Hello everyone! I hope you like this chapter!

The pacing's been a bit slow for a while, so it will begin to pick up now. PS there will be two trials. Muggle and Magical.

I'm not gonna post the results this chapter because not a lot of people voted this week. Sorry, if you want to see the results, the finals will be posted on Chapter 12, which is only two away now!

Anyway, I hope you like this chapter! Lets get on with it!

*I do not own Harry Potter or any of its Characters*

Chapter 10: Where the Heart Is

October 20, Monday Late Night

Juliet Mayfield paced back and forth in her little home, wondering when Mr Barton would call her. It was almost 10:00 and the man still had Harry in the wizarding world.

While she trusted him to call as soon as they made it out of the 'Diagonal Alley', as phones didn't work around magic, she didn't understand why it was taking so long. He told her those 'goblins' were very punctual and efficient, not liking to waste time, meaning it shouldn't take too long, right?

But... did something go wrong?

Was Harry hurt? Were they kidnapped? Was Harry recognized? Did that old creep find them? Did something happen during Harry's tests?

Question after question rolled around in her head, each other them wanting to be answered. She was a patient woman, but 10:00 was too late for a six year old to be out, especially someone as delicate as Harry.

*RrRrRrRrRrRr* She rushed to the landline and picked it up. "Hello, Miss Mayfield speaking." She said, a bit too quickly though.

"Miss Mayfield, it's me." The teacher deflated. While it was nice to here her voice, she wished it was Barton. "Hello Ms Wilson, how can I help you."

"I believe I am the one that is about to help you, Ms Mayfield." The stern woman said almost happily, but not.

"What do you mean?"

"I believe you should prepare a room for a new tenant. You will be having someone stay with you until the trial." Mayfield's eyes widened, her lips curling into a smile.

-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-

"Moony?" Remus felt his heart explode at the familiar nickname, let alone the fact that his little pup was saying it to him. He had no idea who Harry remembered, but his wolf didn't care, it was too happy at the moment. More happy than it's been in five years.

"I-It's me Harry." Remus held back tears. "It's Moony." He didn't have much of a chance to prepare for a little rocket shooting into his legs,tiny arms wrapping around the back of his knees.

"Moony!" Harry clung desperately to the man's ratty pants, not wanting to let go of the man from his memories. Remus obliged and got down to hug the boy back, had it not been for a cough interrupting them.

"I'm sorry to break up the reunion, but it would be best not to cause a scene at such a late hour." The well dressed man spoke professional, but there was an underlying tone of haste. "We should talk somewhere safer, such as a muggle area." The man whispered.

While Remus's heart and wolf wanted to tell the man off, his mind knew better than to. He nodded and looked down at Harry. Picking up the surprisingly light boy, who didn't mind and wrapped his arms around his neck, he looked at the man, who didn't like the action. He sighed and gestured for Remus to follow.

Daniel was confused, worried and on guard. He had no idea who this man was or what he was to Harry, but it was his job to protect the young boy. As far as he could tell, Harry obviously remembered the man from his past, and given that Harry didn't know anyone from the wizarding community other than those with relations to his parents... That could mean this man is a family friend.

It could also mean he was close to Dumbledore, as most light wizards and witches are. The Potters were a very light oriented family, so this might spell trouble should the man try to take Harry.

Which is why he held his wand low and pointed it at the man. He could tell the scruffy man could see his actions, but he didn't care. If the man tried to pull a wand and apparate away, he would catch him.

He took a guess and believed the man didn't have a portkey, as he would have used it when Harry ran up to hug his legs. Sadly, Barton knew nothing of this man, and he was dead set on finding out at the moment.

He should have put Harry's glamour on before they stepped outside, but he wasn't sure how the goblins at the front counters would take him using magic that was forbidden in Gringotts. Now it was biting him in the rear.

Passing through the Leaky Cauldron and making it to a seedy looking alley, not the best choice to bring a child in his opinion, he saw that Harry was now asleep in the man's arms. Not that he could blame the child. He stayed awake through the whole Potter Accounts talk.

