Chapter 11 – First Punishment

After Harry was checked over. Ducky sent him for a shower and talked to Tim then left. A pajama glad Harry was sitting on the couch glaring at Tim.

Tim sat in a chair and said. "Why do you think I'm being unfair?"

Harry looked at him shocked after everything that happened tonight that's what he starts with. He said hotly. "You just are. You don't care what Hogwarts means to me or about the friends I have there. You just made up your mind and that's it. I have no choice here. You won't listen to me. I just have to do as I'm told and like it. Well I don't, I want to go back and finish the next six years with my friends."

"Harry I know what Hogwarts means to you and how important your friends are to you. I'm not dismissing that and if you want to talk about it that's fine. The thing is after I adopted you. I wanted to know more about your education and health. So I asked Ms. White to get me a copy of your school and medical records for last year and your time with the Dursleys. I promise I wasn't looking for a reason not to send you back to Hogwarts."

Harry frowned and said. "Why didn't you just ask me?"

"Well the main reason is because. I listened that first day when Tony asked about your favorite subject. And frankly you sounded bored when you talked about school last year aside from independent studies. I admit I was also curious if the curriculum was too easy for you. If it was at most. I planned to ask the Headmaster to test you and see if you could get in advanced classes or if possible skip a level. But after reading the records both school and medical. Well I just don't think Hogwarts is a safe place and I also see why you were so bored last year. But we'll come back to the education part in a minute. Let's talk about the most important thing first your safety. As a first year you went against a troll. Then several dangerous traps and later a wrath in a Professors body and the Headmaster and Professor's did nothing. I admit you all were given medical attention for your physical injuries after each incident. But what about the emotional trauma? Did the Headmaster or the School Healer have you speak to a mind healer? No they didn't. I read the report the Headmaster turned in. The Minister showed it to me after I contacted him about what happen last year. You're children Harry. They should have seen to your mental as well as your physical health. No what did Dumbledore do instead. Even child services and the Ministers were surprised. All he did was rewarded you and your friends. There was no punishment for rule breaking or anything said about the danger you were in. What kind of message does that send to the student body as a whole? Plus the wrath was Voldemort. I don't think I just can't send you somewhere. Where not only the Headmaster but the Professors do nothing to help the students stay safe. These are Professional educators that have dealt with children of all ages for years. Yet not one noticed anything was wrong until it was over and then they ignored it on the Headmasters say so. I'm not willing to risk your safety. You can write to your friends whenever you want and they can write you. But for now that's it."

"But my parent went there and they…" Harry said.

"Want you safe and happy Harry. That's what any parents wants for their kids. I'm sorry you're upset about this. I want you to be happy but your safety comes first. I won't change my mind it's not safe." Tim said firmly yet gently.

Harry sniffed and he said. "I heard you on the phone. Don't lie to me. That's not the only reason."

Tim looked confused for a minute then closed his eyes and groaned. He said. "You heard me talking to Abby."

Harry nodded.

"Harry that was a private conversation. I was venting out my frustration to Abby. I had a meeting with Gibbs and Vance today and was told a few thing that were very unsettling. But that aside I'm not lying. I don't want you to return to Hogwarts because I do feel it's unsafe for you. I had already read the report before speaking with them and decided Hogwarts wasn't safe for you or in my opinion any child. I did however shared the report with them and they agree with me Hogwarts is not a safe place." Tim said.

"Why talk to them? Why not talk to me about it? Shouldn't I have a say in where I go to school. It my education not there's." Harry protested.

"Harry I had planned to discuss this with you. But I was having a hard time trying to figure out a way of explaining it. There is more to it then Hogwarts not being safe. And while I do think you have a right to know. It's just not a good idea to blurt this out without thinking about a way to explain it. I just I don't want to hurt you Harry and I don't know how to explain it without doing that." Tim said while thinking to himself that he handle this badly and maybe Harry wasn't the only one at fault.

"So just tell me then. Don't worry about hurting me. I'd rather be hurt and get it over with. Then have it hidden from me. I don't like it when people hide things from me to spare my feelings. It never makes it better or makes it hurt less. It actually makes it worse and draws it out." Harry said softly.

