Hello everyone! Here's a birthday post! Yep today is my BIRTHDAY! So after your done reading REVIEW! I'll love you forever:)
Baby……?
For the first time in many, many years Headmaster Albus Dumbledore woke up with the sun already streaming through his bedroom window. For several moments Dumbledore simply lay in bed enjoying the feeling of the warm sun on his face. Suddenly, he shot up into a sitting position and put a hand to his head.
Harry! Dumbledore thought frantically as he stumbled out of bed and hurried to get dressed. Why isn't he up yet? Or is he up and simply can't find me? Did he wake up or have any nightmares last night, I can't seem to remember…Just as Dumbledore's thoughts were growing more frantic, loud peels of delighted laughter caught his attention. He froze and turned to look at the closed bedroom door. More laughter reached Dumbledore's ears and he collapsed on his bed in relief and embarrassment. How could he have forgotten, once again, that Remus was taking care of Harry?
Dumbledore laid back down in bed, trying to calm his racing heart. Ever since the day at the toy store and the events that had followed, Remus had taken up temporary residence in the castle to be closer to Harry. For the past three days Remus had slept in a transfigured bed in Harry's room and had been the one to wake up if Harry had a nightmare or other such thing during the night.
Dumbledore could not lie; he had greatly enjoyed these last three days and his chances to finally sleep late. Not to say that he did not like watching over Harry, no! Exactly the opposite. He loved the raven-haired child dearly. However, taking care of such a youngster was tiring work and Dumbledore knew that it would probably get more draining from here on out.
Dumbledore sighed and ran a wrinkled hand over his tired face in an attempt to rub the last drops of sleep away. Getting up, the headmaster went about getting himself ready for the day in a more organized manner.
Twenty minutes later Dumbledore opened his bedroom door, being careful not to make noise so he might get a chance to observe Remus and Harry. Dumbledore smiled fondly at the two. In the last few days Harry had blossomed under Remus' kind eyes, gentle smile and unwavering love and patience. Currently, Harry had his toy wolf in hand and was making it "walk" towards Remus as he explained about the wolf's latest adventures.
Dumbledore chuckled softly as his eyes roamed around the room looking for the black toy dog that Remus had also purchased. It took him a few seconds but Dumbledore soon spotted the dog under Harry's cot. The soft smile which had graced Dumbledore lips slowly wilted and he shook his head. This was not the first time Dumbledore had seen the dog in a strange place; Harry seemed to be completely adamant about the fact that he wanted nothing to do with the dog, a fact which Dumbledore knew bothered Remus and himself as well.
Turning his attention back to Harry and Remus, Dumbledore felt the smile reappear on his face. How Dumbledore wished that he and Minerva could have the same effect on Harry. For a moment he felt the smallest twinge of jealousy towards the lycanthrope. However, the next second Dumbledore squashed it down and shook his head. How could he even feel that way for a moment? Yet, he knew the reason. His guilt over placing Harry in the hands of such uncaring people had taken its toll.
"Albus!" The sound of his name being called brought Dumbledore out of his musings.
"Remus, Harry, how are you?" Dumbledore replied as he made his way over to them. Harry was looking up at Dumbledore, his small, angelic face bright with happiness.
"Mr. Dwumbledow!" Harry exclaimed as he scrambled to his feet and rushed to Dumbledore, raising his hands in the air to be picked up. Smiling brightly as he gave the small boy a kiss on the forehead, Dumbledore looked at Harry with a mock serious expression and asked, "So tell me, Mr. Harry Potter what have you and Remus been up to this fine morning?" Harry giggled in response and brought his wolf up to eye level so that it was right in front of Dumbledore's face.
"Moony," Harry started as he indicated the wolf, "Stopped the bunny wobers!" Dumbledore looked over at Remus in time to see the man bring a hand to his mouth to hide a smile and from the look he was giving Dumbledore, Dumbledore knew he was not supposed to laugh either.
"That is very good, Harry!" Dumbledore praised as he forced himself to keep the smile down. "Now, Harry, why don't you go over and ask Remus if he would like a small snack?" Harry nodded, eager to please and as soon as Dumbledore set him down he ran to Remus to deliver the message. Dumbledore smiled as he watched Remus smile at Harry and tell the small boy in a very serious voice "I would be most delighted, Harry."
As the three males made their way into Dumbledore's office, the older wizard turned his attention to one of his many office windows for a moment, trying to see if there were any specks in the distance to signal the arrival of owls. So far he saw nothing of the sort. Dumbledore could not hold in a sigh of relief. Voldemort's Death Eaters had been hard at work and over the last few nights it seemed that their crimes had spiked.
Turning his attention back to the small boy who was patiently tapping his leg, Dumbledore smiled and picked Harry up; Dumbledore was truly delighted at how much more forward and comfortable Harry was acting.
"Harry, child, what would you say to some muffins and milk? Hmm? Does that sound appetizing?" Dumbledore questioned with a smile as he tousled Harry's hair. Harry scrunched up his small nose and raised a hand to pat down his hair slightly before answering.
"Yefs! The mufens are yummy." Harry paused for a moment looking down at the toy in his hands. "Moony thisty. Can he have some waler?" This drew a laugh from both Remus and Dumbledore and they both nodded at the same time.
"Of course Mooney can have some water, Harry. I should have thought of that myself!" Remus exclaimed as he took Harry from Dumbledore's arms so the man could get their snack. "Do you think Mooney will forgive me for not thinking to give him water, Harry?" Remus continued putting on a mock worried face. Harry hugged his toy to his chest before answering with a toothy grin, "Mooney fogives you, silly!"
After the small snack, Remus looked over at Dumbledore as he washed Harry's face and sticky little hands with a cloth. Dumbledore seemed to understand because he got up from his chair and came over to stand behind Harry.
"Harry, do you remember what I was telling you about yesterday and this morning?" Remus questioned gently as he ran a gentle hand through Harry's raven colored locks. Harry sat up straighter in his chair, his small face beginning to show signs of distress. "Do you remember, Harry?" Remus asked again when Harry did not answer. This time, Harry nodded and reached up both hands to Remus, wanting to be held. After settling Harry comfortably on his lap, Remus continued.