"Now that we are alone." Barton through up an anti- listening charm with his wand. "Who are you and what is your relation to Harry Potter?" Remus held Harry closer, watching as the man didn't aim anywhere near Harry. That was good, at least it meant this man did not harbor ill intentions for his pup.

"My name is Remus Lupin, and I am Harry's unofficial Godfather. I was a friend to both James and Lily Potter." Remus spoke confidently. He hadn't sounded this sincere in a long time. Daniel's eyes widened.

"Ahhh, So you're the man who had his imprinting bond bound by Dumbledore." Remus's eyes widened.

"What do you mean my imprinting bond was bound? What do you mean Dumbledore?" He asked frantically, causing Harry to stir a bit in his arms. Barton watched in concern as the child move. "Perhaps it would be better if I told you everything after we place him in a proper bed." He whispered out. Remus nodded and Barton took steps forward that showed he meant no harm.

Grabbing onto the scruffy man's shoulder, he apparated them out of the dirty area to a place more suited for children.

-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-

Severus Snape walked the halls of Hogwarts, his robes billowing behind him.

He was on his way back to bedchambers after a long day of teacher imbeciles and nitwits how to brew. Not only that, but the damned codger is making him brew a blood tracker potion.

Such a difficult potion to brew, but not if you were a potions master. All in all, it would take him a few more days to a week to make one, if made right of course.

He knew exactly why he was being made to make it. The damned boy-who-lived. Dumbledore was searching for the brat, despite the fact that he told everyone that Harry was perfectly fine.

Perhaps there was some truth to the hogwash that the Prophet is spewing.

Anyhow, he needed sleep. He would have to wake up and repeat the damn process all over again tomorrow, then on Wednesday go with the rest of the head of Houses to find the boy.

Much to annoying in his opinion. He was sure as soon as he saw the boy, he would throw up because of how pampered and lazy he was. Just like his despicable father.

He could only hope that nobody would ruin another one of his cauldrons tomorrow.

-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-

The next morning, October 21

Harry woke up steadily, his eyes peeking open as he let his vision clear itself. He knew his surroundings instantly.

Harry looked around to see his hospital bedroom, but there was something different about it.

No, there was something different about him. He looked at his own hands and felt the energy pooling inside him. It was the same as yesterday, only bigger. The piece of himself he never knew was gone was back.

He felt so alive!... yet so tired. He flopped back onto his white sheet bed. The goblin lady was right, he was exhausted, and would need tonnes of rest.

He was about to let his tired body put him back in sleep's embrace, had it not been for the groan that came from his side.

He opened his eyes back up to see someone he hadn't seen in forever.

"M-Moony?" He asked in shock. He thought that it was a dream. He thought it was just a figment of his imagination after walking out of Gringotts.

But the man was right here! And right alongside him was Mr Barton, who was also sleeping in a chair up against the wall.

Remus heard his nickname and looked up at the blessed child he thought he would never see again. He smiled at his pup and let the bottled up emotions leak out from his eyes.

"Hey pup." Remus got out of his chair and hugged the daylights out of the child. He felt the poor boy flinch at the sudden action.

"I-I t-thought it was a-a dream." Harry hiccuped. Remus shook his head no, clinging tighter to Harry. His wolf was practically singing inside him.

"No. I'm right here, and I'm never leaving either." Harry and Remus continued to hug, both missing the bond that was severed so many years ago.

-flashback-

Just outside of the hospital were two figures, who decided after putting Harry back to bed to talk things out.

"I don't believe you." Remus rasped out, unable to comprehend what he was just told.

"I don't care if you believe it, I just want you to know what kind of man the Dumbledore really is."

Remus was frozen, his mind clashing over the new information about the wizard he trusted.

Albus Dumbledore. The same man who gave him purpose in life. The man that led to him creating a pack of his own, before it was taken away. The man that let him make friendships and attend a school he never should have been allowed to.

Now, he was being told it was all a lie? It couldn't be true.

Harry's abuse? Dumbledore wanted Harry malleable for his own ideals, so he wanted the boy to be abused. He paid the Dursleys and never checked on his pup, who was being hurt the whole time.

Stealing Money? Taking from the Potter accounts? Millions of galleons lost from the Ancient family, and none a knut seen by his pup.