"You do have a point. I'm truly sorry but there is no way of saying it without hurting you Harry. So here goes. Headmaster Dumbledore along with several others have an unhealthy obsession with you and Voldemort. The day I adopted you Gibbs went back up to Vance's office after we left for home. Gibbs and I noticed that you kept looking in the corner and wondered why. Gibbs wasn't too surprised to see the Minister of Magic from here and Britain along with Hogwarts Headmaster Dumbledore and a few other people. Vance and Gibb had a meeting with them. All Dumbledore and the British Minister could talk about was your duty to kill Voldemort. They demanded you return but no one mentioned helping you with anything. All they spoke about was just about your duty to them and sad eyes and words over what you'd been through. Gibbs was furious he told them training or anything else was your choice. And that included if you wanted to return to fight Voldemort or not. Gibbs told them and I know he meant it. That if he was you and he'd been put through what you had because of them. That he'd tell them to all go to hell and fix their own mess. Vance told them that until you turn of age it was my choice if you visited or went to school there. Dumbledore asked that you be able to keep in contact with your friends."

Harry blinked tears back as he took it all in. He said quietly. "Thank you for telling me the truth. I already knew Dumbledore was using me. I tried to tell myself that at least I was needed. But I accepted long time ago that I'm just a weapon to him. I'm just to do as he tells me and not ask questions. I'm just supposed to be the little hero when he wants and be hidden away the rest of the time. I can take care of myself Tim. I won't do what he wants. I'll be the person I want to be. I still want to go back."

Tim shook his head and said. "I'm sorry Harry the answer is still no. It's not safe and you're not going back. I'm glad he didn't fool you and that you see him for what he is. But that doesn't change the other things or his plan to control you. Once you turn of age if you want to go back that's your choice. But I hope you'll agree to let us train you so you can defend yourself before you do."

Harry asked quietly. "Do you think Dumbledore wants me to keep in contact with my friends so he can keep an eye on me? Could the friends he wants me to write to be spies for him? I've always wondered if they are truly my friends or not."

Tim wrapped an arm around him. He hated to do it but he wouldn't lie so he answered honestly. "I don't know. It's possible. But it could be he just doesn't want you to lose the friends you made last year. Another possibility is he may think that this keeps you tied to Britain and what's going on there. I honestly don't know Harry. But for now let's not borrow trouble. For now write them and if you have any other friends both from Hogwarts and before last year then write to them as well. You can use owl post or our address it up to you. Once your friends start writing. Then judge for yourself who your friends are or aren't. If any of your friends at any time know too much or ask questions that seem odd or they start pushing you to do things that seem odd. Tell me right away and we'll deal with it."

Harry nodded that sounded like a good idea. He'd have to make a list and see about getting addresses though. The ones he had gotten at the train station he hadn't bothered keeping knowing he'd never be able to write anyone. First he'd have to write Hermione a mundane letter and get Hedwig back. Then he'd write Neville and send a letter asking him to send what addresses he had. After that he could send letters and go from there or see what address others had. Already making a list in his head of people he would like the addresses for to send Neville he said. "I'm going bed. Night Tim."

"Not just yet Harry. We still need to talk punishment Harry. You ran away after all." Tim said.

Harry started to shake but didn't say anything.

Tim sighed and hugged him and said. "Your choice grounded or a spanking."

Harry gapped and ignoring the latter said. "How long will I be grounded?"

Tim said. "Two weeks. No TV, No Movie/Videos or computer games. I'll make an exception of the grounding when you're with me at work. Because there's not much else you can do but entertain yourself with your laptop but that's it. When you're at home your lap top get locked in my office and you can read or study. And you'll still need to get exercise and more than just walking our dog."

Harry yelped. "Two weeks no fair. This is just because I've almost beaten your score on Legends of Darkness. You know I'll lose everything and have to start over in two weeks. Besides I only made it to the park and sat and talked to Tony then you showed up. I was gone maybe a…"

Tim raised an eyebrow and said. "I wouldn't finish that sentence. I can make it a month young man if you push it. This has nothing to do with a game and you know it." Then Tim began counting the rules Harry broke off on his fingers. "You didn't leave a note or tell me you were gone. No you did worse than that. You snuck out and ran away putting yourself in danger. Then you rode your bike at night going down a busy streets in dark clothes and went to the park alone. Not to mention you ran from Tony and me and climbed a tree. And to top it off someone didn't feed Jethro before bed or take him out. So he showed his displeasure by peeing in my office and chewing my slippers. I could go on Harry but I think you get the picture. You broke just about every rule you could and in less than an hour."