"Well, it's almost time for me to be going, Harry. OK?" Harry gave a childish grunt and buried his face in Remus' chest. "I know Harry; I don't want to leave either. But this is a very important miss...er... job. And I promise that as soon as I'm finished I will rush back here to see you. Agreed?" Harry still had his head buried in Remus' chest and it was apparent that he was sniffing back tears. Remus looked up at Dumbledore with a slightly helpless look on his face. In truth, he did not want to go. He had missed being there for Harry when he had been a child the first time around and all he wanted to do now was hold him and never let go.
Remus sighed. He knew that no matter how much he wanted to stay he could not. This mission was vital, no matter what he really wanted to do and nothing would change that. In the end, Harry would be re-aged and would, hopefully, allow Remus to be there for him more than before.
Running his fingers through Harry's hair as he looked down at the sniffling boy he had a sudden strike of inspiration. Picking up Moony he turned Harry around in his lap and, after making sure he had Harry's full attention, he gave Moony a light shake. Harry frowned, wondering what Remus was doing with Moony.
"Now you listen here, Wolf" Remus began sternly. "You had better take good care of Harry or I'll be having something to say to you when I get back. You you hear me?" Remus waited for a few moments, looking as though he was actually listening to the stuffed toy before nodding in satisfaction.
Harry was looking back and forth between Moony and Remus trying to figure out what was going on. Remus was acting funny; the corners of Harry's small mouth turned up slightly at this thought. He watched as Remus talked to Mooney and smiled. It was nice that his two friends were finally talking.
Remus waited a few more moments after nodding before he turned to look down at Harry once more.
"He says he will take very good care of you while I'm gone, Harry. So I want you to tell me if he doesn't do his job." Remus instructed as he handed the toy back to its owner. Harry looked at his toy for a moment before turning back around and burrowing against Remus' side once more.
"I don' wan' you to leabe," Harry murmured unhappily. Remus sighed as he closed his eyes for a moment; Harry wasn't going to make this easy was he?
"I know, Harry, I know. I don't want to leave either. But you just wait; I'll be back so fast that you'll never know I was gone!" Trying to lighten the mood, even a little bit, Remus shifted Harry and lightly tickled his stomach.
"Come on now, Harry. I don't want to leave you with a grumpy face. How about you give me a smile? Please? Just one, little Harry's the best boy in the world, smile?" Every other word was punctuated with a light tickle to Harry's belly. It was obvious Harry was doing his best to keep a straight face, but when Remus was done talking he had given Harry an extra lengthy tickle that caused Harry to practically burst with giggles.
"A-HA! There it is!" Remus exclaimed as he jumped up and threw Harry in the air. Harry actually gave an outright laugh as Remus caught him and nuzzled Harry's cheek with his own. "See, I knew you had it in you."
Remus looked over Harry's head and, with his eyes, directed Dumbledore to take Harry. As he did, Harry reached out for Remus, a frown slowly starting to creep its way back onto Harry's face.
"No, no, Harry. None of that, I'll be back very soon and I want you to be a good boy for Minerva and Albus. Okay Harry?" Harry continued to reach out to Remus, but when it was apparent that he was not going to oblige and pick Harry up, Harry twisted his small body around and huddled in Dumbledore's embrace.
For several moments Dumbledore and Remus looked at one another at a loss for what to do. At last, Remus stepped forward, brushed a gentle hand through Harry's tousled hair and pressed a soft kiss to the boy's forehead. Then, with a nod to Dumbledore, Remus turned to walk out of the room.
"Wemuz!" Harry called out suddenly, surprising both Remus and Dumbledore. Turning around, Remus found Harry still huddled in Dumbledore's arms, his eyes glistening with tears. "By'e, by'e, Wemuz. Come back fast, ok?" Remus nodded numbly before being able to get his voice to work and said "Of course, Harry. I'll be back very fast." With that, Remus turned and walked out the door, feeling as if he would much rather eat a live scorpion than leave.
For the rest of the morning Dumbledore did his best to keep Harry distracted. Dumbledore was worried now that Remus had left, Harry would withdraw once more and so, he ignored the growing pile of work on his desk in favor of playing different games, coloring, and reading stories to Harry.
Now, it was nearing lunch time and Dumbledore was happy that even though Harry seemed a little put out that Remus was gone, he was not closing himself off. Minerva had invited Dumbledore and Harry to her rooms for lunch, so Dumbledore dressed Harry in some light robes and made his way down to her quarters.
"Hello there, Harry, Albus." McGonagall welcomed as she ushered the two into her quarters. "How have you been, Harry?" McGonagall continued as she watched Harry walk around the small, yet spacious, living room before he sat down on the plush, red rug. Harry looked up at McGonagall and gave her a toothy smile as he replied, "I doin' good. Wemuz, go bye for lil bit but he be back fast. Wright, Mr. Dwumbledow?"
"That's right, Harry." Dumbledore confirmed with a small, comforting smile. "Now what would you like to eat? We can have anything you like."
Harry tilted his head to one side, looking so cute that Dumbledore could swear he heard McGonagall give a soft "aww". He had to force himself not to roll his eyes in a very un-Dumbledore-like manner.
"So, what will it be, Harry?" Dumbledore prodded as he and McGonagall went and sat on the couch. They looked down at Harry who was running his hands through the soft rug. Harry looked up slightly at the two adults but did not say anything, causing Dumbledore and McGonagall to exchange a look of mild frustration. It seemed that no matter how much Remus was able to help Harry, the one thing Harry would still not do willingly was ask for food.
"Come on now, Harry, what would you like?" Dumbledore questioned again as he picked Harry up and set him on his knee. Harry looked at McGonagall and then up at Dumbledore before looking down at his hands without replying. "Harry, look at me." Dumbledore said, his voice holding a drop more authority than he usually took with Harry, as he gently lifted Harry's face and looked directly into the child's eyes.
"Harry, Minerva and I would like to know what you want to eat." Dumbledore spoke softly but made sure he had Harry's full attention. "If you don't tell us what you want we can not get it for you." For several moments Harry said nothing, then, ever so slowly his small mouth opened and he said, "I like da' chic'en…" For a moment Harry looked uncertain, as though he was not sure he had said the right thing.