Creating laws against magical creatures? Albus worked with that vile woman Umbridge to segregate creatures like himself further away from the Magical world. The reason he couldn't get a job anywhere other than the muggle world.

That was just the tip of the iceberg.

Remus couldn't believe it. Dumbledore cared about Harry. He made sure Harry was put in a good home... but why was he in a hospital with records of extreme abuse? If what this man was saying is true, then Dumbledore was partially responsible in someway. Even if he did love Harry like Remus thinks he does, then maybe he never knew.

But then there was the money. Why would Dumbledore take so much? What reason was there?

Apparently almost half of Harry's money was gone, and it didn't look like he had any of it. A fraction of that money could buy a nice home several times over.

Then there was the creature laws. That was almost impossible for him to believe. Albus let him attend Hogwarts, despite his furry problem. The man obviously cared. He even visited Remus personally to give him his letter all those years ago.

But then how were all those motions passed? For those laws to go into affect, it would take the power of the courts. Despite his hatred for them, many dark families were in support of creatures. Even some light families tolerated them.

But all these laws got passed anyway, and for that to happen would mean the approval of not only the Minister of Magic, but also the head of the courts. The Chief Warlock... Albus Dumbledore.

"No... It can't be true." Remus muttered over and over in denial. He almost took to rocking back in forth in his spot.

"Alright Mr Lupin." Barton said gently. "I know it's a lot to take in, but you need to see the reasoning behind it all."

Remus looked up angrily. "How do you know if you're even right. How can I trust that your words have any value?

Yes, I can see Harry is hurt, and that he is much too small for his age, and I understand that Dumbledore took quite a lot of money, as you have shown me." Remus said distrustfully. "But how can I simply believe your words over the man that gave me a reason to continue living, despite my furry problem?"

Barton gave him an incredulous look. "You refer to your wolf as a problem?"

"Yes. It's a sickness. A curse. I never asked to be a werewolf. I never wante-"

"Then I can see why you look so terrible." Barton cut in, getting a look of shock from Remus.

"What do you mean by that, Mr Barton?" He coldly.

"I studied magical law, including the ties between magical creatures and the Wizarding communities. That includes werewolves.

When doing my research, I actually met with werewolves who were well mannered and asked them about everything from their lives to their diets. While this knowledge isn't useful in my current job, I thought it was necessary at the time.

Mr Lupin, what do you do when you transform?" Remus looked down at the floor, trying to put together his words.

"W-well...when I transform, I usually try to fight it or prolong it, hoping to be a wolf for a little time possible. I hate my transformations and the pain it comes with. There's a potion that can help with the transformations, but I have no access to it as of now." Barton nodded.

"The topic of transformation came up when I spoke to the werewolves and they explained it was the merging of the inner wolf and the man. It had to be symbiotic and unifying.

There couldn't be a moment of hesitation, and the two beings had to have a strong relationship. You must trust your inner creature, just as it trust you. Do you get what I'm saying, Mr Lupin?" There was a moment of pause, Remus unable to speak and Barton waiting for his response. The attorney knew it was probably best to put the final nail in.

"I must ask you, Mr Lupin, who taught you it was best to hate and suppress your wolf?"

The air was thick with tension, but both of them knew the answer, despite no words between them.

-flashback end-

Remus hugged Harry tight.

No...he refused to let Dum...that man near his pup ever again.

Remus released the hug on his pup and Harry happily started up a conversation. The two started small, trying to just speak to one another, both a bit afriad of the other abandoning them.

Luckily, they continued to talk until they were onto their own lives.

Remus told Harry about teaching and how his life has been over the past few years, making sure to leave out all the bad stuff...which was quite a bit.

Harry talked all about a woman named 'Miss Mayfield' and how much of an amazing person she was. He never spoke much about his previous caregivers, so Remus didn't push. Barton's words rang true inside him.

It hurt the werewolf. A random muggle, one that didn't even know Harry, came into his pup's life and did more for him than Remus ever could have hoped. She practically saved the child and he was off sulking about the loss of his friends and how terrible his own life was.

Remus promised he would never turn his back on Harry ever again. He did it once in his life, and it was turning out to be the greatest mistake of his life.

His wolf howled in agreement.

