A/N: Wow this is the longest chapter so far. They just keep on getting longer. I was actually planning for more to happen this chapter but I didn't want it to be too long. Remember in two chapters we will be Hogwarts bound. Enjoy

"Hey Harry wha...Is that a black eye!?" Merlyn wasted no time in grabbing Harry's arm and dragging him up the stairs towards the roof. The moment they arrived Merlyn shut the door and turned to face his friend. "What happened!? That's a black eye!" Merlyn then noticed the look on Harry's face, it was sad and defeated. "What happened Harry?" Merlyn asked in a softer voice.

"It was nothing just an accident." Harry told him before turning back toward the door to leave.

"Bullshit! That's a black eye! You don't get one by accident!" Merlyn shouted. He continued after a deep breath to calm him down "Harry I'm your best friend. Please, please tell me what happened. I can help you."

"No you can't! No one can!" Harry shouted back.

"Well we don't know that until you tell me what happened!?" Merlyn continued

"Yes I do. I tried to tell someone!" Harry yelled before taking a breath. "Merlyn I told a teacher. He came to my house to talk to my aunt and uncle. They told him that I get into fights and that I was a liar. They gave the guy some money and he left. Then my uncle gave me the worst beating of my life. I don't want to go through that again."

"Wait! Your uncle did this to you?" Merlyn asked. His mind was racing, what on earth was going on in Harry's house.

"Kind of." Harry sighed. "I mean he did but he didn't punch my face. He doesn't punch me where people could see. This," Harry continued gesturing to his eye, "is from when he threw me into my cupboard. I hit a shelf I made and..." Harry ended with a shrug.

"Harry how often does he do this!? And wait, what do you mean 'your cupboard'?" Merlyn was having a very hard time keeping his cool. He knew he had to get the rest of the story out of Merlyn.

"Well..." Harry paused. This was it he was going to finally tell someone else. But this was his best friend. He could tell him right? Even if he couldn't do anything about it, it felt good. And Lynn wouldn't tell anyone, he knew he would be beaten again and Lynn wouldn't want that. "I only get beat two or three times a week. And as for 'my cupboard' it is where I live. When I am not doing chores I am locked in my cupboard." At the look of horror on Lynn's face he quickly tried to set his friend at ease. "Hey it's not so bad. I mean while I'm in my cupboard I'm not being beaten or chased by Dudley and his gang." This unfortunately did not lessen the look of horror on his friends face. In fact the look intensified. Harry was starting to panic. 'Oh no! He is going to tell someone I just know it!' "Lynn, you can't tell anyone! Please promise me!"

Merlyn didn't know what to do. He couldn't keep quiet about this. But Harry was his best friend. His parents always told him that sometimes you have to sacrifice things for the people you cared about. And Merlyn knew he cared about Harry. He had even started to think about Harry as the brother he never had. He couldn't let his brother continue to go through this. If he told someone he had a feeling that their friendship would be over. With a deep breath Merlyn decided what he needed to do. Harry was right there was nothing he could do to help, but he did know someone who could. Merlyn couldn't even look at Harry as he walked back inside.

Once the door closed behind Merlyn Harry collapsed as tears started pouring from his eyes. What had just happened? Lynn had just walked away from him. His best friend. Why? Did he just loose his best friend? This was far worse than any punishment his uncle had ever given him. Harry had never truly cared about anyone, at least not like this. No one had ever been there for him like Lynn. He had come to care more for Lynn than anyone else. He had even begun to think of Lynn as the brother he never had. He certainly acted more like family than his aunt, uncle, or cousin ever did. Apparently Merlyn didn't feel the same.

After Merlyn shut the door he slid down the wall. 'I have to be the worst friend in the history of friends.' Merlyn thought sadly. How could he not notice? His best friend was being constantly beaten. He lived locked in a cupboard under the stairs. Not to mention god knows what else his family did to him. As he thought about Harry's problem he couldn't help remembering the day that they met and the lunch that Harry had 'forgot'. Hell all of the times that Harry 'forgot' his lunch. He was being bloody starved!

It took a few minutes for Merlyn to regain control of himself. The more he thought about it the more he realized that Harry was right. There was not a single thing he could do to help. But he knew a certain aunt of his that could. Merlyn might not have been a good friend before but that was about to change. Right here. Right now. With a new resolve that he had never felt before he picked himself ran to the office. "Excuse me." He said trying to get the office lady's attention.

"Yes, how can I help you?" The lady asked in a sickly sweet voice.

"I need to call my mom." Merlyn told her.

"Oh, I'm sorry sweetie but students aren't aloud to make calls." She told him with a smile.

"Please. It's really important." Merlyn tried.

"No I'm Sorry." The lady said the smile still on her face.