"Hey you sent me to my room so I couldn't take care of Jethro. If I stopped and took him outside or fed him. You would be accusing me of making excuses not to do as I'm told. I would have just gotten in more trouble for taking care of him. Besides Jethro is your dog too. Once you sent me to my room and later checked on me. The moment you saw I was asleep. Instead of tucking me in. Which I didn't mean to fall asleep by the way I wanted to finish talking to you. But that's beside the point. You could have woken me and reminded me Jethro needed out and to be fed. Whether I was sent to my room or not. Because it was my understanding I was to stay in my room until morning. Ok bad point since I broke that and left my room anyways. But still I couldn't take care of Jethro. So you should have. As I said before he's your dog to." Harry said offended that Tim accused him of not taking care of their dog ignoring the rule breaking completely.

Jethro woofed in agreement.

Tim laughed at the two pouting delinquents siding against him. He said. "Ok you're off the hook for Jethro. Your right I should have taken your turn tonight. In the future to clear things up. If it is your turn to take care of Jethro. In less I say otherwise do so before you go to bed. If I see you out of your room a simple explanation will take care of you getting into further trouble. We clear?"

Harry nodded.

"Ok. For the rest of what happened tonight you're still are either grounded for two weeks or getting a spanking? You're getting off light Harry, really light don't argue. I could spank you for running away and then ground you for the rest. But first offense and since I'm partially responsible for the disagreement that led to it. I'll let you choose." Tim said.

Harry shivered but grumbled. "Grounded."

Tim nodded and said. "Ok up to bed with you. I'll let the team know tomorrow you're grounded for two weeks."

Harry's eyes went wide and he said. "The team why?"

Tim shook his head and said. "Between cases and them dropping in they'll need to know. There's no shame in it Harry they already know you ran away. They helped look for you. Come on up to bed. I promise they won't give you a hard time. We talked you'll be punished it's settled."

Harry grumbled as he went up to bed.

Tim waited until Harry was upstairs and he started locking up the house and straitening up as he went. He shook his head chuckling. After everything Harry was worried about the team finding out. Tim was startled when he heard a knock. He opened it to find Gibbs.

"Kid ok?" Gibbs said.

Tim nodded and invited him in. They talked about what happen at the park as Tim made coffee. After the coffee was made and poured in mugs they sat across from each other at the kitchen table.

"Out with it Tim." Gibbs said.

"I just don't get it Boss. These people forced Harry to live in hell and don't care. All they want is for him to do their dirty work. As they do nothing as things get worse and they keep their heads buried in the sand and blame him for their problems. But with no training and nothing waiting for him afterwards why should he. Harry asked if the friends Dumbledore wants him to keep in contact with are spies for him. I want to believe he wouldn't do that but I can't. I wouldn't put anything past Dumbledore at this point to get Harry back under his control. And as much as using children as spies sickens me. That's not the worst of it." Tim said tightly.

"Go on Tim." Gibbs said.

"I think Dumbledore and the others are setting Harry up to sacrifice himself for them. That's the only thing that makes sense. How could they do that to a child? How can they think he'd one day just give his life up for them?" Tim said angrily.

Gibbs nodded he figured the same thing. He said. "I don't know Tim. Dumbledore is behind a lot of it or connected somehow. He seemed to do most of the talking in Vance's office and he was the one to leave Harry on the doorstep. I think with the way Harry was raised. The Headmaster knew or may be behind how Harry was raised. Maybe he thought if Harry was raised that way he'd be grateful for being saved and would do anything he wanted."

"WHAT?" Tim bellowed.

Gibbs held up a hand to silence him. "Quiet or Harry will hear you."