-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-

"James was often getting us involved in all sorts of adventures."

"Like what?"

"Well, in our fourth year, he gave out paint bombs that looked like galleons, so when people found them, it wold explode in their pockets."

"Isn't that kind of mean?"

"Well... I suppose. I never did care for his more bullyish pranks, but it was in good fun."

Barton felt his eyes, still heavy with need for sleep, open to the sounds of conversation.

Last night left him a mess. He didn't show it, but those five hours waiting for Harry were excruciating. After all that, the boy goes into the arms of a random stranger in the middle of late night Diagon?

He wanted nothing more than to teach Harry that what he did was wrong, but knew better than to make Harry think he did something bad. He didn't want the boy to fear seeing loved ones.

Barton got up from his chair, getting the attention of the child.

"Mr Barton, you're awake!" The man smiled tirely.

"I suppose I am. What have you been up to Harry?" Harry beamed and pointed at Lupin.

"I've been talking to Moony. He's been telling me all about my parents and how they were when they grew up." Harry adopted a sad look, getting concern from both adults.

"I... I really wish they were here. I know they loved me, and that they didn't die like Aunt Petunia said they did, but I wish I could talk to them. Tell them how much I miss them." Harry teared up. Remus was quick to hug the boy, but was met with a flinch. He grimaced but didn't waver.

"We all wish they were here pup. I know it hurts, but remember, that no matter what, they are always close to your heart, as long as you hold them there." Harry smiled through his tears.

Barton smiled at the duo and couldn't help but feel a bit jealous.

He didn't realize how much Harry grew on him until now.

He shook himself of those thought and straightened his jacket. While he would love nothing more than to spend time with Harry, he still had work to do.

-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-

Breakfast at Hogwarts

Albus Dumbledore was the talk of Hogwarts.

Letters were constantly being sent, some asking if it was true or telling him that he still had there support, but most of the sheeple in the wizarding world followed the words of the Prophet like just that, a a prophet.

Howlers were common now in his office or at the great hall when he sat in his chair.

He didn't stand for it, and immediately warded Hogwarts to block any letters, which got many reactions from students, who would find that their letters from home weren't getting into the school.

The great hall was bustling once more, many students enjoying their meals, but there was a sense of foreboding over all of it. Curious glances would be sent to the headmaster, who only gave genial smiles to his students.

Dumbledore showed that he wasn't at all affected by what happened on the outside, but on the inside he was constantly calculating new ways to find Harry.

Severus was making the tracking potion, he had several Order members secretly back in action and searching for the boy, and they were also trying to capture Arabella.

That squib may have been the one to release everything. He didn't know why she would do it all of a sudden. He paid her plenty of money. While it wasn't monthly like the Dursleys, it was definitely enough to hold the cat lady over.

Perhaps she went on the run after Harry was found, and might even know who released the information and who was behind the scenes.

It would probably be best to get in contact with her and get the information.

There was just one problem, he couldn't find her anywhere!

He huffed and bit into his food, wondering what else there was to do.

He needed to get the right people to cover up the Prophet's mouth. It might cost a pretty penny, but then again, it's not out of his pocket.

Dumbledore knew the Prophet was bound to strike again soon, and he needed to cut it off before it could happen.

Luckily, when you have access to an Ancient House's gold, a cover up was nothing.

-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-

Afternoon Tuesday, October 21

Miss Mayfield walked back to her home, only to see Barton standing in the front with several people as well, all walking around her house paintbrushes in hand or with their stic- er - wands pointed at the walls.

"Mr Barton, what are you doing here?" The man turned around and smiled at her.

"Well, as you can see, I'm making sure your home is prepared for when Harry arrives. Yes, Ms Wilson told me about what was happening, so I thought it would be best if I brought in some help. If Harry will be living here, even for a few weeks, we need to make sure your house is not in danger." Mayfield nodded and looked over Barton's shoulder.

"What are they doing?"

"They are warding your home, kind of like what I did in Harry's hospital room, but much safer and stronger. I requested them to make sure your home protects you and Harry against tracking, accidental magical signatures, and apparation, which is a form of wizard teleportation. They will also be magically suppressed, meaning that if someone is looking for the wards, then they'll have a hard time finding them."