Merlyn left the office dejectedly. He needed to call his mom. There had to be a way. And then it hit him, there was a pay phone in front of the school. He just had to get to it and make a call before someone saw him. He didn't have a lot of time. Merlyn knew that the only way to leave was to get past the office lady. He looked around there had to be a way to get her away from her desk. When Merlyn peered down the hallway he saw there was a ladder leaning against the wall. He then hid himself so that when the time was right he could run out the door. Merlyn was a little nervous he had never used his gift on something as large as a ladder before. But it's not like he had to pick it up just knock it over. He had to do this, for Harry. Taking a deep breath he brought out that tingling pulse. With each pulse it increased in intensity. Merlyn held onto it until he didn't think he could take anymore and released all the energy at the ladder. The ladder practically flew down the hallway banging into practically everything much to Merlyn's shock. Everyone ran out into the hall to find the source of the noise. The office lady practically flew towards the ladder to see what happened. Merlyn came out of his shock when the office lady started yelling at everyone to go about their business. This was his chance and he needed to take it. Merlyn ran outside as quickly as he could. He shoved a 50 pence piece in the phone and called home.

"Hello," His mom's voice said. Thank god!

"Mom! " Merlyn almost shouted.

"Lynn!? What is it? What's wrong?" Maria asked worry in her voice.

"I need you to come to school." Merlyn got out as quickly as he could. "Please hurry. The office lady wouldn't let me call you so I had to..." he wanted to finish but a the large office lady had grabbed him and pulled him away from the phone.

"What did I tell you! And you left the school you are in so much trouble young man!" The office lady practically shouted at him.

Maria was scared stiff when her son's voice disappeared. Oh no what happened. "Merlyn? Merlyn!" Then she heard some lady screaming at her son. Her son wasn't done talking to her so he had to drop the receiver Maria realized. Someone had dragged her son away! How dare they! "Jonathan!" Maria yelled not quite sure where John.

"Yes love?" John answered from the back yard.

"Merlyn's in trouble! He was telling me how he needed us at school when someone dragged him away from the phone.

John was silent for a few seconds. Someone was manhandling his son. 'No one hurts my son!' John thought. "Let's go!"

Merlyn was now sitting in the office looking at a rather displeased headmaster. "Well? What do you have to say for yourself young man?" The headmaster asked him.

"I just wanted to call my parents and the lady," Merlyn then pointed at the secretary, "wouldn't let me so I went to the phone booth." It made sense to him. And hopefully his parents would get there soon. The headmaster had made him wait twenty minutes until the headmaster was free to talk to him.

"And what about the ladder?" The headmaster asked with a scowl.

"I don't know anything about that." Merlyn answered as innocently as he could.

Just as the headmaster was going to start back in on him his parents came striding into the office. "Lynn!" Maria exclaimed as she ran over to her son and scooped him into a hug. Her boy was safe thank god.

As his wife was tending to their son John turned on the headmaster. "I would like an explanation why we are here. We get a call from our son saying he needs us here and then in the middle of a sentence he is dragged off by some woman. Explain now!" John demanded with all the venom he could muster.

While the headmaster was trying to placate Mr. Ashwood, Maria was being dragged out of the office by her son. "Mom I need your help!"

"What is it honey. We dad is dealing with those people it will be alright. You won't be coming back here again. Everything will be alright just go grab you things and we will go home."

"No!" Maria was shocked, she knew her son didn't like it here. "Mom, that's not why I called you. It's about my best friend." Now Maria was still. Her son didn't have any friends that she knew of. Not that she didn't ask, cause she did. But he would always be rather vague saying things like, "I met a few people." or "The other kids seem nice."

"You have never mentioned a friend not to mention a best friend. How long have you two been friends?" Maria asked a little hurt that her son never told her.

"Mom I'm sorry that I never told you. I just didn't want you pushing me." Merlyn told her while looking down not liking his mothers hurt tone of voice. "We became friends on my first day during lunch. But that's not the point." Merlyn said looking back into his moms eyes. "Mom I just found out that Harry is being beaten! He goes home every night to do chores, get beaten, and then locked in a cupboard! I can't do anything about it. Please help him!" Merlyn begged as he began crying at the end. "Please Mom! I'll do anything if you help me this once."

Maria was silent. After everything her son just told her how could she refuse. Not that she would refuse someone who needed help anyway but the way her son went on broke her heart. "Honey, come on stop crying of course we will help you. Where is your friend? I think I should talk to him."

"I left him on the roof. After he told me what happened I had to leave. I couldn't stay there anymore." Merlyn told her starting to cry again.

Maria stopped. "You left your best friend after he told you all of this?" Merlyn nodded. "Merlyn!" She admonished, "Why would you leave your friend?" Maria had never been so disappointed in her son. In fact she had never been disappointed in him. Until now.