"Alright, Harry what else would you like other than chicken?" Dumbledore questioned lightly as he smiled reassuringly down at the boy. Harry's eyes shifted over to McGonagall who gave him a bright smile before he looked back up at Dumbledore and smiled hesitantly himself.
"Pumpken waler, pwease." Harry continued as he leaded forward and snuggled into Dumbledore's chest.
"Alright then, let me go get our lunch. Why don't you stay here with Minerva, Harry?" Dumbledore suggested as he stood up and set the small boy on his feet. Harry nodded and with a hurried, "Ok, I stay here" Harry plopped back down on the rug and resumed running his hands over it.
For several minutes after Dumbledore left McGonagall sat watching Harry. Ever since Remus had come to help with the raven haired boy, Minerva had not had much time to spend with him.
"Harry?" McGonagall asked as she settled down on the rug next to him. "How did you like Remus?" Harry looked up and gave a small hesitant smile.
"Wemus fun." Harry informed McGonagall. "But he gone, now. I wait tough and he come ba'k, wight?"
"Yes of course, pet." McGonagall reassured as she stood up. "Come now Harry, let's go set the table so that when Albus gets back with our lunch we can be ready to eat." Harry smiled as he got to his feet and followed McGonagall into the kitchen.
McGonagall made sure that anything sharp was out of Harry's reach, though she doubted that Harry would actually try to get anything he was not supposed to, before she handed Harry some napkins and place mats to set on the table. Harry was ready to help in any way and actually seemed to enjoy it. Five minutes later Harry and McGonagall stepped back to admire their handy work. Well, McGonagall stepped back to watch Harry beam over what he had done.
"What a nice table," Dumbledore smiled as he entered the kitchen once more. Almost immediately, Harry bounded over to him and exclaimed, "Me and Ms. Meleroneful did it!" Dumbledore laughed as he picked Harry up and made to leave the room. "And what a wonderful job you two did." Turning his head ever so slightly Dumbledore nodded to McGonagall as he and Harry left the room.
Dumbledore and McGonagall were still hesitant to expose Harry to too much magic, and so things like having the house elves send the food to someone's rooms and having it appear on the table was something that Harry was still not being introduced to.
McGonagall waited until she was sure that Dumbledore had taken Harry out of sight before ringing a small bell that was on the table. A moment later the table was full of food. McGonagall noticed that along with the chicken and pumpkin juice that Harry had requested, Dumbledore had also ordered a fruit salad, bread rolls, and steamed rice.
"Aren't you two going to come eat with me?" McGonagall called out to let Dumbledore know that it was safe to bring Harry back into the kitchen. Almost immediately Dumbledore appeared with Harry at his heels.
"Doesn't that look good?" Dumbledore questioned as he picked Harry up and set him on his chair. Harry smiled as he took in a deep breath to relish the good smells of the food.
Once everyone was settled down and enjoying their food, McGonagall turned to Harry and began to ask questions about what he had done while Remus had been with him and if he had enjoyed himself. It was amazing! McGonagall could not believe the change in the boy she had known only a few days ago who would only answer in one or two words. Harry was now going on and on about every small thing that Remus and he had done together while he still retained his manners and ate his food in a very neat style.
For several hours after lunch, Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Harry had lounged around McGonagall's living room chatting, reading, and occasionally playing a game or two. When it was obvious that Harry was starting to get a little stir crazy from being inside, McGonagall suggested that the party move outside in hopes that Harry would wear himself out for a nap.
As was usual, McGonagall and Dumbledore lead Harry towards the lake where they had taken him on all the other outings. Harry was obviously happy about being outside because the moment his feet touched the grass he was off sprinting across the grounds, running in circles, doing floppy versioned somersaults and rolling around in the grass.
Dumbledore chuckled as he held up the small bag which had Harry's outdoor toys in it and said, "Well, perhaps we won't be needing these." McGonagall laughed good naturedly as she and Dumbledore followed Harry to make sure he did not hurt himself.
"Maybe not," McGonagall agreed, "but that toy wolf of his is going to need a good washing!" Dumbledore turned his attention to the wolf in Harry's hand which he had just dropped. It was splattered with dirt, mud, and grass. For several more minutes Harry enjoyed his freedom before he collapsed under a tree, exhausted, but happy.
"Harry, dear?" McGonagall asked as she and Dumbledore sat down on either side of Harry. Harry looked up at her, his small face was red and sweaty, but he was wearing a bright smile the likes of which his guardians had not seen in some time. "When you're rested how would you like to go look around the rest of the grounds?"
Harry pushed himself up into a sitting position and looked around. He seemed seeming to notice for the first time how big the grounds really were. Harry crawled over to McGonagall and settled down next to her as he answered with a breathy, "Yeah, day big. Letz go!" and sprang to his feet.
"Wait just a second there!" McGonagall laughed as she helped Harry sit down once more. "Why don't we rest for just a little bit, hmm?" Harry looked around for a moment before lying down in the grass with an exhausted sigh.
"Ok." Harry agreed as he brought his toy wolf up to his chest to snuggle with it.
As tired as Harry was it seemed as if he could not be kept down for long and within five minutes he was on his feet once more waiting somewhat impatiently for Dumbledore and McGonagall to get to their feet as well.
"Alright, Harry, we're coming." McGonagall laughed as she and Dumbledore dusted off their robes.
"Harry, come here for a moment," Dumbledore called; Harry came running back to him almost immediately. "Now, Harry," Dumbledore began, "I want you to stay close to Minerva and me; is that clear? No running off. We will take you around the grounds, but you must be a good boy and not disobey, is that clear?" Harry drew slightly away from Dumbledore and looked at the ground and both McGonagall and Dumbledore recognized the signs of Harry reverting back to the way he used to act.
"Harry, I am not angry with you. I just want to keep you safe. Do you understand?" Dumbledore questioned, hoping that he had not made Harry afraid. Harry looked up slowly and Dumbledore felt his heart leap and pride swell in his chest. He once more sent a silent "thank you" to Remus Lupin for helping Harry be more confident. Before Remus had come and spent time with Harry, he would have never responded. More than likely, he would have just kept looking at the ground until he was driven to tears.