Tim took a deep breath and said seriously pissed. "You're telling me Dumbledore a man that is responsible for hundreds of children each year. Purposely put my son in that house to be mistreated. So he would one day be the perfect pawn in his plans. And then just because this same person that controlled his life for years gives the ordered. My son is expected to just walk to his own death willingly. Explain that please."

"The way Dumbledore looked at the pictures he was guilty but not shocked Tim. The rest of them had anger and sadness in their eyes. A few looked like they were trying to keep their lunch down." Gibbs said.

"How deep do you think Dumbledore involvement is?" Tim asked.

Gibbs sighed and said honestly. "I think Dumbledore knew Harry was mistreated by the way he looked when he showed up at Hogwarts. Either that or was behind the treatment and knew before Harry arrived how he'd look. Didn't Harry say that several times the Dursleys got in trouble with the law and then the troubles went away? Then nobody remembered or didn't care. Plus Vernon's statement of he could do what he wanted as long as Harry was returned to school. Dumbledore is powerful enough to do all of that or knows who did."

Tim nodded and said. "Do you really think Dumbledore knew about the abuse? And if he did can we charge him?"

Gibbs shook his head and said. "Dumbledore admits he didn't check on Harry and should have. And that he knew Harry wasn't happy there and didn't want to go back. I want to believe he made himself believe Harry wasn't treated well but he was safe from Voldemort's followers. The problem is I'm not stupid or naive. I'm thinking he was involved but to what degree I don't know. But we have no proof he knew or if he caused it."

"Why Dad? Why make a child suffer? Harry was an innocent baby." Tim said.

"I don't know Son. I can guess but we need to find out more to be sure. All I do know for sure is that old man has plans for Harry and he's not done yet. We've both seen men like him and they don't take no for an answer. Our job now is to protect that kid upstairs Tim." Gibbs said.

Tim nodded thinking hard.

"So you tan his ass?" Gibbs asked.

"No we talk about why he can't go back and what was said in Vance's office the day he was adopted. He took it pretty hard and still wants to go back. After we talked I gave him a choice grounding or spanking. I told him I was letting him off light, really light. And that while he should get both. Since it was a first offense and since I was partially at fault for the disagreement I'd let him choose. He choose grounding. So he's grounded for two weeks." Tim said.

Gibb said. "That won't always work. There will be times he'll do something that will need to be handled right then. And you're setting yourself up for a hard time the first time a spanking is the only punishment."

Tim nodded and looked down.

Gibbs sighed and said. "I know this is hard Tim. With Harry's past I'm sure any sort of punishment scares him. But there will be times as he's growing up grounding him won't be enough. I spank you, Tony, Abby and Jimmy when you need it. Because it helps you get over whatever rule you broke and the guilt with it. Harry will need the same thing. Did he tell you were he was going?"

"No I just assumed friends." Tim said.

Gibbs raised an eyebrow and head slapped Tim then growled. "Rule 8."

"Never assume anything. Got it Boss." Tim said.

Gibbs sighed and said. "Two things Tim. One he's going to feel guilty when everything he learned tonight sinks in. And second the kid trusts you so when he finally does ask for the spanking. Even though he's going to be afraid of it. Give it to him."

Tim raised an eyebrow in surprise and said. "You think he'll ask for one."

Gibbs nodded and said. "He was raised to expect punishment. Your job is to make him understand why he deserves one and then help him through it. Do you remember the first time I spanked you, how scared you were? Take that and double it."

Tim was speechless.

Gibbs chuckled and patted his shoulder. He said. "You'll be fine. You can call me if you need me but you'll be fine. Now I'm going to go look in on Harry and then go home. You ok?"

Tim nodded but otherwise didn't move.

Gibbs went upstairs and knocked on Harry's door. He heard a soft come in. He opened the door and walked in closing it behind him.

Harry was lying in bed trying to sleep his thoughts troubled. He sat up once he realized it was Gibbs not Tim. Was he here to punish him for running away? He started to shake and looked for a place to run.

"Harry look at me." Gibbs ordered.

Harry backed up on the bed and shook his head.

"Harry I wasn't asking you. Look at me." Gibbs said a little louder.

Harry looked up tears in his eyes.

"Talk to me." Gibbs said gently.

"Are you here to punish me?" Harry said.