"He was ignoring me all day Mom." With every word Merlyn uttered Maria's disappointment grew. "He knew that I wasn't a good friend. I had to drag him to the roof before he would tell me what's wrong! When he did I realized that if I had been a good friend I would have figured it out a long time ago." Maria's disappointment dissipated instantly. "So I did the only thing I could think of to help. I called you. Please help him! Even if he doesn't want me to be his friend anymore he is still mine!" Merlyn said resolutely. At that moment all of the disappointment she felt turned into pride.

"It's alright honey. Let's just get to your friend and we will figure everything out." Maria told him as they headed towards the roof. When they arrived they found Harry sitting holding his knees to him and crying.

"Harry!" Merlyn yelled out as he ran to his friend.

Harry was feeling terrible. First his uncle beat him and locked him in his cupboard, then his first and only friend was scared off by stories of his 0life. He always thought this would happen but couldn't stop himself from telling Lynn everything when he dragged him hear. When Lynn demanded to knew what was going on he thought that maybe he finally had someone he could lean on when things got really bad. But once again the universe smacked him down. The universe seemed to like doing it almost as much as Dudley. So here he was crying at the loss of his friend at the thought that if he had been strong enough to just hide his pain then he would still have his brother. Harry didn't hear the door to the roof fly open or the following footsteps.

When Merlyn saw the state of his friend he just ran over to him. "Harry! Harry I'm sorry!" Merlyn shouted at his friend as he hugged him tight.

Harry was in shock. His best friend, his brother, was hugging him and saying that he was sorry? What was he sorry for? Harry pulled back and shook his head while wiping away his tears. "What are you sorry about? I'm the one who should be sorry for scaring you by telling you what happens at home. I'm sorry I scared you off. If we can still be friends I promise I won't say anything about it anymore." Harry said desperately trying to get his brother back.

Merlyn was shocked. Harry thought he was scared and didn't want to be his friend anymore. God he felt stupid he never should have left the way he did. This was all his fault. 'Some friend I am. When my best friend needs comfort what do I do. I leave.' Merlyn thought. "Harry what are you talking about? I never stopped being your friend. When you ignored me I thought you didn't want to be my friend anymore. When you told me what happened to you I realized I was a horrible friend. I should have noticed what was going on a long time ago. Can you forgive me?" Merlyn asked as both boys ran at each other and embraced showing each other that there was nothing to forgive.

Maria just watched this spectacle with a wide smile. These two idiot kids. Getting all upset over something that didn't even happen. Maria just continued to observe the two friends. They acted more like brothers making up than friends. At least one good thing came out of sending Merlyn to this school. That thought brought her back to the present. She needed to talk to Harry. Cough* cough*. This brought the two boys out of it. "Hello there, my name is Maria Ashwood." Maria introduced herself. "What's your name?" she asked.

"I'm Harry Potter." Harry replied. Harry was wondering exactly who she was and what she was doing on the roof.

"I'm Merlyn's mom." Maria added seeing the confused look on Harry's face. "Merlyn told me about what happened to you last night." Harry had a horrified expression on his face and immediately started pleading with Merlyn's mother.

"Please don't tell anyone. If they find out I told I'll get beat again. Please!" Harry begged his lip twitching.

Maria was livid. She knew she needed to keep a level head but hearing this made her blood boil. "Harry I promise that they will never hurt you again. But I need to know everything. Okay? I promise that I will not leave your side until you are safe."

Harry looked up at this woman and couldn't help but trust her. He had heard all about her from Lynn. He glanced over at Lynn. When Lynn gave him a nod Harry turned back to Maria. He then began to tell her everything. His parents dying in a car crash. His aunt and uncle beating and starving him. How he would get locked up in his cupboard for days. And everything else.

The longer Maria listened the more pissed off she was getting. She was about to blow her top. After she heard everything she knelt down next to Harry and brought him into a comforting hug. She was able to pick him up without any difficulty.

Harry was shocked to say the least the only hug he had received before today had been from Lynn. But those were different from the one that he was currently experiencing. The hugs from Lynn were happy and celebratory. This hug was warmth, comfort, and safety. Harry never wanted to leave Maria's arms.

Maria noticed immediately that Harry was far to light for his age. God how could they starve this boy? She needed to get to John and give Emily a call. As she was walking downstairs she noticed that the boy with his arms around her neck had drifted off to sleep. She wasn't surprised that much crying and emotional turmoil would tire out anyone. Just as they made it down the stairs they could hear John's voice coming from the office.

"First of all you have no right to bar my son from calling home! And second, how dare you manhandle my son! I don't care what you think he did. You have no proof whatsoever! And even if you did it is your duty to tell the parents not administer punishment! As of now my son is no longer a student at this school. And you can expect to hear from my attorney!" John was screaming at the top of his lungs.