"Harry?" Dumbledore asked as he held the green eyed gaze with his own. "Do you understand?" Harry licked his lips nervously as he looked at Dumbledore and then turned his gaze to McGonagall. Upon upon seeing her give him a bright, reassuring smile he turned back to Dumbledore and nodded.
"Yeah, you not mad, you wants for me not to get losts." Dumbledore reached out and pulled Harry into a hug.
"That's exactly right, Harry." Dumbledore praised as he stood up. "Now, are you ready to go?" Harry reached up and grasped the hand which Dumbledore had extended to him and with a cry of, "Lefs go, Ms. Meleroneful!" the small party of three set off across the grounds.
With Harry's small legs and unwavering amazement at the smallest things, it took a very long time to get very far. Several times McGonagall had noticed Harry looking at the Forbidden Forest with an unreadable emotion in his eyes. Looking down at Harry once more, McGonagall realized that Harry's glances at the Forbidden Forest were becoming more frequent as they drew nearer. McGonagall knew that Dumbledore would never allow them to go very close the forest, but she was still worried about how close they were getting.
Suddenly Harry stopped, causing Dumbledore and McGonagall to stop as well and look back at him. Harry's small face was scrunched up in growing distress and he was wringing his small hands together as he shifted from foot to foot.
"What is it, Harry?" Dumbledore asked as he and McGonagall walked back to Harry. Harry turned to look up at Dumbledore and frowned.
"Lefs go back." Harry murmured, looking around. McGonagall and Dumbledore shared surprised before McGonagall turned to Harry and asked, "Why, Harry? I thought you were having fun?"
Harry took a deep breath as he shook his head, "I wana go back, pwease."
"Alright, Harry. If that's what you want we can go back inside." McGonagall answered as she reached down to take Harry's hand. "But, Pet, can you please tell me why you want to go back?"
Harry looked over his shoulder and shuddered slightly. "Is scawy." Harry mumbled.
"What is scary, Pet?" McGonagall pressed lightly. Harry looked up at her and answered in a drastic whisper, "Duh dark twees." McGonagall almost felt like sighing in relief. That was why Harry had been acting strangely.
"That's very good, Harry," Dumbledore started and smiled when Harry turned to look at him. "You need to stay away from the forest." Harry looked between his guardians before his face broke out in a large smile.
"Good?" Harry questioned after a moment's hesitation.
"Oh yes, Harry! You are such a good boy for knowing that we should not go very close to the forest." Dumbledore praised. Harry could not wipe off the large smile which he wore as he started to drag McGonagall still further in the opposite direction of the forest. Laughing at his antics, Dumbledore followed when Harry called.
"Now, do you still want to look around a little more?" McGonagall asked when Harry was satisfied at the amount of distance between them and the forest. Harry turned to her and nodded happily.
For several more minutes the group started around the grounds once more. But it seemed that the fates could not leave Harry alone because Dumbledore and McGonagall were noticing that the boy was growing distressed. Wondering what could possible be wrong now, Dumbledore looked at McGonagall and wondered if he should ask or wait for Harry to make some comment. He got his answer when McGonagall inclined her head lightly to the boy between them, who was rubbing his head.
Several more minutes passed when suddenly Harry cried out and stopped in his tracks. Startled, Dumbledore immediately scooped Harry up into his arms.
"Harry? What's wrong? Are you hurt?" It was, perhaps, a stupid question as they had been with Harry for the whole day, but Dumbledore was suddenly very worried. "Harry, come on now my boy, tell me what's wrong."
"Huwts!" Harry exclaimed as he desperately clutched his head.
"Where Harry? Where does it hurt, can you show me?" Dumbledore pressed. Harry groaned, and for a moment Dumbledore thought that the boy would refuse, the next moment though, Harry reached up and pointed to his forehead and more importantly, to his scar.
Dumbledore heard McGonagall suck in a breath as they both realized that Harry's scar was rimmed with red and looked slightly inflamed. Taking a deep breath to steady himself Dumbledore forced himself to give Harry a reassuring smile.
"Well, Harry you seem to have a bit of a headache; why don't we go inside and rest?" Harry immediately shook his head, but grasped it as it seemed the sudden motion caused him more pain. Harry did not want to go back inside. His head hurt, yes, but he would much rather stay outside. "Now, now, Harry" Dumbledore chided lightly, trying to keep the mood light. "You will be able to come outside later when you are feeling better." Harry still looked hesitant to agree so Dumbledore spoke up once more, "How about some milk and ice cream, Harry? I think that will help you feel much better."
McGonagall turned to Dumbledore, giving him a hard glare and almost spoke until she realized that Dumbledore was trying to get Harry to go inside willingly to keep him from getting even more upset. Swallowing her pride, McGonagall decided against voicing her opinion that giving Harry ice cream right now would only make it harder for him to sleep, and that the child needed to eat healthy with how malnourished he was.
"Ok," Harry answered after several long moments of an internal debate. He supposed it was worth going inside if he got to have some ice cream. Harry had only ever had ice cream one other time, when Dudley had said that the ice cream Aunt Petunia gave him was making him feel sick, so Aunt Petunia had allowed Harry to eat what little was left.
Dumbledore smiled at Harry and made to set him down so that Harry could walk by himself as he preferred to walk rather than be carried. However, when Harry felt the movement to deposit him on the ground he flung his small arms around Dumbledore's neck and gave a sound that threatened to turn into a cry.
"Alright, Harry, it's alright." Dumbledore immediately tried to sooth as he clutched the boy to his chest, reminding himself not to squeeze too tight in his anxiety and hurt the boy.
The small group of three made quick work of getting back inside the castle and from there up to Dumbledore's office. Harry was more than a little put out over the fact that he was once more inside, and even though he did get his promised treat, the pain in his head made it impossible to focus.
Dumbledore and McGonagall were both obviously worried. Dumbledore kept looking out the window for the letter he knew must be on its way that he did not want to receive, while McGonagall was growing increasingly upset when it seemed nothing would bring Harry out of his slump.
One particularly painful stab of pain caused Harry to drop the spoon he was eating with along with the ice cream that was on it. As he began crying, McGonagall suggested that they move into Harry's room to try and make the boy more comfortable.