Gibbs sat in the desk chair and said. "Come here Harry."

Harry shook his head.

"Now Harry." Gibbs ordered.

Harry slowly got up and walked over to him. He yelped when Gibbs picked him up and placed him on his lap and hugged him.

Gibbs held him and wasn't surprised when he tucked into him and started sobbing. He let him cry and held him. Once he calmed down he said. "Better?"

Harry nodded and yawned but didn't move.

"Want to explain why you thought I was here to punish you? When Tim already talk to you and you two agreed on a punishment." Gibbs said.

"Why else would you be?" Harry said.

Gibbs lightly head slapped him and said. "Hmm could it be my grandson pulled a disappearing act. Scaring the hell out of his dad, me and everyone else that cares about him. Just to turn up in a park and run into a tree and then hide in a tree. Could it be I wanted to see for myself he's ok?"

Harry snuggled in and mumbled. "Sorry was mad and Tim wouldn't listen."

Gibbs raised an eyebrow and said. "And running away solved this how?"

"It didn't got grounded. Tim's mean and I still think it's unfair. I can take care of myself." Harry pouted.

Gibbs chuckled and carried him over to the bed and tucked him in. "Nope that's your dad's job to take care of you. My job is to look after the whole family which includes Tim and you. Don't pull this again Harry. If there is a next time. I'll tan your hide so hard you won't be able to sit for a week. And that will be on top of whatever punishment you get from Tim. Got me."

Harry gulped and nodded. He grinned up at Gibbs. "Night old man….I mean gramps."

Gibbs chuckled and kissed his forehead he rubbed his back and said. "Good Night Mini McGee try and stay out of trouble until the morning."

Harry giggled and yawned then feel asleep.

Gibbs stayed a few minutes making sure Harry was asleep then quietly opened the door. He was amused when he saw Jethro the dog waiting in the hall like a fury solider waiting to take over. Gibbs said quietly. "Don't wake him up?" Jethro woofed and rolled his eyes then went and laid down by Harry's bed.

Gibbs grinned and closed the door. He wasn't surprised to see Tim sitting quietly on the couch reading. He looked up as Gibbs entered the room. He said. "You were up there for a while everything ok?"

"Harry asleep and McMutt is with him. He thought I was here to punish him and he got a little upset. I calmed him down and we talked a little. According to him you're mean and it's still not fair he can take care of himself." Gibbs said ending with a teasing grin.

Tim smirked and said. "Yeah that's me the big meanie. He ok."

"He's ok Tim relax. I warned him if he did it again. I'd tan his hide on top of whatever punishment you gave him. And it's your job to look after him and my job to look after our family which includes both of you. I think he understands and accepts that but he's still processing it, I'd listen for nightmares tonight. He still have the other ones?" Gibbs asked.

Tim nodded and said. "Yeah most nights. He denies it when I ask about it though. I can hear him pacing sometimes at night. It the one thing he won't talk about."

Gibbs nodded and said. "Give it time Tim. It's only been a month he trust you. When he wants to talk he will."

Tim sighed and said. "I know. I just hate that he's scared and won't let me help him."

"Not scared. Just don't want to talk about it Tim." Harry said from the top step.

Both men turned toward the stairs. Gibbs went to say something and was interrupted by Tim. "Why are you ease dropping Harry? You're supposed to be asleep."

Harry walked down the steps slowly hand on the rail Jethro staying at his side. He said. "I wasn't ease dropping. Jethro started whining and scratching at my bedroom door to be let out. So I was going to let him out. I felt dizzy at the top of the stairs so I sat down. I was just about to call out when I hear you mention my nightmares. As I just said not scared just don't want to talk about it. Bad enough I see it every time I close my eyes."

"See what kid?" Gibbs asked.

Harry glared and said. "What part of I don't want to talk about them didn't you understand?"

"Harry!" Tim said.

Gibbs held his hand up to stop him. Then turned back to Harry. "I understand what you said. But ignoring it won't make it go away."

Harry stumbled and ignoring the outstretched hands and sat on the last step.

Gibbs flipped open his phone and dialed. He said into the phone. "Palmer get over to Tim's."