Maria didn't move towards the office until she was certain John had finished.. Maria had no wish to wake Harry up he really needed his sleep. At any other time she would be rather turned on by what her husband just did. However now she was so upset and angry that nothing really got through to her. Once her husband was finished she went to join him in the office. "Johnathan." Maria said gaining his attention and letting him know that there was a serious problem apart from the one he just solved. "I need you to call Emily and get her here right now." Her voice was so soft that almost no one could hear her. John knew however that this was bad news. When Maria was upset she yelled, when she was angry she snarled, and when she is ready to kill someone, actually kill someone mind you, she got quiet. John gulped and headed to the phone. No one was going to stop him after what he just did.

"Hello, Surrey police."

"Captain Stalks." John said.

"Right away sir."

"This is Captain Stalks. How may I help you?" Emily asked.

"Emily, it's John. We need you at St. Grogory Primary School in your official capacity. I don't have the full story yet but judging from what I have seen you will need to get here quick. And I mean five minutes ago this is an emergency." John said as quickly as he could.

"Be there in five." Emily said all business and hung up.

John hung up the phone. "She'll be here in five."

Maria then looked at the headmaster. "We need someplace quiet to wait."

The headmaster looked at Maria carrying Harry. "I'm sorry Mrs. Ashwood but that is not your child. I do not know what possessed you to take him but he is in our care. Would you kindly hand him over." The headmaster said trying to gain control of the situation.

Maria stared the headmaster straight in the eye and said "Do not come any closer, sir." Her voice was barely audible. The headmaster mistook her quiet voice for timidness and continued.

"I am sorry but that child needs to come with me." The headmaster said as he took another step toward her. That was as far as he got before a fist slammed against the side of his face sending him into the wall. The headmaster's unconscious body then collapsed.

"Thank you honey." Maria said sparing a smile for her husband. John just stood there with a scowl on his face glaring at the headmaster. Furious that he would dare go after his wife. The secretary was frozen. She had absolutely no idea what to do. First this man starts screaming at the top of his lungs then his wife comes in carrying that horrible Potter child. Then when the headmaster tries to take that nasty child away the man attacked him. She didn't even try to move hoping that the two would just leave after a bit. She almost cried out of joy when she heard the sound of a police siren pull into the school.

As Emily drove up the driveway to the school she was relieved that at least the school wasn't on fire. But from the sound of John's voice he would probably rather it were than whatever they were dealing with now. She parked and walked inside. The moment she crossed the threshold the woman behind the desk ran over to her.

"Oh thank God your here! These people are crazy they attacked the headmaster! I think they might hurt me. Please help me!" The secretary begged.

Emily just stood there dumbfounded. After a minute she got over her shock at the woman. "Maria, John what is going on?" She asked.

Maria heard her friend and looked up at her. Emily saw her face and knew something was deathly wrong. Emily walked over to her friend. "We need to talk somewhere privately. The nurses office would be appropriate I believe." She said. She then noticed Emily looking at the unconscious headmaster. "No, not him. The boy." Maria said correcting her friends assumption. Emily's eyes widened at that. After a short walk they entered the nurses office. The nurse wasn't there so they just went in and locked the door.

"So what is this about? John made it sound as if you were about to go on a killing spree." Emily asked.

"I still might." Maria said quietly without humor. Emily went ridged. She had not heard her friend like this in a very long time. Something was terribly wrong. "Let me show you." Maria said laying Harry carefully on the bed. John, Merlyn, and Emily watching intently. She gently pried his hands apart and then stood up. "This is why John called you." Maria explained before lifting Harry's shirt. All over Harry's stomach and chest were purple and blue bruises. Emily gasped. What had happened to this poor child? "This is Harry Potter. Before he passed out in my arms he told me everything. So just let him rest for now. I will tell you everything he told me." Maria then let Emily know everything that Harry had told her. With every word Emily was more and more disgusted. By the end she thought that she might throw up. After a few minutes of just staring into space Emily felt a tugging on her arm..When she looked down she saw Merlyn and despite everything gave him a small smile.

"Auntie Em, there is one more thing. The last time Harry told someone his aunt and uncle lied and said that he was a habitual liar and always getting into fights. After the man left they beat him really badly. Please don't let them hurt Harry anymore." Merlyn begged his eyes full of tears. Merlyn hated seeing his friend like this.

Emily put her hand on her nephew's shoulder, "Don't worry Lynn. Those people will never hurt Harry ever again." While she was reassuring Merlyn Maria pulled Harry's hair away from his face and saw the lightning bolt shaped scar on his forehead. At Maria's gasp Emily hurried over. When she saw the scar she thought she just might throw up. "It looks like someone took a knife to him!" Emily hissed. "I am going to put these people away. Maria can you take him home with you and get him taken care of. I don't trust anyone here to do it." Maria nodded.