Time seemed to have no relevance as Dumbledore and McGonagall put all their effort into distracting Harry to keep him from getting upset. Dumbledore tried everything from reading Harry stories to stacking blocks. When Harry would grow upset in his pain and start to grow frightened, for it was easy to see that the small boy did not understand what was going on, McGonagall tried her luck. She seemed to hit on a bright gold star when she brought out Harry's red ball.
For the better part of half an hour Harry played with his ball on the floor, sometimes rolling it over to McGonagall or Dumbledore and sometimes just playing by himself. Both Dumbledore and McGonagall knew that Harry was in no mood to put up a fight, or the ball would not have held his attention for long.
While Harry had been playing with his ball, Dumbledore had quietly excused himself to check the wards and was surprised when Harry did not put up a very large fuss. Instead he accepted that Dumbledore had something else to do and continued to play idly with his ball. As with every other activity that had been tried, the ball could not keep Harry's attention for long and Harry abandoned it on the floor and crawled over to McGonagall, stopping every so often to rub his head.
When Harry stopped in front of McGonagall and reached up with one hand while the other was rubbing his head, McGonagall obliged and picked him up, allowing the small boy to cling to her. She thought that she might try a story once more, now that Harry was not showing any interest in anything. McGonagall set about telling Harry a wizarding favorite of Merlin and the dragon, and a mermaid he befriended.
As Dumbledore came back he made sure to keep quite, thinking that by now Harry would be asleep. Dumbledore was distressed to find Harry in McGonagall's arms with tears shining brightly in his eyes, even as McGonagall did her best to sooth and distract him. Both McGonagall and Harry looked up at the same time when he entered the room, and before anything could be said Harry reached out in a silent plea for Dumbledore.
"Oh my dear boy," Dumbledore murmured as he took the distraught boy into his arms and walked over to sit down in the rocking chair next to McGonagall when she motioned for him to take it.
McGonagall gave a soft sigh as she ran her fingers through Harry's hair. Looking up at Dumbledore she met the worry in his eyes with that in her own and inclined her head to the toddler in his arms. Both knew that his would be a very long night.
Several hours later, after McGonagall had calmed Harry after a particularly nasty nightmare, Dumbledore walked into the room from his office where he had been answering a fire call. If either Dumbledore or McGonagall thought it strange that someone was fire calling at such an outrageous hour they were too preoccupied with Harry to say anything.
Dumbledore's face was calm yet slightly pinched and pale. McGonagall turned her attention to him, but the question died on her lips as she got a good look at his face. Dumbledore, knowing what McGonagall had been about to ask, took a steadying breath and walked up to her.
"Minister Fudge has requested our presence at the Ministry." The way Dumbledore put a light stress on the world "request" told McGonagall that it was anything but. "It seems," Dumbledore continued quietly, "that someone has started several fires at the Ministry and Cornelius would like our help in trying to figure out who." McGonagall looked at Dumbledore, not knowing what to say. Instead she looked down at the boy in her arms, who she had only just gotten to fall back to sleep, and back at Dumbledore with a look of mingled exasperation and anxiety.
"We can't, Albus. Not tonight, just look at him." McGonagall begged. Dumbledore shook his head sadly as he stroked his beard. "Albus, he hasn't been able to sleep for more than half an hour without waking up!" McGonagall continued, and as if to help prove her point Harry twitched in his sleep and pushed his small body closer to the person holding him.
"I know, Minerva, I know. I told Cornelius that we are not available and that we would be more than happy to go and help him in the morning, but he is in such a panic that he will hear none of it. He said that he would even come here and put his memories in a pensieve, but with Harry we both know that is not an option." McGonagall could not help but feel anxiety well up in her chest as Dumbledore gave his small speech. She knew what would be coming next and she did not approve of it any more than she had the first time.
"We will leave Harry with Severus," McGonagall sucked in a breath and pressed her lips together as Dumbledore nodded gravely. "You know I do not want to leave him, Minerva. Especially now. But there is nothing more I can do."
McGonagall turned away from Dumbledore in favor of looking down at Harry in her arms. She knew that there really was no other choice. If Fudge came to Hogwarts they would still have to leave Harry with Severus in order for Fudge not to see him; and even that wasn't fool proof. Fudge might get it into his head that Severus had something to do with what had happened at the Ministry and demand to see him. With a sigh, McGonagall looked up at Dumbledore and nodded.
"Yes, let's get his things together, Albus." McGonagall said in a no nonsense voice. "And pack a few extra toys and blankets, and some of that cinnamon apple sauce he likes so much," McGonagall instructed as she rose from her seat and started going around getting Harry's things ready. She was careful not to jostle him too much so he would not wake up.
Soon enough, Dumbledore and McGonagall, with Harry clutched safely in her arms, were on their way to the dungeons in silence. However, before they reached the Great Hall, McGonagall handed Harry to Dumbledore saying that she needed to retrieve something from her rooms and would meet the two of them in the dungeons.
McGonagall caught up with Dumbledore and Harry in the Entrance Hall much sooner than either of them expected, because Harry had started to fuss causing Dumbledore to have to stop several times. When Dumbledore saw the brightly colored parcel in her hand he could not help but smile as they continued on down to the dungeons.
"Well, let's get this over with." McGonagall huffed, her voice trying to sound snappish but not exactly succeeding. Dumbledore sent her a calm smile as he raised his hand to knock on the portrait to Severus' private quarters.
It did not take long for Severus to open the door; he was still dressed in his trademark black robes. A quill stained with red clasped in his hand leading to gave the impression that he was probably grading some of the N.E.W.T level essays that his students had sent for revision.
Severus opened his mouth to either greet or snap at the people who had interrupted his work, but when his eyes landed on the sleeping form in Dumbledore's arms his mouth snapped shut and he could only glare.
"Severus, I take it you are well?" Dumbledore smiled softly as he did his best to keep his voice even.
"If you would please dispense with the pleasantries, Headmaster," Severus sneered through gritted teeth, his attention still focused on the sleeping Harry.
Dumbledore's calm expression did not falter, but his smile wilted ever so slightly as he looked back at his Potions Master.
"Severus, please, I can already see you know what I have come to request and I beg you to accept." Dumbledore continued.
"I will not, Headmaster." Severus replied at once, his voice cool.
