Chapter 7: Family and Healing

"Dobby" "Lula" "Trixie"

Harry called for his elves and three pops indicated their arrival. They looked around their expressions becoming concerned when Harry began to give them instructions. "Lula, Trixie help the injured however you can Dobby go to the castle and bring back Madam Pomfrey as quick as you can. Then get the Headmistress down here."

Dobby popped away and Harry started to release the little girl he was holding to get up when she clutched him tighter and began to shake in fright, pleading him not to leave her in her small voice. Harry hugged her tighter to him and with Ginny's help stood up still holding the scared girl.

Moments later Poppy Pomfrey appeared with Dobby looking rather confused until she let out a small gasp at the scene before her "Mr. Potter what in the name of Merlin happened here?"

"Madam Pomfrey I will explain everything in due course but as you can see we have a lot of severely injured individuals here. My elves will assist you anyway you need just tell them what you need."

The elder witch gathered her senses and began to work on stabilizing the injured as best she could before having the elves pop them to the medical wing. Molly assisted where she could while Arthur left for the ministry to bring Auras back and report the attack. Harry and Ginny stayed to the side comforting their young friend as best they could both too numb at the moment to think of anything to do.

They watched as Poppy began to tend to Hermione, tears silently rolling down their cheeks when Dobby arrived with a very concerned looking Minerva McGonagall.

"Harry what is going on here?"

Harry looked over to the new Headmistress and gathered himself the best he could. "We got word that Hermione had been captured and found her here with a group of muggle borns. We are not sure what their full plan was but believe that it was the intent to execute them here as an example to you on what would happen if you allow them here."

Minerva McGonagall looked around at the destruction including two students she recognized at once that had not made it or had been executed before the recue party arrived. She also saw the slain or captured death eaters.

"How many were there and how did you find them?" Her voice was stern but curious with a mixture of sadness and anger and the situation.

"There were seven in total. Lucius Malfoy is the only one that got away as to how we found them that is a little harder to explain." Ginny replied

The Headmistress frowned slightly at the non answer but did not push for now. "Who's this?" Minerva asked pointing to the small child in Harry's arms.

Harry looked down and realized she had either fallen asleep or simply passed out from the exhaustion of her ordeal. He had been rubbing her back gently while Ginny caressed her hair and neither had noticed when she had stopped crying but both felt drawn to her and felt compelled to comfort her any way they could.

Ginny replied with a slight smile on her face as she looked at the young girl "We don't know. She was here with the others, Malfoy tried to kill her just before he left but Harry was able to save her and she hasn't let go of him since."

Minerva nodded and went to check on the others suggesting they should get to the hospital wing as well.

The next few hours were a blur of activity as Ministry officials showed up and took the surviving death eaters into custody and taking statements from all those involved. The hardest part was investigating the circumstances surrounding the capture of the muggle borns. Hermione's tale was one that was repeated frequently throughout the day as Auras reported back that the identified victims' families had been wiped out. By almost midnight that night all the victims had been identified and extended family had been contacted save for the little girl who seemed to be too traumatized to speak yet. Harry and Ginny had finally been able to get her to rest in one of the hospital beds assuring her over an over that they would not leave her and that they would be here when she woke up.

Harry was feeling the weight of the evening as he stood at the foot of Hermione's bed. She had lost over 20% of her blood and had multiple internal injuries and broken bones. Her magical core was nearly exhausted indicating she had put up a good fight but in the end she had fallen to greater numbers. Poppy had told them that she had done all she could and now it was a matter of waiting to see if she would pull though. The damage had been extensive and she had been fighting for her life most of the night.

Harry's eyes drifted over to Ron sleeping in the chair with his head laying on the edge of the bed holding Hermione's hand in a death grip. He had absolutely refused to leave even standing up to his mother. He spent the better part of the night begging Hermione to come back to him while tears fell unashamedly from his eyes. Harry could not help the little smile that came across his face "Bought Bloody time he figured how he felt about her." he thought to himself.

He felt two arms wrap around his waist as Ginny lay her head on his shoulder. Dobby had popped home and got her a change of clothes a while ago and Harry had told her she should get some sleep but she refused to go anywhere he was not.

"Knut for your thoughts?" she asked quietly.

Harry gestured to Ron and Hermione "You think they will finally realize what they mean to each other and stop arguing long enough to admit it?"

Ginny chuckled lightly "After the spectacle Ron put on tonight, caring on over her I think mom herself might hex him if he doesn't but they will still argue I am sure."

Harry chuckled softly wishing they could have realized their feelings through something a little less tragic. He also knew that Hermione would need Ron's strength when she woke up and realized her parents had been killed.

This brought question to their minds about what had happened to the family of there little friend. Did she have any family left was anyone missing her at this moment. These thoughts made Harry ache for the little girl but at the same time feel a sense of protectiveness that seemed to be born from the deepest depth of his soul. Ginny and he had talked about it briefly and both agreed they were feeling a sense of almost paternal possessiveness for the little girl but shrugged it off as feelings related to the traumatic events of the evening.