"Wait." Maria said softly to her friend as Emily was leaving. "Can I go with you to see these people?" Maria asked . She wanted them to feel how it felt to get beat black and blue.

"No. Maria even if you were still on the force your too close to this." Emily took a deep breath and continued. "Maria just look at yourself. You are on a razors edge. You are even worse now then you were when you found Lynn. I can't take you with me. I am however giving you temporary custody of Harry until this matter is settled one way or another."

"Emily I promised this little boy that I would not let those people that call themselves his family hurt him again. I plan to keep that promise no matter what." Maria told her best friend.

"Go take Harry to your house and get him patched up. I will call you later and tell you about my investigation. I can do that at least." Maria just nodded and picked up Harry, who instinctually wrapped his arms around her neck. Maria held him tighter in response.

"Come on everyone. We are going home." John said as they all left the nurses office. While Merlyn, and Maria, who was still holding Harry, were getting into the car John had pulled Emily aside. John told her that during the first few days after finding Merlyn, while they had believed that Merlyn was in a situation similar to Harry's, he had come up with a plan to make sure that Merlyn never had to go back to those people. Now he wanted to use the plan to help Harry. After hearing the plan in detail Emily couldn't keep the grin from her face. These horrid people would get exactly what was coming to them.

Harry slept keeping his hold on Maria the entire way home. Everyone else was silent not wanting to wake Harry. They got out and headed inside. Maria carried Harry up the stairs and into the bathroom. "Harry. Harry." Maria whispered trying to wake him up gently. "Harry." She tried again this time touching his shoulder.

Harry gasped and scooted back going into the fetal position with his arms out as if expecting to be hit. "Please don't. I didn't do anything. I promise." Harry whimpered. Maria cringed at hearing this. Emily better give those people what they have coming to them or else she would get John to pull some of his ideas, from back when they found Merlyn, out of the closet.

"Harry, sweetie. It's alright no one is going to hurt you. Remember I promised." Maria said trying to sooth him and not scare him further. After a few minutes of not receiving any hits Harry slowly moved his hands away from his face and looked around. The moment he laid eyes on Maria he jumped up and threw his arms around her. 'Looks like Lynn isn't the only one to think I'm safe.' Maria mused.

Emily quickly made her way back to the station. Where she picked up her partner Rollins since abuse cases can often get violent. It's always good to have back up in cases like this. "Rollins are your ready?"

"Yes, I'm ready. If what you've told me about these people is true then I have to wonder why no one ever came forward before." Rollins said as he stepped out of the car. It was 4 o'clock so the entire family should be here. They would have been informed by the school that Harry Potter was taken and is now in police custody. So they should be expecting a visit today.

"Alright you remember everything you are supposed to do?" Emily asked her partner.

"Yep. Got everything I need." Rollins said.

"Good. Let's go then." Emily said as both her and her partner made their way up the steps to the front door of number four Privet Drive. 'Well here we go.' Emily thought as she knocked. After a few moments she was about to knock again when she heard the lock turn. When the door opened standing before them was a rather round individual. "Mr. Dursley, I presume."

"Yes. Can I help you?" Mr. Dursley asked in a gruff voice.

"Actually you can Mr. Dursley. We have a few questions about one Harry Potter. We were informed that you and your wife are Mr. Potter's guardians. May we come in please?" Emily asked. In her experience it always paid off to do things the polite way. Even if the people you were talking to didn't deserve it. And it is always nice to have a search warrant as an ace in the hole.

"Well it's about time you lot did something about the boy." Mr. Dursley said in his superior tone. "The boy has always been a trouble maker. I can't tell you how glad I am that you finally picked him up. He has been rather violent lately and has been scaring my wife. He deserves some punishment. " Emily tried to keep the smile off her face. This was going rather well so far. "Petunia can you get our guests some tea."

"Of course. What do you take?" Petunia asked.

"Black with a slice of lemon for me please." Rollins answered.

"I am fine, thank you." Emily put in. "Well if that is what you want then all you have to do is sign this and Mr. Potter will be punished as severely as the law will allow. We simply need your signature as well as your wife's." Emily said as she pulled a custody packet out of her pocket.

Vernon grabbed a pen and signed immediately. "So how long till we get the little shit back? The boy has work around hear to do." Vernon asked.

"Well you will be asked to come to the police station and have a hand in deciding what will happen to Mr. Potter. Now all we need is your wife's signature and this matter will be taken care of. Normally she didn't approve of such deception. But desperate times call for desperate measures. " Emily told him trying to get the final piece so she could move forward with John's plan. Step one get Harry away from them permanently. "Mrs. Dursley," Emily said to the woman who just walked in with Ronllins' tea. "all we need is your signature."

"My signature. For what?" Apparently she had not been paying attention to the conversation.