"Severus, this is no time for acting childish." McGonagall scolded. Dumbledore had told her the scene he had walked in on when he had gone to pick Harry up the last time the boy was left in Severus' care. Surely, Harry had not meant to do anything wrong. Knowing the boy he was probably trying to help.
"I have work to do," Severus snapped at her, and both McGonagall and Dumbledore winced as a loud, yet sleepy wail cut through the cold dungeon air. Severus' voice had awakened him. At once, McGonagall and Dumbledore set about calming and soothing Harry, trying to get him back to sleep. However, Harry was having none of it and as he turned his head in Dumbledore's arms he caught sight of Severus and let out another loud wail.
"Hush, pet, everything is alright," McGonagall tried as she took Harry from Dumbledore's arms.
"Wemuz!" Harry cried out looking around wildly, "Me wafs, Wemuz!"
"He will be back very soon, Harry my dear." McGonagall soothed as she rubbed circles on the small boys back. "He would not want you to be so upset now, would he? No, he wouldn't. That's right, child, calm down. Such a good boy, take deep breaths, there you go." With Harry as calm as could be under the circumstances and held tightly against her in a protective embrace, McGonagall turned back to see how Dumbledore was doing in convincing Severus.
"Headmaster, may I speak with you in private?" Severus requested as he stepped back to allow them entrance to his quarters.
"Yes of course, Severus," Dumbledore replied somewhat surprised. However, when the two moved away from Harry and McGonagall to talk, Dumbledore only just put up a silencing bubble charm before Severus exploded.
"I won't do it! I have had enough of that dratted boy to last me for more lifetimes than I can count. Is it not enough that he must ruin most of my year with his mere presence but now I must be forced to withstand his company during my holidays? I. WONT. DO. IT!" Severus sneered at Dumbledore. He could not believe the Headmaster's audacity at once more asking him to watch the bratty little boy.
Dumbledore listened attentively through Severus' entire rant and when he was quite sure that he was done, Dumbledore spoke, "I am not asking this because I wish to punish you." Severus snorted in reply. "Tonight the Ministry of Magic was set aflame in several of its departments and it is not known by whom." At this, Severus looked interested, proving that he had not known about it. "When I informed Cornelius that Minerva and I would not be able to go to the Ministry to help, he most graciously offered to come to Hogwarts and pensieve his memories. However, with Harry here that would be most unacceptable and-"
"And you would have had to leave him with me so that the old crackpot who we call a Minister could come. And if Fudge got it into his head that Death Eaters had something to do with it, which he is more than likely thinking at this very moment, he would want to question me and he might see the boy." Severus finished for Dumbledore as he brought his hands up to rub his temples.
"Exactly," Dumbledore smiled. "Now my boy, will you please assist us?" Severus sent a glare at the smiling headmaster and grasped at one more straw to try and get out of it, "Don't you remember what that little insect did the last time he was here?"
"Did you remember to set up Harry's pen and put him in it so that he could not disturb you?" Dumbledore asked innocently.
"No…" Severus growled slowly as his glare intensified at the even brighter smile which had appeared on Dumbledore's face.
"Well what do you say, Severus?" Dumbledore questioned once more.
"Why do you ask when you already know my answer?" Severus snapped, crossing his arms.
"Because no matter what you may think, you do have a choice." Dumbledore's voice was still light but it held a certain edge as though to make sure that Severus knew that he did have a choice.
For several moments neither said anything, but a small spark of gratitude lit in Severus' eyes as he said, "Very well, Albus, I will take the boy." Dumbledore smiled and with a swish of his wand the silencing charm disappeared.
Immediately, Dumbledore and Severus winced and had to fight to not clap their hands over their ears. Harry was screaming and crying in great, hysterical sobs in McGonagall's arms, and by the flustered look on her face he had been at it for some time. It would seem that McGonagall had told Harry about the new plans and he was not happy.
Dumbledore could see Harry clutching what looked like a book made out of different, brightly colored fabrics in his right hand, while his wolf was in his left. Dumbledore could see that McGonagall had given Harry the gift in the hopes that Harry would be distracted enough by his new toy not to be upset of over them leaving. That was obviously not going to be the case.
It took quite some time for McGonagall and Dumbledore to get Harry calm enough to listen to what they had to say and even long enough longer to convince the tired and upset boy to stay with Severus. Many tears, calming words, hugs, and kisses later, Harry was in Severus' arms, crying lightly as he waved good-bye to Dumbledore and McGonagall.
Turning and taking the lightly crying boy into his quarters Severus was struck by a strong sense of déjà vu. Looking down at the boy in his arms, Severus could tell that the boy was not only upset but he was scared. Severus had to fight back a shudder. It was one thing to have his students be afraid of him, it was quite another for a three year-old to be this frightened.
Harry looked around the room as he sniffed once more. He did not want to be here with this man. This man did not like him and Harry could not help but remember how mad the man had been when Harry had tried to help him with his soup. Harry hiccoughed lightly as he tried to think of what he could do to make the man like him more. Remembering that Mr. Ab'us and Mrs. M'nerba (it was alright to call them such in his own mind because no one could tell him he was being disrespectful) seemed to like it when he hugged them, Harry twisted around in the man's grasp and wrapped his little arms around the man's neck.
Severus froze in surprise as he felt the child in his arms shift and a moment later wrap his small arms around his neck and to give Severus a slightly awkward hug. For several moments Severus did not know what to do. When he finally cleared his throat and snapped back to his senses, he set the boy on his feet and after a moment's hesitation patted him awkwardly on his head as he instructed the boy to follow him.
Harry, feeling slightly confused, yet taking the man's lack of reaction of anger or agitation to be a good sign. followed without question.
Severus watched Harry as the boy sat down on the floor and rubbed his head. He still had not forgotten about the messy potions incident which the child had caused, and hoped not to have a repeat of it. Severus could also not forget about how much Harry had cried throughout the night and could already feel a headache coming on at the thought of what was going to happen tonight. However, no matter how much Severus tried to focus on all the things that Harry had done on his last stay, he could not get the picture of the boy flinching when Severus got near out of his head. He still had a very strong suspicion that the boy was… No. Better not to even think it.