"HARRY! ….GINNY!" The little girl had awaken and not seeing either of the two people who she trusted at this point in her life began to panic and tremble with fear. Harry rushed to her bed and scooped her up to hold her close.

"Shh! I am here sweetheart! Your safe now!" These words from Harry while simple in nature and meaning meant more to the little girl then any thing anyone could say to her at this point in time. Ginny wrapped her arms around the little girl and her husband, letting them know she was there for them.

Hearing the commotion Madam Pomfrey came running out to check on the girl. "Can I check you over my child?"

The little girl let out a whimper and buried herself deeper in Harry's chest. Harry tried to reassure her. "She is just going to check you over. Me and Ginny will be right here and hold your hand the entire time."

The little girl looked between them and Ginny gave and reassuring nod and she seemed to settle enough to proceed. She laid down on the bed and Harry and Ginny stood on each side so she could hold there hands. She closed her eyes tightly, a look of fear etched on her face but she was prepared to face her fears as long as Harry and Ginny were there with her.

Poppy quickly scanned her for injuries and was happy to report that she had but a few small cuts and bruises that she quickly began to heal. Next she checked the state of her magical core and upon finishing the checkup she was happy to see evidence of a parental bound that is often found with magical children so she was satisfied that they stood a good chance of finding her parents alive.

"What's your name dear?" She asked. They had been trying to get her to talk since she was brought in but she had been too traumatized to respond to anyone.

Ginny gave her some encouragement "Go ahead you can tell her we are right here." She gave her a bright smile which seemed to give the girl enough courage to respond.

"L..Lisa Lorastina" Harry and Ginny gave her a proud smile for her courage which she returned with a small smile of her own.

"Do you know what happened to your parents?" Poppy asked as gently as she could.

Lisa began to tremble in fear again and Harry and Ginny did their best to comfort her. She slowly shook her head "T..The bad people hurt them and then took me away" she started to sob and Ginny pulled her into a hug and cried right along with her. Seeing her go through this they felt like they could literally feel her pain and they wept for her suffering.

Poppy moved over to where Harry was standing to whisper to him "Her parental bond is still intact so I will send word to have Auras search for her family immediately." Harry gave her a slightly confused look so she went on to explain

"Magical children this young have what is called a parental bond it is essentially the child's magical core attaching itself to their parents for a sense of safety and security. This bond provides their magical core the stability it needs for early development. Some magical children even show signs of being able to apparate to wherever their parents are if they become scared or injured."

Harry seemed to be satisfied with this explanation so she left to return to her office.

The next few days various people where in and out of the hospital wing. Harry and Ginny took turns with Lisa so she was never alone for very long. At night one of them would sleep in the bed next to hers. Hermione had woken up a few times but was pretty out of it and would fall asleep within a few hours. Madam Pomfrey had said this was a good sign and she thought she would make a full recovery in time. Once Ron knew she was out of danger he had aloud himself to be talked into returning home in the evening to rest but always returned in the morning and just spent the day talking to her whether she was awake or not. It was a very moving site to be sure.

Shortly after noon on the third day Kingsley Shacklebolt stopped in to talk to Harry and Ginny. "How is she?" he asked.

"Better I think we've gotten her to talk a bit more and the twins have stopped in and brought her a pigmy puff which seemed to lift her spirits some." She named it Lancelot at Ginny's suggestion. "Any word on her parents?"

Kingsley looked down a moment with a sad look in his eyes and Harry knew he would not like what followed.

"We were finally able to track them down. The muggles had discovered them and it was reported they had not survived the attack. We did a search and it seems that she has no other family relations."

They heard a gasp from behind and turned to see Madam Pomfrey approaching them. "Did I hear you say her parents did not survive?"

"I am sorry to say yes." The Aura replied

The aged witch seemed to ponder this for several moments before letting out a surprised breath "Oh My! Mr. and Mrs. Potter I wonder if you might allow me to examine you to confirm my suspicions."

Harry and Ginny gave each other questioning glances before nodding their approval. Pomfrey ran her wand over each of them before seeming to settle on something "Oh My Indeed!"

"Ma'am what did you find? What is it?" Ginny asked concerned at the look on the medi-witches face.

"Perhaps it would be best if we talk in my office." Harry and Ginny again looked at each other and since Lisa was asleep with Lancelot they decided they would step away for a moment.

"Can you watch over her for a moment Kingsley?" Harry asked. The Tall Aura gave a smile and nodded he had a look in his eye that suggested he knew what Poppy had found and it troubled Harry a bit.

They followed Madam Pomfrey to her office and sat down in two chairs across from her desk holding hands for support.

"Ma'am we are a little concerned here is something the matter?" Ginny began

Poppy gave them a small smile before responding "That would depend on your point of view? Mr. Potter do you remember what I told you about the parental bound?" Harry nodded and she continued "did you share this information with your wife?" Again Harry nodded so she pressed on "If you remember correctly I had discovered the parental bound was in place. Well since her parents were apparently deceased at the time of the test that can only mean that her magical core had bounded with someone else"

Ginny seemed to be the first to catch on as she quickly shout her hand to her mouth to cover the shocked yelp "You don't mean?" she asked.