Damn she needed to find a way to get her to sign without reading the paper. She would not be as easy as her husband. "Mrs. Dursley as I was telling your husband that a Mr. Potter is now in police custody. We need your permission to give Mr. Potter what he deserves." Emily said.

"What did he do?" Petunia asked.

'Shit now what? Harry didn't do anything...But Lynn did. Perfect.' Emily thought. "Well there was an incident at St. Grogory's today involving a ladder and some damage to school property. And by signing you are making Harry responsible. Otherwise you will be responsible for damages." She only hoped that they believed her. After all, guardians are always responsible for damages. But Petunia still seemed hesitant. "Well if you don't want to sign that is fine." Emily said reaching for the packet. "You will be receiving a bill for the damages done to the school." Right before she could grab the packet Petunia snatched it away and signed. 'Yes! Step one is done. Now onto step two.' Emily thought. "Very good Mrs. Dursley. Now we can get on with our investigation."

"What investigation? Didn't this happen at school? And when will the boy be back? As I said he has work to do." Vernon Dursley asked a little confused.

"Oh it did, but we like to be thorough. What kind of work Mr. Dursley? Even he is a little young to have a paper route." asked Emily hoping that they would incriminate themselves.

"Nothing like that." Mr. Dursley answered. "Just chores around the house."

Damn, well they're not dumb enough to incriminate themselves after all. Oh well, that is why there was a plan. John certainly was a dastardly fellow when he put his mind to it. "Very good. Now if it is possible I would like to see his room." Emily hoped that they would lead her to the cupboard. "We are looking for evidence of premeditation." She added when the Dursleys showed some reluctance. But they eventually gave in.

"Right this way." Petunia directed. They were heading for the stairs. 'Good, now she will get the evidence she needs to arrest these horrid people. Wait why are they leading us up the stairs. Didn't Maria say they make him live in the cupboard under it?' Emily thought. "Here we are." Petunia said as she opened a door. Inside were a lot of toys. Well broken toys as it looked. The toys were strewn everywhere. To be honest the room looked like a wreck. No wonder the last person to come left convinced that Harry was a bad seed. "This is his room. As you can see we try to give him anything he could want. But he is troubled, he breaks almost everything. It truly is sad." Petunia said. And if Emily didn't know the truth she would have bought it hook line and sinker. These people were good. "He sneaks out every night and causes trouble, gets into fights and the like." Damn they were covering for the bruising already. They have definitely done this before. And by the look of comfort on their faces multiple times.

Emily gave her partner a covert nod. Looks like they would need to be sneaky after all. At least Harry was now safe. "Excuse me. But may I use the restroom?" Rollins asked already knowing that it was on the ground floor.

"Of course." Petunia said. "It is just downstairs.

As Rollins went downstairs Emily continued to talk to both of the Dursleys. She needed to keep both of them up here while her partner did his job downstairs. After a few minutes Rollins came back up the stairs and gave Emily a nod telling her that she wasn't going to like what she found downstairs. "Rollins keep the Dursleys up here while I take a look."

Vernon was catching on to what happened. While Captain Stalks was keeping them busy her partner must have found the cupboard. But why would anyone look there unless...the boy! He had to find a way out of this. "Now hold on just a moment! This is my house!" Vernon yelled his face turning red. That blasted boy! He would kill that damn child! "I want you both out of this house immediately! You can't just go snooping around! It's against the law! I know my rights! None of this is admissible in court without a warrant! Now get out!" By this time his face was a rather deep shade of purple. However while his face was gaining color Petunia's was loosing it rather rapidly.

"Very true Mr. Dursley, very true. Now that you bring it up however." Emily said in a chipper voice as she reached into her pocket and pulled out a warrant to search the premises. God she loved it when people like this got what is coming to them. "Now Rollins do we have enough for an arrest?"

"An arrest! You pitiful little bitch! I'll have my attorney skin you alive!" Vernon screamed as he ran at Emily. Emily quickly grabbed one of Vernon's outstretched arms and twisted behind him pinning him against a wall.

Sometimes they just make this too easy. "Vernon Dursley, you are hereby under arrest. The charges are child abuse, negligence, resisting arrest, and attacking a police officer." Emily spoke calmly as she handcuffed him. She didn't want to give this piece of filth any room to get out of the charges. "Rollins if you please." Emily said nodding at Petunia. "Petunia Dursley, you are hereby under arrest. The charges are child abuse, and negligence." Emily continued on listing their rights. After a short walk out to their police car Emily once again turned to the Dursleys who were now fidgeting in the back seat. "Now Rollins is going to be staying with your son until child services arrives. You will be allowed to talk to him later today when he is brought to the station. Now sit back relax and enjoy the ride." Emily said with a smile. "Rollins while you are looking after the boy make sure to keep him away from the evidence." Rollins gave her a nod. Rollins like his partner loved days like this.