Harry sat down on the floor when it became apparent that the man was not going to do anything else and he rubbed his head. It was still hurting and he missed Mr. Ab'us and Mrs. M'nerba. Harry desperately wanted someone other than the man to be with him at the moment, so that they could hold him and tell him everything was going to be ok, and keep him warm. Who Harry really wanted was Wemuz. At the thought of the man who Harry had grown so attached to, he could feel his eyes start to prickle, but forced himself not to start crying again. Crying only made his head hurt worse.
Severus continued to look through the bag that Dumbledore had given him, looking for the pen where he could put Harry so that the troublesome boy would not get in his way. The pen was easy enough to set up. Just as Dumbledore had said, all it took was to attach one end of the pen to a wall and it would automatically attach itself to the nearest wall creating an enclosed space.
Severus set about putting blankets on the ground and used a light heating charm so that the boy would be comfortable. Severus even went so far as to transfigure the blankets into a small mattress so that the boy would not be on the hard ground.
Harry looked up once more to see what the man was doing once before huddling into a small ball in the corner. He did not feel good, and even the nice toy that Mrs. M'nerba had given him could not take his mind off of what was going on. Harry was also extremely tired but for some reason he had the strange feeling that he did not want to go to sleep. It was almost as if he shouldn't. Clutching his toys to him, Harry rubbed his head furiously trying to make it stop hurting.
Severus looked up from his work to glare at the small boy in the corner, but he could not get it out of his head that the way Harry was curled up in the corner was not something a normal, healthy three year old would do. He wavered slightly when he saw Harry clutch his toy and rub his head.
"Potter!" Severus called and inwardly winced as he saw the small boy's head shoot up, his face a mask of fear and unease. Remembering what the boy had requested the last time they had been together, and telling himself that he did not care what the brat wanted, he was doing this because he wanted, Severus called again, "Harry, come here."
Harry immediately scrambled to his feet as quickly as he could, trying to get to the man fast so that he would not get mad. However, Harry was still more than a little groggy and tired and so as he hurried over to Severus his small feet stumbled over each other and he tripped. Just before Harry came in contact with the cold dungeon floor he was swept up into strong arms.
Harry turned to look at the man who had just helped him, coming to the conclusion that he really wasn't that bad at all. Harry tried to give the man a bright smile, but it felt fake even to him. Not sure what to do or say in such a situation. Severus turned away from the boy in his arms, cleared his throat and set the boy down inside his pen.
"Yes, well… stay in there, I have work to do." Oh yes, Severus. Where else would he go? Severus thought to himself as he put a few extra blankets and a few more mini pillows in the pen in case Harry needed them. All in all with the soft mattress ground, all the pillows, blankets, and stuffed toys, the inside of the pen looked very comfortable.
Severus left Harry in his pen and proceeded to go back to his work. This does not mean that he ignored the boy by any means. Oh, no. It seemed that no matter what he was doing to keep himself busy (chopping ingredients and preparing ingredients for later use, answering mail, correcting essays he had been sent, or simply reading though his potions notes) he could not keep himself from looking over at the boy every few minutes.
Severus could not help but notice that Harry seemed extremely uneasy. At first, Severus thought the boy was simply uncomfortable, but he quickly dismissed that. The inside of the boy's pen was practically a giant mattress. However, that did not stop change the fact that the boy was very fidgety and restless. Every so often the Harry would shift around and settle down and rub his head. Rubbing his own head, Severus turned his attention back to his work.
Harry sniffed slightly as he felt another painful twinge. He did not want to be here! Harry could feel tears prickle his eyes as sadness filled his chest, and he rubbed at his eyes to keep them from spilling. Whenever he would feel a particularly painful stab of pain from his head, Harry could not stop himself from rubbing to try and make the hurt go away.
Harry shifted once more and pulled the toy Mrs. M'nerba had given him forward and opened the book. Harry could not help but smile weakly as he saw that instead of words there were pictures of Mr. A'bus and Mrs. M'nerba but they looked like the cartoon people Harry had seen in Dudley's story books. That and they were stitched in cloth instead of on paper. Pressing down on one of the pictures of Mr. A'bus like Mrs. M'nerba had showed him, Harry smiled widely as the cartoon Mr. A'bus winked and smiled at him as it said "You are such a good boy, Harry!"
Severus could feel his annoyance growing as the boy continued to make noise with the infernal contraption he had brought with him. Sure it was a nice bit of magic work, especially with the voice duplication charm, but really. Could it be that fascinating for the boy to hear Minerva and Albus say all those things over and over? Severus spent most of his time trying to get away from the two meddlesome people.
After breaking his third quill because he was grasping it too hard in his annoyance, Severus turned around to face Harry, fully intending to tell the boy off for not being able to play quietly. Suddenly. Severus stopped as he watched Harry reach up once more to rub his head. Something was off. Watching for several more moments, Severus noticed that whenever Harry moved to rub his head it was always in the same spot. Looking at the boy who was clutching a wolf toy in one hand and had the noise making book in his lap as he rubbed his head once more Severus could see his eyes were over bright with tears.
Suddenly, Severus felt a shiver of fear pass through him as he realized that it was not the boy's head that was bothering him, but his scar. Rising from his desk, Severus walked over to Harry's pen and without warning scooped the boy into his arms.
"What's wrong, Harry?" Severus immediately asked as he tried to get a good look at the boy's scar. Harry was tipping his head forward so Severus could not get a good look at the frightened boy's face, much less his scar. Severus only just caught the boy as he mumbled that nothing was wrong before he felt a shiver run through the small body he was holding.
Feeling a desperate need to know what was not only wrong with the child, but to also know whatever Harry knew, Severus brought the boy to his chest, forcing him to rest his head against his chest as he started to rock and sooth the boy. When it was apparent that it was not enough, Severus even went so far as to pat the boy's back in soothing circles and even found himself humming.
After several long minutes, Severus could tell that Harry was starting to relax. However, Severus knew that if he tried to get anything out of the boy right now it would of be no use. The boy would just tense up again and probably refuse to say anything, no matter what. So, forcing himself to be patient, Severus sat down in his chair, cradling Harry lightly against his chest. After a moment's hesitation, Severus even started to run his fingers lightly through Harry's hair as he had seen both Dumbledore and McGonagall do when they were trying to calm him. Finally, as a last attempt, Severus started to rub very light circles on Harry's temples.
