Harry shouted. His breath caught in his throat and he gasped, trying to draw in air. Draco turned to him, grasping his shoulders to gain his attention.
"Harry, calm down. You have to calm down," Draco ordered.
"H-How could…me there…hurt!" Harry gasped out, glaring accusingly at Dumbledore as he tried to draw air into his lungs.
"I know. Harry, I know you're angry, so am I, but you have to calm down and breath. Okay?" Draco said, shaking Harry slightly.
"Can't…can't," Harry panted, shaking his head as he reached up to claw at his throat. Severus knelt down beside the boys, swiftly knocking Draco's hands away. He picked Harry up and sat him on the sofa. He spread Harry's legs, ignoring Harry's distressed cry, and forced his head down between his knees.
"Breath, idiot boy. You are having a panic attack. Calm down and breathe," Severus ordered. Harry tried but he was too stressed from the entire situation and this was just one thing too much for him to handle and Harry passed out into Severus' arms. Dumbledore and Narcissa watched all of this sadly, worried about the small black-haired boy that had so quickly captured their hearts,
"Perhaps it would be better if you came back at a later date. He needs time to process all of this information," Narcissa said softly, staring at Dumbledore coolly.
"Of course. I never meant to cause him such distress," Albus said sadly.
"You never mean to cause him any harm and yet that is all you seem to do," Narcissa snapped, momentarily losing control of her emotions. Dumbledore flinched and nodded at the harsh reprimand.
"I am truly sorry. I shall see myself out." Albus left through the floo, leaving Narcissa and Draco to watch an uncomfortable Severus cradle Harry in his arms."
"We can put him in my room," Draco offered and led the way, not waiting for an affirmation. He didn't want Harry anywhere else. Severus carried the sleeping child up the stairs and into Draco's room where he gently deposited him on Draco's bed. Draco promptly climbed in beside the younger male and pulled covers over their bodies.
"I will watch over him," Draco announced.
"You seem very attached to Harry," Narcissa observed. Draco frowned as he stared down at Harry's sleeping face.
"I know but I don't know why. I just want him to like me and I don't want him to be hurt ever again," Draco murmured. Narcissa and Severus shared a knowing look before they left the boys alone. Draco curled himself around Harry protectively, burying his face in soft black hair as he closed his eyes and fell asleep.