Back at the Ashwood household Harry was wincing. The bandages around his chest hurt. Mrs. Ashwood told him that he had a couple of cracked ribs and that this would help them heal. Harry believed her but that didn't keep it from hurting. Although to be fair it hurt before she put the bandages on too. She had actually gave him a bath. A bath! He never got to bathe. He would get one shower a week at best and that was only when the Dursleys were sick of the smell. He would water himself down with the hose when he was in the yard and the Dursleys weren't looking. Now he was sitting at the kitchen table sipping on orange juice. He found he really liked it. The only time he would get something like this was when he was out with the Dursleys and Dudley didn't like it. And they couldn't just throw it away. So here he was sipping orange juice smelling Mr. Ashwood's cooking. It smelled delicious. He looked up when Mrs. Ashwood took the seat next to him.

"So Harry how are you feeling? Any better?" Maria asked sipping a cup of tea.

"Yes, thank you." Harry answered timidly. He wasn't sure what was going on. If he enjoyed himself too much then he would miss this even more when he was sent back to the Dursley's. All of a sudden the phone started ringing.

"I'll be right back Harry." Maria said as she went to the phone. "Hello. This is Maria."

"Maria, it's Emily. I'm just calling to give you an update. The Dursleys are in custody. The big bastard actually tried to attack me can you believe it!" Emily started laughing. "They have been booked and are awaiting a hearing. Thank John for me by the way. His plan went off without a hitch. But now I have a problem. You see I now have custody of one Harry Potter. I am afraid that his cousin is being dealt with by child services. After what Lynn told me I thought it best to separate them. But as you know I am not exactly suited for parenthood. I am more of the awesome aunt type. So I was wondering if you would take the kid off my hands?"

Maria was shocked. Happy but shocked at the request. She had to admit that she liked Harry. He was polite, sweet, and not to mention her little Lynn's best friend. But it was no longer just her and Jonathan. Now they had Lynn and they also needed to take Harry's feelings on this into consideration. "Em, I would love to but I need to talk to John, Lynn, and Harry about it first. Can I call you back tomorrow?"

"Sure. Let me know tomorrow. Sorry I won't be able to come over tonight. Processing the Dursley's house and the paperwork that they are giving me is going to keep me at the station for a while. You know what never mind I'll just stop by for breakfast and you can tell me then. Ciao."

Maria slowly put down the receiver. She didn't know what to say or even how to bring it up. She needed to talk to her husband. She went into the kitchen with her husband and walked up behind him wrapping her arms around his waist and laying her head against his back. "John."

"Yes, love?"

"That was Emily. She wanted to thank you for the plan. Apparently it went off without a hitch. But now she has a problem. She wants us to take custody of Harry." She said bringing it up lightly. Maria really wanted him to say yes. In the back of her mind she was thanking God that she had already dealt with all this anger and emotional storm before a little over a year and a half ago when they found Lynn. If she hadn't she would be lost in the sea of emotions. Having gone through this all before she found it easier to keep her head. She new that later tonight the water works would start but now she could still think. And after watching Harry and Merlyn together she could think that there were no better kids in the world. She was so proud of her son. After he brought her back to the roof and the boys had their little reconciliation Merlyn had never left Harry's side. He had even helped with the bandaging. He didn't even leave during the bath, instead Merlyn just turned his back to give his friend some privacy. Merlyn was definitely protective of Harry that much was certain. Maria had a feeling that there were quite a few stories of what had happened so far this year at school that Lynn hadn't told them. She would just have to pry it out of the boys later. But now it was time to work on her husband. "And you know he is Lynn's best friend. You should have seen how protective he gets over Harry. It is almost as if Harry were his little brother." Emily continued. She didn't feel her husband tense up which was a good sign. "And so I was thinking that maybe we could take Harry in and maybe adopt him." Emily waited and waited. John said nothing just continued his cooking. Maria didn't like it. Oh maybe she should have given him a drink first.

"You do like your strays don't you love?" John replied.

"Well the last one turned out pretty well." Maria answered giving him a squeeze hoping that he was hinting at what she wanted.

"I think we should talk to the boys first. If they like the idea then have them sign the papers." John replied biting his lip. He did love doing this to his wife.

"You're right. I already planned to talk to them I just wanted your okay first." Maria told him.

"Oh, is that all." John said with a chuckle, he just couldn't hold it in. "Then why didn't you just talk to the kids when you saw the papers?

"What papers?" Maria asked looking around. She then saw a stack of papers on the island. She picked up the top page to see what it was and read 'Application for Adoption'. Her eyes went wide as she continued reading. It was all filled out for one Harry Potter to be adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Ashwood. Maria just felt her jaw drop. "What? How? When?" She started babbling.