"Boss wouldn't it be better to take him to a hospital? Maybe he hit his head harder than we thought." Tim said sitting next to Harry.

"Nope he might just be tired. If it's something more we can take him." Gibbs said.

"Jethro needs out before he has another accident." Harry said.

"I'll take care of it." Gibbs said.

After Gibbs took the dog out back. Tim nudged Harry. "Your being rude Harry."

Harry yawned and rubbed his eyes then said. "Sorry, I've got a headache and am dizzy. My nightmares aren't my favorite topic. Even when I'm feeling ok let alone tired and not feeling well. It seems every time someone finds out about them. They have the answer to curing them."

Tim nodded and was surprised. When Harry picked his arm up and wrapped it around him then rested his head on his shoulder.

Harry mumbled. "Still mad at you but you make a good pillow."

Tim laughed and picked him up. Carrying him over to the couch and laying a blanket over both of them but keep his arm wrapped around Harry. He nudged Harry and said. "Stay awake until Jimmy gets here."

"Don't want to." Harry said and finishing with a yawn.

Tim chuckled and said. "To bad brat stay awake."

Harry glared sleepily and said. "I'm not a brat your mean."

"Your being a rude brat because you don't feel well. So I get to call you a brat." Tim said with a grin.

Harry glared and did the mature thing he stuck his tongue out at Tim.

Gibbs walked in just as he did and started laughing he said. "I see his mood has not improved."

Tim grinned and said. "Yeah we were just discussing his new brat status."

Harry huffed and just glared at them both.

Tim and Gibbs laughed. Harry glared harder but gulped at the knock at the door. He knew this wouldn't end well.

Gibbs let Jimmy in and he and Tim spoke to him in the kitchen hoping not to scare Harry explaining the problem. Jimmy asked a couple of questions then asked if it was ok if he talked with Harry. When Tim said it was ok. They all went into the living room. Jimmy looked at Harry and said. "Hi Harry just a few question ok. Have you eaten today Harry?"

Harry shook his head.

Tim's eyes went wide and he said. "What do you mean you haven't eaten today?"

Harry looked down and said softly knowing Tim wouldn't be happy. "We were running late this morning. So I lied when you asked if I'd eaten yet. And this afternoon I wasn't hungry and we fought at dinner. So I didn't eat anything today."

Jimmy sighed and told Tim. "The potions he's on. Are very strong and can cause dizziness if he skips meals. The potions works along with the diet. That's why it's important he eat and maintain a steady diet. The stress of tonight and him being tired is just adding to the side effects of the potions he's taking. I'll look him over to be sure. But he should eat something before he goes to bed. Make sure to give him full meals and a little extra in snacks tomorrow. And he'll need to stay in bed and gets plenty of rest tomorrow. The next few day after he should take it easy but he should be ok. If anything new shows up call me or Dr. Mallard. I fill Dr. Mallard in after I get home just in case you need to call one of us."

Tim nodded and said. "I'll bring him up to his room and you can look him over there. What would be a good thing for him to eat?"

Jimmy thought a minute then said. "A sandwich with meat and cheese on it would be good."

Harry pouted and said. "I'm in the room. I'm not hungry and I don't want to be examined twice in one day. I just want to go to sleep."

Tim picked Harry up bridal style and said firmly. "Harry behave and do as you're told please."

Harry gapped at him. "What I do? You're acting like you're mad at me."

"I'm not angry just worried. You lied about your health and that's not ok Harry." Tim said.

"But we were running late?" Harry protested.

Tim closed his eyes to calm down and then reopened them. Saying nothing he walked upstairs and then in Harry's room set Harry on his bed. Once calm he met Harry's eyes with his own stern ones and said. "I don't care how late we are or what else is going on. You and your needs comes first. You are my first priority Harry. You don't lie to me and certainly not about your health. We could have hit a drive through or asked someone on the team to cover for me as you ate. You're first in my life Harry always. If you ever lie to me again I will spank you. This is your one and only warning."

Harry blinked but couldn't say anything. Jimmy came in and did a quick check and then Gibbs came in with his sandwich. Harry ate but couldn't take his eyes off Tim as he did. He was tucked in and asleep in minutes.