"I am afraid that I do Mrs. Potter." Poppy responded.

Harry looked between the two women with confusion written on his face "Would someone care to fill me in?"

Ginny looked into her husband's eyes, taking a deep breath to steady herself before responding. "Harry you know how we have noticed our sense of attachment to Lisa how we felt a need to protect and care for her?" Harry nodded "Her magical core has bond to us. The parental bound Madam Pomfrey found is attached to us, that is what she found when she checked us."

Harry's eyes widened as Ginny's words sunk in. He turned back to Madam Pomfrey "What does that mean exactly?"

"Well that largely depends on you two? You have two choices as I see it, you can do nothing and she would be placed in a muggle orphanage as I am afraid the magical world is not well equipped in this area. " Harry interrupted at this point

"What will happen to the bound?"

"After being apart for some time the bound would break on its own. This happens with all magical children as they grow it would just happen sooner in Lisa's case. She would feel weak for a time but would suffer no ill affects of this."

"And what is the second choice?" Ginny asked not liking the sound of the first choice at all

"The second choice would be to simply file a few papers with the ministry and you would become Lisa's legal adoptive parents. Since the parental bound already exists legally speaking you are already her magical parents and as such no one could deny your request to become her adoptive parents."

Harry and Ginny sat there a moment in silence just looking at each other neither knowing where to begin.

Harry was the first to break the silence "Can we talk it over a bit this is a big decision and I think Lisa should have some say in it as well" Ginny nodded in agreement and the couple looked to Pomfrey.

"Certainly take all the time you need to just remember that the sooner you decide the sooner young Lisa can begin to heal."

Harry and Ginny walked back to Lisa's bed and thanked Kingsley for watching over her. While she napped the couple talked over their choices. While neither really felt they were ready to be a parent they did not like the idea of leaving her fate in the hands of a muggle orphanage when they could prevent it. As they each thought over the possibilities they sat in silence just watching young Lisa sleep. She seemed small even for her age. They had learned she was 5 almost 6 as her Birthday was coming up on August 30th. She had long light brown hair and big hazel eyes. She had quite a few freckles which she proudly named. Harry chuckled to himself wondering how she ever remembered the names of each one. As they sat and watched this little angel one thing became painfully obvious. Their hearts now belonged to this little girl and there really was no choice to make at all. They would be a family if Lisa wished it.

Shortly after dinner Harry and Ginny suggested Lisa take a walk with them and they showed her some of the castle which she marveled at. Harry and Ginny could not help but smile at the look of wonder and amazement in her eyes as she tried to take in all the sites. Several of the paintings commented on what a beautiful girl she was and she was both frightened and amazed at the prospect of a talking painting. Every once in a while she would hide behind Harry or Ginny's legs when one of these new discoveries would startle her a bit. After exploring a bit they made their way out to the black lake and sat on the shore under a tree that Ginny always liked to sit under when she needed to think.

"Lisa we received word on your parents today." Harry began tentatively.

Lisa looked back at Harry with tears beginning to form in her eyes "They died didn't they?" she asked

Harry nodded fighting back his own tears "I'm sorry. My parents died as well when I was younger then yourself I don't remember them much but I know how you must feel."

Lisa nodded wiping away the tears with the back of her hand holding Lancelot close to her chest for comfort.

"What will happen to me?" Lisa asked in a small shaky voice.

Ginny responded to this question "Well that is something we would like to talk to you about. It seems we may have the ability to adopt you if you would like?"

Lisa looked between Harry and Ginny her eyes a mixture scared and hopeful at the same time "You would be my new mom and dad?"

Harry nodded with a kind smile "If that is what you would like?"

Lisa looked down and began to run her figures through Lancelot's fur thinking as hard as a 5 year old can think. Harry and Ginny gave her all the time she needed to understand what hey were asking her. Finally after a long while she began to speak without looking up "I would like that But….but I don't want to have to stop loving my old mum and dad".

Lisa began to sob lightly and Ginny pulled her onto her lap and hugged her tightly crying with the litter girl. Harry was struggling to keep his emotions in check as well but did his best to calm her emotions.

"Lisa I want you to listen carefully because this is very important. We will never and I mean never ever ask you to stop loving your mum and dad. We will help you remember them and we will give you all the support and love you need to heal but we will never ask you to forget them."

The three sat there embracing each other for the longest time just comforting each other until just before it started to get dark. Finally Ginny broken the silence "So what do you think sweetie? You don't have to give us an answer right now if you don't want to."

Lisa look between both of them several times her life had changed so much over the last week and she still had nightmares about the night her family was attacked and having the bad man threaten to kill her but she always woke up and found Harry and Ginny there to comfort her and they made her feel safe. They had told her they were married and while she knew that they were young her young mind never questioned for a minute that this was not true or that a young couple could not possibly be married. Like most things to a child it was simply accepted as how things were. She knew they had always been kind to her and she knew that as long as Harry was around no harm would come to her. So with a smile of acceptance that only a child could give she looked up into Ginny's eyes and responded.

"I want to go home mum."