"Well the what is rather self explanatory. As for the how, they are an extra set I kept from Merlyn's adoption just in case something didn't get filed right and has been in the desk this entire time. And I pulled it out and filled it in while you were up stairs. I saw the way both you and Merlyn were with the lad. Now I know I haven't really talked to him but if what I saw was any indication he would be a great addition to this family." John explained with a shit eating grin. Maria pounced on him. And gave him the kiss of a lifetime.

"God I love you." She breathed after she broke the kiss.

"Wow!" John exclaimed with a giant smile plastered on his face. "If this is the reaction I get every time we adopt I think we should adopt a few hundred kids." He joked.

"Oh shut up!" Maria said slapping his chest while laughing. "You only get that reaction when we adopt special kids. Like Lynn and Harry."

"We still need to talk to Harry and Merlyn though, don't forget." John reminded her.

"Let's do that now while the food is resting then we can eat." Maria said while leading John to the living room where the kids were still sitting at the table.

Merlyn and Harry were busy talking. "What do you think is going to happen to me? Do you think they will send me back to the Dursley's?" Harry asked a little afraid of the answer.

"No. My Mom, Dad, and Auntie Em are the best. There is no way you will go back there. Come on we can go play until dinner is ready." Merlyn suggested. But Harry wasn't up for playing. He just sat there still deathly afraid of the beating he was going to get when he was forced to go back to the Dursley's.

"Harry. Lynn. We need to talk to the both of you." Maria said while she and her husband took the seats opposite the kids.

'Oh no.' Harry thought. 'This is where they tell me I have to go back.' "Please don't make me go back! I can cook and clean and do the yard work! Please I don't want to go back!" Harry begged as he started to sob. He would go anywhere and do anything to get away from the Dursleys.

Maria sprung up and rushed to Harry's side pulling him into a hug. "Hush now it's alright you don't have to go back." She said while rubbing Harry's back.

Harry sniffed. "I don't?" Maria shook her head. "You promise?" Harry said hope finding its way into his eyes for the first time in years.

"I promise. Actually that is what we wanted to talk to you about. Both of you actually. A lot has happened today..." Maria told them what happened at the Dursley's with Emily. Well they told them most of it some they didn't need to hear. Like what Harry's uncle was planning to do to him. Harry's uncle was in prison after all and Harry was safe. As she recounted what happened Merlyn's smile grew and grew while Harry looked more shocked by the second. "And so now we have to figure out what to do with you. Now John and I would like for you to stay here with us and Lynn. But we wanted to see how you felt about it before we actually did anything."

Harry was on the verge of crying. They wanted him to stay. They really wanted him to stay. He loved Lynn like a brother already and his parents had been so nice to him already. And now they were offering to take him in. "Yes!" Harry shouted. "I mean yes please. I would like to stay." Harry said again calmly this time.

"Good." Emily said. "Then it is all settled."

"Wait!" Merlyn exclaimed. Maria was shocked she didn't think that her son would have a problem but maybe she was wrong. Merlyn fidgeted a little before asking "Does this mean that Harry is my brother now?"

Maria bit her lip. "Why yes it does. You and Harry are now brothers." She was about to ask if that was alright with the both of them when she was interrupted by both of the young men jumping up and hugging each other while screaming "I have a brother!"

Dinner was a rather boisterous affair that night. Harry was eating as though he would never get another meal. Something Maria and John suspected was a lot closer to the truth in the past then they would like to think. There was a lot of laughing and playing between the two brothers. Normally this wouldn't be allowed but it was a special occasion. After dessert everyone was stuffed and ready for bed. But there was one thing left to do.

"Harry." John said. "There is one more thing we need you to do. You need to sign this piece of paper. Once you do you will officially be a part of this family." Harry snatched the pen from John and wrote his name as quickly as he could as if he was afraid that the paper would disappear if he didn't write fast enough. "There we go you are now officially a member of this family." John smiled with a hand on his new son's shoulder. "I think it's time for bed. You will be sleeping with Merlyn tonight alright?" Harry nodded as he went up stairs and got ready for bed. Just as they finished John and Maria came in to tuck in their children. "Good night kids." John said and right before he closed the door he turned to Harry and said "Welcome home son." and closed the door.

Harry couldn't believe the turn his life had taken today. Yesterday he was being beaten, starved and locked in a cupboard. Today he had a new family who cared for him, a full stomach, and a warm bed in an actual room. Heck he even got to share his bed with his new brother. This was by far the best day of his life. The last thought he had before he fell asleep was 'I'm home.'

A/N: I hoped you enjoyed the chapter. There were quite a few important moments this chapter. Please leave a review and tell me what you think. I know we are still in the set up phase but alas it is needed. The next chapter is going to be our characters introduction into the wizarding world. It should be a blast to write and read. Once again please leave a review to let me know what you think. Until next time.