When it was apparent that Harry was as calm as he was going to get, Severus asked, his voice soft and as soothing as he could make it, "What's wrong, Harry? What do you see?" It took a little more coaxing, but Harry suddenly reached his small hand up and touched Severus right under his eye and then did the same to himself before mumbling, "Wed."
Severus tried a few more times to question Harry, but it was obvious that the exhausted little boy did not want to say any more. Several minutes later Harry began to fall asleep, however it took nearly a full twenty minutes before Severus could stand up and put Harry down to sleep in his pen. After making sure the boy was comfortable and wrapped in enough blankets, Severus set up a shielding charm around the pen and went to work on a potion he needed to make for Poppy.
Nearly two hours had passed and Severus was more than happy with the fact that Harry had been asleep the whole time. The boy had whimpered and tossed around in his sleep a bit, but it had been nothing too serious. There had only been once when Severus actually had to pick the boy up to calm him down. Yet the boy never awoke. That was about to change.
Suddenly an ear splitting scream came from Harry's mouth and he shot up in his pen screaming and scrambling around as he tried to get up. He was crying hysterically and already he was finding it hard to breath.
Severus, who had had his back to Harry, turned around sharply. He accidentally dropped a Unicorn Hair into the potion because and, since it was added too soon the potion began to fizz and bubble dangerously. Severus jerked away from the cauldron, fully intending to go straight to Harry. However, he realized if he did that and the potion exploded it might get on the boy. So, his best bet was to get rid of the potion and then attend to the hysterical boy in his care.
Harry screamed and screamed. He could feel tears pouring down his face but he didn't care. He just wanted the man to hold him again. Getting up, Harry stumbled over to the wall of the pen and tried to push on it to get out, but it would not budge. Harry cried out once more as he found that he was trapped. He wanted the man; he needed the man to do what he had done before. Harry needed someone to hold him so that he would feel better.
Harry could see the man turn back to his big black pot that was starting to make funny noises and the stuff in it looked even stranger than, before and pull out a long stick. Harry's breath caught as he tried to scream again, but for some reason he could not. He had seen something like that stick. Harry knew he had seen it somewhere before. Suddenly, green light filled Harry's mind and he gave out a blood curdling scream. Through the haze of green, Harry saw the man jump and look at him, looking as though he was going to come and get him, when suddenly whatever was in the pot exploded all over the man with a loud BANG! Everything in the room was left in disarray. When Harry looked over to try and find the man he was nowhere in sight.
No. No. No. No! Harry stumbled and fell back against all the pillows in the pen and he desperately grabbed for his Moony. Clutching the wolf to his chest, Harry threw pillows and blankets around until he could safely burrow underneath them. And there Harry stayed, crying desperately in great hiccoughing gasps until Dumbledore came to retrieve him over fifteen minutes later.
The first thing that Dumbledore noticed after he walked into Severus' quarters was that it was extremely quiet. The next was that neither Severus nor Harry was anywhere to be seen. After Dumbledore had looked in Severus kitchen, living room, study and bedroom the only place left was the laboratory. More than a little hesitant, Dumbledore knocked on the laboratory door and when no answer was forthcoming, he simply pushed it open.
The entire room was covered from floor to ceiling in a sickly, sweet smelling potion, and Dumbledore was strongly reminded of the scene he had walked in on when he had retrieved Harry the first time he had been left in Severus' care.
However, this time Severus was nowhere in sight and neither was Harry. Suddenly, Dumbledore realized what his groggy mind was telling him and he sprang into action. Clearing a path with a wave of his wand so that he would not touch whatever was on the floor, Dumbledore hurried over the to Harry's pen and was relieved to see that Severus had not forgotten to place a shielding charm around it just in case this very thing happened.
Dumbledore quickly took down the charm and began sifting through the blankets; it was not long before he found Harry, in hysterics, buried under a mountain of blankets and pillows.
"Oh, my dear boy, come here, come to Albus. Yes, yes that's right. I'm here child, I'm here." Dumbledore soothed as the boy latched on to him like a life line.
"Muh…Muh…Mr…Dwa...Dwa" Harry could not get his name out past the great hiccoughing gasps that were tearing through his chest and Dumbledore quickly pressed a kiss to the top of his head.
"Albus, Harry. Yes it's alright child, that long name you have given me is wonderful, but impractical." Dumbledore continued to sooth. However, whatever had transpired had left Harry in such a state that Dumbledore was beginning to wonder if he should not just give the boy a light calming drought to help. Yes that would probably be a good idea; he would have to ask Severus for… SEVERUS!
Dumbledore looked around frantically, searching for the Potions Master. In his worry over Harry he had completely forgotten about Severus.
"Harry, Harry child, you must calm down," Dumbledore began doing his best to keep his voice calm and soothing though inside he was frantic with worry. "Please Harry, take a few deep breaths. You have done nothing wrong. I am so glad you are safe, child." Dumbledore explained as he drew the boy to him in a hug meant to sooth both of them.
"Harry, I need you to tell me something. Can you do that for me?" Dumbledore questioned as he wiped a few tears off of Harry's face. He shouldn't have bothered though, for with within seconds, more seeped out of Harry's eyes to replace them.
"Yuh-yuu—ye'fs, Mur…Mis't…"
"Albus, Harry, call me Albus," Dumbledore soothed as the boy struggled to speak. "Now, Harry I need you to tell me where Severus is. Do you know? Did he leave you here?" Almost immediately, Harry began crying hysterically once more. "No, no child, everything is fine!" Dumbledore exclaimed as he hugged the child who was clinging to him. "Please, Harry answer me. Do you know where Severus is?" Dumbledore was beginning to grow frantic when Harry's arm snaked out from between their chests where they had been trapped and pointed in the direction of an extremely large caldron. It was the caldron that Severus used when he needed to make large batches of potions.
Standing up with Harry safely in his arms, Dumbledore cleared another path to the caldron. His eyes widened as he drew closer. For there, nearly hidden by a pile of overly-large black robes, and half-under the empty caldron was a boy with raven black hair and pale skin. Though his face was relaxed in unconsciouness, it was easy to see he was no more than six.