"Umm, how much is this all going to cost me?" Mayfield was thankful of the protection, but she couldn't help but worry about how much it was. She made decent money, but she didn't have a fortune.

"Well, it's quite a bit expensive to ward a home, but luckily, I had a few favors to call in from my old Hogwarts days." Barton turned to the three men who were all but finished.

"I helped these three get Os in their OWLS and NEWTS, as I was a bit of a brainiac when it came to Ancient Runes and Transfiguration." Mayfield had... no idea what those were, but apparently it made sense in the wizarding world.

She thanked Barton for the help, as well as invited the group in for tea and biscuits for all their hard work.

They took her up on her offer, as she seemed to be very thankful. They didn't realize that she had ulterior motives.

After all, she still had a whole second bedroom to reorganize, and what was better help than a group of four strong men?

-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-;-

Harry got out of the hospital with a clean bill of health after a doctor checked him over and saw that he had no injuries. The man seemed suspicious about how Harry healed so quickly, but then the cunfundus charms still ingrained in the room kicked in and he forgot about that train of thought.

Mr Barton would have to remove those later.

Still wearing his baggy clothing from when he was injured, cleaned of course, he was driven to an unknown location by Ms Wilson,who actually looked a bit excited.

Well, Ms Wilson's form of excited.

Harry was scared. The older looking lady said she was taking him to someone who would take care of him, but she didn't say who.

Moony stayed with him all day, but the man had to say goodbye earlier, claiming he had things to do. But to Harry's relief, he said he would see the boy very soon.

'Maybe I'm going to Moony's house?' He didn't remember his Uncle saying anything about his house, but he was sure to have one.

Harry felt the car slow down and they turned around a corner into a street filled with homes lined up next to one another.

However, unlike the cookie cutter homes he was used to, each home seemed a bit...different from one another.

Some were bigger or fatter, while others were flashier or more lively looking.

"We're here Mr Potter." Harry pushed open the door, holding onto the little plastic bag that held his books and the story all his friends at school made for him.

He stared at the house before him.

It was small. It had a cottage kind of appearance to it with its dark roof and pristine white walls.

The house had two front windows that were symmetrical from the door, which was painted with flowers on it.

Lily Flowers.

There was more. Rows of flowers were on the porch ledges, giving the house a more colorful look. There was a small garden in the front corner, full of yellows and reds, grass that was kept proper, and a small oak tree that didn't look over a few years old.

It was beautiful, but that wasn't what Harry focused on most.

There stood his teacher, the best thing that ever happened to him, giving him a smile.

"I know it's not much..., but welcome to your new home, if you want that is." Mayfield said unsurely.

Harry stood completely still.

A crack of a gun went off, scaring the daylights out of the two women, but instead of seeing a gunner, they found that Harry was now nowhere near the car. Instead, he was hugging Mayfields legs, his lips quivering and his eyes tearing up.

Mayfield knew that magic was something she would need to get used to, but she was willing to do it for this tiny child she cared for so deeply.

She hugged Harry back, welcoming him into her home.

-;-;-;-;-

Off the side of the building stood Daniel Barton, who looked a bit haggard. Then again, that woman made him help rearrange the room several times before she finally deemed it perfect.

His... colleagues claimed they had more work to do, so they got out of it, leaving him to fend for himself with a meticulous young woman. So much for that favor they owed him.

He shook his head slowly and smiled at the two hugging figures. They were good for each other. Mayfield would definitely be the best thing for Harry right now, especially with all his new magic.

Barton would have to make sure Harry was ready for the new influx of power, as he already showed he could do amazing things with it.

He apparated right up to Mayfield! Apparation was extremely rare for accidental magic, yet Harry did it without even being in any form of stressful situation.

He did it because he wanted comfort.

Harry would definitely need training in the future. That might mean a few more calls.

Barton sighed and walked away as Mayfield led Harry into her home. He got a lot done today, but there was still so much to do.

(End Chapter)

Yay! I enjoyed writing this chapter.

I know the feelings in the story have shifted from abuse to love, and that's just what I wanted.

I hope you liked it, please follow and reivew.

Until next time, see ya!